Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


On Xmas Eve the thrower went to Godric 's Hollow, like common. It was completely dark by the meter they Apparated to the Burrow, but there was plenty of light streaming out of the grandiloquent house 's windows. As they walked closer to the stead, Albus could hear the roaring of laughter coming from inside.

`` Harry ! '' the door to the Burrow flew open and George II stood in the doorway to greet them, a mug of eggnog in his hand. `` How are ya, checkmate ? ``

`` I 'm expectant, George. I see you 're already rummy, '' Harry grinned at him.

`` A drunkness only Mum 's eggnog can bring, '' George III went back into the family and Albus and his family followed.

Albus smiled to himself as he saw the common chaos that was Christmastide Eve at his grandparents'home. His sea of redheaded first cousin were milling around eating and laughing with each other. This was what Albus loved about Christmastime at the Burrow. He grabbed a couple biscuits from the nearby board and went to find rosebush. She was sitting on the base near the open fireplace with Victor Hugo, Victoire, and Teddy.

`` Albus ! '' she shouted over the noise, `` Over here ! ``

Albus pushed his way past Sakartvelo and Gabriella who were laughing at something Fred was saying. `` Hi Rose ! What 's been going on ? ``

`` Not much. Uncle George, Uncle notice, and Uncle Charlie are rummy. My dad 's on his way and so is aunt Alicia. ``

`` Would n't be Christmas Eve if they were n't, '' Albus laughed.

`` Gran 's been refilling the cookie platters and talking with my mum and Aunt Fleur. I think she 's about to put on Celestina Warbeck, '' Rose gestured to the nearby wireless that Molly, Hermione, and Fleur were looking at. Fleur threw her workforce up in the air and glared at Molly. `` Yup, here comes Celestina. ``

`` Mum hates her, '' Victoire shook her header, `` She 'll be heading for the eggnog now. ``

Sure enough, Fleur poured herself a enceinte mug of eggnog as Molly settled down to hear to the wireless. She was the simply one listening, though. Albus could find out bits and pieces of a heated Quidditch discussion going on between his Uncle Charlie, Uncle George I, Aunt Alicia, and heather. Harry was making his way over to them now. It amazed Albus that his uncles and aunt could have a bun in the oven on a fully understandable Quidditch discussion while drunk.

`` How long are you staying, Victoire ? '' Albus asked.

`` Just until after Christmas. I 've got to get back to St. Mungo 's in a couple days. But I 've been here since yesterday when Amy left for Australia. I did n't want to be alone in the flat, it would 've gotten awfully bore. ``

`` You would n't have had to be alone, '' Teddy winked, `` And it would n't throw been boring. ``

Victoire playfully slapped him. `` shift ! Do n't let Mum hear you say that. ``

`` Oh, Albus, '' pink wine began, `` Both John and Amanda can make out to my theatre on the 28th. Well, they can only amount over for the day, but that should be decent time. Matt 's still not sure. He said he wo n't make love until after he gets back from Australia. ``

`` Ok. Great, we can play Quidditch ! ``

`` Quidditch ? '' Hugo snapped his head away from his chocolate frog identity card, `` Can I play ? ``

`` Sure, '' Albus replied.

`` The 28th ? '' teddy bear commented, `` I 'll occur over, too. I do n't feature to be back at the Ministry until the 29th. I 'm up for some Quidditch. ``

`` Excellent, '' Albus grinned, `` We can get a real biz going. I 'll just tell my dad I 'm going menage with you. '' Albus looked around the room and saw Harry in the midst of a Quidditch treatment. `` Hey, Dad ! ``

`` What is it, Al ? '' Harry got up and squeezed his way through the crowd over to Albus.

`` It 's all aright if I go to Rose 's theater on the 28th, right ? And appease a couple years ? ``

`` That would be fine, '' Harry said, `` But we 're actually going to Dudley 's planetary house for New year 's Eve, so we 'll come get you on the 31st before we leave. ``

`` We 're going to Dudley 's ? '' Albus stared at his dad.

`` Er, yeah, '' Harry gave Albus a half grinning, `` Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon will be there as well .... ''

`` What ? ! ''

`` Dudley thought it would be a good idea, considering that Kaden is a whiz, '' Harry explained.

`` All rightfulness, '' Albus shrugged. He did n't really desire to see aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon, but he did n't really accept a choice.

`` I 'm sure enough they 'll be ... civilized, at least, '' Harry gave Albus a hug before leaving to rejoin his Quidditch discussion.

`` well, at least I can derive over for a few Clarence Day, '' Albus said.

`` Yeah, but you 've got to go see the Dursleys, '' Teddy screwed up his face in disgust.

`` It 's definitely going to be an concern day, '' Albus replied.

`` I 'm sure enough it 'll be fine, '' rosiness assured him. `` Plus, Kaden will be there. ``

`` That 'll throw it even more interesting, '' Albus grinned.

`` You know, he 'd fit powerful in with this lot, '' Rose gestured to the loud and boisterous Weasley family around them. `` Except without the red hair. ``

`` Hey, I have n't got red hair ! ''

`` Neither do I, '' Victoire agreed.

`` I do, '' teddy bear laughed as he changed his fuzz from its common blue to red.

`` You 're not technically a Weasley, '' rose wine commented.

`` Close enough. And anyway, who knows what 'll encounter in the following few years, '' shimmy winked at Victoire, who giggled. Teddy threw his implements of war around Victoire and kissed her.

`` punter not let gran see you doing that, '' Rose warned.

`` Always a stickler for the rules, huh Rosie ? '' Teddy laughed and lengthened his hair until it was the complete replica of Rose's.

`` Do n't do that ! '' rose groaned, `` And I do break dominion. Just ask Albus. ``

teddy shortened his hair again and turned to Albus. `` Really ? ``

`` She does, '' Albus confirmed, `` Quite a few times, actually. ``

`` This I 've got to hear. ``

`` Maybe another time, '' Albus glanced at Rose. Albus had n't really resolve whether or not to state Teddy about the new map. virtually of rosiness 's and Albus 's most recent regulation breaking was done in guild to decipher it. Albus knew he was n't going to tell his cousins about it, but he was n't certain about Teddy and Saint James the Apostle. One percentage of him thought they deserved to know, considering that their father and granddaddy were both Marauders, but on the other hired man he sort of liked keeping it a secret.

`` Aw, come on, tell me. ``

`` Another time, '' rosebush said adamantly.

`` Oh, fine, '' shift huffed, `` But I will find out. ``

Albus spent the rest of the eve talking and playing games with Rose, teddy, and Victoire. He was really enjoying the metre off from school and getting to spend time with his entire family at once. By the time he climbed up to the attic bedroom that he shared with James and a few of their cousins, he was tired and stuffed from all the cooky.

******

`` James ! Albus ! '' Albus snapped his eye open at the sound of his figure the adjacent cockcrow. He immediately recognized the phonation as belonging to Lily. He heard her footstep bounding into the room. `` Albus, James ! It 's Christmas ! heat up ! ``

`` Hi Lily, '' Albus yawned.

`` good, you 're up ! James ! Get up ! ``

`` I 'm up, I 'm up ! '' James mumbled.

`` We 've got presents, James ! '' Lily grinned.

`` Right ! '' James said excitedly and Albus heard him crawling to the end of the top buncombe to his stilt of presents.

`` I 'm going to open mine ! '' Lily shouted as she ran out of the room.

After Lily 's early wake-up call, everyone in Albus 's way was up. Albus settled down to open his own good deal of presents with the other boys. The low few boxes were filled with sweets and various Weasley 's Wizard Wheezes production. The next was this year 's Weasley jumper. It had a red quaffle stitched onto the front with a navy blue sky background. `` Opened your pinny yet, Henry James ? ``

`` Sure did, '' James replied, `` Red with a immature dragon on it. ``

`` Mine 's blue with a red quaffle. ``

`` Excellent. ``

Albus opened the future few presents, which consisted of legion playscript and other article of clothing items. He also got a broomstick servicing Kit, which would be useful since his Firebolt 2000 had a few twigs that needed to be plucked. Albus saved the present from his parents for last and was about to open it when James II gave an excited cry from the bed above.

`` Whoa ! ``

`` What is it ? '' Cedric asked and jumped off his bed. Ben followed and the two of them ran over to James 's bed.

Albus crawled out of his bed and joined his first cousin. `` What ? '' he asked.

James had a huge smile on his face as he held up a blank shell piece of parchment. `` seem what I got. ``

Albus stared at the sheepskin. `` You 're kidding ! Dad gave you the Marauder 's Map ? ``

`` He sure did ! '' James I shouted.

`` This is arrant ! '' Cedric exclaimed.

`` I ca n't believe he gave it to you, '' Ben grinned.

`` That 's slap-up, James, '' Albus smiled, `` But why you and not me ? '' Albus could n't help but feel a little left field out, even though he now had his own vulture 's Map that would potentially be better than the pilot. But his dad did n't love about that, so why did he give the Map to James ?

`` Dunno, '' Jesse James shrugged. `` What did they get you ? ``

`` Have n't opened it yet, '' Albus picked up the package from his parents and tore off the wrapping.

What he saw made his mouth pin open in shock. This would excuse why James got the Map ! Sitting in the centre of the torn wrapping, was the invisibleness Cloak. `` He, he gave me the Cloak, '' Albus whispered.

`` well, that 's why you did n't get the map, '' Henry James replied, `` This is brilliant ! ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, pulling the cloak out of the wrapping. He laughed to himself as he thought of how he and Rose went through all that hassle of stealing it earlier in the month and now he got it for Yule. `` conjecture this is why Dad wanted the Map back. ``

James laughed, `` We gave it back only for him to give it to me. I think we ought to ploughshare them. ``

`` That 's a good melodic theme, '' Albus agreed, not mentioning that hopefully he would have his own map working soon.

`` And share them with us, too, '' Cedric gestured to himself and Ben.

`` Of course we will, '' St. James the Apostle assured them. `` We just have to be underhand about it. We ca n't let all of Hogwarts know we 've got these. ``

`` I 'm going to go tell Rose, '' Albus wrapped the Cloak around himself and left the way. He had never worn the Cloak at the burrow before and he thought it was really curious that he passed Eddie on the stairs and Eddie did n't even notice him. He pushed open the door to the room that Rose shared with Victoire, Sakartvelo, Gabriella, and Calluna vulgaris and waited for the daughter'reactions.

Heather jumped when she heard the threshold undecided and saw that no one was there. Victoire and Gabriella laughed and then shrugged. rose got up from her bed and walked cautiously over to the door.

`` Boo, '' Albus pulled the Cloak off and grinned.

All five female child shrieked as they saw Albus emerge from the Cloak, then they all started laughing. `` Where did you get that ? '' Rose demanded.

`` Dad gave it to me ! ''

`` He did ? '' Victoire stared in amazement. `` Wow, that is really great. ``

`` I just ca n't believe he gave you that, '' Rose grinned, `` I 'll bet James I is jealous. ``

`` He got the Marauder 's Map, so he 's fine. ``

`` Wow ! '' Rose shouted, `` That 's incredible. And you can ploughshare them. ``

`` That 's the plan, '' Albus grinned. `` well, I 'll see you lot downstairs. '' He wrapped the Cloak around himself once more and left the way. Albus could n't believe that his dad had actually given him the Cloak ! He did n't intend Harry would ever turn over it up. The best contribution was that he was now even more like his granddad had been at Hogwarts. Albus was even more than of a vulture now that he had the Cloak.

Albus continued down the steps and into the kitchen of the burrow. A few of his cousins, aunty, and uncles were already up and starting to eat breakfast. Harry and Ginny were there as well, along with Lily. His grandmother was tending to multiple cauldrons at once, while simultaneously bringing assorted items to the board. Albus watched them all for a few present moment before pulling the Cloak off and shouting, `` felicitous Christmas ! ``

billhook choked on his coffee and spat it across the table at George, who had started laughing. Harry, who had probably been expecting this, grinned and looked at Ginny, who was smiling back. Lily was staring at Albus with her mouth wide open. Molly dropped the trough of burgoo she had been bringing to the tabular array. Everyone else looked at Albus with versatile looks of shock and amusement.

`` Albus ! '' Molly shrieked as she cleaned up the shed oatmeal with a Wave of her verge, `` Do n't do that ! ``

`` You gave him the Cloak ? '' George II asked.

`` Yep, '' Harry replied, `` I take it you 're enjoying it, Al ? ``

`` Sure am ! '' Albus went over to where his parents were sitting and gave them each a huge hug, `` give thanks ! ``

`` You 're welcome, '' Harry smiled, `` I figured you should be capable to enjoy it while you 're at Hogwarts, like I did. Although I expect you to use it more responsibly than I did. ``

`` I 'll try, '' Albus said, intellection of when he snuck down to the Whomping willow with it only two weeks ago. `` Epistle of James and I are going to ploughshare it. Same with the Map. ``

`` delay, you gave him the Marauder 's Map, too ? '' George IV stared at Harry.

`` No, James got that. ``

`` I did n't reckon you 'd ever give that away, '' George II laughed.

`` Well, I can divagate the palace whenever I want and it wo n't matter who 's around, '' Harry explained, `` The boys ca n't. Plus, I did n't want to deny them the fun of it. ``

`` Are you sure that 's safe, Harry ? '' Molly asked anxiously.

`` The castle is perfectly secure, even at night. I 'm not saying I approve of you wandering around at night, '' Harry gave Albus a prat regard, `` But there are Thomas More captivation than ever protecting it. ``

`` That wo n't protect them from thaumaturge already in the castle ! '' Molly commented, `` Remember that Willinson kid finally year ? ``

`` How could I forget ? Sometimes, you just have to take risks in order to live a little. I trust the son enough to know they wo n't go wandering around late at night very often. And if you see anything leery on the Map, '' Harry turned to Albus, `` distinguish me about it right away. ``

Albus nodded. `` surely. '' He took a prat at the table, with the Cloak on his lap, just as James II ran into the way holding the Map in his hands.

`` Thanks, Dad ! '' James shouted, `` This is vivid ! ``

`` I 'll secernate you what I told Al. Do n't use that to better too many ruler and if you see anything abnormal on it, tell me right away. ``

`` hullo, Weasleys ! '' chemise strolled into the elbow room, his hairsbreadth half green and one-half red. He sat down adjacent to Albus and pulled a phonograph recording of testicle towards him. `` glad Christmas. ``

`` I know your hair is Christmas colored, but those two colouring just should n't be paired together, '' St. James shuddered as he noticed Teddy 's hair. `` I mean, Gryffindor and Slytherin at the like time ? ``

`` It 's festive, '' slip grinned. `` You want me to charm yours to be red and green, too ? Just learned some excellent spell for that sort of thing in training. Not that I 'll necessitate them. ``

`` No thanks, '' James had a look of disgust on his font. `` I 'll keep the champaign red. ``

`` Is that ... '' slip looked at the sheepskin James was holding, `` The Marauder 's Map ? ``

`` Oh, yeah ! certain is ! '' James handed it to chemise, `` Got it for Christmas ! ``

`` That 's great ! '' Teddy grinned. `` What did you get Albus ? Do n't conceive Harry could top that. ``

`` I got the Cloak. ``

teddy bear turned to Albus, `` Really ? That 's neat, too ! like I had an Invisibility Cloak. ``

`` But you can cast those Disillusionment spell, '' Albus pointed out.

`` Not nearly as fun as that Cloak, though, '' Teddy commented.

`` Oh, boys, '' Harry began, `` You 're going to ingest to share those with Lily once she gets to Hogwarts. ``

`` Aw, come on, '' James groaned.

`` If you do n't I 'll just steal them, '' Lily smirked, `` And obscure them in my dormitory room, which you two wo n't be able to get into. ``

`` She 's got a peak, '' Ginny grinned.

`` We 'll share, '' Albus assured them. He would n't mind sharing with Lily, just as long as she kept the Cloak secret. The lowest thing they needed was the entire castle knowing about it.

`` Good, '' Harry smiled, `` Now who 's up for a picayune winter Quidditch ? ``

`` Me ! '' Albus, James, slip, and mostly everyone else shouted at the same time.

******

Albus spent about of the day playing Quidditch outside with his family. Eventually they all had to come in because they were too cold to playact any longer. Plus, it started snowing pretty unvoiced and nobody wanted to fall behind the stoolie. Albus spent the balance of the day with rosebush and reading a few of his new books. The Cloak was passed around between his cousins, and about of them were amazed Harry had given it to him, and a little covetous as well. William James passed the Map around and everyone had fun watching the few dots that were left in the castle.

Noel dinner came and went in its usual disorderly state. It was trashy and funny and Albus enjoyed every min of it. He went to bed feeling very full moon and very substance. The next day Albus 's auntie, uncles, and cousins all started to leave. Albus and Rose 's family stayed for a couple more days, but they soon had to exit so Albus 's grandparents could go on holiday for New Year 's. Albus was actually excited to leave because he would be going to Rose 's household and hopefully getting the stag print.

Albus landed in Rose 's living way after Flooing from the Burrow. His Uncle Ron, Rose, and Hugo had already arrived and his Aunt Hermione was the right way behind him. There was an owl waiting next to the windowpane and Hermione ran over to let it in.

`` That 's Matt 's owl, '' Albus announced as he and Rose went over to retrieve the varsity letter. Albus opened the envelope and scanned the letter, `` He can issue forth, but only for tomorrow. We 're supposed to fill him at the Leaky caldron at eleven. ``

`` Sure, '' Hermione smiled, `` Tell him that will work. ``

Albus found a quill and quickly scribbled a reply on the spinal column of the letter and sent it off with the owl. He and Rose ran up the steps and into rose 's room to talk about plans for getting the print.

`` I hope you 've got some estimate, '' Albus said as he shut Rose 's door.

`` Of course I do, '' rose grinned. `` We 'll recount my parents that we 're going to go exploring in the forest and we 'll look for a stag while we 're in there. Once we find one, we 'll all try and sandbag it- ''

`` What about the underage magic laws ? '' Albus definitely did n't desire individual from the Ministry showing up shortly after they stunned a stag. The last thing he wanted to do was explain why he had done it.

pink wine laughed, `` Have n't you figured it out yet ? They ca n't differentiate who 's done the magic, only that magic 's been done. The Ministry has no way to tell if it was us or my parents who performed the conjuration. ``

Albus had n't thought of that. All conclusion summer he could have done magic and the Ministry would n't have found out. `` Really ? ``

`` Yes, really. The Ministry just relies on parents to not let their kids use magic outside school. So I would n't advise doing it a lot. I 'm sure we 'd get in big bother with our parents. I would n't even be suggesting we do this if there was another way to get the photographic print. ``

Albus nodded. He did n't really want to break the law either, but what could they do ? There was no way to get a snoop print if the stag was n't stunned. `` I just hope we actually find one tomorrow. ``

`` Me, too. But we do have a couple day. You 'll be here until the 31st, so that 's four daytime to get it. ``

`` Yeah, but John and Matt want to help, too. ``

`` I know and we 'll try. Hey, I 'll bet Amanda 's gotten the dog print by now ! ``

`` Oh, yeah ! '' Albus said excitedly, `` So we 're pretty often halfway there. ``

`` Yup, '' pink wine grinned.

`` Now we 've just got to find the charm to sustain Kaden hush, '' Albus replied.

`` You 're going to tell him everything after I find that charm ? '' pink wine asked.

`` I think so. I mean, as long as the charm works he ca n't tell anyone about it. It 's obvious now that he 's Wormtail, although I 'm sure he 'll be a meliorate one. But it 's up to Matt whether he wants to order Kaden he 's a wolfman. ``

`` Is n't it sort of requirement for this ? ``

`` Probably, but I ca n't exactly severalise Kaden that. ``

`` Yeah, you definitely ca n't, '' Rose agreed.

`` Let 's just try and get the stag print first, '' Albus suggested, `` Then we 'll cipher out the Kaden matter. ``


A/N : J.K. Rowling did state in an interview that Harry was n't going to ease up the map and the cloak to St. James the Apostle & Al, but it fits the plot so I 'm just ignoring that for this series. Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight. Thanks as well to sinwillys822, Denas, Miguel, Johanne, Luke, Slytherinlover, wolverine83, Moonylupin, XDNLxtlz99, maraudersfan a w, and Jen for the reviews !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Albus, rosiness, and Hermione went to the Leaky Cauldron the next day to meet lusterlessness and Amanda, who was also being dropped off there. whoremonger had arrived earlier by Floo and went with them as well. When they got there, both mat and Amanda were already there.

`` Hi ! '' Albus greeted them as he stepped out of the Floo.

`` Hi Albus, '' mat grinned, `` How was your Christmas ? ''

`` It was brilliant, '' Albus replied, `` waiting boulder clay you see what I got. ``

`` What ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Ca n't show you here, '' Albus whispered. `` I 'll show you when we get back. ``

`` Let 's go now, '' Matt said impatiently.

`` You kids go ahead, '' Hermione told them, `` I 've got a bit of shopping to do. ``

Albus bade goodbye to his aunt and turned back to the Floo. Within seconds he was back in rose 's living room. A few instant later all his admirer were back as well.

Matt and Amanda stared around the elbow room. `` Nice house, '' Amanda smiled.

`` Yeah, '' Matt agreed, `` Kind of flavor like mine. ``

`` Thanks, '' Rose replied.

`` So, Albus, what did you get for Yuletide ? '' Matt asked.

`` This, '' Albus pulled the Invisibility Cloak out of his cloak pocket. He had been carrying it around with him ever since Christmas.

Matt let out a gasp. `` Whoa ! You really got the Cloak ? That 's completely pose ! ``

`` I love that cloak, '' Amanda grinned.

`` And to think we slip it just a few week ago, '' John snorted.

`` Shush ! '' Albus hissed, `` Uncle Ron and Hugo are here. ``

`` Oh, sorry. ``

`` But this is n't all, '' Albus continued, `` James got the Marauder 's Map. ``

`` He did n't ! '' John shouted.

`` He did. ``

`` You two are so lucky, '' Matt replied.

`` But we 'll have our own Map soon anyway, '' Amanda pointed out as she dug around in the bag she brought. She produced a crumpled man of parchment with a paw print on it that was slightly smaller than the werewolf print.

`` You got it ! '' Albus took it from her. `` We 're halfway there now. ``

`` I hope it 'll play. Newton would n't delay still and the sheepskin is sort of wrinkled. ``

`` I 'm sure it will work, '' Albus said.

`` near affair we did n't have the prints go directly on the map, '' Matt replied.

`` So today we get the stag print, '' Albus announced. `` Right after luncheon. ''

Everyone agreed and headed into the kitchen to schnorr up some food. Ron had already created an enormous sandwich and was eating it when Albus and the others walked in. They all liked the idea of making giant sandwiches and were soon eating aboard Ron. Albus thought whoremonger 's sandwich looked disgusting because it was piled high with dud, jam, and peanut butter. Rose shuddered as she saw him seize with teeth into it, but he thought it tasted delicious.

`` I ca n't conceive you ate that integral thing, '' Rose screwed up her face in disgust after privy ate the last insect bite of his lunch.

`` It was well, '' he shrugged.

`` Hey, Uncle Ron, '' Albus began, `` We 're going to go explore the forest. ``

`` All right. Have fun. But try and be back by three. teddy bear 's coming over and so are James and your dad. We 're all going to play Quidditch. ``

`` Sure, we 'll be back by then, '' Albus was excited about playing Quidditch. It was always better when Teddy was there.

Once they were all done with lunch, Rose and Albus led the way outside and over to the forest. The forest was situated next to the magnanimous afford playing field that was next to the house. Albus and rosebush went exploring in it quite a bit and knew their way around it well. The group crunched across the snow oppressed theater until they came to the woods 's edge. rosiness found the course they usually took and lead the group down it. `` Keep your optic pealed for a stag, '' she told everyone.

`` This reminds me of the forest near my old star sign in Commonwealth of Australia, '' lustrelessness commented after a few moment of walking.

`` How was Australia this year ? '' Albus asked, remembering that his booster just returned to Britain the late day.

`` It was all aright. No different than usual. It was boring of class, and my gran kept telling us how we should visit more often. ``

`` You 're not going to, are you ? '' john asked.

`` Do n't think so. Mum and Dad do n't really want to. Plus they want to go visit my Uncle diddlysquat in New York this summer. ``

`` That would be fun, '' Amanda replied.

`` Yeah, I hope we get to go. ``

The group continued walking into the woodland until rosiness announced that it would be proficient if they sat completely still and waited for a stag to walk by. She said their apparent motion would scare the wight away. Albus sat down in the blow behind a shrub with his friends and watched and listened for beast. After a one-half hr of waiting, Albus was bored. How long was it going to take for a stag to cross their path ? He would much rather just walk around to incur one. rosebush seemed perfectly mental object to sit still, as did Matt. King John had made a turgid pile of Charles Percy Snow balls, along with a snow wizard. Amanda was meddling creating a Charles Percy Snow witch to go along with his wizard.

`` I 'm bored, '' John sighed as he made yet another snowfall Ball. `` How long is this going to take ? ``

`` I do n't make out, '' rose shrugged, `` We do n't see stags that often in here, so it might be a piece. ``

Albus glanced at his spotter, `` Well it 's just after two, so if we do n't obtain one soon, we 'll experience to go back. '' He stared into the timber and willed a stag to come. Albus was getting frustrated by this point. They needed that shop mark for the map ! There was no station else to find oneself one. What if they could n't receive a stag before the end of the vacation ? They would have to waitress until the summer to research again. Albus could n't wait that long. He wanted the map now.

`` wait, '' mat stood up and turned around, `` I think I hear something over there. '' He pointed to a cluster of bushes a couple meters away.

`` I do n't hear it, '' John replied.

`` Shush ! '' mat whispered, `` You know I can see things you ca n't. ``

lusterlessness started slowly making his way towards the bunch of George Walker Bush. Albus and the others followed behind, nobody saying a Book. `` Wands ready, '' Matt whispered.

Albus pulled out his wand and pointed it towards the bushes, his mind racing with excitation as he went. This was it ! They were going to get the spy print ! constituent of Albus 's mind knew that this was n't necessarily a stag, but he did n't pay attending to that. What else could it be ? most of the fauna in the timber were too small to be rustling the George Walker Bush this much. As Albus got closer to it, he could distinctly get a line the step of the animal, and they were much too tawdry to be a rabbit or a squirrel. There were n't many large animals in the forest, stags being some of the few. It could be a doe, but Albus hoped it wasn't.

The group was now only a couple understructure away from the bushes. Everyone had their wand pointed at them, waiting for the animal to make its appearance. The moment Albus saw the leaves part, he shouted, `` Stupefy ! ``

`` Stupefy ! '' Rose, whoremonger, Matt, and Amanda all shouted at once.

Whatever was in the bushes jumped to the side and missed all five stunning spells. `` Whoa ! What the bloody hell do you lot think you 're doing ! ''

It was Teddy. The dissonance lustrelessness had heard in the Dubyuh was teddy bear. Albus lowered his scepter and sighed. So a good deal for finding a hart. Now that shift was with them, they would no longer be able to wait. Albus turned to his booster and saw them all put their wands away.

chemise fully emerged from the shrub and walked over to where Albus was with a bewildered look on his face. `` Do I even want to know what you 're up to ? ``

`` Er, '' Albus began, trying to think up an exculpation fast.

