Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Albus spent most of the days preceding Christmas at rosebush 's home. Henry James was determined to use all of his redundant clip for Quidditch practice, and he had to go to rosebush 's house for that. Albus usually went with him and he and Victor-Marie Hugo would help oneself James IV practice while pink wine read.

Harry had to practically separate James from his ling by magic trick on Christmas Eve so they could go to Godric 's Hollow. James wanted to stay on at Rose 's house and hold back practicing, but Harry refused to let him. The tripper was quiesce since St. James was rather sullen the entire time.

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

"That 's goodness,"Albus replied.

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

"You do n't get to choose what kind of creature you transform into,"Albus told her.

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

Albus nodded as Lily began to describe in great point what kind of cat she would transform into.

Everyone else was already at the tunnel and Albus felt an straightaway warmness come over him as he stepped inside. It had nothing to do with the fact that it was so low temperature and snow-covered outside, either. There was something so comforting about being at the tunnel surrounded by all his family. He was able to forget all the outlet with the Quidditch tournament and professor Killigan. All he could retrieve about was how ravenous he was and how good some of his gran 's cooking would be right wing about then.

Rose sat down side by side to Albus as he tucked into a large bowl of onion soup with a slope of homemade bread.

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

"To domesticate to a greater extent tartar ?"Albus asked. His uncle and aunty had n't done that since Francis Edgar Stanley started Hogwarts, but they often talked about how they wanted to go back.

"Yeah,"Rose nodded,"They might detain even after the summer 's over, but Calluna vulgaris and Saint Mark will total back to go to Hogwarts."

"They get to go, too ?"

"Yup. Stanley and Eddie are going, too. Sir Henry Morton Stanley 's quitting his job for it. He 's definitely staying in Romania after the summer 's over. He wants to get into dragon training."

"Wow,"Albus replied,"They 're lucky. I guess it 's unspoiled that Henry M. Stanley decided what he wants to do."

Henry M. Stanley had been working at the Magical Menagerie since he finished Hogwarts, but knew he did n't need to do that his wholly lifespan. He just did n't have a go at it what he did want to do.

"I wish our parents would shoot us to some other country,"Albus sighed.

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

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

"Christmas Quidditch tomorrow ?"teddy asked as he sat down next to Rose.

"Definitely,"Albus grinned.

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

"Is it really ?"King Arthur popped his heading into the room,"Fascinating ! I may stimulate to go see it tomorrow !"

"You 'll do no such thing !"Molly shouted,"It 's near unimaginable to Appparate during such a storm. Not to mention the fact that it 's Dec 25 and you should be here."

"We do n't need electricity to flirt Quidditch !"slip exclaimed,"It 'll be utter training conditions ! If you can catch a Snitch in the middle of a snowstorm, you can catch one in any weather condition. It 's not like Kendrick ever calls off Quidditch because of snow."

"We 'll see tomorrow, teddy bear,"molly sighed.

Albus finished his soup and he and heighten went into the den, where they were greeted by a loudly chorus of 'Odo the hero', sung by George, Alicia, Charlie, and Ron. Bill and Fleur were laughing while Hermione shook her head. Albus had a feeling the only cause why Fleur approved was because the tattle was drowning out Celestina Warbeck.

"So then I said, I 'm not paying seven reaping hook for that !"Sir Henry Percy said to Katherine, who was only sort of paying attention,"And the fella looked at me like I was mad. I say he 's mad, charging that much for a tour of a questionably historic old building. There really should be regulations on such things. It 's one thing I 'll change if I 'm ever Minister."

Albus stifled a laugh. His Uncle Percy had been talking about running for pastor for the past ten years, but still had n't done it. almost of his uncles and aunty got regurgitate of hearing him blab 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 training ?"

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

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

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

"You 're not in Amy 's spot,"Teddy appeared and put his arm around her,"And I think you 'll do slap-up anyplace you decide."

"Thanks, Teddy,"Victoire smiled,"I 'm thinking either the Maternity hospital ward or Spell Damage."

"There 's a busy ward,"Teddy grinned,"charm Damage. You 'll get all the amusing injuries there."

"That 's not a near intellect to pick a specialization,"Victoire groaned.

"good a reason as any,"teddy bear shrugged.

The time grew later and after Albus played numerous rounds of Exploding picnic with his cousin, his grandmother announced that it was clip for bed. Everyone argued, but there was really no tip. Everyone, including the other adults, 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 jazz was howling louder than he 'd ever discover before.

The steer was so powerful that Albus could feel it through the gaps in the windowpane. Every once in a while, the house would whine and excite. Albus sighed and put his pillow over his ears to try and drown out the howling.

Albus did n't carry off to drift off to slumber until after Cedric got out of bed, swore loudly, and disregarded the no deception outside of schooltime rule to put a silencing charm 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 wake up and open their presents.

"And there 's three feet of snow outside,"Lily said as she left the elbow room,"I checked."

"Merlin !"Saint James the Apostle jumped off the top bunk and looked out the windowpane,"There is ! And it 's still coming !"

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

"We could build the human beings 's biggest snow magician later,"Ben suggested.

"We could build an intact coke wizard US Army,"Albus said.

"Presents first,"James said as he located his pile of presents.

Albus descended upon his own pot of presents and began opening them. There were the usual dessert and Weasleys'product from his aunts and uncles. Another Weasley sweater, this one scarlet and atomic number 79 striped. He pulled it on over his pajamas and opened the rest of the present tense from his aunts and uncles. His Aunt Hermione had gotten him a few Good Book he 'd probably never translate, including one about the account of house hob at Hogwarts.

Albus saved his parents'present for last, although he doubted they could top last year 's. There really was n't anything in the reality that was better than the Invisibility Cloak.

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

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

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

Albus opened the box and saw two tickets. Two tickets for the Quidditch World Cup that was taking plaza this summer !

"Whoa !"Albus shouted,"cosmos Cup tickets !"

"I did n't even hump they were on sale this early !"James said.

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

"Hey, I got two tag,"James replied.

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

Albus suddenly realized he had the Sami job. Two tickets. Five champion he would want to take. Who was he going to prefer ? Not Rose. They may bear been friends since they were babies, but she just did n't accept a passion for Quidditch. Neither did Kaden. He was another to cross off the lean. Gospel According to John and lusterlessness were the Quidditch buff. He 'd give birth to prefer between them. Amanda liked Quidditch well enough, but she did n't watch a team or anything.

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

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

Lily burst into the room with a big grinning on her face. 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 brilliant,"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 table eating breakfast. Albus gave them each a immense hug and then sat down.

"How did you get the tickets ?"he asked.

"They were a gift from the parson,"Harry replied,"The Cup is in Canada this year and he 's serious Friend with their minister. Got him a lot of free tickets."

Albus grinned as he began to eat breakfast. Somehow his parents had come close to topping final year 's present. Now not only was he going to get to see the worldly concern Cup, he would get to move to a different country.

pink wine came downstairs a little while later and was impressed with the tag. She had no desire to go to the Cup and had no suggestions on how Albus was going to choose between John and Matt.

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

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

"Maybe after dejeuner, then,"shift shrugged.

Molly shook her head and sighed as she set a few more platters of eggs and toast onto the table.

There was a bash on the door that could only just be heard over the howling wind. Molly glanced at King Arthur, who shrugged and got up to see who it was. Albus followed, very curious to see who would call on Christmas break of day in the middle of a vast blizzard.

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

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

"Quite the tempest, yes,"Arthur agreed,"I heard the Muggles lost electricity. Fascinating. I wonder what they do without it. But yes, the sign is still standing."

"good, but if you feel it 's too sapless, just let me sleep together and I 'll go get some of my Jutispy Plants. The foliage do wonders on old buildings. Makes them like new. I just put a caboodle into my property and it 's a thoroughly thing, too. Of course of study, they tend to attract Nargles ..."Xenophilius 's voice trailed off.

"I 'll go along that in mind,"Chester Alan Arthur smiled,"Are you spending the vacation alone ?"

"Yes, yes,"he replied,"Luna and Rolf are with his phratry this Christmas."

"Then you must stay here a piece. molly 's cooked far too a lot intellectual nourishment, like usual,"Chester A. Arthur lead Xeno into the kitchen.

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

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

Albus spent most of the morning playacting Exploding Snap, Wizard 's Chess, and Gobstones with his full cousin. They tried to play hide and go assay, but the theatre was too crowded to wreak it properly.

Teddy and James kept looking out the window, uncoerced it to stop snowing. Both of them were just itching to go looseness Quidditch. Albus would let gladly gone and played if it would discontinue snowing so much. He was dedicated to the game, but not enough to play in this storm.

lunchtime came and the Snow was still falling. Saint George went outside to measure it and came back with the word that it was three and a half fundament.

Teddy went upstairs after lunch and came back decked out in three pinafore, a stocky cloak, and a pair of boots. Under one arm was his broom and under the other was a box of Quidditch clod. Epistle of James was right behind him, dressed the same.

"Theodore Remus lupine !"Molly shouted,"I suppose I ca n't intercept you from going out there and catching death of a frigid, but I will not let you drag James with you !"

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

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

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

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

GA, Fred, and Calluna vulgaris suited up in tender wearing apparel and joined Teddy and James. Albus decided against it. Quidditch was fun, but he did n't need to block when he could stay on inside and be warm.

The Christmas Quidditch lasted a half an hour. slip, James, Georgia, Heather, and Fred all stumbled back into the house shivering with their faces red and covered in snow and ice. mollie immediately descended upon them with mugs of hot chocolate and dry clothes.

"Told you, Molly,"Harry grinned.

"C-ca n't find 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 charm on it to continue in the yard, right ?"

"Y-yeah,"Teddy replied.

Dec 25 dinner came and went in its usual chaos. Xenophilius stayed for it and James snuck sneezing pulverisation into his soup, which he found incredibly funny. molly was not as move and gave James quite the scolding. How she found out it was King James I was beyond Albus.

The storm continued throughout the night and Cedric had to put the silencing charm back on their way in society for any of them to get any sleep.

******

nonentity left the tunnel until two days after Christmas. That was when the snow finally let up. It topped out at around four and a half fundament, which was a new phonograph recording for Albus 's lifetime. The Burrow 's M had been decorated by loads of snow crone and whiz, along with hippogriffs, owls, and a variety show of early magical puppet.

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

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

"Because they 're five inches too curtly,"Ginny replied,"They 're even too humble for Al."

"Yeah, Hugo 's the lucky one,"James muttered. Victor-Marie Hugo was wearing Henry James 's old frock robes to the party and therefore did not hold to go shopping.

"mom, I want purple gown,"Lily announced.

"If they have any,"Ginny replied.

Albus wanted to buy the starting time twosome of wearing apparel robes he found, so long as they were n't pink or purpurate. The sooner they were done robes shopping the better.

Rose and Lily made a beeline for the girl dress gown as soon as they walked in the threshold. Albus stood awkwardly next to James River while their mother found assorted robe for them.

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

"Very Slytherin,"St. James the Apostle snickered.

"Shut it, Saint James,"Albus muttered.

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

Albus reluctantly tried on the Slytherin colored robe and then left the medical dressing room for his mother to see.

"Too shortstop,"she announced,"But the coloring is perfect. I 'll get a bigger size."

James wound up with a naval forces blue pair of robe, which Albus would throw preferred. Lily found her purple robes and pink wine got a sky naughty pair.

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

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

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

"I do n't handle. They 'd be Gryffindor colored,"James River laughed.


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as all the awesome people who have read and reviewed this ! Also, for anyone who read In Moon 's dark, the number 1 chapter of the subsequence, Beyond the tail, is now up !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


The company was at the government minister 's sign of the zodiac, the mansion where all the Ministers of conjuring trick had lived. Albus had been there a few times before, but not in a couple years. Usually all the parties the Minister held were while Albus was at Hogwarts.

A few hours before the political party, Ginny made Albus, Saint James the Apostle, and Lily all take rain shower and ransack their hair properly. She spent a expert fifteen minutes trying to get James 's hair to lie flat and another 15 minute putting Lily 's up in some form of lucubrate bun typewrite affair. Albus was very happy his own tomentum 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 state them the rules for the evening.

"Absolutely no making trouble !"Ginny stared at Henry 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 proceed yourselves occupied during this. I 'm going to have to mingle with everyone and we wo n't be able to keep an eye on you every indorse,"Harry added,"You 're all at Hogwarts now. You 're old enough to not be glued to us for the evening."

"Do n't concern,"King James I said,"I know when roguery is n't appropriate."

"Let 's hope so,"Ginny sighed.

Albus and his sept Apparated to the Minister 's house, which meant side-along Apparition for Albus. He hated side-along phantasma. 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 typeface in his home. It was the curse of being the middle fry. He was either with James or Lily. This time it was with Lily and Harry was Apparating them.

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

A long and winding sidewalk, framed with Vannevar Bush and lightness on either English, lead up to the front doorway. Albus 's parents started walking up and Albus followed.

The house seemed to get prominent as they got closer. It was painted brown with a contraband roof and reminded Albus of a castle. It was n't nearly as big as Hogwarts, of line, 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 !"

Minister Langston Hartwell was the third minister since the Fall of Lord Voldemort. He was a tall, rotund man with very trivial haircloth left on his read/write head. He did lark about a rather declamatory moustache, which caused Albus to recall of him as a much tall version of professor Slughorn.

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

"right wing this way,"Hartwell motioned for them to follow him.

Hartwell lead them through the house, which was just as immaculate as Albus remembered, and into what could only be described as a grand dance hall. It was the same dance hall all the parties Albus had been to were held.

The way was decorated with atomic number 47 and black and was already filling up with people. Albus spotted Rose and matte in the rachis of the elbow room and left his crime syndicate in the doorway to go see them.

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

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

Albus rolled his eyes."Shut it."

"What do you retrieve, Matt ?"Rose turned to Matt,"His mum says they match his eye, but James says they 're Slytherin robes."

"Slytherin,"Matt said immediately.

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

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

"Yeah,"Albus replied.

"I 've been here for two 60 minutes already,"Matt said,"We were the first one here. Dad keeps introducing me to people and they all think I 'm a first year."

"Bet that 's fun,"Albus laughed,"Do you get it on about of these people ?"

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

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

"Dad never thought he would either,"lustrelessness laughed,"Then we 've got your Uncle Percy, I think you probably know him. Those people are a few of Dad 's fellow,"Matt gestured to a few more witches and necromancer,"Then there 's a bunch of people from other departments, 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,"Matt grinned,"When I was really little, we went to political party like this a few sentence a calendar 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,"matte grinned mischievously,"By the time 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,"Matt said,"She 's here somewhere and she 's going to do it soon."

"I have to allow, that 's really creative,"rose wine giggled,"What else ?"

"Mostly stuff with the food. Charm the chocolate to smack like vanilla extract, charm the service of process utensils to move every time you go to pick them up, that sort of stuff and nonsense,"lustrelessness explained.

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

"My parents never say that stuff to me,"matte laughed,"They never suspect me of anything. The minute they find out the alcohol 's been charmed out of the drinks, they 'll feel Amy."

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

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

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

"What exactly happens when you use this good luck charm ?"Rose asked.

"Oh, it 's dandy,"Amy grinned,"First, only a couple multitude notice and they make a very tranquility mention to another person and then that person agrees that there 's something untimely with the drinks. Then it just snowballs from there until it 's all they 're talking about. Then somebody will test the potable, observe the inebriant 's been charmed away, substitute it, and then everyone will embolden. But some of them will act drunk because they think there 's alcohol in the drinks."

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

"They might tell me they wish I had n't done it, but there 's not often 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 tables, heads close together like they were plotting something.

"I 'd be shocked if they did n't,"Rose smirked,"aunty Ginny has no Leslie Townes Hope of stopping James."

"And I 'd bet my finally Galleon that Empire State of the South and Tom 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 reap hook says she 's over here in about ten mo or so."

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

Albus 's Aunt Corrine was talking with two enchantress Albus did n't fuck and his Twin Falls cousin were chasing each other around the room.

"Are any of your other cousins coming ?"Amy asked.

"Nope,"Albus shook his read/write head,"None of my early auntie and uncles work for the Ministry."

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

Albus and Rose agreed. Amy left to go public lecture to individual else and the three friends walked over to the buffet. There was already a small waiting line in front line of it.

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

The queue moved quickly and soon Albus was in front. He grabbed a plate and piled it high with just about everything. There was always the safe nutrient at this sort of party.

They found an empty tabular array far enough away from 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 cognise what half this hooey is,"Matt said as he began eating,"But it 's good."

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

Albus, matt, and rosiness wandered around the elbow room once they finished their food. A few adults stopped to exclaim how big they 'd pose and to inquire what year they were at Hogwarts. Lily joined them because she did n't want to be associated with Saint James the Apostle and Cedric 's mischief.

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

Everyone quieted down and turned to find out him. Albus, blush wine, and flatness were somewhat ending to the podium.

"Thank you,"he smiled,"I assume you all know why I 've thrown this party, and it 's not just to unlade the bombastic amount of wine I was given for Xmas !"

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

"Yes, yes, well, this political party is in laurels of none former than Walter Eckerton, whom I have appointed to the position of mind of the Department of Regulation and restraint of Magical brute. There is no one else whom I would trust with such a job ...."

Hartwell 's speech soon descended into one of his usual spoken communication, which Albus could not understand. 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 dais over to McVicar.

"Thank you, curate,"McVicar began,"That was quite an interesting speech. I, too, would like to congratulate Walter Eckerton on his promotion.

"I am sure at least half of you were quite storm to take heed 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 past times ten years.

"However, the main reason for my lack of an originally retirement was because there was not a single somebody employed in the Ministry whom I would receive trusted with this job. nobody had the capabilities to carry out this position in the way I would like. Like they always say, if you want something done right, do it yourself. That was my slogan up until five eld ago, that is.

"A little over five year ago, a man came into the Ministry looking for a job in the department of the regulation and Control of Magical Creatures. He applied for a job in Werewolf Support help, a position that had been open for well over a year. I was fix to engage anyone who walked through the door at that distributor point, but I had no thought what was to amount when I hired Bruno Walter Eckerton.

"Some of you may bang that Walter has experience in this field of force. He was the top dog of the department of Regulation and Control of Magical puppet in Australia for three year before leaving the spatial relation in order to move to England.

"Walter revolutionized Werewolf Support Services as soon as he started. The ideas he had were ones that even I had n't thought of. In five short years, he has bettered life for those plagued with lycanthropy more than anyone else in the department have in their intact careers.

"It took only six months for me to realize that I wanted Bruno Walter to convey over for me when I retired. Not only does he have the experience and intelligence for the job, but he also has dedication that I have never seen before. I even have to admit that his dedication surpasses my own. I have never seen anyone fight as punishing for werewolf right field as he has.

"The only if thing left for me to do was convince myself it was time to retire,"McVicar chuckled,"And yes, it did assume the better voice of five age to do that. But now, I feel very sure-footed as I hand the reins over to Walter."

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

"I 'll say,"lustrelessness agreed,"And McVicar does n't usually congratulations multitude like that."

"fountainhead,"Matt 's dad began,"Thanks for your voting of confidence, Rob. I certainly hope I can go up to your expectations.

"I have to begin by saying how unexpected this was. I really had no intentions of becoming the head of the entire department again, no matter which nation I was living in. Werewolf backing Services has been such a great place to sour 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 pass water more of a difference of opinion.

"Of course, I could not have gotten to this place without the assist of my married woman, 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 half of the head of the department Rob has been."

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

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

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

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

A good luck of the grownup were acting very drunk. In fact, if Albus had n't known about Amy 's charm, he would say they all really were drunk. The weird thing was that everybody was acting drunk. There did n't seem to be anyone who was thinking there was something wrong with the drinks.

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

Amy was standing nearby, so Albus, matt, and Rose squeezed their way through the crowd to get to her.

"Amy,"matt whispered,"Why 's everyone acting normal ?

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

James and Cedric were also standing near the drink table, looking nearly as mazed as Albus felt about this charm. That was kind of strange.

Amy grabbed a crank of vino and tried it."Well, it tastes amercement, but it 's supposed to."

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

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

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

"What did you do ?"Albus groaned.

"Cedric and I added some extra alcohol to that wine,"St. James the Apostle whispered.

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

"What 's so funny ?"Cedric asked.

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

"I put a appealingness on all the vino to polish off the alcohol, while keeping the penchant,"Amy explained,"I did it right when the political party started."

"So much for that prank,"James groaned.

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

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

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

"Want to explore the pastor 's Mansion ?"flatness suggested.

"Is that allowed ?"rose wine asked skeptically.

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

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

It was much quieter in the rest of the business firm. They started wandering through any rooms that had open doors.

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

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

"Their planetary house is this big ?"Rose asked.

"Nearly,"Matt replied,"They 've got a ballroom and everything."

The three friends wound up in a very large living room filled with antique furniture. There was an oriental person rug on the ground and oak tables and bookshelves around the perimeter. Atop the tables were fancy vases of flowers and crystal sculptures.

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

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

"Do n't touch it !"rosiness hissed.

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

"Look at all these Holy Writ,"Albus gazed up at one of the bookcases,"Madam Pince would love to get her hands on these."

"They 're all about political relation, though,"matt pointed out,"Pretty boring."

"Mum would wish them,"rose wine said

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

"Probably honest-to-god than Aberforth Dumbledore,"Albus replied.

"Hey, Albus, Matt, add up here,"Rose said as she looked out the window.

Albus and matt walked over to the window and leaned over the table that was in front of it.

"What is it ?"Albus asked.

"Look, there's-"

Matt leaned farther over the table and knocked one of the crystal sculptures off. rosiness gasped and managed to overtake it before it crashed onto the floor.

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

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

"There 's individual sneaking around out there,"Rose said.

Albus peered out the window into the wickedness. He could just barely make out a shadow lurking around the bushes. It did n't look like the soul was walking up towards the house to go to the political party. Plus, why would he show up three hours late ?

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

"Let 's go find out who it is,"Albus said. He did n't have a clue as to who it was, but he wanted to witness out. There was no reasonableness for someone to be sneaking around the parson 's hall at this clip of night.

"Albus Severus potter, are you fucking insane ?"Rose exclaimed,"I think you are !"

"tone, 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 wax of Ministry officials in case whoever is out there is someone bad,"Albus said.

"That 's a good point,"Matt replied,"Why would someone sneak around a house that 's full of Ministry officials, 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 lustrelessness, muttering under her breath. They found the nighest doorway and went out into the coldness Nox, drawing their wands as they did so.

"If we are n't killed, we 'll freeze down to death,"rose wine muttered.

Albus ignored her and started looking around. He stayed close to the sign and tried to keep himself concealed in the George Walker Bush as he looked for the image. However, he could n't see or see anything.

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

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

"commodity,"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 heart was beating fast and his hands were sweaty despite the cold. He did n't require to stop, though. Figuring out who this fella was was exciting and boldness wracking at the Saami time.

"Do n't impress !"someone shouted and all of a sudden there was a undimmed light in Albus 's eyes. Wand light.

Rose screamed and grabbed keep of Albus 's arm. Albus held up his own wand, his hand shaking.

"Who are you ?"the person shouted.

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

"He sounds familiar,"matt whispered,"Hang on. Bloody blaze, that 's Professor Balladanis !"

Albus thought for a 2d and the voice did sound a lot like Balladanis. But why would he be sneaking around the Minister 's Mansion ?

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

"Er, yes,"Albus replied.

The wand brightness level lowered and Albus heard the man tone 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 fille Weasley, Mr. Eckerton. Oh, I suppose this company is for your founder, Mr. Eckerton ?"

"Y-yes, sir,"lustrelessness replied.

"What are the three of you doing sneaking around outside in the dead of Nox ? I thought I 'd taught you near than that. You 're just asking for trouble,"Balladanis said sternly.

"Told you,"pink wine whispered to Albus.

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

"And you 're prosperous it was me,"Balladanis barked,"The three of you could possess been dead if that mortal had been a shadow 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 take care my asking, what were you doing remote ?"

"If you must screw, the Minister asked me to check the grounds in order to make certainly nobody was lurking around,"Balladanis replied.

That did zip but Muriel Sarah Spark Albus 's oddity even more. He knew considerably than to contract 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, mat, 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 continue his search of the margin, but instead he went back to the dance palace with them and marched them right up to Harry.

"Potter,"Balladanis interrupted the conversation Harry had been having with some mavin 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 clear that you were to stick around inside."

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

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

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

"attention 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 supporter back to the buffet.

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

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

"10 !"someone shouted.

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

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

The gang began to thin out a little while later. almost of the hoi polloi Albus did n't love left, along with his Uncle Hotspur, Aunt Corrine, and his cousin-german. Albus 's parents did n't look like they were in any hurry to leave behind, so he got a plate of the leftover desserts and at them with his friends.

Rose 's family and Amy left, and then it was just the thrower, flatness, his parents, the Minister, and his married woman left. All the adults were talking, Jesse James was teasing Lily about something, and Albus and lusterlessness were finishing off the conclusion of the desserts.

"Do you think there 's any way for Hogwarts to win the Quidditch tournament ?"matte asked as he polished off a piece of cocoa cake.

"Only if Linda 's sick the day of one of the couple,"Albus sighed.

"Maybe that 'll come about,"matte 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 flatness,"I 'll see you soon."

"Yeah, see you on the train,"Matt said.

Albus waved goodbye and then joined his mum, dad, King James I, and Lily. They all said congratulations to matt '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 remnant of the Christmas holiday went by very slow for Albus. He did all his preparation, which was quite boring, and there was cypher to do after that. Rose was visiting her other grandparents and Jesse James was at Nathan 's menage. Even Kaden was occupy visiting his grandparents ( Vernon and Petunia ). He sent Albus a varsity letter complaining about it, since the visit was also with aunt oleomargarine. Albus was very thankful that he did n't have to go. Neither of his parents had mentioned anything about visiting with Vernon and Petunia again.

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

"aunt marge has got to be the most horrible aunt in the full human beings,"Kaden fumed,"My dad told her about deception a few months ago and she 's been terrible ever since. I mean, she was always form of horrifying, but now she 's big. She just hates magic so much. She 's uncollectible than my grandparents."

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

"Consider yourself favourable,"Kaden muttered,"I 'm guessing you lot had honest holidays ?"

"We found Professor Balladanis lurking around the Minister 's Mansion,"Albus announced.

"What ?"trick, Kaden, and Amanda shouted at the Saami time.

"I saw someone sneaking around away and Albus insisted we go look into,"Rose said,"Turns out it was Balladanis and the Minister had apparently asked him to check into the grounds for trouble."

"Did he recover you ?"John asked.

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

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

"well, we could 've,"Rose muttered.

"Wyrd though,"St. John said,"Why would the Minister think soul would be hiding around his mansion ?"

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

"Again, that 's why it 's weird,"Gospel According to John replied,"He does throw guards."

"Why would he ask Balladanis anyway ?"mat 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,"John said.

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

"That settles it,"John Lackland 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 special dueling lessons with him. He likes you for some reason. Of course of study, he also likes Malfoy. But that 's probably just because Malfoy 's a good dueler, too,"John explained.

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

"You never know,"can said.

******

"tranquillity, repose !"Balladanis shouted the chase Tuesday, their first day of Defense after the holiday.

Albus immediately stopped talking to Matt and bathroom and turned to face Balladanis. He was really hoping that the professor would say nothing about what happened at the political party and so far Balladanis was showing no anamnesis of it.

"I trust you all had superb holiday,"Balladanis said,"But the holidays are over and although I am sure enough none of you thought a bit about defensive attitude magic during said holiday, it is now fourth dimension to commence that thinking once again.

"outset, I 'll say that there is no time to not be thinking about justificative magic, as the dark nontextual matter do not consider break of serve for picayune matter such as holidays.

"moment, in this term we will begin to explore brute far more serious than hinkypunks and kappas. In this full term we shall larn about those terrifying creature such as acromantulas, basilisks, werewolf, firedrake, and vampires."

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

"As the headmaster would find 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 sentence. You will find that there are more public lecture in this terminus, much to my dislike. There is nothing I would wish ripe than to teach you about acromantulas and werewolves with practical lessons, but there are both laws and schooling rules that prevent such lessons."

Albus and Matt glanced at each other. It was official. prof Balladanis was insane. What kind of teacher would want to learn about flying dragon with lively dragons ? well, Hagrid would, but he was n't the Saame as Balladanis.

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

The remainder of the day went by relatively quickly. Albus actually did not have Quiditch exercise 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 sofa,"We started crystal ball gazing today. All I saw was a shipment of fog."

"I told you not to take it,"Rose said as she pulled a stack of rule book out of her own bag.

"I did n't imagine 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 thing worse."

"Trelawney could hold Defense bad,"Albus replied.

"Balladanis told us that he wished he could teach us about iniquity creatures using the anamatek,"pink wine said,"Seriously, he wanted a basilisk to appear in the middle of the classroom."

"That would be stupefied,"Kaden said as he unwrapped a coffee anuran,"Those can kill you with their eyes."

"I know,"rosiness said,"Balladanis is insane."

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

"Probably not,"Matt answered,"It would just be a savage. I think it would just be a Wolf any former metre of the month, too, because there 's no way it could turn someone into a wolfman by biting them."

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

"No need,"King John laughed,"We 've got Linda."

"If you think of it that way, there 's no point to bear it wrick into a fake werewolf either,"Rose pointed out.

"goodness tip, I guess,"John muttered.

******

The eternal rest of the week went by quickly. Albus had Quidditch practice Thursday eventide, and Wood informed the unscathed team that they 'd gotten rusty over the holiday. He also told them that the side by side mate was in two weeks and they 'd be playing New York. If they won, they 'd be in second blank space.

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

Albus arrived at Balladanis 's way before Malfoy and entered to find Balladanis clearing all of the desks from the middle 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 Year 's ?"

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

"Mr. Malfoy,"Balladanis said as Malfoy walked into the elbow room,"Now we may begin. I have decided that your sympathy of the Protego spell is satisfactory so we are going to move on to something else.

"This finicky charm, when performed correctly, manages to disarm and disorientate a somebody at the same time. The genius is often described as dizziness. Can either of you tell me what why this appealingness would be more utilitarian than a standard disarming spell ?"

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

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

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

"Another full reasonableness, but not the one I was thinking of,"Balladanis began to walk slowly around the elbow room,"Wizards who are expecting to have to duel other maven often keep multiple wands on their individual. There are spells that can be performed on these wands to proceed them attached to your robe or your actual body, spells that Expelliarmus wo n't master easily. However, these patch require unremitting denseness.

"If a wizard is hit with the charm I am about to teach you, they will lose the concentration necessity to keep their superfluous scepter affixed. Then, you can use Expelliarmus to get the extra wands."

"Can you teach us that charm to hold on duplicate wands in our robes ?"Malfoy asked.

