Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.
Weasley Family tree diagram is in the writer 's notation at the bottom.


molly Weasley did n't dare serve well dinner until after the Quidditch compeer had been completed because even she did n't take the ability to drag Weasleys away from Quidditch. teddy secured a win for his team by practically stealing the stoolie out Jesse James 's clasp and then everyone was off their brooms and sitting at the magnanimous crew of mesa in record time. After all, Quidditch was one of the best things one could do to break a big appetite. Albus was certainly quite hungry and in a very good mode as he had been on Teddy 's team.

Albus and rosebush sat next to each early 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 Percy due to his substance abuse of talking government during dinner party, something that even bored pink wine. The two of them looked at each other as Sir Henry 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 happen. I guarantee it. It 's been too restrained in the Ministry lately. Personally I thought things would get a bit riled up last twelvemonth when Walter Eckerton took over for MacVicar, but I suppose the two of them had interchangeable sentiment. More exchangeable than I expected anyway ..."

leave it to Percy to try and find something wrong with the Ministry when all was hunky-dory, Albus thought. He reached over Rose to grab a steak and kidney pie and served a heaping circumstances onto his collection plate.

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

"Things are pretty steady, Harry Hotspur,"Harry replied.

"Of course of study they are. I would 've heard if they were n't,"Percy decided.

Albus was n't exactly sure what his uncle Walker Percy actually did at the Ministry. He knew it had something to do with the pastor, but his factual title was so long and complicated that Albus never bothered to retrieve it.

"fountainhead, it 's an election class,"Percy pointed out."Things never stay composure during election years. Party declaration come world-class hebdomad of Sep and after that things will be chaotic around the Ministry. Loads of work to do. Let me severalise you, when I run for Minister-"

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

"I would vote for you, Harry Hotspur,"molly assured him."You would make a howling minister. But this dinner is supposed to be about the fry. James ! And Ben and Cedric ! This is your O.W.L. year ! You three are going to do so wonderfully but you must calm down a bit and study."

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

"wellspring, as a subject of fact."Percy stood up."I have a rather exciting announcement to make believe and I feel I must secernate my kinsfolk first, before the residual of the Wizarding World."He paused, presumably for dramatic effect."I will be formally announcing on Monday, Sep second that I will be running for parson for April 's election."

There was out-and-out silence for about five second gear before a whole lot of affair happened at once. Ron, George, and Charlie burst out laughing. Hermione raised her eyebrows as far as they could go. Ginny, pecker, and Chester Alan Arthur all shouted loudly"Seriously ? ! ”. Molly shook her head slightly and then jumped up from her hot seat, running towards Walker Percy and finally enveloping him in a large hug and kissing him squarely on the frontal bone.

"Oh, Percy !"she exclaimed."I 'm so proud of you ! You 've been talking about it for years and I think it 's high clock 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 Merlin 's sake !"

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

atomic number 79 was exchanging manpower 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 parson. That bet must have been in the 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 honorable with himself, he did n't really want Harry Hotspur running. His family was famous enough without having an real government minister in it.

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

"Hotspur, 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 decades !"

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

"I am not !"Hotspur shouted."And I would 've expected more than sustenance from my own family."

"We are supporting you,"Molly assured him.

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

Everyone resumed their seats but Albus doubted they stopped talking about Hotspur running for Minister. They just continued to do so in lower voices. For once, Albus was felicitous he had chosen a backside near Percy.

"Do you screw who else is running ?"Hermione asked.

"Not sure,"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 elder Undersecretary for the draftsmanship and Editing of Laws to the Minister."

So that 's what Harry Hotspur 's title was, Albus thought. He had no mind if that was a emplacement that had a lot of might or not, but apparently it was enough to take in reinforcement for a Minister run.

"Hey, Dad,"Georgia shouted from a little ways down the table."I figure this is as good a time as any to tell you that I 'm moving out tomorrow."

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

"Moving out. You know, leaving the nest. I 've got a monotone with a champion closer to the lurch. It 'll be more convenient, for work."

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

"tone, I know how these elections work. You 're going to want to make yourself see like a family man, so you 're not going to want to see me your crazy daughter who only plays Quidditch and has no job. So you 'd better come out mentation of me as your girl who 's the unexampled reserve Keeper for the Kenmare Kestrals. It 'll vocalize better to the press."

Percy stared at her with his mouth love feast. He shook his head slightly and resumed eating, without another word to Georgia. Georgia looked smug, so Albus assumed she had won that little argument.

Albus turned to Rose and grinned. Georgia certainly knew how to make Walker Percy 's track for minister work to her advantage.

"Rose, have you heard from Linda yet ?"Albus asked, deciding not to join the rest of his home in political conversation.

"Not yet."Rose shook her headspring."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 tranquillity about it,"Albus answered.

"It 's so wrong, though, that he can completely get away with what he did,"rosebush 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 ?"James I shouted.

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

Albus and rosebush did n't adventure talking about Lubar for the respite of the eve. for certain, the rest of their syndicate knew about what had happened but neither of them wanted to discuss their theory with any of them.

The rest of the even was rather out of fiber for common Weasley family dinner party. All the previous years'dinners had consisted of talk of Hogwarts and the grownup exclaiming how big everyone had gotten and how everyone was growing up. Usually whomever was starting Hogwarts for the first time would get a fair bit of attention, but this year Angie, who was starting, seemed to be forgotten. Instead all of the attention was focused on Hotspur. The adult were talking politics and Albus 's senior cousins were placing wager on whether he 'd win or not.

Stanley was the first to entrust as he had to go back to Romania the following dawn. Charlie and Katherine had finished their year in Romania and had returned to England permanently the previous month. Victoire and chemise left shortly after that since they both had to put to work the adjacent day.

Percy was still discussing campaign tactics with Corrine, who was smiling and nodding the way Albus did when his cousin-german were smaller and he had to feign he was interested in what they were saying, when Albus 's parents decided it was time to pass on. For the first fourth dimension in his life, he was actually happy to leave and get back to Grimmauld place. The before school dinner was supposed to be about everyone who was at Hogwarts, a time to have fun all together before school started, and this time it had n't been that. It had been about Percy.
******


By some stroke of lot or miracle that had never descended upon the ceramist before, James had packed his tree trunk the night before they left for school. Albus was sure that some sorting of apocalypse was going to come soon because Percy running for rector and the ceramist arriving early for the Hogwarts expressage were two event that cypher ever thought would fall out. Albus did n't call into question it, though. Instead he just used the opportunity to his advantage.

Kaden, who had met Albus at weapons platform 9 ¾ prior to going through the roadblock, was not early, so the potter went through without him. rose wine and her family were already there of path, so Albus said a prompt goodbye to his parents before getting on the train to find Rose. With any luck his friend would n't be there yet and he could talk to Rose alone. Usually there was zilch he would n't babble out to his friends about, but the unknown spirit he had had about his family was something he only wanted to talk to rose wine about.

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

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

"James packed last night,"Albus answered.

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

"It 's definitely odd,"Albus agreed."Listen, do you get the feeling things 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 Saame metre. I know they 're really stupid when it comes to dueling but I think they 're voguish than anyone 's giving them credit rating for. thing are going to alter, Al. The universe 's getting scarier,"pink wine said quietly.

Albus swallowed strong. That was in the back of his mind of course, but he had never voiced it before. Nor was it what he had set out to talk to move up about.

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

"Oh,"was all rosebush said. Both cousin sat quietly for a minute of arc before she continued."I know what you mean. What was up with that dinner party at grandma 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,"rosiness interrupted."And Eddie and the Gemini the Twins have n't even started yet. Plus it 's not like we even talked about Teddy, Victoire, Henry M. Stanley, and Sakartvelo. We talked about Percy for Merlin 's sake !"

"What do you imagine will happen if he wins ?"Albus asked.

"I do n't acknowledge. I do n't conceive affair will change 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 crucial person in the wizarding world has got to be stressful."

"Tell me about it,"Albus muttered."Can you envisage if my dad ran for diplomatic minister ?"

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

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

"Things never stay the same, Al,"Rose 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 soothsaying German mark, Rose, because my parents nearly murdered me this past summer when they saw it."

"I think we 'll just have to deal with your murder, whoremonger, because that mark is not getting any mellow,"Rose replied.

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

"Nothing,"Rose said quickly.

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

"This is going to be the unspoiled year ever !"Kaden said excitedly as he pulled a opus of parchment out of his bag."facial expression, it 's my Hogsmeade permission slip !"

"Excellent,"lav replied."Now I do n't take in to buy your dungbombs for you."

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

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

"Not going to shape,"Amanda said as she entered and sat down on the other side of Rose."You ca n't get into someone else 's rough-cut room unnoticed."

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

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

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

Kaden shrugged."All rightfulness, everyone 's here. Tell us what you and rise were talking about before any of us got here."

"Fine."Albus took a deep breathing time."Well, my Uncle Percy 's run for Minister."

"Seriously ?"whoremonger replied.

"Cool !"Kaden exclaimed.

"Why ?"Matt asked.

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

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

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

Albus and pink wine both burst out laughing."Because that 's the final stage affair he 'd ever require to do. He would n't want anymore power than he 's already got. Whereas Percy, all of my uncles have always said is variety of power hungry,"Albus replied.

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

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

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

"It 's our home,"rosebush said quietly."Uncle Hotspur is so focalize on the election and it has n't even really started yet. Georgia 's got it all figured out. Percy 's going to pretend he 's completely happy with her Quidditch acting just to hit himself seem like a phratry man, which he 's really not. He 's always been focused on work."

"That 's stupid,"whoremaster said."Georgia 's not going to like that."

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

"He 's in good order, you know,"Amanda said.

"What do you signify, he 's in good order ?"Albus stared at her. She had a knowing smile splayed across her face.

"You, rosebush, and lustrelessness are n't the only 1 of us who have family in political science,"Amanda said.

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

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

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

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

"So if Percy win ...,"Albus began, his spokesperson trailing off.

"He 'll meet my Uncle Mike,"Amanda finished."But as I was saying, Georgia does consume it all figured out. If news gets out that Percy and her rowed about her Quidditch playing, it 's going to add up off wrong in the pressing and recede him votes. So, he 'll preserve it to himself and will be in the front row of every unmarried one of her mate, pretending to be a immense Kenmare Kestrals fan."

"Wow, that seems so wrong,"rose muttered.

"It 's politics from the other slope. The world wants people in power to have got a certain image."

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

"My cousin Leanne went a slight uncivilized at university her firstly year, our get-go year at Hogwarts, and the Ministry hushed it all up. She was out partying and the paparazzi got a pic of her and put it on the cover of some tabloid, but that was the only one. I know she partied more, but it was all hushed up."

"But it 's not alike Georgia 's partying. She 's got Quidditch skills and is using them to piddle an honest keep,"Rose pointed out.

"I 'm not saying that 's bad. I 'm just saying your uncle wo n't want the public to know he 's not glad with her career choice so he 's going to make himself look like a give father."

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

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

"It 's true, Albus,"flatness said."Amanda 's completely right. It 's the whole understanding why my dad got sacked. The populace did n't like that I was a wolfman, which is parting of why the Ministry hushed it up. When it got out, nobody wanted him in political sympathies anymore."

Albus nodded, but did n't say anything. He never really thought about that before, but lusterlessness was flop. Amanda was, too, but he never really put two and two together before lustrelessness mentioned that. And now the Saami thing was happening with his family. Percy was going to pretend and while that did n't really directly impression him, how long would it convey before the public did n't like the image he and the rest of his cousin-german were presenting ?


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

Here 's the Weasley-Potter category Tree !

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

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

Percy-Corrine ( Muggle )
Georgia- 18
Bradley- 6th class
Cedric- 5th twelvemonth
Samantha & lindy hop ( twins ) - 9

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

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

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

*All in Gryffindor*


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


There was no mention of politics or pastor throughout the remainder of the train trip. Amanda did n't say anything else about her uncle being the prime curate and how it had affected her mob, but Albus was still really curious about it. How had she managed to keep that a secret for three years ? Judging by Rose 's chemical reaction, she did n't even fuck about it. lusterlessness had n't even managed to hold back it a secret that he was a werewolf for a year. Granted, Albus and the others had figured it out, but still. Maybe Amanda was the best secret steward in their group.

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

As the train neared Hogsmeade station, Albus and his friends changed into their robe and prepared to exit the train for the bumpy carriage ride up to the school. The journey was now so modus operandi that they did so with little chatter and transferred to the carriages with none of the fanfare of the former two geezerhood. They were fourth years now and Hogwarts was fellow territory. As quarter geezerhood, they were well on their way to being the onetime bookman of the schoolhouse.

The Great lobby was filled with laughter and excitement as the scholarly person found their buttocks at their business firm tables. Albus and his ally quickly found arse together at the Gryffindor table and all five glanced up to the faculty table to witness the new face that would be their defending team instructor. However, instead of the one unfamiliar facial expression they expected, there were two unfamiliar faces.

"Which one 's the Defense Department teacher ?"Kaden asked.

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

There were two new wizard sitting at the tabular array. One was bass in conversation with professor Kendrick and the other was glancing around at the room, his eyes never resting on the Sami thing or person for more than a few seconds. The former was wearing what looked to be Ministry gown, which made Albus wonder if he was an Auror, but then he noticed one of the Aurors from final year standing off to the side of meat in his usual place. The 2nd new sensation was dressed in plain black robes and had nearly no pilus atop his pass, but instead had a heavy byssus and mustache, as if he was trying to even out.

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

"That 's not a estimable foretoken,"John replied."What 's the Ministry doing here on the first day ?"

"It 's not necessarily a bad thing,"Rose pointed out."Maybe they just want to make certain everything is back to pattern after the competition last year."

John opened his mouth to reply but was silenced by the doors opening and prof Patil entering with the new showtime long time. They looked dash and tiny, far smaller than the old year 's first old age. It was weird how they seemed to get humble every year.

As with the premature year, Albus did n't pay any tending to anyone 's sorting unless their end figure was Potter or Weasley. This twelvemonth, of course of action, there was only Angie entering Hogwarts from Albus 's large family. She ran up to the three-legged-stool with as very much exuberance as the rest of the household had and jammed the hat onto her head.

It remained there for all of three seconds before shouting"Gryffindor !"Angie ran from the faecal matter to the excited shouts of the Gryffindors, her comrade Fred 's whistling ringing over the sleep. Everyone at Hogwarts would feature bet money on Angie being a Gryffindor, but everyone still liked to cheer.

For once Albus wished that Kendrick would make announcement before the feast was served just so he could find out why there were two new wizards at the staff tabular array, but like common, Kendrick waited until after the spread. Thus, the duration of the fiesta was spent speculating.

"The Ministry 's sent someone to keep an eye on,"James said confidently."Look at the retiring three old age. Every exclusive one at least one of Al and his friends have gotten kidnapped by insane champion. Clearly the Ministry does n't think the teachers can protect us enough."

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

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

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

"Then who 's that other bloke ?"lustrelessness gestured to the bald man sitting side by side to Slughorn.

"Slughorn 's yearn lost twin ?"Kaden suggested."Seriously, shave his beard and he 'll look just like Slughorn."

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

Albus doubted it. nothing was ever simple when it came to lifetime at Hogwarts. Finally, after what seemed the like eld, the puddings disappeared and Kendrick stood to give his common get-go of term speech.

"Welcome back to Hogwarts. I give a fond welcome to our new first old age and hope you have enjoyed your beginning Hogwarts fete. I 'll remind everyone that the woodland is out of bounds as well as the Whomping willow. Those wishing to try out for their House Quidditch team can ease up their names to their headspring of firm. Now, you may feature noticed that there are two new faculty members this year even though only one attitude is vacant. The first is unproblematic to explain and the second is a little more complicated.

"first base, I would like to welcome Professor Elliot Danton True Young to Hogwarts. professor Danton True Young is going to be taking over the Defense teacher position."Kendrick gestured to the man with the byssus, while scattered applause was received from the students and other professors.

"Professor ancient if you ask me,"bathroom muttered.

"Many of you may be aware and quite a lot of you I 'm sure are not aware that this is an election yr for the Ministry of Magic. Tomorrow the candidate running for Minister of thaumaturgy will induce their speeches announcing their campaigning, which will begin a seven calendar month campaign menses. At the beginning of April, anyone who is of age will vote and the succeeder shall be announced. The fact that this is an election year is a wonderful educational opportunity and I was n't about to let it pass us by. Therefore I have decided to add another course to the curriculum. It will suffer once a week and in it you will check the ins and outs of our political system and its history.

"This is prof Richard Embry."Kendrick gestured to the blighter sitting succeeding to him, who then stood up."He is from the Ministry and has agreed to teach this new division that we have designed. The course of instruction will appear on your schedules that you will receive tomorrow. Now, I suggest all of you turn in early as year begin shiny and early in the morning. Prefects, please escort the first old age to the vulgar rooms."

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

The plebeian room was abuzz with discourse about the new professors when they arrived. virtually of the youthful students had gone to bed, but the older students were making no move to do so. Fred was posting a sign-up rag for Quidditch try-outs on the notice card 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 decision this year.

"So now we have another course of study,"John muttered as they sat down at a mesa near the fire."Thomas More prep. Sir Thomas More exams."

"It 's only once a hebdomad,"rosebush pointed out.

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

"Never,"Albus replied.

"Muggles take classes on government,"Amanda pointed out."My babe took one last class and my cousins have taken them. I really do n't retrieve it 's going to be that difficult."

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

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

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

"wellspring, I think I 'm going to work in,"Rose said as she stood up."Classes start tomorrow."

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

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


"wellspring, we 've got one of the new teachers today,"Saint John said at breakfast the conform to morning."We start off the day with Herbology and then have Defense right before lunch."

"When do we have that government social class ?"Matt asked as he scooped a heap of burgoo onto his plate.

"Tomorrow, right before dinner,"John the Divine replied."pigeon hawk, that would 've been free meter if we did n't deliver that damn class."

"It could be fun, John Lackland,"Rose said.

"I have n't got it until Friday morning,"Kaden lamented."I think it will be fun. Muggle politics are boring but magic makes everything better."

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

"Of course,"Matt muttered."Would n't ask anything different. And we 've probably got potions with them again, right ?"

Albus glanced at his agenda."Yes."They had had potions with the Slytherins every year now. Surely that could n't be accidental. Albus would hold preferred they have no social class with the Slytherins, especially after what had happened in defence force the old year. The last thing he and matt needed was more contact with Scorpius Malfoy.

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

"Bet Kendrick did that on intention after last yr,"John said."He 'd deliver to be an imbecile to generate us that class with the Slytherins again.

Everyone nodded in accord. After the fit that had developed between Albus, John, and Scorpius Kendrick would probably never have the three of them in defense mechanism class together again. Albus was grateful. He 'd pass the finale few workweek of his third year avoiding Malfoy and was fully prepared to avert him for the remainder of his Hogwarts career. Unfortunately the Slytherin was on his dueling team.

The radical hurriedly finished their breakfast and then parted ways with Kaden before heading down to the nursery for Herbology. Herbology was one of those predictable classes where they never had to occupy about anything awfully happening when it came to subject thing or teachers. Neville was a fair teacher who made classes interesting. Albus never had to worry about anything odd happening while in the greenhouses, unlike potions and Defense.

Everyone was slightly wary of the new Defense professor and thus the rear in the dorsum of the room were in high demand. Unfortunately the Hufflepuffs had had Transfiguration beforehand and had a much little walk, so they claimed all of the far seat. Albus, matt, and lav had the misfortune of having to sit at one of the front table and all three boys were on edge.

The professor ambled into the room just as class was scheduled to begin. He had a very prominent muckle of sheepskin, which he set on the desk before beginning to bid ringlet.

"I am prof Brigham Young,"he began after he finished with gyre."And welcome to quartern twelvemonth United States Department of Defense Against the Dark Arts. This year we will center on night jinx, whammy, and general patch, all of which are detailed out in your schoolbook. You can withdraw your ledger out now if you have n't already done so."

Albus rummaged in his bag and set his book on the mesa. professor Young picked up the heap of parchment and began passing it out to the scholar. Albus feared that it was a quiz, as he glanced down at its fill-in-the-blank questions and short answer questions.

"Please read the first chapter of your books and complete the worksheet by the end of the class,"Cy Young said as he walked back to his desk. He said nothing more and began to understand what appeared to be a novel while stroking his byssus.

Albus glanced at John and Matt, unsure of whether Young would hollo at him if he spoke in whispers to his friends. Actually, Young might not even hear him. He did appear to be quite old. But it was just so odd that Brigham Young assigned them reading and a worksheet on the for the first time day of social class. Would n't a lecture make Thomas More mother wit ? Albus could n't recollect a time when a professor had n't lectured on the number one day of class.

Everyone else seemed thoroughly confused as well. For the next five mo everyone sent each other confused looks and glances before finally cracking open their text, having realized that Young was n't going to do anything besides study his novel.

Albus began to read the commencement chapter, which was dreadfully boring. It was about the most mundane of Dark hex, if a Dark hex could be considered mundane. The chapter did n't even mention inexcusable hex, which while atrocious, were far more interesting than the BASIC principles of what made a execration dark.

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

"That was the strange class ever,"Albus said once they had left the way."Who gives a worksheet on the first off day of socio-economic class ?"

"individual who just wants to take their book all day,"Saint John the Apostle replied."Works for me, since he did n't impart any homework."

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

"Honestly, I 'm glad it 's wearisome after dealing with Balladanis finis year,"mat said.

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

"An Anamatek would probably wind up him off,"john replied."I do n't think he could wield one."

"Not many people could,"Albus pointed out.

When they arrived in the Great lobby, they were surprised to see Georgia hurrying Omar Bradley and Cedric out of the room.

"What 's haywire ?"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 Evening Prophet."

"There is no way Georgia 's going to be able-bodied to guess everything is fine between her and Uncle Percy for the whole election,"rosiness said once Sakartvelo and her crony had left."She looked peeved already and he has n't even announced he 's running yet."

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

"compliments we could go watch,"Rose said."I bet our parents are there."

"Of trend 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."

"guess we 'll find out tonight,"Albus said.
******


Albus did n't see Bradley or Cedric until dinner party. He had been hoping to catch one of them in between classes, but either their schedule did n't allow them to traverse path or the announcement had gone until dinner. The randomness in the Great manor hall was n't any louder than it usually was when Albus arrived, but then again he was n't quite sure how much the rest of the students cared about the election. However at the Gryffindor tabular array, all of Albus 's cousin were clustered at one end of the table, their pass leaned in to one another.

"Looks like a family meeting or something,"Albus said.

"We 'll see you in the common room after dinner, then,"Amanda said as she pulled John Lackland and Kaden towards the former end of the tabular array, Matt 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 Rose found a seat next to Lily.

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

"Otherwise we 'd just have to severalize the story over and over again,"Omar Nelson Bradley muttered.

"fountainhead, go on,"Fred encouraged.

"It was basically a huge fancy political party with a lot of boring speeches,"Omar Nelson Bradley began."A bunch of Ministry mass and their wife or husbands and Dad was the marrow of tending, of course. Everyone knew he was running even though he had n't made his prescribed announcement yet. It did n't get interesting until Dad and the witch 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 change and how we need strong leadership to keep the charming community together and loyal. Mentioned Uncle Harry and Voldemort, of track. Then everyone clapped politely and the enemy stood up."

"The enchantress who 's actually running play flavor like she was a hawk in a former life. Her nozzle is as pointy as a nose can get and she 's got this sleek nigrify hair that was done up in a bun. She stood up there with a crowd of citizenry who she introduced as her cause squad,"Thomas Bradley said."But it was her spoken communication that got the crowd riled up. She kept putting jam in everything Dad said. Dad mentioned about how the wizarding world was a potent united front but she talked about how rifts 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 magical domain will shine apart."

"That 's ridiculous !"Fred said."The magic world is fine."

"I thought they were just making their promulgation that they were running,"rose wine said."Speeches do n't get going yet."

"Neither of them are going to run off an opportunity to get ballot,"broom pointed out."So do you two have to build anymore appearances ?"

"Yeah,"Tom Bradley answered."Dad wants us all there for his first actor's line 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 prophet wants to do a huge article on our family,"Cedric added."They 're doing one on the crone, too."

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

"Patricia Laurentis,"Cedric replied."She 's some sort of adviser to the current diplomatic minister. Her deed of conveyance 's just as confusing and long as Dad's."

"Weird that both the candidates were working under the current diplomatic minister,"pink wine said.

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

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

Cedric and Omar Bradley left, leaving the remainder of the cousins to talk about what they had just been told. Albus mostly listened while pushing his food around his crustal plate. What he had learned about Patricia Laurentis unnerved him a little and it was mostly because part of him thought she was right. matter were n't as hone as his Uncle Sir Henry Percy thought. Willinson was still on the promiscuous and not to mention the effect with Lubar was still unresolved.

But Albus 's dad and the other 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 right on person to be Minister,"Scots heather 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 pull in power."

"But thing ca n't always delay the Lapplander,"Rose pointed out.

"Do you really think the Ministry needs to change that very much ?"Scots heather asked.

"I do n't live,"Rose said quietly."I just do n't reckon people are as link up as Uncle Percy thinks."

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

footstep behind him told him that rose was following, just like he hoped she would."What were you getting at ? People 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 recall what you told me about that odd feller who gave your dad a admonition at the Quidditch cosmos Cup ?"

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

"I 'm not denying that, but he did hold a period. In an election year everything matters. Uncle Harry Hotspur 's aligned his beliefs with the flow diplomatic minister 's, which means if he 's elected he 's going to continue doing things the Saami way. The Ministry has n't caught Willinson for dependable in the three twelvemonth they 've been searching and he 's slipped out of their grasp numerous times. It 's not going to be difficult for that Laurentis lady to convince people we need to shift tactics, even if her tactic are n't with child either."

Albus said zippo for a few minute."How do you bang all of this ?"

"I 've talked to Amanda more than you have,"rose replied."She knows how all of this works, and it 's really not that different in the Muggle world."

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

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

Albus did n't answer. He knew that his Uncle Percy 's political views were slightly different than the rest of his family 's, but they were still quite like. If what Rose was saying was lawful, that meant that his completely home needed to give their eyes and Albus was n't sure how he felt about that.


A/N : Sorry about the lately update. There were some situation event. See the forum for to a greater extent details about that. Thanks to everyone who has been reading and reviewing !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


"You know, this political science class is taking away from our innocent periods,"John said the next break of day at breakfast. He shook his point as he loaded his collection plate richly with scrambled eggs and bacon.

Albus nodded and waited for Rose 's reply about how they needed to take reward of any learning opportunities, even if they meant less loose time, but it did n't come. Albus turned to attend at her, thinking she might be ill. She was n't. Instead she was piling her own home plate high with eggs and goner. Albus raised his supercilium at her.

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

"Not that,"Albus replied."John Lackland just complained about having another course and you did n't groan and distinguish him off."

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

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

Rose pushed his bridge player away."stop consonant it, Al. I 'm not saying I wo n't enjoy the class. I 'm just saying that we 're fourthly years and O.W.L.s are closer than ever and we need all the time we can get to canvass. Not that John Lackland would use the time to study, listen you."

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

"I think it 'll be a nice change,"lustrelessness put in."Something different. poster they gave us History of conjuring trick on two sequentially mornings. question who the half-wit was who did that."

"Same one who always gives us classes with the Slytherins, I 'll bet,"whoremaster said."Double Potions this dawn and I 'd bet my justly arm and both my wooden leg we 'll be with the Slytherins."

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

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

"I only had one year with the Slytherins hold out year,"Kaden said."You lot must have unspeakable destiny. I 'd better be off. Defense this morning."

"Good luck. That professor is eldritch,"John said.

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

Albus, Matt, Rose, and Amanda waited for john to land up his great deal of testis before setting off for the keep. When they arrived the door was already open and Albus saw that they were indeed wit the Slytherins again. Scorpio Malfoy was sitting at one of the front board, looking rather smug. Albus averted his eyes and continued to the binding of the classroom, where he sat down in between mat and John.

"marvel what he 's so glad about,"Albus muttered as the rest of the pupil entered the room.

"I do n't have sex. But I do n't like it,"Saint John said.

Slughorn chose that moment to waddle into the way so Albus and John the Divine could not retain their conversation."Welcome, welcome ! Ahh, my two favorite houses together again ! What fortune. wellspring, well, welcome to fourthly class Potions. This is the year that things get difficult since you 'll be sitting your O.W.L.s next year ..."

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

"... Since today is a three-fold class I thought we 'd set about brewing the first potion in your schoolbook and see where your acquirement lie after a summer of lounging about. Unless some of you happened to study your text books over the summer !"

Albus glanced at rosebush, who was sitting side by side to Amanda at one of the front mesa. She seemed to sit up higher in her seat.

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

toilet set off to work with Janie Creevey who lacked a cooperator while Albus and mat set up a cauldron at their mesa.

"Remember your gloves,"Slughorn announced."If you touch the fetch up merchandise your helping hand will immediately freeze."

"Does it seem odd to you that we have to think up a Freeze solution 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 years, have you noticed that he always starts the class with a contest ?"

"Yeah. I bet he uses the Lapplander programme every yr,"Matt added."Ca n't conceive of that much changes in condition of potion brewing."

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

"I wonder if it 's possible for this potion to explode,"lusterlessness mused as he tossed a few pieces of chopped beetroot into the cauldron."

"Well, I suppose we 'll find out,"came a drawling voice from behind them. Albus turned around and saw Malfoy, carrying a few bottles he must have gotten from the supply closet."I 'm sure 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 pull up stakes so soon,"matt said, as if reading Albus 's mind.

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

Matt let out a laughter."Yeah, right. If anything he 's finally realized you 're a honest dueler than he is and he 's got to check out. oral presentation of which, you think you 're going to be captain of your dueling team this class ?"

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

With everything else that was going on that year, the last thing Albus needed was to be maitre d'hotel of his dueling team, but he did not want Malfoy as sea captain either. He 'd conduct the supererogatory work if just to retain Malfoy from being in burster. Malfoy needed mogul like a blast-ended skrewt needed a fire thrower.

Albus and Matt did not fumble up their potion by the end of the class. In fact, their potion had the same consistency that it was supposed to and while it was slightly off-color, it did manage to freeze the quill Slughorn stuck in it. Rose and Amanda won the chocolate, which was no surprise to anyone.

Rose and Amanda shared their chocolate with the son as they walked up to the Great mansion house for lunch. Albus and mat told the girls and John the Evangelist about Malfoy 's gonzo behavior and rosiness told them that they should just be felicitous he 's backing down, rather than canvass his motif.

The Great dorm was buzzing with activity when they entered it a few transactions later. Albus sat down at the Gryffindor table and no Sooner had he grabbed a roll did Scots heather slash a copy of the oracle onto his plate.

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

"This break of the day 's Prophet. The owls were latterly delivering it. Something about a tempest in London,"broom explained.

Albus set down his roster and opened the composition. There on the front end page was a picture of his Uncle Sir Henry Percy, smiling wide, in elaborate robes, shaking hands with a very tall woman, who was also smiling wide and wearing elaborate gown. Above the picture was the rubric,"Candidates for Minister of magic trick Announced."

By this point rosiness and Matt had crowded on either face of Albus, while Amanda and John hovered behind him, all trying to interpret the article. Albus 's oculus traveled down the page so he could do the same.

In forepart of the intact Ministry of Magic,
Minister hopefuls Percy St. Ignatius Weasley and
Patricia Vivien Leigh Laurentis announced their
candidacy on September 3rd, 2029. Both
prospect work under minister of religion Hartwell, yet
are running against each other for opposite
party.

Weasley, senior Undersecretary for the
drawing and Editing of legal philosophy, has been
chosen to run for the Merlinus political party,
which is the party that current Minister
Hartwell represents. Laurentis, senior
adviser to Law Enforcement and Azkaban
functionary has been chosen to run for the
Paracelsus Party.

A large crew turned out for the announcement,
which is only the showtime of many show
by both candidates. The first debate is
scheduled for September 8th, at the
Ministry of Magic.

"So that 's who your uncle 's running against,"matt said.

"hypothesis so,"Albus replied.

"She looks a piddling 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 early,"Matt said as he gestured to the mental 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 opposition party he is,"Rose mused."Why would Hartwell have hired her ?"

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

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

Albus could n't help but have the same feeling. But all he could do was desire that his uncle won the election and Laurentis would not have the probability to convert everything.

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

Albus nodded and passed the Prophet down, then settling in to eat lunch. There was no percentage point worrying about the election now. It was month away. Plus, the politics class was later that day and Albus was incredibly rummy about it.

Transfiguration seemed to drag by since it was the Lapplander as it was every year. professor Patil explained about that class 's curriculum and how they needed to commence thinking about O.W.L.s and the increased workload. 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 friends 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 kickoff to enter.

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

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

John let out an hearable sigh of rilievo and Albus pushed the room access surface as they entered. Only a few Hufflepuffs were there, seated towards the back, and the professor was nowhere in sight. rosebush immediately claimed a desk in the front and Amanda chose one next to her, while Albus and the other male child headed to the grouping of Hufflepuffs in the book binding.

"Do you cerebrate there will be homework in this course of study ?"John asked as they sat down.

Albus raised his eyebrows."Is that a serious question ?"

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

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

The relief of the class filed in, filling in the prat that remained in the center of the classroom. As the bell rang, prof Embry entered, walking with an air that this grade would be all workplace and no play.

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

Embry stepped out from behind his desk and began to pace the length of the classroom."I understand that most of you know absolutely nothing about politics and take for granted that the rector of Magic is born the Minister and laws just magically come into macrocosm. A select few of you,"his eyes rested on Albus, and then on Matt, and on two Hufflepuff female child,"have parents in the Ministry and may have slightly to a greater extent knowledge than the relief, but that would be rather generous of me to assume.

"Hogwarts has not put very much stake in political Department of Education before now, something that I feel is lacking in today 's Department of Education and want to repair this class. The program will include account of how our government came to be the way it is today as well as how the government is currently run."

The category let out a corporate grown at the word of honor history. Albus glanced at rose, who was on the boundary of her seat.

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

Embry let out a short laugh."With professor Binns ? If I may be frank, that man died before about of the history happened. Along with that, he 'll put a rock music to sleep."Embry chuckled. No one in the course of instruction dared to laugh."I 'm going to give you a proper history of our innovative political science, starting with a abbreviated overview of what the government was like before the reign of Voldemort and a more comp overview of what it is like today.

"I will also pay a class period each to the way the regime is run in France, the United country, and Commonwealth of Australia. Now, since you were not cognizant that this class would require place, you have not acquired books. Therefore I have purchased them for you. You are to address them as library books and return them to me in similar condition at the end of the yr. Lest your parents be billed."

Embry flicked his wand and stacks of ledger flew out of a nearby cupboard. They landed softly in front of the students. Albus glanced down and learn the championship. Politics and Government in Modern Wizarding United Kingdom by Beatrice Holden. It looked about as dull as the cupboard it had come out of.

"Very good. Now, get out sheepskin and flight feather. I 'm not going to let the residue of this class menstruation go to waste,"Embry said as he tapped his wand on the instrument panel. Notes immediately appeared on it.

Embry lectured for the end of the class about how the start governing was formed in Great Britain. It was incredibly dry. The just rationality Albus stayed awake was because he had to subscribe notes. Literally had to. Embry caught a John not taking notes and threatened him with detainment this Sat if he did n't start.

"That 's all for today,"Embry said after the Bell rang."adjacent class we 'll fast forward in fourth dimension and larn about the political science pre-Voldemort. read the first chapter for homework and hail up with three attentive questions to pose to the rest of the class. Dismissed."

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

"Kendrick must put it on the tilt of job demand,"John replied."mustiness be out of your freaking brain to lease this position."

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

"Why bother ?"St. John asked."It 's not like we 're old enough to suffer a say in the politics anyway."

"But we will one day,"Amanda pointed out."And to be honest, I 'd be a bit afraid if everyone our age felt like you do, John. Muggles get political sympathies classes in school. It makes sense that we should, too."

"She 's got a power point, mate,"lustrelessness said."Who has the power in your country matter. If you elect the wrongfulness multitude, things can go horribly wrong. Not everyone gets to elect their loss leader, either. We do n't even get to do that fully. The positions that Albus 's dad has and my dad give ? In the United States, those are elected berth. Not here."

"And before Voldemort, we did n't even elect our Minister,"rose said.

"How do you lot even fuck this stuff ?"john asked as they drew snug to the Gryffindor common room.

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

"Wait."trick stopped in the middle of the corridor and looked at his admirer."delay. Now that we know about your uncle, you lot all have family involved with the Ministry, wether it 's the magical ministry or the Muggle ministry."

Albus grinned sheepishly."Guess so."

John groaned."This is insane. Why could n't I have picked rule friends ?"

"convention is highly overrated,"mat said as they reached the Fat Lady.

******


The ease of the week went by fairly quickly, in Albus 's opinion. Everyone, students and teachers, fell back into their common Hogwarts routines and by the clock time Friday arrived Albus had a stack of homework as high as his bed and was More than ready for a few day off. But when he saw the notice plug-in in the common way when he got back from Charms on Fri good afternoon, he knew that would not be entirely possible.

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

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

"yobbo luck, Paraguay tea,"John said as he tossed his bag onto a nearby sofa."Eight in the cockcrow. Let 's see, I 'll be snuggled up in bed. What about you, matte ? What will you be doing at eight in the first light ? Flying through the rain ? Trudging through the mud to the pitch ?"

"trend not."mat grinned."I 'll be cozy in bed, having an amazing dream where I 'm playing for the Cannons. In perfect term of course."

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

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

"Speak of the devil,"John said as Fred entered the common room.

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

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

"Why not the evening then ?"

"Bradley 's got to make an visual aspect at Uncle Percy 's speech."Fred rolled his eyes.

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

"It 's been a whole summer. We 're out of practice. We 've got to pop training early on. I want that Quidditch trophy."

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

"Look, Al, I 'm not changing it. scarcely slew with it,"Fred said as he continued up to his student residence.

Albus spent the rest of the eventide fuming about practice and cursing Fred under his breath, until Rose suggested they all go to the Room after dinner. Albus reluctantly agreed, knowing that if they went to the Room he 'd be up half the night and would only get a few hours'sleep.

In the end he was glad pink wine suggested it. They spent the evening playing Gobstones and Exploding Snap and listening to can and Kaden think up new ways to prank the Slytherins, and more specifically, Scorpius Malfoy. Eventually, Albus decided to shout out it a night and headed back to his dormitory, leaving his friend to go forward discussing whether it would be better to turn Malfoy 's hair red or purple.

Only a few short time of day 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 meet his mate in the common room.

No one looked happy. James was nodding off on the couch while Ryan attempted to tie his skid without opening his eyes. Calluna vulgaris 's hair was sticking up at odd angle while she tried to tame it into a ponytail. Omar Bradley was sulking in an armchair. Even Fred looked a picayune worse for wear. But they trudged through the palace, only seeing Peeves loosening a few door flexible joint and Filch 's cat malingering behind a suit of armor.

The weather was at to the lowest degree nice and the four hours they spent on the pitch went by relatively quick. Albus and his teammate landed on the ground as the Slytherin Quidditch team made their way onto the pitch. Albus glared at them as they passed.

Without going up to his dormitory to deepen, Albus headed into the Great anteroom hoping there would be something salutary for lunch. Having skipped breakfast, he was starving. He spotted his ally halfway down the Gryffindor board and after stowing his broom underneath the judiciary, he sat down and grabbed the good dish.

"You could at least shower first, Al,"Rose said."You stink."

"Too starved,"Albus replied.

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

Albus groaned as he read the alphabetic character."That gives me about four time of day to slacken and possibly do homework."

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

"Bob Hope not,"Albus replied in between bites."You do n't have to go ?"

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

"This says I have to fall apart dress out robes,"Albus muttered.

"At least you can order us if anything expert happens,"Matt said.

"And what about you ? Your dad 's heights in the Ministry. Why are n't you going ?"Albus asked, despairing to find someone else who could keep him company.

"He already told me over the summer that I 'll only have to go to ones at Hogwarts. And then whatever political party the candidates will throw for the functionary. Does n't cogitate an election should have much effect on my life,"Matt explained.

"Lucky,"Albus replied.

Albus made the most of the rest of the day. He and his ally took homework down to the lake, but it sat ignored under a beech tree while they sat by the edge of the lake and dangled their substructure in. Kaden swore the hulk calamari tried to eat his foot, but nobody believed him. Rose and Amanda took a walk by themselves along the edge of the timberland, insisting that none of the boy follow.

Kaden pulled a Fanged Frisbee out of his bag once the girlfriend left and the male child began tossing it around. This was swell fun until the Frisbee decided it had had enough of being thrown and took out a discussion section of Kaden 's pilus, leaving his capitulum bleeding rather profusely and Albus, John Lackland, and flatness having to festinate him to the hospital wing. By the sentence Kaden 's head had been bandaged up and all four had received a talk on the risk of Fanged Frisbees ( ma'am Pomfrey somehow figured out that that was the suit ) it was time for Albus to head back to Gryffindor Tower to get set up for the debate.


A/N : Sorry for the lack of a May update. schooltime was insane. But I only have a year left ! I 'm now home for the summer and am having subject getting my Internet to join forces with HPFF. thing take a yearn metre to lade and I can not respond to brush up. I will still say every reexamination, but responses will take a piece since I have to be at the library to answer to them.

Since I last updated I 've had some issues with people plagiarizing my stories. I really hate that I have to secernate you guy this, but it is against the rules to assume anyone 's narrative from here and put them on other sites. It 's also against the rules to hold plots, persona, etc without license. I do not give my permission for anyone to select my patch or characters. I 'm really glad that you guys like my taradiddle, but please do n't get them.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


If there was one affair Albus hated it was getting dressed up for Ministry events. He had always been slightly uncomfortable with his dad 's fame and Ministry status because he hated the attention. Saint James the Apostle had always been the type who would savour in the attention, enjoying when all the Ministry officials proclaimed how big he was getting and how he was sure to be the mavin of Gryffindor 's Quidditch team. Lily was rather indifferent towards it. She never really expressed emotion about the attention one way or another. She enjoyed getting dressed up but once they were at whatever party, she would go off and do her own affair. Albus just did not like it. He did not like getting his cheeks pinched by old ladies and did not like random masses 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 and so Albus found himself once again forcing himself into a set of emerald green dress robes. They were wrinkled, but he did n't have it away any sorting of ironing spell so he let them be. It 's not like anyone would be focused on him anyway. This was his Uncle Percy 's night and it seemed like this full twelvemonth was going to be his Uncle Percy 's year.

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

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

"Yeah, Mum sent us a missive this first light,"Lily explained."I guess Dad thinks we should be at the first one."

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

The rest of the slip to Kendrick 's study was understood. When they arrived they saw that Kendrick was in dress robe as well and was apparently escorting them to the Ministry and would ride out to watch the argument. He handed them each a bit of Floo gunpowder and let them go first.

Albus stepped into the Floo after James and soon found himself in the Ministry of illusion 's ingress foyer. The place 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 Margaret Court room."The only when property big enough to accommodate everyone witnessing the argument. Even still, it 's an invitation only result. It 's being broadcasted over the wireless, however. Kendrick stopped in social movement of court room ten and opened the door. The way was about half total. Albus spotted his mother 's brilliantly 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 twins, who were both reading leger. Kendrick began to speak quietly to Harry as Albus and the others filed into the row. James, Omar Bradley, and Cedric immediately began to speak of Quidditch and Albus listened in. They were speculating on who would testify up for keeper try-outs the following weekend. Peach State immediately perked up and began giving the boys advice on who they should celebrate an eye out for.

It soon became obvious that the left side of meat of the front row of the seating was reserved for Harry Hotspur 's fellowship. They were joined by all of Albus 's aunt and uncles, as well as Victoire, Teddy, and Francis Edgar Stanley. In fact the only 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 correct side was reserved for Laurentis 's family, although Albus did n't recognize a single one of the the great unwashed in that row. He turned around and focused on the citizenry filing in. He recognized a few of them including flatness 's parents and a few other Ministry officials he 'd met before. matte 's parents sat down behind Albus 's parents, future to Professor Kendrick. Albus briefly wished that flatness had been forced to go, but quickly erased that opinion because what variety of Quaker would bid their best Friend had to attend a political disputation ?

The yack in the way immediately subsided when pastor Hartwell entered followed by a few of his closest adviser. Behind them were Percy and Laurentis, both wearing Ministry gown. Hartwell and his advisor sat along a table at the front of the room while Percy and Laurentis stood behind soapbox, also at the nominal head of the room. The Minister spoke with his advisor briefly while Percy and Laurentis smiled and waved at the crowd. Then one of the consultant rose from his seat.

He was a portly man, whose gown stretched very tightly across his eye. He was completely bald and had no byssus, but a very all-inclusive mustache. Aiming his scepter at his own throat, he muttered a spell and then set his scepter down.

"Welcome,"his part boomed over the audience,"to the first-class honours degree debate of the 2020 election for Minister of magic trick. Our two candidates, Percy Ignatius Weasley and Patricia Leigh Laurentis, join us tonight for an prefatorial argument on a mixture of issuing. My public figure is Wendell York and I am the head word of the Department of Magical expatriation and will serve as moderator for tonight 's debate. I will stick the subject and each nominee will get five minutes to respond, then two minutes for a rebuttal.

"The first-class honours degree theme is how our cosmos is concealed from Muggles. Do you think the current Ministry is doing an adequate job ? What changes would you arouse ? Mr. Weasley, you may go first."

Albus yawned. Why could n't it be an energise topic like catching nighttime maven ? Or at to the lowest degree something relevant to his life, like the lack of honorable Defense professors at Hogwarts. Now that would be a debate he 'd be interested in. Albus turned towards Percy and realized he had n't even been paying attention to a great deal of his uncle 's response.

"... current Torah do a acceptable job of concealing our humans from Muggles. conjuration sightings by Muggles are low in number and when they do occur Obliviators do an excellent job of altering the retentiveness of our Muggle neighbour ..."Percy droned on.

Albus turned to James River who rolled his eyes. Could they have come up with a more tedious matter ? Albus seriously doubted it. Except perhaps cauldron bottom thickness, which was a write up 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 attending that meant he was really bored but was trying to wangle it. Even Corrine looked slightly bored.

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

"I disagree with Mr. Weasley,"Laurentis began."One sighting of our variety by Muggles is too many. Each time a Muggle collar survey of an act of conjuring trick puts our full world at hazard, and not only United Kingdom 's wizarding human race. We have a duty to the human race that we keep our magic under wrapping. According to final stage yr 's statistics we were in the top five countries in terms of bit of sightings. That 's not upright ..."

Laurentis went on and on about several laws that could be enacted to assure that Muggles did not see act of conjuring trick until Wendell York cut her off. He then let Percy have his two moment 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 late argument.

Albus tuned much of the debate out, focusing instead on what he wanted to do during the current school yr. He was a quarter year, which meant he was no long one of the younger youngster. He 'd been on the Quidditch team for two twelvemonth and now he was hoping he 'd be capable to hold some say in how practice went and how couple were played. Then there was the Dueling nightspot. Each of the eight team had a captain and the captains were fourth years. Professors, mostly Neville, picked the headwaiter. Albus knew it would be down to either him or Scorpio and as much as he did not really require the responsibility of being police captain, he did not desire Scorpio to have might over him. He would use that to his reward.

The debate wore on and Albus continued to not pay attention until he heard the Scripture 'education'and 'Hogwarts'. That got his tending. It was Laurentis 's twist to go first.

"I think educational reform is the best way to go. Hogwarts has been ran the same way for propagation and while no one can deny that Headmaster Kendrick runs a rattling school, we also can not brush off that change could be made to benefit the pupil. The humanity is a constantly changing place and education needs to proceed up in order for our scholarly person to be better organize.

"The form pick for instance. It is my understanding that a new course of study has been added this twelvemonth about politics, which I think is greatly beneficial to scholar. But early than that the same division are offered now as have been offered for ten. New course need to be phased in while old ones that either no longer interest scholarly person need to be phased out. Obviously I am not talking about core classes such as Potions and Charms, but elective.

"teacher also need to be kept up to date with recent findings in their field of operations. They should not be teaching the Lapp information I or my adversary learned at Hogwarts. They should be teaching the newest valid information available-"

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

"My opponent brings up an concern point, but even she admits that schoolmaster Kendrick is running an excellent school. I believe that some governing regulation is requirement, model being last twelvemonth 's incident with Professor Balladanis, but we as government official do not consume the education nor experience needed to properly run a school. I, as well as my opponent, would be kidding ourselves if we believed we could do a sound job running Hogwarts than Professor Kendrick.

"Just as professor most likely believe it best to leave law qualification and the run of the res publica to those such as my opponent and I, I believe it best to exit the running of Hogwarts to professor Kendrick and the other professors. In conclusion, I believe that Hogwarts is OK as is and if the headmaster thought he needed administration assistance bringing about change in program 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 prof Kendrick. I am merely stating that the educatee would gain from more political science intervention. If the Ministry had been more involved with teacher selection, for model, we could experience possibly avoided hiring Professor Balladanis end year."

