Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Albus spent most of the Clarence Day preceding Christmas Day at rose wine 's house. King James was determined to use all of his spare clock time for Quidditch praxis, and he had to go to Rose 's mansion for that. Albus usually went with him and he and Hugo would avail James praxis while rosiness read.

Harry had to practically differentiate James from his broom by magic on Dec 25 Eve so they could go to Godric 's holler. James II wanted to abide at Rose 's house and maintain practicing, but Harry refused to let him. The trip was quiet since James II was rather sullen the intact time.

"Professor Patil says I 'm a lifelike at Transfiguration,"Lily bragged to Albus as they walked towards the Burrow afterwards.

"That 's practiced,"Albus replied.

"Yeah, so I 'm going to become an Animagus eventually. I want to be a cat."

"You do n't get to pick out what form of animal you transform into,"Albus told her.

"Oh,"Lily said,"But I think I 'll become a cat."

Albus nodded as Lily began to identify in great detail what form of cat she would translate into.

Everyone else was already at the Burrow and Albus felt an prompt heat come over him as he stepped inside. It had nothing to do with the fact that it was so frigid and snowy outside, either. There was something so comforting about being at the burrow surrounded by all his family. He was able to forget all the payoff with the Quidditch tournament and prof Killigan. All he could think about was how ravenous he was and how good some of his grannie 's cookery would be right about then.

blush wine sat down next to Albus as he tucked into a large bowlful of Allium cepa soup with a side of homemade bread.

"Uncle Charlie and aunt Katherine are going back to Romania this summer,"Rose announced.

"To chasten Sir Thomas More dragons ?"Albus asked. His uncle and aunt had n't done that since Stanley started Hogwarts, but they often talked about how they wanted to go back.

"Yeah,"Rose nodded,"They might stick around even after the summer 's over, but heather and scrape will come back to go to Hogwarts."

"They get to go, too ?"

"Yup. John Rowlands and Eddie are going, too. Henry M. Stanley 's quitting his job for it. He 's definitely staying in Romania after the summertime 's over. He wants to get into Dragon training."

"Wow,"Albus replied,"They 're favorable. I guess it 's commodity that Stanley decided what he wants to do."

Stanley had been working at the Magical menagerie since he finished Hogwarts, but knew he did n't want to do that his whole life. He just did n't know what he did want to do.

"I wish our parents would bring us to some other res publica,"Albus sighed.

"Me, too,"rosiness agreed,"Imagine the history we could learn."

Albus personally had enough of History from Professor Binns, but he supposed learning history by traveling would be fun.

"Christmas Quidditch tomorrow ?"Teddy asked as he sat down side by side to Rose.

"Definitely,"Albus grinned.

"I would n't matter on it, Teddy,"Molly said as she handed Albus another hunk of breadstuff,"We 're supposed to get the snowstorm of the decade tomorrow. The Muggle electrical energy is already out in town."

"Is it really ?"President Arthur popped his head into the room,"Fascinating ! I may hold to go see it tomorrow !"

"You 'll do no such thing !"Molly shouted,"It 's almost impossible to Appparate during such a storm. Not to mention the fact that it 's Christmas and you should be here."

"We do n't demand electricity to play Quidditch !"shimmy exclaimed,"It 'll be gross training conditions ! If you can catch a snitcher in the midsection of a blizzard, you can catch one in any weather. It 's not like Kendrick ever calls off Quidditch because of snow."

"We 'll see tomorrow, Teddy,"mollie sighed.

Albus finished his soup and he and Rose went into the den, where they were greeted by a loudly chorus line of 'Odo the Hero', sung by George I, Alicia, Charlie, and Ron. Federal Reserve note and Fleur were laughing while Hermione shook her head. Albus had a feeling the only reason why Fleur approved was because the singing was drowning out Celestina Warbeck.

"So then I said, I 'm not paying seven reaping hook for that !"Percy said to Katherine, who was only kind of paying attending,"And the bloke looked at me like I was mad. I say he 's mad, charging that practically for a hitch of a questionably historic old construction. There really should be regulation on such matter. It 's one thing I 'll change if I 'm ever Minister."

Albus stifled a jest. His Uncle Percy had been talking about running for Minister for the past ten years, but still had n't done it. well-nigh of his uncles and auntie got sick of hearing him mouth about what he would and would not change.

"Hey, Albus, Rose,"Victoire waved at him from across the room.

"Hi Victoire,"Albus made his way over to her,"How is Healer education ?"

"Exhausting,"Victoire sighed,"And I have to image out which component part of the hospital I want to do the rest of my training in by September. We 've been rotating throughout all the floor, but now we have to clean one. I 'm nowhere near decided."

"You have until September,"Albus shrugged. It seemed like a long time to him.

"I know,"Victoire replied,"But Amy 's known where she wants to polish off training since we were in fourth year."

"You 're not in Amy 's situation,"chemise appeared and put his arm around her,"And I think you 'll do great anyplace you decide."

"Thanks, teddy bear,"Victoire smiled,"I 'm thinking either the maternal quality ward or Spell Damage."

"There 's a busy Baroness Jackson of Lodsworth,"shimmy grinned,"go wrong. You 'll get all the good story injury there."

"That 's not a good reason to pick a specialisation,"Victoire groaned.

"Good a reason as any,"Teddy shrugged.

The time grew later and after Albus played numerous rounds of Exploding snapshot with his cousin, his grandmother announced that it was clip for bed. Everyone argued, but there was really no dot. Everyone, including the other adult, knew that arguing with molly Weasley was useless.

Albus trudged up the stairs to the highest sleeping accommodation that he shared with James, Ben, and Cedric. He climbed into bed and then realized just how big this impending blizzard was. The current of air was howling louder than he 'd ever see before.

The hint was so powerful that Albus could experience it through the gap in the windowpane. Every once in a piece, the theater would creak and agitate. Albus sighed and put his pillow over his auricle to try and overwhelm out the howling.

Albus did n't manage to drift off to kip until after Cedric got out of bed, swore loudly, and disregarded the no magic outside of school rule to put a silencing appealingness on the room.

******

Albus was awoken by his annual Christmas wake-up call, Lily. She breezed through the door shouting about how they all needed to awake up and open their present.

"And there 's three fundament of Baron Snow of Leicester outside,"Lily said as she left the room,"I checked."

"Merlin !"Epistle of James jumped off the top nonsense and looked out the window,"There is ! And it 's still coming !"

"Whoa, you ca n't see anything !"Cedric added.

"We could build the world 's biggest snowfall adept later,"Ben suggested.

"We could establish an total snow maven army,"Albus said.

"nowadays first,"James said as he located his great deal of presents.

Albus descended upon his own pile of present and began opening them. There were the usual sweets and Weasleys'Cartesian product from his aunt and uncles. Another Weasley perspirer, this one scarlet and Au striped. He pulled it on over his pajamas and opened the rest of the presents from his aunts and uncles. His Aunt Hermione had gotten him a few books he 'd probably never study, including one about the story of house ELF at Hogwarts.

Albus saved his parents'present tense for last, although he doubted they could top shoemaker's last year 's. There really was n't anything in the world that was dear than the invisibility Cloak.

"Al, did you open Mum and Dad 's yet ?"James shouted.

"I 'm opening it now,"Albus said as he ripped the report off the belittled box.

"You 'll never guess what they got us !"

Albus opened the box and saw two ticket. Two tickets for the Quidditch humans Cup that was taking place this summer !

"Whoa !"Albus shouted,"humans Cup just the ticket !"

"I did n't even acknowledge they were on sales event this early !"James said.

"You two get the best presents,"Cedric said.

"Hey, I got two tickets,"Saint James replied.

"Yeah, two,"Ben sighed,"You can only pluck one of us to go."

Albus suddenly realized he had the like problem. Two tickets. Five ally he would want to take. Who was he going to choose ? Not rosebush. They may have been friends since they were babies, but she just did n't suffer a passion for Quidditch. Neither did Kaden. He was another to foil off the inclination. John and Matt were the Quidditch fans. He 'd induce to choose between them. Amanda liked Quidditch well enough, but she did n't watch a team or anything.

"Those are specify edition tickets,"Ben said,"They do n't experience who 's playing yet, so they do n't sell very many tickets ahead of time."

"They 're for the top box, too,"James said in awe.

Lily burst into the room with a big grin on her aspect. She was holding two tickets as well."Did you get Quidditch tickets ?"

"Yeah,"Albus and James said at the same time.

"This is going to be bright,"Lily said and then ran out of the room.

Albus 's parents were already in the kitchen by the time Albus went downstairs. They were sitting at the mesa eating breakfast. Albus gave them each a vast hug and then sat down.

"How did you get the just the ticket ?"he asked.

"They were a gift from the Minister,"Harry replied,"The Cup is in Canada this year and he 's right champion with their curate. Got him a lot of unblock tickets."

Albus grinned as he began to eat breakfast. Somehow his parents had come close to topping last year 's face. Now not only was he going to get to see the humans Cup, he would get to travel to a different country.

Rose came downstairs a little while later and was impressed with the tickets. She had no desire to go to the Cup and had no prompting on how Albus was going to take between Saint John and Matt.

"Anyone up for Quidditch later ?"shift announced as he sauntered into the kitchen.

"Not under my watch !"molly shouted,"You ca n't see a infantry in front of you out there ! And it must be close to 15 below !"

"Maybe after lunch, then,"slip shrugged.

Molly shook her head and sighed as she set a few more than record of eggs and goner onto the table.

There was a knock on the doorway that could only just be heard over the howling steer. Molly glanced at Arthur, who shrugged and got up to see who it was. Albus followed, very rummy to see who would visit on Dec 25 morning in the middle of a vast blizzard.

"Xeno, is that you ?"President Arthur shouted outside.

"Yes !"Xenophilius Lovegood shouted back. Arthur stood aside as the man walked in and then shut the doorway behind him."Quite the violent storm we 're having ! Just thought I 'd block by and see if this place was still standing."

"Quite the violent storm, yes,"Chester Alan Arthur agreed,"I heard the Muggles lost electricity. Fascinating. I wonder what they do without it. But yes, the house is still standing."

"trade good, but if you feel it 's too rachitic, just let me bonk and I 'll go get some of my Jutispy plant life. The folio do marvel on old buildings. pass water them like new. I just put a bunch into my topographic point and it 's a good thing, too. Of track, they tend to draw in Nargles ..."Xenophilius 's voice trailed off.

"I 'll keep that in mind,"Arthur smiled,"Are you spending the vacation alone ?"

"Yes, yes,"he replied,"Luna and Rollo are with his menage this Christmas."

"Then you must stay here a piece. Molly 's manipulate far too much nutrient, like usual,"Arthur lead Xeno into the kitchen.

Albus followed them. He always found Xenophilius Lovegood to be an interesting maven, if not a little mad. Always going on about Nargles or Nom-Noms or something.

Molly was more than felicitous to provide Xenophilius with a large platter of breakfast and he settled down to discuss the storm with the adults.

Albus spent most of the dawning playing Exploding press stud, whizz 's chess, and Gobstones with his cousins. They tried to play hide and go seek, but the house was too crowded to play it properly.

slip and James kept looking out the window, leave it to stop snowing. Both of them were just itching to go sport Quidditch. Albus would have gladly gone and played if it would turn back snowing so much. He was dedicated to the game, but not enough to play in this storm.

lunch period came and the coke was still falling. George VI went outside to evaluate it and came back with the tidings that it was three and a one-half human foot.

teddy bear went upstairs after luncheon and came back decked out in three jumpers, a thick cloak, and a twain of thrill. Under one arm was his broom and under the other was a box of Quidditch balls. Henry James was right behind him, dressed the same.

"Theodore Remus lupin !"Molly shouted,"I suppose I ca n't stop you from going out there and catching death of a inhuman, but I will not let you haul James with you !"

"He 's not dragging me, Grandma,"James rolled his eyes,"I want to go !"

"Just let them, Molly,"Harry said,"They 'll get cold soon enough and get back inside."

"Fine,"Molly replied and went back into the kitchen.

"Excellent,"Teddy grinned,"Anyone care to join us ?"

Sakartvelo, Fred, and Heather suited up in warm clothes and joined Teddy and James. Albus decided against it. Quidditch was fun, but he did n't need to freeze when he could stay inside and be warm.

The Christmas Quidditch lasted a half an hour. teddy, James IV, Peach State, Heather, and Fred all stumbled back into the household shivering with their faces red and covered in snow and ice. Molly immediately descended upon them with mugs of hot chocolate and dry clothes.

"Told you, Molly,"Harry grinned.

"C-ca n't feel the Sn-Snitch,"Teddy muttered.

Harry laughed."That does n't surprise me. You 'll find it when the storm calms down. You put the good luck charm on it to continue in the yard, right ?"

"Y-yeah,"slip replied.

Christmas dinner came and went in its usual chaos. Xenophilius stayed for it and James snuck sneezing powder into his soup, which he found incredibly queer. Molly was not as impressed and gave James quite the tongue-lashing. How she found out it was James was beyond Albus.

The violent storm continued throughout the night and Cedric had to put the silencing appealingness back on their room in order for any of them to get any sleep.

******

Nobody left the Burrow until two days after Christmas. That was when the blow finally let up. It topped out at around four and a one-half feet, which was a new record for Albus 's lifetime. The tunnel 's yard had been decorated by 12 of coke Wiccan and wizards, along with hippogriffs, owls, and a variety of former magical creatures.

When Albus found out what his category was doing after they left the Burrow, he wished the snow would have kept coming. They were going shopping for apparel robes for the New class 's party.

"Why ca n't I just wear my old dress robes ?"James whined as they walked down Diagon Alley towards madam Malkin's.

"Because they 're five in too little,"Ginny replied,"They 're even too little for Al."

"Yeah, Hugo 's the lucky one,"St. James the Apostle muttered. Victor Hugo was wearing James 's old dress robes to the company and therefore did not consume to go shopping.

"mommy, I want purple robe,"Lily announced.

"If they have any,"Ginny replied.

Albus wanted to buy the first couplet of apparel gown he found, so long as they were n't rap or purple. The Oklahoman they were done robes shopping the better.

Rose and Lily made a beeline for the girls clothes robes as soon as they walked in the door. Albus stood awkwardly next to James while their mother found diverse robe for them.

"Here, try these on, Al,"Ginny handed him a pair of emerald William Green robes.

"Very Slytherin,"Henry James snickered.

"Shut it, James,"Albus muttered.

"They 'll bring out your optic, Al,"Ginny told him,"Now go try them on."

Albus reluctantly tried on the Slytherin colored gown and then left the fecundation room for his female parent to see.

"Too short,"she announced,"But the color is perfect. I 'll get hold a grownup size."

William James wound up with a navy blue pair of robes, which Albus would consume preferred. Lily found her purple robes and Rose got a sky blue duad.

"Next time you 're getting green robe,"Albus muttered to St. James the Apostle, who was still making fun of the color of Albus 's robes.

"No I wo n't. I do n't have green optic,"James grinned.

"Then we 'll get you a gracious red set,"Ginny said,"They 'll clash horribly with your hair."

"I do n't like. They 'd be Gryffindor colored,"King James I laughed.


A/N : Thanks to my genus Beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as all the awesome citizenry who have read and reviewed this ! Also, for anyone who read In Moonlight 's shadow, the firstly chapter of the subsequence, Beyond the Shadow, is now up !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


The party was at the curate 's manse, the house where all the minister of religion of Magic had lived. Albus had been there a few clip before, but not in a span eld. Usually all the party the diplomatic minister held were while Albus was at Hogwarts.

A few minute before the party, Ginny made Albus, James, and Lily all take showers and ransack their hair properly. She spent a serious fifteen minutes trying to get James 's hairsbreadth to lie flat and another fifteen minutes putting Lily 's up in some sort of elaborate bun typewrite thing. Albus was very felicitous his own hair was far too short for that sort of thing.

Before they left, Albus 's parents sat him, James, and Lily down on the couch and proceeded to tell them the rules for the evening.

"Absolutely no making bother !"Ginny stared at James as she said this,"None at all ! This is the Minister 's house ! I will not have you wreaking havoc in it."

"We 're trusting you to maintain yourselves occupied during this. I 'm going to have to mingle with everyone and we wo n't be able to take in you every minute,"Harry added,"You 're all at Hogwarts now. You 're old enough to not be glued to us for the evening."

"Do n't worry,"James said,"I know when mischief is n't appropriate."

"Let 's hope so,"Ginny sighed.

Albus and his class Apparated to the Minister 's house, which meant side-along phantom for Albus. He hated side-along specter. It felt like he could n't breath. It was worse when the person who was Apparating him was also Apparating another person, which was always the case in his fellowship. It was the curse of being the in-between shaver. He was either with Epistle of James or Lily. This time it was with Lily and Harry was Apparating them.

When Albus had regained his ability to breath properly, he looked around at where they had landed. He was standing on the front lawn of what was the most extravagant house he had ever seen. It could n't be considered a business firm ; it was just too monstrous.

A long and winding sidewalk, framed with bushes and brightness level on either side, leave up to the front door. Albus 's parents started walking up and Albus followed.

The mansion seemed to get self-aggrandising as they got closer. It was painted brown with a black roof and reminded Albus of a castle. It was n't nearly as big as Hogwarts, of course, but it was still huge.

Harry rang the bell when they arrived at the door and it was answered by the pastor himself."Harry !"he shouted,"Come in !"

parson Langston Hartwell was the third minister since the fall of Lord Voldemort. He was a tall, rotund man with very little whisker left on his headway. He did skylark a rather large mustache, which caused Albus to recall of him as a much marvelous version of professor Slughorn.

Hartwell was one of those very educated sorcerer who spoke using very boastfully words that Albus could n't really realise. He was long-winded and almost of his speeches could be condensed down into a few sentences, according to Harry, that is. He was a very nice man, though.

"right this way,"Hartwell motioned for them to keep abreast him.

Hartwell lead them through the star sign, which was just as spick as Albus remembered, and into what could only be described as a yard ballroom. It was the same dance palace all the party Albus had been to were held.

The room was decorated with flatware and black and was already filling up with multitude. Albus spotted Rose and flatness in the spine of the room and left his family in the doorway to go see them.

"Some shoes, huh ?"Albus said once he reached them.

"This is the biggest firm I 've ever seen,"Rose agreed,"I see you 're wearing your Slytherin robes."

Albus rolled his optic."Shut it."

"What do you imagine, Matt ?"blush wine turned to Matt,"His mum says they cope with his eyes, but Saint James the Apostle says they 're Slytherin robes."

"Slytherin,"Matt said immediately.

"Then yours are Ravenclaw,"Albus pointed out, gesturing to Matt 's juicy robes.

"I do n't care,"lustrelessness shrugged,"So, did you just get here ?"

"Yeah,"Albus replied.

"I 've been here for two hours already,"Matt said,"We were the first ones here. Dad keeps introducing me to citizenry and they all think I 'm a first year."

"Bet that 's fun,"Albus laughed,"Do you know most of these mass ?"

"Some,"Matt said,"That 's the bloke Dad 's taking over for,"he gestured to a very large wizard,"McVicar."

"Right,"Albus said,"I 've heard of him. Dad 's always said he would never retire."

"Dad never thought he would either,"mat laughed,"Then we 've got your Uncle Harry Hotspur, I think you probably know him. Those people are a few of Dad 's colleagues,"Matt gestured to a few more witches and wizards,"Then there 's a bunch of people from early section, but I do n't remember any of their names."

"Looks like it 's going to be a fun night,"Albus said sarcastically.

"Oh, it will be,"lusterlessness grinned,"When I was really niggling, we went to party like this a few metre a month. You make your own fun."

"Like what ?"Albus asked.

"Charming alcohol out of the wine and champagne. It 'll still taste exactly the same,"lusterlessness grinned mischievously,"By the prison term midnight rolls around, everyone will be wondering why they 're not drunk. It 'll be funny."

"You 've done this before ?"Rose raised an eyebrow.

"Amy has,"mat said,"She 's here somewhere and she 's going to do it soon."

"I have to intromit, that 's really creative,"rosiness giggled,"What else ?"

"Mostly stuff with the nutrient. enamour the burnt umber to sample like vanilla, charm the service utensils to move every time you go to pick them up, that sort of stuff,"flatness explained.

"My parents gave us this speech about how we ca n't represent buffoonery here,"Albus said,"She was saying it mostly for James, but I think she should 've given it to you."

"My parents never say that stuff and nonsense to me,"Matt laughed,"They never suspect me of anything. The minute of arc they find out the alcoholic beverage 's been charmed out of the swallow, they 'll discover Amy."

"She is the one who 's going to do it,"Rose pointed out.

"It was my idea, though. She was n't originally going to do it at this party,"flatness explained.

"alcohol 's gone,"Amy said quietly as she came up behind flatness,"This is going to be interesting."

"What exactly happens when you use this charm ?"rose wine asked.

"Oh, it 's smashing,"Amy grinned,"First, only a twosome people notice and they make a very quiet cite to another individual and then that mortal agrees that there 's something wrong with the drinks. Then it just snowballs from there until it 's all they 're talking about. Then individual will screen the drinks, see the alcohol 's been charmed away, replace it, and then everyone will recreate. But some of them will act rummy because they think there 's alcoholic beverage in the drinks."

"Are n't your parents going to be upset ?"rosiness asked.

"They might tell me they wish I had n't done it, but there 's not lots they can do,"Amy shrugged,"That 's why I 'm doing it and not Matt."

"I could n't see your parents yelling at you anyway,"Albus laughed.

"You never know,"Matt shrugged.

"I bet James and Cedric are going to do something,"Albus said as he scanned the gang. James and Cedric were sitting at one of the mesa, heads close together like they were plotting something.

"I 'd be shocked if they did n't,"pink wine smirked,"aunty Ginny has no hope of stopping James."

"And I 'd bet my last Galleon that Georgia and Thomas Bradley are talking about Quidditch,"Albus gestured to his other two cousin-german, who were standing near the buffet.

"That 's all they talk about,"Rose said,"And Lily looks bored. Five Sickles says she 's over here in about ten minutes or so."

"I would n't bet against that,"Albus said,"And Samantha and lindy will sneak out of the elbow room the next time Aunt Corrine looks away."

Albus 's Aunt Corrine was talking with two crone Albus did n't fuck and his twin cousins were chasing each other around the room.

"Are any of your early cousin coming ?"Amy asked.

"Nope,"Albus shook his psyche,"None of my former aunty and uncles work for the Ministry."

"Let 's go get something to eat,"Matt said.

Albus and rose wine agreed. Amy left to go talk to someone else and the three admirer walked over to the buffet. There was already a belittled queue in front of it.

"There go Samantha and Lindy,"rose wine said as they waited. The similitude ran out one of the doors and Corrine quickly followed.

The queue moved quickly and soon Albus was in front man. He grabbed a plate and piled it senior high school with just about everything. There was always the best food at this kind of political party.

They found an empty table far enough away from Saint James and Cedric. Albus did n't want to be anywhere near them when they did whatever they were planning on doing.

"I do n't even jazz what half this clobber is,"Matt said as he began eating,"But it 's good."

More and more than people arrived as Albus ate his dinner. He recognized a few of them, but did n't retrieve any figure. He also noticed that nobody was acting strangely due to Amy 's appeal. They were all acting perfectly normal for grownup who had had a few drinks.

Albus, mat, and rosebush wandered around the room once they finished their solid food. A few grownup stopped to exclaim how big they 'd draw and to wonder what twelvemonth they were at Hogwarts. Lily joined them because she did n't require to be associated with James and Cedric 's mischief.

"Hello, everyone !"Minister Hartwell shouted from the podium at the front of the room.

Everyone quieted down and turned to watch out him. Albus, Rose, and mat were somewhat shut to the podium.

"Thank you,"he smiled,"I assume you all know why I 've thrown this party, and it 's not just to unload the enceinte amount of vino I was given for Christmas !"

The adults all chuckled at Hartwell 's endeavor at a jape and then quieted down once again.

"Yes, yes, well, this party is in pureness of none early than Walter Eckerton, whom I have appointed to the billet of Head of the Department of Regulation and Control of Magical creature. There is no one else whom I would believe with such a job ...."

Hartwell 's speech soon descended into one of his usual spoken language, which Albus could not realize. It was long, drawn-out, and Albus could 've sworn he saw his dad yawn at one point.

Albus clapped loudly when Hartwell finally finished and turned the podium over to McVicar.

"Thank you, pastor,"McVicar began,"That was quite an concern delivery. I, too, would like to congratulate Walter Eckerton on his promotion.

"I am sure at least half of you were quite surprise to hear that I was retiring. I myself was surprised. In fact, I probably would n't have done it if it were n't for the fact that my wife has been begging me to for the yesteryear ten long time.

"However, the main reason for my lack of an in the beginning retirement was because there was not a single person employed in the Ministry whom I would feature trusted with this job. Nobody had the capabilities to deport out this location in the way I would like. Like they always say, if you want something done right, do it yourself. That was my motto up until five twelvemonth ago, that is.

"A little over five years ago, a man came into the Ministry looking for a job in the department of the Regulation and ascendence of Magical Creatures. He applied for a job in Werewolf reinforcement Services, a position that had been opened for well over a twelvemonth. I was set to employ anyone who walked through the door at that level, but I had no theme what was to come when I hired Walter Eckerton.

"Some of you may know that Walter has experience in this theatre of operations. He was the head word of the Department of Regulation and ascendency of Magical animal in Commonwealth of Australia for three years before leaving the position in order to actuate to England.

"Bruno Walter revolutionized Werewolf financial support Services as soon as he started. The musical theme he had were single that even I had n't thought of. In five short circuit class, he has bettered life for those plagued with lycanthropy to a greater extent than anyone else in the department have in their integral careers.

"It took only six months for me to agnize that I wanted Walter to take over for me when I retired. Not only does he accept the experience and intelligence for the job, but he also has dedication that I have never seen before. I even have to acknowledge that his inscription surpasses my own. I have never seen anyone battle as severely for werewolf rights as he has.

"The only thing left for me to do was convince myself it was time to retire,"McVicar chuckled,"And yes, it did learn the better office of five years to do that. But now, I feel very positive as I deal the reins over to Walter."

Everyone clapped as McVicar stepped away and matte 's dad took the podium."That was quite the speech,"Albus muttered to Matt.

"I 'll say,"mat agreed,"And McVicar does n't usually praise people like that."

"Well,"matte 's dad began,"Thanks for your vote of confidence, Rob. I certainly hope I can experience up to your expectations.

"I have to get down by saying how unexpected this was. I really had no intentions of becoming the mind of the full department again, no issue which area I was living in. Werewolf bread and butter Services has been such a great topographic point to mold these past few years. It truly is my passion.

"However, when Langston and Rob approached me about taking over when Rob retired, I found it difficult to say no. In the end, I said yes because I want to cook more of a difference of opinion.

"Of line, I could not have gotten to this place without the assist of my wife, Julie,"he gestured to Matt 's mum, who was standing near the podium,"And my daughter, Amy, and my son, Matt.

"I 'm not one for long speeches, so I 'll just say that I look forward to starting the job and I truly hope I can be at least one-half of the head of the section Rob has been."

"I just hope none of them find out why my dad 's so dedicate,"Matt whispered.

"They 're too drunk to think much on it,"blush wine smirked.

"They 're not really drunk,"Albus reminded her.

"They 're certainly acting like they are,"Rose pointed out.

A good portion of the adults were acting very drunk. In fact, if Albus had n't known about Amy 's spell, he would say they all really were drunk. The weird matter was that everybody was acting drunk. There did n't look to be anyone who was thinking there was something wrongfulness with the drinks.

"Let 's go ask Amy about it,"mat suggested.

Amy was standing nearby, so Albus, Matt, and rosebush squeezed their way through the bunch to get to her.

"Amy,"Matt whispered,"Why 's everyone acting formula ?

"I do n't bang,"she whispered back,"Let 's go face at the drinks."

James I and Cedric were also standing near the drinkable mesa, looking nearly as confused as Albus felt about this magic spell. That was kind of strange.

Amy grabbed a glass of vino and tried it."Well, it tastes hunky-dory, but it 's supposed to."

"You 'll bear to drink a lot More than that to get properly drunk,"mat grinned.

"I 'm not doing that,"Amy rolled her eyes.

"Actually,"James grinned mischievously,"That might get you drunk."

"What did you do ?"Albus groaned.

"Cedric and I added some redundant alcohol to that wine-coloured,"Saint James the Apostle whispered.

Albus, rose wine, lustrelessness, and Amy burst out laughing. Albus could not believe it. All of their put-on had backfired. The wine was now perfectly normal.

"What 's so odd ?"Cedric asked.

"Amy pulled a prank, too,"Albus said.

"I put a appealingness on all the wine to off the alcoholic drink, while keeping the taste,"Amy explained,"I did it right when the party started."

"So much for that prank,"King James groaned.

"Now you wo n't get in trouble,"Albus pointed out,"Mum 's been watching you two."

"I know,"James muttered,"That 's why we ca n't do it again."

"What do you want to do now ?"Albus asked as James, Cedric, and Amy left.

"wishing to research the Minister 's Mansion ?"Matt suggested.

"Is that allowed ?"rosebush asked skeptically.

"I do n't see why not, I mean, this is my dad 's company,"matt pointed out,"Plus, we 'd just be walking around."

"Let 's go,"Albus said and top them out of the ballroom.

It was often quieter in the rest period of the house. They started wandering through any rooms that had unfastened doors.

"This place is so bloody fancy,"Albus said.

"It reminds me of my grandparents'house,"matte said.

"Their household is this big ?"Rose asked.

"Nearly,"lusterlessness replied,"They 've got a dance palace and everything."

The three booster wound up in a very heavy bread and butter room filled with antiquate furniture. There was an oriental person rug on the solid ground and oak tables and bookshelves around the perimeter. Atop the tabular array were fancy vases of flower and crystal sculptures.

"We 'd better be measured in here,"pink wine said as she walked into the way,"If we break any of this stuff, our parents would murder us."

"Cinda 's got one of these,"mat pointed to a crystal swan.

"Do n't stir it !"pink wine hissed.

"I was n't,"lusterlessness assured her,"I broke Cinda 's once, but Mum fixed it."

"flavour at all these account book,"Albus gazed up at one of the bookcases,"gentlewoman Pince would have intercourse to get her hands on these."

"They 're all about politics, though,"lustrelessness pointed out,"Pretty boring."

"Mum would like them,"Rose said

"I wonder how old this furniture is,"Matt said as he looked at a rather uncomfortable looking armchair.

"Probably sr. than Aberforth Dumbledore,"Albus replied.

"Hey, Albus, Matt, get along here,"rose wine said as she looked out the window.

Albus and Matt walked over to the window and leaned over the table that was in social movement of it.

"What is it ?"Albus asked.

"feeling, there's-"

Matt leaned farther over the table and knocked one of the quartz glass carving off. Rose gasped and managed to entrance it before it crashed onto the floor.

"Merlin,"blush wine whispered as she set it back on the table,"Be careful."

"Sorry,"mat replied,"What were you saying ?"

"There 's someone sneaking around out there,"rose said.

Albus peered out the windowpane into the swarthiness. He could just barely make out a shadow lurking around the President Bush. It did n't calculate like the person was walking up towards the theatre to go to the party. Plus, why would he point up three hours late ?

"There 's definitely soul out there,"Matt said.

"Let 's go come up out who it is,"Albus said. He did n't have a clue as to who it was, but he wanted to find out. There was no reason for mortal to be sneaking around the Minister 's Mansion at this clip of night.

"Albus Severus ceramicist, are you bloody insane ?"rosebush exclaimed,"I think you are !"

"looking at, I just want to go see if we can find out who it is. I 'm not saying we should go duel them. Plus, there 's a whole room total of Ministry official in case whoever is out there is someone bad,"Albus said.

"That 's a good point,"Matt replied,"Why would soul creep around a star sign that 's full of Ministry functionary, especially when the two top Aurors are inside ?"

"I do n't know,"Albus said,"But I want to find out who it is."

Rose reluctantly agreed and followed Albus and Matt, muttering under her breathing time. They found the cheeseparing doorway and went out into the cold night, drawing their wands as they did so.

"If we are n't killed, we 'll freeze to end,"pink wine muttered.

Albus ignored her and started looking around. He stayed close to the household and tried to observe himself concealed in the bushes as he looked for the figure. However, he could n't see or hear anything.

"Do you hear anything ?"he whispered to Matt.

"No,"Matt replied,"It 's like they disapparated or something."

"good,"Rose muttered,"Now let 's go back inside."

"They could 've just moved,"Albus pointed out,"Let 's keep going."

Albus continued creeping around the house, with his wand out in front of him. His pith was beating fast and his hands were sweaty despite the cold. He did n't want to check, though. Figuring out who this blighter was was exciting and mettle wracking at the same time.

"Do n't move !"person shouted and all of a sudden there was a promising light in Albus 's centre. Wand light.

rosiness screamed and grabbed postponement of Albus 's arm. Albus held up his own scepter, his hand shaking.

"Who are you ?"the individual shouted.

"Wh-who are y-you ?"Albus stammered.

"He sounds conversant,"lustrelessness whispered,"Hang on. Bloody inferno, that 's prof Balladanis !"

Albus thought for a second and the voice did sound a lot like Balladanis. But why would he be sneaking around the government minister 's mansion ?

"Albus potter, is that you ?"the man shouted.

"Er, yes,"Albus replied.

The verge light lowered and Albus heard the man whole step through the snow towards him. Albus saw that he was indeed Professor Balladanis. He breathed a sigh of relief as rose let go of his arm.

"Mr. Potter,"Balladanis said and then waved his wand around,"And Miss Weasley, Mr. Eckerton. Oh, I suppose this party is for your father, Mr. Eckerton ?"

"Y-yes, sir,"Matt replied.

"What are the three of you doing sneaking around outside in the dead of night ? I thought I 'd teach you better than that. You 're just asking for worry,"Balladanis said sternly.

"Told you,"Rose whispered to Albus.

"Er,"Albus began,"We saw someone lurking around out here and went to enquire. I guess that person was you ...."

"And you 're golden it was me,"Balladanis barked,"The three of you could have been dead if that person had been a colored wizard. Now, I 'm taking all three of you back inside."

Albus nodded and followed Balladanis through the snow and towards the door."Sir,"Albus said,"If you do n't mind my asking, what were you doing exterior ?"

"If you must know, the rector asked me to jibe the priming in order to make for sure cipher was lurking around,"Balladanis replied.

That did nothing but glint Albus 's peculiarity even more. He knew ameliorate than to press further, though. Balladanis was not one to explain his motives.


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as everyone who has read and reviewed this !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


It was nearing midnight when Albus, Matt, and Rose re-entered the building, escorted by Professor Balladanis. Albus had been hoping the professor would just see them to the door and then persist in his search of the perimeter, but instead he went back to the ballroom with them and marched them right up to Harry.

"ceramicist,"Balladanis interrupted the conversation Harry had been having with some magician Albus did n't know,"I found your son, your niece, and their friend wandering around outside."

"Albus,"Harry groaned,"I thought we made it net that you were to stick inside."

"I 'll leave them with you,"Balldanis said,"Happy New Year."

"Happy New year,"Harry replied,"And thanks."

Balladanis disappeared into the crew and Albus shifted uncomfortably as his dad stared at him for a few moments.

"tutelage to explain ?"Harry raised an eyebrow.

"We were just, er, exploring,"Albus muttered.

"Do n't do it again,"Harry sighed.

"We wo n't,"Albus assured him.

Harry went back to his conversation and Albus lead his friends back to the buffet.

"I hope you 've learned your example,"Rose muttered,"I am not doing that again."

"We wo n't do it again. Not this night, that is,"Albus grinned.

"10 !"soul shouted.

Albus looked at the skinny clock and saw that it was almost midnight. Everyone else joined in the countdown, holding their Methedrine of champagne in the air. Amy joined Albus, Rose, and Matt.

"3, 2, 1, Happy New class !"Albus shouted along with everyone else.

The gang began to thin out a little while later. Most of the people Albus did n't have it off left, along with his Uncle Percy, Aunt Corrine, and his cousins. Albus 's parents did n't take care like they were in any hurry to pass on, so he got a home plate of the remnant desserts and at them with his friends.

Rose 's family and Amy left, and then it was just the ceramicist, flatness, his parents, the diplomatic minister, and his wife left. All the adults were talking, James was teasing Lily about something, and Albus and matt were finishing off the last of the desserts.

"Do you recall there 's any way for Hogwarts to win the Quidditch tourney ?"flatness asked as he polished off a small-arm of chocolate cake.

"Only if Linda 's spue the day of one of the compeer,"Albus sighed.

"Maybe that 'll happen,"flatness said,"You never know."

"Al, we 've got to go,"Ginny tapped him on the shoulder.

"Ok, Mum,"Albus replied and then turned back to lusterlessness,"I 'll see you soon."

"Yeah, see you on the gear,"lustrelessness said.

Albus waved goodbye and then joined his mum, dad, James River, and Lily. They all said felicitation to mat 's dad and then left the Minister 's Mansion. Albus peered into the bushes as he left, but there was no sign of professor Balladanis.

******

The balance of the Christmas vacation went by very slow for Albus. He did all his preparation, which was quite drill, and there was goose egg to do after that. rosiness was visiting her other grandparents and James was at Nathan 's house. Even Kaden was in use visiting his grandparents ( Vernon and Petunia ). He sent Albus a letter complaining about it, since the visit was also with auntie oleo. Albus was very grateful that he did n't possess to go. Neither of his parents had mentioned anything about visiting with Vernon and petunia again.

Finally the day to return to school arrived and the Potters made it to Platform 9 ¾ just in sentence. Albus found all his friends in one of the compartments and once they kicked Lily, Ashtyn, and Victor Hugo out, they told each other about their holidays.

"aunt margarine has got to be the most horrible aunt in the intact world,"Kaden fumed,"My dad told her about magic a few month ago and she 's been terrible ever since. I mean, she was always variety of horrible, but now she 's spoilt. She just hates magic so much. She 's worsened than my grandparents."

"Wow,"Albus replied,"gladiolus I 've never met her."

"Consider yourself favorable,"Kaden muttered,"I 'm guessing you lot had ameliorate holiday ?"

"We found prof Balladanis lurking around the government minister 's residence,"Albus announced.

"What ?"John, Kaden, and Amanda shouted at the same time.

"I saw person sneaking around out of doors and Albus insisted we go investigate,"pink wine said,"Turns out it was Balladanis and the government minister had apparently asked him to tally the grounds for trouble."

"Did he receive you ?"John asked.

"Yeah,"Albus nodded,"He was n't to felicitous either."

"Told us we could 've been killed,"Matt explained.

"Well, we could 've,"rose muttered.

"Weird though,"John said,"Why would the diplomatic minister think individual would be hiding around his house ?"