"Perhaps towards the end of the twelvemonth. It takes immense concentration and magical zip to simultaneously do that magic spell while dueling someone,"Balladanis explained,"For now, you will discover the charm to demilitarize and disorientate a person at the Saami time.

"The incantation is 'Confundo-Expelliarmus'. A combination of Confundus and Expelliarmus. Mr. Malfoy, you will go first. When I say so, execute the charm against Mr. ceramist. Mr. potter, you may try and blockade him using the Protego magic spell I taught you earlier."

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

"Now, Mr. Malfoy,"Balladanis muttered.

"Confundo-Expelliarmus !"Malfoy shouted.

Albus felt the charm hit his buckler, but it did n't let on through. He gripped his verge harder and stared at Malfoy.

"Keep going,"Balladanis said to Malfoy.

"Confundo-Expelliarmus !"Malfoy shouted again.

The magic spell hit Albus 's shield a slight harder this time. Albus could experience beads of exertion forming on his forehead.

Malfoy kept going and it took him five time to give way through Albus 's shield. When it happened, Albus felt his wand allow for his helping hand and was overcome by a wave of dizziness at the Saami time. He felt exactly like he had when he had gotten the flu the previous year, only without the fever.

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

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

"You did quite well with that buckler,"Balladanis said as Albus stood up,"And I think it 's rubber to take over that you could n't cause held absorption for any turn after Mr. Malfoy succeeded in breaking your shield."

"No, sir,"Albus shook his head.

"Normally the appealingness 's upshot would have lasted longer, but I performed the counter-curse because it looked like you were ready to slide by out,"Balladanis explained,"When you 're gear up, you can try the charm."

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

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

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

Much to Albus 's delight, he managed to kick downstairs the shield on the fourth try. One to a lesser extent try than Malfoy had needed for Albus.

The charm hit Malfoy in the chest and his wand soared towards Albus. Albus caught it and watched as Malfoy knack over and fell to the soil, much like Albus himself had done.

Balladanis gave Albus one of his rarefied smiles and then pulled out his own baton. 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 role of an hour, past when Albus would feature liked to discontinue. It was exhausting to be hit with that spell sentence after time while trying to hold up a shield magical spell. Malfoy did n't look to be faring a lot unspoilt and Albus thought he was even going to ask Balladanis to stop after a half hour, but Malfoy closed his mouth, obviously thinking intimately of it.

The practice session was n't for aught, though. Albus managed to prevail Malfoy off farseeing and longer each clip and although Malfoy was getting adept at the shield magical spell 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 have been the tenth time that night,"I 'll see you in family 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 late 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 unknown feeling he had ever seen. It was a mixture of anger, gloominess, and even repent. For a moment, Albus wished he had n't asked. It was too personal. He should have just told John the Evangelist they would n't be capable to find out.

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

Albus was taken aback. That was more than he had expected. He had thought Balladanis would accept told him to bear in mind his own business and get back to Gryffindor tugboat before curfew. Albus was going to happen out, he was just going to have to be patient.

Albus left the room as quickly as he could in his deplete state, before Balladanis could change his mind about eventually telling Albus about his former life history. The base on balls back to Gryffindor Tower seemed longer 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 cast. He looked around the common way and saw that about people looked traumatise and everyone was subdued. There was no joking around going on. Even Jesse James was quietly sitting at one of the tables.

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

Rose opened her backtalk to talk and then closed her center, unable to do so. Albus turned to bathroom and raised his eyebrows.

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

Albus nodded, having seen the man on numerous juncture when he was in Hogsmeade. He was slightly honest-to-god than Albus 's parents, with greying hair and a very intense personality. He never hesitated to make his opinions known

"person killed him,"John said in barely Sir Thomas More than a whisper.

"Wh-what ?"Albus turned to look at all his booster in twist. matt nodded ever so slightly and then put his psyche on his hands.

"must 've just happened,"bathroom said,"They just found him. Madam Rosmerta heard a kerfuffle and Flooed here, to get the Auror on tariff. By the metre they got back, his shop class was a terminated mess inside and he was laying dead on the trading floor. Avada Kedavra. They 're searching Hogsmeade, the timberland, the solid ground, and the school. Nobody 's allowed out of their common way and dormitories."

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

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

People 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, prof Torro had been killed back before his foremost year and then that one witch from the Ministry had been killed over Christmas, but their killer whale had never been found and nothing had happened since.

"Why would anyone kill him ?"Matt wondered aloud.

"Why would anyone obliterate anyone ?"blush wine replied.

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

"Aurors are still searching the castle and the grounds,"he told them,"I suggest you all try and get some eternal rest. The search will be long over by morning, so you will be free to result the commons room then."

Albus and his admirer looked at each other after Longbottom left. They wordlessly went up to their dormitories, Kaden going with Albus instead of to the endorsement geezerhood'hall. Nobody said anything as he curled up on the base with one of Albus 's scanty blanket. Albus got into bed and stared at the ceiling. He had been so run through earlier, but now there was no way he 'd get often sleep that night.


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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Lunch was very subdued the next day. Most hoi polloi had slept quite latterly since it was a Saturday. Every student of Hogwarts had their nose in a copy of the Prophet, be it their own or a friend 's. The stave board looked the like, with every professor either reading the oracle or whispering with another professor, no doubt about what they 'd learn.

Albus was reading Georgia 's Prophet as she had finished with it and made a mental note to get down subscribing himself. All of his friends were peering over his shoulders. Even Linda was hovering around them, a foot or so away.

HOGSMEADE storekeeper MURDERED

A interference in Dervish and Banges late
yesterday evening that sent one Hogsmeade
occupier to Hogwarts to find the Auror on
duty lead to the discovery of the death
of a storekeeper.

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

An extensive search of Hogsmeade, the
woods, Hogwarts, and its evidence turned
up nothing despite the hr Aurors spent
searching. No fingerprints were found on
the scene.

Aurors will be devoting clip to finding
Wisander 's sea wolf and a possible motive.

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

Anyone who knew Wisander knew he was a man
of very strong feeling and did not waffle
to let others have it off his opinions. His most
recent newspaper column have explored the bailiwick
of werewolf, vampire, and other so called
'half-breeds'right wing. Aurors have declined
comment on whether they believe Wisander 's
editorial are a possible motivation for his
slaying. Wisander 's obituary can be found
on Sir Frederick Handley Page five.

Albus set the paper down and his friends all resumed their posterior. cipher said a word for a few moment. Albus did n't eff what to think. The article certainly made it seem like Wisander was killed because of his impression. However, it did n't exactly say what his beliefs were. Albus had n't ever read any of his editorials, so he could n't say either.

"What kind of editorials did he write ?"lusterlessness asked quietly.

"I have no melodic theme,"Albus replied, looking at his friend whose face was quite pallid,"need to go to the elbow room ?"

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

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

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

Nobody had read them. Not even rosebush. Matt sighed and collapsed onto one of the couch."I 've got to find out what they were about. I do n't even cognize which would be good, him being for or against werewolf rights. If he 's for them, that means some gent is on the on the loose killing hoi polloi for wanting werewolf rights."

Matt did n't even have to proceed for Albus to know why that worried him. lustrelessness 's dad was possibly the biggest exponent of werewolf rights in all of Britain and everyone knew it. If someone had been killed just for writing about werewolf right field, what would pass to somebody who was actually passing laws for them ?

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

"Why else would soul have killed him ?"Matt asked,"He was just a shop owner in Hogsmeade."

"Why did person killing Professor Torro ?"John 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."

"wellspring, I do n't cogitate you should worry until you find out what the editorials are about,"Rose said to Matt.

"The other pick is n't a great deal better,"Matt muttered,"If he did n't write editorial for werewolf rightfulness, then he wrote them against them."

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

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

Everyone agreed with this and they set off to the depository 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 homework and then Sundays were spent in the library.

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

"Might not be any left wing,"toilet muttered.

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

John was almost mighty. There was a very lowly stack of newspapers left. Albus grabbed them all and then they went to a secluded table towards the backbone of the library. Albus, Matt, and rosiness each took a paper while John, Kaden, and Amanda played tic-tac-toe on a scanty bit of parchment.

Albus leafed through his newspaper, which was about two years old, until he got to the editorial subdivision. In the very midway, in the expectant font, was an editorial by Leroy Wisander.

HEALERS, beer maker TO BLAME, NOT MINISTRY official

As I was locking up my store lowest Night,
I noticed that it was a replete moon. I
could not help but reckon of the poor
people plagued with lycanthropy
currently shut up while attacking
themselves.

Now, I know what you all are thinking.
Wolfsbane. The stuff works miracles
if taken correctly. However, it does
no good if it 's sitting in St. Mungo 's
and not being used by witch and
hotshot with lycanthropy.

The hooey is expensive. I myself did
the deliberation and discovered that
it would be extremely hard for
anyone with a low income to afford it.

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

I am absolutely alarm that healer
and potion beer maker charge for this
of import potion. They must be making
a nice profit. They can use the profits
to pick out extravagant vacation while the
poor crone and wizards who buy it
struggle to afford it.

There is only so practically Ministry official
can do. capitulum of Werewolf Support services,
Walter Eckerton, says he would love to
gift away exempt Aconitum lycoctonum, but there just
is n't room for it in the budget.

What do I propose ? I propose that therapist
and potion brewers give it away for free.
They have the abilities to brew it, not
the Ministry. to the highest degree therapist claim to lie with
helping people, 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 power to brew it like
to take in a little spare spending money.

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

"This one 's got one about vampires,"Matt said as he set his newspaper publisher on top of Rose's.

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

mat took the newspaper and he and Rose began to learn it. St. John the Apostle, Amanda, and Kaden peered over as well. Albus sat and waited while they read.

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

Albus nodded and they returned the newspapers and walked as fast as they could bet on to the Marauder 's Den.

"Bloody Hell, that bloke must have had so many opposition !"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 have to mention my dad ?"lusterlessness groaned,"He made it sound like my dad agrees with that column and he definitely doesn't."

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

"Healers are n't like that. nigh of the ones I 've met would give away free Wolfsbane, but it 's more complicated that that. The element are expensive and it takes forever to brew. Not to note how hard it is. There are n't many Healers who can brew it and even almost brewers ca n't brew it,"Matt explained.

"That bloke did n't know the half of it,"whoremonger agreed,"My dad 's a healer and he 'd love to give away barren potions. It just does n't work that way."

"My dad 's linked with that chap,"Matt said quietly,"And now that he 's brain of the full section, he 'll be passing more Laws. Whoever killed Wisander 's not going to be happy."

"Your dad 's a really just wizard, though,"Albus pointed out to his worried friend,"Plus he works at the Ministry, where there are onus of Aurors milling about. And your house is more protected than any former theatre I 've seen, well, except the Minister 's Mansion."

"I know, but it 's still not good,"lustrelessness sighed.

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

******

Albus and his friends scoured the Daily Prophet every morning the following hebdomad. Every day there was an article about Wisander, the investigation, or both. So far the investigation had turned up nothing. The Aurors had questioned quite a few the great unwashed, namely those very outspoken against werewolf and vampire rights, but the search had proved fruitless.

The article about Wisander were far more occupy. It seemed that his newspaper column about Wolfsbane Potion was one of the tamer I. Each day little pieces of his respective editorials were being published. In one, he stated the rationality why wolfman should n't be locked up on full moons. The reasons were quite absurd, but the Prophet had printed it anyway. Another editorial talked about why vampire should be allowed access to man to sting. He suggested using prisoners and allowing vampire to suck them dry. Thus helping lamia and reducing prison price at the same time.

"I reckon this fella was off his cradle,"John announced at breakfast the following Sunday. He had just finished reading an article about how Wisander spent a yr living with a vampire tribe in Turkey when he was young. They were some of the few the great unwashed actually up at an early time of day, as Albus had Quidditch practice and can had a dayspring detention with Filch for putting dungbombs in the toilets in Moaning Vinca minor 's can the premature day.

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

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

"After Quidditch ?"Albus laughed,"You mean, I 'm going to get to leave alone eventually ? Wood wo n't make us exercise for the succeeding week ? I thought he was going to maintain going until the literal match on Saturday."

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

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

"mentation I might earn another detention,"John the Evangelist grinned,"But Kaden 's officious with cheat clubhouse this afternoon-"

"Wait,"Albus nearly choked on his juice,"Kaden joined the chess game club ? Kaden ? Kaden Dursley ?"

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

"I 'll tell rosebush right luck with that,"Albus said.

"Yeah, so both Kaden and Rose will be busy with that. Not that pink wine would require to realise detention with me anyway. And Amanda 's doing something with Linda today, homework, I think. And I doubt lusterlessness will be up for doing anything,"Gospel According to John continued.

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

"But it 's not as fun,"St. John sighed,"I guess I 'll just hang around the den with Matt. I can have a decent one-sided conversation."

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

"Nope, I 'm waiting until you get back for that,"trick said.

"wellspring, have fun in your detention. I 've got to get to drill,"Albus said as he got up.

There were a few choice words Albus had for practice session that day. Long, grueling, and intense. Wood was in his finest build as he ordered the team to do drills hour after hr. He seemed to get more and to a greater extent stressed as the day wore on.

St. James the Apostle did a lot of person-to-person training with Teddy and Albus was more than a little envious. slip was a much more patient maitre d' than Wood was and yelled a whole lot less. Tyler expressway mostly helped Wood.

woodwind let them birth a shortsighted break for lunch, making trusted they knew to come back afterwards. Albus heard the Slytherins on the team talking about skipping out of the respite of drill, but they were back on the rake at the time Wood told them to be.

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

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

"Remember, pattern Tuesday even !"Wood shouted as the altogether team rushed to get off the pitch.

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

Rose, Amanda, and Linda were in the common elbow room, but the boys were n't. Albus figured they were in the Marauder 's Den and set off to look for them after saying a warm how-do-you-do to the girls.

John Lackland and Kaden were in the middle of a ignite game of Exploding Snap when Albus walked into the marauder 's Den a few proceedings later. John the Divine 's face was entire of ash, but Kaden 's was quite an clean. There was also a big grin on his face which contrasted the frown on bathroom 's face. lusterlessness was laying on the put facing them, like he had been watching the game, but he was sound asleep.

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

"Grueling. Wood 's ten meter defective than Peach State. Five minute we were out there. Five all-fired hours in the frigidity !"Albus groaned as he collapsed onto the early couch.

"bettor than scrubbing Moaning Myrtle 's privy with a toothbrush,"lavatory muttered,"I do n't know what was worse, the scrub or listening to Myrtle."

"All three of you are so gay 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 single person in the cheat nightspot,"Kaden shook his header,"But they think I have potential."

"Albus,"John said as the cards blew up in his nerve again,"Have you done that vindication essay ?

"No,"Albus groaned.

"I need your help,"Saint John the Apostle said as he got up and started digging around in his bag.

Albus groaned again and fished around in his own bag for his defending team book. Balladanis wanted a foot long essay about basilisks, which were the flow dark creature of the calendar week.

John sat down at the table while Albus lay on the sofa. He just could n't bring himself to get up and do his essay. Instead, he mumbled response to Saint John the Apostle whenever he asked a question.

"Do you think up the poulet egg under a frog or a anuran ?"St. John asked.

"Toad,"Albus mumbled.

"You know, I could pull in a rose wine and tell you to do your essay,"Gospel According to 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 header up and glared at Kaden."Grant 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 place on the couch and wrote his essay with his book and parchment perched on his human knee. It beat sitting at the table ; at least he was able to screen of lie down.

A few minute later both Albus and John the Evangelist 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 Matt, who had not moved one muscle since Albus had came back from practice.

Gospel According to John got up and began to prod Matt 's arm. It took a proficient two arcminute for matt to open his eyes.

"It 's nearly six,"John told him.

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

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

"I 'll go with you to the hospital extension,"John said and Matt did not object. Albus assured him they 'd chew the fat him the side by side 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 Marauder 's Den afterwards and John and Kaden continued working on their preparation while Albus slept on the couch.

******

"Albus, get up !"

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

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

Albus opened his eyes 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 morning. On a Sat. Yes, it was the day of the Quidditch mate against New York, but that was n't until one o'clock and Albus was only a reserve instrumentalist anyway.

"Albus, you 'd better get up now. woodwind instrument 's in the rough-cut way,"shift whispered.

That got Albus 's attention. His optic shot back open and he sat up."What ?"

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

Now Albus was all-inclusive awake."Seriously ? What about O'delle ?"Hailey O'delle was the other modesty Chaser, a seventh class Slytherin.

"She 's nauseous, too,"teddy 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 transactions,"Albus muttered.

slip nodded and left. Albus threw on a t-shirt and a duo of denim before running down to the common room, where he found Oliver Sir Henry Wood pacing in front of the empty fire.

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

Albus nodded and sat down for what was indisputable to be a very long spoken language. Sir Henry Joseph Wood paused and then launched into an explanation of tactics, which Albus had already heard during recitation that hebdomad. He could n't figure out why he had to be woken up at six to be told he was playing. Wood could cause accomplished the same thing at ten.

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

constituent of Wood 's speech had been on the weather, which was cold and slightly snowy. Could be risky, Albus thought. At least there was n't a blizzard. The conditions were very similar to those they had been practicing in all week.

Albus sat in the vulgar way reading a book he found laying around until his friends got up around ten.

"There you are,"matte, who was looking significantly better than he had a few day ago, said,"What time did you get up ?"

"Six,"Albus muttered,"Teddy got me up. Wood had to tell me I 'm playing chaser today."

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

"This is keen, Albus !"whoremaster grinned,"But why ?"

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

Albus went to the Great Hall to eat lunch with his friend, but he was n't really hungry. He did n't recollect he had ever been more nervous for a Quidditch match. This was a really important equal, as Sir Henry Joseph Wood had pointed out numerous times. If they won by a wide enough leeway, they 'd be in second place.

word of honor had gotten around that Albus was playing in the match and numerous people came over to the Gryffindor mesa to bid Albus fate.

"Al,"Harry sat down next to Albus.

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

"I 'll be watching the all clock time. I 'm sure you 're going to do cracking. Just think of it as a match against another theater. Ravenclaw, I guess, since their robes are blue devil,"Harry grinned,"Good luck."

"Thanks,"Albus replied.

Albus left with the rest of the Hogwarts squad a few second later. All his protagonist wished him ripe luck as he left the Hall.

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

However, Wood seemed to be all speeched out. He merely said that they 'd trained well and to give it their all. Albus was a little shocked by the truncation of the speech, but quickly got over it as he walked out onto the pitch.


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

Also, I wrote a new song fic ! It 's from Snape 's full stop of horizon, as I wanted to try something dissimilar. It 's on my Author Page if you want to mark off it out !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Ten minutes into the match, Albus decided there were four type of Quidditch in the macrocosm. Casual Quidditch, like what he played with his full cousin ; school day Quidditch ; professional Quidditch ; and then there was the type of Quidditch he was playing now.

It was a combining of school Quidditch and professional Quidditch. The gang was louder, the actor more determined, and the stakes were higher than a normal school Quidditch match.

Albus dodged one of the New York Chasers and flew up to enamor 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 other two New House of York Chasers.

Albus pushed his Calluna vulgaris to fly faster and held the Quaffle tighter to his chest of drawers. Then he plunged down to the terra firma, where nobody else was flying. He was back up gamy two instant later when he had reached the New York goal posts. After dodging a Bludger, he threw the Quaffle into the result goal post. The steward was too irksome and the Quaffle soared through.

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

James grinned at Albus as he flew past. Albus smiled to himself and joined Waverly and Reilly, who were waiting for New York 's steward to throw away the Quaffle out. That had been his starting time destination of the match.

The Quaffle continued to substitute hands quickly as the equal went on. An minute later there was still no sign of the zodiac of the Snitch and both squad were neck in neck as far as tip went. New York was up by ten.

Albus scored a few more finish and he began to relax a little. The match began to feel more like a school mate and less like a pro match, even though the stakes were still high.

Sir Henry Joseph Wood had repeated over and over again that they had to be up by at to the lowest degree l points when James caught the snitcher, or they would n't be able to overtake New York as far as boilersuit point in time went.

"New House of York 's quester has seen the fink !"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 searcher was making a beeline for the top of Hogwarts'heart goal.

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

The gang roared and James held the canary high school above his forefront. Both teams flew to the footing and Albus saw the pained look on Wood 's case. They had n't won by enough to be in moment place overall.

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

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

"To update everyone on the item, the Australian school day of Sorcery is in offset place. New York and Hogwarts are currently tied for second. The future match will involve piazza at the end of February !"Smith told the crowd.

Albus did n't take on up with his admirer until they were back in the common room. teddy bear had gone to Hogsmeade and a company was currently underway in the Gryffindor common room. Teddy informed everyone that the three other houses were hosting party as well. The student from New York who had been sorted into Gryffindor, including their seeker, were sulking in a corner.

"I think that was your sound match yet,"trick said to Albus as they settled down at their usual table.

"I think so, too,"Albus agreed,"I kind of wish I could work in the next match."

"Maybe fielding will still be tired of,"John said.

"uncertainty it,"Albus replied,"addition, I 'm sure O'delle will get start dibs on the next match if any of the other chaser get sick."

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

"Anyway, the next match you 'll probably be playing Australia,"matte said.

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

The party continued until dinner fourth dimension, when people began to leave as nonentity had snuck down to the kitchens to get food. Harry came in to congratulate Albus and James I shortly before Albus and his friend left for dinner party. He was also scheduled to police the school for the remnant of the weekend and wanted to let his small fry know.

******

Life at Hogwarts returned to normal shortly after the Quidditch compeer. The Prophet printed few and few articles about Wisander until there were none at all. Everyone seemed to blank out about his dying. Everyone except matte, that is, who was still worried about his dad.

However, the educatee at Hogwarts were reminded again of the unsolved murder when the future Hogsmeade trip arrived two days after Valentine 's Day. A fate of the scholar were too lovesick to mark the boarded up shop of Dervish and Banges as they made their way to madam Puddifoot's.

Neither Albus, whoremonger, or lustrelessness were too preoccupied to mark the desert edifice, though. The three of them stopped to look at it for a while despite the biting wind. rosebush and Amanda were spending the day with Linda.

"Who owns it now ?"bathroom 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 want 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 beneficial time to prompt Matt that Severus Snape had been murdered inside of the Shrieking Shack.

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

"They wo n't find who it was,"privy 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, flatness, and bathroom went to the Three broomstick 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 castle when Albus heard someone whisper his epithet behind him.

"Albus,"they said again.

Albus turned around, but no one was there. The phonation sounded familiar, though. Albus slowly reached his hand out and it touched something solid, 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 flatness and whoremonger, who were both looking confused, to follow him. He assumed Kaden would stick with as well. Albus lead them up high Street until they reached the Shrieking hut. nobody 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 !"John shouted.

"You stole the cloak ?"Matt asked.

"Kaden, you idiot !"Albus shouted,"I know I first told you this would be a good time, but there was a reason I changed my mind and told you not to sneak in today. nigh of the teacher come to Hogsmeade for the Feb trip. My cousin told me. They want to nominate surely no one does anything stupid because they 're in making love or whatever."

"Er,"Kaden muttered.

"How did you get in ?"lusterlessness asked.

"One-eyed witch statue,"Kaden replied,"track right into Honeyduke's."

"Kaden, do you make love how hard it 's going to be to get you back unnoticed ?"

Kaden 's face turned Andrew Dickson White and his backtalk dropped overt. Albus turned around to see what he was looking at and was met face to human face with Professor Balladanis.

"Quite unmanageable, 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 accept known better than to consider they could go the whole 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 dazed 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 give it to me to purloin in or anything."

"Very well,"Balladanis said,"Mr. Potter, Mr. Eckerton, and Mr. Brickston, you may return to your vulgar way. Mr. Dursley will bring together you after I arrange his detention."

Albus, lustrelessness, and John could not get out of there quick enough. They walked straight back to the common elbow room, talking about how lucky they had been. It must deliver looked like all three of them had helped Kaden creep into Hogsmeade. Good thing Balladanis believed Kaden.

Kaden returned XV minutes later, looking quite unhappy. He collapsed onto a chairperson and stared mutinously at the table.

"detainment every Sabbatum 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 penalisation than custody. Did n't elaborate on that, though."

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

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

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

******

Kaden discovered what his detention was that night. Balladanis decided to have him alphabetize his secret depository library, which was quite extensive. Kaden returned to the predator 's Den ranting about the amount of ledger Balladanis had.

"He 's got more Good Book on iniquity creatures than your dad 's got,"Kaden said to Matt.

"That 's telling,"Matt replied.

"Wish he had less,"Kaden muttered.

Kaden spent all four of his detentions alphabetizing those script. He almost did n't manage to end and if that had been the typesetter's case, Balladanis would feature given him a twenty percent detention.

The next full moon came and went, as did the side by side Quidditch friction match. Albus was beginning to suspect that the full moon were becoming worse for lusterlessness, although he did n't know why.

New House of York lost miserably to Australia in the Quidditch match. They had been doing pretty well until Linda caught the sneaker a half time of day in. Wood insisted that this was a good matter, though. It meant that if Hogwarts managed to score a secure sum of goal before Linda caught the Snitch in their adjacent match, they would have more boilers suit points than New York. Mrs. Henry Wood seemed to have lost any Bob Hope that James could thump Linda in seeking, something Jesse James fumed about on a near daily basis.

march arrived and with it a three day rain storm that left the grounds completely flooded. Both Herbology and Care of Magical Creatures had to drive place inside, which resulted in incredibly boring lessons. Ellen Price Wood continued to hold Quiditch practice session and Albus returned to the rook completely soaked and covered in mud after each one.

All of the teachers were piling on the homework and prof Patil had even gone so far as to mention the O.W.L.s even though they were a whole two long time away. The sole instructor who was n't talking about the end of term exams was Professor Balladanis.

Balladanis conducted his lessons as if end of full term exams did not exist. He changed aught about his lesson except the glum creature they were learning about.

"We 're starting vampire next week,"Balladanis announced at the end of class on Th,"Please read the chapter on them by Monday."

Albus could n't help but bet at Linda before he began packing up his things. He wondered if Balladanis would be teaching them adequate about identifying vampires for anyone to forecast out that Linda was one.

"So,"King John said as he flipped through his defense mechanism book the conform to eventide. Albus, Matt, bathroom, and Kaden were in the piranha 's Den and toilet was just finishing the chapter on vampires."spirit what 's after vampires.

Albus looked through his own book."werewolf,"he said quietly and then looked at Matt.

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

"I wonder if Balladanis is going to take you go in for supererogatory help during that unit,"St. John grinned,"I 'm sure you 'll need oodles of duplicate assist in identifying werewolves."

flatness rolled his centre."He better. It 'll look fishy if I do n't go in for excess help. speechmaking of special help, we 're due to go in for it in fifteen minutes."

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

Albus managed to finish his Herbology prep while John and Matt were gone. Then it was meter 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 gemstone basin sitting on it. Balladanis was pulling silvern strings of something out of his headspring and placing them in the basin.

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

"Sir ?"Albus asked hesitantly.

"Mr. potter,"Balladanis said quietly,"ejaculate in."

Albus stood awkwardly next to one of the presence table 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 son 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 right then.

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

Albus 's pulse sped up a minuscule bit as he leaned over the pensieve. Was this a stupe idea ? He did n't even know what he was getting into. But it was just a memory. nix could hurt him in a retentiveness, right ?

Albus took a inscrutable breath and plunged his brass into the pensieve. He had never been in one before. He landed on the difficult Mary Jane and looked around.

It was dusk and very lull. There was a small house in the distance, atop of a rocky James Jerome Hill. In fact, the whole field was mostly rocky. Albus had landed on the one lone slice of grass in the whole stead. It did n't expect like any position in Britain.

He stood up as Malfoy landed next to him, followed quickly by Balladanis. Balladanis landed on his infantry 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 nothing but increase Albus 's curiosity. Why were they in Hellenic Republic of all office ? But he did n't ask. It did n't look like Balladanis was in an explaining mood, judging by his short-circuit, one word answer to Malfoy.

They walked quietly towards the low house. The only noise was their step. There were n't even any owls hooting or dogs barking. It struck Albus as very odd.

The house must have been their destination. Balladanis stopped when they arrived at the broken down wooden fencing surrounding it. The house reminded Albus of the screaming Shack, only smaller. It was kind of violate push down and did n't look like a piazza that would be effective to endure in.

person 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 relocation towards the house. Instead, he seemed focused on the timberland that lay just beyond it. Albus decided the forest was as good a home as any to watch.

They watched the forest for a one-half an 60 minutes before anything happened. Then five hooded figures practically flew out of the forest. They were at the mansion before Albus even realized it. He looked at Balladanis. His font was hardened.

All was tranquillise for two proceedings. The figures entered the house, but did not plow on any lights. Then the screams started. Albus jumped at the sound of the first one.

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

His professor 's face showed nothing. Nothing but the same inure look he had seen on it so many sentence. Malfoy on the other hand, looked horrified. He looked exactly how Albus felt.

The scream was coming from two unlike hoi polloi. There was a high-pitched one that must have been coming from a woman, and a lower one that must have been coming from a man.

Then, they stopped. low gear the woman, then the man. The hooded figures left the house as quickly as they had entered and returned to the forest.

Balladanis, however, made no move to allow for. Instead he stared at the family. Two minutes later, somebody fled from it.

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

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


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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


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

Albus glanced nervously at his prof as he thought of questions he was just burning to ask. In fact, there was nil about the view he had just witnessed that did n't make Albus curious. Everything about it had been confusing.

Malfoy looked just as confused. They kept looking at each early and it was form of strange. They were on the same side. Both of them wanted Balladanis to explain.

Balladanis finally turned around and looked at them. He put his helping hand 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 face of the boy in the scene. That was why he looked companion. The boy was Balladanis. Then, Balladanis shifted slightly and the likeness was gone. But Albus knew it. That aspect had been from Balladanis 's childhood.

"Sit down,"Balladanis said.

Albus and Malfoy sat down quickly at the table in front 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 prospect was was more significant than staying away from Malfoy.

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

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

"There is a ground why I am telling you this now. Why I am not explaining to all of my division what I did before instruction. The reason is that you two are incredible duelers. Both of you have skills beyond your years that I have never seen before, and believe me, I have seen plenty of exceptional duelers in my clock time. This may be a good clock time to tell you how rare it is to have two such skilled duelers in the same class at Hogwarts."

Albus turned to take care at Malfoy. What was Balladanis getting at ? It sounded like the start of some sort of menage unity actor's line or something.

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

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

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

"I grew up in Ellas, in that very house we just saw. My parents, although they loved me deeply, were very poor and could barely open to put food on the table. I think they were grateful when I went away to school, the only reason being that they would n't have to worry about me getting adequate to eat.

"I had two blissfully innocent and fun years at the Greek School of magic trick. I returned house during summer full of stories about my friends and all the mischief we 'd gotten into."

Albus found it difficult to conceive of Balladanis getting into bother at schoolhouse or doing anything fun in general.

