Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




Matt did n't return to the common room until Sunday afternoon. Albus and his friends had spent about of the weekend doing homework and playing stave of Exploding centering. Kaden made himself scarce and Albus hardly saw him at all. Albus vaguely wondered where he was, but he did n't really think about it much. All that mattered was that Kaden was n't hanging around Albus anymore. Albus and his friends did n't get a chance to tell Matt about what Kaden told Malfoy while he was in the hospital wing because it had been very crowded that weekend. Apparently, quite a few student had decided to practice their dueling for the upcoming match while they were unsupervised in the corridor. This caused madam Pomfrey to induce an horrendous lot to do. She looked very fray when Albus and the others visited Matt on Saturday.

Albus was sitting in the common room with the others, doing homework, when Matt returned from the Hospital Wing. He still looked a bit trite and the excision on his typeface were n't completely healed yet, but he looked much better than he had on Th. Albus closed his Good Book and glanced at his booster when lustrelessness came through the portrait hole.

`` What 's with you lot ? '' lustrelessness asked, `` You 're awfully quiet. ``

`` We 've, er, got to distinguish you something, '' Albus replied quietly, `` Let 's go to the Room. '' Albus got up and left the common room. His supporter all followed, not saying a word. Albus led them down the 7th floor corridor until they reached the painting of Barnabas the Barmy. Albus paced three fourth dimension in front of it and opened the doorway that appeared. It looked just like it did whenever Albus or his friends asked for a place where they could be alone. There were a few squashy armchairs and lounge, a fireplace, and it was decorated in scarlet and gold.

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

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

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

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

`` fountainhead, get on with it, '' Matt said.

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

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

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

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

`` It gets unfit, '' Albus continued, `` You know how I told Kaden that you get macabre every once in a while, so he would close up final calendar month ? ``

`` Yeah ... ''

`` And I made him promise not to severalize anyone, '' Albus said quickly, `` But for some reason he told Malfoy. ``

Matt sank back into his chair and his aspect went chalk white. Albus was glad Rose told him to sit down, because if he had n't have been sitting he probably would let fainted. Albus watched as mat processed the information. After a few instant he asked very quietly, `` What did he tell Malfoy ? ``

`` That you 've got some kind of ace disease that Madam Pomfrey ca n't cure, '' Albus answered. `` And Malfoy put two and two together and figured out that you do n't gossip your sick gran. ``

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

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

`` But you ca n't really stop him ! All he 's got to do is a bit of inquiry and he 'll experience everything, '' lusterlessness moaned.

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

`` There 's another thing, '' Albus started, `` Kaden may have also told him about the Whomping willow tree. ``

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

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

mat nodded, `` You know, if Malfoy finds out and Tell anyone, chances are I 'll have to entrust. ``

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

`` How do you know ? ``

`` Rose is right, '' Albus agreed, `` When the Marauders were in school, Snape found out about slip 's dad and he still got to detain in schooling. Dumbledore made him promise not to recite anyone. I 'm sure enough Kendrick would do the Same affair. ``

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

`` Rose had to break me and John from hexing him, '' Albus explained, `` But I yelled at him quite a bit. Have n't seen him much since and I do n't really need to. ``

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

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

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

Rose groaned, `` What is with boys ? Do you always have to hex people to solve your job ? ``

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

`` Kaden 's not a Slytherin, '' rosebush commented.

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

******

The weekend before Hallowe'en was a very exciting one for the students at Hogwarts. There was the first Hogsmeade visit on Saturday, which the onetime scholar were very activated about. Albus, of course, was n't allowed to go since he was a second year. St. James the Apostle made sure enough to lord this over him at every moment possible during the week preceding the sojourn. James would be going on his first Hogsmeade visit, and Albus was sure as shooting that Hogwarts would be treated to a variety of pranks following. When James and his friend returned from Hogsmeade, they ran into the common way with their dish bulging with what could only be Weasley 's products, and quickly stowed it all in their dormitory. Sure enough, at dinner that night, the educatee body was treated to a very harbor repast. Somehow, James and his protagonist had managed to pinch a potion into the Slytherins'food that caused their pilus and fingernails to turn scarlet and gold. The rest of the school laughed hysterically as the Slytherins tried to figure out how to change state their hair and nails back to normal.

`` zero will change it, '' James informed the Gryffindor table in between fits of laugh, `` Uncle George I told me it will fatigue off within 24 hours, though. ``

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

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

`` I ca n't charge you, '' Albus grinned. He looked up at the staff mesa and saw his dad trying to suffocate his laugh, but he was n't succeeding. The other members of the staff were smiling slightly, except for Slughorn, who was looking a bit distraught at the passel of his theatre decked out in Gryffindor colors.

The following day was the first dueling tournament for the junior dueling nightclub. The older scholarly person had already had their first base tournament the late weekend. Albus 's first cousin Henry M. Stanley 's team had won. The tournament was to take situation immediately following lunch, at one o'clock, and the second, third, and fourth years were filled with excitement about it.

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

`` I do n't either, '' John agreed, `` But we might suffer to. It 'll be all the right way. None of us know any patch that could do any long-lived harm. I 'm just hoping I get to duel Malfoy. ``

`` Me, too, '' mat agreed.

`` I almost wish first off class could conjoin the dueling gild, so I could duel Kaden, '' Albus commented, `` I would n't mind beating him in front of the entire schooltime. ``

`` I 'm probably just going to turn a loss, no matter who I duel, '' Amanda sighed, `` The only when thing I can do is disarm someone, and I 'm not even that good at that. ``

`` Sure you are, '' Albus assured her, `` And if you duel a moment year, or even a tierce year, you 'll have a hazard at winning. Fourth class, on the other hand, I 'm not sure any of us have got a prospect at winning a duel with one of them. They probably know all sorts of spells we do n't. ``

`` Albus, '' rose began, `` call back that the squad have people from all years on them. I do n't intend any team has an reward over another. ``

`` I guess, '' Albus agreed, `` But I still care there were House team. I do n't care being on the Sami team with Malfoy. ``

`` Me neither, '' Amanda said.

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

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

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

`` tending ! '' Professor Kendrick stood up, `` The junior dueling tournament will start up shortly. Please hold your way to the dueling sleeping accommodation. ``

Albus stood up, `` Well, goodness lot everyone. '' Albus 's friends all wished each other good hazard as they got up and left the Great Radclyffe Hall. It was a bit odd being on single out team, Albus thought. He wished his booster skilful luck, but he wanted his own team to win.

Albus and Amanda quickly lost the others in the sea of students filing into the dueling sleeping room near the Great Charles Francis Hall. They found Kate at one of the tables that had been set up for each team to wait at. Their team figure, The Dueling Dragon, was written on a piece of parchment that was stuck to the table. There was a realistic looking dragon breathing fire drawn on it. Scorpius Malfoy was sitting scowling at one end of the tabular array, his hair still bright scarlet and gold. Albus and Amanda stifled their laughter and sat down on the inverse end. A few arcminute later, once everyone on their team had arrived, Kate began to verbalise.

`` aid ! '' she shouted and the table became quiet, `` Thanks. The tournament will originate in a couple mo. I 'm sure we 'll do great. Everyone commemorate what you 've learned within the past month and you 'll do fine. Just do your best and even if you do n't win today, there 's still next time. I know this inter-house squad thing is hard, but I think everyone here has really come together to work as a team, and I 'm lofty of all of you for that. So, with that, goodness fortune ! '' Kate sat back down and started talking to one of the former one-fourth years on the team.

A minute later, Professor Kendrick stood up at the front of the room and raised his deal for quiet. The elbow room fell silent and he began to verbalise. `` receive to the first Dueling tourney for the Juniors Dueling Club. This is the commencement of six qualifying tournaments of the year. At the end of the year, the top two teams will face off in a final tourney. There will be two affaire d'honneur going on simultaneously, with prof potter and Longbottom presiding over them. Every student will duel twice today. The success of each duel will be awarded one point in time. At the end of the tournament, the team with the most points will be declared the winner. The points will role over to each tournament, after the sixth tourney, the two squad with the most full point will confront off in the final. Now, each master was given a list of duel for today, so I will give you a few minutes to get organized and for the chieftain to inform their teams of the schedule. near luck to all. ``

Kate quickly went over the docket with her team. Albus 's first duel was about halfway down the listing and his second was the third to last. The only thing he could do now was wait until his turn came. Albus was growing steadily more nervous as time wore on. What if he lost ? Malfoy would never let him live that down. Albus watched the first brace of duels while talking with Amanda. After a few duels, James 's turn came and he lost to a Ravenclaw fourth twelvemonth. Rose was up next and she easily beat her third year Slytherin opponent. Quite a few of Albus 's teammates had dueled by now and almost of them had won. Before long, Amanda 's play was up. Albus wished her luck and she went nervously to the dueling closed chain that Neville was watching over.

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

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

`` Thanks, '' Amanda grinned.

matte was up side by side against a Slytherin 4th class. The affaire d'honneur hardly lasted two minutes before the Slytherin used an elevate piece that caused matte to slam into the rampart behind him. Harry quickly disarmed the Slytherin and disqualified him. prof Cedonia took Matt to the hospital wing while Harry assigned the Slytherin a distich detentions.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Albus walked nervously to the dueling ring where Neville was and he faced his Ravenclaw opponent. He was dueling Carter Eubert, a fellow second year.

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

Albus and Carter bowed to each other and took a dueling stance. Neville 's wand pellet out red flicker and the duel began. Albus sent out a disarmament go, but Carter easily blocked it. carter then sent one at Albus, but Albus was able to draw a blank it as well. This went on for five minutes, each of them sending spells that the other blocked. Eventually, Albus managed to hit Carter with a tickling hex that had him knack over in laughter. Albus took advantage of this and disarmed him easily. He had done it ! He won !

`` Point goes to Potter, '' Neville announced. Albus and Carter shook hands and went back to their teams.

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

`` Thanks, '' Albus replied.

`` That was amazing dueling, Albus, '' Amanda greeted him, `` James Earl Carter Jr. 's dear, too, but that tickling thing was great. He could hardly make a motion. ``

`` I 'll hold to call up that if I ever duel him again, '' Albus said.

The good afternoon wore on and Albus found himself getting a bit bored with watching the dueling. It was taking all good afternoon. john dueled Albus 's first cousin, Cedric, and lost. Albus was n't surprised by this, as Cedric was an excellent dueler. Rose and Malfoy each won their second base duels, while John and Amanda lost theirs. Matt returned from the hospital wing in clock time for his second affaire d'honneur, but wound up losing to his third yr Ravenclaw opponent. Albus dueled a third gear year Gryffindor in his second duel and narrowly won. His opponent did not look well-chosen about this. Malfoy also won his second duel, which was against a third or fourth year Hufflepuff ; Albus was n't sure as shooting which.

Eventually, all the duels finished and Professor Kendrick stood up once again. `` Great dueling, everyone ! You all did a marvellous job. Now, to annunciate the winner. I am pleased to announce that the Flying Phoenix, captained by Barty heath of Slytherin have come in starting time property with 23 decimal point ! Thank you, everyone. The next tourney will take situation at the end of November or rootage of Dec. Your captains will be informed of the exact particular date as it comes closer. ``

`` We 'll win next metre, '' Kate assured her team as they got up. `` See everyone at drill on Midweek. ``

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

When they got to the vulgar room, it was already to the full with educatee rehashing parts of the duel. Albus noticed Kaden listening to James 's account of his duels. James had won his second duel and appeared to be very proud of it. Albus and Amanda ignored Kaden and found john and mat sitting at their usual table. Albus and Amanda sat down and a few mo later were joined by blush wine, who was glowing.

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

`` Thanks, '' Rose replied, `` I was n't sure we were going to win. heathland is n't the greatest maitre d'hotel. I think we just have naturally commodity duelers on our team. Carter is awing, although not as safe as you, Albus. ``

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

`` glad I 'm not on his team, '' John the Evangelist muttered, `` Ca n't believe I lost both my duel. ``

`` You 'll do better next clock time, '' Albus assured him.

`` At to the lowest degree you did n't wind up in the hospital extension, '' matt commented, `` I 'm the only one that did. design. ``

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

`` Oh shut it, '' Matt replied.

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` I 'm not sure I like that, '' rose sighed. The four other pupil looked at her like she was mental.

`` Are you mad ? '' Albus asked.

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

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

`` And those essays for prep, '' matt commented.

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

`` Those are three years away ! '' Gospel According to John sighed.

`` Two and a half, '' rosebush corrected him, `` And it 's better to bulge preparing early. ``

`` All I know is that I 've learned more magical spell this yr than close year, '' Albus said.

`` well, I 'm going to ask her about it on Tues, '' rose wine replied.

`` No ! '' Albus and the others shouted at the same time. Albus liked Cedonia 's dash of pedagogy and he did n't want her to startle giving them exams like the other teachers did. Without magical spell exams, Albus had LE to worry about. Hopefully, Cedonia would ignore rose wine 's pleas for test and go forward the way she had been.



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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




Albus was helping himself to some pumpkin succus when the post arrived on Tuesday morning. He looked up and noticed a small dark-brown owl flying towards him. He immediately recognized it as Victoire 's owl. `` Victoire 's sent me something, '' Albus announced as the owl landed next to his denture. Albus took the alphabetic character and gave the owl a man of toast before it flew off.

`` Look, it 's addressed to all of us, '' Rose commented as she glanced at the letter.

Albus turned the envelope over, wondering what it could be about. Victoire had sent him a twosome letter so far this yr, most of them sent along with Amy 's letters to mat. These usually arrived a twosome twenty-four hours after the to the full moon, as Amy always wanted to know how Matt was. Since the full moon had been a few weeks ago, Albus was curious as to what Victoire had to secern them. He opened the letter and began to read it. rose wine, Matt, St. John, and Amanda read it over his shoulder.

honey Albus, Matt, rose, John, and Amanda,
How have you been ? I hope you 're enjoying family and not making too
much fuss. Congratulations on your achiever in the dueling tournament,
especially you, Rose. I hope there are many great victory to come. Good
circumstances in your 1st Quidditch compeer, Albus. We hope to be able to assist, but
it depends on work and therapist training schedules.

Training has been going well. We 've been attending socio-economic class in the sunup
and training at St. Mungo 's in the afternoon, like always. Teddy has been
very busy with Auror training as well.

By now you 're probably wondering why we 're writing to you now, as it 's not
our usual time to drop a line. We 're not sure if you read the Prophet regularly,
which is why we 're telling you this in a varsity letter. Quinton Willinson was
spotted yesterday-

Albus immediately stopped reading the alphabetic character and glanced at his friends. As Albus fell back into his school routine, he had almost forgotten about Washburn and the Willinsons. He felt his fear come back as soon as he read that Willinson had been spotted. Albus returned his centre to the alphabetic character without saying anything.

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

Do n't interest about it too much. He ca n't get into Hogwarts and Uncle Harry
has it under mastery. Good luck with Quidditch, dueling, and grade, and we
hope to see you soon.

Love,
Victoire, chemise, and Amy

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

`` Me, too, '' Albus agreed.

`` It explains why prof Potter is n't here, '' Matt commented.

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

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

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

`` Could I see the prophet ? '' Rose asked one of the older student who was sitting across from her. The girlfriend nodded and handed her the newspaper publisher. `` Let 's find the clause. '' pink wine scanned the battlefront pageboy and found a short article on the pull up stakes face of the page. She read it aloud.

`` 'Eighteen-year-old Quinton Willinson was seen near the Muggle town, Hythe, in Southern England early yesterday morn. A wizard who prefers not to be named in this article saw him and immediately informed the Ministry. Willinson has been wanted by the Auror department since his attack on Head Auror and Defense Against the iniquity artistic creation instructor at Hogwarts school of witchcraft and Wizardry, Harry thrower, end Spring. Five underage Hogwarts students were also attacked. Willinson, along with his beginner, Jaret Willinson, and the late Charms professor, Jameson Washburn, attacked Potter and the five students on the grounds. ceramicist declined scuttlebutt for this article. The Head Auror has informed the wizarding public that all three men are dangerous and not to seek to struggle them. If any of them are seen, people are requested to inform the Ministry immediately. Ministry Aurors responded to the sighting and are currently investigating .'''

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

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

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

`` well, hopefully Professor potter will bewitch them before they get the fortune, '' matt replied, `` Anyway, I hope Amy and Victoire come to the Quidditch match. I have n't seen Amy in age. ``

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

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

`` We 'd break get to Charms, '' rosebush announced. The five indorse years got up from the mesa and made their way out of the Great Hall. Albus noticed that Kaden was sitting next to James, talking animatedly about something. James did n't come out too happy about this and had the look of somebody pretending to hear, but not really listening. Albus almost felt bad about James having to make do with Kaden, but not bad enough to make believe up with his cousin.

prof Cedonia spent the first half of course of instruction teaching the charm for tying shoes, and during the second one-half, the course practiced. Unlike last year, Albus thoroughly enjoyed virtual lessons in good luck charm. Professor Cedonia did not mind them talking with each other as they practiced, and although she watched their progress, she did n't hover like Washburn had done.

`` excuse me, prof ? '' rosiness announced shortly after she succeeded in charming her shoes to tie themselves.

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

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

`` Thank you, Professor, '' rosebush replied. `` But I was just wondering, are we going to make any examination in this class ? ``

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

`` Ah, '' Cedonia smiled, `` I was wondering if anyone would ask. I, unlike the early teacher at this school day, do not conceive in testing students in the ceremonious way. I prefer to delegate essays that are done outside of class, where you are free to use your book of account, to assess your noesis of theory. As far as hardheaded exams go, I prefer to assess your advance in class. If I have any feeling that you are not mastering the task at hand, I will give you extra serve until you can master it. However, in accordance with Hogwarts custom, there will be a virtual exam at the end of the semester. The theory exam will be an essay that you can fill in using your book of account, in course of study. ``

`` Oh, '' rose said. She looked a bit stupid. `` All right wing. ``

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

`` No, that 's all right wing, '' pink wine replied.

`` Excellent. I assure you, pink wine, that you will give a arrant understanding of second year Charms by the metre the twelvemonth is up, and you will be in first-class SHAPE to go on to third year. ``

rosiness nodded and Cedonia walked back to the front end of the room. Albus turned to John and grinned. `` Yes, no exams ! '' he said.

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

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

`` Me, neither, '' Saint John said.

Albus nodded. All of his instructor in elementary schoolhouse had been like the ones at Hogwarts, with conventional exams and homework. `` I went to a Muggle shoal and all of the teachers gave us test. get up went to the same one. ``

`` Same here, '' John replied, `` formula Muggle school. ``

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

`` All the teacher were like Cedonia at my schooling, '' Amanda turned around to babble out to the boys. `` We did n't receive examination or grades or anything like that. It was fun. I really liked going to schoolhouse. Except when I made foreign poppycock happen. multitude thought I was Weird. Turns out I was, but in a good way, '' she laughed.

`` I suppose this will act upon, '' rose wine sighed, `` She is assessing us, just in a different way. At least she 's gracious. Everyone seems to care her. ``

`` We do n't really suffer any mean value teacher this year, '' Albus commented.

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

`` Who knows about following yr, though, '' Matt replied, `` We 'll start new subjects and who knows what those teacher will be like. ``

`` Hagrid Teach Care of Magical beast and he 's nifty, '' Albus told them.

`` What form of magic wight ? '' John grinned at Matt.

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

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

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

`` Arithmancy sounds really interesting, '' Rose said, `` And Georgia told me the teacher is strict, but not mean. ``

`` Well, good, '' Albus replied, `` But we 've got month before we have to adjudicate what new subjects we 'll take. ``

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

`` You could, '' Albus laughed, `` But I do n't think it would become out well. '' Albus and pink wine shared a laugh that the others did n't really empathise. Albus saw their confused faces and decided to tell them about Hermione 's third twelvemonth schedule sometime soon.