"Mr. Weasley."

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

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

There was one final motion about law qualification that Albus did n't really understand, nor did he like to understand. He was far more interested in the Hogwarts interrogation. Percy 's literary argument was far practiced, in his opinion. Hogwarts was fine the way it was. Why did Laurentis want to change everything ? What sort of alteration was she talking about, anyway ? He supposed the topic would be explored more specifically at the education themed debate which was scheduled to withdraw place at Hogwarts the following month. But one thought process that Albus could not get out of his principal was that if Laurentis won, what would happen to Hogwarts ?
******


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

A hebdomad had passed since the maiden public debate and educatee were still talking about the possible alteration to Hogwarts. A very large good page spread had appeared in the Daily Prophet the day after the debate, proclaiming that Laurentis wished to change Hogwarts. This had both students and professors up in blazon and things were only beginning to calm down. The professors had been on sharpness the former week, snapping at scholarly person for nothing and assigning extra homework. This resulted in the scholar being very unhappy. Albus did not quite understand why everyone was letting it affect them so much. It 's not like Laurentis had won. Yet.

It was early on Saturday daybreak and Albus and his protagonist were heading to the Great Asaph Hall for the first Junior 's Dueling society get together of the year. Albus 's nerves were on end. It was at this outset merging that the senior pilot would be announced.

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

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

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

"If he 's captain, tournaments are going to be awesome,"John countered."Plus, I 'm Al 's friend."

The Great manor hall was in raft chaos, as it always was during the first meeting of the year. Two team were congregated at each table and much to Albus 's contempt, his team was holding court of law at the Slytherin table. He weaved his way through the confuse bit eld who had yet to be assigned a squad and stood next to his squad. Scorpius was seated across the table from him.

"wellspring, Potter, gear up to be under my captaincy ?"Scorpius greeted him.

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

"I 'm the serious dueller, obviously."Scorpius smirked.

"Quiet, quieten everyone !"Neville shouted.

Albus turned away from Scorpius and swallowed the desire to ready a come back and paid attention to Neville instead. professor Patil stood future to him. Albus supposed the new defence mechanism professor had not had a desire to serve with the Dueling Club. Somehow, Albus was not surprise.

"Thank you,"Neville said."First I 'd like to announce that Professor Patil has graciously agreed to assist me sponsor this year 's Dueling Club. As a admonisher, all squad must have a professor present during practices and it is up to the team master to organise pattern times and locate a professor to sit in. The professor does not have to be myself or prof Patil. However, this yr we are allowing seventh year Dueling Club members to supervise as well. So as an option, you may ask a one-seventh year to supervise.

"number 1 order of business organisation is this year 's secondment years. I 've already assigned you to teams and shall now say off the list."

Albus let his head wander while Neville read off the list. The alone second years 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 crop of shy looking arcsecond years had congregated at his own team 's post and he smiled at them, encouraging them to take on seats next to the former students. There were five of them. Two son and three fille. Three Ravenclaws, a Slytherin, and a Hufflepuff. No Gryffindors, but Albus could experience with that.

"And now, what I am sure all the fourth years have been waiting for, captain announcements ! Let me prompt you that I, as well as the early professors who have been involved with this night club have been watching you over the yesteryear two old age and have chosen not only exceptional dueller, but exceptional leaders. Without further adieu.

"The captain of squad One is Marina Jordan-Bell."

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

"The maitre d'hotel of Team Two is William Harvey Tucker."

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

"The master of Team tercet is Peter Smith."

A Hufflepuff. His Father-God had attended school with Albus 's parents and they had n't liked him much.

"The master of team Four is Lydia Thompson."

A rather snobby Slytherin whom was often seen with Scorpius. Scorpio 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 look to ever be not happy. It was kind of bizarre, actually.

"The captain of Team Six is Raisha Sweeney."

A Hufflepuff that Albus did n't jazz well. He swallowed hard. Team Seven was next and that was his team.

"The maitre d'hotel of Team Seven is Albus Potter."

John 's whistling could be heard above everyone 's shouting. Albus grinned. His total squad ( salvage for Scorpius and his ally ) were clapping hard. He 'd done it. He 'd made senior pilot ! All the uncertainness he 'd had over the summer about it had disappeared. He, Albus ceramist, was the new captain of squad Seven.

"The captain of Team ogdoad is Dayton Coons."

matte 's team. Dayton was another Ravenclaw who had multiple encyclopedias in his brain.

"That 's all for today. Captains, please figure out a prison term for your first drill, which should take place during the side by side two weeks. Once you have a date, please see me to get a classroom. Then notice a prof or 7th yr to supervise.

Scorpius did not say one word as Albus talked with the rest of his team and figured out a praxis time that did not interfere with four dissimilar Quidditch squad, Gobstones guild, and Chess ball club. Eventually he settled on the play along Th evening. Neville assigned them to an evacuate classroom on the sixth floor. Albus figured he 'd ask a seventh yr to oversee rather than a professor. It was less intimidating for his first practice.

Albus 's friends joined him at the door to the Great mansion house. Scorpio brushed past them, but did not say a parole. He looked like he was ready to mutilate somebody. Albus thought he looked far too angry over a lost captaincy. It was just the Junior 's Dueling Club anyway.

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

"Not a Holy Writ,"Albus replied.

"Do n't think about him,"Rose said."What 's the point in time ? You made chieftain and that 's all that matters."

Albus grinned."nigh of the captains are pretty seemly, too. I mean Lydia 's variety of irritating, but the rest are n't bad."

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

The six supporter discussed dueling all the way back to the commons room. When they entered they saw a mansion that said 'Congratulations Albus and Marina !'Unopened butterbeers cluttered one of the tables and all of Albus 's first cousin were cracking them out-of-doors. Marina was surrounded by her friends and Albus was accosted by his cousins as soon as he entered. someone thrust a butterbeer into his hand and patted him on the vertebral column. He smiled as he looked out at the common room, at the party that his cousin-german had thrown together for himself and Marina. matte was not only right about the fact that it would be a good yr for dueling. It was going to be a good year in general.


A/N : So I bet you 're all at sea about the epithet change ! well, I 've been doing some thinking and a game change 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 title was n't going to operate with the new plot, so I had to exchange it. I like the new one better anyway. And do n't worry, Walker Percy will still run for Minister. Actually, the new plot focuses more on that.

To answer in advance, because I know this will descend up, I wo n't tell apart 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 know about the calamity we had last calendar week. Liza Potter on the archives ( and lizzacc on the meeting place ) has died. She was a fan of my Albus series and told me once that they were the world-class history she ever read on HPFF. She will be missed. I am dedicating this story to you, Mugil liza.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


The succeeding day Albus found himself on the Quidditch pitch staring at all of the new Gryffindor Keeper aspirant. There were a lot of them. Try-outs were scheduled to get down in fifteen hour, yet the pitch had been packed since before lunch. Albus speculated that some aspirant, including Victor Hugo, had not even taken a break for lunch. Poor Hugo need n't have bothered skipping his meal since even an extra half hour of drill would not have helped him.

educatee from endorse through seventh year were hoping for a spot on the team, including Janie Creevey. Albus recognized most of them, but there were a few senior students whom he did not. Along with the Gryffindors, there were representatives from early squad, surely there to check out Gryffindor 's new steward.

Albus stood on the pitch a few meter from the crew, with his team. Fred was holding a clipboard and broom was standing next to him, gazing out at the student hoping for a smear. St. James, Thomas Bradley, and Ryan were laughing about something.

"repose, please, everyone !"Fred shouted. The Gryffindors immediately settled down. A few flew back down to the ground and dismounted, some not very gracefully."Thank you. We only need a custodian this year. And if you ca n't Keep, you 're not going to get on the squad. If you 're hoping to get in as keeper and then rent 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 heraldic bearing, thing had changed.

A few of the young educatee walked slowly off the pitch and into the stands, looking clearly disappointed.

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

Albus stood back while Fred had the hopefuls fly laps around the sales talk. Quite a few could not even contend to fly straight or execute number properly. About a quarter of them were eliminated during the first ten bit. Half of the remaining Gryffindors were eliminated within the for the first time ten minutes of goal keeping, including Victor-Marie Hugo. He hung his head as he walked to the outdoor stage, Scots heather trailing behind him. Albus felt bad for him.

The rest of the of the student took long to do away with. After about an time of day the amount had been narrowed down to ten and they all seemed to be similar in skill.

"I think the only fair way to do this is to eliminate anyone who misses a save. finis one standing, er, flying, gets the spot,"Fred announced.

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

"Nice to consume another daughter,"heather mixture 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 sole Weasley who ca n't play Quidditch ?"

"Have you seen rosebush on a broom ?"Albus asked.

Janie grinned."I 've played since I was little. So glad to give birth won the speckle. When 's first off drill ?"

"Right now,"Fred said."We 've got the rake all afternoon."

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

Practice lasted a few hours and Albus was thoroughly exhausted by the prison term it was over. He immediately went back to his dormitory room to take a shower and then set off to locate his friends. dinner would be served shortly and Albus was starved.

Albus 's ally were in the vulture 's Den, just where he had predicted when he did n't see them in the Gryffindor common room when he had traipsed through after practice. privy and Kaden were playing chess and Kaden was trouncing John, like usual. rose and Amanda were sitting on the frame discussing an essay that Cedonia had assigned the previous hebdomad. lustrelessness was not there since the full moon had been the previous night.

"Albus !"John the Divine exclaimed after Al had shut the room access."So, who 's the new Gryffindor Keeper ?"

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

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

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

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

"Speaking of Matt, have you lot been to see him today ?"Albus asked.

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

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

Everyone nodded in agreement and they set off towards the Great antechamber. The corridors were filled with pupil who had spent the day outdoors and Albus felt very depicted object walking alongside his protagonist, despite how every single one of his muscles ached from practice.

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

"What is it ?"pink wine asked.

"Shush !"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 frame. Scorpius and Felix were standing next to a few wooing of armour, heads leaned in towards each other. There was a young lady about a top dog scant than Scorpius with them. She and Felix had the same colouring hair, except hers was longsighted and curly.

"She 's a first year. I remember seeing her a the Sorting but I do n't remember her epithet,"blush wine answered.

"I have half a thinker to write her from the two of them,"trick muttered."She 'd be better off not getting mixed up with the likes 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 supporter watched them until they turned a corner, disappearing out of sight.

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

"You 're paranoid,"pink wine said."They were just talking and they 're in the same firm. Maybe she had a dubiousness or something."

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

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

"Remember last year ?"Albus asked."I 'm only trying to avoid something like that again."

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

Albus walked in silence the rest of the way to the Great Hall. Rose may cause been right. Albus may experience just been being paranoid, but deep down he had a tactile sensation that Malfoy and Willinson were n't just talking about homework.
******


flatness returned from the infirmary wing two days later and the month wore on in its common way. The professor were assigning more and more preparation and it took longer and longer to complete.

Once October arrived excitement began to brew when the start Hogsmeade weekend was announced. The visit was scheduled for the Saturday before Halloween and Kaden in particular was very energize. He never did manage to throw it to Hogsmeade under the invisibility Cloak the previous year.

Albus 's commencement dueling practice had gone particularly well. Albus had been pleasantly surprised. Even Scorpius had cooperated and done what Albus had told him to do, although that may let been solely because Professor Cedonia had been gift during the practice. His team was shaping up well and he had high Bob Hope for them winning many tournament. Quidditch had been going equally as well. Janie had fit seamlessly into their team.

Albus wished he could say thing were going equally well for the election. Ever since the maiden debate various magazines and wireless shows had been latching onto Percy 's statement about education and his deficiency of willingness to change, as they had put it.

"Dad 's really stressed,"Bradley said one dark at dinner. The Weasleys and ceramist were all eating together in order to hash out the election."Does n't write us as a lot and when he does it 's always about the election."

"Not to mention the five page spread that Wizards magazine is doing about our class,"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 part is we got permission to escape 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 sentence write up,"Cedric answered."Plus a few paragraphs on each of us and Mum about our sprightliness. Just a glad article about how we all love each other and Dad 's a family man. That 's what his campaign handler wants to portray him as seeing that Laurentis does n't have any kids."

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

"Hey, you lot wagerer watch out. When Dad told us about this he mentioned that they 're going to do another on the total Weasley-Potter kin group,"Cedric announced.

"Did he say when ?"James asked.

"Around Christmastide, I think. Adds to the glad family atmosphere,"Cedric explained.

"Then they ought to audience Uncle George III when he 's had a bit too a good deal eggnog."James laughed.

"When 's the following public debate, anyway ?"Albus asked."mustiness be coming up soon."

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

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

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

"speechmaking of elections, what does everyone think of that government form ?"Albus asked.

"Professor 's very intense,"St. James the Apostle said in between bites."But it 's not nearly as awful as the other course of instruction. There 's no O.W.L. in it so it 's my current favorite."

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

professor Embry seemed to be teaching the socio-economic class in chronological order and thus was currently lecturing on how the Ministry was organized prior to the fall of Voldemort. Albus thought it was a trivial boring but he had a touch sensation it would get more matter to once Embry started on the capitulation of Voldemort.

"And that 's why the class is necessity,"Rose said."Think about it. No grade like this has been taught before, so where did the current Ministry officials learn the chronicle of the Ministry ? Where did they learn about politics ? They learned it as they went, but did n't know much when they started. That 's a little chilling. masses should have a go at it how their land is run."

Albus thought about what Rose had said as he chewed on his rolling wave. She had a near spot. Where had they learned it ? Had his Uncle Walker Percy really known zip about the Ministry when he started ? No, he could n't take in. Hotspur 's own father had been in the Ministry as well. Still, it was weird to consider about.

Albus mostly listened during the rest of dinner party. He always felt slightly unsettled when the election was discussed and he was n't sure why. Nor could he compute out whether he wanted Harry Hotspur to win or not. Either way, life 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 twenty-four hours later. The law enforcement debate had taken stead the night before and the entire front varlet of the seer was devoted to it."Is n't changing Hogwarts enough ?"

Ministry hopefuls Harry Hotspur Weasley and
Patricia Laurentis debated law creation
and enforcement death dark at the Ministry
of Magic. Like the previous oecumenical debate,
sparks flew in this one, with each prospect
speaking passionately about the topic.

'I 've worked in law macrocosm for old age ,'
Weasley began with. 'Since the defeat
of Voldemort, I think we can all agree that
things are running smoothly. I intend to
ensure that things keep going the way they
are, with enforcement of law of nature that benefit
the entire wizarding community .'

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

'Sure, the jurisprudence we have now are sufficient.
I 'm not denying that. But I think we need
to consider a honest gruelling look at how they are
enforced, or rather, not enforced. The
statistics are authorise. Far Thomas More criminals
are being acquitted and even more are
being released from Azkaban. In my oeuvre
at the prison house, I see many criminal being
released whom I do not think should be.
Not to mention the break-outs. There are
far too many. Law enforcement motivation to change .'

Without a doubt, things are only going to
heat up. The candidates seem to have
completely different vox populi on everything
from didactics to laws. The next public debate,
which will be on education, will ask place
at Hogwarts on Saturday, November the 9th at
two in the afternoon.

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

"Probably does n't have got the great power,"Rose answered."The Minister has to sign off on most thing, unless all congressman and officials disagree with him or her."

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

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

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

"Me either,"rosebush agreed."Guess we 're watching the next debate."

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

"It wo n't be bad,"Rose said."That will be the debate that will directly bear upon 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 changes are going to involve us."

Thomas Bradley sat down adjacent to Albus and threw a copy of wiz cartridge onto the board."Article 's out."

"That was fast,"Albus said.

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

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

Thomas Bradley shook his straits."This lady 's almost worse. Trust me."

rose, Amanda, John, lusterlessness, and Kaden crowded around Albus as he flipped through the powder store. The article was in the heart, with the two pages being a broad color exposure of Uncle Harry Hotspur, Aunt Corrine, and their kids. Percy and Corrine were sitting on their aliveness way couch, with Georgia in between them. All three were smiling and waving. Omar Nelson Bradley and Cedric were leaning on either face of the couch and the twins were sitting in front of it. Albus flipped the Thomas Nelson Page and saw a very lengthy article, interspersed with several pictures of his family and boxes about each of those five cousin. The article finished up on the adopt Thomas Nelson Page.

Upon entering the plate of minister of religion of Magic
candidate Percy Weasley 's Southampton home
I am surprised to see that it does not look
like the home of a Ministry candidate. It is
not filled with stack and piles of paper and
Weasley 's effort coach is nowhere to be
found. Instead, the floor is cluttered with
toys belonging to the youngest Weasley children,
nine-year-old twins, Samantha and Lindy. A
photographic plate of warm cookies sits upon the deep brown
table and Weasley 's wife, Corrine, bustles
into the way carrying a tray of tea. Percy
enters as well, followed by the five Weasley
children.

'I prefer to keep the political campaign at the Ministry ,'
Sir Henry Percy explains after I ask where his political campaign
stuff are. 'The run is study. It is my
job. The house is for my family line .'

"Really ?"Rose raised her eyebrows."She should 've seen his study. That 's where all his drive stuff is."

The article went on to discuss Hotspur and his fathering skill. Albus grew more than and more churn up as it went on. Hotspur had and always would be a workaholic, but the article was painting him to be begetter of the yr. No wonder Omar Bradley had not been pleased when giving Albus the article.

'I could not be more proud of Sakartvelo ,'
Percy said, speech production of his eldest daughter,
who currently plays as substitute steward for
the Kenmare Kestrals .'I 've been to a
telephone number of her mates and it is clear
that she could take in a farsighted career in
Quidditch .'

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

"Did he actually say that or was that newsman just saying he did ?"mat asked.

"Oh he said it,"Omar Nelson Bradley, who had taken a seat a short manner down the table, answered."Not that he really thinks it."

Albus had had enough of the main article. His eyes glanced across the page and rested upon the low box that discussed Georgia.

Georgia Weasley, the firstborn daughter
of Percy and Corrine, is 18 and
currently plays reticence keeper for
the Kenmare Kestrals .'I love
Quidditch ,'Georgia said when the
subject was brought up. 'It 's freeing
and I look forward to playing for
Kenmare as a full moon Keeper one day .'
Georgia 's dream is to take on for England.

Next to Georgia 's box there was one for Bradley.

Bradley Weasley, the eldest son of
Percy 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 want 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 twenty percent class
at Hogwarts and is the cut-up of
the family. 'Every Weasley family
has to suffer mortal who will bring the
jokes. It 's like a rule or something.
I come up with the best estimate when I 'm
with my cousin James [ Potter ] .'Upon
asking Cedric what he wants to do after
Hogwarts, he replied, 'Have n't got a clue.
I think I 'll concentrate on getting through
my O.W.L.s first .'

The concluding box was for both Samantha and Lindy.

Samantha and Linda ( lindy hop ) Weasley are
nine years old and advert a local
primary winding schooling for Muggles. Both counterpart
ca n't expect to get in Hogwarts in two
eld .'I 'm going to be in Gryffindor,
just like my babe and sidekick ,'says
Samantha .'I do n't worry what star sign I 'm
in, just as long as I can play Quidditch.
well, okey, I do n't desire to be in Slytherin .'

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

"I shudder to think what the one about our entire family will be like,"rosiness muttered.

"Nah,"trick said."That one will be better because they wo n't have to have as often up. Albus 's dad saved the whole wizarding earth. They 'll just play that up."

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

Amanda nodded."Yeah, they will. They know nothing about your uncle 's family. surely, they know all about your dad, but really, how practically do they make out about Percy ? Not much. They 're going to desire to trust it and why should n't they ? They have no approximation Hotspur does n't approve of Georgia 's Quidditch career. It 's the like as in the Muggle world.

"It would be nice if the great unwashed voted on candidates who shared their Saami views, but it honestly comes down to who presents the undecomposed effort. People are n't going to want mortal in power who has issues with his own family."

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

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

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

"You still call him Uncle Walker Percy,"Albus said.

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

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

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


A/N : Thanks to everyone who has read and reviewed this story ! You cat are all astonishing. Just as another reminder, I ca n't reply to reviews while I am domicile for the summer, but I read every unity one. If you have some sort of question that you need answered about my history, please use my Ask the Author page at the forums or send out me a PM there.

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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


The following workweek brought a storm so long and so acute that Herbology and tutelage of Magical Creatures had to be canceled for the sec half of the week. It was thoroughly impossible to take the air outside without being doubled over by the wind instrument and the younger bookman could not walk without being blown away. The rain was also so heavy that one would go soaked within two min. The student secretly rejoiced, for the extra free full point were helpful to all.

It remained so rainy and windy that even Quidditch practice had to be canceled on Saturday. Not that Fred would sustain canceled it himself, but Kendrick announced a ban on going out of threshold until the violent storm let up. Fred lamented this fact all of Friday evening and contemplated holding a scheme session in the common room instead, but broom convinced him just to let it go.

Albus decided to necessitate the opportunity to spend the day at the library, something that lav and Kaden reluctantly agreed with. Matt and Amanda joined them as well, for they had hatful of homework as well. rose had mentioned something about tutoring a untested student and run off shortly after breakfast.

The library was absolutely packed with students, most likely due to the weather condition and not a burning desire of the Hogwarts population to study, and it took a good five hour for Albus and his friends to place an empty table. It was a lot meretricious than common and ma'am Pince was glaring at each table of students in play.

Albus set his sight of books down and got to work on a Potions essay that was due the following week. He had n't started it, of course, but he had a few Day to do it. He thought he was ahead of the secret plan anyway since he 'd normally be at Quidditch practice session and not even thinking about homework.

John and Kaden, as common, were ineffective to get started on their homework right away and were scolded by Madam Pince twice before finally opening their books. Amanda immediately set to work on the Same essay Albus was working on. Matt cracked open his magical spell text but stared at the same page for five minutes before Albus noticed that his eyes had glazed over. The October full moon was the following night, so Albus was not surprised.

"This is dead boring,"John muttered after they 'd been studying for an hour."government back before Voldemort is pointless. It 's completely unlike now, so why do we need to trouble reading it ?"

"So we do n't make the same mistakes,"Amanda said without looking up from her parchment."simple, really."

"You 're channeling Rose now,"Gospel According to John stated.

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

"Would you rather do my Divination prediction ?"Kaden asked.

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

"Perfect. That 'd be something I 'd do,"Kaden said as he scrawled it down."And then I can come down with a cruddy coldness after being outside in the rain so long."

Albus rolled his eyes. The two of them had been harebrained to take in prophecy in the first office, but at least they seemed to enjoy making up their bastard forecasting. Albus grinned to himself as John and Kaden snorted into their parchment, laughing over some preposterous prediction.

An hour later Albus had finished his essay, as had Amanda. The two of them had moved on to Transfiguration version. John and Kaden had given up on prep and were planning an complicate japery that involved a chicken, birdseed, and the Slytherin usual room. Matt had been dozing on his Charms Quran. Albus prodded him awake.

"How 's good luck charm ?"Albus asked, grinning.

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

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

John and Kaden rose to join mat. They 'd been yelled at two more multiplication and figured they 'd do better to plan in the Den.

"Wait,"John said when he was only a few animal foot from the table."Is that Rose ?"He pointed to a psyche of bushy red hair at a nearby tabular array."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 school principal. rosiness was sitting with a small girl. John returned a few seconds later.

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

"Wait, that Slytherin first yr ?"Albus asked. He 'd nearly blank out about her, finally deciding that Scorpius probably was n't up to anything that involved her.

"Yeah, that 's her all rightfield,"John the Divine said."What 's develop doing with her ?"

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

"Wyrd. Tutoring a Slytherin,"Saint 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 matter if she 's tutoring that girl ?"Albus asked.

"You thought it meant something that she was with Scorpio but this you do n't give care 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."Well, see you in a bit."

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

Albus and Amanda studied for another 60 minutes before joining their friends in the marauder 's Den. John and Kaden were having a unplayful discussion on how they were going to receive a chicken and Matt was sound asleep on the couch. Albus and Amanda settled down with a deck of cards of Exploding press stud and played beat after round while listening to John and Kaden.

"I still say it 'll be easy to ingest an older pupil transfigure something into a poulet,"Kaden said a full 20 moment later."I 'll bet one of Albus 's cousin-german will do it."

"Yeah, but I want this to be our caper. We could just go take one of the poulet from Hagrid 's Gallus gallus coop,"John replied.

"More chance of getting caught. No one 's going to distrust if one of Al 's cousin-german is practicing their transfiguration. But sneaking a volaille into the castle ? They 're fairly loud with their squawking."

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

"There will be plenteousness of hazard of getting caught when we 're getting into the Slytherin common room. Merlin only knows how we 're going to handle that."

The doorway opened and Rose walked in."Why are you lot trying to get into the Slytherin usual room ?"

"You do n't desire to recognise,"Amanda said."One of their pranks."

Rose rolled her eyes and sat down next to Amanda, picking up a few carte du jour to join in on the next round.

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

"fine,"rosiness answered."Same as always."

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

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

John laughed."Definitely not. Just curious."

"Professor Longbottom contacted me over the summer. Fourth years and above can be in the tutoring computer programme. The professors match you up with youthful student and I 've been tutoring a low year for a few weeks now."

"Yeah,"John said as he got up and walked over to where pink wine was sitting."We saw you earlier. That girl you 're tutoring ? That 's the Saami young lady that Malfoy and Willinson were talking to a few hebdomad ago."

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

"Yeah that prison term. I was just wondering who she was."

Rose sighed."She 's Willinson 's little sister. Her epithet 's Elsie. She 's really dainty, actually. Quiet, does n't look much like a Slytherin to me but her whole family 's been in Slytherin."

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

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

Everyone, except mat, who just wanted to sleep, agreed and they headed down to the Great residence hall. Rose had been right. nada funny 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 professor who could top Professor Binns in terms of oil production form. But Professor Loretta Young had done the impossible. Twice a week Albus and his protagonist traipsed to Young 's classroom to work on a undivided worksheet. Young did goose egg else, except manus out worksheets. Said worksheets did not even take an stallion class period to complete, resulting in students using the remaining clip to take hold of up on other homework, something that Pres Young neglected to acknowledge. The only good character about the social class was that Pres Young never assigned homework.

"You think he 'll live the year ?"lustrelessness asked as they were leaving Edward Young 's classroom.

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

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

"But still, he 's better than Balladanis,"Matt reasoned.

The remainder of Albus 's classes were decent, although most assigned too much homework for his liking, but that was not anything new. As the end of October drew nearer, Albus became very agitate about the first Hogsmeade visit of the year. It would be the first time that all of Albus 's friend would get to go together and possibly the terminal, given how interfering 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 session on that day in order to cook up for the missed practice due to the tempest. However, the entire team was outraged and heather threatened to hex Fred if he did not overturn the practice session. Albus was very relieved as it was a courteous day and perfective for Hogsmeade.

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

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

"Sure is. Did n't hold out too long."

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

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

Albus and lustrelessness exchanged tone. John and Kaden had finally agreed to ask one of Albus 's older cousins to transfigure them a chicken that they would then somehow stalker into the Slytherin common elbow room. The birdseed was to break up throughout the post in order to irritate the Slytherins even more.

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

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

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

"Around Halloween,"John answered.

"changeling,"Rose muttered.

Weasleys'Wizard Wheezes was packed with scholar. Being the first Hogsmeade weekend, most educatee had a life-threatening lack of pranking products and needed to stock up. George was behind the counter ringing up purchase after leverage and waved at Albus as he walked in with his friends. They quickly scattered, each heading towards the video display that contained what they needed.

Albus wandered towards the Skiving Snackboxes and grabbed two, figuring that he would require to get out of defense lawyers at least once and account of thaumaturgy a few times a month. John and Kaden each had about five loge and lusterlessness watched with a disgusted expression on his cheek. Since he missed at least a day or two of course of instruction a month due to his lycanthropy, he never understood why anyone would cause themselves ill to do so.

"Should 've gone there net,"John the Evangelist said as he lugged his bags to the triplet Broomsticks.

"Yeah, must remember that for next time,"Kaden agreed."But now, off to have a Butterbeer !"

Albus smiled. His cousin had had Butterbeer before when people snuck it back to the Gryffindor mutual way, but he 'd never had it in Hogsmeade before.

The III Broomsticks was crowded, but lusterlessness managed to catch a tabular array in the back. rose set off to get them all Butterbeers. They had been there for about fifteen bit before Scorpius showed up, followed by Garth Octavius, Xavier Goyle, Felix Willinson, and Elsie Willinson. Scorpius surveyed the room and his eyes rested upon Albus. Smirking, he sauntered over towards them.

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

"Course we are,"Albus answered."The squad 's mess prepared. Last practice on Thursday."

"I 'll be there,"Scorpius replied."And I 'll be ready to carry the team on Sat since the rest of our squad could n't win a duel against a number 1 year."

"Shut it. Our team is fine,"Albus said coldly.

"Maybe if they had a decent captain ..."Scorpio 's voice trailed off."But the professors love anyone whose finish epithet is Potter or Weasley, just like everyone else in the world."

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

"But you 're a thrower and you get everything because your dad is the Boy Who Lived,"Scorpius spat, ignoring Albus 's comment."But I 've got news for you. Not everyone in the world likes that your stallion family runs the wizarding humans and that nothing 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 family may be involved with the Ministry but it 's only because they want to help people. And they 're only there because citizenry voted for them."

"No one voted for your dad,"Scorpius muttered. Then he turned to lusterlessness."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 dot is that your class might not be running this res publica much longer. So you 'd break scout out."

Scorpius turned to leave and his acquaintance followed."My family does n't run the world !"Albus shouted after him.

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

"He 's just green-eyed,"Amanda said."You got made skipper of our team and he hates that. Your dad 's illustrious and he 's jealous of that."

"His dad 's famous too,"Albus said darkly."Just for the haywire reasons."

"And Scorpius probably wishes his dad was noted for the right cause,"Amanda replied.

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

"Just ignore him,"rose wine said."He 's just trying to get you tempestuous with him."

"Clearly Kendrick 's threat have worn off,"matt said quietly."I liked it in September when he just sort of cut us."

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

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

"And so would his,"Albus reminded his champion."Being at Hogwarts, becoming a certify wizard, is everything to a Malfoy. He 'd be zero more than a Squib if he were expelled."

"I guess."matt sighed."What do you intend he meant by your mob not being in armorial bearing of the wizarding cosmos much longer ?"

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

"No,"Rose whispered."Have n't you been paying attention in Politics ?"

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

"okeh, I guess Embry has n't really discussed it yet but I read ahead in the book. New Ministers can appoint new chief of the departments if they want to. nigh do n't because so many new the great unwashed makes for a bad changeover stop, but it 's happened a few prison term. If Laurentis winnings, she could supervene upon Uncle Harry,"Rose explained.

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

Rose nodded."Seriously."

"And my dad, too,"Matt said.

"Yeah, yours, too,"Rose replied.

Albus stared at his half-finished Butterbeer. Having a new government minister was one matter, but having new heads of all the department ? The Ministry would be run in a completely unlike way. zip would stay the same. Nobody would interchange Harry Potter as Head of the Auror department, though, would they ?

"No."Albus shook his head."No one would exchange my dad. He 's a enceinte Auror."

"He 's a enceinte Auror, that 's true up,"pink wine agreed,"but great is an view. Hartwell thinks he 's a great Auror. Uncle Hotspur undoubtedly thinks he 's a gravid Auror. But if Laurentis gets elected, none of that will matter. All that will matter is whether she think he 's a nifty Auror. And the question is, does she ?"

Albus swallowed."But that would think of my dad would be out of a job."

"No, he 'd just go back to being a regular Auror,"Rose said."tone, you do n't postulate to worry about it. I 'm certain Uncle Harry knows this."

"They do n't do that in Commonwealth of Australia. All the header have full term like the Minister. When their terminal figure is up, the flow pastor can replace them or keep them, but they ca n't get replaced when their term is n't up. Unless there 's a scandal and they have a hearing. Like with my dad."

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

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

"I 'm surprise Hartwell has n't done that,"John said.

"She 's probably kept quiet about her opinion so she could continue her position while running,"Amanda replied.

"So why does n't he replace her now ?"Gospel According to John asked.

"It would count bad. Remember, half of political science is how you look to the populace,"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 minister of religion 's niece disappears for most of the year. Which they have n't. Yet."

Albus shook his chief."It 's so confusing. I do n't know how anyone keeps cut 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 give-and-take wars with them. You two are amazing ! HPFF now loads properly on my net and I am able to respond to refresh, so I 'm slowly working through them. Keep a smell out for responses !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


"I say we do it on Halloween,"Kaden said adamantly while inspecting item-by-item Bertie Bott 's Every nip noodle and tossing the cruddy single into a batch on the floor.

"That 's stupid,"John countered."Everyone 's going to be expecting a trick on Hallowe'en. We should do it the day before."

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

The first Quidditch match of the time of year, Gryffindor versus Slytherin, was scheduled to aim place on Saturday, two twenty-four hours after Allhallows Eve.

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

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

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

"Clearly a polarity you 've pranked them too much,"Rose pointed out.

Albus and the rest of his friends were in the Marauder 's Den, attempting to decide on a day to put the chickens and crybaby feed in the Slytherin common room. They 'd been arguing for a half 60 minutes and had n't agreed on anything. Albus and matt, who had been leery on whether to participate in the put-on at all, had decided that they would serve as look-outs while toilet and Kaden snuck into the mutual way.

"I think Wed would be a ripe selection. Wed night. We 've got to do it really tardy, though. The first-class honours degree years have Astronomy on Wednesdays, so we have to wait until they 're back in their dorm,"John explained."Night before Halloween-"

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

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

"Mischief Nox,"Amanda said.

"What ?"Albus asked.

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

"devilment nighttime,"Amanda repeated."It 's a Muggle thing. It 's when Muggles pull japery and do havoc. It 's traditionally the night before Halloween or the night before Guy Fawkes Day, so if you pull this on Wednesday Nox or early Thursday morning, it 'll be on balefulness Night."

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

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

"I 'd rather do it before Halloween,"privy said."We have Astronomy on Tuesdays so the night before Guy Fawkes Day would be harder."

Everyone nodded in agreement, except Rose, who rolled her centre.

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

"Not yet, but we have program. Tonight I 'm going to lurk by the Slytherin green way under the invisibility Cloak to hear their password. Wed evening we 'll ask Bradley to transmogrify us a few chickens. Then, Al and matte will stomach safety while Kaden and I let them loose in the uncouth way,"King John explained.

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

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


Wednesday brought with it a huge electric storm which Albus saw as a rather ominous omen for Operation Slytherin Chickens as the prank had been dubbed. As the day wore on Albus found himself having doubts about the whole thing. Previous harlequinade had been harmless and had not broken any Major shoal rules, but this one broke at least ten. This could get them worse than a few detentions.

John the Evangelist and Kaden seemed to have no such reservations. Both of them were particularly elated the entire day and bathroom even returned from Divination with a smile on his face, which never happened. flatness seemed indifferent to the whole thing and acted as usual.

"You do realize we 'll be getting three hr of eternal rest, tops, tonight,"flatness said after dinner party, while they were attempting to do homework in the Marauder 's Den."And that we have History of trick tomorrow morning."

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

"Clearly not,"Matt agreed.

Albus had a very difficult metre getting any homework done while they were waiting for the time to get in. He found himself drawing awful ikon of chickens in the perimeter on his Transfiguration essay. No one else was having much portion either. John and Kaden were playing cheat and flatness was taking a nap. Rose and Amanda had holed away in the library, neither one wanting to be associated with the boy that night."We need alibis,"she had told Albus earlier."privation to be seen by as many people as possible so there 's no chance anyone will think we were with you."

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

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

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

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

"According to rosiness, we 're incredibly stupefied,"John said."But I think it 's superb. Has anyone ever gotten into the Slytherin common room ?"

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

trick, Matt, and Kaden turned to seem at Albus."I 'll excuse later,"Albus said.

Bradley muttered an incantation and flicked his wand at each of the pillows. All three turned into chickens. One Robert Brown one, one Patrick Victor Martindale White one, and one big bootleg and brown rooster. The rooster opened its mouth to triumph and Bradley immediately silenced all three.

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

"Sure,"Albus said.

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

"Got it,"Albus assured him. Omar Bradley took off to the dormitories and Albus turned to his friends. John was holding the rooster and Kaden was holding the two crybaby."Back to the Den ?"

The boy spent the next two minute in the marauder 's Den, playing Exploding Snap and re-Stunning the Gallus gallus every half time of day. Shortly after three in the morning Albus re-stunned the chickens one to a greater extent prison term and then threw the Invisibility Cloak over all four of them.

It was very difficult for all four boy to walk under the invisibleness Cloak.
beingness fourthly years, they were all a lot larger than they had been in second year when Albus had first received the Cloak. In fact, Albus could n't even remember the last clock time all four of them had gone under it at once. Albus in picky had grown quite a few inches over the summertime and was now as tall as John. The two of them had to walk with their human knee knack to secure their feet would n't shew.

The manner of walking was uneventful. The boys did not even see Peeves or any of the ghostwriter out for a Nox time stroll ( or ice-cream soda, which would probably be the more appropriate full term ). Matt tripped going down the stairs once and nearly dropped a chicken, but since the corridors were empty, no one heard the sound.

Once they had reached the entranceway to the Slytherin usual room trick and Kaden slipped out from under the Cloak and scurried over to the room access. Saint John whispered the password and it opened. Both son slipped inside and shut the door behind them.

Albus and Matt stood against the bulwark a footling ways down the corridor, giving them a perspective of the steps as well as the corridor. Neither of them said a word 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 relieved when John and Kaden exited the plebeian room and hurried back under the Cloak. John 's bag, which had contained the poulet provender, was now considerably lighter. Neither boy said a Scripture to Albus and Matt as they walked back to Gryffindor Tower, for concern that someone would take heed them.

They were walking down the 2nd story corridor when Albus heard step behind him. He turned and saw Professor offspring walking slowly towards them, staring at the ceiling as he went. He appeared to be in deep sentiment about something but then stopped and stared right where Albus and his friends were. They were n't being quiet enough.

All four boys froze and looked at each other. Kaden grabbed all three of their jump shot and pulled them through the cheeseparing threshold, while Young happened to be looking the other 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 whiz of a spook floating through him.

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

Albus reluctantly took off the Cloak. Young would n't be going into a girl 's lav anyway.

"Ooo !"myrtle shrieked."Harry Potter 's son ! What brings you to my toilet ?"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 Young had left by the time they exited the loo. The remainder of the journey back to Gryffindor was as uneventful as the trek down to Slytherin.

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

"epic !"Kaden exclaimed."There was no one in the common room and we spread the feed and put the Gallus gallus each on their own couch and left hand. The Slytherins are going to have a bad-mannered awakening in a few hours."

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

The male child headed back to their hall, but Albus was not tired yet. adrenaline was still racing through his scheme. They had n't gotten caught. Yet. Would there be any way to draw the chickens back to the four of them ? Only if someone saw them, but if anyone had seen them they would suffer gotten them in fuss right then and there, would n't they have ? Albus pushed the cerebration from his head. He settled into bed and thought about the reactions from the Slytherins the abide by morning.

Bilius 's alarm clock woke Albus up at eight the next morning and he rolled over and went back to slumber. He woke up once more with twenty proceedings left until History of Magic and had to skip breakfast. Albus woke lusterlessness and John up and the three of them ran through the corridors in order of magnitude to make it to class on time.

They arrived with two instant to dispense with and the room was filled with laugh and chatter. The Hufflepuffs and Gryffindors were clearly excited about something and Albus had a feeling he knew what it was.

Albus sat down and Bilius turned around in his posterior, grinning at Albus."You three missed breakfast. Too bad. The Slytherins are all confused, fuming about volaille and muttering about getting revenge. Turns out someone snuck a rooster and two chickens into their common room last dark and spread chicken feed around. Apparently their usual room was a mess and it took all of their Prefects to stun the chickens and lend them to Hagrid. indirect request I knew who pulled it off."

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

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

"They 'll never project it out then. That 's three-quarters of the school day to go through."

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

prof Binns floated through the chalkboard and began to drone on on about some sort of goblin insurrection. Albus rested his head on his hand and began to doze off. Binns would n't even notice.

At lunch, following Transfiguration, everyone was still talking about the chickens. The Slytherins were sullen and were glaring at all the other house board. The teachers did n't seem at all upset about the whole thing, probably because the chickens had n't done that often hurt. Nothing that could n't be easily repaired with the pic of a wand.

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

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

As Albus walked to the dungeons with John, Matt, rosiness, and Amanda he realized that his nap in history of thaumaturgy was most definitely wearing off. He was feeling the enfeeblement and was very happy for the relieve period after potions. But he did n't dare omission potions because he was quite rouse to pick up Malfoy talk about the chickens.

During this particular class they were finishing up an engorgement solution that they had started on Tuesday. While Shrinking solvent was a rather simple potion that they had learned in their first year, its opposite number was more difficult and compulsory simmering for forty-eight hours before the final ingredients could be added.

Albus retrieved all the necessary ingredients while his partner, Limbert, located their potion in the closet. Limbert, who was usually very casual about everything, was scowling and glared at Albus as he joined him at their tabular array.

Just as Albus was beginning to chop his Apium graveolens dulce root, Malfoy appeared in front of the tabular array. Albus looked up from his plant and looked Malfoy in the eye.

"ceramicist,"Malfoy muttered."You would n't happen to know which idiot Gryffindor put wimp 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 short temper they were supposed to put into their cauldron."Crowing at six in the bally morning. Eating chicken provender all over the park way. Getting their feathers and other stuff everywhere ...."

"What he said,"Malfoy replied."Point is, one of your lot got into our rough-cut elbow room and I want to know who."He folded his weapon system across his chest.

"Was n't any of 'my lot'as you say,"Albus answered, hoping that Malfoy could n't pick up his essence pound in his thorax."We ca n't get into your commons way. Do n't let the password. And even if we did, why would we want to ? It 's probably covered in snake slime."

"wellspring 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 person and a Hufflepuff would n't be able to picture out how-"

Albus rose from his chairperson."That 's rude. I know plenty of Hufflepuffs that are impertinent than you, Malfoy. And they 're decent people, too."

"Boys, get to exploit now. I believe your potion is overflowing in it 's cauldron, Malfoy,"Slughorn said, gesturing to Matt and Malfoy 's cauldron, which was indeed overflowing. matt was frantically waving his wand at it, trying to get it to stop.

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

Albus breathed a suspiration of relief and continued to chop his celery source. 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"passport the knife"or"turn down the flame ”.

Following potions Albus, matte, and John immediately went upstairs to the. piranha 's Den to take a much needed nap. move up went to Muggle Studies and Amanda went to the subroutine library. Albus fell asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow and did not wake up until John swatted him with a pillow when it was clock time for dinner.

The Slytherins were still complaining about the chickens during dinner and Albus and his friends giggled every time they heard something about them. About halfway through dinner, Professor Kendrick rose from his tail end. Albus turned to bet at lusterlessness, who shrugged. Kendrick rarely made dinner lecture when it was n't the scratch or end of term.

"Just a few announcements,"Kendrick said once the Great Charles Martin Hall quieted down."First, I am indisputable you are all aware of the prank that took lieu in the Slytherin unwashed way finale night. I, nor do any of the teachers, have any estimation who is responsible for, but if we do recover out, be aware that those responsible will be punished. Entering another house 's common room is not tolerated and all pupil should consider this as a warning, in compositor's case they have been inclined to do so themselves. Slytherins, please be advised that your password has been changed. If you are not aware of it, please see a Prefect.

"Second. next weekend Hogwarts will host a few Ministry officials including the diplomatic minister of thaumaturgy, the chief of Magical Law Enforcement, the read/write head of the Auror Department, the headspring of the Department for the regulating and Control of Magical animal, as well as a few of the rector 's close adviser. In addition, both campaigner for Minister will be here as well. They will get in Friday night and abide until Lord's Day dawning. Sat they will be debating education here in the Great Hall.

"All students will have the chance to watch the debate by a random drawing since we can not reconcile all of you in addition to the Ministry officials and extremity of the cosmopolitan population that will be attending. The residuum will take heed via wireless in a few classroom. All scholar are required to take heed or watch. Sir Thomas More information about that, such as how to witness out if you 've been selected to find out and what designation you will receive on the argument, will be distributed by Professor Young in your political relation class.

"I expect you all to behave yourselves and demonstrate to our Ministry that this is a place of learning. You are all representing Hogwarts, whether you are students, teacher, or staff. You will not pluck clowning, especially not like the one that was pulled in conclusion night. You will prize the Ministry representatives. I will commit you far information next calendar week. In the meantime, starting signal thinking up a few head to ask our candidates in case they have metre to do a question and answer session."Kendrick resumed his hindquarters.

"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 school properly. If she wins, chances are he 's out of a job. He 's got to put on a dependable show next week if he 's got any promise of staying here if she wins."

"That 's insane !"Albus shouted. A few first class looked over at him and he lowered his part."I mean, Kendrick took over as Headmaster when McGonagall left and even before that he helped rebuild the place. How can she sack someone 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."Peach State and Bradley and Cedric wo n't be happy but can you imagine what Hogwarts would be like if Laurentis won ?"

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

"conjecture we 're going to detect out future Saturday,"Amanda said."Think any of us will get to watch it ?"

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

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

"Me too,"rose agreed.

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

"Same here,"Kaden said.

Rose rolled her optic."You lot done eating ? Anyone up for spending the eventide in the program library ?"

The son reluctantly agreed. They had neglected their homework the former night due to the put-on and had multiple designation 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 depository library until curfew.


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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


The day after Halloween dawned with a tearing electric storm, one that Albus hoped would pass before Sat, when he would accept to look Slytherin on the Quidditch pitch. Albus was feeling much better after a right Night 's sleep, although he was dreading having to go to History of conjuring trick first thing in the sunup again. Whose brilliant idea was it to ease up them that class two sunup in a row ?

The billet owls arrived as Albus was serving himself some eggs and he scanned the air for his sept owl. He did n't see it and resumed piling his home base with solid food. His parents only occasionally sent him post now that he was in fourth twelvemonth and no longer needed a letter from them every former day. However, Albus did see his Uncle Percy 's screeching owl making a beeline towards Cedric, who was sitting across from Albus. Cedric set his fork down and untied the alphabetic character 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 face go from undefined curiosity to cold-shoulder horror and then finally extreme disgust. Percy 's letter of the alphabet were always interesting and it seemed as this one was no exception.

"unlikely !"Cedric shouted.

"What is it ?"James asked as he snatched the letter of the alphabet out of Cedric 's hands."Is he making you sit next to him while he debates side by side hebdomad ?"

"Worse !"Cedric exclaimed."He thinks I was the one who put the wimp in the Slytherin vernacular way !"

"Seriously ?"James asked as he settled down to scan the alphabetic character."Let 's see ... Seriously disappointed in you ... taught you better than this ... stunts like these could injure my hazard for a win in April ... must learn to think about the consequences of your actions ... 5th year is for studying for your O.W.L.s ... clock time to grow up ..."

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

"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 !"James slammed the alphabetic character down."No way they 'll believe him without trial impression though."

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

"Kendrick ca n't do anything without proof,"Jesse James said.

"Yeah but our records are n't exactly pick,"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,"St. James added."They 're going to go down as Hogwarts legends."

Albus hoped that his fierce blushing was n't detectable. He could not believe that Percy actually believed Cedric pulled the clowning without any evidence. Cedric could n't get in worry without evidence, could he ? If he did, Albus would feel terrible. He already felt awful that Percy had even had the mettle to incriminate Cedric for something that Albus and his friends did, something Cedric had no share of.

"We 've just got to figure out who did it,"Henry James decided."To clear our names."

Cedric nodded."Wo n't be that toilsome. No caper can be done without grounds left behind. It 's impossible to do in this place. We 'll look for clues around our own common room because I think the Slytherins are redress. It was a Gryffindor."

"We should blab to the shade, too,"James said."They wander at all hours."

"Right,"Cedric agreed."skilful be off to form now, though.

Albus turned to John after his brother and full cousin had left the table. Saint John and lustrelessness had both been sitting close enough to Cedric and James IV to get a line the stallion conversation. Both boys were paler than usual and Albus was sure he was as well.

"myrtle saw us,"lustrelessness whispered."We 'll be identification number one on their surmise list."

"D'you think your own blood brother would turn us in ?"John asked.

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

"Good breaker 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 plus side of meat, we 'll be Hogwarts legend,"John said.

"Tell that to my parents,"matt replied.

Albus thought about St. James the Apostle and Cedric 's request to see out who pulled the chicken frivolity during the entirety of History of Magic. They had n't left any traces behind except for talking to Myrtle. And even that only proved that they were out of bed at four in the dawning, not that they 'd left volaille in the Slytherin common way. Sure, there might have been random chicken feathering in the common room that morning but the home pixy would deliver already cleaned them up. Then there was Bradley.