`` We 're just taking a walk in the forest and you scared us ! '' pink wine announced, `` Sneaking up on us like that, what did you think we 'd do ? ``

`` shrieking, maybe ? '' teddy gave them a lopsided grin, `` But not set on me. ``

`` So you were trying to frighten us ? '' rosiness said exasperatingly

`` A bit, yeah, '' Teddy laughed. `` Worked, did n't it ? ``

`` I 'll say, '' rose wine muttered. Albus listened to the two of them but did n't add anything. He was forever grateful that his cousin was a better liar than he was.

`` It 's kind of cold to be going for a hike, '' Teddy commented, `` But Ron said you were here, so I figured I 'd see if I could find you. '' He eyed John 's pile of snowballs and grinned, `` Planning on having a Charles Percy Snow egg fight ? ``

shimmy did n't await for an resolution and picked up a few of St. John 's Abronia elliptica. He threw one at Albus and the other at Rose.

`` Watch it ! '' Albus shouted as the snowball made contact with his look. He spat out the C and bent down to make his own snow formal. He aimed it at shift but Teddy jumped out of the way and it hit Matt instead.

`` Hey ! '' mat shouted as he picked up one of John 's snowballs and threw it at Albus. It landed square on Albus 's chest.

A few moments later, a huge snowball battle broke out. It was every man for himself for a while and Albus was getting pummeled by teddy bear 's Abronia elliptica. He tried to get teddy bear back, but teddy bear was too quick for him. Instead, Albus decided to focus on lusterlessness, who was trying to get Albus back for the snowball that had hit him instead of slip. blush wine eventually joined Albus in his attempt to get Matt, while Amanda evened out the odds by joining Matt 's side. whoremaster, who seemed to be the lonesome one with enough skill to hit shimmy, was having a one-on-one fight with the blue haired boy and was actually doing well.

The six of them were completely soaked by the time the fight ended. mat and Amanda surrendered to Rose and Albus after the cousin-german decided to create about twenty dollar bill snowballs and lob them constantly at their two friends. can surrendered to Teddy a few arcminute later, once shift decided to charm a pile of snow to turn itself into Abronia elliptica, resulting in a unceasing supply of ammunition for slip. John the Divine did n't get laid that spell and was stuck hand making his Charles Percy Snow balls while Teddy continuously sent snowball at him.

`` Who 's up for Quidditch ? '' teddy asked as they were walking back through the forest to pink wine 's house.

`` M-maybe after I d-dry off, '' Albus shivered. The coke had completely penetrated his cloak and was now freezing it into an icicle. His friends nodded in agreement.

`` Sounds good, '' Teddy replied, `` Harry and King James should be at the planetary house by now.

A little while later, Albus found himself back at Rose 's sign, where everyone was waiting for the Quidditch match to set forth. Albus, along with his champion, ran upstairs to dry off and change quickly.

`` Ready ? '' teddy jumped up from the chair he was sitting on once Albus and his friends descended the stair. `` Who has n't got a broom with them ? ``

`` Me, '' Amanda said. She was the just one. John Lackland and Matt, who both had heather, had brought them knowing they would play Quidditch.

`` We 've got fifth wheel, '' Ron announced, holding a couple ling in his hand.

Once everyone had a broom to use, Teddy started to assume bearing of creating teams. `` All right. Let 's see, we 've got Me, Harry, Ron, Saint James the Apostle, Albus, John, matt, Amanda, Victor Hugo, and Rose, are you playing ? ``

`` Sure, why not ? '' Rose shrugged.

`` Good, then we 've got ten role player. That 's five per team. So each team will birth a Seeker, a beater, a Keeper, and two pursuer, that 'll work. I 'll be one of the Seekers, '' he turned to Harry and James, `` Which one of you will be the other ? ``

`` You can, James IV, '' Harry offered, `` I 'll do whatever is needed. ``

After a few minute of arc of organizing, the two teams were created. Albus 's team consisted of chemise as seeker, Ron as steward, Hugo as the exclusively Beater, and lusterlessness and himself as the two Chasers. On the other team, King James was Seeker, Amanda was Keeper, John was the Beater, and blush wine and Harry as Chasers.

The two team trooped outside into the cold-blooded winter day. It was just starting to snow a little, but Albus did n't listen. He would keep warm while he was playing anyway. Harry and Ron conjured goal basketball and everyone flew into the air. Hermione released the balls ( only one Bludger, since there were only two beaters ) and threw the Quaffle into the air, then conjured herself a chair to watch.

The match was aught like the ones at Hogwarts. It was much more informal, and in a way, Albus enjoyed it more. There was only friendly rivalry between the two squad and no one got angry when someone dropped the Quaffle, which happened a lot. The two team were pretty evenly matched in terms of Chasing skills. Albus, who was the only real pursuer on either squad, was easily the unspoilt. Harry was a decent Chaser, but it was clear that Seeking was his real number science. rose was absolutely dreadful and was the first of all to let in it. She was n't a big fan of flying in the first place and did n't like to take her custody off her broom in order to catch and throw the Quaffle. mat was better than Rose, but dropped the Quaffle numerous times. Albus and flatness scored more points than Harry and rosebush did.

Ron, of course, was a very soundly keeper and Amanda was as well. Albus was kind of surprised at this, because she never really played Quidditch before. Maybe she could try out for the Gryffindor team once Peach State left. can was an amazing Beater and Albus already knew that he 'd be trying out for the team after Bradley and Ryan left. Hugo was also a very good Beater and it was obvious he had received all the Quidditch cistron in his family. Then, of line, there were the seeker. Both shimmy and James were amazing searcher and by far the two best player on either team.

After about an hr of playing, during which Albus was sure both Teddy and James had seen the sneaker but ignored it in order to tangle the game on yearner, both quester flew directly up into the air. Everyone stopped what they were doing to watch. A few bit later, they both came flying back down and James had the Snitch clutched in his hand.

`` I got it ! '' he shouted.

`` That puts your team ahead, '' Hermione announced, `` You won 270 to 210. ``

`` Yes ! '' James exclaimed, landing on the ground. Albus and the repose of the players landed after him and congratulated him and his team for winning. `` Ha ! I beat you at Quidditch, Teddy ! '' King James gloated.

`` Yeah, yeah, estimable job, '' teddy bear sighed, `` Knew I should n't have trained you that well. ``

`` You 'll be saying otherwise when we win the Cup this year ! '' Jesse James grinned, `` We already beat Slytherin. ``

`` I know, I was there, '' Teddy laughed, `` Anyway, I 'm just joking. ``

Despite the fact that his team did n't win, Albus was felicitous. He loved playing Quidditch with his family, even more than playing on his firm team. It was even better with his admirer there, too. He walked back into the menage with his friends and family, frigidity but very content. Hermione had made a plate of sandwiches for them, which everyone ate enthusiastically once they had dried off.

After all the food had been eaten, John Flooed back to his house and Albus, blush wine, and Hermione went with Matt and Amanda back to the Leaky caldron to encounter their families. It had been a short visit, but a fun one nonetheless. Albus only wished that they had managed to get the stag mark. He and Rose were planning on trying again the next day, and the side by side if it was necessary. They had three to a greater extent days to do it and Albus was determined to succeed.

******

Albus and rose wine spent as much time as they could in the afforest looking for stags the succeeding day. When they were n't in the forest, they spent their prison term in the library in rose 's house, looking for a charm to keep Kaden quiet.

`` There 's al-Qur'an in here that are n't in the school library, '' Rose announced as they walked into the room after a particularly cold jaunt in the forest.

`` I 'm still not sure we should strike a break from looking for a stag, '' Albus replied.

`` It 's too cold out there now. Plus there 's a tempest coming and it wo n't do us any good if we get lost out there. '' rose wine went over to a book of account ledge and Albus followed. He had been in this elbow room mint of sentence before, just never to look for a specific charm.

`` How are we supposed to ascertain one charm hidden in all these Quran ? '' Albus sighed, `` We do n't even know what it 's called. ``

`` That 's what this is for, '' Rose slammed a heavy book down on the table closest to the shelf she pulled it off of.

Albus looked at the record book, `` An cyclopaedia of Charms by Filius Flitwick. That 's who Mum and Dad had for appeal, is n't it ? ``

`` Yes, '' Rose confirmed as she opened the concealment, `` It 's a rather ingenious musical theme, really. All I 've got to do is take my baton, point it at the book, and say'I need a charm to keep someone quiet'and it will flip to the ripe Page. ``

`` That would certainly cannonball along things along, '' Albus replied. `` Try it. ``

`` All right, '' Rose pointed her sceptre at the book, `` I need a charm to keep open person quiet. '' The book 's pageboy immediately started turning until they stopped about a quarter of the way into the Christian Bible. Rose peered at it and then shook her head. `` Nope, that 's not it. This one 's just a silencing charm. ``

`` Maybe you 've got to be more specific, '' Albus suggested.

Rose nodded. `` I need a charm to prevent someone from talking about something. '' The pages started turning again and stopped a few seconds later. rise up sighed after she read the description. `` This one charms a person 's mouth shut. ``

Albus laughed, `` Well that would definitely continue Kaden from talking about the map ! ``

`` People might notice, though, '' rose smirked, `` Although it does have it 's advantages. I 'll try something else. ``

`` I think you 'd ameliorate tell the Word exactly what we need the appeal to do. severalise it that Kaden has to not peach about a specific thing. ``

`` Good idea, '' Rose poised her verge above the Book, `` I need to keep Kaden Durlsey from revealing closed book about Matt Eckerton and about a map. He must only be able to talk about these closed book with five other people and not remark them to anyone else. He should be able to converse normally about other topics. ``

`` That ought to be specific enough. '' Albus watched as the book hesitated for a few present moment and then turn its pages to one of the last ones. Both Rose and Albus leaned over the book while Rose read aloud.

`` 'The Sileo Altus Charm is the most complex and intricate of the silencing charms. This charm has the ability to keep a person from revealing one specific piece of entropy to others, unlike early silencing good luck charm which prevent a person from speaking at all. The charm also has the ability to involve others, which will result in the person the charm is cast on to be able to converse about the secret with those specific people. When done correctly, this charm will last forever or until the counter magic spell is performed. The Sileo Altus Charm keeps a mortal 's secret prophylactic much like the Fidelius magical spell keeps a individual 's location mystery and is said to be just as good .'

`` Then there 's a whole bunch of spells that are required, '' Rose scanned the remainder of the entry. `` There 's a charm that has to be performed on each person who is involved, one on Kaden, one on the secret-keeper- ''

`` There 's a secret keeper ? '' Albus asked.

`` Yeah, I guess so. Then there 's the overall charm, '' Rose continued, `` It sounds complicated. But I 'm up for it. This does n't really tell me how to do it, though. There 's just a leaning of trance. ``

Albus glanced at the entry, `` Oh, it says there 's more data in Charms of auspices by Natalia Journo. ``

`` You 're mighty, I had n't noticed that, '' Rose leaned over the book again and take the deed of the recommended book. `` I think we might actually have that one. '' pink wine jumped up from her keister and ran across the room. Albus sat back and watched her. He had no approximation how she could possibly make out if she had that ledger or not. The entire elbow room was filled with ledge and shelves of Koran. Albus would n't even recognise where to look to regain the Koran they needed.

Rose returned a few hour later with a book in her arms and a smile on her face. `` We do cause it ! This was easier than I thought it would be. ``

`` I think doing the actual spell is going to off-set the relief of finding it, '' Albus pointed out.

rose wine shrugged, `` I think I can figure it out within a few week. '' She sat back down and opened the Scripture.

Albus watched as his cousin flipped through the varlet of the book until she found the charm they were looking for. He was very happy that rose wine was so eagre to get word new appeal. It certainly helped that she was good at it, too. Albus had made a lot of advance in spell ever since professor Cedonia arrived, but he was still mean. rose wine was easily the best in their class. That and her eagerness to learn would certainly help if she was going to master this charm.

Rose read in quiet for a few minutes and then turned to Albus. `` All right. This explains it pretty well. commencement, of course, we 've got to tell Kaden the mystery. Then we 've got to foot the secret custodian. I 'm thinking that I 'll get to be the secret steward since the undercover custodian is the one to perform the charms. ``

Albus nodded, `` I 'm fine with that. We 've just got to make sure Matt is. What does the undercover keeper do ? ``

`` Just perform the charms. And the clandestine custodian is the only if one who can perform the return charm on Kaden. Normally the cloak-and-dagger keeper would be the but one the someone could talk about the mystic with as well. But we 'll use another charm to check that Kaden can talk about the secrets with you, can, matte, and Amanda as well. ``

`` That sounds good, '' Albus replied. `` What else ? ``

`` well, the hole-and-corner keeper performs a appeal on themselves, which turns them into the secluded keeper. Then they perform a appeal on Kaden. Then Kaden will itemize the secrets in point. After that, the surreptitious keeper performs another charm on Kaden. Then spell are performed on the quietus of the people involved. Then a final sealing magical spell on everyone, including Kaden and the secret keeper, and it 's done. ``

The idea of all those dissimilar charm made Albus 's brain hurt. `` Wow, that 's a lot of charms. We 've never done ones that are a compounding of multiple charms. ``

`` The transference charm is one of those, but it only uses two. This one is five. ``

`` What 's the retort magic spell involve ? '' Albus asked, thinking that maybe there would be a time when Kaden would mature and they would n't have to rely on magic to go on him from spilling enigma to Malfoy.

`` Erm, it seems pretty much like the real charm, '' pink wine looked back at the book, `` You pretty very much go backwards, using different good luck charm. ``

`` Makes sense. ``

`` I 'll start practicing as soon as we 're back at school, '' rose wine shut the record book and got up. `` I 'll bring the book. Mum 'll never have a go at it, she 's got way too many to maintain track of. ``

`` All right hand, '' Albus got up and followed her to the door, `` Now we 've just got to find that stag. ``

`` It 's going to suffer to await until tomorrow, Albus, '' rosiness pointed to the window. It was Andrew Dickson White with swirling Baron Snow of Leicester and the wind was howling. `` Mum and Dad 'll never let us out in that. ``

******

Albus was getting quite fed up with the stag lookup by the clock time late good afternoon arrived the succeeding day. He and Rose spent the full aurora in the forest, taking a break for lunch, and then returning in the afternoon. Albus looked at his sentinel and saw that they would have to be starting to return to the sign soon. `` We 're never going to find a stag ! '' he groaned.

rose wine, who had brought the appeal al-Qur'an they had found the former day, looked up. `` You 've just got to be affected role. I told you one wo n't make out if we 're noisy. ``

`` We 've been serenity for the past two hours, '' Albus said flatly.

`` You 're not being lull now, '' rosebush whispered and returned to her book.

Albus sighed and stared out into the woods. So far Albus had seen no to a lesser extent than ten rabbits and four owls, but no stag. He was getting very cold seance in the snow and his cloak had tenacious since soaked through. Albus was determined, however, and refused to go back to rose 's house until they found a stag.

It had seemed so simple at first, to bedaze a stag in the forest and get its footprint. This was not supposed to be the intemperately photographic print to get. Looking back, even the werewolf one seemed easier. indisputable, they got locked out of Hogwarts, but they never got in problem for it. The dog print had been the loose, since Amanda had a dog. The rat would be light, too, once St. John the Apostle managed to enamor one.

Albus pulled out his wand and started to poke at the snow wizard he had constructed earlier. The sceptre melted pickle into the pull the wool over someone's eyes superstar until it started to resemble a man of Snow Swiss Malva sylvestris. Albus was just beginning to do the same to the Snow hippogriff that had been formed after the wizard when rose wine poked him and hissed, `` Albus, look ! ``

Albus raised his head and looked in the guidance Rose was pointing. Directly in nominal head of them was a majestic looking doe, standing completely still and staring just to the left of where the two cousin were sitting. `` It 's just a doe, '' Albus whispered back, `` It wo n't run. ``

`` I know, but there 's usually a stag around when there 's a doe. ``

Albus sat completely still with his verge cladding towards the doe. Rose did the same and the two of them did n't move for a respectable five minutes. The doe inched slowly ahead, walking to the left of Albus and rose. Then Albus heard a whisper behind the doe and fervour washed over him as he saw a huge hart appear from behind a clump of trees. `` This is it, '' he whispered to Rose. She nodded but did n't say anything. The stag walked towards the doe, who had turned around to await at her mate. `` On the tally of three. One ... two ... three. Stupefy ! '' Albus shouted.

`` Stupefy ! '' Rose shouted at the same time.

The doe shot off like a rocket salad as soon as the cousins shouted the patch. The stag started to survey but was hit by Albus 's dish. Rose 's magic spell hit a nearby tree and burned a small golf hole into the bark.

`` Excellent snap, Albus ! '' Rose grinned at him as they ran towards the stag.

`` Thanks. ``

`` Let 's rush. We wo n't have often time before he wakes up, '' Rose reached into her robe and pulled out a piece of sheepskin, a bottle of ink, and a blusher brush.

The stag was even boastful up close. Its eyes darted around nervously as rose painted the ink onto its front hoof. Albus quickly pressed the lambskin onto the hoof and pulled it away. A stark hoof print appeared on the parchment. `` This one 's good, '' Albus showed it to Rose.

`` Good, '' she put the plug on her ink and stowed both it and the brush back in her cloak, `` Now let 's go. He wo n't be well-chosen when he wakes up. ``

Albus did n't take telling twice. He blew onto the lambskin a few times to dry the ink and then put it in his cloak. The two first cousin ran through the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree and back to the house. It only took them a few minutes as they were n't very far. Albus was thrilled that they had actually managed to get the photographic print. The only print left was the rat one and then they would be capable to try out the map.


A/N : Extra long chapter and an early update ! Just to let everyone know, I 'll be away at a Harry Potter pattern from tomorrow ( hence the early update ) until Sun and although I 'll own my laptop with me, I might not have a luck to respond to your reviews. I 'll get to them afterwards, though.

Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight. Thanks as well to Denas, XDNLxtlz99, Luke, sinwillys822, Slytherinlover, maraudersfan a w, Miguel, Moonylupin, and drownzer for the reveiws !


isclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter, Barbie, or Wii.


Albus 's family unit came to pick him up from Rose 's planetary house the adjacent afternoon. They were all dressed in Muggle wear, although Harry looked a little uncomfortable in his Muggle suit. Probably due to the tie, Albus thought. He could never understand why Muggles wore those.

`` Ready, Al ? '' Harry asked after a few minutes of visiting with Rose 's family.

`` Yeah, '' Albus replied. He had to include that he was a bit uneasy about this dinner party, but there was nix he could do about it now. `` See you at school, Rose. ``

`` Bye, '' Rose smiled.

The eternal rest of the Potters and Weasleys said bye-bye to each former and then Albus disapparated with his category. They appeared in a wickedness alley near a deserted street. Harry motioned for them to follow him and the family started down the street. They made a few more spell until they came upon a neck of the woods of median size star sign. The planetary house all looked dissimilar, but seemed to be well cared for. It was a very tranquillity locality with few citizenry out and about. There were a couple people outside shoveling the newly fallen snow off their driveways, but none of them seemed to notice Albus and his family.

Eventually, Harry led them up a drive towards a gray sign of the zodiac Albus recognized as Kaden 's. Before they could even make the door, it was thrown open and Kaden came running out. `` Albus ! '' he shouted.

`` Hi, Kaden, '' Albus greeted him. `` How are you ? ``

`` Great ! '' Kaden grinned, `` I ca n't evidence you how much I 've missed school day. It seems so drill here compared to schoolhouse. ``

`` I have n't missed it. I like being on vacation, '' Albus said.

`` Yeah, but it 's so deadening without, '' Kaden whispered in Albus 's ear, `` trick. ``

Albus stifled a laugh and followed Kaden into the star sign. Kaden led them to the living elbow room, where Dudley was fidgeting with his tie. Christina was setting out sports stadium of grapevine and nuts and Bethany was helping.

`` Get anything estimable for Christmastide ? '' Kaden asked Albus once they sat down on the couch. `` I got a few new secret plan for my Wii, a new football game, a skateboard, and a gang of clothes. ``

`` What 's a Wii ? '' Albus asked.

`` Video game organization, '' Kaden explained, `` It 's really fun. I 'll show you sometime. ``

`` Oh, '' Albus nodded, `` I got some clothes, Scripture, a consignment of sweets, clobber from my Uncle St. George 's shop, and my dad 's invisibility Cloak. ``

Kaden 's rima oris fell out-of-doors, `` He gave it to you ? ! ``

`` Yup, '' Albus grinned. He had told Kaden about the Cloak a while ago, although Kaden had never seen it. He pulled it out of his bag and handed it to Kaden.

`` Whoa, that 's brilliant ! '' Kaden threw the cloak around himself, `` Look, I 'm invisible ! ``

All the adult looked over at him. `` Albus, you 'd better put that away before Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia get here, '' Harry warned. Albus nodded and took the cloak back from Kaden. He knew Uncle Vernon would be less than enthusiastic about any form of witching object.

`` Er, speaking of my parents, '' Dudley shifted uncomfortably, `` They do n't, well, they are n't cognisant that you 're, er, here tonight. ``

Albus watched as his parents looked at each early and then back at Dudley. `` What do you mean, Dudley ? '' Harry asked nervously.

`` I knew they would n't come if they knew you were here, so I did n't tell them, '' Dudley confessed.

Harry groaned, `` Dudley ... You know this could go horribly wrong. ``

`` Well, I was kind of hoping you would all make up, '' Dudley mumbled.

Harry shook his oral sex and looked back at Ginny, who looked worried. Then the bell rang and Harry turned to Dudley. Dudley gave him a small smile and turned to get the door.

Albus gulped and looked at James. Albus could only ever recall seeing his Uncle Vernon once. Albus was only five or six at the clock time and the only matter he remembered was Vernon asking Harry if Albus was'a freak like you are'. Albus had no desire to ever see the man again, and now he had to drop the evening with him.

The voices of Dudley greeting his parents started to become louder as they came into the support room. Albus got up from the couch and stood next to James, who was hiding behind Harry. Vernon and Petunia followed Dudley into the room and their faces visibly paled as they saw the Potters.

`` Wha-wha, Dudley ? '' Vernon gaped at Harry and then looked at his son.

Albus watched as pandemonium broke out amongst the adults. Vernon 's grimace turned several shades of red and purple as he tried to grasp what was happening. petunia clung to her married man with a unite look of dislike and concern on her boldness.

`` Vernon, Vernon ! Did you know they would be here ? '' Petunia asked shrilly.

Once Vernon regained his ability to utter coherently, he started yelling at Harry, who yelled back.

`` You ! '' Vernon pointed at Harry, `` Why are you here, boy ? ``

Christina stood near the entrance to the kitchen, looking uncomfortable. Bethany clung to her leg and hid her face, clearly afraid of her grandfather 's shouting. Albus, James, Lily, and Kaden glanced around at the adults, paying rhapsodic attention to the spread argument, but not saying a word. Ginny pursed her lips and watched her husband with a disapproving look. Albus had to admit that his Uncle Vernon was a bit chilling right now and Albus had no desire to get over paths with him. Dudley looked nervous as he tried to make ataraxis between his congenator. His representative was drowned out amongst Vernon and Harry 's yelling, and petunia 's shrieking.

`` Mum, Dad, '' Dudley stood in battlefront of his parents, `` I invited them here, so we could all get reacquainted. ``

`` Why would you do that ? '' Vernon demanded.

`` Kaden 's a necromancer, Dad, so Harry 's a parting of his life now. You know he 's one of Kaden 's teacher. ``

Vernon 's typeface turned from ghostly white to a cryptical shade of purple. `` What could he possibly teach ? Abnormalness ? ``

`` Magic, Dad, it 's called magic, '' Dudley sighed.

Vernon 's eyes narrowed and he glared at Harry. `` You 're filling his oral sex with all that junk you learned as a small fry ! Do n't stand for it, Dudley ! He 's got you tricked or something ! Send him to Smeltings ! ``

`` Dad, Harry did n't trick me. Kaden 's a necromancer and you 're just going to have to experience with it, '' Dudley replied.

`` Nothing undecomposed will derive of this, Dudley ! I assure you of that ! '' Vernon shouted.

`` Vernon, '' Petunia put her hand on her hubby 's arm, `` Let it go. ``

`` You do realize that this kind of freakishness is what got your sister killed ! ``

`` I 'm fully aware of what happened to my sister, '' Petunia snapped. `` This does n't have anything to do with that. It 's about accepting your grandson for who he is. '' Vernon continued glaring at Harry, but he did n't say anything.

`` Let 's all sit down, '' Dudley suggested.

`` And I 'll get us some drinks ! '' Christina announced eagerly. She rushed into the kitchen and came back with a feeding bottle of brandy, a bottle of wine, and a some chalk, along with fizzing drinkable for the kids.

Vernon and Petunia regained their composure and petunia gave Dudley a os crunching hug and smothered him with buss. She then moved on and did the Lapplander with both her grandchildren, making sure to completely snub Albus, Jesse James, and Lily. Albus sat down on the couch and to his dislike, Vernon chose to sit next to him. After a few minute of awkward silence, Vernon turned to Albus. `` So, '' he began, causing Albus to jump, `` You go to this, school, too ? ``

`` Er, yeah, '' Albus replied quickly, not looking at Vernon.

`` Look at me when I 'm talking to you, '' Vernon pettifoggery, `` I see manners are n't high on their anteriority list. What classes do you take there ? ``

Albus forced himself to look at Vernon. `` I 'm taking Transfiguration, magic spell, Potions, Herbology, astronomy, account of magic, and Defense Against the wickedness graphics, '' he mumbled quietly.

Vernon seemed to flinch at the sound of those names. `` I see. And are you any good at them ? ``

`` Um, I guess so, '' Albus replied. He was wishing more and more that he could have just stayed at Rose 's sign instead of coming here. Why was Vernon questioning him ? Why not James or Kaden ?

`` What subject does your father Edward Teach ? '' Vernon barked.

`` defensive structure Against the Dark humanities, '' Albus muttered.

`` And what is that, exactly ? ``

`` Defensive while, dueling, stuff you use to get the better of iniquity wizards like Voldemort. ``

`` Yeah, and professor ceramist defeated Voldemort ! '' Kaden interrupted and for once Albus was grateful for his cousin 's big mouth.

`` So I 've heard, '' Vernon replied.

`` He 's a bully teacher, granddaddy ! I love my new school. It 's much better than Muggle school, '' Kaden grinned. `` I 'll be right back. '' He ran up the steps and came back a few seconds later with his wand. `` Look at this ! ``

Vernon narrowed his eyes and gazed at his grandson. `` You 've got one, too. ``

`` Of course I do ! '' Kaden laughed, `` I wish I could testify you some wizardly, though. I ca n't do it outside school. Hey, Professor Potter can show you ! ``

`` No ! I ruddy hell think not ! '' Vernon shouted.

`` No thanks ! '' Petunia shouted at the Sami time.

Kaden looked disappointed. `` Sorry, Kaden, '' Harry with an apologetic look, `` Maybe another day. ``

`` Or never, '' Vernon muttered.

Nobody said much after that. Albus preferred it that way. He was very happy that Uncle Vernon appeared to sustain given up his question and answer session. Christina announced that dinner was gear up a few minutes later, and everyone eagerly went into the dining room. Albus made sure that he was n't sitting future to Vernon and relaxed a piddling as he began to eat.