******

Harry was back at Hogwarts in time for Albus 's Defense social class on Thursday. Harry called Albus up to his desk after class. Albus had been anxiously waiting the whole family to see if Harry managed to entrance Quinton Willinson. Albus had a tactual sensation he had n't because there was n't any mention of it in the Prophet that morning.

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

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

`` Good, '' Harry sighed, `` I 'm sword lily Victoire told you before you read it in the vaticinator. I had to leave very abruptly and was afraid you would n't know what happened. ``

`` fountainhead, did you capture him ? '' Albus asked. The suspense was killing him and he did n't need to wait any longer.

Harry sighed again and put his hand around his son 's shoulder. `` I 'm sorry, Al. He got away. We got some more atomic number 82, though. Talked to a few Muggles and a wizard who were around when Quinton showed up. I still have n't heard anything about Quinton 's father or Washburn. But we 're still searching and it 's only a matter of sentence. ``

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

`` I 'm not going to deny it. They probably will come back here. But there is a big sum of money of protective cover around the school. go year, it was leisurely for them to be on the curtilage since Washburn was a professor and Quinton was a student here. They do n't birth that going for them now. And I do n't think any of them could abuse foot in Hogsmeade without someone alerting me or the Ministry. ``

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

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

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

`` well, we 'd better head to the Great antechamber, '' Harry gave Albus another hug.

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

******

Albus wandered sleepily into the usual way the next week completely tired out from Quidditch recitation. The first lucifer, against Slytherin, was on Saturday and Peach State was having them pattern every eve. It had been a drizzly evening and Albus 's robes were soaked. He went up to his dormitory to put away his Scots heather and change. Once he was done, he grabbed his Good Book and went back to the common way to do his homework. When he got there, he could n't find his ally anywhere. Albus sighed. Where could they be ? They were n't in the dormitory, Albus had just been up there.

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

`` Oh, hi Albus, '' Ethan looked up from his script. `` How 's pattern going ? We 're going to tucker Slytherin, right ? ``

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rose, John, and Amanda were all furiously scribbling on pieces of parchment and they looked up as Albus came in. Matt was sleeping on a nearby chair and did n't notice Albus.

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

`` speech sound good, '' Albus agreed. He grabbed a chair and sat down next to Saint John the Apostle. `` What are you lot working on ? ``

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

`` history of illusion, '' Amanda said, `` Also due tomorrow. ``

`` I finished those a while ago, '' Rose commented, `` Now I 'm doing Herbology. ``

`` I still have the History of Magic stuff to do, '' Albus said as he pulled out his history Word of God. `` How long has he been asleep ? '' Albus pointed to Matt.

`` Since we got here, '' John answered. `` Probably just as well since before that he was just rambling about how Malfoy 's going to research the Whomping willow tomorrow dark. ``

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

`` That 's what we told him, '' Rose explained without looking up from her book. `` I think he gets sort of excited and does n't think straight at this time of the month. ``

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

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

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

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

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

Albus searched the map for a few here and now before his eyes rested on Malfoy 's dot. He breathed a sigh of alleviation as he saw that Malfoy 's dot was currently residing in the Slytherin common room. `` He 's in his common way. ``

`` Oh, good, '' Rose smiled. `` I really do n't opine he 's going to investigate that tree. ``

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

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

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

Albus was relieved that Malfoy was n't currently trying to get into the Whomping willow, but he did agree with John that Malfoy would eventually try. The thing was, what were the luck of it happening while Albus was looking at the map ? Not very high. And what would Albus do if he did see Malfoy near the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree ? Albus had no idea. He sighed as he whispered, `` roguishness managed. '' Albus watched as all the ink disappeared from the map. He still did n't want to do his homework, but he had to. He started to put the map back in his bag, but the sight of a small stain on one of the corners made him stop.

Albus slowly lifted the map back out of his bag and stared at the quoin. He had never seen any marks on the map after he wiped it clean before. But this mark was so humble it could have easily been missed. He peered at the tiny marking until he noticed what it was. It was four paw mark. A wolf, dog, hart, and rat print. It obviously meant the Marauders. Albus knew he had seen it somewhere before, but where ? He continued to gaze at the paw prints, wracking his brain to try and remember why it seemed so familiar.

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

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

rosiness, John, and Amanda all leaned in to seem at the gull. rose wine furrowed her eyebrow and tilted her pass as she looked at it. `` Why did the piranha have this thing check on the map ? All the other ink disappears. Now it 's just a random musical composition of lambskin with these paw prints on it. ``

Suddenly, Albus remembered where he 'd seen the paw mark before. The piece of lambskin that fell out of the pic album in the attic of Grimmauld shoes ! Albus had completely forgotten about that during the course of the school yr. The symbolic representation were exactly the same. They must imply something, Albus thought. He jumped up from his seat. `` I 've seen it before ! Remember when we were exploring the dome at my house, John ? ``

John nodded his head. `` Yeah ... ''

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

realisation dawned on john 's face. `` Oh ! I 'd leave about that ! Do you still make it ? ``

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



A/N : Sorry for the cliffhanger, but the next chapter is prospicient and I had to carve up it up somewhere.

The idea for Cedonia 's teaching expressive style and the school Amanda used to go to came from a school day that used to be near where I live. It recently closed due to miss of financial support. But the bookman did n't have got examination or get grades. They also got to choose whatever they wanted to canvass. It was a really occupy estimation and it worked well until it closed. I never went there, but I always thought it was neat.

Thanks to my Beta, Dancer of Starlight as well as potterfan89, Denas, XDNLxtlz99, sinwillys822, Gospel According to Luke, and Moonylupin for their reassessment !

Be on the scout for my newest tarradiddle, Life Is goodness, which is a prequel to Secrets Within that chronicles how Albus, Rose, Matt, John, and Amanda received their Hogwarts letters. I 'm hoping to station the first chapter sometime next week, as I have Spring Break.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.



Albus ran all the way to the Gryffindor common room, narrowly avoiding another prefect. He went to his dormitory, dug through his trunk, and found the parchment. He was so gladiola he had n't left it in the dome. He knew it meant something ! Albus ran back through the common room, ignoring the foreign stares he was receiving from his companion schoolfellow. When he got back to the Room, toilet was in the process of explaining to pink wine and Amanda about what they had found in the garret. `` I 've got it ! '' Albus shouted. He ran back to the mesa and spread the parchment out on the table.

`` You 're right ! '' pink wine grinned, `` Exactly the same fall guy. ``

`` But it 's just a blank spell of parchment, '' Amanda reminded him.

`` I know, but there 's definitely something orphic about it. Why would the Marauders put this symbol on it if it meant zero ? ''

`` I think you 're right, Albus, '' John agreed, `` I do n't know much about the vulture, but from what you 've told me, there 's no way this is just a random objet d'art of parchment. ``

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

Albus thought for a moment. That sort of made signified. The marauder frequented Hogsmeade quite a bit, during their broad moon jaunts. Maybe they wanted a map of the village as well. `` There 's only one way to find out, '' he grabbed his scepter and tapped the art object of parchment, `` I solemnly swear that I am up to no unspoiled. ``

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

'Nice try. Mr. Padfoot would like to congratulate you, as you have obviously found the Marauder 's Map and figured out how to use it. However, he assures you that the Marauders would not use the Saame incantation for this particular proposition item .'
Albus and blush wine burst out laughing. This art object of parchment was sort of like the map ! There was something magical about it, but it obviously was n't the Same as the map. John smirked and shook his head.

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

Albus grinned at her. He still often forgot that she was muggle-born. `` It 's magic. The marauders either found or invented some kind of magic spell that enabled the Marauder 's Map to pass on with mass who try to use it and they 've done the same thing with this. '' Albus pulled the piranha 's Map in straw man of him and tapped his verge to it, `` catch this. I, Albus Severus ceramist, need you to show yourself. ``

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

'Mr. Moony would care to would wish to recount Mr. Potter to go on his dirty hands off the parchment.

Mr. Wormtail agrees with Mr. Moony and would wish to add that despite the fact that Mr. Potter shares a firstly epithet with the headmaster, it does not render him the say-so do what he pleases.

Mr. Padfoot agrees with Mr. Moony and Mr. Wormtail and would like to add that Mr. ceramist 's middle epithet has got to be the most black name he has ever heard.

Mr. Prongs agrees with Mr. Moony, Mr. Wormtail, and Mr. Prongs, and would like to be able to insult Mr. Potter 's finis name, but smell he is unable to do so .'
Amanda and privy started laughing hysterically after they finished reading the map. `` Does it do that to anyone ? '' lav asked.

`` Yup, '' Albus laughed.

`` I did n't know Kendrick 's firstly name was Albus, '' Amanda commented.

`` It 's not, '' Albus explained, `` When the Marauders were in school, Albus Dumbledore was master. And the Marauders hated Snape, so they always insult my name. Except my granddad, he 's never able to manage it. ``

`` That 's pretty impressive magic, '' John said.

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed.

`` You know, '' rose wine began, `` If the Marauders did n't want anyone else reading that map, they would have just put a charm on it that prevented anyone except themselves to read it. I reckon they hoped someone would eventually bump out how to read it. ``

Albus contemplated that for a moment. rosebush was probably right hand. The vulture were always trickster, and they would probably want others to find the map and use it for mischief.

`` But, '' Rose continued, `` Do you think they might have wanted another item that only they could study ? ``

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

`` That early piece of music of parchment. Maybe it 's something that the Marauders did n't need anyone to be capable to read. ``

`` But then we could n't say it, '' Albus sighed. It did kind of brand sense that the vulture wanted something to be private. But then why did they put the Sami mark on both parchments ?

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

`` We do n't even bed if rose is right, '' Amanda argued.

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

`` I 'm not certainly, '' blush wine replied, `` I mean, there 's probably some sort of magic that only enables a few citizenry to learn it. sort of like a Fidelius Charm for Word of God or something. ``

Albus grabbed the lambskin and pointed his sceptre at it. The exclusively way to find out if something would reveal it was to try. `` Hmm, I am going to make trouble. '' cypher happened. `` I want to urinate balefulness. I am going to pull a clowning on someone. I promise I will make trouble. '' Albus tried many different variance on the incantation for the piranha 's Map, but nothing worked.

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

Albus did n't want to do his homework. He wanted to gain the parchment work. Right now, he did n't care about anything else. `` There 's got to be something. ``

`` If it 's something only the predator can read, then you 've got to be a marauder to record it, '' John sighed.

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

`` Maybe you have to say which marauder you are, '' toilet suggested.

`` Oh come off it ! '' Rose shouted, `` There 's going to be some sorting of magical spell on it to see if he really is a Marauder. Just saying so is n't going to run. ``

Albus variety of agreed with rose at this point, but he was willing to try anything. But which piranha ? Prongs. It had to be. Prongs was his grandpa. If this was going to work for anyone, it would work for him. He was related to one of the Marauders. Albus pointed his wand at the sheepskin with his heart beating fast. `` I solemnly swear that I am Messr Prongs. ``

Albus held his intimation as he watched the sheepskin. can, Rose, and Amanda watched as well. Albus 's eyes bugged out as he saw ink appearing across the parchment. `` It worked ! '' he whispered. His friends nodded, but did n't say anything. Albus began to read as the parole formed completely.

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

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

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

`` Wait, '' Rose pointed at the sheepskin. `` It 's not done. ``

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

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

`` Either it 's a joke or a highly gain ground magical object, '' rosebush remarked. The four booster continued to watch as more authorship appeared.

'When four boys, who are Gryffindors, are linked together through friendly relationship and mischief, they may present themselves as the next generation of marauder .'
`` The what ? '' Albus stared at the parchment. The next coevals of Marauders ? What had his gramps and his friends done ?

`` This is incredible, '' rosebush whispered.

'These four friends must each stand for one of the Marauders, for if even one is missing, this map will not work. Before this goes any further, you must prove that you know the enigma of the Marauders. Prove that you know, and you may continue along the track of discovery .'

'The route of discovery ? I never knew you were so poetic, Mr. Prongs .'

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

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

'Mr. Moony advises that whomever is reading this ignore Mr. Prongs and Mr. Padfoot and set off proving that they know the Marauders .'

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

'The Marauders regard you good chance .'

The ink disappeared from the lambskin and Albus looked up at his ally. `` What in the name of pigeon hawk is this ? ``

`` I think it 's something the vulture invented to ensure that they would never be gone from this shoal, '' Rose said in awe, `` It 's amazing. ``

`` I 'll say, '' Amanda grinned, `` Probably the best magical matter I 've seen yet. ``

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

`` How are we going to find out the rest ? '' lavatory asked.

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

`` We already know their biggest enigma, '' rose wine said, `` But how would we evidence it to a piece of parchment. ``

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

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

`` Seems too simple, '' rosiness said.

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

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

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

'Nice try .'
`` I told you it would n't lick, '' Rose smirked, `` It 's got to be more insidious than that. ``

`` We 'll just have to think on it, '' Albus replied. He had no estimation how they were to essay to the new map that they knew the vulture'arcanum, but he had to discover out. This parchment was perhaps even more interesting and wizardly than the vulture 's Map, and he was going to figure it out.

`` What are you lot doing ? '' Matt sat up and was looking around with a befuddle look on his face. `` What meter is it ? ``

Albus looked up when he heard Matt 's voice. Albus had practically forgotten that he was there during the excitement of the new map. `` It 's about 8:30. We 've got a half 60 minutes until curfew. As for what we were doing, well, we 've got a new whodunit on our hands. ``

Albus, King John, rose, and Amanda spent the next few minutes explaining about the new map to flatness. They told him about how Albus had noticed the symbolization on the predator 's Map, how he had gotten the new map to prove the composition, and how they had to prove that they knew the predator'secret. Then they showed him the new map.

`` That is bright, '' lusterlessness commented.

`` Yup. And we 're going to picture out how to forge it, '' Albus grinned. `` Maybe we are the new predator. ``

`` wellspring, I know what we can do while we 're trying to visualize it out how to prove we know the piranha, '' John announced, `` We 've got to cypher out who we 're going to represent. ``

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

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

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

`` Me, too, '' Albus 's face fell as he realized that someone was going to have to represent Wormtail. nonentity was going to want to be him.

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

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

`` He 's Padfoot, '' Matt yawned, `` He 's got to be. He 's loyal like a dog. Remember that detention last year in the trophy room, when he yelled at Washburn ? ``

John Lackland grinned sheepishly, `` I could be Padfoot. ``

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

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

`` You do n't have to, '' Albus told her, `` The map clearly said four male child, four Gryffindor son to be specific. ``

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

`` Hey, it 's not our fault the Marauders wanted it to be male child, '' Albus shrugged, `` But you can serve us count on the completely thing out. ``

`` right now, we 've got to detect a Wormtail, '' Amanda said. `` Who else are you three respectable friends with ? ``

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

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

`` We 're not doing it, '' Saint John said adamantly, `` No one like Wormtail is going to see out that flatness is lycanthrope. ``

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

`` No problem, '' John smiled.

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

Albus thought about this. It could work. But could they really find someone they could desire enough to bring out Matt 's secret ? Or, did they even have to reveal it ? Was it possible to do this without telling the 4th person ? `` Let 's just stay fresh our optic out for individual who is anything like Pettigrew and we 'll opine about it. Who knows, we might not even have to let them lie with about lusterlessness, at to the lowest degree not for a spell. Is that all right hand, Matt ? ``

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

`` Sounds like a program, then, '' whoremaster said.

`` We 'd meliorate get back to the uncouth room, '' rose wine looked at her sentinel, `` It 's almost curfew. ``

Albus and the others left the Room and walked back to Gryffindor tug. Albus thought about the new map and what it could possibly hold. It was obviously a more involved map than the marauder 's Map. Albus could only imagine what was actually on it. The prospect of finding out excited him, but he was wondering if they would even get out. What were the hazard of them finding someone who would be willing to make up Wormtail ? And if they did find that person, could they figure out the map without telling that soul that lustrelessness was a lycanthrope ? Albus hoped so, but he doubted it.



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

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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Over the next few Clarence Day, Albus constantly thought about the new map. He kept it in his bag all the meter and found himself looking at it whenever he got the luck. He read the clue again and again, hoping to find something he missed before that would tell him how to leaven that he knew the Marauders'enigma. Albus found that he could n't really digest on anything else. He was sure he failed his Potions exam on Friday because he had so much trouble settling down to hit the books the night before.

His schooling employment was n't the only if affair suffering, either. Albus was also having a difficult fourth dimension paying attention during Quidditch exercise. Seeing as the match against Slytherin was on Saturday, this could n't have happened at a worse metre. Georgia had to yell at him at to the lowest degree five times during pattern on Fri, and he dropped the Quaffle quite a bit.

`` Albus, '' Empire State of the South said once practice was over and everyone was starting to go back to the rook, `` hitch here for a indorse, I need to talk to you. ``

Albus trudged over to Empire State of the South. She had a grim look on her look that made Albus feel awful. He knew he had played horrible during exercise, but he just could n't get the map out of his head teacher. `` What is it ? '' he asked, knowing perfectly well what Georgia wanted to talk to him about.

`` Albus, '' Georgia began, `` I know you 're a marvelous chaser. That is why I chose you to be on the team. It was not because you are my full cousin. If one of the other citizenry who tried out played better than you, they would throw gotten in. You know perfectly well that I do not run favorites. ``

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

`` You play wonderfully with Fred and heather mixture, which is why I chose you. You 've had experience working with them, and I thought that would help us. I think I know why your performing has declined over the yesteryear few days, '' Georgia softened her gaze, `` You 're nervous. ``

Albus glanced up when his cousin said this. To tell the truth, Albus had n't even thought about being nervous. But he was more than will to charge his awful playing on face. `` Er, yeah, a bit. ``

`` I understand that. I was extremely nervous during my first match as well. But you are going to do amercement. We 're going to squeeze Slytherin tomorrow. And we 'll evidence all those people wrong who thought I was favoring my fellowship, '' Empire State of the South grinned.

Albus gave a tepid smile. He had to stop thinking about that map, if only just for tomorrow. If not, it could cost him his place on the team. `` Thanks. I 'll try to cool off down a bit. ``

`` commodity, '' Empire State of the South replied, `` Now let 's get back to the castling. ``

******

Despite Albus 's lack of nerves the past few days, he was certainly making up for it on Saturday sunup. He woke up with butterfly stroke in his abdomen and could n't manage to eat anything for breakfast. Worse yet, he was still thinking about the map. Albus had to centralise on this match. His seat on the squad rested on it.

`` Are you ok, Albus ? '' lustrelessness asked. He had returned from the Hospital offstage the premature evening and was looking often better. Judging by his tone of voice, Albus suspected that Matt looked better than he did.

`` Yeah, just nervous, '' Albus mumbled. He had n't told any of his ally about GA 's lecture last night.

`` well, you 'd better win, '' Gabe bourne, the senior who Albus had beat during try-outs was glaring at him. `` If not, Georgia made a big mistake in choosing one of her cousins over me. ``

`` Shove off, Bourne, '' Omar Bradley sat down across from Albus and glared at Gabe. Gabe turned to glower at Bradley and then stalked off to the former end of the mesa. `` Do n't worry about him. He thinks he 's C. H. Best at everything. We 'll render him. ``

Albus nodded, but did n't say anything. Albus was n't nearly as sure-footed as Bradley was. But he knew they had to win that match. If they did n't, Albus would have to deal with bourne, and he did not require to do that. Albus never thought so very much would be resting on one couple of Quidditch, let alone his first match.

Soon enough, Georgia announced that the team needed to go to the changing room. Albus 's champion wished him luck as he left with the squad. The bulk of the Gryffindor board cheered as they left, with bourne and one of his friends glaring at Albus, but not clapping. Albus changed into his Quidditch robes in secrecy while the balance of the team talked animatedly around him. It seemed like Albus was the entirely one who was neural about this mate.

`` Time to go, everyone ! '' Peach State announced.

Albus grabbed his Calluna vulgaris and followed the remainder of the team out onto the slant, with his heart pounding fast. He gazed up at the bunch, never realizing before how many people actually attended Hogwarts. It was one thing to play Quidditch during practice, but in front line of everyone ? Albus was sure he 'd fall off his heather and humiliate the entire team.