Bradley. Albus 's tum dropped. Would Bradley rat out Albus in edict to save his own brother from potential trouble ? Albus liked to reckon not, especially since doing so would incriminate Tom Bradley as well. But it was potential that Bradley would request Cedric to lead him out of it when he told Kendrick in return for the information in the first office. Albus rubbed his forehead. It was all so confusing and there were too many possibilities.

lusterlessness and can looked equally disturbed by the possibility. Both boys were sitting completely still, staring at Professor Binns but not looking at him. flatness was absentmindedly doodling in his notebook computer. lavatory was twirling his calamus around in his hand and had splattered ink all over himself and his chronicle of Magic book.

Albus was grateful that they had fear of Magical Creatures succeeding, despite the steadfast cloudburst. They would be able to verbalize. Hagrid was currently teaching them about unicorns and this particular lesson he had an actual unicorn for them to observe and interact with. Luckily for Albus, John, and lustrelessness, unicorns did not like son and thus had an excuse to hang back and talk.

"The only way they 're going to retrieve out is if they talk to Thomas Bradley and Bradley tells them,"Albus said as they pretended to take bill on the unicorn, which was currently surrounded by the girls of the class.

"Or if they talk to Vinca minor and put the clues together,"Matt pointed out.

"What clues ?"lavatory 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 individual knowing about it. For all we know there was another ghost lurking by the Slytherin uncouth room while we were there that we did n't notice,"Matt explained."Or the fact that we were n't in the common room in conclusion night-"

"We 're rarely in the common room,"St. John the Apostle said."Not since we found the predator 's Den."

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

"That would n't recite them anything to a greater extent than Myrtle would,"Albus replied as he scrawled a few distinction about how the unicorn was pawing at the ground.

"What if they find feathers or chicken feed or something ?"Matt asked.

"That will have all been cleaned up by now. The house elves clean everyday,"John said."I think Albus is right. The only way they 'll cognize is if they talk to Omar 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 phonation trailed off. He knew how much of a rotten liar he was."To be honest ? Probably not."

nonentity said anything for a few minutes. Each boy pretended to be absorbed in taking notes on the unicorn.

"There 's nothing we can do, then,"lusterlessness finally said."We ca n't stop them or tell them not to investigate because that would take care shady. All we can do is wait and go for they do n't figure it out."

Albus nodded. Matt was completely right, of path. But what Albus did n't say was that James and Cedric would figure it out. They were the schooling cut-up and for the beginning clock time they 'd been out-pranked. The two were the shoal 's prank experts and could easily surveil the trail that would leave them right to their own pal and cousin.
******


The vehement thunderstorm that had plagued Hogwarts the day before cleared up by Saturday dayspring and the conditions could not make been bettor for Quidditch. It was gay, with slight cloud cover and little hint. The temperature was mild for Nov. Weather would not be a factor in this Quidditch mate. No, the team that won would win solely based on their acquirement.

The Hogwarts population, both pupil and prof alike, were very excited for the match. House Quidditch had been suspended the previous year in order for the Quidditch and Dueling competitions with the schools from New York and Commonwealth of Australia, although the final match in the Quidditch event had been a disaster. Everyone at Hogwarts was ready for affair to go back to normal and that included planetary house Quidditch.

convention 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 find out out else he find himself in the Hospital Wing for twenty-four hours. Albus ignored this because Malfoy was n't even on the Slytherin team and did n't possess enough Quidditch skill to be on a children 's squad. He tried his intimately to neglect the taunting from the existent Slytherin team as well, but still found his stomach was a bit too offensive to eat much more than toast.

The team gathered around Fred in the changing room shortly before the couple, set to hear his first off team speech.

"I fully believe we can win this,"Fred began."Our practices have gone very smoothly and it feels like Janie has played with us for years rather than only a few hebdomad. Slytherin plays dirty, though, so take in yourselves. They also have two new players, a Chaser and a Beater, whereas we only have one. The new Chaser is a secondly yr and the new Beater is a third year, so I do n't remember we 'll have practically effect there. I 've seen them practice and they still do n't ferment as a seamless squad like we do. Just go out there and play like we did two long time ago and we 're sure enough to win."

The squad stood up and followed Fred out onto the lurch. The ground was soft beneath Albus 's effort, but not too dirty, which would make for a good beef off. He stood in between Heather and James while Fred went to rock mitt with Fielding, Slytherin 's captain.

Oteski shouted his desire for a scavenge lucifer and then the two police chief crunched each other 's bridge player. Oteski released the Bludgers and stool pigeon and then tossed the Quaffle into the air. Albus kicked off from the priming and flew towards the Quaffle, which had unfortunately been caught by Fielding.

"And they 're off !"Sweeney Todd Smith announced."get-go business firm couple in two geezerhood due to the fault last year, during the competitions with the other schoolhouse. Both teams have some new faces this year. Slytherin has a new chaser, second class John Marshall Belby, and a new Beater, third year Devonshire Orville Wright. Gryffindor has a new custodian, fourth year Janie Creevey ...."

Albus tore his attending from Ian Douglas Smith as the lad Gryffindor began to announce the names of the rest period of the musician. Leaning forward on his broom, Albus soared to the early side of the rake, where Fielding was attempting to throw the Quaffle into one of Gryffindor 's destination posts.

"Spectacular save by Creevey !"Smith shouted."Looks like she 's going to be an excellent Keeper for Gryffindor. Gryffindor now in self-will. broom Weasley in self-will, passes to Albus Potter ...."

Albus caught the Quaffle, wedged it under his arm, and sped down to the other side of meat of the pitch. He dodged two of Slytherin 's Chasers but was hit by a Bludger sent from S. S. Van Dine 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 catch the Quaffle after Haines was hit by a Bludger and tossed it back to Albus.

This clock time Albus made it to the Slytherin goal posts and feigned right on before sending the Quaffle soaring through the left hoop.

"grade !"Smith announced."Albus Potter scores the first goal of the match. Ten points to Gryffindor !"

The remainder of the match continued in the same way, with the Quaffle continuously exchanging hands, rendering it very hard for smith to keep up with the commentary. Gryffindor maintained a near constant grudge of twenty distributor point ahead of the Slytherins. Albus scored two more than goals and assisted on five Sir Thomas More. The Slytherin chaser looked to a greater extent and more revolt as the match wore on.

An hour and a one-half into the match Albus saw James desert his position above the repose of the participant and fly towards the ground. Hunter Pucey, Slytherin 's Seeker, followed.

"smell like thrower has seen the Snitch !"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 Richard Wright slammed her Beater 's bat towards a nearby Bludger. But the Bludger suddenly soared upward, leaving nada in between the bat and James 's leg. Devon 's bat collided with Epistle of James 's leg, sending him sprawling onto the reason. Albus stopped where he was.

The integral crew gasped, with the exception of the Slytherins, who were cheering. Pucey was flying around the pitch holding the struggling stool pigeon in his outstretched hand. Albus ignored this and flew directly to James, who was hold tight his leg on the ground.

Albus abandoned his Scots heather once he landed and hurried towards St. James the Apostle. He was surrounded by Madam Pomfrey, professor Oteski, Professor Kendrick, Professor Longbottom, the rest of the Gryffindor squad, and surprisingly, Devon.

Albus paused to search at the girl. She was small, like most indorsement years are, but sinewy. Her dirty blonde hair was in a messy bun and her face was streaked with teardrop. As Albus got closer, he could get word that she was whispering"I 'm distressing"over and over again.

"Foul !"Heather shouted."That 's a foul ! I want a rematch !"

"Let 's get Henry James to the hospital Wing and then we 'll worry about a rematch,"Neville said as Madam Pomfrey conjured a stretcher.

"Finally, someone with some sense around here,"Madam 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 professor. After a few minutes, Professor Patil ordered the rest of the pupil to get back to their rough-cut rooms. Albus walked back to the rook with his squad, who were heading straight to the Hospital Wing.

King James was resting once they got there, his leg bandaged but no longer smash. He no longer looked to be in pain, but looked like he wanted to hex the entire Slytherin squad. Madam Pomfrey appeared in forepart of them before they could turn over Saint James 's bed.

"Ten moment,"she said."That 's all."

"Are we getting a rematch ?"was the first thing out of James 's mouth."No one will tell me anything."

"They have n't said anything yet,"Fred replied."How 's the leg ?"

"fine, now. Just a lilliputian painful. madam Pomfrey said I can leave tomorrow afternoon,"James IV told them."We better get a replay. That was a foul. I was two moment 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 regulation of Quidditch ? Or is that how Slytherin 's training their players these twenty-four hour period ?"

"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 bonk that ?"James asked."She might 've made that up."

"Everyone saw it,"Albus said quietly.

"It 's true,"heather agreed."I do n't know if they 'll founder us a rematch."

The threshold to the Hospital Wing opened, revealing the Beater in head. She walked tentatively privileged and stopped when she saw the entire Gryffindor team. lady Pomfrey greeted her and they spoke in voices too restrained to overhear before she walked slowly over to Henry 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 disarray mirrored his own thoughts.

"Er, well, thanks for the apology, I guess,"St. James the Apostle said.

"Is your leg ok ?"she asked.

"It 's fine now,"James replied.

Devon reached into her robes and pulled out a bar of Honeyduke 's deep brown. She handed it to Jesse James, her eyes staring at his bed and not meeting his coup d'oeil the stallion time."Here,"she whispered.

"Er, thanks,"Epistle of James said as he took the chocolate.

"Um, I 'm going to go now. Bye,"Devonshire said and turned to run from the cellblock, before any of the Gryffindor team had fourth dimension to respond.

"That was unusual,"James muttered after the doors had slammed shut."Anyone fancy some chocolate ?"

"She 's got a compaction on you,"Ryan announced.

"DOE not,"James argued.

"Have we ever had a Slytherin apologize for injuring one of us before, let alone founder us chocolate ?"Fred asked."I 'm with Ryan on this one."

"fountainhead clearly some of them have sense of right and wrong,"Albus replied."But yeah, she likes you."

"She 's twelve,"James River said flatly.

"Girls mature faster than blokes."heather smirked."So, actually, she should be just about ripe for you."

"Shut up,"St. James muttered."Not sharing my chocolate anymore."

"Ten minutes are up !"Madam Pomfrey announced as she returned to Saint James 's bed bearing a tray that contained a few filthy looking potions."And these are for you, James."

Albus and the rest of the team bade James goodbye and left the Hospital Wing. They walked up to Gryffindor pillar together, but parted once they entered the rough-cut room. Albus found his friends at a table near the door to the dormitories and sat down to explicate the total Devon Wright thing.

"So she was actually upset that she had broken St. James 's leg ?"John Lackland asked.

"And she apologized ?"lusterlessness added.

"And gave him chocolate ?"Kaden continued.

Albus nodded."Strange, is n't it ?"

"Very,"John agreed."I 'm surprise she 's on the squad. Is n't it a necessary for the Slytherin team to be a fan of wildness ?"

"She might not be on much thirster, right ?"matt asked.

"It was an accident,"Albus said."I already said that. The rest of the squad saw it and so did half the professors. So there 's probably not going to be a rematch either."

"That 's not fair,"John muttered.

"It 's only the first mate,"Albus pointed out."raft Sir Thomas More sentence to gain those points back. And their searcher is awful anyway. He could n't have caught that Snitch if James had n't have been hit."

Albus, matte, and St. John the Apostle spent the difference of the afternoon discussing Quidditch and Gryffindor 's fortune of winning the Quidditch Cup. They factored in the science degree of all the players on all the houses and the points earned so far, along with the possible weather preventive that were surely to come. Kaden paid care, but did n't contribute practically except for the occasional comment about how something was different in football. Amanda did the Sami, save for the football comment. Rose suspire and dug a Word of God out of her bag and read it until they had finished.

prof Oteski was at supper that night, which was a rarefied natural event due to the fact that he has a wife and Pres Young children in Hogsmeade and normally was only at the castle for form and Quidditch couple. Towards the end of the repast he rose, rendering the stallion hallway silent.

"The early prof and I have reviewed the events at today 's match,"Oteski began."We 've taken into news report a few choice scholar'observations-"

"He interviewed me,"Fred said.

"-along with the professors'. I have come to the conclusion that the act of a Slytherin Beater hitting Gryffindor 's searcher 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 table and saw that Devon Wright was the solitary Slytherin not shouting in inflammation. Instead she had her head on her hand and was picking at her dinner. She was a very odd Slytherin, that was for sure.

"I really did n't opine there 'd be a rematch,"Fred said."But hear, we can still win. Losing the first match does n't signify we 'll lose the Cup."

"individual 's going to hold to tell James II,"Heather replied."He wo n't be pleased. I 'm fairly certain he can weigh the bit of clip he has n't caught the stoolpigeon on one hand."

Albus thought back to the fourth dimension James I had lost a match against Linda the vampire and hid in the Shrieking Shack. Luckily his brother had come a foresighted way from that and would not experience the pauperism to hide after missing the snitcher.


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 to the lowest degree.

If you are enjoying this story ( or any of my floor ), caput over to the meeting place and nominate one for a Dobby award ! Be sure to interpret the rule before posting. : )


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Albus was very relieved that he was not given the chore of telling James IV that there would not be a replay. Fred, being the headwaiter, took that job for himself and the eternal sleep of the team merely went with him. James was understandably upset, but did n't take the newsworthiness nearly as badly as Albus would have expected. Perhaps he was maturing, if even a low measure. On Dominicus, James I was released from the infirmary Wing and life at Hogwarts returned to normal if only for a few days.

After a repeat socio-economic class of potions and undivided class of Transfiguration on Tuesday, Albus and his acquaintance had government and this was the day where they would determine out who would get to sit in the Great Hall during the debate on Saturday. The Gryffindors and Hufflepuffs were understandably more talkative in the minutes before professor Embry began class. nigh of the students hoped that they would get to attend the disputation, with the exception of 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 Harry Hotspur 's niece, she would also get to attend to no matter what.

"settle down, descend down,"Embry said once the clock struck three. He smiled and then quickly took attendance."I 'm very happy to see how stimulate you are for Saturday 's disputation. It 's very excite to see young people so interested in politics. Since I know none of you will pay attention during socio-economic class unless I announce who gets to attend before I begin, I will annunciate them now."

The social class immediately began whispering until Embry located a bit of parchment on his desk and cleared his throat."Now, a few of you are able to attend the debate without being chosen. Matt Eckerton and Albus Potter, since both your sire are capitulum of department at the Ministry you will be capable to attend. Rose Weasley, since you are related to one of the candidates, you may attend as well. And not to interest, everyone else, they will not take away pip from the regular student body.

"One boy and one miss were picked randomly from each year, for each house. So eight students from each class were chosen add together. For Hufflepuff the prosperous two are Olivia Mary Leontyne Price and Ronald Bones."

"Yes !"Ronald shouted. He was a rather meretricious, blond haired boy, who reminded Albus a lot of Kaden. Olivia just smiled. She was quiet, 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 residuum of the class clapped before everyone settled down. All four winning students were still grinning when Embry began speaking once more.

"Congratulations to all four of you. This will not be the solely argumentation to take place at Hogwarts and for the next one, different educatee will be chosen. Now, on Saturday, you are to report to the Great antechamber at ten o'clock in the dawning. The public debate will start out at eleven. You will give your name to whichever prof is waiting by the doors and then a Prefect will express you to where you are supposed to sit. Same goes for you, lustrelessness, 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 prof Kendrick has not told you yet, because it has only just been finalized, is that both candidate will be hosting two articulate interrogative and answer sessions. These will be for students and Hogwarts staff only. The same students chosen to give ear the argument will be able to attend the doubt and reply session. It will require station at three in the Great lobby. Please arrive at two-thirty.

"Everyone else will be listening to the debate on the radio set. Fourth year Gryffindors and Hufflepuffs will be in the Transfiguration classroom. Please study there by ten-thirty. Everyone, no matter whether they are attending the debate or listening on the radiocommunication are expected to spell a foot long essay on which candidate you thought was more successful in making their percentage point. It will be due at the beginning of next week 's class."

The entire class groaned at the honorable mention of the essay. Embry ignored this and began his lecturing. They had finally made it into the twentieth one C, but were still far from learning about how everything in the Ministry changed after Voldemort was defeated.

The rest of the hebdomad passed very slowly. The Hogwarts bookman were getting very excited at the view of the candidate arriving for their disputation, with the elision of Bradley and Cedric. Even John and Kaden, neither of whom were going to serve the debate, were catching a little bit of excitement. Albus was rather shocked at how the absolute majority of the pupil were getting involved with the election. Being someone who had grown up with government and the Ministry of deception, he was not quite as thrilled with the expectation, especially when reporters from the Daily Prophet showed up on Friday morning.

"wishing to postulate bets on how quickly they find you ?"John asked as they passed two reporters on their way to concern of Magical Creatures.

Albus glanced at the newsman. One was a very marvellous and lanky man, with messy brownish fuzz and considerable stalk on his face. He was frantically writing down questions that the other reporter, an equally marvellous woman with huge red lips and black fuzz, was asking an uncomfortable looking first year.

"Walk faster,"Albus nudged John as they neared the oak threshold.

Albus had absolutely no desire to come along in any progeny of the Daily vaticinator. Neither of his parents liked newsman and that was a trait they had passed down to Albus. He made a mental bill to warn Bradley and Cedric about them the next time he saw his two cousins.

In an sweat to avoid the newsman, Albus, lusterlessness, and Saint John the Apostle spent their free stop after charms in the marauder 's Den. With any fortune when the Ministry officials arrived the reporters would give up trying to interview random Hogwarts student. Although Albus knew it was not random at all. At lunch, after Care of Magical creature, he found out that no LE than four of his cousins, along with Lily, had been interviewed that cockcrow.

The officials were arriving just as Albus and his friends were heading to the Great Hall for dinner. They paused on the grand staircase while the blue-robed witches and wizards entered the Great hallway, gracefully avoiding the newsperson that were standing next to the entry to the Great Granville Stanley Hall. Albus recognized nearly all of them, including his dad, Uncle Percy, and matte 's dad.

The staff board had been magically elongated enough to offer seats for all of the Ministry functionary, who had at sat down and began speaking with the professors. Albus and his friends all found seats at the Gryffindor table, near all his cousins. Cedric was scowling while reading a letter. He then crumpled it up and then set flack to it with his wand.

"Dad still thinks we pulled that frivolity, James,"Cedric muttered."Says he 's going to make up time to talk with me before he leaves."

"We 'll notice out,"James II said."We still have n't talked to all the ghosts."

"All except Moaning Myrtle."Cedric shuddered."I do n't fancy talking to her."

"She 's our last Leslie Townes Hope,"James said."We 're going to witness her. After all this argument stuff is over."

Albus let out a sigh of relief. He had two More days. In all honesty, he 'd nearly forgotten about Cedric and James 's quest to find out who put the chickens in the Slytherin park room. But apparently his comrade and cousin had not.

Kendrick rose from his seat once the Great hall was replete."On behalf of myself, the rest of the Hogwarts staff, and the Hogwarts student body, I 'd wish to receive our Ministry representatives to Hogwarts. Before we eat, I 'd like to introduce everyone.

"First, our candidate,"Kendrick gestured to Hotspur and Laurentis, who were both sitting immediately to his left wing."Percy Weasley and Patricia Laurentis."Kendrick then gestured to the tall, rather portly man on his left."Our current Minister, Langston Hartwell."

The relaxation of the officials were intersperse amongst the professors. Kendrick gestured to a grey haired hag sitting in between prof Patil and Cedonia."Head of Magical Law Enforcement. Reena Barnes."Next, Kendrick gestured to Matt 's dad who was sitting next to Albus 's dad and Professor Trelawney."mind of the Department for the Control and Regulation of Magical Creatures. Walter Eckerton."

one-half the Gryffindor table turned and looked at Matt, who gave a grinning and shrugged. Never one to talk about his mob, most of Gryffindor was unaware of who lusterlessness 's dad was.

"I 'm sure 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 early advisor, who had titles that were just as long and confusing as Sir Henry Percy 's current job title. Then, finally, Kendrick waved his handwriting and food appeared on all the tabular array.

During dinner party Fred announced that he had reluctantly canceled Quidditch drill for the following day since it was scheduled for the Lapp time as the question and solvent session. The rest of dinner party was spent figuring out which Gryffindors, besides the large amount that were related to Percy, were going to attend the debate. Both John 's little sister, Asthyn, and James 's proficient acquaintance, Nathan, were getting to attend.

After dessert had been served and consumed, Kendrick reminded everyone of the metre of the next day 's argument and suggested they all turn in early. Albus wondered whether the ministry functionary would be staying in the castling or Apparating back to their own homes for the dark. Cedric took off for the mutual room as soon as he had finished eating, in fiat to deflect his father.

Albus and his Friend decided to remain in the common room that night since everyone was so lively and the exhilaration was catching. John brought a deck of Exploding Snap down from his trunk and the six friend sat around a put off acting for at least an hr. Kaden had just had the cards explode in his face when the room access to the unwashed room opened and person gasped.

Everyone glanced over and the common elbow room went dumb. Percy was standing in the doorway, looking very awkward and uncomfortable. His eyes landed on Cedric, who had been organizing his ancestry of Skiving Snackboxes with James and Nathan. Cedric went as pale 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 place, glancing at his friends. rosebush was giving him a disapproving look while Matt, John Lackland, and Kaden looked equally uncomfortable. Amanda had raised her eyebrows. This was ridiculous. Why could n't Percy let it go or believe his son ? Or at least mint with it privately ? It was unfair of him to storm into the Gryffindor common elbow room and scream out his own son like that.

Harry Hotspur shook his head."Cedric, you 've pulled japery like this ever since you were little. This one has you written all over it. You, too, James."

"But Dad-"

"No buts,"Walker Percy said."This is not satisfactory. Now I 'd like to speak with you privately."

Cedric did n't budge. Albus swallowed hard and looked at matte, John, and Kaden each in bout. frivolity were all in good fun, but not when innocent mass were punished for them. And Albus had no doubt that Walker Percy would punish Cedric whether he had validation or not. Cedric 's past betrayed him and Harry Hotspur was too focused on winning the election to give his son the benefit of the question. Albus did not like his cousin taking the dip for something he and his friends did. It just was not something he was comfortable with.

Matt gave a svelte nod of his head. John the Evangelist and Kaden both shrugged and Albus took that to entail"do what you have to do ”. Albus sighed and stood up."hold, Uncle Percy."

"Albus, this is none of your business,"Hotspur said."Cedric has to face his consequences."

"But he did n't do it !"Albus exclaimed."It was me. I did it."

Henry James burst out laughing."You, Al ? That 's Nice and all of you to try and keep Cedric out of trouble, but really ? You could n't get into the Slytherin unwashed room."

"It was n't only him,"lav said, standing up."Kaden and I did near of it. Al was just a feel out."

"I was, too,"Matt announced."It was the four of us."

Fred and a few of his acquaintance suddenly jumped up from their seating room and bowed in front of Albus, Matt, John, and Kaden."Masters ! You are the kings."

The integral usual way exploded in clapping and whistling. Albus could n't help but grin despite the fact that he knew he was going to be in bother. James gave Albus an odd facial expression before breaking out in a wry grin himself. A few first class ran up and high-fived them. Victor-Marie Hugo was practically rolling on the floor laughing.

"Enough, enough !"Percy shouted."Albus, you 'd better add up with me. You three as well."He gestured to lustrelessness, John, and Kaden.

Albus and his friends reluctantly followed Hotspur out of the common elbow room to Kendrick 's study. On the way there Albus could n't help 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 days. principal Boy was probably now well out of ambit for Albus, as was becoming a Prefect. Not like he really wanted to go a Prefect anyway.

Upon entering Kendrick 's cogitation Albus was horrified to see that all of the Ministry functionary were there, including his own father. Matt had paled considerably on seeing his father as well. This was bad.

Kendrick glanced at the son and then looked questioningly up at Harry Hotspur."I think we need a moment of seclusion,"Kendrick said to the functionary,"except Harry and Walter."

The eternal sleep of the functionary left the room, whispering to themselves as they went. Kendrick then resumed his seat behind his desk and conjured enough chairs for the remaining multitude. Albus took a seat in between matt and Kaden.

"What 's going on, Percy ?"Kendrick asked.

"I went to Gryffindor to have a confab with my son about that antic last week and as it turns out he was telling the truth."Albus was pleased to see that Walker Percy looked slightly ashamed."As I was asking Cedric for a common soldier talk, my nephew and his supporter announced that they were the pranksters."

"They what ?"Harry exclaimed, looking at Albus."Is this about the chickens in the Slytherin common room put-on ?"

"Yes,"Harry Hotspur confirmed."These four just confessed to it."

Matt 's dad let out a suspiration and shook his head.

"Is this admittedly, boys ?"Kendrick asked.

"Yes, sir,"Albus replied.

"I 'm very disappointed in you, Albus,"Harry said."This is the sorting of thing I expect from James, not from you."

"As am I in you, Levi,"Walter added."You 've never been one to pull pranks."

"It was our theme,"John said, gesturing to himself and Kaden."All they did was sustain a looking at out while we were in their common room."

"Nevertheless,"Kendrick said, folding his deal on his desk."All four of you broke school rules and you will be punished. Fifty stop from Gryffindor-"

Kaden gasped.

"-each,"Kendrick finished."And detainment. As much as I 'd like to come out your detention tomorrow we have other topic happening in this castle and none of the staff is loose to manage. You will protrude your detainment on Monday evening and you will have it for a week."

"But sir-"Albus and mat said at once.

"No buts,"Kendrick said."You blatantly broke multiple shoal rules."

"But Quidditch and dueling ! That 's the week before the first tournament-"

"Your team will have to keep practice without you, Mr. Potter,"Kendrick said shortly."You should have thought about that before you participated in this mischief."

"Sir ?"flatness asked quietly.

Kendrick sighed."Yes ?"

"The, er, full moon is Tues,"Matt muttered.

"right wing,"Kendrick replied."Attend the detentions that you can and whichever ones you miss can be made up once you are better.

"Thank you,"Bruno Walter said,"for being understanding about that."

"Not a problem. flatness 's state of affairs is vastly different from missed Quidditch practice."

Albus felt his boldness reddening. It had been a valid point for him. Fred would murder him in his sleep when he found out Albus would escape at least two practices for detention. He certainly would n't be applauding and bowing anymore.

"You 'll describe to Filch 's office on Monday at seven. He 'll founder you further didactics on what your custody will imply. Now, get back to Gryffindor column,"Kendrick said.

Albus rose from his seat. Harry did the same."Al, you realize I 'm going to birth to tell your mother about this."

Albus nodded."Yes."

"She wo n't be pleased. But I do desire to tell you that I 'm proud of the way you owned up to this when you realized Cedric was wrongfully accused. As defeated as I am that you pulled that prank, I am very glad to have such an honest son. I 'll see you tomorrow. Have a thoroughly night and remember, I always love you,"Harry said and gave Albus a hug.

"honey you too,"Albus said quietly.

flatness was having what was surely a similar talking with his own Father and once they were finished, the four boy left Kendrick 's sketch and went immediately back to Gryffindor Tower.

"seven-spot detentions,"can muttered as they walked up a set of stairs."heptad. This is worse than that time in arcsecond year when we were caught near the Whomping Willow."

"Not to advert the level,"Albus replied.

"And detention with Filch no LE,"mat 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."to the highest degree 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 exercise for a week was not worth it.
***


In rightful Hogwarts fashion by the succeeding morning at Breakfast the integral schooltime knew that it had been three Gryffindor quarter years and one Gryffindor third year that had managed to sneak into the Slytherin common way and alluviation two chickens and a rooster, as well as cover the entire stead in Bronx cheer cum. Hufflepuff was especially excited about this because Gryffindor 's release of 200 period put them in the lead for the mansion Cup. Gryffindor was now dead last and the other Gryffindors were torn between their awe of Albus and his friends and their repulsion that the caper had cost them so many decimal point.

rosiness and Amanda had burst out laughing when the boys told them their fate the late night. They were angry about the departure of points, though. pink wine was especially disgusted by John and Kaden 's lack of remorse.

All the ministry officials were at the staff mesa, whereas the house table were not nearly as full-of-the-moon as the previous day. It seemed that some students had not heeded Kendrick 's mesmerism about going to bed other.

There was a whoosh of flank and Albus looked up to see that the post owls had arrived. His nerve started beating faster and he swallowed arduous upon seeing his female parent 's owl holding a red gasbag in its mouth.

"Oh no,"Albus whispered as the owl grew closer. His friend glanced up and saw the wow just as the owl was preparing for landing. It landed in nominal head of Albus 's plate of eggs and he took the thigh-slapper in his bridge player before quickly running out of the Great Hall for the closest 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 eminent pitched shouting.

"ALBUS SEVERUS ceramist, WHAT HAS GOTTEN INTO YOU ? I AM ABSOLUTELY SHOCKED TO HEAR THAT YOU WERE IN THE SLYTHERIN commons room AND PUTTING wimp IN THERE NO LE. I DO NOT CARE THAT YOU WERE ONLY THE feel OUT. YOU MAY AS well wealthy person BEEN IN THERE YOURSELF. YOU WERE BLATANTLY BREAKING MULTIPLE SCHOOL principle INCLUDING being OUT OF BED AFTER HOURS.

I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED. THIS IS THE SORT OF thing I EXPECT FROM Epistle of James, BUT EVEN Saint James the Apostle KNOWS WHEN NOT TO hybrid THE LINE. AND YOU DID N'T JUST CROSS THE LINE. YOU JUMPED WAY OVER IT. AND TO HAVE PERCY FIND OUT ABOUT THIS WHILE HE IS AT HOGWARTS FOR A DEBATE ? ! YOU KNOW WE HAVE TO living UP APPEARANCES IN ORDER FOR HIM TO HAVE A CHANCE AT THIS ELECTION AND THIS DOES NOT HELP.

I HIGHLY APPROVE OF THE DETENTIONS AND going OF item. I CAN NOT SAY I WOULD BE DISAPPOINTED IF YOUR stallion HOUSE WERE ANGRY WITH YOU OVER THIS. I EXPECT YOU WILL NOT DO THIS AGAIN. IF YOU DO YOU WILL HAVE More THAN JUST PUNISHMENT AT SCHOOL."

The varsity letter exploded with a brief drag of fume. Albus stood there staring at it for a few seconds. His female parent had not even mentioned how his confession had saved Cedric. There was no mention of how she was proud about his honesty, like his dad had been.

Albus heard a brusque laugh 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 breath and walked back to the Great Hall. Perhaps with the disputation coming in an hour, the rest of the students would block about the clowning and the loss of points and find something new to discuss.


A/N : Big thanks to my Skype writing group. You guys are all awesome ! Thanks for all the amaze revue ! 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 narrative, school principal over to the forums and constitute it ! Just remember to read the rules first.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


There was a long waiting line of scholar waiting to get into the Great Hall after everyone left once breakfast was over. The Great Hall had been completely emptied in order for the professors to set up it for the debate. Albus craned his headway in endeavor to see it. As far as he could tell it looked the Saami except the long mansion tables had been replaced by rows of seating. He, along with Matt and Rose, were only a few students away from the front man of the queue.

Once they made it to the forepart they gave their gens to prof Longbottom and then were lead inside by one of the Ravenclaw Prefects. Adults were milling about talking with each former and pupil were already seated. The for the first time few rows were cordoned off with roofy and the Ravenclaw Prefect trail Albus, Rose, and Matt to the third gear roped off row. He lifted the forget me drug and told them to register all the way in, to the very end of the untenanted row. Albus sat in between Rose and lusterlessness. It appeared that the roped off quarrel were reserved for Ministry officials and their families. Albus noticed that his mum was sitting in the front row along with the residuum of his aunt and uncles. Peach State was also in the front row and was handing out coloring Book and crayons to Samantha and lindy.

James, Ben, Lily, and Victor-Marie Hugo filed in next to turn out a few minute later. Albus saw that Cedric and Bradley, who had walked in with his siblings, were being lead to the front row. Fred, Angie, Heather, and cross finished out their row five minutes later. Albus gazed around the room and spotted Victoire and Teddy sitting across the aisle. Stanley walked in with Gabriella and took seats next to Victoire and shimmy. Albus had to allow he was surprise to see them there. end he heard she was in France and he was in Roumania.

The elbow room soon became packed with the students who had won fundament as well as other witches and wizards who had chosen to come. Albus recognized a few who worked in shops in Hogsmeade including ma'am Rosmerta. He turned to the front of the room and noticed that the staff table had also disappeared and had been replaced with two podiums and a small mesa, just like the set up in the court at the Ministry.

At exactly eleven o'clock the doors to the Great Hall were shut and people began to sit down. Professor Kendrick entered the room from one of its foyer, followed by the diplomatic minister, Albus 's dad, Matt 's dad, and the Head of Magical Law Enforcement, Reena Barnes. The early Ministry functionary were seated in the front row.

Kendrick lead them to the little board near the podium. All five, with the exclusion of Kendrick, sat. Kendrick walked to the front end of the pulpit and the consultation quieted.

"Welcome to the third argument. I welcome all of you to Hogwarts schooling of witchery and wizardry. Today 's debate will be on education. I 'd like to usher in today 's moderator, the Head of the Department for the dominance and regulating of Magical Creatures, Walter Eckerton."

The audience clapped and Albus whispered to Matt, asking him if he knew his dad was moderating. lustrelessness shook his head no and the two looked back to the social movement.

Kendrick had taken his seat and mat 's dad had rose."Now I 'd wish to welcome our two candidates. Percy Weasley and Patricia Laurentis."

There was more clapping as Percy and Laurentis walked out of the lobby and took their lieu behind the podiums. Once the clapping subsided, mat 's dad began to speak.

"Today 's debate will run similarly to past disputation, with five second answer and two minute rebuttal. All enquiry and prompts will be about education. The debate will run for an hour and a half. After it is over, the room will be cleared and then lunch will be served. After luncheon there will be a brusk breaking and then the pupil head and answer session will shoot place in this same way. Without foster adieu, the offset question. Mr. Weasley, you will suffice first.

"How do you find about the Hogwarts physical environs ? Do you finger it is adequate and contributing to learning or do you feel changes should be made ?"

Hotspur took a step forward and smiled at the audience."I believe that the Hogwarts rook is very conducive to learning. Being in a secluded area provides little in the way of distraction to the bookman. Yet the proximity of the castle to Hogsmeade hamlet gives students in third year and above a much needed break. The only changes I think need to be made are to update what needs to be updated and repair what needs to be repaired."

"Thank you, Mr. Weasley,"matte 's dad said. He turned to Laurentis."Ms. Laurentis."

"I agree with Mr. Weasley. The Hogwarts rook is very conducive to learning and I see nothing wrong with it the way it is. All of Mr. Weasley 's degree are very valid."

Albus turned to flatness and shrugged. That was odd. They actually agreed on something. Matt 's dad seemed a lilliputian 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 rebuttals. Moving on to the next question. Ms. Laurentis, this time you will go first. How do you experience about the stream Hogwarts program ? Do you find the socio-economic class adequately prepare today 's Cy Young people for living in British wizarding society ? What changes, if any, do you finger need to be made ?"

"The Hogwarts curriculum has not been updated in ten. In fact, the lonesome new class that has been introduced is this year 's year on politics. programme is something that needs to change with the time and be re-evaluated at least every former year. The globe is a constantly changing place and what students learn needs to change with it. New course of instruction should be offered and outdated year should be removed. Curricula for grade that are kept needs to interchange in order to retain up with today 's research. Potions, for illustration, should not be taught the Sami way now as it was forty days ago, but unfortunately, that seems to be the case."

"Thank you. Mr. Weasley."

"The nucleus curriculum of Hogwarts is similar to that of magical school all over the world. The classes taught here offer basic and boost instruction in topics that wizards need in order to function in guild. We can not stand here and advocate getting rid of Charms or Transfiguration Day in party favour of some new subject that may or may not teach our students anything. Yes, the mankind is constantly changing, but the staple spells remain the same. Students forty years ago used 'Alohomora'to open doors and the spell remains the Lapp 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 accusation."All I am saying is that we need to look at the elective course that are offered. The basic CORE form should obviously be kept, although they should be updated. Today 's professor are using the same school text they used thirty years ago, which is pathetic considering how much has changed in their fields-"

"Your metre is up. Mr. Weasley."

Percy seemed to puff out his chest a bit."Those textbooks still teach the BASIC ! How is a school text written last twelvemonth going to be any break at teaching a scholar how to stir a cauldron ? Additionally, erstwhile textbooks have More used copies available making it more affordable for pupil from lower income families to purchase their books."

It seemed to Albus that they had gotten slightly off topic from the proposed head, but neither prospect seemed to notice or care.

"Next question. How do you find about the way that instructor selection and evaluation is handled at Hogwarts ? Do you palpate any changes are needed ?"Mr. Eckerton asked."You may go first, Mr. Weasley."

"Traditionally, the Ministry has taken a very hands-off approach to teacher choice and I believe this has worked well. Ministry officials do not have the expertise to take teacher and leaving this up to the Hogwarts faculty has resulted in a very educated and well-rounded stave at Hogwarts. Following the reign of Voldemort, a small education department was founded in the Ministry to manage things and while it is still very hands-off, I believe the pocket-size amount of regulating has served Hogwarts well,"Percy explained.

"Ms. Laurentis."

Laurentis smirked and then began."instructor survival, along with curriculum changes, is the the expression of Hogwarts that needs the most radical change, in my opinion. While Professor Kendrick is a fine schoolmaster, I think more steering is needed when it comes to choosing professor. For the retiring four years, Hogwarts has been ineffectual to secure a defense team Against the Dark nontextual matter professor for more than two years. One only lasted a year. former prof have been here for 10 and yet others have remained even beyond their own decease. There is nothing wrongly, of row, with older teacher, but Hogwarts appears to feature no way of evaluating these staff extremity. They remain here, teaching, year after class, whether or not they are actually successful in providing bookman with an education."

"Your rebuttal, Mr. Weasley."

Sir Henry Percy 's face had gained some color that was not always there."I hardly think it is appropriate to blame Professor Kendrick for the destiny of previous Defense professor. Upon interviewing them he had no way of knowing what would pass off in the end. As for the other prof, if you would take care at the statistics of the O.W.L. and N.E.W.T. results of the past few yr you 'll see that the majority of scholarly person are passing. Might I add that those are regulated by the Ministry."

"Ms. Laurentis."

"I would tally that the Headmaster should not be held responsible for one or two prof who should not have been hired in the start post, but Hogwarts has seen more than its fair portion of inadequate professor in the past few years. Clearly something is damage. Sir Thomas More multitude need to be involved with curriculum and teacher selection."

"Next interrogative,"Mr. Eckerton said."Do you feel that the security at Hogwarts is adequate ? If not, what should be changed ? Ms. Laurentis, you may begin."

If Albus was not mistaken, he could have sworn he saw Laurentis sigh and open a little eye curlicue before beginning."Let 's just call it what it is, why do n't we ? deficiency of certificate at Hogwarts ! The security here, if you can call it that, is sorely lacking. Might I bring up the fact that for the past three years there had been a severe breach in security department here ? Three years ago, a grouping of for the first time years dueled the appealingness prof, a one-seventh year, and that seventh year 's father on the flat coat for a significant catamenia of time before the prof stepped in. The chase twelvemonth, another first year was kidnapped by that Saame seventh class, who had then graduated. final stage year, those same students were kidnapped and taken to Australia of all places ! I think we could forgive one incident, but three-"

"Your time is up,"lustrelessness 's dad said."Mr. Weasley."

Percy was looking more than and more disgruntled. His face now resembled his hair."might I remind my opponent that following the incident three years ago, Aurors were stationed at Hogwarts and none of the pursual incidents resulted in any hold out damage to any of the student. go year, the Aurors were slightly preoccupied by the disastrous contest that took station here. Hogwarts is protected by many enchantments and all the professors are capable of protecting the students. finis year 's incident was an extremely unfortunate accident-"

"One that nearly resulted in bookman deaths !"Laurentis shouted.

"Ms. Laurentis."

Albus felt like the total room was staring at himself and Matt. Glancing around, he saw that this was true.

Laurentis ignored Mr. Eckerton."I remind the wizarding community that the Aurors have yet to capture the mastermind of that incident. Which by the way was not the only incident last class. Last year 's Defense Against the iniquity Arts professor kept a highly grave animal in the castle for months before anything was done. And by the time it was discovered, it took Walter Eckerton stepping in to let it removed ! Then, the professor was allowed to appease, despite the fact that later on it was discovered that he had been terrorizing and humiliating scholarly person in his class all yr, not to refer the fact that his programme were not appropriate. Following that atrocious breech in security measure, regarding the animal, the same professor proceeded to unwrap 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 timid whether Matt 's dad was cutting her off because her clock 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 know about lustrelessness 's consideration, could she ? Albus glanced at mat, who was looking extremely pale.

"I believe we are out of clip,"Mr. Eckerton continued. He looked quite flustered."Please exit the room while lunch is set up. You may devolve in a one-half hour."

Albus stood and waited for his turn to leave the way. The entire crowd was whispering amongst themselves and pointing at Albus and Matt every so often. He was tempted to skip luncheon all together, except he was extremely hungry.
***


Albus managed to avoid speaking to any newsman before and during lunch, which proved difficult because they seemed to have multiplied during the debate. All seemed keen on interviewing him, mat, John, and Kaden in particular proposition 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 club for the query and answer session to need place.

Both prospect seemed to have regained their composure during the meal because Percy 's human face was no longer beet red and Laurentis had fixed her tomentum and was wearing a smile. The reporters had been banned from the room for the continuance of the academic session, much to their dismay. Matt 's dad also looked better and was standing in the presence of the way in front of the soapbox, waiting for everyone to sit down.

The room was lots emptier now, considering that only the educatee chosen to take heed to the debate and the prof were allowed in the room. Albus and Matt managed to get a few buns in the front row. James and Lily joined them.

Once the doorway had been shut and everyone had sat down, Mr. Eckerton stepped forward."Welcome to the interrogative sentence and response session. It will run for an minute and the nominee will respond as many questions as they can during that time. Please upgrade 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 utter to Laurentis and anything that he would want to ask Percy he could just ask at Christmas or send him an owl. Not that he really had any questions for his uncle, either.

A tall Ravenclaw boy raised his bridge player and Mr. Eckerton pointed to him."This question is for Ms. Laurentis,"the boy began."How exactly do you declare oneself to make Hogwarts more secure ? I 'm nearly positivistic that the most forward-looking spells are already used."

"That is very genuine,"Laurentis answered."I believe that we need to bet outside the macrocosm of spells and give professor basic training in defense against intruders. I think a plan, interchangeable to very canonical Auror training, would benefit all staff greatly."

A Hufflepuff in pigtails had a interrogative 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 syllabus alteration,"Laurentis replied."The changes would come later. Not for at to the lowest degree two years."

"well-nigh likely, no,"Harry Hotspur said."The statistics prove that they work well as they are."

The interrogation and answer school term continued in the Lapplander way, proving itself very unlike from the disputation. It was quite the opposite, actually. Albus found himself very bored towards the end, his mind drifting towards what both candidates had said during the debate. He was very curious about what the seer would say about it the next day.

"We have time for one to a greater extent question,"Mr. Eckerton finally said.

Albus let out a sigh of ministration. A glance at lusterlessness told him that his advantageously friend was feeling the Lapp way, since he was leaning back in his chair, his centre nearly closed.

Mr. Eckerton pointed to a girl sitting in the far back. Albus did n't recognize 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 prof Balladanis in the argument and you mentioned something about him giving students information that they could use to endanger another pupil. Is that really reliable ? And what exactly happened ?"

Albus prodded Matt in the position and whispered to him what the motion had been. presumption lustrelessness 's response, which was a feel of let out affright, he almost wished he had n't bothered to wake him up.

Mr. Eckerton stared at the student before turning to the candidate."You may serve the first part of the question and that portion only."

"It is true,"Laurentis said just as Percy had been opening his mouth to respond."professor Balladanis was not cut out for teaching and did not sympathize the fact that there is a line between teaching to spread out knowledge and teaching to threaten others."

"Does it have to do with the Anamatek ?"a Slytherin boy asked.

"Yes,"Sir Henry Percy said."The situations were related."

"This is why I believe instructor need to be evaluated so we can debar this type of situation,"Laurentis explained.

"But what kind of information could endanger someone ? Was it in the syllabus ?"the Ravenclaw who had originally asked the enquiry said."knowledge is power."

"It was not,"Laurentis answered."Which is exactly why it will be adept for professors to have curricula that they stick to."

"I just do n't understand,"the Ravenclaw went on."If people are kept in the wickedness they just blindly follow self-assurance. I 've always believed that people should be taught everything possible."

Matt and his dad were both wearing standardised formula. Both looked extremely uncomfortable and his dad was fiddling with a clench on his robe. Matt looked like he wanted his chairman to eat up him up.

"We 're all out of time,"Mr. Eckerton said."Thank you all for coming. The professors have requested that you all return to your common suite and that you are free to refuse comment to the reporters that are waiting outside."

There was a shuffling of chairs as people got up and exited the room. Matt grabbed Albus 's arm without saying anything, leading him directly to his Father, who was speaking to both the candidates.

"Dad,"Matt said quietly, not waiting for him to finish his conversation with Laurentis and Harry Hotspur.

Mr. Eckerton turned around and his face became charitable. He turned back to Laurentis and Percy."Excuse me. My son. I believe you can maneuver up to Kendrick 's study and I will be there shortly."

Albus, lusterlessness, and Mr. Eckerton left Laurentis and Percy, who had now begun to fence about something, in the Great hall and entered one of its anteroom. The way was furnished with a few lounge and chairman. Albus chose an armchair while Matt and his dad sat down on a couch.

"I 'm really sad, Matt,"Mr. Eckerton said quietly."I did not expect last year to be brought up during this debate."

"It 's not your fault,"lusterlessness replied as he picked at a loose thread on the sofa."It 's just the way she, Laurentis, was talking, I thought that maybe she .... Does she know, Dad ? She seemed to know an fearful lot about what Balladanis did."

"She does n't know,"Mr. Eckerton said immediately."The only mass at the Ministry who know are in my department. However, she and the relaxation of the Ministry did have to know why I was filing a story on Balladanis last year. I had to pass on intellect as to why I wanted him investigated on that report."

"Did you list exactly what he did, with the Anamatek and his werewolf lessons ?"mat asked.

"No."Mr. Eckerton shook his nous."There are Laws protecting minor league in this sort of berth and I was not legally required to cite your figure. All I had to say was that an anonymous student had felt threatened by a sure deterrent example that Balladanis taught. That was all that was needed to launch the investigation. That alone would not have gotten him sacked, but decent evidence was found through question scholarly person about his teaching method acting that cypher else was needed. It was n't even mentioned that it was a tertiary yr class in my pilot report."

"But she seemed to know so much,"Matt said.

"She does n't. Politicians fancify what they know in order of magnitude to get elected. You do n't have to worry. I suppose if she really wanted to she could count at the syllabus for United States Department of Defense for that time of class and research and material body it out, but it would take a lot of work. And trust me, she does not have the time for that. Nor does she really have any reason to care what object lesson it was or why a scholar was threatened or who that student was."

"But she said my life had been at risk,"matt said.

"Again, that 's her embellishment."Mr. Eckerton half-smiled."The only unity who are really rum are your fellow students and this will blow over. They have no way of finding out."

"trade good,"Matt replied, finally smiling a bit.

"I 'd better get to the master 's study,"Mr. Eckerton said as he stood up.

Albus waited while lustrelessness said adieu to his dad and then the two boys headed back to Gryffindor towboat. The reporters had either scattered or had found scholar willing to be interviewed, for the boys came across no one but Prefects and a few first years setting off dungbombs on their way back to the vernacular room. Albus was very glad to hear that Laurentis did not know the specifics about what had happened with Balladanis the premature year, but he wished neither her or Percy would ever bring it up again in a argumentation. Somehow, though, Albus doubted that it would n't be.


Sorry for the late update ! Time has gotten away from me. Thanks to all who have read and reviewed. Big thanks to my Skype writing radical ; you guys are amazing !

I have a new Meet the Author ribbon on the assembly. There 's a contact to it on my Author varlet. Please check it out and ask me question !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


The clause in the oracle on Billy Sunday proved to be just as outrageous as the literal debate had been. It took up the entire front page and was ripe with quotes from both candidates and a few students, although none of Albus 's cousin had been quoted. The Ravenclaw who had asked the question about Balladanis at the doubt and answer session had not only been interviewed, but she had received her own clause located on the second page. Albus groaned when he opened the page and saw it, pure with a picture of the Ravenclaw in question. His friends quickly crowded around the paper to read it over his shoulder.

CENSORSHIP AT HOGWARTS ?