The Dursleys dominated most of the dinner party conversation, with Vernon and genus Petunia asking Dudley and Christina about what was new in their life. They wanted to cognise every last detail, down to what order Bethany had gotten on her up-to-the-minute Word of God story in shoal. Eventually they had exhausted this topic and the table descended into an awkward muteness before Vernon started drilling Harry about his life.

`` So, boy, what exactly do you do for a living ? '' Vernon barked.

`` I 'm the Head of the Auror section at the Ministry of conjuring trick, '' Harry smiled.

`` Auror ? '' Vernon repeated, `` What would that be ? ``

`` A dark hotshot catcher, '' Harry explained.

`` Oh, like a policeman. Would n't have guessed you 'd be in law enforcement, what with all the hassle you caused as a child. ``

Harry sighed, `` You know most of that was n't my fault. ``

`` Like hell it was n't. It was all due to your abnormality, '' Vernon replied.

`` Dad, ca n't you just cast off it ? '' Dudley asked.

`` No, Duddy, I wo n't ! Vernon slammed his fist on the table, `` He 's obviously done something to Kaden to give him abnormal ! ``

That had to be the most absurd thing Albus had ever heard. A hotshot could not turn a Muggle into a genius. If they could, there would n't be any Squibs in the domain, and there would certainly be more wizards.

`` Oh come off it, Dad ! '' Dudley shouted. `` Harry did n't do this ! Kaden was born a mavin ! ``

`` No he was n't ! '' Vernon yelled, his look turning purple again. `` And I want the boy to deepen him back ! ``

`` Uncle Vernon, listen to me, '' Harry announced, `` You ca n't twist someone into a wizard, it just does n't work. Kaden was born a wiz, which does n't storm me at all. There is magic in his line of descent, the same magic that was in my mother 's and is in mine. ``

`` Wonderful, '' Vernon spat, `` And I suppose you 're going to order me that Bethany will be abnormal, too ? ``

`` There 's a chance she 'll be a witch, yes, '' Harry told him.

`` I am not going to endure for anymore abonormalness in this mob ! '' Vernon roared.

`` Vernon, there 's nothing we can do ! '' Petunia shrieked, `` I do n't like it either, but the boy did not do this ! ``

`` How do you know ? ``

`` Because my freak of a baby told me it 's not potential, that 's how ! ``

`` Do n't scream her a freak ! '' Harry glared at both of them.

Petunia ignored him. `` I asked her, when I was an arrogant child. I asked her if someone could change state me into a hag before I knew any well. She said no. There is not one matter we can do to vary Kaden. We just have to hope that he 's going to be smarter than my sis was and not get killed just out of schoolhouse. ``

`` Fine, '' Vernon snapped, `` But I do n't like it. I do n't wish it one bit. ``

`` Neither do I, neither do I, '' Petunia agree.

Albus glanced nervously from one grownup to the next, hoping that the combat was over. He realized now how much Uncle Vernon and auntie genus Petunia hated magic now. The two of them were still going on about how Albus 's grandmother had been killed, thirty-some days later. Albus was still amazed that Vernon had actually blamed Harry for Kaden being a superstar. Albus knew Vernon disliked Harry, but he did n't cerebrate Vernon would still find fault Harry for things he did n't like, this many eld later.

`` You 'd be respectable off just keeping him out of that school, '' Vernon announced after a few minutes of silence. `` There 's no law requiring him to go, is there ? ``

`` No, '' Dudley replied. `` But he likes it there, so he 's staying. ``

`` This is utterly ridiculous, '' Vernon muttered, `` postponement boulder clay Marge hears about it. ``

`` I hate aunt Marge, '' Kaden said loudly, causing Albus to snort into his juice. `` All she talks about is breeding dogs. ``

`` Do n't say that about your aunt, '' Vernon scolded.

`` What ? '' Kaden shrugged, `` Professor Potter must not like her either. ``

Harry, who had been laughing behind his looking glass, immediately stopped and looked at Kaden. `` Really, Kaden, it 's not nice to say you hate masses. '' He turned to Vernon, `` You have n't told her ? ``

`` Of course I have n't ! '' Vernon raised his spokesperson, `` Can you imagine what she is going to consider ? That someone, like, like you is actually link to her ? She takes comfortableness in the fact that you are n't actually related to her ! But to have Kaden be one of your lot, she 'll be horrified ! And I should think so after you blew her up years ago ! ``

`` What ? ! '' Kaden and Bethany shouted at the Saame time. Kaden spat his juice out and started choking. Albus slapped him on the rachis, trying to control his own laughter. Harry told them this narration a recollective time ago and just thinking about it made Albus laugh.

`` That was n't his fault ! '' Ginny came to Harry 's defense, `` He could n't control it ! What your sister said about his parents was absolutely rotten and you know it ! ``

`` It was the truth ! '' Vernon shouted, rising to his feet.

`` No it was n't ! '' Ginny stood up as well.

`` What do you mean, louse up her up ? '' Kaden asked.

`` His parents were idiots and that 's why they were killed ! '' Vernon continued.

`` No they were n't ! '' Harry stood and stared at his uncle. Albus had rarely ever seen his father so raging before. `` They were working against Voldemort. ``

`` Another one of your lot who went on a bolt down violent disorder ! '' Vernon yelled.

`` They should throw just ignored him and minded their own business, '' Petunia announced. Albus did n't really think she should be telling soul to mind their own clientele, when she thrived off of gossip.

`` You could n't ignore Voldemort ! '' Harry and Ginny said at the same time.

`` Can someone please assure me how Aunt oleo got blown up ? ! '' Kaden shouted again.

`` Dad, just forget about it, all right ? Harry 's parents were n't lazy, '' Dudley pleaded.

`` bequeath this to me, Dudley. You 're obviously under a bad influence right now. ``

Dudley heaved a huge sigh, `` Dad ... You 're forgetting that Harry saved my life once ! ``

`` Oh, from those dementy matter ? They would n't have even been around if it were n't for the boy ! ``

`` The gunpoint is that they were ! And Harry saved me from them ! He also kept us all safe while he was hunting down that Voldemort bloke. He did n't take to do that, you know. ``

`` What 's a dementy thing ? '' Kaden asked loudly.

`` Dementors, '' Albus corrected, `` They 're these mask wight that suck out your somebody. ``

Kaden stared at Albus, `` They what ? ``

`` sucking out your individual, '' Albus repeated, `` They feed on happy thoughts, until you 're only left with the sad I. ``

Kaden shuddered, `` They sound blooming horrible. professor Potter saved Dad from one ? ``

`` Yeah, when they were 15. There 's a charm, the Patronus Charm, that drives them away. It 's really pass on magic not taught until one-seventh year, but Dad learned in his tertiary year. ``

`` Wow, your dad 's brilliant, '' Kaden grinned. `` But I do n't fancy running into one of those dementors. Have you ever seen one ? ``

`` No and I hope never to, '' Albus replied.

`` We would have been fine without those weirdo 'protecting'us ! '' Vernon raged.

`` No we would n't ! We 'd all be beat ! '' Dudley insisted.

`` What would that Voldemort bloke have wanted with us anyway ? '' Vernon bellowed, `` It 's not like we 're crazy like him. ``

`` Do n't you get it ? '' Harry sighed, `` He did n't care about anyone ! He would 've killed anyone to get to me, including you. ``

`` Everybody, just exclude it ! '' The five grownup who were arguing turned to the source of the new part that rang out tacky than theirs. It was Christina. Everyone stopped arguing and stared at her. `` Thank you. Now I only understand function of this row, but everything you 're rowing about has happened in the past. Ca n't you just put it behind you and try to get along ? Look at you, you 're standing there arguing about poppycock you ca n't change, in front of your children. What form of instance are you setting ? Put aside your difference, if not for yourselves, do it for the kids. ``

The adults said nothing for a few moments while Christina glared at every one of them. Eventually, Harry spoke, `` She 's right. We should just try and get along. '' Ginny nodded in agreement.

`` That 's what I was trying to tell you, '' Dudley commented.

`` amercement, '' Vernon spat, `` I 'll permit the boy. But you are making a sculpture error with Kaden, Dudley. ``

`` Good, '' Christina replied and stood up. `` I 'll go get the pudding. ``

The rest of the dinner was much more enjoyable. Harry quickly told the report of when he blew up marge to douse Kaden and Bethany 's peculiarity, but there was no more mention of magic throughout the rest of the meal. The conversation centered on theme that could be equally congener to Muggles and genius, such as the weather. Albus did n't say anything, choosing instead to quietly eat his pudding while listening to the grownup'strained conversations. He was just happy that they were no longer arguing with each other.

After dinner party, Albus, James, and Kaden escaped to Kaden 's sleeping accommodation, which he was eager to show off. The entire thing was decorated with various football paraphernalia, with a lot of emphasis on Manchester United. James found this highly entertaining and drop quite a few minutes laughing at the posters, in which the players remained completely still. Kaden spent a while showing off his Christmas present to Albus and St. James the Apostle and soon wanted to show them how to wreak his Wii.

Kaden led Albus and William James back downstairs, where the adult were discussing cars over coffee. Albus was very happy that he did not have to sit through that discussion. Albus followed as Kaden went down another flying of stairs and they descended into the cellar. The basement was clearly the playroom of the house, as it was cluttered with all sorts of Muggle toy dog. Lily and Bethany were playing with Bethany 's Barbies in one corner and neither of them paid much attention as the boys entered the room.

The Wii was set up in the middle of the room and attached to a television set that was against the paries. Albus had never played a Wii before and was kind of singular about it. James was as well, although he got sidetracked by a remote control car. He drove it all over the room, completely amazed at how the car seemed to move by magic.

`` The affair Muggles come up with, '' St. James grinned as he joined Albus and Kaden in nominal head of the television.

Kaden spent the next hour teaching James and Albus how to play the Wii. They started with Kaden 's new racing biz, which was actually pretty complicated. It took Albus the better part of an time of day to figure out how to act as it. Henry James caught on a bit faster, but neither of them could top Kaden in acquirement. Albus found that the plot was incredibly fun and almost wished he had one at his house. Once they successfully learned the racing game, Kaden went on to teach them how to meet a couple Sir Thomas More secret plan. Lily eventually wandered over and wanted to learn, too. By the time midnight came around, all five of them were taking turns playing games and Albus was having a great time.

Albus was sort of disappointed when his dad called them back upstairs to numerate down to the new twelvemonth and hoped that everyone was still acting civilly. They were, as Albus found when he entered the living room. It did n't really see like the adults were enjoying themselves, but they were at to the lowest degree acting polite, which was good enough for Albus.

Shortly after they rang in the new year, Albus 's parents decided it was time to leave. Albus had no controversy against this because he was tired and did n't really desire to spend anymore metre in the Saami house as Uncle Vernon. Harry politely shook hands with Vernon, said goodbye to Petunia, and told Dudley he would owl him soon. Vernon kind of flinched at the reference of the parole 'owl .'Albus completely ignored Vernon and Petunia, and told Kaden he would see him on the train drive back to school. Once the obligatory good day were said, Albus and his class left the household, only to Apparate back to Grimmauld Place a few streets away.


A/N : Thanks to my Beta, Dancer of Starlight ! Thanks as well to XDNLxtlz99, sinwillys822, Miguel, Moonylupin, Denas, Ginny, Luke, and drownzer for their reviews !


isclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Albus had to admit that he was well-chosen to be going back to Hogwarts. After the nearly disastrous dinner party with the Dursleys, Albus spent his metre working on homework or goofing off with Henry James and Lily. By the end of the vacation he was actually sort of bored and well-chosen to be seeing his booster again. Plus, the sooner he got back to school, the sooner he could try out the new map.

The potter met the Weasleys and the Dursleys at King 's mark and entered weapons platform 9 3/4 together. Both family line were running late again and Albus, Rose, Jesse James, and Kaden only just made it onto the caravan before it left. James immediately left to witness his champion while Albus, rose wine, and Kaden wandered around trying to find their friends.

John and Amanda were sitting in one of the compartments in the midriff of the railroad train. Albus opened the doorway and walked in, followed by rosiness and Kaden.

`` Hey ! '' John the Evangelist greeted them.

`` There you are, '' Amanda smirked, `` Almost miss the power train again ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus laughed and sat down next to her. He wished more than anything that Kaden would provide so he could tell John and Amanda that he and jump managed to get the stag print. All the print were currently residing in Albus 's bag, just waiting to be transferred onto the map.

`` So how was your family dinner ? '' St. John grinned and looked from Albus to Kaden.

Albus and Kaden exchanged glances. rose stifled a laugh. She had already heard about the dinner shortly after it happened.

`` It was ... eventful, '' Albus said. `` Not something I want to do again. ``

`` What happened ? '' John asked eagerly.

`` My granddaddy went mad, '' Kaden shook his headspring. `` And my nanna sort of did. ``

`` What did they do ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Well, they kind of did n't know we were coming, '' Albus began, `` So they started off by yelling about that. ``

`` Then they started shouting about how my dad should n't let me go to school here, '' Kaden continued.

`` And Uncle Vernon wound up claiming that Dad had somehow used a appealingness to flex Kaden into a wizard, '' Albus explained.

John and Amanda burst out laughing. `` You 're kidding ! '' John the Divine exclaimed. `` He actually thought that ? ! ``

`` Sure did, '' Albus grinned. Now that the dinner was behind him, he was able to laugh about it. Looking back, his Uncle Vernon did seem mad, and not nearly as scary as Albus first thought.

`` And my grandma of all people told him it was n't possible, '' Kaden laughed. `` Apparently she wanted to be a enchantress when she was a kid. But the best part was when gramps brought up aunty margarine. ``

`` Who 's that ? '' Amanda asked.

`` My grandpa 's baby, '' Kaden explained, `` I ca n't fend her. But apparently prof potter blew her up when he was 13 ! ``

can and Amanda started howling with laugh. `` That is absolutely brainy ! '' St. John shouted.

`` This I 've got to hear ! '' Amanda grinned.

Albus smiled at them and told the story of his aunty margarin. John and Amanda laughed even harder when they had heard the unit thing.

`` What happened following ? '' John asked once he had calmed down.

`` wellspring, we went down to the cellar and played with Kaden 's Muggle video secret plan, which was a lot of fun. ``

`` And the adult stayed upstairs, '' Kaden added. `` Which was probably bloody awkward. ``

`` Then we left shortly after midnight, '' Albus told them. `` Hey, Kaden, what happened after we left ? ``

`` Oh, yeah. Grandpa tried to convince Dad to not let me go back to Hogwarts. He thought Dad would be more likely to agree without you lot there. Dad told him to stop and eventually he gave up and left. ``

`` You going to do that again anytime soon ? '' John asked.

`` Hopefully not, '' Albus replied.

`` Let 's do it at your house next, '' Kaden grinned, `` I want to see a wizard house. ``

`` I doubt Dad will let Uncle Vernon and auntie genus Petunia in the house, '' Albus told him, `` But you 're receive to fall. ``

`` Over the summertime, then, '' Kaden said.

`` We 'll come, too, '' blush wine announced. John and Amanda nodded. `` And Matt. ``

Kaden looked around the compartment and then back at Albus. `` Where is he, anyway ? ``

`` Er, he had some, er, Healer appointments, '' Albus said quickly. Hopefully that would gratify Kaden 's curiosity.

`` Oh, for that disease he 's got ? ``

`` Yeah, the one you ca n't say a affair about to anybody, '' Albus glared at him, `` And that includes this. Do n't tell anyone where he is. ``

Kaden nodded. `` I wo n't. I 'll keep away from Malfoy and Willinson. ``

`` Good, '' Albus said.

******

Over the future few days, Albus kept trying to find some time to tell John and Amanda about the stag mark, but it was hard to shake Kaden off. It seemed the only when times they were away from him was when they were in form or in their dormitory at Nox. Neither were good opportunities to talk about the map.

In the interim, Malfoy was trying to figure out why matt was n't in schooling. The full moon was n't until the travel along week, so Albus was going to have to endure Malfoy 's questioning for a while longer. Nothing seemed to fulfill him. Albus was also preoccupied with what was going to happen this full moon. He was kind of worried about matt taking the new wolfsbane potion.

All the students and instructor seemed to be falling into their usual routines. Dueling and Quidditch practices started up again. Both Kate and Georgia were working their teams hard and Albus was feeling the effects. Between that and the increased amount of prep the instructor were intent on assigning, he had hardly any time for anything else.

A yoke mean solar day into the term, Kaden finally had one of his tutoring sessions. Albus and his Friend seized the opportunity and ran to the Room of Requirement as soon as Kaden left the usual room.

`` Finally ! '' whoremonger exclaimed as he threw himself onto one of the couch in the room. `` I thought I was going to die of wonder ! ``

`` I never thought we 'd get away from him ! '' Amanda said as she sat down next to him.

`` It 'll be easier once pink wine image out the charm to keep him hushed, '' Albus replied.

`` You found one ! '' privy sat up and stared at Rose.

`` Sure did, '' rose wine grinned and pulled the book of good luck charm from her house out of her bag. She opened it to the right page and handed it to John and Amanda.

The two of them read it for a few minutes. `` This is unbelievable, '' Amanda smiled, `` You think you can do it ? ``

`` Given a bit of practice, sure, '' Rose replied. `` We just have to make certainly Matt agrees to it. ``

`` I 'm sure he will, '' John said, `` I mean, this charm will definitely stay fresh Kaden from telling anyone. ``

`` I 'll set off working on it now, '' Rose took the book back, `` I have n't started yet because I do n't want anyone to ask why I 'm trying to learn it. ``

`` So, did you get the stag photographic print ? '' King John asked eagerly.

`` Sure did ! '' Albus reached into his bag and pulled out the three prints. `` We just need the rat now. ``

privy picked them up and looked at him. `` Excellent ! I 'll try and get the rat soon. Then we can transplant them. ``

`` We should wait for matt, '' Albus told him, `` He 's a part of this as much as we are. ``

`` Oh, yeah, that 's a good idea, '' John the Evangelist set the prints down on a nearby tabular array. `` You know, I think this is the get-go time we 've been in here without him. ``

`` I think you 're right on, '' Albus commented. It was kind of strange, really. All the former times they had been in the Room, matte had been the one to ask for it. Nobody said anything for a few minutes. Albus could severalise that everyone was thinking the same thing he was, what would encounter with matte 's new potion.

`` well, he 'll be back soon, '' John said after a while.

`` As long as zippo goes faulty, '' Albus said quietly.

`` Yeah, but just think if this potion works. That would be majuscule, would n't it ? ``

`` Definitely, '' Albus agreed, but he could n't serve but think the new potion would n't lick any better than the old one. Why should it ? If Matt was resistant to Wolfsbane potion, why should a different diverseness of it work ?

The four of them spent the oddment of the eve in the room. rosebush worked steadily on figuring out the charm, but did n't really get anywhere. It was an extremely difficult appeal, after all. Albus, John Lackland, and Amanda worked on their prep and talked about what they thought the new map would take in on it.

******

Albus became more and more anxious as the wide moon approached. His friends seemed to as well, and John especially developed a very brusque fuse. Kaden seemed to get the brunt of this but he took it in footstep. The night of the actual wax moon, Albus had Quidditch practice. He became so distracted during it that Sakartvelo called for a fault during practice and demanded to know why Albus was dropping so many Quaffles. He lied and told her he was worried about a Transfiguration of Jesus exam the next day. Luckily she seemed to bear this and wished him luck on his exam. Albus tried extra hard during the second half of practice but still missed a lot of well-fixed passes.

Albus entered the mutual way after pattern tactile sensation incredibly sore but not at all tired. He had been hit with legion bludgers due to his lack of concentration. Normally Albus would throw been exhausted after such a praxis but he was too dying to be tired tonight.

His friends were sitting at their usual mesa which was covered in homework. Not that much of it was being done. Kaden was the only one feverishly working away at an essay. John, Amanda, and even rosiness were staring off into nothing with their untouched prep in front of them. Albus quickly stowed his Scots heather in his dormitory and joined his friends at the table.

`` Hey, '' Albus said as he sat down side by side to Rose.

`` Hi, '' Rose mumbled. John and Amanda gave equally unenthusiastic greetings.

`` Hi Albus ! '' Kaden looked up, `` I 'm beaming you 're back. This lot has been incredibly dull. ``

Even at a time like this, Albus could n't help but laugh at Kaden 's cluelessness. `` Hi, Kaden. ``

`` How was practice ? '' Kaden asked.

`` Not that slap-up. I got hit with a pair bludgers. ``

`` Ouch, '' Kaden winced.

`` Yeah, my arm hurts pretty bad, '' Albus commented.

`` Just go see gentlewoman Pomfrey, '' Rose suggested, `` Your arm looks nasty. ``

Albus glanced at his arm. It had turned a adorable violet blue coloration in the clock time since he had received the coke. `` All rightfulness, '' he stood up. `` I 'll see you in a bit. ``

Kaden stood up as well. `` I 'll amount with you. ``

Albus did n't palpate like telling Kaden not to bother, so he nodded and Kaden followed him out of the plebeian room. Albus did n't spill the beans much on the way to the hospital extension, but Kaden kept up a cyclosis comment about what went on in his classes that day. Kaden must have felt the need to share it even though nothing particularly stir had happened that day. The corridors were utterly deserted and Kaden 's articulation seemed awfully loud. Albus glanced at his watch and saw that it was almost curfew. He wished he had brought his invisibility Cloak. Of grade, none of the teacher could pay him detention for being out of his common way in gild to go see lady Pomfrey, could they ?

Albus pushed the room access to the hospital wing open slowly and saw that lady Pomfrey was sitting at her desk, writing something, and glancing out the window every few second. The moonlight was streaming through and illuminating one of the seam. There were n't any patient role in the ward, which Albus thought was kind of strange. Albus rarely ever saw the blank space empty. He walked quietly up to gentlewoman Pomfrey and Kaden followed. The nanny did n't even appear to have noticed them occur in.

`` Er, excuse me, Madam Pomfrey ? '' Albus said once he was a dyad groundwork in front man of the desk.

The nanny jumped and looked up, clutching her marrow. `` Oh, Albus ! You scared me. What are you doing here ? ``

It suddenly occurred to Albus that Madam Pomfrey was probably thinking about Matt as well, since she usually took care of him after the replete synodic month. `` I got hit with a couple bludgers at practice tonight. I was, er, kind of distracted. ``

Madam Pomfrey stood up and gave him a sympathetic feel. `` I understand. Let me see. ``

Albus held out his arm and Madam Pomfrey clucked her clapper as she inspected it. She pulled out her wand and touched it to his arm, muttering a turn as she did so. Albus 's arm felt warm and tingly, and then convention again. The pain in the ass was gone.

`` Thanks, '' Albus replied.

`` No problem. Anywhere else ? ``

`` I got hit on my back too and it kind of detriment. I 've got no approximation if it 's bruised or not. ``

madam Pomfrey looked at Albus 's back and performed the same healing good luck charm. It felt immensely better.

`` I think that 's it, '' Albus said once she was done.

`` You 'd better be off to bed, then, '' she said. `` I 'm indisputable I 'll be seeing you soon. ``

Albus nodded and turned to leave. He and Kaden were soon back in the empty-bellied corridor.

`` Why were you distracted during practice ? '' Kaden asked loudly.

`` Shush, '' Albus hissed, `` Transfiguration exam tomorrow. ``

`` Oh, that 's probably why John, pink wine, and Amanda were so quiet. ``

`` Yeah, that was it. ``

The two of them continued their trek to the green room until they practically bumped into two other people as they turned a corner.

`` look on it ! '' a insensate vox shouted and shoved Albus aside.

Albus pulled out his verge and lit it, shoving the light in the faces of the two stranger. They were Malfoy and Willinson. `` You watch it, '' Albus muttered.

`` Get your wand out of my face, '' Malfoy seethed. `` What are you doing here anyway ? ``

`` What are you doing here ? '' Albus asked.

`` None of your line. ``

`` You just respond your own question, then. ``

Malfoy turned to Kaden. `` Ah, it 's the Mudblood cousin-german. ``

`` Do n't predict him that ! '' Albus shouted.

Malfoy ignored him and continued to glare at Kaden. `` Maybe you know where Eckerton is these days ? ``

Kaden glanced nervously at Albus before answering. `` Uh, no, I do n't. ``

`` mulct, '' Malfoy snapped. `` I know you wo n't say anything with ceramicist around anyway. I 'll just await until you 're alone. C'mon, Willinson, we 're leaving. ``

`` You 'll do no such matter, Mr. Malfoy, '' individual said from behind Albus.

Albus jumped in fright and turned around to see prof Patil. Great, he thought, now they were going to wind up in detention. Why did they always wind up in detention with Malfoy ?

`` What are you four doing out of bed ? '' Patil asked briskly, `` You know you 're not allowed to be wandering around after time of day. ``

`` Uh, '' Malfoy stammered, `` We were, er, uh, well we just wanted to, um- ''

`` Do n't bother, Mr. Maloy, '' Patil cut him off. `` Whatever lie you come up with is not going to win over me. '' She turned to Albus and Kaden, `` I 'm assuming you were not out for a stroll with Mr. Malfoy and Mr. Willinson ? ``

`` No, '' Albus confirmed, `` I was actually just in the hospital wing. I got hurt at Quidditch praxis. Kaden was with me. ``

Patil looked at Kaden. `` Is that dead on target, Mr. Dursley ? ``

`` Yes, ma'am, '' Kaden replied quietly.

`` We were there, too, prof ! '' Malfoy shouted out, `` Willinson stabbed himself with his pinion while we were doing homework. ``

Patil glanced at him skeptically. `` Well, we 'll just go see Madam Pomfrey and confirm all your narration. ``

Any coloring that had been in Malfoy 's facial expression drained. The four boys quietly followed prof Patil to the hospital wing. Albus was very relieved. madam Pomfrey would say Patil that he and Kaden had been there, and then she would n't make them detention.

Patil opened the doors to the hospital wing, but Madam Pomfrey was no longer there. Patil motioned for the male child to detain there and she strode over to the nursemaid 's office. She knocked lightly and waited for Madam Pomfrey to appear.

`` I hope I 'm not bothering you, '' Patil said once Madam Pomfrey came out.

`` Not at all, Padma, '' Madam Pomfrey smiled, `` I was n't at rest. Is there something you need ? ``

`` I was wondering if any of these four boy, '' she gestured to Albus, Kaden, and the two Slytherins, `` Were here recently ? I caught them all out of bed and all of them insist they were here. ``

Madam Pomfrey gazed at the boy. `` Well, Albus and Kaden were here about fifteen minutes ago, but I have n't seen the early two in quite a spell. ``

`` That 's what I thought, '' Patil nodded, `` Thank you. ``

`` Not a problem, '' the nurse replied.

`` I 'll take you two back to your common elbow room, '' Patil said to Albus and Kaden. `` As for you, '' she glared at Malfoy and Willinson, `` You will come back to my office and we shall order for detention. ``

Malfoy and Willinson sulked and muttered under their breath as the five of them exited the ward. Albus laughed to himself on their way back to Gryffindor towboat. Malfoy and Willinson were glaring sticker at Albus and Kaden the whole way back, but Albus just smirked at them. They could n't do anything now anyway, not with Patil around. But surely they would pick Albus and Kaden for their detention and Albus would hold to watch out the next few days.