`` Here is the Gryffindor team ! '' Albus heard the companion voice of Lord Todd Smith booming over the pitch shot. `` Ryan O'Malley, Albus Potter, James Potter, Bradley Weasley, Fred Weasley, Georgia Weasley, and Scots heather Weasley ! Georgia is the new master this year, and Albus Potter has replaced Samantha Meyers as Chaser. Will he be able to endure up to her bequest ? Only time will evidence. ``

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

`` And here are the Slytherins ! Ferris Henry Fielding, Talan Flint, fizgig Goyle, Peyton Hughes, Garth Octavius, Hailey Odele, and Jackson Naiser ! The Slytherins have replaced their searcher since last year. Garth Octavius is the new searcher. ``

Albus remembered Georgia telling them this. Glenna Dabney, the Slytherin seeker from last year, had been utterly unequal to of catching the snitcher. Albus hoped that Garth would be just as inept, but he doubted it.

`` saddle horse your brooms, '' Professor Oteski announced, `` cook, go ! ``

Albus soared into the air on Oteski 's whistle. He took a few mysterious breaths to crystallise his head and tried to close up out the crowd 's cheering and booing. He glanced around the pitch and saw that Fred had the Quaffle. Albus flew towards the former side of the field in order to get away from Odele, who was flying right side by side to him. With his faster ling, he was away from her in no time. He could do this, Albus thought.

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

Albus flew after him, but he had already managed to take a shit it past both Bludgers and was heading directly towards Georgia. He threw the Quaffle and it sailed into the left most hoop.

`` sexual conquest ! Slytherin scores the start goal of the game, making it 10-0 Slytherin, '' Sweeney Todd announced.

Albus groaned and flew towards the Gryffindor end. He zigzagged through the other role player, dodging both the Bludgers. Albus was very safe at maneuvering his Calluna vulgaris and avoiding other players. He saw that both heather mixture and Fred were covered by Slytherin chaser as everyone waited for the Peach State to throw the Quaffle back into playing period. Sakartvelo faked to the right hand and then threw the Quaffle to the left wing. Albus immediately flew towards it, and with his fast new broom, grabbed the Quaffle just as Fielding tried to take in it.

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

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

Albus ignored Kathryn Elizabeth Smith 's commentary and continued flying. He passed King James, who gave him a ovolo up. Henry Fielding was hot on his tail now. Albus looked around, he needed to glide by the Quaffle. Calluna vulgaris was exposed and Albus gave the Quaffle a hard toss. Heather caught it and brought it down to the Slytherin goal post. She threw it at the halfway hoop and it sailed through.

`` Score ! '' Smith announced, `` broom Weasley has scored, making the game tied with 10 degree each. ``

Albus grinned at heather and flew to the Slytherin goal Emily Post. He waited for Goyle to toss away the Quaffle back out, and let his intellect wander to the map. Albus had n't really thought about it at all so far, which was salutary. Who could they get to represent Pettigrew ? Albus found himself thinking about this all the time. Every someone he passed in the student residence made Albus wonder, could he be the one ? No, he could n't, Albus always told himself. Because they 'd never find anyone. Albus, toilet, and Matt were destined to just be a chemical group of three champion, and that was n't going to work for the new map. Why would n't it just bear rose or Amanda ? Albus thought bitterly. Of course, neither girl would agree to representing the traitor that was St. Peter Pettigrew anyway.

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

During the remainder of the match, Albus found his mind drifting More and more towards the map. He dropped the Quaffle to a greater extent than a few times, earning disapproving looks from GA. Although he had n't scored a exclusive end, he did aid Heather and Fred score a few each. Unfortunately this was n't enough, and soon Slytherin was ahead.

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

Albus groaned and looked around at his teammates. Peach State looked tense, ling and Fred looked determined, Bradley and Ryan looked angry, and James looked like he was concentrating hard on finding the Snitch. Odele currently had the Quaffle and Albus followed her towards the Gryffindor goal stake. Fred intercepted it as Odele tried to score.

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

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

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

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

sunniness erupted in the standstill, with the Gryffindors storming the pitch. Albus landed happily adjacent to James. It was over, his first Quidditch peer was over. He breathed a sigh of relief. They had won, Albus was not going to be kicked off the squad. He stood there grinning with the rest of the team as their fellow Gryffindors clapped them on the cover and high-fived them. Albus had never been a fan of this sort of thing before, but he did n't really take care it right now.

`` Great job, Albus ! '' John broke through the crowd, followed by mat, rosebush, and Amanda.

`` Excellent, '' lusterlessness grinned.

`` You were awing, '' Rose agreed.

`` Good mate, '' Amanda added.

`` Thanks, '' Albus smiled, `` But I did n't even hit any end. ``

`` Energy n't matter, '' Matt replied, `` You had quite a few assists, and we won so it 's all full. ``

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

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

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

`` Of course you will. The number one match is always the most trying, '' Harry replied.

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

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

Albus laughed to himself as his dad left. His mother did worry a lot, although she did throw a respectable reason. His phratry always seemed to attract bother, and he was mildly surprised that he escaped his 1st catch with only a minor contusion from a Bludger.

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

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

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

`` Definitely, '' Amy agreed.

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

`` We left right after James caught the stool pigeon to go to Hogsmeade to get political party provision, '' Victoire gestured to the large amount of money of intellectual nourishment and butterbeer.

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

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

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

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

`` Good, '' Amy smiled, `` We 're able to heal minor cold shoulder and bruises right now, although most of the clobber we 've learned is theoretical. It 's all quite fascinating, though. ``

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

Victoire laughed, `` Not for another two yr. It 's a prospicient process. ``

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

`` That is mad, '' can shook his headspring, `` Why would anyone want to be in shoal that long ? ``

`` I would n't mind, '' Rose grinned.

`` Of course you would n't, '' John the Evangelist laughed.

`` We 've learned a bit of Muggle medicine, '' Victoire told them, `` Just in case we ever have to treat Muggles. wizardly healing does n't suffer much of an consequence on them. ``

`` I much prefer wizardly healing, '' Matt announced, `` Muggles use too many needles. Incantations and potions are a great deal better. ``

`` If Muggles use acerate leaf, then I agree, '' John said.

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

`` I think I 'd rather take somebody wave their wand than have someone stick me with a needle, '' Albus shook his header. Sometimes he just did n't understand the thing Muggles did.

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

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

`` What are stitches ? '' John asked.

`` They sew your skin together, '' lusterlessness explained.

`` Sew ? '' John had a disgusted look on his face, `` Like what they do with wearing apparel ? That 's mental. ``

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

`` Albus ! '' Saint James the Apostle walked over to their board with a butterbeer in his hand. `` Great first match ! ``

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

`` Thanks, '' James IV grinned, `` Ca n't think Octavius did n't see it. It was glittering in the sunlight. Oh, well, better for us if their new Seeker ca n't see the Snitch. ``

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

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

Albus was startled by the change in conversation. He had n't really thought about Kaden much the past few days. He assumed that Kaden just realized that Albus did not want to be around him anymore and found his own Friend. Albus had not really paid much attention to his little cousin since he told Malfoy that Matt gets sick every month. `` Er, Kaden ? ``

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

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

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

`` Er, '' Albus looked at Matt and then back at James, `` He sort of told someone something that I told him to keep quiet about. ``

`` well, whatever that was, you should take a leak up with him, '' King James replied, `` He 's been moping around me for the past month and it 's getting on my brass. ``

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

`` Be protagonist with him again ! ''

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

`` Nope, he has n't, '' King James I groaned, `` Oh, look, here he comes. ``

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

`` Kaden, '' Albus replied.

`` Good job on the mates. ``

`` Thanks. ``

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

`` Did n't think he 'd start annoying James, '' Rose commented.

`` make gumption, though, '' Albus said.

`` I take it you 're not going to apologise ? '' matt asked.

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

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

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

******

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

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

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

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

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

`` wellspring, '' Amy began, `` When I first came here, I missed my old schooling and my old champion. Little did I know that I would number to lie with this plaza even more and make even better friends. ``

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

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

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

`` Well, he 's very annoying, to say the least. He thinks everything about the magical populace is wonderful and that magic can solve everything, '' Albus explained.

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

`` Yeah, but he did n't seem to understand, '' Albus replied, `` Anyway, he latched himself onto me and started following us around everywhere. It got very get at, but we tolerated it. Then, the day of the first full moon, Kaden got sick and gentlewoman Pomfrey gave him some potion and he was better instantly. This really amaze him and he came back to the park way praising Madam Pomfrey and her potions. He came over to where we were sitting and he noticed how ill Matt looked. ``

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

`` Yeah, he insisted that Matt go see Madam Pomfrey. I tried to explain that illusion could n't fix everything, but he just would n't take heed. We told him to stop going on and on about healing potions, but he would n't. Matt left wing because he had to go to the infirmary Wing, and I yelled at Kaden. However, the battle did n't last long because we all agreed that Kaden did n't know about lustrelessness, therefore he had no musical theme that what he said was injurious. I explained to Kaden once again that there were things that magic could n't solve, and that Matt had a disease that magic could n't solve- ''

`` You did n't narrate him, did you ? '' Amy asked Matt anxiously.

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

`` Good. ``

`` After that, we just kind of accepted that Kaden would be around us all the time and got used to him, '' Albus continued, `` But then he decided to investigate the Whomping willow tree. ``

`` What ? ! '' Victoire and Amy shouted at the claim same time. Amy 's font lost all color as she stared at Albus.

`` He did. We were lying around the yard after Quidditch recitation and Kaden wanted to investigate it. We told him legion times not to, but he did anyway. He got hit a match times, but eventually he wound up inside the tunnel. ``

Amy turned to her Brother with a look of fear on her face. `` Did he survey it ? '' she whispered.

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

The daughter nodded their chief. Albus had owled Amy and explained about the detention on the Astronomy Tower, but had not told her why they were in detention.

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

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

`` You 're rectify, '' Albus said darkly, `` He did. For some strange reason, known only to my pudden-head cousin, he decided to severalise Scorpio Malfoy that lusterlessness gets grim every once and a patch, and tell him about the Whomping willow tree ! ``

`` What ? ! '' Both young woman shouted and stood up with looks of anger on their faces.

`` And Malfoy has been trying to find out where I go every month and now he 's got more clues. Up until now we 've been telling him that I have to gossip my sick grandmother, but that wo n't sour anymore, '' Matt explained. `` It 's only a subject of time before he finds out. ``

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

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

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

`` No, '' flatness answered.

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

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

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

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

They all sat in silence for a few moments, all lost in their own mentation. Albus had n't really given Kaden much thought the retiring few days. He 'd been much too fussy thinking about the map. But now, the incident with Kaden was back in the straw man of his mind. What was Kendrick going to do about Malfoy ? What if he decided that Matt could n't appease in schooltime anymore now that hoi polloi knew about the tunnel ? Albus shuddered at the thought of his friend being kicked out of school day because of what Kaden had done.

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

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

`` I kind of agree with Victoire, '' rose whispered, `` I do n't think he really meant to give Malfoy clues about Matt 's lycanthropy. ``

`` I know that ! '' Albus shouted, `` Kaden does n't even lie with about it ! But I told him not to tell and he did n't listen. We ca n't believe him with anything ! Everything I 've told him not to tell, he 's secernate someone, and it was Malfoy of all the great unwashed ! You realize that if I forgive him, he 'll start following us around again. He 'll get more fishy about Matt and eventually he 's going to receive out. And what do you think he 'll do then ? We 'll tell him not to say anything, and he will. He 'll probably tell Malfoy. ``

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

`` Me, too, '' Amanda replied.

`` mulct, '' pink wine snapped.

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

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

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

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

`` Of course, my hour wo n't be much better when I 'm a healer, '' Victoire commented, `` With our hours, we 're never going to get to see each early. fountainhead, I 'll see you soon, Albus and pink wine. I 'm not sure when, but I 'll definitely see you at Dec 25. ``



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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




Albus and his friends sat around the room of Requirement for the adjacent one-half hr, waiting for matt to derive back. Nobody said a great deal, but Albus could tell that they were all worried about what was going to happen. Albus certainly was. Albus looked up sharply as he heard the door to the room open. `` What happened ? '' he asked immediately.

Matt ran over to his friends with a smiling on his face. `` Not a great deal. ``

`` You do n't feature to go forth ? '' Rose asked.

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

`` That 's large ! '' Albus replied. He was very salve. It would not deliver been reasonable for matte to have to leave Hogwarts just because of Kaden 's foolishness.

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

`` We did n't really think of it at the clip, '' John commented.

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

`` Good, '' Amanda replied.

`` So, '' John the Divine said tentatively, `` Nobody can get into the passageway now ? ``

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

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

Matt turned and glared at him, `` Are you insane ? There 's no way I 'd take you into the Shrieking Shack. ``

`` It could have got been like our own vernacular room, '' St. John the Apostle continued.

`` No way. Nope. Not going to hap, '' Matt said flatly.

`` All right hand, fine, '' St. John the Apostle sighed, `` Would 've been cool, though. ``

******

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

`` Who 's that old lady up there ? '' Amanda pointed to the stave mesa. There was a brusque old witch with a patch and frayed hat sitting where prof Longbottom usually sat.

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

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

`` Dunno, '' Albus shrugged. He looked up towards the roof as the post hooter started to make it. rosebush 's class owl made a beeline for her and stood waiting for her to exact the letter off.

Rose took the letter of the alphabet and gave her owl a small-arm of toast. She opened the letter and read for a few minutes before reemerging from behind it with a huge grin on her brass. `` professor Longbottom 's married woman has had her baby ! Her epithet is Lucy Augusta. That explains why professor Longbottom is n't here. ``

Albus smiled. `` That 's great. '' Albus had n't seen Hannah since the summertime, and she 'd been quite significant then.

`` You know, I never really call back about the teachers having folk, '' matt commented.

`` Well, we met professor Longbottom 's wife at the Leaky caldron over the summertime, '' lavatory pointed out.

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

`` Oh, yeah, '' Saint John the Apostle remembered, `` And Professor ceramicist obviously has a family. '' John grinned at Albus.

`` He does ? '' Albus opened his eyes spacious in a smell of juke electric shock. `` I never knew ! ``

matte laughed, `` I wonder about the other teachers, though. ``

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

`` May I have your aid ? '' Kendrick stood up and banged his spoon against his chalice. `` Thank you. I have two announcement this break of the day. The beginning one is that it has come to my attention that a few of you have not heeded my warnings about staying away from the Whomping Willow. I must severalize you again how dangerous it is. ``

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

`` As an added precaution, I have put a few wards around it that will inform me when somebody disregards my rules. There will be severe penalization for anyone who is caught around the tree, '' Kendrick said sternly.

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

Most of the early student started whispering among themselves, no dubiousness wondering why this could be considered a 'lighter Federal Reserve note'.

`` Yes, yes, no need to worry. prof Longbottom 's wife has had a baby young lady and he will be gone for a few weeks. professor Sprout, who taught here class ago has offered to take away his place until he returns, '' Kendrick gestured to the older witch.

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

`` I believe that is all. I hope everyone has a good Sunday and is well rested for form tomorrow, '' Kendrick sat back down.

`` I hope Sprout is nice, '' Matt said as he and the others wandered around the flat coat after breakfast. It was a very mild day for November and well-nigh of the scholar were out of doors enjoying the weather.

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

`` Mine, too, '' lavatory said.

`` I 've met her a few clock time, '' pink wine commented, `` I like her. ``

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

The chemical group spent the morning wandering around the primer coat, putting off the homework they should have been doing. They talked some more about the map, but nobody had any ideas as to how to get it to solve or who could comprise Wormtail. Albus also thought a lot about what Victoire had said. He was beginning to question if he should just forgive Kaden. It would certainly be a whole lot well-fixed than trying to forfend him, like he had been doing the past month and a half.

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

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

`` Well, I 'd been hoping we could just brush aside him, '' Albus told her.

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

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

`` I still do n't like him, '' John the Evangelist said adamantly, `` I mean, maybe if he 'd learn how to keep out his mouth, I 'd like him ripe. ``

`` Maybe there 's some kind of enchantment we can use to get him not to verbalise about matter he 's not supposed to, '' Amanda laughed.

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

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

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

`` Yeah, '' Matt said, `` He 's your cousin. If I had any full cousin, I 'd want to be friendly with them. ``

Albus sighed. He knew the right wing affair to do was to just forgive Kaden. Albus knew that as soon as he made up with Kaden, Kaden would start hovering around them again. He just wished Kaden would find his own booster. But it did n't await like that was going to happen anytime soon. Every time Albus saw Kaden, he was either alone or with James.

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

`` Sure, '' Albus agreed.

`` I 've got to find Slughorn, '' Rose announced as she stood up. `` I need to talk to him about that live on essay. Want to come in, Amanda ? '' Amanda nodded and the two girls took off for the castle.

`` Bet she thinks she lost a point on it, '' Saint John the Apostle laughed.

`` Probably, '' Albus grinned as the three boy started walking back to the castle. They joined the large group of students now running towards the castle as it got darker outside.

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

`` want to go to the Room ? '' Matt suggested.

`` sound ripe, maybe we can project out how to work the new map, '' Albus said. `` After all, once I talk to Kaden, we wo n't be able to cabbage off there without him wondering where we are. ``

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

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

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

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

The male child continued their journey up to the 7th storey corridor. They were halfway down the 6th floor corridor, heading towards the stairs, when Matt stopped in his path. Albus stared at him quizzically, wondering why he had stopped. `` What 's awry ? '' he whispered.

matte said nothing but pulled his two friends into a nearby empty classroom. He shut the room access and turned to face his friends. `` There 's people whispering just around the corner. ``

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

`` Are you mad ? '' toilet stared at him, `` We were the exclusively ones out there. ``

`` I 'm grave ! '' flatness said.

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

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

`` Oh, right, '' Albus replied, remembering that werewolves did have superior listening. `` Well, what was it ? ``

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

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

`` Yeah, definitely educatee. ``

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

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

Albus was undecided if he wanted to go see who was whispering around the corner or not. He was definitely singular, but he did n't require to get jinx. Eventually, his curiosity beat out his fear. `` All right. ``

`` have got out your wands, '' flatness instructed as he opened the doorway. The boys crept quietly out into the corridor and walked to the corner. As they got closer, Albus could pop out to make out chip of conversation.

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

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

Albus quickened his pace. individual was going to hex somebody. He had to stop them ! Albus vaguely recognized both the spokesperson, but he could n't quite space them.

The male child rounded the quoin and Albus saw why he recognized the voices. Scorpius Malfoy and Felix Willinson were standing with their baton pointed at Kaden, who was leaning on the rampart, his hand shakily holding his wand out in nominal head of him. Albus stopped in his rails, and privy and flatness did the same. Neither Malfoy, Willinson, or Kaden had noticed them yet.

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

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

`` Liar, '' Malfoy raised his sceptre a little higher.

That was it. Albus could n't bear to keep an eye on Malfoy interrogating his cousin like that. All his acid intellection toward Kaden flew out the windowpane the moment Albus saw Kaden 's terrorise brass. Albus ran forward and shouted, `` Expelliarmus ! '' Malfoy 's baton sailed out of his hired man and landed on the floor a few feet down the corridor. John ran forward and grabbed it.

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

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

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

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

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

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

At the Saame prison term, Gospel According to John shouted, `` Expelliarmus ! '' and Willinson 's wand sailed neatly into trick 's hand.

`` expression like you 've got your cousin-german 's dueling skills, '' Albus commented. `` Quinton Willinson is your cousin, right ? ``

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

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

`` mulct, '' Malfoy smirked, `` judge your first cousin will get hexed. ``

John burst out laughing, `` honest luck with that, seeing as I 've got your wands. ``

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

`` Dueling in the corridors, '' a heaving phonation behind them said. `` That 's against the rules. ``

Albus jumped as he heard the voice and turned around to meet it. It was Filch. Albus groaned inwardly. Why did Filch always have to be around ? He, flatness, John, and Kaden all exchanged coup d'oeil as Filch grinned at them all.