Yesterday 's newsworthy debate at Hogwarts
school day of Witchcraft and genius proved
not only to be a fourth dimension to learn about the
candidate'true up opinions on magical
education, but possibly uncovered an event
of censorship that had been looked over
survive yr.

Following the disputation a query and answer
sitting was held for those lucky few
Hogwarts students who had gotten to sit
in the Great lobby during the debate. The
terminal question was asked by one-sixth class
Ravenclaw Elizabeth York. During the debate
Patricia Laurentis brought up the matter
of the probe of prof Tethys
Balladanis, former Defense Against
the Dark prowess professor ( see article on
face page ). York then questioned what
information had taught that according to
Laurentis"endangered a educatee 's life."

'I just wonder what information was being
taught because I 'm a firm believer that
students should never be denied
selective information. If it was bad enough
to endanger someone 's liveliness, then surely,
it should not be taught, but no one is
saying what the information 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 Control of Magical
Creatures Walter Eckerton told the
prospect that they could not say
what the information was, just confirm
that the incident had happened. Eckerton
quickly wrapped up the session, stating
that they were out of time.

It is interesting to note that Eckerton
is the wizard who filed the complaint
thus launching the probe of
Balladanis. When asked for a comment,
Eckerton said'I 'm the forefront of the
section for the ordinance and control condition
of Magical Creatures. He had an Anamatek.
I was informed of the situation and had
to train action mechanism .'

The situation provided more questions
than answers and it will be worry
to find out whether this incident plays
a further role in Apr 's election.

Albus set down the report and pushed away his half-eaten breakfast. Why did the Prophet have to print 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 field,"Amanda said to matte later on when they were in the predator 's Den."She 's just trying to make things into a bigger pot so she can win more vote. politician turn the simplest things into huge deals."

"I know, but still,"Matt said as he picked through a pile of Bertie Bott 's Every Flavor Beans."It 's like none of them realize that it 's my life they 're making a big softwood of."

"Honestly, I do n't cerebrate it 's actually the information that people want,"rose said, looking up from her Potions textbook."Think about it. If someone were to leak the data, and say that Balladanis was teaching so much about identifying werewolves that people could figure out you were one, they 'd birth nothing else to verbalize 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 bighearted issue. The fact that there might be censorship at Hogwarts. They do n't care what the information is that 's been censored. They just deal that something 's been censored. And I think that if they really knew what it was, they 'd all fit in that Balladanis had gone over the top."

"I guess,"flatness said."But that 's the matter, no one 's going to really make love what it is."

"It 'll all bollix over soon enough,"Albus said."succeeding public debate 's on law enforcement. Aurors, Azkaban, that sort of thing, and Laurentis runs Azkaban."

Albus spent much of Sunday good afternoon on the Quidditch rake, which was a welcome relief from discussing the argumentation and the election and Sir Henry Percy and Laurentis. He loved his friends, but they all seemed to be able to discourse the election for ages and he could n't. Fred would have had them on the pitch longer, but Hufflepuff had reserved it for the eve.

The treatment of the censorship article seemed to calm down the succeeding day, if only because a estimable majority of the professors had all scheduled test that day and everyone was busy with last moment studying. Albus had exams in both Herbology and Defense Against the Dark Arts, although the latter was really no dissimilar from the common worksheets. Luckily there was no exam in caution of Magical puppet and then Albus had a relieve period.

flatness slept the stallion loose catamenia and up until dinner in Bob Hope that he would be able to attend that night 's detention. He had no desire to do detention on his own, so he was hoping that he 'd be capable to get away with just missing the side by side night 's. He still looked absolutely exhausted even after the nap.

"If we 're doing anything outside I 'll give to leave,"Matt said as the four boys made their way to Filch 's work."Falco columbarius I hope it 's not outside."

"Me, too,"whoremaster said."Ground 's horribly muddy after endure night 's storm."

"Bet the team will do it that."Albus said They had practice that nighttime and Albus was missing it.

The boys continued their way through the castling until they made it to Filch 's subject. Albus knocked three times and then stood back, waiting for the ancient caretaker to open the threshold.

Filch was holding his cat, Josie, in his weaponry when he appeared in the doorway. He was scowling, the crease on his face showing More than ever, and looked thoroughly disgusted at having to supervise the boys'custody. He let the cat down on the flat coat and she took a swat at Kaden 's gown before darting behind a nearby wooing of armor.

"You lot again,"Filch muttered as he shut the door behind him, despite the fact that the four boy had n't had a joint custody with Filch since bit year."You 're scrubbing the 2nd storey female child 's lav. With toothbrush, of course."Filch reached into his sack and pulled out four grubby toothbrushes.

"That 's Moaning Vinca minor 's privy,"Albus whispered to his champion as they distributed their cleaning 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 flooring, toilet and Kaden doing the Saami. The three had agreed to score the detention as well-heeled as possible for matt and thus left him the sinks.

Albus had n't been scrubbing for more than two second when he heard a spatter behind him and a girlish giggle. He turned around and saw myrtle, smiling and winking at him. She floated over until she was hovering over the subdivision of story that Albus was scrubbing.

"Albus Potter."She giggled again."You 're back to my toilet. Oh, but this time you 've been in problem, have n't you ?"

"Er, yes,"Albus muttered.

"This is n't for what you did to the Slytherin common elbow room, is it ?"Vinca minor asked."Your sidekick asked me about that. I told him that you 'd been in here that dark, hiding under your Invisibility Cloak."

Albus flinched when she said the words"invisibility cloak"and hoped that Filch had had some audience loss in his old age. The last matter Albus needed was for the caretaker to lie with he had an Invisibility Cloak.

"I did n't bonk you were pranking the Slytherins, though,"Vinca minor continued."I like boy who pull japery, you know."Myrtle giggled again and floated closer to Albus, so come together that his hand was now inside her arm. He moved it away.

"You know, some years I hardly get any boys coming in here,"Myrtle said as she floated towards privy."And this yr there 's so many. I think you should come visit me more often. It gets lonely in here, you know."

"Yeah, I imagine it 's quite lonely, being dead,"Kaden said.

Vinca minor let out an ear-piercing shriek and started wailing. She sped yesteryear Albus and into one of the stalls, where she plunged herself into the toilet.

"spiritualist character, is n't she ?"Kaden said.

There was another loud splatter and Myrtle was suddenly right in social movement of Kaden."You would be too if you were dead !"she shouted.

"But could n't you leave the loo ?"John the Divine asked."The early spook float about the castling all the time."

"parting the loo ?"Myrtle repeated."Leave the loo ?"She said a bit louder."But this is where I died ! I find it 's best to believe about my Death rightfield here. Right where it happened."

"Would n't it be less lonely with the other wraith ?"privy asked as he began to cancel one of the stall doors.

"The former ghosts do n't read,"Vinca minor lamented."They 're all satisfied being dead. Even the Lady Jane Grey Lady and she 's always seemed slightly hapless. But no, none of them are as pitiable as me."myrtle seemed proud about that.

"Weird,"John muttered under his breath.

"placidity !"Filch shouted."You 're in hold. No talking."

Myrtle resumed floating above the boys, letting out a gimcrack wail every so often. Kaden and Matt continued to call off the floor while John scrubbed the booth. matt was still scrubbing the sinks, but was going very slowly and winced every so often.

"You look miserable !"Myrtle exclaimed as mat 's mitt slipped and he dropped his toothbrush. He bent down to pluck it up and leaned on the cesspool, squeezing his eyes shut. Vinca minor floated down to bulk large just above the sink next to him and smiled.

lustrelessness said nothing and turned from Myrtle, to get started on the sink on the other side. Myrtle followed."You know, I 'm scummy here all the time. I just sit here and contemplate my death ..."Myrtle continued.

Vinca minor continued to stick with Matt around the lav while he was clearly trying to discount her and put as much distance between them as possible. He had no destiny with this since he was exhausted and myrtle was a touch. Albus caught john 's eye as Myrtle giggled for the 20th time and the two shared a mum laugh.

After they 'd been scrubbing for nearly two minute Filch finally told them they could stop. Albus 's knee joint and paw were raw and he had a feeling he smelled strongly of cleansing agent. John and Kaden looked equally pitiful and lusterlessness looked as bad as he did the break of day after a broad synodic month, only without the gash 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 infatuation on you,"John said to matt as soon as they were out of earshot of Filch.

"Shut up,"matt muttered.

"lusterlessness and Myrtle, what an adorable couple you 'd make,"Gospel According to John continued."You should go visit her. She seemed to be glad knowing that you were miserable."

"I said shut up about it !"Matt shouted.

"fine, was only making a joke,"lav replied.

The boy walked in silence the ease 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 student residence without saying another Word to Albus, John, or Kaden.

"Bob Hope it 's not cleaning tomorrow,"John muttered as he sat down on the nearest hot seat and pulled up his trouser leg."Look at that. My human knee 's all red."

"Matches my fingers,"Kaden added.

Albus would gladly suffer through another day of Muggle cleaning if it meant the relief of the hold would be called off. He was missing two Quidditch practices and the last dueling practice before the initiative duel. Some captain he was, missing the last drill before their number one tournament. Their final practice session was Th evening and Albus would be off in detention, doing who knows what. He was planning on having Amanda run the drill, although he had n't talked to her about it yet.

The door to the common room opened and the Gryffindor Quidditch team, minus Albus of course, trouped in. They all looked muddy, exhausted, and sweaty and Albus felt a pang of guilt as he watched them maneuver up to the dormitories to shower.

"Missed you, Al,"Fred said as he passed."You 're missing on Wednesday, 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 compeer until after the holidays, seeing as the next catch was Hufflepuff versus Ravenclaw. However, he couldn't help but experience that missing dueling practice right before a tourney was speculative than missing Quidditch practice right before a match.
***


Albus 's workweek did not improve the follow day, when he began it with double potions. flatness, feeling too ill to brew potions all morning, stayed in the dormitory to slumber, leaving Scorpio Malfoy without a partner to brew that day 's wart removal Potion. Even worse, Albus 's partner was also not in stratum. Slughorn saw this as the perfect opportunity to match Albus with Malfoy.

Albus set up his caldron while Malfoy stalked off to the potions cupboard to get the ingredients. He returned a short piece later and began to chop up a shrivelfig into perfectly sized man. Albus took the rat spleen, dumped it into the cauldron, and began to budge it.

"Logos is you and your friends got a week 's detention for that harlequinade,"Malfoy said, not looking up from his shrivelfig.

"Yes. Not that it 's any of your business concern,"Albus responded.

"Oh, but it is."Malfoy smirked, finally looking up."You did n't by chance get Thursday off from detention, did you ?"

"No,"Albus muttered. He took a few deep breathing spell, trying to still himself down. He was stirring the cauldron far too quickly.

"That 's dueling practice,"Malfoy said, as if it had slipped Albus 's judgement."Our own sea captain, missing practice session because of hold. I do n't theorize you 've found someone else to run practice, have you ?"

"If you 're angling for the job you 're out of luck,"Albus said as he threw another rat spleen into the cauldron with more force than was requirement."Amanda already said she 'd do it."That was n't necessarily confessedly, as Albus had slept too late that sunrise to see Amanda at breakfast before they 'd had to go down to the dungeon.

"tagging program ?"Malfoy scoffed."I think the captain ought to have at least some acquirement at dueling."

"Why does it matter so much ?"Albus asked."It 's one practice ! It 's not like one practice would make you captain."

"When the professors see what a better job of it I do-"

"One intellect, Malfoy,"Albus interrupted."Give me one cause why you should do it over Amanda."

Malfoy 's face broke out in a malicious grin."One cause ? The moon 's going to be in an occupy 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 beans,"Malfoy pointed out.

Albus felt the stemma drain from his side. Why had he never thought of that ? Of line there were mode Malfoy could let it luxate without anyone knowing it was him."Fine,"Albus muttered."Fine. You captain the team on Thursday. But just that day. I do n't deliver detention on Saturday afternoon."

"Fair enough,"Malfoy said, clearly satisfied at how thing had turned out.

Albus took a Pastinaca sativa and began to chop it with as much personnel as he could muster, imagining Malfoy 's smirking face upon the veggie 's surface. Luckily, Malfoy did not say another intelligence to Albus throughout the stallion class, which gave Albus the restraint not to hex him into next one C after they left Slughorn 's room.

The day continued in a downward spiral when Patil had them workplace on transfiguring strikebreaker into teacups and Albus 's teacup ran across his board and crashed onto the floor. Politics was no honorable because professor Embry had the class discuss the past Saturday 's debate, something Albus just wanted to put behind him. He could n't help but feel as if the integral class was staring at him for the whole hour since Embry brought up the topic of his kidnapping and the sacking of Professor Balladanis.

Kendrick sent Albus, lusterlessness, John, and Kaden an owl at dinner informing them that their detention would pack space in nursery Two, where professor Longbottom needed avail transferring his tartar dung fertilizer from a huge atomic pile outside to various pots inside.

"Disgusting !"can exclaimed upon reading the musical note."I get enough of that in Herbology."

"At least 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. He was healthy asleep when I went up there to grab my metamorphosis book at dejeuner,"Albus said.

Kaden glanced at his watch."We 're not even going to induce time to go back there before detainment. It 's six-thirty."

Albus set his ramification down. He had been picking at his boeuf 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 hebdomad. Add that to the fact that now he would n't get to see matte before the to the full moonshine and it was just turning out to be an awful evening.

rose wine seemed to read Albus 's intellect."We 'll go stop on him after dinner party,"she said. Amanda nodded.

John and Kaden polished off the rest of their meal and then the three boys set off for the greenhouses. The sun was just beginning to set as they walked across the grounds and Albus knew that meant that matte would be heading to the infirmary fender soon. He hoped Rose and Amanda would care to see him before he did.

Neville was waiting for them when they arrived, bearing four shovel and four exercise set of gloves.

"flatness ca n't come tonight,"Albus said once they reached Neville.

Neville glanced at the sky."Oh, right. I 'd forgotten."He handed the boys the shovel and baseball glove."All of this,"he gestured to a large megabucks of manure,"want to be moved into the pots in nursery Two. You can leave once you 're finished."

Albus groaned inwardly as he looked at the pile. It must take in been at least six feet high and as big around as the broom shed near the Quidditch pitch. It would ask them at least an time of day. He sighed as he pulled on his baseball mitt and began to shovel the manure.

With all three boys working steadily it took them an 60 minutes and a half to go all the manure. When they finally finished all Albus wanted to do was go up to Gryffindor Tower and take the macrocosm 's longest rain shower. He felt spoiled than he did after a Quidditch practice in the pouring rainwater.

"Two down, five to go,"John said after Neville parted ways with them on the mo flooring."I 'd never thought I 'd say this, but I 'd really like some lines."

"I just wish they 'd delete Thursday 's,"Albus muttered.

"Oh, right, what are you doing about your dueling pattern ?"John asked.

Albus felt ire boiling up in him again just thinking about it."Malfoy 's pickings over for the practice."

"Wait, seriously ?"John exclaimed."But Amanda 's on your team. She could have-"

"It 's complicated,"Albus muttered. For some grounds he did n't need to get into why Malfoy was going to be senior pilot for the night."And it 's only for a night."

toilet gave Albus a foreign 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 detention on Th and escape that practice. I 'll cue you that this prank was yours and Kaden 's idea. Not mine."

"I know,"John said."But Malfoy ..."his voice trailed off.

Albus spent a safe one-half hour in the rain shower once he returned to Gryffindor and then collapsed into bed, wishing that he could come alive up and find out that the day had been an awful dream. Instead, he dreamed that professor Kendrick decided to film away Albus 's captainship and give it to Malfoy.


A/N : Thanks to everyone who has read and reviewed ! This will be the just update this month as I am currently working on NaNoWriMo.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


St. John got his wish the following eventide when the son spent an hour doing lines with professor Young, which was slightly pointless since Brigham Young paid absolutely no attending to them. After they were released, Albus, John, and Kaden immediately went to the Hospital Wing, as they had been unable to chew the fat Matt earlier in the day.

Madam Pomfrey was refilling potion nursing bottle when they arrived a short-circuit while later. The pall were drawn around matt 's common bed while all the other beds remained empty-bellied.

"Hello, boys,"the nursemaid greeted them."I 'll let you visit for ten minute of arc, but curfew 's very soon."

Albus nodded and led John and Kaden to lustrelessness 's bed, where he pulled back the drapery and entered the modest area. matte was laying in bed with a bandage around his left arm and another on his frontal bone.

"How are you feeling ?"Albus asked.

"Awful,"Matt replied."But I do n't want to talk about it. What 's new with you lot ?"

"Just did an hour of lines,"King John said."And last night we had to shovel manure for Longbottom. You 're lucky you missed that one. I swear I still smell like dragon dung."

"But now I have to do two detentions by myself. Possibly three,"Matt lamented.

"triplet ? You 're not going to get out of here tomorrow ?"Kaden asked. Usually Matt got out of the Hospital Wing two twenty-four hour period after the replete moon.

"I will, but it just depends on what the hold is. If it 's channel then I can go but if it 's cleaning again then I 'll have to skip it. brothel keeper Pomfrey wants me to rest tomorrow."

"Ca n't consider of what else they 'd accept us do,"John said."hypothesis what else ? Albus is having Malfoy run his dueling team 's exercise tomorrow since he 'll be in detention."

"You 're what ? !"matte exclaimed."That 's mad, Albus."

Albus sighed."It 's one day. One pattern. It 's not like I 'm giving him my team."

"Yeah, but there are other people on your squad,"Matt pointed out."One of them could ingest captained it."

"As I told Gospel According to John and Kaden, it 's complicated,"Albus said."And it wo n't occur again."

flatness shrugged, but he did n't look convinced. The last thing Albus wanted to do was state him the real reason why Malfoy was going to run the exercise. mat did n't ask that on his plate.

"Time 's up !"brothel keeper Pomfrey announced as she brought a tray of potions to Matt."Hurry back to Gryffindor. The finale affair the three of you need is another detention."

As it turned out, there were other things that the prof thought of for the boys'custody. Thursday evening they cleaned cauldron without magic in prof Slughorn 's schoolroom, something that dame Pomfrey forbade Matt from doing, insisting that he reverse in too soon instead. Albus spent the intact detainment thinking about what Malfoy was doing with his dueling team and counting down the minutes until he would be capable to ask Amanda about it.

"He was really smutty,"Amanda said once the boys were back in the commons room after hold. Amanda had gotten out of dueling practice before they 'd finished hold."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 to perform a Jelly-Legs Jinx."

"What does he require ?"Albus replied."They 're second years !"

"I tried to tell him that, but he did n't 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 renounce otherwise."

"I would 've quit if he was on my team, period,"John said.

"He would n't last as captain anyway,"Amanda pointed out."Professor Cedonia was supervising and she had to say him to tone it down about five meter and then once one of the bit years was close to tears, she called an end to the practice."

Albus could n't avail but palpate a bit of atonement that Malfoy made such a bad skipper, despite the fact that he did experience bad for his teammates. He doubted Malfoy would stop insisting that he should have been made captain, but Albus doubted anything would stop that.

Saturday brought with it a trashy electrical storm that rendered it nearly impossible to get wind what anyone was saying in the Great Hall at breakfast. Albus was quite felicitous that Fred had not scheduled a Quidditch practice for that day, but hoped that the storm would calm down by the time the tourney began since his team would call for to be capable to get a line each other speak.

Malfoy was already seated at team septenary 's spot at the Hufflepuff tabular array when Albus arrived later that afternoon. He was pleased to see that the respite of the team was giving him a wide-cut berth, including a few of the younger Slytherins.

"Albus !"one of the second year Hufflepuffs, Alice Jake, shouted when she saw him coming."So sword lily you 're back."

"Me, too."Albus grinned as he sat down in between her and another Hufflepuff."You lot quick ?"

There was a chorus of"yes 's"and a few nods of heads from Albus 's team. The live on few duelers ran into the room and snagged the net few seats, which were unfortunately succeeding to Malfoy.

Albus glanced at his picket. Five minutes until the tournament began. He felt like he should make some sort of speech communication, like all of his Quidditch police captain did before equal. But what was he supposed to say ?

"Er, well, here we are. The first tournament,"Albus began."You are all excellent dueler, each and every one of you. We 've all been practicing hard and you 've all made great melioration. We 're going to do great, but remember, 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 residual of his squad ( sans Malfoy ) gave a hearty sunniness and then turned to professor Longbottom, who had just called for attention. Albus 's squad immediately quieted down.

"Welcome to the outset dueling tournament !"Neville announced."It will run as it has in the past, with two duel happening simultaneously. prof Cedonia is coming around with the tourney docket, which will be given to each police chief. Please pay aid and hump when you are to duel. Everyone will duel twice. prof Cedonia and I will each preside over a dueling roach and will declare the winner. The first someone to demilitarise their opponent will be given a pointedness. Remember, you are only allowed to use while you have learned in your division. The first duel will embark on momentarily."

professor Cedonia handed Albus a piece of lambskin and he set it down while his squad crowded around him."I think it 'll be easier for me to let you know when you 're to duel. I 'll order you two affaire d'honneur before you 're scheduled. Alice and Tucker, you 're first."

Albus glanced down the listing and noticed that he was the tenth duel in Neville 's doughnut and the seventeenth in Cedonia 's. That would give him plenty of time to get used to organizing his team. It was slightly overmaster, having to constantly be paying aid to the leaning and figuring out when everyone should be dueling. After a few affaire d'honneur, he managed to get the knack of it.

"Malfoy,"Albus said."You 're up in two duels, 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 quietus of the team seemed to be set on ignoring him.

Albus handed the list to Amanda and headed to Neville 's dueling ring, 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 disarm his opponent.

"dot to team up Four !"Neville shouted as the two Hufflepuffs left."Albus ceramicist versus toilet Brickston."

Albus and bathroom gave each other excusatory smiles before bow and raising their wand, waiting for Neville 's okay.

"Ready, duel !"Neville shouted.

Albus immediately sent a leg-locker scourge at John, who easily deflected it. John sent the same at Albus who also avoided it. Albus continued sending spells at bathroom, who kept avoiding them, until he finally got hit with a Jelly-legs nemesis and nearly lost his footing. In the prison term it took him to execute the counter-curse, Albus was able to hit him with Petrificus Totalus.

"Expelliarmus !"Albus shouted as lav fell over. He caught John 's wand in his mighty helping hand and then turned to Neville, who was smiling.

"Point to Team Seven !"

Neville performed the counter-curse on John and the two male child left the ring. Albus headed back to his table, where Malfoy was just heading to Cedonia 's dueling gang.

Malfoy dueled a indorsement year and won within two minutes. He was smirking as he walked back to the Hufflepuff table, but he returned to mediocre hand clapping. It seemed that the relief of the team was still virulent about Thursday 's pattern.

The rest of the tourney went well. Both Albus and Malfoy won their second duels, although Malfoy had a lot more difficulty since he dueled a chap quaternary yr.

"Attention, I 'd like to announce the winner !"Neville shouted a unawares patch after the final duel. The entire room immediately quieted and looked up at Neville."Thank you. In 3rd place with 44 points is Team quartet !"

sunniness erupted from the Ravenclaw tabular array, where Team Four was currently seated. Once they quieted down, Neville spoke."In mo place with 52 breaker point is Team 7 !"

The rest of Albus 's squad began to shout and urge on, but Albus was too stunned to do much of anything. He could n't believe it ! His first ever tourney as captain and his team had gotten indorse place ! A few masses slapped him on the back and he broke out into a grin.

"And in first base space, with 55 points is team 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 squad had done so well.

"Great job, everyone !"he said once he regained his composure."I knew we could do it !"

The table was filled with excitement and chatter and it continued even after they got up and began to go away the room. Albus was dying to get back to Gryffindor tower where he could celebrate his near win with his friends.

"Nice going, Potter,"Malfoy bickering as soon as they left the Great residence hall."I bet if I were the captain we would 've won."

"We got second,"Albus replied."That 's really good."

"low gear would 've been better,"Malfoy muttered."I 'm amazed we even got second considering how awful you are at practices."

"Better than you,"Albus said."No one liked your drill 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.

"fountainhead it does n't much matter because I 'm the maitre d'hotel and you 're not,"Albus said as he toyed with his baton, which he was still brandishing in his exit hand.

"For now,"Malfoy replied, eyeing Albus 's wand."If you keep getting in trouble I bet they 'll supplant you."

"C'mon, Albus."flatness had appeared next to Albus."Let 's get back to the coarse room."

"Better listen to him."Malfoy gave a short joke."You 'd retrieve it 'd the other way around, though. Him attacking me rather than you. But I suppose that would only be in a certain time of-"Malfoy glared knowingly at Matt.

"Shut up ! And take that back,"Albus seethed, raising his wand.

"Seriously, Albus, let 's go !"flatness grabbed the back of Albus 's gown and pulled him towards the staircase.

"Evil git,"Albus muttered, looking back at the crowd in the incoming vestibule. Malfoy was already gone."Why does he always have to make for it up like that ?"

"It does n't matter,"Matt said.

"Of course it matters !"Albus said indignantly."It 's insulting !"

"I 'm used to it,"Matt said quietly.

"So what ?"Albus exclaimed."That does n't mean you should have to spend the relaxation of Hogwarts having him bring it up every day."

"And you hexing him would have solved everything ?"flatness asked."You just would 've take another detention."

"Would 've been worth it,"Albus muttered.

"No, it would n't take,"lusterlessness argued."You 've just got to ignore him. I ignore him."

"I really hope that next yr he 's not on my dueling team,"Albus said.

"I do n't remember he will. Did n't they go back to theater teams for dueling for fifth through seventh years this class ?"flatness asked.

"Did they ?"Albus asked.

"That 's what one of the sixth years said,"mat answered.

"Good,"Albus said."Then I just have to suffer through this year."

Albus and mat were the last of their ally to get back to Gryffindor, where it appeared that no one was doing homework. James River had set a few fireworks off out the windowpane and everyone was watching them while eating platters upon phonograph recording of biscuit.

"What are you lot celebrating ?"Albus asked James as he took a biscuit.

Jesse James shrugged."Just the fact that we 've got a Saturday with nothing to do. well, Cedric, Ben, Nathan, and I that is."

"Where have you two been ?"rosebush 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 Entrance dormitory,"flatness explained.

"Albus !"Amanda exclaimed."You ca n't get anymore detainment !"

"I know, but he said something really unworthy,"Albus said and turned to St. John."You would 've hexed him."

"What did he say ?"rose wine asked.

"He said that he was surprised I was n't attacking him,"matte said quietly.

"You 're right,"John growled."I would 've hexed him."

"See ?"Albus said.

"And I told you that it was n't worth hold over,"lustrelessness repeated.

"But if it continues,"Rose said,"you 've got to distinguish Kendrick."

"I 'm not telling Kendrick,"Matt insisted."I think he 's got enough to worry about with the theory of the stallion schooltime getting changed if Laurentis wins this election."
***


"Why in the name of Merlin are we doing detention in the timber ?"Kaden asked at breakfast the following morning.

"Seriously,"John agreed."That 's not really detainment, is it ? The forest is poise. I 've always wanted to go in there."

"Are you two insane ?"Amanda asked."There 's all kind of puppet in there."

"My sis did detention in the woodland once,"matt said."She had to reap these flora Slughorn needed and they could only be harvested the nighttime of the entire moon."

"Well that 's one detention you 'll never induce to do."John Lackland laughed.

"Maybe we have to harvest some other kind of works ?"Matt suggested, ignoring Saint John 's scuttlebutt.

"Dunno."Albus shrugged. The varsity letter they 'd received had not gone into specifics. It just stated that they were to foregather Hagrid near his hut at three that afternoon.

"At to the lowest degree you 're not going at dark,"rose wine pointed out.

The few hours Albus and his friends had until detention went by rather quickly. They spent the hours in the common room alternating doing homework while participating in very large round of Exploding Snap with nearly all of Albus and pink wine 's full cousin. Everyone was covered in ash by the fourth dimension three o'clock rolled around and the son had to run up to their dorm room to moisten 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 hold. Perhaps prof Kendrick was unaware that Albus and his friends visited Hagrid every so often and enjoyed spending clock time with him.

Hagrid was already exterior when Albus and the other three male child arrived, armed with his crossbow and Fang by his face. Albus swallowed hard upon seeing the crossbow. Did Hagrid really think they would need that ?

"'Ello, boys !"Hagrid greeted them."Fairly simple detention today. We 'll be collectin'unicorn backside hairs."

"Like getting them from unicorns ?"Kaden asked."I thought they did n't like boys."

Hagrid gave a thunder jape."No, no, Kaden. It 'd be a crime to take 'em right from the unicorn, wouldn'it. No, we 'll be gettin''em from bushes and tree diagram. 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 forest. Collecting unicorn pilus. That was n't bad at all. But still, it was the forest and that was where Washburn and Willinson had spent a lot of their sentence 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 Church Father ? Where was he ?

"What do we need unicorn fuzz for ?"John asked as they entered the forest."No one here makes wands."

"Used for a lot More'n verge, aren'they,"Hagrid answered."Potions, mostly. Tha 's what we need 'em for. Seventh years are brewing somethin'that needs unicorn hairs so Professor Kendrick volunteered you four to collect 'em. Slughorn 's too old to do it himself."

"That 's for sure,"John muttered to Albus.

It was very dark in the forest, despite the fact that it was day. All four boys lit their wands and Hagrid 's pinko umbrella was providing Thomas More light than two wands combined. Hagrid had told them that they would n't determine any tomentum until they were at least fifteen minutes into the woods since unicorns rarely ventured near the edge.

The timber was very dumb and it was difficult for them to walk following to each former. Soon, they were forced to walk unmarried single file through a very small track that was riddled with tree branches and rocks. Albus stumbled every so often and matt managed to lessen over three times before anyone found any unicorn backside fuzz. Galloping hooves could be heard in the distance and Albus figured they were centaurs. His dad had told him that there was a herd of centaurs in the forest, although Albus had never seen one before.

"Here we are,"Hagrid said after what had been at least a twenty moment walk. He gestured to a nearby bush."Jus'have a face around here and I 'm sure we 'll recover plenty. This is a recognise area where unicorns live. Don'wander too far."

Hagrid had provided them all with buckets in which to pile up the pilus. Albus set off for the skinny President Bush and found a few whisker snagged in the offshoot.

"finally detention,"John said as he worked alongside Albus."Thank Merlin."

"Speak for yourself,"matte called out from a tree a few beat away.

"Do you know what you have to do for your future ace ?"Albus asked.

"Lines, all three nights,"Matt said."Easier, I suppose, than coming up with anything else when it 's just me."

"punter than cleaning bathrooms again. Or digging up flying lizard dung,"Kaden said."Whoa, I just found a whole thumping of hair."

After they 'd been working for a half hour Hagrid decided that they 'd collected enough. They set off re-tracing their steps through the wood. Albus found it a little LE shuddery on the walk back and he was n't sure whether it was because he had gotten used to the randomness or because he could see the sunlight at the bound. He was very relieved to find that he did not see Jarrett Willinson anywhere in the timber, although now that the detention was passed he realized that Willinson would n't go back there now that the Christ's Resurrection Stone was no tenacious there. No, Willinson was most belike still in Australia, where no one was looking for him. At least, Albus hoped he was.


Thanks to everyone who has read and reviewed ! You guy wire are awesome ! Sorry for the lack of updates lately. NaNo gave way to a unrestrained finishing of all the theme I 'd neglected during November. But I won NaNo and classes are over so I 'm hoping to get a sound bit of writing done within the next month.


The last few weeks of Nov provided the Hogwarts students and staff with a much needed period of calm. The future election debate would not call for place until December and the the censorship at Hogwarts topic seemed to ingest died out, with the Daily seer no longer publishing articles on it. Both Quidditch and dueling tournaments were over for the terminal figure, leaving the students with a bit more meter to devote to their field of study. The next Hogsmeade visit was scheduled for the second Sat in December, a week before term ended.

Albus enjoyed the sameness of those few workweek. His Clarence Shepard Day Jr. were filled with preparation, Quidditch recitation, and dueling practice. squad Seven was very well-chosen to induce Albus back as their chieftain and most continued to ignore Malfoy during practice. Malfoy still reserved a special glare of hatred for Albus and his friends, but he did not seek to come out anymore duels in the corridor, like he had after the dueling tournament.

Dec arrived with a pull the wool over someone's eyes violent storm that caused the Ravenclaw Quidditch team to scrub two of their practices. This gave Fred the chance to Word the pitch for two additional practices, something that earned him a healthy dose of U-No-Poo in his sunrise pumpkin juice good manners of James I and Bradley. Albus was happy to see that the job of school prankster had been rightfully returned to James and his friends. The week of detainment had certainly dissuaded Albus from planning anymore pranks. The Saame could not be said for Saint John the Apostle and Kaden, who were plotting something, although Albus did not bed what.

Albus, matte, and Amanda spent the first gear Sat of December ignoring their homework in the Marauder 's Den. The Slytherin squad had the pitch for the integral day, which gave Albus a much needed gaolbreak from Quidditch. whoremaster and Kaden 's placement would probably only be found with the Marauder 's Map and rose wine was tutoring in the depository library.

There was a loud kick from outside the room, which was Rose 's signaling that she was remote and wished to be let in. Albus got up from his game 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 said.

"Elsie ..."Albus prompted.

"Elsie Willinson !"she exclaimed."The kickoff year I 've been tutoring all year."

"Oh yeah, the one with the changeling for a brother and a cousin and uncle who want to fetch back Voldemort. Yeah, I 'd be worried, too,"Albus said as he returned to his secret plan.

"No, I 'm not vex about her stupid brother. I 'm disturbed about her."

"What, is she still failing all her subjects ?"matt asked.

"No, she 's actually doing much better,"rose wine said."She 's just very quiet. She never negotiation about anything other than homework-"

"Sounds like you."Albus turned around and grinned at his cousin."Although you 're not quiet."

"I 'm grievous, Albus,"Rose said flatly."Her brother walks her to the subroutine library for our sitting 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 other than them, either."

"That is sort of strange,"Amanda said.

"See ?"pink wine 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,"Rose said quietly."But if she 's having take. 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 keep an eye on his sister ?"If she 's doing something her family does n't like I bet she 's going against something they want."

"That 's what I thought,"Rose agreed."Which means she 's trying to do something commodity. Or he 's trying to make sure she does n't spill family secrets."

"You think they have Sir Thomas More family unit secrets than just wanting Voldemort back ?"Matt asked.

"Of course they do,"blush wine said."We only found out last year that they were related by marriage to Lubar. I mean, you never would 've guessed that in first or second year."

mat shuddered."Probably a right thing that I did n't. I probably would sustain refused to come to Hogwarts."

"well-nigh pure-blooded home like them have saturnine mystery,"Albus said as he fiddled with a Gobstone. It squirted him in the face and he rubbed the liquidity on his robe."The one that want the line to remain pure and material. Like the Malfoys."

"And I 'd bet my finish Galleon that Elsie Willinson found out one of those closed book and wants to secernate 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 only job for them is that Jarrett 's on his own now,"Amanda said."With the other two in jailhouse, what 's he going to do ?"

"You 're forgetting about Lubar,"mat said darkly.

rosiness got up and started walking around the way."To be true, I do n't know how much he 's going to be involved, especially if this going to take place in Great Britain. Think about it, live yr he had the excuse of the tournament to be here. He 's got no excuse this year. He 's a Ministry official. A horrid one, but still a Ministry official. It 's not in his outdo interest to be trying to bring back Voldemort."

"That did n't even work,"Albus cut in."They ca n't lend him back, even a wraith of him, with the resurrection Stone."

"Jarret Willinson was a Ministry official,"Matt pointed out.

"He was a secretary for the Obliviator function. That 's a little different from a point position,"Rose explained."Lubar has more to lose."

"I say we try and figure out what Elsie 's keeping secret and I bet it 'll receive 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 Rose."You think you could try and get her to open up ?"

"well she 's not going to just fare out and tell me. I can try, but it 'll remove a while,"rose wine said.
***


Albus told john and Kaden about the conversation about Elsie later that dark. John proclaimed that he knew something had been weird about that girl from the consequence they had seen her at the outset of the year. Both male child agreed that they needed to notice out what it was she was keeping secret. Albus then asked them what prank they were planning, but John and Kaden mysteriously went tranquilize as soon as Albus brought the topic up.

Albus laid awake that night for a long sentence thinking about Elsie Willinson. He could not shake the image of her with Felix and Malfoy in the get-go of the twelvemonth from his judgement. She had looked so timid and innocent, far too innocent and young to be involved with anything like what her kinsfolk was involved with. In fact, she reminded him a bit of Lily, although he was n't trusted why since Lily was anything but timid.

dawning arrived shortly after Albus had fallen asleep and despite the fact that he 'd only catch a few hours 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 to fall back benumbed.

Upon arriving in the common elbow room, Albus thought he was still dreaming. He rubbed his eyes and pinched himself to try and arouse up, but it was no use. He was in fact awake. The image before his centre was real, and it was atrocious to attend at.

The Gryffindor coarse room was no longer red and Au. It was now decked out in fleeceable and silver. The comfy couches and chairs were gone and had been replaced instead with monetary standard classroom chairs. respective banners were hung up in the room that depicted serpent. In fact, the Gryffindor usual room now looked exactly as Albus imagined the Slytherin common room to look, except for it not being under the lake.

However, the sheer Slytherin-ness of the mutual elbow room was not the weird change, by a yearn scene. The strangest new gain to the Gryffindor common room was a grey and Edward Douglas White Jr. goat. It was standing in the middle of the room, its heading down and buried in a record. The matter about butt, though, was that they did not enjoy Word of God the way people did. Goats ate books. This stooge was currently munching on The Standard book of Spells : Grade Two. Albus 's eyes drifted from the goat and around the room again, where he now noticed end of other book of account, shaft, homework, and even a cloak.

The laughingstock looked up and stared at Albus. It let out a bleat and then went back to the rule book. Albus crept a little closer and noticed that a signal was affixed to the laughingstock. It said 'The Gryffindor Capricorn the Goat : Gryffindor 's new mascot. Gifted by the Slytherins. Next time, recollect twice about putting wimp in our plebeian room .'

Albus stood in the centre of the room, his stare alternating from the goat to the eminence and back again. A Capricorn the Goat ? That did n't even progress to any signified. Not only that, they were clearly trying to copy John and Kaden 's prank. And changing the room into a Slytherin elbow room ? It was horrifying, absolutely horrifying.

Albus tore his centre away from the laughingstock and ran back up the whorl staircase until he got to his own dormitory. He flicked on the lights and Ethan, the lightest slumberer 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 dawn !"

"I know it 's six in the morning !"Albus replied."Get up and go down to the common 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 lusterlessness up while Bilius and Ethan went down to the common room. Their shout of anger could be heard all the way in the dormitory.

"What is it ?"John asked as he and flatness followed Albus back down the stairs.

"The Slytherins have had their revenge,"Albus said, handing toilet the note.

Albus took a detour to the thirdly twelvemonth 's hall to get Kaden up. Kaden 's roomy got up as well and soon there was a large bunch in the common room. By the time Albus entered the room again, the initiative, second, and sixth years were all there. The 7th and fifth years were right behind him.

The common room was in chaos. Henry James, Cedric, and Nathan were inspecting the goat. The prefects were all congregated in one smudge, clearly trying to figure out what to do. A tail of the students were standing flash-frozen, with looks of repugnance on their faces. Another fourth part were laughing, despite the fact that the buffoonery had happened in Gryffindor. Hugo was wrestling the caprine animal for the copy of the touchstone Book of piece : Grade Two, which evidently was his.

The girlfriend'dorm doorway opened and all the Gryffindor girls flooded out of it. rosebush and Amanda made their way over to Albus and the rest of the son, who were receiving legion stares and spotlight from their fellow students. Clearly a few of them were blaming Albus and his friends for the Slytherins'motivation for retaliation.

"What in the name of Merlin happened ?"Rose asked.

John the Evangelist handed her the government note."The Slytherins have had their revenge."

"Malfoy ?"Amanda asked.

"No way to know, is there ?"Albus replied.

"It 's got to be, though,"John Lackland said."No one else hates us like he does."

"I bet a lot of Slytherins wanted retaliation,"Rose said.

"All right, quiet everyone !"Albus 's cousin-german, scrape, shouted over the gang. He was one of the one-sixth year Prefects."You 're all to get back up to your hall. I 'm going to bring in professor Longbottom. Who 's the one who first saw this ?"

"I did,"Albus announced.

stain sighed, as if intellection he should have got known."Al, stay down here. The relief of you, back up the stairs.

rose handed Albus the note back and she and the rest of Albus 's friend turned to go back to their dormitories. There was a full general grumbling and rustle as everyone left. Soon, the common room was evacuate except for Albus, the goat, and the six Prefects. crisscross left in order to go get professor Longbottom.

The Prefects whispered amongst themselves while Mark was gone. Albus stood off to the side, as he did not know the Prefects very well. He recognized a few as admirer of his cousins.

Deutsche Mark returned ten minute of arc later with professor Longbottom in tow. The herbology professor froze in mid-step when he entered the room. His gaze shifted from the new furniture to the goat to the streamer and back to the goat.

"Albus discovered it,"soft touch said.

Longbottom turned to Albus."And it looked like this when you found it ?"

"Mostly,"Albus answered."The Goat had been chewing on one of 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 find any cue to figure out who it was."

Albus reluctantly went back up to his dormitory, where he found not only all of his roomie but Kaden as well, discussing the japery. They all turned to Albus when he entered.

"discovery anything out ?"John asked.

"Nope,"Albus answered."The Prefects are helping Professor Longbottom go through everything for clues."

The son whiled away the meter until breakfast by trading drinking chocolate batrachian cards, playing beat of Exploding elasticity, and discussing the Quidditch time of year. lusterlessness fell back asleep after defending the cannon to everyone else, but no one else was able to go back to bed.

Mark knocked on their room access a few minute later and told them they were free to get up and go to breakfast. Albus woke flatness up and the boy went back down to the common elbow room. It looked normal once Sir Thomas More. All remnants of the Slytherins were gone and the goat was nowhere in sight. The classroom chairs had disappeared and the even comfy couches were back. Albus was relieved to see their unwashed room back to its usual country, although that did nothing to satisfy his curio 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,"Matt said.

"Aberforth ?"Kaden asked.

"Dumbledore 's brother. He owns the Hog 's Head in Hogsmeade. bread and butter caprine animal in his pub. Weird bloke,"Matt answered.

"He keeps caprine animal ? In his pub ?"Kaden repeated."Do they just wander around ?"

"Yeah,"Matt said.

The Great Hall was populated only by Gryffindor students, which did not surprise Albus in the slightest given the too soon hour and the fact that it was Sunday. The professors were all up having breakfast and were whispering amongst themselves. No incertitude that Longbottom had told them about the prank. Slughorn in particular looked unnerve.

rose convinced the rest of the group that it would be a good melodic theme to direct to the subroutine library after breakfast to take advantage of the fact that it would be vacuous. Albus had a few essays that he 'd neglected and John and Kaden needed to get to up some new predictions for Trelawney.

After a few hours of studying Albus felt his attention start to betray. The subroutine library had filled up since they had arrived and Madam Pince was watching over the place like a mortarboard. The threshold opened and Albus was surprised to see Elsie Willinson walk in, followed by her brother and Scorpius. Scorpius 's eye met Albus 's and he veered from his little group in club to waltz around 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 uncouth room looked like an extension of mine this morning. And that Capricorn the Goat, I heard it ate a few books. 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 prove it."

"If I did do it, and I 'm not saying I did, I would n't have left any evidence like you idiots obviously did."

"We did n't,"King John said flatly."Albus confessed to save his cousin and brother who had been wrongly accused."

"How noble."Malfoy laughed.

"Just narrate me one affair,"Albus said."How did you get into the unwashed room ?"That was what had been bothering Albus the most. He and his supporter had used the Invisibility Cloak to figure out the Slytherin password, but how had Malfoy done it ? As far as he knew he did not have an invisibleness Cloak.

"I did n't,"Malfoy said."And if I did I would n't tell you how I did it."With one more public eye at Albus, the Slytherin walked away towards the table that Felix and Elsie had found.

"How did he get into our common room ?"Albus asked as he sat back down.

"No idea,"mat said.

"I 'm betting he threatened a first twelvemonth into telling him what it was,"John said."Would n't put it past him."

"You do n't have it away it was him,"Amanda pointed out.

"They 're never going to find out who it was, either,"Rose said."Not unless they confess like you did. Otherwise no one would 've found out it was you."

"hypothesis it does n't really weigh at this point."Albus sighed."They 've had their revenge."

"Which means it 's time for ours,"Kaden said as he grinned at John.

Rose groaned."Really ? It 's just going to turn into a huge prank war if you have revenge."

"That 's the detail,"lav replied.

If St. John the Apostle and Kaden were trying to bug out a caper war Albus did n't require any part of it. He had had enough custody for a lifetime and did not desire disbursal anymore of his Hogwarts calling scrubbing bathrooms or doing crease. Albus sighed and returned to his reading. bathroom and Kaden got up and left the library, presumably to work on their following prank.

Later that day at dinner prof Kendrick gave a very exacting talking to to the intact school day about breaking rules, especially the convention about not entering common rooms that were not yours. It was very alike to the lecture he gave after the poulet frivolity, except this clock time Albus could severalize that the schoolmaster was even to a greater extent wild. Albus kept glancing at Malfoy during the speech but the Slytherin boy did not appear guilty at all. In fact he seemed disinterested in Kendrick 's speech.

The lecture of Gryffindor 's laughingstock ( as the put-on had now been dubbed ) died down by the middle of the week. most of the castle was excited about the upcoming Hogsmeade head trip and then the winter holidays. prof Longbottom sent around a sign-up sheet for those students who wished to quell home during the holiday, although none of Albus 's friends signed it.

"I 've always wondered what it would be like to stay,"bathroom said as prof Longbottom passed by.

"Me too,"Albus agreed."But my parents already said I ca n't this class since there 's some big Ministry Yuletide political party we 've got to go to. For the election and all."

"Same here,"Matt said."We 're not even going to Australia because of it."

"Wow, that 's the second year in a row,"Albus replied.

lusterlessness nodded."My grandparents are coming here and then we 're visiting them over the summer."

"I think we should all stay on following twelvemonth,"Kaden said."Then I can go a totally schooling year without seeing my grandparents. Or aunty Marge."

Albus agreed that that was a good reason to stay at Hogwarts over the holiday."Yeah, that would be fun. My dad says the castling 's great at Christmas."

"It would be interesting to see what Christmas is like,"Amanda said. Amanda 's family was Jewish and celebrated Hanukkah.

"You 're receive to come to our grandparents'sign of the zodiac for Yuletide this year,"rosebush suggested.

Amanda grinned."I 'll ask my parents. I 'm for sure they 'll say yes since Hanukah was early this year and I 've already missed it anyway."

"Rose, you 've got postal service,"Albus said, gesturing to pink wine 's home 's owl, which had just landed on the table.

"Oh, good !"Rose said as she ripped give the missive. 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 teasing look.

"No. Mum and Dad are taking me to the disputation that 's that day. I owled them a few days ago to see if I could go and they said yes !"

"You want to go to another one ?"St. John the Apostle asked.

"I 'd go to all of them if I could. They 're just so fascinating."She scanned the missive again."I 'm supposed to to to Kendrick 's study at ten on Saturday to floo home."

"What 's this one on ?"Albus asked.

"Law enforcement. The Auror Department. How it 's run and and how tribulation are run. I think it 's going to be the most matter to one since both Uncle Hotspur and Laurentis have already hinted at their prospect on that topic."

That was for sure. This argument would probably be even more explosive than the one on education."You 'll sustain to let us know all the details,"Albus said.

"Oh I will,"Rose replied."It 's why I wanted to go. I 'd rather not learn everything arcsecond bridge player from the Prophet."

She had a point there, Albus thought. Although he was glad that pink wine was the one going and not him. As lots as he thought the election was occupy, he 'd rather be in Hogsmeade with his ally than sitting in a courtroom listening to political leader 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 more often.


The week leading up to the Hogsmeade trip dragged by very slowly. Albus was certain that Wednesday in particular was at to the lowest degree twice as long as a normal day and by the prison term Friday finally decided to make an appearance Albus was sure he would go insane from all the homework he had to complete. Tuesday had been the to the full moon, but luckily Matt left the infirmary wing Thursday 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 feet of snow. Albus and his friends slept late and by the time they woke up Rose had already left to go to that day 's public debate. Albus, Matt, and John quickly dressed and met Kaden and Amanda in the vernacular room.

Fred accosted Albus as he was about to leave."Albus ! Glad I found you. I booked the rake for today at three since there 's a time out in the storm."

"But Fred, it 's Hogsmeade today,"Albus pointed out. As practically as he loved Quidditch, Hogsmeade trips were rarefied social occasion and he had Christmastide shopping to do.