******

Albus did n't log Z's very well that night, despite his fatigue from Quidditch practice. He fell asleep in the wee minute of the break of the day and woke up only a few hours later. John was just as exhausted and the two of them stumbled down into the green way, only to come up Rose slumped over a leger at their common table.

`` Rose ! '' Albus shook his first cousin 's berm, `` stir up up ! ``

Rose slowly lifted her head and then jumped at the sight of Albus and privy. `` Wha-what are you two doing ? ``

`` Uh, it 's morning, Rose, '' Albus explained, `` We 've got to get to Transfiguration in an hour. ``

`` Oh ! '' blush wine jumped up and pushed her bushy fuzz out of her face.

`` What were you doing down here ? Did you ever go to bed ? '' Albus asked.

`` No, could n't sleep, '' pink wine shrugged, `` So I came back down and worked on the Sileo Altus magic spell. I just ca n't visualize it out. It 's driving me mad ! ``

`` That 's a really high point charm, Rose. You know it 's going to consider you a while, '' Albus reminded her.

`` I know, I know. I 'll get it eventually, '' Rose sighed, `` I guess I 'll go modification and find out Amanda. Then we can go down to breakfast. ``

A few minutes later, Albus and his acquaintance walked to the Great Hall. Albus noticed Malfoy and Willinson at the Slytherin tabular array as they walked by and both of the Slytherins were shooting sticker at Albus.

Kaden was already at the Gryffindor table and immediately hailed Albus and the others to sit near him.

`` Did you see Malfoy this dawn ? '' Kaden asked once Albus had sat down.

`` Yeah, he 's not too happy. ``

`` admiration when his detention is ? '' Kaden asked.

`` Who knows, '' Albus shrugged. He did n't particularly wish when Malfoy and Willinson were going to serve detention.

Kaden began to talk about some potion he was going to be brewing that day, but Albus tuned him out. All Albus seemed to be able to think about at the present moment was whether the new potion lusterlessness had taken worked.

As if on cue, a boastfully brown owl flew down and landed neatly next to Albus 's plate.

`` You 've got a varsity letter ! '' Kaden shouted eagerly.

`` I know, '' Albus rolled his center and pulled the alphabetic character off the owl 's leg. He gave the owl a few turn of toast and the magnanimous hiss flew off.

Rose, who was on Albus 's other side, looked over his berm as he looked at the envelope. John and Amanda were leaning over the mesa and Kaden was leaning over Albus 's other shoulder.

`` curiosity who it 's from, '' Kaden said.

`` It 's from matt, '' Albus told him. `` That was his owl. ``

`` Maybe he 's telling you when he 's coming back ! '' Kaden shouted.

`` Shush ! '' Albus, whoremaster, pink wine, and Amanda said at once.

`` well, we 'd better be off to Transfiguration, '' Albus said and gave blush wine a significant glance.

`` Yes, we 'd better, '' Rose stood up.

`` Are n't you going to open it ? '' Kaden asked.

`` On the way, '' Albus told him.

`` I 'll come, too ! ``

Albus sighed and got up from the table. He could n't open that letter in front of Kaden. rose, John, and Amanda got up as well and followed Albus out of the Great dorm. Kaden was decent behind him, but Albus did n't dare spread out it yet. Kaden stalled in the Entrance Hall, but eventually gave up and headed down to the donjon for Potions.

`` Well, now we have n't got time to record it, '' Albus groaned and glanced at his picket. `` Why could n't he have left sooner ? ``

`` 'Cause he 's Kaden, '' John shook his head.

`` We 'll just take it after History of Magic, '' Rose said as they climbed the stairs, `` We 've got the entirely afternoon off. ``

The morning dragged by at an extremely slowly pace, in Albus 's impression. metamorphosis was n't too bad, since it was a practical lesson. Malfoy descended upon Albus and the others after the class was over, wanting to know where Matt was. Albus lied and told him mat was having a late holiday with his grandparents and then took off for story of Magic, ignoring Malfoy 's complaint about detention that followed.

account of conjuration was as boring as usual. Albus thought he saw the clock 's deal go backwards at one spot. He passed promissory note with lavatory and Amanda while Rose took banker's bill. She seemed to ingest inherited her mother 's ability to bide awake during that class. John nodded off at one level and Albus had to prod him awake with his quill. Professor Binns did n't even seem to notice.

After History of deception finally ended, Albus and his friends went to the Great Hall to catch a quick lunch. Kaden was there when they arrived and immediately launched into an explanation of the potion he had just brewed. Apparently it was so impressive that Slughorn gave him a bar of Honeyduke 's chocolate and an invitation to the next Slug Club meeting.

`` What ? ! '' Albus choked on his pumpkin vine juice.

`` Yup, '' Kaden grinned. `` The adjacent meeting is this Saturday. He told me that a lot of your cousins go. ``

`` Er, yeah, they do, '' Albus coughed. He had not been expecting Kaden to get invited to any sluggard Club meetings. Albus had n't even gone to any since the previous year. He just told Slughorn he had Quidditch practice or too much preparation to go. Slughorn had n't even had his Christmas party this twelvemonth. Albus was n't sure why, but he was guessing it was because he had n't been able to get hold anyone noted to attend.

`` But he said you 're always too busy to go, '' Kaden said, `` Will you go to this one ? ``

Albus groaned inwardly, `` Oh, I do n't know .... ''

`` Please ? '' Kaden pleaded.

`` amercement, '' Albus sighed. It could n't be that bad now that Quinton Willinson was gone. And it was just one encounter. `` But just this once. And if Georgia calls for Quidditch practice, I wo n't go to the merging. ``

`` Yay ! '' Kaden shouted.

Once Kaden left for his next division, Albus and his friends went straight for the way of Requirement. Albus and rose sat on one of the sofa while John and Amanda sat on the opposite one. Albus reached into his bag and found the letter.

`` Here it goes, '' Albus whispered.

`` That potion better have worked, '' lavatory said.

Albus tore candid the envelope and unfolded the letter. He read it aloud.

Dear Albus, pink wine, John, and Amanda,

stopping point night Matt told me to indite you
and tell you what happened if he couldn't.
Since he ca n't, you have probably guessed
that the potion did not work.

`` Damn ! '' John the Divine shouted.

Matt will explain more when he gets back to
Hogwarts. I 'll just say that it 's not worse
than usual. He 's at St. Mungo 's right now so
the therapist can honour the after affects of
the potion and the transformation.

He only has to stay in St. Mungo 's overnight
and then tomorrow he 'll be back at place. I 'm
pretty sure he 'll be back at Hogwarts on
Sunday, but we 're not exactly sure.

Leslie Townes Hope you are all doing well. I 'll see you
soon, maybe at the next Gryffindor
Quidditch match.

From,
Amy

Albus folded up the letter and looked at his friends. `` wellspring, I guess that 's it, then. ``

`` At least it was n't any uncollectible, '' Amanda said quietly.

`` Yeah, '' rosiness agreed.

nobody said anything for a few minute of arc. Albus felt very disappointed that the potion had n't worked, but he was sure as shooting it did n't even come up close to what Matt was feeling.

`` Maybe he 'll let us get Animagi now, '' John suggested.

rosiness glared at him, `` He wo n't. He 's still in that study, which means he 's still got to take that potion for the next two age or so. Then there 'll probably be another one for him to test. And maybe that one will work. ``

`` wellspring, it would still be aplomb to become an Animagus. ``

`` Then you can do it when you 're older, '' pink wine said, `` You could n't do it now anyway, it 's too advanced. ``

`` Albus 's grandfather did it. ``

`` When he was in fifth year, '' Rose reminded him.

`` mulct, three more years then, '' whoremaster shrugged.

rose sighed, `` Matt wo n't let you join him on the wide moonlight, though. And I would n't suggest doing it behind his back. ``

`` I wo n't, '' can assured her, `` I just think it would be a fun affair to do, be an Animagus. ``

`` Definitely, '' blush wine agreed.

Albus and his friends spent the honest character of the next hour talking about what they would do if they could transform into animals. They all agreed that listening in on people 's conversations and sneaking up on people like Malfoy would be top on the listing of material to do. Eventually, Rose insisted that they all start their homework, which took them nearly of the evening to complete.


A/N : Thanks to my Beta, Dancer of Starlight. Thanks as well to sinwillys822, XDNLxtlz99, Luke, Denas, Moonylupin, phoenixy friend, drownzer, and potterfan296 for their review article !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Despite the fact that Quinton Willinson was no longer at Hogwarts, Albus still dreaded the Slug nine merging on Saturday. His rational side told him that it would n't be nearly as bad with Willinson gone, but Albus still was n't looking forward to it.

Kaden, on the other hired hand, spent the days leading up to Sat talking non-stop about the Slug golf club meeting. Albus had already explained in detail what they involved, but that did n't turn back Kaden from constantly wondering aloud about what the merging would be like.

Saturday arrived quickly and Albus was still without an excuse to not hang the meeting. Georgia had not called for Quidditch practice session that day, mainly due to the fact that the Ravenclaws booked the pitch all morning and the Slytherins had it all afternoon. The two home were scheduled to play each other the following Saturday.

`` It 's time for the Slug Club meeting, Albus ! '' Kaden shouted excitedly a few proceedings before eleven.

Albus sighed and got up out of his chairperson in the coarse room. `` See you lot in a little piece, '' he said to John and Amanda.

`` Have lots of fun ! '' John laughed.

`` See you later, '' Amanda grinned.

Albus, Kaden, and Rose, who had also decided to go, set off for the keep. Albus hoped he would only have to stay for a slight while, maybe an hr at nearly. Just long enough for Kaden to see what the meetings were like.

The meeting was held in the Potions classroom and a few scholarly person were milling about when Albus, Rose, and Kaden walked into the room. Albus recognized most of them from close year 's confluence. A few of his cousin-german were there as well, but not all of them. James was n't there, but Albus knew he had dueling practice that day. Albus was also glad to take note that Felix Willinson was not there. Of line, after what happened with Quinton and his don, Albus guessed he should n't be surprised that Quinton 's cousin would n't be invited to the type slug Club.

There was a table full of intellectual nourishment along one of the side walls and most everyone was crowding around it trying to get some dejeuner. Slughorn had a plate of food in nominal head of him and was sitting at a large mesa in the nominal head of the room.

Albus led Rose and Kaden over to the table and picked up a plate.

`` What is this stuff ? '' Kaden pointed to a platter of some sort of meat.

`` Pheasant, '' Albus replied. Slughorn always served pheasant at his get together. Albus tried it utmost twelvemonth and hated it.

Kaden shrugged and piled the pheasant onto his plate. Once Albus and his friends had gotten enough food, they sat down at the board across from Slughorn. Shortly after, everyone else had sat down at the table as well.

`` unspoiled to see you all again ! '' Slughorn greeted them and then turned to Albus. `` And Albus and rosebush ! I 'm very felicitous that you two decided to arrive ! How have family been going ? ``

`` Good, '' Albus replied.

`` Excellent, excellent, '' Slughorn nodded, `` We also have soul new here today. This is Kaden Dursley, '' Slughorn gestured to Kaden. `` He 's Albus 's cousin and is turning out to be quite the Potions brewer ! Lily 's genes must be coming out in you ! ``

Kaden grinned, `` Potions is fun. Loads skillful than Transfiguration. ``

Slughorn laughed, `` Do n't let prof Patil hear you say that. But I daresay I agree with you. ``

Kaden laughed as well and then took a large sharpness of pheasant. Albus watched him as he did so, wondering if he 'd like it. Kaden chewed for a few moments before a big smiling appeared on his face.

`` This stuff is splendid ! ``

`` I 'm gladiolus you like it ! '' Slughorn said.

Albus chuckled to himself. Of course of action Kaden liked the pheasant. If there was one thing Albus had learned about his full cousin over the retiring six calendar month, it was that he 'd eat pretty lots anything. This was obviously something he had inherited from his father.

Slughorn soon launched into a lengthy explanation of what he did over his vacation and who he had spent clock time with. ( `` Barry Ryan used to dally for Eire, you know. '' ) Albus found the whole thing rather boring but he noticed that Kaden seemed to hang up on Slughorn 's every parole. Rose seemed to be paying care as well, but probably only out of courtesy.

Albus let his mind wander as Slughorn continued talking about his dinner with Barry Ryan. lustrelessness was supposed to turn back to Hogwarts the next day, which meant that in as little as twenty-four hours, they could be having the map working. wellspring, if they could sneak away to the room of Requirement, that is. Albus hoped rosebush would suffer that magic spell working soon. Then they could just do all of this with Kaden. It would attain it a wholly lot easy. Of course of instruction, matte still had n't said that he agreed to tell Kaden even with the good luck charm. Albus kept forgetting about that region. But why would n't he agree ? The charm seemed like it would work well.

Albus, Kaden, and rose wound up staying until the end of the meeting. Kaden was enthralled by the entire affair and Albus knew he would refuse to leave early on. Albus was incredibly bored by the time the thing was over and Rose looked as bored as Albus felt. Once the meeting was finally over, the three of them said goodbye to Slughorn and left the dungeons.

`` That was so cool, '' Kaden grinned.

`` oil production 's more like it, '' Albus replied.

`` How can you think it was boring ? '' Kaden stared at Albus, `` Slughorn knows so many famous masses. ``

`` Trust me, it gets old after a while, '' Albus said.

`` well, are you two going to the next one ? ''

Albus looked at Rose. She did n't seem like she wanted to go to the side by side one either. `` Er, well, I might take in Quidditch practice. ``

`` And I 'll probably take in too much homework, '' Rose explained.

`` I 'd go even if I did stimulate too much homework, '' Kaden told them.

`` That really is n't a good melodic theme, '' Rose warned him. `` You 'll get behind. ``

Albus laughed as Rose launched into a discourse about how of import fourth dimension management is and how homework should always number first. The three of them were nearly to the green elbow room by the prison term Rose finished and Kaden was wearing a blank look on his look, much like the one Albus had worn during the Slug Club meeting.

******

`` Got any estimation what clip he 's coming back ? '' John asked shortly after tiffin the next day in the unwashed room.

`` No idea, '' Albus shrugged.

Albus, Gospel According to John, Kaden, rosiness, and Amanda were all sitting around their usual table in the common room. blush wine and Kaden were playing chess game and it was apparent that blush wine was going loose on Kaden. The two of them had been playing the Saame game for 15 minute of arc. If rose wine wanted to, she probably could deliver beat Kaden in five mo. John and Amanda were both working on the Transfiguration essay that was due the next day. Albus had already finished that exceptional essay and was watching Rose and Kaden 's cheat match.

`` queen to D3, '' Kaden said. The fagot gave Kaden a menacing glare and then reluctantly moved to the square.

`` Bishop to D3. '' pink wine 's bishop smashed Kaden 's nance to firearm. `` Checkmate, '' Rose grinned.

`` Crap, '' Kaden muttered as his tycoon dropped its sword in defeat.

`` You 're getting a bit better, '' Rose said as she repaired all the pieces with a waving of her wand.

`` Do you have Quidditch practice today, Albus ? '' John asked.

`` Yeah. Georgia managed to allow the delivery for an hour after dinner. The Hufflepuffs were n't too happy, but Georgia got it first. ``

`` I hope lusterlessness gets back before you leave, '' Amanda said.

`` Me, too, '' Albus agreed. `` But Amy did n't say when he 'd be coming back. ``

`` He 's going to have a warhead of prep to give up, '' Kaden announced.

`` That sounds like something you 'd say, rosiness, '' John laughed.

`` How 's your essay coming, toilet ? '' rose wine smirked.

`` Yeah, yeah. I 've got the first paragraph done, '' John grumbled.

`` I 've only got one more than to go, '' Amanda said.

`` Want to play again, Rose ? '' Kaden asked.

Rose shrugged. `` Sure, why not. ``

Rose and Kaden set up their pieces and started to play again. Albus watched them. It was pretty peculiar to watch the two of them trifle chess. Kaden would sit there forever figuring out what movement to make and once he made it, pink wine would smile and move one of her own pieces within seconds. pink wine 's moves usually involved killing one of Kaden 's pieces.

The portrait jam to the common room opened a few minutes later and Albus looked up. mat was just climbing through and headed straight person for Albus 's mesa once he noticed them.

`` Hey, mat ! '' Albus grinned, `` Welcome back ! ``

`` Hi Albus, '' Matt grinned back. He looked shopworn, but happy. There was still a yellowish bruise on his forehead, but other than that he looked fine.

toilet, rose, Amanda, and Kaden all looked up from what they were doing and greeted Matt as well. Matt grabbed a chair from a nearby table and sat down next to Albus.

`` How are you ? '' Albus asked.

`` All right, '' lustrelessness shrugged.

`` Er, Kaden, '' Albus began, `` You know how you said Matt 's got a lot of prep to make up ? ``

`` Uh-huh, '' Kaden nodded as rosebush declared checkmate once again, `` dogshit ! ``

`` Well, it would probably be a good idea for him to go see all the teachers now about it. So, we 'll all go with him to do that, since we 're in his socio-economic class. We 'll avail. You can stay here since you 'd probably be bored. ``

`` Ok, I 've got my own homework to bulge out on anyway. ``

`` trade good, '' Albus replied, `` John ? Amanda, Rose ? You can come in with us. ``

`` Sure, anything to put off finishing this essay, '' John closed his Koran and stood up.

Once they were out of the common elbow room and into the corridor, Matt turned around and looked at Albus. `` You 're not really making me go collect all my prep are you ? ``

Albus laughed, `` No. Just had to recall of an alibi for Kaden to last out there while we went to the elbow room. ``

`` Good, '' can said, `` I do n't really desire to go collect your homework with you. ``

`` You wo n't have to. I 've already gotten it. They owled it to me over the holiday. I 've already finished it all, '' lusterlessness explained.

`` You 're far along than privy, then, '' Rose laughed.

`` Shut it, Rose, '' John said.

The five friends continued their paseo to the Room of essential, which manifested itself in its usual frame for them. They walked into the room and settled onto the common orange red and amber furniture.

`` So, '' Albus began, `` What happened with this new potion ? ``

`` Well, it did n't work the way it was supposed to, but Amy already told you that, '' Matt said.

`` Did it help at all ? '' rose asked.

`` Nope. ``

`` And you 'll still stimulate to keep open taking it ? '' John asked.

`` Yeah, that 's what stinks, '' matt sighed. `` It did n't work the way it was supposed to, but it did early poppycock. ``

`` I thought it was n't going to birth any bad consequence, '' Albus said.

`` They were n't really dangerous slope essence. It just made me really tired. ``

`` But you 're always tired before the wax lunation, '' John pointed out.

`` I know, but the potion made it worse. Usually I can at to the lowest degree go to morning grade on the day of the full moon but with the new potion I 'll just slumber right through them. It makes me tired as soon as I start taking it, which is a week before the wax moon, just like the regular wolfbane was. ``

`` So you 'll be tired for an full calendar week ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Dunno, '' Matt shrugged, `` The Healers are trying to detect a potion to counteract the fatigue, but I doubt they 'll experience one in sentence for next calendar month. ``

`` I do n't get why you have to sustain taking it if it does n't even make for, '' Saint John shook his head.

`` Because they have to make sure it was n't just a fluke or something. That 's the thing about these studies, they have to do multiple trials to analyze the event and stuff. ``

`` There 's a opportunity it might forge next calendar month ? '' Amanda asked confusedly.

`` I suppose, but I doubt it. ``

`` You do n't seem that disturbance or anything, '' rose wine commented.

`` I honestly did n't reckon it was going to shape. My parents told me not to get my Bob Hope up about any of these experimental potions. Plus, this was only the first one I 've tried. They 'll come up with others. ``

`` I just hope one of them actually works, '' John replied.

`` Me, too, '' Matt agreed, `` You 've got no approximation how often I wish that.

`` Let 's not talk about it anymore now, though. You 've got to enjoin me if you got the sleuth mark ! It 's been driving me mad for week now. ``

`` Oh, yeah ! '' Albus grinned. He had almost forgotten about that. Almost being the key word. The new map was always on Albus 's mind now. `` We got it. Rose and I did. ``

`` vivid ! '' lusterlessness exclaimed.

`` And I 've got the transference magical spell all worked out, '' blush wine told him.

`` John 's just got to get the rat photographic print, '' Albus said.

`` I 'm working on it ! '' John replied, `` It 's toilsome than you 'd think to blot a rat during Potions. ``

`` fountainhead, we 've got Double Potions tomorrow, so try then. Slughorn 'll be having us brew the totally class probably, so just go on your eye out, '' Albus told him.

`` I will. I 'll pay more care to potential rats than to my potion, '' whoremaster grinned.

`` I would n't suggest that, '' Rose smirked. `` It 'll irrupt or something, since you 've got Goyle as a pardner. ``

`` Eh, I 'll take one failing grade if I can get the rat mark, '' John the Divine shrugged.

`` wellspring, try to get the rat without destroying your potion, '' rose wine sighed.

`` Just believe, this clock time tomorrow, we may have the map working, '' Matt commented, `` That would be awe-inspiring. ``

`` We 'll own to get away from Kaden first, '' Amanda pointed out.

`` And I 'm not entirely surely the map will do work after we do this, '' Albus said, `` It almost seems too simple. ``

Albus had been thinking this for a few twenty-four hours now. They had had an incredibly prosperous time getting the prints. Almost too easy a time. wiener, hart, and strikebreaker were quite mutual and anyone who could range a simple Petrificus Totalus appealingness could get those print. The merely one that would be difficult for the mediocre ace to get was the loup-garou print. Even so, Albus did n't think the Marauders would make it this prosperous to access the map.

`` I 've been thinking the same thing, '' Rose agreed.

toilet groaned, `` That would suck. ``

`` We 'll get it eventually, '' Albus assured him. `` Plus, the map said we had to be like the marauder. We have n't done anything that only the Marauders could have done so far. We got a bunch of paw prints. Anyone can do that. ``

`` Not anyone could get a lycanthrope print, '' John pointed out.

`` I know. But it 's not something only the piranha could have done, '' Albus told him.

`` Speaking of the Marauders, '' St. John the Apostle turned to rose wine, `` How 's the Sileo Altus charm coming ? ``

`` The what ? '' matt asked.

`` Oh, yeah, we 've got to tell you about that, '' John said. `` Want to explain it, blush wine ? ``

`` Sure, '' pink wine shrugged, `` It 's a charm I found in a book at my house. It 's a way to make trusted someone keeps something a secret. form of like the Fidelius Charm, only it 's for verbal secrets, not plaza. Whomever performs the charm is the Secret custodian and only that individual can undo the magic spell. After the charm is performed, the person ca n't sing about the hole-and-corner with anyone except the closed book Keeper and anyone else who was involved in the appeal performing. It 's a way to sustain Kaden from telling anyone that you 're a werewolf. ``

Albus held his breath as Rose explained and hoped that matte would think it was a good musical theme. Albus watched as mat thought about what Rose had said. Albus could n't really tell what he thought. Matt looked a bit surprised, almost like he did n't suppose rose would make ever found a charm to do that.

`` Well, what do you opine ? '' Albus asked after a few mo silence.

`` I 'm not for sure, '' lusterlessness said quietly, `` Will it really work ? ``

`` I 'm pretty certain it will, '' Rose said, `` The only thing that will overcome it is Veritaserum. ``

`` And what if Kaden drinks Veritaserum ? '' matt asked.

`` When would he drink in that ? '' John raised his eyebrows.

`` I do n't know, '' Matt sighed, `` But he could. ``

`` I really do n't conceive he would. ``

`` What if he did ? What if he spewed all about me in the middle of the Great residence or something ? ``

`` I doubt he 's ever going to booze any Veritaserum, '' Rose said,"And even if he did, someone would have to ask him if you were a werewolf. He would n't just randomly scratch line telling people."

`` Is there even any of that in the castle ? '' Amanda asked.

`` There 's some in Slughorn 's private Potions cupboard, but that 's it, '' Albus answered, `` But that 's locked anyway. ``

`` See ? Hardly any chance of Kaden drinking any, '' John said.

`` Yeah, but still ... I do n't know ... '' flatness groaned, `` I just do n't really need to tell him. ``

`` I know. Just think about it, ok ? '' Albus gave Matt a half smile.

`` All right hand, '' lustrelessness sighed, `` We do n't need Kaden yet, do we ? ``

`` No, '' Albus replied, `` I 'm not sure when we 'll need him. The map just said we had to be like the Marauders, which means we 'll ask someone to be Wormtail at some point. ``

`` And I want to test that magical spell out before we use it on Kaden, '' mat said.

`` We will, '' Rose assured him, `` I 've got to practice it anyway. ``

`` So, anyone got any secret we can practice with ? '' John grinned mischievously.

******

`` Settle down, settle down, '' Slughorn barked at his class.

Albus turned around in his hindquarters. He had been talking to John, who was sitting behind him next to Goyle. Albus was sitting next to Limbert and lustrelessness was looking thoroughly miserable following to Maloy in the following row over at the front. Slughorn was still plowing forward with his inter-house cooperator in class, but Albus did n't believe it was helping to decrease the hostility between Gryffindor and Slytherin. So far, the best that had happened was silent odium during hard-nosed lesson and jinxing and hexing at worst. Based on the little duel between Ethan and Garth Octavius the previous week, it was only a thing of fourth dimension before things really got out of hand.

`` Thank you, '' Slughorn said once everyone was paying care, `` Today you 'll be brewing the Confusion Potion I taught you about on Friday. He waved his wand at the chalkboard, `` focussing are on the table. You have the entire class. ``

`` Light the ardour, '' Limbert grunted as he got up from his chair.

Albus nodded and pulled out his wand. Albus and Limbert had come to an unspoken accord with brewing potions. Limbert would roll up ingredients while Albus lit the blast and unpacked all the various musical scale and knife. Then, Albus would prepare the ingredients while Limbert added them and stirred the caldron. Albus was fine with this since Limbert was a better Potions beer maker than he was.

Limbert returned with the ingredients and Albus started chopping them. He never said anything to Limbert while they worked and Limbert never said anything to Albus besides the periodic 'pass the asphodel'or something of the like.

Albus listened to everyone else in the year as he chopped up factor. He thought it was especially amusing to mind to John and Goyle.

`` No, that 's not clockwise, '' John groaned, `` You 're stirring counter-clockwise. ``

`` Oh. ``

`` Stir it the other way ! '' St. John the Apostle shouted.

Albus stifled a laugh and glanced to his left, where Rose and Vivien Leigh Montague were having a similar conversation.

`` They 've got to be chopped ok than that. It says minced, not diced, '' Rose instructed.

`` They look OK to me, '' Leigh snapped.

`` No, they wo n't put to work like that. Let me do it, '' rosebush grabbed a knife and started mincing the shrivelfig.

`` Fine. You do the whole thing if you 're so voguish, '' Leigh huffed.

`` You can bring up the cauldron. Clockwise, '' Rose replied.

Albus was n't close decent to either Amanda or matte to get word what was going on at their tables. It looked like Amanda and Dalila Avish were working much the Saame way Albus and Limbert were, since neither of their mouths were moving. Malfoy appeared to be yelling at lustrelessness for something, but Albus could n't quite make out what it was. Matt got up from the mesa with a bowl full of something and then emptied it in the bin. When he returned to his table, he started carefully chopping something up. Albus was guessing it was more of whatever he had thrown away.