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

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

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

Albus stifled a laugh as he followed Filch down the hallway. cypher said anything as Filch led them into his cramped spot. It was very hard for the six boys to fit inside and everyone was too confining for comfort.

Filch went through his usual subroutine of filling out bod and filing them in the correct cabinet. He smirked as he filed Albus 's kind. `` Seems you 'll birth a single file nearly as big as your father and grandfather 's by the time you graduate. ``

Albus said zero as Filch continued to fill out and file his forms. After what seemed like an minute, but was probably only a few moment, Filch finished. `` You 'll have two night 's hold. Tonight and tomorrow night. run across me here. Now get out. ``

Albus did n't hold to be asked twice. He was the world-class one out the threshold, followed quickly by Matt, trick, and Kaden. After the two Slytherins left and started heading towards the dungeons, Albus began to conduct his acquaintance up the steps. No one said much as they walked towards Gryffindor Tower. Kaden stuck to them like someone had affixed a permanent sticking magic spell on him, but Albus did n't heed. He needed to talk to Kaden anyway. Why were Malfoy and Willinson threatening him ? Was this the reason he told Malfoy about the passageway in the Whomping willow ?

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

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

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

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

`` For telling Malfoy, '' Kaden explained. `` I know you 're mad at me and I 'm drear, '' his voice cracked. `` And I 'm bad for landing you lot in custody, again. ``

`` Kaden, this one was n't your fault, '' Albus insisted, `` It was Malfoy and Willinson 's fault. Speaking of them, want to recite us what 's been going on ? '' Albus had n't paid an ounce of attention to his cousin since their big combat over a month ago, but Albus was trusted that this was n't an isolated incident with the Slytherins.

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

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

`` And I 'm sorry, Albus, '' Kaden 's center watered, `` I really am. They just both pointed their wands at me, and I do n't know any salutary whammy, and I just got scared, and I know Gryffindors are supposed to be weather, but they told me they 'd hex me if I did n't tell apart them what I knew. So I did, and before I realized it I mentioned the Whomping willow. ``

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

`` And it was too tardy, '' Kaden continued, `` They were going to hex me if I did n't tell them. So I told them there was a tunnel but I did n't know where it went. They did n't think me, though. They 've been trying to get me to tell them about once a week and I get jinx every metre. gentlewoman Pomfrey fixes it, though. ``

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

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

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

`` I know, and I 'm really drab about everything, '' Kaden replied, `` I wanted to keep it all a secret, but- ''

`` It 's all right field, '' Albus cut him off. Kaden was obviously dreary about what he had done. Albus was starting to feel really bad that he had ignored his full cousin for so long, especially when he was being threatened by Slytherins. `` And I 'm sorry I did n't hear to you before. ``

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

`` No, '' Albus answered, `` Just recount me next metre they do that. And try not to separate anyone the things I tell you in common soldier anymore. ``

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

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

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

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

`` Did n't cogitate so, '' Kaden replied, `` But it was worth a shaft. Anyway, I have n't had a chance to tell you, but I still think football is better than Quidditch. ``

`` Are you mad ? ! '' John and lustrelessness shouted at the like meter. Both of them had looks of disgust on their faces.

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

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

`` We 'll get him to the Cup, '' Matt decided, `` No matter where it is. We 'll go and try out to him that Quidditch is best. ``

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

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

`` The carom ? '' trick laughed and walked over to the door, `` Are you the insane one now ? ``

`` Not at the moment, no, '' Matt smirked. Saint John and Albus burst out laughing at John Lackland 's alternative of words and Kaden looked at them confusedly.

`` Another matter I do n't get to make out ? '' Kaden asked.

`` Yup, '' the three former son said at the same time.

`` Anyway, '' John the Divine continued as they left the room, `` The shank are the worst team, you do n't want to see them play. It 's not like they 'll crap it to the League Cup. ``

Matt punched him playfully in the arm, `` Do n't affront my squad like that. It 's not alike Puddlemre United is doing much amend. ``

This time it was John 's turn to perforate Matt in the arm. `` Puddlemere is better than the Cannons can ever hope to be. ``

john and Matt continued their argument all the way down into the common way, with Kaden paying enraptured aid. Albus smiled as he watched them. Maybe Kaden could fit in with their group after all.



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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




It did n't hold hanker for Kaden to fit himself back into Albus 's group of champion. By the end of the calendar week, Albus, Kaden, and the others got back to their usual routine of doing homework in the rough-cut room after dinner. Of course, that did not bug out until after the boys served their detention with Filch. The caretaker had them clean almost every bathroom in the entire castle. This was a tense affair due to the fact that Malfoy and Felix Willinson were serving the detainment alongside them. Albus was quite happy when the detention was over.

All in all, school was going well for Albus. He was doing well in all his category and Quidditch and the Dueling Club were going well, too. Albus managed to jostle aside his persuasion of the new map during Quidditch, which pleased Georgia greatly. The downside to having Kaden back was that Albus and his other friends could n't really abstract off to the Room of Requirement anymore, unless they wanted to bring Kaden. They all liked Kaden well enough, but none of them really wanted the jr. boy to know about the Room yet. That, and they did n't need Kaden to know about the map. He did n't even sleep with about the veritable vulture 's Map. So, Albus had no choice but to just cerebrate about the map, rather than mess around with it.

As November turned into December, snow fell upon the grounds and students of all years flocked to them to have snow ball fights. Albus and his ally took part in quite a few, usually being crushed by the one-time students. Albus enjoyed these fights immensely, but view of the new map were always in the cover of his judgement. He just wished they could have some clip away from Kaden to investigate it some more. The chance to do just that rise up one day in the get-go of December. Kaden was not doing too well in Transfiguration and one of the honest-to-god Ravenclaws had offered to tutor him and a few other first long time in the library.

Albus immediately shut his magic spell Book after Kaden left the usual elbow room. `` All right, he 's gone. Let 's go to the way. ``

`` You 're awfully eager for him to result, '' John smirked, `` I thought you did n't mind him so much now. ``

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

`` Do you think you know how to work it ? '' Matt asked.

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

`` Let 's go, '' blush wine announced.

The group left the crowd together common elbow room and followed the fellow itinerary to the room. Once there, they took their common seating and waited for Albus tell them his idea.

`` Well, '' Albus began. He took the map out of his bag and broadcast it out on the board. `` I think we should try writing on it. You know, commemorate what I tried to tell the map death clock time ? I think I should compose that on the map. ``

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

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

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

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

`` Have you got any ameliorate melodic theme ? '' Albus asked.

`` Er, no, but- ''

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

`` I agree, Albus, '' blush wine announced.

`` Thank you, Rose. ``

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

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

The familiar ink appeared on the parchment, telling Albus that he needed to prove he knew all the predator'secrets. He looked up at his champion, who were all wearing looks of anticipation. Albus grabbed a quill pen and an ink pot. He poised his quill over the lambskin and wrote in very tiny letters,

'Moony is a lycanthrope. Prongs, Padfoot, and Wormtail are all illegal animagi. Prongs is a stag, Padfoot is a dog, and Wormtail is a rat .'
Albus put the quill down and stared at the parchment. Everyone watched in perfect quiet. The ink disappeared into the map and Amanda let out a gasp. A few moments later, new words appeared.

'Close, but not quite .'

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

`` We 're never going to cypher this out, '' St. John the Apostle sighed.

`` Does n't weigh anyway, we do n't have a Wormtail, '' Matt pointed out.

`` I think that would have been too obvious anyway, '' Rose explained, `` It 's got to be something more subtle. ``

`` How do we subtly tell a composition of parchment that we know the predator'enigma ? '' Albus wondered aloud.

`` fountainhead, '' pink wine began, `` We 've got to recall that these are the vulture. And I 'm sure they wanted to establish it hard for whoever found this map. ``

`` honest point, '' can said.

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

Albus had n't thought of that. Of course the marauder would n't sustain just had them write something on the map. It was too comfortable. `` rightfulness, so they liked getting in problem. They would probably require us to do something that might get us in problem. ``

`` And most likely dangerous, '' Rose added.

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

`` Definitely, '' Albus confirmed. The more he thought about it, the Thomas More it made sense. The Marauders spent their Hogwarts career causing fuss and doing dangerous thing. They obviously would want the great unwashed just as daring to be the next Marauders.

`` How can it be dangerous to raise that we know their mystery ? '' John asked.

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

`` What can we put on parchment that shows they were all animagi and a loup-garou ? '' lustrelessness asked.

`` We could draw paw print on it, '' John laughed.

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

`` Drawing paw prints ? '' King John stared at her, `` How 's that dangerous ? ``

`` No, not that. But the paw print musical theme, '' Rose grinned mischievously, `` We 've got to get a werewolf, stag, dog, and rat paw print onto the map. ``

The idea sounded ridiculous to Albus, but it did look like the kind of thing the piranha would do. It would definitely be dangerous to get the paw mark, and difficult as well. Not many the great unwashed would actually be able-bodied to get them all. It was subtle as well. No one would have any theme what the paw photographic print would imply unless they knew the piranha'secrets. The alone affair he did n't like about it was the thought of a crew of animate being trampling the map.

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

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

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

`` Is that a give-and-take ? '' rosiness laughed.

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

`` Good idea, rosebush, '' John agreed.

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

`` shuffle sensory faculty, '' Matt replied.

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

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

`` undecomposed gunpoint, '' Rose sighed. Everyone thought about this for a few moments, then Rose had another musical theme. `` What if we use different part of parchment and then use a transference spell to put them on the map ? ``

`` Brilliant, '' Albus grinned. Sometimes, he loved how bright his cousin-german was. `` Anyone get it on how to do one ? ``

They all stared at each other and stir their heads. `` Er, that might be a job, '' Albus sighed, `` I 'm middling sure that spell is well past tense O.W.L. ``

`` I 'll learn it, '' Rose told him, `` I 'm sure I can line up it in the depository library somewhere. ``

`` We 're lucky you 're such a book insect, Rose, '' John laughed.

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

`` The dog will be promiscuous, '' Amanda announced, `` I 've got a dog, recollect ? ``

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

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

`` Christmas ? '' bathroom sighed, `` I thought we 'd hold it done before that. ``

`` It might take me a while to count on out the spell anyway, '' Rose commented.

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

`` Great, Slytherin territory, '' St. John the Apostle groaned.

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

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

`` I 'll do it, '' Gospel According to John said after a spell, `` It should n't be that voiceless. I just hope the spell lasts until I can get it up here. ``

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

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

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

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

`` We do n't give birth to go to the Forbidden Forest, '' pink wine announced, `` We 've just got to go to a forest. I live right near a forest, Albus and I can try and get the print over Christmastide. ``

`` That is a brilliant idea, blush wine, '' Albus smiled. He did not really desire to go wandering around the Forbidden timber and not just because it was out of bounds. It would be very dangerous to go in there. `` And that just leaves- ''

`` The werewolf one, '' matt whispered. Albus and the others turned to reckon at Matt. He had been very quiet down over the past few instant and Albus noticed that he was paler than common. Albus could understand why. The werewolf paw print could possibly be the most grievous one to get.

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

Albus thought about this and it made double-dyed signified. This would be one way for the Marauders to shit sure that the new marauder would have at least one similarity to the pilot. `` But how do we get it ? We obviously ca n't go into the Shrieking shanty the night of the full moon. ``

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

`` All right, '' flatness sighed after a few minutes. `` I 've got an estimate. ``

Albus and the rest of his friends said null but watched as they waited for Matt to elaborate. Albus could narrate that mat really did n't desire to do this, but they had to. How else would they get the map to work ?

`` We go down to the scream Shack a couple days before the fully synodic month and bind a few man of self-inking sheepskin to the base. Hopefully I 'll maltreat on one of them and we 'll have a paw print, '' matt explained quietly.

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

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

`` We 'll get caught, '' blush wine said.

`` Not if we use my dad 's invisibility cloak, '' Albus grinned. `` I 'll nobble into his report sometime when he 's in division and adopt it. ``

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

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

`` You three can go, '' Rose gestured to Albus, lusterlessness, and Gospel According to John, `` You 're going to be the new Marauders anyway. ``

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

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

`` Oh, right. ``

`` When 's the adjacent full lunation ? '' Albus asked.

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

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

`` perfective, '' rosiness grinned, `` And I 'll pop out searching the library for the appealingness. Hopefully we 'll have it figured out right after Dec 25. ``

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

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

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

The radical worked silently on their homework for a piece, only talking when they needed to ask questions about it. Albus tried his best to concentrate on his Transfiguration essay, but his mind kept wandering back to the map. He wished they could get the paw print faster. Albus was very anxious to find out what this map had in store for them. Of course, they still had to find out someone to be Wormtail, but Albus tried to fight that thought from his mind.

`` It 's so hushed, '' King John said, tapping his quill on his book.

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

`` Not really, '' privy replied, `` It 's too quiet. I 've sort of gotten used to Kaden 's loudness. ``

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

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

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

That 's it ! Albus dropped his flight feather and stared at rose. Of row ! Why had n't he realized it before ? Kaden did surveil them around and practically hero-worship the ground they walked on. Kaden was Wormtail.

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

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

`` Who ? '' John asked anxiously.

`` Kaden. ``

`` What ? ! '' St. John, matt, Rose, and Amanda shouted at once.

`` You 're kidding, right ? '' rose asked.

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

`` Not really, '' whoremonger said.

`` Just listen, '' Albus sighed. `` First, we 've got to remember what the map said when I told it I was Prongs. It said 'four Gryffindors connected by friendly relationship and mischief'. The three of us are obviously connected through both. '' Albus gestured to Gospel According to John and flatness. `` But we need a fourth someone. Since they have to be somehow connected through us, we ca n't just peck a random scholarly person. Can you think of anyone besides Kaden that we have gotten in bother with ? ``

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

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

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

Albus looked at his champion for a moment before responding. Albus talked the least about Wormtail than all the other marauder. Obviously, Albus felt a deep hatred for putz Pettigrew, and this resulted in him not wanting to talk about him. So Albus 's admirer really did n't know a whole lot about him. Just the contribution that had to do with him betraying Albus 's grandparents. `` Well, we 've got to remember that when the Marauders made this map they were friends with Wormtail. He had n't betrayed them yet. He did have good qualities, as much as I hate saying that, '' Albus said grimly.

`` So what are these tone ? '' can asked skeptically.

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

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

`` Exactly, '' Albus said, happy that somebody was finally realize, `` And he used to do whatever they wanted. ``

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

`` Definitely, '' John replied.

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

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

`` When are we going to tell him ? '' lavatory asked.

`` I dunno, '' Albus had n't gotten that far. There were still role of him that wanted to keep the map a secret from Kaden, but he obviously could n't do that if Kaden was supposed to be the new Wormtail. `` I 'm not sure how to tell him. I 'm not sure he 'll be that tickle pink about being Wormtail. ``

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

`` The map 's not the only thing we 're going to suffer to tell him, is it ? '' Matt said quietly, `` He 's going to find out what I am. ``

This was the theatrical role that Albus had tried to avoid thinking about ever since he first realized what they had to do to put to work the new map. Whoever was going to act Wormtail was going to find out that mat was a werewolf, there was no avoiding it. It was part of the reasonableness that Albus had n't really thought about who would be Wormtail. Albus knew Matt did n't need anyone else to discover out. He never even really told Albus and the others. They had found out on their own. Albus knew Kaden would never find out on his own ; he was just too unmindful. He needed to have it off, though, if he was going to be a part of this. Otherwise, he could n't really be one of the new piranha. Albus just had a gut feeling about that. But was it worth it to tell him ? Especially when he already told Malfoy everything Albus had told him to keep closed book ? Albus sighed, `` I think so. If we 're going to do this, Kaden will have to know. ``

`` We ca n't do it then, '' flatness said adamantly, `` I ca n't tell him. I just ca n't. He 'll say Malfoy and then the unit of Slytherin will cognise and then soon the unscathed school will know and they 'll tell their parents and they 'll kick and Kendrick will have to kick me out. But then it wo n't matter anyway because all of Wizarding Britain will know and no one will want to be around me or my family again and it will be just like Australia- ''

`` lustrelessness, '' Albus cut him off. He was getting hysteric. `` Calm down, that 's not going to take place. ``

`` How do you know ? '' flatness whispered in a rickety voice.

`` Because Kaden wo n't tell anyone, '' Rose interjected.

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

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

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

`` Just listen to me for a minute of arc, '' Rose said loudly. `` Remember what Amanda said about a spell to save Kaden from giving away anymore enigma ? '' Everyone nodded. `` well, I 'm pretty sure there is a magical spell like that, '' rosebush grinned.

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

`` Yes. I vaguely remember reading about it in a account book. I 'm sure if I went to the library I could find it, '' Rose explained. `` I 'll just look for it when I 'm researching the transference magical spell. ``

Albus 's hope soared high-pitched again, `` Excellent ! Would you be unforced to tell him if Rose found this spell ? ``

Albus held his breath as he watched Matt think about it. `` I, '' Matt paused, `` Suppose that could work .... But, only if we try out the spell with a less crucial closed book first. ``

rosebush nodded, `` Yeah, I could do that. ``

Albus grinned. They were onto something, he could feel it. They would unlock the arcanum of this new lambskin. Albus was so shiver with the prospect of finally discovering what the new map held, he could hardly sleep that Nox. He was n't the only one, either. Albus heard matt and John tossing and turning all nighttime, over the sounds of Ethan and Bilius 's snore. Although, Albus suspected mat 's sleepless nighttime was more due to brass than excitement. Judging by the smell on his face as they went back to the common room that even, he was still loath to let Kaden in on his openhanded secret.



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



Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.



When Albus woke up the adjacent morning, he found that he was overcome with face about stealing his father 's invisibility Cloak. Albus had been so caught up in the fervor about the map the dark before that he had n't really given it a second opinion. But now that the idea had simmered overnight, he realized that the plan might go horribly wrong. What had he been thinking ? Stealing the Invisibility Cloak ? That was exactly what Washburn had been trying to do the previous yr. Of line, Albus was technically only borrowing the Cloak, as he intended to swipe it back right after he was done with his late night stroll to the Shrieking Shack, but still. What if his dad discovered it missing ? Was that even in all probability ? Albus had no idea how often Harry used his cloak nowadays. He probably did n't sustain much use for it at Hogwarts because teachers could roam around wherever and whenever they wanted.

Albus did n't even have sex where his father kept the cloak. He was planning on just trying a summoning spell as James had done to retrieve the Marauder 's Map. Albus just hoped that the cloak attempt would go just as smoothly. Harry still had n't noticed that the Map was missing. Either that or he knew James took it and was just letting him keep it. As Albus 's thought went to the original predator 's Map, he remembered that he still had n't given it back to James.

Albus remained distracted throughout his break of the day course of study and by the meter lunch came, he was almost as nervous as he had been for the starting time Quidditch match. Nobody said much as Albus picked at his food, well nobody except Kaden. Kaden rambled on about his morning division until he had to leave for Potions a short while later. Once he was gone, Albus was free to talk about their plan. `` I 'm not for sure if this is going to work. ``

`` It worked for the vulture 's Map, '' pink wine reminded him.

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

`` It 's got to play, '' King John insisted, `` How else will we lift down to, '' he lowered his part, `` you know, without being caught ? ``

`` There is n't any other way, '' Matt replied, `` We 'll get pick up if we do n't suffer the cloak. ``

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

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

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

`` right wing, '' John agreed, `` So we 're off to steal the cloak. ``

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

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

`` He 's leaving now, '' Amanda pointed to the faculty table, `` We 'll just wait a couple more minutes. ``

`` I do n't intend we should all go, '' Rose announced, `` It 'll look untrusting if we all go into his office. I think just me and Albus should go. ``

`` commodity estimate, '' lustrelessness agreed, `` No one will reckon anything of it if the two of you go into his office. ``

Albus nodded. That was probably the respectable way to do it. If all five of them went, chances are they would make believe enough racket to attract another teacher. Albus was relieved that pink wine was going to go, though. She was much best at summoning charm than Albus was.