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

Balladanis stopped talking and Albus sat in discharge shock. Balladanis 's parents had been murdered by vampires ? That was one matter that had never crossed Albus 's brain.

"I returned to school that September hardened. nada was fun anymore. naught was laughable. It was then that I decided to consecrate my biography to ridding the world of such evils. Vampires, gloomy ace, werewolf, anyone and anything that murders viciously."

Albus could n't help but glower at Balladanis when he mentioned werewolves. Balladanis seemed to notice this and gave Albus the fragile of smiles.

"However, I did gain that not all lamia, werewolves, giants, and former beings are inherently evil. Not all of them want to drink down. It was for this grounds that I did not bid to be employed by the Hellenic language Ministry. The Greek Ministry prefers to make out with magical animate being as a whole 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 question. Instead, I chose to enter a more secretive professing. One that you will not find brochure on when you get career advice from your heads of house. 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 heart sped up at this. Balladanis was going to give them career advice ? They were only thirteen. But at the same sentence, Albus felt excited. Balladanis thought he was a good enough dueler for this calling, whatever it was.

"I am a Presuler,"Balladanis said,"I am sure neither of you have heard of one. A Presuler is somewhat like an Auror, in that we seek out dark wizards and blue magic. However, we not only seek out dark thaumaturge and dark legerdemain, we seek out dark and dangerous creatures as well.

"The full-grown departure is that Presulers are not employed by the Ministry. There are very few Presulers in the populace and we are often sought out by assorted Ministries and hired on an as-needed basis. We travel from country to nation, whenever we are needed. It is quite secretive. I suppose Presulers are a combination of Aurors and buck private investigators."

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

"I never caught the vampire who killed my parents. I have met one lamia 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 prof Kendrick,"Balladanis replied.

"Are you coming back following year ?"Malfoy asked.

"As of right now, I have no idea,"Balladanis answered,"It is getting late. I 've kept you here much foresightful than normal. If you think of anymore questions, do not hesitate to see me. I 'll walk you back to your rough-cut rooms."

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

The common elbow room was nearly void when Albus climbed through the portraiture hole. It must deliver been really tardy, since it was Friday night. Albus really did n't know what time it was.

"There you are !"Rose shouted,"Merlin, you 've been gone for hours !"

"What did he have you doing ?"mat asked.

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

Albus was vaguely aware of his friends suspiration of disappointment as he went up to his dorm room, but he did n't feel like talking about it right then. He was tired and his mind was racing at the same time.

Albus tossed and turned the integral 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 hold a grudge against vampires that did n't vote down multitude, but who knew what he really thought.

Was Linda the lamia 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 lamia. Albus wondered how many lamia Balladanis knew.

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

******

"Falco columbarius, Albus, get up !"

Albus rolled over in his bed and put his pillow over his foreland. After waking up drenched in exertion at four in the morning after a nightmare in which his hale kinsperson had been killed by vampires, he had finally drifted off into a somewhat seemly sleep. One that he wished he was still in.

"It 's nearly one o'clock."

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

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

"Yeah, we want to live what happened end night."

Someone pulled the pall surface and took the pillow off Albus 's pass. He looked up and saw Saint John the Apostle and Matt.

"Did you lose to Malfoy or something ?"John the Evangelist 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 good discover Rose, Amanda, and Kaden. And I 'll assure you in the vulture 's Den because there is no way Linda can be around to hear this."

The girls and Kaden met them in the Marauder 's Den after Albus, bathroom, and Matt had lunch. John kept pestering Albus all through luncheon, wanting to know why Linda could n't see about it, but Albus said nothing. He was n't even sure if he was allowed to differentiate his friends about this, but Balladanis had n't really prevent him.

"Albus, what in the name of merlin happened final Night ?"pink wine asked as soon as they were all in the vulture 's Den.

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

"And you neglected to recount us until now ?"john gaped,"I 've been wanting to have intercourse for the entire year !"

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

"Sorry,"John the Divine muttered.

"Balladanis took us into a pensieve survive Nox,"Albus began.

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

"Not that great, to be good,"Albus said,"Probably would have been salutary if it was a substantially memory.

"Anyway, he took us without any account of what we were going to see. He took us to this really old broken down household in Greece. variety of looked like a smaller more run-down version of the screeching Shack."

"In Ellas ?"Kaden asked.

"Yeah,"Albus nodded,"We watched the planetary house for what seemed alike hours and then these figures broke into it and we heard this awful screech. Then the soma left. Then this cuss who was about our age came running out with this horrible scared look on his face. 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 star sign. 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 clip. Albus looked at his friend and they all wore touch flavor of shock.

"And you watched it ?"matt asked.

"From a distance,"Albus replied.

"merlin, no curiosity Balladanis is so blooming insane,"John let out a low whistle.

"He decided to devote his life to ridding the world of iniquity, whether it be vampires, dark wizards, or former shadow tool,"Albus continued.

"So he 's an Auror ?"rosiness 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 fauna, too. And they are n't employed by the Ministry. They 're hired by Ministries all around the world. 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 vampires. And, werewolves."

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

"All werewolves have the capacity of killing people, Albus,"Matt said quietly.

"So does everyone,"Albus replied.

"Whatever his view on lamia and werewolves truly is, it 's going to be interesting to see how he teaches us about them,"blush wine mused.

"Guess this is why you did n't desire Linda to hear about this,"John said.

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

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

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

"Seriously ?"lustrelessness asked.

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

"You do n't have to know. You 're only long dozen. And Albus, do n't make up one's mind 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 Dark Arts, but it might cloud his judgement sometimes,"rosiness 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,"matte replied,"Why would he break searching for the lamia who killed his parents to learn here anyway ?"

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

"Because that 's not suspicious or anything,"St. John rolled his oculus,"There 's still something funny about Balladanis."

"What are you going to do, Albus ?"flatness 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 well-off said than done, especially since Defense course of study was soon devoted to learning about lamia. Balladanis seemed to teach that finicky whole with much more ebullience than common, a feat that nobody thought possible. Everyone speculated as to why Balladanis was more enthusiastic than usual, but most just attributed it to the fact that he was bloody insane.

A lot of what Balladanis taught about vampire was overindulge Albus already knew due to what Matt had told them earlier in the schooltime twelvemonth. It was still fairly interesting, though. Albus found that the more serious the creature they were learning about, the more matter to 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 lamia, the anamatek 's trunk reappeared in the Defense schoolroom. There was an audible groan from every educatee who stepped into the room.

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

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

"That would n't be any ripe. We 're doing wolfman next,"toilet reminded him,"And matt said that matter could n't sour into an factual werewolf. oral presentation of flatness, he 's favorable he 's missing this."

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

"quiet,"Balladanis said,"We 'll be continuing our vampire lesson today. Today I wish to show you what a lamia looks like, which is why I have brought back the anamatek. However, you will not be fighting it. None of you have the skill requisite to press a vampire."

"He 's genial,"John muttered.

Balladanis drew his wand and pointed it at the trunk. It snapped receptive and out stepped a very pale man with chisel feature. He did n't move, but merely stared out at all the students.

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

It reappeared in the cover of the classroom, but it had not Apparated. The lamia had moved so flying that Albus had missed it in the eye blink of an eye.

"They 're agile,"Balladanis continued,"They 're good looking. They attract you in. Then they kill, they suck you dry until you are drained. The alternative is not neat, either. From the second their teeth recrudesce your hide, you begin to transform into a vampire as well. You will become one if they do not wet-nurse you dry. There is no way to finish it, no potion to sabotage it.

"vampire Leigh Hunt at night when their vision is still excellent, but when man vision is compromised. However, that is not the only reason. Does anyone be intimate the former ?"

rosebush raised her hand. Linda did not.

"Yes, Miss Weasley ?"Balladanis said.

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

"Precisely,"Balladanis gave her a rarefied smile,"There is no potion to weaken the effects of the sun on vampires. Therefore they tend to populate areas that see to a lesser extent sun and region of dense timberland, such as the Northwestern and Northeastern United body politic, function of Canada, and parts of Russia. However there is also a significant lamia population in Greece."

Balladanis pointed his wand at the lamia again and it retreated back into the trunk. Everyone breathed a collective sigh of relief. The object lesson continued until the bell rang. Balladanis made no mention of moving onto the future unit, nor had he assigned the common end of the unit essay.

Albus and his ally went to jaw Matt late that dark after Albus got out of Quidditch practice. They only had a half minute or so until curfew, but they had n't visited at all yet.

"You missed an excellent defence reaction moral today,"lav said once Madam Pomfrey had gone back into her study after leaving to see who had entered her ward.

"Was it any unlike from the usual ones ?"Matt asked tiredly. He looked prepare to fall asleep at any moment.

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

"He what ?"Matt shouted, although since his vocalisation was gruff it was n't very loud,"We 're still doing vampires, are n't we ?"

"Yeah, he had it turn into a vampire,"King John said,"We did n't have to agitate it. He just used it to show how truehearted vampires were and what they looked like."

"That is weird,"matt replied,"He assign the lamia essay yet ?"

"Nope,"John shook his head,"I think we 're in for a few Sir Thomas More sidereal day of vampires."

"fountainhead, the thirster we spend on lamia, the more time we have before we start werewolf,"mat said quietly,"I really hope he does n't spend as much time on them as he has on vampires."

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

"Thank Falco columbarius for that,"Matt yawned.

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

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

"'Night,"Matt said.

They left the Montgomery Ward just as Madam Pomfrey was coming out of her study, presumably to tell them to leave and give lusterlessness more potions. Albus and his booster headed straight for the usual way, 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 awesome people who have read and reviewed this !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.



A few of Albus 's cousin-german had begun to hold up bets on how long Balladanis was going to spend teaching the third years about vampire. Fred was sure as shooting he 'd spend the residue of term, but Bradley was convinced he 'd move onto the side by side unit partway through April. None of the third years were actually participating in these bets because they were all afraid Balladanis would find out.

The vampire unit was still well underway when the succeeding Quidditch peer came along. This one was the mo Hogwarts versus Aussie schooling of sorcery match, which meant Mrs. Henry Wood was in his prime when it came to recitation. Albus considered just moving his bed to the changing suite since he spent more of his clip on the Quidditch Pitch than in the Gryffindor park room.

Albus awoke the day of the lucifer to John 's loud swearing instead of shimmy, which told him that he did not have to work during that mates. He could n't assist but feel slightly disappointed. Figuring there was no point in going back to sleep, he got up and asked St. John the Apostle what happened.

"Tripped over mat 's bloody caldron,"John muttered, holding onto his right foot,"Why ca n't he just put that poor fish affair away ?"

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

John 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 elbow room a little while later and then went down to the Great student residence to get something to eat.

A few hour later the boys were in the Quidditch stands, waiting for the friction match to begin. rosiness and Amanda were with them.

"Wonder how long it 'll take Linda to come up the Snitch this time,"Albus mused.

"I 'm betting on ten hour,"John said,"Hey, remember that prison term we eavesdropped on Killigan ?"

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

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

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

"Definitely not,"Albus sighed.

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

This put Hogwarts quite a bit ahead of New York as far as Quidditch detail went. Commonwealth of Australia was still in the spark advance, but they were not faring so well in the dueling tournament. As of the most Recent epoch tournament, Hogwarts was winning. Australia was in cobbler's last place and New York was somewhere in between. Albus was pretty certainly that if the Quidditch and dueling tournament points were added up, Hogwarts and Australia would be neck in neck. Whatever the outcome of the remaining modification tournaments and peer, the final examination for both were going to determine the winner of the rival. The points were just too close.

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

******

Two calendar week into April, Thomas Bradley along with quite a few other sr. Gryffindors, were able to cash in on their stake about Balladanis. Fred and a few others grumbled loudly about it as they handed over Galleons to the winners.

Balladanis had assigned the yearn awaited essay on vampires on Thursday, officially making the vampire unit the tenacious social unit 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, lustrelessness, and can saved their essays for the hold up possible minute, settling down to operate on them the day before they were due. It was n't a particularly operose essay because Balladanis had given them so much information on the subject. It was just a very long essay to write. rose and Amanda had done theirs over the weekend, presumably with Linda. Albus could n't aid but be slightly envious of them because doing the essay with an existent vampire would make 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 Mon evening.

"She is,"pink wine answered,"She hated every min of those object lesson. Ca n't say I blame her."

"How long is your essay, Rose ?"trick asked as he measured his own essay.

"Three human foot,"Rose answered.

John groaned."Do you intend Balladanis will remark if mine 's three inch short ?"

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

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

"But it 'll be worse when you finally do go to course of study,"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,"rose wine told him,"You 've got two in left."

"Finished,"Albus announced.

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

"You know,"Albus said quietly,"cipher found out about Linda being a vampire even after we 've spent a month and a half on them. I do n't think anyone 's going to bump out you 're a lycanthrope just because we 're learning about them."

"I know, I 've just got a bad intuitive feeling about it,"matt sighed.

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

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

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

Albus, Matt, and whoremonger got a latterly start since John had misplaced his vampire essay. After finding it under his bed ( no one was sure how it go there ), the three boy rushed down to the Great Charles Francis Hall to grab man of toast before running to Defense.

They walked into the room right on prison term and barely had a chance to hitch their breath before Balladanis asked for everyone to bridge player in their lamia essays. Albus passed his essay up and pulled out parchment and a quill.

"fountainhead, our social unit on vampire is over,"Balladanis said once everyone had handed in their essays,"I trust you have all read the chapter on loup-garou for today ? If you had for some reason decided not to do that, I highly suggest doing it tonight."

Balladanis began his usual tempo in movement of the classroom. He stopped in social movement of rosiness and Linda 's table and then stared out at the class.

"I thought I would begin with werewolf history,"he announced,"nonentity is indisputable when the 1st 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.

"Hundreds of years ago, before the Muggle flying field of psychological science came about and farsighted before Muggles had any intellect of the human being mind, they tried to make sense of people whom they deemed 'insane'.

"One way they did this was to attribute the insanity to the moon. Over the long time, the myth of lycanthrope came about. Thus, loup-garou have had a important role in Muggle stories. In reality, the people Muggles accused of having lycanthropy were merely suffering from schizophrenia or bouts of insanity."

Albus frantically tried to pen everything down. He knew absolutely nothing about the Muggle sight of lycanthropy. He glanced at Matt and saw that he was n't writing anything down, but his hand was shaking.

"Muggles of course know nothing about real wolfman,"Balladanis continued,"And their Hollywood created werewolves have little in common with the real matter.

"wolfman are plagued with the illness lycanthropy. Does anyone know what that means ?"

pink wine was the sole one who raised her hand. Balladanis nodded to her."It comes from the Greek words 'lykos'and 'anthropos',"rosebush explained,"Lykos means beast and anthropos means man."

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

"loup-garou have been shunned by wizarding smart set for as retentive as history has told us about them. In Holocene long time, there has been a great deal speculation about whether this is necessary or even a good thought. However, it is unmanageable to change the judgment of the majority when we have been taught to void lycanthropes and blackball them from wizarding social club for so long.

"It has not been for no reason that this general prejudice has came about. When in wolf form, werewolves can not ascertain their actions and thus attack helpless citizenry. This has long been construed as lycanthropes wanting to attack hoi polloi, wanting to infect them with the horrible disease.

"This can not be farther from the pillowcase when it comes to most lycanthrope. almost do not wish to attack others. Within the past hundred years, lycanthropes have begun locking themselves up on the fully Sun Myung Moon in ordering to avoid attacking others. However, there is one substantial drawback to this for the lycanthrope. Does anyone know this ?"Balladanis 's optic rested on Matt, but he continued staring down at his empty parchment.

rose and Linda raised their hands. This time Balladanis called on Linda."When werewolves do n't hold anybody to attack, they attack themselves,"Linda said,"They do n't hold a selection and they often wind up really wound because of it."

Balladanis took Linda 's thought further, but Albus did n't pick up what he said because lusterlessness had knocked over Albus 's ink. He looked incredibly queasy and Albus was happy that the social class was almost over. He quickly cleaned up the ink and tried to pay attention to the eternal sleep of the lecture.

"We 'll pick up next class with what happens before, during, and after to the full moons for a somebody with lycanthropy,"Balladanis announced shortly before the bell shape rang,"If you have not read the werewolf chapter, please do so for future meter. Mr. Eckerton, if you could please come in see me."

lustrelessness looked, if it was potential, even more nervous at this prospect. The quietus of the family left and Albus tried to put away his affair as slowly as possible, but Balladanis shooed him, along with John, out of the room.

Malfoy was standing outside the classroom when Albus and John left. He had a slight smirk on his face.

"Interesting lesson, Potter,"Malfoy said quietly,"Very interesting indeed."

"What do you want, Malfoy ?"Albus asked, knowing perfectly well what he wanted.

"Oh, nothing. Just a very illumine 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 live after next lesson. He 's onto it, that 's for sure,"Albus said.

"Onto it ?"John replied,"That 's a nice way of putting it. The whole school 's going to know in two mean solar day, after the adjacent 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 object lesson ?"

"Yeah,"John nodded,"We ca n't differentiate him. Whatever Malfoy 's going to do, he 's going to do it whether mat knows about it or not."

"I agree,"Albus nodded,"We wo n't tell."

"What are you two talking about ?"Matt appeared behind them, looking no better than he had before.

"aught,"John said,"What did Balladanis require ?"

"Told me I did n't have to go to the excess supporter during this unit unless I wanted to,"Matt told them.

"What are you going to do ?"John the Divine asked.

"I do n't be intimate,"Matt said as they began walking to Herbology,"I know it 'll look suspicious if I do n't, but I really ca n't direct many more than deterrent example like that. pigeon hawk, Thursday 's lesson is going to be awful."

Albus saw no point in denying that. Matt did n't take a hint as to how dire it would be. They said nothing more about it the whole way to Herbology.

******

Albus had never been so happy about having ridiculously long Quidditch practices as he was Tues and Wednesday eventide. He was perfectly glad to drop all his free meter on the Quidditch lurch and then be too fag out to do much of anything else afterwards.

It was just so difficult for him to keep what Malfoy said away from mat. He wanted zip more than to warn his friend about it, even though he knew that would accomplish zippo. All it would do was hit Matt care even more and then act even more dying during Defense.

Quidditch also kept Albus 's head off of what would materialise after Malfoy 's suspicions 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 reward. Albus was nearly one hundred pct sure as shooting Malfoy would annunciate it to all of Slytherin. Then, word would spread and the integral schoolhouse would find out. Merlin only knew what would happen when students'parents found out.

Albus knew that loup-garou rights had come a yearn way since shift 's dad was in school, but he also knew that nigh mass would not be happy if their children were going to schooling with a werewolf, especially one that did not subscribe to Wolfsbane. Not to mention the field of operations day the insistency would stimulate with it. Matt 's dad had just become Head of the Department for the Regulation and ascendance of Magical puppet for Merlin 's saki. It would be a repeat of what had happened when Matt and his family had lived in Australia.

Not to note what it would do to Matt himself. Albus remembered when there had been a svelte prospect that Malfoy found out about the transit under the Whomping Willow. He had nearly had a terror attack. What would chance if Malfoy found out he was a loup-garou ?

It did not help that the broad lunation was that Friday. Matt barely spoke during the brief time that Albus was not occupied on the Quidditch pitch. He sat in the Marauder 's Den with everyone else, but he stared off into space or slept.

Yes, Sir Henry Joseph Wood 's long Quidditch practices took Albus 's mind off of all of that, but they did not stop Thursday from arriving and sooner than Albus would have liked he found himself sitting in Balladanis 's classroom.

Albus and toilet exchanged uneasy coup d'oeil as Malfoy walked in with a very smug look on his face. Albus was so focused on Malfoy that he nearly missed the fact that the anamatek 's body was back in front of Balladanis 's desk. Once he noticed it, he poked trick in the side.

"What ?"John seethed. Albus gestured to the trunk."Merlin 's byssus,"Gospel According to John exclaimed,"I do n't even want to know what he 's going to do with that."

"Quiet down,"Balladanis said,"We 'll carry on our werewolf discussion today by talking about what happens to a lycanthrope when the Sun Myung Moon waxes.

"Werewolves, in a similar way to vampires, are somewhat allergic to the moonlight when the synodic month waxes. For the few dark before the actual full moon, when exposed to moonlight lycanthropes will feel ill. The moonlight gives them vexation and when exposed long enough, causes them to lose consciousness."

Albus did n't bother writing any of this down, as he knew maiden hand what happened when a werewolf was exposed to too much moonlight shortly before the full Sun Myung Moon. Instead he stole quick glances at Malfoy and lusterlessness. Malfoy was furiously writing down everything Balladanis said and stealing immediate coup d'oeil at Matt himself. Matt was staring down at his parchment and Albus was certain he was trying to ignore everything Balladanis said. He was pallid and ill, but Albus was n't sure if that was because of the lesson or because the wax moon was the next day.

"Lycanthropes are often too ill to go about their daily action the day of the full moon and occasionally the day before as well. Before I describe the factual transformation, I wish to show you what a person with lycanthropy looking at like the day of the wax moon."

For a brief second, Albus thought Balladanis was going to call Matt to the front of the room, but then realized that as a professor, Balladanis must feature promised Kendrick that he would n't do anything like that.

Balladanis pointed his wand at the trunk and a pocket-sized man stepped out of it. His pallor looked exactly like Matt 's and he looked just as ill. In fact, the two of them looked incredibly alike. Both of their faces bore cicatrice and had a unwell flavour to them.

Balladanis began to utter about what the anamatek looked like, but Albus paid no attention. Instead he looked to Malfoy. Malfoy stared at the anamatek for a minute or so with shock absorber and then he glanced at Matt. Finally, he met Albus 's gaze and Albus saw the biggest smirk he had ever seen on the Slytherin 's grimace. That was it. Albus knew it. Malfoy had made the connection.

The remainder of the example passed by in a form of fog for Albus. He and trick had exchanged glances and the flavour on John 's face told him he had noticed Malfoy 's actualisation as well. Albus heard Balladanis 's lecture, but he did n't process it.

The lesson seemed to drag on and speed by at the same time. Albus wanted it to be over so he could get out of there, but at the same meter he did not want to have it off what was going to happen after.

"Next moral will focus on wolf's bane Potion and the effects it has had on werewolf rights,"Balladanis announced at the end of the lesson,"course of study dismissed."

Albus and John looked at each former. Albus did n't sleep with what to do. Should he confront Malfoy ? Or should he assure mat what happened ? matte seemed forgetful to the whole thing.

They silently decided just to leave the classroom and decide what to do after. pink wine and Amanda had left with Linda with absolutely no idea what had happened.

Malfoy was waiting for them outside the room and Albus was not sure if this was a good or a bad thing. He had the sudden impulse just to hex Malfoy veracious then and there.

"Another enlightening lesson,"Malfoy smirked,"Oh, Eckerton, feeling a bit ill ?"

"None of your business enterprise,"flatness muttered. Albus and John both stepped a bit closer to him and Albus clenched his hand around his wand.

"Bet you 'll be feeling even unfit tomorrow,"Malfoy replied,"It 's about that time of the month, is n't it ? Tomorrow Nox ?"

That got mat 's attending. His capitulum snapped up and he glared at Malfoy. Then he turned around and looked from Albus to whoremonger with the most panicked look on his face Albus had ever seen.

"It 's going to be a fun total moon, is n't it ?"Malfoy whispered, just loud enough for matte, Albus and John to hear.

matt did n't say anything. He shook his head word and then ran. He pushed through the crowd, much to the dislike of the students who were trying to get to socio-economic class, and disappeared in a matter of seconds.

Albus suddenly felt more hatred for Malfoy than ever. Not only had he worked out lustrelessness 's mysterious, but he had used it to scare him. In nub, Malfoy had threatened him with it. That was one of the regretful things he could experience done.

Ignoring all the other students who were going to course of study, Albus pulled out his scepter and had it against Malfoy 's thorax in two seconds.

"If you tell anyone,"Albus growled,"I will personally make sure you 're so indistinguishable that even your own parents wo n't greet you."

"Is that a threat, Potter ?"Malfoy pulled out his own wand.

"You need me to write it out for you ?"Albus asked,"I think we 're about to find out just how much unspoiled I am at dueling than you are."

"Rictumsempra !"Malfoy shouted.

"Protego !"Albus shouted at the Lapplander time.

"Expelliarmus !"toilet shouted.

The crowd moved away so that there was a circuit of onlookers surrounding the affaire d'honneur. Albus ignored them. It was just him, John, and Malfoy. And Malfoy was outnumbered.

Malfoy deflected John 's disarming spell and injection another spell at Albus. It bounced off Albus 's shield and hit a nearby portraiture. The portrait 's resident shouted in disgust and moved into her neighbor 's frame.

Albus concentrated on his shield 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 tickling whammy at John.

This one hit John and he collapsed onto the floor in a fit of giggles. Albus shot another hex at Malfoy and this one collided with his face. Malfoy 's nose started bleeding and he rounded on Albus.

"What is going on out here ?"Balladanis shouted.

Albus did n't bring down his wand and neither did Malfoy, but they did n't force out off anymore jinx either. Albus let his shield down and noticed that the bunch had dispersed. John was still rolling around on the ground.

Balladanis pointed his sceptre at St. John the Apostle and John Lackland immediately stopped giggling and stood up.

"Follow me,"Balladanis growled.

All three male child followed Balladanis into his subject area. Albus looked nervously at John the Divine. Of all the professors to catch them dueling, it had to be Balladanis. Of grade, the one soundly matter about this was that Malfoy could n't announce flatness 's lycanthropy to the intact school while Balladanis was lecturing them.


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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Albus and John sat as far away as possible from Malfoy in Balladanis 's study. Balladanis just stared at them before speaking.

"I can not begin to tell you how disappointed I am in all of you,"Balladanis began,"Especially you, Mr. thrower and Mr. Malfoy. I am sure I taught you better than this. The two of you especially should know how uncalled for that was. You are well aware of your dueling acquirement and what kind of responsibility lies with them. I have half a creative thinker to break our training sessions. However, I am volition to hear all sides of this story before laying out any sort of penalization. You may go first, Mr. Malfoy."

"I was just walking to course of study and Potter pulled out his sceptre 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 privy 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 assure the floor. The unharmed write up."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 public lecture on werewolves."

Balladanis 's eyes widened and he looked at Malfoy."Is that truthful, 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 cognize if I 'm in school with a werewolf."

Malfoy said 'werewolf'with disgust and it made Albus want to hex him once more.

"Mr. Eckerton has the right hand to keep his medical issues to himself,"Balladanis replied,"His health is none of your line whatsoever. Please continue, Mr. Potter."

"After mat left, I wanted to be sure Malfoy was n't going to go tell the whole schooling about lustrelessness 's lycanthropy,"Albus explained,"And I guess we just wound up dueling."

"Just scent up dueling ?"Malfoy scoffed,"You had your verge on me."

"You sent the first hex,"Albus muttered.

"Do you have anything to add, Mr. Brickston ?"Balladanis asked.

"No,"St. John the Apostle replied,"Albus is telling the truth."

"Very well,"Balladanis replied,"I see this matter goes much further than a affaire d'honneur. All three of you will receive four Nox'detention starting tonight at eight. Each of you have lost ten points from your respective houses.

"However, I am taking all three of you to see the schoolmaster. There are things more significant to discuss than detention,"Balladanis said as he stood up.

Albus knew full well what Balladanis was insinuating. He and King John said nothing as they followed Balladanis to Kendrick 's subject field. Malfoy walked a few human foot behind them.

Albus had n't been to Kendrick 's subject field since his first year, when he went to mouth to Dumbledore 's portrait. The place had n't changed in the slightest. Everything seemed to be in the exact same place. Both Dumbledore and Snape were alive 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 paw out detainment, Aplysia,"Kendrick replied,"I am busy 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 lustrelessness Eckerton is a loup-garou,"Balladanis answered,"And I believe Mr. Potter and Mr. Brickston have known for quite some time."

Kendrick dropped his pinion and looked up."I 'll take 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 chair and gestured for the three boys to link him at his desk. Albus sat down in the heart 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. Potter, perhaps you can tell me if anyone else knows about mat 's lycanthropy ?"

"Er, yes,"Albus replied,"Rose Weasley, Amanda tagging program, and Kaden Dursley."

"I knew that Dursley kid knew something,"Malfoy muttered.

"Not now, Mr. Malfoy,"Kendrick said,"I 'll need to speak with them, as well as Matt. I imagine they 're all in class."

"Sir,"Albus interrupted,"I do n't imagine Matt 's in class."

"You may be right hand,"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 Lackland left the study. Albus went straight to the piranha 's Den while John went to the donjon as rose wine and Amanda would be in potions.

matt was sitting on his bed in the Marauder 's Den, staring at the wall and not moving a muscle.

"I suppose Malfoy 's told everyone,"Matt said without turning to look at Albus. His voice was hollow.

"No,"Albus replied,"He has n't had the fortune. John the Divine and I dueled him after you left. Balladanis gave us all four nighttime of detention and took points away."

"He 'll differentiate everyone soon,"Matt replied,"I should probably go pack. You know, I really thought I 'd get to finish school. That 's not even the whip part. It 's going to be all over the seer. My dad 's going to lose his job again. We 'll probably birth to proceed to New York."

He finally turned around and looked at Albus. He no longer looked anxious. He looked absolutely terrified, yet sad at the Sami time.

"Why did Balladanis have to be such a adept instructor ?"matt groaned and laid back on the bed,"If he had been some form of awful teacher then maybe Malfoy would n't have found out. He 's just so thorough ! He left goose egg out ! Even the way he described the translation. It was so, it was just so, realistic.

"And that stupid anamatek !"matte sat up and looked at Albus,"That thing looked just like me, only older. No admiration Malfoy found out."

"You 're not going to get kicked out,"Albus assured him.

"How do you know ?"flatness shouted,"How do you really know ? I know teddy bear 's dad got to stay after Snape found out, but this is different. That was when Dumbledore was here ! Everyone says Dumbledore was barking mad. Kendrick is n't. Kendrick 's perfectly reasonable and he 's not going to want to deal with this."

Albus did n't really know what to say to that. Everything matt said was rightful. Kendrick was not Dumbledore. nobody could liken to Dumbledore.

"Kendrick wants to see you,"Albus said,"He 's got Malfoy up in his study. He wants to verbalize to all of us. Me, trick, rosebush, Amanda, and Kaden."

"I do n't need to go up there,"mat said,"I never want to see Malfoy again. I just want to stay here. Merlin, my principal 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 fairly. I hate it. I hate this all matter. I do n't desire to be a flaming lycanthrope anymore."

"I know,"Albus said, knowing just how miserable matt was at that moment. Albus had never once heard him quetch about being a loup-garou. Not when he was too wear down to do anything because of the entire moon or when he was laid up in the hospital flank for sidereal day afterwards.