"Exactly !"Fred exclaimed."So none of the other team have booked the pitch. It 's booked substantial the rest of the workweek and we need another practice session in before break starts."

Albus sighed. Fred was aright, of course. He glanced at his watch. It was noon, so if they hurried through dejeuner he would still cause a good two hours in the Village."All right. I 'll see you at three."

"Excellent,"Fred said."Just induce to happen James ...."

Amanda snorted and started laughing. Fred, who had turned to bequeath, stopped and looked back at her."What ?"

Albus, trick, matte, and Kaden also looked questioningly at Amanda.

"Oh, I guess I forgot to tell you,"Amanda began."Rose and I were in the depository library shoemaker's last week and overheard James asking some Hufflepuff one-fifth year out. They 're going to Hogsmeade together today."

Fred burst out laughing."hold, Saint James has a engagement ?"

"James asked a girl out in the library ?"Albus joined Fred in his laughter.

"Do n't tell him that rosebush and I overheard him,"Amanda said."He 'd remove 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 Madam Puddifoot 's because I do n't fancy going in there to tell him about practice."

Albus was still laughing about the idea of James asking a daughter out in the subroutine library of all lieu. He wondered who the Hufflepuff was. Maybe he 'd grapple to catch a glimpse of them in Hogsmeade together.

"He 's not actually going to leave her to go to Quidditch exercise,"Amanda shouted after Fred as he left the vulgar room.

"He will if the particular date 's going poorly,"Fred shouted back and disappeared into the corridor.

"Well let 's travel rapidly up and get to Hogsmeade,"Albus said."I want to see if I can figure out who this young lady is."

Albus hurried out of the unwashed room followed by his friends. They ate a very rushed lunch in the Great Hall and then ran outside and down the way of life to Hogsmeade. As they neared the hamlet Albus kept his eyes peeled for his pal.

"Where to first ?"Matt asked.

"Weasleys',"lav and Kaden said together.

Albus and Matt shared a glance. They should have known. They followed lav and Kaden as the two mischievous boys led the way to Weasleys'Wizard Wheezes.

The shop was packed to electrical capacity as it always was on Hogsmeade weekends. Albus waved to his Uncle Saint George who was behind the counter ringing people up as fast as the boulder clay would let him. slip was working that weekend and was restocking a shelf of Skiving Snackboxes. whoremaster and Kaden each grabbed two as the boys passed.

Albus grabbed a few Extendable Ears as his seemed to have disappeared and a box of Deluxe whizbang for James I for Christmas. He joined the farsighted queue at the boulder clay and was joined by John and Kaden who each had arm overflowing with products. matt and Amanda were n't buying anything and were playing with a few Pygmy Puffs that were in a coop in the front end of the store.

"Neither of you have seen Henry James, have you ?"Albus asked.

"Nope,"bathroom said."Bet they 're at the Three Broomsticks."

"Or that place that Fred mentioned. lady whatever ?"Kaden put in.

"Madam Puddifoot 's,"Albus said."Horrifying place. Covered in ruffled affair, and rap stuff."

"Let 's not go there,"Kaden said.

Albus and Saint John the Apostle both agreed. They would look for James II, just not at Madam Puddifoot 's. The queue moved relatively quickly and soon Albus, John, and Kaden had their supply.

The next stopover was Honeyduke 's where everyone stocked up on candy and Albus bought a Christmastide present for Lily. Then they made their way to the Quaffle shop and then the trio broomstick. Albus had yet to see Epistle of James, but his clock time was quickly running out. He had a half hour before he had to maneuver back to the castle for Quidditch practice.

whoremonger went to the bar to get five Butterbeers while the rest of the group found a table. Luckily Scorpio Malfoy was nowhere in sight. Albus gazed around the bar until he spotted his sidekick 's familiar red fuzz. Unfortunately the young lady he was with was facing away from Albus 's mesa so all he knew was that she had very long, very straightaway brown hair.

"There they are,"Albus whispered to Matt, Kaden, and Amanda."Any of you know who the little girl is ?"

"That 's Gabby Ellis,"John the Divine said as he returned with the Butterbeers."My cousin knows her. She 's one of the twenty percent class prefects."

"postponement, so Henry James not only asked her out in the 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 feature to watch his step."

"You realize that there 's a good chance one of us might be a prefect next year,"Amanda pointed out.

"Nah, they 'll pick Bilius or Ethan,"St. John the Apostle said."They 'd never beak me, Al, or Matt after that prank."

"well Rose is obviously going to be a prefect,"Amanda said.

"We 'll just take to sneak around more following year,"John said."Ca n't give a prefect knowing about our pranks."

"Dervish and Banges is still unoccupied,"lustrelessness said, changing the guinea pig."Do n't you think that 's kind of odd ?"

Albus had n't really thought about it."Yeah, but no one 's going to want to buy a shop where mortal was murdered."

"Still, it 's just foreign,"Matt said as he sipped his Butterbeer.

"Someone might still own it,"Amanda pointed out."They might not want to do anything with it or sell it."

"shot that 's a good point,"Matt said.

"Look, Saint James 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 position out of the pub. Gabby was pretty, Albus had to admit. Her eyes were bright and her boldness were ping. 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."speech production of that, I should probably get going."

Albus said bye 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 bet on up to the castle, where he ran up to Gryffindor tugboat to drop off his purchase and change into his Quidditch robes.

The rest of the team was already on the pitch when Albus arrived. Fred was arguing with James about something while the relief of the squad stood off to the incline.

"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 practice !"Fred argued.

Albus glanced over to the standstill and saw Gabby sitting there, wrapped in a very tumid Hufflepuff blanket. She smiled and waved at Albus, who gave a slender Wave back.

"I could n't just leave her. I promised we 'd spend the day together."

"And she wants to determine you wreak Quidditch ?"Fred asked."Fine, fine. She can detain. Let 's just get going. We 're wasting time."

Fred and James joined the rest of the group."All right wing !"Fred shouted."Let 's fly around the pitch a few prison term to get warmed up."

Albus mounted his broom and soared into the air. He joined the rest of the team in their flying around the tar and lost himself in flying. It was nice to just fly and forget about everything else that was on his brain.

The practice went incredibly well. It was their estimable practice in calendar week since the atmospheric condition was cooperating. The Gryffindor team did not deliver any issues with playing, but the atmospheric condition was usually frightfully whenever they practiced. Fred insisted this was a good thing since it would help them learn how to play in matches with bad status but no one else agreed. Albus was very happy to let a practice where the conditions were ideal. It made Quidditch so much more enjoyable.

King James and Gabby hurried off as soon as practice ended and the ease of the team walked back to the castle together. They were nearly back to Gryffindor towboat when pink wine, flatness, John, Kaden, and Amanda came running towards Albus, all five looking slightly terrified.

"What 's incorrect ?"Fred asked.

"It 's nothing,"rosebush said."We just need to talk to Albus."

"Meet us in the room after you stash your heather,"mat whispered and the five of them hurried off.

Albus hurried into the common elbow room and up to his dormitory. He had absolutely no theme what was going on, but it must have just had to do with his protagonist because everyone else in the vulgar way was acting normally. Albus quickly put his Scots heather away and ran back out to the corridor.

It did n't take him long to arrive at the piranha 's Den. All his friends were sitting quietly and looked up at him when he entered.

"What in the figure of Merlin is going on ?"Albus asked.

"Two matter,"Rose began."One, the debate. It was ... well ... insane is the only intelligence to describe it, really. And two, I 'll let everyone else explain that first."

"Malfoy was lurking near the screaming shack,"Matt said."After you went to Quidditch practice 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 cellblock. It 's just odd. He was alone."

"Does he know that that 's where you go ?"Albus replied as he sat down next to Rose.

Matt shook his brain."I 'm not really interest about it, either. It 's just very weird."

"Malfoy is friends with Felix Willinson so anything Wyrd that he does needs 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 Shack,"matte pointed out.

This was different, Albus thought. He would cause expected lustrelessness to be the one worried about this, not John.

"But he 's Malfoy ! It 's not good that he 's trying to get in,"John said.

"fountainhead he ca n't get in. And he already knows what I am,"mat countered."Let 's just block about it for now. What rosiness has to say is far worse."

Albus turned to appear at rose wine, who looked upset and slightly scared. That was strange in itself since Albus could hardly remember a clock time when Rose was scared.

"The disputation was on law enforcement,"Rose said quietly."She wants to completely exchange the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. She wants to investigate every single 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 flush of the Auror section for eld and there had never been any complaints. How could Laurentis just insult him like that ?

"Which means she 's going to drop off,"John the Divine said confidently."No one 's going to vote for soul who insults Harry Potter."

"No,"Rose whispered."They will. There 's been editorial in the vaticinator for workweek about how the electric current Ministry is n't working. She has support."

"That 's insane,"Albus said."What did Uncle Percy do ?"

"Argued with her,"pink wine said."Talked about all the near your dad has done, but she argued rightfield 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 who supported who,"Rose said."If you ask me, I think she 's going to supervene upon all the headway of section who do n't gibe with her. She 's going to want people in power who are on her side."

"Which means my dad will be gone,"Albus said."Everyone knows he supports Uncle Sir Henry Percy. It 's obvious."

"So that leaves what, Matt 's dad 's job, Head of Magical Law Enforcement, Head of Magical transportation system, and what else ?"John asked as he counted on his finger's breadth."There 's got to be more."

"There are,"pink wine said as she stood up and began pacing around the room."International Magical Cooperation, Magical Accidents and cataclysm, Magical Games and Sports, and then the department of Mysteries."

"Do you make out anything about the read/write head of those departments ?"St. John asked.

"The lady who 's Head of Magical Law Enforcement was here during the debate. She 's really old and Dad says Mum is a shoe-in for her job when she retires,"pink wine said."But I do n't get it on much about the others. The bloke in boot of Magical Transportation moderated the first of all debate."

"That 's eight locating,"mat said quietly,"and she could supersede all of them. That would nose up being an entirely new Ministry."

"Essentially, yes,"pink wine said as she sank into an armchair."That 's why it 's so bad. There 's a reason most newly elected pastor do n't replace everyone. It 's too a good deal hullabaloo. But if she wants straightaway change, it would be the easygoing way to get it done."

"What 's the next debate on ?"Amanda asked.

"Azkaban,"Rose said."Originally they were going to debate Azkaban with law enforcement, but Laurnetis requested a freestanding Azkaban debate. She 's in charge of it, so I 'm not surprised."

"And when is it ?"Amanda replied.

"Just after the new twelvemonth,"rose answered."Once we 're all back in school. Then Feb 's argumentation is on magical creatures-"

"Oh that 's going to be trade good,"Matt said."surmise that 's when we 'll find out if my dad keeps his job after the election if she wins."

"And then in march they debate International Magical Cooperation. Then it 's the election at the beginning of Apr,"pink wine continued."That one is going to take 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 thrower would n't get enough votes."

"You 'd be surprised, John,"Amanda said."It sounds like she 's playing to everyone 's fear. I mean, I have n't been in the magical creation long, but it seems like everyone fears another Voldemort. If she makes it seem like the stream Ministry and Auror department are too indulgent and hints at the possibility of another war, and then title 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 wine agreed.

The way descended into uncomfortable quiet. At the beginning of the school twelvemonth, none of them had much involvement in the election or the Ministry in oecumenical, but now, just a few months later, Albus and his friends were learning just how much the outcome of the election would affect them. The possibility of drastic modification to both Hogwarts and the wizarding Earth did not sit well with Albus, especially if it meant both his and matt 's dads were out of a job.
***


The remaining week of school went by quickly. With the looming holidays and break from school, hardly anyone in the castle was focusing on homework or the election. Instead, the chatter that filled the Great manse during meals was about Christmas and snowball fights and disbursement clip with fellowship. Albus was sucked into the Christmastide cheer as well, but the election was still on the back 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 class 's party at the Minister 's mansion house was scheduled for New Year 's Eve, for all of the upper-level functionary and their families, as well as Hotspur, Laurentis, and their household. All of Albus 's offer family would be attending. But perhaps the most bizarre expression of the holiday was the fact that Uncle Harry Hotspur was going to earmark a newsperson from star magazine to be him for not only the Ministry company, but Christmas at the burrow as well.

"This is just unearthly !"Cedric exclaimed at breakfast the last day of condition."A newsperson ? At the tunnel ? And it says she 's going to be staying with us."

Cedric handed the letter back to Tom Bradley, whom it had been addressed to. Omar Nelson Bradley pulled out his wand and burned it, which seemed to be his new way of dealing with post from his father.

"Did Gran agree to this ?"Henry 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 char to win."

"Neither do I, but I do n't want some reporter staying with us at the Burrow,"Cedric said adamantly.

"Guess you wo n't be getting the actual Weasley Christmas experience,"Albus said to Amanda, whose parents had given license to stick with rosiness for Christmas.

Amanda shrugged."Not a big mickle. With your family, it 's bound to be interesting."

"You have no mind,"Albus said."We 'd better get to History of Magic."

Albus got up and his friends followed. Despite the fact that it was the last day of term, Professor Binns still gave a public lecture. Nobody paid him an oz. of attention. The respite of the professor did n't put out teaching any new material as they figured the educatee would just forget it over the good luck. Professor Cedonia set them a hard-nosed lesson, but did n't chew out them when they stopped charming their teacupful to trip the light fantastic toe and instead talked about Christmas. Hagrid had a with child bonfire going to keep back them warmly, but did n't teach anything. Instead, he told the story of Norberta and bawled about how much he missed her. In antediluvian rune, there was an exam.

The watch dawning Albus and his friends climbed aboard the Hogwarts limited for the trip back to capital of the United Kingdom. On the Hogwarts Express, Albus felt weirdly immune to everything that was happening in the wizarding human race. He felt safe from Jarrett Willinson and somehow the election did n't look as big a deal. The train was like its own little world with but pupil and Sweet from the trolley ; on the string, nix bad could happen.


Long suspension ! I apologize for that. I am now working on this for the bit one-half of June 's Camp NaNoWriMo, so I 'm hoping to get a bunch of chapters written so I can go back to weekly updates. Thanks so much for all the reviews !


"Remember, do n't say anything in figurehead of her you do n't want printed in the article,"Harry said as they walked toward the Burrow.

"will she really print anything ?"Lily asked.

"Yes,"Harry said.

It was Noel Eve and Albus and the rest of the potter had just Apparated to the field behind the Burrow. Albus was a bit aflutter about being in the comportment of a reporter from superstar magazine and was not at all lament about being in an article. He was relieved they were late, as usual, because by now the reporter would probably be involved in listening to person else 's conversation and might not even notice Albus.

"And James River, do n't even think about slipping something into her soup,"Ginny said sternly.

Harry, who had just put his hand on the doorknob, turned around and stared at 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 Sirius Potter, listen to your father,"Ginny said.

Albus put his hand over his mouth to obscure his laugh while his brother pulled a handful of Ton-Tongue Toffees and a phial of Weasleys'Itchiest Itching gunpowder out of his pocket. Ginny took them and incinerated them with her wand. She brushed the ash onto the ground and James II stared at it longingly.

"Shut up, Albus,"King James I muttered as Harry opened the door.

That just made Albus laugh even harder, earning him a slug in the berm from James. Albus returned the lick while Lily rolled her eyes.

"boy, cut it out,"Ginny scolded.

"Ginny ! Harry !"molly exclaimed as they stepped inside."happy Christmas !"

"Happy Christmas, Mum,"Ginny said as the two hugged.

Albus slipped past after giving his gran a quick hug, grabbing a handful of biscuits on his way to the den. The firstly thing he noticed was that the reporter was sitting on a stool in the corner. She stuck out like a Weasley at a Malfoy assembly, in her black skirt, flowery top, high-heeled brake shoe. Who wore heels to the burrow ? Weird, Albus thought. Her jet-black hair's-breadth was done up in some form of bun and her brim were smeared with bright red lip rouge.

The back thing Albus noticed was just how houseclean the tunnel was. He had n't noticed it in the kitchen, what with the many pots and dishes full of tender, 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 neat like matte and Kaden 's sign were. Instead it merely looked lived in, Albus always thought. It was cluttered with piles of books and slews of board game and diverse Muggle and magical devices. Blankets and pillows were thrown haphazardly onto couches and chairs, never being folded or stacked neatly. But today, everything was neat. The mountain of books had been shelved and the blanket folded. The sheer quantity of stuff seemed to have got been moved or vanished because Albus did n't see a one Muggle electronic device half-taken apart on the floor or table. It was bizarre. The burrow did n't look like the Burrow without its jumble. You never knew what you 'd find oneself at the Burrow and Albus liked that.

Shaking his head slightly, Albus carefully stepped around a few of his cousins and walked over to where Rose and Amanda were sitting on the floor. They had a prominent platter of intellectual nourishment in front of them, making Albus bring in how hungry he was.

"So, what have I missed ?"he asked in between bites of roll."I see someone cleaned."

"Gran did. Said she wanted to arrive at a serious impression. Uncle Percy 's been bragging loudly to the reporter about all the police force he 's helped strait,"rose wine said."But all the newsman wants to do is interview the rest of us. I guess her article is all about where Uncle Walker Percy came from and what his kinfolk is like."

"Who 's she talked to so far ?"Albus asked.

"Aunt Corrine, Gran, granddad, Uncle Bill, Uncle Fred, both of my parents, Victoire, Samantha, and lindy hop,"Rose said.

"Wow. Already ?"

"She has n't wasted any time,"Amanda said.

"There 's a photographer around here somewhere,"pink wine said as she glanced around the room."Oh there he is."

rose wine indicated to the stairs, where Harry Hotspur was leading a scrawny bloke back into the den.

"Is he wearing-"

"apparel rob ?"Rose said."Yeah, he 's been wearing them all night."

"Let 's get a few dead reckoning of you playing a game with the similitude,"the photographer said as he and Sir Henry Percy walked past Albus, blush wine, and Amanda.

"Wonderful idea !"the reporter exclaimed as she hopped off her stool.

"How did she hear that ?"Albus whispered to Rose.

"Harry Potter 's son !"the reporter said as she grabbed Albus 's arm, causing him to fell the biscuit he was holding."Let 's get him in the shaft, too. Hmm ..."she glanced around the room, her eyes finally coming to remain on Amanda."We 'll demand a shot with you and Percy as well. prospect plays Exploding duck soup with the blossom curate 's niece ! gross ! I could not induce planned this better."

"How did she recognise that I 'm the Prime curate 's niece ?"Amanda asked.

"She knows everything,"Rose said darkly."Creepy, really."

Albus soon found himself playing a staged biz of Exploding cinch with Uncle Percy, Samantha, and Lindy. The whole thing was very ridiculous since none of them were photographed with ash on their faces. Then it was Amanda 's turn, but she was posed with a set of Wizard 's Chess,"for variety."

"Now that 's something Laurentis wo n't have,"Percy said jovially after the photographer finished."exposure with the prime quantity minister of religion 's niece."

"But nobody knows I 'm the Prime Minister 's niece,"Amanda said once she, Rose, 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 room access. He peered into the den and took stock of what his family was up to.

His uncles Fred, Ron, visor, and Charlie, were closest to the kitchen and were singing 'Odo the Hero .'All four had mugs of eggnog in hand. Gran was listening to Celestina Warbeck while auntie Fleur glared at the radiocommunication. It seemed to be distracting her from the conversation she was having with Aunt Katherine and Aunt Hermione. Most of his cousins were eating or laughing about one matter or another. Samantha and lindy were playing Exploding Snap for real now, along with Eddie and Angie.

In fact, the but one who seemed to be acting any differently was Uncle Sir Henry Percy, who was talking with the reporter and the photographer. Aunt Corrine was as well, but none of their older children were anywhere in pile.

"wealthy person you seen Bradley, Cedric, or Georgia anywhere ?"Albus asked Rose.

"Actually, no,"rosebush said."Let 's go find them."

Albus and Amanda followed Rose out of the kitchen and up the stairs. As they peered into each sleeping accommodation, Albus found out just where his granny had stored all the material that used to be in the den. Every unity room had a spate of random stuff and nonsense in it. They eventually found their three cousin hiding out in Uncle Ron 's old bedroom at the top of the house. They were sitting on one of the layer and were deep in conversation.

"What 's going on in here ?"Albus asked as they shut the room access.

All three startled, but then seemed relieved to encounter it was only Albus, Rose, and Amanda.

"We 're avoiding the newsman,"Georgia said,"and talking about how much it will suck in if Dad gets elected."

"But Laurentis is bloody insane,"Albus said as he stepped over a typewriter and sat down on the face-to-face bed."Uncle Sir Henry Percy has to win."

"well, I do n't want him to,"Bradley said."Do you realize how a good deal life will change if he does ?"

"I 've got a bit of an estimation,"Amanda said, sitting down next to Albus. Rose sat on his other side.

"Before his campaign started no one really knew what Dad did,"Omar Bradley said."Or even who he was. I mean, if they heard his name they would get it on him, but he was just Hotspur Weasley. Do you know what I mean ?"

"He 'll be Walker Percy Weasley, pastor of Magic. Not just Hotspur Weasley, your dad,"Amanda said."Minister is n't a just a job. It 's not something he 'll leave at the place at five. It 's Thomas More a lifestyle."

"Exactly !"Omar Nelson Bradley agreed.

"And you 'll always be the Minister 's son,"Amanda said.

"How do you know all this ?"Cedric looked at Amanda strangely.

"My Uncle 's the bloom Minister,"Amanda said casually.

"Of Britain ?"Bradley exclaimed."And you 've kept this hidden for four years ?"

"Yeah. It wo n't be for much long since that photographer just took a picture of me with your dad,"Amanda said."Anyway, you 're correct that your life wo n't be the same if he gets elected. And even after his term is up you 'll still always be the minister of religion 's son."

"And we 'd have to move into the curate 's Mansion,"Omar Nelson 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 most of the year,"Sakartvelo pointed out.

There was a knock on the door and then it swung all-inclusive open. Percy stood in the doorway flanked by the reporter and photographer. Sir Henry Percy had changed out of his robe and was now wearing a cat valium Weasley jumper with a red'P'on the front. In his arms was a deal of what appeared to be to a greater extent Weasley jumpers.

"There you lot are,"Percy said."We 're doing a characterisation of the unit folk in our jumpers."He tossed one to each of his children and then one each to Albus and Rose."Get changed and get downstairs."

"Are they all initial jumpers this twelvemonth ?"Peach State asked as she held hers up. It was grey with a purpleness'G .'

"must be,"Albus said as he yanked off the jumper he was wearing and pulled on his new one. It was downcast with a gold'A .'

"Bet it 's to make us depend like a cheesy family,"Omar Bradley muttered as he changed.

Once they 'd all changed Albus and rosebush followed their cousin back down to the den. Amanda followed as well, but she lingered on the stairs, clearly not wanting to be dragged into anymore photographs.

Albus 's entire syndicate was posed in half the den. The lensman was running around making little readjustment, which Albus thought was superfluous. There was no way he was going to get thirty-two people to all look at the camera and smiling nicely at the same time.

The photographer noticed Albus, rosebush, Georgia, Tom Bradley, and Cedric and shoved Albus in between Henry James and Lily, who were sitting right in the middle, on the floor.

"Lovely !"the lensman exclaimed a few mo later. He ran to the other side of the room and stuck his head behind the camera."Everyone grinning ! Beautiful !"He took dozens of pictures 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 well-chosen Yule. The article should be out just after New Year's."

"I thought she was staying for tomorrow, too,"Albus whispered to Rose.

Rose shrugged."Maybe she got enough from just one night. Either that or she got overwhelmed."

Walker 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 unusual Christmas Eve gathering the Weasley menage had ever had and Albus was very much looking forward to tomorrow, when matter would get back to some semblance of normal. Albus walked up to bed with blush wine and Amanda, wishing them both full nighttime when they reached Uncle Charlie 's old sleeping accommodation, where the two would be staying. James, Ben, Cedric, and Bradley were already in Uncle Ron 's old room when Albus arrived.

"Quidditch tomorrow ?"St. James asked as all four boy climbed into their beds.

"You 're going down, ceramicist,"Bradley replied.

"Is that a challenge, Weasley ?"

"Sure is,"Bradley said.

Yes, tomorrow would be a lot more formula, Albus thought. Quidditch was a Yule tradition for his syndicate and cipher, even his uncle running for minister, was going to prevent it.
***


"And that 's how we do it in Kenmare !"Sakartvelo exclaimed, having just saved a goal by spinning in midair and hitting the Quaffle back into dramatic play by the end of her broom."Kenmare Krazy keeper move !"

"You 're still going to fall back !"Bradley shouted as he hit one of the Bludgers toward Albus, who dodged it and caught the Quaffle."We 've got teddy bear !"

"If Teddy were a real searcher he 'd be playing for a conference team and not studying to be an Auror !"Georgia shouted back.

"He 's still not as ripe as James,"Thomas Bradley said.

"Yeah, I taught James everything he knows !"teddy bear said as he flew past, heading toward Georgia 's bequeath goal post."And that 's game !"he shouted, returning with the Snitch clutched in his hired man."Aurors have to have unceasing vigilance, just like Seekers."

Albus flew to the land, still holding the Quaffle. It had been a good biz, even though his team had lost, but the temperature was dropping and the cloud were rolling in. It was a good fourth dimension to manoeuver back inside for Christmas dinner, especially since the scent of joint turkey and Solanum tuberosum had been drifting outside for the past half hour.

tabular array, already covered in numerous dishes of food, had been set up in the kitchen extending into the den while they played. Albus hurried up the stairs to change and when he returned, everyone was drifting toward the tabular array. Albus hurried to the can Rose and Amanda had saved him, which thankfully was nowhere near Percy.

"How was Quidditch ?"Rose asked.

"Good,"Albus said."We lost, but Teddy 's pretty much unbeatable, so I was n't surprised."

"I 'm surprised he did n't bet professionally,"Amanda said.

"He thought about it,"Albus explained."And he had offers, but he deferred them for a yr because he was n't sure. Then he just decided to join the Auror Academy, because of his parents, you know."

"shuffle horse sense,"Amanda said.

"I 'd like to make a toast,"Harry Hotspur announced after everyone was seated. He held up his glass of pumpkin juice."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 campaign. We only have three months to go, so let 's make the nigh of it. Keep up all the capital oeuvre. Here 's to a win in April !"

Albus clinked chalk with rosebush and Amanda and then served himself a expectant helping of dud. This was what he enjoyed the most about Xmas at the Burrow. As he he ate, he listened in on the conversations his cousins, aunty, and uncles were having.

To Albus 's left, his aunty Hermione was giving James, Cedric, and Ben study tips for their O.W.L.s. The son were nodding as if they were listening, but Albus knew they were n't. Victoire and teddy were holding manus under the table, which was kind of funny because Victoire was having to eat with her left hand, a skill she clearly did not have. James, Bradley, and Georgia were discussing Quidditch with Uncles George and Ron. Eddie was showing the Twin, Lily, and Hugo just how many pea he could fit into his mouth at once. Percy was, of course, discussing the game details of his campaign with his wife and parents. Fred and Mark were telling Angie about the hidden passageway that lead into the basement of Honeyduke 's. The rest of his folk was too far away for Albus to hear what exactly they were saying, but everyone seemed happy.

"This is what it 's really same,"Albus told Amanda."Usually there are a few pranks."

"You missed one earliest,"Rose said while Amanda laughed."Saint James put one of those wind-up pygmy quilt in Gran 's biggest pot, so while she was chopping vegetables it jumped out and started screeching. Aunt Ginny knew it was James, too. He got chewed out while you were upstairs changing."

"She had no proof !"Henry James cut in."It could sustain been Cedric."

"But it was n't,"Rose said."It was you."

"James, did you hear me ?"Hermione asked."I was just saying how you need to protrude with your imperfect subject offset. Honestly, you should 've started preparing last yr. Albus, blush wine, Amanda, are you listening ? You should pop revision now."

"I started weeks ago, Mum,"Rose said.

Hermione smiled."That 's my girl."

"She 'll be favourable if James starts revising a month before,"Albus whispered to Amanda.

"That would be stupe,"blush wine said."What does he want to do after Hogwarts ? He 'll require certain O.W.L.s to get into the right wing N.E.W.T. classes."

"He 's got no estimation,"Albus said,"except he wants to trifle Quidditch."

"He 'd meliorate get going,"Rose said.

"Oh, and I suppose you 've got it all figured out, pink wine ?"William James asked.

"As a affair of fact, I 'm thinking of getting into psychiatry,"Rose said."Get my healing degree, specializing in psychiatry."

"amercement, then,"James muttered.

"Really ?"Albus asked.

rosiness nodded."I 've been thinking about it since summer and it 's really deprivation I want to do."

"Do n't you think you 're a bit youthful to have decided that ?"Albus asked.

"Matt 's Sister had it all figured out in fourth year and look where she is now,"Rose pointed out.

She did get a point there, Albus thought. lustrelessness 's sister was well on her way to getting both her healing and brewing degrees, with only two and a half more years 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 make !"Gabriella said as she stood up.

The room quieted and everyone turned to look at Gabriella. She was n't usually one to make speeches or annunciation during syndicate dinners. In fact, she was one of the quieter of Albus 's cousins, certainly not coming near to the floor of boisterousness of Bradley, James, or Georgia.

"Thanks,"she said."None of you know this yet, since I figured I 'd just recount you all at once today. I 've decided to move to France."

The room was silent, very much like it was after Hotspur announced his spirit to run for Minister at the before school dinner. Then, as happened after Harry Hotspur 's announcement, everyone began to peach at once.

"You 're what ?"Bill exclaimed.

"Gabriella, love !"Fleur shouted, dropping her deoxyephedrine of wine."What prompted this ?"

"The political clime in France is very unsteady,"Sir Henry Percy said."I would n't recommend moving there."

"What are you going to do there ?"Heather asked.

Albus was n't at all storm. Gabriella had spent a few weeks in French Republic that fall and seemed to revel 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 more."I 've already cleared it with Grandmere and Grandpere. They 're going to let me stay with them until I get on my feet. When I painted there this decline it just felt so right on. My house painting there were so much considerably than the ones I 've painted here-"

"But what will you do for money ?"Bill 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 require to pass everyday in an government agency and miss out on living. No offense. Painting is what I love. I want to try this."

"But Gabriella, it 's not practical-"handbill began.

"Bill,"Molly said quietly."She 's just rebelling a bit. You did the Saami when you were her age. recall the earring ? The hair ?"

Bill 's expression reddened."It 's not the Same, Mum. I had a job. I was n't learning the finer points of being a starving artist !"

"Dad ! I 'm a good artist ! I 'm not going to crave !"

"You know my parents would never let her hunger,"Fleur said.

"That 's not the head. The point is that she should be doing something productive. When Victoire was her age-"

"I 'm not Victoire !"Gabriella exclaimed. She turned and left the room, running up the step. A few here and now later a door slammed.

Bill made to get up, but Victoire put her manus on his shoulder, forcing him back into his seat."Dad, I 'll go."

The room lapsed into uncomfortable silence after Victoire took off after her sister. Albus was slightly shocked at his uncle 's dislike of Gabriella 's plan. Albus had always thought of greenback as his sang-froid uncle, the uncle who would be supportive of whatever his tiddler wanted to do. But now he was acting just like Walker Percy had about GA 's desire to be a Quidditch player.

"I support you, card,"Hotspur said pompously."Artist is not a career. You 've got to agitate this. Went through the Sami thing with Georgia-"

"Really, Dad ?"Georgia asked."After the past few months of going to my games and making the press think you 're supportive of my dreaming, 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 !"Georgia exclaimed."The support, the cheering, it 's all fake, is n't it ?"

"Georgia-"

"You know what, Dad ? Do n't even bother."Georgia stood up and left the table in a exchangeable manner to Gabriella.

"This,"Albus whispered to Amanda,"is not normal."

"I thought Gabriella liked Uncle Percy 's faker documentation,"Saint James the Apostle muttered.

"Well, she did at first but she probably thought there was no way he could fake it for so long and not begin to number around. She surely thought it was substantial by now,"rosiness said.

"You 're going to take in a good head-shrinker,"Albus said.

"Yeah, you can start with Uncle Percy,"Epistle of James said.

"Department of Energy anyone need pud ?"Gran asked.


A/N : Thanks for all the reappraisal !


Never before had Albus experienced such an ill at ease Christmas dinner, and that included the time his Aunt Katherine went into Department of Labor with Eddie at the table. After Gabriella and Georgia stormed out, Gran served pudding to the remaining class member, but everyone ate in quiet. Albus, Rose, 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 bonce.

The attic of the Burrow was standardized to an archeologic site. It contained stratum of Weasley household history and if you dug deep enough you could even recover pictures of Uncle peak when he was a baby. It used to home a ghoul, but the graverobber died age before Albus was born. Albus did n't go up in the attic much anymore, but when he was lilliputian it had made an excellent concealing spotlight.

"I never realized how like Gabriella and Georgia were,"Albus said once they 'd shut out the attic door.

"I never realized how alike Uncle Percy and Uncle flier were,"blush wine replied."I never thought Uncle Bill would react like that."

"Me either,"Albus agreed."Let 's not babble about it. I just want to do something fun."

"Let 's maneuver Monopoly,"Amanda said."It 's a Muggle game. I brought it from my house."

Albus and pink wine readily agreed and soon the three were playing Monopoly in the attic. It took Albus and rose wine a short while to get the knack of the money, which was based on Muggle money, but once they did, it was very fun. Albus 's favored thing about it was how retentive it took. They spent hours on one game and by the time Amanda beat him and Rose, almost all of his phratry was asleep.

By breakfast the side by side morning nearly everything had blown over. one-half of his aunts and uncles had left because they had to go to work and the other one-half were in the cognitive process of getting ready to will. Some of his cousins were still there, but quite a few had left. When Albus went downstairs he noticed his uncle Bill and aunt Fleur having a talk of the town with Gabriella over platters of sausages. Albus paused in the threshold, waiting for them to finish.

"We do n't want you to imagine we are n't supportive of your art,"Bill said."We are. Both of us. I just want to have sex you 're going to be okay."

"I am, Dad,"Gabriella said."I 'll be staying with Grandmere and Grandpere."

"That 's reassuring,"circular said."And I did overreact last night."

Fleur snorted."Yes, I 'd say you did."

"I certainly do n't desire you to guess I 'm anything like your uncle Percy,"vizor whispered."I 'd never try and stop you from pursuing your dream."

"Well, painting in France is my dream for now,"Gabriella said adamantly.

"Then we 'll endure you,"Bill said. Fleur nodded in agreement."I 'm drab for overreacting last-place night. I think we were all on border from the reporter."

"Thanks, Dad,"Gabriella said.

"When were you planning on leaving ?"Fleur asked.

"After that Ministry party. Ca n't miss that or Uncle Harry Hotspur would go insane."

"The weekend after that, then,"Bill said."We want to assist you move."

Gabriella nodded."Thanks."

neb stood up and gave his daughter a hug."I 've got to get to work, but I 'll see you at home later. I love you, Gabby."

"Love you, too, Dad,"Gabriella said as she hugged him back.

Albus walked into the kitchen as his uncle left, grabbing a few sausage and a Ceylon cinnamon bun on his way to the mesa. He was relieved that Uncle Bill and Gabriella came to an agreement, especially one that involved Gabriella still moving to France. He wanted his full cousin to be happy and he still wanted to think of flier as his cool uncle.

Albus returned to Grimmauld Place later that day and it only took him a few hours of boredom to start his holiday recitation. Rose and Amanda had returned to rose 's house, so without them, he was forced to be productive. In fact, Albus was actually looking forward to the Ministry party for the resole intellect that he 'd get to see rosebush and flatness.

The few 24-hour interval in between packing Day and New Year 's Eve were fairly uneventful, especially compared with Christmas day. GA and Uncle Percy still had n't made up and GA 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 Quidditch and would be the arrant person for Empire State of the South to essay advice from.

Albus attempted to take heed in on their conversation via Extendable Ear, but his mum must 've put an interperbabble charm 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 Georgia left James walked in the indorse room access with a grin on his face.

"What are you so happy about ?"Albus asked.

"Mum forgot to put the appealingness on the window,"James said."I heard everything."

"Well, say me what you heard !"Albus said as he closed his book.

"I do n't know ...."

"cum on, King James I,"Albus said."If you do I wo n't order Mum and Dad what you 're planning on doing to the slug at the party tomorrow."

"fine,"Epistle of James muttered as he sat down."Basically, Georgia 's still mad at Uncle Walker Percy and does n't want to go to the party tomorrow. Mum convinced her that she needs to use up the high road and be supportive of Uncle 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 calling. He just has to realise it on his own and all Georgia can do is be the best actor she can and plunk for herself and not ask him for money. But then she reminded GA that granddaddy was very supportive of her Quidditch career."

"Nothing too turn on, then,"Albus said.

"Nope, not really,"James agreed."Going to make water for an worry party, though."

"That 's for for certain,"Albus said.
***


"Is the Minister 's sign of the zodiac glowing blue sky ?"Albus asked as he followed his parents up the winding path to the mansion.

It was New Year 's Eve and the ceramist were slightly late for the party, as usual. This metre James had not been the reason ; they were late because Ginny had had to lengthen Albus 's robe last minute.

"It looks that way,"Harry answered."Wait until you see the inside. The election New class 's Eve political party at the minister of religion 's house is one of the grandest function the Ministry puts on, only beaten out by the political party that will take office for the winner of the election. It 's going to be far enthusiast than the party for Mr. Eckerton finish year."

Albus nodded. As they drew unaired to the mansion Albus noticed that the gamey light seemed to stanch from the ground, illuminating the house as it went upward, but he could not see where the brightness level came from. It looked to just seem out of the ground. The way of life itself was lined with silver taper.

The door was already exposed when they reached the end of the path. A man dressed in a full black tie with tails stood in the doorway and he took Ginny and Lily 's wrap while another man led the Potters into the grand dance palace.

The dance palace was already filled to capacity and Albus noticed that nearly half of the hoi polloi in attendance were his aunts, uncles, and cousins. The ballroom itself was lit by silver candles similar to the one that lined the path outside. The Windows were draped in heavy navy curtains tied with silver ropes and matching linens dressed the board and chairs scattered throughout the elbow room. Larger tables containing platters of intellectual nourishment stood in the center of the room, each one holding an ice sculpture. The carving were of various historical buildings in wizarding Britain, including one of Hogwarts.

Waiters dressed in the same tuxedos as the wizards by the door walked throughout the way carrying denture of nutrient and drinkable. After taking a feel at some of the intellectual nourishment they carried, Albus wondered if there was anything formula or if it was just picture hors d'oeuvres.

"Before you all take off to find your cousins,"Harry began, staring to a greater extent at his boy than at Lily."James River, absolutely no pranks. Albus, no sneaking off to early parts of the mansion or going outside this class. Promise me, both of you."

"I promise,"Albus and James each mumbled.

"All right, you may go,"Harry said."And keep on an eye out for your young first cousin. Make sure they 're not getting into trouble."

Albus nodded and then slipped into the crowd in search of matt, Rose, and something to eat that did not resemble something his aunt Fleur 's mother would make. He finally wound up at the afters table where he found both a great spell of chocolate cake and his friends.

"Albus, there you are !"Rose said."We 've been here for an hour already."

"Mum had to lengthen my robe,"Albus said in between bite of bar.

"I 'm not surprised. You grew a groundwork in the yesteryear twelvemonth,"rosebush commented.

"Seriously, you 've got to stop,"Matt said."You make me take care like a second year."

"Is everyone else here ?"Albus asked as they walked over to a mostly vacate mesa. Its lonesome occupant was a very old man who seemed to be taking a nap.

rosebush nodded."Even Peach State showed up. But I did find out that the simply reason we were all invited was to make Uncle Percy look like more than of a family man."

"Really ?"Albus asked."I thought it was just because families of the campaigner were always invited."

"No. Usually it 's only quick home member, plus all the question of department and top Ministry officials and their families. So not all of us were going to be invited at first. It 's to make us look like a very close knitting family."

"You are a secretive knitwork family,"matt said."It 's like you 're all blood brother and sis rather than cousins."

"But Uncle Percy never really knotty any of us in his Ministry life history before,"Albus pointed out."Anyway, matt, how was your Christmas ?"

"trade good,"lustrelessness said."blush wine already told me about yours. Sounded much more interesting than mine. My grandparents came to chaffer and they went dwelling house yesterday. Mum and Cinda argued over the fact that we do n't jaw them enough anymore and then Mum and Amy argued over the fact that Amy never comes home except for holiday. Dad, Richard, and I just stayed out of it. I swear, those three could argue over nothing."

"audio like yours was interesting then,"Albus said.

lusterlessness shrugged."Honestly, it 's been rather boring at home."

"I 'm make to get back to Hogwarts,"Albus said."Is Amy here ?"

"Yeah, she 's off with Victoire and Teddy,"Matt said.

"Oh, by the way, do n't drink the punch,"Albus warned them."James is planning to put something in it."

"What ?"rosebush asked.

"I do n't know, but it 'll probably be consummate,"Albus said.

"If your uncle wins your first cousin will get to inhabit here,"Matt said as he gazed around the room."Weird to think about. This situation looks bigger than my old house."

"It probably is,"pink wine said."And you 're correct, that is weird to reckon about."

The old man let out a hiss and woke up. His eyes darted around until they rested on Albus, blush wine, and lusterlessness."Who are you three ?"he demanded.

"Er, I 'm Albus Potter and that 's rose Weasley and Matt Eckerton,"Albus said.

His face softened."Oh, skillful to contact you ! I 'm Gregory Laurentis. My daughter 's running for minister of religion. Could not be prouder, but I suppose she 's running against your uncle. Albus Potter, Merlin 's face fungus ! I told cake, I told her she was ballock to run against Walker Percy 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 wrench down that opportunity ...."

Albus glanced at Rose and mat while Laurnetis 's dad continued to rattle on about how proud he was of his daughter, yet marvel at her stupidity for running against someone related to Harry Potter. He was rather funny, Albus thought.

"This lieu is too damn fancy,"Gregory Laurnetis muttered as he fingered the tablecloth."And the nutrient, my God, what I would n't give for some bangers and mash ...."

Albus stifled a laugh, but he did match with the old man."I think I hear one of my cousins calling me,"Albus said."We 'd ameliorate go."

"Oh, right, right,"St. Gregory of Nazianzen Laurentis said."I do n't hear anything, but then again my audition 's so bad these twenty-four hours. well, in effect luck to your uncle, then. Not that he 'll need it !"

"commodity 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 functionary looked at them strangely as they did so, but Albus did n't care.

"Albus !"Matt suddenly whispered."Is that Balladanis over there ?"Matt pointed to the far back corner, where a man in plain black robes stood with his arms folded across his chest.

Albus peered at the man for a few moments."Yeah, I think it is."

"What 's he doing here ?"Matt asked.

"Probably in vitrine of an attack,"Rose said."Every prominent Ministry official is in this room right now. There 's probably Aurors stationed at every room access outside, too."

"Do n't let him see us,"mat said as he grabbed both Albus and Rose and pulled them behind a tumid grouping of people."Can we just go somewhere else ?"

Albus glanced at Balladanis and then back at Matt, who looked more than a slight flighty. Albus did n't blame him. After cobbler's last year 's outrage with Balladanis, it was no wonder lustrelessness 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 intellect. If Matt did n't desire to be in the same way as Balladanis, then Albus was just going to have to let on his promise.

"seminal fluid on,"pink wine said before Albus could reply. She took Albus and Matt 's hands and pulled them through the crowd. She let them go once they reached the corridor.

The corridor was much unruffled than the dance hall. Albus had n't even realized just how forte the ballroom was until now. Between the music and people 's phonation, it was a wonder he 'd even been able to opine in there.

"Thanks,"mat said quietly."He just gives me the creeps."

"No problem,"Rose said."Where should we go ?"

"We could try and chance that library again,"Albus suggested.

Rose and Matt nodded and the three set off down the corridor. It took them XV minutes and three wrong turns to come up the depository library and once they got there, they saw that it was already occupied by none former than Sakartvelo, Thomas Bradley, and Cedric.

"We 've got to stop using the Same hiding places,"Georgia said with a jape as they entered."Just joking. hail on in."

rosiness shut the door behind them and they joined Georgia, Bradley, and Cedric on the former position of the way.

"Sick of the political party ?"Georgia asked.

"We saw Balladanis,"Matt said quietly as he sat down."Did n't require him to notice us."

Peach State shuddered."Do n't find fault you there, especially since your dad is the reason he got sacked."

"I kind of liked him,"Bradley said.

flatness looked at him like he was insane."Are you kidding ?"

Bradley shrugged."Nope. I 'm not terribly upset he 's gone, but he was kind of cool."

"You 're mad,"lusterlessness said.

"What about you three ? What drove you to the library ?"Albus asked, wanting to stave off an line of reasoning between his secure booster and cousin.

"Decided to explore the house,"Cedric said."If we 're going to have to last 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 deliver to contribution a room. Neither would Samantha and Lindy, for that matter."

"I told you, one of you can have my room,"Georgia said.

"Dad wo n't let us,"Bradley replied."Says you 're going to fare back when Quidditch stops paying off."

GA groaned."Really, the religion he has in me is incredible."

"We met Laurentis 's dad,"Albus said.

Georgia burst out laughing."Seriously ?"

Albus nodded and told the tarradiddle. All three of his cousins were laughing by the time he finished.

"I may have to go back out there just so I can meet him,"Georgia said, still laughing.

"He sounds like a very interesting fella,"Bradley said.

Matt 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."

Georgia immediately stopped laughing and all five of them stopped talking. Matt 's eyes grew big and he hurried back over."Someone 's coming !"

"I do n't hear any-"Bradley began.

"Sshhh !"Albus said as he jumped up."Trust him on this. We 've got to hide."

"There 's a closet,"rose wine said as she hurried to unfold the door."It 's not very big-"

"Department of Energy 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 wine was stepping on his left over foot, but he said null as he shut the doorway. Two seconds later he heard the door to the library undetermined.

"It 's not working !"a woman said. Her voice was muffled ; Albus could barely micturate out what she said, let alone who she was.

"I ca n't hear anything,"Cedric whispered."Is this room access solidness sepia or something ?"

"Shut up !"lusterlessness seethed. He had his ear pressed to the door.

"The one time I do n't bring any Extendables with me,"Cedric muttered.

Albus pressed his ear up against the door. The vocalism were still muffled, but he could hear.

"I told you they 'd eat up the unanimous family man matter,"another voice 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 moron and you know it,"the fair sex replied."He 's famous for something he did as a tike and the worldwide public is stupid to still think of him as the wedge of the wizarding globe. He 's gone soft."

"It 's Laurentis !"mat said.

"How can you severalize ?"Bradley asked."This door is so bloody thick."

"I just can,"flatness said.

Albus could n't distinguish that the voice was Laurentis 's, but based on what she was saying, mat 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 week. I 'm sure you can think of something to do for that."

"I think that 's her hunting expedition manager,"flatness said.

"She sounds awful,"Albus said.

"It should n't be that concentrated. All we have to do is expose Weasley for what he really is and get everyone to realise potter 's not the Cuban sandwich they all think he is,"Laurentis said.

"And who is Weasley, then ?"

"A pompous idiot !"Laurentis exclaimed."You do n't really buy the unit 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 bed that-"

"I can,"she disturb."I can read the great unwashed, President Pierce. That 's why I got into politics. It 's all about reading mass and figuring out the lies from the truths. See what you can dig up. We 'd better return key to the party. I left my father alone with Minister Langston. That wo n't turn out well."

"Yes, Ms. Laurentis,"President Pierce replied.

Albus heard the audio of high heels on hardwood flooring, the door creaking opened, and then click shut again. He waited two total minutes and then opened the door to the closet. Everyone hurried out.

"What was that ?"Matt demanded."What is she up to ?"

"How did you take in all that ?"Omar Bradley asked."Do you have super man auditory modality or something ?"

"Or something,"lustrelessness muttered,"but never mind that. Laurentis knows your dad 's putting on an act and is going to try to queer him."He turned to Albus."And she is going to try and sprain the wizarding world against your dad."

"She 's insane !"Albus exclaimed.

"You 've got to tell your uncle-"matt began.

"No way,"Sakartvelo said loudly."faith me, all he 'll do is pick me for not playing my part well enough. This is n't leaving this room."

"But she 's going to sabotage his crusade,"Albus said.

"GA 's right field,"blush wine said."It wo n't help anything. Campaigns are half about digging up grease on the former candidate. Anything she says about Uncle Harry, no one will conceive it unless they 're an idiot. Anyone with half a intellect knows he runs the Auror Department well."

"If anyone says anything he 'll just get mad at us for spying,"Bradley added.

"Not to acknowledgment we 're not technically allowed in here,"Cedric pointed out.

"Oh, right,"Albus said."My dad did make me promise not to leave the ballroom."

"No one 's saying anything,"GA said."And I think we 'd all easily get back to the dance palace, just in typesetter's case anyone notices we 're all gone.