`` We 'll wait for you in the way, '' Matt stood up. lavatory and Amanda followed suit. `` See you in a bit. ``

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

Albus and rosebush had lingered long enough at the tabular array that the corridors were practically abandon, save for a few straggling students who were much more design on making it to class than giving Albus and Rose a s glance. They quietly made their way to Harry 's spot, narrowly avoiding Peeves near Moaning Vinca minor 's bathroom. Judging from the cheap outcry that were emitted from the bath, Peeves had just finished making fun of poor Vinca minor.

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

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

Albus looked at her skeptically. Why would Harry bother to lock his door with a good luck charm that anyone could spread ?

`` Just do it, '' blush wine insisted, `` He 's got a charm on there that recognizes his magical signature tune. Yours will be close sufficiency to his that it 'll spread for you, too. It worked with King James last year. It wo n't work with me, though. I tried. James thought it was incredibly funny. ``

`` All right, '' Albus replied and pointed his wand at the curl. `` Alohomora. '' The curl clicked and Albus turned the handgrip. It opened. The cousin quietly crept inside, carefully shutting the door behind them.

Harry 's authority looked much like it had the cobbler's last time Albus had been in it. Parchment, books, and other multifaceted objects were strewn around all over the place, cluttering up the desk, couch, and chairwoman. The bedroom room access had been left open and Albus could see that that way was just as messy, with gown laying on the bed and transcript of the seer on the floor.

`` Energy Department he ever clean house up ? '' Rose asked disgustedly, `` I mean, really. This is worse than King James I 's room. ``

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

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

Rose must have been thinking the same matter. She wrenched the luggage compartment open and pointed her wand at it. `` Accio invisibleness Cloak, '' she shouted. Nothing happened.

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

`` Wait, '' rosiness said as she crept closer to Harry 's trunk, `` I 'm pretty indisputable Uncle Harry mentioned that you ca n't use a summoning appealingness on the cloak. ``

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

`` We 'll do it the hard way, '' blush wine sighed, `` You take the wardrobe, I 'll demand the trunk. ''

Albus shook his school principal as he stepped over to his dad 's wardrobe. This was going to take forever. They would certainly get caught before they found it. Albus carefully weeded through his dad 's stuff, being careful to put it all back exactly as he found it.

`` Got it ! '' Rose announced, `` Bottom of the torso ! ``

Albus felt an immense respite as pink wine held up the cloak. They did it ! They actually found the cloak ! goose egg was stopping them now. They were going to come up out the enigma of the back map.

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

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

moderation washed over Albus when he made it into the Room a few hour later. They had n't been caught ! Albus 's heart still beat loyal with adrenaline as he ran into the way and grinned at his ally. The thrill of what he and Rose had done was starting to hit him. He had taken the Invisibility Cloak. It was the first Marauder-like thing he had done. He knew this was exactly what the predator had wanted him to do. To pause rule and not get caught.

`` Did you get it ? '' trick ran over with a glimmer of excitement in his eyes. lusterlessness and Amanda were right hand behind him sporting indistinguishable smile on their faces.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` Watch it, '' John the Divine snapped as matt stepped on his foot.

`` Sorry, '' Matt muttered. `` This is going to be hard. ``

`` Can you see us ? '' Albus asked.

`` Nope, '' Rose said, `` Walk around the room a few times. ``

The boy walked slowly around the room, making sure not to endanger any of their tree branch. John and matt started to get the bent of it after a few minutes of practice and they were soon able-bodied to go a small faster.

`` Perfect, '' Amanda announced after the fourth metre they circled the room. `` I 'm still amazed by that cloak. ``

`` What night should we do this ? '' privy asked after they took the cloak off.

`` I say Saturday because I 've got Quidditch practice that forenoon and I 'm going to have to get some slumber Fri dark or Sakartvelo will drop the solid time yelling at me to wake up, '' Albus explained, `` That good with you two ? ``

`` Sure, '' privy agreed. lusterlessness nodded.

`` Then we 're set, '' Albus replied, `` Saturday night, we sneak into the screech hovel. ``

`` You 're turning into quite the trouble shaper, Albus, '' Rose laughed, `` The Marauders would be proud. ``

******

The adjacent day rosebush decided to set off her inquiry on the transference good luck charm. Albus and the others went with her and it did n't strike long to find the decently al-Qur'an. pink wine found it in a written matter of Advanced charm and after she read a bit about the spell she decided that it was going to be difficult but not impossible for her to do. She decided to master that spell before trying to find the appealingness to keep Kaden unruffled. That one was going to be tough to find since they did n't even make out the name of it. Rose checked out the Advanced Charms Christian Bible under the menacing spotlight of Madam Pince. It looked to Albus like she was just burning to demand what they were up to and deny them the book. But, she could n't since the book was n't in the Restricted Section.

rosiness spent the future few sidereal day trying to count on the charm out. There was n't much Albus could do to help her, so he just did his preparation and watched her. Albus thought the appealingness looked incredibly complicated and he was glad that Rose had volunteered to read it. rose was having a bit of trouble mastering the charm, though. By the time Saturday night rolled around, she still had n't managed to reproduce much of anything. Albus kept reassuring her that she would eventually get it. The charm was well beyond the O.W.L. floor and it stood to reason that it would be concentrated for her. This did not suit Rose well and she was quite frustrated by it. If there was one thing that drove Rose mad, it was having problem learning something.

`` Why do n't you take a break ? '' Albus suggested while they were in the common room on Sat Night. `` You 've been at it for solar day. ``

`` Maybe you 're right, '' blush wine sighed. She had been trying for the past hour to procreate her name onto another bit of parchment. `` I 'll just unlax for a while. '' She pulled out her Transfiguration leger and opened it to one of the afterwards chapters.

`` I do n't acknowledge how you can consider that relaxing, '' John screwed up his face in disgust.

`` What are you doing anyway ? '' Kaden asked loudly, looking up from his Herbology essay.

`` extra recognition charms homework, '' rose wine lied.

`` Oh, '' Kaden looked vaguely shocked that rose would require supererogatory credit.

`` I 'm doing it for the fun of it, '' rosiness explained.

`` You 'll get it eventually, '' Kaden told her, `` You 're smart. ``

`` Thanks, Kaden, '' Rose smiled at him.

Albus had no doubt that rosiness would calculate the appeal out eventually. It was just taking her longer than she expected. Albus was in no hurry because the charm would be useless until they got all the paw prints they needed. That would n't happen until after Christmas. toilet had n't managed to witness a rat in Potions on Friday, but he was keeping his eyes peeled.

The group stayed in the plebeian room for another couple time of day, waiting until it was completely empty. Albus thought Kaden would never go to bed, but shortly after eleven he finally gave in to his fatigue and went up to his dormitory. Eventually, Albus and his ally were the only ones left.

`` Ready ? '' Albus asked. John and Matt nodded. Albus rummaged in his bag and pulled out the cloak. `` I 've got the parchment in my robe. I think we 're set. ``

`` Let 's do it, '' john stood up.

`` Good luck, '' Amanda said as the three boys pulled the cloak around themselves. `` We 'll be waiting. ``

`` See you in a bit, '' rose told them as she held the portrait clear for them to leave alone. `` Do n't get caught. ``

`` We wo n't, '' Albus assured her. `` I 've got the Map. '' Albus was n't nearly as nervous about sneaking out of the castle as he had been about stealing the cloak. And clearly he was breaking More rules this eventide than he had the other day. He figured it had something to do with the fact that stealing the cloak was something his beginner would be disappointed in, whereas sneaking out would just get him in trouble with another teacher.

Whatever the ground, Albus felt almost excited about this eve. The only time he had really snuck out after curfew was when he had his first Occlumency ambition the late class. Tonight 's escapade was a much bettor setting. Besides, Albus was a bit wind up about following the burrow to the Whomping willow tree and seeing the inside of the Shrieking hutch. He felt sort of guilty about this because he knew flatness did n't want them to and was only agreeing to this for the sake of the new map.

Albus motioned for them to stop before they started down the stairs. He took out the Map and scanned it for a duet minutes. Filch was currently striding along the third floor corridor. They would have to be careful about that. They could easily run right into him. Peeves was flitting around a classroom on the fourth part floor, no doubt wreaking havoc for one of the instructor to fix in the morning. Luckily, all of the teachers were in their situation. All they had to concern about were Filch and Peeves. Albus wondered when Filch slept. It seemed that he was always patrolling the corridors.

Albus, John, and Matt continued their cautious trek down to the Entrance dormitory, with Albus glancing at the Map every few minutes. The male child made it down to the one-third floor corridor without difficulty, but Albus immediately noticed Filch creeping along the corridor, muttering about brassy child. Albus gave his admirer a worried feeling as they quietly moved towards the nearest stair sheath. Albus held his breath as Filch passed them. Filch continued on his way without even noticing the three invisible male child. Albus was very happy when they made it onto the second storey and even felicitous when they got to the front doors and found that Filch left them unlocked. That was the one thing that could have got gone faulty with their programme. uprise had tried to instruct him a few more complex unlocking spells but he was n't very right at them and was hoping he would n't necessitate to use them.

`` Made it ! '' St. John the Apostle let out a huge breath once the castle doors were shut.

`` Not quite, '' Matt replied.

`` Yeah, but at to the lowest degree we can talk now. I wish this cloak would cover up noise, too. Reckon we can take the cloak off ? ``

`` No, '' Albus answered immediately. `` What if one of the teacher is looking out the window ? Or if Hagrid is wandering around ? '' Albus loved Hagrid, but he would n't want to give to explain why he was sneaking down to the Whomping Willow in the dead of night if the loveable half-giant caught them.

The three son continued along the path that lead them through the soil. There was about six inch of snow on the land and the air was bitingly cold. Albus was glad he remembered his cloak, but was still a bit chilly. He continued to find out the Map every couple of minutes, but so far the basis were deserted. Albus had hoped they would be able to walk dissipated once they were on the basis, but he had been wrong. It was still awkward for the three of them to stay concealed under the cloak and it was even harder now because Matt was slowing down. `` Are you all right ? '' Albus asked after the cloak almost slipped off of him.

`` fine, '' he panted. `` Just the synodic month. Let 's keep going. ``

Albus looked from his friend 's pall face to the sky. The almost full moon was shining down on the primer coat, illuminating it enough that Albus had n't bothered to light his verge. `` We should consume done this earlier in the hebdomad, '' Albus commented, remembering the black detention with Filch the other month.

`` No, I 'm all right, '' Matt assured him, `` It wo n't be full until Tues. ``

Albus looked at him skeptically but did n't say anything else. He and John slowed down their pace to match lustrelessness 's, although Albus thought it would be better for them to speed up in fiat to reach the tree faster. Eventually, they reached the Whomping Willow. The three boys paused just beyond the reach of the ramification and Albus and John the Evangelist looked to matt for instructions.

`` We 're not going to be able to get into the hole wearing the cloak, '' mat explained. Albus nodded and took it off, stuffing it into his gown. `` All right, '' Matt continued, pulling out his wand. `` I 'll just disable the wards. '' He muttered something quietly and pointed his sceptre at the tree. Albus strained to take heed to the spell but he could n't listen it.

`` Now what ? '' John asked, jumping out of the way of one of the branches.

Matt walked around to the other side of meat of the Tree with Albus and John following. Matt bent over, searched through the C. P. Snow, and picked up a long reefer, stumbling and shivering a piffling as he stood up. He pressed his hired hand to his psyche, wincing a trivial. `` head ache, '' he answered to Albus and toilet 's questioning stares. He dodged one of the tree 's offshoot and stuck the long control stick into the tree 's trunks. The limb immediately immobilise and the Whomping willow tree looked just as tame as any of the former Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree on the grounds. `` Quick, before they start again, '' lustrelessness stumbled towards the tree and disappeared down the passageway.

Albus, who had already been in the tunnel once, gestured for St. John the Apostle to go first. Albus followed his ally and made it into the golf hole just as the outgrowth started flailing again. Albus and John lit their wands and looked around the hamper tunnel while Matt put the Barbara Ward back up.

`` Let 's go, '' Matt announced once he was done.

`` This is honestly pretty cool, '' John Lackland said in awe as they started down the passageway, `` Kinda spooky, but poise. '' matt sent him a dirty aspect. `` I mean, besides the unscathed werewolf thing, '' Saint John replied quickly.

Albus could see what John Lackland meant. It was form of a neat tunnel, although very dark and kind of dampness. The salutary thing was that it was slightly fond than outside. The ceiling was low and Albus had to stoop down a little in order to take the air. There were rocks and ascendent along the way of life, but the whole atmosphere was quite exciting. Albus loved wandering through secret passageway and this one was n't any different. He was excited about finally being able to follow it. His dad had told him about this tunnel and the Shrieking Shack legion sentence, but always said no when Albus asked if he could go explore it. Now he was finally getting to do it. Granted, he was breaking about a twelve school principle to do it, but it was worth it.

They followed the tunnel for what felt like at to the lowest degree a half hour. The charge of it was beginning to wear off as Albus got colder. The month of Dec was not a commodious meter to be doing this. By the sentence they reached the Shrieking hut, Albus was quick to crawl into his warm four-poster bed and go to log Z's. Saint John 's agitation had waned as well and he was looking disgruntled from the long, chilly walk. mat, despite the fact that they were no longer being pelted by the moonlight, did n't look much practiced than he had earlier. He looked incredibly exhausted and was breathing as heavily as if he 'd just run a marathon.

`` How do you possibly make it here before the fully moon ? '' John asked, out of breath. `` You 're practically falling asleep by the time you go down here. ``

`` I 'm ... not really ... sure, '' Matt replied in between breaths, `` Madam Pomfrey ... helps. ``

`` wellspring, next time I ca n't log Z's I 'll just walk up and down this a few times, '' John joked.

`` In. Here, '' matt panted as he opened an old looking door that creaked as he opened it. Albus and John quietly followed him through it, into a very decrepit looking room.

Albus was shocked at what he saw. Broken furniture lay everywhere, a lot of it covered in dry blood. There was n't anything that remained unplowed. Pieces of board, chairperson, and couches were all over the home with prick marker on them. There was a staircase nearby that looked like it had been gnawed on numerous times. Albus swallowed as he realized that his friend was the one who caused all the damage.

`` What did all this ? '' john asked slowly.

lustrelessness glared at him. `` Use your brain, '' he snapped.

whoremonger looked from him to the develop furniture and back again. `` Oh, '' he said quietly, `` Sorry. ``

`` It 's all rightfulness, '' Matt sighed and sat down on the storey near the fireplace. He leaned his head against the paries. `` See why I did n't really want you to come here ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus and Saint John nodded.

`` It 's one affair for you to know what I am, '' flatness continued, `` But another to see what I actually do, what I could do ... '' his voice trailed off.

Albus knew what he wanted to say, but could n't. What he could do if he was n't in the screaming Shack during the full Moon. `` But you 're not really you then. You 're the wolf. ``

`` I guess, '' Matt said quietly.

`` You know what we could do, though, '' John replied, `` Become Animagi. ``

`` What ? ! '' Albus and matte shouted at the same sentence.

`` Become Animagi, '' toilet repeated, `` If we 're trying to become the next Marauders, we might as well do it properly. ``



A/N : Bit of a cliffy ! But I had to protrude a new chapter somewhere. Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight. Thanks as well to XDNLxtlz99, potterfan89, Moonylupin, smirkyhaha, Denas, myself, and Gospel of Luke for their reviews !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Albus had to accommodate the thought did cross his intellect every once in a patch. But really, it was n't very naturalistic. Yes, the predator had done it, but they were prosperous it had worked out all right. There was a reason that hardly anyone could suit an Animagus and why you had to be registered with the Ministry. Plus, they were only second eld. The Marauders had n't done it until their one-fifth year. They were exceptionally impudent, too. Well, three of them were. Albus did n't recall he was anywhere near good enough at Transfiguration Day to attract it off. Rose was probably the only one of them who had a chance at succeeding. And even though rose wine did not hesitate to break normal when she needed to, there was no way she would agree to this. `` Oh cum on, toilet, we ca n't be Animagi. ``

`` Why not ? '' John asked, `` The piranha did it. ``

`` They were really smart, '' Albus explained, `` I 'm definitely not that smarting. And what did you get on your utmost transfiguration mental test ? A 50 or something ? ``

`` 55, thank you, '' John corrected him, `` And we 'd figure it out. Rose could serve us. ``

`` But this is n't as simple as figuring out a spell for class ! '' Albus shouted, `` It 's severe. What if we ca n't modify back ? What if we get stuck halfway ? Rose does n't have it off everything. Even she would have trouble with this. ``

`` It 's worth the risk, '' Saint John the Apostle said adamantly, `` I do n't deal if I mess up a few fourth dimension. I 'll just try again. ``

`` That 's the thing. Sometimes when you mess up, you do n't get the probability to try again. My dad explained this all to me over the summertime. He talked to me about becoming an Animagus as soon as school was over last class because he knew the thought would cross my judgement. He 'll know if I try and he wo n't let me do it. I 'd consider trying when we 're older, but definitely not right now. ``

John sighed, `` It would be great if we could, though. I mean, we would be the ultimate new Marauders then. think if we could even convert into the same animals the piranha were. I fancy myself as a dog. ``

`` I could see that, '' Albus agreed, relieved that John seemed to accept the fact that Albus was n't going to budge on the issue. `` I do n't fuck if I 'd be a stag, though. Maybe a fox or something, I dunno. ``

`` Can you see Kaden as a rat ? '' whoremaster asked, grinning.

Albus smirked, `` Not really. He 'd probably be one of those yappy heel, not a big sang-froid dog like you 'd be, but a tiny chihuahua or something that 's always skin and jumping. ``

`` Definitely, '' trick laughed, `` It could n't offend to research Animagi, though. I mean, if anyone asks we could say it 's for extra credit. ``

`` My dad would see right through that one, '' Albus told him.

`` doe n't weigh, '' lusterlessness said quietly. He had been exceptionally calm down ever since John had first mentioned the idea. `` You ca n't get Animagi with me on the full phase of the moon moonlight. ``

`` Why ? '' Saint John asked. `` We know it 's life-threatening. I do n't care. ``

`` It 's not that. You think I have n't thought about you lot becoming Animagi ? That my parents have n't thought about doing it ? Amy ? They have. My parents have ever since we found out Aconitum lycoctonum did n't work for me. Amy has ever since she first saw me after a transformation. My parents actually started working on it. But then they decided to have me do the wolfsbane work instead. You see, if anyone is with me as an Animagus on the replete lunation, I wo n't offend myself and it 'll appear like the potion actually worked. It 'll mess up up the study big time. My parents decided it would be proficient for me to discover a potion that would put to work than to receive to rely on other people 's Animagus ability. They even forbade Amy from trying it ; she was n't very well-chosen. ``

Albus had n't thought about that. He was actually a little relieved. He did n't require to go an Animagus behind his dad 's back. It was one thing to steal the Invisibility Cloak for a yoke days, but to sneak around as an animal every full moonshine ? That was just too tightlipped for Albus 's liking. He hoped that Saint John the Apostle would give up on the idea now.

`` But if the written report ever ends without finding me a potion that works, I wo n't quit you from trying. ``

`` speech sound carnival, '' whoremaster replied, `` How long does the study go ? ``

`` No theme. Probably at least another two years. It all depends on how many different contour of wolfsbane people come up with, '' matte closed his eyes and leaned his head against the bulwark again.

`` Headache still there ? '' Albus asked. Matt nodded without opening his eyes. `` Let 's rushing up, then. Where should we put the parchment ? ``

`` Room behind the stairs, '' Matt shakily stood up. `` That way madam Pomfrey does n't see it. ``

`` We 'll do it. You stay here, '' John gently pushed his friend back onto the level. `` How often lambskin should we put down ? ``

`` How much did you work ? ``

`` About a half roll, '' Albus pulled a partially used roll of parchment out of his cloak.