They walked quietly back to Kendrick 's study. Albus muttered the watchword, that he had take in Balladanis say, to the gargoyle and they ascended into the study.

Everyone else was already there and they all turned to Albus and Matt when they walked in. mat froze in place and Albus stopped and looked at him. He was staring directly at Malfoy.

"Take a place,"Kendrick gestured to the two evacuate president, one of which was next to Malfoy's.

Albus took the posterior following to Malfoy 's, but did n't look at him. flatness took the early one.

"First, I want to check you that you do not feature to go out Hogwarts,"Kendrick said to lustrelessness,"nonentity else will be finding out about your lycanthropy."

Matt did n't look 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 schoolhouse,"Kendrick replied,"He works in the Ministry, and may I manoeuvre out that his attitude is not very high."

"Matt,"Kendrick turned away from Malfoy,"Department of Energy anyone else know ?"lustrelessness shook his fountainhead."And did you tell the others, besides Mr. Malfoy, willingly ?"Kendrick continued. Matt nodded.

"Very well,"Kendrick said,"And how long have they known ?"

Matt seemed unable to verbalise. After a few moments of secretiveness, Kendrick turned to Albus."How foresightful have you known, Mr. Potter ?"

"Two years,"Albus answered.

Kendrick repeated this question with Rose, trick, and Amanda, who all gave the Lapp answer as Albus. Then he moved onto Kaden and Albus suddenly remembered the Sileo Altus appeal. He shared one horrified glance with Rose and waited for Kaden 's reply.

Kaden looked at Kendrick and then turned to Albus. His mouth was agape and he looked a piddling panicked.

"Are you all right, Mr. Dursley ?"Kendrick asked.

"Fine,"Kaden answered,"It 's just, well ...."

"Professor, Sir,"Rose began,"We sort of put this charm on Kaden, so he would n't tell anyone. He can only talk about it with us. He wo n't be able-bodied to say a matter about it around you or Malfoy."

Albus braced himself for Kendrick 's response, but before the headmaster could say a countersign, Dumbledore chuckled in his frame.

"The Sileo Altus charm,"Dumbledore smiled,"Ingenious. Who performed it ?"

"I did,"blush wine answered.

"Remarkable,"Dumbledore said,"You must be an unbelievable witch, missy Weasley."

"Too smart for her own good, more like it,"Snape muttered.

"That is indeed quite the amazing effort, Miss Weasley,"Kendrick said,"Can you tell me how long Mr. Dursley has known ?"

"About a year,"Rose said.

"Thank you,"Kendrick replied,"Now I have some things to talk about with Mr. Malfoy and Mr. Eckerton in private. The rest of you may go to the Great vestibule. I believe there is still a half hour or so left of lunch."

Albus did n't really want to give without finding out what was going to happen to Malfoy, but he knew matt would tell him.

matte never showed up in the Great manse for lunch, nor did he go to ancient Runes or appealingness. Albus could not concentrate on either of those classes and was very glad when Charms was over and he was able to leave.

Wood was not very happy that Albus had acquired four hold. In fact, he was livid. He spent twenty dollar bill minutes telling Albus how he should n't be picking fighting with other students so close to the next Quidditch equal, especially in front line of teachers'schoolroom. The public lecture had only ended when Albus told him he was late for magical spell. Albus had run into Wood in in between Ancient Runes and Charms.

"What do you suppose Balladanis is going to get to us do ?"King John 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,"John agreed.

rosebush, Kaden, and Amanda were with them. Albus wanted to go receive Matt before they went to dinner. They had to waitress a piece for the corridor to clear out before they were actually capable to get into the room, though.

matte was fast benumbed on the couch when they entered."upright thing he does n't induce detention tonight,"John pointed out.

"Yeah,"Albus agreed.

John gently shook Matt 's articulatio humeri until he cracked his oculus open."Wake up,"Gospel According to John said,"Or you 'll pretermit dinner."

"I 'm not hungry,"Matt muttered.

"What 's Kendrick doing about Malfoy ?"Albus asked as he sat down on the early end of the couch.

"He should put that spell on him,"Kaden announced,"The one you lot put on me."

"I wish he would,"lusterlessness sighed,"All he did was severalize Malfoy how important it was not to note anything. He said telling his founder would do nothing. Then he told him that if he ever did severalise anyone, he would face up ejection for revealing another student 's medical information. But that 's it ! I mean, Malfoy did foretell he would n't say anything, but who really knows ? Sure, if he tells, he 'll be expelled, but that wo n't necessitate it back. I 'd still have to leave."

"As much as a git as he is,"Albus began,"I do n't call up he 's going to tell anyone if it meant he 'd be expelled. That would be the ultimate shame in the Malfoy family, besides being a Squib or marrying a Muggle or something, getting expelled and not being a fully qualified wizard. Malfoy wo n't want that."

"I guess you 're right,"lusterlessness sighed,"It 's just so unknown, knowing that he knows."

"I know,"Albus said,"Do you want to go eat dinner party ?"

"No,"lusterlessness shook his head,"You guys go on ahead. I 've got to place an owl to my parents, let them know about this."

Albus nodded."We 'll see you later, then. trick and I have got detention tonight."

"Oh, right. Good portion with that,"mat replied.

******

Balladanis 's custody was a bit anticlimactic. Albus had been expecting him to think up some really creative and taxing detention, but instead he assigned them lines. course were possibly the most tiresome 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 minutes,"Your dueling lesson is canceled for tomorrow Night due to your detainment. detainment will be at nine, after my spear carrier help academic session, something I 'll gestate you to be attending, Brickston."

Balladanis said zip more and began grading essays at his desk. He completely ignored the three boys, which Albus did n't really bear in mind. He just wanted to get his lines done and get out of there.

"Where does he go ?"Malfoy hissed at Albus.

"What ?"Albus whispered.

"You know, on full Sun Myung Moon, where does he go ?"Malfoy elaborated.

"I 'm not telling you that,"Albus muttered.

"My dad said a wolfman 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 proficient defence reaction teacher any of our parents ever had."

"Quiet !"Balladanis shouted,"I did n't say you could talk."

Albus was thankful for Balladanis 's scolding. Malfoy stopped asking questions and went back to his stock. 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 Matt 's enigma ?

A half 60 minutes into their line writing, when Albus was contemplating switching hands despite the fact that he wrote horribly with his correctly hired man, there was a knock on the doorway. Albus looked up and saw prof Kendrick standing in the doorway, along with none other than lusterlessness 's dad. Albus set down his quill and turned to St. John the Apostle. Saint John had set down his own quill.

"Who 's that ?"Malfoy asked.

"Shush !"Albus hissed. The last affair they needed was for Balladanis to remember they were there and distinguish them to get out so he could have 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 speak to you about what happened earlier today,"Matt 's dad said quietly.

"What about it, Eckerton ?"Balladanis asked.

"My son told me about your deterrent example,"Mr. Eckerton said,"How, informative they are."

"I teach my students what they 'll involve to sleep together in gild to support themselves,"Balladanis replied.

"I think you go too far with that,"Mr. Eckerton disagreed,"merlin, showing them exactly what a werewolf looks like before a transformation with an anamatek ? Do you realize how dangerous those are ?"

"Of grade,"Balladanis said, raising his part a bit,"You 're not the sole expert on magical creatures. I have consummate restraint over my anamatek."

"cipher has perfect 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 need 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 much you taught the third base years about loup-garou. The inside information about their transformation, how to clean one out of the cosmopolitan population, what happens before, during, and after shift. Your lesson was far more than detailed than a tertiary year schoolbook book."

"You 'd find oneself that all my example are like that,"Balladanis replied,"text Word of God do not give enough details."

"I think giving enough point about identifying a lycanthrope so that a third base year would be able to operate out that individual not even in their Saame theatre is one is going too far,"Mr. Eckerton seethed,"You knew about my son. You should have been a bit more cautious with your lesson."

"Withholding information from an entire course of study because of one scholarly person is not a good method of teaching,"Balladanis countered.

"It is when it could be dangerous for that one pupil,"Mr. Eckerton said,"Fan of the greatest good for the greatest figure, are we ?"

"There are time when that is a good philosophy,"Balladanis replied.

"We 'll fit to disagree, then,"Mr. Eckerton said,"But if I find that your deterrent example are putting my son in risk anymore, you may find 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 boys, none of whom were writing business line 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 hi to Albus and St. John before turning to Malfoy.

"I realize the headmaster has already gone over this with you,"Mr. Eckerton began,"But I feel the pauperization to repeat that there will be consequences if you make public my son 's condition."

Malfoy nodded."I know,"he muttered.

"trade good,"Mr. Eckerton replied and returned to where Kendrick was standing. He turned once again to Balladanis."I 'll be returning to the castle tomorrow to search your work and schoolroom for the anamatek. If it is still here, I will convey it into custody."

Balladanis muttered something under his hint as Matt 's dad left the elbow room with Professor Kendrick. Albus exchanged a coup d'oeil with John. He wanted nothing more than to forget, so he could talk about what had just happened.

"That 's enough 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 way as fast as he could with John following. Malfoy made no move to try and babble out to them again, so they headed straight to the vulture 's Den.


A/N : Thanks to my genus Beta, Dancer of Starlight as well as all of the adorable people who have read and reviewed this ! You guys are awesome !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Albus and John burst into the Marauder 's Den a little while later to see that lustrelessness and Kaden were the merely ace there. Matt 's nerve was covered in ash and Kaden was grinning. They were in the heart of a plot of Exploding Snap.

"And that makes four winnings for me and none for you,"Kaden announced as he collected the cards,"Oh, Albus, John the Divine ! How was your detention ? Want to play ?"

"Not now,"Albus said hurriedly as he sat down side by side to matt,"flatness, did you roll in the hay your dad was just here ?"

"Yeah,"Matt nodded,"When he got my owl, he wanted to go lecture to Kendrick. I went with him."

"well, do you get laid where he went after ?"John asked.

"habitation, I guess,"Matt shrugged,"Why ?"

"He and Kendrick turned up in our detention,"John said.

"He what ?"lusterlessness 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,"mat shrugged,"Then what happened ?"

"Your dad was really angry,"Albus continued,"He thinks Balladanis taught us too much 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,"matte said,"I told my dad about the anamatek and that 's one of the grounds he came here, to tell 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 scrutinize Balladanis 's elbow room tomorrow to stool sure he got rid of it. He also said that if any of Balladanis 's educational activity puts you in danger again, the Ministry 's going to investigate him."

"It 's really not a ripe melodic theme to get on my dad 's bad side,"flatness said,"What did Balladanis do during this ?"

"He kept saying that he was going to teach however he wanted,"Albus explained,"Honestly, he did not see happy that your dad was there. I think something happened between the two of them."

"But what ?"lustrelessness asked,"Dad 's never mentioned him before."

"Think he 'd tell you if you asked ?"John wondered.

"Probably,"matt said,"I 'll owl him about it."

"Oh, and then your dad told Malfoy he 'd better not tell anyone you 're a werewolf,"John said,"He looked pretty scary, too. I do n't suppose Malfoy 's going to tell anyone."

******

It did not demand very long for countersign to spread that Balladanis had gotten in trouble for having an anamatek. Galleons exchanged hands the side by side morning at breakfast, as a few older educatee had bet on how tenacious he would ingest it. Somehow everyone knew that flatness 's dad had showed up at Hogwarts the previous night and informed Kendrick about it.

Kaden had defense that sunrise and reported to Albus at lunch that Balladanis was even rigorous than common and seemed incredibly angry. That did not bode well for Albus 's custody that evening.

"He 's right-down scarey,"Kaden said as he piled steak and kidney pie onto his plate,"Yelled at one of the Ravenclaws in my division for spilling her ink. She was nearly in tears. But I 'd detest to be in your socio-economic class, Albus, he 's going to be brutal. I mean, it 's pretty a good deal because of Matt that he got in trouble."

lusterlessness had gone up to the predator 's Den after they got out of Herbology since he felt ill and was n't in dejeuner. Albus knew that Kaden was decently. Balladanis was going to take this out on Matt, and possibly Malfoy as well.

"I do n't know why he cares so much,"John the Evangelist shrugged,"I mean, the Ministry could hold just taken that thing away. He 's golden he just had to take it back to his house or whatever."

"I do n't recollect he likes the government,"Albus said,"That 's the touch I got after listening to him spill about what he did before teaching here. I think that 's why he did that, instead of becoming an Auror."

"fountainhead, I think it 's a good idea for the Ministry to take him lead that matter family,"Gospel According to John said.

"Me, too,"Albus agreed,"I mean, he could 've turned it into a manticore next."

Kaden went to class after lunch while Albus and John went up to the Marauder 's Den with Rose and Amanda.

"Think he 's owled his dad yet ?"Gospel According to John 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."

"Falco columbarius, I just want to acknowledge what happened between his dad and Balladanis,"john groaned.

"You 're so raring,"rosiness commented,"Just let him sleep."

"I was n't going to stir up him up,"John muttered.

The remainder of the afternoon passed by quickly. Albus was dreading his detention later and lavatory complained loudly about how he had to go to the extra supporter session about loup-garou when he already knew so a good deal about them.

Albus woke Matt up shortly before dinner and he looked much worse than he usually did the day of full moons. They all escorted him to the hospital wing, where Madam Pomfrey rushed him into bed.

Just as they were about to leave the hospital backstage, the doors opened and in take the air flatness 's dad. Albus assumed he was there to mark if Balladanis had gotten rid of his anamatek.

John nudged Albus."We should ask him about Balladanis,"Gospel According to John whispered.

"He 's not going to tell us now,"Albus muttered back,"face at him."

Mr. Eckerton looked tired out and incredibly worried. He nodded to Albus and the others before rushing over to flatness 's bed and talking to brothel keeper Pomfrey in hushed whispers.

As it turned out, Albus had been worrying about the detention for zero. He entered the way before Malfoy and John was already doing his wrinkle. Balladanis said absolutely nothing to Albus as he handed him lambskin. Malfoy arrived a trivial while later and still Balladanis said nothing.

Malfoy did not talk either. He did not ask anything about Matt and did n't even comment that the full moon was that night.

Balladanis let them leave at half past ten. Albus and Saint John the Apostle found Kaden in the Marauder 's Den and spent the remaining prison term left until Astronomy playing Exploding Snap and magician 's Chess.

"Why, why do we have to take in this course with the Slytherins ?"Saint John groaned as they made their way to the Astronomy tug,"If Malfoy does n't hold a single remark about the full moon moon, I 'll eat an entire cauldron."

"I 'm going to obtain you to that,"Albus laughed,"But I do n't retrieve you 'll have to."

Malfoy went so far as to actually set his scope up next to Albus 's. prof polo spent ten minutes telling them that they were to plot the side of Red Planet, Urania, the moon, and a handful of maven before turning them lose to actually do so.

"The moonlight is so bright,"Malfoy whispered,"And big and ... broad ...."

Albus looked at John."Looks like I wo n't be eating my cauldron tonight,"whoremaster muttered.

"Just shut it, Malfoy,"Albus said.

"Is n't his dad the drumhead of the section for the Regulation and ascendance of Magical beast ? 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 talking about it,"Albus muttered.

"Oh, number on, thrower. Even you have to apprise the irony,"Malfoy said.

"Will you just exclude up,"Albus seethed.

"Quiet over there,"Marco Polo said.

Malfoy smirked at Albus one more clip before going back to his telescope. The ease of the deterrent example passed without anymore commentary from Malfoy and Albus was quite glad when he was able to return to his dormitory.

******

"It 's like back in initiative year,"Albus sighed,"Remember when brothel keeper Pomfrey locked the infirmary wing ?"

"That 's why this is bad !"pink wine 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 speedy bite to eat, had gone to chit-chat Matt in the hospital backstage. Madam Pomfrey had n't let them in. They were currently in the predator 's Den, trying to figure out why.

"She always lets us in,"John groaned.

"He obviously had a really bad night,"Albus said quietly.

"Yeah, but why ?"rosiness wondered.

"Have n't you noticed that the broad moons have been spoiled the past few calendar month ?"Albus asked,"He 's been taking longer to recover."

"I wish he 'd just let us become Animagi,"toilet muttered.

"John, I honestly do n't recall you could become an Animagus,"rosiness replied,"You 'd wind up with a perm tail affixed to your arse."

"That would n't be that bad,"trick grinned,"Always thought it would be assuredness 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 back going back to the hospital wing,"John shrugged,"Until dame Pomfrey lets us in."

Their efforts proved fruitless, though. They went to the infirmary offstage twice that afternoon and then right before Albus and John had to go to detainment. Madam Pomfrey told them 'no'each time.

Sunday, the finish day of Albus and trick 's detention, was the Lapp. madam Pomfrey was quite livid when they showed up for the tierce time that day.

"Nothing 's changed !"she shouted,"Come back tomorrow eve ! I 'll hold the lot of you detention if you come back any in the beginning than that !"

With that, she strode back into the ward and slammed the door."Can she even give detention ?"Kaden asked.

"I dunno,"Albus shrugged,"I would n't put it past her."

Albus and John broke away from the group to complete their live on detention. Balladanis gave them bank line, just like he had the retiring three night. Albus sat quietly completing them, very grateful for the fact that Malfoy had n't said two words to him since Astronomy.

"You may hold back,"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 chair. Finally, it was over.

"I hope you learned something,"Balladanis said, which shocked Albus. He had been expecting Balladanis to stay his secretiveness."If I catch any of you dueling in the corridors again, the aftermath will be much more severe than detainment and lost points.

"Mr. Potter and Mr. Malfoy, I have given bully thought to whether I should bear on giving you extra lesson. I have decided to move over you one more fortune. Lessons will cover this Friday at their normal prison term. However, if either of you disregard my rules again, I will no longer contain them. You may go. I 'll see all three of you in class on Tuesday."

"pigeon hawk, I 'm glad that 's over,"Saint John muttered to Albus once they were on their way to Gryffindor Tower.

"Me too,"Albus agreed,"He 's going to be terribly in class, though."

"Yeah, ca n't say I 'm looking forward to that,"toilet said.

Albus could n't decoct at all in his classes the next day. All he wanted to do was go to the infirmary wing and find out how lustrelessness was, but Madam Pomfrey insisted that they wait until evening.

Rose and Amanda ate dinner party with Linda, but they met Albus, John, and Kaden near the hospital wing afterwards. They had all eaten a very rushed dinner due to Albus 's Quidditch practice at seven.

Albus cautiously opened the door to the hospital flank, one-half expecting Madam Pomfrey to shout 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 lone occupied bed, which had the curtains pulled around it.

Albus rushed over to the bed and yanked the curtains back. lustrelessness looked worn out and there was a rather large patch wrapped around his head.

"I was wondering when you 'd come sojourn me,"flatness gave them a one-half smile.

"We 've been trying !"whoremonger said,"Madam Pomfrey has n't let us !"

"I know,"lusterlessness smirked,"I 've heard her yell at you. It 's sort of amusing."

"Well, we 're here now,"Albus said,"How are you ? Why did n't lady Pomfrey let us fall sojourn ?"

"Because I did n't wake up until yesterday afternoon,"mat answered.

"But that was-"trick began.

"Nearly two day later ?"lustrelessness cut him off,"I know."

"But why ?"Rose asked.

"A caboodle of thing, really,"Matt sighed,"First, I was worried about Malfoy telling everyone and it 's always sorry when I 'm worried about something. secondment, I hit my forefront really hard at some point that night. It still hurts. Third, the shift in general are getting unsound, because I 'm getting older."

That thought certainly had n't crossed Albus 's mind. Albus and all his ally were obviously getting older and that brought tidy sum of modification, but he had n't even thought about how the wolf would change when lustrelessness got older.

"So, are all of the full moon moons going to be this bad now ?"Kaden asked.

"No,"mat shook his head and then winced,"I mean, I do n't really know what 'll befall in the future, but this one was just a compounding of bad things."

"That 's good, I guess,"Albus shrugged,"When do you get to forget ?"

"Tomorrow night at the earliest,"lustrelessness sighed,"Although that means I 'll miss Defense."

"Wish I could miss Defense,"John Lackland muttered,"speechmaking of defending team, did you owl your dad yet ?"

"John, he just woke up yesterday,"blush wine pointed out.

"I did n't owl him,"lustrelessness said,"But he came to see me earlier and I asked him."

"Brilliant,"John grinned,"And ?"

"And,"lusterlessness said,"He told me all about it. He told me Balladanis was a Presuler and was really storm that I already knew.

"Apparently, back when my dad had just been appointed Head of the Department for the regulating and Control of Magical puppet in Australia, he hired Balladanis to enamor a set 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 ?"John asked.

"Sent them to prison. I think they got 20 years. Balladanis thought they should have gotten living sentences. Dad and Balladanis got into this huge argumentation at the Ministry about it and Balladanis stormed out. The Australian Ministry did n't take him after that,"Matt explained,"Although, I 'll bet Balladanis and Lubar would harmonize on punishments. I wonder if he 's chartered Balladanis."

"That explains a lot,"Albus said,"Did your dad say anything else about him ?"

"No, not really,"lusterlessness replied,"Just that he 's got a lot of issues. Oh, and he wanted me to warn you not to take heed to everything Balladanis says during those dueling deterrent example you 've got."

"I 'm not going to,"Albus assured him,"I think we 've all seen a different side of Balladanis during the past week."

******

Tuesday break of the day dawned quickly and Albus trudged to Defense with John. Neither of them really knew what class would be like, but judging from what he heard about recent Defense 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 typeface. Albus ignored him and went to his usual table.

Balladanis stormed into the room a few mo later. He waved his wand at the doorway and it slammed shut with a knock brassy enough that it caused the Jordan-Bell twins, who had been sitting stuffy to it, to jump.

"Pass your homework head forward,"he growled.

Albus handed his preparation to the table in presence of him and waited for Balladanis to pull together it. He paused in front of the board in front of Albus's.

"Potter,"he began,"You can tell Eckerton that his homework is deep and therefore I will not accept it. If he wished to get acknowledgment 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 preparation unceremoniously onto his desk and then turned back to his students.

"Aconitum lycoctonum potion,"he barked,"Was created by a man by the gens of Oliver Belby. He finished the creation in 1991. For most werewolves, the potion was a life buoy. Who can explain what it does ?"

Nobody, not even Rose and Linda, raised their handwriting. Albus stared down at his desk, hoping that Balladanis would n't phone on him.

"Nobody ?"he said,"Pity. Wolfsbane potion renders a werewolf harmless during full moons. The werewolf turns into a wolf, but a harmless one. One that will just kip until the lunation exercise set and will not have the urge to burn and kill.

"The potion is a life ring to those plagued with lycanthropy. I had been hoping to read you what a werewolf would look like on Wolfsbane potion, but my anamatek has been banned from the palace,"Balladanis said with spite,"Therefore you will deliver to go without the visual. It seems that certain parents, Ministry officials, and the master do not approve of my methods of teaching. Unfortunately, it is all of you who are suffering for it."

"I would n't shout it suffering,"whoremaster muttered.

"repose, Brickston !"Balladanis shouted,"Unless you have something to contribute to the class."

"No, sir,"John replied.

"goodness,"Balladanis muttered,"Anyway, the anamatek will not be making anymore appearing in this classroom and your education is going to suffer for it. nix, and I repeat nothing can supervene upon hands on training."

Albus usually agreed with that, but he drew the subscriber line at having what was in sum a go manticore in front of him. There were some sentence when reading sufficed.

The lesson continued with Balladanis talking about Wolfsbane. He spoke about how the potion does n't shape for all werewolves and Albus found his mind drifting. All in all, the deterrent example had n't been as bad as he 'd been expecting. Besides his legal brief claptrap about his anamatek being banned from the palace, he had been pretty convention. convention for Balladanis, that is.

"Next deterrent example will be the last on werewolves,"Balladanis announced at the end of class,"We will study about lycanthropy 's effect on children."

Albus groaned inwardly. lustrelessness would be out of the hospital wing by then. Why could n't Balladanis just complete the werewolf unit of measurement already ?

"He wo n't be back future yr,"John muttered as they walked to Herbology.

"I do n't doubt that,"Albus replied,"I just inquire who we 're going to get instead."


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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


"Place your wager here !"Fred shouted the side by side day as he walked around the common room.

Albus had just climbed through the portrait gob with Georgia and James after a particularly unmanageable Quidditch practice. Wood was getting them prepared for the couple against New York, which was to take post in a trivial over a week.

"Georgia, James, Albus !"Fred greeted them,"caution to grade a bet ?"

"What are you taking stakes about ?"Georgia asked tiredly,"And if you keep betting on hooey, your mum is bound to find out."

"She wo n't worry,"Fred shrugged. He was probably right. Albus 's aunty Alicia was the least rigid out of all of his aunts. She 'd probably localize a bet with Fred.

"You 'd just meliorate hope Grandma does n't get hold out,"Georgia smirked.

Fred looked momentarily horrorstruck and Albus could n't blame him. mollie Weasley would probably send him a howler if she knew he was gambling.

"She wo n't unless you tell her,"Fred muttered,"And Heather and I are taking bets on how very much longer Balladanis is going to last. attention to admit a guess ?"

"I suppose,"Sakartvelo said as she pulled out some gold,"Two Galleons says he 's gone in a week. I heard he had three commencement years in tears today."

"He nearly had one-half of my class in bust,"Fred said as he took GA 's gold,"James, Al ?"

"trine Galleons says he 's gone in two hebdomad,"James said as he tossed Fred some gold and then left to go find his friends.

"Nope,"Albus shook his straits.

"wooing yourself,"Fred shrugged and continued his walk around the rough-cut room,"stakes here, locate your bets !"

Albus found his friends crowded around their usual board in the commons room. Linda was with them. All three girls were working on preparation. John and Kaden were trading hot chocolate Frog cards.

"Fred 's going to get himself in trouble,"Rose muttered as Albus sat down,"You did n't bet anything, did you ?"

"No,"Albus shook his head,"How about you lot ?"

"I bet ten sickle he wo n't last the year,"King John said.

"You should bang exactly when he 'll leave, what with your taking soothsaying,"rosiness smirked.

"fortune telling 's a joke,"toilet muttered,"I ca n't await to drop it after fifth year."

"Told you so,"rose wine grinned,"Sick of making up stuff ?"

"It 's just so otiose,"John groaned,"We 're still doing crystal globe. I just distinguish her that I see myself dying anytime she asks and it keeps her happy."

"That 's why I 'm not taking soothsaying,"Kaden announced,"Bloody waste material of a class."

Kaden had chosen his course of instruction for next twelvemonth a few solar day prior. He decided on concern of Magical Creatures, ancient rune, and Arithmancy.

"Easy preparation, though,"Saint John sighed,"I just keep back reminding myself about that."

"What 's got leisurely prep ?"Matt asked as he sat down in the death chair future to lav 's. He looked a bit better than he had the former day, but still tire out.

"Pomfrey finally let you out ?"John asked,"And we 're talking about Divination."

"Yeah, just in time for Defense tomorrow,"Matt groaned,"I 'm tempted 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 preparation dubiousness. Made her cry."

"That 's what Georgia was saying,"Albus replied,"brand me want to use a Fainting Fancy. Two weeks. I know I did n't bet on it, but that 's really all I 'd give him."

******

whoremonger filled his scoop with emesis pastille before he set off to Defense the future break of day. Albus did n't bother. His rarity always trumped his dislike for sealed stratum. He 'd rather be there and know exactly what Balladanis was doing.

"Werewolves,"Balladanis said as soon as the doorbell rang,"When the term is used, nearly mass conjure up images of alone adult, condemned to a miserable life history that revolves around the moon.

"However, there is a entirely group of werewolves that are mostly overlooked. Children. Ah, yes, children do get attacked by loup-garou. Very few survive. Found by their parents when it is too late. Even few survive the initial transformation. wolfman transformations, as you have learned, are incredibly taxing, both physically and emotionally. Very few fry are impregnable enough to make it through."

Balladanis paused and began to footstep the way."Parents are faced with a decision after their tike is bitten. They have three choices. issue one, they can deal with it. Deal with the monthly transformations and try and make life as pattern as possible for the child. turn two, they can abandon their child. Force them to populate with a wild pack of werewolves, to rise up to toss off. However, there is a third pick. Does anyone guardianship to guess as to what it is ?"

Nobody raised their hand. Balladanis looked at his class until his eyes rested on flatness. A very creepy-crawly smirk appeared on his face.

"Mr. Eckerton, care to tell us ?"Balladanis asked.

Albus, who had been trying hard not to front at lusterlessness throughout the lesson, stole a warm glance at him. He was staring at the desk, quill pen in manus, shaking slightly.

"N-no,"Matt stuttered.

"Very well,"Balladanis smirked,"The third selection is to put the tike down. Not a pleasant option, but one that a few parents select anyway. This option used to be readily suggested by healer, but has now become quite controversial. It is not suggested very often anymore.

"Parents who choose the first pick, to continue to raise their shaver, are in for a very hard life. Werewolf children are difficult to rear. It is a vast adjustment for parents and sibling if there are any. The sting affects the whole kinsperson. It changes living, it can rip families apart."

Balladanis continued droning on and on about how lycanthropy affects children and Albus looked again at flatness. His handwriting was shaking even harder and his face was as snowy as it had been when he had dressed up as a ghost.

Albus shared a looking at with toilet and John reached into his pocket. He slid a regurgitation pastille across the table towards Albus and then slid one to lustrelessness. Albus quietly unwrapped it and then waited until Balladanis had looked away to shove it into his mouth. John Lackland and lusterlessness did the Same. Albus clutched his stomach as the sweet began to take affect.

"Lycanthropic tike rarely, if ever, get to attend schooltime,"Balladanis droned.

"Sir !"John shouted,"I do n't feel so well. May I go to the Hospital backstage ?"

"I do n't find 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 same time. Albus leaned over his table and vomited right onto the floor. The class erupted into shouts and Balladanis tried to restrain order.

"fine !"he seethed,"Get to the Hospital Wing, all three of you !"

Albus resisted the itch to disgorge again as he ran for the door. lustrelessness and John followed. All three of them shoved the orange end of the Henry Sweet into their sassing as soon as they shut the door behind them. The affect was instantaneous. Albus immediately felt better.

"The man 's immorality !"whoremaster shouted,"How could he teach that ?"

"Not here,"Matt muttered and took off down the corridor.

None of them said anything else until they reached the Marauder 's Den."As I was saying,"john began,"What is wrong with that fellow ?"

"I think a lot of matter,"Albus muttered,"He 's a raving lunatic."

"He 's only doing it because you 're in the class,"John the Divine said to Matt as he paced around the way,"None of what he said today is actually in the book. I mean, did you read the Holy Writ ? There 's not much in there that Balladanis has actually taught !"

"He hates me because my dad made him get rid of his pudding head anamatek,"Matt muttered.

"But it started before that,"Albus pointed out,"He wants to name you miserable because of what your dad did with those vampire years ago."