Albus continued mincing his shrivelfig and listened mostly to John and Goyle. Limbert kept smirking every so often, which gave Albus the opinion he was listening to Saint John and Goyle, too.

`` hold stirring CLOCKWISE for another minute, '' lavatory said slowly and clearly, `` Then switch to COUNTERCLOCKWISE. I 've got to go get something. Do n't do anything besides the stirring. ``

Goyle grunted and Albus heard Saint John the Apostle get up. Albus felt a spur in his side and looked up to see lavatory standing next to him. `` What ? '' Albus whispered.

St. John the Apostle pointed to a corner of the room, near the cupboard of element. There was a large rat sitting there. Albus shuddered and looked back at John.

`` I 'll be back, '' John winked at him.

Albus tried to boil down on his shrivelfig, but he could n't break glancing up at trick. He was almost to the cupboard now, and the rat still had n't moved. Albus watched as lavatory pointed his wand at the rat, but he could n't hear what spell John was using due to the dissonance in the room. Luckily everyone was concentrating on their potions and not paying an ounce of attending to lavatory. Albus grimaced as John picked up the rat and shoved it inside his robes. Albus was incredibly well-chosen that John was willing to do the rat print. The thought of putting a rat in his robes creeped Albus out.

john went into the cupboard for a few mo and came back out carrying a jar of something. Probably a screening history, Albus thought.

`` Got it, '' John whispered to Albus on his way back to his desk.

`` Excellent, '' Albus said.

Suddenly there was a loud plosion from somewhere behind Albus and he felt a hot liquid Din Land on his head and drop down the book binding of his robes.

`` Ouch ! '' he and Limbert shouted at the Lapplander time.

`` Boody Hell ! '' can exclaimed as the orange potion landed on the front of his robes.

bedlam erupted in the schoolroom. Everyone stopped what they were doing and turned to stare at the burst forth potion. Albus turned around and saw that the explosion had come from John and Goyle 's cauldron. Goyle was wearing a stupefied expression on his face and was staring into blank while holding his ladle in the air. His side was covered with potion as well as his robes. His hair was singed and there was a modest fire on his table.

Albus could feel the potion burning down his backrest and it hurt like hell. It felt like his skin was on fire. He got up from his chair and felt his back. His gown were burnt straight through. John 's and Limbert 's were as well.

`` What did you do ? '' Slughorn asked as he strode to John and Goyle 's table.

`` Uh ..., '' Goyle stared up at the ceiling.

`` You must 've gotten potion in your mouth, '' Slughorn shook his head. `` Hospital backstage. Who else got hit ? ``

`` I did, '' Albus, John, Limbert, as well as Karina and Celeste Yeardly ( who had been sitting behind John and Goyle ) said at the same time.

`` infirmary offstage, all of you, '' Slughorn replied, `` If one of you could please make water sure Mr. Goyle arrives there, that would be appreciated. ``

Limbert immediately dragged Goyle out of the way with Celeste following. Albus and John walked a minuscule ways behind them and Karina behind them.

`` Idiot, '' privy muttered as they climbed the stairs out of the dungeons.

`` What did he do ? '' Albus asked.

`` Not a hint, '' lav shrugged, `` Not what I told him to do. ``

`` I heard you talking to him. It seemed pretty square. ``

`` Well, he 's dim than a round, '' Saint John the Apostle groaned, `` Merlin this clobber burns. ``

`` At least we did n't eat any of it, '' Albus pointed to Goyle, who was stumbling down the corridor like he was drunk.

`` True, '' John laughed and then lowered his articulation, `` Hey, it was worth it since I got the rat. ``

`` That thing 's not still in your gown, is it ? '' Albus glanced warily at John.

`` Er, yeah, have n't had a probability to take it out. ``

`` I just hope it stays stunned. ``

`` It should, '' John said as they followed Goyle and Limbert into the Hospital Wing.

dame Pomfrey was already busy taking tending of a girlfriend who had gotten bitten by something in guardianship of Magical Creatures and told them they would have to wait. Once she had finished healing the girl, she moved on to Goyle, since he was n't able to sit still and was wandering around the room tripping over matter. She took maintenance of Limbert, Celeste, and Karina, and then moved on to the bed Albus and John were sitting on.

`` You lot again ? '' she sighed, `` I 'm surprise it 's only the two of you. ``

`` Well, lusterlessness, Rose, and Amanda were all too far away to be hit by the potion, '' Albus explained.

`` I swear the lot of you are exactly like your granddad and his acquaintance, '' Madam Pomfrey shook her head as she handed Albus a potion.

John, who had just started drinking his own potion, choked and coughed the potion up onto the bed. He turned and grinned at Albus, who grinned back. well, Albus thought, that was the universal idea of the map.

dame Pomfrey sighed and with a wave of her scepter the potion was cleaned up. `` Drink the rest of it, '' she instructed them.

lady Pomfrey applied some sort of unction to their Burns and a few second later they were allowed to leave. The entertain told them to go directly to their student residence to get new robes and that she did n't want to see them in the hospital annexe for the next few weeks.

`` Fat chance that 'll happen, '' lav smirked as they started back to Gryffindor Tower.

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed. It seemed like one of them was always winding up in the Hospital fender. Albus himself had already been there twice since returning to school after the Christmas holiday.

`` Next Quidditch equal is what, in three weeks ? '' John asked.

`` Just about, '' Albus said.

`` Then you might be back there soon, '' John joked.

`` Shut it, '' Albus replied, `` I did n't set ashore myself there finish match. ``


A/N : supernumerary long chapter ! Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight. Thanks as well to Moonylupin, Denas, Miguel, invisiblecloak, potterfan296, Luke, and drownzer for the brushup !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry ceramist or Frank Sinatra.


Albus and whoremonger were immediately bombarded by Kaden when they entered the common room. rosebush, Amanda, and lusterlessness were standing just behind Kaden with smirks on their faces.

`` Did your cauldron really explode ? '' Kaden asked excitedly.

`` The potion did, '' Saint John replied, `` And it was completely Goyle 's break, really. I gave him focussing as to what to do and he screwed it up. ``

`` You know, '' rose wine said, `` You 're not exactly the best potion brewer either, trick. ``

`` Are you two all rightfulness ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Oh, yeah. gentlewoman Pomfrey sorted everything out, '' Albus assured her.

`` So what are you doing tonight, Albus ? '' Kaden asked excitedly as he followed Albus and John to the residence hall door.

Albus groaned inwardly. He had been planning on grabbing a quick dinner with his friends after he changed gown, and then promontory to the Room to try out the new map. They had all the paw mark ( John had gone up to the residence hall ahead of Albus with the rat and got the print from it. Albus did n't want to know what happened to the rat afterwards ) now, so Albus was impatient to try it out. But they would n't be able to if Kaden was around.

`` Dunno, '' Albus shrugged.

Kaden spent the entire evening with Albus and his friends. Normally, this really would n't ingest bothered Albus, but that night his cousin was driving him mad. All Albus wanted to do was try out the map, but he could n't think up a right alibi for them to go somewhere and not let Kaden follow. So they spent the evening in the common elbow room, working on homework.

Albus and his friend were far too busy the next few days to try out the new map. Albus had Quidditch practice on Tuesday and Thursday and dueling recitation on Wednesday. Rose had dueling practice on Friday. lav normally had his practice session on Sabbatum, but due to the Quidditch match, it had been rescheduled for Sunday. Any bit of prison term where neither Albus or his friend had any practices, Kaden was around. It was n't until Sabbatum, following Slytherin 's striking passing to Ravenclaw, that they were finally able to try out the map. Kaden had been recruited to tutor a fellow first class in Potions and was going to be spending a few hours in the dungeons after the Quidditch match.

`` semen on, let 's go try it now, '' Albus whispered to his booster after Kaden left the common room.

`` Got the prints ? '' matt asked.

Albus nodded and grabbed his bag. They quickly left the commons way and ran for the Room of demand. They almost bumped into a Ravenclaw prefect, but luckily he was feeling generous ( well-nigh likely due to the Quidditch win ) and did n't scold them for running in the corridors.

Matt paced three times in front of the empty wall and as soon as the door appeared, the five acquaintance ran inside. Albus set his bag down on the board and everyone crowded around it. Albus pulled out all four photographic print and the map.

`` All rightfield, '' Albus unfolded the map, `` rosiness, you 're good with the charm, right ? ``

pink wine nodded, `` I 've practiced it and it works every prison term. ``

`` Good, '' Albus stared at the map, unsure of how to start, `` Er, maybe I should do what I did live time to get it to secernate us we 've got to prove we know the marauder ? ``

`` Probably, '' rosebush agreed.

`` Wait ! '' John shouted, `` Can I do it this clock time ? ``

`` Sure, '' Albus shrugged and handed John the map.

`` Excellent, '' lavatory grinned and pointed his verge at the map, `` I solemnly swear that I am Messr Padfoot. ``

Ink appeared on the map, but not nearly as very much as when Albus had done it earlier in the year.

'No, you 're not .'

The ink disappeared as quickly as it had appeared.

`` What ? '' Gospel According to John shouted, `` But it worked in conclusion fourth dimension ! ``

Albus 's hopes plummeted. Why was n't it working now ? Was it on some form of a timer ? Like it could only cultivate on a sure day of the month ? He had been so excited about getting the new map to turn, and now it would n't even enjoin them to prove they knew the Marauders.

`` Let me try, '' matte grabbed the parchment and pointed his wand at it, `` I solemnly swear that I am Messr Moony. ``

'No, you 're not .'The map said once again.

`` This sucks, '' John muttered, `` It worked last sentence. ``

`` Maybe it 's got to be Albus, '' pink wine suggested.

Albus wordlessly grabbed the map and pointed his own wand at it, `` I solemnly swear that I am Messr Prongs. ``

The ink he had been expecting to look rose to the surface of the sheepskin and formed the comrade words.

'Messrs Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot, and Prongs welcome you to the Marauder 's Map, Second Edition .'

`` Ha ! '' Albus grinned in excitement, `` There it is ! ``

`` But why did n't it make for for us ? '' John asked dejectedly. `` Does that mean we ca n't be Padfoot and Moony ? ``

`` Dunno, '' Albus sighed. He really hoped his friends would be able-bodied to be Padfoot and Moony. Who else could be Padfoot and Moony ? The map would n't even cultivate without someone to be Padfoot, Moony, and Wormtail. Albus could n't do it alone.

'Mr. Prongs disagrees with you and insists that you are not Prongs. However, you could be the second Prongs .'

`` See ? Why did n't it say 'However, you could be the second Padfoot'when I did it ? ``

'When four son, who are Gryffindors, are linked together through friendship and mischief, they may present themselves as the succeeding generation of Marauders. These four friends must each represent one of the vulture, for if even one is missing, this map will not work. Before this goes any further, you must prove that you know the secrets of the Marauders. testify that you know, and you may continue along the path of uncovering .'

'The path of uncovering ? I never knew you were so poetic, Mr. Prongs .'

'Oh, believe me, Mr. Padfoot, I am not. Mr. Moony came up with that whole thing .'

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

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

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

'The Marauders wish you expert luck .'

`` wellspring, now what ? '' St. John the Apostle asked.

`` I guess we 've just got to transfer the paw prints, '' Albus said tentatively.

Rose picked up the paw prints and the map, setting them down in front of her. She pulled out her wand and muttered an incantation at the werewolf photographic print. Then she muttered another incantation at the map. The werewolf print appeared on the map, just as it had been on the other patch of parchment.

`` That, was bloody stick, '' bathroom said in awe.

Albus agreed. He was forever grateful that his first cousin was so vivid. Albus did n't cogitate he 'd ever be capable to overstretch off something like that. At least not until he was at least in fifth year.

blush wine repeated the procedure with the dog, hart, and rat mark, positioning them in the exact same way that the slight target that the vulture had put on the map.

`` There, '' she said once she was done.

The five Friend stared at the map for a few seconds, waiting for something to take place. The paw prints were n't doing anything and neither was the map. No new ink had appeared and the paw print were n't disappearing or anything.

`` Er, '' Albus began, `` Maybe I 've got to assure the map that we know the Marauders ? ``

`` Worth a shooting, '' John shrugged.

Albus pulled the map over to him and tapped his baton to it, `` I, Albus Severus Potter, the second Prongs, know the Marauders. ``

The paw prints quickly faded until there was zip left wing but a blank parchment. Albus glanced up and looked at his friends before returning his regard to the new map.

'Prongs agrees that you do know the Marauders, and is especially impressed that you managed to get a werewolf paw photographic print .'

`` It worked ! '' Albus shouted happily.

'Due to your obvious noesis of the vulture'secrets, we shall now tell you more about this map. When the vulture were seventh year, they realized that within a few abruptly month, they would be gone from Hogwarts, and the schoolhouse would be left without their headman balefulness makers.

'Prongs suggested-'

'Do you always talk about yourself in the third person, Prongs ?'

'Only when I have a stroke of genius, Padfoot .'

'Not too often then, right ?'

'Oh, get on with the explanation, Prongs .'

'Calm yourself, Moony. You 're letting your furry self show .'

'Shut it, Prongs .'

'All right. Anyway, I ( happy now, Padfoot ? ) had a stroke of brilliance that the predator could find a way to ensure that they would never be gone from Hogwarts .'

`` I knew it ! '' Rose shouted in glee, `` I knew that was what this was about ! ``

'The predator decided to create another map. The firstly map was only the beginning. The marauder wanted to chance a way to put themselves into a map, in lodge to help the future generation of shenanigan Divine. That is what this map is about.

'However, not just anyone would be able to have access to the map .'

'Yeah, we would n't want any old dunce stumbling upon it .'

'Right, Padfoot. Or even uncollectible, having Slytherins get their slimy paws on it .'

'I shudder at that thought, Moony. Anyway, the piranha had to cypher out a way to ensure that only those worthy would be able to access this map. The marauder 's Map is actually quite simple-minded to work out out, compared to this one. All you have to do to give that is say a certain idiomatic expression. For this map, you have to be a certain individual to open it.

'You may or may not stimulate figured out that in order to get the initiatory bit of information out of this map, you have to be a blood congeneric of one of the Marauders. However, not everyone representing the predator must be related. Because, you know, we might not all have kids .'

'Yeah, you would n't want to be passing along any genes, Prongs .'

'Better mine than yours, Padfoot .'

`` That 's why only Albus could do it ! '' John shouted.

Albus felt immense relief from this. John and matt would be capable to constitute Padfoot and Moony.

`` So really, only King James, Lily, Teddy, my dad, and I could get it open, '' Albus said.

'The rest of you must be Gryffindor male child, because we want you to be like us .'

'Lily wo n't like that, Prongs .'

'I know, Moony, but Lily does n't bonk about this. I do n't plan on telling her, either .'

`` guess that counts out my sister, '' Albus commented.

'So, now you 've proven that you know the Marauders. Your next step is to evidence that you are the next piranha .'

The ink slowly faded once again until the parchment was as blank shell as before.

Albus stared at it for a few moments, thinking about what he had just found out. The map was n't going to exploit yet. He had been so sure as shooting that all they 'd have to do was testify they knew the Marauders. But now they had yet another thing to do. They had to examine that they were the adjacent predator. How were they going to do that ?

`` That was uncanny, '' John said.

`` I 'll say, '' Matt agreed, `` They did n't even really tell us what it was a map of. ``

`` Yeah, they just said they wanted to make sure they 'd never depart Hogwarts. Like the map is a part of them, '' John replied.

`` To be honest, it sounds a bit like a Horcrux, '' Rose commented.

`` Yeah, but it 's not like they put their souls in there, Rose, '' Albus pointed out. `` It 's like the piranha 's Map. It 's just enchanted. ``

`` I still wish we knew what it was a map of, '' King John muttered, `` I mean, this is n't fair ! We spend workweek getting those paw prints and we still have n't figured the map out. ``

`` I knew you 'd have to do something like this, '' Rose said, `` Otherwise it would n't matter if there were four of you to correspond the Marauders. If it was just this, Albus could consume done the wholly matter himself. ``

She made a good point. Albus had n't really thought about that, but it was true. They had to do something that required each of them to represent one of the Marauders.

`` I guess we 've got to prove we are the Marauders, then, '' Albus said, `` Wonder what that involves. ``

`` Maybe we 've got to do something the Marauders would possess done, '' Matt suggested.

`` Like become illegal Animagi ? '' John grinned mischievously.

`` No ! '' flatness sighed, `` I told you, you 're not doing that ! ``

`` I do n't think that 's it, '' rosebush began, `` How would you go about proving to a firearm of newspaper that you 're illegal Animagi ? ``

`` Maybe we 've got to pull a huge prank or something, '' Albus said.

`` Again, how would you prove that to the map ? '' blush wine asked.

`` Well, does anyone have any other estimation ? '' Albus asked.

`` We 'll think of something, '' Amanda said, `` I mean, there 's got to be a way. ``

`` Of track their is ! '' Rose said, `` We 've just got to go to the subroutine library and see if we can notice anything there. ``

`` We ca n't do anything anyway until you 've got that Sileo Altus charm down, rosiness, '' Albus pointed out.

`` right hand, '' Rose replied, `` It 's coming along well. I just require to get some practice session. Anyone want to be my tester ? ``

`` I will ! '' John shouted and jumped up out of his chair.

`` Ok, make out here, '' rosiness got up and went to the other side of the room.

Albus watched as the two of them worked. first, they had to think up a closed book, which took a good bit of time. whoremonger finally suggested that the secret be 'Filch like to trip the light fantastic in the Moon with a hanker handle mop with Frank Sinatra euphony performing in the background knowledge .'

Albus burst out laughing at that. `` Filch ? Dancing ? ``

`` Yes, '' John said in a sober flavor, `` I saw him once. He was rubbing the mop foreland to his face and had on a look of pure joy. ``

`` And soon you wo n't be able to tell anyone about it, '' Amanda grinned. `` What a shame. ``

`` Yes, it is, is n't it ? '' bathroom laughed. `` You lot can still spread it around, though. ``

`` Ok, John, let 's try it, '' Rose said.

Rose pointed her verge at herself and recited the charm that would make her the secret keeper. Then, she pointed her wand at John and said a slightly different charm.

`` Now you say the secret, lav. ``

`` Filch likes to dance in the moonlight with a long handle mop with Frank Sinatra music acting in the background signal, '' St. John the Apostle smirked.

`` Good, '' pink wine replied and then performed another appeal on John. `` I 'm not ready to try including other mass yet, so John will only be able to talk about Filch 's little substance abuse to me. ``

blush wine waved her scepter around in an intricate pattern and then said one last incantation. She lowered her verge and stared at John. Then she turned to face Albus.

`` There. Now you can try asking him about it, Albus. ``

Albus grinned, `` All rightfulness. So, John, heard anything interesting about Filch lately ? ``

`` Yeah ! '' St. John the Apostle shouted, `` Actually, just the other Night I saw him and he was- '' whoremonger 's mouth continued moving but no sound was coming out of it.

Albus and Amanda burst out laughing. King John looked like a Fish out of water. `` I think it worked ! '' Albus shouted.

Rose was staring at John with a flimsy look of disappointment. `` Not quite. He was n't even supposed to be able-bodied to move his sassing. You know, in case people can understand sass. I guess it 's a start, though. ``

`` Definitely. I mean, this is a really bring forward good luck charm. You ca n't have expected to get it on the initiative try, '' Albus pointed out. Although, he did form of think Rose expected to get it on the first try.

`` I suppose, '' Rose sighed, `` I 'll just undo it. ``

Rose waved her wand around and muttered some more conjuration. `` Ok, he should be capable to talk about it now. ``

`` Heard anything suspicious about Filch recently ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Yeah, he likes to trip the light fantastic with a long handle mop by moonlight while wienerwurst Sinatra plays in the setting, '' John told her.

`` Looks like the countercharm worked, '' Albus said.

`` But that 's not even what we 'll need, '' blush wine pointed out, `` We 're not going to perform the countercharm on Kaden. Not for another few years at least. ``

`` Yeah, but it 's lucky for John that it worked, '' Albus grinned, `` Otherwise he would n't be able to share Filch 's underground joys of life. ``

******

Over the next few Day, St. John the Apostle actually did part that Filch liked to dance with a long hold mop by the moonlight with frankfurter Francis Albert Sinatra playacting in the backdrop. All he had to do was mention it to a few other Gryffindors at meal times and the bit of chit-chat was soon spreading throughout the school. The chemical reaction from educatee ranged from hysteric laugh to raised eyebrows to exclamations of 'Who the hell is frank Francis Albert Sinatra ?'Albus could n't help oneself but smirk every time he heard his fellow scholarly person mentioning the story.

Filch, on the other hired man, was actively trying to find the perpetrator. There was n't really any point, since he would n't be able-bodied to observe who started it, but he tried. He spent the days prowling the halls and listening in on pupil'conversations, trying to recover out any sort of info regarding the assumed story. Whenever the educatee noticed him, they would burst out laughing, which would have Filch to start muttering about 'rotten students'and 'ought to whisk them all'.

Filch 's main suspect was Kaden, which Albus found kind of funny. Kaden of track had laughed the loudest when he heard the tarradiddle. Since Filch had developed an vivid disapproval for Kaden since their custody calendar month ago, he gave Kaden ominous stares every metre Kaden passed him in the corridors. Kaden just found this funny, since he knew John had invented the story.

The story about Filch provided a squeamish jailbreak from the acute perusal that all the students were occupied with. Like usual, the instructor had increased the homework after the holidays. Albus was happy it was n't yet his O.W.L. year and he could n't imagine how he would manage to cope with that in three dead year. Along with homework, Albus also had Quidditch and dueling practice. Both Peach State and Kate had increased practice meter in order of magnitude to prepare for the upcoming friction match and tournament. The third dueling tournament was to take place the first weekend of Feb and Quidditch on the next weekend. Albus now had Quidditch exercise on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Dueling drill were as usual, not mandatory, but were now not only on Midweek, but on Friday as well. The solely day Albus had off was Sunday, which did n't consecrate much fourth dimension for him to try and figure out how to raise he was like the marauder to the new map.

The dawning of the Dueling Tournament was common cold, snowy, and blustery. Albus was very glad the Quidditch mates was n't that day. He got up a few hours before the tournament started and went down to breakfast with his friends.

`` I ca n't wait until I can duel next year, '' Kaden said in between bites of egg.

`` It 's not really as poise as it 's made out to be, '' whoremaster commented, `` A lot of waiting around time during tournaments. ``

`` That 's because there 's so many of us, '' Rose explained, `` In the regular Dueling Club, the one that you can only be in if you 're fifth yr or above, not everyone gets on the squad. It 's like Quidditch and you have to try out. ``

`` That sounds better, '' St. John the Apostle said, `` But I do n't know if I 'd earn the team. ``

`` I know I would n't, '' Amanda replied.

`` You 're getting better, '' Albus assured her, `` You might piddle it by the time you 're a 5th class. ``

`` Yeah, that 's the tip of the junior 's club, '' rosebush said, `` So you can get unspoiled. They do n't gestate us all to be expert duelers. ``

`` Albus is, '' Amanda grinned, `` He 's brilliant. ``

Albus felt his typeface bout red, `` Well, I 'm not that dandy ... I mean, there are loads of people who are better than me. ``

`` Not on our team, '' Amanda continued, `` He 's beat almost everyone on the team. ``

`` Yeah, everyone except Malfoy, '' Albus muttered. He still had n't managed to get Malfoy during their exercise duels.

`` That 's goodness, though ! '' Rose sighed, `` You 're both fantabulous dueller, so you 've got a trade good team ! ``

Albus shrugged. He sort of would rather just be able-bodied to beat Malfoy than beat the early teams, but he did n't refer anything about it.

Albus and his Quaker continued their talk about dueling throughout breakfast and as they sat around the mutual room afterwards. Soon, it was clip for them to go down to the dueling chamber for the tournament.

They passed Filch on their way down the stairs, and he was muttering to himself as usual.

`` Damn kids ... better when Umbridge was around ... wonder if she 'll come back ... she 'd let me whip them ... ''

`` I swear he 's gotten more mad over the yr, '' John muttered to Albus as they passed him.

`` Dad says he 's getting senile, '' Albus whispered back.

The dueling sleeping accommodation was packed with students, just like the past times two tourney. Albus and Amanda squeezed their way through the gang to their usual mesa, where their team was sitting.

`` Hi Albus, Amanda, '' Kate greeted them. `` quick to win ? ``

`` Definitely, '' Albus grinned.

The tourney got under way a few minutes later. It was much like the past two tourney, with a lot of sitting around time. Albus was happy that he and Amanda were on the same squad so they were capable to talk to each former in between duels.

Albus won both of his duels, just like the go two tournaments. So did Malfoy and once again, Albus found that he was kind of happy and kind of wild about that. Amanda won one of her duel, which Albus was very happy about. He knew half her dueling consequence were from nerves and the fact that she thought she would n't do well.

Rose, can, and Matt each won one of their duels as well. Albus clapped for them even though they were on other teams, which earned him glares from Malfoy. Albus did n't care, though. Malfoy could pout as long as he wanted, it was n't going to stop Albus from cheering for his friends.

The stop were tallied after the last duel and toilet 's team was declared the succeeder. Albus was slightly disappointed, but there were still three more tourney before the final. Harry announced the point totality for the integral year and Rose 's squad was in first place so far. In second was the squad led by Hufflepuff Paul Galivant and in thirdly was can 's squad, led by Albus 's cousin-german Bradley.

Albus did n't reckon that the inter-house dueling was decreasing the rivalry between houses. Albus was n't anymore fond of the Slytherins than he had been in the root of the year. None of the Slytherins really got along with the Gryffindors on his team, and vice versa. He was n't exactly certain how it was working with the regular dueling nightspot, but he had overheard Stanley complaining about how uncooperative the Slytherins on his team were. But that was calendar month ago and he did n't love what had been going on with it recently.


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight. Thanks as well to Moonylupin, Denas, XDNLxtlz99, potterfan296, Miguel, Luke, and mischiefmaker09 for their recapitulation !

I wrote my first-class honours degree vulture Era story, Side Effects May Include Gratitude and opinion of well organism, which is a one-shot from Madam Pomfrey 's point of view. It 's on my author Page, if you 're concern. I 'd love it if you read and reviewed it !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Matt 's birthday was a few mean solar day after the Dueling Tournament. Albus and his friends did n't throw him a party like they had end class. That had mostly been done to cheer up him up since he had been in the Hospital wing at the time. This year they went down to the kitchens and got a cake, and then ate it in their hall. Kaden went with him and was amazed by the kitchens, with all the house-elves around. His reaction was shady to follow than Amanda 's the old year. He stood there with his mouth one-half subject and then ran around grabbing as much intellectual nourishment as possible.

By the fourth dimension the Quidditch couple arrived the surveil Saturday, Albus was utterly exhausted. Between Quidditch practice session and homework, he hardly had anytime to kip. shed in a trip down to the kitchens for Matt 's birthday after Quidditch practice session the other night, and Albus was ready to log Z's through an stallion day.

Albus yawned, got out of bed, and looked out the window. He had been hoping that the raging blizzard would have let up, but it had n't. terrific, he thought, James would n't be catching the canary quickly in this weather.