`` All of it, then. Chances are virtually of it will get ripped. ``

Albus nodded and stood up. He walked over to the stairs with John following and saw the humble room lustrelessness was talking about. It was also filled with diverse broken piece of music of article of furniture. `` We should n't have done this tonight. I did n't even think about the synodic month. ``

`` Me neither, '' John shook his top dog as he bent down to move some of the article of furniture aside. `` But it 's not as bad as the prison term with the detention. I think he 'll be ok. ''

`` Yeah. He can sleep all tomorrow if he wants, '' Albus commented as he ripped slice off the roll of parchment.

`` Him and me both, '' John yawned. `` Was n't expecting the tunnel to be that long. ``

`` Me neither, but it is a long way from the solid ground to Hogsmeade, so it makes horse sense. ``

Albus finished ripping the parchment and the two boys each took a stack to stick on to the trading floor. It took them a few minutes and once they were done, the elbow room was covered in pieces of parchment.

`` I can see why he did n't desire ma'am Pomfrey to see, '' St. John the Apostle laughed as he re-lit his wand.

`` It would definitely raise some questions, '' Albus lit his own verge. `` Let 's just hope this full treatment. I ca n't see any early way to safely get a lycanthrope 's paw print. ``

The two son took one more look at the parchment coated way and then went back to the tumid main way. matt was good where they left him, leaning against a partially broken chairperson. Albus nudged him awake.

`` Finished ? '' lusterlessness yawned.

`` Yup, let 's get back to the rook, '' Albus helped his protagonist up and the three of them left the shack.

The trip back through the tunnel took a lot farsighted than when they were going to the shack. All three boys were incredibly tired and the thrill had worn off for Albus and John. Albus glanced at his vigil as they neared the end of the tunnel and saw that it was nearly 1:30. He was very happy they had done this on a weekend.

`` It 's harder getting out than getting in, '' flatness said tiredly as he removed the cellblock. `` Whoever goes first has to dodge the branches and then push the knot on the trunk for the other two. ``

Albus and John the Divine looked at each other, for both of them knew mat was too exhausted to be able to sidestep the branches properly. `` I 'll do it, '' Albus told him, `` I 'm making you get the rat. '' Albus climbed up the rampart and crawled out of the golf hole. He was immediately hit in the shoulder with one of the flailing branches. `` Ouch ! '' he shouted as he groped the torso for the knot. His bridge player made touch with it and the branches immediately froze. `` You can follow out now, '' he whispered through the passageway.

Albus stood aside and pulled the Invisibility Cloak out of his cloak. Matt appeared out of the yap first and shuddered as the moonshine hit him. King John was right behind him and the two of them got under the cloak with Albus once lusterlessness re-set the wards.

`` You ok ? '' John asked Albus once they were back on the way of life leading to the castle.

`` Yeah. Just got me in the shoulder, '' Albus replied. His shoulder stung and he could feel some blood dripping down his arm, but he could n't go see dame Pomfrey. She would know immediately what gave him the wound and would no doubt insist on knowing what they were up to.

The son trudged along through the cold night air. Albus looked up to the sky and saw that thick cloud were moving in. It would probably play false soon. Of form, Albus would be much too tired the next day to enjoy it, so it did n't much issue. It was worth it, though. Within a few days they would deliver one of the four paw prints needed to unlock the mystery of the new map.

A little while later they reached the castle doorway. Albus glanced quickly at the Map and saw that Filch was up on the sixth base and Peeves was in Moaning Myrtle 's bathroom. No one else was wandering around. Albus grasped the handle of the doorway and pushed. It did not agitate. He tried again, but no luck. `` Filch must 've remembered to lock it ! '' Albus muttered.

`` Try one of those magic spell Rose taught you, '' toilet suggested.

Albus nodded and pointed his wand at the hold. He muttered a spell but the threshold remained locked. He tried a few Thomas More, but none of them worked. `` I think we 're locked out ! '' Albus said in a panicked tone.

`` We 're locked out ? '' John questioned and pushed the threshold himself, `` What do we do now ? ``

`` What do you think we 're locked out ? '' Matt groaned, `` It was just unlocked a couple hour ago ! ``

`` I know it was, '' Albus replied anxiously, `` Filch must 've locked it ! ``

`` We ca n't stay out here all night ! '' Matt 's vox cracked, `` We 'll freeze ! ``

Albus swallowed hard as panic filled his organic structure. What were they going to do now ? Albus had been worrying mostly about getting out of the castle and into the burrow without getting caught that the thought of being locked out had n't even crossed his idea. I mean, what were the chance of the threshold being unlatched when they left and locked when they came back ? But what would they do ? They could n't stay out here, it was freezing and would bamboozle soon. All three of them were shivering. `` Any chance either of you knows how to conjure a Patronus ? '' Albus asked, thinking of the simply way he knew to get through rose wine and Amanda.

`` Are you mad ? '' lav asked. `` We 're only back years. ``

`` well, have you got any burnished thought on how to tell pink wine and Amanda we 're locked out ? ``

John thought for a moment before answering, `` You could better into the broom shed and steal a heather. Then fly it up to Gryffindor Tower. ``

`` Now you 're mad. I 'll get seen by someone. What if one of the professors is looking out their window ? Or one of the educatee ? ``

`` Wear the invisibility Cloak, '' John replied.

`` Then you two will get seen. And if I 'm wearing the Cloak then Rose and Amanda wo n't see me. ``

`` Oh, rightfulness, '' toilet sighed. `` How about Hagrid ? ``

`` Then we 'll get in trouble, '' Albus reminded him, although unless they did n't mean of something else soon, they would have to go to Hagrid's.

`` well, we 've got to think of something soon. He 's got to get away from the moon, '' Saint John gestured to matte who was leaning against the door and breathing heavily.

`` The lunar month 's almost covered by clouds, '' Albus pointed out, `` But then we 'll have to care about being snowed on. ``

`` Wonderful, '' John groaned. `` Maybe we can curl up in loads of snow like Wolf do and keep warm that way. ``

`` Very funny, '' Albus said flatly. He was really starting to get worried now. What would happen if they did go to Hagrid 's ? They 'd surely get in worry, but how lots ? Would they just get detention or would it be worse ? stop would be taken away for certainly, and that would not go over well with the early Gryffindors.

`` Hey, delay ! '' John 's face brightened a bit, `` What about the Shrieking shanty ? We could just go back there and pass the night. Then we 'll sneak back in tomorrow morning after Filch has unlocked the doorway again. ``

`` That 's ... that 's, '' Albus thought about this for a moment. `` Not actually a bad idea. We 'll be inside and we wo n't get caught. ``

John grinned. `` Let 's go, '' he poked lusterlessness in the side.

`` What ? '' Matt opened his eyes.

`` We 're going back to the Shack, '' Gospel According to John explained.

`` Great, '' Matt said sarcastically, `` I get to spend another dark there. You two could n't come up with a different melodic theme ? ``

`` Nope, '' lav answered, `` I 'd say it was pretty brilliant myself, so unless you 've got a in force one, we 're going. ``

Matt sighed, `` Oh, ticket. But we 're not making a habit of this. ``

`` Me and Albus are n't, '' John laughed, `` But you already do. ``

`` Oh, shut it, '' lustrelessness groaned, `` Let 's just go. ``

Albus could n't aid but find a petite bit excited about spending the night in the Shack. It would definitely be the bad thing he had ever done, as far as breaking linguistic rule was concerned. He also felt unquiet about it. What if they did get caught ? What if Rose and Amanda started to get concern and told soul about their design ? Albus pushed that thought out of his mind. Rose would n't do that, would she ? She would if she thought they were in difficulty. But they were n't in that big of trouble. The three of them would expend the night in the shack and that would be that. When good morning came they would lift back into the castle and no one would be the wiser. This might actually be kind of fun ; it was thrilling and a tad bit dangerous. Something the piranha would own done. Who knows, maybe they even had done it on occasion.

The trip back to the shack, though exhausting, was uneventful. John, like Albus, had a look of upheaval in his eyes when the three of them entered the shack once more. flatness looked like he did n't deal where they were, as long as there was some place he could sleep.

`` This is pretty cool, '' John the Divine grinned, `` Spending the nighttime in Hogsmeade. ``

`` It 's going to be cold, though, '' Matt shivered, `` There are n't any heating plant appealingness in here. ``

`` warmer than outside, '' Albus commented as he stowed the cloak back in his robe. `` Are there any lighter in here ? ``

`` Nope, '' lustrelessness replied. `` We 'll just have to sustain our baton lit. ``

`` What do you want to do now ? '' trick asked with a flavor of mischief on his face, `` So many possibilities in this place .... ''

`` How about we go to bed ? '' mat suggested sarcastically.

Albus, although excited about spending the Nox in the shack, was extremely tired and all he wanted to do was catch some Z's. `` Are there any beds here ? ``

`` One, '' Matt answered. He led Albus and lav up the step and into the only sleeping accommodation. There was one large bed and a wardrobe, both surprisingly still inviolate. `` They 're charmed to be indestructible, '' Matt answered Albus 's questioning look.

John hopped onto the bed and started jumping on it. `` Now we 're talking ! This bed is excellent for jumping. ``

`` Ca n't say I 've ever tried it before, '' Matt joined him on the bed and started jumping as well. `` You 're redress, it is quite nice for jumping. ``

Albus jumped up with them and agreed. The bed was good for jumping. Even better than James 's. Saint James the Apostle, Albus, and Lily had spent many hours jumping on Henry James 's bed, always to be interrupted and yelled at by their mother. The boy continued jumping on the bed and goofing off for a couple minutes. Albus smirked to himself as he remembered a storey his Aunt Hermione had told him about scallywag jumping on a bed.

`` What 's so rum ? '' King John asked.

`` Just wondering who 'll be the number one to fall off and break his head, '' Albus laughed.

`` What ? '' John asked and lustrelessness started to laugh as well.

`` It 's a Muggle fib, '' Albus explained and proceeded to tell St. John the Apostle the story of the monkeys.

`` It 's amazing what Muggles come up with for report, '' trick shook his principal and jumped off the bed, landing on his feet like a cat. `` I do n't believe any of us are going to develop our fountainhead. ``

`` Mine feels like it 's broken, '' mat announced as he jumped off the bed. He did n't put down as gracefully as John and fell on his arm. `` Ow ! ``

Albus jumped down succeeding to him. `` You ok ? ``

`` Yeah, '' mat pointed his lit wand at his arm. `` No rip. ``

`` Good, '' lav replied.

`` We should probably go to bed now, '' Albus suggested, `` We 've got to be up early so we can hook back in before a lot of people wake up. ``

`` There 's Sir Thomas More blankets in the wardrobe, '' Matt yawned as he got back on the bed and curled up beneath the blanket that was already on the bed.

Albus and john each grabbed a couple cover and got into the bed alongside lustrelessness. It was a dependable matter the bed was so big, Albus thought. It was much bigger than the four-poster beds in Gryffindor.

`` He 's already benumbed, '' John commented as he lay down.

`` Good, '' Albus replied, `` Maybe his headache will go away. Good Night. ``

`` 'Night. ``

******

Albus woke up the side by side morning to slivers of unaccented shining through the boarded up Windows. Boarded up Windows ? There were n't boarded up windows in the dormitory. Albus 's eyes shot undefendable and he glanced around at his surroundings. Oh, right wing. The retentivity of the premature night flooded Albus as he realized that he was in the Shrieking shack. Albus sat up and yawned. He felt more old-hat this aurora than he had the previous night. One look at his watch told him why. It was only seven o'clock, he had only gotten about four time of day of sleep. Just as well, Albus thought. They had to get back to the castle quickly anyway, if they wanted to sneak back in without anyone noticing.

Albus nudged John awake and winced. He pulled up the sleeve of his robe and saw that the cut from the Whomping willow looked thoroughly disgusting. It was probably taint and would require a head trip to the hospital wing. Albus shook John the Divine with his uninjured arm. `` John, wake up ! ``

`` No, lem me kip, '' trick groaned and turned away from Albus.

`` Get up or we 'll get caught, '' Albus pushed him again.

`` Do n't like, '' whoremaster murmured.

`` I 'll push you out of bed, '' Albus warned. John muttered something incoherent and did n't move. `` You asked for it, '' Albus muttered and rolled Saint John the Apostle over to the boundary of the bed. He gave him one final nudge and whoremonger fell off the edge of the bed with a loud thump.

`` What the hell ? '' John shouted, sitting up with a dazed tone on his face.

`` I told you to get up, '' Albus leaned over the bed and laughed. `` We 've got to get back to the castle or someone 's going to see us come out of the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree. ``

`` Oh, fine, '' John grumbled, `` But I 'm going back to bed once we get back. ``

`` You and me both, '' Albus agreed and got out of bed. He picked up the free blankets and stowed them back in the press so Madam Pomfrey would n't get suspicious.

`` You going to push him off the bed too ? '' John pointed to Matt 's sleeping form as he stood up.

`` No, '' Albus replied simply.

`` Where 's the justice ? '' privy muttered.

Albus grinned and shook Matt awake. `` We 've got to get back to the castle. We 'll slumber to a greater extent there. ``

matte groaned and got out of bed. `` I think I 'd rather just abide here. ``

`` I would n't intimate it, '' King John responded, `` Albus pushed me off the bed when I did n't get up. Can you consider that ? ``

matt laughed and looked from John to Albus and back again. `` Yes. ``

The boys left the hutch quickly and started the foresightful journey back to the Whomping willow. All three of them were dragging and Albus was very glad that he did n't have any classes today. He had homework, but he was n't even going to opine about that until he got at least another six hours of eternal rest. One quick check of the map told him that the coast was clear before they emerged from the tree.

The three of them donned the Invisibility Cloak as soon as mat was finished warding the tree and they set off for the castle. Since it was still too soon, the alone one on the soil was Hagrid. There were respective Thomas More inches of snow and by the clock time they boys were back at the palace doorway, their robes were wet and they were shivering. Halfway to the castle, it had started sowing again.

`` pink wine and Amanda are in the Great mansion house, '' Albus pointed to their two dots on the map. `` But hardly anyone else is, and no one 's in the Entrance residence hall, so I think we 're right. '' Albus pushed the doorway open and the three invisible son slipped inside. Albus immediately pulled the wet cloak off of them and hid it in his robes. `` We should probably go talk of the town to rose wine and Amanda. ``

`` I 've got to go see ma'am Pomfrey sometime, '' lusterlessness told them, `` My arm still hurts, flavour. '' He pulled the sleeve of his robes up and showed them his black and blue arm. `` I do n't remember it 's broken, but it still hurts. ``

`` My shoulder still hurts, '' Albus replied, `` I guess I 'll have to go, too. ``

At that moment, Rose and Amanda left the Great Asaph Hall and stopped a duet ft away from the boys. John pointed to where they were and Albus turned around. Both girls had a combining of backup man and angriness on their faces. Rose was fuming by the time she stomped over to Albus. `` Where. Were. You, '' she demanded.

`` Er, '' Albus mumbled. He never liked being on the receiving end of his cousin-german 's anger.

`` elbow room, now, '' rosiness seethed and stalked off towards the stairs with Amanda at her side.

Albus, whoremaster, and Matt followed wordlessly. All estimation of going to the Hospital fender were driven from Albus 's head. Of course, after seeing Rose, he would much rather have been bombarded with question about his articulatio humeri than going to the Room with his cousin.

cypher said a word of honor until they were in the Room. Albus, Saint John, and Matt sat position by side on the couch, but rosebush and Amanda remained standing in front line of them. `` excuse yourselves ! '' rosebush shouted.

`` We- '' Albus began.

Rose cut him off, `` You know what ? I think I 'll tell you about our night first ! We were plenty worried about the three of you sneaking off to the Shack in the middle of the night, but it had to be done. What early choice did we have ? It was safer than the alternative. How else were you going to get the paw mark ? I thought the plan would work. We had it all set. You three would sneak down there and put the sheepskin on the floor and then sneak back up. simple. '' rosiness stopped and began to pace around the room.

`` There were all variety of things that could 've gone wrong, '' Amanda picked up where Rose left off. `` Filch, for one. Or one of the teachers. Peeves, even. Or how about when you got onto the grounds ? There are all sort of animals wandering around at night. Not to observe the Whomping willow itself. ``

`` So what were we supposed to consider when you three never showed up ? ! '' rosebush raised her voice even higher, if that was possible. `` If you had been caught by Filch or a teacher, you would 've came back to Gryffindor eventually ! BUT YOU NEVER DID ! ``

`` But Rose- '' lavatory pleaded. Albus sent him a monition feel. He knew it was never trade good to interrupt Rose when she was on a rampage.

`` Shut up, John ! We thought some kind of animal had you ! Or even forged, that Washburn had come back for the Hallows and found you and kidnap you or something ! Then you sneak back into the castle this morning, looking like you 've just been at a party or something !

`` You kept us up all nighttime worrying, when you probably just decided to have some fun finish nighttime. You know I was this close to telling Uncle Harry this break of day. I wanted to hold out nighttime, but Amanda convinced me to look until morning. Of course now I wish I had n't waited. Maybe a couple hold would learn you not to stay out all night ! ``

`` rose, '' Albus said tentatively, `` Just let us explain. ``

`` Go ahead, Albus, '' rose wine glared at him. `` Convince me that what you did last nighttime was n't just stupidity. ``

`` We got locked out, '' Albus explained, `` The door to the palace were n't locked when we left, but Filch must 've locked them after we were out of the castling. I tried all the good luck charm you taught me, but none of them worked. So we decided to drop the nighttime in the Shrieking Shack. And you 're right, it was kind of fun. ``

Rose and Amanda stared at him, dumbstruck. Neither of them said a word for the next minute. Albus and the other boys did n't make bold say a countersign either. `` Well, '' Rose said quietly, `` Er, that does explain things. I 'm, uh, no-count I yelled at you. ``

`` It 's all rightfulness, '' Albus assured her.

`` But Albus ? '' rosebush began, `` You could 've just gone to the Owlery and sent me a quick note telling me that you were locked out. Then we would 've at least make out what was going on. ``

Albus, Saint John, and Matt turned to front at each other. Albus felt his cheek turning red. Of course ! Why had n't he thought of that ? The only means of communicating Albus had thought of was a Patronus. But the answer was there all along, a simple owl. He could have just made a spry trip to the owlery before they went back to the Shack.

`` We 're idiots, '' St. John the Apostle muttered softly.

`` Yes, but you 're our cretin, '' Rose laughed. `` Now, are you going to order us about your lilliputian adventure ? ``

Albus, John, and Matt spent the next half minute relaying every detail of their misstep to the Shrieking Shack the premature night. Rose and Amanda both found it very entertaining, especially the character about Albus pushing St. John the Apostle off the bed.

After they were done telling the story, all five of them went to the hospital wing so Albus and matte could get their wounding healed. Madam Pomfrey was sitting at her desk when they arrived and the ward was completely deserted of other patients. She took one look at the Gryffindors and came bustling out from behind the desk. `` You lot again ? What have you gotten yourselves into this time ? ``

`` Just these two, '' John pointed at Albus and Matt.

Madam Pomfrey took one hard look at lusterlessness and announced, `` You were outside last Nox. Was individual giving you detention ? ``

`` Er, no. ``

Madam Pomfrey looked at him for a few instant longer and sighed, `` Go sit down on a bed, both of you. ``

Albus and matte sat down on one of the beds and Madam Pomfrey returned a few instant later with a tray laden with potions. She told Matt to drink them all, which he did. `` My arm 's all bruised, too, '' Matt pulled up his sleeve, `` I tripped over a Book. ``

Madam Pomfrey clucked her knife and pulled out her wand. She had his arm healed in an heartbeat. `` I trust you 'll get some eternal rest today ? Or do I have to make you stay here ? ``

`` I 'll slumber, I promise, '' matte replied quickly.

`` What about you ? '' the nursemaid turned to Albus.