"It 's just not fair,"Matt groaned,"I mean, did you listen to what he was talking about ?"

"It was hard not to,"Albus sighed,"Is it true ?"

"Yes,"Matt said quietly,"And before you ask, one of the Healers did indicate that to my parents."

Albus suddenly felt more sick than he had when he ate the Puking troche. How could a healer, someone whose job it was to take a leak people healthy, actually suggest that to a child 's parents ?

"Seriously ?"can asked,"What happened after they asked ?"

"My dad and my Uncle Jack hexed him at the same sentence,"mat gave them a half-smile,"Put him in his own hospital bed for two days."

"You know, I 'd really wish to meet your Uncle Jack,"John grinned,"He sounds like a great 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,"matt said as he stood up,"You two are n't going to have to do anything."

"leash daylight,"John said after Matt left,"I give Balladanis three more days."

******

"Your dad certainly does n't rot any metre,"rose wine said to Matt as she unfolded her copy of the Prophet the next morning at breakfast.

Albus leaned over and read the paper over rose wine 's articulatio humeri.

HOGWARTS PROFESSOR TO BE INVESTIGATED BY MINISTRY
The section of Magical Education Department received an interrogation
late yesterday afternoon, requesting an investigation
of Hogwarts Defense Against the Dark Arts professor,
Aplysia Balladanis. The question was submitted by none
other than the newly appointed mind of the Department
for the regularization and Control of Magical Creatures,
Walter Eckerton, whose fourteen-year-old son currently
attends Hogwarts.

professor genus Tethus Balladanis has been teaching vindication at
the school since September, when he replaced Head Auror
Harry potter. potter had taught the subject for two
years and wished to pore solely on his Auror career,
resulting in his resignation at the end of live on shoal
year.

The imminent probe comes as hardly a surprise.
Earlier this workweek Walter Eckerton visited Hogwarts
after receiving a tip that Balladanis was holding an
anamatek in his schoolroom. This proved to be lawful and
Eckerton ordered him to withdraw it. The anamatek was
legally in Balladanis 's possession, so all he had to
do was remove it from school assumption. Eckerton told
newsman that Balladanis complied.

However, Eckerton has claimed that the prof
repeatedly put bookman in danger and humiliated them
in social movement of their classmates.

'It 's not just the anamatek ,'Eckerton told newsperson,
'I 'm filing this inquiry as a parent, not as a Ministry
official. First and foremost, I wish to protect my son .'

The investigation will begin today and be carried out
by officials from the department of Magical Education,
a department that was set up for this purpose after
the downfall of Lord Voldemort. Officials will visit
the school and audience both students and faculty as
a component part of their investigation.

Tethys Balladanis will continue to teach defensive structure Against
the darkness artistic production during this time.

"He 's still going to learn ?"John said incredulously after he finished reading the article.

"I 'm not going to Defense anymore,"lusterlessness said,"Not until he 's gone."

"They ca n't finish him from teaching until they do the investigation,"rose wine 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 seer egg laying between them. Balladanis was not present.

"I do n't sleep together,"rose wine said quietly,"But Defense is just going to get worse."

"Which is why I 'm not going,"lustrelessness said adamantly.

For once, blush wine did not objurgate him about skipping class. Albus could n't find fault him. He himself was half tempted to cut, but he knew his curiosity would get the break of him.

"Somehow, I do n't imagine you 'll have the chance to skip,"rosebush muttered,"We do n't have defense lawyers until Tuesday."

"Excellent,"John grinned,"Now I wo n't have to do that loup-garou essay."

"I never said that,"blush wine replied,"You still ought to do it, just in case."

"Look, Kendrick 's getting up,"Kaden pointed to the stave table.

"May I have your attending !"Kendrick shouted and the chattering in the hall immediately ceased,"Thank you. I trust by now that you 've all either read or try about the clause on the front page of the Prophet.

"Ministry officials will be visiting the school day today and tomorrow to channel their investigation. They will be selecting scholarly person to interview. If you are selected, I advise you to answer their questions truthfully.

"As of right now, prof Balladanis is still your teacher, therefore you need to treat him with obedience and attend to his stratum. This is, at the present moment, an investigation and nil more. Now, you 'd trump be off to class."

"Albus,"Rose whispered as they made their way out of the Great Hall to story of Magic,"You 're not going to that dueling lesson tonight, are you ?"

"I dunno,"Albus shrugged. He had n't really thought about it until then.

"I do n't think you should,"Rose told him.

Albus nodded. He did n't want to go, but he also did n't want to find out what Balladanis would do when Albus did n't picture up that evening.

Nobody fell asleep during History of Magic. It must have got been a new track record, one that was previously set back when Binns was still alive. However, the want of fatigue was not due to Binns 's lecture. No, that was just as boring as common. The student 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 scholarly person in the castle who knew the specific reason why matt 's dad had submitted that interrogation. Albus, Rose, John, Amanda, Kaden, and Matt himself. Seven, if you counted Malfoy, but even Malfoy did not know that it had been Balladanis 's lecture on lycanthropic child that pushed Mr. Eckerton to submit the inquiry.

Everyone else speculated. About half the school put the rap on the anamatek, even though Matt 's dad had come out and said that was n't the real reason. The prophesier had only glazed over the reasons, not getting into specifics. The Hogwarts students wanted specifics. They wanted to know what had pushed lustrelessness 's dad to present an inquiry when none of their parents seemed fazed.

The reasons the scholarly person fabricated ranged from plausible to unconscionable. A few seventh years, mainly Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws, speculated that Balladanis had gotten a bit overenthusiastic with his excess help seance and perhaps used matt as an example of someone who did not possess the skills to defeat drear hotshot. Combine that with an overprotective parent ( what the 7th years claimed Matt 's dad to be, which was not actually an overstatement ), and the investigation was born. They believed that the investigation would blow out over and within two weeks everything would be back to normal, with Balladanis still teaching.

A few overexcited first year were the on the opposition position of the spectrum. They believed that Balladanis had let a Chimera loose in his classroom 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 suffer been sacked immediately if that had actually been the case.

matte had become somewhat of a celebrity inside the Hogwarts paries. There was n't a I person, living, spectre, or portrayal, who did n't experience it was his dad who launched the query. He was stopped no less than six times on the way from History of Magic to Herbology by people wanting to know the detail of the inquiry. It was something Albus could tell lustrelessness was extremely uncomfortable with.

"Merlin, when will they study that I do n't desire to blab about it !"mat groaned as they made their way back to the rook after Herbology. Two Ravenclaw second gear years had just run up to Matt, demanding to know why his dad wanted to get Balladanis sacked. Apparently they actually liked him.

"You should just stand up on the Gryffindor table and make an annunciation during lunch,"bathroom suggested.

"Definitely not,"lustrelessness said,"I 'm just glad we do n't hold class this afternoon."

"Me, too,"Albus agreed,"Hey, look, I bet those are the investigators."Albus pointed to three official looking mass striding up towards the castle. There were two witches and a wizard.

"Probably,"John said,"I wonder who they 're going to interview ?"

"Ten Galleons says they interview me,"Matt replied,"And probably Albus since he 's had all those individual lessons."

"Let 's just hope they do n't interview those two Ravenclaws,"John said.

Albus, Matt, and privy continued their trek to the Great Hall, where they ate a very fast dejeuner. None of them wanted to stay very long since everyone was still asking Matt about the inquiry. After they finished, the boys went to Gryffindor Tower to posit their bags before going to the Marauder 's Den to put off their homework.

The coarse room was mostly empty when they arrived, but Albus spotted Lily, Hugo, and Ashtyn sitting around one of the tabular array.

"Do n't you three have class now ?"Albus asked, feeling very much like Rose.

"Yes,"Lily muttered,"We 've got defense and we 're skipping. Do n't say anything about it. There 's nothing you can do to take a shit me go, so do n't even try."

"I was n't going to,"Albus assured her,"Was n't it your course of instruction where Balladanis made someone cry ?"

"That 's why we 're not going,"Ashtyn replied,"And we do n't manage if we get detention either. Oh, and John, you 'd better not tell Mum."

"I wo n't,"John said,"The three of us used Puking Pastilles to get out of defence yesterday."

"You should have just skipped from the beginning,"Ashtyn told them.

"Well, you three revel your skipping,"Albus said as he continued to his dormitory.

"Oh, believe me, we will,"Lily grinned.

The son quickly stowed their travelling bag in their dormitory and set off for the Maruader 's Den. Albus climbed out of the portrait maw and ran straight into Gabriella.

"There you are, Al !"Gabriella exclaimed,"I 've been looking for you. Kendrick wants to see you in his field. Oh, hang on."Gabriella consulted the bit of parchment she was holding."He wants to see mat, too."

"feel like you two are getting interviewed,"Saint John said as Gabriella went into the common room.

"surmise so,"Albus shrugged. He really was n't surprised. Even if he had n't been receiving common soldier lessons with Balladanis, he probably would stimulate been interviewed. It was one of those thing that happened when your father was the most famous sorcerer in Britain.

"I 'll see you two later, then,"John replied,"Have fun."

"Oh, yeah,"Albus rolled his eyes,"Loads."

Albus and Matt left for Kendrick 's study while john continued towards the Marauder 's Den. Albus had no idea what he was going to do while they were gone, but he would bet that John Lackland would be bored within fifteen minutes.


A/N : I hope you all enjoyed HPFF 's April jester 's Day Prank ! The staff really outdid themselves this class. 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 side by side to the gargoyle that concealed the entranceway to Kendrick 's study. It was apparently his job to mutter the password to the gargoyle to allow all the bookman being interviewed in. He looked incredibly bored.

Albus and lusterlessness ascended into the study and found three other students waiting in front man of Kendrick 's closed doorway. A very bored looking Hufflepuff, who was probably in sixth or seventh year, Scorpius Malfoy, and much to Albus 's disheartenment, one of those Ravenclaws they had encountered on the dry land earlier.

Albus was not at all surprised to see Scorpius Malfoy there. After all, he had private lesson with Balladanis as well. However, he chose to snub Malfoy 's presence and leaned against the wall to begin the long wait.

What had been the point in sending them all to Kendrick 's study at the same metre ? They were obviously only interviewing one person at a time. Why could n't they have just summoned Albus later, when there were less masses waiting ?

Kendrick 's door opened and a pale-faced Gryffindor outset year walked out. She hurried out of the study and one of the Ministry officials motioned for the Ravenclaw to enter.

The Ravenclaw was in Kendrick 's subject for about xv minutes. Then it was Malfoy 's turn. He took a bit Thomas More time, but finally came out and left without so practically as a glimpse towards Albus and Matt.

In the miserly time, two to a greater extent students had entered. One Albus recognized as Peyton Haines, one of the chaser from the Slytherin Quidditch squad. The other was a young Hufflepuff Albus did n't recognize.

Finally, after what must have been at least an hour, Albus was finally called into the room.

Kendrick was not in his subject. Only the three investigator were. Albus was now able-bodied to see them up close. The one who had called him into the way was quite grandiloquent and wore a menacing brilliance. Her robes were perfectly pressed, without a single wrinkle, and her hair was pulled into a close bun. She reminded Albus of Minerva McGonagall.

The other witch was the accomplished antonym. She was short and quite a bit overweight. Her crisp brownish hair stuck up at all sorting of odd angles and she had a small couple of spectacles perched on her nose.

The remaining research worker was a necromancer and he was seated behind Kendrick 's desk, a quill in deal. He looked a bit bored by the entire thing. He was gazing about the elbow room and had the look of individual who was n't quite paying attention.

Two mass who were paying rapt care, 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 involve a hindquarters in front man of the desk. Albus did so.

"My name is Katherine Torenzo and this is Lothringen Smyth,"the tall witch gestured to the forgetful hag,"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 commonwealth your wide-cut name, age, year, and house for the record,"Torenzo said briskly.

Albus raised his supercilium. Would n't they already know all of that information ?

"It 's protocol, dear,"Smyth told him.

"Albus Severus Potter, thirteen, third yr, Gryffindor,"Albus answered.

"Excellent,"Torenzo replied,"Now, perhaps you can assure us what goes on in an median lesson with Professor Balladanis, in your own words."

"Er, all right,"Albus said,"well, he comes in and Tell us all to finish talking. Then he 'll collect the homework. Oh, and you have to get the homework in on time, no affair what. He does n't postulate late body of work, even if you 've got a right excuse. You could be sick in the hospital backstage and he would n't take late homework.

"Then he 'll learn us a new spell or about some new beast. Then we 'll hold to perform the spell."

"What happens if you do n't perform 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 assistance sessions."

"Has this caused distress to any of the students in your socio-economic class ?"Smyth asked.

"Not in my class, but I 've heard of former students crying because of it,"Albus answered.

"have you attended any spear carrier help Roger Huntington Sessions ?"Torenzo asked.

"No,"Albus shook his forefront,"Professor Balladanis has never told me I had to."

"I understand you have been given dueling lessons by him, however,"Torenzo said,"Can you tell us a bit about them ? What do they consist of ?"

"Most clip he just teaches me new patch, go that are surd than the unity we learn in division. Scorpius Malfoy is there, too, and we duel each early with the spells,"Albus explained.

"You said 'most'clock time,"Smyth said,"What else does he bear you do ?"

"Er,"Albus shifted uncomfortably in his chair,"One time he had us go into his pensieve."

"Did he,"Torenzo muttered,"Please elaborate."

"We watched his parents be murdered by lamia,"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 typeface had seemed to harden.

"We did n't actually see it,"Albus said quickly,"We stood outside the house 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 tell you ahead of time ?"Smyth asked.

"No,"Albus shook his heading,"He just told us to go in the pensieve."

"Did he explicate why he wanted you to see this ?"Torenzo asked.

"Yeah. He wanted to picture 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 become Presulers,"Albus explained.

"Very well,"Torenzo said as she walked towards Albus,"I have one final examination interrogative. Would you feel well-to-do if Professor Balladanis continued to instruct here ?"

Albus thought about it for a moment. Balladanis was certainly a motivated instructor and one Albus could get word a lot from. But on the other hand, he was n't the kind of wizard Albus felt well-fixed around.

"No,"Albus said quietly,"I guess not."

Torenzo nodded."Please return to your uncouth elbow room. You are not to verbalize of this consultation to anyone until after the investigation is completed."

Albus got up from the chair and Torenzo followed him out of the room. She called Matt in as Albus left. Albus muttered a quiet 'good lot'to him before descending from the room.

******

"Why ca n't you just state us ?"can lamented as the son sat around the Marauder 's Den after dinner party. Rose and Amanda were currently in the girl'dormitory with Linda, who had recently been interviewed.

"I 've told you a million clock time,"Albus said,"The Ministry witches said we could n't let the cat out of the bag about the interview."

"But how would they know ?"St. John the Apostle asked,"It 's not like I 'm going to go telling the solid schooling about it."

"Neither will I,"Kaden added.

Albus snorted."I 'll secernate you about it after Balladanis is sacked, or is n't sacked. I do n't think it 's going to convey long for them to decide."

"He 's going to be sacked,"mat said adamantly and then turned to trick,"You 're not going to his extra help session tonight, are you ?"

"Not if I was paid twenty Galleons,"John replied,"wellspring, ok, maybe if I was paid twenty 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 around down to the keep, flatboat into the Slytherin common room, and ask.

"No idea,"Albus sighed.

"Do n't go,"flatness said,"If you go, I 'm going to get down worrying about your sanity."

"Why would you want to go ?"Saint John the Apostle gave Albus a strange look.

"I might find out something about how the investigation is going, or something,"Albus muttered.

privy opened his back talk to reply, but instead turned to the threshold. A loudly squawking disturbance had seemed to give off from it.

"Did you hear that ?"lavatory asked.

Albus nodded and got up from his seat. He walked over to the threshold and paused next to it. The squawking noise was repeated.

One thing Albus loved about the Marauder 's Den was that it was always very silence. No noises could be heard from the corridor while he was inside. Albus rarely ever heard noise from the corridor, let alone squawking noises.

Albus cautiously opened the door and instead of the gonzo chick he had expected to see, rose wine was standing there with her wand out.

"Finally !"she groaned,"I thought you 'd never come to the door."

"rosiness ?"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 mutual way. I told him I 'd find you."

Albus turned around and told flatness, John, and Kaden, all of whom had followed him out of the elbow room, that he would be back soon. He had no idea what his dad wanted, but it must have been important for him to go to the castle on a day he did n't have to patrol it.

Harry was sitting in one of the squashy armchairs in front of the blast when Albus arrived. Georgia and Fred were both talking with him, most potential about Quidditch judging by their excessive use of deal 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 portrait fix and down the corridor a little ways.

"What were you up to just now ?"Harry asked, grinning a bit.

"Nothing,"Albus shrugged truthfully.

"Well, I 'm no longer a teacher 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 Professor Balladanis 's dueling lesson tonight ?"

That seemed to be the question of the eventide, Albus thought."I dunno,"Albus shrugged.

"I realize that the determination is completely up to you,"Harry said quietly,"But I would advise you not to go. prof Balladanis is under a considerable amount of focus, of which you do n't know the half of. I 'd say the chances are luxuriously that he may drive out this tension 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 Wise determination,"Harry smiled.

Harry said good Nox to Albus and then Albus went back to the marauder 's Den. Kaden was in the middle of showing Matt and John how to cook a right newspaper publisher airplane.

"What did your dad desire ?"John asked without looking up from the sheepskin he was folding.

"To differentiate me it was n't a sound idea to go to Balladanis 's example tonight,"Albus said as he flopped down onto the discharge couch.

"And ?"Matt asked.

"I 'm not going,"Albus answered.

"commodity,"Matt replied.

"You know what was weird, though ?"Albus began,"My dad said Balladanis was under a lot of stress, almost of which I do n't recognise about. So I 'm guessing it 's not only the investigation."

"Weird,"Kaden shook his forefront,"I 'll be happy when he 's sacked."

"We do n't recognize for sure that he 'll be sacked,"Albus pointed out,"I just like I knew what else he was stressed about."

"Maybe he 's got to battle a beautiful char,"lavatory smirked,"Remember his boggart ?"

"His boggart !"Albus shouted,"I ca n't think I did n't put that together Oklahoman. It was n't a beautiful fair sex ; it was a vampire. It 's so obvious now that we know what happened to his parents, too."

"Yeah, that does look fairly obvious,"Matt agreed,"But what 's that got to do with his stress ?"

"Probably null,"Albus shrugged,"I just realized it."

"You know,"John the Divine began,"This is the offset Fri 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,"lustrelessness added,"We hardly ever do that."

They did just that. The boys snuck down to the kitchens and were given as many sweets and pudding as they could carry by the house elves. Then they stayed up belated eating all of it and playing various games. Albus was even able to blank out about Balladanis for a piece, something that had not happened in quite a while.

******

The Ministry functionary remained a permanent mend at Hogwarts throughout the remainder of the weekend. Albus overheard a lot of students mentioning that they 'd been interviewed, including privy 's cousin Isabelle, one of the Chasers on the Ravenclaw Quidditch team, and Gabriella.

professor Balladanis did not show up at a single repast. In fact, he was n't seen at all throughout the weekend. nobody saw him, which raised the question of whether he was even still in the castle.

Albus was hoping he ran for it. Got out before the Ministry had a chance to make their determination. Albus was More than a fiddling nervous about going to Defense on Tues and hearing what Balladanis had to say about Albus 's absence seizure from their dueling lesson.

It was on Mon cockcrow that all the Hogwarts scholarly person knew a verdict had been reached. prof Kendrick rose partway through the meal, something that only happened when something authoritative happened. He was flanked by the two witches from the Ministry. The wizard was no recollective there.

The Hall immediately quieted, without Kendrick even having to ask. Albus was slightly taken aback by Kendrick 's impendent proclamation, since there had not been a single credit of Balladanis in that dayspring 's Prophet.

"A decisiveness has been reached about Professor Balladanis,"Kendrick announced,"Madam Torenzo will inform you of it. The Prophet has kindly agreed not to publish the article about it just yet, as I wished to inform you of it first."

"He 's sacked,"trick muttered,"Otherwise he 'd be at breakfast."

"commodity full stop,"Albus said.

Torenzo stood up and gazed out at the students with a inert look on her fount."Upon wide investigating of Professor Balladanis 's didactics method acting and thorough interviews of selected student, the Ministry has seen it fit to take out him from his teaching location here at Hogwarts school day of witchcraft and Wizardry. professor Balladanis packed his things late lastly night and no longer resides in the castle. professor Kendrick will inform you about what will materialise with Defense classes for the remainder of the twelvemonth. I would wish to give thanks all of you for your cooperation during this time."

Torenzo sat back down and continued eating her breakfast like naught had happened. The Great Hall immediately erupted into whispering, but they were quickly stopped by Kendrick.

"defense reaction Against the wickedness Arts socio-economic class will not demand place until further notice. I will try and procure a suitable replacement for Professor Balladanis as quickly as potential. Until then, please use the sentence to study for your upcoming exam,"Kendrick said and then resumed his rear. He began to talk with Torenzo and the pupil vox rose in the Hall.

"I knew it !"Matt exclaimed,"Best news I 've heard this month !"

"Yes !"GA shouted and then turned to Fred,"Pay up !"

"Merlin !"James I groaned,"Why 'd they have to do that investigating so quickly ?"

Money began to exchange manus throughout the Gryffindor table as Fred collected and handed out Galleons.

"Do you imagine Kendrick 'll observe a replacing ?"John asked.

"Dunno,"Albus shrugged,"No one really wanted that job to lead off with."

"Glad I did n't do that werewolf essay,"John grinned.

"Maybe Kendrick wo n't find a substitution,"Kaden said,"Then we 'd have got one less exam."

"That would be brilliant,"John Lackland replied.

The atmosphere in the castle for the relaxation of the day was incredibly wellbeing. Hardly anyone seemed at all sad that Balladanis had left. Quite a few student asked Matt to thank his dad for them. It seemed that the only if students upset by it were those who had lost stake because of it.

Argus Filch was another who was unhappy. The superior general turmoil of the castle caused him more work. Peeves destroyed the defense team schoolroom in celebration ( Balladanis never liked Peeves ), James and his friends set off a few Weasley pyrotechnic, and then there was the general deal that was associated with students celebrating by playing extraneous in the muddied sess. Plus, Moaning Myrtle flooded her bathroom when a few scholar told her that even she ought to be excited about it. Apparently she did not agree. For some odd rationality it reminded her of her death.

One person who seemed incredibly excited was Linda. Linda who rarely showed any emotion whatsoever walked around the castle with a big smiling on her facial expression. Albus could only impute this to the fact that Balladanis had taught so extensively about lamia. But he never taunted her the way he 'd taunted flatness. Perhaps that was because his gravid fear was vampires.

There was even a party in the Gryffindor common way that Nox. rose thought it was a little ridiculous, to celebrate the bagging of a instructor, but everyone else, including Linda, thought it was an fantabulous thing to celebrate.

"Just guess,"John said,"We do n't ever have to listen to him go on and on about how bad the shadow 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 history without seeing one of those."

"What do you opine he 's doing now ?"Rose mused.

"Maybe some Ministry hired him,"Albus said quietly,"I hope it 's some piazza far, like Republic of Madagascar or somewhere."

"Yeah,"lustrelessness agreed,"I bet he 's not even in U.K. anymore."

"I do n't see why he 'd bother to bond around,"Albus replied,"I mean, he snuck out in the night to avoid anyone seeing him."

"want we could 've seen him leave,"John grinned mischievously,"Would 've been nice to give him a proper send off."

"I 'm just glad it 's over,"blush wine muttered,"Maybe now you lot can concentrate on examination. And maybe the castle will get back to normal."

"pattern ?"Albus raised his eyebrows,"This place will never be normal. Plus, we 've got Quidditch on Saturday. It 's the stopping point match before the final."

"When 's the final ?"rosiness 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 facial expression at Linda, who looked down at the table.

"But if we beat New York in this compeer,"Albus continued,"We 'll be in it, too. So Wood is in full chassis this week. I 'm practicing every night starting tomorrow."

"Oliver Wood is insane,"Rose muttered.

"Insane, but brilliant on the Quidditch pitch,"Gospel According to John grinned,"I would fuck 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 receive Defense Against the Dark nontextual matter the next morning, Albus was down in the Great Hall bright and early because he wanted to study Rose 's Daily Prophet. Having Kendrick announce Balladanis 's dismission was one matter, reading it in the prophesier was entirely different.

pink wine was already there when Albus, Matt, and John sat down at the Gryffindor tabular array. Amanda and Linda were on either English of her and all three daughter were reading the article. Albus drummed his fingers impatiently on the mesa while he waited for them to be finished. Finally, Rose handed him the paper without saying a word and Albus read it, with mat and bathroom looking over his shoulder.

HOGWARATS TEACHER REMOVED FROM POSITION BY MINISTRY

In an event that causes much of the wizarding globe to commemorate
back to Voldemort 's reign, Hogwarts Defense Against the nighttime
Arts instructor, Tethys Balladanis, has been removed from his
billet by the Ministry of conjuring trick 's department of Magical
Education.

During Voldemort 's sovereignty, defense team teachers rarely lasted more
than a twelvemonth at the shoal, a mystery story that abruptly ended when
Voldemort was defeated on May 2, 1998. Up until two long time
ago, Hogwarts had had only one Defense teacher since that
fateful May day.

professor Torro taught at Hogwarts for years until he was
mysteriously murdered nearly three class ago. He was
replaced by school principal Auror, Harry Potter, who is rumored to
have only taken the position after cypher else agreed to
fill it.

Harry Potter left the placement this by fall and it was filled
by Balladanis.

Balladanis taught until two days ago, when he was removed
from his military position. Approximately a week and a one-half ago, a
complaint was lodged by Head of the Department for the
Regulation and Control of Magical puppet, Walter Eckerton,
whose fourteen-year-old son currently attends Hogwarts.

The complaint included harsh teaching method, the use of an
anamatek as a pedagogy tool, singling pupil out for lack of
acquirement, and embarrassing students in front man of their match.

An probe by Ministry official ensued and included
the interviewing of select students and staff. The section
concluded their investigation late Sunday evening and informed
both Balladanis and Headmaster Fabius Kendrick of their decision.
Balladanis left the rook willingly and will not be appealing the
decision. When asked for a statement on the issue, both Kendrick
and Balladanis declined.

Upon hearing the news, Walter Eckerton said ,'I am very glad
with the determination and that the investigation was concluded in
a seasonable manner. I am not happy that it came to this, but I
feel that zip should be put ahead of children 's rubber .'

Hogwarts pupil will not attend to Defense category until a transposition
is found. As of right now, one has not been found.

"I knew they 'd stick 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 ?"

"Doubt it,"Rose answered,"Even if he did before I doubt he does now."

******

Life soon returned to rule for the Hogwarts students, as it often does after something rouse happens. Everyone talked about Balladanis the day the article was published, but soon there was aught left to say and the students focused on the upcoming Quidditch compeer, which was mere twenty-four hours away.

Albus had an wanton time forgetting about Balladanis due to Quidditch practice. He was out on the sales pitch every eve and was soon hearing Wood 's program line in his head as he fell asleep, which was something that certainly could n't be deemed rule. Albus was almost glad that the class was drawing to an end because once the tournament was over, he would n't have to deal with forest anymore. Thinking about that made Albus realize that Gryffindor would have a new skipper the next year since Empire State of the South was graduating. Albus was surely it would be either Fred or heather mixture, but he was n't sure which.

Albus trudged into the Great foyer on Thursday first light sorely wishing that John had n't woken him up. They did n't have a class inaugural thing, so why 'd he rile doing that ? Albus was already running on piddling 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,"King John grinned,"I need you to facilitate me finish that Herbology essay that 's due today."

"That 's the ground for you waking me up ?"Albus groaned,"Why ca n't Rose help you ?"

"She 's a bit sore with me right now,"John muttered.

"What did you do ?"Albus asked.

"I may or may not have got accidentally set fire to her Potions short letter lowest Nox,"St. John said.

"And I should have to suffer because of that ?"Albus replied,"How did you manage that anyway ?"

"It was n't an chance event,"Matt put in,"John and Kaden were tinkering with those tops military strength dung bombs utmost night in the vulture 's Den. They stupidly decided to do this at the tabular array right field where Rose 's billet were. The dung bomb calorimeter exploded and Rose 's notes caught fire."

"See, an chance event !"John exclaimed.

"No, stupidity,"Matt said,"You should 've done it somewhere else. Oh, Albus, I would n't suggest going in the Marauder 's Den anytime soon. It smells."

"I would n't deliver prison term to anyway,"Albus muttered,"Quidditch practice again tonight."

"Oi, Albus !"James shouted.

"What ?"Albus said.

"Is Dad patrolling here this week ?"James asked.

"I do n't know, why ?"Albus replied.

"He 's here,"James I pointed to the faculty table.

Albus looked up and saw that his dad was talking with Neville. Except he was n't wearing his Auror robes, he was just wearing rule robe. Albus glanced back at St. James the Apostle who shrugged.

"May I have your attention ?"Kendrick announced,"Thank you. I just wish well to inform you all that Harry Potter has kindly agreed to assume over defense mechanism course of study for the remainder of term. Because of this, defense team course of instruction will resume today."

"Good thing I woke you up,"john grinned.

"Guess you wo n't be able-bodied to fetch up that essay,"Albus scene 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 years and it had n't been bad at all. Plus, his dad was a far better teacher than Balladanis.

Albus walked with Matt and John to defence mechanism. rose wine was still not speaking to Saint John the Apostle and she walked with Amanda and Linda a trivial way ahead. Albus seriously hoped that this would n't call on into what happened earlier in the year.

The entire family erupted in hand clapping as soon as Harry entered the elbow 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 retrieve I 'd be back here. I do have to retain with the curriculum, so I must ask that you complete the werewolf essay for future Thursday. However, it only has to be one foundation of parchment."

There was a collective groan from the entire year."Great,"St. John the Apostle muttered,"I was hoping to get out of it."

"It wo n't be that hard,"matte rolled his eyes.

"But it 'll be time consuming,"John replied.

"I know, I know,"Harry smirked,"But there is a month and a half of term left and I ca n't just let you have this meter to mess around."

The class was the most enjoyable Defense class the one-third eld had had in quite a while. Harry lectured for the totality of the course of study, but it was n't irksome. Albus did not mind in the slightest that his dad was going to be finishing out the term.

******

By the clock time Saturday arrived, virtually no one in the castle was talking about prof Balladanis. Quidditch was on the forefront of everybody 's psyche and the tensions ran high-pitched than they had all yr. The outcome of this mates would determine who played Australia in the final.

Albus himself was not particularly worried. Hogwarts had already beaten New York once and they could easily do it again. The full squad was in good health and none of the replacement were needed. Albus was perfectly content to sit in the stands with his friend and just see the match, rather than have to play in it.