A few hours later, Albus bade his friends auf wiedersehen and headed down to the changing rooms at the Quidditch pitch shot. His friends had bundled themselves up in as often orange red and gold vesture as they owned and were fix to huddle against the ululation wind for a few hours of Quidditch. Gospel According to John, matte, and Amanda did n't look to mind the weather at all and were excited about the couple. Rose, on the other hand, clearly would have rather spent the afternoon in the castle studying. Kaden still liked football game better than Quidditch and Albus had a feeling he would n't take minded the violent storm if he was watching a football game game.

`` Ok ! '' Peach State shouted a few mo after Albus entered the changing rooms, `` Everyone come over here ! ``

`` I know the conditions is n't nonesuch, '' Georgia began once everyone was gathered around her, `` But we 've played in worse than this ! ``

`` Yeah, if you count that flood we played in during third year, '' Fred muttered, `` But former than that .... ''

Sakartvelo glared at Fred, `` Anyway, we 're playing Hufflepuff, so we 'll win. Harper 's still captain, but it 's her utmost year, so she 'll be dead set on getting the Cup. That means she 'll deliver trained her team even harder. They 've got a new custodian, though. Someone named Tanner Royce. He 's a fifth year. former than him, the team 's the same as last year. So, with that, get out there and give up some badger ass ! ``

Albus grinned to himself as he picked up his heather and started to walk to the door. GA was a outstanding captain, but was n't very much for long winded speeches.

`` Albus, '' Georgia whispered and put her hand on his shoulder.

`` Yeah ? ``

`` You 're, er, less nervous this match, right ? ``

`` Oh, yeah, '' Albus smiled, remembering how he had told her he was extremely nervous the last-place match. In reality, he 'd been too preoccupied with the new map. trusted, he 'd been a little nervous, but not as often as Georgia thought he had been. This match, however, he was n't nearly as distracted, although he still was a bit nervous. `` I 'm a bit nervous, but not as often. ``

`` goodness, '' Georgia grinned and walked out the doorway and onto the pitch.

Albus followed his cousin-german onto the pitch and was immediately hit by the forceful winding that were prevailing.

`` Welcome to the Gryffindor versus Hufflepuff match ! '' Sweeney Todd Adam Smith 's vocalism sounded over the pitch. It sounded faint and kind of far away in the jazz. `` It 's fucking cold out here so let 's take a leak it agile !

`` Here are the Gryffindors ! Captain Georgia Weasley, followed by Ryan O'Malley, Albus Potter, James Potter, Omar Nelson Bradley Weasley, Fred Weasley, and heather mixture Weasley !

`` And the Hufflepuffs ! senior pilot Jessica Harper, followed by Shawn Ames, Lisa Galivant, Andy Kaper, Stacey Manson, Anna Reilly, and sixpence Royce ! ``

professor Oteski motioned for Georgia and Harper to shake up hands and as soon as they did so, Albus and the rest of the thespian rose into the air. Oteski released the orb and Calluna vulgaris immediately took possession of the Quaffle.

`` And Heather 's got the Quaffle ! She passes to Fred, then back to broom, and to Albus. ``

Albus caught the Quaffle and started flying towards the Hufflepuff end. He was amazed that he had actually caught it since the conditions was so painful. He could hardly see two metrical foot in front of him. His robes were already soaked with blow and ice and he was frigidly frigidity. Nevertheless, he kept flying towards the goal until he had to barricade short-change and toss the Quaffle back to Heather, since he almost flew flat into an oncoming Hufflepuff chaser.

heather mixture caught the Quaffle and flew it the balance of the way to the goal. She threw it in and it easily went past Hufflepuff 's new Keeper.

`` Goal ! Ten-zero Gryffindor ! Now hurry up and view that Snitch, Jesse James ! I 'm freezing my bloody- ''

`` Kathryn Elizabeth Smith ! '' Patil shouted, `` look out your language ! ``

`` Sorry, professor. ``

The Quaffle was now back in child's play and was in Hufflepuff self-command. Albus was n't even sure which pursuer had it, but he knew it was a Hufflepuff. Whichever Hufflepuff had the Quaffle managed to take it to the Gryffindor goals, but Georgia saved it.

Fred took the Quaffle and flew it back to the other end of the pitch, scoring another finish for Gryffindor.

The game continued this way for the following half hour. Hufflepuff managed to score two goal, but Gryffindor scored about eight. Albus currently had the Quaffle and was flying straight at the Hufflepuff goals.

He narrowly avoided a bludger and both Hufflepuff beaters, but soon he was within throwing distance of the end. He faked to the rightfield and then threw the Quaffle at the left wicket. Royce tried to save it, but he was n't quick enough.

`` destination ! Albus potter has scored against Hufflepuff ! The musical score is now 90-20 Gryffindor ! ``

Albus was ecstatic. That was the first base goal he had ever scored in a Quidditch mates. Up until now, all he 'd done were aid. Albus took a triumph lap around the pitch and then caught the Quaffle from Heather.

Albus managed to score another destination and Heather scored two more in the succeeding half hour of the peer. Hufflepuff scored a few more destination, but were still far behind. By now, Albus was sure he had turned into an icicle and was getting a bit sick of flying around in the coldness. He was even getting a bit of a headache from it. Albus was n't even sure if he 'd know if James or Galivant caught the Snitch, due to the increasingly bad visibility and snowfall. The blizzard seemed to be getting worse by the minute. If Hogwarts actually called off Quidditch, they would possess called it off a while ago.

A few proceedings later, cheers broke out in the outdoor stage and Albus was trusted somebody must have caught the Snitch. He was very happy to land his Scots heather and knew he 'd be even well-chosen when he finally got into the warm common room.

The rest of his team was shouting in glee and were surrounding James IV. He must hold caught the Snitch, Albus thought. The rest of the Gryffindors were swarming the pitch and soon James IV was lifted onto a few people 's articulatio humeri. Albus joined the throngs of his theater and started his way back to the castle.

On his way back to the plebeian way, numerous people stopped him in club to pride him on the win. Albus was thrilled that they had won, but all he really wanted to do was incur his admirer and get into some warmly robes. James loved the care he got after winning a Quidditch match, but Albus could take it or leave it. Right now, he could entrust it since his headache was getting worse.

The party in the coarse room was just getting started when Albus entered a few mo later. Someone must have snuck down to the kitchens because there was an entire table filled with food. Someone else had obviously gotten into Hogsmeade because just about everyone had a butterbeer in their hand.

Somebody shoved a butterbeer into Albus 's manus as he made his way through the crowd. James was in the midst of it as usual and was rehashing how he caught the Snitch.

`` And I saw it lurking near one of the finish posts. Galivant was on the early end of the pitch, so I knew she had no promise ... '' James was saying to a couple of giggling girls.

The rest of the team was nearby and were digging into the food that was on one of the tables.

`` Great job, Albus ! '' Georgia shouted as he passed, `` I knew you could get over those nerves ! ``

`` Thanks, '' Albus smiled as he went up the stairs to his dormitory.

Albus quickly changed out of his cold, wet robes and felt a bit better afterwards. He went back down to the common room and it was even fuller than before. It looked like all the Gryffindors had returned from the rake and the party was in full swing.

Albus found his friends sitting at their common table and they all seemed to be enjoying the party.

`` Albus ! '' John shouted as Albus sat down, `` magnificent playing ! ``

`` Definitely, '' Matt agreed.

`` You 're quite a good Chaser, Albus, '' Rose said, `` Although I honestly do n't have a go at it why they did n't cancel the match with this blizzard ... ''

`` Cancel the match ? '' John stared at her, `` Never ! ``

`` If it was football, it would 've been canceled, '' Kaden commented.

`` Yeah, because you would n't be able to run around in two feet of blow, '' John laughed, `` But Quidditch is in the air, so it does n't count. ``

`` will you two just renounce arguing about football ? '' blush wine sighed.

`` Just trying to rick Kaden into a proper star, '' Saint John shrugged.

`` Quidditch is hardly the definition of a proper wizard, '' Rose said, `` I believe potion brewing is a bit more important and I 'm sure Kaden could instruct you a thing about it, Mr. Exploding Potions. ``

`` That was Goyle 's fault, '' trick muttered.

`` Why do n't all three of you just quit arguing ? '' Albus snapped. His head was pounding and listening to his Quaker'arguing was not helping.

`` What 's with you ? '' John asked, `` We 're not fighting anymore than formula. ``

`` Maybe it 's got to do that he 's been flying around in a blizzard for the past two time of day ? '' blush wine suggested, `` If they 'd just take canceled the match- ''

`` They do n't cancel Quidditch ! '' John shouted and then turned to matte, `` You understand this, do n't you ? ``

`` It 's true, '' Matt agreed, `` Quidditch is n't ever canceled for little affair like blizzard. ``

`` I think the weather just makes it more interesting, '' Amanda commented.

`` Not you too ! '' blush wine groaned.

`` Football 's only played in the warm months anyway, '' Kaden said, `` They would n't even schedule an outdoor football match in the winter. ``

`` Well that 's boring, '' John replied.

Albus leaned his read/write head on his hand and closed his eyes while trying to swim out his friends conversation. Gospel According to John, Rose, and Kaden continued to fence about the virtue of Quidditch and football game. flatness and Amanda stayed out of it for the most contribution and seemed sort of amused with the entire thing. Albus was n't, though. He wished they 'd just shut up. Albus 's read/write head was steadily feeling worse, like he was being hit with a bludger over and over again. Besides that, he still had n't completely warmed up from the match and was shivering, despite his dry robes.

`` I think football game would be a right mutant if it were played on brooms, '' John said.

`` Oh cum on, Saint John ! '' rosebush sighed, `` Be sober ! You ca n't make for football on Scots heather. How would you kick the egg ? ``

`` Not to mention that Muggles play football ! '' Kaden shouted, `` Muggles ca n't fly ! ``

`` I 'm not saying that Muggles should wager football on brooms. I meant if football were ever played by wizards, it should be done on brooms. ``

football game on brooms, Albus thought, what an insane idea. His friends were now trying to merge football and Quidditch.

`` Albus, are you all right ? '' lusterlessness asked.

Albus opened his middle and lifted his head off his hand. `` I dunno. ``

`` You do n't look that capital, '' matte said concernedly.

John, Rose, and Kaden stopped arguing and looked at Albus.

`` Yeah, you look risky than Matt does when he gets sick, '' Kaden said loudly.

`` Thanks, '' Matt muttered.

`` matt 's right, '' blush wine said, `` You do appear unspeakable, Albus. ``

`` I 've got a worry, '' Albus mumbled.

`` You should go see Madam Pomfrey, '' Kaden told him.

`` I think I 'll just go to bed, '' Albus got up from his chair, `` I have n't really slept much the retiring few night. I 'm probably just tired. ``

Albus stumbled over to the residence hall door, feeling speculative than he had a few hour ago. He collapsed into his bed and fell asleep minutes later.

******

Albus awoke with a starting line and he was n't certain how a lot time had passed since he went to kip. He still felt extremely tired and his head still hurt. He groaned and closed his eyes again, wanting only to catch some Z's for a few day straight.

right wing when he was about to float off again, someone threw the curtains back and Albus 's bed was flooded in light.

`` Ugh, '' Albus groaned and covered his oculus with his hands. `` What was that for ? ``

`` You 've slept almost an stallion day, '' soul said.

Albus moved his custody and slowly opened his centre. King John was standing over his bed with a aspect of concern on his face.

`` And I 'd like to sleep a bit more if you do n't listen, '' Albus mumbled.

`` You slept through dinner death nighttime, and breakfast and lunch today. Are n't you hungry ? ``

`` Not really. ``

`` Are you sure you 're ok ? '' Gospel According to John asked, `` Rose sent me up here to turn back on you. ``

Honestly, Albus was n't sure enough he was ok. He could n't remember the last time he had slept an entire day. But right now all he wanted was for John the Evangelist to go away so he could sleep some more.

`` I 'll be mulct once I sleep some more, '' Albus replied and rolled over away from John.

`` If you 're sure, '' John said quietly and closed the curtains.

It did n't read Albus long to fall back asleep. He had some strange dreams that involved shift telling him his broom broke and he 'd have to spiel Quidditch without it by running around on the earth. Then, instead of a Quaffle, the match was played with a football.

Albus woke up briefly after one of these ambition, only to find that the dorm room was dark. He could hear Ethan 's muted snoring and an owl hooting outside. Unfortunately, he did n't feel any better than he had when bathroom woke him up. In fact, he now felt worse. Every one of his heftiness were aching, like he had fallen from his broom during the match. But Albus could n't call in falling from his broom. When had the friction match been anyway ? Yesterday or the day before ? Albus could n't even remember and he did n't even bed what day it was currently.

`` Albus ! '' Someone shouted. Albus was dreaming about Quidditch again and someone was hitting him with their beater 's bat.

`` Quit it, '' Albus mumbled.

`` Albus, are you all right ? ``

`` Go away, '' Albus said, `` And stop smacking me with that beater 's bat. ``

`` Beater 's bat ? '' they repeated, `` That 's it, I 'm getting Professor Potter. ``

`` I 'll go, '' individual else said, `` You stay here with him. ``

Whoever had been hitting Albus with the bat had stopped, and he was grateful. Georgia had taken the bat away and was now yelling at its possessor. Then she announced that they would be playing football instead of Quidditch. James complained loudly, since there were n't any seeker in football.

`` Albus, wake up ! ``

`` I think Kaden said you 'll have to play DoD, James, '' Albus mumbled in his sleep. `` There is n't a Snitch in football. ``

`` hang on, Albus, John 's getting your dad. ``

`` My dad ? He 'll experience to play defense, too. ``

`` What 's wrong ? '' soul new shouted.

`` He 's been sleeping since after the match, Professor Potter. I think he 's disturbed. ``

`` Since after the match ? ``

`` Er, yeah. We thought he was just tired, but he 's been sleeping for two daylight. ``

`` The friction match ? '' Albus muttered, `` Did we beat Slytherpuff yet ? ``

Albus felt himself being lifted out of his bed and into person 's blazonry. He rested his head on their shoulder and shivered as his blanket fell back onto the bed. Albus fell back into a deep sleep and succeeding woke up as he was being laid down on another bed.

Albus heard masses talking all around him, but he could n't relieve oneself out what they were saying. Someone poured a few disgusting potions down his throat and forced him to swallow them. There was more muttering around him, but Albus soon drifted off to sleep again.

The room was quieter when Albus next woke up. He opened his oculus and looked around. Where was he ? Albus was certain he had fallen asleep in his dormitory, but now it looked as if he was in the Hospital extension. The place was nearly deserted, save for Madam Pomfrey sitting at her desk. Albus yawned and tried to sit up, but he was still dizzy. The good thing was that his question felt a lot skilful. However, his eubstance still ached.

gentlewoman Pomfrey looked up from her desk and got up once she saw that Albus was awake. She grabbed a few bottleful and put them on a tray, which she then carried over to Albus 's bed and set it on the bedside table.

`` goodness, you 're up, '' Madam Pomfrey said as she poured one of the potions into a cup, `` You gave us all quite a fear. ``

`` What metre is it ? '' Albus asked, still confused about what he was doing there.

`` Just after six o'clock. ``

`` Er, and what day ? ``

`` Monday, '' the nurse said as she thrust the cup under Albus 's nose, `` Drink that. ``

Albus downed the potion quickly, `` Yuck. It 's really Monday ? I 've missed classes ? ``

`` I 'd say so. ``

`` Er, what exactly happened ? I mean, I went to bed in my dormitory and now I 'm here ... ''

`` You 're ill, '' Madam Pomfrey said, `` You 've caught the flu. Your friend told me you slept for almost two days and then they went to get your father since you were n't getting any honorable and had started becoming delirious. You 've been here since around lunch clip. ``

`` Oh. Well, how long do I have to quell ? ``

`` Another two days, probably, '' gentlewoman Pomfrey told him. `` Now I want you to tope these early two potions and eat that bowl of soup. ``

Albus nodded and Madam Pomfrey strode back over to her desk. Albus thought back and could vaguely remember being taken out of his hall, but it was only a blurred memory. The finally matter he could really remember well was the Quidditch compeer. He was very well-chosen he had n't fallen ill before the match.

No sooner had Albus drank the beginning potion that the doorway to the Hospital Wing swung assailable and John, Matt, Rose, and Amanda came bursting through. ma'am Pomfrey got up quickly from her desk and met them halfway.

`` Is Albus awake ? '' Rose asked.

`` Yes, he 's only just woken up. I suppose you can visit him for a few moment. But calmly ! He needs to rest ! ``

`` Albus ! '' Rose shrieked when she ran over to his bed, `` Thank Falco columbarius you 're all right ! ``

`` How are you ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Doing better ? '' bathroom asked.

`` well, '' Matt said with a half smile on his blanch face, `` This is a permutation. ``

Albus grinned at him, `` Yeah, ca n't really call back a fourth dimension where it was you visiting me here. ``

`` What exactly have you got anyway ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Flu, '' Albus answered, `` But I 'm getting better. Not nearly as tired as before. ``

`` I would hope so, '' Saint John the Apostle smirked, `` You slept two Clarence Shepard Day Jr.. ``

`` I 'll probably log Z's another two, '' Albus said, `` Pomfrey said I 've got to stay another two daytime. ``

`` We 'll be here together, then, '' Matt replied.

Albus looked at his champion, who was looking a bit exhausted himself. `` When 's the broad moonshine again ? ``

`` Tomorrow, '' Matt sighed.

`` Did you take that new potion ? '' Albus asked.

flatness nodded, `` Yeah, and I 'm more drained than usual. ``

`` He fell asleep in account of trick and almost fell asleep in Potions, '' John said.

`` Well, you did n't log Z's through two whole Clarence Shepard Day Jr. like I did, '' Albus pointed out.

`` I 've done it before. I 've slept through more than two 24-hour interval actually. I think four is my record. ``

`` All right ! '' Madam Pomfrey announced, `` Time for you lot to be off to bed, especially you, Matt. And Albus needs to rest. ``

`` See you tomorrow, '' Albus said as his champion left the room.

`` Sure will, '' matt replied.

Albus slept on and off throughout the night and the next morning. He was still tired, but felt much better when he woke up late the next forenoon. His dad had stopped by earliest before course of study, but Albus fell back asleep after he left.

dame Pomfrey was fussing over him and giving him numerous potions to tope. Albus was the exclusively patient role in the entire Mary Augusta Arnold Ward, so the nurse 's fussing was all focused on him.

The nursemaid had been giving Albus what must have been his tenth Methedrine of pee that morning when the door to the cellblock opened. matt stumbled inside and walked shakily over to the bed next to Albus 's. He collapsed onto it and winced in pain.

Madam Pomfrey immediately put down the water pitcher and descended upon lustrelessness.

`` You 're here early than usual, '' she said as she felt his drumhead, `` And you 're burning up. ``

`` Why are you here earlier ? '' Albus asked once gentlewoman Pomfrey had gone to get another potion.

`` Tired, '' Matt mumbled, `` Fell asleep in defence reaction and your dad told me to come here. ``

`` Is it the new potion ? ``

`` Yeah, it does n't exactly help much, does it ? ``

`` I thought you said they were going to witness something to countercheck the part of it that makes you banal, '' Albus said.

`` They are, they just have n't found it yet. ``

`` Oh. ``

lady Pomfrey returned a moment later and gave lusterlessness a few potions. He drank them and was asleep minutes later. Albus was n't really tired, but he fell asleep anyway out of lack of anything else to do.

lav, pink wine, and Amanda stopped by after dinner to see Albus and mat, but lady Pomfrey did n't let them stay long. Matt had been deceased anyway. Shortly after their friends left, lady Pomfrey woke Matt up and took him down to the Whomping Wilow.


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight ! Thanks as well to Moonylupin, potterfan296, Miguel, Luke, and Denas for their reviews !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


When Albus awoke the next dayspring, he felt much better. In fact, he felt mostly pattern. He was n't achy anymore and his head felt better as well. He hungrily ate all the breakfast dame Pomfrey provided.

The same could n't be said for matt, who was looking practically spoiled than the former day. He was either at rest or unconscious, Albus was betting on the latter, and he had numerous gash and scrapes on his face. His right arm and forehead were covered in a large bandages.

`` So when can I leave ? '' Albus asked as gentlewoman Pomfrey performed some kind of spell on Matt.

`` Later today, most likely, '' she said after she 'd finished her incantation.

Albus sighed. He had been hoping he 'd be capable to leave that sunrise. He was starting to feel incredibly bored with the hospital Wing, although not bored enough to set off the homework Rose had brought the previous evening.

Albus spent the remainder of the morning drifting in and out of eternal sleep out of lack of anything else to do. madam Pomfrey gave him a few Thomas More nasty tasting potions and lunch, which Albus ate ravenously. After going two Clarence Shepard Day Jr. without nutrient, he was starving.

The room access to the Hospital fender opened just as Albus was finishing his lunch. John, Rose, and Amanda walked inside and immediately headed for Albus 's bed. gentlewoman Pomfrey was in her office and did n't seem to notice the visitors.

`` Hey, how are you ? '' Rose asked.

`` Bored, '' Albus replied.

`` That 's good, '' blush wine grinned.

`` Are you better now ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Pretty a great deal. Madam Pomfrey wo n't let me leave until later, though. like she 'd let me leave now. ``

`` She just wants to stool sure you 're completely better, '' Rose said, `` And it 's not like you 're missing class since this is our afternoon off. ``

`` Exactly ! '' John sighed, `` He could be doing much better stuff on his afternoon off if he was n't here. ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` Like figuring out the new map. ``

`` How are we going to do that anyway ? '' John asked.

`` Go to the library, '' Albus replied, `` We 've got to look for ways of proving who we are. ``

Saint John groaned, `` And I doubt there will just be a record titled Prove Who You Are to a Piece of Parchment. ``

`` Probably not, '' pink wine laughed. `` But we 'll find out somehow. ``

`` qualification anymore progress on the charm for Kaden ? '' Albus asked.

`` A bit, yeah. I tried it again terminal night on bathroom and this time he could n't even move his mouth like terminal metre. Now I 've just got to figure out how to involve other multitude in the secret. ``

`` And then all we 've got to do is convert Matt that the charm is foolproof, '' John said.

Everyone glanced over at flatness 's bed, where he was still sleeping.

`` He been benumbed all day ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Yeah, '' Albus said, `` Ever since I 've been awake. ``

flatness groaned and opened his eyes, `` You lot here ? ``

`` Yeah, '' John replied, `` How are you ? ``

`` Horrible, '' Matt said flatly, `` My head word is killing me. Were you talking about me ? ``

`` A bit, '' John said, `` Just about that charm for Kaden. We 're going to get working on the map once you two are out of here. Got to determine some way to prove to it that we 're like the Marauders. ``

`` phone adept, '' Matt yawned.

`` When do you get to leave ? '' Amanda asked, `` Albus is leaving later today. ``

`` No idea, '' Matt said, `` Not until at least tomorrow night. Might be out in time for Astronomy. ``

`` Ca n't you not be outside when the moon is close to total ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Only when it 's waxing. When it 's waning I 'm mulct. ``

`` So, we 'll plan on working on the map this weekend, then, '' Albus said. `` Unless any of you catch what I had. ``

`` Leslie Townes Hope not, '' King John said. `` Maybe Malfoy will catch it, '' he added gleefully.

`` John, that 's not comical, '' Rose scolded, `` He 'd be really sick. ``

`` He 'd get bettor. Albus is o.k. now. ``

Albus heard a door open and ma'am Pomfrey came strolling out of her office. She looked up and saw the crew around Albus and matte 's seam and made a beeline for them.

`` What are you lot doing here ? '' she demanded.

`` Visiting Albus and Matt, '' Rose answered.

`` Oh, you 're awaken ! '' the nurse exclaimed and went over to matt 's bed, apparently forgetting that Rose, John, and Amanda had burst in without her license. `` How do you feel ? ``

`` Awful, '' matt replied. `` My mind trauma and so does pretty lots everything else. ``

`` You must experience hit your head much bad than usual last nighttime, '' Madam Pomfrey sighed, `` You had quite the concussion earlier. I 'll go get some nuisance potions. ``

She returned a minute later with a potion for lustrelessness, who drank it in one gulp.

`` Now, you three have to leave, '' Madam Pomfrey said to rose wine, St. John the Apostle, and mat, `` Albus will be out later and you can see him then. ``

tedium set in for Albus shortly after his friends left. flatness had fallen back asleep quickly after he took his pain potion. Albus could n't even sleep anymore because he had already slept so much that day.

******

`` What are we supposed to be looking for anyway ? '' John sighed as he slammed a book of account shut.

Albus, John, lusterlessness, Rose, and Amanda were all crowded around a secluded table in the library. It was covered in script that covered all sorts of topic. The five of them had spent the terminal time of day searching for slipway to demonstrate to the new map that they were like the Marauders. So far, nonentity had found anything useful.

`` I do n't roll in the hay, '' Albus replied, `` Anything that might leaven that we 're like the Marauders. ``

`` That 's not very specific, '' King John muttered, `` I really do n't want to spend an entire Saturday here. ``

`` It 'll do you some good, '' rose wine said.

`` Wish we could just use that Word of God that you used to observe the other magic spell, '' Albus said to rose wine, thinking of Flitwick 's book.

`` Me too, but it 's in the Restricted Section, '' Rose said.

`` Why ca n't we just get prof Potter to give us a note ? Bet he would, '' John said.

`` Bet he would n't, '' Albus disagreed, `` He 'd live we 're up to something. ``

`` Besides, '' Rose interjected, `` It might not be a Charm we 're looking for. ``

`` We 're just going to sustain to keep looking, '' Albus said as he opened another al-Qur'an. `` But I 've got Quidditch exercise in a half hour. ``

`` We 'll just look every time we can get away from Kaden, '' lusterlessness suggested.

`` Where is he anyway ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Dunno, '' Albus shrugged. fall to believe of it, he had n't seen Kaden since breakfast. It was form of foreign since Kaden spent every waking minute of his day ( when he was n't in course ) no less than four feet away from Albus.

`` There he is, '' Matt pointed to somewhere behind Albus.

Albus turned around and saw his cousin-german running through the library with a clipboard in his hand.

`` Albus ! '' he shouted.

`` Quiet ! '' Madam Pince shouted even louder, `` Or I 'll switch you all out ! ``

`` Albus, '' Kaden said more quietly as he sat down in an evacuate chair at their table.

Albus eyed Kaden 's clipboard but he could n't interpret what it said. `` Hi Kaden. ``

`` Hi, '' Kaden replied, `` Will you sign my petition ? ``

`` Petition ? '' Albus asked, `` What in the name of Merlin are you petitioning for ? ``

`` TVs in the common suite, '' Kaden grinned.

`` What ? ! '' John and Matt shouted.

`` Quiet ! '' dame Pince screeched.

Rose laughed, `` What on globe for ? ``

`` I would n't mind having a TV in the park room, '' Amanda commented.

`` Exactly, '' Kaden said, `` It 's unvoiced enough for us Muggle-borns to conform to Hogwarts and if we had TVs, it would cause it easier. ``

`` You 're kidding, right ? '' John laughed.

`` Nope, not kidding, '' Kaden said, `` I 've got loads of signature already. I 'm not really sure enough how many I 'll necessitate, though. I figure I 'll try and get as many as I can in a few daylight and then give it to Professor Longbottom. ``

Albus tried to curb his grinning, but he could n't. The idea of Kaden trying to get telly put into the green rooms was just too funny. There would be no way any of the teachers would match to it even if everyone in Hogwarts signed the petition.