`` hurt my shoulder, '' Albus answered, not elaborating on the subject. He pulled up his sleeve to reveal his injured shoulder.

Madam Pomfrey studied it for a moment, then she cleaned it. Albus winced as the potion she used on it stung. The nurse looked at the wound for a piddling while longer and she looked from Albus to matte and back again. `` I know how you got that, '' she replied.

`` Er, '' Albus stuttered. Great, after all that, they were still going to get in trouble.

`` Whatever you boys did last night, do n't do it again, '' Madam Pomfrey said sternly, looking Albus and then Matt in the eye, `` I wo n't separate prof Longbottom this clip, or your forefather, '' she said to Albus, `` But next time I will. ``

Albus breathed a suspiration of relief as Madam Pomfrey healed his shoulder with one swift waving of her wand. He 'd have no problem keeping his Good Book to the nurse. There was no way that he was going to repeat last night. wellspring, unless they needed to for the map. But he 'd try hard not to get hit by the Whomping Willow next time.

`` You 're all set, '' gentlewoman Pomfrey announced, `` Now go get some sleep, both of you. ``

Albus nodded as he stood up. He would have no problem doing that. He was practically falling asleep as he walked. The chemical group went back to the common room and the boys immediately headed for their dormitory. Albus changed into his pajamas and climbed into his tender four-poster bed, feeling very satisfied that they had n't been caught at all.


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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


By the fourth dimension Albus woke up it was already dinner time, which was upright because he was starving. Gospel According to John and Matt woke up shortly after Albus did. All three of them were feeling much salutary now that they 'd aim a decently amount of money of sleep.

`` Ready to do that again ? '' John asked as he was putting on his shoes.

Despite the fact that Albus did get fun on their adventure hold out night, he did not want to reiterate it. `` Are you genial ? '' Albus glared at him.

`` Kidding, kidding, '' John laughed.

`` You do agnise that we 'll throw to go get the paw print, '' flatness reminded them.

Albus and can looked at each other. The truth was, Albus really had n't thought about that. `` Er, ca n't you just bring in with you back to the castle ? ``

`` I 'm usually unconscious, '' flatness replied, `` But I can try. ``

Albus really hoped Matt would be able to get the paw print. What were the chances that they 'd be capable to sneak down to the shanty again and not get caught ? Surely Filch would n't forget to lock the doors twice. Plus, what would befall if they get locked out again ?

`` Albus ! '' a cheap vocalization shouted as soon as Albus, John, and Matt descended into the park elbow room. Kaden came running over to them with his usual look of exhilaration in his eyes.

`` Hey, Kaden, '' Albus greeted him. `` We 're just going to dinner. ``

`` Me, too. I 'll go with you, '' Kaden fell into step alongside Albus. `` Where have you lot been all day anyway ? ``

`` Uh, sleeping upstairs, '' Albus replied.

`` Really ? '' Kaden asked skeptically, `` Because I asked Rose if you were in your hall and she said you were n't. ``

`` I assure you we were, '' Albus laughed.

`` Hmm, well, I wonder why she told me you were n't. ``

`` Who knows ? She 's a girl, they do foreign things, '' bathroom said.

`` Why were you sleeping, though. It 's the day. ``

`` We were tired, '' matt answered simply.

`` Why ? ``

`` Stayed up late doing homework death night, '' John lied, `` We 've got a ton of it and there 's still more to do tonight. It 's what happens after first of all yr. They bombard you with even more homework. ``

`` dead reckoning I 've got that to see forward to, '' Kaden sighed, `` Oh, well. ``

The boys did spend their entire evening doing all the homework they had n't done the night before. Kaden stared at them the whole time, no question thinking of next year, when he would have to spend his whole weekend doing preparation. Albus felt kind of bad that they told him that and he was now kind of dreading his back year, but he 'd receive out soon enough that that was n't genuine. What else could they have told him, though ? They could n't say a word about the new map until Rose found the magical spell to keep him quiet about it.

******

The day of the full moon came quickly and Albus could n't concentrate on any of his year. He could only imagine about the map, and how they would be one footfall closer to revealing it after tonight. He would also soon know if another trip to the shack was going to be necessary. Of course of instruction, it may be that more than one more than trip would be needed, if they did n't get the footprint tonight. There was the possibility that all the lambskin would be destroyed. Albus did n't want to recollect about that, though. He just clung to the approximation that they would be able-bodied to get a paw mark tonight and that Matt would be able to bring it back the next morning.

lustrelessness skipped his afternoon category and spent the time sleeping in the elbow room of Requirement. Once Albus and the others had finished dinner party and snuck out of the Great Hall before Kaden noticed, they went up to the room. They did n't have much metre before mat had to go to the hospital fender and all four of them wound up taking him there.

`` Now that I know how foresightful that tunnel is, I feel even sorrier for him, '' John said quietly on their way to the park room.

`` I know what you mean, '' Albus replied, `` I do n't have it away how he does it. He could barely get to the hospital extension. ``

`` Hi, Guy ! '' Kaden shouted once they entered the common room. Albus, toilet, Rose, and Amanda went over to the table Kaden was sitting at, which was strewn with lambskin and book of account, and sat down. `` Where 's lusterlessness ? '' Kaden asked.

`` Sick in the hospital annex, '' Albus told him.

`` Oh, '' Kaden said, `` Because of that disease I was n't supposed to secern anyone about ? ``

`` Right, '' Albus confirmed. His cousin-german could be so obtuse sometimes. Albus pulled out a few of his books and tried to rivet on his homework. Kaden kept babbling on and on about some potion that he was going to be brewing the next day, which he was very shake up about. Albus tried to tune him out, but he could n't. Albus had a feeling even if Kaden was n't running a streaming commentary about his potions course he still would n't be able to concentrate. His wholly mind was consumed with view about the map. He sighed and closed his book. None of his homework was due tomorrow anyway. `` I do n't really feel like doing homework tonight. ``

`` I never do, '' John the Evangelist muttered and continued writing his papa essay that was due the adjacent day.

`` Hey, Kaden ? '' Albus suddenly got an approximation that would reside both his and Kaden 's eve. `` Ever played chess ? ``

`` Yeah. My mum learn me. ``

`` Ever played whiz 's chess game ? '' Albus grinned at him.

`` What ? '' Kaden 's look lit up, `` maven have their own chess ? ``

`` Sure do, '' Albus replied, `` I 'll teach you. Be correct back. '' Albus ran up to his student residence and rummaged around in his trunk until he found a chess board, his chessman, and an old set of chessmen for Kaden. When he got back, Kaden was looking even more excited than when Albus left him.

`` What are we going to do ? '' Kaden asked excitedly.

`` Play chess. It 's pretty a lot like Muggle chess, but with some conflict. You remember how to represent Muggle chess ? ``

`` Yeah. ``

`` wellspring, with Wizard 's chess game everyone has their own chessman. These are mine, '' Albus held up his white chessmen. `` You 'll see why when we play. You can use this spare set. I think it used to belong to to my Uncle Sir Henry Percy. '' Albus handed Kaden the set of black-market chessmen.

`` Are you any unspoiled at chess ? '' Kaden asked, `` Because I 'm not. ``

`` I 'm all right. Not as respectable as James, and not nearly as soundly as Rose. My Uncle Ron, Rose 's dad, is the effective at it. No one 's ever able to beat him. ``

`` Do we just set them up like normal ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus replied as he set up his own small-arm. `` tweed goes first. Oh, and you do n't be active your while. Just separate the pieces which space to move to. ``

`` tell them ? '' Kaden repeated, `` What do you imply, tell them ? ``

`` Just watch, '' Albus put down his final firearm and muttered instructions for his cat's-paw to travel two squares ahead.

`` Whoa ! '' Kaden stared in awe as the white instrument moved by itself. `` They 'll do that if I tell them, too ? ``

`` They 're supposed to. But they might not want to since they 're not used to you. Try it. ``

Kaden told one of his pawn to move forward two foursquare and it did so without faltering. Kaden was completely shocked by this. `` This is way better than regular chess. ``

The game continued for a few more minutes and then one of Kaden 's pawns wound up in the path of Albus 's castle. Albus commanded the rook forward and it completely smashed Kaden 's pawn.

`` Whoa ! '' Kaden shouted so loudly that half the common way turned around to count at him. `` Your castle killed my pawn ! That 's mental ! How do you use them again ? ``

`` There 's a spell to remedy them, '' Albus explained.

`` Will my pieces kill yours ? ``

`` Yup. ``

A few turns later, Kaden got the chance to parliamentary procedure one of his musical composition to pour down one of Albus 's. Kaden 's face was full of glee as his bishop smashed one of Albus 's pawns. The game continued and Albus started to get the touch that Kaden just liked watching the pieces destroy each other. This became especially apparent when Kaden only had his Riley B King, a knight, his castling, and three pawns left. Albus was only missing one castling, both bishops, and five or so instrument. Kaden 's chessman were not very felicitous about this and his king and knight actually got into what appeared to be a hot up argument about whether or not they were going to proceed to listen to Kaden. Eventually, his king flavourless out refused to prompt and Albus won by default option. Nevertheless, it was one of the most mirthful games of chess Ablus had ever played. John, Amanda, and even rosebush gave up on their homework and watched the close part of the game.

`` I think you need your own chessmen, '' Albus told Kaden as he repaired the give way pieces. `` I 'm not sure as shooting if these will be volition to take heed to you anymore. ``

`` Well it 's no wonder, '' Rose commented, `` All he did was state them to take the air right into death traps. ``

`` It 's funny to see them get crushed, '' Kaden explained.

`` Maybe next time you 'll actually try and win, '' rosebush smirked.

`` Maybe, '' Kaden shrugged. `` I think I 'll ask for chessman for Xmas. ``

`` That would be a good idea, '' Albus replied. `` I only hope that you treat them skillful than these 1. ``

******

Albus did n't sleep very well that night and he was very tired the side by side morning. All he could guess about was the paw mark and whether or not their plan worked. Luckily Albus only had two classes that day and then he would be able to go see Matt.

`` We 're going to the hospital wing after this, right ? '' john whispered to Albus during a mind numbing History of conjuring trick object lesson. Binns was currently droning on about the history of the enslavement of star sign pixie. Rose was the exclusively one paying attention, although Albus had no mind why she bothered. Both of them already knew everything about the history of House brownie, having been lectured about it by Rose 's mother.

`` Yeah, '' Albus said back, `` Do you desire lunch first ? ``

`` Of course I do. This is me you 're talking about. But let 's make it fast. ``

`` I should n't take in bothered asking, '' Albus laughed.

`` How much longer until this is over ? '' Amanda turned around and looked at Albus. She was sitting at the desk in front of him and John, with Rose.

Albus glanced at his watch. `` fifteen moment. But it 'll find like thirty. ``

`` Why do we need to know about House Elves anyway ? '' John asked

`` They 're an important part of wizarding chronicle ! '' Rose replied impatiently and returned to her notes.

`` It 's boring, though, '' can responded and flicked a piece of lambskin at the Hufflepuff seance at the desk following to him. `` We should learn about something more exciting. Like the behemoth state of war. ``

`` Binns 'll shit even that boring, '' Albus pointed out.

`` Anything 's amend than this. ``

`` Even the history of cauldrons and their event on wizarding high society ? '' Amanda laughed. That lesson, which had taken stead the previous yr, had been the whip one yet. Albus was sure everyone, including Rose, had fallen asleep during it.

`` Never idea, '' St. John groaned. `` I do n't even need to cerebrate about that one. Or the 14 in essay we had to compose on it. ``

`` Mr. Beeton, Mr. Pewter, and Miss Torker, '' Binns said monotonously, `` Is there something you 'd like to share with the grade ? ``

`` No, sir, '' lav replied.

`` goodness, good, '' Binns continued, `` And in 1866, British House Elves started to birth liaison with the American language House Elves, which resulted in a kind of House Elf one .... ''

`` Kill me now, '' John muttered.

`` Five Sir Thomas More min ... '' Albus sighed.

`` I think Binns was around during all this star sign Elf clobber, '' Amanda whispered.

John snorted, `` That 's probably why he likes story. He was there when it happened. ``

`` This is worse than maths in Muggle school, '' Amanda told them.

`` I hate math, '' John agreed, `` I 'm beaming we do n't receive to take them here. Mum taught me some and it was horrible. ``

`` I take it you two wo n't be doing Arithmancy following year, '' Albus grinned. He was not planning on taking that course of instruction either.

`` No way, '' whoremaster shook his school principal, `` I 'll bet Kaden would wish it, though. ``

`` He likes everything, '' Albus laughed, `` He probably even likes this class. ``

`` He does. He told me the other day, '' Amanda announced.

`` the like everything except Quidditch, '' Gospel According to John sighed, `` There 's something incorrectly with that kid. ``

`` Twelve inch essay about the company for the Promotion of Elfish public assistance for side by side class, '' Binns droned a moment before the category was over.

The moment the bell rang, Albus and his ally shot up out of their chairwoman and ran out the doorway. `` This 'll be cake, '' Albus laughed, `` An essay on Spew ! ``

`` It 's S.P.E.W. ! '' Rose laughed as she caught up with him.

`` commodity, you can do mine ! '' John told him.

`` Sorry, one drilling essay per Nox, yours would put me over my limitation, '' Albus faked an apologetic looking. `` Oh, come on, you know all about Spew. ``

`` I know, it 's just not how I 'd wish to spend my time. ``

`` Mine either, '' Amanda agreed, `` But I 'll do it over the weekend, probably. ``

`` Let 's go eat, '' Albus suggested, `` Then we can go see matte. ``

The Gryffindors joined the sea of students that were flooding into the Great Hall. Luckily, Kaden was eating at one end of the Gryffindor table and Albus and the others were able to shovel down food at the opponent end without him noticing them. Once they were done with their hurried lunch, they ran up to the hospital annexe. `` I hope he was able to get the paw print, '' Albus whispered as they pushed open the doors.

`` Me, too. I do n't fancy walking through that tunnel again, '' John the Evangelist agreed.

The curtains were pulled around Matt 's usual bed at the far end of the ward. Nobody was in any of the other beds. gentlewoman Pomfrey was busy preparing potions when the group of Gryffindors walked in. She heard them enter and went over to recognize them. `` Oh, it 's you lot. I figured you 'd be showing up soon. He 's sleeping right now, I 'm afraid you 'll have to expect. ``

`` Please, gentlewoman Pomfrey ? '' Albus pleaded, `` We wo n't delay long, I promise. ``

`` Yeah, we 'll be quiet, too, '' John commented, `` You can drop us out if we 're not. ``

`` You know the pattern, '' the nursemaid replied sternly, `` If he 's sleeping you have to come back later. ``

`` I 'm not asleep ! '' a hoarse spokesperson came from behind the curtains.

`` Now you 've woken him up ! '' ma'am Pomfrey walked briskly over to the bed and opened the curtains, `` You know he needs to rest ! ``

`` Well, he 's awake now, so we can stay, '' Albus said as he walked over to the bed. Everyone else followed him.

`` fine, '' gentlewoman Pomfrey reluctantly agreed, `` Only for a unforesightful while. '' She left them alone and went back to her potions.

`` Sorry for waking you up, '' Albus said as he closed the curtains again. `` How are you ? ``

`` I 'm all right, '' flatness replied. He looked much like he usually did after a total moon, with several bandages all over. `` You did n't come alive me up, though. I was pretending to be asleep. ``

`` Why ? '' Rose asked.

`` You 'll never judge who was here. ``

`` Who ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Kaden. ``

`` What ? Did he come to see you ? '' Albus told Kaden not to go visit flatness unless he said it was ok, but with Kaden there was no telling what he 'd do.

`` Not intentionally, I do n't remember. Felix Willinson 's potion exploded in class and he and Kaden got covered in it. Willinson got the brunt of it and while Kaden was waiting for his turn to get antidote, he kept asking who was in my bed. Madam Pomfrey would n't tell him, but I think he knew it was me. He knows I went here stopping point Night. Madam Pomfrey came to give me potion while they were here and Kaden saw me. Then he asked if he could see me, so I pretended to be asleep. ``

`` So Willinson knew you were here ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Yeah, he 's going to tell Malfoy. ``

`` Malfoy already knows you 're here since you were n't in Transfiguration of Jesus this cockcrow, '' rose wine pointed out.

`` True. I guess it really does n't count then. ``

Albus was just itching to know if matte had managed to get the paw photographic print. He had thought mat would bring it up right away, but the Kaden thing must 've made him forget about it. `` Did you get the print ? '' Albus whispered.

`` You 're in lot, '' flatness smiled, `` I did oversee to get it and stow it in my cloak before I passed out. It 's right there, '' he gestured to the cloak sitting on the bedside table.

Albus grabbed the cloak and pulled out a rather pluck piece of parchment. But in the middle was a very large paw print consisting of a mix of ink, mud, and blood. `` Whoa, that 's pretty big. And kind of gross, too, '' Albus grinned and stuck it in his bag. `` perfect. ``

`` One down, three to go, '' John commented. `` We 're almost there. ``

`` And the other three are a bit easier. '' Albus was feeling very good about their plan now. The grueling paw print was done and soon they would receive the other three.

`` And the appealingness is working much better now, '' rose wine announced, `` I started to get the hang of it finale Night. I 'll probably have it done before Christmas. ``

`` Excellent, '' Albus grinned, `` Then we can start looking for that magic spell to keep Kaden from blabbing. ``

`` When do you get to go away ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Either tomorrow eventide or Fri morning, probably, '' matt told them, `` But if I leave tomorrow I have to skip Astronomy. ``

`` What a shame, '' whoremaster faked a look of sadness.

`` I know. I 'll definitely be suffering while you four spend an time of day looking at mavin. ''

`` We 'll be sure to get all the homework for you, '' Rose told him.

`` Oh do n't occupy about it, '' flatness laughed. `` What did I miss in category yesterday and today ? ``

`` Not much, '' Albus began, `` We re-potted Mandragora officinarum again in Herbology. We started transfiguring spoons into forks in transfiguration. And we learned all about the history of household brownie in chronicle of legerdemain. It was one of the most bore classes yet. ``

`` Sounds like it, '' lustrelessness agreed.

`` Was not, '' Rose argued.

`` What are you lot going to do tonight while I 'm stuck here ? ``

`` Albus and I have dueling pattern, '' Amanda said. `` The next duel is Sabbatum. ``

`` Oh, right, I 'd completely bury about that, '' Albus confessed. He had been so caught up in getting the werewolf print for the map that the dueling society had slipped his mind.

`` Looks like it 'll just be you and me tonight, Rose, '' John grinned at her.

`` And Kaden, '' Rose smirked, `` Ca n't bury him. ``

`` You should take exception him to a chess friction match, '' privy decided, `` It 'll be fun to watch. ``

`` I 'll beat him in two minutes categorical, '' Rose laughed.

`` Kaden plays whiz 's chess ? '' Matt asked.

`` Albus taught him survive night. You 've got to watch it sometime. It 's hilarious, '' Amanda grinned, `` He likes to keep an eye on the art object get smashed so by the end of the game, his bit refused to listen to him. ``

`` You know what else we should do ? '' Rose changed the subject, `` deal back Uncle Harry 's cloak now that you do n't have to pussyfoot back into the shack. ``

Albus really did n't require to give back the cloak. He liked it. But he knew he had to. `` I guess. ``

`` We 'll do it after we get kicked out of here, '' lavatory suggested.

`` Which is right now, '' dame Pomfrey pulled back the drape and set a tray of potions down on the bedside table. `` metre for you four to leave. He needs to sleep. ``

`` See you tomorrow, hopefully, '' Albus said.

`` Yeah, tomorrow, '' Matt waved.

`` Let 's go put the cloak back, '' Rose whispered as soon as they 'd keep out the door to the hospital wing.

Albus nodded and started to walk to his dad 's spot. The corridors were almost deserted. There were a few scholar wandering around, but no one paid much attention as Albus unlocked the threshold to Harry 's office and lead his champion inside.