"Does n't he have precaution around anyway ?"Amanda asked,"The Muggle Minister does."

"Again, that 's why it 's uncanny,"John replied,"He does have guards."

"Why would he ask Balladanis anyway ?"Matt asked,"Why not ask an Auror ? Balladanis is a professor."

"He has n't always been,"Albus pointed out,"He had some sort of mysterious job before."

"Again, Weird,"Saint John the Apostle said.

"Yeah, there were a bunch of Aurors at the party, not to mention Albus 's dad,"Matt pointed out.

"That settles it,"John the Evangelist announced,"Albus, you 've got to find out what he did before he started teaching defense ?"

"Why me ?"Albus asked.

"Because you 've got those especial dueling lessons with him. He likes you for some grounds. Of course, he also likes Malfoy. But that 's probably just because Malfoy 's a in effect dueler, too,"John the Divine explained.

"I 'll try,"Albus sighed,"But I really do n't think he 'll recount me."

"You never know,"John said.

******

"Quiet, pipe down !"Balladanis shouted the following Tues, their maiden day of DoD after the holiday.

Albus immediately stopped talking to matt and John and turned to face Balladanis. He was really hoping that the prof would say nothing about what happened at the company and so far Balladanis was showing no recollection of it.

"I trust you all had superb vacation,"Balladanis said,"But the holidays are over and although I am sure none of you thought a bit about defensive legerdemain during said holidays, it is now clock time to lead off that thinking once again.

"first, I 'll say that there is no time to not be thinking about justificatory deception, as the dark prowess do not take breakage for trivial things such as holidays.

"mo, in this full term we will lead off to explore creatures far more grave than hinkypunks and kappas. In this term we shall learn about those terrifying creatures such as acromantulas, basilisks, werewolves, dragons, and vampires."

Albus could n't help but glance at Linda when Balladanis said lamia. Balladanis had glanced at her as well, and he also glanced at matt when he said werewolf. Of course, he had looked at Albus when he said basilisks, so it did n't necessarily mean anything, but Albus had a feeling it did.

"As the schoolmaster would get it highly inappropriate for a dragon to manifest itself in this classroom, we shall not be using the anamatek as often this term,"Balladanis continued,"But we will be using it a few times. You will happen that there are more lectures in this term, much to my dislike. There is cipher I would wish better than to teach you about acromantulas and loup-garou with practical lessons, but there are both laws and school prescript that prevent such lessons."

Albus and flatness glanced at each other. It was official. professor Balladanis was insane. What kind of teacher would want to instruct about Draco with experience dragons ? Well, Hagrid would, but he was n't the same as Balladanis.

"Take out some parchment,"Balladanis said,"We 're going to begin learning about acromantulas today ...."

The repose of the day went by relatively quickly. Albus actually did not deliver Quiditch practice that night, so everyone went to the Marauder 's Den after dinner.

"Divination is such a joke,"John said as he tossed his bag onto the floor and collapsed onto a couch,"We started quartz glass ball gazing today. All I saw was a load of fog."

"I told you not to take it,"pink wine said as she pulled a spate of al-Qur'an out of her own bag.

"I did n't think it would be this bad,"John groaned,"There is no way anyone could see anything in a crystal ball."

"Palmistry was better,"Amanda said,"And Trelawney makes the whole affair worse."

"Trelawney could ca-ca Defense bad,"Albus replied.

"Balladanis told us that he wished he could teach us about dark animate being using the anamatek,"Rose said,"Seriously, he wanted a basilisk to appear in the middle of the classroom."

"That would be stupid,"Kaden said as he unwrapped a Chocolate batrachian,"Those can kill you with their eyes."

"I know,"rose wine said,"Balladanis is insane."

"Do you recall that anamatek could turn into a lycanthrope if the moon was n't full ?"John asked.

"Probably not,"matt answered,"It would just be a wolf. I think it would just be a skirt chaser any other fourth dimension of the month, too, because there 's no way it could reverse someone into a lycanthrope by biting them."

"That 's good,"Albus said,"Because he did say that he 'd use the anamatek a few times this term. Wonder if he 'll cause it become into a vampire."

"No demand,"John laughed,"We 've got Linda."

"If you think of it that way, there 's no point to have it turn into a wangle werewolf either,"rosebush pointed out.

"trade good point, I guess,"John muttered.

******

The rest of the week went by quickly. Albus had Quidditch practice Thursday even, and Sir Henry Wood informed the whole team that they 'd develop rusty over the holiday. He also told them that the next friction match was in two workweek and they 'd be playing New York. If they won, they 'd be in back place.

Albus had a dueling lesson with Balladanis the observe eve and he had absolutely no idea how he was going to ask what Balladanis 's previous job had been.

Albus arrived at Balladanis 's room before Malfoy and entered to find Balladanis clearing all of the desks from the center of the room.

"Mr. Potter,"Balladanis turned around and greeted Albus,"Is it safe to assume that you did not go wandering about late at night alone after New yr 's ?"

"Yes, sir,"Albus muttered as he felt his face turn red. He was quite gladiola Malfoy was n't there yet.

"Mr. Malfoy,"Balladanis said as Malfoy walked into the room,"Now we may start. I have decided that your understanding of the Protego charm is acceptable so we are going to move on to something else.

"This particular charm, when performed correctly, manages to demilitarise and disorient a person at the same time. The sensation is often described as lightheadedness. Can either of you tell me what why this charm would be more useful than a standard disarming spell ?"

"Because it 's easier to duel mortal who 's dizzy than somebody who is n't,"Malfoy said.

"More specifically than that,"Balladanis said,"Mr. thrower ?"

"Er, because you can get the someone tied up while they 're disoriented ? If they 're a dark champion you 're trying to catch,"Albus replied.

"Another good reason, but not the one I was thinking of,"Balladanis began to walk slowly around the room,"Wizards who are expecting to hold to duel early wizards often keep multiple sceptre on their soul. There are spells that can be performed on these wands to sustain them attached to your robe or your actual body, spells that Expelliarmus wo n't overcome easily. However, these spell require perpetual concentration.

"If a wizard is hit with the appeal I am about to instruct you, they will lose the concentration necessary to keep their special baton affixed. Then, you can use Expelliarmus to get the extra wands."

"Can you teach us that charm to keep extra wands in our gown ?"Malfoy asked.

"Perhaps towards the end of the year. It takes huge concentration and magical get-up-and-go to simultaneously perform that charm while dueling soul,"Balladanis explained,"For now, you will learn the appeal to unarm and disorient a person at the same time.

"The conjuration is 'Confundo-Expelliarmus'. A combining of Confundus and Expelliarmus. Mr. Malfoy, you will go first. When I say so, perform the charm against Mr. Potter. Mr. ceramicist, you may try and turn back him using the Protego magic spell I taught you earlier."

Albus nodded, wishing he had been chosen to perform the new appeal first, and faced Malfoy. He held his wand up and muttered 'Protego'under his breather. He focused all of his concentration on holding the shield up.

"Now, Mr. Malfoy,"Balladanis muttered.

"Confundo-Expelliarmus !"Malfoy shouted.

Albus felt the charm hit his shell, but it did n't ruin through. He gripped his sceptre harder and stared at Malfoy.

"Keep going,"Balladanis said to Malfoy.

"Confundo-Expelliarmus !"Malfoy shouted again.

The charm hit Albus 's shield a little harder this clock time. Albus could finger beads of exertion forming on his forehead.

Malfoy kept going and it took him five times to break through Albus 's shield. When it happened, Albus felt his wand leave his manus and was overcome by a wafture of dizziness at the Saame meter. He felt exactly like he had when he had gotten the flu the former year, only without the fever.

Albus did n't pay any attention to what Malfoy and Balladanis were doing. He felt like he was going to choke out and he had to sit down. He sat down right on the floor and was vaguely mindful of Balladanis standing over him.

Then, all of a sudden, the dizziness was gone. Albus shook his oral sex and then looked up and saw Balladanis and Malfoy standing in front of him. Malfoy looked impressed and Balladanis looked like he always did.

"You did quite well with that shield,"Balladanis said as Albus stood up,"And I think it 's safe to accept that you could n't throw held denseness for any spells after Mr. Malfoy succeeded in breaking your shield."

"No, sir,"Albus shook his head.

"Normally the magical spell 's effects would have lasted longer, but I performed the counter-curse because it looked like you were ready to pass out,"Balladanis explained,"When you 're quick, you can try the charm."

"I 'm ready,"Albus said as he took his wand back from Malfoy.

Balladanis gave Malfoy a few arcsecond to get his shield up and then nodded at Albus to do the charm.

"Confundo-Expelliarmus !"Albus shouted. As he expected, the magical spell did not wear out Malfoy 's shield.

Much to Albus 's delight, he managed to break out the shield on the fourth part try. One less try than Malfoy had needed for Albus.

The appeal hit Malfoy in the chest and his scepter soared towards Albus. Albus caught it and watched as Malfoy knack over and fell to the solid ground, much like Albus himself had done.

Balladanis gave Albus one of his rare grin and then pulled out his own wand. He waved it at Malfoy and Malfoy looked up.

"That was weird,"Malfoy muttered.

"It 's supposed to be,"Balladanis said,"Now get up and we 'll do it again."

Balladanis kept them at it for the better part of an hour, past when Albus would have liked to depart. It was exhausting to be hit with that magical spell time after time while trying to obtain up a cuticle appealingness. Malfoy did n't seem to be faring much better and Albus thought he was even going to ask Balladanis to stop after a half hour, but Malfoy closed his mouth, obviously thinking better of it.

The practice was n't for nothing, though. Albus managed to concur Malfoy off longer and longer each time and although Malfoy was getting serious at the shield appeal as well, Albus broke through it a few more times.

"That 's enough for tonight,"Balladanis finally said after he performed the countercurse on Albus for what must throw been the tenth clip that Nox,"I 'll see you in grade on Tuesday."

Malfoy made a beeline for the door, but Albus turned to Balladanis instead. He might as well just get it over with. There was no good way to ask Balladanis what his former job had been. He just had to do it.

"Er, Sir,"Albus began,"I was just wondering, what did you do before you began teaching here ?"

Balladanis gave Albus the strangest look he had ever seen. It was a mixture of ira, sadness, and even repent. For a second, Albus wished he had n't asked. It was too personal. He should have just told John they would n't be able to ascertain out.

"Now is not the time,"Balladanis said quietly,"All in right time, I will tell you."

Albus was taken aback. That was More than he had expected. He had thought Balladanis would have told him to mind his own business and get back to Gryffindor tower before curfew. Albus was going to find out out, he was just going to have to be patient.

Albus left the room as quickly as he could in his eject state, before Balladanis could change his mind about eventually telling Albus about his previous vocation. The walkway back to Gryffindor column seemed yearner than usual and all Albus wanted to do was collapse into bed when he finally got there.

Instead, he was ambushed by all of his friends. All five of them looked shocked and Amanda looked like she was going to be regurgitate. He looked around the plebeian room and saw that most the great unwashed looked shocked and everyone was subdued. There was no joking around going on. Even James was quietly sitting at one of the tables.

"What happened ?"Albus whispered as he followed them back to their usual table.

rosiness opened her mouth to speak and then closed her eyes, ineffectual to do so. Albus turned to John and raised his eyebrows.

"You know that bloke who owns Dervish and Banges ?"John asked quietly.

Albus nodded, having seen the man on legion occasions when he was in Hogsmeade. He was slightly sure-enough than Albus 's parents, with greying hair and a very intense personality. He never hesitated to crap his opinion known

"person killed him,"John said in barely more than a whisper.

"Wh-what ?"Albus turned to look at all his admirer in turn. Matt nodded ever so slightly and then put his head on his hands.

"must 've just happened,"privy said,"They just found him. lady Rosmerta heard a commotion and Flooed here, to get the Auror on duty. By the time they got back, his store was a make out muckle inside and he was laying suddenly on the floor. Avada Kedavra. They 're searching Hogsmeade, the afforest, the soil, and the shoal. cipher 's allowed out of their rough-cut rooms and dormitories."

"We thought Balladanis would bring you back here when it happened,"Rose said.

"Nobody even came in to tell us,"Albus replied, still in shock.

masses were n't just randomly killed in Hogsmeade. That sort of thing just did n't happen anymore. Not since Voldemort had been defeated. Well, professor Torro had been killed back before his first year and then that one witch from the Ministry had been killed over Christmas Day, but their killers had never been found and cypher had happened since.

"Why would anyone pop him ?"flatness wondered aloud.

"Why would anyone kill anyone ?"rose wine replied.

The portrait hole opened and all the whispering stopped. Everyone looked to see who came in. It was prof Longbottom, looking worse for the wear. His robes were disheveled and his tie was askew.

"Aurors are still searching the castle and the terra firma,"he told them,"I suggest you all try and get some slumber. The hunt will be long over by break of day, so you will be free to bequeath the vernacular elbow room then."

Albus and his booster looked at each former after Longbottom left. They wordlessly went up to their dorm, Kaden going with Albus instead of to the second years'dorm. nonentity said anything as he curled up on the floor with one of Albus 's dispense with blanket. Albus got into bed and stared at the cap. He had been so played out earlier, but now there was no way he 'd get much sleep that night.


A/N : Thanks to my Beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as all the awesome proofreader and commentator !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Lunch was very subdued the future day. near the great unwashed had slept quite late since it was a Sabbatum. Every student of Hogwarts had their nozzle in a copy of the Prophet, be it their own or a booster 's. The staff table looked the Lapplander, with every professor either reading the Prophet or whispering with another professor, no question about what they 'd learn.

Albus was reading GA 's Prophet as she had finished with it and made a genial note to bug out subscribing himself. All of his Friend were peering over his shoulder joint. Even Linda was hovering around them, a foot or so away.

HOGSMEADE SHOPKEEPER MURDERED

A disturbance in Dervish and Banges late
yesterday evening that sent one Hogsmeade
resident to Hogwarts to find the Auror on
duty wind to the discovery of the demise
of a shopkeeper.

Leroy Wisander, 42, the ten-year owner of
Dervish and Banges was pronounced dead
on the scene by Ministry Aurors yesterday
eventide. His shop had been broken into
and it showed signs of a struggle.
Wisander was discovered in the heart of
destroyed merchandise with his wand
laying a few metrical unit away. Aurors confirmed
that he was killed with the killing curse.

An extensive lookup of Hogsmeade, the
forest, Hogwarts, and its grounds turned
up nothing despite the hours Aurors spent
searching. No fingerprints were found on
the scene.

Aurors will be devoting time to finding
Wisander 's killer whale and a possible motive.

Leroy Wisander had owned Dervish and Banges
for a little over ten years, when he
purchased the shop from its previous possessor
who retired. However, Wisander is more
known for the scathing editorial he writes
for this very newspaper.

Anyone who knew Wisander knew he was a man
of very solid opinion and did not waver
to let others have a go at it his view. His most
late editorial have explored the matter
of wolfman, vampire, and other so called
'half-breeds'right field. Aurors have declined
remark on whether they believe Wisander 's
editorial are a potential motive for his
murder. Wisander 's obituary can be found
on Sir Frederick Handley Page five.

Albus set the paper down and his friends all resumed their seats. cipher said a intelligence for a few bit. Albus did n't love what to think. The clause certainly made it seem like Wisander was killed because of his opinion. However, it did n't exactly say what his feeling were. Albus had n't ever read any of his column, so he could n't say either.

"What kind of newspaper column did he spell ?"Matt asked quietly.

"I have no estimation,"Albus replied, looking at his friend whose face was quite blanch,"Want to go to the room ?"

"Yeah,"matt nodded,"I 'm not really hungry."

Albus got up and was followed by all of his friends. lav and Kaden each grabbed a sight of goner before leaving. Even Rose and Amanda went with them instead of going off to study with Linda.

"Have any of you read his column ?"Matt asked as soon as they were in the Marauder 's Den.

Nobody had read them. Not even rosiness. mat sighed and collapsed onto one of the lounge."I 've got to witness out what they were about. I do n't even experience which would be better, him being for or against lycanthrope rights. If he 's for them, that means some bloke is on the loose killing the great unwashed for wanting werewolf rights."

matte did n't even have to continue for Albus to know why that worried him. matte 's dad was possibly the self-aggrandising exponent of werewolf rights in all of Britain and everyone knew it. If someone had been killed just for writing about loup-garou rights, what would happen to mortal who was actually passing laws for them ?

"That might not be why Wisander was killed,"rosebush pointed out.

"Why else would individual make killed him ?"flatness asked,"He was just a workshop owner in Hogsmeade."

"Why did someone killing professor Torro ?"lav replied,"He was n't even writing any column or anything."

"To scare people,"Albus said quietly,"The Defense instructor position used to be cursed, back when our parents were in school."

"Well, I do n't think you should worry until you find out what the editorials are about,"blush wine said to Matt.

"The former selection is n't often wagerer,"Matt muttered,"If he did n't write editorials for loup-garou right wing, then he wrote them against them."

Albus thought mat had a point, but he kept his mouth shut. Any way you looked at it, this murder pointed to the fact that things were changing. Aurors had been patrolling Hogwarts for calendar month, but Albus had quickly adjusted to that and did n't really think much about it, but maybe there was more materialize outside of Hogwarts than Albus was cognisant of.

"Let 's go to the library,"rosiness said as she stood up,"They 'll birth old written matter of the Prophet there."

Everyone agreed with this and they set off to the program library. When they arrived, they were surprised to find how crowded it was. Usually Saturdays were the twenty-four hour period everyone put off their preparation and then Sundays were spent in the library.

Once they stepped inside, Albus saw that everyone was looking through old copies of the Prophet. Nearly every table had a few newspaper publisher on it and a few scholar poring over them. dame Pince was bustling about, no doubt worrying about whether the students would rip her precious newspapers.

"mightiness not be any left,"John muttered.

"This is good,"Albus replied,"Now it wo n't seem suspicious for us to be investigating."

can was almost right. There was a very humble stack of newspaper publisher left. Albus grabbed them all and then they went to a secluded mesa towards the spine of the library. Albus, flatness, and Rose each took a newspaper while John, Kaden, and Amanda played tick-tack-toe on a spare bit of parchment.

Albus leafed through his newspaper, which was about two years old, until he got to the newspaper column section. In the very middle, in the with child baptismal font, was an editorial by Leroy Wisander.

healer, beer maker TO BLAME, NOT MINISTRY OFFICIALS

As I was locking up my shop shoemaker's last night,
I noticed that it was a wax moonshine. I
could not help but reckon of the poor
the great unwashed plagued with lycanthropy
currently shut up while attacking
themselves.

Now, I know what you all are thinking.
wolf's bane. The stuff works miracles
if taken correctly. However, it does
no full if it 's sitting in St. Mungo 's
and not being used by hag and
sorcerer with lycanthropy.

The stuff is expensive. I myself did
the calculations and discovered that
it would be extremely difficult for
anyone with a low income to give it.

And what sort of jobs are lycanthropes
often stuck with ? Menial, low-paying
ones. The occupation where they make hardly
enough money to pay the rent and buy
food, let alone buy a potion that
could alter their lives for the better.

I am absolutely outrage that therapist
and potion brewer charge for this
important potion. They must be making
a courteous profit. They can use the profits
to subscribe to extravagant holiday while the
wretched crone and genius who buy it
struggle to afford it.

There is only so often Ministry officials
can do. Head of wolfman backing Services,
Walter Eckerton, says he would lie with to
give away free Wolfsbane, but there just
is n't way for it in the budget.

What do I propose ? I propose that therapist
and potion brewers give it away for free.
They have the ability to brew it, not
the Ministry. nigh healer claim to love
helping mass, but often it is those who
need it most, such as those with lycanthropy,
are often forced to go without, all because
those with the ability to brew it like
to have a little additional disbursement money.

"Nothing in this one,"rosebush said as she shoved hers aside.

"This one 's got one about vampire,"matt said as he set his paper on top of Rose's.

"Read this,"Albus handed Matt his paper,"Wisander even mentions your dad."

flatness took the newspaper and he and Rose began to record it. privy, Amanda, and Kaden peered over as well. Albus sat and waited while they read.

"Let 's go back to the room,"matte said as soon as he 'd finished Reading it.

Albus nodded and they returned the newspaper publisher and walked as fast as they could second to the predator 's Den.

"Bloody Hell, that bloke must have had so many enemies !"St. John shouted as soon as they were back.

"I know,"Albus agreed,"And that one 's from two years ago. Imagine what he 's written recently."

"Why did he bear to mention my dad ?"Matt groaned,"He made it sound like my dad agrees with that editorial and he definitely doesn't."

"He was just trying to stir something up,"Rose replied,"And look where it got him."

"healer are n't like that. Most of the single I 've met would impart away free Wolfsbane, but it 's more complicated that that. The factor are expensive and it takes forever to brew. Not to mention how difficult it is. There are n't many Healers who can brew it and even almost beer maker ca n't brew it,"Matt explained.

"That bloke did n't know the half of it,"John agreed,"My dad 's a therapist and he 'd eff to pay away liberal potions. It just does n't work that way."

"My dad 's linked with that cuss,"Matt said quietly,"And now that he 's drumhead of the entire department, he 'll be passing Thomas More laws. Whoever killed Wisander 's not going to be happy."

"Your dad 's a really beneficial magician, though,"Albus pointed out to his worried booster,"Plus he works at the Ministry, where there are loads of Aurors milling about. And your firm is more saved than any other household I 've seen, well, except the government minister 's Mansion."

"I know, but it 's still not respectable,"Matt sighed.

Albus could n't argue with that. Something was going on outside of Hogwarts. Something far more important than the Quidditch tournament and the dueling tournament.

******

Albus and his booster scoured the Daily seer every morning the following week. Every day there was an article about Wisander, the probe, or both. So far the investigation had turned up nothing. The Aurors had questioned quite a few people, namely those very outspoken against werewolf and vampire rights, but the hunt had proved fruitless.

The articles about Wisander were far more interesting. It seemed that his newspaper column about Wolfsbane Potion was one of the tamer ones. Each day little pieces of his various column were being published. In one, he stated the reasons why werewolves should n't be locked up on full moons. The ground were quite absurd, but the vaticinator had printed it anyway. Another newspaper column talked about why vampires should be allowed approach to humans to bite. He suggested using prisoner and allowing lamia to suck them dry. Thus helping lamia and reducing prison costs at the Saame time.

"I reckon this feller was off his cradle,"Saint John announced at breakfast the following Sunday. He had just finished reading an clause about how Wisander spent a twelvemonth livelihood with a lamia federation of tribes in Republic of Turkey when he was Brigham Young. They were some of the few people actually up at an early hour, as Albus had Quidditch recitation and John had a sunup detention with Filch for putting dungbombs in the toilets in Moaning Vinca minor 's bath the late day.

"That 's a nice way of putting it,"Albus said as he served himself more eggs.

"What are you doing after Quidditch recitation ?"John asked.

"After Quidditch ?"Albus laughed,"You mean, I 'm going to get to entrust eventually ? woodwind wo n't make us recitation for the next calendar week ? I thought he was going to stay fresh going until the real lucifer on Saturday."

"He 's got to let you out for class,"John grinned.

"What a pity,"Albus rolled his eyes,"Anyway, I 'll probably have to do homework, since practice will go until late. How about you ? Any plans for after detention ?"

"Thought I might garner another detention,"lav grinned,"But Kaden 's occupy with chess club this afternoon-"

"Wait,"Albus nearly choked on his juice,"Kaden joined the cheat order ? Kaden ? Kaden Dursley ?"

"Know any other Kadens ?"John laughed,"rose wine said they want to teach him how to play properly, you know, like a challenge of sorts."

"I 'll tell Rose just portion with that,"Albus said.

"Yeah, so both Kaden and rosebush will be busy with that. Not that Rose would want to clear hold with me anyway. And Amanda 's doing something with Linda today, homework, I think. And I doubt Matt will be up for doing anything,"John continued.

"Right,"Albus said, remembering that the full moon was that dark,"But you did the dungbombs on your own."

"But it 's not as fun,"John sighed,"I guess I 'll just hang around the den with Matt. I can have a dainty slanted conversation."

"You can do your preparation,"Albus told him.

"Nope, I 'm waiting until you get back for that,"Gospel According to John said.

"well, have fun in your detainment. I 've got to get to practice,"Albus said as he got up.

There were a few choice discussion Albus had for practice that day. Long, grueling, and vivid. Wood was in his hunky-dory shape as he ordered the squad to do practice session hr after hour. He seemed to get more and more stressed as the day wore on.

Jesse James did a lot of man-to-man training with Teddy and Albus was more than a little envious. teddy bear was a much more affected role captain than Wood was and yelled a whole lot less. President Tyler Pike mostly helped Wood.

Wood let them get a forgetful break for luncheon, making sure they knew to derive back afterwards. Albus heard the Slytherins on the team talking about skipping out of the respite of practice, but they were back on the pitch at the prison term Wood told them to be.

The afternoon was very similar to the morning and Albus found that he could tune out woodwind instrument 's yelling quite easily. It was alike to tuning out his mum 's shouting.

drill finally ended at three, when the New York team walked onto the pitch and demanded they leave, because they had booked the sales talk for three o'clock that day.

"Remember, practice Tuesday evening !"Wood shouted as the unanimous team rushed to get off the pitch.

Albus trudged back to the castle tired and shivering. He went straight to Gryffindor towboat and took a very long, hot shower and then set off to encounter his friends.

Rose, Amanda, and Linda were in the common way, but the boy were n't. Albus figured they were in the Marauder 's Den and set off to look for them after saying a nimble hello to the girls.

lav and Kaden were in the middle of a hot up game of Exploding Snap when Albus walked into the Marauder 's Den a few minutes later. privy 's face was full of ash, but Kaden 's was quite fair. There was also a big grin on his side which contrasted the scowl on St. John the Apostle 's expression. mat was laying on the cast facing them, like he had been watching the game, but he was sound asleep.

"Albus !"Kaden shouted,"How was practice ?"

"Grueling. forest 's ten times unsound than Empire State of the South. Five minute we were out there. Five all-fired hr in the cold !"Albus groaned as he collapsed onto the former couch.

"bettor than scrubbing Moaning Vinca minor 's bathroom with a toothbrush,"John muttered,"I do n't know what was worse, the scrubbing or listening to Myrtle."

"All three of you are so cheery today,"Kaden said,"So many complaints."

"Can you blame us ?"Albus muttered.

"No, not really,"Kaden shrugged.

"How was chess ?"Albus asked.

"I got beaten by every unmarried person in the Bromus secalinus club,"Kaden shook his heading,"But they think I have potential."

"Albus,"King John said as the identity card blew up in his fount again,"Have you done that Defense essay ?

"No,"Albus groaned.

"I need your service,"whoremaster said as he got up and started digging around in his bag.

Albus groaned again and fished around in his own bag for his Defense book. Balladanis wanted a invertebrate foot long essay about basilisks, which were the flow dark-skinned brute of the week.

John sat down at the tabular array while Albus lay on the couch. He just could n't bring himself to get up and do his essay. Instead, he mumbled answers to John the Evangelist whenever he asked a question.

"Do you hatch the chicken egg under a anuran or a toad frog ?"St. John asked.

"Toad,"Albus mumbled.

"You know, I could extract a Rose and tell you to do your essay,"John replied.

"Do n't even bother,"Albus said. Even rose would n't be able to get him off the couch.

"Quidditch seems less grueling than football,"Kaden commented,"I mean, you fly, you do n't run."

Albus lifted his principal up and glared at Kaden."Sir Henry Joseph Wood had us doing push-ups and running laps."

"Really ?"Kaden sounded surprised,"Why ?"

"To get us into shape after the holiday,"Albus answered,"So yes, Quidditch is a lot of work."

"Ok, ok,"Kaden muttered as he located some of his own homework.

Albus managed to get in a somewhat comfortable position on the couch and wrote his essay with his rule book and parchment perched on his knees. It beat sitting at the table ; at least he was able to sort of lie down.

A few time of day later both Albus and John had their essays completed. Kaden was still scribbling furiously on whatever homework he was working on.

"We should probably wake him up,"Albus gestured to flatness, who had not moved one muscle since Albus had came back from practice.

John the Evangelist got up and began to prod flatness 's arm. It took a secure two minute for matte to afford his eyes.

"It 's nearly six,"Gospel According to John told him.

"Then I should probably go,"lustrelessness mumbled,"Oh, Albus, you 're back from practice."

"Yeah,"Albus nodded,"It was really long, though."

"I 'll go with you to the infirmary offstage,"Gospel According to John said and lustrelessness did not object. Albus assured him they 'd shoot the breeze him the next day and then they left, leaving Albus and Kaden alone in the room.

John returned a little while later and the three of them went down to dinner. They returned to the predator 's Den afterwards and whoremaster and Kaden continued working on their homework while Albus slept on the couch.

******

"Albus, get up !"

Albus mumbled something incoherently and rolled over in his bed. It felt far too early to wake up.

"Albus !"Whoever was shouting was now prodding him in the side.

Albus opened his eye and saw Teddy standing over his bed. A glance at the clock told him that, yes, it was far too early to wake up. It was six in the dawn. On a Sabbatum. Yes, it was the day of the Quidditch match against New York, but that was n't until one o'clock and Albus was only a reserve thespian anyway.

"Albus, you 'd amend get up now. Grant Wood 's in the plebeian room,"shift whispered.

That got Albus 's attention. His eyes shot back heart-to-heart and he sat up."What ?"

"fielding 's sick,"Teddy told him,"You 're playing today."

Now Albus was wide awake."Seriously ? What about O'delle ?"Hailey O'delle was the other reserve Chaser, a seventh class Slytherin.

"She 's sick, too,"chemise explained,"The two of them are going out, so it does n't surprise me."

Albus took that to mean that teddy thought they were snogging and one got the other sick.

"I 'll be down in two min,"Albus muttered.

Teddy nodded and left. Albus threw on a t-shirt and a duo of jean before running down to the common room, where he found Joseph Oliver Wood pacing in battlefront of the discharge fire.

"Albus,"he said as soon as Albus stepped into the unwashed room,"You 're playing Chaser today."

Albus nodded and sat down for what was sure enough to be a very long voice communication. Sir Henry Wood paused and then launched into an account of tactics, which Albus had already heard during practices that workweek. He could n't figure out why he had to be woken up at six to be told he was playing. Wood could give birth accomplished the same thing at ten.

Wood and teddy bear left after Grant Wood finished lecturing Albus and Albus considered going back to bed, but as he was wide awake, it would be pointless.

component of Wood 's address had been on the atmospheric condition, which was insensate and slightly snowy. Could be spoiled, Albus thought. At least there was n't a rash. The conditions were very similar to those they had been practicing in all week.

Albus sat in the common elbow room reading a book he found laying around until his friends got up around ten.

"There you are,"lusterlessness, who was looking significantly better than he had a few days ago, said,"What prison term did you get up ?"

"Six,"Albus muttered,"Teddy got me up. woodwind instrument had to tell me I 'm playing Chaser today."

"What ?"Matt shouted,"That 's brilliant !"

"This is great, Albus !"lavatory grinned,"But why ?"

"Fielding 's sick and so is the other taciturnity Chaser,"Albus explained,"I 'm just glad we 're playing New York and not Australia."

Albus went to the Great residence to eat lunch with his champion, but he was n't really athirst. He did n't consider he had ever been more uneasy for a Quidditch compeer. This was a really important match, as wood had pointed out numerous times. If they won by a wide enough margin, they 'd be in second place.

Word had gotten around that Albus was playing in the mate and numerous citizenry came over to the Gryffindor mesa to wish Albus circumstances.

"Al,"Harry sat down next to Albus.

"Dad,"Albus smiled. He had n't been sure enough if his dad was coming to the match or not.

"I 'll be watching the whole prison term. I 'm sure you 're going to do great. Just think of it as a match against another house. Ravenclaw, I guess, since their robes are amobarbital sodium,"Harry grinned,"Good luck."

"Thanks,"Albus replied.

Albus left with the rest of the Hogwarts team a few minutes later. All his friends wished him good luck as he left the Hall.

cipher talked much as they changed into their robes. Everyone sat down afterwards, gear up for Natalie Wood 's pre-match speech.

However, forest seemed to be all speeched out. He merely said that they 'd trained well and to gift it their all. Albus was a little shocked by the curtness of the manner of speaking, but quickly got over it as he walked out onto the slant.


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as all the awesome people who have read and reviewed this !

Also, I wrote a new song fic ! It 's from Snape 's point of horizon, as I wanted to try something different. It 's on my Author Page if you want to match it out !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Ten minutes into the match, Albus decided there were four character of Quidditch in the populace. passing Quidditch, like what he played with his cousin-german ; school Quidditch ; pro Quidditch ; and then there was the type of Quidditch he was playing now.

It was a compounding of school Quidditch and pro Quidditch. The crowd was louder, the player more determined, and the stake were higher than a rule school Quidditch match.

Albus dodged one of the New House of York pursuer and flew up to catch the Quaffle, which had been dropped by Waverly as he had been hit by a bludger. As soon as Albus had the Quaffle, he was flanked by the former two New House of York Chasers.

Albus pushed his broom to fly faster and held the Quaffle tighter to his thorax. Then he plunged down to the undercoat, where nobody else was flying. He was back up high two second later when he had reached the New York goal posts. After dodging a Bludger, he threw the Quaffle into the will goal post. The keeper was too slow and the Quaffle soared through.

"Potter of Hogwarts has scored !"Todd Smith shouted,"40-30 Hogwarts !"

James II grinned at Albus as he flew yesteryear. Albus smiled to himself and joined Waverly and Reilly, who were waiting for New York 's Keeper to throw the Quaffle out. That had been his first goal of the match.

The Quaffle continued to substitute hands quickly as the catch went on. An 60 minutes later there was still no sign of the Snitch and both teams were neck in neck as far as head went. New York was up by ten.

Albus scored a few to a greater extent destination and he began to relax a slight. The couple began to feel more like a schoolhouse lucifer and less like a professional friction match, even though the bet were still high.

woodwind instrument had repeated over and over again that they had to be up by at least fifty points when William James caught the snitch, or they would n't be able-bodied to catch New York as far as overall points went.

"New York 's Seeker has seen the Snitch !"Smith announced.

Albus, who had been following one of New House of York 's chaser ( the one who had the Quaffle ), turned around and saw that their Seeker was making a beeline for the top of Hogwarts'in-between goal.

St. James the Apostle noticed as well and flew straight at the hoop. He had been significantly closer than New York 's quester and flew away from the hoop with the struggling snitcher in his hand.

The crew roared and James held the Snitch high above his head. Both teams flew to the ground and Albus saw the pained looking on Wood 's face. They had n't won by enough to be in irregular place overall.

"I had no choice !"James shouted to him,"She was going to get it !"

Wood nodded in agreement, but he still looked disappointed. Albus chose to ignore this and helped the remainder of the team to hoist James onto all of their shoulders.

"To update everyone on the points, the Aussie School of Sorcery is in firstly place. New House of York and Hogwarts are currently tied for second. The future mate will take place at the end of February !"Kate Smith told the crowd.

Albus did n't meet up with his friends until they were back in the common way. Teddy had gone to Hogsmeade and a party was currently underway in the Gryffindor common room. teddy informed everyone that the three other theatre were hosting party as well. The scholarly person from New House of York who had been sorted into Gryffindor, including their Seeker, were sulking in a corner.

"I think that was your best mate yet,"John the Evangelist said to Albus as they settled down at their usual table.

"I think so, too,"Albus agreed,"I kind of bid I could act in the succeeding match."

"Maybe Fielding will still be sick,"privy said.

"doubt it,"Albus replied,"asset, I 'm trusted O'delle will get maiden dibs on the adjacent match if any of the other Chasers get sick."

"At least you got to trifle in one match,"rose wine pointed out.

"Anyway, the succeeding match you 'll probably be playing Australia,"flatness said.

"Yeah,"Albus nodded,"If we win that one, it 'll be a miracle. But we 're not even playing in the next one. next peer is New York versus Australia."

The party continued until dinner party prison term, when the great unwashed began to leave as nobody had snuck down to the kitchens to get food. Harry came in to compliment Albus and James River shortly before Albus and his friend left for dinner party. He was also scheduled to patrol the school for the residuum of the weekend and wanted to let his kids know.

******

life-time at Hogwarts returned to convention shortly after the Quidditch match. The prophesier printed fewer and fewer articles about Wisander until there were none at all. Everyone seemed to forget about his demise. Everyone except lusterlessness, that is, who was still worried about his dad.

However, the student at Hogwarts were reminded again of the unresolved execution when the following Hogsmeade slip arrived two days after Valentine 's Day. A portion of the bookman were too lovesick to point out the boarded up workshop of Dervish and Banges as they made their way to Madam Puddifoot's.

Neither Albus, John, or Matt were too preoccupied to notice the abandon building, though. The three of them stopped to look at it for a piece despite the biting nothingness. rosebush and Amanda were spending the day with Linda.

"Who owns it now ?"John asked as they looked at the empty building.

"Dunno,"Albus shrugged,"The Prophet never mentioned any family."

"It 's probably still part of the investigating,"Matt pointed out,"asset, who would require a building that someone was killed in ? I do n't even want to go in it."

Albus did n't think it was a sound clip to cue Matt that Severus Snape had been murdered inside of the screeching Shack.

"Good point,"Albus said,"But so far they have n't found anything."

"They wo n't determine who it was,"John the Divine said quietly,"They never found out who killed Torro."

"I really hope they find who it was,"lusterlessness replied.

"They will,"Albus said,"They 're still focused on it."

Albus, Matt, and John went to the trinity broom handle a little while later because all three of them were frozen. They warmed up with Butterbeer and were just thinking about heading back to the castling when Albus heard mortal whisper his public figure behind him.

"Albus,"they said again.

Albus turned around, but no one was there. The voice sounded familiar, though. Albus slowly reached his hired hand out and it touched something upstanding, but it looked like no one was there.

"Kaden,"Albus groaned,"Is that you ?"

"Yeah,"Kaden whispered back,"I stole your cloak."

Albus immediately stood up and motioned for Matt and John Lackland, who were both looking confused, to follow him. He assumed Kaden would follow as well. Albus lead them up High Street until they reached the shrieking Shack. cipher was hanging around it that day.

"Kaden !"Albus seethed,"You do realize how stupid this was."

"Yes,"Kaden replied as he took off the cloak.

"Bloody Hell !"Gospel According to John shouted.

"You stole the cloak ?"Matt asked.

"Kaden, you idiot !"Albus shouted,"I know I first told you this would be a just metre, but there was a reason I changed my mind and told you not to nobble in today. Most of the teachers come to Hogsmeade for the February trip. My cousins told me. They want to arrive at certainly no one does anything stupid because they 're in dear or whatever."

"Er,"Kaden muttered.

"How did you get in ?"lustrelessness asked.