Thanks for all the reviews ! Remember to keep them 12+. airplane propeller to all who caught the 'mahogany'Hunger Games character. cite for that goes to Suzanne William Wilkie Collins. If any of you are penis of the forums ( and if you 're not, you should be, join on the correct side of the varlet ! ), feel devoid to contain out my Meet the writer pageboy ! It 's linked on my author page. Please ask me motion on my MTA varlet since I love answering them !


When they returned to the ballroom Albus was delight to see that Balladanis was nowhere in sight. Perhaps he left to police the curtilage. Albus did n't really care ; all that mattered was that he was n't there anymore. Judging by the crowd in the way, no one else had left yet, and they all seemed a bit more boisterous, almost potential due to the beverage.

Harry Hotspur accosted them before they were even able-bodied to get to the desert table to reload their photographic plate with patty. He walked with purpose, similarly to the way he had walked when he took Albus and his friends to Kendrick 's study. He seemed very at home plate in the Minister 's Mansion and it was n't even his yet.

"Georgia !"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,"Percy replied."I need you to take Samantha and lindy hop abode. It 's nearly eleven and your female parent and I are going to be here well past midnight. Samantha ate too often cake and feels ill. I just think it would be best for them to go base 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 headland in their hired hand, looking extremely bored.

Georgia raised her eyebrows, as if surprised that Walker 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 thought about the fact that it was n't really a party for two nine-year-olds.

"Yeah, I can engage them home,"Peach State said.

"What about us ?"Bradley asked, gesturing to himself and Cedric."Could n't we take them home ?"

"I 'd rather Empire State of the South do it,"Sir Henry Percy said."You do n't even give birth your Apparition license yet, Cedric. And Bradley, you just got yours. You 're not ready to side-along Apparate two people."

"They do accept fireplaces here, Dad,"Bradley muttered.

"Empire State of the South 's taking them, and the two of you are staying here,"Hotspur said adamantly."Thank you, Georgia."

"You 're receive,"Georgia said as Harry Hotspur strutted off to verbalise to some Ministry official."Ha !"she said once he was out of earshot."I get to leave."

"Shut up,"Cedric said."I 'm going to go come up James."

Sakartvelo headed over to the table her sister were sitting at while Bradley and Cedric disappeared into the crowd. Albus, flatness, and Rose wandered over to the sweet table, piled a plate high gear with the biscuits a server had just set out, and then set off to observe another table. They found one, which Victoire, Teddy, and Amy were vacating.

"Where are you three off to ?"Albus asked.

"We 've got early rounds tomorrow,"Victoire said."Five in the morning. If we 're favourable we 'll get four hours of sleep."

"I do n't see much level in staying if they 're not here,"Teddy said."Technically I was n't even invited, but seeing as I 'm Harry Potter 's Godson, no one was going to kick me out."

Albus laughed."See you later, then."

After Victoire, shift, and Amy left Albus sat down and his acquaintance sat on either side of meat. He absentmindedly chewed on a biscuit and watched the crowd.

"Do these taste funny story to you ?"matte asked, holding up a partially use up biscuit.

Albus took another sting. They did taste weird."Yeah."

pink wine burst out laughing and started pointing at their read/write head."I think James messed with the biscuits instead of the puncher. Al, your haircloth is blue and flatness, yours is green."

Albus and flatness both started laughing. Albus took another looking at the bunch."looking at, that ma'am 's fuzz is purple !"He pointed to a witch a few yards away. The chap she was talking to was clearly trying not to stare at her head.

Over the next few minutes the great unwashed gradually began to realize that their hair was turning various colors and that the cooky were the culprit. Wands appeared everywhere, as the Edgar Guest charmed each former 's hair's-breadth 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 put-on,"Albus said."I 'm leaving my hair as is."

"Me too,"Matt agreed. They both turned to blush wine."You should eat one."

rosiness sighed."power as well."She took a biscuit and a hour later her formerly red tomentum was a adorable shadowiness of pink.

The rest of the party was rather tire. Harry eventually found James and told him he 'd be staying in his room for the difference of the holiday, only being allowed out for meals. 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 crime syndicate left a short spell later. Albus was relieved to be going home since the Night had been exhausting, and he still could n't get the conversation he overheard in the program library out of his nous.
***


"It 's here !"James shouted the following good morning at breakfast, brandishing a copy of Wizards clip. The front cover was a scene of Albus 's grandparents, his mum, Uncle Percy, Uncle Bill, Uncle Charlie, Uncle George, and Uncle Ron.

"Let me see it !"Albus shouted.

"No, I got it first !"James shouted back.

"I want to read it first !"Lily exclaimed.

"tyke, settle down !"Ginny said."James got it first. Al can read it following, and then Lily."

"Not fair,"Lily muttered."I 'm never first."

That was a lie, Albus thought to himself. It was either James or Lily who got things first, never Albus. swearword of being the middle child, he figured.

Albus sat and ate his breakfast while King James I read the article. His blood brother let out groan and suspiration and even laughter while he read, which made Albus even more nervous to record it. After what seemed similar forever, it was finally Albus 's bout. He yanked the magazine out of James 's deal and opened it up to the article.

The first-class honours degree varlet ( or rather, first two Page ), contained the picture of his full family. Albus had been right in guessing that there was no way the photographer could 've become a picture that they all looked good in. Albus himself at least looked halfway decent. He was smiling and kept turning to count at Rose and then back to the camera. Lily on the former bridge player, was caught mid-grimace and always returned to that present every few seconds. Across the picture was the name of the article- 'Christmas With the Weasleys .'Albus turned the Sir Frederick Handley Page and looked at all the former picture that accompanied the article before reading it. There was one of Percy, Corrine, and their Thomas Kyd. Another feature Percy and Albus 's dad. Then there was the one with him playing Exploding centering with the Twin Falls and Percy, as well as the one with Walker Percy and Amanda playing chess. The legend on that record 'Minister promising Percy Weasley challenges the prime of life Minister 's niece to a biz of chess .'Amanda was not going to be glad, Albus thought as he turned his attention to the article.

When I first entered the puerility habitation of Hotspur
Weasley I immediately noticed the toothsome tone
that filled the air. mollie Weasley, Percy 's female parent,
was unvoiced at work cooking Christmas Eve dinner. The
small, but cozy, home was filled to capacity with
Weasleys, although it only grew more crowd with
the arrival of the ceramist an hour later.

The Weasley class gathers for Dec 25 at the
home of Arthur and Molly Weasley every year.
Arthur, a retired Ministry employee, says ,'I
love having the entire phratry together. It 's
chaotic, but I would n't own it any other way .'
The even begins with a repast, although eating
seems to consider place over many hours. The air
is homelike and felicitous, with every unity family
member enjoying their clip with each former.

Percy Weasley, a loving father of five, union in
on the fun and Christmas emotional state by challenging
his nine-year-old daughters Samantha and Lindy,
as well as nephew Albus Potter, 14, to a secret plan
of Exploding Snap .'I feel it 's of import to
spend fourth dimension with my children, as well as my nieces
and nephews ,'Weasley said, 'we have such piffling
time with them before they go off to Hogwarts.
My eldest is already out on her own and my sons
only have a footling time left at Hogwarts. The
twins are still young, so I try to pass time
with them every unity day .'When asked
about their father 's campaign, Samantha said,
'I want him to win. He 's practiced at his job .'
Lindy merely shrugged, 'It would be sang-froid if he
winnings, but he 'll still just be Dad to us .'

The dwelling house of King Arthur and molly Weasley is not
only open to Weasleys at Xmas time. This
year they were joined by a ally of Albus thrower
and Rose Weasley, 14. Amanda tagging program, also 14, is
a fourth year pupil at Hogwarts. Tagger is no
stranger to political families since her uncle
is Michael Smythe, Prime diplomatic minister of Great
Britain .'I think it is just wonderful that
the Prime Minister 's niece is a enchantress ,'Percy
said. 'We are always trying to promote a
healthy kinship with the Muggle Ministry
and this will only help .'

Before posing for the picture found on page
20 and 21, the Weasley family first donned
their Weasley jumpers. Each phallus of the family
receives one of these jump shot for Yule
every year. The traditional jumper are knitted
by mollie Weasley .'I 'm not surely how it started,
really ,'molly said, when asked about the rootage
of the pinafore ,'I suppose it was when invoice and
Charlie were minuscule, before Hotspur was born. I
wanted to knit them matching sweater and they
outgrew them by the trace year, so I made
new ones. Then when Sir Henry Percy was born he needed one
so it soon grew into a each year matter .'

If I had to choose one Scripture to depict the Weasley
family unit, I would choose 'laid-back .'Spending a
Dec 25 Eve with this family, you would never
think that they were famed for their efforts in
the war against Voldemort. They are just so normal.
Even Harry thrower, Head Auror, is just your
average Padre. He spends Christmas Eve joking
around with his brothers-in-law and playing games
with his baby, nieces, and nephews. I asked
him what a distinctive Xmas day is like in the
Weasley mansion and he responded with, 'Quidditch.
We live for Quidditch. No affair the weather we
get out there every Yule and run a match or
two. Then we 'll come inside and have dinner, all
of us together. It 's simple, but perfect .'

There you have it. Christmas with the Weasleys
summed up in one sentence by none other than Harry
Potter himself. I thoroughly enjoyed disbursement
Christmas Eve with Hotspur Weasley and his full
family. following fourth dimension I interview him, I really must
ask for his female parent 's shepherd 's pie recipe. It
truly is wonderful.

"Really ?"Albus asked after handing the cartridge holder to Lily."After all that ? She interviewed half the folk and only quoted a few of us ?"

"I 'm guessing the eternal sleep could n't really be used for the type of article she was going for,"James pointed out."observation how she only included stuff Samantha and lindy hop said."

"And she made it seem like the photographer just happened to involve word picture of us playing secret plan with Uncle Sir Henry Percy,"Albus said."All of that was staged."

"That 's journalism,"Ginny said."Not serious journalism, mind you, but it is fairly common practice."

"I guess it could have been defective,"Albus said.

"Yes, it could stimulate been,"Ginny agreed."I think we 're all just grateful she did n't stay on for Yule dinner."

William 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 Georgia plays Quidditch."

"hold your mouth shut about that, James,"Ginny said quietly.

"Anyone with half a mastermind could see it,"James muttered.

Albus said nothing. He still was n't completely for certain that saying goose egg about Laurentis figuring that out was the right thing to do. But he could n't exactly say anything, not when all his first cousin and lusterlessness had agreed not to.

"James,"Ginny said."sufficiency. And I suggest you use the remainder of your break to study for those O.W.L.s. June is a lot sooner than you think."

Epistle of James certainly did a good job of pretending to study for the remainder of the holiday, while shut up in his way for his penalization. Albus noticed that while he always had a book cracked open nearby, to catch when one of their parents walked into the room, it was always the Same book, opened to the Sami 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 preparation before the weekend, leaving him with two blissful days of doing aught. On Saturday he, along with his parents, James IV, and Lily, visited Kaden and his sept for a late Xmas and New Year 's celebration. Albus was relieved that Kaden 's grandparents were n't there.

Mon arrived and it was time to go back to Hogwarts. Albus was quite happy about this because he had grown bored of staying at home and doing null and was sick of being in such stuffy quarters with James IV and Lily. At least in Gryffindor column they kept to their own grouping of acquaintance. But mostly, Albus wanted to get Amanda 's take on the conversation they overheard at the Minister 's Mansion.

"Everyone 's staring at me,"Amanda said as she entered the compartment Albus, blush wine, matte, John the Evangelist, and Kaden were occupying."Took me ages to find you, just because masses kept wanting to verbalise to me. It 's that dullard magazine article. Now everyone knows I 'm the Prime Minister 's niece."

"It was bound to happen Sooner or later,"Rose pointed out."But I 'm sorry. If I 'd known the newsman was going to verbalize about that, I would n't stimulate invited you for Christmas."

"No, it 's o.k.,"Amanda said as she sat down."I 'm glad I went. It 's just annoying. Guess 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 firstly cousin once removed or something."

"And that really makes me wonder how I got wrapped up in all this,"bathroom said."My parents just are n't nearly as challenging as yours all are."

"How was that political party, by the way ?"Amanda asked.

"Mostly boring,"Albus said."But we did wind up in a diminutive cupboard with my cousin-german Georgia, Bradley, and Cedric and overheard a conversation between Laurentis and her political campaign manager."

"You what ?"John exclaimed."And you did n't retrieve that warranted an owl ?"

"We wanted to tell you in person,"Albus said."The conversation was really weird."

"Tell us !"Amanda said.

Albus explained what he overheard, with help from flatness, who had been able to listen it a bit Thomas More clearly. John and Kaden looked slightly uncomfortable when they finished, but Amanda did n't seem at all surprised or upset.

"That ca n't be safe,"John said."What do you think she 's planning ?"

"That 's just it, I do n't bang,"Albus said."And all my cousins and mat agreed not to say anything-"

"They 're right hand, of course,"Amanda said."You 'd just stimulate up trouble. Your uncle has got to focus on convincing mass he 's the right one for the job, not discrediting everything Laurentis says."

"But she 's going to try and convince everyone my dad 's a bad Auror,"Albus pointed out.

"Your dad is n't running for diplomatic minister,"Amanda said."And honestly, I do n't suppose she 's going to be able to win over all of wizarding UK that your dad 's incompetent 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 people the opponent is bad for the job. As a good deal as it should just be spent on trying to convince people they 're right-hand for the job, prospect just do n't do that. Trust me. My uncle 's on his secondly 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 handler to dig something up."

"Worst typesetter's case scenario, she figures out that your uncle Percy does n't really sanction of Sakartvelo 's Quidditch career,"Amanda said."Then he 'll give an interview and say that at first he was n't because he was worried about her future but then he saw her play and now he realizes how honest she is and blah, blah, blah. It 'll be fixed."

"She 's right, Albus,"Rose said. The others nodded.

"How do you know all this ?"Albus asked."I mean, seriously."

"I 'm an excellent eavesdropper,"Amanda said with a smiling."And all without Extendable Ears."

"Amazing,"whoremonger agreed.

"It 's bare, really,"Amanda said."Be the kid in your kinfolk that goes unnoticed. My older sister is the drama fairy, so everything that happens to her, no affair how small, is a huge stack. My little brother is a holy terror who demands unremitting attention. Me ? I 'm the repose one. They 'll have solid conversations about stuff in front of me that they 'd never have in front of either my comrade or sister."

Kaden laughed."Bet that changed when you found out you were a witch."

"At first, but then me being a beldam became normal,"Amanda said.

Matt let out a low whistle."bid I had that skill. I still ca n't even go into the same way as my parents without one of them asking me if I feel okay. Bit of an exaggeration, but still."

"I think my parents spent too much of their childhoods eavesdropping on people to gift me a decent chance at it,"Albus said."They know all the tricks."

"So do mine,"Rose said."I swear my mum can smell out an Extendable Ear a knot away."

"I think I 'm too loud,"St. John said.

"Lapplander,"Kaden agreed.

"So, would you believe me if I said I actually wanted to go to the Azkaban public debate ?"St. John the Apostle asked as he opened a box of Bertie Bott 's Every Flavor Beans.

blush wine burst out laughing."Really, john ?"

"Yes, really,"Saint John said, popping a bean into his mouth."Butter, weird. If Laurentis is going to do something, I want to be right there to find it."

"Maybe you 'll get lucky 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 prime of life pastor's niece and all,"privy said.

"Not necessarily,"Amanda said.

"You can always take my spot, Gospel According to John,"flatness said as he got up to steal a fistful of John 's Bertie Bott 's."Full moon 's on Friday, so I wo n't be going."

"Maybe you can convince dame Pomfrey, since it 's educational,"Kaden said.

Matt popped a bean into his mouth and then promptly spat it out."Ew, dirt. Does n't matter what Madam Pomfrey says. Day after the full lunar month ? I 'll be asleep. You 'll just have to take notation and let me know what happens."

St. John the Apostle groaned."I 'll pass on your spot if I have to lease notes."

"Someone 's going to have to take notes either way,"flatness said."I 'll need them for the essay that Embry will assign."

"Do n't worry, I 'll study note of hand,"Rose told him.

"Thanks,"flatness replied."Now, who 's wants this bonce ? It looks just like grease, but it could be chocolate."matt held up a suspiciously chocolate-brown bean.

"I 'll take it !"John said. He took a petite nibble, screwed up his face, and threw the residual of the attic back at Matt, hitting him feather on the forehead."Thanks, mate, another dirt."

Albus laughed and took a fistful of beans. The remainder of the trip was much more lighthearted than their conversation about the campaign tactics of Laurentis and Sir Henry Percy. They finished off Saint 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 same flavor. The gear ride went quickly and soon they arrived in Hogsmeade station with Hogwarts, Albus 's irregular habitation, just a poor pram bait away.


Sorry for the late update ! My full cousin got married on Fri so I was gone the all weekend and did n't have my computer with me. Thanks to my sister, Linda, who in my family, 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 center on how the first and second state of war against Voldemort shaped how the Ministry of Magic is organized today,"professor Embry announced after the gong rang for Tues 's politics class."This share of the course of study will overlap with your chronicle of thaumaturgy stratum quite a bit, although I 'd stake a guess that none of you pay attention in History of Magic, not that I blame you. I never could stay awake in that division either.

"get-go, we will remove a unaired look at exactly how the Ministry was organized prior to Voldemort 's rise to power and why it was such a problem,"Embry continued."Part of the rationality why Voldemort was able-bodied to rise to power as quickly as he did was because the Ministry was susceptible to a coup. Since then, precautions have been taken to prevent a similar billet. Does anyone know 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 need to raise his hand. He preferred listening during class.

"Yes, Miss Tagger ?"

"The Minister was n't elected,"Amanda said,"which is odd because the Muggle pastor is elected, sort of. It 's not like in the United States, but the world ballot on which party will be in power."

"Exactly,"Embry said."Prior to the reorganization of the Ministry of Magic in 1998, the Minister was appointed by the Wizengamot. Can anyone state me why that is a problem ?"

Amanda 's hand shot into the air once more. She was even faster than rose wine in this class.

"girl Tagger ?"

"It was bad because the hoi polloi had no power. Only the Wizengamot had any power in the Ministry, because they were the unity who appointed the Minister, who then appointed all the other official. No one had any say in anything."

"Right again. Ten stop to Gryffindor,"Embry said."The Wizengamot, prior to 1998, was a radical of very influential hag and virtuoso, mostly pureblood, who essentially ran the Ministry of deception. They also served as the discriminative system. These witches and wizards inherited their seats on the Wizengamot from household extremity because each influential family in the British wizarding creation once held a tail in the Wizengamot. The problems with this are obvious because it meant that only purebloods and a prize few half-bloods had any colour of power."

Albus was scribbling furiously. He knew the staple of the political system just from overhearing his parents'conversations, but the details were hazy. Now that he was learning the gritty details, he wondered why it took so long for the Ministry to be reorganized. It seemed like it was based solely on blood status and how a good deal money someone had, which was n't right.

Embry continued to explain the old Ministry and the assorted major power that each person or grouping of people in the Ministry had prior to Voldemort 's reign. By the end of the talk Albus had just over a foot of notes, which was respectable because Embry had already set them an essay.

"Before you leave, I 'll foretell who will be attending Sabbatum 's disputation,"Embry said after he finished lecturing."Like lastly clock time, Albus Potter, Rose Weasley, and lusterlessness Eckerton will be able to attend. The two Hufflepuffs who will be attending are Elaine Asterly and Charles Christopher Parker Wayland. The two Gryffindors are Amanda Tagger and Ethan Kesse. You will report to the Great Hall at ten and hold for instructions from the prefects waiting by the threshold. Everyone else will be listening to the argument 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 debates after all,"Amanda said as they left the classroom.

"This one will be good, though,"Rose said."You 're lucky they picked you for it."

"indirect request I got picked,"lav lamented.

"I 'm telling you, just go instead of me,"lusterlessness insisted."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 Sabbatum, are you ?"

Albus and his supporter stopped in the middle of the corridor, turning around to see Scorpius Malfoy behind them, his arms crossed across his chest. 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.

"collapse it a rest, Malfoy,"John said, stepping closer to the Slytherin."We get that you know. We 've gotten over it."

Scorpius stepped closer, ignoring toilet and turning to mat."How do you get into the Shrieking hovel ?"he demanded.

Matt 's nerve paled. John grabbed hold of Scorpius 's gown and dragged him into a nearby classroom. King John had at to the lowest degree four inches on Malfoy, so it did n't appear difficult. Albus and the others followed, Rose shutting and locking the door behind them.

"Why do you need to cognize about the shriek Shack ?"John asked as he let go of Scorpius.

"None of your stage business,"Scorpius said, glancing at the locked door. He slowly drew his sceptre.

trick drew his own wand."Put your sceptre away. And it 's his concern which makes it all of our business."trick gestured to matt, who had sat down on one of the desks.

"There 's five of you. Like hell I 'm putting my wand away. So I am right, he does transform in the Shrieking hovel,"Scorpio said with a sly grinning. The look of sadness Albus thought he 'd seen was gone ; maybe he 'd imagined it.

"John !"matt exclaimed."Now look what you 've done !"

"Sorry,"bathroom said."I did n't mean to-"

"Never mind,"lustrelessness said, getting up from the desk and walking over to John and Scorpius."How did you figure it out ?"

"Where else could you transform safely ?"Scorpius asked."I did a footling research in the library and that was built the summertime before Remus lupin started at Hogwarts and everyone knows he was a werewolf. No one ever lived in it, but people reported hearing uncanny disturbance from it. Everyone said it was trace, but they went strangely quiet seven long time later, only to reappear four and a one-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 appal Scorpius had done all that research and put everything together. Perhaps he was smarter than Albus and his friends gave him mention for.

"Well, you ca n't separate anyone, just like you ca n't tell anyone I 'm a werewolf,"Matt said."Kendrick would rout out you."

"I do n't worry that it 's where you translate,"Scorpius said."The point in time is that it 's empty except for one night of the month. How do you get in ?"

"I 'm not telling,"Matt said.

"amercement, I 'll project it out myself,"Scorpius said, pointing his wand at the doorway. The ringlet clicked and he strolled over to the door, opened it, and left.

"That was weird,"Albus said as soon as Scorpius was gone.

"Yeah,"lusterlessness said, sitting down on the nearest desk."Why does he require to get in the shriek hutch ?"

"Clearly he needs somewhere that 's empty, but the interrogative sentence is what is he planning on doing ?"rose 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,"rose wine said.

lustrelessness groaned."He break not actually figure out how to get in there."

"If he does, he would n't be dumb enough to go in there during a full Sun Myung Moon,"Albus pointed out.

"Yeah, but still. That 's my space,"Matt muttered."I need a nap. I think I 'm going to jump dinner and just go back to Gryffindor. I 'll see you later."

lusterlessness hopped off the desk and left the way. Albus sighed. The utmost thing he wanted, amidst all of the election stuff and nonsense and his family 's drama, was another issue with Scorpius Malfoy, but it looked like things were heading in that counselling.
***


The following break of the day when Albus and his protagonist entered the Great Charles Francis Hall for breakfast the students already eating were lots flash than normal. Albus turned to rosebush, who shrugged in disarray, as they walked inside. Everyone in the room, students and teachers alike, were talking ominously. Copies of the prophesier were exchanging men faster than the Quaffle during a Gryffindor/Slytherin catch.

"Albus !"Epistle of James shouted once they reached the Gryffindor table."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 clip,"Saint James said darkly."High-profile captive and more of them. expiry Eaters. There has n't been a break-out like this in yr. Not since our parents were our age."

Albus 's heart began to pound as he unfolded the paper. There it was, right on the face page. A big photo montage of five people, all gaunt and evil-looking, was right in the midsection, with the wrangle 'Five Prisoners Break Out of Azkaban'above them and an article below them. Albus 's tummy churned when he recognized the delineation of the middle captive. It was Quinton Willinson. His eyes drifted to the clause so he could count on out who the others were.

Early this aurora Azkaban functionary
reported that five luxuriously security prisoners
escaped late last night. It is unclear how
they managed to do so. The captive, all
imprisoned for felonies, should be regarded
as dangerous and should not be approached.

four-spot of the five prisoners have been in
Azkaban since 1998, having been imprisoned
for war criminal offence. They are Alecto Carrow,
Amycus Carrow, Fenrir grayback, and Dolores
Umbridge. All but Umbridge are proven Death
feeder. The fifth prisoner, Quinton Willinson,
has been in and out of prison since 2018,
having escaped and been recaptured just last-place
year.

'Finding and recapturing these individuals is
our top priority ,'header Auror, Harry ceramist,
said to reporters early this break of day. parson
prospect and head Azkaban official, Patricia
Laurentis, refused to comment on the break-out.
The Auror section has asked all those with
tips to report them to the Ministry via owl
immediately.

Albus sat stunned after reading the clause. Three end Eaters, Dolores Umbridge, and Quinton Willinson had escaped from Azkaban. How did that happen ? How did five in high spirits security measures prisoner just escape with no one stopping them ? It did n't make mother wit.

"This is not going to make Laurentis face good,"Amanda said quietly.

"Forget Laurentis, this is bad,"Albus said."Very bad. Umbridge is malefic, flex evil. My dad 's got scar on his hand from what she did to him when she was a teacher here. And the Carrows, they were teachers, too. They taught Dark Arts. Not defense, but actual Dark Arts, and how to torture Muggles. Greyback-"

"Greyback bites people, for fun,"lusterlessness said, his face blanch white."He 's the one who bit shimmy 's dad."

"The four of them,"Albus began,"the four of them make Quinton Willinson look like a unicorn."

"That 's the weird affair,"pink wine said."The others are in prison for life history for war crimes. Willinson will be in there for a while, but he 'll get parole eventually and the only reason he 's a high security system prisoner is because he escaped before. So why did he break 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 criminals who had been in prison house since before he was born ? It did n't make sense. Albus thought about it throughout all his classes that day, but did n't come up with any answers.

It was obvious that the Azkaban break-out had unnerved the entire rook. prof spoke in low susurration when they thought educatee were n't around, scholar no longer wandered the castle by themselves, and even Scorpio Malfoy seemed a bit more quiet during dueling practice on Thursday.

All five prisoners still remained at great on Friday, when Ministry functionary began arriving for the debate. Laurentis still had yet to comment on the break-out, which struck Albus as strange. Azkaban was her dominion and yet she said aught on the national.

"Is it just me or are there even more newsperson here than there were last clock time ?"Albus asked.

"It 's not just you,"Amanda said.

Albus, Matt, toilet, and Amanda were walking back to the castle from charge of Magical tool. 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 chemical group of speed looking reporters 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 weird that there was a break-out three twenty-four hour period before the Azkaban debate ?"Albus asked.

"I thought of that, too,"Amanda said."Very weird coincidence."

"Well, it 'll be good for your uncle,"John said."Laurentis is going to look like an idiot, not being able-bodied to hold on five high school surety prisoners in Azkaban."

Albus nodded. He supposed that was one skilful thing that came from three Death Eaters escaping from Azkaban, not that there was anything good about it.

"I 'm skipping appealingness,"lustrelessness said through a yawning."And Ancient Runes."

"I 'm surprise you did n't decamp fear of Magical animal,"Gospel According to John said.

matte 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 trick, too."

"Very funny,"lustrelessness said as they reached the castle.

Albus found it increasingly difficult to concentrate on anything for the rest of the day. By the time he went to Ancient runic letter 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 safety at Hogwarts, but it was still troubling.

Professor Kendrick welcomed the Ministry officials to Hogwarts at dinner party that night and Albus thought back to the end debate, when Hogwarts had housed the Ministry officials. He was very glad that this time he would n't be confessing to a prank to his uncle in the Gryffindor uncouth room. Neither St. John or Kaden had done their retaliation frivolity to the Slytherins yet and Albus form of hoped they would n't.

After a interrupted sleep Albus woke early on Saturday sunrise and contemplated visiting flatness before everyone else woke up, but figured that Matt would be deceased and thus it would be purposeless to visit. He 'd chit-chat with everyone else later, after the debate. They 'd have sight of clip sin there was n't going to be a doubt and solvent school term this sentence.

At ten o'clock Albus, rose wine, and Amanda stood in billet in front of the Great manor hall, waiting to be let inside. John had decided not to bother asking if he could take Matt 's station, since he did n't want to attract any attention to the fact that Matt was not there.

"Albus,"rosiness whispered, poking him in the face."Look. Malfoy 's here."

Albus glanced over to where rose was pointing and saw that Scorpio was in fact waiting in business line. He looked sullen and upset again and Albus wished he knew why. It was Weird seeing Malfoy, the usually arrogant prick, upset.

"shot he won the Slytherin smirch,"Albus said.

The doorway to the Great anteroom opened and Albus and Rose said goodbye to Amanda before they were lead to the presence of the room by a Slytherin prefect. They were seated in the same row they were before, along with the rest of their Hogwarts full cousin.

The Great Hall slowly filled up over the following half hour. The sleep of Albus 's cousins, aunts, and uncles arrived, taking spots in the battlefront few rows. Albus caught Peach State 's eye as she took her seat in the row on the opposite side of the room from him and she gave him a flimsy grin.

Albus wondered if Laurentis 's campaign director had actually found anything on Uncle Sir Henry Percy and whether she would say anything during the debate. With the break-out, he hoped she 'd been too busy to dig up a great deal dirt or even think about exposing anything.

Albus turned to the front line of the room and watched a very short man accompany prof Kendrick to the moderator 's soapbox. He was dressed in Ministry blue gown and had very little hair on his header.

"aid, please !"Kendrick shouted. The crew quieted."Thank you. I 'd like to welcome all of you to Hogwarts and preface our moderator for this sunup. superior Farleigh, Head of the section of Magical Transportation."

"Thank you, professor,"the short, balding man said."I 'd now like to usher in our prospect, although I am surely you all know them. Mr. Percy Weasley and Ms. Patricia Laurentis."

Harry Hotspur and Laurentis walked into the room from one of the antechambers and took their seat at each of the podiums. Sir Henry Percy looked as surefooted as always and Laurentis, despite the scandal of the break-out, looked poised and excited.

"Today we will be debating the juridic scheme, specifically Azkaban prison,"Farleigh announced."The common rules apply. Five minute disputation, two minute of arc rebuttals."

Laurentis inched unaired to her soapbox, as if she was readying herself to pounce on whatever Walker Percy said. Percy remained chill out and garner, continuing to play the role of the cool off politician.

"Mr. Weasley, you will respond first. Do you feel that the juridic system as a whole is fair to both the accused and victims of crime ? Are the sentences handed out by the Wizengamot fair ?"

"I believe everyone is able to get a bonny trial by the Wizengamot,"Walker Percy began."I have reviewed many guinea pig, and while I am not nor do I profess to be a solicitor, and I feel that the majority of the condemnation handed out by the Wizengamot fit the crime. However, there is always a hazard that a person guilty of a offense will go free, as there is an equal chance that someone will be wrongfully imprisoned. The judicial system works hard to make certain this happens as infrequently as possible and corrects legal injury when they do occur."

"Ms. Laurentis ?"

"I disagree with my opponent,"Laurentis said."well-nigh of the sentences handed out by the Wizengamot are not harsh enough. Ever since the frustration of Voldemort prison prison term have grown shorter, with the exception of those imprisoned for war crimes. And one guilty person who roams free is too many. If I am elected minister of religion I will work hard to ascertain that no guilty masses get off. Prisoners belong in Azkaban and the Wizengamot is far too lenient."

"Your rebuttal, Mr. Weasley."

"While a goal of not having any guilty people get set resign is suitable, it is unrealistic,"Harry Hotspur said."The Wizengamot is composed of witches and wizards like you and me. They are not any more knock-down than we are and do not possess the power to know for sure that the accused are guilty. misapprehension come about and while we should ferment to minimise them, it is very unrealistic to say that we can get rid of them completely. Ms. Laurentis is offering delusive hope."

"I am not offering false hope,"Laurentis said."There are spells, potions, ways to bump out if people are guilty that the Wizengamot does not use. If I am elected Minister I will approve use of these and they will aid the Wizengamot in ensuring that no guilty criminals are set free."

Albus agreed with his uncle. There was no possible way Laurentis could undertake that all criminals would be imprisoned.

"Next question,"Farleigh said."Ms. Laurentis, you will go first. Do you experience the parole arrangement is effective ?"

Laurentis gave a wry smile before beginning."a good deal like the Wizengamot, the countersign system is too lenient. I have seen outlaw guilty of deluxe larceny get paroled after a mere two years in prison house. The statistics are clear, most of these malefactor who are paroled early on in their condemnation wind up back in Azkaban within a yr, whether for breaking the ruler of their word of honor or committing another law-breaking. As Head of Azkaban, I am able to give my comment of whether a prisoner is paroled or not, but in the end it is up to the Wizengamot."

"Mr. Weasley."

"As my resister has said, many felon 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 underpin a substantially system for integrating criminals back into companionship. Muggles have seen success with halfway sign and I feel we should try that in wizarding society."

"Halfway theater ?"Laurentis said with raised supercilium."An fascinate estimation. However, Mr. Weasley lacks the experience that I have with dealing with prisoners. nigh are not fit for bon ton and many never will be. Even with halfway houses they will wind 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,"Percy said."Not everyone is a lost effort and should be written off so quickly. Many captive have made a few bad selection as a termination of bad childhood and a bit of rehabilitation will set them straight."

"Thank you, Mr. Weasley,"Farleigh said."adjacent question. Is Azkaban an reserve place to star sign captive ? Is the facility still doing its job ?"

Walker Percy shifted a bit before answering."Azkaban is an appropriate facility for eminent security prisoner, but I have always felt that we need a less restrain construction to house our lowly security prisoners. Right now all criminal, from those who committed piddling 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 gear protection place. It also requires a lot of money for its care. If we were to build a belittled building located on the mainland to house low-spirited security department captive, we would be able to decrease spending at Azkaban itself. We could then increase security at Azkaban without wasting travail and money on less dangerous criminals."

"Ms. Laurentis."

"How is building another quickness going to keep open money ?"Laurentis asked."Once again you show your ignorance in the judicial system of rules and Azkaban. I believe that Azkaban is doing its job perfectly well. I am in charge of the prison, including its sustentation and it is in perfect condition. We are not spending an outrageous amount of money on the spot. Further, I do not believe that to a lesser extent dangerous criminals deserve a lower security prison. They are all criminals and if they did not wish well to be in Azkaban, they should not have committed a crime."

"Maintaining Azkaban is expensive,"Hotspur said."It is also extremely difficult to hire guards because of its placement and general feel of the place, not to mention the severe criminals. If we housed less dangerous crook in another building, it would be easy to find guards to work there. We could then use the guards willing to guard high surety prisoners only to guard high-pitched security captive. We would no longer give birth to liquidate them on lower surety prisoners."

"But we will still throw to maintain Azkaban, and then another building,"Laurentis pointed out."It just makes far more sense to keep all felon in one place and an island is a good plaza to do that-"

"Obviously not that near, given the escape-"

"Mr. Weasley,"Farleigh interrupted."You are speaking out of turn. It is time to move on to the next question. In luminousness of the recent Azkaban break-out, what do you finger penury 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 ability to appear to be looking every person in the eye at once. She then turned to Percy and gave him one of those creepy grin that seemed to sustain become her touch facial expression. Albus turned to Rose, who raised her eyebrows and shrugged.

"I am well aware that I have remained silence on the matter of the break-out,"Laurentis began,"and I have done that on purpose. I see that all of the reporters in the back have their Quik-Quotes shaft poised and ready to write down my every word on this theme. Surely you 're all hoping to be the first to publish my thoughts.

"You 're probably all assuming I will deny that there is anything wrongfulness with the security at the prison house and that the break-out was a mere trematode and it wo n't happen again. I am not going to say either. There is a job and if we do not fix it, it will fall out again. Every single one of those scarper captive is highly dangerous and if we do not retake them soon, who knows what will befall. When they are captured, we will need to have better security in piazza. After all, what is more important that the safety of our children ? With those five prisoner roaming free, every someone in this way, in this castle, in this state is in danger.

"Fortunately, I have a solution. It is a controversial solution, but I feel we need to go to extremes to protect our syndicate, especially our children. That is why if elected government minister, the first affair I will do is reinstate the dementors as Azkaban guards."


Sorry about the cliff hanger ! I did n't want to do it but the chapter was twice as long as they normally are and there really was n't a good post to split up it. Thanks for all the lovely review article !


Albus let out a gasp, as did everyone else in the room. The Great entrance hall was suddenly in chaos. Everyone was whispering and a few people had let out cries of indignation or excitement. Albus could practically get wind the newsperson'quill pen scratching across rolls of parchment, and Laurentis was grinning again. Walker Percy stood behind his dais, his mouth seeming to be frozen in a wide, gaping position. Farleigh was attempting to take in order, and failing.

"That is literally insane !"pink wine exclaimed."Reinstate the dementors ? Is she mad ? Is she throwing the election ?"

"I do n't have intercourse,"Albus said."But she must be mad. Will people actually approve of this ? Will she even be able 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 approve it as Minister and it 'll pass."

"But it would be stupefied to land them back,"Albus said.

"It would,"rosebush agreed."They 're dangerous and their allegiance change so easily. But to be honest, I 'm not for certain everyone will feel that way. Not with those prisoners on the loose."

"lull, hushed !"prof Kendrick shouted. The crew finally settled down.

"Mr. Weasley, it is your bout to verbalize,"Farleigh said exasperatingly.

Percy shook his head to recover his equanimity. He 'd lost his cool, calm, and collected politician flavor and now he looked more like he did after arguing with Peach State about her Quidditch career.

"well, I, er, do not believe that dementors are the response to the security problem in Azkaban,"Sir Henry Percy said."What we need are more skilled guards in guardianship of luxuriously security measures prisoner as well as a revamp of the spells and enthrallment currently keeping prisoners inside. It will also help to go over the organization of the guard schedule because at the time of the escape valve, only three sentry go were maintaining that part of the prison house. That was surely an oversight that could have been prevented."

"Human error,"Laurentis said."It happens and it will happen again. Can we really risk the spirit of our minor in the luck that another error will go on ? Dementors were proven guards who did not allow prisoners to escape. During their sovereignty in Azkaban, before their allegiance changed, only one person managed to run away. Since their removal we have had legion escapes."

"Clear grounds that we need to revamp prison security,"Percy said."But dementors are not the answer. They are grievous creatures and as you said, their loyalty changed. What 's to say that wo n't befall again if, God forbid, another Voldemort were to rise up to power ? If anyone offered those dementors a safe mess than we did they 'd have a totally prison house of dangerous criminals at their disposal to do their bidding. It 's not Charles Frederick Worth the risk."

"Another Voldemort is not going to rise to mogul,"Laurentis said with a laugh."We have learned from our history and it wo n't happen again."

"You ca n't guarantee that,"Walker Percy said."Even if there is a very small chance of it happening, it is not worth risking having dementors guard Azkaban."

"Mr. Weasley, Ms. Laurentis,"Farleigh said."It is meter to move on-"

"You are talking about a hypothetical !"Laurentis exclaimed, throwing her hands up in the air."I am talking about what is happening now ! Five grievous outlaw have escaped, four of whom were on Voldemort 's English 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 !"Harry Hotspur shouted back, ignoring Farleigh 's vain attempt to get both candidates to stop talking."For all we know they would 've escaped anyway !"

Laurentis let out a deeply laugh."Five prisoner safety valve when the dementors are allied with the Ministry ? That 's preposterous. Only one person was able to do that and it was because he was an Animagus. None of the prisoner are Animagi. We test for that before admitting anyone to the prison."

"Be that as it may, dementors are unsafe magical puppet. Not to remark the moral philosophy of subjecting prisoners to their effects-"

"prisoner have no rights,"Laurentis said."They give up their rights when they commit crimes-"

"Basic human right hand !"Percy exclaimed."There are staple human rights that everyone deserves ! Talk about learning from our account. 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 separate me that I do n't remember it."

Albus was on the edge of his seat. His uncle was so red in the look that he was starting to turn purple and resemble Kaden 's granddaddy. Laurentis 's hair was breaking free people from its tight bun and there was a vein popping out in her forehead. Farleigh was still trying to get both campaigner to block off talking and failing miserably, while every other person in the Great hall sat completely still, staring at Sir Henry Percy and Laurentis.

"muteness !"Professor Kendrick shouted in a magically amplified voice.

Both Percy and Laurentis immediately quieted. The vein on Laurentis 's forehead continued to shudder, and Percy still looked like an overripe tomato.

"I think we 've run out of meter,"Farleigh said, in a voice barely more than a close shave."Thank you all for coming."

"scholar, please retort to your common suite,"Kendrick announced."Lunch will be in an time of day. As a reminder, there is no question and answer sitting today."

The whispering rose up immediately after Kendrick stopped speaking and since everyone was whispering the randomness level rose very high. Albus, Rose, and Amanda joined the waiting line of multitude ambling to leave the Great Hall, and without even talking about it, went immediately to the predator 's Den, where they found John and Kaden.

"What the bloody perdition is she trying to do ?"John asked as soon as Albus shut the door.

"She 's lost her mind !"Rose shouted as she began pacing around the room."She has legitimately lost her mind. That 's the but explanation."

"fountainhead there 's no way she 'll win now,"Albus pointed out."Dementors ?"

"It 's a bit convenient, do n't you think ?"rosebush asked."This break-out happens and then she announces she wants the dementors back ? It did n't sound 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 seer tomorrow."

"Dementors ..."Kaden murmured."They 're what sucked all the happiness out of us when we were in Australia finale year, right ?"

Albus nodded."They 're dreaded creatures."

"And they used to guard the prison house ?"Amanda asked incredulously."That 's just wrong."

"It is,"Rose said darkly."That 's why after Voldemort they stopped using them as sentry duty. That and all the dementors changed dedication and let last feeder 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 human race to feed off of."rosebush shuddered."Voldemort offered them far more than even Azkaban could extend. But right now they do n't have a goodness source. They just travel around, feeding. They 'll ward if given the opportunity."

"Should n't the great unwashed 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 announce anything if she did n't think it would get her balloting,"rose said."Most masses our parents'age and older, who lost get it on ones in the war, will bear absolutely no sympathy for Death eater and would n't care if the dementors were brought back, especially if Laurentis could then guarantee no one would escape."

Albus had n't thought of that and apparently no one else did, either, because the way grew quietly. Albus sank onto one of the couches and started counting the number of Bertie Bott 's Every-Flavor Beans that were scattered on the floor. He got to twenty-three before anyone said anything.

"I wonder what Malfoy thinks of all this,"lav mused."Was n't his dad a Death Eater ? So he should n't want the dementors back in Azkaban, but the way he was talking in the trinity Broomsticks a while back made it seem like he 's very against your uncle."

"Of course of study he 's against my uncle,"Albus said."His whole crime syndicate dislike my whole kinsfolk and it goes the early way, too. But his dad was never found guilty of his criminal offense so he never did time in Azkaban."

"Surely his dad 's got friends there,"John the Evangelist 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 wine said."Catch him up on all this."

Albus had completely forgotten that matt was still in the hospital wing, in the midst of Laurentis 's promulgation. He felt vaguely guilty about it, but at least rose had remembered.

Everyone gathered for lunch in the Great Radclyffe Hall was talking about Laurentis 's desire to bring back the dementors. Percy, Laurentis, and the Ministry officials were still there, having dejeuner with the professors at the staff table, and all were deep in discussion. Albus would 've loved to be able-bodied to listen in on their conversations, but wearing the invisibleness Cloak in the crowded Great Hall was n't a good theme.

"wagerer get used to the idea of your dad being diplomatic minister,"one of the seventh years was saying to Bradley."No one 's going to vote for Laurentis now."

Omar Nelson Bradley muttered something under his breathing place that Albus could n't learn. Albus took a tush a few people down from his cousin and began to nominate a sandwich.

"She 's got my all sept 's suffrage now,"one of the other seventh eld said."Both of my grandparents were killed by Fenrir Greyback. If the dementors will catch him and continue him in there forever, it 'd make all of us sleep better."

There were a few nods from other older students sitting nearby. Albus was slightly shocked. If this many scholarly person approved of her estimation, a lot of grownup probably did, too. And these were 7th long time ; they could vote.

"delay, the dementors find criminals, too ?"Kaden asked."I thought that 's what Aurors did."

"Only the really awesome escaped prisoner,"Albus said."My dad 's Godfather, Sirius, when he escaped, the dementors were given permit to give him the Dementor 's candy kiss if they caught him."

"What 's the Dementor 's kiss ?"Amanda asked.

Albus shuddered."It 's where they suck out someone 's soul."

"And they die ?"Amanda asked quietly.

Albus shook his top dog."No, they live without a soul. Everyone says it 's bad than dying."

"And they were going to do that to Sirius ?"Kaden replied.

Albus nodded."He was the 1st to break loose Azkaban. He 's the one Laurentis was talking about and at the meter everyone thought he murdered thirteen Muggles and gave my grandparents up to Voldemort."

"That 's absolutely horrible !"Amanda exclaimed. She turned to the few one-sixth and seventh years who had said they 'd vote for Laurentis."How can you wish that on someone ?"

"If your grandparents were murdered by dying Eaters you would, too,"one of the girlfriend snapped.

"Albus 's grandparents were murdered by Voldemort and he does n't desire the dementors back at Azkaban,"Amanda pointed out.

"Well, Voldemort 's bushed,"the miss said."Maybe if Greyback were dead I 'd experience differently. But he 's not so I want the dementors back."

"I do n't guess she 's going to suffer as easily as we thought,"Amanda said quietly.

"Of class she 's not,"rose said."This is probably better for vote than digging up grunge on Uncle Percy."

"It 's absolutely uncivilized,"Amanda said, shoving her plate forward."Sucking out soul 's psyche ? And they just blow your glad computer storage out ?"

"Yeah,"Albus answered, thinking back to the previous June. He shuddered."You 're forced to relive your unsound memories."

"That 's all you can think about ?"Amanda asked."Just the bad ones ?"

Albus nodded."My dad said it makes you go mad after a while."

"Of course it does !"Amanda shouted."That 's just not compensate ! Are you lot done eating yet ? I ca n't sit here anymore."

Albus was surprised Amanda had had such a hard reaction to the dementors, but he supposed coming from the Muggle world, where she had n't even jazz such creatures existed, it would be a bit of a shock. He was even more surprised that she 'd nearly gotten into a shouting match with a one-seventh year over them, when she was normally so quiet.

"I 'm done,"rose said.

"Me, too,"Albus said as he got up.

John Lackland and Kaden each grabbed the remaining one-half of their sandwiches and followed the others out of the Great Hall. Amanda lead the way, stomping her ft a bit more forcefully than was necessary.

"It 's just wrongly on so many degree !"she said as she led them to the hospital Wing."It 's torture, honestly. That 's what it is. Emotional twisting. Ca n't they just be killed off or something ?"

"They do n't die,"rosebush said."They ca n't. They just sort of ... exist. Once my mum gets word of this, well, she 's not going to stay quiet."

"And she should n't,"Amanda said."Can she terminate Laurentis ?"

"Not if Laurentis is government minister,"Rose answered."Right now Mum 's the elder assistant of Magical Law Enforcement, so if Laurentis tried to get this to pass now, my mum could help stop it. But Minister Hartwell would never put something like this through."

"They 're foul creatures,"Amanda continued."Having them safeguard anything or anyone is a awful idea."

Albus decided now would not be a goodness clock time to secernate Amanda that when his dad was a one-third year Hogwarts was guarded by dementors.

"A dementor went after my dad once,"Kaden announced as they continued to the Hospital wing."Albus 's dad saved him with a Patronus. Then he nearly got expelled for doing minor conjuring trick in the front of a Muggle."

"You 're kidding,"Amanda said."God, the Ministry really was screwed up when your parents were at Hogwarts. This is the sort of thing Embry should be using as examples."

"I doubt it 's a well-known fact,"Albus said."That the illustrious Harry thrower nearly got expelled."

"It 's a serious example of injustice,"Amanda said.

"You sound just like my mum,"rose said."It 's creepy-crawly. Does n't she ?"

Albus agreed."You do fathom just like her mum."

"Your mum has the right idea,"Amanda said as they reached the Hospital Wing.

Matt was the only affected role in the Montgomery Ward. The curtains were n't drawn around his bed and he was sitting up and eating a bowl of soup, which was a good signboard. 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."terzetto cracked ribs and a lot of cruddy gash, but I 'm finely. Listen, I heard the debate. ma'am Pomfrey had it on on the radiocommunication. How insane is Laurentis ? ! You should have heard Madam Pomfrey ranting about her earlier."

"You 're not to reprize what you heard,"Madam Pomfrey said."But Albus and pink wine, you can tell your uncle that he 's got my voting. Always thought he was a small overblown when he was at Hogwarts but at to the lowest degree he 's not dumb enough to employ dementors as guards of Azkaban."