`` flavour like my house, '' Gospel According to John, who had never been in Harry 's power before, announced, `` A complete mess. My whole kinfolk is messy. ``

`` My mum 's a neat freak. She 'd have a cow if she saw this, '' Amanda laughed.

`` A cow ? '' John gave Amanda a weird look.

`` surmisal it 's a Muggle grammatical construction. Means she 'd go mad. ``

`` Oh, like 'have a hippogriff'. ``

`` I guess. ``

Albus carefully stepped over the various poppycock and went over to the sleeping accommodation room access. He pushed it open and went inside, with his acquaintance following. The trunk was just where it had been the calendar week before and Albus lifted the lid. He pulled the cloak out of his bag and looked at it one more time before folding it and placing it exactly where he 'd found it. `` Well, that 's it. We got away with it. ``

`` Sure did, '' John replied as he gazed around the room. `` Wonder what else we could witness in here ? ``

`` John ... '' Albus warned. `` We 're not stealing anything else. ``

`` Look at this ! '' whoremonger leaped over a pile of books and picked up a picture that was sitting on top of the wardrobe. `` Aww, it 's Albus when he was an ickle toddler. ``

Albus grabbed the motion picture out of john 's hand and looked at it. Sure enough, it was a characterization of Albus, James, and Lily, right after Lily was born. James II, who must have been three or four, was holding a midget baby with a large quantity of red fuzz. Albus, who was two, was holding Lily 's hand and making her wave.

`` You were an adorable little kid, Albus, '' toilet smirked. `` So was James. ``

`` I 'm sure you were, too, '' Albus said as he put the exposure back. `` Now let 's get out of here before my dad gets back. ``


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight. Thanks as well to Denas, XDNLxtlz99, sinwillys822, Luke, hermionieforever, Moonylupin, drownzer, and Aleks for the reviews !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Sat was soon upon them and with it came a howling C violent storm. Albus was very happy that there was a dueling tournament and not a Quidditch catch. He had played Quidditch in snow before, but never in conditions that prevented him from seeing his own manus in social movement of him. Today 's storm was so bad that Kendrick forbade anyone from going outside, but he need n't accept bothered since no one wanted to go outside in the first place.

After luncheon, half the school day migrated into the dueling room and waited for the tournament to start. Albus and Amanda said goodbye to their friends and sat down at the table they had been at the old tournament.

`` Hi Albus, hi Amanda ! '' Kate greeted them energetically.

`` Hi Kate ! '' Albus grinned. He sat down at the lonesome remaining place, which happened to be side by side to Malfoy. Amanda had managed to snag a seat side by side to Kate. `` Malfoy, '' Albus said politely.

`` Potter, '' Malfoy muttered.

The tournament commenced much as it had the previous time, only this time everyone knew what they were doing and it went smoother. There was still a lot of sitting around prison term and Albus was very happy that Amanda was on his team so he had soul to verbalise to. So far, there were still tensions between the Slytherins and everybody else. Kendrick 's plan to deliver everyone get along was not working.

After about a half hour, it was finally Albus 's turn to duel. Malfoy had just completed his first duel and beat his Ravenclaw opponent. Albus congratulated him as he went up to the dueling area. He was up against a Hufflepuff tierce class. Albus and the other boy bowed and the two of them started dueling. The Hufflepuff sent two hex at Albus, but Albus blocked them both. Albus hit the boy with a trip jinx and then disarmed him. The altogether thing took about a minute.

`` Point to muck around ! '' Neville announced.

`` Good job, Albus ! '' Kate and Amanda said in unison once Albus returned to his seat.

`` Thanks. ``

`` Hardly counts, '' Malfoy commented, `` You dueled a bloody Hufflepuff. A first year could 've mystify that one. ``

`` Shut up, Malfoy. You 'll duel a Hufflepuff eventually and I doubt you 'll say the Saami affair. ``

`` Your unawares supporter is up, '' Malfoy pointed to the dueling area that Harry was presiding over.

Albus looked up and saw that mat was about to duel one of the early Hufflepuffs.

`` I 'll bet that Hufflepuff beats him, '' Malfoy laughed, `` He does n't look that proficient. ``

Albus personally thought Matt looked all right hand, considering he had just gotten out of the hospital Wing the day before.

`` Where 's he been anyway ? ``

`` He was sick. ``

`` Oh, rightfield, '' Malfoy grinned, `` With that disease he 's got. The one your stupefied cousin told me about. If there 's anyone who should 've been a Hufflepuff, it 's that cousin of yours. ``

`` Do n't call him dullard. And the Hat knows effective than you do about where to put him, '' Albus snapped. He did n't tell Malfoy that he had thought Kaden would have been a Hufflepuff.

`` Whatever you say. I wonder if your first cousin 's got anymore information that I 'd like to know. ``

`` Do n't go near my cousin, '' Albus growled.

`` Cut it out, you two ! '' Kate interrupted. `` In guinea pig you have n't realized by now, you 're on the same team. ``

Albus glared at Malfoy and then turned to watch the rest of lustrelessness 's affaire d'honneur. It took him a while, but Matt did eventually wash up the Hufflepuff. He looked worn out, but happy. `` Told you he could beat him, '' Albus muttered.

`` Lucky guess, '' Malfoy whispered back.

Albus and Malfoy did n't mouth to each other for the respite of the tournament. Both son won their next duel, Malfoy against a Slytherin and Albus against a Ravenclaw. Amanda lost her first affaire d'honneur and won her sec. John won his starting time and lost his second. Matt lost his mo one and Rose managed to win both of hers. But despite their best exploit, none of their teams won the tourney. It did n't really matter though because the points were so ending. The terminal tourney was still very up in the air and any of the team had a chance of making it.

******

The remaining days until the end of full term went by very fast for Albus. Albus was especially excited about the Christmas holiday this year because it meant that Albus and his friends would acquire two more than of the paw print needed for the map. rosebush had just perfected the transference magical spell and had already started searching for the charm to save Kaden silence. After Noel, the only thing left to do would be to get the rat print. Albus thought it was quite funny that the smallest and theoretically easiest mark to get was taking the longest. John had yet to wield to catch a rat during potions social class and was getting frustrated about it.

`` Every meter I see a rat, one of the bloody Slytherins is looking ! '' Saint John the Apostle vented the eventide before their last day of category. The grouping of Gryffindors were in the Room of prerequisite, enjoying some pacification and quiet while Kaden was being tutored by one of the Ravenclaws.

`` Try luring one over to your desk with cheese or something, '' Amanda suggested, `` Then just bedaze it below the desk. ``

`` Had n't thought of that, '' John the Evangelist muttered, `` I 'd been trying to stupefy them across the room. ``

`` I wonder why anyone would find that ? '' Rose said sarcastically.

`` Shut it, pink wine. ``

`` Well, you 've got plenty of fourth dimension to get it, '' Albus reminded him, `` We still have n't got the dog or the stag prints. ``

`` We 'll get them soon, '' pink wine replied, `` Amanda will get the dog and we 'll get the hart, Albus. You can come over to my planetary house after we leave the burrow. ``

`` strait good, '' Albus agreed, `` I 'm not staying at the tunnel the entirely holiday anyway. ``

`` Oh, yeah, '' Rose smirked, `` Gran and granddad are going on vacation together. Alone. ``

`` That 's not something I really care to opine about, Rose, '' Albus groaned. His grandparents had decided to go to Scotland together a few days after Dec 25 and spend new yr 's alone. `` Moving on. What are you lot doing for the holiday ? ``

`` The usual, '' John said immediately, `` All my first cousin coming over at various times. Should be screwball as always. ``

`` I 've really got to go to your household sometime, '' Albus grinned, `` You always say your cousins are mad, but I really do n't think your category is as insane as mine is. ``

`` I 'm sure as shooting it is. My great-great grandpa is coming this class. He 's hilarious, especially after he 's had a distich firewhiskeys. ``

`` Your great-great grandpa drinks firewhiskey ? '' Matt laughed, `` That 's something I 've got to see. ``

`` He sure does. Then he starts telling ridiculous account about 'back in my day'. ``

`` Sounds like we should fleece him up with aunty Muriel, eh rose wine ? '' Albus winked at his cousin.

`` That would be the funniest thing ever, '' rose grinned.

`` Your great-great grandad phone like our auntie Muriel. She 's 127 and loves to gossip, '' Albus explained.

`` I wish I had mad relative, '' Amanda commented, `` My family line sounds pretty rule compared to yours. ``

`` But you celebrate Hanukkah, so that makes up for it, '' can replied, `` I mean, who would n't like eight days of presents ? I wish I celebrated both, that would be the honest affair ever. ``

`` Amy has a Muggle Quaker who celebrates both. But she does n't get nowadays on every night of Chanukah, '' matte told them.

`` I get small presents each night and then one big one on the last Night, '' Amanda explained.

`` That 's still cool, '' John said, `` So, Matt, do you experience to go visit your grandparents this year ? ``

`` Ugh, do n't prompt me, '' flatness groaned, `` Of course I do. But only for five day this year. We 're leaving right before new yr 's. Amy has to be back at St. Mungo 's a few Clarence Day before term starts. ``

`` That 's good, '' Albus smiled. `` At least you do n't take to be there as long. ``

`` It 'll still be boring. The alone matter to do down there is homework or read. It 's not like I can play Quidditch or anything. ``

`` What day are you coming back ? Maybe you can come over to rosiness 's household with me. Then we can play Quidditch, '' Albus offered.

`` The 28th. I 'll ask my parents. ``

`` Great. You should derive too, john and Amanda, '' Albus suggested.

`` I 'll ask, I 'm sure my parents will let me, '' Saint John the Apostle replied.

`` I can probably only stay a day or so, '' Amanda told them, `` Hanukkah is late this year and starts on Xmas, so it 'll still be going on on the 28th. I 'll give birth to be home by the eventide. ``

`` That 'll work. Maybe we can all get the stag print together, '' Albus said.

`` good estimate, '' John grinned and everyone else nodded.

`` I should probably evidence you now, just in case I do n't get to go to Rose 's theater, '' Matt began quietly, `` I 'm not coming back to Hogwarts on the caravan with everyone else. ``

Albus stared at his protagonist, who was looking a niggling forlorn. `` Why not ? Everything ok ? ``

`` I guess. It 's just that I 'm starting that new potion I told you about at the origin of the terminal figure. The full moon 's on the 9th and someone has to celebrate me once I start taking it a few days before. Then I 've got to go to St. Mungo 's the break of the day after and stay a brace mean solar day. ``

`` Oh, '' Albus was n't really for sure what to say. He wished more than ever that person would just get word a potion that would turn for him.

`` Look on the bright side, '' John said, `` At least you do n't have to transform at your grandparents mansion again. ``

`` And if I have my way I 'll never cause to do that again, '' flatness shook his chief, `` But let 's talk about something else. Did you see in the Prophet that the carom almost won that secret plan against the Fitchburg Finches ? You know, that American squad they were playing for practice. ``

`` Did n't the Finches beat them by 50 distributor point ? '' Albus asked.

`` Yeah, but that 's close ! '' flatness grinned, `` They 're making a riposte, I just know it ! ``

`` fountainhead, with a name like 'Finches', what do you ask ? It would n't have surprised me if the cannon beat them, '' St. John the Apostle laughed, `` Well, maybe a piffling. But seriously, who names a team the 'Finches'? ``

******

The term ended the next day with a bang, literally. James and a few of his Quaker thought it would be peculiar to put a few Weasley firework into the courtship of armor and captivate them to go off at sure times during the day. After the ten percent explosion the teacher gave up trying to teach anything and just let their scholarly person do what they wanted during class, within reason of path. Unfortunately for St. James the Apostle and his friend, prof Cedonia spotted them refilling the armor on the second floor corridor with new pyrotechnic and gave them one of her rare detentions. For this one, they had to strip every single cause of armor on the second base corridor that evening. Epistle of James said it was worth it, though.

`` We really ought to come up with a few good frivolity, '' John decided as they were traveling through the James Jerome Hill on the wagon train. `` That 's what the Marauders did, was frivolity people, so we should, too. ``

Albus shrugged. He really was n't very good at coming up with buffoonery. That was James 's area of expertise. Plus, if the resultant role of such pranks was cleaning suits of armour, Albus really did n't require to rip a whole lot of put-on. `` Maybe a few minor 1, that do n't get us in huge worry. ``

`` I 'm for certain we could do some of those. There 's consignment of stuff we could do to the Slytherins. ``

`` Yeah, like that one Saint James did before the initiatory dueling tournament, '' Matt laughed.

The rest of the geartrain ride went quickly and soon Albus and his protagonist found themselves at King 's hybridizing. Albus climbed off the train and saw his parents standing with rose 's parents and Lily and Hugo.

But before Albus could go over to see them, John grabbed his arm and steered him in another direction. `` C'mon, you can meet my great-great grandpa ! ``

Albus saw a very frail, completely bald, old man with a long whiteness face fungus standing side by side to John 's parents. John the Evangelist lead their radical over to the three adults.

`` Johnny-Boy ! '' the old man shouted and gave John a tight hug, `` How 're matter at that school ? How is Professor Dippet ? ``

`` He died year ago, Grandpa, like I told you over the summer. Like I tell you every summer, '' whoremonger stifled a laugh.

`` Oh, right ! Probably all new teacher, a bunch of young'ins I bet ! rear in my day none of the instructor were under 50, and now some of em are 30 ! What has gotten into these new schoolmaster .... ''

`` grandfather, '' John shook his head, `` The instructor are fine. But I want you to meet my champion. This is Matt Eckerton, Albus Potter- ''

`` Potter ! ? '' John 's great-great granddad peered into Albus 's optic and grinned, `` Albus Potter ? well I 'll be. If it is n't Harry ceramist 's son ! I remember back in the days of You-know-who and nobody thought he would ever be defeated, and then along comes little Harry ceramist and poof ! You-know-who 's gone ! Then he comes back and what should happen again ? Harry Potter makes 'im disappear again and for good this time ! ``

Albus, who was used to this kind of attention but not someone shouting it at the top of their lungs, blushed and tried to ignore the stares of everyone around him. `` Er, nice to take on you. ``

`` You, too, '' the old man smiled, `` And who are these girls ? Have you got yourself two girlfriend, Johnny-Boy ? I would n't recommend it. I did it once and twine up with no lady friend after they found out ! ``

`` No, Grandpa, '' John laughed, `` They 're just friends. Amanda tagger and Rose Weasley. ``

`` Are you sure ? I could see you with the redhead. Just postponement till you 're older. ``

`` Just friend, Grandpa, '' John 's boldness turned red.

`` He 's like the manlike variant of Muriel, '' Albus whispered to Rose.

`` Muriel ! ? '' John 's grandpa shouted. Albus jumped. He had n't expected that the elderly man would be able to discover him. `` I used to know a Muriel ! Went to school with her. Then she married some Weasley. I have n't seen her in tenner ! ``

Albus looked at rose. What a concurrence. `` Er, Albus and I have an Aunt Muriel Weasley, '' Rose giggled.

`` well I 'll be ! I should owl her sometime. ``

`` I 'm sure enough she 'd screw that, '' Rose smiled.

`` We 're going to have to go now, '' John 's mum announced.

`` See you later, '' John waved.

`` Bye, '' Albus grinned.

`` William Tell your dad I said hi ! '' John 's great-great grandpa shouted.

******

Albus spent the side by side few days hanging around Grimmauld situation with Henry James and the ease of his family. Lily was thrilled to take both her brother and her dad home and she had been demanding to have sex everything that had gone on the by term.

`` That way I 'll love everything about Hogwarts before I 'm even there ! '' she said excitedly at breakfast the day before Christmas Eve. `` You still have n't told me how I 'll get sorted. ``

`` We 're not going to tell you, Lily, '' Ginny smiled as she handed Lily a glass of juice, `` It 's a surprise. ``

`` That 's not fairish, '' Lily whined.

`` Nobody told me or Al how we got sorted, so how is it not fair for you not to do it ? '' James asked.

`` I 'm the youthful. I should acknowledge everything about Hogwarts because you two have been there for a few eld ! And then all the Muggle-born nestling will ask me questions and I 'll be able-bodied to serve them. ``

`` You 'll find out soon enough, Lily, '' Ginny assured her.

`` How much longer ? '' Lily asked excitedly.

`` There 's still 9 month. ``

`` That 's forever ! ``

`` She 's going to be a nightmare this summer, '' James whispered to Albus.

`` good morning, everyone ! '' Harry descended the stair into the kitchen and pulled up a chair.

`` Hi, Dad, '' Albus greeted him.

`` Hey, Ginny ? '' Harry asked as he grabbed the vaticinator, `` Have you seen the marauder 's Map ? ``

James choked on his juice and sprayed it across the table at Albus, as he turned bright red.

`` Ew, keep an eye on it ! '' Albus jumped back.

`` You ok, James ? '' Harry looked at him curiously.

`` Fine. The article on the front of the newspaper publisher, it 's, er, shocking, '' King James blushed some more and pointed to the front of the prophet, which was facing him.

`` beldame endeavor to lessening size of Her Ears, charm Them Off Instead ? '' Harry read.

`` Yes, very shocking. people ought to be more heedful ! '' Saint James sputtered. He gave Albus a look that Albus interpreted to think of 'meet me upstairs'. James excused himself and ran out of the room.

`` What 's with him ? '' Harry asked.

`` No idea, '' Ginny shrugged.

`` Er, I 've got to go variety, '' Albus jumped up and followed James I. Harry had noticed that the map was gone ! Now he was going to have to give it back. Albus was going to miss it, but it would only be a matter of time before he had the other one working.

`` Albus ! '' James pulled him into the draftsmanship room and shut the door. `` He wants the map back ! ``

`` I kind of figured that, '' Albus smirked, `` We 're just going to accept to sneak it back into his room. Let 's do it now. ``

`` Wait, Albus ! '' James grabbed his arm, `` The affair is, er, well, I ... '' He shuffled from foot to hoof it looking very nervous.

`` What ? ''

`` I, er, ca n't come up it ! '' James whispered. `` What am I going to do ? I ca n't have lost it .... ''

Albus started laughing. `` It 's not queer ! '' James IV insisted.

`` You did n't recede it ! '' Albus grinned, `` I 've got it. I took it from you months ago and did n't need to dedicate it back. ``

`` You idiot ! '' James shouted, `` Here I thought I 'd suffer it and you stole it from me ! ``

`` It does n't count now. We 've got to generate it back anyway. ``

`` You 're giving it back. You 're the one who stole it from me. ``

`` Well you stole it from Dad in the first place, '' Albus reminded him.

`` Only to get you out of trouble ! ``

He had a distributor point there. If Albus had n't birth been in Kendrick 's post the previous year, Saint James never would have taken the map in the first office. `` All right. I 'll just go pussyfoot it into his room. Maybe he 'll call back he just forgot to add it to Hogwarts. ``

`` Let 's hope so. Go do it now. ``

Albus nodded and ran up to his bedroom. He knew his dad would require the map back eventually, he just had n't given it much thought. At least he had n't noticed it was missing at school. Albus threw unfastened his trunk and rifled through his school stuff. He still had n't unpacked everything or packed a bag for his stoppage at the tunnel. The map was inside the picture album Albus found over the summertime, along with the new map. Hopefully they would n't necessitate the Marauder 's Map to decipher the new map. Albus pulled out the map and ran into his parents'way. He shoved the map under a sight of defensive thaumaturgy Book and quickly left the room.

`` Done ? '' King James asked anxiously when Albus ran back into the drawing room.

`` Yup. I put it under a stack of books, with one recession sticking out. ``

`` Perfect. You might want to go change your shirt now. ``

`` Oh, rightfield, '' Albus looked down at his juice splattered T-shirt, `` Thanks for that, by the way. ``

`` No problem, '' James II laughed, `` Come to me for all your juice spraying penury. ``

`` I 'll do that, '' Albus rolled his oculus as he left the room to deepen his shirt.


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight ! Thanks as well to sinwillys822, Denas, Moonylupin, wolverine83, Luke, drownzer, smirkyhaha, and Miguel for their inspection !