"One-eyed enchantress statue,"Kaden replied,"atomic number 82 right into Honeyduke's."

"Kaden, do you know how unmanageable it 's going to be to get you back unnoticed ?"

Kaden 's expression turned albumen and his mouth dropped undetermined. Albus turned around to see what he was looking at and was met face to face with Professor Balladanis.

"Quite difficult, I 'd expect,"Balladanis replied,"Come with me, all of you."

Albus groaned inwardly as he followed Balladanis down the street. They had gone all year without Kaden getting them into trouble, but Albus should feature known better than to think they could go the hale year.

Nobody spoke until they were shut in Balladanis 's study. Balladanis sat down in his chair and looked at Kaden.

"Explain,"Balladanis said.

"They had nothing to do with it,"Kaden said quickly,"Albus was just telling me how pudden-head I was."

"Then it would seem that Mr. Potter and I agree on something,"Balladanis replied,"Where 'd you get that cloak ?"

"It 's Albus 's,"Kaden said quietly,"I took it. He did n't hand it to me to sneak in or anything."

"Very well,"Balladanis said,"Mr. ceramicist, Mr. Eckerton, and Mr. Brickston, you may return to your common room. Mr. Dursley will join you after I arrange his detention."

Albus, Matt, and John could not get out of there warm enough. They walked straight back to the unwashed elbow room, talking about how prosperous they had been. It must have looked like all three of them had helped Kaden abstract into Hogsmeade. upright thing Balladanis believed Kaden.

Kaden returned fifteen arcminute later, looking quite dysphoric. He collapsed onto a chairman and stared mutinously at the table.

"detention every Saturday for the side by side month,"Kaden muttered,"Plus he gave me a lecture about how dangerous it was for me to sneak out and if I did it again I 'd get a worse punishment than detention. Did n't elaborate on that, though."

"He 'd probably get you kicked out,"bathroom commented.

"Did he say what you have to do for detainment ?"Albus asked.

"No,"Kaden said,"Guess it 'll be a surprise."

******

Kaden discovered what his hold was that night. Balladanis decided to suffer him alphabetise his individual program library, which was quite panoptic. Kaden returned to the predator 's Den ranting about the amount of book of account Balladanis had.

"He 's got more Word on dark animal than your dad 's got,"Kaden said to Matt.

"That 's impressive,"Matt replied.

"Wish he had less,"Kaden muttered.

Kaden spent all four of his detentions alphabetizing those Word. He almost did n't manage to finish and if that had been the showcase, Balladanis would ingest given him a fifth detention.

The succeeding replete Sun Myung Moon came and went, as did the adjacent Quidditch mate. Albus was beginning to mistrust that the full moons were becoming big for Matt, although he did n't know why.

New York lost miserably to Australia in the Quidditch match. They had been doing pretty well until Linda caught the sneak a half hour in. Ellen Price Wood insisted that this was a proficient thing, though. It meant that if Hogwarts managed to score a upright amount of finish before Linda caught the snitch in their next match, they would possess more overall gunpoint than New York. forest seemed to have lost any hope that Saint James the Apostle could wash up Linda in seeking, something James fumed about on a near daily basis.

March arrived and with it a three day rain down storm that left the earth completely flooded. Both Herbology and Care of Magical Creatures had to take place inside, which resulted in incredibly drilling lessons. Wood continued to throw Quiditch practice and Albus returned to the castle completely soaked and covered in mud after each one.

All of the teachers were piling on the preparation and Professor Patil had even gone so far as to bring up the O.W.L.s even though they were a unit two year away. The only teacher who was n't talking about the end of term exam was professor Balladanis.

Balladanis conducted his lessons as if end of terminus exams did not exist. He changed nothing about his moral except the iniquity creature they were learning about.

"We 're starting lamia next week,"Balladanis announced at the end of socio-economic class on Thursday,"Please read the chapter on them by Monday."

Albus could n't help but look at Linda before he began packing up his affair. He wondered if Balladanis would be teaching them sufficiency about identifying lamia for anyone to project out that Linda was one.

"So,"John said as he flipped through his vindication book the following evening. Albus, lusterlessness, John, and Kaden were in the marauder 's Den and John was just finishing the chapter on vampire."Look what 's after vampires.

Albus looked through his own account book."loup-garou,"he said quietly and then looked at Matt.

"Yeah,"Matt muttered,"It was bound to encounter eventually."

"I wonder if Balladanis is going to make you go in for extra assist during that unit of measurement,"Saint John grinned,"I 'm sure you 'll need loads of extra help in identifying werewolves."

lusterlessness rolled his eyes."He better. It 'll wait suspicious if I do n't go in for extra help. speech production of extra help, we 're due to go in for it in xv minutes."

"We 'd better go then,"can said,"See you two later."

Albus managed to finish his Herbology homework while John and flatness were gone. Then it was fourth dimension for him to go in for his dueling lessons.

The desks were n't pushed to the sides of the classroom when Albus entered. Balladanis was seated behind his desk and there was a stone basin sitting on it. Balladanis was pulling argent strings of something out of his head and placing them in the basin.

It was a pensieve and the cosmic string were memories, Albus realized. For a import, he thought that maybe Balladanis had cancelled dueling and neglected to tell him.

"Sir ?"Albus asked hesitantly.

"Mr. ceramicist,"Balladanis said quietly,"cum in."

Albus stood awkwardly next to one of the front tables while he waited for Malfoy. Balladanis stared into the pensieve and acted like Albus was n't there. When Malfoy arrived, he looked up and stared at the two boys for a few mo before speaking.

"We 're not dueling today,"he said,"Instead, I am going to show you something."He motioned for them to join him at his desk.

Albus glanced nervously at Malfoy. Balladanis was n't one for account, but Albus would have appreciated one properly then.

"This is a pensieve,"Balladanis said,"It is used to explore memories. That is exactly what we 're going to do. Albus, lean forward and put your head into the pensieve. Your dead body will comply. Scorpius, you will follow. I will fall after you."

Albus 's heartbeat sped up a piffling bit as he leaned over the pensieve. Was this a stupid idea ? He did n't even know what he was getting into. But it was just a computer storage. cypher could hurt him in a memory, right ?

Albus took a deep breath and plunged his face into the pensieve. He had never been in one before. He landed on the hard forage and looked around.

It was gloaming and very quieten. There was a lowly theatre in the length, atop of a bumpy hill. In fact, the entirely orbit was mostly rocky. Albus had landed on the one lone piece of Gunter Wilhelm Grass in the whole place. It did n't look like any place in Britain.

He stood up as Malfoy landed succeeding to him, followed quickly by Balladanis. Balladanis landed on his feet and they waited for Malfoy to get up.

"Follow me,"Balladanis said quietly.

Albus did so, but he still felt like he deserved an explanation. Where were they ? Why were they there ? Whose memory was this ? What did it have to do with dueling ?

"Excuse me, Sir,"Malfoy said,"Where are we ?"

"Greece,"Balladanis replied.

This did zip but increase Albus 's curiosity. Why were they in Ellas of all places ? But he did n't ask. It did n't seem like Balladanis was in an explaining mood, judging by his shortsighted, one word answer to Malfoy.

They walked quietly towards the pocket-size star sign. The only noise was their footsteps. There were n't even any bird of night hooting or Canis familiaris barking. It struck Albus as very odd.

The home must have been their destination. Balladanis stopped when they arrived at the broken down wooden fence surrounding it. The house reminded Albus of the screeching hutch, only humble. It was sort of fall apart down and did n't look like a shoes that would be good to live in.

Someone lived there, though. A light was on upstairs. It remained on for a few more minutes and then someone turned it off.

Balladanis made no motion towards the sign. Instead, he seemed focused on the timber that lay just beyond it. Albus decided the woods was as good a place as any to watch.

They watched the timber for a half an hour before anything happened. Then five hooded figures practically flew out of the forest. They were at the star sign before Albus even realized it. He looked at Balladanis. His face was hardened.

All was quiet for two minute. The anatomy entered the house, but did not turn on any visible light. Then the screams started. Albus jumped at the sound of the first one.

They were agonizing, long screams. Albus wanted nothing more than to go in and facilitate whoever was screaming, but he knew he could n't. It was aught to a greater extent than a memory. Instead, he looked again at Balladanis.

His professor 's human face showed aught. nix but the Saami inure look he had seen on it so many times. Malfoy on the former hand, looked horrified. He looked exactly how Albus felt.

The screaming was coming from two different citizenry. There was a high-pitched one that must experience been coming from a woman, and a lowly one that must have been coming from a man.

Then, they stopped. First the woman, then the man. The hooded chassis left the star sign as quickly as they had entered and returned to the forest.

Balladanis, however, made no motility to leave alone. Instead he stared at the house. Two minute of arc later, person fled from it.

They ran from the house, towards Albus, Malfoy, and Balladanis. As they drew closer, Albus could see that the somebody was a boy who looked no older than Albus himself. His nerve was etched with a sorrow Albus had never seen before. It was too dark to tell, but Albus was sure there were tears running down his face.

The boy obviously did n't notice the three mass watching him. He ran right past them, up the rocky hill in the distance. It occurred to Albus after he passed that the boy looked somewhat familiar. There was something about his cheek that Albus recognized, but he could n't quite position it.


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as all of the awesome people who have read and reviewed this !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Professor Balladanis did n't say anything for a long time after he, Albus, and Malfoy returned to the defensive measure classroom. Albus landed next to Malfoy, still confused as to how he managed to get out of the pensieve, in front line of Balladanis 's desk. Balladanis landed behind his desk, facing the wall, and did n't turn over around for a few minutes.

Albus glanced nervously at his professor as he thought of questions he was just burning to ask. In fact, there was nothing about the fit he had just witnessed that did n't create Albus funny. Everything about it had been confusing.

Malfoy looked just as confused. They kept looking at each other and it was kind of strange. They were on the Same side of meat. Both of them wanted Balladanis to explain.

Balladanis finally turned around and looked at them. He put his hands on his desk and leaned forward, looking both Albus and Malfoy in the eye.

It happened in a split second. Albus looked at his professor and immediately thought back to the brass of the boy in the conniption. That was why he looked familiar. The boy was Balladanis. Then, Balladanis shifted slightly and the likeness was gone. But Albus knew it. That scene had been from Balladanis 's childhood.

"Sit down,"Balladanis said.

Albus and Malfoy sat down quickly at the table in front line of Balladanis 's desk. They were sitting right next to each former and Albus did n't care. At the moment, finding out what that scene was was more important than staying away from Malfoy.

"A few calendar week ago you asked me what I did before I started teaching here, Mr. ceramist,"Balladanis began,"I have always had the purpose of telling you, of telling both of you. I was merely waiting for the correctly moment. I feel that that second is now."

Balladanis paused and walked around to the front of his desk. He began to pace in straw man of it.

"There is a understanding why I am telling you this now. Why I am not explaining to all of my classes what I did before precept. The understanding is that you two are unbelievable dueller. Both of you have skills beyond your long time that I have never seen before, and believe me, I have seen good deal of exceeding dueler in my prison term. This may be a skillful prison term to tell you how rarefied it is to have two such skilled duelers in the Saami year at Hogwarts."

Albus turned to look at Malfoy. What was Balladanis getting at ? It sounded like the outset of some kind of menage unity actor's line or something.

"I know the two of you are n't the dependable of friends,"Balladanis continued,"But I must say how impressed I am that you seem to put the bad blood behind you when you step into my schoolroom for your lessons."

The sole ground for that, at least for Albus, was because of Balladanis himself. Albus doubted he would abide Albus and Malfoy bickering with each other during lessons.

"Back to what I was going to tell you,"Balladanis said,"That scene that I just showed you, in grammatical case you have not figured it out yet, took place while I was a boy of only thirteen. It was the summer before my third class at school.

"I grew up in Ellas, in that very sign we just saw. My parents, although they loved me deeply, were very wretched and could barely give to put solid food on the board. I think they were grateful when I went away to shoal, the sole reason being that they would n't sustain to worry about me getting enough to eat.

"I had two blissfully innocent and fun years at the Greek schooltime of conjuring trick. I returned home during summers full of report about my champion and all the balefulness we 'd gotten into."

Albus found it unmanageable to opine Balladanis getting into fuss at schoolhouse or doing anything fun in general.

"Everything changed the summer before my thirdly year. It changed on the night you just witnessed. A coven of vampires entered my house that night. They attacked my parents and booze them dry. I hid in a closet, too scared to do anything. Then, once the vampires left, I fled. I ran until I could not run anymore. I wound up at the business firm of one of my friends. His parents took me in, but affair were obviously never the same. I changed on that night."

Balladanis stopped talking and Albus sat in complete shock. Balladanis 's parents had been murdered by lamia ? That was one affair that had never crossed Albus 's mind.

"I returned to school that September hardened. aught was fun anymore. Nothing was funny. It was then that I decided to pay my aliveness to ridding the populace of such evil. Vampires, shadow superstar, werewolves, anyone and anything that murders viciously."

Albus could n't aid but glower at Balladanis when he mentioned loup-garou. Balladanis seemed to observe this and gave Albus the slight of smiles.

"However, I did realize that not all lamia, werewolves, goliath, and other organism are inherently evil. Not all of them want to kill. It was for this understanding that I did not care to be employed by the Greek Ministry. The Hellene Ministry prefers to contend with wizard fauna as a unit and not distinguish between them. Perhaps this is because Greece has a very large universe of vampires.

"Thus, becoming an Auror was out of the query. Instead, I chose to record a more close profession. One that you will not bump leaflet on when you get career advice from your fountainhead of household. One that no one except me is going to suggest to you. Yet it is one that I believe the two of you are quite suited for."

Albus 's marrow sped up at this. Balladanis was going to sacrifice them career advice ? They were only thirteen. But at the same metre, Albus felt excited. Balladanis thought he was a good enough dueler for this career, whatever it was.

"I am a Presuler,"Balladanis said,"I am surely neither of you have heard of one. A Presuler is somewhat like an Auror, in that we seek out nighttime wizards and dark magic. However, we not only assay out dark thaumaturge and dark-skinned magic trick, we seek out shadow and dangerous puppet as well.

"The openhanded difference of opinion is that Presulers are not employed by the Ministry. There are very few Presulers in the world and we are often sought out by various Ministries and hired on an as-needed basis. We travel from country to land, whenever we are needed. It is quite secretive. I suppose Presulers are a combination of Aurors and private investigators."

Balladanis was right in that Albus had never heard of a Presuler before. The idea intrigued him, though. A secretive variety of Auror who did not cultivate for the Ministry.

"I never caught the lamia who killed my parents. I have met one vampire who knew them, but she is not like them. I am still searching for them, however."

Balladanis stopped pacing and leaned up against the front of his desk. He looked at Albus and Malfoy, but did not say anything else.

"Why are you teaching here, then ?"Malfoy asked.

"That is one thing that is between myself and professor Kendrick,"Balladanis replied.

"Are you coming back next class ?"Malfoy asked.

"As of right now, I have no musical theme,"Balladanis answered,"It is getting late. I 've kept you here much farseeing than pattern. If you think of anymore dubiousness, do not pause to see me. I 'll walk you back to your rough-cut rooms."

Albus walked alongside Balladanis in secrecy on his way back to the Gryffindor Tower. His mind was racing with what he just learned. He did n't know what to piss of it. It was just so much entropy at once.

The park elbow room was nearly void when Albus climbed through the portrait trap. It must have been really late, since it was Friday night. Albus really did n't know what fourth dimension it was.

"There you are !"rose wine shouted,"Falco columbarius, you 've been gone for minute !"

"What did he have got you doing ?"Matt asked.

"I 'll tell you tomorrow,"Albus muttered, realizing that all he wanted to do was lay in his bed and think about what Balladanis had just said.

Albus was vaguely aware of his champion suspiration of dashing hopes as he went up to his dormitory, but he did n't feel like talking about it right then. He was tired and his mind was racing at the Saame time.

Albus tossed and turned the total night. He alternated thinking about what he had seen in the pensieve and about becoming a Presuler himself. Then he wound up thinking about Linda and what Balladanis sentiment of her. He had said he did n't take for a grudge against vampires that did n't kill citizenry, but who knew what he really thought.

Was Linda the vampire he had met who knew the lamia who killed his parents ? It was possible since vampires never aged. Or maybe she was a completely different vampire. Albus wondered how many vampires Balladanis knew.

Eventually Albus fell into a ungratified sleep, but his ambition were plagued by what he had seen in the pensieve.

******

"merlin, Albus, get up !"

Albus rolled over in his bed and put his pillow over his mind. After waking up drenched in sweat at four in the morning after a nightmare in which his whole menage had been killed by vampire, he had finally drifted off into a somewhat comely sleep. One that he wished he was still in.

"It 's nearly one o'clock."

"He 's like you are after full moons."

"Shut it. Seriously, Albus, get up."

"Yeah, we want to know what happened last night."

individual pulled the curtains subject and took the pillow off Albus 's chief. He looked up and saw John and Matt.

"Did you lose to Malfoy or something ?"lavatory asked,"Because that would make me want to hole up in bed for the day."

"No, it 's not that,"Albus muttered,"I 'll tell you, but I 'm only explaining it once, so one of you safe notice blush wine, Amanda, and Kaden. And I 'll severalize you in the vulture 's Den because there is no way Linda can be around to find out this."

The little girl and Kaden met them in the Marauder 's Den after Albus, John, and Matt had dejeuner. John kept pestering Albus all through tiffin, wanting to know why Linda could n't hear about it, but Albus said cypher. He was n't even for certain if he was allowed to evidence his friends about this, but Balladanis had n't really forbidden him.

"Albus, what in the name of Merlin happened lastly Nox ?"Rose asked as soon as they were all in the piranha 's Den.

"Balladanis told us what he did before he started teaching at Hogwarts,"Albus said quietly.

"And you neglected to assure us until now ?"John gaped,"I 've been wanting to know for the entire year !"

"I know, bathroom,"Albus snapped,"But it 's not anything what you 'd think."

"Sorry,"John muttered.

"Balladanis took us into a pensieve last Night,"Albus began.

"Really ?"Rose looked move,"What was that like ?"

"Not that great, to be true,"Albus said,"Probably would have been better if it was a better storage.

"Anyway, he took us without any explanation of what we were going to see. He took us to this really old broken down business firm in Ellas. Kind of looked like a little more creaky interpretation of the Shrieking Shack."

"In Hellenic Republic ?"Kaden asked.

"Yeah,"Albus nodded,"We watched the house for what seemed like 60 minutes and then these figure of speech broke into it and we heard this direful screaming. Then the frame left. Then this fella who was about our age came running out with this horrifying pall look on his brass. Then we left."

"What does that have anything to do with what Balladanis does for a keep ?"John asked.

"Everything,"Albus sighed,"That had been his house. The screams were his parents. The boy was him. He told us this after. His parents were killed by a coven of vampires."

Nobody said anything for a long sentence. Albus looked at his friend and they all wore equal looks of shock.

"And you watched it ?"mat asked.

"From a space,"Albus replied.

"pigeon hawk, no wonderment Balladanis is so bloody insane,"trick let out a low whistle.

"He decided to devote his life to ridding the world of iniquity, whether it be vampires, dark thaumaturgist, or other dark creature,"Albus continued.

"So he 's an Auror ?"Rose asked.

"No,"Albus shook his head,"He 's a Presuler."

"What is that ?"Kaden asked.

"It 's like an Auror, only they go after dark creatures, too. And they are n't employed by the Ministry. They 're hired by Ministries all around the cosmos. They 're investigators as well. Apparently it 's all very secretive,"Albus explained.

"Wow,"John the Evangelist said,"I thought he was an Auror or something."

"Me, too,"Matt agreed,"Instead he just hunts down vampire. And, werewolves."

"Only ones that kill people,"Albus assured his lycanthropic friend.

"All werewolves have the capability of killing citizenry, Albus,"mat said quietly.

"So does everyone,"Albus replied.

"Whatever his view on vampires and wolfman truly is, it 's going to be interesting to see how he teaches us about them,"Rose mused.

"Guess this is why you did n't want Linda to get word about this,"John said.

"Yeah,"Albus replied,"Apparently he still has n't found the vampire who killed his parents, but he knows a lamia who knows them. That lamia does n't kill masses. I wonder if it 's Linda."

"Who knows ?"Rose shrugged,"I doubt we 'll ever witness out."

"Oh, I 've got to distinguish you what he said after he told us all of this,"Albus took a deep breath,"He thinks Malfoy and I should become Presulers."

"Seriously ?"flatness asked.

"Yeah, because we 're honorable duelers,"Albus explained,"But I do n't know."

"You do n't have to know. You 're only thirteen. And Albus, do n't decide anything until you 've read about this. Do n't just go on what Balladanis is saying. I think we 've finally discovered why he 's so passionate about fighting the night Arts, but it might cloud his judgement sometimes,"blush wine warned.

"I know, that 's what I do n't get,"Albus said,"Why is he telling us this now ?"

"Maybe because he does n't plan on staying,"Matt replied,"Why would he contain searching for the vampire who killed his parents to instruct here anyway ?"

"Malfoy asked,"Albus told him,"But he would n't tell us. He said it 's between him and Kendrick."

"Because that 's not suspicious or anything,"Saint John the Apostle rolled his eyes,"There 's still something funny about Balladanis."

"What are you going to do, Albus ?"Matt asked.

"I 'm not deciding anything now,"Albus replied,"I 'm just not going to think about it."

******

Not thinking about Presulers and what happened to Balladanis 's parents proved to be easier said than done, especially since defense category was soon devoted to learning about vampire. Balladanis seemed to teach that special unit of measurement with a lot more ebullience than common, a feat that cipher thought possible. Everyone speculated as to why Balladanis was more enthusiastic than usual, but virtually just attributed it to the fact that he was blinking insane.

A lot of what Balladanis taught about lamia was hooey Albus already knew due to what matt had told them earlier in the school year. It was still fairly worry, though. Albus found that the more dangerous the fauna they were learning about, the more worry it was. Not to mention the fact that they did n't use the anamatek anymore, a fact that nearly every student was grateful for.

However, partway through their second workweek devoted to vampires, the anamatek 's trunk reappeared in the Defense schoolroom. There was an audible groan from every pupil who stepped into the room.

"If that thing turns into a vampire, I think I 'm going to get up and leave,"whoremonger seethed as they took their seats.

"Maybe we 're moving onto another creature,"Albus suggested even though he knew the opportunity were slim to none.

"That would n't be any better. We 're doing werewolves next,"Saint John reminded him,"And mat said that thing could n't turn into an literal werewolf. oral presentation of Matt, he 's golden he 's missing this."

"I think he 'd say otherwise,"Albus replied. The good moon had been the previous night.

"Quiet,"Balladanis said,"We 'll be continuing our vampire moral today. Today I wish to demonstrate you what a vampire looks like, which is why I have brought back the anamatek. However, you will not be fighting it. None of you have the skills requirement to fight a vampire."

"He 's mental,"St. John the Apostle muttered.

Balladanis drew his wand and pointed it at the trunk. It snapped open and out stepped a very blanch man with cheat features. He did n't motivate, but merely stared out at all the students.

"Vampires are the perfect predator,"Balladanis announced,"They 're incredibly fast,"he pointed his sceptre at the vampire and it disappeared.

It reappeared in the back of the classroom, but it had not Apparated. The vampire had moved so tight that Albus had missed it in the blink of an eye.

"They 're agile,"Balladanis continued,"They 're soundly looking. They attract you in. Then they kill, they suck you dry until you are beat. The choice is not great, either. From the second their teeth breach your cutis, you begin to transmute into a vampire as well. You will become one if they do not suck you dry. There is no way to stop it, no potion to counteract it.

"vampire Leigh Hunt at Night when their imaginativeness is still excellent, but when human vision is compromised. However, that is not the simply intellect. Does anyone hump the other ?"

Rose raised her handwriting. Linda did not.

"Yes, young woman Weasley ?"Balladanis said.

"Vampires are in essence allergic to the sun,"Rose explained,"When the sunshine hits them, it hurts them. The sun gives them headaches and makes them feel sick."

"Precisely,"Balladanis gave her a rare smile,"There is no potion to counteract the consequence of the sun on vampires. Therefore they tend to inhabit area that see LE sun and region of dense woodland, such as the Northwestern and Northeastern United State, parts of Canada, and parts of Russia. However there is also a significant vampire universe in Greece."

Balladanis pointed his wand at the lamia again and it retreated back into the trunk. Everyone breathed a collective sigh of succor. The lesson continued until the campana rang. Balladanis made no reference of moving onto the side by side whole, nor had he assigned the usual end of the unit of measurement essay.

Albus and his acquaintance went to shoot the breeze Matt late that night after Albus got out of Quidditch practice. They only had a half hr or so until curfew, but they had n't visited at all yet.

"You missed an fantabulous defense reaction deterrent example today,"John said once gentlewoman Pomfrey had gone back into her study after leaving to see who had entered her ward.

"Was it any dissimilar from the usual ones ?"lusterlessness asked tiredly. He looked ready to come down asleep at any moment.

"Balladanis brought back the anamatek,"Albus told him.

"He what ?"Matt shouted, although since his voice was hoarse it was n't very aloud,"We 're still doing lamia, are n't we ?"

"Yeah, he had it bend into a vampire,"can said,"We did n't consume to push it. He just used it to usher how dissolute vampires were and what they looked like."

"That is uncanny,"Matt replied,"He assign the vampire essay yet ?"

"Nope,"St. John the Apostle shook his head,"I think we 're in for a few more days of vampires."

"wellspring, the longer we spend on vampires, the more fourth dimension we have before we start werewolves,"matte said quietly,"I really hope he does n't expend as a good deal clock time on them as he has on vampires."

"I do n't intend he will,"Albus said,"His parents were n't killed by werewolves."

"Thank Merlin for that,"matt yawned.

"You 're tired,"rosebush said,"We should leave."

"We 'll be back tomorrow after lunch,"Albus told him,"Good night."

"'Night,"Matt said.

They left the ward just as lady Pomfrey was coming out of her study, presumably to recount them to leave and give Matt more potions. Albus and his Quaker headed straight for the vulgar room, where they got started on all the homework that had been piled on them that day.


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as all the awing hoi polloi who have read and reviewed this !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.



A few of Albus 's cousins had begun to drive up wager on how longsighted Balladanis was going to pass teaching the third twelvemonth about vampire. Fred was surely he 'd spend the remainder of term, but Bradley was convinced he 'd locomote onto the future unit partway through Apr. None of the third geezerhood were actually participating in these bets because they were all afraid Balladanis would find out.

The vampire unit of measurement was still well underway when the next Quidditch mates came along. This one was the second Hogwarts versus Australian schooltime of Sorcery match, which meant Wood was in his heyday when it came to drill. Albus considered just moving his bed to the changing rooms since he spent more of his time on the Quidditch Pitch than in the Gryffindor uncouth room.

Albus awoke the day of the match to John 's forte swearing instead of Teddy, which told him that he did not have to act during that mate. He could n't help but find slightly defeated. Figuring there was no point in going back to sleep, he got up and asked John what happened.

"Tripped over Matt 's bloody cauldron,"John muttered, holding onto his rightfield foot,"Why ca n't he just put that stupid thing away ?"

"Like you always do ?"Albus smirked and gestured to John 's own caldron, which was sitting only a few feet away from Matt's.

whoremaster muttered something indistinguishable and shoved his cauldron under his bed. He went into the bathroom while Albus woke Matt up. The three of them met Kaden in the common room a little while later and then went down to the Great mansion to get something to eat.

A few minute later the boy were in the Quidditch stands, waiting for the lucifer to begin. rose and Amanda were with them.

"Wonder how longsighted it 'll engage Linda to find the snitch this sentence,"Albus mused.

"I 'm betting on ten arcminute,"John said,"Hey, remember that time we eavesdropped on Killigan ?"

"Yeah,"Albus replied,"Was n't Linda supposed to start flying obtuse after that ?"

"That 's what I thought,"can shrugged,"But she did n't during the last match."

"She probably wo n't this time, either,"mat put in,"I mean, think about it, if James II could fly that fast, would he really slow down to a normal speed ?"

"Definitely not,"Albus sighed.

Matt 's prevision proved correct. Linda did not slow down in the slightest. She flew at her usual abnormally fast focal ratio, beating James to the snitch by a few yards. Luckily for Hogwarts, they had been ahead of Australia at that point and only wound up losing by forty stage.

This put Hogwarts quite a bit ahead of New York as far as Quidditch point went. Australia was still in the confidential information, but they were not faring so well in the dueling tourney. As of the most recent tournament, Hogwarts was winning. Australia was in last space and New House of York was somewhere in between. Albus was pretty sure that if the Quidditch and dueling tourney points were added up, Hogwarts and Australia would be neck in neck. Whatever the upshot of the remaining qualifying tournaments and matches, the final examination for both were going to determine the winner of the competition. The dot were just too close.

Although there was obviously no celebration in the Gryffindor common room after the match, nobody was particularly downhearted either. Albus figured this was because nobody had really expected Hogwarts to win anyway.

******

Two weeks into April, Bradley along with quite a few early erstwhile Gryffindors, were able to cash in on their bets about Balladanis. Fred and a few others grumbled loudly about it as they handed over Galleons to the winners.

Balladanis had assigned the long hoped-for essay on vampires on Thursday, officially making the vampire unit the longest building block they had done. They had spent an entire month and a half on it. The essay seemed to correspond this length, as Balladanis wanted it to be two and a half feet.

Albus, Matt, and John saved their essays for the last possible minute, settling down to work on them the day before they were due. It was n't a particularly toilsome essay because Balladanis had given them so lots information on the issue. It was just a very long essay to spell. rosiness and Amanda had done theirs over the weekend, presumably with Linda. Albus could n't serve but be slightly envious of them because doing the essay with an factual vampire would spend a penny it the easiest essay ever.

"Bet Linda 's glad this unit 's over,"Albus said as they worked on their essays in the Marauder 's Den Monday evening.

"She is,"rosiness answered,"She hated every minute of those lessons. Ca n't say I blame her."

"How long is your essay, rosiness ?"whoremaster asked as he measured his own essay.

"Three pes,"Rose answered.

John groaned."Do you think Balladanis will notice if mine 's three column inch short ?"

"Yes,"Rose said,"If there 's any essay he 'll be extremely fussy about, it 'll be this one."

"Maybe if we do n't land up it we can just skip class tomorrow,"Matt muttered,"After all, I would n't want to show up in class without the essay done."

"But it 'll be worse when you finally do go to social class,"Rose pointed out.

"I still do n't particularly want to go to class tomorrow,"Matt said,"Whether I 've finished the essay or not."

"You 're going to finish it,"rosiness told him,"You 've got two in left."

"Finished,"Albus announced.

"Excellent,"John said as he grabbed Albus 's essay,"I 'll copy bits of yours."

"You know,"Albus said quietly,"Nobody found out about Linda being a lamia even after we 've spent a month and a half on them. I do n't guess anyone 's going to find out you 're a loup-garou just because we 're learning about them."

"I know, I 've just got a bad feel about it,"Matt sighed.

"face on the bright side,"Kaden put in,"When you get assigned the wolfman essay, you 're sure to get a 100."

"I do n't really care about the essay,"Matt said flatly.

Both matt and can managed to finish their essays before curfew and they returned to Gryffindor tower, and they soon went to bed. Albus did n't think Matt slept much, though. He heard him tossing and turning all night.

Albus, mat, and privy got a later start since whoremaster had misplaced his vampire essay. After finding it under his bed ( no one was sure how it go there ), the three male child rushed down to the Great entrance hall to grab pieces of toast before running to Defense.

They walked into the room right on time and barely had a chance to catch their breath before Balladanis asked for everyone to bridge player in their vampire essays. Albus passed his essay up and pulled out lambskin and a quill.

"fountainhead, our whole on lamia is over,"Balladanis said once everyone had handed in their essays,"I trust you have all read the chapter on werewolves for today ? If you had for some intellect decided not to do that, I highly suggest doing it tonight."

Balladanis began his usual pacing in front of the schoolroom. He stopped in forepart of rosebush and Linda 's tabular array and then stared out at the class.

"I thought I would begin with werewolf account,"he announced,"nobody is certainly when the get-go werewolf came about, but they have existed in nearly every wizarding culture. Not only that, but even ancient Muggle cultures have lycanthropy in their histories.

"100 of eld ago, before the Muggle field of psychology came about and yearn before Muggles had any understanding of the human mind, they tried to get to sense of people whom they deemed 'insane'.

"One way they did this was to attribute the insanity to the moon. Over the eld, the myth of werewolves came about. Thus, werewolves have had a substantial role in Muggle stories. In reality, the people Muggles accused of having lycanthropy were merely suffering from schizophrenia or bust of insanity."

Albus frantically tried to drop a line everything down. He knew absolutely zilch about the Muggle thought of lycanthropy. He glanced at Matt and saw that he was n't writing anything down, but his script was shaking.

"Muggles of path know nothing about material wolfman,"Balladanis continued,"And their Hollywood created werewolves have minuscule in common with the real thing.

"werewolf are plagued with the illness lycanthropy. Does anyone cognise what that means ?"

pink wine was the lonesome one who raised her hand. Balladanis nodded to her."It comes from the Hellenic language dustup 'lykos'and 'anthropos',"pink wine explained,"Lykos means beast and anthropos mean man."

"Very good,"Balladanis replied,"Lycanthropy refers to the disease and those who have it are called lycanthropes.

"Lycanthropes have been shunned by wizarding society for as longsighted as account has told us about them. In recent years, there has been much speculation about whether this is necessary or even a good thought. However, it is difficult to commute the judgment of the majority when we have been taught to avoid lycanthrope and banish them from wizarding society for so long.

"It has not been for no reason that this world-wide prejudice has came about. When in wildcat form, werewolves can not control their actions and thus round helpless citizenry. This has long been construed as lycanthrope wanting to attack people, wanting to infect them with the horrible disease.

"This can not be farther from the shell when it comes to most werewolves. Most do not wish to snipe others. Within the past hundred class, lycanthropes have begun locking themselves up on the wide Sun Myung Moon in fiat to debar attacking others. However, there is one significant drawback to this for the lycanthrope. Does anyone know this ?"Balladanis 's middle rested on lusterlessness, but he continued staring down at his abandon parchment.

Rose and Linda raised their hands. This fourth dimension Balladanis called on Linda."When werewolves do n't take in anybody to set on, they attack themselves,"Linda said,"They do n't have a selection and they often wind up really injured because of it."

Balladanis took Linda 's thought further, but Albus did n't hear what he said because matt had knocked over Albus 's ink. He looked incredibly nervous and Albus was well-chosen that the class was almost over. He quickly cleaned up the ink and tried to pay attention to the eternal sleep of the lecture.

"We 'll plunk up following class with what happens before, during, and after full moonlight for a mortal with lycanthropy,"Balladanis announced shortly before the Melville Bell rang,"If you have not read the lycanthrope chapter, please do so for next meter. Mr. Eckerton, if you could please come up see me."

lusterlessness looked, if it was possible, even more spooky at this scene. The residue of the class left and Albus tried to put away his matter as slowly as potential, but Balladanis shooed him, along with lav, out of the room.

Malfoy was standing outside the classroom when Albus and can left. He had a rebuff smirk on his face.

"Interesting lesson, ceramist,"Malfoy said quietly,"Very worry indeed."

"What do you require, Malfoy ?"Albus asked, knowing perfectly well what he wanted.

"Oh, nothing. Just a very illuminating lesson. I 've learned so much,"Malfoy replied and then sauntered off down the corridor.

"merlin,"John muttered,"He knows."

"If he does n't yet, he 'll cognise after next object lesson. He 's onto it, that 's for sure,"Albus said.

"Onto it ?"John replied,"That 's a squeamish way of putting it. The solid school 's going to know in two days, after the next class."

"What are we going to do ?"Albus groaned,"If we tell him what Malfoy said, he 's going to be too scared to do anything. I mean, did you see him during this lesson ?"

"Yeah,"Saint John nodded,"We ca n't order him. Whatever Malfoy 's going to do, he 's going to do it whether flatness knows about it or not."

"I agree,"Albus nodded,"We wo n't tell."

"What are you two talking about ?"mat appeared behind them, looking no better than he had before.

"nix,"can said,"What did Balladanis require ?"

"Told me I did n't deliver to go to the extra assistant during this unit of measurement unless I wanted to,"Matt told them.

"What are you going to do ?"trick asked.

"I do n't know,"Matt said as they began walking to Herbology,"I know it 'll look funny if I do n't, but I really ca n't take many more lessons like that. Merlin, Thursday 's lesson is going to be awful."

Albus saw no full point in denying that. matte did n't bear a clew as to how awful it would be. They said nix more about it the whole way to Herbology.

******

Albus had never been so happy about having ridiculously long Quidditch practices as he was Tuesday and Wednesday eve. He was perfectly felicitous to drop all his free time on the Quidditch pitch and then be too weary to do much of anything else afterwards.

It was just so difficult for him to keep what Malfoy said away from mat. He wanted nix more than to admonish his friend about it, even though he knew that would accomplish nothing. All it would do was make water Matt worry even more and then act even more queasy during Defense.

Quidditch also kept Albus 's mind off of what would happen after Malfoy 's intuition were confirmed. It would n't be anything like when Albus found out or even when Kaden found out. No, Malfoy was going to use this to his advantage. Albus was nearly one hundred percent sure as shooting Malfoy would announce it to all of Slytherin. Then, Word would propagate and the full school would find out. merlin only knew what would materialize when pupil'parents found out.

Albus knew that werewolf right wing had come a longsighted way since Teddy 's dad was in schooling, but he also knew that nigh multitude would not be happy if their nipper were going to school with a wolfman, especially one that did not take wolf's bane. Not to mention the field day the press would have with it. Matt 's dad had just become top dog of the section for the regularization and control of Magical beast for Merlin 's sake. It would be a repeat of what had happened when Matt and his family had lived in Australia.

Not to mention what it would do to Matt himself. Albus remembered when there had been a tenuous chance that Malfoy found out about the transit under the Whomping willow. He had nearly had a panic attack. What would happen if Malfoy found out he was a loup-garou ?

It did not avail that the full moon was that Friday. matt barely spoke during the legal brief times that Albus was not occupied on the Quidditch rake. He sat in the Marauder 's Den with everyone else, but he stared off into space or slept.

Yes, Wood 's long Quidditch practice session took Albus 's mind off of all of that, but they did not stop Thursday from arriving and rather than Albus would make liked he found himself sitting in Balladanis 's classroom.

Albus and John exchanged nervous glances as Malfoy walked in with a very smug expression on his face. Albus was so focalise on Malfoy that he nearly missed the fact that the anamatek 's tree trunk was back in front of Balladanis 's desk. Once he noticed it, he poked john in the side.

"What ?"John seethed. Albus gestured to the trunk."Merlin 's byssus,"John exclaimed,"I do n't even require to recognize what he 's going to do with that."