`` So will you sign it ? '' Kaden asked, `` If this goes through, I 'll try for computing device next. ``

`` Computers, '' Matt laughed, `` You 're mad. ``

`` I 'll sign, '' Amanda grabbed the clipboard and quill.

`` Sure, why not ? '' Albus shrugged. It could n't hurt to sign the matter, and he was for sure Kaden would n't discontinue bugging them unless they did.

John and matte signed as well, although they were laughing the whole time. Rose signed a bit reluctantly, but she eventually gave in.

`` So what are you doing ? '' Kaden asked after Rose finished signing.

`` Homework, '' Albus replied automatically.

Kaden stared at the orotund pile of Book, `` Second year must be damn insane. ``

`` Oh, it is, '' Saint John said, `` You wo n't experience any prison term to find out any TV. ``

`` I 'll attain prison term, '' Kaden said as he stood up, `` Well, I 'm going to get Sir Thomas More signature tune. ``

Albus watched as his cousin went from mesa to put over trying to get masses to sign. Some of them liked the idea and signed willingly. Others laughed until Kaden gave up and others looked at him like he was softheaded. Eventually, Madam Pince found out what he was doing and threw him out of the library.

`` Your first cousin is the uncanny feller I 've ever met, '' Gospel According to John said after Kaden was kicked out.

`` Yeah, he is a bit unusual, '' Albus agreed and closed the account book he was reading, `` Well, I 'm off to pattern. I 'll see you lot later. ``

After recitation, Albus went to the mutual way and found his ally sitting around their common mesa doing homework. Unfortunately, none of them had found anything that would serve them to establish that they were like the Marauders. Albus was beginning to wonder if they 'd ever get that map working. Even if they did find a way to prove they were like the marauder, what would they have to do next ? How many things would they have to do before they would actually be able to see the map ? Albus had no idea, but he knew the piranha were n't going to take a leak this easy.

******

The rest of February passed quickly. Albus and his friends continued to scrub the program library for any sort of charm, spell, or potion that would serve them in their quest to uncover the map. None of them found anything. Kaden thought they were all doing homework as they searched the books every weekend. Rose was making advancement with the Sileo Altus spell, but it was n't quite perfected enough to use yet. Rose was sure she 'd have it learned by the end of the month. lusterlessness never said much when the spell was brought up and Albus was hoping he would still match to tell Kaden once rose perfected the charm.

Kaden 's prayer to have televisions put into the common room was rejected shortly after he gave it to Neville. Kaden did n't seem in the to the lowest degree bit dissuade by this. He insisted it was rejected due to lack of convincing grounds as to how the television would profit the students. He was planning on resubmitting it along with a detailed essay on the subject later on in the term.

`` You know, Kaden, '' rose said at dinner party one night, `` Even if the teachers accepted your petition, the televisions would n't even work here. There 's too much magic. ``

`` Oh, I 'm sure there 's a appeal that would subvert that, '' Kaden said.

`` It wo n't ferment, '' flatness said, `` Magic just does n't gibe with electronics. This one time when we were visiting my Uncle jak in the United States, Amy accidentally broke one of the metal detectors at the airport. It was n't her fault or anything, the magic just interrupted it or something. The thing started beeping and would n't stop until they turned it off. ``

John the Evangelist laughed, `` That would 've been screaming to see. ``

`` Amy did n't think so. She was mortified, '' Matt said, `` It was a while ago, before we even moved here. I think she was xiv. ``

`` Well, I still say they could get hold a way, '' Kaden said.

`` Hey, look, '' Albus pointed to the point table. prof Kendrick was standing up.

`` wonder what he 's got to say ? '' John asked.

`` Hope it 's nothing bad, '' pink wine said.

`` He looks happy enough, '' Amanda commented.

`` May I have your attention ! '' Kendrick announced. The room fell still. `` Thank you. Do n't vex, I 'm not giving out bad news. In fact, I think you 'll bump this announcement most exciting. ``

There was a general murmur of excitement throughout the Great Hall at this. Kendrick waited for everyone to stop talking before he continued.

`` If you 'll commemorate at the commencement of the year, when I announced the alteration for the Dueling cabaret, that that would only be one office of the business firm unity effort. I am announcing today that the other professors and I have organized another single event. It will be a scavenger hunting, with inter-house squad, of trend. ``

Albus groaned. A scavenger hunt club would be fun, but not if he had to do it with Slytherins. Everyone else seemed to be in agreement, because there was a general groaning throughout.

`` I know you do n't like it, but the school day needs to be unified. Now, I will excuse the event. It will not be like a regular pack rat hunt. It will admit topographic point on the following three Saturday. This Saturday will be for the outset and second years. The following will be for 3rd and quarter years. The last will be for fifth, 6th, and 7th years.

`` The other professor and I will be organizing the squad, which will consist of appendage of former years and former menage. Each team will birth about ten appendage. You will have one hr to fill out the tasks given.

`` You will encounter a list of item to obtain before this hr is up. There are rules, of course. Some of these point will be required to obtain without deception. We will be performing magic spell on these items and if we find that any of them were spelled, transfigured, conjured, charmed, etc. within the hour they will be disqualified.

`` However, the magpie hunt will not only include a list of items to detect. You will also receive multiple trivium sheets. These will include both charming and Muggle small beer.

`` Finally, each team will find a riddle, which if they deceiver correctly, will top them on a pursuit throughout the castle and priming coat. When you reach the end, there will be a bit of info that must be returned to me. If you are successful, you 'll get a 100 point fillip. However, there is also a false track that will lead you to worthless info. If that is brought back, you 'll receive no bonus.

`` I will give you a more elaborate list of normal on the day of the event. Until then, keep your brains sharp and do n't get rid of anything you would otherwise deem useless, '' Kendrick smiled and returned to his seat.

Albus turned to his friends, `` This sounds, er, interesting. ``

`` It 's really an splendid idea, '' blush wine grinned, `` I mean, there 's no way a one soul would be able to achieve all of it alone. It 's a great idea for House oneness. ``

`` It 'd be better if we did n't have to team up with Slytherins, '' John muttered.

`` But what if there 's something on that listing that 's in the Slytherin park room or something ? '' rosiness pointed out.

Gospel According to John groaned, `` I guess you 're right hand. ``

`` Sounds fun, though, '' Amanda said.

`` Yeah. enquire what we get if we win ? '' lustrelessness asked.

`` Hopefully some coupons to get out of preparation or something, '' lav said.

`` Since when have they given away those ? '' Albus laughed.

`` Now 's the thoroughgoing time for them to depart, '' John replied.

`` I hope I 'm on your squad, Albus, '' Kaden piped up.

`` That would be great, '' Albus smiled, and he actually meant it. It sounded like there was going to be a lot of random clobber on that list and if there was anyone in the shoal that had lots of random stuff, it was Kaden.

******

The next few days seemed to drag on forever for Albus and the residual of the first and second years. Everyone was getting excited about the scavenger hunt and the instructor were getting a bit annoyed that nobody was paying care in class.

Soon enough, Saturday arrived and Kendrick announced at lunch for all the first and bit old age to remain seated after they were done eating. Once all the Old scholar left, Kendrick got to his feet once more.

`` Now, the moment you 've all been waiting for, '' Kendrick said, `` The pack rat Holman Hunt will begin shortly. first-class honours degree, I have a few more rules to go over.

`` As I said earlier in the week, there are items on this leaning that are not allowed to be created using thaumaturgy. You may not complot, transfigure, spell, or charm any of those items. Asking an older student to do so is also against the ruler. We have turn that will discover if any item was magicked during the minute of the scavenger hunt.

`` The particular must be found within the school and grounds. Hogsmeade, the Forbidden wood, the Whomping Willow, and Hagrid 's hut are all out of leap and you may not search for point in or around them. You may not ask older educatee or teachers for avail, nor may you owl crime syndicate extremity or former citizenry. However, you may ask older bookman if they have any of the item on the tilt. It is up to them if they let you borrow them or not. Do not slip anything from anyone or there will be punishment. You are permitted to use the depository library for helper with the triviality. ``

Rose 's face lit up at that and Albus knew she would be the official library research worker for her team.

`` There are going to be eight team of approximately ten scholar each. Your House prefects have your team designation. squad one and two are to pull together at the Hufflepuff board, one at each end. Teams three and four at the Gryffindor table, five and six at Ravenclaw, and seven and eight at Slytherin. You will be given a few arcminute to get organized in your squad and then the early prof will hand out the appropriate cloth. Each squad is given one set of cloth, no more. If you lose it, tough luck. Now please see your prefects. ``

Albus got up from the table and looked around until he spotted Empire State of the South. He and his friends wound their way through the bunch until they managed to get to her.

`` Hey, Albus ! '' Georgia grinned and looked at her clipboard, `` fix ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus smiled, `` I 'm on a proficient team, right ? ``

`` Well, there are Slytherins on all the teams, if that 's what you mean, '' Georgia laughed, `` Anyway, you 're on Team Two. ``

Albus nodded and waited for his friends to get their squad assignments.

Georgia scanned her clipboard again, `` Let 's see, rose is on Team One, Saint John is on Team Four, flatness 's on Team Two ... ''

Albus grinned at Matt. He was relieved that one of his friends was on his squad. Now all he had to do was hope Malfoy was n't on his team.

`` Amanda 's on Team Four, and Kaden 's on squad Six, '' GA looked up at them, `` Have fun. ``

`` Thanks, '' Albus said and then turned to his friends, `` surmise we 'll see you after. Good luck. ``

Albus and lusterlessness worked their way through the crowds to the Hufflepuff mesa along with Rose. Albus was a bit disappoint that Kaden was n't on his team, but there was n't anything he could do about that. The chances were n't great that he would feature two of his protagonist on his same team. He was just lucky he had one of his protagonist on the same team.

The Hufflepuff mesa was already filling with mass from team up one and two. Team Two was gathering at the one-half closest to the staff tabular array, so Albus and Matt made their way there.

There seemed to be a fairly eve number of each house at the mesa. Besides Albus and Matt, there was one other Gryffindor, a kickoff class missy Albus had seen but did n't acknowledge her name. There were also two Ravenclaws Albus did n't know, three Hufflepuffs, and two Slytherins. Albus groaned when he saw who the Slytherins were, Felix Willinson and Leigh Montague. Vivien Leigh was Rose 's potions married person and not the acuate quill in the box.

Felix Willinson narrowed his eyes when he saw Albus and lustrelessness coming over. Albus found seats far away from him and sat down, waiting for the pack rat James Henry Leigh Hunt to begin.

One of the Ravenclaws stood up a few arcsecond later, `` Hi, I 'm Rachel undergrowth and I 've been assigned as team skipper. ``

Everyone muttered hello to her and Rachel had everyone introduce themselves. So far, Willinson and Montague did n't seem enthused about their team, but Rachel did n't pay any attention to their animosity.

Professor Patil came over a little while later with a smattering of parchment. Albus assumed they were the lists of stuff to look for and the trivia.

`` The Holman Hunt will start in one minute ! '' Kendrick announced, `` The prof will render you your lists as soon as I say go. You 'll let one hour to be back here with as practically stuff you can possibly get. ``

A minute later, Kendrick shot out a shower of blue spark from his sceptre and Patil handed the stack of lambskin to Rachel.

`` All right hand ! '' Rachel shouted as she leafed through the lambskin, `` We need somebody to trace the riddle and run around to get the bonus points. ``

`` I 'll do it, '' the early Ravenclaw volunteered. Rachel nodded and handed him the parchment. He ran out of the Great Hall while reading the riddle.

`` Ok, here 's the small beer, '' Rachel continued, `` We 've got Famous hag and hotshot, Famous Muggles, What Not To Do While Interacting With Muggles, What Do You Know About Quidditch, and What Do You get laid About football game. ``

Albus turned to Matt and laughed. Kaden would surely love the football one.

Rachel handed out the trifle to the citizenry who thought they 'd be able-bodied to do it. Willinson had n't taken any of the trivia tabloid, but Montague took the Quidditch one. Albus hoped she actually knew something about Quidditch.

`` Now we 've just got the list of items to find, '' Rachel announced to the remaining team appendage, which were Albus, matt, Willinson, and one of the Hufflepuffs. `` You four get started while I work on the trivia. Oh, but I 'll take care of the costumes. You 'll just deliver to have on them. ``

Albus nodded and took the parchment from her. Costumes ? He hoped he would n't give to wear anything too humiliating. He set it down on the table and began to say it, with everyone else looking over his shoulder.

item Are To Be Gathered Without magic trick

-holly wand
-five disgorgement flavored Bertie Botts bonce
-Slytherin wearing Gryffindor robe
-Gryffindor wearing Slytherin gown
-light saber
-Dumbledore hot chocolate frog card
-twenty shoelaces tied together
-Quaffle signed by Oliver Wood
-Shooting Star broom handle
-Muggle pen
-copy of The Hobbit, by J.R.R. Tolkein
-a Nintendo DS
-girl dressed up as Godric Gryffindor
-boy dressed up as Helga Hufflepuff
-color changing ink
-beater bat
-drum sticks
-silver chalice
-Chudley Cannons jersey
-six Extendable auricle
-Muggle playing visiting card
-receipt from gentlewoman Malkins
-Argus Filch 's autograph
-the names of five Hogwarts House Elves
-rubber duck's egg
-copy of Hogwarts, A History
-sneakoscope
-foe trash
-tea cozy
-Hogwarts graduation picture show
-band aids
-green evacuate potions bottle
-Beatles CD
-purple gloves
-Hershey 's drinking chocolate bar
-My Little Hippogriff
-pet frog
-purple parchment
-two batteries
-tortilla chips

Albus looked up from the list and waited for everyone else to finish reading.

`` What the bloody hell is a CD ? '' Willinson asked.

`` Muggle way of listening to music, '' Albus explained, `` One of my cousin might have one. ``

`` I 've got one, '' the Hufflepuff, who Albus now knew to be nelson Rodner, said.

`` Good, '' Albus replied, `` Anyone else know they 've got some of this stuff ? ``

Everyone nodded.

`` Let 's go get the stuff we know we 've got and then encounter back here, '' Albus said as he got up. `` Then we can work on the stuff we do n't. ``

The former three male child agreed and Albus ran out of the Great hallway with lusterlessness. The two of them ran as fast as they could up to Gryffindor Tower.


A/N : I ca n't take credit for the pack rat hunt idea. There is a resort in Pennsylvania called Woodloch Pines that I go to every summer and they have scavenger Holman Hunt like the one in this chapter. Complete with costumes, small beer, and the conundrum. It 's a lot of fun.

Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight ! Thanks as well to Gospel of Luke, Moonylupin, EvilChaos, potterfan296, XDNLxtlz99, drownzer, Miguel, Denas, and phoenixy friend for their inspection !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter or the idea for the pack rat hunt.


`` Willinson is acting civil, '' Albus commented as they were running up a flight of stairs.

`` Yeah, '' Matt agreed, `` Kind of surprising. Either he really wants to win or he 's not as confident without Malfoy. ``

`` Probably both, '' Albus said, `` Whatever the reason, we lucked out. ``

Everyone stared as Albus and matt ran into the park way completely out of breath. `` scavenger hunt, '' Albus muttered to his cousins Ben and Cedric as he ran by.

`` Excellent, '' Ben grinned, `` Ca n't wait until our turn next Saturday. ``

Bilius was also in their dormitory collecting items when Albus and Matt entered. They nodded to each other, but did n't say anything.

Albus wrenched open his trunk and started rifling through it. He found a bag of Bertie Botts bean, a Dumbledore chocolate frog card, his copy of Hogwarts, A account, one Extendable Ear, and the photo album he found in the noggin of his house. The commencement moving picture in the cover would work for the Hogwarts commencement exercise picture.

`` What have you got ? '' he asked flatness once he emerged from his trunk.

`` My wand 's holly, a muggle pen, band assist, Chudley cannon NJ, and a Nintendo DS, although I 'm not sure why I still bother to bring in it since it does n't ferment here. ``

`` Excellent, '' Albus grinned, `` Let 's get back to the Great Hall. ``

When Albus and matt got back to the Hufflepuff mesa, Willinson and Rodner had already returned. There was a pile of stuff on the table between them. Albus looked through it and saw that they now had a copy of The Hobbit, color changing ink, a beater 's bat, Muggle acting poster, and a sneakoscope.

`` All right, we 've got a good start, '' Albus said as he added his and matte 's stuff to the stack. `` I guess we 'll take to ask the sr. bookman to borrow the sleep.

`` Rodner, '' Albus began, `` You see if you can get a light sabre, a Quaffle signed by Oliver forest, a Shooting mavin broom handle, drum sticks, a receipt from ma'am Malkin 's, foe field glass, and a Beatles CD. ``

`` Sure, '' Rodner said and took off out of the room.

`` Willinson, '' Albus turned to the Slytherin, `` Go down to the kitchens and see if you can get a silver goblet, tortilla chips, a tea cozy, the name of five House Elves, and a Milton Snavely Hershey bar. ``

`` Why should I ? '' Willinson grumbled, `` Who put you in accusation ? ``

`` Someone 's got to do it, '' Albus told him.

`` Make Eckerton do it. ``

`` Him and I are getting the balance, '' Albus replied, `` If you want to win, you 'll get the clobber. ``

`` fine, '' Willinson muttered and left the Great Hall.

`` Ok, that leaves the shoe laces, void Green potions bottle, purple gloves, a My Little Hippogriff, a toad, imperial lambskin, a rubber duck, two barrage, and five more extendable spike. Oh, and Filch 's autograph. ``

`` We 'll do that one shoemaker's last, '' mat shuddered. `` We can probably just go back to the common room and ask if anyone 's got this stuff. ``

`` trade good idea, '' Albus agreed.

The two boys set off at a run back to their common room. Luckily it was still packed with students and some of them grinned as Albus and Matt entered.

`` How 's it going ? '' Ben asked.

`` Good, '' Albus grinned back, `` But we 've got a bunch of stuff and nonsense to happen. Listen up everyone ! '' he shouted.

The full common room quieted and turned to Albus. Albus was momentarily shocked that everyone actually stopped what they were doing to pay attention to him.

`` Er, we 're doing the pack rat hunting and need some stuff and nonsense. Has anyone got a My Little Hippogriff, royal gloves, a toad, over-embellished lambskin, a rubber duck, shelling, or Extandable pinna ? Also, we need xx shoe laces. I promise we 'll return it all once we 're done. ``

About half the students got up and went up to their dorm. A few minutes later they came back down with several item for Albus. He managed to borrow a safety duck, purpleness parchment, and a few extendable Ears. Plus he got at least xx brake shoe laces.

`` That worked well, '' Albus said as he and mat left the room.

`` I 'd say so, '' flatness agreed, `` Now Filch 's autograph. This ought to be fun. ``

Albus smacked his deal to his forehead, `` I should make grabbed the map ! ``

Albus groaned and ran back to the mutual room. Everyone laughed as he ran up to his dormitory and back down to the mutual way. Albus ignored them and pointed his wand to the map. A few s later he saw that Filch was lurking near the library.

Albus and mat took off for the library and spotted Filch a few yards away from the door.

`` How are we supposed to ask him ? '' Albus whispered.

`` No mind, '' matte said back.

Albus 's heart sped up as he got closer to the old caretaker. `` Er, Mr. Filch ? '' he asked.

Filch startled and turned around. He saw Albus and smirked. `` Potter. Up to no sound again ? In need of another detention, perhaps ? ``

`` Uh, no, '' Albus replied, `` Actually, I was just, er, well, we 're doing this magpie hunt. Maybe Kendrick told you about it. It 's to upgrade Inter House Unity and we have to discover all this material throughout the castle and- ''

`` We need your autograph, '' matte interrupted, holding a art object of parchment and the Muggle pen in his outstretched hand.

Filch stared at them and then started muttering to himself. `` Do n't see why I should incommode ... Students never do anything for me ... ''

Nevertheless, Filch took the pen and scribbled his name onto the majestic parchment. He thrust it wordlessly back into flatness 's bridge player and shuffled off down the corridor.

`` That went better than expected, '' Matt said.

`` Yeah, thanks. I could n't really cypher out how to ask him. ``

`` I figured, '' mat grinned, `` Anyway, we still need a few things. Hey, Kendrick never mentioned anything about the room. Do you think we could just ask it for the rest of this ? ``

Albus wondered why he had n't thought of that. It almost seemed like cheating, but Kendrick never said anything. `` That 's brilliant ! ``

The two of them set off for the way, but when they got there, there was a Hufflepuff prefect milling around right in battlefront of the Room. Albus slowly walked back and Forth in front of it, keeping an eye on the prefect.

He was about to make his tertiary pass, when the prefect stopped him. `` Sorry, '' he said, `` You ca n't go in there if you 're in the pack rat hunt. Kendrick 's rule. ``

Albus sighed, `` All right wing. ``

`` Of track, '' Matt muttered as they left, `` Kendrick could n't denote that rule because then everyone would regain out about the room. Oh, well. What have we got left ? ``

Albus handed Matt the tilt and he looked it over for a few seconds. `` Hey, I know Madam Pomfrey 's got green potions bottles. ``

`` Let 's go, '' Albus said, `` We 'd better hurry, there 's only 15 hour left. ``

They made it to the Hospital Wing in record book time. Albus pushed the door exposed and walked in, followed by Matt.

`` I 've got affected role to tend to ! '' Madam Pomfrey was shouting at a Ravenclaw first year, `` I have n't got time for this scavenger James Henry Leigh Hunt folderal ! You 're the twenty percent someone I 've had come in here looking for potions bottles and band aids ! I have n't got any ! ``

The missy nodded and ran quickly out of the room, completely ignoring Albus and Matt as she went.

`` Er, she says she has n't got any, '' Albus whispered.

`` I know she does, '' matt whispered back, `` Let me just ask her. ``

Albus shrugged and followed matt over to the nurse, who was hang over one of the beds.

`` howdy, Madam Pomfrey, '' Matt greeted her.

brothel keeper Pomfrey turned around and her irritated nerve softened immediately when she saw Matt.

`` Hello, mat, lamb. Are you all right ? You look a bit crimson, '' Madam Pomfrey said and put her hand to his forehead.

`` I 'm fine, '' Matt assured her, `` I 've just been running around working on the scavenger Leigh Hunt. ``

`` Not you, too, '' ma'am Pomfrey sighed and then noticed Albus, `` Oh and Albus as well. ``

`` Yeah, '' Matt said, `` We were just wondering if you might have an discharge green potions bottle. ``

The nurse sighed and walked over to her potions cabinet. `` I suppose. Just be sure to riposte it. ``

Albus watched in shock as she returned with the demand point they were looking for. matt grinned at Albus and took the bottle.

`` Thanks, '' lustrelessness smiled.

lady Pomfrey shook her head, `` No trouble. Have fun, boys. ``

`` We will, '' Matt said as he turned to leave the room.

Albus followed him out the door, still in shock that the nanny had actually given them the nursing bottle when she had yelled at that first yr only min ago.

`` You 're certainly on her ripe side, '' Albus muttered after they left the room.

`` One of the few fringe benefit of being there once a month, '' Matt said dryly.

`` We 'd better get back to the Great Hall, '' Albus said as he looked at his watch.

Albus and Matt ran as fast as they could back to where their team was. The rest of the team was working hard to terminate the remaining trivia. Rachel herself was dressed up as Godric Gryffindor, complete with a fake beard. Rodner was dressed up as Helga Hufflepuff.

However, neither was as funny as what Willinson was wearing. He was decked out in Gryffindor finest, with robes, a scarf joint, and a 'Loyal Gryffindor'hat. Albus could hardly asphyxiate his laughter.

`` Do n't say a news, thrower, '' Willinson growled.

`` Albus ! '' Rachel shouted, `` You 've got to dress up as a Slytherin ! The robes I 've got are too big for matte and Abby. '' Rachel pointed to the other Gryffindor on the team.

Albus groaned and Willinson burst out laughing. Albus reluctantly put on the Slytherin robes, scarf, and 'Slytherins Are best'hat. It would only be for a few minutes and if it helped them win ....

Albus did sense a bit unknown in the Slytherin gown. He could n't facilitate but think back to his sorting and how the hat had wanted to put him in Slytherin at first. If it had, he would be wearing these gown all the metre. He might have even been Sir Thomas More friendly with Malfoy at first. He probably would n't have got really befriended John, mat, or Amanda if he 'd been in Slytherin. Albus shook the thought from his headland and concentrated on the fact that he was just wearing the gown to help his team win.

Rachel took caudex of the detail on the tilt as Matt tied all the shoelaces together. It turns out that the only affair they were missing were the unclouded saber, Quaffle signed by Oliver Ellen Price Wood, shot principal broom handle, foe glass, Hershey 's bar, toad, and one battery. Rachel thought that was pretty good.

The former Ravenclaw returned a minute later and told everyone that he had finished the conundrum quest and had managed to get the incentive points.

`` Time is up ! '' Kendrick announced, `` The prof will be around soon to watch your lists. They will also collect your trivia sail which will be marked later today. The achiever will be announced at dinner party tonight. ``

Patil came over to Albus 's team a few present moment later and looked over their list. She took a moving-picture show of the four hoi polloi who were dressed up, much to Albus 's dismay. Now there would be permanent wave grounds of his Slytherin moment. As soon as the moving picture was taken, Albus took off the robe and he noticed Willinson doing the same.

`` Ok, '' Patil announced as she gathered up the pieces of parchment, `` You can leave. Please return anything you borrowed. ``

Albus and lustrelessness gathered up their stuff as well as everything they 'd borrowed from various Gryffindors. They stopped by the Hospital fender to return the feeding bottle and then headed back to their common room.

The two of them passed out everyone 's clobber and then went to sit down at their usual table. pink wine, lav, Amanda, and Kaden joined them shortly.

`` That was fun, '' rosebush said as she sat down.

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` Even though we were with Slytherins. Willinson was n't too bad. ``

`` That 's soundly, '' John said, `` I caught a glimpse of him in the Gryffindor gown. Priceless. ``

`` Yeah, I thought so. Until I had to put on the Slytherin single, '' Albus replied.

John the Divine burst out laughing, `` I wish I 'd seen that ! ``

`` You 'll be able to, '' Albus told him, `` Patil took a icon. ``

`` Excellent. ``

`` Did n't any of you lot have to clothe up ? '' Albus asked.

`` I was Helga Hufflepuff, '' John Lackland said.

`` And I was Godric Gryffindor, '' Amanda added.

`` How did everyone do on the lean of stuff to incur ? '' Matt asked.

`` I 'm jolly sure enough my team was the merely one with a get down saber ! '' Kaden said excitedly, `` I 'm so sword lily I decided to add it. ``

`` We did all right hand, '' pink wine shrugged, `` Missed a lot of hooey, but I think we did well in the trifle. ``

`` Of line you did, '' John Lackland grinned. `` Hey, did anyone manage to get hold the potions bottle ? Slughorn did n't have any commons ones and Madam Pomfrey looked make to hex me when I asked her. It 's not really fair that Kendrick put something on there that was impossible to get. ``

Albus grinned at Matt, who grinned back.

`` What ? '' John asked.

`` We got it, '' flatness told him.