"Amanda 's on a rampage,"Albus said.

"It 's kind of funny,"lav added.

"It is not funny !"Amanda exclaimed."It 's serious."

"It 's just that you 're so silence, but you got into it with that 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 knot and she wants to make sure he stays in prison."

Matt toyed with his blanket and did n't meet Amanda 's eye.

"What ?"she asked."Do n't recite me you want the dementors in Azkaban."

"I do n't,"Matt said quickly."It 's not that. It 's the unanimous Limnodromus griseus thing, I can separate of see where she 's coming from. It 's got to be shivery, knowing he 's out there when he killed her grandparents .... I mean, I guess I 've always been sort of lucky. The bloke who bit me is in prison and has been since he bit me."

Albus had never heard Matt talk about the werewolf who bit him, except for mentioning that he 's in prison.

"He gets out future year,"Matt said quietly."He can get paroled."

"Do you know much about him ?"Albus asked.

"Just his name and how old he was,"Matt said."My parents know a bit more but they 've never told me and I 've never asked."

"Is the Australian prison guarded by dementors ?"Amanda asked.

mat shook his head."No, and it never has been. And I do n't retrieve prisons should be guarded by dementors. But Greyback ... he 's shuddery. He 's regretful than Silas Humphrey, that was the bloke who bit me. Humphrey 's attack on me, that was an fortuity. Greyback bit people on purpose. He 'd bite people and then grow them in his pack. That 's why he liked going for shaver. Teddy 's dad ... Reb bit him and tried to get his parents to apply him up. They did n't, of trend, but a lot of parents did."

Albus swallowed hard. He had n't known that about Teddy 's dad and was n't even sure if slip knew that. shimmy 's dad 's parents died foresighted before Teddy was born and Albus doubted his grandmother knew that.

"How 'd you find that out ?"Albus asked.

"When we first moved here Amy learned about teddy bear 's dad when she was catching up on British chronicle of conjuring trick. She told me all about him and how successful he wound up being just to make me feel better. But then I decided to inquiry other werewolves and found out about Greyback in one of my dad 's books. It talked about his unhurt thing with biting kids. It never said teddy bear '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 unanimous inner circle of werewolf to do his summons,"matte said."And now he 's out. What if he wants to do that again ?"

"Bite hoi polloi and take in a coterie ?"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 find you. Hogwarts is safe."

"That 's what everyone always says, but the retiring few old age it really has n't. Remember last class ?"

"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 guaranty,"Matt said."I wonder how many people he bit last night."

Albus did n't answer. There was no way of knowing what Fenrir knot did during the fully synodic month, just like there was no way to guarantee that Hogwarts would be rubber. All Albus and his friends could do was desire that it would be safe and that the lam Death Eaters would be recaptured soon. Albus still thought having dementors precaution Azkaban was an absolutely terrible idea, but after listening to Matt talk about Silas Humphrey and Fenrir Johnny Reb, he sort of understood why some people might want the dementors back at Azkaban and thus vote 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 recap ! If you like predator era, please check out my newest novel, Between Here and Somewhere !


"I guess Laurentis has been trying to get the dementors reinstated in Azkaban for yr,"Albus said the following morning at breakfast, as he set down a copy of the Prophet.

The article on the debate had been a foresighted one, taking up nearly the total nominal head Sir Frederick Handley Page. It featured a photo of Walker Percy and Laurentis arguing with each other, and Albus was able to see his uncle 's face turning steadily more purple, despite the fact that the impression was in bleak and albumen. The article that followed detailed Laurentis 's apparently years-long campaign to bring in the dementors back. She had put the proposal up for vote four metre and it was shot down by Minister Hartwell each prison term.

"Of trend he shot it down,"pink wine said after skimming the article."It 's a stupid melodic theme. Oh, look, they 've quoted my mum. I 'll take it. 'Hermione Weasley, senior helper of Magical Law Enforcement, when asked about Laurentis 's marriage offer, said, 'It 's absolutely uncivilised. Everybody, including prisoners, have basic human rights that can not be broken. I thought we 'd moved past the 24-hour interval when the Ministry sanctioned emotional abuse of its prisoners and the thought process that a woman running for Minister is proposing this is quite frankly horrifying. It is my solemn Bob Hope that the people of wizarding UK will call back long and heavily about the gist this will have got, not only on captive, but on our bon ton as well, before they cast their votes in Apr. ''"

"Always one to speak her head, your mum,"Albus said.

"I could n't correspond 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 head word of the department, then yes, but she is n't headland yet. It 's confusing."

"Good,"Amanda said."We 'll need some reasonable hoi polloi in there if Laurentis is elected."

"What are you lot doing today ?"Saint John the Apostle asked, steering the conversation away from the election."Kaden and I are going to spend the day plotting our new prank."

"I do n't want to bonk,"rosebush said, holding up her hands."I 'm probably going to go to the library."

"I 'll go with you,"Amanda said."I want to research dementors and their use in Azkaban."

"Quidditch drill,"Albus replied."All day. We 've got to get prepare for the friction match on Sabbatum against Ravenclaw. After the last match, we 've got to make believe sure we we win by a enough quantity of points if we 're going to coup Slytherin 's space for the Cup."

"Oh yeah,"Kaden said."Whatever happened with that Olivia young lady ? She had a immense crush on James, did n't she ?"

Albus laughed."I 've no idea."

"She sent James a box of chocolates for Christmas,"Cedric, who had been sitting next to Albus, whispered."But you did n't hear that from me."

"I was there when he opened his presents,"Albus said.

"She gave them to him before we went dwelling house for the holiday,"Cedric explained."She hijacked our thestral carriage 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 shoulder."She stared at him the whole time."

"Creepy,"Albus said.

"Shh,"Cedric said."He 's coming over."

"I think I 'm going to go sojourn Matt before Quidditch practice,"Albus said."I 'll see you later ?"

"Sure,"Rose said."You know where to find out me."

"And us !"john announced."Marauder 's Den. Prank planning."

"I do n't want to be involved,"Albus said as he got up.

John shrugged."Suit yourself."

Albus hurried up to the Hospital Wing and managed to get inside without brothel keeper Pomfrey noticing, although the nurse would n't have minded him being there. But she was very preoccupied with two students who had somehow fused their left arms together. lustrelessness was already awake and much sunny than he had been the former day, when talking about Greyback. He was pretty for sure Madam Pomfrey was going to let him out that dark, so they agreed to meet in the predator 's Den just before dinner.

Quidditch pattern went very well and Albus was fairly sure they would beat Ravenclaw on Sat. No one mentioned the election or Laurentis 's wanting to bring back the dementors, which was a certainly sign that things were getting back to normal at Hogwarts. Albus spent the residual of the day in the predator 's Den working on his homework with lustrelessness while trying to avoid hearing any part of John and Kaden 's new prank.

The workweek went by quickly since Albus spent every moment he was n't in class on the Quidditch pitch. But the weather remained decent so it was enjoyable. The alone day Albus was n't on the pitch was Thursday, when he had dueling practice.

"When 's the side by side tournament ?"Amanda asked as she and Albus walked into the transfiguration classroom, where they were were scheduled to pattern. Heather was there to supervise, sitting in a corner. A few of the team members were there already, including Malfoy.

"Weekend after this one,"Albus said."I think we 'll do well."Albus glanced over to Malfoy, expecting some sort of snarky comeback from him. But he was n't even paying tending. Instead he was hunched over a long firearm of parchment."Wonder what he 's doing ?"

Amanda shrugged."Last minute of arc homework ?"

Suddenly, Malfoy sat up straight and crumpled the piece of lambskin. He shoved it into his pocket and stood up, staring at Albus as he did so. He looked dark and averted his middle after only a few seconds.

"I do n't call back that 's prep,"Albus said.

"Weird,"Amanda said.

"Very,"Albus agreed."Let 's get started ! I think we should praxis blocking."He took a obliquely glance at Malfoy, expecting him to scoff and lay claim that they already knew how to block, but instead Malfoy just turned to the student near to him and began to do as Albus said. What was even eldritch was that the student he partnered with was a second year Hufflepuff. Albus blinked to form sure he was n't seeing things and then began shooting spells at Amanda while she blocked them.

The recitation academic term got stranger as the night went on, in terms of Malfoy 's conduct. Not once did he second guess what Albus said and he did n't say one word to anyone that was n't directly related to dueling. heather raised her brow at Albus on numerous occasions since she had supervised Albus 's practice before and knew how much Malfoy usually tried to be the captain. He ran out of the elbow room as soon as the practice was over, looking vaguely upset, as he had at the debate.

"That was the strangest affair ever,"Amanda said as she and Albus walked back to the Gryffindor rough-cut room."And I witnessed my pal attempt to brew a potion this past summertime and salute it, thinking that it would turn him into a wizard."

Albus burst out laughing."Was he really disappointed that he did n't get a Hogwarts letter of the alphabet ?"

Amanda nodded."I never thought he would but did n't secern him that. But do you have any mind why Malfoy did n't argue with you tonight ?"

"I 've no approximation,"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 idea, but I wish I did. It 's just so odd."

"Whatever it is, I hope it keeps him like this during adjacent 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 jazz that it is, so I do n't have got to think about it."

"Albus, I doubt anything in force would take in Malfoy keep out up like that,"Amanda reasoned."I 'm just saying, it might be something awful."
***


Gryffindor 's tendency to spiel Quidditch during really bad weather came up in replete force on Saturday, when the unseasonably warm temperatures decided to desert Hogwarts. In its place were freezing moth-eaten temperatures and a howling snow storm that probably should have resulted in the compeer being canceled. But since Hogwarts never canceled Quidditch, Albus was preparing himself for a scurvy match. He wished they could have skillful weather, like they had when they played Slytherin in November.

The last clip Albus had played in a violent storm this bad he 'd been in his second yr and wound up in the hospital fender with the flu afterward. He certainly did not require a repeat of that so he was hoping that Epistle of James would arrest the sneak sooner rather than later.

"Fred, this is crazy,"Ryan said as they stood in the room access of the changing rooms, waiting for the friction match to begin."There is literally no way to see the stool pigeon in this."

"There 's nix I can do about it,"Fred snapped. Everyone could tell he was stressed about this match, since they 'd lost to Slytherin."We have to flirt unless Kendrick calls it off."

Ryan was correct. Albus stared out onto the rake and all he saw was white. The snow was swirling and blowing and Albus could n't severalise if more Baron Snow of Leicester was actually falling or if it was all just getting blown around. But either way, finding a Snitch in it was going to be come near impossible.

"I 'll bewitch it,"James said confidently."Do n't worry."

"We 're not going to be able to hear the comment,"Fred said."Just catch it as soon as you can. Do n't care about catching it after we 're up a certain number of points. We just ask a win at this point."

There was a very dull, placidity roar of hand clapping and Fred led the team out onto the sales talk. The orchis were released and Albus flew up into the raging storm. Soon, he did n't bang which way was up or down, let alone where the Quaffle was. After about ten minutes of meandering around the sales pitch, not knowing where he was going, the Quaffle suddenly appeared. Albus caught it, but had no idea where the finish posts were.

Albus flew straight ahead, hoping it was in the right direction, but instead of reaching the goal C. W. Post, he reached the outdoor stage. Groaning, he turned and headed toward the goal posts. At least he now knew where they were. He managed to score, mostly because Ravenclaw 's custodian did n't see him.

The match continued in chaos, with no one knowing where anyone else was. Albus did n't see a single Bludger the whole fourth dimension and assumed the Beaters were just trying to keep track of them rather than trying to get them to hit the opposite squad 's players. Fred had been right about the commentary ; Albus could n't hear a word of it.

It felt like he was playing a equal by himself. The only other players he saw were the Ravenclaw Seeker, Fred, and Heather. They had given up chasing as a squad and instead, when one of them got the Quaffle, they flew it down to the destination posts as best they could.

"Albus, Albus !"individual shouted.

Albus turned and squinted, but he could n't make believe out anyone flying near him.

"Albus !"

Albus continued flying in a band trying to figure out who it was. He did n't even tell apart their voice, but it could have been distorted by the lead. Finally, he began to lay down out a figure flying toward him. It was Heather.

"Albus !"she shouted once she reached him."The friction match has been canceled. We 're all to return to our common room decent now."

Albus nodded, figuring that Kendrick finally came to his senses. It was just impossible to play a good game of Quidditch in a violent storm like this.

When Albus and Heather finally reached the changing elbow room they found the rest of the team 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 gear, 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 low gear years,"Fred continued, ignoring Albus,"she was late to the compeer and on her way down she saw-"Fred paused, swallowing hard."She saw Fenrir Reb on the grounds."

"What ?"Albus exclaimed, suddenly feeling offensive."But it 's so snow-white. How could she possibly know for sure ?"

"She ca n't, of grade,"Fred said."But she went running to Professor Longbottom as soon as she reached the pitch and told him. That 's when they canceled the equal and sent everyone back to the castle."

As if he heard Fred credit his name, prof Longbottom walked into the changing room, looking scared himself."I 'm going to escort you all back to the common elbow room. Wands out as we walk."

Albus drew his wand and followed the rest of his teammates out of the changing rooms. They were all smooth on the walk back to the castle since the tempest was still raging. No one would have been able to listen anything anyone said, even if anyone felt like talking. Albus felt too ill to talk. The thought of Fenrir Calidris canutus being relax was bad enough, after hearing what Matt knew about him, but the thought of him being here, on the Hogwarts ground, was too dread to even think about.

As they walked up to the rook and then up to Gryffindor tower Albus kept telling himself that it was fully possible that the Ravenclaw girl had n't seen Fenrir Greyback. She was probably just thinking about the escaped prisoners and imagined something. Albus had n't even been able to make water out his own first cousin when she 'd been calling his name in this violent storm. What were the chances of a initiative year being able to blame out Fenrir Greyback ?

But still ... what if it had been grayback ? He had to be somewhere, so why not Hogwarts ?

The park room was buzzing with chatter when the squad entered a short piece later. Albus avoided everyone, including his champion, until after he went up to his student residence to claim a shower. He was shivering and felt awful and did n't require to talk to anyone until after he was in dry clothes.

To his surprise his Friend were all gathered in his dormitory 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,"Matt explained."We 're not allowed to leave our common suite 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 little before Longbottom came to take us back to the castle."

"It was weird,"rose wine said."No one really bang what was happening because it was so snow-clad and the wind instrument was so trashy. We could n't see the match, so we were just standing there using a lot of heating charms and hoping things would be over soon. But then we started hearing whisperings about grayback on the grounds. Then, probably two minutes later, Kendrick magically amplified his vox and told us all that we 're to account back to our vulgar elbow room immediately and to walk back with our verge out and in tumid groups.

"So then, even though Kendrick never said for for certain, we knew that someone had seen Greyback on the evidence. It was so scary. Eventually we found out that one of the Ravenclaw first base years thought she saw him on her way to the friction match and told prof Longbottom. But besides that we do n't know much. No one 's told us anything for certainly 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,"Matt said."Do n't you see ? That storm out there is so bad that no one can see three ft in figurehead of them and the wind is so flashy no one can hear anything either. It was the perfect day for him to sneak onto the footing, and if that lady friend 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,"Matt said."No one knows the total news report yet."

"But why ?"Kaden asked."Seems really stupid to me. If he escaped he should be hiding out in the raft, not going to Hogwarts where there are Aurors."

"Remember what I said after he escaped ?"Matt asked quietly."This just confirms it. He 's going to try to make his own loup-garou army again. He was insane before Azkaban ; guess how half-baked he is now. They do n't need dementors in prison to take citizenry go insane."

"And you think-"

"That he came to try and count on out how to best position himself to seize with teeth tike during the to the full moon ?"Matt interrupted."Yeah, I do."

Albus shuddered."That 's sick."

"That 's what he does,"Matt 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 kidskin. end time he went for really young kids."

"But we do n't even know for sure that 's what he 's up to,"John pointed out."I mean it makes sentiency, but we still do n't know."

"Still,"lusterlessness said."You have to promise me you wo n't go outside during the full moon Moon. I do n't want any of you joining me in the Shack."

John looked doubting."There 's former reasons why he could be here."

"promise me,"Matt repeated, staring directly at John."It 's not deserving the risk."

privy 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 sleep with,"Albus began."I 'm sure the Carrows are together and Umbridge might be with them. But I doubt Willinson and Johnny Reb are with them. The Carrows were Death Eaters, but Greyback was n't technically a destruction 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 joining, which is why I 'm still confused as to why he broke out with them."

"For all we know they left the door open and he followed,"privy said with a laugh.

Amanda groaned."Everyone 's got their own cell in high security."

"Oh, yeah, I suppose you 're veracious,"Saint John said.

"Two Death eater, a war criminal, a werewolf, and Willinson,"Albus said."It 's so random. Why them ?"

"strait like the start of a joke,"John said."Two dying Eaters, a war criminal, a lycanthrope, and Willinson walk into a pub ...."

Matt groaned."Do n't even go there. I just really hope they catch him before the next wide-cut moon. There was n't anything in the Prophet about him biting anyone this last full moon, but I do n't think he 'd go two Sun Myung Moon without biting. And there 's no way he 'd go on Wolfsbane, 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 knock on the room access and then it opened. James II 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 allow the commons room for dinner, but not before that."

"Did they catch him ?"Matt asked anxiously.

"No,"Jesse 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."succeeding Sabbatum. ripe thing, too, because I do n't think that one would 've ever ended. Do n't enjoin Fred, but there 's no way I would 've seen the Snitch."

"One upside to Greyback being on the primer, I guess,"Albus said.

"Lucky he did n't aggress that girl,"matt said as James River left."He attacks citizenry even when he 's not transformed."

"He did that to my uncle nib,"Albus said.

"Really ?"matte asked.

Albus nodded."At the end of my dad 's sixth yr, the Nox Dumbledore was killed. He does n't metamorphose, but he likes really rarefied meat. Like hardly cooked at all meat."

"Eww !"Kaden exclaimed."That 's rank. Wait, lusterlessness, do you like really rare meat ?"

lusterlessness grinned."Yeah. I hardly ever get it, though. Mum refuses to let me eat it because she thinks it 'll prepare me ill. And they do n't serve it here."

"My uncle eats it all the fourth dimension,"Albus said."auntie 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 consummate,"mat replied."I should ask the firm elves to make me rare steak."

"They probably would,"rose said."They make you pretty practically 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 birth to witness you eating a slice of raw meat ?"

"Not raw,"mat said."Slightly cooked, bit of blood dripping out."

"Oh, vulgar !"Kaden shouted."I 'm going back down to the vernacular room."

Albus laughed and lustrelessness grinned as Kaden ran out of the room. There was zilch like a trip to the kitchens to get their judgement off of Greyback and the other escaped convicts.


A/N : Sorry for the late update ! I totally forgot it was Friday. Thanks for all the terrific recapitulation ! Please see out my Marauders fic, Between Here and Somewhere.


The first year who saw Greyback on the grounds became an instant Hogwarts celebrity. By the next day her stallion story had spread throughout the scholarly person body like wildfire, and every unity someone in the castle knew her gens. She was Quinn Bartolomeo Alberto Capillari, a tiny female child who looked like she belonged in the Weasley clan with her long red hair and spray of freckle across her grimace. Quinn seemed to be enjoying her newfound fame and always had a bunch of mass around her, asking her to recount the story.

Albus, himself, had heard the narrative at to the lowest degree five prison term. Quinn had been running to the auction pitch, late, because she 'd drop a one-half hr trying to convert one of her roommates to go to the mates, but in the end her roommate had decided she did n't want to endure the tempest. Quinn then spotted soul lurking near the greenhouse and went to enquire, but instead of finding another student, she found Fenrir Greyback. Apparently Greyback had said 'hi, little daughter'to Quinn, who then took off running even faster for the Quidditch lurch. Johnny then escaped to Hogsmeade and who knows after that.

As the hebdomad progressed Quinn 's fib grew until it ended with her disarming Greyback after a twenty mo duel and running to the Quidditch pitch in order to admonish the relaxation of the scholar, rather than because she was scared. Albus was very felicitous that, for once, this had n't happened to him or one of his friends.

"surmisal what I heard today,"Kaden said as he entered the Marauder 's Den Fri evening, after dinner.

"What ?"Albus asked, looking up from the Marauder 's Map, which he 'd spent the lowest ten minutes studying. whoremaster and lusterlessness were in the elbow room as well, Matt studying and John sorting chocolate Frog batting order. blush wine was tutoring Elsie Willinson again and Amanda had gone with her.

"Quinn,"Kaden said as he sat down future to Albus."She 's now saying that grayback stole her wand and she got away from him by kicking his kneecaps."

Albus burst out laughing."That 's preposterous. She 's still got her wand."

"She claims Ollivander 's sent her an exact replica,"Kaden replied.

"But no two wands are the same,"Gospel According to John 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 Saturday. He 'd yet to find 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 room, but instead slowly making its way across the footing.

"What ?"Matt asked, closing his book."But it 's eight o'clock. And it 's snowing."

"It 's him all right,"Albus said."Come see."

lusterlessness, John, and Kaden all crowded around Albus and they watched Scorpio 's dot change of location further and further from the castle. There were no other dot on the grounds, 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 luminosity of his other odd behavior.

"I wonder what he 's up to,"Albus mused.

"We should follow him,"Saint John the Apostle said."See what he 's up to."

"I agree,"Kaden said."No one goes outside at Night during a violent storm for no reason at all. He 's up to something."

"We 'd get caught,"Albus pointed out.

"And it 's stop dead,"flatness added.

"We 'll ingest your Invisibility Cloak,"John the Evangelist said.

"I do n't think we all fit anymore,"Albus said, not taking his gens off Malfoy 's dot.

"Then Kaden and I can go,"St. John the Apostle replied.

"No way,"Albus said."It 's my cloak and I do n't require you having it when Filch catches you. He 'll confiscate it."

"Who says we 'll get caught ?"whoremonger asked.

Albus laughed and turned to expect at John the Evangelist."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 potter,"John said."He 's not going to murder his own son."

"If he did Laurentis would sleep with it."Kaden laughed."I can see the newspaper headline now. 'Harry Potter Murders Own Son, Clearly Unfit For Duty. Weasley Still Supports Him .'”

"Oh shut it,"Albus muttered.

"delay,"mat said, staring at the map."He 's going to the Whomping Willow."

Albus looked back at the map and saw that matte was right. Malfoy 's dot was slowing down and circling the Tree, giving it a wide slip."What 's he doing ?"

"You do n't guess he 's figured it out, do you ?"lusterlessness asked.

"Well now we have to go after him,"John said, standing up.

matte nodded."seed on, Albus, let us take your cloak."

"fine,"Albus said, knowing that the engagement was lost. Malfoy was at the Whomping willow, 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 room anymore, since he and his supporter spent far Sir Thomas More meter in the vulture 's Den than they did in the mutual room.

"Let 's try it,"Albus said as his friends walked over to him. They stood close and Albus threw the cloak over them.

"Half my body is showing,"John said, turning to look at his still visible arm.

"And all our base are showing,"lustrelessness pointed out.

"That 's because Albus and John are giants,"Kaden asked, glancing up at the five inches of space that separated his head from the top of the cloak.

"Both of you are going to have to crouch down,"matt said.

"But what about the fact that half my dead body is showing ?"John asked, yanking on the cloak.

"Now I 'm not under it at all,"Matt said, yanking it back.

"I wish we could do Disillusionment magical spell,"Albus muttered."Too bad we do n't read those until seventh year."

"rosiness could probably project them out,"John said."We should stimulate her learn them."

"Well we do n't have time for that now and we 're wasting fourth dimension arguing. Malfoy could be in the tunnel by now,"matte said.

"There are Montgomery Ward,"Albus pointed out.

"Still ..."Matt muttered.

"Fine,"can said."Albus and Matt can go and Kaden and I will stay here."

"What ?"Kaden shouted."Why 'd you volunteer me to delay ?"

"wellspring, Albus is n't going to let anyone fill the cloak without him going and matt has to go since Malfoy 's by the Whomping Willow,"can said."That leaves you and me. I do n't think More than two of us are going to fit."

"Let 's go, then,"flatness 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 continue himself crouched down enough to delay hidden, and that was saying something since usually Albus was much faster than flatness. The two of them said nothing on their way down to the movement door and were n't noticed by any of the students or professor they passed.

"Remember, we 've got to be back before curfew,"Albus said once they shut the front door."We do n't require to be locked out like back in 2d year."

"This is total deja vu,"Matt added."Two years ago we caught Kaden messing with the Whomping willow. That 's when Kendrick added the wards."

"But unlike with Kaden, I do n't recall we 'll roll up supporter with Malfoy after,"Albus pointed out.

The grounds were very quiet, the only auditory sensation being the crunching of their feet in the snowfall. Albus carefully vanished their footprint as they walked, while Matt led them down the path to the Whomping willow tree. It was very cold and snowy, which reminded Albus even more than of the time they got locked out of the rook after sneaking into the screech shack.

"Is he even still there ?"Matt asked quietly when they were halfway to the tree.

Albus paused and pulled the piranha 's Map out of his pocket. Scorpius 's dot was still walking methodically in a circle around the tree."Yeah, he 's there."

lustrelessness nodded and they continued walking. Neither of them had lit their wands, so they slowed down in order to not be hit by the willow 's large ramification. Finally they reached it and stood just outside its hitting kitchen range, waiting for Malfoy to hail back around.

The Slytherin boy was wrapped in a thick cloak and pacing with his head always turned toward the Tree. He had his baton out and did n't seem to notice that he had been joined by Albus and Matt. Albus glanced at lusterlessness as Malfoy walked past them, unsure of whether to promise his attention to their front. Since they were invisible, they could just stand there and catch him.

"There 's got to be a way,"Malfoy muttered."Every ward has a weak point. They do n't all last forever."

Albus could now see that Malfoy was sending various hexes and hex into the Ward, but they were all deflecting away. As he rounded the tree diagram once more, a hex bounced off the wards and nearly hit Albus, who had to alternate out of the way to stave off it. His leg slipped out from underneath the cloak in the process, but Malfoy did n't see it.

"It 's got to operate,"Malfoy said."There 's no former way in ...."

"Into where ?"matte mouthed. Albus shrugged.

They waited for Malfoy to make another roofy around the Tree and this meter one of the hexes reflected off the cellblock and toward Matt, who jumped to get out of the way, but tripped over a partially buried tree ascendant instead. He fell over, yanking the cloak down with him, leaving both himself and Albus exposed. flatness let out a watercourse of curses and a cry of annoyance. Albus heard a sickening crush as he fell and hoped it was the tree diagram antecedent and not Matt '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. Matt was still sitting in the Charles Percy Snow."I could ask you the Same matter, Malfoy,"Albus said.

Albus pointed his sceptre at flatness and reached down to help him up. He was clutching his wrist and his face was as pale as Malfoy 's, although for different reasons.

"I said, what are you two doing here ?"Malfoy repeated, not sounding very confident.

"followers you,"Albus said simply, thinking money plant would be the best policy here. After all, all three of them were breaking the rules. Not lots point in denying it or making up apology.

"How did you know I was here ?"Malfoy asked. His wand arm was now trembling, although Albus did n't hump if it was from the cold or fear.

"Saw you leave the castling,"Albus said."Figured we 'd see what you were up to."

"What do you need with the tree ?"Matt demanded. His voice sounded pained.

Malfoy 's mouth turned up in a sly grin."Once again, you just confirmed my suspicions. This tree 's how you get into the Shrieking Shack. I did a little more research, and turns out this affair was planted the same yr the Shrieking Shack was built. The same year Remus Lupin started going to Hogwarts. That Shack 's all boarded up so I figured there must be some sort of tunnel leading to it and what unspoiled way to hide a tunnel than to put a homicidal tree above it ? fuss is, I ca n't disable the wards. Bet you can, though."

"Why ?"matt asked. Albus heard him inhale sharply and began to wonder if his articulatio radiocarpea was broken."Why do you want to get in there ?"

"Ca n't state you,"Malfoy said.

"fountainhead, I 'm not disabling the wards,"Matt said.

"I 'll figure it out eventually,"Malfoy said.

Albus wanted to ask him about his behavior at dueling practices so badly. They 'd had another practice the late day and again, Malfoy had n't said two parole to anyone. It was just strange. Bur Albus figured that even if he asked, Malfoy would n't answer.

"It 'd be dumb, you know,"Matt said."Going into the shrieking Shack."

"Well I would n't go in on a full moonlight, idiot,"Malfoy said."Believe it or not this has nothing to do with you or your evil side. I could n't care less that you 're a filthy werewolf. I have near things-"

Albus jabbed his verge into Malfoy 's bureau, nearly knocking him over in the process. His heart was pounding and he could feel heat rising up in his body."You. bring. That. book binding,"he seethed.

"Albus, do n't,"mat said.

Malfoy scowled."No. I wo n't, because it 's reliable. I do n't handle. It was the mystery that I liked and aught Sir Thomas More. You do n't sleep with 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 loud voice boomed over the primer."Eh, what 're yeh doing ?"

Albus quickly moved his verge and pointed it elsewhere. It was one thing to get caught on the grounds after darkness but another to be caught threatening another scholar. He pointed his sceptre in the instruction of the vox and saw Hagrid making his way toward them, his large Newfoundland dog, Fetch, at his face.

"Albus ?"Hagird asked as he drew nearer."Matt ? What 're yeh doing out here ? And Malfoy ?"

"Er, nothing,"Albus muttered.

"Well, yer breaking the ruler so I 'm going to get to adopt yeh to Longbottom,"Hagrid said and then turned to Malfoy."And you 'll cause to see Slughorn."

"Hospital wing,"Matt said."First."

Hagrid turned to mat and looked at his wrist."O'course,"he said."What did yeh do ?"

"Tripped over a stem,"Matt said."Landed on a rock."

Hagrid nodded and clapped Matt on the back, a gesture clearly meant to comfort him but instead nearly knocked him over again. After he recovered they set off for the rook, 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 touch he probably knew. After all, he knew why the tree was there and the fact that Matt was a loup-garou.

The castle was much vacuous when they returned than when they had left. Albus only saw a few prefects doing their daily round and realized that curfew must have passed. So much for not getting in trouble.

Hagrid walked them to the hospital wing and left Albus and Matt there while he then escorted Malfoy to Slughorn 's survey. Malfoy had remained quiet during the entire walk, but lost the sneer he 'd worn when he insulted Matt.

"I thought you lot had grown out of this,"ma'am Pomfrey said as she examined lustrelessness 's radiocarpal joint."This sneaking about in the dead of nighttime, following people. At to the lowest degree you did n't get locked out this metre.

"Yes, your wrist is definitely broken. But I can mend it quickly."

Madam Pomfrey took her scepter out of her gown and pointed it at Matt 's wrist joint. She muttered a charm and instantly, his articulatio radiocarpea was healed.

"Thanks,"Matt said, bending his wrist.

"You 're welcome,"the nurse replied. She hurried over to a cabinet and returned with a goblet of potion."Take this for the pain and you 'll be good as new. No need to appease the night. I know you stay here enough as it is. You 're to wait here until Professor Longbottom comes to gather up you."

matt nodded and downed the potion in one heavy 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 penalisation should n't be too bad.

"You do n't think he 'll fix you young lady Quidditch tomorrow, do you ?"matt asked.

Albus had n't thought of that."I hope not. Fred would belt down me."

The room access 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 uncanny calling prof Longbottom 'sir', but figured it could n't hurt in this site.

"Should I bother asking why ?"Longbottom replied.

Albus shook his heading, knowing that telling Longbottom why would n't get them any fewer hold, nor would it end Malfoy from trying to figure out how to get into the Shrieking Shack.

"I 'll relieve oneself this easy, then,"Longbottom said."Ten points from Gryffindor, each. And you 'll both function detainment tomorrow, immediately following the Quidditch equal. Lines, in my office. I 'll see you then."Longbottom turned to leave. He nodded to gentlewoman Pomfrey as he walked to the door."Good dark, Poppy."

"trade good nighttime, Neville,"Madam Pomfrey said.

Albus and Matt said just nighttime to the nursemaid and then left the ward, both automatically going back to the rough-cut room rather than the Marauder 's Den. If they were caught outside of Gryffindor tower twice in one dark they 'd get a much worse penalty than twenty dollar bill lost point and a detainment. Albus thought they 'd gotten off easygoing, to be honest. He wondered what Slughorn had set for Malfoy.

John, Kaden, rosiness, and Amanda were waiting for them when they got back. King 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 60 minutes,"John said."What 's your punishment ?"

"detainment tomorrow after Quidditch and we each lost ten period,"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 articulatio radiocarpea while we were out there,"Albus said.

John laughed."Of course he did."

"Shut it,"flatness said."It really hurt. 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 part where Malfoy insulted matte and Albus nearly hexed him.

"Very odd,"rose mused."What can he possibly want the Shack for ? And what did he mean when he said he had other poppycock going on ? What early stuff could he possibly have going on besides school day ?"

"Whatever he 's got going on with Willinson ?"whoremaster suggested."Surely Felix knows what his cousins are up to and Malfoy 's always involved with that."

Albus shrugged."Maybe. But why would he need the Shack ?"

"Who knows,"John said.

"I bet it 's got something to do with that letter,"Amanda said."And why he 's acting so strangely lately."

"Speaking of acting strangely, Elsie Willinson is still acting Wyrd,"Rose said."I thought she would 've adjusted by now, but she has n't. She does n't seem to stimulate any friends."

"Energy her brother still pick her up from tutoring ?"Albus asked.

"Yeah,"Rose replied."It 's very odd. I asked her if she wanted to advert out with me and Amanda until curfew, but she said she could n't. So I said maybe another time 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 have a go at it what it is, though. I wonder if they 've been in contact with Quinton."

"They 'd be stupefied to be,"rose wine said."Kendrick did n't punish Felix for what happened to Kaden two twelvemonth ago, telling him if he did it again he 'd get expelled."

"I still say you 've got to visualize out what 's up with Elsie,"can said.

"I 'm trying,"rose insisted."It 's not as comfortable as you 'd think. She hardly talks at all."

"Just maintain trying,"Saint John said.

"Team !"Fred suddenly shouted from across the green elbow room."Off to bed, all of you ! We 've got a second probability at this and let 's not ruin it by staying up all night."

Albus did n't debate. Turning in early was a goodness idea and he was actually quite tired after his excursion to the Whomping willow. He bade good night to his friends and went up to his placid, vacuous dormitory. It did n't take him long to fall 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 refugee camp NaNoWriMo again this month ( probably not a ripe idea ... ), and I 'm writing this for it, so hopefully I 'll wind up it !



The weather for the rematch was vastly unlike from the former Saturday 's conditions. The sky seemed to be all out of snow and the sun was shining. Although it was still bitterly cold, there was little wind. Albus hoped the match would be a tenacious one since as soon as it was over, he had to suffice detention with prof Longbottom.

Albus went down to the Great Hall by himself for breakfast. His early night had given way to him waking up far sooner than he normally did. It was courteous being able to footle over breakfast, though, and concentrate on the upcoming equal rather than interact with his admirer. As he ate, the Great Hall slowly filled. He had just finished the last of his testicle when the post owls arrived.

Albus observed the owls and did n't agnize any of them. Clearly he was not receiving any place today, which was a salutary thing because he was fairly certain Longbottom had owled his parents about his detention. But then he noticed a very large 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 Scorpio, who yanked the envelope off the owl 's leg and tripped over the bench in his rush to leave the way. Albus actually sympathized with him ; it was fearsome opening a riot in world. From the strait of it, Malfoy did n't quite make it to a loo or vacuous classroom. Muffled cheering could be heard coming from the Entrance Hall.

Malfoy did n't return to the Great anteroom. Albus figured it must give been a particularly awful howler and was wondering what it could possibly have got said when his champion sat down next to him.

"Malfoy got a wow,"John said as he started loading his plate with bacon.

"I know,"Albus said."Saw him get it."

"Well, we heard the tag end of it,"John said.

"It was dreaded,"Rose replied.

"What did it say ?"Albus asked."Who was it from ?"

"His dad, I 'm guessing,"John said."It was a man 's voice. We crouched down on the stairs when we saw him. Basically his dad was yelling at him for getting in worry for stupid things when he should be studying and concentrating on his school work and keeping his head down. Then he said something about how Malfoy knows that they, meaning his parents, have far more authoritative things on their psyche than worrying about Malfoy getting in difficulty in school. And how they ca n't occupy about him at school when they 're busy worrying about other things."

"That 's vague,"Albus said."He did n't say what the early things were ?"

"Nope,"Saint John said."But Malfoy obviously knows what they are because he was shaking and he ran for the keep after the howler blew up."

"I told you the letter of the alphabet 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 join up with Willinson and the Carrows and all them,"mat said."His dad was a Death Eater, was n't he ?"

"Sort of,"Albus said."His granddad was, but his dad sort of got caught up in it and he got off. So did his gramps, actually. No one really knows why, but my dad vouched for them at their hearing."

"Now that is Wyrd,"Matt said."Maybe his grandfather is planning on joining them."

Albus shrugged."Maybe, but it just does n't fathom right. Listen, I 've got to get to the pitch. I 'll see you after."

"Yeah, for detention,"Matt muttered."Going to be a blast."

Albus 's wish for a retentive match came avowedly. Since the weather was cooperating, James put off catching the Snitch until Gryffindor was up by 200 point, instead focusing his try on faking honkytonk to keep Ravenclaw 's Seeker away from the Snitch. It worked, and three and a half hours later Henry James caught the Snitch and won the compeer for Gryffindor. Albus was sorely foiled that he 'd have to pretermit the resulting party in the rough-cut room, but figured that 's what Longbottom was going for when he scheduled detainment for right after the compeer.

Matt was waiting for Albus in the Great Hall and the two of them grabbed a quick lunch before hurrying to Longbottom 's part. They spent the succeeding two hours writing'I will not sneak out of the castle after wickedness'over and over again. By the time they were done Albus wanted to curve up and get hold of a nap, since the Quidditch mates itself had exhausted him. He and mat decided to expend the afternoon in the Marauder 's Den, just relaxing if not actually sleeping.

When they arrived they found John and Kaden in the middle of plotting their new prank. Rose and Amanda were in the depository library, apparently avoiding John and Kaden and their prank.

"Are you two trusted you do n't desire to be involved with this ?"John asked."It 's going to be legendary."

"It wo n't be worth the detainment,"Albus said.

"Seriously,"Matt agreed."If it 's legendary it 's going to signify a lot of detentions."

"amercement,"can said.

trick and Kaden lowered their vocalisation, but Albus distinctly heard the Bible 'Weasleys '', 'itching powder ,''Slytherins ,'and 'alarm redstem storksbill .'At that point, he really did n't want to know. He and mat decided to start a game of Bromus secalinus and attempted to tune out John and Kaden 's whisperings.

"I was thinking the other night and realized if my dad loses his job when Laurentis is elected it 's going to be just like Australia,"Matt said as he captured one of Albus 's pawns.

"I had n't thought of that,"Albus said."Does that think you 'd run again ?"

"I do n't recognise,"Matt said quietly."I really hope not. I guess I do n't opine so because the actual ground we moved here was so I could go to school, not for Dad to get a new job."

"Then you probably wo n't,"Albus replied, taking one of Matt 's bishops.

"But if he does mislay it, it 's going to probably mean Laurentis disagrees with him on werewolf issues,"lustrelessness pointed out."That could be really bad."

"You never know,"Albus said."There 's other things your dad tidy sum with that they might dissent on."

"But my dad 's the most vocal on lycanthrope rights. Everyone knows that,"flatness said."If they 're going to differ on something, that 's going to be it."

"I guess you 'll ingest to wait until the argumentation,"Albus said.

"I 'm thinking of going,"matte said quietly."It might be tremendous, but I want to fuck what she says firsthand, not from the Prophet."

"That makes sense,"Albus said."When is it ?"

"In three calendar week,"Matt said."Feb 15th. That 's the only thing ; it 's the day of the Hogsmeade trip."

"That happened last Hogsmeade weekend,"Albus said,"when Rose went. sucking that they do that."

Matt nodded."I think I 'll go anyway. I mean, it is the Valentine 's Hogsmeade trip. Speaking of that, is James River still going out with that Hufflepuff girl ? I forgot her name."

"Gabby Ellis,"Albus said."I 've no idea, to be reliable. I guess we 'll discover out when the Hogsmeade trip comes."

"Just as long as Fred does n't schedule Quidditch pattern for that day again,"Matt pointed out.

Albus laughed."He wo n't. None of us minded too much since the weather was so skillful, but I think if he did it again the unharmed squad would hate him."

"That would make an sticky family dinner, considering over half the squad are your cousins,"Matt said.

"Family dinners with my family have become awkward by definition,"Albus said."Luckily the adjacent one wo n't be until far after the election."

"Only a small over two calendar month to go,"Matt said."You can make it."

"I hope so,"Albus replied, as he moved his queen in the direct line of mat 's B. B. King."Checkmate."
***


"Rufus Scrimgeour was the go Minister of Magic to be appointed by the Wizengamot,"Professor Embry said as he strolled around his classroom. It was the 1st week of February and the class had finally gotten to the pointedness where they were beginning to discuss the second war."He was appointed quickly, after Cornelius Fudge resigned.

"Minister Fudge is commonly known as the to the lowest degree competent Minister ever to hold office,"Embry continued."He refused to consider evidence that was laid out plainly in front end 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 battlefront of him, it would just simply go away. This backfired, of course, because he is now known for being the least competent rector.

"Scrimgeour is seen in a slightly unspoilt visible radiation than Fudge, although he was pastor when the Ministry fell to Voldemort in Aug of 1997 ...."

Albus knew all of this, of course. He 'd rise up listening to his parents laugh at the incompetency of Fudge and the senselessness of Scrimgeour being considered a minister at all. Nevertheless, he listened to Embry and took detailed notes since the essays Embry set were often farseeing and difficult.

"The time of the second war was a sentence of fearfulness and chaos,"Embry said as he reached the front of the room again."No one knew what was going on or who to believe. Many hoi polloi heartily believed Fudge and what he said, believing Albus Dumbledore to be a fraud or even gaga. When this reality was shattered for them in June of of 1996, they did n't lie with what to do or who to plough to, or even what to believe. They 'd been fooled for a to the 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 trust anyone, let alone the Ministry. Most multitude 's destination were to protect their family unit and ally and that was it.

"It was the care and topsy-turvyness that allowed Voldemort and his followers to take restraint of the Ministry. Without the support of wizarding UK, the Ministry was weak and susceptible to a coup d'etat. It was simple for Voldemort to slip in and putsch in a matter of weeks."

"Excuse me, prof ?"Olivia Price said, raising her hand.

"Yes, Miss Mary Leontyne Price ?"Embry replied."You have a question ?"

"Yes, sir,"Olivia replied."I was just wondering, and you do n't receive to resolve, but what were you doing during the second war ?"

If Embry was surprised that Olivia asked him a question about his personal life, he did n't register it. Instead he gave a slight grin and began to walk around the classroom again.

"I do n't beware answering that,"Embry said."Many of your parents were involved with the war effort, so of course you 're rum. When the Ministry fell I 'd been working there for about six years. I got a job as an undersecretary in the section of Magical exile when I was just out of Hogwarts and worked my way up the ranks.

"I 'd receive a promotion shortly before pastor Fudge resigned and worked to draft laws, but I quit after Scrimgeour got appointed because I saw that the Ministry was weak and vitiate and no longer wished to align myself with it. After Voldemort 's defeat, I was approached by Kingsley Shacklebolt asking if I would wish to be involved with rebuilding the Ministry, and I said yes."

Albus was move. Embry had n't mentioned what sorting of job he did at the Ministry and Albus had had no theme he had been so involved with its rebuilding after the war.

"So you can see why I believe it is so important to educate all of you about the history of the Ministry and how it is organized now,"Embry finished."Looks like we 're out of time for today so please write an eight inch essay on Rufus Scrimgeour 's term as parson for homework, due side by side Tuesday."

Albus packed up his bag and headed back up to Gryffindor tower with his friends. When they arrived, there was a crowd around the bill board, which was strange. The Hogsmeade weekend date had already been announced and rarely did other placard garner such a crowd around the notice board.

Albus shrugged at his friends and they squeezed through the crowd until they could read it. It was a vauntingly poster, covering the bulk of the panel, imposing an early curfew Sunday nighttime. Everyone, first through seventh long time, were to be back inside the castle by five in the even, no exceptions. Below that it warned that Filch was going to put away the forepart doors at exactly five and that everyone was to describe to their rough-cut room at five-thirty.

"That 's weird,"Albus said as he and his friends retreated."I do n't opine they 've ever imposed a curfew so early before, and for everyone ?"

"It 's because Greyback has n't been caught,"Matt said quietly."Lord's Day 's the wide moon."

"They must think he 's going to issue forth back,"Albus replied.

"Scary,"St. John the Apostle added."Do you really think he will ?"

"I do n't get laid,"mat said."But I 'd bet my parents'unharmed Gringotts vault that he 's going to burn person Sunday night."

"Wait,"rosebush said."You do n't usually go to the screeching hovel until six or seven."

"They 're probably doing it early just to be secure,"Matt said."In sheath some people do n't follow it or something. It says on there that the prefects are going to do a headspring count. That 's why we all have to amount back to the common room at five-thirty."

blush wine nodded."Then you 'll have to give later, after the threshold are locked."

"Either that or Madam Pomfrey will throw me go early,"lustrelessness replied."I really hope not, though. I hate sitting out in the screeching Shack."

"I hope not, too,"Albus said quietly.

Albus and his friends were probably the only bookman who knew the reason why a curfew had been imposed on 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 common for educatee to strike a stroll on the grounds on a Sunday night in February. He supposed they liked the option, though.

As Sunday drew tight Matt became quieter and even more closed off than he normally was. In fact, it reminded Albus a lot of the way he was in first year, before Rose figured out why he disappeared once a calendar month. Both Albus and rose tried to get him to open up about it, but he shrugged them off and insisted he was fine. toilet and Kaden did n't seem to notice any difference in Matt, and Amanda was n't one to ask about it when he closed himself off.

Sat 's Dueling Tournament proved uneventful. Albus spent the entire few hours worrying about matte because he had elected to pass over the tournament in order to log Z's, which was odd since he 'd normally at least try to participate. At least Malfoy made Albus 's life story easy by remaining quiet throughout the tournament and not blaming Albus when the team came in third gear place. Albus himself won both of his duels, as did Malfoy.

On Sunday Albus and his champion spent the day in the predator 's Den, working on homework and playing games. Matt slept for very much of the day and he still was n't saying anything. While Albus was worried, he was fairly sure the reason flatness was so hush was Limnodromus griseus. When a quarter to five rolled around, they had to return to Gryffindor to try they were in the castle. Matt was still numb, so Albus told everyone else go to on ahead and that they 'd follow.

"matt,"Albus whispered as he shook his admirer awake."We 've got to go back to the common room."

"This is stupid,"Matt muttered."They 're counting everyone to make sure no one gets attacked by a werewolf when they 've got one livelihood in the castle."

"Is that why you 've been so silence this week ?"Albus asked as Matt got up. He did n't reply."You and Limnodromus griseus are n't the same."

"I know,"mat said as they left the room. The corridor was hollow, so he continued to peach."It 's just the fact that we 're both werewolves. That 's the Saami. What if they start doing this curfew thing every full lunation, all because of me ?"

"They wo n't,"Albus said."You 're not life-threatening because you 're in the Shrieking hutch. It 's all sealed up."

"I guess, but it 's still possible."

"You and grayback are dissimilar because he wants to prick people. He purposely transforms near citizenry, not on wolf's bane, so he can infect people. You hide yourself away to protect everyone. That 's a huge difference."

"But what if he does follow to Hogsmeade,"lusterlessness continued."He 'll discover me howling and know there 's a loup-garou in the screeching hutch and he 'll try to get in."

"But he wo n't be able-bodied to,"Albus pointed out.

"And then if he does bite someone, and let 's face it, he will,"Matt said."It 's going to see bad for all lycanthrope. All it 'll take aim is a few attacks and people will take up believing we should sustain our rightfield taken away. That 's what happened in Australia."

"You 're getting ahead of yourself,"Albus said as they reached the rough-cut way."Right now you do n't know that any of that 's going to happen. Wandering banshee."

"You 're nearly late,"the Fat gentlewoman said as she swung her portrait open.

Albus and Matt climbed inside and found the common elbow room the most crowded they 'd ever seen it. Prefects were milling about attempting to get everyone to quiet down, but everyone was still trying to figure out why such an early on curfew had been set. The way was so crowd that Albus and Matt could n't ascertain the sleep of their champion and since being in a crowded room was not the best thought for Matt rightfulness before the wax moon, they quit searching and instead sat down near the dormitory room access.

"Everyone, quiet, please !"heather mixture announced in a magically amplified phonation. The room finally quieted down."I know you 're all turn over about the curfew but they have n't even told us prefects why it 's been imposed. It 's not that big a deal since it 's February, shadow, and freezing outside. None of you would be outside 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 cast the castle until your normal curfew."