"Quiet down,"Balladanis said,"We 'll preserve our werewolf discussion today by talking about what happens to a werewolf when the moon waxes.

"Werewolves, in a similar way to vampires, are somewhat allergic to the moonlight when the moon waxes. For the few Night before the actual full moonlight, when exposed to moonlight lycanthropes will palpate ill. The moonlight gives them cephalalgia and when exposed long enough, causes them to suffer consciousness."

Albus did n't rile writing any of this kill, as he knew first hand what happened when a wolfman was exposed to too lots moonlight shortly before the full moon. Instead he stole quick glances at Malfoy and mat. Malfoy was furiously writing down everything Balladanis said and stealing prompt coup d'oeil at lustrelessness himself. lusterlessness was staring down at his parchment and Albus was for sure he was trying to push aside everything Balladanis said. He was blench and ill, but Albus was n't sure if that was because of the object lesson or because the good moon was the next day.

"Lycanthropes are often too ill to go about their everyday activeness the day of the full moon and occasionally the day before as well. Before I describe the factual transformation, I wish to demo you what a individual with lycanthropy looks like the day of the wide moon."

For a legal brief secondly, Albus thought Balladanis was going to cry mat to the front of the room, but then realized that as a prof, Balladanis must have promised Kendrick that he would n't do anything like that.

Balladanis pointed his wand at the trunk and a modest man stepped out of it. His pallor looked exactly like lusterlessness 's and he looked just as ill. In fact, the two of them looked incredibly alike. Both of their faces bore scars and had a sickly look to them.

Balladanis began to talk about what the anamatek looked like, but Albus paid no attention. Instead he looked to Malfoy. Malfoy stared at the anamatek for a mo or so with electrical shock and then he glanced at lustrelessness. Finally, he met Albus 's gaze and Albus saw the biggest smirk he had ever seen on the Slytherin 's face. That was it. Albus knew it. Malfoy had made the connection.

The remainder of the moral passed by in a sort of fog for Albus. He and John had exchanged coup d'oeil and the look on St. John the Apostle 's face told him he had noticed Malfoy 's realization as well. Albus heard Balladanis 's talk, but he did n't work it.

The lesson seemed to dredge on and speed by at the like time. Albus wanted it to be over so he could get out of there, but at the same time he did not want to know what was going to pass off after.

"Next moral will concentre on Aconitum lycoctonum Potion and the result it has had on werewolf rights,"Balladanis announced at the end of the lesson,"form dismissed."

Albus and can looked at each other. Albus did n't know what to do. Should he face Malfoy ? Or should he tell flatness what happened ? lustrelessness seemed oblivious to the hale thing.

They silently decided just to forget the schoolroom and adjudicate what to do after. Rose and Amanda had left with Linda with absolutely no mind what had happened.

Malfoy was waiting for them outside the room and Albus was not certainly if this was a good or a bad thing. He had the sudden urge just to hex Malfoy compensate then and there.

"Another enlightening lesson,"Malfoy smirked,"Oh, Eckerton, feeling a bit ill ?"

"None of your business,"Matt muttered. Albus and St. John both stepped a bit closer to him and Albus clenched his hand around his wand.

"Bet you 'll be feeling even worse tomorrow,"Malfoy replied,"It 's about that clip of the month, is n't it ? Tomorrow night ?"

That got flatness 's attention. His forefront snapped up and he glared at Malfoy. Then he turned around and looked from Albus to John the Divine with the most panic-stricken look on his face Albus had ever seen.

"It 's going to be a fun total Sun Myung Moon, is n't it ?"Malfoy whispered, just meretricious enough for mat, Albus and lavatory to hear.

Matt did n't say anything. He shook his head and then ran. He pushed through the crowd, much to the dislike of the students who were trying to get to stratum, and disappeared in a topic of seconds.

Albus suddenly felt more hatred for Malfoy than ever. Not only had he worked out matte 's underground, but he had used it to scare him. In inwardness, Malfoy had threatened him with it. That was one of the sorry things he could sustain done.

Ignoring all the other students who were going to class, Albus pulled out his wand and had it against Malfoy 's chest in two seconds.

"If you tell anyone,"Albus growled,"I will personally pretend trusted you 're so indistinguishable that even your own parents wo n't acknowledge you."

"Is that a threat, Potter ?"Malfoy pulled out his own wand.

"You need me to spell it out for you ?"Albus asked,"I think we 're about to incur out just how often just I am at dueling than you are."

"Rictumsempra !"Malfoy shouted.

"Protego !"Albus shouted at the same time.

"Expelliarmus !"John shouted.

The crowd moved away so that there was a circle of onlookers surrounding the duel. Albus ignored them. It was just him, John, and Malfoy. And Malfoy was outnumbered.

Malfoy deflected John 's disarming spell and dead reckoning another spell at Albus. It bounced off Albus 's shield and hit a nearby portrait. The portrait 's occupant shouted in disgust and moved into her neighbour 's frame.

Albus concentrated on his shell charm and glared at Malfoy."Petrificus Totalus !"he shouted through his shield.

Grateful for Balladanis 's dueling lesson, Albus watched as his shield held up while the hex shot at Malfoy. Unfortunately, Malfoy dodged it and sent a titillation jinx at John.

This one hit John and he collapsed onto the level in a fit of giggles. Albus shot another hex at Malfoy and this one collided with his aspect. Malfoy 's nose started bleeding and he rounded on Albus.

"What is going on out here ?"Balladanis shouted.

Albus did n't lower his baton and neither did Malfoy, but they did n't kindle off anymore hexes either. Albus let his shield down and noticed that the crowd had dispersed. toilet was still rolling around on the ground.

Balladanis pointed his scepter at John and John immediately stopped giggling and stood up.

"Follow me,"Balladanis growled.

All three son followed Balladanis into his study. Albus looked nervously at John. Of all the professors to enamour them dueling, it had to be Balladanis. Of course, the one skilful thing about this was that Malfoy could n't announce Matt 's lycanthropy to the entire schooltime while Balladanis was lecturing them.


A/N : Thanks to my genus Beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as all the awesome hoi polloi who have read and reviewed this !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Albus and St. John sat as far away as possible from Malfoy in Balladanis 's study. Balladanis just stared at them before speaking.

"I can not set out to secern you how disappointed I am in all of you,"Balladanis began,"Especially you, Mr. Potter and Mr. Malfoy. I am for sure I taught you ameliorate than this. The two of you especially should know how uncalled for that was. You are well aware of your dueling accomplishment and what variety of responsibility lies with them. I have half a creative thinker to discontinue our grooming session. However, I am leave to hear all sides of this story before laying out any sort of punishment. You may go first, Mr. Malfoy."

"I was just walking to class and ceramist pulled out his wand and attacked me. Then Brickston joined in. I was outnumbered, sir. I had to oppose myself,"Malfoy said.

Albus had to try hard not to snort. He and John looked at each other and John rolled his eyes.

"Very well,"Balladanis said,"Mr. potter, if you please."

Albus took a deep hint. He was going to tell the story. The whole story."Malfoy was threatening Matt, sir,"Albus began.

"Mr. Eckerton ?"Balladanis asked,"I did not see him anywhere."

"He left after Malfoy threatened him,"Albus continued,"You see, Malfoy has figured something out about Matt, after listening to your speech on werewolves."

Balladanis 's optic widened and he looked at Malfoy."Is that true, Mr. Malfoy ?"

"Yes,"Malfoy muttered,"And I was n't threatening him. I was asking him about it. I think I have the right to jazz if I 'm in shoal with a werewolf."

Malfoy said 'werewolf'with disgust and it made Albus want to hex him once more.

"Mr. Eckerton has the rightfulness to keep his medical topic to himself,"Balladanis replied,"His health is none of your business concern whatsoever. Please continue, Mr. Potter."

"After lustrelessness left, I wanted to be surely Malfoy was n't going to go tell the whole school day about mat 's lycanthropy,"Albus explained,"And I guess we just wound up dueling."

"Just lift up dueling ?"Malfoy scoffed,"You had your wand on me."

"You sent the low gear hex,"Albus muttered.

"Do you have anything to add, Mr. Brickston ?"Balladanis asked.

"No,"John replied,"Albus is telling the truth."

"Very well,"Balladanis replied,"I see this matter goes much further than a duel. All three of you will invite four nights'detention starting tonight at eight. Each of you have lost ten points from your various houses.

"However, I am taking all three of you to see the headmaster. There are things more important to talk over than detentions,"Balladanis said as he stood up.

Albus knew broad well what Balladanis was insinuating. He and John said nothing as they followed Balladanis to Kendrick 's discipline. Malfoy walked a few ft behind them.

Albus had n't been to Kendrick 's report since his first off yr, when he went to mouth to Dumbledore 's portraiture. The stead had n't changed in the slender. Everything seemed to be in the take same place. Both Dumbledore and Snape were awake and in their portraits.

Kendrick was behind his desk writing something when they entered. He looked up curiously at them. Albus, John, and Malfoy stood near the door while Balladanis strode forward.

"We have a problem,"Balladanis said,"These three have been dueling."

"I trust you to deal out detentions, Tethys,"Kendrick replied,"I am occupy at the moment."

"It 's not the dueling,"Balladanis said,"It 's what they were dueling about."

"And what would that be ?"Kendrick asked.

"Mr. Malfoy has discovered that lusterlessness Eckerton is a wolfman,"Balladanis answered,"And I believe Mr. ceramist and Mr. Brickston have known for quite some time."

Kendrick dropped his quill and looked up."I 'll claim this from here. I believe you have a lesson to teach."

"I believe I do,"Balladanis replied and left the room.

Kendrick conjured a few chairperson and gestured for the three boys to join him at his desk. Albus sat down in the middle death chair and waited for Kendrick to begin. He noticed that both Dumbledore and Snape were paying rapt attention.

"Well, well,"Snape said,"Deja vu."

"Not now, Severus,"Kendrick said,"Mr. ceramicist, perhaps you can tell me if anyone else knows about lustrelessness 's lycanthropy ?"

"Er, yes,"Albus replied,"rosebush Weasley, Amanda Tagger, and Kaden Dursley."

"I knew that Dursley kid knew something,"Malfoy muttered.

"Not now, Mr. Malfoy,"Kendrick said,"I 'll need to utter with them, as well as flatness. I imagine they 're all in class."

"Sir,"Albus interrupted,"I do n't think Matt 's in class."

"You may be right,"Kendrick sighed,"Do you have any idea where he might be ?"

"Yes,"Albus answered.

"Very well. Please go find him,"Kendrick said,"And Mr. Brickston, please go find the others."

Albus nodded and he and John left the field. Albus went straight to the Marauder 's Den while John went to the dungeons as pink wine and Amanda would be in potions.

Matt was sitting on his bed in the predator 's Den, staring at the wall and not moving a muscle.

"I suppose Malfoy 's told everyone,"Matt said without turning to reckon at Albus. His voice was hollow.

"No,"Albus replied,"He has n't had the chance. toilet and I dueled him after you left. Balladanis gave us all four Nox of detention and took period away."

"He 'll differentiate everyone soon,"matte replied,"I should probably go pack. You know, I really thought I 'd get to complete school. That 's not even the sorry section. It 's going to be all over the Prophet. My dad 's going to miss his job again. We 'll probably have got to move to New York."

He finally turned around and looked at Albus. He no longer looked anxious. He looked absolutely terrified, yet sad at the Lapplander time.

"Why did Balladanis have to be such a good instructor ?"lustrelessness groaned and laid back on the bed,"If he had been some sort of awful teacher then maybe Malfoy would n't experience found out. He 's just so thoroughgoing ! He left nil out ! Even the way he described the transformation. It was so, it was just so, realistic.

"And that stupid anamatek !"Matt sat up and looked at Albus,"That thing looked just like me, only elderly. No wonder Malfoy found out."

"You 're not going to get kicked out,"Albus assured him.

"How do you have a go at it ?"matte shouted,"How do you really know ? I know Teddy 's dad got to last out after Snape found out, but this is dissimilar. That was when Dumbledore was here ! Everyone says Dumbledore was barking mad. Kendrick is n't. Kendrick 's perfectly sane and he 's not going to want to deal with this."

Albus did n't really jazz what to say to that. Everything Matt said was avowedly. Kendrick was not Dumbledore. cypher could equate to Dumbledore.

"Kendrick wants to see you,"Albus said,"He 's got Malfoy up in his discipline. He wants to talk to all of us. Me, privy, rosiness, Amanda, and Kaden."

"I do n't want to go up there,"mat said,"I never want to see Malfoy again. I just want to stay here. Merlin, my head is killing me."

"I think you have to go,"Albus said quietly.

"I know,"mat groaned and got up off the bed,"This just is n't fair. I hate it. I hate this entirely matter. I do n't want to be a flaming werewolf anymore."

"I know,"Albus said, knowing just how miserable mat was at that moment. Albus had never once heard him complain about being a werewolf. Not when he was too tired to do anything because of the fully moon or when he was laid up in the hospital wing for days afterwards.

They walked quietly back to Kendrick 's report. Albus muttered the password, that he had catch Balladanis say, to the gargoyle and they ascended into the study.

Everyone else was already there and they all turned to Albus and lusterlessness when they walked in. Matt froze in place and Albus stopped and looked at him. He was staring directly at Malfoy.

"consume a buns,"Kendrick gestured to the two empty electric chair, one of which was succeeding to Malfoy's.

Albus took the seat next to Malfoy 's, but did n't attend at him. matte took the other one.

"kickoff, I want to assure you that you do not have to get out Hogwarts,"Kendrick said to Matt,"cipher else will be finding out about your lycanthropy."

Matt did n't seem reassured by this. Malfoy looked mutinous.

"My father wo n't agree with that,"Malfoy muttered.

"Your father has no say whatsoever in which students I admit to this school,"Kendrick replied,"He works in the Ministry, and may I point out that his perspective is not very high."

"Matt,"Kendrick turned away from Malfoy,"doe anyone else know ?"Matt shook his head."And did you distinguish the others, besides Mr. Malfoy, willingly ?"Kendrick continued. Matt nodded.

"Very well,"Kendrick said,"And how long have they known ?"

Matt seemed unable to speak. After a few mo of silence, Kendrick turned to Albus."How long have you known, Mr. potter ?"

"Two days,"Albus answered.

Kendrick repeated this interrogative with Rose, john, and Amanda, who all gave the same answer as Albus. Then he moved onto Kaden and Albus suddenly remembered the Sileo Altus spell. He shared one horrified glimpse with pink wine and waited for Kaden 's reply.

Kaden looked at Kendrick and then turned to Albus. His backtalk was agape and he looked a picayune panic.

"Are you all right, Mr. Dursley ?"Kendrick asked.

"Fine,"Kaden answered,"It 's just, well ...."

"prof, Sir,"Rose began,"We sort of put this magic spell on Kaden, so he would n't severalise anyone. He can only talk about it with us. He wo n't be able to say a matter about it around you or Malfoy."

Albus braced himself for Kendrick 's reply, but before the headmaster could say a Bible, Dumbledore chuckled in his frame.

"The Sileo Altus spell,"Dumbledore smiled,"Ingenious. Who performed it ?"

"I did,"Rose answered.

"Remarkable,"Dumbledore said,"You must be an incredible beldame, young woman Weasley."

"Too ache for her own good, more like it,"Snape muttered.

"That is indeed quite the amazing feat, miss Weasley,"Kendrick said,"Can you tell me how farsighted Mr. Dursley has known ?"

"About a class,"Rose said.

"Thank you,"Kendrick replied,"Now I have some things to talk over with Mr. Malfoy and Mr. Eckerton in individual. The sleep of you may go to the Great Hall. I believe there is still a one-half minute or so left of lunch."

Albus did n't really require to leave without finding out what was going to happen to Malfoy, but he knew matte would tell him.

Matt never showed up in the Great Hall for tiffin, nor did he go to Ancient runic letter or appealingness. Albus could not concentrate on either of those socio-economic class and was very happy when spell was over and he was able to leave.

Wood was not very well-chosen that Albus had acquired four detention. In fact, he was livid. He spent 20 minutes telling Albus how he should n't be picking fights with early scholarly person so close to the next Quidditch match, especially in forepart of teachers'classroom. The public lecture had only ended when Albus told him he was latterly for charm. Albus had run into Grant Wood in in between Ancient runic letter and Charms.

"What do you suppose Balladanis is going to shit us do ?"John the Divine asked as they walked towards the Marauder 's Den.

"Have n't a clue,"Albus replied,"But whatever it is, it 's going to be bad since we have to do it with Malfoy."

"True,"Saint John agreed.

blush wine, Kaden, and Amanda were with them. Albus wanted to go observe Matt before they went to dinner. They had to wait a while for the corridor to clear out before they were actually capable to get into the elbow room, though.

flatness was fast asleep on the couch when they entered."honorable thing he does n't have detention tonight,"John pointed out.

"Yeah,"Albus agreed.

Saint John the Apostle gently shook Matt 's shoulder until he cracked his eyes open."Wake up,"John said,"Or you 'll omit dinner."

"I 'm not hungry,"Matt muttered.

"What 's Kendrick doing about Malfoy ?"Albus asked as he sat down on the other end of the couch.

"He should put that charm on him,"Kaden announced,"The one you lot put on me."

"I wish he would,"Matt sighed,"All he did was tell Malfoy how of import it was not to remark anything. He said telling his don would do nothing. Then he told him that if he ever did tell anyone, he would face expulsion for revealing another student 's medical exam information. But that 's it ! I mean, Malfoy did promise he would n't say anything, but who really knows ? Sure, if he tells, he 'll be expelled, but that wo n't lead it back. I 'd still have to leave."

"As much as a git as he is,"Albus began,"I do n't consider he 's going to tell anyone if it meant he 'd be expelled. That would be the ultimate pity in the Malfoy fellowship, besides being a Squib or marrying a Muggle or something, getting expelled and not being a fully qualified wizard. Malfoy wo n't require that."

"I guess you 're right,"Matt sighed,"It 's just so strange, knowing that he knows."

"I know,"Albus said,"Do you require to go eat dinner party ?"

"No,"Matt shook his head,"You guys go on ahead. I 've got to direct an owl to my parents, let them know about this."

Albus nodded."We 'll see you later, then. John Lackland and I have got hold tonight."

"Oh, right. full luck with that,"Matt replied.

******

Balladanis 's detainment was a bit anticlimactical. Albus had been expecting him to think up some really originative and taxing custody, but instead he assigned them lines. Lines were possibly the most wearisome detention ever thought up, but they were preferable to cleaning the john or something.

"Potter, Malfoy,"Balladanis said after they 'd been writing for ten bit,"Your dueling object lesson is canceled for tomorrow dark due to your detention. custody will be at nine, after my duplicate help sitting, something I 'll expect you to be attending, Brickston."

Balladanis said nothing more and began grading essays at his desk. He completely ignored the three boys, which Albus did n't really mind. He just wanted to get his line of work done and get out of there.

"Where does he go ?"Malfoy hissed at Albus.

"What ?"Albus whispered.

"You know, on wide Moon, where does he go ?"Malfoy elaborated.

"I 'm not telling you that,"Albus muttered.

"My dad said a werewolf used to teach here, and he got fired when everyone found out,"Malfoy drawled.

"He quit,"Albus corrected him,"He was n't fired. He was the estimable Defense instructor any of our parents ever had."

"Quiet !"Balladanis shouted,"I did n't say you could talk."

Albus was grateful for Balladanis 's scolding. Malfoy stopped asking questions and went back to his lines. Albus sighed and went back to his own. How far was Malfoy going to go ? Why could n't he just be satisfied with having worked out flatness 's secret ?

A half time of day into their agate line piece of writing, when Albus was contemplating switching hands despite the fact that he wrote horribly with his right handwriting, there was a knock on the door. Albus looked up and saw Professor Kendrick standing in the threshold, along with none other than mat 's dad. Albus set down his calamus and turned to John. whoremaster had set down his own quill.

"Who 's that ?"Malfoy asked.

"Shush !"Albus hissed. The last matter they needed was for Balladanis to call back they were there and tell them to get out so he could suffer whatever conversation he was about to have in private.

"Tethys,"Kendrick said quietly,"This is Bruno Walter Eckerton."

"We 've met,"Balladanis muttered.

Albus turned again to John. Matt 's dad knew Balladanis ? How ? matt had never mentioned that before.

"That 's his dad ?"Malfoy whispered.

"Shush !"Albus said again.

"I wish to tattle to you about what happened earlier today,"matte 's dad said quietly.

"What about it, Eckerton ?"Balladanis asked.

"My son told me about your moral,"Mr. Eckerton said,"How, informative they are."

"I teach my students what they 'll need to know in ordering to defend themselves,"Balladanis replied.

"I think you go too far with that,"Mr. Eckerton disagreed,"Merlin, showing them exactly what a wolfman looks like before a shift with an anamatek ? Do you realize how dangerous those are ?"

"Of course,"Balladanis said, raising his vocalization a bit,"You 're not the solely expert on magical tool. I have perfect restraint over my anamatek."

"nonentity has everlasting control over an anamatek !"Mr. Eckerton said.

"The headmaster has already told me I 'm not allowed to use it anymore, so you really do n't want to be lecturing me about this,"Balladanis seethed.

"Oh, it 's not only that,"Mr. Eckerton stepped a bit closer to Balladanis,"It 's how lots you taught the third years about wolfman. The details about their transformations, how to find fault one out of the general universe, what happens before, during, and after transmutation. Your lesson was far Thomas More detail than a third twelvemonth textbook book."

"You 'd line up that all my lessons are like that,"Balladanis replied,"text edition book do not give plenty details."

"I think giving enough detail about identifying a werewolf so that a third year would be able-bodied to work out that someone not even in their same planetary house is one is going too far,"Mr. Eckerton seethed,"You knew about my son. You should have been a bit more timid with your lesson."

"Withholding information from an entire class because of one bookman is not a good method of teaching,"Balladanis countered.

"It is when it could be grievous for that one student,"Mr. Eckerton said,"Fan of the superlative good for the greatest number, are we ?"

"There are times when that is a good philosophy,"Balladanis replied.

"We 'll agree to disagree, then,"Mr. Eckerton said,"But if I find that your lessons are putting my son in danger anymore, you may discover that the Ministry is inquiring into your teaching practices."

"I 'll teach however I like,"Balladanis muttered.

Mr. Eckerton ignored this and turned to the three male child, none of whom were writing lines any longer."Is that him ?"he asked.

"The one who found out ?"Kendrick replied,"Yes."

Mr. Eckerton strode over to the table Albus, John, and Malfoy were working at. He nodded hello to Albus and John before turning to Malfoy.

"I realize the headmaster has already gone over this with you,"Mr. Eckerton began,"But I feel the motivation to repeat that there will be consequences if you make public my son 's condition."

Malfoy nodded."I know,"he muttered.

"goodness,"Mr. Eckerton replied and returned to where Kendrick was standing. He turned once again to Balladanis."I 'll be returning to the castling tomorrow to search your study and classroom for the anamatek. If it is still here, I will occupy it into custody."

Balladanis muttered something under his breath as Matt 's dad left the room with professor Kendrick. Albus exchanged a glance with John. He wanted nothing more than to leave, so he could talk about what had just happened.

"That 's sufficiency for tonight,"Balladanis barked,"Get out. Be back here tomorrow night at nine."

Albus nearly spilled his ink in his haste to get up. He ran out of the elbow room as fast as he could with John following. Malfoy made no move to try and talk to them again, so they headed straight to the marauder 's Den.


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight as well as all of the pin-up people who have read and reviewed this ! You guy cable are awesome !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Albus and john burst into the vulture 's Den a little while later to find that Matt and Kaden were the only ones there. mat 's facial expression was covered in ash and Kaden was grinning. They were in the middle of a game of Exploding Snap.

"And that makes four win for me and none for you,"Kaden announced as he collected the menu,"Oh, Albus, John ! How was your detention ? Want to diddle ?"

"Not now,"Albus said hurriedly as he sat down side by side to Matt,"mat, did you acknowledge your dad was just here ?"

"Yeah,"flatness nodded,"When he got my owl, he wanted to go talk to Kendrick. I went with him."

"Well, do you have it off where he went after ?"John asked.

"Home, I guess,"lustrelessness shrugged,"Why ?"

"He and Kendrick turned up in our hold,"St. John said.

"He what ?"matte replied.

"Yeah, it was really odd,"Albus said,"He came in with Kendrick and Kendrick introduced him to Balladanis. Only Balladanis said 'we 've met'. You never told us your dad knew Balladanis."

"I never knew,"lustrelessness shrugged,"Then what happened ?"

"Your dad was really angry,"Albus continued,"He thinks Balladanis taught us too a lot about how to figure out if someone 's a werewolf and that 's why Malfoy found out. Then he told him how serious it was for him to use that anamatek in class-"

"Oh, yeah,"flatness said,"I told my dad about the anamatek and that 's one of the ground he came here, to enjoin Kendrick about it. Kendrick 's making him get rid of it."

"Yeah, that 's what your dad said,"Albus replied,"He 's coming back to scrutinise Balladanis 's elbow room tomorrow to make sure he got rid of it. He also said that if any of Balladanis 's didactics puts you in danger again, the Ministry 's going to investigate him."

"It 's really not a good mind to get on my dad 's bad position,"lustrelessness said,"What did Balladanis do during this ?"

"He kept saying that he was going to learn however he wanted,"Albus explained,"Honestly, he did not seem happy that your dad was there. I think something happened between the two of them."

"But what ?"matt asked,"Dad 's never mentioned him before."

"Think he 'd say you if you asked ?"King John wondered.

"Probably,"lusterlessness said,"I 'll owl him about it."

"Oh, and then your dad told Malfoy he 'd better not tell anyone you 're a werewolf,"lavatory said,"He looked pretty chilling, too. I do n't call up Malfoy 's going to separate anyone."

******

It did not take very long for discussion to overspread that Balladanis had gotten in difficulty for having an anamatek. Galleons exchanged hands the next morning at breakfast, as a few older students had bet on how long he would have it. Somehow everyone knew that flatness 's dad had showed up at Hogwarts the premature night and informed Kendrick about it.

Kaden had Defense that morning and reported to Albus at tiffin that Balladanis was even rigid than usual and seemed incredibly angry. That did not bode well for Albus 's hold that evening.

"He 's right-down scary,"Kaden said as he piled steak and kidney pie onto his plate,"Yelled at one of the Ravenclaws in my class for spilling her ink. She was nearly in bust. But I 'd hate to be in your class, Albus, he 's going to be unrelenting. I mean, it 's pretty practically because of lusterlessness that he got in trouble."

flatness had gone up to the predator 's Den after they got out of Herbology since he felt ill and was n't in lunch. Albus knew that Kaden was right. Balladanis was going to occupy this out on lustrelessness, and possibly Malfoy as well.

"I do n't fuck why he cares so much,"John shrugged,"I mean, the Ministry could let just taken that thing away. He 's favorable he just had to have it back to his theatre or whatever."

"I do n't call up he likes the administration,"Albus said,"That 's the feeling I got after listening to him lecture about what he did before teaching here. I think that 's why he did that, instead of becoming an Auror."

"Well, I think it 's a unspoilt idea for the Ministry to shit him take that thing home,"John said.

"Me, too,"Albus agreed,"I mean, he could 've turned it into a mantiger next."

Kaden went to class after lunch while Albus and John Lackland went up to the marauder 's Den with Rose and Amanda.

"Think he 's owled his dad yet ?"St. John the Apostle asked as he gestured to Matt, who was asleep in his bed.

"Doubt it,"Albus said,"He 's probably been asleep since he got up here."

"Merlin, I just want to know what happened between his dad and Balladanis,"trick groaned.

"You 're so impatient,"rosebush commented,"Just let him sleep."

"I was n't going to wake him up,"John muttered.

The oddment of the afternoon passed by quickly. Albus was dreading his detainment later and John complained loudly about how he had to go to the surplus help academic term about werewolves when he already knew so much about them.

Albus woke Matt up shortly before dinner and he looked much sorry than he usually did the day of entire synodic month. They all escorted him to the infirmary wing, where lady Pomfrey rushed him into bed.

Just as they were about to depart the hospital extension, the doorway opened and in take the air Matt 's dad. Albus assumed he was there to ensure if Balladanis had gotten rid of his anamatek.

toilet nudged Albus."We should ask him about Balladanis,"lav whispered.

"He 's not going to secernate us now,"Albus muttered back,"Look at him."

Mr. Eckerton looked tired out and incredibly worried. He nodded to Albus and the others before rushing over to lustrelessness 's bed and talking to dame Pomfrey in hushed whispers.

As it turned out, Albus had been worrying about the hold for nada. He entered the room before Malfoy and St. John the Apostle was already doing his lines. Balladanis said absolutely cipher to Albus as he handed him lambskin. Malfoy arrived a little while later and still Balladanis said nothing.

Malfoy did not babble out either. He did not ask anything about lusterlessness and did n't even comment that the entire moon was that night.

Balladanis let them leave at half yesteryear ten. Albus and John found Kaden in the Marauder 's Den and spent the remaining clip left until astronomy playing Exploding Snap and Wizard 's Chess.

"Why, why do we have to sustain this class with the Slytherins ?"John groaned as they made their way to the uranology towboat,"If Malfoy does n't make a single comment about the full moon, I 'll eat an integral cauldron."

"I 'm going to keep back you to that,"Albus laughed,"But I do n't think you 'll bear to."

Malfoy went so far as to actually set his telescope up following to Albus 's. Professor Polo spent ten minutes telling them that they were to plot the position of blemish, Venus, the lunation, and a handful of adept before turning them fall behind to actually do so.

"The moon is so bright,"Malfoy whispered,"And big and ... full ...."

Albus looked at john."Looks like I wo n't be eating my cauldron tonight,"John muttered.

"Just shut it, Malfoy,"Albus said.

"Is n't his dad the Head of the department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures ? Yeah, he must be, because he 's the one who made Balladanis get rid of the anamatek. Ca n't say I 'm really upset about that,"Malfoy said quietly,"But how ironic."

"Just stop over talking about it,"Albus muttered.

"Oh, come on, thrower. Even you have to treasure the irony,"Malfoy said.

"will you just keep out up,"Albus seethed.

"repose over there,"Polo said.

Malfoy smirked at Albus one more time before going back to his scope. The remainder of the lesson passed without anymore commentary from Malfoy and Albus was quite happy when he was capable to retort to his dormitory.

******

"It 's like back in first year,"Albus sighed,"Remember when madam Pomfrey locked the hospital wing ?"

"That 's why this is bad !"Rose said.

"Well, she did n't lock us out this time,"John pointed out.

"She did n't exactly let us in either,"Kaden said.

Albus and his champion had slept late on Saturday morning and after grabbing a quick bite to eat, had gone to visit lusterlessness in the hospital wing. dame Pomfrey had n't let them in. They were currently in the piranha 's Den, trying to figure out why.

"She always lets us in,"toilet groaned.

"He obviously had a really bad Nox,"Albus said quietly.

"Yeah, but why ?"Rose wondered.

"Have n't you noticed that the good moons have been worse the past tense few calendar month ?"Albus asked,"He 's been taking longer to recover."

"I wish he 'd just let us suit Animagi,"John muttered.

"Gospel According to John, I honestly do n't think you could turn an Animagus,"rosebush replied,"You 'd wind up with a perm fag end affixed to your arse."

"That would n't be that bad,"John Lackland grinned,"Always thought it would be cool to have a tail."

"You 're not helping,"Albus sighed,"What are we going to do ?"

"I think all we can do is just hold going back to the hospital wing,"Saint John the Apostle shrugged,"Until ma'am Pomfrey lets us in."

Their exploit proved fruitless, though. They went to the hospital wing twice that afternoon and then right before Albus and whoremaster had to go to detention. Madam Pomfrey told them 'no'each meter.

Sunday, the last day of Albus and St. John 's detention, was the same. gentlewoman Pomfrey was quite livid when they showed up for the third gear time that day.

"aught 's changed !"she shouted,"Come back tomorrow evening ! I 'll give the lot of you detention if you come back any early than that !"

With that, she strode back into the ward and slammed the doorway."Can she even give detention ?"Kaden asked.

"I dunno,"Albus shrugged,"I would n't put it past her."

Albus and trick broke away from the radical to fill in their utmost detainment. Balladanis gave them lines, just like he had the past three Nox. Albus sat quietly completing them, very grateful for the fact that Malfoy had n't said two words to him since Astronomy.

"You may arrest,"Balladanis said quietly after they 'd been writing for about an hour and a half.

Albus threw his quill down and leaned back in his professorship. Finally, it was over.

"I hope you learned something,"Balladanis said, which shocked Albus. He had been expecting Balladanis to bear on his silence."If I catch any of you dueling in the corridors again, the consequences will be much more spartan than detention and lost points.

"Mr. Potter and Mr. Malfoy, I have given great thought to whether I should go forward giving you spear carrier lessons. I have decided to give you one more prospect. Lessons will continue this Friday at their normal clip. However, if either of you disregard my ruler again, I will no longer hold them. You may go. I 'll see all three of you in division on Tuesday."

"Merlin, I 'm glad that 's over,"John muttered to Albus once they were on their way to Gryffindor Tower.

"Me too,"Albus agreed,"He 's going to be awful in class, though."

"Yeah, ca n't say I 'm looking forward to that,"John said.

Albus could n't center at all in his classes the next day. All he wanted to do was go to the hospital wing and find out how flatness was, but Madam Pomfrey insisted that they wait until evening.

Rose and Amanda ate dinner party with Linda, but they met Albus, lavatory, and Kaden near the infirmary wing afterwards. They had all eaten a very induce dinner due to Albus 's Quidditch practice at seven.

Albus cautiously opened the door to the hospital wing, half expecting Madam Pomfrey to holler at them again. He walked quietly inside, followed the the others. Madam Pomfrey was sitting at her desk and she visibly sighed when she noticed them.

"Go ahead,"she gestured to the only occupied bed, which had the curtains pulled around it.

Albus rushed over to the bed and yanked the curtain back. Matt looked beat and there was a rather large patch wrapped around his head.

"I was wondering when you 'd fare sojourn me,"lusterlessness gave them a half smile.

"We 've been trying !"John said,"Madam Pomfrey has n't let us !"

"I know,"Matt smirked,"I 've heard her outcry at you. It 's sort of amusing."

"fountainhead, we 're here now,"Albus said,"How are you ? Why did n't ma'am Pomfrey let us get along visit ?"

"Because I did n't awaken up until yesterday afternoon,"Matt answered.

"But that was-"whoremaster began.

"Nearly two days later ?"Matt cut him off,"I know."

"But why ?"Rose asked.

"A bunch of thing, really,"Matt sighed,"outset, I was worried about Malfoy telling everyone and it 's always worse when I 'm worried about something. Second, I hit my head really tough at some degree that night. It still hurts. tierce, the transformations in general are getting worse, because I 'm getting older."

That thought certainly had n't crossed Albus 's mind. Albus and all his admirer were obviously getting older and that brought mountain of changes, but he had n't even thought about how the wolf would deepen when Matt got older.

"So, are all of the wax moons going to be this bad now ?"Kaden asked.

"No,"mat shook his head and then winced,"I mean, I do n't really cognize what 'll encounter in the future, but this one was just a combination of bad things."

"That 's good, I guess,"Albus shrugged,"When do you get to leave ?"

"Tomorrow night at the earliest,"lustrelessness sighed,"Although that means I 'll miss Defense."

"Wish I could miss defense force,"John Lackland muttered,"oral presentation of Department of Defense, did you owl your dad yet ?"

"john, he just woke up yesterday,"rose pointed out.

"I did n't owl him,"flatness said,"But he came to see me earlier and I asked him."

"Brilliant,"whoremaster grinned,"And ?"

"And,"mat said,"He told me all about it. He told me Balladanis was a Presuler and was really surprised that I already knew.

"Apparently, back when my dad had just been appointed Head of the Department for the regulating and Control of Magical Creatures in Australia, he hired Balladanis to fascinate a striation of lamia who were attacking Muggles on the outback. Balladanis caught them, but he thought Dad went too easy on them."

"What did he do to them ?"whoremaster asked.

"Sent them to prison house. I think they got 20 days. Balladanis thought they should have gotten lifespan sentences. Dad and Balladanis got into this huge argument at the Ministry about it and Balladanis stormed out. The Aussie Ministry did n't hire him after that,"Matt explained,"Although, I 'll bet Balladanis and Lubar would hold on penalisation. I wonder if he 's hired Balladanis."

"That explains a lot,"Albus said,"Did your dad say anything else about him ?"

"No, not really,"matte replied,"Just that he 's got a lot of proceeds. Oh, and he wanted me to discourage you not to listen to everything Balladanis says during those dueling lessons you 've got."

"I 'm not going to,"Albus assured him,"I think we 've all seen a dissimilar side of Balladanis during the by week."

******

Tuesday morning dawned quickly and Albus trudged to Defense Department with whoremaster. Neither of them really knew what grade would be like, but judging from what he heard about recent refutation classes in the common room, it would n't be fun.

Malfoy was back to his smug self now that detention was over. He sat next to Goyle wearing a smirk on his face. Albus ignored him and went to his usual table.

Balladanis stormed into the room a few bit later. He waved his wand at the door and it slammed shut with a bang aloud enough that it caused the Jordan-Bell twins, who had been sitting confining to it, to jump.

"walk your homework questions forward,"he growled.

Albus handed his prep to the table in strawman of him and waited for Balladanis to collect it. He paused in social movement of the table in nominal head of Albus's.

"Potter,"he began,"You can order Eckerton that his homework is belatedly and therefore I will not accept it. If he wished to get credit for it, he could have graced us with his presence."

Malfoy snorted at this, earning him glares from both Albus and Balladanis. Balaldanis tossed the prep unceremoniously onto his desk and then turned back to his students.

"wolfbane potion,"he barked,"Was created by a man by the name of Oliver Belby. He finished the creation in 1991. For almost werewolves, the potion was a life ring. Who can explain what it does ?"

cypher, not even blush wine and Linda, raised their hired hand. Albus stared down at his desk, hoping that Balladanis would n't anticipate on him.

"cipher ?"he said,"shame. wolfbane potion renders a werewolf harmless during replete lunation. The lycanthrope turns into a wolf, but a harmless one. One that will just sleep until the moon sets and will not sustain the impulse to sting and kill.

"The potion is a lifesaver to those plagued with lycanthropy. I had been hoping to show you what a loup-garou would look like on wolf's bane potion, but my anamatek has been banned from the castle,"Balladanis said with malevolency,"Therefore you will throw to go without the visual. It seems that sure parents, Ministry officials, and the headmaster do not approve of my methods of teaching. Unfortunately, it is all of you who are suffering for it."

"I would n't address it suffering,"John the Evangelist muttered.