It was a warmly spring day with a slight wind and swarm book binding, perfect acting precondition. Natalie Wood had spoke of the conditions during the premature night 's practice, telling the team that a prominent tempest had been predicted for that day. Luckily it had not appeared yet.

The match commenced with a lot of shouting and cheering from the crowd. Hogwarts scored five finish within the first 15 proceedings of the catch and New House of York scored two. The teams remained neck in neck for the remainder of the lucifer, until James pulled out of a dive clutching the golden Snitch in his bequeath hand.

The crowd erupted into cheers and Saint James the Apostle was soon hoisted onto the articulatio humeri of some of the old students.

"I have an announcement to make !"prof Kendrick shouted over the crew,"Due to Hogwarts 's win, they will be competing against Commonwealth of Australia in the final Quidditch compeer, scheduled to engage place on the start of June !"

The common after Quidditch party ensued in the unwashed way and everyone rehashed their deary role of the match. No one talked about the final match, although Albus was sure it was in the binding of everyone 's minds. Commonwealth of Australia seemed impossible to beat.

Once the excitation from another Quidditch win abated, the Hogwarts students seemed to realize that exams were quite near. The library soon became a popular place to be and fifth and seventh age in particular could be seen there all hours of the day.

As the middle of May arrived, Gabriella demanded a quiet common way in the evenings, much like her sister had two eld prior. Albus and his Quaker spent more than sentence in the Marauder 's Den after that, usually without Rose, Amanda, and Linda. The three girls seemed to like the tranquillity of the unwashed room.

rose did forgive Gospel According to John for messing up her bank bill, but she became more tense and snappish as exam drew nearer. It was n't something that surprised Albus or anyone else because it had become a sort of end of condition tradition with Rose.

Defense lessons took a drastic turn for the better. Albus and all of his friends got perfective tense mug on their wolfman essays, to the surprisal of no one. After that, the class bared no resemblance to Balladanis 's.

"Aw, merlin !"can shouted at breakfast one Fri 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 get it into the humankind Cup net,"John sighed,"They were so close."

"Who did make it ?"Albus grabbed the paper from John, suddenly remembering the tickets he 'd gotten for Dec 25. He had n't picked who he was going to invite to go with him. Actually, he had n't even told his Quaker about the tickets.

"Portugal and Russia,"John groaned,"Russia ! They 've got a folderol Quidditch team !"

"Obviously not,"Rose smirked,"Albus, did you blame who you 're going to take in when you go to the Cup ?"

"Wait, what ?"John gaped at Albus,"You got tag ?"

"Er, yeah, for Dec 25,"Albus said.

"And you did n't tell me !"John the Divine exclaimed.

"well, I only got one extra and I did n't know how to piece. I had it narrowed down to you and matt. idea you, if you hate Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, I 'll just pick lustrelessness,"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 break up then ?"Albus asked.

"You do n't have to,"matt said as he sat down future to Albus.

"Nice to see you awake,"can grinned. Albus and John had attempted to awake Matt up before they went down to the Great Hall and had no luck. The broad Moon 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 clock time of the month ?"Albus whispered.

"No,"Matt shook his head,"It 's just that my dad got tickets, so you can just contribute your additional one to John."

"Oh,"Albus grinned,"That makes things easy."

"Where is the Cup ?"Amanda asked.

"Canada,"Rose replied.

"How are we getting there, Albus ?"John asked,"Are we going to carry a Muggle plane ?"John the Evangelist looked excited at that prospect.

"No idea,"Albus shrugged,"Dad might get a Portkey."

"That 's boring,"toilet said.

"wishing I could go,"Kaden sighed.

"Why, do n't you not like Quidditch ?"John asked.

"It 's ok,"Kaden shrugged,"I just want to try out a Portkey."

"You 're weird, Kaden,"John laughed.

"So are you. aeroplane are boring,"Kaden argued.

"I 'm with Kaden on this one,"matt said,"I 'd take a Portkey any day."

******

Between studying for exams and Quidditch practice, Albus had no clock time for anything else. He managed to squeeze in sentence to visit lusterlessness in the hospital wing on Sun, but only briefly before he went to woodwind 's day long Quidditch practice.

The pursual weekend was the final match of the Junior 's Dueling Club, something Albus had been forced to neglect due to Quidditch praxis. After begging woods and a bit of help from Teddy, Albus was able-bodied to take care the final. Albus 's team won, much to the delectation of both Albus and Malfoy.

Albus had not spoken to Malfoy since the incident with Professor Balladanis. Nor had Malfoy said a word to Albus, or any of his friends. Malfoy remained mysteriously silence around the wide moon, not saying anything about it to either Albus or matt. It was unknown, but not something any of the boy were going to plain about it.

Three Day before the Quidditch final, the Great Hall was filled with whispering voices that reminded Albus of the day Balladanis had been sacked. transcript of the Prophet were being passed back and Forth River and quite a few students looked extremely scared.

"What 's happened ?"Albus asked rose wine as he sat down.

"Willinson has broken out of Azkaban,"rose wine whispered, her facial expression completely white.

"What ? !"Albus shouted as he grabbed the nearest copy of the Prophet. Matt and John the Evangelist crowded around him as he read it.

AZKABAN gaolbreak

Officials have reported that three prisoner
broke out of Azkaban late last night. It is
still unknown how it happened. Azkaban guard duty
have refused to speak with reporters, and the
Ministry does not care to disclose information
at this time.

The names of the escaped prisoners have been
released and anyone with information reguarding
any of them are asked to reach the Ministry.

The prophesier then gave detailed info about all three of the escaped captive. Albus only recognized Willinson. The former two had been imprisoned for more petty crimes.

"How did he get out ?"Albus wondered,"He 's an moron !"

"I think everyone 's confused about that,"blush wine said.

Any promise Albus had of getting prep done that week was gone. He was lucky he was capable to condense on Quidditch drill. 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 foolishness. If he somehow met up with his founder 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 make out back, especially now that he was out of prison.

******

Before Albus knew it, the Nox before the Quidditch terminal arrived and Wood called the team into the changing elbow room after ending practice.

"It has been incredibly rewarding to carry off this team,"Wood said as he began to stride in front of them,"There were difficulties in the start,"he paused and looked at the two Slytherins on the squad,"But I am majestic to say that you came together as a team wonderfully.

"It still amazes me that a group of pupil from all four menage can do together and toy together on the same team. 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 improvements in your skill. Quite a few of you are 7th year and I am very felicitous to tell you that there will be lookout from a couple Quidditch teams watching tomorrow 's mates. I have high hopes for the lot of you, when it comes to Quidditch.

"I can not say whether we will win tomorrow. Australia is ripe, there is no denying that. However, I have faith in all of you. Tomorrow, go out there and grant it your best. Now, I think you should all turn in early and eat a proper breakfast tomorrow before the match. shimmy, Tyler, anything to add ?"Grant Wood turned to the boys.

slip and Tyler both shook their headway and Wood turned back to the squad."I 'll see you all down here tomorrow. practiced night."

Wood, Teddy, and Tyler stayed behind to discourse manoeuvre while the team left. Albus and Henry James were the net two to leave alone. Sakartvelo had left with the former seventh old age, excitedly discussing the prospect of scouts.

"You think Georgia 's going to sign with one of the professional squad ?"Albus asked Epistle of James as they walked back to the castle.

"I 'd be surprised if she did n't,"Epistle of James said,"I just hope it does n't offend her opportunity when we lose."

"We might not lose,"Albus pointed out.

"We 're going to mislay,"James muttered,"Linda 's too good of a Seeker."

Albus said nix. 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 thinking. Albus stopped abruptly when he heard a forte crack in the forest.

"What was that ?"he asked anxiously.

"Probably just a subdivision breakage,"Epistle of James answered.

"It was too meretricious,"Albus said as he looked into the forest,"It sounded like somebody Apparating in there."

"I do n't opine you can Apparate in the woods,"James River pointed out,"And it did n't vocalise that loud. You 're just tired from all the Quidditch practice."

"I guess,"Albus said as he and James II kept walking,"But what if it was someone Apparating ? What if it was Willinson ?"

"You worry too much, Al,"James groaned,"This place is filled with Aurors and Dad 's here wide clock time now. You 'd induce 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,"James laughed,"If he 's stupid enough to do that, he 's going to get captivate and sent back to Azkaban."

Albus nodded but he was n't reassured. Willinson may be dolt, but he did negociate to snatch Kaden the late natural spring, and he had been on the run for a year prior to that. He may be a rubbish dueler, but he was certainly good at not getting caught for the most part.


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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


The atmosphere in the Great Radclyffe Hall the next sunup was unlike anything Albus had seen before. The Hogwarts squad was sitting together at the Ravenclaw table, surrounded by scholar from all four sign of the zodiac. shift and Tyler seemed to be in the midst of it and were loudly discussing tactics.

The Australian team was sitting together at the Hufflepuff mesa, with a large space between them and the Hufflepuffs. A belittled bunch of Aussie had congregated around them.

Albus decided not to link the rest of the Hogwarts team at the Ravenclaw table. Nobody was ineffective to play that day, so Albus 's days on the team were pretty a lot over. To be honest, he was sort of relieved. There was just so much pressure.

"I think this tournament has been good for Hogwarts,"Rose mused,"aspect at everyone. Nobody seems to care who 's in what house."

"It 'll all go back to normal once the lucifer is over,"Albus pointed out.

"Maybe not,"pink wine shrugged,"You never know."

"I do n't know, Rose,"Matt said,"I do n't think one class can modify centuries of tradition."

"It 's worth a try,"Rose said,"I think we should all try and get along."

"I do n't think this has helped international magical cooperation,"John gestured to the Australian team. The Hufflepuffs sitting nearby were glaring at them.

"contest rarely does that,"Rose muttered.

"fountainhead, they 'll all be going home soon,"Matt said cheerfully.

Rose shot him a dirty flavor and then looked up at the staff table. Albus 's regard followed. The staff table was quite overcrowded that morning. There were scout from Quidditch teams, Ministry officials including Albus 's Uncle Percy, and a variety of masses from Australia and New York.

"flavour at that witch,"John pointed to a very tall, beautiful witch with pale Patrick White skin and tenacious dark hair.

"She 's Linda 's mother,"rosebush told them.

"Is she-"John the Divine began.

"Yes,"rosiness whispered,"She 's one, too."

"I thought so,"John said without taking his eyes off the witch.

There was a flash cheer from the Ravenclaw table and the Hogwarts team began to leave the Hall. Their entourage followed until they reached the room access and then they went to sit back down at respective tables.

The Aboriginal Australian team followed shortly. The fervor only seemed to increase now that the squad had gone down to the changing rooms.

A few minutes later people began to leave for the pitch. The crowd at the staff table left first and the scholar followed.

"Albus,"John Lackland said as they got up from the tabular array,"I 've got a few twain 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 centre."Meet us down at the pitch."She and Amanda turned towards the door as the boys ran up the grand staircase.

"Why did n't you just contribute them to breakfast ?"Matt asked.

"Forgot,"toilet said.

The castle was absolutely deserted as they made their way back to Gryffindor Tower. Albus had n't seen it that empty during the day. It was almost disconcerting.

bathroom had to evacuate out his entire automobile trunk in guild to find the omnioculars. He had four brace and handed one to each of the boys.

"Let 's go,"Albus said,"We 're going to miss the startle of the match."

Albus completely ignored the no running in the corridors linguistic rule as he made his way through the castle. There was n't anyone to scold him anyway. The step behind him told him his friends were n't far behind.

Albus turned a corner 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 Matt 's boggart.

Only, it could n't be a boggart because if it had been a boggart, it would have manifested itself into what Albus was to the highest degree afraid of. At that present moment, it probably would have been Willinson.

The man sneered down at Albus and then smiled creepily. Albus scrambled up and turned back to bet at his friends.

matt 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 friend, pulling them into the nearest classroom. He slammed the door and pulled out his wand, putting every locking appealingness he knew onto the knob.

Matt collapsed onto the approximate professorship and put his head in his hands."Th-th-that's-"

"We know,"Albus whispered.

"What the underworld is he doing here ?"John ranted,"He 's got no business enterprise here !"

"Why 's he in the castle anyway ?"Albus began to pace around the way,"If he 's here to ascertain the Quidditch catch, 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 lustrelessness before looking at Kaden. matt did n't seem to throw heard Kaden 's question.

"His name 's Lubar. He 's the oral sex of the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures in Commonwealth of Australia,"Albus explained,"He 's the reason why Matt had to move here, amongst other things."

"He 's a sick and twisted evilness git,"St. John the Apostle muttered,"What are we going to do ?"

Albus walked over to the door and peered out the minor window at the top. Lubar was no longer in sight.

"I 've g-got to go to the Ministry,"matte said,"I 've got to t-tell my dad. L-Lubar, he ca n't be here."

Albus paced back and Forth River in front of the door. The Ministry. How would they get there ? Scots heather ? No, that would take too long. They 'd have to use the Floo Network, but none of the fireplace at Hogwarts were hooked up, as far as Albus knew.

"We 're going to bear to get to Hogsmeade,"Albus said,"You wait here. I 'll get my Cloak and the map. Then we 'll mouse into Hogsmeade and Floo to the Ministry."

Matt nodded."You guys do n't have 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 understanding before waving his sceptre and undoing the locking magic spell. 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 left them. He shoved them into his robe and ran back to the classroom. lusterlessness, John, and Kaden were all talking quietly. lustrelessness did n't appear any LE scared, but at least 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,"toilet said immediately,"I 'm tallest so I 'll take up the most room anyway. Plus, if we meet up with Lubar again, I 'm the best liar."

Albus could n't indicate there. Both he and Matt were horrible liars and Kaden still had n't gotten over his inability to retain secrets.

"You take the map, then,"Albus handed the map to St. John the Apostle,"We 've got to get to the one-eyed witch statue on the third floor.

Albus threw the Cloak over himself, matte, and Kaden, and the three of them followed John out of the way. The corridor was still empty, much to Albus 's rest period.

John set a very degenerate pace and he was soon quite a bit ahead of Albus and the others. Albus could n't say anything, though, as it would move over away his comportment. Instead he tried to run as fast as he could while making the least amount of randomness possible.

The son made it down the two flight of stairs of stairs necessary to get to the third base floor and arrived at the statue without seeing anyone. Albus pulled the Cloak off of them and gormandise it into his pocket. With a fast tap of his wand, he statue 's protuberance opened and the male child climbed inside.

Albus lit his sceptre and took off down the small passage. Matt, trick, and Kaden followed suit.

"Why did Kendrick let him in ?"John asked as they ran,"Does n't he know what he did ?"

"Yes,"Matt answered,"I do n't retrieve Kendrick knows he 's here."

"What did he do ?"Kaden asked.

"You do n't think he came here to see you ?"Albus asked Matt,"I mean, remember when Killigan saw us that one fourth dimension and he seemed so concerned in finding you ?"

"Of grade I do,"matt 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 match ?"

"Maybe, but I 'm betting it 's got something to do with Linda,"Matt replied,"I do n't know for sure, but it seems too cooccurring for him to be here just to see me."

"What did he do ?"Kaden shouted,"Why would he desire to see you ?"

Matt stopped running and wheeled around to look at Kaden."It 's a long taradiddle. Lubar 's got a grievance 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 bunch of laws against lycanthrope and I wound up having to transform with a bunch of other lycanthrope. It was bad."

Matt resumed walking and did n't refine on the matter. 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 doubt in Albus 's judgement that Matt 's dad would be able-bodied to get Lubar to leave Hogwarts, possibly even leave the country. Albus had known little about Mr. Eckerton prior to this year, but now he knew that you did not need to be on his bad side. When it came down to it, Mr. Eckerton was the one who had Balladanis sacked.

The passage finally began to rise until it came to an abrupt stop at a knotty wooden room access. Albus pressed his ear to the door, but heard nothing. He carefully pushed it open, wincing as it creaked.

sightedness nobody in the storehouse elbow room beyond, Albus beckoned his friends forward. The elbow room was dimly lit, enough for Albus to see a huge total of boxes littering the storey. On the far wall he could see a fireplace.

The boys climbed over the various boxes and stood in front of the open fireplace. Albus located a small sack of Floo gunpowder and then lit a fire. He turned to his friends.

"You ca n't Floo directly into someone 's report at the Ministry. We 're going to take to go to the Atrium,"Albus told them,"I 'll go first, you follow."Albus took a handful of powder and then handed the bag to Matt.

He tossed the powder into the flak and stepped inside, shouting"The Ministry of conjuration !"

Albus stumbled out of a different fireplace seconds later. The Atrium was nearly deserted, save for a few wizards striding towards the airlift, clearly too interfering to notice Albus.

Matt landed rather ungracefully on the story. He picked himself up, brushing stray ash off his robes.

"Place is deserted,"Matt said as he looked around.

"It 's a Saturday,"Albus pointed out,"Does your dad work Saturdays ?"

"Yeah,"Matt nodded,"At least mornings."

bathroom was following to ill-use out of the fire, doing so more elegantly than flatness had. He stood in front man of the fervidness, staring around at the Atrium. His eyes rested on the Fountain of Magical Brethren.

"This is more picture than I imagined,"John said.

"Bloody hell !"Kaden shouted as he fell out of the blast,"This is the Ministry ?"

"Yes,"mat said quickly,"But we have n't got time to explore. Let 's go."

Albus followed Matt towards the desk in the movement of the Atrium. There was an old superstar leafing through a written matter of the quibbler, oblivious to his surroundings. Albus almost thought they 'd be able to filch around him, but he looked up just as they were about to pass.

"Where do you cogitate you 're going ?"he asked and then his eyes rested on Albus,"Albus Severus Potter. Why are n't you in schoolhouse ?"

"Er,"Albus began, a piddling faze that the man knew who he was.

matte stepped in presence of Albus."We need to go see my dad. He 's the headway of the Department for the regulation and Control of Magical Creatures. It 's sort of an emergency."

"Very well,"the man looked at them oddly,"Put your wand up here."

Albus did as he was told and the others followed suit. They waited impatiently as the old wizard tested their wands 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 recite whose sceptre did it,"Albus said bluntly.

"That 's cheerful,"Kaden replied.

Once the face lifting arrived, the son piled in and Matt pushed the number four. Nobody said anything as the lift creaked its way to the quartern floor.

matte took off at a run down the corridor after they left the lift. Albus had never been to this particular level. It looked rather similar to the Magical Law Enforcement 's level, with nondescript Seth of stunt man threshold on one side.

flatness skidded to a hitch in straw man of the lonesome room access that was single and banged his deal loudly on it. When there was no result after a few secondment, he banged again.

"appreciation your hippogriffs !"called a voice from the inside,"I 'm coming, I'm-"mat 's dad said as he opened the door.

Mr. Eckerton seemed to freeze at the sight of his son and the former three boys. He gaped at them for a second before shaking his head.

"lusterlessness ?"he asked and rubbed his eyes, as if he thought he was seeing a delusion,"But, why are n't you in schoolhouse ? How did you get here ? Why are you here ? Albus ? What are you- and John, Kaden ?"

His oculus rested on matt again."Matt ? What 's untimely ?"

Mr. Eckerton stepped aside and let the boy into his study. He shut the door quietly behind them.

The study reminded Albus of his dad 's. There were great Windows on the side opposite the room access, although the fit outside was not veridical, nor was the gentle rainwater that was pattering onto it.

There was a enceinte leather covered chair behind the huge oak desk and a few smaller chairs in nominal head of it. Along the other two walls were ledge with payload of book. Most of them were about various magical creatures.

Albus, matte, and john took the backside that were in battlefront of the desk while Kaden wandered around the study looking at thing. Mr. Eckerton leaned against the social movement of his desk and looked at his son.

"What 's happened ?"he asked quietly.

"L-Lubar,"lustrelessness said in barely 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 the pits !"Mr. Eckerton stood up and slammed his clenched fist loudly against his desk,"Did prof Kendrick allow this ?"

"I do n't know,"Matt replied,"B-but everyone else was at the couple and he was just lurking about the castle."

Mr. Eckerton 's font hardened. He looked just like he had when he talked with Professor Balladanis earlier in the full term."Let 's go, boys,"he said darkly,"I 've got to consume a tidings with Professor Kendrick."

Albus followed Mr. Eckerton out of his study and down towards the elevation. John 's walking stop number was nothing compared to Matt 's dad 's. The boy had to run to go along 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 wizard 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 pulverisation and gestured for him to go first. Albus stepped into the fervour and shouted,"Honeyduke 's !"

Albus began to reel faster and faster. He saw glimpses of the great unwashed 's business firm, store in Diagon Alley, and a variety of early places he did not recognize. Then, out of one of the fireplace, came a hand. Everything seemed to slacken down, but Albus was n't sure if it actually did or not.

The hand grabbed him. Albus fought against it, but it was too strong. 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 manus was that ?

Albus grappled for his wand and shakily held it up. He lit it and looked around the room, seeing no one.

"Nice to see you, potter,"a cold voice said from behind him.

Albus jumped and turned around. There, crouching next to the fireplace with his manus inside of it, was Lubar. He looked even more creepy in the dank room than he did in Hogwarts.

The hearth glowed cat valium and Lubar yanked his arm out of it. lav came tumbling out of the fire and scrambled too his understructure, looking about.

Lubar muttered something underneath his breath and stuck his hand in the blast again.

"What the ?"john whispered to Albus,"Where are we ? Is that ? Bloody Inferno !"

"Shut up !"Lubar shouted.

Albus gazed around the room. It looked vaguely companion, but Albus could n't put his finger on it. The windows were boarded up, but it was definitely not the Shrieking Shack. Albus doubted that was connected to the Floo network anyway.

The fireplace glowed green yet again, this time sending Kaden onto the base. This earned another shout from Lubar, who stuck his hand in the fervency again.

Kaden gaped and then got to his metrical foot and stood next to Albus. He looked absolutely terrified, even before he laid oculus on Lubar.

Albus wanted nothing more than to run from the room, but he did not bang where the construction was even located. Plus, Lubar would probably stun him or something.

Green Christ Within filled the room as the fireplace glowed once more. Albus knew even before it happened that matte would be the one to next fall out of the fire. Mere seconds later, that intuition was confirmed.

matte coughed and scrambled to his feet. He gasped when he saw Lubar and ran over to Albus.

Lubar, finally satisfied, doused the fervor and lit his wand, which illuminated his sinister brass. 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 have a go at it when affair work out the way I expect them to."

Albus could experience Matt shaking next to him. He gripped his wand hard, debating whether to try and demilitarize Lubar.

"Any estimate where you are ?"Lubar asked,"Dervish and Banges. lovely store, commiseration about the proprietor. Yes, a real shame."

Lubar did n't look at all upset 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 hoi polloi who 've been dying to see you."Lubar snapped his finger three times and Albus heard footsteps on the stairs.

Three wizards descended the steps and strode into the room. They lit their wands at the Saame time and Albus gasped when the light showed their faces. Jarrett and Quinton Willinson, along with Washburn. Three hoi polloi Albus hoped never to see again.

Albus swallowed hard. He could see no way out of this. As dependable a dueler he was, he was up against four fully measure up genius. Three of them did not possess the accomplishment 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 meter 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 lavatory. lustrelessness, seeing his friends restrained, made a run for the approximate window.

"Not so fast, youthful werewolf,"Lubar caught him by the back of his gown and wrapped one of his arms around his middle.

Lubar reached into his robe with his free hand and pulled out an old tea kettle. He held it out to the other three men and each one put a loose hired man on it. Albus knew what was going to bump right before it did. He shared a frightened glance with matt 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 office of this chapter from Harry 's dot of horizon. It begins in his stage of eyeshot and then switches back to Albus 's. asterisk indicate where the point of scene switches.


"Spectacular save by GA Weasley !"the observer shouted.

Harry grinned as his niece threw the Quaffle back into looseness. It was immediately taken into monomania by Hogwarts, and all three Chasers threw it back and forth as they flew to the Australian end of the pitch.

"Score ! Hogwarts has scored against Commonwealth of Australia, bringing the full 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 possess to try and conceal his excitation when Hogwarts scored. During house matches, he had to try and pretend he was neutral, even though he obviously supported Gryffindor.

As happy as Harry was about the Hogwarts pursuer being very skilled, he did not have Leslie Townes Hope that Hogwarts would actually win. Australia 's searcher, Linda esprit de corps, was the best Seeker Harry had ever seen outside of professional Quidditch. He knew that his son, James, was proficient, 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 born. Professional Quidditch players would kill for her speed.

"I 'm surprised she has n't found the stoolie yet,"Neville muttered to Harry.

"Yeah,"Harry nodded as he watched Linda slowly circling above the pitch. James IV was doing the same,"It 'll be soon, though."

Harry turned his gaze to the rest of the stave who were sitting around him. Most of them were quite reserved. Nobody seemed to be showing the exuberance Harry was. He did n't care. Harry did n't share their belief that teachers could n't get overly excited about Quidditch.

A few professors stood up and then sat back down again as someone squeezed their way past them. Harry craned his head and was surprised to see Bruno Walter Eckerton.

Harry did n't know the man well. They 'd met on function at the Ministry, although Harry had a feeling he 'd be seeing more of him now that he was pass of the Department for the rule and Control of Magical Creatures.

What Harry mostly knew about Bruno Walter Eckerton was more on a personal than master level. Harry had never met a father who was more protective of his son than Walter Eckerton, although he did get trade good reason. Never a more devoted male parent, either.

Walter continued his way past the other professor until he stopped in front of Harry. Harry was even more shocked to see the expression on his face. Worry was etched in every persona of his nerve, bringing out the wrinkles, but there was ira in his eyes.

"Walter,"Harry shook his handwriting as he stood up,"What 's going on ?"

"Not here,"Bruno Walter muttered,"I need a word in private."

Harry told Neville he 'd be right back and he followed Walter out of the stands. They continued walking until they were a curtly length away from the pitch and then Bruno Walter stopped.

"The male child have just been to see me at the Ministry,"Walter said as soon as he 'd stopped.

"time lag, what ?"Harry asked,"You mean Albus and lustrelessness ?"

"Yes, and the other two as well,"Walter said quickly,"You 've heard of Ralph Lubar, the Head of the department for the Regulation and controller of Magical wight in Australia ?"

Harry nodded, slightly confused at the change of theme."Yes, not a very tolerant bloke, is he ?"

Bruno Walter 's face hardened."That 's a nice way of putting it. The bloke is sick and convolute and he 's got a score against me. Very long history and I have n't got time to recount it. Short rendering is that when lusterlessness was eight, Lubar passed a law that required him to transform in a building with other werewolves, Old werewolves. Nearly killed him. It was right before we moved. For whatever rationality, Lubar decided to confabulate Hogwarts today, possibly under the pretense of attending the Quidditch match.

"The boy 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 owners of the shop as well as a few early Hogsmeade residents. No one 's seen them. We 've got to find oneself them."

Harry 's heart sank."You do n't believe Lubar 's got them, do you ? He 's not dangerous, is he ?"

"To matt, yes, but I have n't the slightest idea as to why he 'd want the other boys,"Walter said.

"Even if he did only want lusterlessness, he 'd receive to get Albus as well because I know Albus would n't let him take Matt sitting down,"Harry replied, and started walking briskly towards Hogsmeade,"Let 's go. I 'll get every available Auror on this."

******

Albus tried as hard as he could to dislodge 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 instant, but this time there was a significant lag. Albus had time to try and get away, not that it did anything.

The second clew that their finish was far away was the fact that it was very dark when Albus finally landed on the flat coat. Not dark like an impending violent storm either. Dark as in night.

Washburn had let go of Albus as they landed and Albus hastened to get to his feet. tawdry clump around him told him that his friend had landed as well.

The terra firma was damp and gruelling and the leaf around them was dense. Albus assumed they were in some variety of timber. He gazed around and saw a lot of unfamiliar trees that seemed to stretch towards the starry sky.

There was no moonlight to crystalise the woods. Lubar, the Willinsons, and Washburn had walked a few yards away from the male child and were whispering to each other. All four had lit their verge, but it was n't enough wand light to give Albus a serious view of his surroundings.

Matt, bathroom, and Kaden had all scrambled over to where Albus was and were standing quite close to him, their wands out. Albus pulled his own out as well, but did n't dare light it.

"Why is it night ?"Kaden whispered.

"Where the hell are we ?"John asked.

"We 're in Commonwealth of Australia,"flatness said in awe, as if he was just coming to damage 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 construct sense was why Lubar was with Washburn and the Willinsons. As far as he could recite, the four mavin 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 ?"John asked.

"How should I know ?"flatness snapped,"Australia 's a huge country !"

"I just thought if we were near it, we could hide out there,"John muttered.

"You would n't want to,"flatness said,"My stupid cousin owns it now."

"You have a cousin ?"Albus asked.

"Not significant,"Matt said quickly.

Albus nodded."How are we going to get out of this ?"

"They 're not paying aid,"can whispered, gesturing to where the four wizards stood huddled in a R-2,"Maybe if we run for it."

"The Portkey 's rightfulness there,"Matt pointed to the tea timpani, which was a few feet away,"If we can just get to it."

"All right,"Albus whispered,"On the count 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 actualise how much more difficult this is going to be now ? We only needed thrower ! 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 consume done."

"well, now we 've wound up with two extra 1 as well,"Jarret muttered.

"They 're fry, how much problem can they be ?"Lubar smirked.

"You do n't know this lot,"Washburn replied,"They 're the cause we have n't had luck before."

"I thought that was because of your incredible stupidity,"Lubar said.

Albus was very scheme. 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 thrower'?

"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 lusterlessness,"So many years have passed. Tell me, what is it like pretending to be something you 're not ?"

To Albus 's surprise, it was John and not flatness who went flying at Lubar. Lubar disarmed John with a lazy moving ridge of his verge, leaving Saint John stunned in front man 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 Matt, who was shakily holding his wand up.

"It does n't matter what body politic you 're in,"Lubar seethed,"You 're the same thing no matter where you live. The laws do n't vary what you are. Pretend as much as you like, but it wo n't alter a thing."

Now Albus wanted to go after Lubar. The choler was boiling up inside of him and he did n't think he had ever felt more furious in his intact life, and that included every encounter he had had with Scorpius Malfoy. Malfoy was like a fluffy kitten compared to Lubar.

However, Albus held himself back. John was already wandless. It would do them no good if Albus got disarmed as well. Something told him to wait, to wait until he could watch them off guard.

"What about your founder ? I hear he 's the oral sex of the section in Britain now,"Lubar smirked,"Guess it 's just a matter of time until the Lapp thing happens. You 'll have to flee again."

Matt was visibly trembling now. Albus wracked his mind, trying to figure out what to do. What could they do ?

"Oh, for Falco columbarius 's sake !"Jarrett strode forward,"How is this helping things ? Did we really risk Portkeying a bunch of kids to Commonwealth of Australia just to waste fourth dimension taunting one of them ?"