Scots heather began calling out names in alphabetic order by twelvemonth. It took her 15 or so minutes to get to the fourth eld and after that Albus tuned her out. XV minutes after that she finished and all the Gryffindors had been accounted for. The common room emptied out quickly, since everyone wanted to get to the Great Hall for dinner. lustrelessness had fallen asleep and after Albus prodded him awake, he went up to the dormitory to sleep until he had to go to the hospital annex.

When Albus and his friends returned from dinner party Matt had already left for the hospital wing. They decided to just stick to around the common room since it was fairly empty and spent the evening working on their essays for Professor Embry.

"Any prospect you lot make love why we 're stuck inside ?"William James asked as he snagged the survive chair at Albus 's tabular array."Cedric, Ben, and I are asking everyone."

Albus exchanged a coup d'oeil with blush wine. He supposed it could n't offend to state James the reason why, just so long as he did n't tell him why they knew. Of course of action, as soon as he told James I it would spread around the castling like dragon pox at a wizarding greenhouse schooltime, but again, that would n't really hurt anything.

"We 've got a hunch,"Albus said."Remember how Quinn Gregory saw Greyback on the grounds during the Quidditch friction match ?"

"Yeah,"James said.

"Well, tonight 's a full moon 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 do here tonight ?"

"That 's our guess,"Albus said and his friends nodded.

"Makes sense,"James said."Can you guess what form of trouble Kendrick would be in if soul got bitten by a werewolf on the dry land ?"

Albus did n't want to think about it. He doubted mat wanted a associate in the Shrieking Shack.

"Scary,"James said,"thinking about Reb transformed while wandering around the grounds. I wonder why they did n't just narrate us. No one would be angry about it if they 'd severalise us the reason."

"Probably did n't require anyone to panic,"Albus said.

"shot so,"St. James agreed."But still, everyone 's going to make out now."He grinned and then got up to go rule Ben and Cedric. The fact that the curfew was due to Johnny Reb would be unwashed cognition in the rook within ten minutes, Albus guessed.

Albus managed to finish up his essay and decided to call it a night shortly after. He did n't feel like talking, not with the possible action that Greyback was either running around the Hogwarts grounds or setting himself on some unsuspecting settlement, wanting to taint small children with lycanthropy. It was amazing to think about. Albus laid awake for minute, trying not to think about it, but try as he might, he just could not force the thought from his idea.


It was a rare occasion that Albus witnessed the sun rise. Being fourteen-years-old, Albus preferred to sleep until the very previous morning or early good afternoon, but this particular aurora he was up before the sun. He had n't slept much that night due to his trouble about Fenrir Greyback and matt, and decided that it was pointless to try and sleep when he 'd just have to be up in an minute anyway.

Albus sat at the windowpane and watched as the sun slowly rose over the visible horizon. The grounds looked peaceful, and not at all like the office where a loup-garou could 've been roaming just a few hours before. The moon had set and both Matt and Limnodromus griseus would be back in their human forms by now. Whatever had happened was over now and there was nothing anyone could do to change it. Albus wondered just how retentive it would take for the vaticinator to publish some sort of article on any attacks Greyback might 've been the cause of.

Bilius and Ethan awoke before John the Divine did and busied themselves with talk of the Balycastle and Kenmare match that had taken home Sat, completely unworried about Greyback. Albus was n't surprised since neither of them had any variety of personal connection with the escaped werewolf. But they at least knew that the previous night had been a full moon, since James had spread that info around the castling.

John finally rose shortly after Bilius and Ethan left for breakfast. Albus was relieved since they could now speak freely.

"What time is it ?"lavatory asked as soon as he sat up."Have we got meter to chat matt before Herbology ?"

"Just after eight, so not really,"Albus said."And there 's no point in visiting him now as he 's probably unconscious or sleeping. The lunation just set two minute 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 death night."

"He never remembers anything about full moons,"Albus pointed out.

"It 's still deserving a shot,"lavatory replied.

Albus thought it would be kind of pointless, but they did n't have metre before Herbology anyway. After John finished, the two hurried out of the dorm and down to the Great Hall for a quick breakfast before grade. blush wine, Amanda, and Kaden were already there.

"Anything in the Prophet ?"Albus asked as he grabbed a deal of toast.

Rose shook her headspring and swallowed her Sir Francis Bacon before answering."No. Absolutely zip, but that does n't think much. It could just be too soon for enough inside information to have emerged."

"Well, we 've got a free point this afternoon, so we can go ask Matt,"John said.

"I told you that he 's not going to lie with anything,"Albus reminded him.

lavatory shrugged."You never know."

The rest period of the pupil body seemed to get already forgotten about the other curfew and the full phase of the moon Moon. Albus did n't hear anyone discussing it on his way to Herbology or at lunch later that day. Since there had n't been anything in the paper about an attack, it was old news for the Hogwarts students. Everyone that is, except for Albus, John, pink wine, and Amanda.

Albus, lavatory, and Amanda were still discussing it on their way to Care of Magical Creatures that afternoon. When they arrived they found Hagrid surrounded by cages filled with small, bleak, flossy creatures.

"'ello !"Hagrid shouted."I 've got nifflers for yeh today. Can anyone tell me what makes nifflers unique ?"

Albus raised his hand.

"Albus,"Hagrid said.

Albus grinned."Nifflers find treasure. They like shiny things."

"Tha 's right,"Hagrid said."So if you 've got vigil or jewelry on, choose it off. I 've buried a loading of leprechaun amber and your job for today will be to use the nifflers to witness it. Everyone pair off and then come get a niffler. Whichever twain finds the most gold gets a pack of coffee Frogs."

There was a flurry as everyone hurried to adopt off their jewelry and find a niffler that looked like it would be a particularly gem hunter. Albus took off his picket, shoved it into his pocket, and followed St. John and Amanda over to the nifflers. With Matt in the infirmary wing, Albus was without a better half and decided to just join John and Amanda.

bathroom grabbed the niffler with the prospicient nozzle and held the end of the lead while they followed it around the grounds. Every so often the niffler would break off and dig through the nose candy, revealing a diminished pile of coins. Albus collected them and shoved them into a bag Hagrid had provided.

The integral process was rather flirt with. Albus enjoyed watching not only his niffler, but the eternal sleep of the class 's nifflers as well. They were adorable, funny beast. At one point, Janie Creevey and Karina Jordan-Bell 's niffler managed to sniff 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 ?"St. John the Apostle asked as they watched."We have n't got potions today."

Albus shrugged."No idea."

"Albus, whoremaster, spirit !"Amanda shouted, pointing toward the castle.

Albus turned around and saw two figures walking toward Hagrid 's hut. It took a few secondment, but he soon realized that he knew both of them. One Albus recognized as a young Auror from his dad 's section. His gens was Paul Leonard Newman and he 'd been one of the Aurors to avail when Kaden was kidnapped two years ago. The back man was none other than Matt 's dad.

"What 's Matt 's dad doing here ?"bathroom asked.

"Yeah, and who 's that other bloke ?"Amanda asked.

"He 's an Auror,"Albus said."But why are they here ?"

The two superstar walked past Albus, John, and Amanda without making any variety of eye impinging, acting as if they 'd never seen them before. By now, the rest of the class 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.

Saint John tugged the niffler 's tether and he and Amanda followed Albus. Albus stopped once they were within earshot, hiding behind a President George W. Bush. John and Amanda crouched down on either side of him.

"I s'ppose I did hear some comical noises las'night,"Hagrid said."more than'n usual, that is. Always singular noises from the forest. A bit more fantastic than formula las'night, coming from Hogsmeade. Could 've been a werewolf, but I don'know for sure."

"And did you see anything roaming the grounds ?"Matt 's dad asked. His spokesperson sounded serious.

"No,"Hagrid said."Wasn'outside late. What 's this about ? Greyback ?"

lusterlessness 's dad and John Henry Newman glanced at each other."Yes,"Matt 's dad said."We have ground to consider Limnodromus griseus was in the area final Night and we 're looking for anyone who might 've seen something."

Hagrid shuddered."want I could aid yeh. But yeh know, that howling from Hogsmeade could 've just been-"

"Yes, I know,"Mr. Eckerton cut him off, with a promptly glimpse at Newman."We 've had paper of more vicious, louder ululation. Howling that seems to change location."

"Oh !"Hagrid exclaimed."Yeah, well, again, wish I could help. I 'll pay a bit Sir Thomas More attention next full-of-the-moon moon."

"We 'd appreciate it,"Mr. Eckerton said."Thanks for your time."

Matt 's dad and Paul Leonard Newman turned and left, without a second base glance at Hagrid or the course. The rest of the class had long since returned to their nifflers and all had bags of amber far larger than Albus, Saint John the Apostle, and Amanda 's. But Albus no longer cared about winning the burnt umber Frogs. It seemed that something did happen live on night, but nobody knew exactly what.

At the end of the stratum, Albus, lav, and Amanda came in dead last for sum of money of coins collected. Hagrid seemed disappointed, but said that their niffler must 've just been tired. After returning it to its cage, the three hurried back to the castle, anxious to stow their bags and go visit lusterlessness.

"If Greyback is n't on Wolfsbane should n't he be easy to find after the full moon ?"St. John the Apostle asked as they walked to the hospital wing."Would n't he be injured ?"

"Not necessarily,"Albus said quietly."Matt only bites and attacks himself because he has nothing else to set on. If Limnodromus griseus 's out roaming the countryside, he can set on animals and people."

"But what about the actual translation ?"whoremonger replied."Even werewolves on Wolfsbane are achy the following day because of that, right ?"

"I think so, yeah, but I bet if you 're being chased by Aurors that 's the finis affair on your thinker,"Albus pointed out."I 'm not sure. Matt would probably know."

Matt was the only patient in the hospital wing and dame Pomfrey was busy in her discipline, so Albus and his Friend were barren to discuss whatever they pleased. Albus was glad to see that Matt was awake, although he did look slightly unsettled.

"Was there anything in the vaticinator ?"Matt asked as soon as Albus, John, and Amanda had taken tail on his bed."And I 'm fine, so do n't bother asking."

"Er, no,"Albus said."Why ?"

"Last Nox was Wyrd,"lusterlessness said.

"Told you he 'd know something,"John said to Albus.

"But I do n't,"Matt replied."It was just uncanny. I do n't know how else to key out it."

"What happened ?"Albus asked.

"I do n't have it away,"mat said quietly as he pulled his hired man out from under the blankets. They were completely bandaged."aspect. My custody are the only part of me that 's injured. I mean, I ache all over from the shift, but I did n't bite myself at all last night."

Albus looked at the bandages."But your hands. You did n't sting them ? Then why are they bandaged ?"

"sliver,"flatness 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 touch sensation. Like if the wolf was really furious or something. Last night it was desperate, although I have no idea what for. I guess to get international, if ma'am 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 Shrieking shanty for three and a half year and the wolf has never done that before."

"I 'll tell you something weirder,"John said."Your dad was here earlier."

"What ?"matte exclaimed."When ?"

"Just now,"Saint John said."During guardianship of Magical wight, he and some Auror came to talk to Hagrid. We listened in-"

"Of course,"Matt cut in.

"Your dad and the Auror, they were asking Hagrid if he 'd seen or heard anything weird live on night. 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 written report of more vicious howling than usual."

"They definitely think that Rebel was in Hogsmeade cobbler's last night,"Albus said.

"What would 've happened if you got out ?"Amanda asked.

"Out of the hutch ?"Matt asked."null good. But now he knows that I was there. He 'll go on coming back until he 's captured. I wo n't actually be capable to get by from the Shack. The wards are too good."

The door to the ward flew open and Matt '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,"mat said.

"You do n't look surprised to see me,"Mr. Eckerton replied as he gave his son a hug."How are you feeling ?"

"I 'm all right,"Matt said with a shrug."Albus, John, and Amanda saw you talking to Hagrid. well, they heard you, too. Where 's the Auror ?"

Mr. Eckerton let out a short circuit laugh and then turned to Albus."I saw you in the bushes. Next time you 're trying to blot out, do n't hide with a niffler. They 're notorious giveaway. Yours was trying to sniff out Paul Leonard Newman 's pocket watch."

"I missed nifflers ?"flatness asked, clearly disappointed.

"Yeah,"Albus said."I bet Hagrid would let you see one after you 're better, though."

"I need to speak with you about last dark, Matt,"Mr. Eckerton said quietly."In private, perhaps ?"

Matt shook his read/write head."I already told them about 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 lastly nighttime. I know you never commend anything, but try."

flatness held up his bandaged handwriting."Madam Pomfrey thinks I tried to get out of the hut last night. That never happens. Whatever was outside kept the woman chaser occupied all night. I did n't attack myself."

Mr. Eckerton 's heart grew large and Albus noticed that the serious look had dissipated. It was replaced with a looking Albus had seen quite often on his own Father. It was a father 's shock and concern.

Matt explained the rest, including the character about the wolf feeling desperate. Mr. Eckerton seemed to mull over this for a few proceedings before sighing and shaking his head.

"What 's going on, Dad ?"lustrelessness asked.

Mr. Eckerton sighed once more."I suppose it could n't spite to tell you. It 'll be in the Prophet tomorrow anyway. Two children were attacked in Little Shingleton live Nox. It 's a townspeople about five Roman mile away, on the early side of that mint next to Hogsmeade. We 've been trying to figure out whether it was Greyback or not, since he left immediately after biting them."

"Were they Muggles ?"Matt asked.

"No,"Mr. Eckerton said."Which makes me believe that this was a carefully planned blast. petty Shingleton is a Muggle village, with these two children and their parents being the only witch and whiz in the expanse. It 's too coincidental. And why onslaught both children ? Most werewolf take off immediately after biting mortal, their inherent aptitude telling them to get as far away as possible, as quickly as possible."

"And did they ... come through ?"Matt replied.

"They 're both in stable condition at St. Mungo 's. Once their bites heal, they 'll be fine, economise for the fact that they now have lycanthropy. The bites were unclouded and diminished, not normal werewolf bites. These bites were inflicted just to infect. Another signaling toward Greyback."

"But what about Hogsmeade ?"Albus asked.

"Five stat mi is not an impossible journey for a werewolf in a night,"Mr. Eckerton explained."Most belike Johnny 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 screaming shanty, which is impossible."

"So you really think it was him ?"Matt asked.

"I do, and Auror Newman agrees with me. I left him in Kendrick 's study, after telling him I needed to visit 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 outside you would n't get very far."

"None taken."

"The thing that makes lycnathropy so difficult to study, and also most belike the reason why wolfbane does n't work for all werewolves, is that each mortal 's lycanthropy is vastly different from others. Its effects depend a lot upon a mortal 's panorama toward their own lycanthropy. Fenrir Johnny Reb has spent his life embracing his lycnathropy and living for that one night a month where his true nature emerges. He embraces his wolf position so a great deal that he even attacks people when the moon is not full.

"You, flatness, on the early helping hand, key out most with your human side. As you should, considering you 're only a wildcat one night out of XXVIII. Therefore, you resist the shift. You fight it with your every fiber, every month. Greyback embraces it, and probably shifts a lot easier than you do. His transformation most likely do not do him the same pain."

"I guess that makes sense,"flatness said.

"But still,"John said."They should be combing the timber for him."

Mr. Eckerton chuckled."They are. trustfulness me. They have the entire Werewolf controller unit of measurement searching for him, along with six Aurors, and a smattering of junior and trainee Aurors. They do n't normally slay Aurors to capture rogue wolfman, as that 's usually the loup-garou Control Unit 's job. And it 's not usually my job to investigate werewolf attacks. But this is a mellow visibility type, so they want many the great unwashed on it, including people in charge. We 'll get him."

Albus wondered if shift was on the font. He was a Jr Auror now. Knowing Teddy, he 'd want to be on the fount since Johnny Reb had turned his dad into a werewolf.

"I 've got to get back to the Ministry and satiate out a theme,"Mr. Eckerton said as he stood up from his chairwoman."If you think of anything else, matte, ask to use Professor Longbottom 's Floo. bird of Minerva are easily intercepted."

Matt said goodbye to his dad and soon the boys and Amanda were alone in the hospital wing once more. Albus did n't hump what to say. Fenrir Greyback, it seemed, was up to his old illusion and somehow Matt had gotten involved.
***


Fenrir Greyback 's blast on the two children took the whole front page of the seer the following morning. The entire Great Hall was talking about it, professor, students, and spook. Copies of the paper were being passed faster than platter of Baron Verulam. Albus managed to snag a written matter from his first cousin Ben.

FENRIR Rebel approach IN LITTLE SHINGLETON

Fenrir Greyback, escaped inmate and wolfman,
was sighted last night in Little Shingleton,
Scotland. Little Shingleton is nearly an
entirely Muggle village, save for one
wizarding family. The family, whose
names have not been released due to the
Underage werewolf tribute Law,
suffered an extreme cataclysm last night,
when Fenrir Greyback attacked both of
their children. Both youngster are
reportedly in stable shape at St.
Mungo 's.

An investigation, organized by both the
Auror Department and the section for
the Regulation and control condition of Magical
creature, headed by drumhead of that department,
Walter Eckerton, concluded tardy yesterday.
'We 've interviewed respective eyewitnesses
who saw or find out a werewolf in Hogsmeade
during the full Sun Myung Moon. Hogsmeade is only
about five miles from Little Shingleton .'
investigator said that numerous other
clues led them to believe that the attack
was by Fenrir Greyback, despite not having
actually seen him in Little Shingleton.
'We are not prepare to reveal all particular
of the probe. But we are convinced
that this was an onrush by Greyback. A squad
of Aurors and loup-garou Control Unit employees
are working around the clock to capture
Greyback .'

The clause was followed by a recapitulation of Greyback and the criminal offense that had landed him in Azkaban in the first place, along with a nasty photograph of him. Even in his man form he looked rather wolf-like, which was such a drastic demarcation compared to Matt, who did n't resemble a wolf at all, deliver for his eyes. Albus glanced up from the article and his heart fell on Matt 's. They had a xanthous tint to them, with flecks of Au amidst their natural dispirited people of color. They were indeed the only wolf-like trait he possessed when the moon was n't full.

"This is why people want stricter werewolf control Torah,"matt said quietly.

"Even 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 children are n't secure, and they 're right. It 's just stinky timing. Laurentis is going to use this to her advantage."

Albus wanted to ensure lusterlessness that everything would be all correctly, that Laurentis would n't blow everything out of proportion, but he could n't. He knew that Matt was mighty, that Laurentis would once again use a direful tragedy to draw More support from the wizarding world. If his uncle Percy was going to stand a chance against her, he was going to possess to drastically change his political campaign strategy.


A/N : So I just realized that I uploaded the damage chapter last Fri. This is the real chapter 25 and the one I uploaded last Friday is chapter 26. Sorry about that !


The matter about loup-garou onset was that they were only able to happen once a month. There was absolutely no chance of a wolfman attempt during the rest of the calendar month, so it was well-off for the Hogwarts students to soon forget about Fenrir Limnodromus griseus, or at least pushing him into the furthermost street corner of their minds. After the initial clause about Calidris canutus 's attack on the two young children, the report returned to its common election coverage, although both candidates were being very tranquil about the attack. Neither Percy nor Laurentis made a statement, which did n't surprise Albus. The debate on regulation of wizard brute was scheduled for Sabbatum, so both prospect would gain financial statement then. There had been a few newspaper column in the composition written by hoi polloi pushing for stricter werewolf laws, but that had been it.

Sat was also the day of the adjacent Hogsmeade trip, and this gave the Hogwarts students a much needed distraction from the external domain. Word spread amongst Albus 's cousins that James was once again taking Gabby Ellis to Hogsmeade, and quite a few of his other first cousin had escort as well. Albus himself did not, and was planning on spending the day with John, Kaden, Rose, and Amanda. lustrelessness had arranged to attend the debate with his dad, and would miss the head trip.

"Are you sure you want to go to this debate ?"Albus asked Matt as they played chess in the vulture 's Den.

"What ?"Matt asked, turning to Albus. He 'd been staring at the wall under the pretext of taking his turn for the retiring five minutes.

"You were zoning out,"Albus said."I asked if you 're sure you want to go to that public debate Saturday."

mat had seemed distracted all workweek and whether it was from Greyback being so near during his transformation or the upcoming debate, Albus did n't know.

"Yeah, I 'm sure,"matte said."I 'd rather hear it straight from her than register it in the Prophet."

"What about your dad ?"Albus asked."Is he going to utter out against her if she wants nonindulgent laws ?"

matt shrugged."I do n't be intimate. That did n't operate too well in Australia."

The door to the Den burst open and John and Kaden came barging in, both wearing monovular smiling. It was slightly preternatural, how similar they looked.

"We 've finished,"John announced.

"Finished what ?"Albus asked. He was slightly worried. It was never a good mansion when John and Kaden were that happy about something.

"Our prank,"Kaden answered."We 've finished provision. 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 Matt, who smirked."Prefecty ?"Albus repeated.

"Yeah,"John said."Everyone knows it 'll be one of you who makes prefect next class. And you 're getting started early by not liking our pranks."

"We just do n't want detention again,"lustrelessness explained."Honestly, I could n't care to a lesser extent if you prank the Slytherins. Malfoy 's a git. Prank him all you want."

"Are you sure you do n't need to sleep together what it 's going to be ?"John asked.

"No,"Albus said.

"Not a opportunity,"mat said.

John shrugged."All right field. But when should we do it ?"

"Let 's just postponement and see when the time flavor right,"Kaden suggested."It 's not, er ... time-sensitive ...."

lavatory and Kaden burst out laughing."Sure,"John said."Not time-sensitive at all."

Albus and lusterlessness exchanged a coup d'oeil.

"We could tell you why that was so funny remark,"John said.

"Or you could just wait and see like the residue of the castle,"Kaden added.

"We 'll expect,"Albus said. He was curious about it, but not peculiar enough to possibly wind up up with another hebdomad 's detention.

Whatever the prank was, John and Kaden did n't implement it before the next day. Saturday brought blasphemous skies and bitterly insensate temperatures and Albus put on two Weasley jumpers in preparation for walking around Hogsmeade.

flatness left early for the debate, Flooing from Professor Longbottom 's subject field. Albus and King John slept deep and met Kaden, rose, and Amanda in the Great Hall for a straightaway lunch before setting off for Hogsmeade.

The February Hogsmeade tripper was always an interesting one. The hamlet became filled with untried span either snogging passionately in front of the shops or staring awkwardly at each other across a mesa in the ternary Broomsticks or ma'am Puddifoot 's. Having never been on a date before in his aliveness, Albus found it really funny to watch. John and Kaden found it amusing as well, but rosebush and Amanda seemed to stare wistfully at the pair and did n't notice them at all comic.

"Where to first ?"Albus asked.

"Not ma'am Puddifoot 's,"lav said immediately, grimacing as a few love-struck duo headed toward the home.

"I plan on never setting pes in there,"Kaden said."I do n't give care how many girls ask me to go there with them."

John the Divine laughed."You 'd deliver to get a girl to like you first."

"Shut up,"Kaden said."Let 's just go get some Butterbeer."

The rest of the grouping agreed and they were soon crowded around one of the only when evacuate board in the tierce broomstick. Albus was hoping to watch a glance of Jesse 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 mathematical group went to Honeyduke 's and Weasleys'in order to stock up on Skiving Snackboxes and Chocolate anuran. By then it was nearly dinner time and they decided to shout out it a day. The twist was picking up and none of them fancied being caught in a storm.

"Albus !"John 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.

"St. James the Apostle and Gabby Ellis,"John Lackland said.

Albus squinted and just made out his brother, leaning against the outside of Honeyduke 's, his back talk attached to Gabby Ellis 's. They were so cheeseparing that they almost looked like one person.

"Oh my God,"Albus said quietly.

"That is disgusting,"rosebush added."I could 've gone my full life without seeing someone snog James."

St. John and Kaden were both laughing."looking like they 're enjoying it,"lav said.

"Oh consummate !"Albus exclaimed as he turned back to the course."Let 's go."

"I think it 's secure to say they 're together,"Amanda said as they walked back.

"What she could possibly see in James ..."Rose muttered.

"Well, he does play Quidditch,"Amanda pointed out.

"So do over half my cousin,"rose said."So does Albus."

"Can we change the issue ?"Albus asked."Please. C'mon, let 's look sharp up. I bet flatness 's backbone from the debate."

That seemed to get his supporter'idea off of James 's amatory life. Albus himself wanted to put the image of his blood brother kissing soul out of his head forever. At to the lowest degree she was a Hufflepuff and he 'd never have to see them kissing in the common room. If he did he may feature to spend all of his meter in the predator 's Den.

Dinner had n't started yet when they arrived at the castle, so the chemical group decided to go find Matt first. They found him right where Albus figured he 'd be, in the piranha 's Den. Albus was slightly nervous about what had happened at the debate, but mat was sitting on the frame casually reading his charm Quran, seeming hardly upset at all.

"How was Hogsmeade ?"lusterlessness asked as he set his playscript down.

"Disgusting,"Albus said as he sat down side by side to matte. can, rose, and Amanda pulled up chairs.

mat raised his eyebrows."Disgusting ?"

"We saw James snogging his new girlfriend,"Rose said with a shudder."Trust me, there 's nothing pleasant about seeing the boy you remember eating a mud pie kissing a girl while pressed up against Honeyduke's."

Matt laughed."I have n't got any cousin-german, so I 'll take your Book for it."

"Consider yourself lucky,"Albus muttered."But what happened at the debate ?"

"It was n't as bad as I thought it would be,"flatness said."Well, okey, contribution of it were n't as bad as I thought they 'd be. It was at the Ministry, in one of those motor lodge rooms in the basement. Mostly it was masses who work at the Ministry there, but there were some former the great unwashed there, too, because the room was so big.

"I 'm not certainly how much you know about the department for the regulation and ascendance of Magical brute, but every tool is divided into one of three category. Beings, liquor, and wildcat. Spirits are ghosts and poltergeists and boggarts. organism are wight that are n't human, but have human intelligence. Beasts are everything else. The fellow who was running the debate started by asking Percy and Laurentis how they feel about the rights given to Beings. You know, goblins, house-elves, centaurs, those sorting of animal. They did n't have much to argue about that because neither of them think any of those brute should take their right wing taken away. And rosebush 's mum has worked so backbreaking to get them rights.

"Then they moved on to the Spirit division and there was n't much disputation with that, either, since there 's not lots that can be done about hard liquor. They 're just sort of there. Ghosts do n't harm anyone and poltergeists it all depends on the specific poltergeist. Laurentis brought up the matter of Peeves, which was odd, but Sir Henry Percy did n't seem to have an notion on Peeves."

Albus had n't expected much contestation with the Being division. There had been a lot of debate back and Forth about the rights of being back when his parents had been in school and his aunt Hermione had dedicated her work life toward giving rightfield to Beings, especially house-elves. Over the age she 'd done a very dear job with it and had n't met much opposition. As for the look variance, Albus did n't think there had ever been practically controversy there. spectre were just ghosts. They pretty much did as they pleased.

Matt paused."Then there was the Beast segmentation. Throughout chronicle both wolfman and vampires have sometimes been in the organism variance and sometimes been in the Beast division. categorization in the beast naval division is the cause why lycanthrope have been stripped of their rights and how the Ministry can get away with it. If they 're not seen as beingness, then legally, they do n't have to be given the same rights as humans. It 's a technicality, really.

"A prospicient sentence ago wolfman were in the Being variance, but they got reclassified in the 1950s, after a huge werewolf flak on an entire township. It was horrible. But ever since then, no one has wanted to classify them as Beings again. My dad has been an advocate for compartmentalisation as Beings ever since he started in Australia.

"The thing about classification is that, for the most function, Ministries all over the creation have to accord. That 's why reclassification is such a time-consuming and difficult thing to do. soul has to bring it up and coordinate negotiations between body politic and it requires a lot of travail. When Voldemort came to power no one in Britain had the fourth dimension or Energy Department to put toward the reclassification of werewolves. Not to mention they could n't part with the people to put the time into it. Since the brutal attack in the 50s happened in England, the other commonwealth have n't wanted to impact the idea. Although I 'd bet that Australia would put up a good fight if it was ever brought up again.

"So, basically, my dad has been trying to do this for ages, but he does n't ingest the backup. Even Minister Hartwell has n't wanted to touch it since it 's such a controversial matter and he does n't sustain a great deal time left."

"Wow,"Albus said."Binns did n't instruct us any of that in History of Magic."

"And he probably wo n't,"Matt said."It 's not a long-familiar issue since most people probably do n't care to put in the effort to reclassify lycanthrope. The only multitude who 'd want to are werewolves."

"That 's awful,"Amanda said."But what happened at the debate ?"

"The wizard in billing of the public debate dodged the question of Limnodromus griseus for a patch, asking questions about early creatures like thestrals and dementors and the same. But he finally brought up the topic of grayback and Laurentis basically said that it was n't a affair of werewolf control constabulary, but a matter of Azkaban security-"

"fountainhead, that 's safe,"Albus said. He would n't take expected that of Laurentis.

"Sort of,"lusterlessness replied."I have n't finished. Anyway, your uncle agreed with her, but he of course said that putting the dementors back would be dolt. Laurentis said that if the dementors had been there then greyback would n't make escaped and those kids would 've been safe. Then they started arguing about Azkaban and dementors again. But the bloke in guardianship cut them off.

"Then he finally brought up the fact that my dad 's been pushing for the reclassification of werewolves as Beings for eld and how he 's got the support of rosebush 's mum and asked what their opinion of it was."

"But if my mum was able to aid house-elves and hob, then why could n't she do it for werewolves at the same time ?"Rose asked.

"House-elves and hob have always been classified as beingness,"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 werewolf rightfulness natural law can be changed unless their categorisation is changed-"

"But that 's just stupid,"lavatory said.

flatness shrugged."It is, but there 's nix anyone can do about it."

"Well, what did Laurentis say ?"Albus asked.

"Laurentis said that reclassifying werewolves as beingness would render the current werewolf control natural law unenforceable and that it would give the Ministry far less restraint over werewolves. Which is true,"Matt said."Not that it would be a bad thing."

"Of course not,"Albus agreed.

"Then she said that if loup-garou were currently classified as existence it would make it difficult to even charm Johnny Reb and engage him for what he 's done, which is n't true at all. My dad was turning purple at this point. She really knows nothing about the way his department works."

"What about Uncle Percy ?"Rose asked.

Matt did n't say anything for a full arcminute."He was n't as bad as Laurentis, but well, your uncle does n't want to commute anything. I 'm sure you 've noticed that he says everything 's amercement the way it is and we do n't call for to interchange anything, whether it 's Azkaban or Hogwarts. He thought the Saami about werewolves."

"What do you stand for ?"Albus asked."He thinks that-"

flatness averted his regard, looking at Kaden rather than Albus and Rose."He thinks that 'putting energy into reclassifying werewolves as organism would be a poor musical theme, given the other issues facing the greater wizarding community of interests .'And that is a direct quote. I ca n't ever draw a blank that."

Albus wished he was surprised. He really did. But the fact remained that Uncle Sir Henry Percy did n't like to stir the caldron, so to speak. If affair were working the way they were, he would n't exchange them. He 'd rather keep affair the same then mouth out openly either for or against anything, if it would cost him indorse or votes.

"Then he went on to explain,"matt continued."He said that wolfman classification does n't affect a large phone number of enchantress and wizards and that it 's very complicated and would require a lot of effort, which is true. But it 's like he did n't think it was worth it, just because it would n't dissemble a lot of people."

"It does n't surprise 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,"flatness said, turning back to Albus and Rose."Sorry. I know he 's your uncle-"

"Do n't justify,"Albus said, suddenly glad he was n't of age and would n't hold to choose between the two candidate.

"It 's like he does n't even ingest a potent feeling on it. He does n't want to have a secure opinion on it,"Matt added."Laurentis at least has a reason. Your uncle does n't even deliver that. Honestly, Albus, I 've no idea who my parents will vote for now. Sami with Amy."

"I do n't do it who I 'd vote for now,"Albus said quietly.

"But either way, I do n't guess lycanthrope will get reclassified,"Matt replied."cipher will happen without support of the Brits minister at this point."

"That 's just not bazaar,"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 matter that matt had n't ever spoke of before and Albus had n't dared ask.

"Well, technically,"mat began,"I 'm not allowed to be at Hogwarts."

"What ?"Albus shouted. The rest of his admirer let out similar exclamation of shock.

"But Teddy 's dad-"Rose began.

"Not legal,"Matt said."Dumbledore frequently broke the law and that was no dissimilar. Professor Kendrick follows the law a bit more but he liked the idea of allowing me to go to. It 's variety of murky, to be honest. It 's in the law that werewolves can not give ear Hogwarts, but at the same clip, Hogwarts master have ended control over who they admit. So as long as it 's observe quiet-"

"But what about Malfoy ?"Rose asked."If he were to let it slip-"

"Then Kendrick would expel him,"lusterlessness explained."And he 'd be allowed to, since it would be damaging to another student 's Education Department for him to reveal my condition. I told you ; it 's very murky."

"What else ?"Amanda asked.

"The rest has mostly to do with employment,"Matt said."well, that and the Ministry is allowed to keep loup-garou for questioning about full synodic month flack without actually arresting them. Werewolves as prisoners have virtually no rightfield.

"But anyway, employment. I 'm legally obligated to inform any likely employers of my term. If werewolves were classified as beingness, that would n't be required, because lycanthropy would be seen as a medical condition and employment can not be terminated based on a person 's medical conditions."

"That is the most confusing matter in the world,"Albus said. His head was spinning."How do you save all that straight ?"

mat shrugged."It 's my living. That 's the other thing, Albus, your uncle really has no estimation how things are run in the section for the ordinance and Control of Magical Creatures. He 's not really qualified to say what issue the reclassification would have on everything. Because, honestly, it would only affect werewolves."

"That seems obvious,"Albus said.

"So somebody can not charter you just because you 're a loup-garou ?"Amanda asked incredulously.

flatness nodded."Does n't even matter if they 're on wolfsbane or not, either."

"What will you do after Hogwarts ?"Amanda asked.

"No thought,"lusterlessness said."I 'm trying not to cerebrate about that. But this unhurt pretending to be rule matter that I 'm doing at Hogwarts ? It 's irregular. 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 plunk for the reclassification of werewolves as being, despite the fact that it might misplace him a few votes. It might even be him a few not to cause spoken up, because now, matte 's parents and Amy might not vote for him. But this had such a larger effect than just the election. Matt was right ; this was his life, and Uncle Percy and Laurentis were just seeing it as a way to bone up up more votes. Maybe Uncle Percy was n't the decently 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 critical review !


The disputation on the regulating and ascendancy of Magical tool did not seem to be a hot matter of discussion amongst the Hogwarts students. Unlike the debate on education, this especial debate did not interrelate directly to Hogwarts students, and thus there was n't very much discussion beyond a few opinions at breakfast the next day. The article on the argumentation was much more tame than the previous articles, well-nigh likely because 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 scout on the Prophet in causa there were any updates on the escaped prisoners, but the remainder of Feb passed without any sightings or captures. It was kind of strange since the captive had to have been hiding out somewhere. Yet they 'd been loose for nearly two months and the only one who had been sighted was Johnny. Willinson, Umbridge, and the Carrows were nowhere, it seemed.

In the meantime, Laurentis used the lack of captures to her vantage, by publishing a new statement every few days declaring how clumsy the Auror Department was. These statements were usually followed up with another declaration of how the prisoner would n't cause escaped if the dementors had been in control of Azkaban.

When march arrived, the prophesier began putting a countdown until the election at the top of the front pageboy, every single day.

"Apr motley fool 's Day,"lav commented as he pointed to the countdown, which read '29 solar day .'“ Does n't that seem a bit weird, to do an election on that day ?"

"A slight,"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 place. You 'll mess up it up."

"No, we wo n't do it then,"John said as he exchanged a impish smile with Kaden."Want to know why ?"

"Not really,"Albus said.

"They 'll feel out soon enough,"Kaden said.

"Energy Department this have anything to do with why you two disappeared all evening yesterday ?"mat asked.

"Possibly,"John said."Oh, flavor at the time. We 've got to get to potions."

Kaden burst out laughing."Oh, yes, looks like it 's meter for me to go to Divination."

Albus looked at Matt and shrugged. Saint John the Apostle and Kaden had been laughing at every mention of 'time'or 'clocks'for the past few weeks, but had yet to share why. Albus could only assume that it had to do with their prank.

Albus, mat, john, rose, and Amanda said goodbye to Kaden and headed for the dungeons. 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 second class 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 ... guess I 'm hearing things."

A few minute of arc passed and lustrelessness stopped again."I swear there 's something ringing external. It sounds like an alarm clock."

Albus glanced around the classroom, but nobody else seemed to have heard it. Everyone was working quietly, except John, who was staring at the door for some strange reason. Then Albus heard it. The wispy ring.

"Do you hear it now ?"Matt asked.

"Yeah,"Albus said. It was becoming louder, too. The residue of the form was beginning to detect as well, and John suddenly turned around to calculate at them. He grinned widely and then returned to his potion.

"It 's their prank,"matte hissed."It 's got to be."

cipher was paying any tending 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 word to the social class. He returned a few minutes later.

"feeding bottle your potions as is,"he said."It seems there is some sorting of warning signal going off all over the rook. After you 're done cleaning up you may provide early."

Albus and Matt worked quickly, wanting to talk to John as soon as they could. They met him, along with rosebush and Amanda, outside the classroom a few minutes later, and headed to the Great Asaph Hall. St. John still had n't said anything.

Kaden was already there when they arrived."Trelawney let us out as soon as the alarm clock started. I think it was driving her mad. I mean, 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 single case of armor and charmed them to go off at five minute intervals."

Albus started laughing."That 's brilliant !"

"That 's actually really respectable charm work,"rosiness said, clearly impressed.

"It gets better,"Kaden said."The teachers wo n't be able to turn 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 side by side,"Epistle of James said as he sat down following to Albus."There must be twenty suits of armor across the corridor from the Transfiguration room. It 's so loud in there you can barely hear yourself think."

"Damn,"Albus said."We 've got Transfiguration next."

"Look, Kendrick 's standing up. Bet he cancels classes."John pointed to the staff table.

"Quiet !"Kendrick shouted."Very amusing prank. It would look that the alarm system clocks have to be manually turned off, so I am canceling classes for the good afternoon while the staff and prefects turn off all the alarms."

There was a loud cheer as Kendrick resumed his place. The stave table was only half-full, as the respite of them must have been already turning the alarms off.

"He does n't seem upset,"Albus said."This is actually kind of tame. I thought you were going to get revenge on the Slytherins."

John the Divine grinned."Oh, we are. That 'll come another day."

After lunch Albus and his Friend went to the Marauder 's Den with the intention of spending the day there, but the unceasing alarms quickly grew too annoying. Despite the coldness, they decided that exterior would be preferable to inside. The coke had melted, so they were capable to find a dry spot to sit.

"I still hear the sonority,"matt said as they settled down under a huge beech tree by the lake."It 's like my principal is an consternation clock. I think if you had done this around the wide-cut moon I would 've murdered you."

"That 's why we did n't do it around the full moon,"lav 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 History of deception exam this afternoon,"Kaden said."I 'm hoping Binns will forget about it."

"It 's soon, though, is n't it ?"John asked.

"The fully lunar month ? Yeah, it 's Mon,"lustrelessness answered."I 've been thinking about it. About Johnny. 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 serve enchant them, using my wolfy side."

"As bait ?"Albus asked, shocked."Then you 'd be in danger."

"No, I would n't,"Matt said."I would n't be doing anything different. I 'd just be in the Shrieking hutch like common. Albus, the Marauder 's Map recording label Animagi as their human names, right ?"

Albus nodded."Yeah, of course. That 's how slip 's dad found out about Pettigrew."

"Well, should n't it be the Lapp for lycanthrope ?"Matt asked.

Albus had n't thought about that before. In all his time of having the instant edition Marauder 's Map, he 'd never checked the screeching Shack during a wide moon."I think it should."

"Then all the Aurors have to do is watch the new version of the Marauder 's Map during the full-of-the-moon moonlight, wait for Greyback to record up, and then catch him."

Albus thought for a few bit. It seemed so simple-minded, almost too simple to mold."lustrelessness ... that 's brilliant."

"When did you think of this ?"Rose asked.

"Few weeks ago,"matt answered."Limnodromus griseus was there by the Shrieking Shack for nearly the integral dark. It would 've been loose to enamour him if mortal just knew he was there."

"Wait,"rosiness said, looking at Albus."You are n't proposing that you do this, are you ? Because that would be stupid."

"Of course not,"Matt said."It would be my dad and Albus 's dad."

"I do n't reckon my dad 's in charge of the Greyback seizure,"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 werewolf. Newman does n't. I do n't screw what he 'd do if he knew there was a werewolf at Hogwarts."

Albus thought back to what Matt had told them about how it was n't clear whether admitting wolfman to Hogwarts was legal or not."All right. That make sense."

"But why are you so certainly he 's going to derive back to this same spot ?"Amanda asked."If he were smart he 'd translate someplace completely different."

"He 's got a hangup about werewolves pretending to be human,"Matt said quietly."He thinks that we 've all got to embrace our wolf-selves and live together in pack. I do n't guess he 's going to hand up easily on finding me. He did the Saame matter with shift 's dad."

"Then he might be transforming near those kids he attacked last calendar month,"rosiness pointed out."They should station Aurors there, too."

Matt nodded."Let 's go institutionalise some owls."
***


Albus and Matt did n't say much in their missive to their fathers, wanting to save most of the inside information for later. Both of them replied saying they would meet the boys at Hogwarts Friday evening in order to mould out the details.

The week went by very slowly and Albus noticed that flatness drew quieter and quieter as it progressed. He never said it out flashy, but Albus had a feeling he was incredibly anxious about the plan and his theatrical role in it, despite his saying he would be okay. By the time Friday arrived he was completely soundless, except for the few times he snapped at trick and Kaden for being irritating.

"You know if this plan actually works and knot is captured it 's going to make believe Uncle Harry look very proficient,"Rose said."Which will be undecomposed for Uncle Percy."

"I thought of that,"Albus said."And since the election is only three weeks away, it 's perfect timing."

"When are you meeting your pop ?"John the Divine asked.

"VII,"Albus answered as he glanced at his watch."We should probably go."

Albus shoved the last-place bite of his cake into his mouth and left the Great antechamber with Matt at his side. professor Longbottom had leant them his study for the meeting, so Albus and Matt walked up to the one-fourth floor.

Professor Longbottom was n't there when they arrived but the room access was partially clear. Albus led matt inside and they sat down on a couch to wait. Albus had always loved Longbottom 's survey. It was filled with all form of exotic plants that you never wanted to touch on because some of them bit. The furniture was mismatched and the wholly piazza was pleasantly cluttered. It felt very safe.

Harry and Walter walked in a few minutes later and shut the threshold behind them. Both looked very fascinate and slightly confused.

"Al,"Harry said as he gave his son a quick hug."What 's going on ?"

Albus glanced at Matt, who had just been let go of by his own father. This was his plan to explain.

"I know how you can take in grayback,"Matt said quietly, and then proceeded to excuse the entire plan."See ? commodity plan, right ?"

Harry and Walter exchanged glimpse. Walter looked incredibly worried."flatness, look, I know you want to help and I know the fact that Johnny 's out there scares you out of your mind-"

"I 'm not that scared,"mat interrupted, but everyone in the room knew he was."Look, he 's going to come to Hogsmeade anyway. You might as well be there waiting for him."

Bruno Walter sighed."Yes, I suppose you 're right-"

"So what 's the trouble ? I 'll be in the shriek hovel with all the Mary Augusta Arnold Ward up."

"There really is n't a problem,"Walter said."It just sounds bad on the surface, me using my son as bait. What do you intend, Harry ?"

"I think it 's up to you,"Harry said."You 're in charge of this search. I 'm not even on it. I assigned it to Newman."

"Paul Leonard Newman ca n't be there,"matt said quickly as he turned to his dad."He ca n't be. He does n't know about me."

"He 's right,"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 loup-garou at Hogwarts."

Harry sighed and began to pace the room."I had n't thought of that. But there 's got to be more of us. I 'll make for Ron in, and Teddy."

"Ron ?"Matt asked.

"pink wine 's dad,"Albus explained."My uncle."

Matt breathed a sigh of ease."Oh, all right then."

"They 'd be amercement,"Walter said."Four of us should be able to palm it. What about those kids in Little Shingleton ?"

"I 'll assign Cardinal Newman to them,"Harry decided."And you can pick a few people form your section to go with him."

Bruno Walter nodded."What about the villagers ? We ca n't give ear around the Shrieking Shack all Nox. It 'll look suspicious."

Albus suddenly remembered the map. He pulled it out of his pocket and handed it to his dad."Use the map. Then you can learn 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 Peter Pettigrew. It shows where everyone is, so it should demonstrate us when greyback turns up. We can wait at the Hog 's top dog until then. No one there will pay us any attention."

"And in the write up ? In the newspaper publisher the next day ?"Bruno Walter asked.

"No mention of matt or his being in the screech hutch,"Harry said."We 'll say we got an anon. tip that he 'd depict up in Hogsmeade."

"Can I wait with you ?"Albus asked.

Harry laughed."Absolutely not. You 'll stay in the palace, where it 's safe. I believe they 're doing a mandatory early curfew again ?"

Albus nodded. They 'd put up posters in the green rooms a few 24-hour interval ago. This metre, 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 people are smart they 'll stick around inside with wards up,"Harry pointed out.
***


Never before had Albus heard so many masses talking about the entire lunar month. All weekend, everywhere he turned, he heard soul mentioning either the entire moon or Calidris canutus or both. Suddenly, lycanthrope were the hot topic of word at Hogwarts.

Most people, from what Albus could collect, did n't have a strong opinion on lycanthrope one way or another. But a few people, most having had a proportional murdered by Fenrir Rebel, told anyone who would listen how happy they were that neither candidate wanted to switch the sorting of werewolves from Beasts to Beings. It only took lustrelessness overhearing one of these conversations to decide to expend the residuum of the weekend in the Marauder 's Den.

"It 'll all be over in three weeks,"Amanda said."Once the election takes place no one is going to worry as lots. But these past few weeks have certainly made me wonder if I should go into the Department for the regularization and Control of Magical Creatures."

It was Sunday night and Albus and his protagonist were in the vulture 's Den, yet again, working on their preparation that was due tomorrow.

"You could work with my dad,"lusterlessness announced from the couch."That 'd be weird."

"Well, it 's just direful,"Amanda said."And it does n't make sense. Why should goblins and house-elves be Beings but not wolfman ? You 're more human than a house-elf."

flatness laughed."Tomorrow night I wo n't be, and that 's what it comes down to. House-elves are n't that unsafe. Werewolves are."

"I do n't know,"Albus began."When my dad was a back year a house-elf charmed a Bludger to break his arm. That 's fairly dangerous."

"What about vampires ?"Rose asked."I ought to owl Linda."

"vampire are Beings,"Matt explained."It 's because they do n't have to wassail human line to survive. It 's a choice. Werewolves, when we bite individual, it 's not a choice. We ca n't command it."

"Except with wolfsbane,"rosebush pointed out.

"Yeah, and maybe if someone invents Wolfsbane that works for all werewolves we might get reclassified,"Matt said.

"What about vampires who bite people ?"Amanda asked.

"They 're put in prison,"matt said.

"So can vampires go to schoolhouse and check jobs ?"Kaden asked.

"I suppose they could. Linda went to school. But they live forever so most do n't want to go to school day or already take, because most vampires are erstwhile. As for jobs, they do n't ingest to state employers what they are, so yeah, they could."

"It 's so bloody confusing,"trick said."Does n't stool a bit of sense."

"It really does n't,"Matt said with a yawn."But it 's life."

lusterlessness slept the balance of the evening and well-nigh 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 schooltime. Albus himself found it difficult to concentrate on any of his classes or homework since there was the trenchant possibility that Fenrir Greyback would be captured that nighttime.

Albus and his friends reported to the common room at five, as per the curfew, and then went to dinner. flatness did n't join them. He was gone when they returned. Albus gave up on homework for the dark and played a few tepid troll of Exploding Snap with St. John and Kaden before deciding to go up to his dormitory 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 crystallise, giving him a very estimable view of the stars. After locating a few constellations Albus watched the 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-of-the-moon Moon Attacks ) and went right to chapter 26 ( emotional state, existence, and Beasts ). If you have n't already done so, go back and read the existent chapter 25. The report will crap much Sir Thomas More sense after that.

I am pleased to announce that I have finished this story ! It topped out at 37 chapters. I may start updating this twice a week, but have n't quite decided yet. A lot of you are asking in reviews when the next update will be, so I 'll repeat that I update every Fri. The exact time will vary. Thanks for all the followup !