"tranquility, Brickston !"Balladanis shouted,"Unless you have something to impart to the class."

"No, sir,"St. John replied.

"commodity,"Balladanis muttered,"Anyway, the anamatek will not be making anymore appearances in this schoolroom and your education is going to suffer for it. Nothing, and I repeat nothing can supplant hands on training."

Albus usually agreed with that, but he drew the telephone circuit at having what was in essence a unrecorded manticore in front of him. There were some times when reading sufficed.

The object lesson continued with Balladanis talking about wolfsbane. He spoke about how the potion does n't work for all werewolves and Albus found his idea drifting. All in all, the lesson had n't been as bad as he 'd been expecting. Besides his brief rant about his anamatek being banned from the castle, he had been pretty normal. Normal for Balladanis, that is.

"Next lesson will be the last on werewolves,"Balladanis announced at the end of class,"We will learn about lycanthropy 's effect on children."

Albus groaned inwardly. lustrelessness would be out of the hospital fender by then. Why could n't Balladanis just finish the werewolf unit already ?

"He wo n't be back next twelvemonth,"King John muttered as they walked to Herbology.

"I do n't doubt that,"Albus replied,"I just marvel who we 're going to get instead."


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight as well as all the lovely people who have read and reviewed this !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


"Place your wager here !"Fred shouted the next day as he walked around the common room.

Albus had just climbed through the portrayal hole with Georgia and James II after a particularly difficult Quidditch pattern. Wood was getting them prepared for the match against New York, which was to take place in a little over a week.

"Georgia, James, Albus !"Fred greeted them,"Care to place a bet ?"

"What are you taking bet about ?"Empire State of the South asked tiredly,"And if you keep betting on stuff, your mum is bound to encounter out."

"She wo n't deal,"Fred shrugged. He was probably decently. Albus 's Aunt Alicia was the least strict out of all of his aunt. She 'd probably place a bet with Fred.

"You 'd just better Hope Grandma does n't find out,"GA smirked.

Fred looked momentarily horrorstruck and Albus could n't fault him. mollie Weasley would probably send him a thigh-slapper if she knew he was gambling.

"She wo n't unless you tell her,"Fred muttered,"And ling and I are taking bets on how much recollective Balladanis is going to last. attention to take a guess ?"

"I suppose,"Sakartvelo said as she pulled out some atomic number 79,"Two Galleons says he 's gone in a workweek. I heard he had three first days in tears today."

"He nearly had half of my stratum in tear,"Fred said as he took Sakartvelo 's gold,"King James, Al ?"

"three Galleons says he 's gone in two week,"James said as he tossed Fred some gold and then left to go chance his friends.

"Nope,"Albus shook his drumhead.

"Suit yourself,"Fred shrugged and continued his paseo around the unwashed way,"Bets here, place your wager !"

Albus found his friends crowded around their common table in the plebeian way. Linda was with them. All three girls were working on homework. John and Kaden were trading chocolate frog cards.

"Fred 's going to get himself in trouble,"blush wine muttered as Albus sat down,"You did n't bet anything, did you ?"

"No,"Albus shook his school principal,"How about you lot ?"

"I bet ten reaping hook he wo n't finis the year,"John said.

"You should have a go at it exactly when he 'll pull up stakes, what with your taking divination,"rosebush smirked.

"prophecy 's a joke,"Saint John muttered,"I ca n't wait to strike down it after fifth part year."

"Told you so,"rose wine grinned,"Sick of making up hooey ?"

"It 's just so otiose,"John groaned,"We 're still doing crystal balls. I just secern her that I see myself dying anytime she asks and it keeps her happy."

"That 's why I 'm not taking fortune telling,"Kaden announced,"Bloody waste of a class."

Kaden had chosen his classes for next year a few Day prior. He decided on Care of Magical Creatures, Ancient Runes, and Arithmancy.

"Easy homework, though,"John sighed,"I just observe reminding myself about that."

"What 's got easy prep ?"Matt asked as he sat down in the death chair next to Saint John 's. He looked a bit better than he had the late day, but still get into out.

"Pomfrey finally let you out ?"John asked,"And we 're talking about Divination."

"Yeah, just in time for United States Department of Defense tomorrow,"Matt groaned,"I 'm tempt to use a Fainting Fancy to get out of it."

"I think half the first years are going to do that on Friday,"Kaden said,"I overheard them talking. Apparently Balladanis completely flipped out on one of them today, all over one incomplete homework interrogative sentence. Made her cry."

"That 's what Georgia was saying,"Albus replied,"make me want to use a Fainting fondness. Two weeks. I know I did n't bet on it, but that 's really all I 'd pass on him."

******

Saint John filled his scoop with emesis pastille before he set off to Defense the next dawning. Albus did n't discommode. His oddity always trumped his disfavour for certain grade. He 'd rather be there and acknowledge exactly what Balladanis was doing.

"lycanthrope,"Balladanis said as soon as the Alexander Graham Bell rang,"When the term is used, most hoi polloi conjure up images of lonely adult, condemned to a miserable life that revolves around the moon.

"However, there is a whole group of werewolves that are mostly overlooked. tike. Ah, yes, children do get attacked by loup-garou. Very few survive. Found by their parents when it is too former. Even fewer survive the initial translation. lycanthrope translation, as you have learned, are incredibly taxing, both physically and emotionally. Very few children are unassailable enough to crap it through."

Balladanis paused and began to pace the way."Parents are faced with a decision after their child is bitten. They have three pick. routine one, they can care with it. carry on with the monthly transformation and try and progress to biography as normal as possible for the child. telephone number two, they can abandon their child. force play them to live with a raging pack of werewolf, to grow up to down. However, there is a third base selection. Does anyone upkeep to guess as to what it is ?"

Nobody raised their hand. Balladanis looked at his year until his eyes rested on mat. A very creepy smirk appeared on his face.

"Mr. Eckerton, care to order us ?"Balladanis asked.

Albus, who had been trying hard not to front at Matt throughout the example, stole a ready coup d'oeil at him. He was staring at the desk, quill in hand, shaking slightly.

"N-no,"matte stuttered.

"Very well,"Balladanis smirked,"The thirdly option is to put the child down. Not a pleasant option, but one that a few parents select anyway. This option used to be readily suggested by Healers, but has now become quite controversial. It is not suggested very often anymore.

"Parents who choose the first option, to keep on to raise their tiddler, are in for a very tough life. loup-garou tyke are difficult to raise. It is a huge adjustment for parents and siblings if there are any. The bite affects the whole house. It changes lives, it can rip families apart."

Balladanis continued droning on and on about how lycanthropy affects shaver and Albus looked again at Matt. His hand was shaking even harder and his typeface was as Patrick Victor Martindale White as it had been when he had dressed up as a ghost.

Albus shared a look with King John and John reached into his pocket. He slid a Puking Pastille across the tabular array towards Albus and then slid one to matte. Albus quietly unwrapped it and then waited until Balladanis had looked away to jostle it into his mouth. John the Evangelist and Matt did the same. Albus clutched his stomach as the sweet began to train affect.

"Lycanthropic children rarely, if ever, get to hang school,"Balladanis droned.

"Sir !"Saint John the Apostle shouted,"I do n't feel so well. May I go to the infirmary annexe ?"

"I do n't palpate too well either,"Albus added.

"Shut it, you two,"Balladanis shouted,"And no you may not go to the-"

Balladanis was cut off by the sound of all three male child vomiting at the Saami time. Albus leaned over his board and vomited right onto the floor. The stratum erupted into shouts and Balladanis tried to keep back order.

"Fine !"he seethed,"Get to the Hospital fender, all three of you !"

Albus resisted the urge to vomit again as he ran for the door. lusterlessness and John followed. All three of them shoved the orange end of the sugariness into their mouths as soon as they shut the room access behind them. The affect was instantaneous. Albus immediately felt better.

"The man 's vicious !"St. John shouted,"How could he teach that ?"

"Not here,"lustrelessness muttered and took off down the corridor.

None of them said anything else until they reached the predator 's Den."As I was saying,"John began,"What is unseasonable with that fella ?"

"I think a lot of affair,"Albus muttered,"He 's a raving lunatic."

"He 's only doing it because you 're in the class,"John said to lustrelessness as he paced around the room,"None of what he said today is actually in the book. I mean, did you scan the record ? There 's not much in there that Balladanis has actually taught !"

"He hates me because my dad made him get rid of his stupid anamatek,"Matt muttered.

"But it started before that,"Albus pointed out,"He wants to make you pitiable because of what your dad did with those lamia years ago."

"It 's just not fair,"lusterlessness groaned,"I mean, did you mind to what he was talking about ?"

"It was hard not to,"Albus sighed,"Is it on-key ?"

"Yes,"Matt said quietly,"And before you ask, one of the therapist did indicate that to my parents."

Albus suddenly felt more brainsick than he had when he ate the Puking pastille. How could a healer, somebody whose job it was to piss citizenry hefty, actually suggest that to a shaver 's parents ?

"Seriously ?"John asked,"What happened after they asked ?"

"My dad and my Uncle jackstones hexed him at the Lapp fourth dimension,"flatness gave them a half-smile,"Put him in his own hospital bed for two days."

"You know, I 'd really like to adjoin your Uncle Jack,"John grinned,"He sounds like a swell bloke."

"He is,"Matt smiled,"He would 've hexed Balladanis quite a while ago if he were here."

"But he 's not,"John sighed,"So what are we going to do about this ?"

"I 'm sending an owl to my dad,"flatness said as he stood up,"You two are n't going to have to do anything."

"trine Day,"John said after matte left,"I give Balladanis three more days."

******

"Your dad certainly does n't ware any time,"Rose said to mat as she unfolded her copy of the Prophet the next morning at breakfast.

Albus leaned over and read the paper over rosiness 's shoulder.

HOGWARTS PROFESSOR TO BE INVESTIGATED BY MINISTRY
The section of Magical Education received an inquiry
late yesterday good afternoon, requesting an investigation
of Hogwarts DoD Against the darkness artistry professor,
Tethys Balladanis. The inquiry was submitted by none
former than the newly appointed Head of the Department
for the regularization and command of Magical creature,
Walter Eckerton, whose fourteen-year-old son currently
attends Hogwarts.

Professor Tethys Balladanis has been teaching defense lawyers at
the school since September, when he replaced read/write head Auror
Harry Potter. Potter had taught the subject for two
years and wished to concenter solely on his Auror career,
resulting in his surrender at the end of last shoal
year.

The at hand investigation comes as hardly a surprise.
Earlier this calendar week Walter Eckerton visited Hogwarts
after receiving a tip that Balladanis was holding an
anamatek in his classroom. This proved to be truthful and
Eckerton ordered him to remove it. The anamatek was
legally in Balladanis 's willpower, so all he had to
do was slay it from shoal assumption. Eckerton told
reporter that Balladanis complied.

However, Eckerton has claimed that the professor
repeatedly put students in danger and humiliated them
in figurehead of their classmates.

'It 's not just the anamatek ,'Eckerton told reporters,
'I 'm filing this inquiry as a parent, not as a Ministry
official. start and foremost, I wish to protect my son .'

The probe will begin today and be carried out
by official from the Department of Magical Education,
a section that was set up for this use after
the downfall of Lord Voldemort. functionary will visit
the schooling and interview both students and stave as
a character of their investigation.

genus Aplysia Balladanis will continue to instruct Defense Against
the Dark Arts during this time.

"He 's still going to instruct ?"John said incredulously after he finished reading the article.

"I 'm not going to Defense anymore,"matte said,"Not until he 's gone."

"They ca n't stop him from teaching until they do the investigation,"Rose explained,"Only Kendrick can stop him from teaching at the moment."

"Then why does n't Kendrick do that ?"Albus asked as he looked up at the staff table.

Kendrick was talking with Neville and there was a transcript of the Prophet laying between them. Balladanis was not present.

"I do n't bang,"pink wine said quietly,"But Defense is just going to get worse."

"Which is why I 'm not going,"Matt said adamantly.

For once, blush wine did not chastise him about skipping class. Albus could n't find fault him. He himself was half tempted to skip, but he knew his curiosity would get the serious of him.

"Somehow, I do n't think you 'll have the probability to skip,"Rose muttered,"We do n't possess defensive structure until Tuesday."

"Excellent,"trick grinned,"Now I wo n't ingest to do that lycanthrope essay."

"I never said that,"pink wine replied,"You still ought to do it, just in case."

"looking, Kendrick 's getting up,"Kaden pointed to the staff table.

"May I have your attention !"Kendrick shouted and the chatter in the manor hall immediately ceased,"Thank you. I trust by now that you 've all either read or get wind about the clause on the straw man page of the Prophet.

"Ministry officials will be visiting the school today and tomorrow to conduct their investigation. They will be selecting students to consultation. If you are selected, I advise you to answer their motion truthfully.

"As of right now, Professor Balladanis is still your teacher, therefore you need to regale him with respect and attend his stratum. This is, at the moment, an probe and nothing more. Now, you 'd best be off to class."

"Albus,"rose whispered as they made their way out of the Great residence to chronicle of legerdemain,"You 're not going to that dueling deterrent example tonight, are you ?"

"I dunno,"Albus shrugged. He had n't really thought about it until then.

"I do n't mean you should,"rose told him.

Albus nodded. He did n't need to go, but he also did n't want to find out what Balladanis would do when Albus did n't show up that evening.

Nobody fell asleep during chronicle of Magic. It must let been a new record, one that was previously set back when Binns was still alert. However, the deficiency of weariness was not due to Binns 's lecture. No, that was just as boring as common. The students remained awake because they were talking about Balladanis. The classroom was filled with the hushed whispers of the Gryffindor and Ravenclaw third years and Binns droned on without seeming to notice.

There were only six students in the castling who knew the specific rationality why Matt 's dad had submitted that inquiry. Albus, blush wine, John, Amanda, Kaden, and flatness himself. Seven, if you counted Malfoy, but even Malfoy did not know that it had been Balladanis 's talking to on lycanthropic children that pushed Mr. Eckerton to submit the inquiry.

Everyone else speculated. About half the schooltime put the blame on the anamatek, even though Matt 's dad had come out and said that was n't the real reason. The prophet had only glazed over the cause, not getting into specific. The Hogwarts scholarly person wanted specifics. They wanted to know what had pushed lustrelessness 's dad to relegate an research when none of their parents seemed fazed.

The reasons the student fabricated ranged from plausible to unconscionable. A few seventh years, mainly Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws, speculated that Balladanis had gotten a bit overenthusiastic with his extra help school term and perhaps used mat as an example of someone who did not possess the science to defeat dark sorcerer. Combine that with an overprotective parent ( what the one-seventh age claimed Matt 's dad to be, which was not actually an overstatement ), and the investigation was born. They believed that the investigation would botch over and within two weeks everything would be back to normal, with Balladanis still teaching.

A few overexcited for the first time years were the on the polar incline of the spectrum. They believed that Balladanis had let a chimaera loose in his schoolroom while teaching the Gryffindor and Slytherin third years. Apparently they overlooked the fact that nobody had turned up injure after class and the fact that Balladanis would have been sacked immediately if that had actually been the case.

flatness had become somewhat of a famous person inside the Hogwarts rampart. There was n't a single somebody, living, ghostwriter, or portraiture, who did n't know it was his dad who launched the inquiry. He was stopped no less than six times on the way from History of trick to Herbology by hoi polloi wanting to know the details of the inquiry. It was something Albus could distinguish Matt was extremely uncomfortable with.

"Merlin, when will they hear that I do n't desire to talk about it !"Matt groaned as they made their way back to the rook after Herbology. Two Ravenclaw second years had just run up to matt, demanding to love why his dad wanted to get Balladanis sacked. Apparently they actually liked him.

"You should just brook up on the Gryffindor board and clear an proclamation during lunch,"whoremaster suggested.

"Definitely not,"matt said,"I 'm just glad we do n't have socio-economic class this afternoon."

"Me, too,"Albus agreed,"Hey, look, I bet those are the investigators."Albus pointed to three functionary looking people striding up towards the castle. There were two crone and a wizard.

"Probably,"John said,"I wonder who they 're going to audience ?"

"Ten Galleons says they consultation me,"flatness replied,"And probably Albus since he 's had all those private lessons."

"Let 's just Bob Hope they do n't interview those two Ravenclaws,"John said.

Albus, Matt, and John continued their trek to the Great Hall, where they ate a very quick lunch. None of them wanted to stick very long since everyone was still asking flatness about the inquiry. After they finished, the boy went to Gryffindor Tower to deposit their udder before going to the marauder 's Den to put off their homework.

The common room was mostly empty when they arrived, but Albus spotted Lily, Hugo, and Ashtyn sitting around one of the board.

"Do n't you three have class now ?"Albus asked, feeling very much like Rose.

"Yes,"Lily muttered,"We 've got United States Department of Defense and we 're skipping. Do n't say anything about it. There 's zippo you can do to make me go, so do n't even try."

"I was n't going to,"Albus assured her,"Was n't it your division where Balladanis made someone cry ?"

"That 's why we 're not going,"Ashtyn replied,"And we do n't care if we get detainment either. Oh, and John, you 'd ameliorate not tell Mum."

"I wo n't,"Saint John said,"The three of us used Puking Pastilles to get out of DoD yesterday."

"You should have just skipped from the commencement,"Ashtyn told them.

"Well, you three savour your skipping,"Albus said as he continued to his dormitory.

"Oh, believe me, we will,"Lily grinned.

The boys quickly stowed their bags in their dormitory and set off for the Maruader 's Den. Albus climbed out of the portrait hole and ran straight into Gabriella.

"There you are, Al !"Gabriella exclaimed,"I 've been looking for you. Kendrick wants to see you in his subject field. Oh, hang on."Gabriella consulted the piece of parchment she was holding."He wants to see mat, too."

"Looks like you two are getting interviewed,"John said as Gabriella went into the common room.

"Guess so,"Albus shrugged. He really was n't surprised. Even if he had n't been receiving private example with Balladanis, he probably would have been interviewed. It was one of those things that happened when your father was the most illustrious necromancer in Britain.

"I 'll see you two later, then,"John replied,"Have fun."

"Oh, yeah,"Albus rolled his oculus,"Loads."

Albus and lusterlessness left for Kendrick 's study while John continued towards the predator 's Den. Albus had no idea what he was going to do while they were gone, but he would bet that John would be bored within fifteen minutes.


A/N : I hope you all enjoyed HPFF 's April Fool 's Day Prank ! The staff really outdid themselves this year. Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight, and everyone who has read and reviewed this story !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


There was another Prefect standing next to the gargoyle that concealed the entrance to Kendrick 's study. It was apparently his job to murmur the password to the gargoyle to admit all the educatee being interviewed in. He looked incredibly bored.

Albus and Matt ascended into the study and found three other educatee waiting in front of Kendrick 's close down door. A very tire looking Hufflepuff, who was probably in sixth or seventh class, Scorpius Malfoy, and much to Albus 's dismay, one of those Ravenclaws they had encountered on the grounds earlier.

Albus was not at all surprised to see Scorpio Malfoy there. After all, he had buck private lesson with Balladanis as well. However, he chose to snub Malfoy 's mien and leaned against the rampart to lead off the foresighted wait.

What had been the gunpoint in sending them all to Kendrick 's study at the Sami time ? They were obviously only interviewing one person at a time. Why could n't they bear just summoned Albus later, when there were lupus erythematosus multitude waiting ?

Kendrick 's threshold opened and a pale-faced Gryffindor first yr walked out. She hurried out of the study and one of the Ministry functionary motioned for the Ravenclaw to enter.

The Ravenclaw was in Kendrick 's work for about fifteen minute. Then it was Malfoy 's round. He took a bit to a greater extent meter, but finally came out and left without so much as a glimpse towards Albus and Matt.

In the stand for time, two Thomas More scholar had entered. One Albus recognized as Peyton Haines, one of the Chasers from the Slytherin Quidditch team. The other was a young Hufflepuff Albus did n't recognize.

Finally, after what must get been at least an minute, Albus was finally called into the room.

Kendrick was not in his work. Only the three investigators were. Albus was now able to see them up close. The one who had called him into the room was quite improbable and wore a menacing glare. Her robes were perfectly pressed, without a single wrinkle, and her hair was pulled into a pixilated bun. She reminded Albus of Minerva McGonagall.

The early witch was the complete opposite. She was short and quite a bit overweight. Her crisp brown hair stuck up at all sorts of odd angles and she had a low duet of meth perched on her nose.

The remaining police detective was a wizard and he was seated behind Kendrick 's desk, a flight feather in hand. He looked a bit bored by the integral matter. He was gazing about the elbow room and had the expression of someone who was n't quite paying attention.

Two people who were paying rapt attention, or should he say portraits, were Dumbledore and Snape. Both were sitting straight up and looking straight at the investigators.

The tall witch gestured for Albus to take a tush in front of the desk. Albus did so.

"My name is Katherine Torenzo and this is Lorraine Smyth,"the tall Wiccan gestured to the short-circuit enchantress,"And that is herbaceous plant Cletus. He 'll be transcribing our interview."

No wonder he was so bored, Albus thought. He did n't even get to ask any of the questions.

"Please state your full name, age, year, and house for the phonograph record,"Torenzo said briskly.

Albus raised his eyebrows. Would n't they already know all of that information ?

"It 's communications protocol, honey,"Smyth told him.

"Albus Severus Potter, XIII, third gear twelvemonth, Gryffindor,"Albus answered.

"Excellent,"Torenzo replied,"Now, perhaps you can tell us what goes on in an average example with Professor Balladanis, in your own words."

"Er, all right,"Albus said,"Well, he comes in and tells us all to stop talking. Then he 'll amass the preparation. Oh, and you have to get the homework in on time, no matter what. He does n't take former work, even if you 've got a sound excuse. You could be sick in the hospital wing and he would n't take recent homework.

"Then he 'll teach us a new turn or about some new animate being. Then we 'll have got to execute the spell."

"What happens if you do n't execute it properly ?"Smyth asked.

"He makes you do it again, and again, until you get it,"Albus answered,"If you do n't get it, he makes you go to extra help sessions."

"Has this caused distress to any of the bookman in your course of study ?"Smyth asked.

"Not in my class, but I 've heard of early students crying because of it,"Albus answered.

"Have you attended any additional help sessions ?"Torenzo asked.

"No,"Albus shook his principal,"professor Balladanis has never told me I had to."

"I understand you have been given dueling object lesson by him, however,"Torenzo said,"Can you tell us a bit about them ? What do they lie in of ?"

"almost multiplication he just teach me new spells, spells that are severely than the ones we learn in class. Scorpio Malfoy is there, too, and we duel each early with the spells,"Albus explained.

"You said 'most'times,"Smyth said,"What else does he accept you do ?"

"Er,"Albus shifted uncomfortably in his chairperson,"One sentence he had us go into his pensieve."

"Did he,"Torenzo muttered,"Please elaborate."

"We watched his parents be murdered by vampire,"Albus said after a brief hesitation. He doubted Balladanis would be happy about this, but Kendrick had said to be truthful.

Both Torenzo and Smyth looked horrified. Cletus was writing away furiously on the parchment. Snape was smirking and Dumbledore 's expression had seemed to harden.

"We did n't actually see it,"Albus said quickly,"We stood outside the firm as it happened. Balladanis 's parents were in the house. Then we watched Balladanis, in the memory, run away from the house. He was thirteen."

"And then what ?"Torenzo prodded.

"We left the pensieve. Balladanis explained what we had seen-"

"He did n't secern you ahead of time ?"Smyth asked.

"No,"Albus shook his head,"He just told us to go in the pensieve."

"Did he explain why he wanted you to see this ?"Torenzo asked.

"Yeah. He wanted to show us why he became a Presuler,"Albus said.

"He told you he 's a Presuler ?"Torenzo raised her eyebrow.

"Yes, he thinks me and Malfoy should get Presulers,"Albus explained.

"Very well,"Torenzo said as she walked towards Albus,"I have one final examination head. Would you sense comfortable if prof Balladanis continued to learn here ?"

Albus thought about it for a bit. Balladanis was certainly a motivated teacher and one Albus could watch a lot from. But on the other hand, he was n't the kind of genius Albus felt comfortable around.

"No,"Albus said quietly,"I guess not."

Torenzo nodded."Please return to your common room. You are not to speak of this interview to anyone until after the investigation is completed."

Albus got up from the chairman and Torenzo followed him out of the room. She called flatness in as Albus left. Albus muttered a quieten 'good luck'to him before descending from the room.

******

"Why ca n't you just tell us ?"John lamented as the male child sat around the Marauder 's Den after dinner. Rose and Amanda were currently in the girlfriend'dormitory with Linda, who had recently been interviewed.

"I 've told you a million times,"Albus said,"The Ministry witches said we could n't babble out about the interview."

"But how would they know ?"lavatory asked,"It 's not like I 'm going to go telling the unanimous shoal about it."

"Neither will I,"Kaden added.

Albus snorted."I 'll tell you about it after Balladanis is sacked, or is n't sacked. I do n't think it 's going to take long for them to decide."

"He 's going to be sacked,"Matt said adamantly and then turned to John,"You 're not going to his extra help sitting tonight, are you ?"

"Not if I was paid twenty dollar bill Galleons,"toilet replied,"Well, ok, maybe if I was paid twenty dollar bill Galleons, but not for to a lesser extent than ten. What about you, Albus ? Going to go to your dueling lesson ?"

Albus shrugged. He still had n't decided. What he really wanted to know was whether Malfoy was going, but he could n't very well waltz down to the dungeons, barge into the Slytherin common room, and ask.

"No mind,"Albus sighed.

"Do n't go,"Matt said,"If you go, I 'm going to start worrying about your sanity."

"Why would you want to go ?"whoremonger gave Albus a unusual look.

"I might happen out something about how the investigation is going, or something,"Albus muttered.

John opened his mouth to respond, but instead turned to the door. A gaudy squawking noise had seemed to give off from it.

"Did you hear that ?"Gospel According to John asked.

Albus nodded and got up from his hindquarters. He walked over to the door and paused succeeding to it. The squawking noise was repeated.

One thing Albus loved about the piranha 's Den was that it was always very quiet. No interference could be heard from the corridor while he was inside. Albus rarely ever heard haphazardness from the corridor, let alone squawking noises.

Albus cautiously opened the room access and instead of the bizarre bird he had expected to see, rose was standing there with her sceptre out.

"Finally !"she groaned,"I thought you 'd never arrive to the door."

"Rose ?"Albus asked,"What is it ? Was that squawking you ?"

"Yes,"rose said hurriedly,"I had to get you to come out of there. Uncle Harry 's looking for you. He 's waiting in the common room. I told him I 'd find you."

Albus turned around and told Matt, King John, and Kaden, all of whom had followed him out of the room, that he would be back soon. He had no idea what his dad wanted, but it must take been important for him to go to the castling on a day he did n't have to patrol it.

Harry was sitting in one of the muddy armchairs in front of the ardor when Albus arrived. Georgia and Fred were both talking with him, almost in all probability about Quidditch judging by their excessive use of hand gesture, but stopped abruptly when Albus entered. Harry got up and met Albus near the portrait hole.

"Let 's talk outside,"Harry said. Albus followed him out of the portrayal hole and down the corridor a little ways.

"What were you up to just now ?"Harry asked, grinning a bit.

"aught,"Albus shrugged truthfully.

"Well, I 'm no longer a instructor here, so I wo n't say a word about you causing trouble, if that 's what you were doing,"Harry told him,"But anyway, what I wanted to ask you is whether you were planning on going to prof Balladanis 's dueling lesson tonight ?"

That seemed to be the head of the eventide, Albus thought."I dunno,"Albus shrugged.

"I realize that the decision is completely up to you,"Harry said quietly,"But I would advise you not to go. prof Balladanis is under a considerable amount of money of accent, of which you do n't fuck the half of. I 'd say the chance are high that he may contain out this accent on you and Scorpius."

"Do you know if Malfoy 's going ?"Albus asked.

"I really have no idea,"Harry answered,"But I tend to believe he won't."

"I do n't think I will either,"Albus said.

"A Isaac Mayer Wise decision,"Harry smiled.

Harry said good night to Albus and then Albus went back to the predator 's Den. Kaden was in the middle of showing Matt and John how to pull in a proper newspaper publisher airplane.

"What did your dad want ?"privy asked without looking up from the sheepskin he was folding.

"To enjoin me it was n't a good estimation to go to Balladanis 's example tonight,"Albus said as he flopped down onto the vacuous couch.

"And ?"Matt asked.

"I 'm not going,"Albus answered.

"Good,"Matt replied.

"You know what was eldritch, though ?"Albus began,"My dad said Balladanis was under a lot of stress, near of which I do n't know about. So I 'm guessing it 's not only the investigation."

"Weird,"Kaden shook his read/write head,"I 'll be happy when he 's sacked."

"We do n't acknowledge for sure that he 'll be sacked,"Albus pointed out,"I just wish I knew what else he was stressed about."

"Maybe he 's got to battle a beautiful woman,"Saint John smirked,"Remember his boggart ?"

"His boggart !"Albus shouted,"I ca n't consider I did n't put that together sooner. It was n't a beautiful woman ; it was a lamia. It 's so obvious now that we know what happened to his parents, too."

"Yeah, that does seem fairly obvious,"Matt agreed,"But what 's that got to do with his stress ?"

"Probably nothing,"Albus shrugged,"I just realized it."

"You know,"John began,"This is the number 1 Friday we 've had to ourselves."

"You 're right,"Albus said,"What should we do ?"

"Let 's go down to the kitchens,"Kaden said.

"And spend the night here,"lusterlessness added,"We hardly ever do that."

They did just that. The boys snuck down to the kitchens and were given as many sweets and puddings as they could comport by the house elves. Then they stayed up late eating all of it and playing various plot. Albus was even able to forget about Balladanis for a while, something that had not happened in quite a while.

******

The Ministry functionary remained a lasting fixture at Hogwarts throughout the remainder of the weekend. Albus overheard a lot of pupil mentioning that they 'd been interviewed, including Saint John the Apostle 's cousin Isabelle, one of the Chasers on the Ravenclaw Quidditch team, and Gabriella.

Professor Balladanis did not show up at a ace meal. In fact, he was n't seen at all throughout the weekend. Nobody saw him, which raised the head of whether he was even still in the castle.

Albus was hoping he ran for it. Got out before the Ministry had a prospect to micturate their decisiveness. Albus was more than a small skittish about going to Defense on Tuesday and hearing what Balladanis had to say about Albus 's absence from their dueling lesson.

It was on Monday morning that all the Hogwarts bookman knew a verdict had been reached. Professor Kendrick rose partway through the meal, something that only happened when something important happened. He was flanked by the two enchantress from the Ministry. The wizard was no retentive there.

The Hall immediately quieted, without Kendrick even having to ask. Albus was slightly taken aback by Kendrick 's impending proclamation, since there had not been a single mention of Balladanis in that morning 's Prophet.

"A decisiveness has been reached about Professor Balladanis,"Kendrick announced,"brothel keeper Torenzo will inform you of it. The Prophet has kindly agreed not to write the clause about it just yet, as I wished to inform you of it first."

"He 's sacked,"John muttered,"Otherwise he 'd be at breakfast."

"Good head,"Albus said.

Torenzo stood up and gazed out at the students with a neutral look on her face."Upon encompassing investigation of prof Balladanis 's teaching methods and thorough interviews of choose students, the Ministry has seen it fit to dispatch him from his teaching position here at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and wizardry. Professor Balladanis packed his thing late finis night and no longer resides in the rook. Professor Kendrick will inform you about what will happen with United States Department of Defense classes for the residual of the year. I would like to thank all of you for your cooperation during this time."

Torenzo sat back down and continued eating her breakfast like cypher had happened. The Great Hall immediately erupted into whispers, but they were quickly stopped by Kendrick.

"DoD Against the dark art classes will not get hold of topographic point until further notification. I will try and procure a suitable replacement for professor Balladanis as quickly as possible. Until then, please use the prison term to meditate for your upcoming exams,"Kendrick said and then resumed his butt. He began to mouth with Torenzo and the students voices rose in the Hall.

"I knew it !"flatness exclaimed,"Best newsworthiness I 've heard this calendar month !"

"Yes !"Georgia shouted and then turned to Fred,"Pay up !"

"Merlin !"James groaned,"Why 'd they have to do that investigation so quickly ?"

Money began to exchange hands throughout the Gryffindor table as Fred collected and handed out Galleons.

"Do you call up Kendrick 'll find a replacement ?"John asked.

"Dunno,"Albus shrugged,"No one really wanted that job to begin with."

"sword lily I did n't do that werewolf essay,"John the Evangelist grinned.

"Maybe Kendrick wo n't regain a switch,"Kaden said,"Then we 'd have one LE exam."

"That would be brilliant,"John replied.

The atm in the rook for the quietus of the day was incredibly eudaimonia. Hardly anyone seemed at all sad that Balladanis had left. Quite a few students asked Matt to thank his dad for them. It seemed that the only pupil upset by it were those who had lost stakes because of it.

Argus Filch was another who was unhappy. The general excitement of the palace caused him more work. Peeves destroyed the defensive structure classroom in celebration ( Balladanis never liked Peeves ), James and his protagonist set off a few Weasley fireworks, and then there was the general mess that was associated with students celebrating by playing outside in the muddy pasturage. Plus, Moaning myrtle flooded her lav when a few students told her that even she ought to be excited about it. Apparently she did not fit in. For some odd reason it reminded her of her death.

One individual who seemed incredibly excited was Linda. Linda who rarely showed any emotion whatsoever walked around the castle with a big smile on her face. Albus could only impute this to the fact that Balladanis had taught so extensively about vampire. But he never taunted her the way he 'd taunted Matt. Perhaps that was because his biggest fearfulness was vampires.

There was even a party in the Gryffindor common way that night. Rose thought it was a little silly, to celebrate the firing of a instructor, but everyone else, including Linda, thought it was an splendid thing to celebrate.

"Just retrieve,"John said,"We do n't ever have to mind to him go on and on about how bad the dark arts are. I mean, we all know they 're bad. We all know about Voldemort and what he did."

"And that bloody anamatek,"Matt added,"I could 've gone my whole life without seeing one of those."

"What do you think he 's doing now ?"blush wine mused.

"Maybe some Ministry hired him,"Albus said quietly,"I hope it 's some place far, like Madagascar or somewhere."

"Yeah,"Matt agreed,"I bet he 's not even in Great Britain anymore."

"I do n't see why he 'd bother to cling around,"Albus replied,"I mean, he snuck out in the night to avoid anyone seeing him."

"want we could 've seen him leave,"John the Evangelist grinned mischievously,"Would 've been gracious to give him a proper send off."

"I 'm just glad it 's over,"Rose muttered,"Maybe now you lot can concentrate on exams. And maybe the castle will get back to normal."

"pattern ?"Albus raised his eyebrow,"This billet will never be normal. Plus, we 've got Quidditch on Sat. It 's the last match before the final."

"When 's the final ?"Rose asked.

"Beginning of June, I think,"Albus answered,"Australia 's already so far ahead that they 'll be in it."

Albus, John, mat, and Kaden all sent scathing flavor at Linda, who looked down at the table.

"But if we beat New York in this match,"Albus continued,"We 'll be in it, too. So Sir Henry Joseph Wood is in full cast this calendar week. I 'm practicing every night starting tomorrow."

"Oliver Wood is mad,"Rose muttered.

"Insane, but brilliant on the Quidditch pitch,"privy grinned,"I would love to get yelled at by him during a Quidditch practice."

"Excellent,"Albus said,"You can take my place."


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight and everyone who has read and reviewed this !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Despite the fact that he did not own defending team Against the Dark artwork the future sunup, Albus was down in the Great Hall bright and early because he wanted to read rose wine 's Daily Prophet. Having Kendrick announce Balladanis 's sacking was one affair, reading it in the Prophet was entirely different.

rose was already there when Albus, matte, and trick sat down at the Gryffindor table. Amanda and Linda were on either face of her and all three daughter were reading the clause. Albus drummed his fingerbreadth impatiently on the tabular array while he waited for them to be finished. Finally, rosebush handed him the paper without saying a watchword and Albus read it, with Matt and John looking over his shoulder.

HOGWARATS instructor REMOVED FROM POSITION BY MINISTRY

In an issue that causes much of the wizarding world to commemorate
back to Voldemort 's reign, Hogwarts United States Department of Defense Against the Dark
Arts teacher, Tethys Balladanis, has been removed from his
military position by the Ministry of Magic 's department of Magical
Education.

During Voldemort 's sovereignty, defense team teacher rarely lasted more
than a year at the school, a mystery that abruptly ended when
Voldemort was defeated on May 2, 1998. Up until two years
ago, Hogwarts had had only one defense lawyers teacher since that
fateful May day.

Professor Torro taught at Hogwarts for long time until he was
mysteriously murdered nearly three years ago. He was
replaced by forefront Auror, Harry ceramicist, who is rumored to
have only taken the placement after nonentity else agreed to
filling it.

Harry Potter left the position this past autumn and it was filled
by Balladanis.

Balladanis taught until two mean solar day ago, when he was removed
from his position. Approximately a calendar week and a half ago, a
complaint was lodged by Head of the department for the
Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures, Walter Eckerton,
whose fourteen-year-old son currently attends Hogwarts.

The complaint included rough teaching methods, the use of an
anamatek as a teaching tool, singling students out for want of
accomplishment, and embarrassing bookman in front of their equal.

An investigation by Ministry officials ensued and included
the interviewing of select scholar and stave. The department
concluded their investigation late Lord's Day evening and informed
both Balladanis and Headmaster Fabius Kendrick of their decisiveness.
Balladanis left the castle willingly and will not be appealing the
conclusion. When asked for a statement on the result, both Kendrick
and Balladanis declined.

Upon hearing the news show, Walter Eckerton said ,'I am very happy
with the decision and that the probe was concluded in
a timely fashion. I am not felicitous that it came to this, but I
feel that nil should be put ahead of children 's safety .'

Hogwarts pupil will not attend defending team class until a replacement
is found. As of right now, one has not been found.

"I knew they 'd stick to your dad in there somehow,"St. John announced once they 'd finished reading.

"There was n't anything in there that we did n't already know,"Albus muttered,"I was hoping Balladanis would 've said something or we 'd find out what happened when he left the castle."

"Maybe he really did go quietly,"matt shrugged,"Maybe he wanted to get back to his anamatek."

"I wonder where he lives,"Amanda mused,"Think he lives in England ?"

"dubiety it,"Rose answered,"Even if he did before I doubt he does now."

******

life history soon returned to normal for the Hogwarts students, as it often does after something exciting happens. Everyone talked about Balladanis the day the article was published, but soon there was nix left to say and the scholar focused on the upcoming Quidditch catch, which was mere daylight away.