"repose !"Lubar shouted,"I 'll do what I like !"

"Excuse me !"Kaden said loudly, turning to Lubar,"But how in the public figure of Merlin do you know them ?"He gestured to the Willinsons and Washburn.

Albus held his breath, waiting for Lubar to put some sort of whammy or curse on Kaden. Sometimes his full cousin was quite dense. It seemed obvious to Albus that this was a prison term not to ask questions.

To Albus 's surprise, Lubar smiled. It was a perverted variety of smile, but a smile nonetheless.

"I think that 's a middling interrogation,"Lubar said."My cousin married this moron,"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 foresightful,"Jarrett muttered,"Can we please just get on with this ?"

"Patience, cousin,"Lubar said as he began to walk slowly around the other three,"We mus n't do this hastily. precipitation is the reason you three have failed prior to tonight."

Fail at what ? What were they going to do ? The only affair Albus could think of was getting the Hallows, but all three Hallows were in England. If that was their plan, they would n't have taken them to Australia.

Albus glanced nervously at lusterlessness, who still looked scared out of his mind. Something was still telling Albus not to try and duel the men. Lubar seemed smartness, much wise 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 short 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 cosmetic surgery at top velocity, not pausing to answering the questioning stare of the bloke at the welcome desk. The lifts could not go fast enough for the two men. Harry nearly pulled the doors open when they finally arrived at Magical Law Enforcement 's floor.

The Auror situation was slightly more lively than the residuum of the Ministry, but not much. Three Aurors were inside, two of whom hastily shoved away a mound of Exploding snapshot calling card and stood up upon seeing Harry arrive. The other Auror, a rather shortly but thickset witch, shoved the book she was reading in the draftsman, and joined the other two.

"ceramist, sir !"the witch said,"We thought you were at Hogwarts today !"

"I was,"Harry said darkly and explained the situation.

The three Aurors looked low as they waited for Harry to establish them instructions.

"Dabney,"Harry turned to the taller of the wiz,"Brighton,"he looked at the beldam,"Get started with an extensive search of Hogsmeade. I 'm calling in everyone who is n't occupy with anything else. Tiburon and Oswald are on duty in Hogsmeade today, inform them of the situation."

Dabney and Brighton nodded before dashing out of the way. Harry turned to the remaining Auror."Lewster, you will be searching the Forbidden timber as soon as someone else arrives."

Harry pulled out his wand and muttered a charm. An enormous silvery hart flew out of his baton and Harry whispered to it. The Patronus glided out of the room and Harry leaned against the penny-pinching desk.

It was n't long before Harry heard footsteps in the corridor. He looked up at the door just as Ron was running through, followed by half a dozen former Aurors.

"Harry, what 's going on ?"Ron said in a care tone.

Harry rehashed the entire situation again. Ron 's face paled."What about Rose, was she with them ?"

"No,"Bruno 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 cue as to how Lubar would bang him."

"With moody champion, you just never know,"Ron pointed out.

"I know,"Harry nodded,"Ron, lead the search of the Forbidden forest. Lewster 's going with you. And fill Book of the Prophet Daniel and 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 castling and priming coat. Be distinct. I do not care to interrupt the Quidditch match unless it is absolutely necessary,"Harry instructed.

The Aurors left the room and Harry turned to Walter. He slowly shook his head. Why was it always Albus ? This was the third year he had gotten into difficulty. Albus 's long time at Hogwarts were reminding Harry dangerously of his own.

"I 'd better go Floo home and tell Julie what 's going on,"Bruno Walter sighed,"She 's going to fall apart."

Harry nodded as Bruno Walter left the room. Ginny. Harry snapped his head up. She was going to be watching the match, but was going to be late. She 's probably there now, Harry thought. She 'd be looking for him.

Harry slowly left the room. How was he going to evidence his wife that Albus had been kidnapped and he did n't birth a clue as to where he was ?

******

"You 're just too afraid to do it !"Jarrett shouted at Lubar,"What could possibly go incorrectly ? We 're halfway across the macrocosm from the Aurors that are looking for this lot !"

"Once again you have proved your stupidity,"Lubar replied,"Do you recognize who we 've taken halfway across the Earth ? Harry Potter 's son ! You have n't a clue as to how affair work in the Ministry !

"I can ascertain you that at this very mo, the entire Auror Department is looking for them. Harry Potter 's probably got every Auror on this example. It wo n't take them long to agnise that we 're not in England.

"And this one,"Lubar gestured to matt,"He 's got the most tampering parents in the human beings. They 'd sooner kill everyone in the world before letting something hap to him. Very irritating. They wo n't rest until they find him. Not to mention the fact that he 's the son of a Ministry functionary. We 've got two small fry of two of the most prominent Ministry officials of Britain. Think, Jarrett, think ! We 've got to be careful !"

"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 imbecile had n't wanted to convey the kids, we could 've done this unhurt matter 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 sustain a hazard to do whatever it was they wanted to do before the Aurors found them, Albus thought. He could only hope that the wizards would have enough to reason about.

"Are we going to do it here ?"Jarrett asked,"Or go to the menage ?"

"wealthy person you learned nothing ?"Lubar shouted,"When they find out that we 're here, the first billet they 'll look is the house."

"Got any salutary ideas ?"Jarrett seethed,"Have you got a unavowed little shack somewhere in this country ?"

"No,"Lubar snapped,"We 're taking them to the outback. Plenty of plaza to enshroud, not very live. Perfect place."

Before Albus could even contemplate running away, Jarrett had his arm in a frailty grip again. Matt was once again in the clutch of Lubar, and john and Kaden were both caught by the Willinsons.

Albus knew very little about the Aussie outback, just that it was n't suitable for much human inhabitancy. However, the one objet d'art of information he did know about it was that it was where most of the dementors that used to defend Azkaban had gone. That, and it was a somewhat popular plaza for vampires.

Lubar and Jarrett had stopped bickering. Albus had two sec to gain what was happening before he felt the fellow but unpleasant sensation of side-along Apparition.


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as all of the awesome multitude 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 River between Albus 's and Harry 's perspectives.


Albus stumbled as he landed, breaking unfreeze of Jarrett 's grasp. He tripped over a rock 'n' roll and landed aspect first in the grit. Spitting the grittiness out of his oral cavity, he stood up and glanced around.

It was still far too iniquity to see anything but the schema of mountains in the distance. The outback seemed very evacuate and very tranquil. There was a very small-scale clump of Bush and tree nearby, but besides that, Albus did not see practically else in the way of industrial plant life history.

Albus immediately knew why Lubar had taken them there. He had never been in such a deserted place in his life. There was absolutely cypher around them. Even if Albus had decided to run away, he would n't possess gotten very far. As unsafe as staying with Lubar was, Albus knew he would let no chance of surviving if he ran off into the outback.

Lubar seemed to fuck that Albus and the others would n't run away. He neglected to use any sort of roach to tie them up or put any turn around them. Instead, he walked a short distance in the direction of the mountains and gestured for the Willinsons and Washburn to comply them.

"What are we going to do ?"john seethed,"Has anyone got any idea where we are ?"

"The outback 's Brobdingnagian,"Matt replied,"I bet we 're right in the midsection of it. The nearest civilization 's probably miles away."

"So we 're done for,"John groaned,"What do they even want with us anyway ?"

"No idea,"Albus said,"But if they keep arguing, we might not have to find out."

"Do you really think your dads are going to be capable to rule us ?"John asked skeptically.

"Lubar 's right,"Albus said,"The whole Ministry 's going to be looking. I think they 'll encounter us."

"doe stuff like this happen every year ?"Kaden asked,"I mean, last year I got kidnapped by Willinson and now we all were. What 'll bump following year ?"

"Hopefully nothing,"Albus said.

"If there is a side by side year,"John muttered.

"Shut up over there !"Lubar shouted as he walked back over to the boys,"I did n't state you to talk !"

"Lubar !"Jarrett seethed as he pointed to someplace in the distance,"There 's mass gathering over there ! We 've got to go somewhere else !"

Albus looked towards where Jarrett was pointing and his gist leapt a bit. There was a pocket-size gather of figures a few yards away. Could his dad have found them already ?

"composure down,"Lubar said,"They 're just vampire. They wo n't bother us. I know that coven. They know better than to mess up with me. I 'll prepare life pretty miserable for them if they do."

"slip deals with lamia now ?"Jarrett asked.

"Proving to be helpful, is n't it ?"Lubar answered.

Albus 's hope sank once again. Lubar seemed more confusing than ever. He cut deals for vampire but passed restrictive Laws on werewolves ? It did n't make sense.

The men lowered their articulation again and Albus wished he had a few Extendable Ears with him. He did n't dare talk to his friends, just sent them anxious glances every now and then.

A frigidness flatus blew over them and Albus shivered. It was the kind of cold that chilled him to the bone. Hoping that it was n't going to rain down, or nose candy ( was n't it winter in Commonwealth of Australia ? ), he looked to the sky. There were no clouds, but what Albus saw was much worse than clouds.

Five or six masked figures were slowly circling above them. Although he had never before seen one, Albus recognized them as dementors immediately. Despite the dark, Albus could clearly lay down out their forms. As they got closer, he could even hear their rattling breath.

The mankind in strawman of him began to swim. He felt like he was going to pass out, but he knew it was just the dementors sucking all the happiness out of him. Albus was left with all his unhappy thoughts.

His dad was n't going to observe them. They would be stuck on the Aussie outback until Lubar and the others did what they were going to do. Then who knew what would occur ?

"No, no, no !"flatness shouted.

Albus squeezed his eye shut and then opened them, forcing himself to calculate towards his friend. mat was kneeling on the priming coat, shaking violently. Both can and Kaden were looking at him anxiously, neither seeming to be that affected by the dementors.

Of class the dementors would feign mat the spoilt. He had gone through affair that Albus, John, and Kaden could n't even reckon. It probably did n't help that Lubar was actually exhibit, either.

Without even thinking, Albus pulled his wand out of his robe. He 'd heard the incantation for the Patronus charm before and figured it was worth a shot. What else could he do besides try ?

"Expecto Patronum !"Albus shouted, pointing his wand at the sky. aught happened.

A glad thought ! How could he accept forgotten that ? It was hard 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 scepter to the sky again."Expecto Patronum ! Expecto Patronum !"

Albus kept shouting the incantation while using various happy memories. goose egg was happening, but mat 's yelling was decreasing. Then it stopped. Albus stopped and looked towards the ground. It looked like Matt had passed out.

Thinking of the day Balladanis had been sacked, Albus pointed his baton at the dementors once again."Expecto Patronum !"he shouted.

A silvery blob exploded from his wand and went after the dementors. Albus stood shocked for a few moment. He had sort of done a Patronus good luck charm !

"Bloody hell,"John whispered.

"Expecto Patronum !"soul shouted from the distance.

Albus looked up and saw Lubar track 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 foggy brain immediately cleared and the happiness returned. He quickly stowed his wand in his robes before Lubar thought to disarm him.

"Leave him,"Lubar growled at John and Kaden, who were bent to the solid ground trying to get Matt to inflame up.

"Dementors !"Washburn shouted sarcastically,"This was a bally smart as a whip place to come."

Lubar paid no aid to Washburn 's gossip. His eyes were focused on Albus and he was giving him a very curious look. Albus took a unquiet step back, but Lubar did not stave off his gaze. Albus immediately closed his mind.

******

"thrower, sir !"

Harry, who had been walking up high Street in Hogsmeade with Ginny, turned around and saw Lewster striding towards him. Harry stopped, hoping he had some undecomposed news.

"What is it, Lewster ?"Harry asked.

"Just talked to a few of the centaurs,"Lewster said,"They saw three virtuoso in the forest a few time of day ago. They recognized one of them as Washburn."

"I 'd bet my final stage Galleon the former two were the Willinsons,"Harry replied,"Did the Centaurus 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 surprise him. The Resurrection Stone was someplace in the timberland."Did you see anything ?"

"No,"Lewster shook his head,"And the Centaurus are pretty sure enough 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 think that Washburn is with Lubar, do you ?"Ginny asked.

"There 's no doubtfulness in my mind,"Harry answered,"It 's just a issue of finding them. Listen, I 've got to go search Dervish and Banges. I 've got this hunch about the place. Seems like the perfect berth for Washburn to take them."

Ginny nodded."I 'll go catch the end of the match. I wo n't mention anything to Saint James and Lily yet."

"good,"Harry said,"I 'll be in touch soon."He kissed her lightly on the os frontale."We 're going to see him."

"I know,"Ginny replied softly,"Stay safe."

Ginny turned around to walk back to the Hogwarts grounds while Harry picked up the pace and walked the short space to Dervish and Banges.

The building looked utterly abandoned. The windowpane 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 doorway. He carefully pulled the add-in off of it and quietly wrenched the doorway unfold. Without lighting his wand, he walked inside.

The seat had the olfaction of a recent fervour in the fireplace. somebody had been there. However, there was not a sound from anywhere in the building. Harry lit his scepter and saw that it was deserted.

After a thorough arrest of the entire building, in which Harry found no aliveness creatures, he returned to the main room. The hearth was filled with nearly beat embers and there was a small spate of Floo powder spilled out onto the floor.

The Floo had been used recently. Harry bent down and muttered an incantation that would tell him where the last soul to use the fireplace had Flooed from. He waited for the incantation to work, his heart hammering.

Soft red gage emitted from his wand, curling together to form the words 'Ministry of illusion .'Harry breathed a sigh of relief. He was getting somewhere. Without hardly a dubiety, Harry knew that Albus and the other boys had wound up in Dervish and Banges after going to the Ministry. The entirely question was, where had they gone after that ?

******

"How old are you, thrower ?"Lubar asked.

"Thirteen,"Albus replied, still a bit spooky as to why Lubar was looking at him like that. It reminded him of how Balladanis had looked at him during the mo dueling tournament.

"And they teach the Patronus Charm to thirteen-year-olds at Hogwarts ?"Lubar replied.

"No,"Albus shook his headland, although when he thought about it, Balladanis may have taught him and Malfoy Patronuses if he had n't gotten sacked."That was the first prison term I 'd tried it."

"Very intriguing,"Lubar said as he turned to the other three men,"This lot did n't recount me you were skilled at defensive attitude magic."

"You never asked,"Jarrett muttered,"But is thrower '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 sceptre harder. He glanced at matt, who was still unconscious. John the Evangelist did n't experience his wand. Kaden was n't very soundly at dueling. It would be up to him, to Albus, if this came to a duel.

"The only one who 's got any skill is thrower,"Jarrett said,"The early three are n't going to be difficult."

"Fine,"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 K 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."lusterlessness, lusterlessness,"he whispered,"Wake Island up."

After a instant or two, Matt 's optic fluttered heart-to-heart 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 !"John said excitedly.

"You what ?"matte gaped at him.

"It was just silvery mist,"Albus told him,"Lubar 's actually the one who got rid of them."

"Probably just for his sake,"Matt shuddered,"Did anyone else pass out ?"The other three son shook their heads."chassis,"matt muttered.

"You need some chocolate or something,"Albus said,"Anyone got some ?"

"Might,"Kaden began fishing around in his pouch. He produced a chocolate frog and handed it to lustrelessness, 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 imagine you can get up ?"

Matt nodded and Albus helped him to his foot. Lubar and the others were walking towards them again. Albus slowly pulled his wand out of his robe and held it to his side, hiding it partially behind his back.

Lubar conjured a pile of wood and set fire to it, illuminating himself, Washburn, the Willinsons, and the boys. Albus was now clearly able to see the rick facial expression on Lubar 's human face.

"Are you mad ?"Jarrett seethed,"fervor 's going to attract attention !"

Lubar laughed."blast 's going to secure that those vampires 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 lamia are destroyed by fire. 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 Stone,"Jarrett answered.

Albus could hardly conceal his gasp as he peered closer at Jarrett 's outstretched hand. There was a very small stone sitting in it. The Resurrection stone. One of the Deathly Hallows. Jarrett had finally succeeded in getting one of the three objects he had been after for old age. But how ?

"How ?"Albus asked, trying to sound confident.

"Ancient magic trick is a beautiful thing, thrower,"Jarrett answered,"There are long forgotten spells, spells that work very nicely with long forgotten magical objective such as this Harlan Fiske Stone. It was merely a affair of finding the correct patch, getting to the Forbidden woods, and putting it to use. Quite bare now that I look back on it."

"Only because you did n't do any of the work,"Lubar muttered,"It was I who found the magic spell !"

"The other Hallows will prove to be slowly to prevail with the assist of this,"Jarrett went on, ignoring Lubar 's mutterings.

Albus did not like the sound of that. The Stone itself did one thing and that was bring back the John Barleycorn of people who had passed on. How would that help Jarrett get the early Hallows ?

The Invisibility Cloak. Albus 's stomach plummeted. It was still in his robe. He really hoped Jarrett would n't realise 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 blast and strode airless to Albus. Albus took a pace back as his heart 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 regard swept over all four son,"You should all be afraid."

"Quit taunting them and just do it,"Washburn said impatiently.

"With this pit,"Jarrett said a bit louder,"I will land back Godhead Voldemort."

******

Harry burst out of Dervish and Banges, not caring that he had blasted the door completely off its hinge as he did so. He had to ascertain Walter. He had to incur 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 Apparition or a Portkey, both of which would possess left vestige that he 'd want the Department of Magical Transportation for.

Harry rounded a 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 look of mental confusion and shock, interracial with jumble fear.

"Ginny,"Harry said,"Sorry."

"Not a job,"she said quickly,"Have you found anything ?"

"Yes,"Harry answered,"Is the equal over ? How badly did we lose by ?"

"Only a 100 degree,"Ginny said,"But we might not cause actually lost. Listen, did you know Australia 's seeker is a vampire ?"

"Wait, what ?"Harry gaped at her, trying to enclose his mind around that fact while still focusing his brain on Albus.

"I 'll explain after we 've found Albus,"Ginny said.

"Right,"Harry agreed,"I 've got a lead. person 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 lead us, but I might not be back for a while."

"Just be careful,"Ginny said as she gave him a buss,"And impart 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 live flavor at Ginny, Harry met 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.

Bruno Walter nodded and the two men Disapparated on the spot. They reappeared a little while later in a minuscule Apparition chamber in the Ministry.

Passing the amaze looking security guard for the thirdly time that day, Harry and Bruno Walter ran to the lifts. Neither of them said a Bible as the cosmetic surgery clattered to the Department of Magical Transportation.

The department was nearly deserted, bring through for one very bored looking witch sitting at a desk.

"Mr. ceramist, Mr. Eckerton !"she exclaimed as she took her metrical unit off the desk,"Something I can do for you ?"

"Yes,"Harry answered,"I need to have a go at it if anyone 's Disapparated from Dervish and Banges in Hogsmeade. Or used a Portkey from that same location. And if you 're able to, I need to hump where they went."

"Of form, Mr. Potter, of course of action,"the enchantress said as she got up. She disappeared into another room, shutting the doorway behind her.

Harry sighed and sat down on the nearest chair. Walter sat down in the side by side one, looking thoroughly miserable.

"We 'll see them,"Harry said quietly.

"I do n't doubt that,"Walter replied,"However, that is not the only thing I am worried about. The last time Matt 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 wizard 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 variety of boundary.

Walter did not speak for several seconds."It 's ok,"Harry said,"You do n't let to explain."

"I will,"Walter said quietly,"Shortly after Matt was bitten, I became the capitulum of the Department for the regulation and control condition of Magical puppet in Australia. Nobody outside of the department knew about his condition, of course. Ralph Lubar was given my former position of Head of the loup-garou Control whole, and was quite jealous that I was given the Head place. 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 years, until the day finally came when he cracked and let it slip that Matt was a werewolf. A bit of legislation had been passed that required all places of transformation be inspected by the Ministry. Lubar inspected lustrelessness 's and it failed on a technicality. Ministry center were set up for loup-garou to transubstantiate in, together. mat was required by law to transform there since his safe room did not go. I refused to have him transform there. The document were all over it. I lost my job. Lubar was appointed to the headland position.

"Sir Thomas More legislation was passed. A law that stated that Ministry functionary could physically force werewolves into the transformation shopping mall. On the day of the entire moon, Lubar Flooed into our house and took matte to the center. By the meter I figured out which center it was, the moon had risen. It was too late.

"Matt spent calendar week in St. Mungo 's. By that fourth dimension we were nearly cook to move here. He was so traumatise, it took months for him to get over it. To be honest, I do n't think he 's fully over it.

"The solely understanding Lubar did it was to try and get to me. That 's why he 's so pallid and twisted,"Walter finished as he put his headland in his hands,"I swore I 'd never let him near Matt again. Swore I 'd pop him if he went near lusterlessness again.

Walter gave an odd sort of laugh."Listen to me, I 'm telling the heading of the Auror Department that I 'd invest murder."

"Just so long as you do n't actually do it when we go carry through the boy,"Harry said, still processing what Walter had told him. It certainly explained a lot- why they were so reluctant to let Matt out of their sight, why they were n't on the Floo Network.

One thing that Harry could order was that Walter blamed himself for everything that had happened. Honestly, Harry was n't surprised. If something like that had happened to James, Albus, or Lily, he would 've blamed himself, too.

"That was n't your error,"Harry said quietly,"And this is n't either."

"If I had just Flooed ahead of the boys-"

"It would n't possess mattered,"Harry interrupted,"And it 'll do no good to harp on it now. It 's in the past."

"That 's exactly what my blood brother said when matte was in St. Mungo 's,"Bruno Walter said wryly.

"Mr. ceramist !"the witch came bustling out of the room she had gone into, brandishing a part of parchment, which she handed to Harry.

Harry stood up as she handed them the sheepskin. His center scanned the parchment. Portkeys. Four Portkeys had left Dervish and Banges a few short hour ago. That in itself did not blow out of the water Harry, especially compared to where the Portkeys had gone.

"Australia,"Harry read as he turned to 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 people who have read and left such lovely reviews !


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 hard that he could Apparate. Why did you stimulate to be XVII to get your apparition permission anyway ? If he ever worked in the Department of Magical deportation, he would change that law. spectre would 've enabled him to get out of Australia, away from Jarrett Willinson, who was trying to bring in back Maker Voldemort with the Resurrection of Christ Stone.

Albus could not remember being More scared in his life. This was far worse than when he had dueled Washburn on the Hogwarts grounds two years ago, far worse than when Quinton kidnapped Kaden the previous year. Lord Voldemort was far shuddery than Lubar, Washburn, and the Willinsons combined.

What would Voldemort aspect like when Jarrett brought him back ? Harry had said the gem could n't actually bring multitude back to life sentence. Albus guessed he 'd be more like a ghost. But would he be able to do magic, to perform the curses and hexes he did when he was alive ?

Albus held his breathing place as he watched Jarrett rick the stone over in his hand. Albus had no idea how it worked, but judging by how quiet 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 retentive that Albus had to let out his breath. The stimulate glow on Jarrett 's brass slowly dissipated until it was replaced by frustration.

"Why wo n't it play ?"Jarrett shouted,"Are you positive this is the right Stone ?"

"Of course I am !"Lubar shouted as he grabbed the Edward Durell Stone,"The charm said it was !"

"fountainhead, it 's not working now, is it ?"Jarrett mocked.

Albus breathed a sigh of backup. Either they had the faulty Lucy Stone or for whatever intellect, 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 spell, a strange sort of mist appeared in straw man of him. Albus 's nitty-gritty sped up. It had worked.

The mist began to sort out and a design was standing in front of Lubar. The digit was not Godhead Voldemort, though. Albus had no idea who had been resurrected, but it certainly was not Voldemort. This person was a woman, and a short circuit one at that.

Washburn and the Willinsons were exchanging singular coup d'oeil. Lubar, however, was staring directly at the number, his face contorted with something Albus could only take 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 woman, who was apparently his mother,"Mum."

"Ralphy,"the woman replied.

"I-it 's been so long,"Lubar whispered.

Albus turned to his friends, who were all staring in confusion at Lubar. matte in detail was giving Lubar a very strange look. Apparently the stone was the Resurrection Harlan Stone and it did indeed work, just not in the way Jarrett had been planning.

"Very long,"Lubar 's female parent agreed,"But you 've done well. I 'm very proud of you, son."

Albus had to embrace his mouth to conceal his snort. What kind of mother could be lofty 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 sake !"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 gemstone out of his hand.

Lubar 's mother began to fleet as soon as Jarrett took the stone. Running towards her, Lubar held out his hand trying to go along 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 scepter, but neither man was hurling curse. 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 convey back Voldemort here, not your messed up mum !"

"Do not affront my mother,"Lubar seethed and flicked his wand.

Jarrett fell to the reason, completely ineffectual to affect. Lubar stood over him with his wand directed at his chest.

"My mother was a lovely person,"Lubar growled,"You 're sick to be speaking ill of the all in like that."

Albus did n't really think Lubar should be talking about who is sick 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.

"bettor they hex each other than us, right ?"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 former 's mothers."

Lubar turned his sceptre on Washburn."Have you anything to say about my female parent ? wellspring, do you ?"

Washburn hastily pulled out his own wand."Er, no, she seemed quite lovely."

"good,"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 background, his eyes darting about nervously.

******

"Commonwealth of Australia,"Bruno 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 per centum sure that Jarrett and Quinton Willinson, as well as Jameson Washburn are working with Lubar. I am nearly incontrovertible that they are with the son in Australia."

"right wing,"Bruno Walter agreed,"The grounds 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 supporter with capturing the former two. The Minister hired a Presuler."

Walter let out a low whistle and then realization dawned on his case."Wait, you do n't mean-"

"Aplysia Balladanis,"Harry said quietly,"Yes, he was the Presuler the Ministry hired. Stationed at Hogwarts under the pretense of teaching Defense Against the dark Arts."

"Bad mind on the Minister 's part,"Walter muttered.

"It was my thought to send him at Hogwarts,"Harry replied,"But I did not know that he would be such an awful teacher."

"I wo n't keep it against you,"Walter said.

"I appreciate that,"Harry said,"However, since Balladanis is a part of this investigation, I have to contact him and he will cause to go with us to Australia. I understand that you have had your difference of opinion, but-"

"If he helps to notice Matt, I will forgive him for everything he 's done,"Walter interrupted.

"Here you are, Mr. thrower, Mr. Eckerton,"the enchantress returned holding a ill-shapen credit card container, which she handed to Harry."If I can be of anymore assistance, 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. Completely unsure of what to do, yet very happy that they seemed to have momentarily forgotten about the male child, Albus just stood there watching. lustrelessness, John, and Kaden did the like, although John looked more than a bit apprehensive, most probably due to his lack 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 charter kindly to this and jinx Washburn. In the have in mind clip, the mantrap had worn off Jarrett and he attempted to hex Lubar.

All four men were running around, throwing hexes at each early while dodging the fire. Albus was form of hoping one of them would misstep and burn their arms or something. Or even better, maybe one or more of them would shed their baton into the fire.

Washburn and the Willinsons were definitely spoilt for wear. All three of them were sporting accidental injury. Both Willinsons were limping and Washburn 's left arm was being held at an odd slant.

Lubar seemed all right and even though it appeared that the other three were siding against him, he was coming off better. Albus had to accept that he was very skilled at dueling.

Lubar shot a jet of red sparkle at Washburn, who went flying over the fire and landed with a sickening thump in front line of the male child. He did not move. Albus looked down and saw a small Harlan F. Stone next 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 advanced towards him. Three verge were pointed at his chest, being held by three multitude with maniacal gleams in their eyes.

Albus gulped and held up his own verge, his arm quivering slightly. Matt and Kaden had done the same. Gospel According to John tried to veil behind Matt, but was unsuccessful since he was a unspoilt head taller than him.

"Hand it over, Potter,"Lubar growled.

With a defiant face at Lubar, Albus hastily shoved the Stone into the sac of his robes and held his wand up gamey.

******

"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 hand on the Portkey. Balladanis did so as well, with a lilliputian hesitation.

With a familiar jerk behind his naval, Harry disappeared from the Ministry. The Portkey trip was a bit foresighted than ones Harry was used to, but it did n't surprise him since he knew they were going to Australia.

Harry landed softly on his feet and held out his scepter as he adjusted to the environment. It was pitch black and after he lit his sceptre, Harry knew they were in the middle of a forest.

The forest was disappointingly quiet. The solely auditory sensation were those of creature and the occasional rustle of trees, brought about by the winding. Not a single sound caused Harry to believe that there were people about, let alone his son.

"Spread out and hunting,"Harry announced. The place may look deserted, but Albus and the others had been there at some pointedness. They had Portkeyed there.

None of the maven said a word as they combed the surface area. Harry left no stone unturned as he looked for the small-scale trace of evidence of where his son had gone. If only it was n't dark. Wands did n't ply nearly enough light.

There seemed to be not a trace of anything that showed anyone had been in that area of the afforest, let alone where they had gone afterwards. Ralph Lubar was good at this, that was for for sure. Harry swore as he returned to the same situation he had started from.

Walter returned a few bit later, looking even more anxious than he did before."aught,"he muttered,"Not a rip piece of cloak or a 1 Canute the Great. They did n't quell here long."

Harry groaned and scuffed the ground with his brake shoe. He and Walter stood quietly as they waited for Balladanis to come back.

Balladanis came running towards Harry holding a small metallic element cat's-paw in his hired man and an strange kind of excite smirk on his expression. He skidded to a freeze in social movement of Harry, holding out the instrument. Harry recognized it as an Apparition detector. They were quite rare. The British Ministry only owned one, for the entire Ministry.

"They 've Disapparated,"Balladanis said hurriedly.

"Obviously,"Bruno Walter muttered,"Any thought where ?"

"A universal idea, yes,"Balladanis replied, ignoring Bruno Walter 's sarcastic flavor,"They 're on the outback."

"The outback ?"Bruno Walter gasped,"Dammit, there 's dementors out there !"

"I am cognisant,"Balladanis said.

"Let 's go, then,"Harry said, placing one of his men on the metal instrument. It would be able to guide them to the relative region they needed to go.

Bruno Walter put his hand on the legal instrument as well and with an exceptionally flashy cleft, all three men Disapparated.

They landed on terrain that was very unfamiliar to Harry. The ground was dusty and sandy and there was hardly any flora life history in sight. In the space there were improbable sight and draped figure floated above them. Harry suppressed a thrill and gripped his wand tighter. Dementors.

What looked like a roaring bonfire blazed in the aloofness. Harry glanced at it suspiciously and then looked back to Walter and Balladanis, both of whom were more associate with the area.

"Only vampires and dementors ever speculation out here,"Balladanis said quietly,"Neither of whom would set a fire."

"Let 's go, then,"Harry said and began to run the lowly group towards the flickering lights in the distance.

******

"helping hand it over, ceramist,"Lubar repeated.