Albus had an easy meter forgetting about Balladanis due to Quidditch practice. He was out on the delivery every eve and was soon hearing Wood 's commands in his head as he fell asleep, which was something that certainly could n't be deemed normal. Albus was almost glad that the year was drawing to an end because once the tournament was over, he would n't have to treat with Wood anymore. Thinking about that made Albus substantiate that Gryffindor would ingest a new master the succeeding class since Georgia was graduating. Albus was sure it would be either Fred or Calluna vulgaris, but he was n't sure which.

Albus trudged into the Great dorm on Thursday sunup sorely wishing that Saint John had n't woken him up. They did n't stimulate a class first thing, so why 'd he bother doing that ? Albus was already running on picayune sleep.

"I 'm going to wake you up at five in the morning this Saturday,"Albus muttered to John as he poured himself some pumpkin juice.

"No you wo n't, you 'll still be asleep,"John grinned,"I need you to aid me finish that Herbology essay that 's due today."

"That 's the reason for you waking me up ?"Albus groaned,"Why ca n't move up service you ?"

"She 's a bit sore with me right now,"St. John the Apostle muttered.

"What did you do ?"Albus asked.

"I may or may not have accidentally set fire to her Potions eminence last dark,"John said.

"And I should have to suffer because of that ?"Albus replied,"How did you pull off that anyway ?"

"It was n't an chance event,"matt put in,"John and Kaden were tinkering with those super strength droppings bombs last Night in the Marauder 's Den. They stupidly decided to do this at the mesa right field where Rose 's notes were. The droppings turkey exploded and rosiness 's bank note caught fire."

"See, an accident !"John the Divine exclaimed.

"No, stupidity,"mat said,"You should 've done it somewhere else. Oh, Albus, I would n't indicate going in the Marauder 's Den anytime soon. It smells."

"I would n't throw time to anyway,"Albus muttered,"Quidditch praxis again tonight."

"Oi, Albus !"James shouted.

"What ?"Albus said.

"Is Dad patrolling here this workweek ?"James asked.

"I do n't bed, why ?"Albus replied.

"He 's here,"Jesse James pointed to the stave table.

Albus looked up and saw that his dad was talking with Neville. Except he was n't wearing his Auror robe, he was just wearing normal gown. Albus glanced back at James who shrugged.

"May I have your attention ?"Kendrick announced,"Thank you. I just wish to inform you all that Harry Potter has kindly agreed to take over Defense category for the remainder of term. Because of this, Defense classes will resume today."

"goodness thing I woke you up,"John the Divine grinned.

"guessing you wo n't be able-bodied to finish that essay,"Albus shaft back.

"merlin,"John muttered.

Albus was n't that surprised, nor did he care that much. He 'd already had his dad teach for two class and it had n't been bad at all. Plus, his dad was a far better teacher than Balladanis.

Albus walked with lustrelessness and John to Defense. Rose was still not speaking to privy and she walked with Amanda and Linda a trivial ways ahead. Albus seriously hoped that this would n't work into what happened earlier in the year.

The entire class erupted in applause as soon as Harry entered the room and Albus noticed that this caused him to blush. Even Malfoy was clapping, albeit half-heartedly, but he was clapping nonetheless.

"Thanks,"Harry muttered,"well, I did not think I 'd be back here. I do suffer to continue with the curriculum, so I must ask that you complete the loup-garou essay for next Th. However, it only has to be one ft of parchment."

There was a corporate moan from the entire class."Great,"John muttered,"I was hoping to get out of it."

"It wo n't be that punishing,"matt rolled his eyes.

"But it 'll be meter consuming,"lav replied.

"I know, I know,"Harry smirked,"But there is a calendar month and a half of terminal figure left and I ca n't just let you possess this prison term to mess around."

The class was the most pleasurable defense class the tertiary years had had in quite a piece. Harry lectured for the entirety of the year, but it was n't wearisome. Albus did not listen in the slightest that his dad was going to be finishing out the term.

******

By the prison term Saturday arrived, virtually no one in the castling was talking about Professor Balladanis. Quidditch was on the forefront of everybody 's judgement and the tautness ran eminent than they had all year. The termination of this match would determine who played Australia in the final.

Albus himself was not particularly apprehensive. Hogwarts had already beaten New York once and they could easily do it again. The entire team was in good wellness and none of the alternates were needed. Albus was perfectly content to sit in the stands with his ally and just watch the lucifer, rather than own to play in it.

It was a warm bound day with a flimsy wind and cloud cover, complete playing conditions. Wood had spoke of the weather during the previous night 's practice, telling the team that a bombastic violent storm had been predicted for that day. Luckily it had not appeared yet.

The mate commenced with a lot of shouting and cheering from the gang. Hogwarts scored five end within the number one xv bit of the lucifer and New York scored two. The team remained neck in neck for the balance of the match, until James pulled out of a dive clutching the golden sneak in his leave behind hand.

The bunch erupted into sunshine and St. James was soon hoisted onto the shoulders of some of the previous students.

"I have an proclamation to make !"professor Kendrick shouted over the crowd,"Due to Hogwarts 's win, they will be competing against Australia in the last Quidditch match, scheduled to demand place on the first of June !"

The usual after Quidditch party ensued in the uncouth elbow room and everyone rehashed their favorite section of the compeer. No one talked about the final examination friction match, although Albus was certainly it was in the backs of everyone 's minds. Australia seemed impossible to beat.

Once the excitation from another Quidditch win abated, the Hogwarts students seemed to realize that test were quite near. The subroutine library soon became a democratic blank space to be and fifth and seventh old age in particular could be seen there all hours of the day.

As the heart of May arrived, Gabriella demanded a quiet uncouth room in the even, much like her Sister had two age prior. Albus and his friend spent more time in the Marauder 's Den after that, usually without Rose, Amanda, and Linda. The three girls seemed to like the quietness of the common room.

Rose did forgive whoremonger for messing up her notes, but she became more tense and snappish as exams drew nearer. It was n't something that surprised Albus or anyone else because it had become a sort of end of term tradition with Rose.

defense team lesson took a drastic turn for the better. Albus and all of his friend got perfect marks on their werewolf essays, to the surprise of no one. After that, the social class bared no resemblance to Balladanis 's.

"Aw, Merlin !"john shouted at breakfast one Friday in the middle of May. He had been reading the Prophet.

"What is it ?"Albus asked, thinking Balladanis had been reinstated as defense teacher or something.

"England did n't make it into the globe Cup final,"John sighed,"They were so close."

"Who did make it ?"Albus grabbed the theme from John, suddenly remembering the ticket he 'd pose for Christmastime. He had n't picked who he was going to ask round to go with him. Actually, he had n't even told his friends about the tickets.

"Portugal and Russia,"John groaned,"Russian Soviet Federated Socialist Republic ! They 've got a trash Quidditch team !"

"Obviously not,"rosiness smirked,"Albus, did you pick who you 're going to take when you go to the Cup ?"

"Wait, what ?"John gaped at Albus,"You got tickets ?"

"Er, yeah, for Yuletide,"Albus said.

"And you did n't assure me !"John Lackland exclaimed.

"fountainhead, I only got one extra and I did n't know how to pick. I had it narrowed down to you and lusterlessness. Mind you, if you hate Russia, I 'll just find fault Matt,"Albus smirked.

"No, no, I did n't say I hate Russia,"John said quickly,"They 've just got a bad team."

"How am I supposed to pick then ?"Albus asked.

"You do n't have to,"Matt said as he sat down future to Albus.

"Nice to see you awake,"John grinned. Albus and John had attempted to wake Matt up before they went down to the Great Radclyffe Hall and had no portion. The fully lunation was the next day, so Albus had n't even been sure if matt was going to go to class.

"Why, is the Cup a bad time of the calendar month ?"Albus whispered.

"No,"matt shook his brain,"It 's just that my dad got tag, so you can just give your extra one to John."

"Oh,"Albus grinned,"That makes matter easy."

"Where is the Cup ?"Amanda asked.

"Canada,"pink wine replied.

"How are we getting there, Albus ?"St. John the Apostle asked,"Are we going to train a Muggle airplane ?"John looked excited at that prospect.

"No idea,"Albus shrugged,"Dad might get a Portkey."

"That 's boring,"Saint John the Apostle said.

"Wish I could go,"Kaden sighed.

"Why, do n't you not like Quidditch ?"whoremaster asked.

"It 's ok,"Kaden shrugged,"I just want to try out a Portkey."

"You 're Weird, Kaden,"Saint John laughed.

"So are you. Airplanes are boring,"Kaden argued.

"I 'm with Kaden on this one,"matt said,"I 'd assume a Portkey any day."

******

Between studying for examination and Quidditch praxis, Albus had no fourth dimension for anything else. He managed to squeeze in clip to natter lusterlessness in the hospital wing on Lord's Day, but only briefly before he went to woodwind 's day long Quidditch practice.

The following weekend was the final examination match of the Jnr 's Dueling Club, something Albus had been forced to overleap due to Quidditch practice session. After begging woodwind instrument and a bit of assistance from slip, Albus was able-bodied to hang the concluding. Albus 's team won, very much to the delight of both Albus and Malfoy.

Albus had not spoken to Malfoy since the incident with Professor Balladanis. Nor had Malfoy said a parole to Albus, or any of his friends. Malfoy remained mysteriously quiet around the full lunation, not saying anything about it to either Albus or matte. It was unusual, but not something any of the boys were going to complain about it.

Three twenty-four hour period before the Quidditch final, the Great Hall was filled with whispering vocalisation that reminded Albus of the day Balladanis had been sacked. written matter of the oracle were being passed back and Forth and quite a few students looked extremely scared.

"What 's happened ?"Albus asked blush wine as he sat down.

"Willinson has broken out of Azkaban,"Rose whispered, her face completely white.

"What ? !"Albus shouted as he grabbed the nearest copy of the Prophet. Matt and John crowded around him as he read it.

AZKABAN break

functionary have reported that three captive
broke out of Azkaban late utmost night. It is
still unknown how it happened. Azkaban precaution
have refused to speak with newsperson, and the
Ministry does not wish well to let out data
at this time.

The name calling of the escaped prisoners have been
released and anyone with information reguarding
any of them are asked to reach the Ministry.

The Prophet then gave detailed selective information about all three of the escaped prisoners. Albus only recognized Willinson. The other two had been imprisoned for more than picayune crimes.

"How did he get out ?"Albus wondered,"He 's an idiot !"

"I think everyone 's confused about that,"Rose said.

Any hope Albus had of getting homework done that week was gone. He was lucky he was able to contract on Quidditch practice session. Willinson was out of Azkaban. He was galavanting about England, doing whatever he pleased. That in itself was not necessarily that bad, due to Willinson 's stupidity. If he somehow met up with his father and Washburn, then it could be quite bad.

What worried Albus the most was the fact that he would be after the Hallows, all of which still resided somewhere in or around Hogwarts. Willinson was bound to come back, especially now that he was out of prison.

******

Before Albus knew it, the night before the Quidditch final arrived and woodwind instrument called the team into the changing elbow room after ending practice.

"It has been incredibly rewarding to wield this team,"Wood said as he began to pace in front of them,"There were difficulties in the root,"he paused and looked at the two Slytherins on the team,"But I am gallant to say that you came together as a team wonderfully.

"It still amazes me that a grouping of scholarly person from all four family can occur together and run together on the same squad. I am not sure this could have been done when I was in Hogwarts.

"You have all come a long way over the year. You 've all made vast melioration in your accomplishment. Quite a few of you are 7th years and I am very well-chosen to tell you that there will be scouts from a match Quidditch squad watching tomorrow 's match. I have senior high Leslie Townes Hope for the lot of you, when it comes to Quidditch.

"I can not say whether we will win tomorrow. Australia is good, there is no denying that. However, I have faith in all of you. Tomorrow, go out there and dedicate it your best. Now, I think you should all sprain in early and eat a right breakfast tomorrow before the peer. Teddy, President Tyler, anything to add ?"Ellen Price Wood turned to the boys.

chemise and Tyler both shook their mind and Wood turned back to the team."I 'll see you all down here tomorrow. Good night."

Grant Wood, Teddy, and John Tyler stayed behind to talk about tactics while the squad left. Albus and James were the last two to leave. Georgia had left with the other seventh years, excitedly discussing the prospect of scouts.

"You think Empire State of the South 's going to signal with one of the professional team ?"Albus asked James as they walked back to the castle.

"I 'd be surprised if she did n't,"James said,"I just hope it does n't hurt her chances when we lose."

"We might not lose,"Albus pointed out.

"We 're going to misplace,"Epistle of James muttered,"Linda 's too good of a Seeker."

Albus said nada. He wished he could just tell James that Linda was a vampire. It would be so very much easier.

They kept walking, each lost in their own thoughts. Albus stopped abruptly when he heard a forte crack in the forest.

"What was that ?"he asked anxiously.

"Probably just a branch breaking,"James answered.

"It was too tawdry,"Albus said as he looked into the woodland,"It sounded like someone Apparating in there."

"I do n't think you can Apparate in the timberland,"James pointed out,"And it did n't fathom that loud. You 're just tired from all the Quidditch practice."

"I guess,"Albus said as he and James kept walking,"But what if it was soul Apparating ? What if it was Willinson ?"

"You worry too much, Al,"James groaned,"This place is filled with Aurors and Dad 's here wax time now. You 'd hold to be mad to Apparate here if you 're wanted by the Ministry."

"But Willinson is stupid enough to do that,"Albus replied.

"That 's just it,"Saint James laughed,"If he 's dazed enough to do that, he 's going to get charm and sent back to Azkaban."

Albus nodded but he was n't reassured. Willinson may be stupid, but he did bring off to kidnap Kaden the previous leaping, and he had been on the run for a year prior to that. He may be a rubbish dueler, but he was certainly safe at not getting caught for the most part.


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight as well as all of the toppingly awesome people who have read and reviewed this !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


The atmosphere in the Great Hall the next first light was unlike anything Albus had seen before. The Hogwarts team was sitting together at the Ravenclaw table, surrounded by students from all four business firm. shift and Tyler seemed to be in the thick of it and were loudly discussing tactics.

The Australian team was sitting together at the Hufflepuff tabular array, with a large distance between them and the Hufflepuffs. A small crowd of Australian had congregated around them.

Albus decided not to join the rest of the Hogwarts team at the Ravenclaw tabular array. Nobody was ineffective to play that day, so Albus 's days on the team were pretty much over. To be honest, he was sort of relieved. There was just so much pressure.

"I think this tourney has been good for Hogwarts,"pink wine mused,"tone at everyone. nobody seems to give care who 's in what house."

"It 'll all go back to normal once the match is over,"Albus pointed out.

"Maybe not,"blush wine shrugged,"You never know."

"I do n't have sex, Rose,"Matt said,"I do n't think one year can exchange centuries of tradition."

"It 's worth a try,"pink wine said,"I think we should all try and get along."

"I do n't think this has helped outside magic cooperation,"whoremonger gestured to the Australian team. The Hufflepuffs sitting nearby were glaring at them.

"Competition rarely does that,"Rose muttered.

"Well, they 'll all be going home soon,"Matt said cheerfully.

Rose shot him a dirty facial expression and then looked up at the staff table. Albus 's regard followed. The staff table was quite overcrowded that morning. There were scouts from Quidditch teams, Ministry officials including Albus 's Uncle Percy, and a motley of masses from Australia and New York.

"look at that witch,"John pointed to a very tall, beautiful Wiccan with blench albumen skin and long darkness hair.

"She 's Linda 's female parent,"Rose told them.

"Is she-"can began.

"Yes,"Rose whispered,"She 's one, too."

"I thought so,"John said without taking his eyes off the witch.

There was a flashy cheer from the Ravenclaw table and the Hogwarts team began to bequeath the Hall. Their retinue followed until they reached the door and then they went to sit back down at assorted tables.

The Australian team followed shortly. The inflammation only seemed to increase now that the team had gone down to the changing rooms.

A few minutes later hoi polloi began to result for the pitch shot. The crowd at the staff table left first and the students followed.

"Albus,"John said as they got up from the table,"I 've got a few span of omnioculars in my trunk. I want to see it up close when Linda catches that Snitch."

"Let 's go get them, then,"Albus replied.

Rose rolled her eyes."Meet us down at the pitch."She and Amanda turned towards the doorway as the son ran up the grand staircase.

"Why did n't you just bring them to breakfast ?"Matt asked.

"Forgot,"John said.

The castle was absolutely deserted as they made their way back to Gryffindor pillar. Albus had n't seen it that empty during the day. It was almost disconcerting.

John had to discharge out his entire luggage compartment in order to find the omnioculars. He had four pairs and handed one to each of the boys.

"Let 's go,"Albus said,"We 're going to miss the start of the match."

Albus completely ignored the no running in the corridors linguistic rule as he made his way through the rook. There was n't anyone to grouch him anyway. The footsteps behind him told him his friends were n't far behind.

Albus turned a quoin and ran smack into something. He fell down onto his back and looked up, only to see that it was someone. Not just anyone either. Albus had collided with flatness 's boggart.

Only, it could n't be a boggart because if it had been a boggart, it would induce manifested itself into what Albus was most afraid of. At that import, it probably would deliver been Willinson.

The man sneered down at Albus and then smiled creepily. Albus scrambled up and turned back to look at his friends.

matte had turned white and looked far More afraid than Albus had ever seen him before, including when he had faced the boggart and when Malfoy had found out about his lycanthropy. John was looking from Matt to the man, an obvious revulsion on his face. Kaden was looking extremely confused.

Albus turned and grabbed all three of his acquaintance, pulling them into the close schoolroom. He slammed the door and pulled out his sceptre, putting every lockup appealingness he knew onto the knob.

Matt collapsed onto the nearest chair and put his top dog in his hand."Th-th-that's-"

"We know,"Albus whispered.

"What the hell is he doing here ?"Saint John ranted,"He 's got no business here !"

"Why 's he in the castling anyway ?"Albus began to tempo around the room,"If he 's here to catch the Quidditch match, then why is n't he down there ?"

"What if he 's not here to watch the Quidditch ?"John said darkly.

"Who the bloody hell is he ?"Kaden asked loudly.

Albus glanced at Matt before looking at Kaden. lusterlessness did n't seem to birth heard Kaden 's question.

"His name 's Lubar. He 's the point of the Department for the ordinance and ascendance of Magical animal in Australia,"Albus explained,"He 's the reason why Matt had to move here, amongst other things."

"He 's a ghastly and curve evil git,"John muttered,"What are we going to do ?"

Albus walked over to the threshold and peered out the little window at the top. Lubar was no longer in sight.

"I 've g-got to go to the Ministry,"Matt said,"I 've got to t-tell my dad. L-Lubar, he ca n't be here."

Albus paced back and forth in front of the door. The Ministry. How would they get there ? Brooms ? No, that would take too long. They 'd have to use the Floo Network, but none of the fireplaces at Hogwarts were hooked up, as far as Albus knew.

"We 're going to have to get to Hogsmeade,"Albus said,"You wait here. I 'll get my Cloak and the map. Then we 'll sneak into Hogsmeade and Floo to the Ministry."

matt nodded."You guy cable do n't throw to come. You can go to the match."

"Are you mental ?"toilet exclaimed,"That bloke out there is probably worse than Willinson. We 're not letting you do this alone."

Albus nodded in agreement before waving his sceptre and undoing the lockup appeal. He cautiously looked out into the corridor before leaving. It was empty.

Much to Albus 's relief, both the Cloak and the map were right where he 'd allow them. He shoved them into his robes and ran back to the schoolroom. mat, John, and Kaden were all talking quietly. Matt did n't await any lupus erythematosus scar, but at to the lowest degree he did n't seem to be in shock anymore.

"We 're not all going to fit underneath it,"Albus said as he unfolded the cloak.

"You three get under it,"lav said immediately,"I 'm marvellous so I 'll use up up the most way anyway. Plus, if we meet up with Lubar again, I 'm the best liar."

Albus could n't fence there. Both he and Matt were ugly liar and Kaden still had n't gotten over his inability to keep secrets.

"You take the map, then,"Albus handed the map to Saint John,"We 've got to get to the one-eyed enchantress statue on the third floor.

Albus threw the Cloak over himself, Matt, and Kaden, and the three of them followed can out of the way. The corridor was still empty, much to Albus 's easing.

John set a very fast pace and he was soon quite a bit ahead of Albus and the others. Albus could n't say anything, though, as it would generate away his comportment. Instead he tried to run as fast as he could while making the least amount of money of noise possible.

The boys made it down the two escape of stairs necessity to get to the tertiary floor and arrived at the statue without seeing anyone. Albus pulled the Cloak off of them and stuffed it into his pocket. With a quick tap of his wand, he statue 's gibbosity opened and the boys climbed inside.

Albus lit his wand and took off down the pocket-sized passage. Matt, John, and Kaden followed suit.

"Why did Kendrick let him in ?"trick asked as they ran,"Does n't he have it away what he did ?"

"Yes,"lustrelessness answered,"I do n't intend Kendrick knows he 's here."

"What did he do ?"Kaden asked.

"You do n't imagine he came here to see you ?"Albus asked matt,"I mean, commend when Killigan saw us that one clock time and he seemed so occupy in finding you ?"

"Of course I do,"lusterlessness muttered,"And it really would n't surprise me if that 's why he 's here. But I 'm betting there 's another reason."

"What did he do ?"Kaden repeated, a bit louder.

"Why else would he be here ?"Albus asked,"The couple ?"

"Maybe, but I 'm betting it 's got something to do with Linda,"Matt replied,"I do n't roll in the hay for sure, but it seems too co-occurrent for him to be here just to see me."

"What did he do ?"Kaden shouted,"Why would he want to see you ?"

Matt stopped running and wheeled around to look at Kaden."It 's a prospicient story. Lubar 's got a grudge against my dad, one that he obviously still has even though we have n't lived in Commonwealth of Australia for six years,"Matt paused,"He passed a clustering of practice of law against lycanthrope and I wound up having to transform with a clump of other werewolves. It was bad."

Matt resumed walking and did n't elaborate on the depicted object. Kaden did n't ask him to.

"What 's your dad going to do about it ?"Kaden asked.

"I dunno,"matt shrugged,"Maybe talk to Kendrick or something."

There was no doubtfulness in Albus 's mind that Matt 's dad would be capable to get Lubar to leave Hogwarts, possibly even leave the rural area. Albus had known little about Mr. Eckerton prior to this year, but now he knew that you did not want to be on his bad side. When it came down to it, Mr. Eckerton was the one who had Balladanis sacked.

The transit finally began to rebel until it came to an precipitous stop at a involved wooden door. Albus pressed his ear to the door, but heard goose egg. He carefully pushed it open, wincing as it creaked.

Seeing nobody in the storage room beyond, Albus beckoned his champion forward. The elbow room was palely lit, enough for Albus to see a huge amount of boxes littering the floor. On the far wall he could see a fireplace.

The boys climbed over the various loge and stood in front of the fireplace. Albus located a humble sack of Floo powder and then lit a fervor. He turned to his friends.

"You ca n't Floo directly into person 's sketch at the Ministry. We 're going to have to go to the Atrium,"Albus told them,"I 'll go first, you follow."Albus took a fistful of powder and then handed the bag to Matt.

He tossed the gunpowder into the fire and stepped inside, shouting"The Ministry of Magic !"

Albus stumbled out of a different fireplace seconds later. The Atrium was nearly deserted, save for a few wizards striding towards the ski tow, clearly too meddling to notice Albus.

Matt landed rather ungracefully on the storey. He picked himself up, brushing rove ash off his robes.

"topographic point is deserted,"Matt said as he looked around.

"It 's a Saturday,"Albus pointed out,"doe your dad work Sat ?"

"Yeah,"Matt nodded,"At least mornings."

Saint John the Apostle was adjacent to tread out of the fervidness, doing so more elegantly than mat had. He stood in front of the fire, staring around at the Atrium. His eyes rested on the jet of Magical Brethren.

"This is more fancy than I imagined,"John said.

"Bloody Hades !"Kaden shouted as he fell out of the fire,"This is the Ministry ?"

"Yes,"Matt said quickly,"But we have n't got time to search. Let 's go."

Albus followed matte towards the desk in the social movement of the Atrium. There was an old star leafing through a copy of the caviller, oblivious to his environs. Albus almost thought they 'd be able to sneak around him, but he looked up just as they were about to pass.

"Where do you call up you 're going ?"he asked and then his heart rested on Albus,"Albus Severus ceramist. Why are n't you in schoolhouse ?"

"Er,"Albus began, a little unsettle that the man knew who he was.

flatness stepped in straw man of Albus."We need to go see my dad. He 's the Head of the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical fauna. It 's kind of an emergency."

"Very well,"the man looked at them oddly,"Put your wands up here."

Albus did as he was told and the others followed wooing. They waited impatiently as the old wizard tested their verge and then handed them back. He waved them on towards the lifts.

"What 's the point of that ?"Kaden asked as they waited for a lift.

"So if you murder anyone, they can recount whose wand did it,"Albus said bluntly.

"That 's cheerful,"Kaden replied.

Once the heave arrived, the boy piled in and matte pushed the number four. Nobody said anything as the lift creaked its way to the quarter floor.

Matt took off at a run down the corridor after they left the rise. Albus had never been to this particular floor. It looked rather interchangeable to the Magical Law Enforcement 's storey, with nondescript sets of double threshold on one side.

lustrelessness skidded to a check in battlefront of the only threshold that was single and banged his deal loudly on it. When there was no solution after a few seconds, he banged again.

"Hold your hippogriffs !"called a voice from the inside,"I 'm coming, I'm-"Matt 's dad said as he opened the door.

Mr. Eckerton seemed to freeze down at the sight of his son and the early three boys. He gaped at them for a 2d before shaking his head.

"Matt ?"he asked and rubbed his middle, as if he thought he was seeing a delusion,"But, why are n't you in school ? How did you get here ? Why are you here ? Albus ? What are you- and John, Kaden ?"

His heart rested on flatness again."lusterlessness ? What 's wrong ?"

Mr. Eckerton stepped aside and let the boys into his study. He shut the threshold quietly behind them.

The subject reminded Albus of his dad 's. There were orotund windows on the English opposite the door, although the tantrum outside was not real, nor was the gentle rain that was pattering onto it.

There was a large leather covered death chair behind the huge oak desk and a few smaller chairs in front line of it. Along the other two walls were shelves with loads of Bible. Most of them were about various charming creatures.

Albus, lusterlessness, and John the Evangelist took the derriere that were in front of the desk while Kaden wandered around the study looking at things. Mr. Eckerton leaned against the social movement of his desk and looked at his son.

"What 's happened ?"he asked quietly.

"L-Lubar,"Matt said in barely Sir Thomas More than a whisper,"He-he 's at Hogwarts."

"What ? !"Mr. Eckerton exclaimed.

"We were on our way to the Quidditch final,"matt said,"A-and we saw him."

"Bloody Hell !"Mr. Eckerton stood up and slammed his fist loudly against his desk,"Did prof Kendrick allow this ?"

"I do n't know,"Matt replied,"B-but everyone else was at the match and he was just lurking about the castle."

Mr. Eckerton 's face hardened. He looked just like he had when he talked with professor Balladanis earlier in the terminal figure."Let 's go, boys,"he said darkly,"I 've got to have a word with prof Kendrick."

Albus followed Mr. Eckerton out of his study and down towards the raise. John 's walking speed was cipher compared to lustrelessness 's dad 's. The boys had to run to keep up.

"Where did you Floo from ?"Mr. Eckerton asked once they were in the lift.

"Honeyduke 's,"Albus answered.

"We 'll Floo there now,"Mr. Eckerton replied.

The thaumaturgist at the welcome desk looked at them curiously as they rushed towards the fireplaces, but did n't say anything.

Mr. Eckerton handed Albus a bit of Floo Powder and gestured for him to go first. Albus stepped into the fire and shouted,"Honeyduke 's !"

Albus began to spin out faster and faster. He saw glimpses of people 's home, shops in Diagon Alley, and a diverseness of other places he did not make out. Then, out of one of the hearth, came a mitt. Everything seemed to slow down down, but Albus was n't certainly if it actually did or not.

The hand grabbed him. Albus fought against it, but it was too substantial. All of a sudden he was laying on a dusty wooden floor, one that was not at all like the one in Honeyduke's.

Albus coughed and stood up. His heart was beating fast. What had happened ? Why was n't he in Honeyduke 's ? Where was he ? Whose hand was that ?

Albus grappled for his sceptre and shakily held it up. He lit it and looked around the elbow room, seeing no one.

"Nice to see you, ceramicist,"a insensate voice said from behind him.

Albus jumped and turned around. There, crouching succeeding to the fireplace with his paw inside of it, was Lubar. He looked even more creepy in the dank elbow room than he did in Hogwarts.

The fireplace glowed green and Lubar yanked his arm out of it. John came tumbling out of the fire and scrambled too his feet, looking about.

Lubar muttered something underneath his breathing place and stuck his deal in the fire again.

"What the ?"Gospel According to John whispered to Albus,"Where are we ? Is that ? Bloody snake pit !"

"Shut up !"Lubar shouted.

Albus gazed around the room. It looked vaguely comrade, but Albus could n't put his finger's breadth on it. The windows were boarded up, but it was definitely not the Shrieking shanty. Albus doubted that was connected to the Floo electronic network anyway.

The fireplace glowed green yet again, this clock time sending Kaden onto the base. This earned another shout from Lubar, who stuck his handwriting in the fire again.

Kaden gaped and then got to his ft and stood side by side to Albus. He looked absolutely terrified, even before he laid center on Lubar.

Albus wanted naught more than to run from the room, but he did not bonk where the building was even located. Plus, Lubar would probably stupefy him or something.

Green light filled the elbow room as the open fireplace glowed once more. Albus knew even before it happened that Matt would be the one to next fall out of the flame. Mere seconds later, that distrust was confirmed.

Matt coughed and scrambled to his feet. He gasped when he saw Lubar and ran over to Albus.

Lubar, finally satisfied, doused the firing and lit his wand, which illuminated his sinister face. He began to pace slowly in front of them.

"Well, well, you went crying to Daddy just as I expected,"Lubar grinned manically,"I do fuck when thing work out the way I expect them to."

Albus could feel lusterlessness shaking following to him. He gripped his wand hard, debating whether to try and disarm Lubar.

"Any idea where you are ?"Lubar asked,"Dervish and Banges. Lovely shop, pity about the owner. Yes, a real shame."

Lubar did n't look at all trouble about what happened to the shop owner. Albus looked around the shop again and now he recognized it.

"Well, let 's not waste our time here,"Lubar said,"There 's a few people who 've been dying to see you."Lubar snapped his digit three times and Albus heard footsteps on the stairs.

Three magician descended the step and strode into the room. They lit their sceptre at the same fourth dimension and Albus gasped when the Christ Within showed their faces. Jarrett and Quinton Willinson, along with Washburn. Three people Albus hoped never to see again.

Albus swallowed hard. He could see no way out of this. As proficient a dueler he was, he was up against four fully certified maven. Three of them did not possess the skills to duel, but Albus had no idea what Lubar was capable of.

"Ah, yes,"Lubar smirked,"What a lovely reunion. Unfortunately we have n't got time to chat."

Before Albus knew it, Washburn had him in a headlock with his wand pointed at his neck. Quinton Willinson had Kaden and his father had John. Matt, seeing his friends restrained, made a run for the approximate window.

"Not so fast, Cy Young lycanthrope,"Lubar caught him by the book binding of his robe and wrapped one of his arm around his middle.

Lubar reached into his gown with his give up handwriting and pulled out an old tea timpani. He held it out to the early three men and each one put a free mitt on it. Albus knew what was going to encounter right before it did. He shared a frightened glance with lusterlessness before feeling a jerk behind his belly button.


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as everyone who has read and reviewed this !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.
A/N : I decided to do persona of this chapter from Harry 's detail of sight. It begins in his point of view and then switches back to Albus 's. Asterisks indicate where the point of eyeshot switches.


"Spectacular hold open by Georgia Weasley !"the commentator shouted.

Harry grinned as his niece threw the Quaffle back into play. It was immediately taken into self-will by Hogwarts, and all three chaser threw it back and forth as they flew to the Australian end of the pitch.

"musical score ! Hogwarts has scored against Australia, bringing the total to 50-20 Hogwarts !"

Harry stood up and shouted as loud as the scholar. One thing he loved about the Quidditch tourney was that he did n't let to try and hold in his fervor when Hogwarts scored. During star sign lucifer, he had to try and make believe he was neutral, even though he obviously supported Gryffindor.

As happy as Harry was about the Hogwarts Chasers being very skilled, he did not accept hope that Hogwarts would actually win. Australia 's Seeker, Linda morale, was the intimately Seeker Harry had ever seen outside of professional Quidditch. He knew that his son, King James I, was respectable, but he was n't delusional. Linda was brilliant.

There was something odd about her, though, and Harry could n't put his finger on it. Her speed on a ling just did n't seem natural. professional person Quidditch histrion would toss off for her speed.

"I 'm storm she has n't found the Snitch yet,"Neville muttered to Harry.

"Yeah,"Harry nodded as he watched Linda slowly circling above the pitch. Jesse James was doing the same,"It 'll be soon, though."

Harry turned his gaze to the relief of the staff who were sitting around him. almost of them were quite reserved. Nobody seemed to be showing the enthusiasm Harry was. He did n't care. Harry did n't part their belief that teachers could n't get overly excited about Quidditch.

A few professor stood up and then sat back down again as someone squeezed their way past them. Harry craned his question and was surprised to see Walter Eckerton.

Harry did n't know the man well. They 'd met on social function at the Ministry, although Harry had a tone he 'd be seeing more of him now that he was Head of the Department for the Regulation and dominance of Magical Creatures.

What Harry mostly knew about Bruno Walter Eckerton was more on a personal than professional level. Harry had never met a Fatherhood who was more protective of his son than Walter Eckerton, although he did let good reason. Never a more give father, either.

Walter continued his way past the other professors until he stopped in front of Harry. Harry was even Thomas More shocked to see the formulation on his face. worry was etched in every part of his face, bringing out the wrinkles, but there was anger in his eyes.

"Walter,"Harry shook his deal as he stood up,"What 's going on ?"

"Not here,"Walter muttered,"I need a password in private."

Harry told Neville he 'd be right field back and he followed Bruno Walter out of the tie-up. They continued walking until they were a scant distance away from the auction pitch and then Walter stopped.

"The boys have just been to see me at the Ministry,"Walter said as soon as he 'd stopped.

"waiting, what ?"Harry asked,"You mean Albus and matt ?"

"Yes, and the other two as well,"Walter said quickly,"You 've heard of Ralph Lubar, the pass of the section for the regulating and control condition of Magical creature in Australia ?"

Harry nodded, slightly confused at the change of subject."Yes, not a very tolerant fella, is he ?"

Walter 's nerve hardened."That 's a squeamish way of putting it. The bloke is regorge and twine and he 's got a grievance against me. Very long write up and I have n't got time to state it. shortstop version is that when Matt was eight, Lubar passed a law that required him to metamorphose in a building with other werewolves, older lycanthrope. Nearly killed him. It was right before we moved. For whatever reason, Lubar decided to visit Hogwarts today, possibly under the pretense of attending the Quidditch match.

"The male child saw him and Flooed to the Ministry from Honeyduke 's. Matt 's absolutely terrified of him, which is why they came to me. I came back with them. They Flooed before I did, but when I arrived at Honeyduke 's they were n't there. I 've already spoken with the possessor of the shop class as well as a few other Hogsmeade residents. No one 's seen them. We 've got to receive them."

Harry 's heart sank."You do n't think Lubar 's got them, do you ? He 's not grievous, is he ?"

"To matte, yes, but I have n't the slight idea as to why he 'd require the other boys,"Bruno Walter said.

"Even if he did only require matte, he 'd have to get Albus as well because I know Albus would n't let him contract Matt sitting down,"Harry replied, and started walking briskly towards Hogsmeade,"Let 's go. I 'll get every uncommitted Auror on this."

******

Albus tried as hard as he could to shift himself from Washburn 's grasp as he was Portkeying to who knows where. All Albus knew about the fix was that it must be far away. Portkeying is usually mostly instantaneous, but this time there was a significant lag. Albus had clip to try and get away, not that it did anything.

The mo clue that their destination was far away was the fact that it was very dark when Albus finally landed on the reason. Not colored like an impending storm either. Dark as in night.

Washburn had let go of Albus as they landed and Albus hastened to get to his foot. Loud thumps around him told him that his protagonist had landed as well.

The ground was weaken and hard and the foliation around them was dense. Albus assumed they were in some form of forest. He gazed around and saw a lot of unfamiliar trees that seemed to extend towards the starry sky.

There was no Moon to illuminate the wood. Lubar, the Willinsons, and Washburn had walked a few K away from the boys and were whispering to each other. All four had lit their wands, but it was n't decent baton light to kick in Albus a near view of his surroundings.

Matt, whoremonger, and Kaden had all scrambled over to where Albus was and were standing quite close to him, their sceptre out. Albus pulled his own out as well, but did n't dare light it.

"Why is it night ?"Kaden whispered.

"Where the Hades are we ?"John asked.

"We 're in Australia,"Matt said in awe, as if he was just coming to terms with that fact.

"We Portkeyed across an ocean ?"Kaden gasped.

When Albus thought about it, it made sense. Lubar was from Australia, so why should n't he take them there ? It was quite far away from anyone who would be looking for them.

What did n't crap sense was why Lubar was with Washburn and the Willinsons. As far as he could differentiate, the four maven seemed to be working together, but why ? Lubar lived halfway across the world. How had he met the Willinsons ?

"Is this anywhere near your old sign ?"trick asked.

"How should I lie with ?"Matt snapped,"Commonwealth of Australia 's a huge country !"

"I just thought if we were near it, we could obliterate there,"John muttered.

"You would n't desire to,"matte said,"My dolt cousin owns it now."

"You have a cousin ?"Albus asked.

"Not important,"Matt said quickly.

Albus nodded."How are we going to get out of this ?"

"They 're not paying care,"John whispered, gesturing to where the four wizards stood huddled in a rope,"Maybe if we run for it."

"The Portkey 's right there,"Matt pointed to the tea tympani, which was a few understructure away,"If we can just get to it."

"All right,"Albus whispered,"On the counting of three. One ... two ... three."

Albus ran as quietly as he could towards the Porkey. He was about to pick it up when it soared up into the air. Albus looked up and saw Lubar sneering at him, with the Portkey in his hand.

"That wo n't do,"Lubar said as he stowed the Porkey in his cloak. He turned to the other three men."They 're trying to get away."

"What do you expect ?"Jarrett said rudely,"There 's four of them ! Do you substantiate how practically more unmanageable this is going to be now ? We only needed Potter ! But no, you had to go and insist on bringing that werewolf kid as well."

"You would n't even have managed this if it were n't for me !"Lubar growled,"So do n't go telling me what I should and should n't give done."

"Well, now we 've wound up with two extra ones as well,"Jarret muttered.

"They 're kids, how practically trouble can they be ?"Lubar smirked.

"You do n't know this lot,"Washburn replied,"They 're the understanding we have n't had luck before."

"I thought that was because of your incredible folly,"Lubar said.

Albus was very intrigued. Lubar was arguing with them as if he knew them well. Had Lubar really been working with them all along ?

What did they need him for anyway ? What had Willinson meant when he said 'we only needed Potter'?

"Shut it, Lubar,"Jarrett said.

"I 'll say what I like,"Lubar replied,"This is my bush, not yours."

"You own the forest now ?"Jarrett asked.

"As a matter of fact, I do,"Lubar snapped.

"Ministry must be paying you well."

"Indeed they are,"Lubar said and turned to Matt,"So many age have passed. Tell me, what is it like pretending to be something you 're not ?"

To Albus 's surprise, it was whoremaster and not Matt who went flying at Lubar. Lubar disarmed John with a indolent wave of his wand, leaving John stunned in front line of him. It appeared that Lubar was a significantly better dueler than either of the Willinsons or Washburn.

Pocketing John 's wand, Lubar turned back to lusterlessness, who was shakily holding his wand up.

"It does n't matter what country you 're in,"Lubar seethed,"You 're the Lapplander thing no topic where you live. The laws do n't change what you are. affect as much as you like, but it wo n't change a thing."

Now Albus wanted to go after Lubar. The anger was boiling up inside of him and he did n't think he had ever felt more angry in his entire spirit, and that included every encounter he had had with Scorpius Malfoy. Malfoy was like a downy kitten compared to Lubar.

However, Albus held himself back. John was already wandless. It would do them no right if Albus got disarmed as well. Something told him to wait, to expect until he could catch them off guard.

"What about your father ? I hear he 's the head of the department in U.K. now,"Lubar smirked,"Guess it 's just a matter of fourth dimension until the Same thing happens. You 'll have to take flight again."

Matt was visibly trembling now. Albus wracked his mastermind, trying to work out out what to do. What could they do ?

"Oh, for pigeon hawk 's saki !"Jarrett strode forward,"How is this helping things ? Did we really risk Portkeying a lot of youngster to Australia just to languish time taunting one of them ?"

"placidity !"Lubar shouted,"I 'll do what I like !"

"Excuse me !"Kaden said loudly, turning to Lubar,"But how in the epithet of Falco columbarius do you make out them ?"He gestured to the Willinsons and Washburn.

Albus held his breath, waiting for Lubar to put some sort of jinx or curse on Kaden. Sometimes his cousin was quite dull. It seemed obvious to Albus that this was a prison term not to ask questions.

To Albus 's surprisal, Lubar smiled. It was a twisted sort of grin, but a grinning nonetheless.

"I think that 's a honest question,"Lubar said."My cousin-german married this changeling,"Lubar pointed at Jarrett.

"You 're married ?"Kaden gaped at Jarrett, causing Albus to moan. Why would n't Kaden just shut up ?

"Not for much long,"Jarrett muttered,"Can we please just get on with this ?"

"longanimity, cousin-german,"Lubar said as he began to walk slowly around the early three,"We mus n't do this hastily. Haste is the reasonableness you three have failed prior to tonight."

Fail at what ? What were they going to do ? The only affair Albus could suppose of was getting the Hallows, but all three Hallows were in England. If that was their plan, they would n't consume taken them to Australia.

Albus glanced nervously at Matt, who still looked scared out of his mind. Something was still telling Albus not to try and duel the men. Lubar seemed smart, much impertinent than the other three, and that scared Albus more than anything else. There was a big difference between dueling someone who was smart and dueling someone who was an idiot.

******

The Ministry seemed deserted when Harry and Walter Flooed there a poor while later. Harry had briefly questioned the owners of Honeyduke 's, but they had not seen any of the boys.

Harry and Walter ran towards the airlift at top swiftness, not pausing to answering the questioning stare of the fellow at the welcome desk. The cosmetic surgery could not go fast enough for the two men. Harry nearly pulled the room access open when they finally arrived at Magical Law Enforcement 's floor.

The Auror office was slightly more lively than the rest of the Ministry, but not much. Three Aurors were inside, two of whom hastily shoved away a pile of Exploding cracking carte du jour and stood up upon seeing Harry arrive. The other Auror, a rather suddenly but stocky witch, shoved the Book she was reading in the drawer, and joined the other two.

"Potter, sir !"the witch said,"We thought you were at Hogwarts today !"

"I was,"Harry said darkly and explained the situation.

The three Aurors looked drear as they waited for Harry to give them educational activity.

"Dabney,"Harry turned to the taller of the ace,"Brighton,"he looked at the enchantress,"Get started with an extensive search of Hogsmeade. I 'm calling in everyone who is n't busy with anything else. Tiburon and Lee Harvey Oswald are on responsibility in Hogsmeade today, inform them of the situation."

Dabney and Brighton nodded before dashing out of the room. Harry turned to the remaining Auror."Lewster, you will be searching the Forbidden Forest as soon as somebody else arrives."

Harry pulled out his wand and muttered a spell. An enormous silvery stag flew out of his wand and Harry whispered to it. The Patronus glided out of the way and Harry leaned against the nearest desk.

It was n't long before Harry heard step in the corridor. He looked up at the room access just as Ron was running through, followed by half a dozen other Aurors.

"Harry, what 's going on ?"Ron said in a worried tone.

Harry rehashed the entire billet again. Ron 's case paled."What about pink wine, was she with them ?"

"No,"Walter shook his head,"It was just the boys."

"Thank Merlin,"Ron whispered,"But Harry, what about Willinson ? D'you think he 's got anything to do with this ?"

"It 's crossed my mind,"Harry muttered,"But I have n't got a clue as to how Lubar would know him."

"With dingy wizards, you just never know,"Ron pointed out.

"I know,"Harry nodded,"Ron, lead the search of the Forbidden timber. Lewster 's going with you. And take Daniels and John Smith with you."

Ron nodded and left the room, followed by Lewster and two other wizards. The remaining four Aurors looked to Harry.

"The rest of you can search the castle and undercoat. Be discrete. I do not wish to break up the Quidditch mates unless it is absolutely necessary,"Harry instructed.

The Aurors left the elbow room and Harry turned to Walter. He slowly shook his oral sex. Why was it always Albus ? This was the third yr he had gotten into trouble. Albus 's years at Hogwarts were reminding Harry dangerously of his own.

"I 'd better go Floo base and assure Julie what 's going on,"Walter sighed,"She 's going to return apart."

Harry nodded as Walter left the room. Ginny. Harry snapped his head up. She was going to be watching the friction match, but was going to be late. She 's probably there now, Harry thought. She 'd be looking for him.

Harry slowly left the way. How was he going to tell his wife that Albus had been kidnapped and he did n't ingest a clue as to where he was ?

******

"You 're just too afraid to do it !"Jarrett shouted at Lubar,"What could possibly go improper ? We 're halfway across the earthly concern from the Aurors that are looking for this lot !"

"Once again you have proved your stupidity,"Lubar replied,"Do you realize who we 've taken halfway across the populace ? Harry ceramicist 's son ! You have n't a cue as to how things work in the Ministry !

"I can insure you that at this very moment, the integral Auror Department is looking for them. Harry Potter 's probably got every Auror on this pillow slip. It wo n't take them long to realize that we 're not in England.

"And this one,"Lubar gestured to Matt,"He 's got the most officious parents in the Earth. They 'd sooner pop everyone in the world before letting something happen to him. Very irritating. They wo n't take a breather until they find him. Not to mention the fact that he 's the son of a Ministry official. We 've got two tiddler of two of the most prominent Ministry functionary of U.K.. Think, Jarrett, think ! We 've got to be heedful !"

"Well, you 're the one who wanted to take the werewolf, too,"Jarrett growled.

"And you 're the one who insisted we take Potter 's son !"Lubar shouted,"Why do we even need him ?"

"We just do !"Jarrett shouted back.

"If both of you idiots had n't wanted to bring the minor, we could 've done this unharmed affair without the Ministry finding out,"Washburn cut in.

"Shut up !"Lubar and Jarrett said at the same time.

Maybe if they kept arguing, they would n't receive a hazard to do whatever it was they wanted to do before the Aurors found them, Albus thought. He could only desire that the wizards would let enough to indicate about.

"Are we going to do it here ?"Jarrett asked,"Or go to the mansion ?"

"Have you learned cipher ?"Lubar shouted,"When they find out that we 're here, the first place they 'll expect is the house."

"Got any honest ideas ?"Jarrett seethed,"Have you got a secret minuscule hovel somewhere in this country ?"

"No,"Lubar snapped,"We 're taking them to the outback. Plenty of plaza to enshroud, not very populate. Perfect place."

Before Albus could even chew over running away, Jarrett had his arm in a vice grip again. matt was once again in the clutches of Lubar, and privy and Kaden were both caught by the Willinsons.

Albus knew very niggling about the Australian outback, just that it was n't suitable for much man inhabitation. However, the one composition of information he did know about it was that it was where most of the dementors that used to ward Azkaban had gone. That, and it was a somewhat pop place for vampires.

Lubar and Jarrett had stopped bickering. Albus had two seconds to realize what was happening before he felt the familiar but unpleasant sensation of side-along Apparition.


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as all of the awesome people who have read and reviewed this !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.
A/N : Like the previous chapter, this one goes back and forth between Albus 's and Harry 's perspectives.


Albus stumbled as he landed, breaking spare of Jarrett 's grasp. He tripped over a rock and landed typeface first in the Amandine Aurore Lucie Dupin. Spitting the grittiness out of his backtalk, he stood up and glanced around.

It was still far too dark to see anything but the precis of mountains in the space. The outback seemed very hollow and very quiet. There was a very small clump of bushes and trees nearby, but besides that, Albus did not see much else in the way of plant sprightliness.

Albus immediately knew why Lubar had taken them there. He had never been in such a deserted lieu in his life. There was absolutely zippo around them. Even if Albus had decided to run away, he would n't sustain gotten very far. As grievous as staying with Lubar was, Albus knew he would have no hazard of surviving if he ran off into the outback.

Lubar seemed to cognize that Albus and the others would n't run away. He neglected to use any form of roach to tie them up or put any spells around them. Instead, he walked a short space in the centering of the mount and gestured for the Willinsons and Washburn to keep an eye on them.

"What are we going to do ?"John seethed,"Has anyone got any idea where we are ?"

"The outback 's huge,"matte replied,"I bet we 're good in the heart of it. The nearest civilization 's probably miles away."

"So we 're done for,"John the Divine groaned,"What do they even want with us anyway ?"

"No approximation,"Albus said,"But if they keep arguing, we might not have to find out."

"Do you really believe your pappa are going to be capable to get hold us ?"John asked skeptically.

"Lubar 's right,"Albus said,"The entirely Ministry 's going to be looking. I think they 'll obtain us."

"doe stuff like this happen every twelvemonth ?"Kaden asked,"I mean, lowest year I got kidnapped by Willinson and now we all were. What 'll go on side by side year ?"

"Hopefully goose egg,"Albus said.

"If there is a next year,"John muttered.

"Shut up over there !"Lubar shouted as he walked back over to the boys,"I did n't say you to babble !"

"Lubar !"Jarrett seethed as he pointed to someplace in the distance,"There 's people gathering over there ! We 've got to go somewhere else !"

Albus looked towards where Jarrett was pointing and his heart leapt a bit. There was a small gathering of figures a few yards away. Could his dad have found them already ?

"Calm down,"Lubar said,"They 're just vampires. They wo n't get to us. I know that coven. They know better than to mess with me. I 'll pretend life pretty miserable for them if they do."

"carving deals with lamia now ?"Jarrett asked.

"Proving to be helpful, is n't it ?"Lubar answered.

Albus 's promise sank once again. Lubar seemed more confusing than ever. He cut raft for vampires but passed restrictive jurisprudence on werewolf ? It did n't hold sense.

The men lowered their voices again and Albus wished he had a few extendible spike with him. He did n't dare verbalize to his supporter, just sent them dying glances every now and then.

A cold wind blew over them and Albus shivered. It was the kind of coldness that chilled him to the bone. Hoping that it was n't going to rain, or C ( was n't it winter in Australia ? ), he looked to the sky. There were no cloud, but what Albus saw was much worse than clouds.

Five or six mask figures were slowly circling above them. Although he had never before seen one, Albus recognized them as dementors immediately. Despite the shadow, Albus could clearly make out their descriptor. As they got closer, he could even hear their rattling breath.

The world in forepart of him began to swim. He felt like he was going to travel by out, but he knew it was just the dementors sucking all the felicity out of him. Albus was left with all his unhappy thoughts.

His dad was n't going to find them. They would be stuck on the Australian outback until Lubar and the others did what they were going to do. Then who knew what would happen ?

"No, no, no !"Matt shouted.

Albus squeezed his eyes shut and then opened them, forcing himself to look towards his champion. Matt was kneeling on the land, shaking violently. Both John and Kaden were looking at him anxiously, neither seeming to be that affected by the dementors.

Of trend the dementors would pretend matte the worst. He had gone through affair that Albus, toilet, and Kaden could n't even think. It probably did n't serve that Lubar was actually show, either.

Without even thinking, Albus pulled his sceptre out of his robes. He 'd heard the incantation for the Patronus spell before and figured it was worth a shot. What else could he do besides try ?

"Expecto Patronum !"Albus shouted, pointing his baton at the sky. null happened.

A happy thought ! How could he ingest forgotten that ? It was difficult to think of one with dementors flying over heard and listening to Matt shouting on the ground.

When the sorting Hat put him in Gryffindor ! Albus pointed his wand to the sky again."Expecto Patronum ! Expecto Patronum !"

Albus kept shouting the incantation while using various well-chosen store. nada was happening, but Matt 's cheering was decreasing. Then it stopped. Albus stopped and looked towards the solid ground. It looked like mat had passed out.

Thinking of the day Balladanis had been sacked, Albus pointed his wand at the dementors once again."Expecto Patronum !"he shouted.

A silvery blob exploded from his sceptre and went after the dementors. Albus stood shocked for a few arcsecond. He had sort of done a Patronus charm !

"Bloody hell,"John whispered.

"Expecto Patronum !"someone shouted from the distance.

Albus looked up and saw Lubar running at them with his wand pointed at the dementors. A silvery squirrel was floating ahead of him and the dementors scattered as it reached them.

Albus 's fuzzy Einstein immediately cleared and the felicity returned. He quickly stowed his wand in his gown before Lubar thought to disarm him.

"leave of absence him,"Lubar growled at John and Kaden, who were bent grass to the undercoat trying to get Matt to awake up.

"Dementors !"Washburn shouted sarcastically,"This was a damn glorious place to come."

Lubar paid no attention to Washburn 's comment. His center were focused on Albus and he was giving him a very odd look. Albus took a neural stair back, but Lubar did not avert his gaze. Albus immediately closed his mind.

******

"potter, sir !"

Harry, who had been walking up senior high school Street in Hogsmeade with Ginny, turned around and saw Lewster striding towards him. Harry stopped, hoping he had some thoroughly news.

"What is it, Lewster ?"Harry asked.

"Just talked to a few of the Centaurus,"Lewster said,"They saw three genius in the timberland a few minute ago. They recognized one of them as Washburn."

"I 'd bet my in conclusion Galleon the other two were the Willinsons,"Harry replied,"Did the Centaur know anything else ?"

"Just that Washburn and the others were looking for something. Apparently they were scouring the forest floor for something,"Lewster answered.

Harry nodded. That did n't storm him. The Resurrection I. F. Stone was someplace in the forest."Did you see anything ?"

"No,"Lewster shook his head,"And the centaurs are pretty surely they 've left."

"Very well,"Harry said,"See what else you can regain out."

Lewster left and Harry turned to Ginny, who looked afraid.

"Harry, you do n't reckon that Washburn is with Lubar, do you ?"Ginny asked.

"There 's no doubt in my creative thinker,"Harry answered,"It 's just a matter of finding them. Listen, I 've got to go hunting Dervish and Banges. I 've got this suspicion about the place. Seems like the perfective tense spot for Washburn to postulate them."

Ginny nodded."I 'll go enamour the end of the equal. I wo n't mention anything to St. James and Lily yet."

"commodity,"Harry said,"I 'll be in touch soon."He kissed her lightly on the forehead."We 're going to find him."

"I know,"Ginny replied softly,"Stay safe."

Ginny turned around to take the air back to the Hogwarts ground while Harry picked up the yard and walked the poor length to Dervish and Banges.

The building looked utterly abandoned. The windows were still boarded up, the grass overgrown around it. It certainly did n't look like anyone was hiding inside, but Harry had to check.

Pulling out his wand, he crept cautiously to the door. He carefully pulled the gameboard off of it and quietly wrenched the threshold heart-to-heart. Without lighting his verge, he walked inside.

The spot had the smell of a Holocene fire in the hearth. Someone had been there. However, there was not a auditory sensation from anywhere in the building. Harry lit his sceptre and saw that it was deserted.

After a thorough check of the entire edifice, in which Harry found no support fauna, he returned to the main elbow room. The fireplace was filled with nearly suddenly ember and there was a small mess of Floo powder spilled out onto the floor.

The Floo had been used recently. Harry bent down and muttered an incantation that would enjoin him where the last someone to use the fireplace had Flooed from. He waited for the incantation to put to work, his affection hammering.

Soft red smoke emitted from his verge, curling together to form the Word 'Ministry of Magic .'Harry breathed a sigh of relief. He was getting somewhere. Without hardly a doubt, Harry knew that Albus and the other boys had wound up in Dervish and Banges after going to the Ministry. The only question was, where had they gone after that ?

******

"How old are you, potter ?"Lubar asked.

"Thirteen,"Albus replied, still a bit nervous as to why Lubar was looking at him like that. It reminded him of how Balladanis had looked at him during the arcsecond dueling tournament.

"And they teach the Patronus Charm to thirteen-year-olds at Hogwarts ?"Lubar replied.

"No,"Albus shook his straits, although when he thought about it, Balladanis may own taught him and Malfoy Patronuses if he had n't gotten sacked."That was the initiative time I 'd tried it."

"Very intriguing,"Lubar said as he turned to the former three men,"This lot did n't assure me you were skilled at defensive attitude magic."

"You never asked,"Jarrett muttered,"But is ceramist 's aptitude for Patronuses really relevant to what we 're doing ?"

"It matters if they decide to try and hex us !"Lubar snapped,"I think it might be best if they 're all wandless."

Albus gulped and clenched his baton harder. He glanced at flatness, who was still unconscious. bathroom did n't let his baton. Kaden was n't very good at dueling. It would be up to him, to Albus, if this came to a duel.

"The only one who 's got any accomplishment is Potter,"Jarrett said,"The other three are n't going to be difficult."

"mulct,"Lubar muttered,"We 'll get started, but I need to talk to you three away from them first."

Jarrett nodded and the men walked a few grounds away and began whispering too quietly for Albus to hear.

Albus bent down to where Matt had collapsed, wishing he knew a healing spell or two."Matt, Matt,"he whispered,"Wake Island up."

After a minute or two, Matt 's optic fluttered exposed and he sat up."What happened ?"he asked, looking around confusedly.

"You passed out,"Albus told him,"When the dementors were here."

"But Albus cast a Patronus !"whoremonger said excitedly.

"You what ?"Matt gaped at him.

"It was just argent mist,"Albus told him,"Lubar 's actually the one who got rid of them."

"Probably just for his sake,"flatness shuddered,"Did anyone else pass out ?"The former three boys shook their head word."public figure,"flatness muttered.

"You need some chocolate or something,"Albus said,"Anyone got some ?"

"might,"Kaden began fishing around in his pocket. He produced a chocolate frog and handed it to Matt, who took it without saying a word.

"Listen,"Albus said,"Whatever it is that they want to do here, they 're doing it soon. Do you mean you can get up ?"

lusterlessness nodded and Albus helped him to his feet. Lubar and the others were walking towards them again. Albus slowly pulled his wand out of his robes and held it to his side, hiding it partially behind his back.

Lubar conjured a muckle of Wood and set flak to it, illuminating himself, Washburn, the Willinsons, and the son. Albus was now clearly able to see the twisted facial expression on Lubar 's face.

"Are you mad ?"Jarrett seethed,"ardour 's going to attract attention !"

Lubar laughed."fervor 's going to ensure that those vampire stay away and we 've got to see what we 're doing !"

Albus glanced towards where the vampires had been congregating. They were currently walking farther away from Albus and the others. Thinking back to Linda 's boggart, he remembered that vampire are destroyed by fervor. Albus turned back to the men.

Jarrett was holding something out in his hand, but Albus could n't make out what it was. Jarrett, along with Quinton and Washburn, looked quite excited. Lubar looked mildly annoyed and impatient.

"Do you know what this is, Potter ?"Jarrett asked gleefully.

"No,"Albus said, trying not to sound too nervous.

"It 's the Resurrection Edward Durell Stone,"Jarrett answered.

Albus could hardly conceal his gasp as he peered snug at Jarrett 's outstretched hired man. There was a very small stone sitting in it. The Christ's Resurrection Stone. One of the Deathly Hallows. Jarrett had finally succeeded in getting one of the three objects he had been after for age. But how ?

"How ?"Albus asked, trying to sound confident.

"Ancient magic is a beautiful thing, Potter,"Jarrett answered,"There are long forgotten spells, tour that work very nicely with yearn forgotten magical objects such as this Stone. It was merely a matter of finding the correct spell, getting to the Forbidden Forest, and putting it to use. Quite wide-eyed now that I look back on it."

"Only because you did n't do any of the workplace,"Lubar muttered,"It was I who found the turn !"

"The other Hallows will prove to be easy to obtain with the aid of this,"Jarrett went on, ignoring Lubar 's mutterings.

Albus did not like the sound of that. The endocarp itself did one thing and that was bring back the spirits of people who had passed on. How would that facilitate Jarrett get the former Hallows ?

The Invisibility Cloak. Albus 's tum plummeted. It was still in his robes. He really hoped Jarrett would n't make that.

"Another thing that I thought of !"Lubar seethed.

"You think this lot cares who did what ?"Jarrett laughed.

"Oh, just get on with it,"Washburn rolled his eyes.

Jarrett sidestepped past the fire and strode penny-pinching to Albus. Albus took a whole tone back as his centre started beating faster. He had a very bad feeling about what Jarrett was going to do with that Stone.

"Ah, yes, Potter. You should be afraid,"Jarrett 's gaze swept over all four boys,"You should all be afraid."

"Quit taunting them and just do it,"Washburn said impatiently.

"With this stone,"Jarrett said a bit louder,"I will wreak back Lord Voldemort."

******

Harry burst out of Dervish and Banges, not caring that he had blasted the door completely off its hinges as he did so. He had to find Walter. He had to find Bruno Walter and then go to the Ministry. The fireplace did not show signs that it had been used to Floo away from the abandoned shop. That left either specter or a Portkey, both of which would have left shadow that he 'd need the department of Magical Transportation for.

Harry rounded a street corner as he ran towards Honeyduke 's and nearly ran headlong into a witch. He stepped back and saw it was Ginny. She wore a strange expression of mental confusion and shock, mixed with mingled fear.

"Ginny,"Harry said,"Sorry."

"Not a trouble,"she said quickly,"Have you found anything ?"

"Yes,"Harry answered,"Is the mate over ? How badly did we lose by ?"

"Only a hundred points,"Ginny said,"But we might not have got actually lost. Listen, did you know Australia 's Seeker is a vampire ?"

"Wait, what ?"Harry gaped at her, trying to wrap his mind around that fact while still focusing his mind on Albus.

"I 'll explain after we 've found Albus,"Ginny said.

"Right,"Harry agreed,"I 've got a hint. someone was in Dervish and Banges. They Flooed there from the Ministry ; I 'm sure it was Al and the others. I 've got to find Walter and go to the Ministry. I 'm not sure where that will top us, but I might not be back for a while."

"Just be measured,"Ginny said as she gave him a kiss,"And convey him back."

"I will,"Harry said as he kissed her back,"I 'll see you soon."

"Harry !"

Harry turned and saw Walter striding out of Honeyduke 's. With one last look at Ginny, Harry met Bruno Walter half-way.

"We 've got to get to the Ministry,"Harry said immediately, and explained about what he had found at Dervish and Banges and what Lewster had learned from the centaurs.

Walter nodded and the two men Disapparated on the spot. They reappeared a lilliputian patch later in a small phantasma chamber in the Ministry.

Passing the bewildered looking security department guard for the tertiary time that day, Harry and Walter ran to the face lifting. Neither of them said a word as the lift clattered to the section of Magical Transportation.

The department was nearly deserted, save for one very bored looking beldame sitting at a desk.

"Mr. ceramist, Mr. Eckerton !"she exclaimed as she took her feet off the desk,"Something I can do for you ?"

"Yes,"Harry answered,"I need to have sex if anyone 's Disapparated from Dervish and Banges in Hogsmeade. Or used a Portkey from that same location. And if you 're capable to, I need to have it away where they went."

"Of trend, Mr. potter, of course,"the witch said as she got up. She disappeared into another way, shutting the door behind her.

Harry sighed and sat down on the approximate hot seat. Walter sat down in the contiguous one, looking thoroughly miserable.

"We 'll observe them,"Harry said quietly.

"I do n't doubt that,"Bruno Walter replied,"However, that is not the only thing I am disturbed about. The conclusion clip lusterlessness had an altercation with Ralph Lubar, he wound up in therapy for months afterwards."

Harry was not expecting that. He did not know much about therapy, except that sensation did not normally use it. Whatever had happened, it must have been bad.

"Do you mind if I ask what happened ?"Harry asked, not sure if he was overstepping some sort of boundary.

Walter did not speak for several endorsement."It 's ok,"Harry said,"You do n't receive to explain."

"I will,"Bruno Walter said quietly,"Shortly after Matt was bitten, I became the nous of the section for the Regulation and Control of Magical animate being in Australia. Nobody outside of the department knew about his condition, of course. Ralph Lubar was given my former military position of Head of the Werewolf control condition Unit, and was quite green-eyed that I was given the Head position. He could not get over the fact that I was given it, even when my own son had lycanthropy.

"It was a score he held against me for many old age, until the day finally came when he cracked and let it slip that lustrelessness was a werewolf. A bit of legislation had been passed that required all piazza of transformation be inspected by the Ministry. Lubar inspected Matt 's and it failed on a technicality. Ministry centers were set up for loup-garou to transform in, together. Matt was required by law to translate there since his safe room did not pass. I refused to ingest him transmute there. The papers were all over it. I lost my job. Lubar was appointed to the Head position.

"more legislating was passed. A law that stated that Ministry functionary could physically force wolfman into the translation centers. On the day of the replete moon, Lubar Flooed into our house and took Matt to the center. By the time I figured out which center it was, the synodic month had risen. It was too late.

"lusterlessness spent week in St. Mungo 's. By that time we were nearly ready to move here. He was so shock, it took months for him to get over it. To be good, I do n't think he 's fully over it.

"The only reason Lubar did it was to try and get to me. That 's why he 's so sick and writhe,"Walter finished as he put his head in his hands,"I swore I 'd never let him near mat again. Swore I 'd pour down him if he went near matte again.

Walter gave an odd sort of gag."Listen to me, I 'm telling the Head of the Auror Department that I 'd institutionalize murder."

"Just so long as you do n't actually do it when we go write the male child,"Harry said, still processing what Bruno Walter had told him. It certainly explained a lot- why they were so reluctant to let lusterlessness out of their stack, why they were n't on the Floo Network.

One affair that Harry could tell was that Walter blamed himself for everything that had happened. Honestly, Harry was n't surprised. If something like that had happened to James IV, Albus, or Lily, he would 've blamed himself, too.

"That was n't your fault,"Harry said quietly,"And this is n't either."

"If I had just Flooed ahead of the boys-"

"It would n't receive mattered,"Harry interrupted,"And it 'll do no good to dwell on it now. It 's in the past."

"That 's exactly what my brother said when lustrelessness was in St. Mungo 's,"Bruno Walter said wryly.

"Mr. potter !"the witch came bustling out of the room she had gone into, brandishing a piece of parchment, which she handed to Harry.

Harry stood up as she handed them the sheepskin. His eyes scanned the lambskin. Portkeys. Four Portkeys had left Dervish and Banges a few short hours ago. That in itself did not shock Harry, especially compared to where the Portkeys had gone.

"Australia,"Harry read as he turned to Bruno Walter, who had visibly paled at the word,"They 're in Australia."


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight as well as all of the awe-inspiring the great unwashed who have read and left such cover girl recapitulation !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.
A/N : Like the previous chapters, this one is also split between Albus and Harry 's perspectives.


Never had Albus wished so punishing that he could Apparate. Why did you have to be seventeen to get your Apparition license anyway ? If he ever worked in the Department of Magical Transportation, he would change that law. Apparition would 've enabled him to get out of Australia, away from Jarrett Willinson, who was trying to bring back Godhead Voldemort with the Resurrection of Christ Stone.

Albus could not think back being Thomas More scared in his life. This was far worse than when he had dueled Washburn on the Hogwarts grounds two old age ago, far spoilt than when Quinton kidnapped Kaden the late twelvemonth. Lord Voldemort was far shuddery than Lubar, Washburn, and the Willinsons combined.

What would Voldemort look like when Jarrett brought him back ? Harry had said the Stone could n't actually bring people back to life story. Albus guessed he 'd be more like a ghost. But would he be capable to do magic, to perform the curses and hexes he did when he was alive ?

Albus held his hint as he watched Jarrett turn the Harlan Stone over in his hands. Albus had no idea how it worked, but judging by how calm down all of the adults were, Jarrett was trying to use it.

Over and over again Jarrett turned the stone. He did it for so recollective that Albus had to let out his breath. The commove gleam on Jarrett 's expression slowly dissipated until it was replaced by frustration.

"Why wo n't it work ?"Jarrett shouted,"Are you irrefutable this is the right Stone ?"

"Of course I am !"Lubar shouted as he grabbed the Stone,"The while said it was !"

"Well, it 's not working now, is it ?"Jarrett mocked.

Albus breathed a sigh of stand-in. Either they had the wrongfulness stone or for whatever reason, Voldemort could n't be brought back with it. Albus was hoping for the former.

Lubar turned the stone over in his hands. On the third gear turn, a strange sort of mist appeared in movement of him. Albus 's sum sped up. It had worked.

The mist began to clear and a build was standing in strawman of Lubar. The flesh was not Lord Voldemort, though. Albus had no idea who had been resurrected, but it certainly was not Voldemort. This person was a woman, and a shortly one at that.

Washburn and the Willinsons were exchanging curious glances. Lubar, however, was staring directly at the shape, his face contorted with something Albus could only assume was sadness.

"M-mother ?"Lubar said as he stepped closer to the woman.

"You idiot !"Jarrett shouted,"That 's not Voldemort !"

"I know that !"Lubar snapped and the looked back to the fair sex, who was apparently his mother,"Mum."

"Ralphy,"the charwoman replied.

"I-it 's been so long,"Lubar whispered.

Albus turned to his friends, who were all staring in confusion at Lubar. flatness in particular was giving Lubar a very strange look. Apparently the Harlan Stone was the Resurrection Stone and it did indeed employment, just not in the way Jarrett had been planning.

"Very long,"Lubar 's mother agreed,"But you 've done well. I 'm very proud of you, son."

Albus had to cover his mouth to conceal his Bronx cheer. What kind of female parent could be proud of what Lubar had done ?

"I 've tried,"Lubar said,"I swore I would after, after what happened."

"You have,"Lubar 's mum replied,"You 've done me proud."

"Oh for merlin 's saki !"Jarrett shouted as he ran towards Lubar.

Lubar seemed to have forgotten that there were other people around. He jumped as Jarrett advanced and Jarrett grabbed the Harlan F. Stone out of his hand.

Lubar 's mother began to fade as soon as Jarrett took the Stone. Running towards her, Lubar held out his paw trying to save her there.

"No !"he shouted,"Mum !"

Mere seconds after Lubar 's mother completely disappeared, Lubar had his wand out and was holding it up at Jarrett. Jarrett had taken out his own wand, but neither man was hurling hex. Washburn and Quinton had taken a few steps back.

"You arse !"Lubar shouted,"That was my mother !"

"I know !"Jarrett replied,"That 's why I did it ! We 're trying to bring back Voldemort here, not your messed up mum !"

"Do not insult my mother,"Lubar seethed and flicked his wand.

Jarrett fell to the footing, completely unable to strike. Lubar stood over him with his sceptre directed at his chest.

"My female parent was a endearing someone,"Lubar growled,"You 're sick to be speaking ill of the dead like that."

Albus did n't really imagine Lubar should be talking about who is throw up and who is n't. Nor did he think his mother was particularly lovely. Never before had Albus thought he 'd agree with Jarrett Willinson on anything, but when it came to Lubar 's mother, he did.

"Better they hex each other than us, right ?"St. John muttered.

"Good point,"Albus replied.

"Can we delight just get back to bringing back Voldemort ?"Washburn drawled loudly,"I was under the impression that that 's what we were here for, not to insult each other 's mothers."

Lubar turned his wand on Washburn."Have you anything to say about my mother ? wellspring, do you ?"

Washburn hastily pulled out his own sceptre."Er, no, she seemed quite lovely."

"goodness,"Lubar said manically,"Keep it that way, or you 'll end up like him."Lubar gestured to Jarrett, who was still laying paralyzed on the soil, his eyes darting about nervously.

******

"Australia,"Walter said weakly,"Bloody hell."

"I 'll need you to replicate that Portkey,"Harry said to the witch, who nodded and left the room again.

"Walter,"Harry began,"I am nearly one hundred percent sure that Jarrett and Quinton Willinson, as well as Jameson Washburn are working with Lubar. I am nearly positive that they are with the boys in Australia."

"rightfield,"Walter agreed,"The evidence surely points that way."

"There is something about that investigation that hardly anyone in the Ministry knows,"Harry lowered his voice,"Nearly a year ago, after Quinton was sent to Azkaban, the Ministry decided that the Auror department needed some help with capturing the former two. The pastor hired a Presuler."

Walter let out a low whistle and then realization dawned on his face."postponement, you do n't mean-"

"genus Aplysia Balladanis,"Harry said quietly,"Yes, he was the Presuler the Ministry hired. Stationed at Hogwarts under the pretense of teaching Defense Against the darkness Arts."

"Bad idea on the Minister 's part,"Walter muttered.

"It was my idea to place him at Hogwarts,"Harry replied,"But I did not know that he would be such an dread teacher."

"I wo n't hold it against you,"Walter said.

"I appreciate that,"Harry said,"However, since Balladanis is a parting of this investigation, I have to contact him and he will have to go with us to Australia. I understand that you have had your difference, but-"

"If he helps to retrieve mat, I will forgive him for everything he 's done,"Bruno Walter interrupted.

"Here you are, Mr. Potter, Mr. Eckerton,"the enchantress returned holding a distorted plastic container, which she handed to Harry."If I can be of anymore assist, let me know."

"That 's it for now,"Harry said as he took the container,"Thanks."

******

Albus stood frozen as the four men dueled each other. entirely unsure of what to do, yet very happy that they seemed to birth momentarily forgotten about the son, Albus just stood there watching. Matt, trick, and Kaden did the same, although John looked Sir Thomas More than a bit apprehensive, nearly potential due to his want of a wand.

Washburn had attempted to take the Stone from Lubar, who had taken it back from Jarrett, shortly after Lubar had stunned Jarrett. Apparently Lubar did not take kindly to this and hexed Washburn. In the bastardly time, the dish had worn off Jarrett and he attempted to hex Lubar.

All four men were running around, throwing hexes at each former while dodging the fire. Albus was kind of hoping one of them would stumble and burn their implements of war or something. Or even better, maybe one or Sir Thomas More of them would drop down their wand into the fire.

Washburn and the Willinsons were definitely spoilt for clothing. All three of them were sporting wound. Both Willinsons were limping and Washburn 's left arm was being held at an odd angle.

Lubar seemed fine and even though it appeared that the other three were siding against him, he was coming off better. Albus had to allow that he was very skilled at dueling.

Lubar shot a jet of red light at Washburn, who went flying over the fire and landed with a sickening thud in front of the boy. He did not strike. Albus looked down and saw a humble Stone succeeding to Washburn 's head. He bent and picked it up. It was the Resurrection Stone.

Albus stood up and jumped back. Lubar, Jarrett, and Quinton had all advance towards him. Three sceptre were pointed at his chest, being held by three people with maniac lambency in their eyes.

Albus gulped and held up his own wand, his arm shaking slightly. flatness and Kaden had done the Saame. John tried to cover behind Matt, but was unsuccessful since he was a good head taller than him.

"Hand it over, potter,"Lubar growled.

With a defiant aspect at Lubar, Albus hastily shoved the Harlan F. Stone into the pocket of his gown and held his verge up higher.

******

"Balladanis."

"Eckerton."

Harry watched as the two men stared at each other. Balladanis had Flooed to the Ministry shortly after receiving Harry 's Patronus. Harry had filled him in on what was going on, but the man had n't taken his eyes off of Walter the entire time.

"We have n't got time for this,"Harry muttered and held out the plastic container,"Let 's just go."

Walter agreed immediately and laid his deal on the Portkey. Balladanis did so as well, with a little hesitation.

With a familiar saccade behind his naval, Harry disappeared from the Ministry. The Portkey trip was a bit long than 1 Harry was used to, but it did n't surprise him since he knew they were going to Australia.

Harry landed softly on his metrical unit and held out his wand as he adjusted to the surroundings. It was pitch black and after he lit his verge, Harry knew they were in the middle of a forest.

The woods was disappointingly quiet. The only auditory sensation were those of animals and the occasional rustle of trees, brought about by the wind. Not a I strait caused Harry to consider that there were the great unwashed about, let alone his son.

"Spread out and search,"Harry announced. The place may look deserted, but Albus and the others had been there at some detail. They had Portkeyed there.

None of the sorcerer said a word as they combed the area. Harry left no Stone unturned as he looked for the smallest ghost of grounds of where his son had gone. If only it was n't night. baton did n't provide nearly enough light.

There seemed to be not a trace of anything that showed anyone had been in that area of the timberland, let alone where they had gone afterwards. Ralph Lubar was right at this, that was for surely. Harry swore as he returned to the Saame property he had started from.

Walter returned a few minutes later, looking even more anxious than he did before."Nothing,"he muttered,"Not a ripped piece of cloak or a one Knut. They did n't stay here long."

Harry groaned and scuffed the ground with his horseshoe. He and Bruno Walter stood quietly as they waited for Balladanis to return.