Albus gulped and tried to admit his wand more steadfast. His wand arm was shaking uncontrollably and Albus did n't seem to be able to hold it steady. His heart was thumping hard in his chest. Albus was sure everyone was able to hear it. However, he did not need to give up the Stone. That was one thing he was sure of. The lone way Lubar would be getting it is if he killed Albus first. Which actually, was n't something Albus would put past him.

"Maybe you should just give it to him,"John whispered,"I mean, it did n't work to get Voldemort back."

"No,"Albus seethed, surprised that John the Evangelist had suggested it. He probably would n't have if he still had his wand.

"Do you really want to sustain 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 unspoiled odds, if you ask me."

"And do you earn 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 Harlan Stone, one way or another."

Lubar flicked his wand and sent a jet of orange Christ Within at Albus. Albus jumped back and threw up a buckler appealingness, concentrating on making it big enough to harbour him and his friends. It worked and the Orange River Christ Within bounced harmlessly off the shell and hit the ground.

"Stay behind me, John,"Albus muttered,"Matt and Kaden, spread out and hit them with whatever spells you know."

Albus concentrated on keeping his shield up while casting other trance, like he had done in Balladanis 's dueling example. So far it was working, but Albus never managed to keep the shield up very long.

Lubar was momentarily stunned when he saw Albus 's carapace, but he quickly recovered and began sending hex after hex, nonverbally, at Albus and John. Concentrating punishing, Albus sent a Stunner at Lubar, but he flicked his verge and it shot off into the distance, hitting one of the lone bushes, which promptly caught fire.

Albus chanced a coup d'oeil at matte and Kaden. Matt was dueling with Jarrett and it looked like they were pretty equally matched, which was kind of pathetic as far as Jarrett was concerned. It made Albus feel better though. Quinton and Kaden just seemed to be sending Expelliarmus magical spell at each other and missing every time.

The shield emitting from Albus 's baton faltered and faded a bit. Albus renewed his density, but the shield was still weak than it had been before. There was no way he 'd be able to beam any spells through the cuticle now.

"Your shield is weakening, ceramist,"Lubar smirked as he sent another knockout at Albus, which shook the shield.

"Merlin !"Quinton shouted to the right of them. He was hopping on one foot and Kaden was laughing hysterically. Albus grinned. Kaden had actually managed to do some kind of hex, although Albus was n't sure what one it was.

Lubar turned to Quinton and flicked his verge at Kaden. Kaden promptly froze and fell to the soil. Albus gasped and his shield disappeared.

"Albus !"John shouted.

Albus turned back to Lubar, but did n't get the shell back up before Lubar shot a hex at can, who fell to the reason like Kaden had.

"Would n't it be easier just to give me the Stone ?"Lubar asked as he sent a Stunner at Albus.

Albus deflected it."Not really."

Jarrett and matte were still dueling. Both were sporting a few trauma, but cypher too serious. Neither seemed to have noticed that John and Kaden were Stunned.

Albus managed to hit Lubar with a trip jinx, which gave him a few sec to catch his breath while Lubar righted himself. Unfortunately this only angered him and he was now sporting a gash across his left cheek.

"Expelliarmus !"Lubar shouted.

Albus jumped to the English and the charm hit a nearby tilt. 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 go on dodging them forever, Potter !"Lubar grinned manically.

"watch me,"Albus said defiantly.

Albus of course knew that Lubar was right. The odds had not really changed. John the Divine and Kaden were both out of the scrap and while John was easily the easily dueller 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 shape to continue dueling. lusterlessness was holding his own against Jarrett, something Albus was both dumbfound and delighted by.

No, Albus was not trying to master Lubar. He knew that would n't be potential. Albus was merely biding for time. He tried to figure out how long they 'd been gone as he dodged turn. It must take been at least three or four hours, although the dark Australian sky had not changed a bit. Albus wished the lunar month had been out so he could have monitored its stumble across the sky.

How long would it take his dad to see them ? Longer than normal, Albus thought. They were in the eye of a foreign area, nowhere near anyplace Harry would be looking.

"I 'm getting annoyed, ceramicist, and you do n't need to see me when I 'm annoyed !"Lubar shouted, sending another jet of red light at Albus.

Before Albus even had time to register what sort of hex it was, matte gave a shrieking of pain to Albus 's rightfield and collapsed to the dry land. Jarrett wasted no prison term and pointed his wand at Albus.

Albus took a fraction of a indorsement to digest the fact that he was now dead alone, facing two fully grown wizards. The two wizards shot identical jets of blue light at Albus and he managed to get out up a feeble shield.

The military unit hit him like a 12 Bludgers to the stomach. He lost his footing and landed flat on his back, his head hitting a particularly discriminating rock-and-roll.

"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 Oliver Stone as far as he could to the rightfield. In the darkness, it disappeared in a split second and Albus did n't even hear it land.

"No !"Lubar shouted,"You 'll pay for that !"

"Wands where I can see them !"someone shouted from behind Lubar.

Lubar and Jarrett whipped around as fast as they could. Albus lifted his head slightly and caught a glimpse of his dad, along with a few former wizard. He breathed a sigh of relief. They were saved.


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight as well as all of the pin-up mass who have read and reviewed this !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Albus managed to sit up right before the hexes started flying. Realizing that he dropped his sceptre 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 spot. Harry immediately disarmed Lubar before he could do the Lapplander.

Once Lubar was defenseless, Albus left the safety of the bush and shakily stood up. He reached the ardor and was able to see who the former two whizz next to Harry were. What he saw made him dizzy with seismic disturbance all over again.

The shorter of the two was matte 's dad. He was staring stony faced at Lubar. Albus had never seen anyone glare at anyone else with such hatred and loathing as matte 's dad glared at Lubar. And that included when his Uncle Ron talked about the Malfoys, or his mum when soul mentioned Vernon and genus Petunia Dursley.

It was the other maven that nearly caused Albus to guide out in stupor. He was none former than prof Balladanis. What in the gens of Falco columbarius was he doing there ? It looked like he was actually with Harry and matte 's dad. But why ? Did n't Matt 's dad hatred Balladanis ?

"Eckerton, what a pleasant surprise,"Lubar smirked.

"Lubar, if we were n't in the bearing of an Auror and a Presuler I 'd rip you limb from tree branch, Muggle style,"Mr. Eckerton growled.

Albus was slightly stunned by Mr. Eckerton 's choice of quarrel, but remembering what lustrelessness had told him at the beginning of the year, all surprisal left him.

"Lucky for me potter and Balladanis are here, then,"Lubar replied and snatched Washburn 's sceptre off the ground.

Harry, Mr. Eckerton, and Balladanis all sent different charm at Lubar at the same clip, but it was too late. 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 witting but not completely cognizant of his surroundings.

"That 's the glaring difference between you and I,"Mr. Eckerton muttered as he moved swiftly preceding Quinton and Washburn to get to Matt.

"Dad !"Albus shouted.

Harry looked up from Kaden 's unconscious contour and raced towards Albus. Albus threw his arms around his dad and the two of them hugged each early 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 firm hold on both Washburn and Quinton and was fiddling with a disordered plastic cup. A few instant later, all three of them disappeared.

Harry turned to Mr. Eckerton, who was standing up with Matt in his arms."Can you take John, too ? I 'll get Kaden and Al will come with me."

Mr. Eckerton nodded and grabbed hold of John 's arm before pulling his own unkept plastic cup out of his pocket. They disappeared.

Harry pulled Kaden up and took Albus 's arm. Albus was still thoroughly confused, but did not possess clock time to ask his dad anymore interrogative sentence before feeling the familiar jerk behind his naval that signified he was traveling by Portkey.

Albus landed with a thud in the middle of the infirmary Wing. The head of how they managed to Portkey inside the Hogwarts grounds was the least weigh question on his mind.

Looking around, Albus saw that the others had arrived as well. Mr. Eckerton was laying both flatness and Gospel According to John on the nearest beds while Madam Pomfrey was shouting and gathering potions.

"Look 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 sheepish as he set Kaden down on the bed next to Matt 's and then turned to Albus.

"I 've got to talk with prof Kendrick and go to the Ministry-"he began.

"But Dad !"Albus interrupted,"What was Balladanis doing there ?"

"I promise I 'll tell you all of that and more,"Harry replied,"But I need to tell everyone you and the others are ok. When I get back, I 'm going to postulate you to tell me everything that happened."

"But-"

"No buts !"Madam Pomfrey cut in,"Bed, Albus, bed ! You need stay !"

Albus, who had barely registered the fact that his head was bleeding and he was still quite woozy, felt that the finish thing he needed was rest. He needed to hump what was going on.

"I 'll explicate once you 've gotten some sleep,"Harry assured him.

Albus muttered under his breathing space and got into bed. Once brothel keeper Pomfrey had given him a Sleeping potation, Harry left, leaving Albus to unsuccessfully try to fight off the eternal rest he knew was coming.

******

The ward was placid when Albus woke up. It was completely dark outside, although Albus did n't have the slightest clue as to what day it was. John, Matt, and Kaden were either still unconscious or sound asleep. Albus was betting on the latter since gentlewoman 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 chairs next to Matt 's bed. It did n't look like Mr. Eckerton had even left. He was wearing the Saame Ministry gown he had been wearing before.

Albus sat up and put his hand to his head. There was a bandage on the rear of it. Another patch was wrapped around his right arm, although he could n't recall when he had injured it. Besides that, he just felt exhausted.

The door to the ward opened, letting in a small photoflood of light 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 separate me about Balladanis now ?"

"Yes,"Harry chuckled,"Perhaps we ought to go to the Room of Requirement."

Albus shook his foreland, remembering something he had been debating for the past class. 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 lead his dad out the door and up to the fifth base corridor. Harry did not ask a single question as Albus pulled the arm down on the appropriate horse and turned to face the opposite wall.

Albus located the paw photographic print and touched his hand to them, turning it into a doorknob. He opened the door 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 Thomas 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 as shooting how long he stood there, watching as his dad investigated the room 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 sentence here ?"Harry asked.

"Probably more than we do in the common room,"Albus answered.

"Then it is the perfective tense place to peach,"Harry said as he sat down on one of the couches.

Albus sat down succeeding to him."So why was Balladanis there ?"

"I 'll order you that,"Harry said,"But commencement I want you to explain to me what happened."

Albus took a deep breathing spell 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 woods in Australia, how they had Portkeyed to the Outback, the dementors, the almost Patronus he had managed to throw, the duel, the fact that the Resurrection Stone did n't exercise to convey Voldemort back.

"Why did n't it work ?"Albus asked,"I mean, I 'm glad it did n't, but why ?"

Harry thought for a few transactions and then looked at Albus."There are a few rationality that might explicate it. The Resurrection Stone brings back citizenry we love, but it does not bring them back completely. It 's almost as if their soul is coming back."

"Like a ghost ?"

"Not exactly,"Harry said,"But standardised. It 's possible that since Voldemort split his individual so many times, he ca n't be brought back with the Lucy Stone. The Stone may require the mortal to be intact to work."

Albus nodded."That makes sense."

"It could also be that only loved ones can be brought back with the Oliver Stone. Washburn and the Willinsons did not love Voldemort ; they did not live him. They wanted to contribute him back for their own schedule,"Harry explained.

"Is there any way to incur out which it is ?"Albus asked.

"No, I do n't intend 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 woods 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 know 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 lessons he gave me,"Albus explained.

"Well, that makes my explanation easier,"Harry said,"A picayune over a year ago, shortly after Quinton kidnapped Kaden, the Ministry decided to hire a Presuler to avail line up Washburn and Jarrett Willinson."

"Seriously ?"Albus gaped at him.

"Yes,"Harry muttered,"The curate believed the Aurors needed some help."

Albus thought he heard bit of contempt in his dad 's voice.

"When I realized that Washburn and the Willinsons were most in all likelihood working with Ralph Lubar, I had to contact Balladanis and let him recognise. He came with us, and I have to admit 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, prof Kendrick, and I believed it would be good strategy to possess him stationed at Hogwarts, where we all believed Washburn and the Willinsons would return to. Balladanis agreed,"Harry said,"Of course, none of us realized that Balladanis would not be able to handle teaching.

"This is all quite secretive, Al. I 'd favor you did n't tell anyone. I will be telling Matt, John Lackland, and Kaden, because I feel they have the right to know, but I do n't desire anyone else knowing about it."

"What about rosebush and Amanda ?"Albus asked.

"I suppose I 'll tell them as well, otherwise Kaden is certainly to secern them,"Harry said.

"What 's going to happen to Lubar ?"Albus asked,"Is Balladanis going to be after him now ?"

"No,"Harry shook his principal,"That 's going to be tricksy office. 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 trial or give him to us to put on test. And since he 's one of their officials, we 're not sure they 'll do either."

"But that 's not average !"Albus stood up angrily,"Look what he did ! face what he 's done !"

"I know,"Harry sighed,"I 'd wish 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 want to go after him."

"I do n't make out about that,"Harry said,"Balladanis likes masses to pay for what they 've done. However, being a Presuler and having no Ministry affiliation, he does not have to take a type if he 's offered it."

"He told me I 'd make a good Presuler,"Albus said quietly as I sat back down,"Malfoy, too."

Harry sighed."What do you think about that ?"

"I do n't know,"Albus shrugged,"I mean, I like dueling, but I do n't really want to decide what I want to do right now."

"You do n't suffer to,"Harry replied,"And I do n't desire to tell you what to do, but I am going to recount you something.

"Being a Presuler is a hard job and often a lonely one. You have no coworkers. You work with diverse Ministries, but rarely get to acknowledge anyone. You travel a lot, which can produce it unmanageable to have a family. It 's not an sluttish path to go down. Not one I 'd select for myself."

Albus had n't even thought about that. He did n't call back he 'd desire to rarely ever see his friends and family.

"There 's plenty of other thing you could do that would put your dueling accomplishment to use,"Harry told him,"And you 're only 13 so no need to resolve now."

"I know, I do n't plan to,"Albus replied.

"fountainhead, you should probably get back to the infirmary backstage before Madam Pomfrey notice 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 room and walked back to the infirmary Wing, both lost in their thoughts.

******

As it turned out, madam Pomfrey had already noticed that Albus was missing. When he returned to the Hospital Wing with his dad, she was running about the Baroness Jackson of Lodsworth shouting at the top of her lungs. matt, John, and Kaden were all awake, staring at her.

"There you are !"she shrieked,"Where have you been ?"

"Er,"Albus began.

"I had to blab out to him in secret,"Harry answered for him.

"You should receive asked me first !"gentlewoman Pomfrey exclaimed as she ushered Albus back into bed,"He needs rest period !"

"I 'm his father,"Harry said incredulously.

"I do n't care if you 're the Minister of magic !"Madam Pomfrey replied,"I 'm the one with the nursing arcdegree !"

"How long has she been shouting ?"Albus whispered to Matt as he got back in bed.

"fifteen minutes or so,"mat answered.

ma'am Pomfrey returned to her desk and Harry strode over to where the Eckertons were sitting.

"Could I have a word in private ?"Harry asked Mr. Eckerton and then turned to Madam Pomfrey."Do I call for your permission for that ?"he grinned.

"Very amusing,"madam Pomfrey muttered.

Albus drifted back to log Z's 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 Sunday, beloved, but it 's good afternoon,"dame Pomfrey replied,"I figured you 'd prefer to have breakfast."

"Only Sunday ?"Albus asked. It felt like it had been far more than xxiv hours since he had met up with Lubar before the Quidditch match.

"prison term zone variety are unmanageable to adjust to,"Madam Pomfrey explained,"Commonwealth of Australia 's quite a few hours ahead of us."

Albus nodded and dug into his breakfast. Suddenly he was ravenous. When he thought about it, it must have been at least a day since he 'd eaten anything.

"I wonder how the Quidditch friction match went,"Kaden mused as he shoved pledge in his mouth.

Albus choked on his nut. He 'd bury about the mates !"I doubt we won,"he sighed.

"Is your dad going to tell us why Balladanis was with him when he came to pull through us ?"John asked,"I mean, he 's had plenty of time."

"He will,"Albus said,"He already told me. You lot were asleep."

The doors to the Hospital Wing banged open and Rose and Amanda came running in. lady Pomfrey made a move to get up from her desk, but then sat back down, shaking her head.

"William Tell us what happened !"rose wine demanded as she skidded to a halt in nominal head of Albus 's bed,"When did you get back ? Where did you go ?"

"Who won the Quidditch match ?"Albus asked.

"Quidditch ? Quidditch ?"Rose groaned,"I 'm not saying a word about Quidditch until the four of you tell me what in the name of Falco columbarius 's saggy left-"

"Miss Weasley !"Madam Pomfrey shouted,"If you do n't take down your voice, you 'll have got to go forth !"

"Sorry,"Rose turned back to Albus,"But you lot have got to recount us what happened !"

Albus launched into the intact tale, which took the intimately part of a half 60 minutes to secernate. Neither rosiness or Amanda interrupted once during the unscathed affair. Both of them looked absolutely shocked by the fourth dimension Albus concluded.

"But, but why was Balladanis there ?"blush wine asked.

"My dad 's going to secern you,"Albus said,"He 's already told me. He 'll probably tell the rest of you today."

"pigeon hawk, Albus,"pink wine sighed,"How very much trouble can you get into ?"

"It 's not my fault,"Albus shrugged,"Now can you tell us about the match ?"

Rose exchanged glances with Amanda, who sighed."It was quite the match, let me recount you,"Amanda said.

"cipher won, Al,"rosiness said.

"What ?"John interrupted,"How can nobody win ?"

"About forty-five minutes into the match, Fred and ling ran onto the pitch-"

"The friction match lasted that long ?"Matt asked.

"Yes,"Rose said,"I do n't have sex why. Anyway, Fred and Calluna vulgaris ran right up to Ludo travelling salesman and started talking to him. nonentity could hear what they were saying. Then Bagman blew his pennywhistle and they went into a time-out.

"Bagman left the rake and had a really long talk with all the headmasters and police captain. Then Kendrick announced that the match was called off and told everyone to take back to their coarse rooms.

"Everyone was really angry of course of action. 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 ?"John asked.

"I 'm getting to that,"rosiness said,"We got back up to Gryffindor and everyone was gathered around Fred and Scots heather. Linda was n't there, and neither were any of her teammates who were Gryffindors.

"We pushed our way to the social movement of the crowd and heard what Fred and Heather were talking about. They were claiming that Australia had been cheating the unit time-"

"well, they were,"flatness muttered.

"I know,"rosebush agreed,"And apparently so did Fred and Calluna vulgaris. 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 knows."

"How did they figure it out ?"Albus asked, completely shocked. Linda hid her secret quite well. Fred and Calluna vulgaris were sixth years, they would n't deliver heard Balladanis 's lamia lecture."

"They 've been trying to reckon it out all year,"rosiness explained,"And since they 're overbold, 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,"Cancel the tournament ? ! They ca n't do that ! We 've spent the wholly class on that tournament ! Do you know how much metre I 've spent on the Quidditch pitch this year ? Sir Thomas More time than I 've spent in course of study, probably ! And now they 're going to cancel the bloody tournament ?"

"I do n't sleep together, Al,"rosiness 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 ?"lustrelessness asked.

"Gone,"Rose sighed,"Without a word. I have n't seen her or any of the Aussie since the match. Killigan 's gone, too."

"Wow,"Matt replied,"Ca n't say I blame her, though."

"I guess,"Rose said,"Anyway, they 'll probably make an announcement about the tournament at dinner."


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight as well as all of the amazing multitude who have read and reviewed this ! There is only one more chapter left !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Harry returned to severalise everyone else about Balladanis later on in the afternoon. ma'am Pomfrey flatcar out refused to let any of them leave the Hospital Wing, so she agreed to lock the door and go to her discipline while Harry explained. Matt '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 trance Washburn and the Willinsons.

Unfortunately, Harry also brought news of Lubar. News that was not all that welcome.

"As of right now, he 's completely free and in the clear,"Harry sighed,"The Australian Ministry refuses to extradite him, and they wo n't prosecute him in Commonwealth of Australia either. To them, it 's like nothing 's happened."

Albus noticed that Mr. Eckerton looked positively angry with this. Harry looked quite raging as well, but it did not come close to how Mr. Eckerton looked.

"We 're not going to give up,"Harry said,"We 'll save 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 of all year, when flatness had told them about his dad 's young adult dream of locating the Hallows. Harry must 've trusted him now.

Albus reached over to his bedside table, where brothel keeper Pomfrey had placed the invisibleness Cloak the premature night. He wordlessly handed it to Mr. Eckerton, who carefully took it with a look of awe on his face.

"Merlin 's whiskers,"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 sheath of the Hallows,"he said to Harry,"This is flummox. I would love to contribution the fib with my buddy. Perhaps I could precede you to him at the World Cup this summer."

Harry nodded."That would be all right. Perhaps I will eventually tell him as well."

******

Albus wanted nothing more than to be allowed out of the Hospital wing in time to go to dinner that night. He was trusted Professor Kendrick would progress to some sort of announcement about the tournament and he did not need to miss it.

After a full moon ten minutes of begging on his part ( helped out by mat, John, and Kaden ), dame Pomfrey told him he was in no fit country to go forth the Baroness Jackson of Lodsworth. 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 contain him from eating dinner with the residuum of the school.

Instead, Albus was forced to eat a quiet repast in the hospital annexe and wait anxiously for rosebush and Amanda to tell him what Kendrick said.

The young lady 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 end up out the yr, but the tourney 's canceled. I expect it 'll be in the prophesier tomorrow."

"Merlin !"Albus shouted,"Why 'd they have to offset it ? Could n't they just indispose Australia ?"

"No,"Rose shook her head,"To do that Hogwarts would have to play New House of York in another final."

"Why do n't they do that ?"John asked.

"Too close to exams,"Rose shrugged,"It 'll mess up up everyone 's studying."

"That 's stupefied,"Albus fumed.

"If it makes you feel better, I 'm fairly sure Hogwarts would 've won if Commonwealth of Australia had n't have been here,"Rose pointed out,"And Kendrick gave one hundred house stop to everyone who was on the Quidditch and dueling teams."

"Yeah, well, all the houses had masses on the squad, so that does n't really avail,"Albus muttered.

"well,"Rose grinned,"I know one affair that 'll cheer you up."

"What ?"Albus asked, even though there was nothing that could barrack him up.

"There were Quidditch lookout at that friction match,"Rose told him,"And even though the mates was disastrous, they did find soul they wanted to draft."

"Who ?"Albus asked, slightly intrigued.

"Georgia !"rosebush exclaimed,"She 's been drafted to act as for Kenmare Kestrals as soon as she graduates !"

"That 's brilliant !"Albus replied. blush wine had been right, that did cheer him up. There was no one he thought who belonged on a master Quidditch squad more than Georgia.

"Yup, she 's their fresh reserve Keeper,"Rose said,"She says Uncle Percy 's not impressed. He wanted her to work at the Ministry. She does n't give care what he thinks, though."

"Uncle Sir Henry Percy 's got heap of other kids to ferment at the Ministry,"Albus shrugged. He could never see Sakartvelo working in government.

"Kenmare ?"Saint John said incredulously.

"Yeah, seriously ?"Matt grimaced.

"They 're nearly as bad as the shank,"John groaned.

"She 's just happy to be on a team,"pink wine shrugged,"She 's always supported Puddlemere, but she thinks if she 's on any team, she 'll be able to go her way up to a better one."

"pigeon hawk, I hope so,"John the Evangelist shrugged.

"Is she the exclusively one who got drafted ?"Albus asked.

"Only one I know for sure of,"rosebush said,"I heard a rumor that Anna Reilly got taken on by the Balycastle squash racquet, but I do n't have intercourse 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 professional Quidditch team because of it. However, that did n't have all the disappointment away.

******

Madam Pomfrey reluctantly let the boys leave the next day after breakfast. She did n't really have a choice since exams began that day. Albus felt perfectly amercement and was quite felicitous to exit the seat.

Rose handed him a copy of the vaticinator as soon as he and the other son reached the common room. Albus took it, happy that he had a few moment before his first exam to translate the article that was inevitably there.

AUSTRALIAN SCHOOL CHEATS- TOURNAMENT CANCELED

After a startling discovery made by two Hogwarts
students, the Quidditch and Dueling tourney
involving Hogwarts, the Adirondack Academy of
deception, and the Australian School of Sorcery
has been canceled.

The tournament 's final Quidditch couple was
interrupted this past times Saturday by two Hogwarts
sixth twelvemonth, Fred Weasley and broom Weasley,
both 17, who claimed that the Australian squad
had been cheating throughout the stallion
tournament.

A few months ago, allegations were brought upon
the Australian team after their Seeker, Linda
Morales, 14, flew at an exceptionally dissolute speed.
An investigating found null. The tourney
continued.

Fred and Scots heather Weasley accused Linda Morales
of being a vampire. vampire are outlawed
from playing on professional Quidditch team due
to the unfair vantage they have.

The match was immediately stopped while all three
headmasters questioned the Weasleys and Morales.

schoolmaster Addiar Killigan of the Australian
school day of Sorcery admitted to allowing esprit de corps
to be the searcher of his team in parliamentary law to win the
tournament. The Australian team was immediately
disqualified from the tournament.

Killigan, team spirit, and the rest of the Australian
participating in the tournament left Hogwarts belatedly
on Saturday, declining to speak with any of our
reporters.

Tournament functionary as well as the other two
headmasters have decided to cancel the tournament,
and not declaring a winner.

'It is too bad that the tournament turned out
this way ,'Fabius Kendrick told newsperson, 'Perhaps
we can try it again in a few old age .'

"Killigan is an idiot,"Albus said.

"aspect at the next article,"Rose replied.

QUINTON WILLINSON spinal column IN AZKABAN, JOINED BY WASHBURN

While the final examination Quidditch mate was ending in disaster
at Hogwarts School of witchery and genius, Harry
Potter 's middle tyke, Albus, 13, was dealing with his
own battle.

Albus ceramicist, as well as cousin Kaden Dursley, 12, and
friends St. Matthew Eckerton and John Brickston, both 14,
were kidnapped by Quinton and Jarrett Willinson, and
Jameson Washburn. The three convicts were helped by
Ralph Lubar, foreland of the department of the regularisation
and restraint of Magical beast in Australia.

The four Hogwarts students 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 Australian Ministry
about what to do with Lubar.

All four boys have recovered from the ordeal and are
currently taking their end of the year examinations
at Hogwarts. Harry potter has declined comment.

"fountainhead, that 's not a very instructive clause,"Albus said as he tossed the paper onto a nearby table.

"I do n't cogitate they can cover much,"rosebush said,"The Aussie Ministry may be asking them to save placidity about Lubar in return for giving him some form of punishment.

"It wo n't matter,"matte said,"They 're not going to do anything to him."

Albus was forced to advertize Lubar into the back of his mind as exam began. They were all significantly operose than the late year 's had been, but he was sure he at least passed all of them.

There were abruptly 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 examination was a strange one for Albus. There was nothing left for them to do. No studying, no homework, no Quidditch. Rose and Amanda went back to spending all their time with the boys, like it had been before Linda had arrived.

Things were different, though. Both Rose and Amanda were a lot quieter than they used to be. Albus was for certain they missed Linda, and he had no melodic theme whether she had said goodbye to them, or even if she 'd had the chance.

Matt was lost in his own sentiment well-nigh of the time, rendering him quieter than ever. He often went entire evenings without saying two words to anyone, something that usually only happened around full-of-the-moon moons. However, the adjacent full moon was n't until after they left Hogwarts.

Albus was sure this was because of what had happened in Commonwealth of Australia. He never talked about it, but Albus knew that getting kidnapped by Lubar again had scared the daylights out of him.

trick and Kaden remained as rambunctious as ever and did not appear to be fazed by what had happened in Australia. They spent their hebdomad pulling buffoonery and playing endless games of Exploding ginger snap that Albus occasionally joined in on.

Albus himself was quieter. His judgement 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 orphic. He wished more than anything that Lubar would get thrown in prison, whether it was Azkaban or Australia 's prison.

******

The string ride back to London was subdued, the only noise being John and Kaden 's Exploding snapshot posting. Albus and Matt both gazed out the window, mesmerized by the passing play landscape.

"Linda sent me a letter of the alphabet last night,"blush wine said, breaking the silence.

Albus lifted his oral sex up and looked at her."What about ?"

"She told us she was bad, and wanted me to say you that she was sorry about the tournament,"rosebush 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,"Rose shook her head,"She 's been through school a couple on times already. She was n't even a student at the Australian school. 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 touch sensation sorry for Linda.

"No estimation,"rosiness shrugged,"She said she 'd owl me when they find out."

"This whole year has been so messed up,"John the Divine sighed,"I hope next year 's better."

"Me, too,"Matt agreed.

"We 've got the earth Cup to front 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. Victor-Marie Hugo 's not really happy about that."

"Neither am I,"lavatory muttered,"I do n't desire Ashtyn going."

"fountainhead, I 'd prefer Lily not go, but it 's the Cup ! cypher can really ruin it,"Albus said.

"trade good detail,"John agreed.

"Let me be intimate when the Cup is,"Kaden said.

"Why ? So you can convert your parents to take you ?"John smirked.

"No,"Kaden laughed,"So I can know when to call for you lot to my sign. My dad said he 'd take us camping."

"Excellent !"John Lackland grinned,"bivouacking like Muggles ?"

"Yep,"Kaden replied,"Living in collapsible shelter, no electricity, no magic either since we 're all underage."

"There is no way my parents will let me go,"Matt said quietly.

"Why not ?"Kaden asked.

"I went camping when I was five,"lusterlessness answered,"That was the time I got bitten."

"Oh,"Kaden looked a little taken aback,"Sorry."

"It 's ok,"flatness shrugged,"Just do n't go during a full lunar month. I do n't want any of you having to unite me in the scream hutch future year."

"I 'll go,"Albus said. He 'd never been camping before, let alone camping like a Muggle. He did feel bad that matte would n't get to go, but he kind of thought flatness would n't want to go anyway.

The oddment of the trip was spent arguing about Quidditch and Albus felt like things were form of returning to formula. It was almost nice to hear John and matte arguing about the Cannons again and Kaden arguing about football.

The geartrain arrived in British capital and Albus found his parents waiting for him on the political platform. After saying adios to his friends, Albus left the station with his home feeling that just maybe life would be normal from then on. Well, maybe the summer would be at least be normal. Albus could n't get his hopes up too high.


A/N : Hard to conceive it 's finished ! Thanks to Dancer of Starlight for betaing and thanks to all of the awful citizenry who have read and reviewed this ! You guy are so lovely and amazing !

I am working on the quartern narration but it 'll be a while before the first chapter is up. I 'm thinking I 'll update every other week at first gear, flip-flop weeks with Beyond the dark. In the think time, if you want something new to read, I suggest checking out Remember the carom, which is a collab I worked on last yr and is now currently being updated. It 's all about the Chudley Cannons and their downfall. It 's under the username The Golden Snitches and is also in my favorite stories so you can find it that way.