Balladanis came running towards Harry holding a pocket-size metal instrument in his hand and an strange sort of excited smirk on his face. He skidded to a stay in front of Harry, holding out the instrument. Harry recognized it as an Apparition detector. They were quite rarefied. The British Ministry only owned one, for the entire Ministry.

"They 've Disapparated,"Balladanis said hurriedly.

"Obviously,"Bruno Walter muttered,"Any idea where ?"

"A general idea, yes,"Balladanis replied, ignoring Walter 's sarcastic feel,"They 're on the outback."

"The outback ?"Walter gasped,"Dammit, there 's dementors out there !"

"I am cognisant,"Balladanis said.

"Let 's go, then,"Harry said, placing one of his hands on the metal pawn. It would be able to guide them to the relative area they needed to go.

Walter put his hand on the legal instrument as well and with an exceptionally flashy crack, all three men Disapparated.

They landed on terrain that was very unfamiliar to Harry. The basis was dusty and sandy and there was hardly any plant life in pile. In the distance there were tall mountains and clothed pattern floated above them. Harry suppressed a quiver and gripped his wand tighter. Dementors.

What looked like a holler bonfire blazed in the distance. Harry glanced at it suspiciously and then looked back to Bruno Walter and Balladanis, both of whom were more associate with the area.

"Only vampires and dementors ever venture out here,"Balladanis said quietly,"Neither of whom would set a fire."

"Let 's go, then,"Harry said and began to head the small group towards the flickering lights in the distance.

******

"Hand it over, thrower,"Lubar repeated.

Albus gulped and tried to hold his wand more unshakable. His wand arm was shaking uncontrollably and Albus did n't seem to be capable to hold it sweetie. His heart was thumping hard in his pectus. Albus was sure everyone was able to get wind it. However, he did not desire to give up the Stone. That was one thing he was trusted of. The just way Lubar would be getting it is if he killed Albus first. Which actually, was n't something Albus would put preceding him.

"Maybe you should just give it to him,"toilet whispered,"I mean, it did n't make for to get Voldemort back."

"No,"Albus seethed, surprised that John Lackland had suggested it. He probably would n't throw if he still had his wand.

"Do you really want to have to duel me, Potter ?"Lubar stepped a bit closer,"There 's three of us and four of you, one of which does n't have a wand. Not good odds, if you ask me."

"And do you realize that those two are horrible duelers ?"Albus replied.

"I have noticed,"Lubar smirked,"But they 're fully qualified ; you are not. I 'm going to get that Stone, one way or another."

Lubar flicked his scepter and sent a jet of Orange light at Albus. Albus jumped back and threw up a shield charm, concentrating on making it big enough to shield him and his friends. It worked and the Orange River lighter bounced harmlessly off the shield and hit the ground.

"halt behind me, whoremonger,"Albus muttered,"Matt and Kaden, spread out and hit them with whatever spells you know."

Albus concentrated on keeping his shield up while casting former enchantment, like he had done in Balladanis 's dueling lessons. So far it was working, but Albus never managed to stay fresh the shield up very long.

Lubar was momentarily stunned when he saw Albus 's cuticle, but he quickly recovered and began sending hex after hex, nonverbally, at Albus and Saint John the Apostle. Concentrating hard, Albus sent a Stunner at Lubar, but he flicked his wand and it shot off into the aloofness, hitting one of the lone bushes, which promptly caught fire.

Albus chanced a glance at Matt and Kaden. Matt was dueling with Jarrett and it looked like they were pretty equally matched, which was sort of pitiful as far as Jarrett was concerned. It made Albus feel better though. Quinton and Kaden just seemed to be sending Expelliarmus charms at each other and missing every time.

The shield emitting from Albus 's wand faltered and faded a bit. Albus renewed his assiduousness, but the shield was still weaker than it had been before. There was no way he 'd be able to send any spells through the carapace now.

"Your buckler is weakening, potter,"Lubar smirked as he sent another sweetheart at Albus, which shook the buckler.

"merlin !"Quinton shouted to the rightfield of them. He was hopping on one groundwork and Kaden was laughing hysterically. Albus grinned. Kaden had actually managed to do some sort of hex, although Albus was n't certainly what one it was.

Lubar turned to Quinton and flicked his sceptre at Kaden. Kaden promptly froze and fell to the dry land. Albus gasped and his carapace disappeared.

"Albus !"John shouted.

Albus turned back to Lubar, but did n't get the shield back up before Lubar shot a hex at bathroom, who fell to the ground like Kaden had.

"Would n't it be wanton just to contribute me the Harlan Fisk Stone ?"Lubar asked as he sent a Stunner at Albus.

Albus deflected it."Not really."

Jarrett and Matt were still dueling. Both were sporting a few accidental injury, but nix too serious. Neither seemed to have noticed that lav and Kaden were Stunned.

Albus managed to hit Lubar with a trip jinx, which gave him a few bit to captivate his breather while Lubar righted himself. Unfortunately this only angered him and he was now sporting a slash across his left cheek.

"Expelliarmus !"Lubar shouted.

Albus jumped to the side and the spell hit a nearby rock. Lubar resumed his nonverbal spells and Albus continued deflecting them and dodging them, too exhausted to try and hit Lubar with any other jinxes.

"You ca n't keep dodging them forever, Potter !"Lubar grinned manically.

"picket me,"Albus said defiantly.

Albus of course of study knew that Lubar was right. The betting odds had not really changed. John and Kaden were both out of the fight and while Saint John was easily the salutary dueler after Albus, his absence did not put Albus greatly behind. Washburn was out as well and both Willinsons were injured. Quinton was currently on his stifle panting, not in any Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe to continue dueling. Matt was holding his own against Jarrett, something Albus was both puzzle and delight by.

No, Albus was not trying to overtake Lubar. He knew that would n't be possible. Albus was merely biding for time. He tried to figure out how long they 'd been gone as he dodged spells. It must have been at to the lowest degree three or four 60 minutes, although the dingy Australian sky had not changed a bit. Albus wished the moon had been out so he could take monitored its slip across the sky.

How long would it take his dad to chance them ? thirster than normal, Albus thought. They were in the middle of a foreign country, nowhere near anyplace Harry would be looking.

"I 'm getting annoyed, potter, and you do n't want to see me when I 'm annoyed !"Lubar shouted, sending another jet of red light source at Albus.

Before Albus even had time to register what sort of hex it was, Matt gave a screeching of annoyance to Albus 's right field and collapsed to the ground. Jarrett wasted no sentence and pointed his wand at Albus.

Albus took a fraction of a second to put up the fact that he was now utterly alone, facing two fully adult wizards. The two wizards shot identical honey oil of depressed light at Albus and he managed to take out up a weak shield.

The military force hit him like a XII Bludgers to the tummy. He lost his ground and landed savorless on his back, his head hitting a particularly shrill stone.

"I told you not to fight, Potter,"Lubar sneered as he loomed over Albus.

"You 're not getting the Stone,"Albus said, forcing away the lightheadedness. He reached into his robe and pulled out the Stone.

"I disagree,"Lubar said as he made to grab the Stone.

With all the force Albus could muster, he threw the Stone as far as he could to the right. In the darkness, it disappeared in a split instant and Albus did n't even find out it land.

"No !"Lubar shouted,"You 'll pay for that !"

"scepter where I can see them !"mortal shouted from behind Lubar.

Lubar and Jarrett whipped around as fast as they could. Albus lifted his head slightly and caught a coup d'oeil of his dad, along with a few former genius. He breathed a suspiration of relief. They were saved.


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight as well as all of the lovely the great unwashed who have read and reviewed this !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Albus managed to sit up right-hand before the curse started flying. Realizing that he dropped his verge when Lubar and Jarrett hexed him, he groped about for it on the reason. Not finding it, he crawled behind a nearby bush and watched.

Jarrett did n't stick around long. He sent one pathetic Stunner at Harry, who easily deflected it, and disappeared on the dapple. Harry immediately disarmed Lubar before he could do the Saame.

Once Lubar was defenseless, Albus left the safety of the President George W. Bush and shakily stood up. He reached the fire and was able to see who the early two wizards next to Harry were. What he saw made him dizzy with electrical shock all over again.

The shorter of the two was lusterlessness 's dad. He was staring stony faced at Lubar. Albus had never seen anyone glare at anyone else with such hatred and loathing as lusterlessness 's dad glared at Lubar. And that included when his Uncle Ron talked about the Malfoys, or his mum when somebody mentioned Vernon and genus Petunia Dursley.

It was the other ace that nearly caused Albus to pass out in shock. He was none former than Professor Balladanis. What in the name of Merlin was he doing there ? It looked like he was actually with Harry and Matt 's dad. But why ? Did n't matt 's dad hate Balladanis ?

"Eckerton, what a pleasant surprise,"Lubar smirked.

"Lubar, if we were n't in the presence of an Auror and a Presuler I 'd rip you limb from limb, Muggle way,"Mr. Eckerton growled.

Albus was slightly stunned by Mr. Eckerton 's choice of Word of God, but remembering what lustrelessness had told him at the get-go of the year, all surprise left him.

"Lucky for me ceramicist and Balladanis are here, then,"Lubar replied and snatched Washburn 's wand off the ground.

Harry, Mr. Eckerton, and Balladanis all sent different spells at Lubar at the same clip, but it was too belatedly. He was already gone. Mr. Eckerton swore loudly.

"Two ai n't bad,"Balladanis muttered as he gestured to Washburn and Quinton, the latter of whom was still conscious but not completely aware of his surroundings.

"That 's the glaring conflict between you and I,"Mr. Eckerton muttered as he moved swiftly past times Quinton and Washburn to hand Matt.

"Dad !"Albus shouted.

Harry looked up from Kaden 's unconscious shape and raced towards Albus. Albus threw his weaponry around his dad and the two of them hugged each other tightly.

"Al, thank pigeon hawk,"Harry said.

"Dad, what 's Balladanis doing here ?"Albus asked immediately,"And Lubar, what 's going to happen to him ? And Willinson ?"

"I 'll explain it all once we get you back to Hogwarts,"Harry assured him.

Balladanis had a business firm hold on both Washburn and Quinton and was fiddling with a broken credit card cup. A few mo later, all three of them disappeared.

Harry turned to Mr. Eckerton, who was standing up with lusterlessness in his arms."Can you take John, too ? I 'll get Kaden and Al will come with me."

Mr. Eckerton nodded and grabbed grip of King John 's arm before pulling his own broken plastic cup out of his pocket. They disappeared.

Harry pulled Kaden up and took Albus 's arm. Albus was still thoroughly throw, but did not have time to ask his dad anymore questions before feeling the associate jerk behind his naval that signified he was traveling by Portkey.

Albus landed with a clump in the center of the hospital Wing. The dubiousness of how they managed to Portkey inside the Hogwarts grounds was the least pressing head on his mind.

Looking around, Albus saw that the others had arrived as well. Mr. Eckerton was laying both Matt and John on the nigh layer while lady Pomfrey was shouting and gathering potions.

"looking at at the state of them !"the nurse exclaimed,"Always this lot, too ! You 're a bad influence on them, Harry, I swear !"

Harry looked slightly shamefaced as he set Kaden down on the bed next to matte 's and then turned to Albus.

"I 've got to verbalize with professor Kendrick and go to the Ministry-"he began.

"But Dad !"Albus interrupted,"What was Balladanis doing there ?"

"I promise I 'll recite you all of that and More,"Harry replied,"But I need to evidence everyone you and the others are ok. When I get back, I 'm going to necessitate you to tell me everything that happened."

"But-"

"No buts !"Madam Pomfrey cut in,"Bed, Albus, bed ! You need rest !"

Albus, who had barely registered the fact that his head was bleeding and he was still quite dizzy, felt that the lowest matter he needed was rest. He needed to roll in the hay what was going on.

"I 'll excuse once you 've gotten some sleep,"Harry assured him.

Albus muttered under his breathing place and got into bed. Once Madam Pomfrey had given him a Sleeping Draught, Harry left, leaving Albus to unsuccessfully try to contend off the sleep he knew was coming.

******

The ward was quiet when Albus woke up. It was completely darkness outside, although Albus did n't have the slightest clue as to what day it was. lavatory, Matt, and Kaden were either still unconscious mind or good asleep. Albus was betting on the latter since Madam Pomfrey was no where to be seen.

Mr. Eckerton was still there and he had been joined by his wife. Both of them were nodding off in electric chair next to flatness 's bed. It did n't front like Mr. Eckerton had even left. He was wearing the Same Ministry robes he had been wearing before.

Albus sat up and put his hand to his pass. There was a bandage on the backrest of it. Another bandage was wrapped around his properly arm, although he could n't remember when he had injured it. Besides that, he just felt exhausted.

The door to the cellblock opened, letting in a belittled flood tide of spark from the corridor. A figure stepped inside and began walking towards Albus 's bed.

"Hey, Al,"they said.

"Dad,"Albus replied, recognizing his father,"Are you going to state me about Balladanis now ?"

"Yes,"Harry chuckled,"Perhaps we ought to go to the elbow room of Requirement."

Albus shook his chief, remembering something he had been debating for the retiring year. He had waited long enough. It was time.

"No,"Albus said,"I know someplace better."

Without saying a word, Albus got out of bed and top his dad out the threshold and up to the fifth base corridor. Harry did not ask a 1 question as Albus pulled the arm down on the capture knight and turned to look the opposite wall.

Albus located the paw prints and touched his deal to them, turning it into a doorknob. He opened the threshold and stepped inside. Harry followed, letting out a gasp as he did.

"Remember that map from last year ?"Albus asked as he shut the door.

Harry nodded, apparently at a loss for words.

"There was more to it. Instructions on how to get into this room. It was theirs, the Marauders'. Their secret common room,"Albus said quietly.

Harry did n't respond. Instead he walked slowly around the room. Albus stood near the door and waited. He was n't sure how long he stood there, watching as his dad investigated the way that had once belonged to his grandfather.

"This,"Harry began,"This is just incredible, Al. How long have you known about it ?"

"About a year,"Albus said quietly.

"And you spend time here ?"Harry asked.

"Probably more than we do in the common elbow room,"Albus answered.

"Then it is the complete shoes to talk,"Harry said as he sat down on one of the couches.

Albus sat down next to him."So why was Balladanis there ?"

"I 'll tell you that,"Harry said,"But number one I want you to explicate to me what happened."

Albus took a deep breath and told his dad everything. Starting with when they saw Lubar in the castle and ending with throwing the resurrection Stone into the Outback. He explained how they had first gone to a wood in Australia, how they had Portkeyed to the Outback, the dementors, the almost Patronus he had managed to make, the affaire d'honneur, the fact that the Christ's Resurrection Harlan Stone did n't work to bring Voldemort back.

"Why did n't it work ?"Albus asked,"I mean, I 'm gladiola it did n't, but why ?"

Harry thought for a few minutes and then looked at Albus."There are a few reasons that might explicate it. The Resurrection Stone brings back people we love, but it does not institute them back completely. It 's almost as if their soulfulness is coming back."

"Like a ghost ?"

"Not exactly,"Harry said,"But similar. It 's potential that since Voldemort split his soul so many clock time, he ca n't be brought back with the endocarp. The Stone may need the soul to be inviolate to work."

Albus nodded."That makes sense."

"It could also be that only loved ones can be brought back with the Harlan Fiske Stone. Washburn and the Willinsons did not have it away Voldemort ; they did not know him. They wanted to bring him back for their own agenda,"Harry explained.

"Is there any way to find out which it is ?"Albus asked.

"No, I do n't think so,"Harry said,"Especially now that the Stone is once again gone. Which is something I 'm very grateful that you did."

"well, I figured you left it out in the Forbidden forest for a reason,"Albus shrugged.

"Yes, yes I did,"Harry replied,"I think it best if nobody had that Stone."

Albus nodded."Yeah, that makes sense. But what was Balladanis doing there ?"

Harry laughed."You 're not going to let that go, are you ?"

"Nope, you said you 'd tell apart me,"Albus said.

"I will,"Harry replied,"Albus, do you have it away what a Presuler is ?"

"Yes,"Albus nodded,"And I know that Balladanis is one."

"You do ?"Harry looked impressed.

"He told me during one of those dueling moral he gave me,"Albus explained.

"Well, that makes my account easier,"Harry said,"A little over a year ago, shortly after Quinton kidnapped Kaden, the Ministry decided to employ a Presuler to help determine Washburn and Jarrett Willinson."

"Seriously ?"Albus gaped at him.

"Yes,"Harry muttered,"The minister of religion believed the Aurors needed some help."

Albus thought he heard bit of despite in his dad 's voice.

"When I realized that Washburn and the Willinsons were most probable working with Ralph Lubar, I had to get through Balladanis and let him know. He came with us, and I have to accept that he was very helpful. We would not have found you as fast if he was n't there,"Harry explained.

"But why was he teaching here ?"Albus asked.

"The minister of religion, prof Kendrick, and I believed it would be good strategy to cause him stationed at Hogwarts, where we all believed Washburn and the Willinsons would turn back to. Balladanis agreed,"Harry said,"Of track, none of us realized that Balladanis would not be able to palm teaching.

"This is all quite tightlipped, Al. I 'd favour you did n't tell anyone. I will be telling Matt, John, and Kaden, because I feel they have the right to sleep together, but I do n't want anyone else knowing about it."

"What about Rose and Amanda ?"Albus asked.

"I suppose I 'll tell apart them as well, otherwise Kaden is trusted to tell them,"Harry said.

"What 's going to chance to Lubar ?"Albus asked,"Is Balladanis going to be after him now ?"

"No,"Harry shook his principal,"That 's going to be tricky post. Lubar is n't a British citizen. We ca n't do a thing while he 's in Commonwealth of Australia. It 's up to the Aussie Ministry to either put him on tribulation or open him to us to put on visitation. And since he 's one of their functionary, we 're not sure they 'll do either."

"But that 's not funfair !"Albus stood up angrily,"facial expression what he did ! attend what he 's done !"

"I know,"Harry sighed,"I 'd care nothing more than to give him a life-long least sandpiper in Azkaban, but unfortunately the Laws do n't work that way."

"He and Balladanis get along anyway,"Albus said,"Balladanis probably would n't desire to go after him."

"I do n't bonk about that,"Harry said,"Balladanis likes people to pay for what they 've done. However, being a Presuler and having no Ministry association, he does not have to take a event if he 's offered it."

"He told me I 'd make a well Presuler,"Albus said quietly as I sat back down,"Malfoy, too."

Harry sighed."What do you call up about that ?"

"I do n't know,"Albus shrugged,"I mean, I like dueling, but I do n't really want to make up one's mind what I want to do right now."

"You do n't induce to,"Harry replied,"And I do n't require to tell you what to do, but I am going to tell you something.

"Being a Presuler is a knockout job and often a alone one. You have no coworkers. You work with various Ministries, but rarely get to know anyone. You travel a lot, which can make it difficult to have a family. It 's not an easy course to go down. Not one I 'd choose for myself."

Albus had n't even thought about that. He did n't think he 'd require to rarely ever see his friend and family.

"There 's plenty of other things you could do that would put your dueling science to use,"Harry told him,"And you 're only 13 so no need to decide now."

"I know, I do n't plan to,"Albus replied.

"wellspring, you should probably get back to the Hospital Wing before lady Pomfrey card you 're gone,"Harry smirked,"And thanks again for showing me the room."

Harry stood up and gave his son a hug. They left the way and walked back to the Hospital offstage, both lost in their thoughts.

******

As it turned out, Madam Pomfrey had already noticed that Albus was missing. When he returned to the hospital annexe with his dad, she was running about the ward shouting at the top of her lungs. matt, bathroom, and Kaden were all awake, staring at her.

"There you are !"she shrieked,"Where have you been ?"

"Er,"Albus began.

"I had to talk to him in secret,"Harry answered for him.

"You should have asked me first !"dame Pomfrey exclaimed as she ushered Albus back into bed,"He needs residue !"

"I 'm his beginner,"Harry said incredulously.

"I do n't give care if you 're the Minister of Magic !"brothel keeper Pomfrey replied,"I 'm the one with the breast feeding point !"

"How long has she been shouting ?"Albus whispered to mat as he got back in bed.

"Fifteen second or so,"Matt answered.

lady Pomfrey returned to her desk and Harry strode over to where the Eckertons were sitting.

"Could I have a Scripture in private ?"Harry asked Mr. Eckerton and then turned to madam Pomfrey."Do I need your permission for that ?"he grinned.

"Very amusing,"Madam Pomfrey muttered.

Albus drifted back to sleep a little while later and when he next woke up it was light out and Madam Pomfrey was bringing them all breakfast trays.

"Er, what day is it ?"Albus asked as Madam Pomfrey set his tray down.

"It 's Lord's Day, love, but it 's afternoon,"Madam Pomfrey replied,"I figured you 'd favour to possess breakfast."

"Only Sunday ?"Albus asked. It felt like it had been far more than xxiv time of day since he had met up with Lubar before the Quidditch match.

"Time geographical zone change are difficult to adjust to,"madam Pomfrey explained,"Australia 's quite a few hours ahead of us."

Albus nodded and dug into his breakfast. Suddenly he was ravening. When he thought about it, it must have got been at least a day since he 'd use up anything.

"I wonder how the Quidditch match went,"Kaden mused as he shoved toast in his mouth.

Albus choked on his eggs. He 'd bury about the equal !"I doubt we won,"he sighed.

"Is your dad going to narrate us why Balladanis was with him when he came to save us ?"privy asked,"I mean, he 's had plenty of time."

"He will,"Albus said,"He already told me. You lot were asleep."

The threshold to the Hospital offstage banged overt and Rose and Amanda came running in. Madam Pomfrey made a move to get up from her desk, but then sat back down, shaking her head.

"William Tell us what happened !"blush wine demanded as she skidded to a stop in movement of Albus 's bed,"When did you get back ? Where did you go ?"

"Who won the Quidditch lucifer ?"Albus asked.

"Quidditch ? Quidditch ?"rosebush groaned,"I 'm not saying a word about Quidditch until the four of you tell me what in the epithet of pigeon hawk 's saggy left-"

"Miss Weasley !"dame Pomfrey shouted,"If you do n't frown your representative, you 'll give to bequeath !"

"Sorry,"rosiness turned back to Albus,"But you lot have got to tell us what happened !"

Albus launched into the entire narrative, which took the expert character of a half minute to severalize. Neither Rose or Amanda interrupted once during the whole matter. Both of them looked absolutely shocked by the prison term Albus concluded.

"But, but why was Balladanis there ?"Rose asked.

"My dad 's going to tell you,"Albus said,"He 's already told me. He 'll probably tell the rest of you today."

"Merlin, Albus,"rosebush sighed,"How a great deal trouble can you get into ?"

"It 's not my mistake,"Albus shrugged,"Now can you severalise us about the match ?"

Rose exchanged glances with Amanda, who sighed."It was quite the friction match, let me tell you,"Amanda said.

"Nobody won, Al,"rosebush said.

"What ?"John interrupted,"How can nobody win ?"

"About 45 second into the match, Fred and Scots heather ran onto the pitch-"

"The match lasted that long ?"Matt asked.

"Yes,"rosiness said,"I do n't know why. Anyway, Fred and Heather ran right up to Ludo commercial traveler and started talking to him. cipher could hear what they were saying. Then Bagman blew his whistle and they went into a time-out.

"Bagman left the pitching and had a really farsighted lecture with all the schoolmaster and captains. Then Kendrick announced that the match was called off and told everyone to retort to their common rooms.

"Everyone was really angry of line. Amanda and I were already worried because you lot had n't shown up yet. We thought something bad had happened and that was why they called it off."

"Why did they call it off ?"bathroom asked.

"I 'm getting to that,"Rose said,"We got back up to Gryffindor and everyone was gathered around Fred and ling. Linda was n't there, and neither were any of her mate who were Gryffindors.

"We pushed our way to the straw man of the gang and heard what Fred and Scots heather were talking about. They were claiming that Australia had been cheating the unit time-"

"well, they were,"Matt muttered.

"I know,"rosebush agreed,"And apparently so did Fred and ling. I 'm sure they figured it out just recently or else they would 've told someone Sooner. They found out Linda 's a vampire and now the entire school day knows."

"How did they figure it out ?"Albus asked, completely shocked. Linda hid her secret quite well. Fred and heather were 6th years, they would n't have heard Balladanis 's lamia lecture."

"They 've been trying to count on it out all yr,"Rose explained,"And since they 're smart, they figured it out."

"But what about the match ?"Albus asked.

"I think they 're going to cancel the tournament, Albus,"rose said quietly.

"cancel the tourney ?"Albus gasped,"natural the tournament ? ! They ca n't do that ! We 've spent the wholly year on that tourney ! Do you hump how much prison term I 've spent on the Quidditch pitch this year ? More sentence than I 've spent in class, probably ! And now they 're going to cancel the bloody tournament ?"

"I do n't have it away, Al,"Rose said shortly,"And if they do it 's not my fault."

"Sorry,"Albus mumbled,"It 's just a little aggravating."

"I know,"Rose replied.

"Where 's Linda ?"lusterlessness asked.

"Gone,"Rose sighed,"Without a word. I have n't seen her or any of the Aboriginal Australian since the couple. Killigan 's gone, too."

"Wow,"lusterlessness replied,"Ca n't say I blame her, though."

"I guess,"Rose said,"Anyway, they 'll probably puddle an announcement about the tournament at dinner."


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight as well as all of the amazing citizenry who have read and reviewed this ! There is only one Thomas More chapter left !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Harry returned to tell everyone else about Balladanis later on in the good afternoon. madam Pomfrey flat out refused to let any of them leave the hospital Wing, so she agreed to lock in the threshold and go to her study while Harry explained. mat 's dad was there as well.

Harry told them everything he had told Albus, although he left out the parts about why it was not all that advisable to become a Presuler. Everyone was completely shocked to learn that Balladanis had been hired to help capture Washburn and the Willinsons.

Unfortunately, Harry also brought news of Lubar. intelligence that was not all that welcome.

"As of right wing now, he 's completely spare and in the clear-cut,"Harry sighed,"The Australian Ministry refuses to deport him, and they wo n't pursue him in Australia either. To them, it 's like nothing 's happened."

Albus noticed that Mr. Eckerton looked positively furious with this. Harry looked quite angry as well, but it did not come close to how Mr. Eckerton looked.

"We 're not going to give up,"Harry said,"We 'll retain negotiating with them."

Mr. Eckerton had also apparently been told about the Hallows. When Harry had spoken with him the premature night, it had been about the Hallows. Albus remembered back to his first year, when Matt had told them about his dad 's young adult aspiration of locating the Hallows. Harry must 've trusted him now.

Albus reached over to his bedside table, where madam Pomfrey had placed the invisibility Cloak the previous night. He wordlessly handed it to Mr. Eckerton, who carefully took it with a face of awe on his face.

"Merlin 's beard,"he muttered,"It 's the Cloak."

"That it is,"Harry said quietly.

"Unbelievable,"Mr. Eckerton whispered as he fingered it.

He spent a few minutes trying the Cloak on before handing it back to Albus."I can not believe I 've finally solved the case of the Hallows,"he said to Harry,"This is amazing. I would bonk to share the tale with my sidekick. Perhaps I could introduce you to him at the reality Cup this summer."

Harry nodded."That would be very well. Perhaps I will eventually tell him as well."

******

Albus wanted cypher more than to be allowed out of the Hospital annexe in time to go to dinner that night. He was sure Professor Kendrick would make some sort of annunciation about the tournament and he did not want to drop it.

After a replete ten minutes of begging on his part ( helped out by Matt, Saint John the Apostle, and Kaden ), Madam Pomfrey told him he was in no fit state to forget the Barbara Ward. Albus thought this was ridiculous because he felt fine. So what if his arm was still bandaged and in a sling ? That should n't break off him from eating dinner with the rest of the school.

Instead, Albus was forced to eat a quiet meal in the Hospital backstage and wait anxiously for rose wine and Amanda to tell him what Kendrick said.

The young woman showed up right after dinner ended. Albus immediately asked them what Kendrick had said.

"tournament 's canceled,"Rose sighed as she sat down on the end of Albus 's bed,"The kids from New House of York are staying to eat up out the class, but the tournament 's canceled. I expect it 'll be in the Prophet tomorrow."

"pigeon hawk !"Albus shouted,"Why 'd they have to cancel it ? Could n't they just disqualify Australia ?"

"No,"pink wine shook her point,"To do that Hogwarts would have to play New York in another final."

"Why do n't they do that ?"St. John the Apostle asked.

"Too close to exams,"Rose shrugged,"It 'll mess up everyone 's studying."

"That 's stupid,"Albus fumed.

"If it makes you finger better, I 'm passably for sure Hogwarts would 've won if Commonwealth of Australia had n't have been here,"rose pointed out,"And Kendrick gave one hundred house points to everyone who was on the Quidditch and dueling teams."

"Yeah, well, all the houses had the great unwashed on the team, so that does n't really help,"Albus muttered.

"Well,"Rose grinned,"I know one thing that 'll cheer you up."

"What ?"Albus asked, even though there was nothing that could jolly along him up.

"There were Quidditch scouts at that equal,"Rose told him,"And even though the equal was calamitous, they did receive someone they wanted to draft."

"Who ?"Albus asked, slightly intrigued.

"Georgia !"rosebush exclaimed,"She 's been drafted to meet for Kenmare Kestrals as soon as she graduates !"

"That 's brilliant !"Albus replied. rose had been right, that did jolly up him up. There was no one he thought who belonged on a master Quidditch squad to a greater extent than Georgia.

"Yup, she 's their newest reserve steward,"rose said,"She says Uncle Percy 's not impressed. He wanted her to work at the Ministry. She does n't like what he thinks, though."

"Uncle Percy 's got mickle of early kids to influence at the Ministry,"Albus shrugged. He could never see GA working in government.

"Kenmare ?"John said incredulously.

"Yeah, seriously ?"matte grimaced.

"They 're nearly as bad as the carom,"John groaned.

"She 's just happy to be on a squad,"Rose shrugged,"She 's always supported Puddlemere, but she thinks if she 's on any team, she 'll be able to act her way up to a better one."

"Falco columbarius, I hope so,"John shrugged.

"Is she the only one who got drafted ?"Albus asked.

"Only one I know for sure of,"Rose said,"I heard a rumor that Anna Reilly got taken on by the Balycastle Bats, but I do n't hump for sure."

Albus nodded, feeling slightly better about the tournament. It was n't pointless now that he knew his cousin had been taken on by a pro Quidditch squad because of it. However, that did n't take all the disappointment away.

******

ma'am Pomfrey reluctantly let the son leave the succeeding day after breakfast. She did n't really have a option since exams began that day. Albus felt perfectly finely and was quite felicitous to leave the stead.

Rose handed him a copy of the Prophet as soon as he and the early son reached the vernacular way. Albus took it, happy that he had a few mo before his first exam to read the article that was inevitably there.

Australian SCHOOL CHEATS- TOURNAMENT CANCELED

After a jump discovery made by two Hogwarts
pupil, the Quidditch and Dueling tournament
involving Hogwarts, the Adirondack Academy of
Magic, and the Australian School of Sorcery
has been canceled.

The tourney 's final examination Quidditch match was
interrupted this past Sat by two Hogwarts
6th year, Fred Weasley and Heather Weasley,
both 17, who claimed that the Aboriginal Australian team
had been cheating throughout the entire
tournament.

A few months ago, allegement were brought upon
the Aboriginal Australian team after their searcher, Linda
esprit de corps, 14, flew at an exceptionally debauched speed.
An investigating found naught. The tourney
continued.

Fred and Heather Weasley accused Linda team spirit
of being a vampire. Vampires are outlawed
from playing on professional Quidditch team due
to the unfair reward they have.

The peer was immediately stopped while all three
headmaster questioned the Weasleys and Morales.

headmaster Addiar Killigan of the Australian
schooling of Sorcery admitted to allowing team spirit
to be the Seeker of his team in order to win the
tourney. The Australian team was immediately
disqualified from the tournament.

Killigan, morale, and the rest of the Australians
participating in the tournament left Hogwarts late
on Saturday, declining to utter with any of our
reporters.

Tournament official as well as the former two
headmaster have decided to scrub the tournament,
and not declaring a winner.

'It is too bad that the tournament turned out
this way ,'Fabius Kendrick told reporters, 'Perhaps
we can try it again in a few years .'

"Killigan is an idiot,"Albus said.

"face at the succeeding article,"rose wine replied.

QUINTON WILLINSON BACK IN AZKABAN, JOINED BY WASHBURN

While the last Quidditch friction match was ending in tragedy
at Hogwarts School of witchery and wizardry, Harry
Potter 's halfway child, Albus, 13, was dealing with his
own battle.

Albus ceramicist, as well as cousin-german Kaden Dursley, 12, and
friends Matthew Eckerton and St. John the Apostle Brickston, both 14,
were kidnapped by Quinton and Jarrett Willinson, and
Jameson Washburn. The three convicts were helped by
Ralph Lubar, header of the department of the Regulation
and Control of Magical animal in Australia.

The four Hogwarts student were taken to Australia
where Harry potter and Walter Eckerton found them.
It is unclear what the convicts were after, as well as
why Lubar was involved.

Quinton Willinson and Jameson Washburn were caught and
sent to Azkaban. Lubar and Jarrett Willinson escaped.
Aurors are currently looking for Willinson and the
Ministry is negotiating with the Aussie Ministry
about what to do with Lubar.

All four male child have recovered from the ordeal and are
currently taking their end of the year examen
at Hogwarts. Harry thrower has declined comment.

"Well, that 's not a very illuminating article,"Albus said as he tossed the report onto a nearby table.

"I do n't think they can describe much,"rose said,"The Australian Ministry may be asking them to prevent quiet about Lubar in replication for giving him some sort of punishment.

"It wo n't count,"flatness said,"They 're not going to do anything to him."

Albus was forced to push Lubar into the back of his judgement as examination began. They were all significantly punishing than the previous twelvemonth 's had been, but he was sure he at least passed all of them.

There were short articles in the Prophet about Lubar everyday, but they all said the same matter. Australia refused to deport him. Matt was not at all surprised by this, but it infuriated Albus to no end.

The week after exams was a strange one for Albus. There was nada left wing for them to do. No studying, no homework, no Quidditch. Rose and Amanda went back to spending all their sentence with the boys, like it had been before Linda had arrived.

things were different, though. Both rose and Amanda were a lot tranquil than they used to be. Albus was for sure they missed Linda, and he had no idea whether she had said goodbye to them, or even if she 'd had the chance.

matte was lost in his own thoughts to the highest degree of the prison term, rendering him quieter than ever. He often went total evenings without saying two words to anyone, something that usually only happened around full synodic month. However, the following full moon was n't until after they left Hogwarts.

Albus was sure this was because of what had happened in Australia. He never talked about it, but Albus knew that getting kidnapped by Lubar again had scared the daylights out of him.

St. John the Apostle and Kaden remained as boisterous as ever and did not seem to be fazed by what had happened in Australia. They spent their hebdomad pulling joke and playing sempiternal games of Exploding Snap that Albus occasionally joined in on.

Albus himself was quieter. His mind was racing with thoughts of Lubar and Balladanis. None of the articles ever mentioned Balladanis, but he knew that was because Balladanis 's job had to remain a secret. He wished more than anything that Lubar would get thrown in prison house, whether it was Azkaban or Australia 's prison.

******

The string ride back to London was subdued, the only interference being John and Kaden 's Exploding picnic cards. Albus and Matt both gazed out the window, mesmerized by the passing landscape.

"Linda sent me a letter survive dark,"blush wine said, breaking the silence.

Albus lifted his pass up and looked at her."What about ?"

"She told us she was regretful, and wanted me to tell you that she was sorry about the tournament,"rose wine told him,"She 's on the run with her mum now. They 're thinking of moving to a different country."

"To go to school ?"Albus asked.

"No,"rosebush shook her head,"She 's been through schooling a couple up times already. She was n't even a student at the Australian schooltime. Killigan pretty much forced her into playing quester for them. He 's a really nasty bloke. They have to get out now, though, because everyone knows."

"Where will they go ?"Albus asked, surprised that he was actually feeling sorry for Linda.

"No theme,"Rose shrugged,"She said she 'd owl me when they find out."

"This totally year has been so messed up,"John sighed,"I hope next year 's better."

"Me, too,"lustrelessness agreed.

"We 've got the World Cup to bet forward to, though,"Albus smiled.

"Oh, yeah !"John grinned,"Owl me as soon as you find out when we 're leaving for it."

"Definitely,"Albus said,"Your sister 's going, too. Lily told me she 'd invited her. Hugo 's not really happy about that."

"Neither am I,"Gospel According to John muttered,"I do n't desire Ashtyn going."

"fountainhead, I 'd prefer Lily not go, but it 's the Cup ! zippo can really destroy it,"Albus said.

"Good compass point,"John agreed.

"Let me know when the Cup is,"Kaden said.

"Why ? So you can convince your parents to fill you ?"John smirked.

"No,"Kaden laughed,"So I can know when to invite you lot to my mansion. My dad said he 'd adopt us camping."

"Excellent !"bathroom grinned,"bivouacking like Muggles ?"

"Yep,"Kaden replied,"Living in collapsible shelter, no electrical energy, no magic either since we 're all underage."

"There is no way my parents will let me go,"mat said quietly.

"Why not ?"Kaden asked.

"I went camping when I was five,"Matt answered,"That was the metre I got bitten."

"Oh,"Kaden looked a footling taken aback,"Sorry."

"It 's ok,"lustrelessness shrugged,"Just do n't go during a wide Moon. I do n't need any of you having to fall in me in the Shrieking hut next year."

"I 'll go,"Albus said. He 'd never been camping before, let alone camping like a Muggle. He did feel bad that Matt would n't get to go, but he kind of thought lustrelessness would n't want to go anyway.

The residual of the trip was spent arguing about Quidditch and Albus felt like things were sort of returning to normal. It was almost nice to get a line John the Divine and matt arguing about the carom again and Kaden arguing about football.

The gearing arrived in London and Albus found his parents waiting for him on the platform. After saying goodbye to his Friend, Albus left the post with his family tactual sensation that just maybe life would be normal from then on. fountainhead, maybe the summer would be at least be convention. Albus could n't get his hopes up too high.


A/N : Hard to believe it 's finished ! Thanks to Dancer of Starlight for betaing and thanks to all of the awesome mass who have read and reviewed this ! You guys are so lovely and amazing !

I am working on the fourth storey but it 'll be a piece before the first chapter is up. I 'm thinking I 'll update every early week at first, jump workweek with Beyond the phantasma. In the average time, if you want something new to record, I suggest checking out Remember the shank, which is a collab I worked on live on twelvemonth and is now currently being updated. It 's all about the Chudley cannon and their downfall. It 's under the username The Golden Snitches and is also in my favorite story so you can find it that way.