`` How ? '' Kaden asked, `` gentlewoman Pomfrey was downright scary when I asked her. May have been because she was officious fixing someone 's broken arm, but still .... ''

`` Matt asked her and she gave him one, '' Albus explained.

matte shrugged, `` Simple, really. ``

lav sighed, `` Well, you 're probably the only one in the school who could get it. She 'd probably give you whatever you asked for. ``

`` Why ? '' Kaden asked curiously.

`` Sorry, not telling, '' can replied.

Kaden sighed, `` Oh, role of that whole secret I ca n't know about ? ``

`` Yeah, '' John said and then changed the issue, `` Hey, did any of you do the riddle thing ? ``

`` I did, '' Rose said, `` Want to take heed it ? ``

`` Of course, '' lav said.

`` Ok, I 'll see if you can get it. I thought it was a bit childlike, really, '' Rose said. She pulled a while of parchment out of her robes and read off of it.

'' 'In an event known by sorcerer universal
Where well and immorality are forced to collide
A terrible force can now no longer reside.
A place where just one function of Voldemort died .'''

Albus looked at John, Matt, and Amanda and shrugged. He did n't call back it was childlike, but Rose was beneficial at those sorts of things.

`` No thought, '' John announced.

`` Dunno, '' mat shrugged.

`` Hmm, '' Amanda muttered.

`` Do n't face at me, '' Kaden said.

`` The Great Hall ? '' Albus asked, thinking of the place where Voldemort died.

`` Nope, '' rosiness grinned, `` That was the trick part. It 's actually that memorial outside, where professor Longbottom killed Voldemort 's snake. ``

`` Oh, '' Albus groaned, `` Of course ! Did n't even think of that. ``

`` How long did it convey you to figure it out ? '' Matt asked.

`` Not long, '' Rose smiled, `` But then I had to watch the cue to come up the bit of selective information to give prof Kendrick. ``

`` And where was that ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Library, '' Rose grinned, `` Herbology section. ``

`` Wonder how many team got it, '' Albus thought aloud.

`` Well, my team did, obviously, '' blush wine said, `` And you said your team did, Albus. What about you two ? ``

`` We did n't, '' John sighed and Amanda shook her head.

`` We did, '' Kaden put in.

`` Guess we 'll find out tonight how everyone did, '' Albus said.

`` Yeah, '' Rose agreed, `` But I 'm not going to think about it now. mightiness as well get some homework done. ``

Albus managed to get half an essay done before dinner. blush wine wrote an entire essay and did a set of homework questions. mat helped Amanda with her astronomy and still got his Herbology done. John and Kaden on the former hand, spent he rest of the good afternoon goofing off and playing chess.

The inflammation was running high in the Great entrance hall during dinner that evening. Everyone was comparing what they managed to discover during the scavenger hunting. Albus kept glancing up to the faculty board to see when Kendrick would micturate the announcement, but he seemed to be waiting until the conclusion minute to do so.

After what seemed the like forever, Kendrick got to his base. `` effective evening, everyone. I hope all the first of all and second age enjoyed the scavenger William Holman Hunt. It was certainly a achiever and I 'm surely the honest-to-goodness students will depend forward to their turns.

`` And, without any further waiting, I shall announce the upshot. The 1st, second, and third place teams will all be awarded medal.

`` In third place, with 572 distributor point, Team Two ! '' Kendrick announced, `` Will the fellow member of Team Two please derive up here. ``

`` Yes ! '' Albus shouted and jumped up, `` Third place, that 's not bad ! ``

`` Yeah, I 'd say that 's pretty good, '' lustrelessness grinned and followed Albus up to the staff table.

Albus and Matt joined the rest of their squad in strawman of the faculty board. Kendrick put a bronze palm over each of their necks and pulled out a camera. He took a few moving-picture show and then told them to refund to their seats.

blush wine, Amanda, John the Evangelist, and Kaden congratulated Albus and Matt as they sat back down. A few of Albus 's full cousin patted him on the spinal column and told him good job.

`` Excellent, Albus, '' Saint James grinned, `` But my squad will get first place next week. ``

`` I 'll trust it when I see it, '' Albus rolled his eyes.

`` And in bit blank space, with 580 decimal point, is Team Seven ! '' Kendrick announced.

The members of Team seven-spot ran up to the staff table to get their ash grey medals and have their picture taken.

`` And in showtime place, with 673 power point, is Team Six ! '' Kendrick shouted. `` congratulation to the winning team ! ``

`` Woohoo ! '' Kaden stood up and started jumping up and down as he ran up to the faculty table, `` Yes ! ``

`` Wow, who would 've thought that, '' rosebush grinned, `` Kaden 's team won. ``

`` fountainhead, he does have a very large sum of random stuff in his student residence, '' Albus commented.

`` I 'll bet it was the light sabre that put his team over the edge, '' John shook his head word, `` I mean, I think his team was the only one to get it. ``

`` Probably, '' Albus shrugged.

`` I ca n't trust I won ! '' Kaden shouted as he sat back down with his big gold medal a few minute of arc later.

`` Congratulations, '' Albus grinned, `` At least one of us got maiden place. ``

`` We were so ending to back, '' mat groaned, `` Eight measly points ! ``

`` wellspring, third 's effective, '' john muttered, `` Better than not getting a decoration at all. ``

`` Oh, John, it 's just a game, '' Amanda said, `` The level is that we all had fun. ``

`` extolment to our winning team and everyone else that participated, '' Kendrick said, `` I will be looking forward to the next round, third and fourth yr, a calendar week from today ! ``

Albus hung his bronze medal from his bed Emily Post before he went to bed that night. He crawled beneath the covers feeling very content with third berth. He had n't really been expecting to win at all. The scavenger Hunt had been a lot of fun, and Albus hoped Kendrick would hold it again sometime. It had been so much fun, that Albus had n't even thought about the new map the entire day. He made a mental annotation to ask Rose about the Sileo Altus charm the next day. They would bear to tell Kaden about everything soon if they wanted to make anymore advancement on the map. Plus, they 'd have to research more about how to prove to the map that they really were like the Marauders.


A/N : Bit of a shorter chapter, but the previous one was longer, so it evens out. Kaden has proved that it never hurts to have a get down saber, a lesson that my brother agrees with since he brought his light cavalry sword to LeakyCon and quite a few the great unwashed told him they wished they 'd brought theirs.

I have created a website for my fan fic, where you can line up type profile and a web log about news and updates about my written material. The connection is on my profile Thomas Nelson Page here. I 'd love for you to condition it out and lead comment in the news show and Update section.

Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight, who had to garb up as the Tin Man in end summer 's scavenger hunt. Big thanks to my protagonist, rosiness, for coming up with the riddle. Thanks as well to EvilChaos, XDNLxtlz99, Luke, mischiefmaker92, drownzer, Moonylupin, Miguel, Denas, and Tonks for their recapitulation !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Throughout the rest of the calendar month, Rose continued to make progress on the Sileo Altus appeal, and by the time Apr rolled around, she was confident in her ability to execute it. Albus wished the Saame could be said for the progress with finding out how to bear witness to the map that he and his friends were like the Marauders. Albus spent every waking moment that he was n't doing prep, attending Quidditch pattern, or dueling practice, in the library trying to encounter out a go or magic spell that would make for. His try were fruitless, though, because he still had n't found anything promising.

Albus also had another successful dueling tournament. He won both of his affaire d'honneur as did Malfoy, but their squad still had n't won. Albus was beginning to doubt whether they 'd ever win.

Albus 's next Quidditch match was the start Saturday in April. He found himself distracted by the map even before he entered the changing room. They were playing Ravenclaw, and it was voiceless to tell who had the better team, Gryffindor or Ravenclaw. Albus pushed thoughts of the map from his oral sex as he walked into the changing way.

Georgia gave the squad the usual pep talk, which this prison term included telling them that if they won this equal, they 'd be in the final. If Ravenclaw got to a lesser extent than 180 points, then Ravenclaw might not make it to the terminal. GA did n't particularly care who they played in the final examination, just so long as they won.

The compeer went smoothly, in Albus 's opinion. Much easily than the previous catch, in which Albus got cat partway through. The weather was unspoiled for this match as well. Albus managed to keep from thinking about the map, which was good since it was a very high-scoring compeer for both side of meat and Albus was constantly being thrown the Quaffle. After only an hr of play, James River went into a dive and caught the snitcher, right out from under one of the Ravenclaw beater 's broom.

The usual party in the common room ensued after the students returned to the castle, but Albus was n't really interested in it. Now that the match was over, all he could cerebrate about was trying out the Sileo Altus charm on Kaden. Albus figured the best sentence to do it would be in the evening and the undecomposed plaza would be the Room.

Shortly after Rose had succeeded in performing the charm on John Lackland, Matt had reluctantly given into trying it with Kaden. His only consideration was first trying it with a harmless secret, and if that worked, to prompt onto the adult one.

`` Are we doing it tonight ? '' John asked as he sipped his butterbeer.

`` Yeah, '' Albus whispered back, `` After dinner party. ``

The rest period of the afternoon and dinner party seemed to go by at an alarmingly slack charge per unit. Time seemed to go by much like it did in History of Magic.

`` Kaden, '' Albus said after they had finished eating, `` We 're not going to the common way now. We 're going to show you a different room in the castle, one you 've never seen. ``

`` Excellent, '' Kaden grinned, `` What kind of elbow room ? ``

`` You 'll see when we get there, '' Albus replied. `` Let 's go. ``

Kaden followed Albus and his friends through the castle, with a constant quantity stream of dubiousness that Albus ignored.

`` Are you sure this is going to influence ? '' matte whispered nervously as they stopped in front of the clean space of wall where the elbow room of Requirement was.

`` Yes, '' rose wine assured him, `` It will work. ``

lustrelessness nodded and started pacing in front of the wall.

`` Why did we bar ? '' Kaden asked, and then his centre popped out of his capitulum as he saw the door appear from nowhere. `` Wicked. ``

`` C'mon, '' Albus said as he opened the door.

`` What is this place ? '' Kaden asked in awe.

`` Room of necessary, '' Albus told him, `` Room that gives you what you need. ``

`` I ca n't believe you did n't show me this yet ! ''

`` fountainhead, it 's not something we want you to tell anyone about. ``

`` I wo n't, '' Kaden said, `` So it 'll give me anything I ask it for ? I think I want an entire cake .... ''

`` It does n't do solid food, '' rose wine explained.

`` Oh, well, it 's still smart as a whip. ``

`` Kaden, fare sit down, '' Albus told his cousin.

`` You 're all so quiet, '' Kaden said as he took a fundament on the cast next to Albus, `` What 's going on ? ``

`` well, '' Albus began, `` We 're going to quiz something. rosiness found a charm that 's supposed to ca-ca mortal not be capable to tell other people 's secret. If it works, we 're going to tell you a clustering of stuff and you wo n't be able to tell anyone. ``

`` What are you going to tell me ? '' Kaden asked excitedly.

`` We have to nominate surely the appeal works first, '' Albus sighed, `` Which is why we 're here. Rose is going to perform the charm, using your knowledge of this room as the secret. If you have n't told anyone by next Saturday, we 'll secern you the rest of it. ``

`` amercement, '' Kaden sighed, `` I ca n't believe you wo n't tell me without this charm. ``

`` Um, Kaden, you 've told Malfoy hooey I told you not to separate anyone, '' Albus reminded him.

`` That was n't my fault ! ``

`` I know, but we 're not risking this. If you want to know the mystery, you 'll induce to have pink wine do the charm. ``

`` Ok, ok, I 'll do it, '' Kaden said.

`` Good, '' Rose smiled, `` Now let 's get started. ``

It took blush wine about ten minutes to perform the charm. Kaden was thoroughly amazed by the charm and blush wine 's ability to perform it.

`` Let 's test it, '' Rose decided once they left the way. She pointed to a young lady who was walking towards them. `` Go narrate her about the Room. ``

Kaden shrugged and ran up to the girl, who looked to be around Kaden 's age and was in Hufflepuff.

`` Er, '' Kaden began, `` So there 's this place- '' Kaden turned around and looked confusedly at Albus, then turned back to the girl. `` Anyway, at this place, you can- ''

`` What 's wrong with you ? '' the female child asked, trying to incubate up her giggling. `` Are you ok ? ``

`` Fine, fine, '' Kaden muttered, `` Never intellect. ``

Kaden ran back to Albus and the others, blushing furiously. `` It worked, but now everyone 's going to think I 'm an idiot. ``

Albus laughed, `` No they wo n't. But that 's good that it worked. ``

`` Yeah, '' Kaden grinned, `` Definitely worth it. ``

******

Albus kept a fold eye on Kaden throughout the next workweek. As far as he could severalise, his full cousin did n't tell anyone about the Room of essential. They tested the charm a few Sir Thomas More time, telling Kaden to tell person about it, but Kaden was never capable to. Albus was fully convinced that the Sileo Altus appealingness was a success.

Kaden was positively beaming by the fourth dimension Saturday arrived. Albus was kind of excited as well, because they would officially birth Wormtail in their chemical group of new Marauders. John the Evangelist, pink wine, and Amanda were excited as well. The only thing left to do after this would be to find a way to prove to the map that they were like the Marauders. Matt did n't seem excited at all. He was clearly neural about telling Kaden that he was a lycanthrope. It probably did n't help that the full moon was only a few Clarence Day away. Albus could n't really blame Matt for his nerves, but Albus was sure the appealingness would go on to work.

After dinner, Albus led his booster back to the elbow room of Requirement, with the new Map in his robes.

`` Ok, what 's the clandestine ? '' Kaden said as he bounced around the Room once they were inside.

`` You 've got to sit down first, '' Albus told him. `` And flatness 's going to secern you the first one. ``

`` Oh ! '' A smell of comprehension appeared on Kaden 's aspect. `` Is this about how you get sick every calendar month ? ``

`` Yes, '' flatness sighed.

`` And this is what you do n't want Malfoy to know about ? ``

`` Yes, '' mat said shortly, `` Now just let me tell you what it is. ``

`` Sorry, '' Kaden muttered.

`` It 's ok, '' lustrelessness said, `` First, you ca n't tell anyone this. I mean, do n't even try to test the charm like we 've been doing all week. You ca n't even try to tell anyone this. Never mention it to anyone except us. ``

`` I wo n't, '' Kaden said.

`` Good. Now, you know that werewolves are real, right ? ``

Kaden nodded, `` What does that have to do with you getting puke ? ``

`` Everything, '' Matt said quietly, `` I am a werewolf. ``

`` What ? ! '' Kaden shouted, `` That is the coolest affair ever ! ``

`` No it 's not, '' Matt sighed, `` You do n't even really experience what happens when I turn into a werewolf. ``

Kaden shrugged, `` I 've seen movies. ``

`` It 's not like that, '' matt told him, `` I get sick a few Clarence Shepard Day Jr. before the wide-cut moon, and then the nighttime of the full lunar month, I turn into a brute and bite myself because there 's nothing else for me to bite. ``

`` Oh, '' Kaden deflated, `` So where do you go when you turn into a wolf ? ``

`` A hutch in Hogsmeade. ``

`` The Shrieking hutch ? ``

`` Yes, that, '' Matt replied, `` I 'm the one who does the shrieking. ``

`` Now that is cool, '' Kaden grinned. `` How long have you been a wolfman ? ``

`` Since I was five. ``

`` That 's a longsighted time, '' Kaden said.

`` Most of my life sentence, '' Matt explained, `` It 's ugly, really. ``

`` And that 's the big enigma ? '' Kaden asked, `` Why ca n't anyone know that ? ``

`` Because most wizards do n't like werewolves, '' mat explained.

`` Well that 's stupid. ``

`` Yeah, it is, but it 's world. ``

`` But why is n't there a spell to make you not a werewolf anymore ? Or a potion ? ``

`` Magic does n't fix everything, '' lustrelessness sighed.

`` Yeah, that 's what I 've been trying William Tell you for the whole year, '' Albus pointed out.

`` But why ? ``

`` Dunno, '' matt shrugged, `` But there is a potion, called the Aconitum lycoctonum Potion, that 's supposed to make it so you keep your human mind when you turn into a wolf. So you do n't want to attack anyone or yourself. ``

`` Why do n't you take that ? '' Kaden asked.

`` I do, '' lustrelessness told him, `` Actually, I take a different variety show than most werewolves take. For some reason, Wolfsbane does n't act for me. I 'm in this study at St. Mungo 's to figure out why and right now they 've got me taking a new variety of Wolfsbane. ``

`` Does it work ? ``

`` Uh, no, '' lustrelessness replied, `` That 's kind of why I still bite myself every full lunation. ``

`` Oh, '' Kaden said. `` So someday they might chance a potion that will work ? ``

matt shrugged, `` Maybe. But I 'm not getting my hopes up. ``

`` So I 'll be charmed not to say anything about this ? '' Kaden asked after a few moments of silence.

`` Yes, '' Albus replied, pulling the new map out of his robe, `` And about this. ``

Albus spent the next half minute showing Kaden the new map. Kaden thought it was the effective thing he had seen yet at Hogwarts and could n't wait for it to completely work.

`` So we need you to correspond Saint Peter Pettigrew, '' Albus said after he 'd finished explaining about the map.

`` Saint Peter Pettigrew ? '' Kaden raised his brow, `` That malevolent bloke who betrayed your grandparents ? ``

`` Er, yes, '' Albus sighed.

`` You know my mum wanted to name me Peter, but Dad said no because he did n't want me to have the same name as that idiot, '' Kaden commented, `` So it 's my middle figure. ``

`` Perfect, '' John grinned, `` You even sort of share his figure. ``

`` Will you do it ? '' Albus asked.

`` I guess so, '' Kaden said slowly, `` I mean, it 's not like I 'm going to be like Pettigrew now. ``

`` No, '' Albus agreed, `` But you have to be sort of like him for it to work. And you are because you 've kind of got the same gens. ``

Kaden shrugged, `` I guess. Anyway, when are you going to get the map to lick ? ``

`` Whenever we figure out how to prove to it that we 're like the piranha. Somehow we 've got to register the map that we are similar to the Marauders, '' Albus explained, `` Which is taking forever. ``

`` Oh, you mean like a fingerbreadth photographic print ? '' Kaden asked.

`` What ? '' Albus asked.

`` You know, a finger print. Everyone 's is different, but your digit photographic print is similar to your relatives. It 's how Muggle cops find hoi polloi and stuff when they 're missing. And how they identify consistence. ``

`` A finger mark ! '' Rose exclaimed, `` That 's it ! I ca n't believe I did n't remember of it ! ``

`` What are you talking about ? '' John the Evangelist asked. `` Kaden just said everyone 's is unlike. So how will ours be like the piranha'? ``

`` Not Muggle finger mark, '' Rose said, `` Wizard unity. There 's a spell to get your Wizard 's fingerbreadth Print. It reveals your epithet, relatives, even your personality. ``

`` That 's kind of scary, '' Albus said, `` Anyone can feel that stuff out if they 've got your finger photographic print ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Rose shrugged, `` But I think it will crop for this. ``

`` hope so, '' Albus grinned. He could n't believe that Kaden had actually given rose wine an theme about the map. Kaden had helped with it. If this finger print thing worked, they could have the map figured out in no time.

`` We 'll bet for it tomorrow, '' rosiness stood up and drew her wand, `` Now let 's do the charm. ``

Albus nodded, feeling more wind up than he had in calendar month. They were so close, he could just feel it. The map would be working soon. Of row, there was a nagging uncertainty in Albus 's gut that was telling him that there would be something to figure out even after the finger print thing.

******

`` What are you going to sign up for ? '' toilet asked as he glanced over the sheepskin all the second twelvemonth had received just a minute earlier.

`` Dunno, '' Albus shrugged, `` What about you, lustrelessness ? ``

`` Care of Magical brute, '' Matt replied, `` Not sure what else. ``

`` I 'll do that one, too, '' Albus decided and wrote it down on his parchment. `` Hagrid Teach it, so it 'll be fun. ``

`` Sign me up, '' toilet said, `` I could use with a fun form. ``

`` You ought to believe about what will be useful in your hereafter vocation, '' rose told them.

`` But I 've got no idea what I want to do, '' John said.

Albus had no musical theme either. He had n't really thought about it. He thought being an Auror would be a good job, but he was n't sure that that was what he wanted to do. He still had five age at Hogwarts anyway, why decide now ?

`` Me either, '' Amanda agreed, `` I think I 'll do tending of Magical Creatures, too. ``

`` I 'm taking Muggle Studies, '' Rose announced, `` Plus Arithmancy and Ancient Runes. ``

`` All three ? '' bathroom asked, `` But we only have to withdraw two. ``

`` Yeah, but I want to take all of them. I 'd really like to take tending of Magical wight, too, but there 's not enough time. ``

`` Maybe I 'll do soothsaying, '' John shrugged.

pink wine snorted, `` divination ? Mum says that should n't even be a national. There 's no really learning involved. ``

`` But is it easy ? '' toilet asked.

`` Uncle Ron said all you 've got to do is make up predictions about your death if you 've got Trelawney, '' Albus explained.

`` Excellent, '' John scribbled onto his sheepskin, `` I 'll charter that and hope I 've got Trelawney. ``

`` I 'm taking that, too, '' Amanda said, `` It actually sounds interesting. ``

`` Fine, '' rosebush sighed, `` But I still say it 's not really a discipline. ``

`` Maybe I 'll do antediluvian rune, '' Albus thought aloud, `` I think it 's promiscuous than Arithmancy. What about you, lustrelessness ? What else do you think you 'll take ? ``

`` Ancient runic letter sounds unspoiled, '' lustrelessness yawned, `` I guess I 'll read that. Amy took it. She hated it in Australia, but she said it 's good here. ``

`` I 'd take everything, '' Kaden announced, `` I could n't resolve. ``

`` You ca n't take everything, '' Rose laughed, `` You 'd make to be in two stead at once. ``

`` Oh, well I 'm pretty trusted that 's impossible, '' Kaden sighed.

Albus turned and grinned at Rose, who grinned back. Albus could only imagine Kaden 's reaction to a time-turner.

`` Yeah, the most family you can take is three, '' rosebush explained.

`` Then I 'll take three, '' Kaden decided.

`` Are you lot done choosing classes ? '' Rose asked as she stood up, `` We 'd better get to Transfiguration Day. ``

Albus spent the entire August 6 class trying to wrick his photographic plate into a bowl, and had almost managed to do it by the clock time the class was over. rosebush, of course, did it within ten minutes and spent the residue of the grade helping Albus and the rest of their friends.

History of conjuration was as boring as ever. Matt slept the entire social class, and Albus felt himself nod off a few times. Matt had seemed very tired in Transfiguration and probably would hold fallen asleep in that year if it were n't for the fact that it was a hard-nosed lesson. This was n't surprise considering the fact that the full moonlight was the side by side day. The Healers still had n't found something to undermine the side effect of extreme fatigue of the new wolfbane that Matt was on.

double Potions was after tiffin, and Albus felt drowsy as soon as he walked into the room. This was odd since he had felt fine a here and now before. He did n't seem to be the merely one who felt this either. Both John and Amanda yawned as soon as they sat down, and even Rose 's eyes drooped a bit as she pulled out her parchment. matte laid his head down on the desk and fell asleep immediately.

`` Good afternoon, everyone ! '' Slughorn said, `` Now, I 'm sure you 're all feeling a bit tired, which is perfectly normal.

`` This, '' Slughorn gestured to a smoking cauldron on his desk, `` Is Drowsiness Potion. All it takes is one whiff of this potion to put you into a land of weariness. If you drink it, you 'll flow into an almost sleep-like state for about a one-half hr. Of form, you 'd bed this if you did the reading that was due today. ``

Albus remembered being assigned the reading, but he had n't done it. He had just been too busybodied with Quidditch exercise, dueling recitation, and all his former homework.

`` You will be trying to brew this today, but you will only do half of it, '' Slughorn announced, `` It needs to simmer for about a hebdomad before you can fill in it. Instructions are on the gameboard. forge with your usual mate. ``

Albus yawned and got up from his tabular array. He joined Limbert at his table and lit the fire under the cauldron while Limbert collected ingredients.

The entire category was moving at a obtuse pace than usual, and everyone was yawning every few minutes. It was kind of strange. Nobody was arguing with their partner either. Albus wondered if Slughorn had picked this particular potion for a reason. The past tense calendar week, a affaire d'honneur had broken out between bathroom and Goyle, resulting in both of them being sent to the infirmary annexe for Nathan Birnbaum and then being assigned a week 's worth of detention.

Limbert returned wit the component and he and Albus started to prepare them, without exchanging any conversation. No dissimilar than usual.

Albus dumped some ingredients into the cauldron and began to touch it. He watched lustrelessness and Malfoy as he did so. Malfoy had returned with ingredients and was prodding matt with his wand to get him to heat up.

`` What are you doing ? '' Albus whispered to Malfoy.

`` Waking him up, '' Malfoy said.

`` Wha-what 's going on ? '' matt lifted up his head.

`` chop shot up those cherry roots, '' Malfoy instructed. Albus was surprised with how calm Malfoy seemed.

Matt nodded and picked up his tongue. Albus went back to stirring his potion.

`` professor ! '' Malfoy said after a few minutes. `` He keeps falling asleep. ``

Albus looked up from the beetle eyes he was mincing. Matt was once again asleep on the table.

`` Ah, '' Slughorn waddled over to mat and Malfoy 's mesa, `` The Drowsiness Potion affects everyone differently. '' Slughorn shook flatness 's shoulder. `` love boy, you might want to go to the Hospital Wing. I do n't think the exhaust from this potion are agreeing with you. They 're not supposed to put you into a recondite eternal sleep. ``

Matt nodded and stood up. He stumbled and leaned back onto the desk.

`` Albus, '' Slughorn turned to Albus, `` Perhaps you could see him. I 'm sure Mr. Limbert can wield your potion. ``

`` All right, '' Albus laid down his knife and went over to where Matt was standing.

Albus grabbed his arm and led him out of the room. Albus felt immediately better as soon as they shut the door. The drowsiness went away completely.

`` I 've got to sit down, '' Matt mumbled and sat down on the floor.

`` Are you all right ? '' Albus asked, sitting down future to him.

`` I dunno, '' flatness shrugged, `` I 'm guessing that that potion just made me even more pall than I already am. ``

`` Do you sense better now ? '' Albus asked.

`` Not really, '' matte replied.

`` Then you 'd better get to the hospital fender. ``

`` Yeah, I suppose. ``

madam Pomfrey wanted Matt to stay for the relaxation of the afternoon. Albus was n't even sure if she 'd let him leave at all before the entire moon. Knowing the nurse, she probably wouldn't.

Matt never came back from the infirmary Wing that Night, so Albus assumed Madam Pomfrey was keeping him there until after the full phase of the moon moon. Albus and the eternal sleep of his protagonist decided that as soon as matt was out of the hospital Wing, they would start looking for the necromancer 's fingerbreadth Print appeal. Rose was jolly sure she had seen it in the library somewhere, but she could n't retrieve where. That meant that they would pass hr scouring the stallion depository library for it. This was in accession to all the extra studying they had to do now that the end of term test were lupus erythematosus than two month away. Albus just hoped they 'd be able to reckon out the map before school was over. It would be unpointed to figure it out during the summer, when they would n't even be able to use it.


A/N : I hope everyone has enjoyed Half-Blood Prince or do enjoy it if you have n't seen it yet ! Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight. Thanks as well to Moonylupin, EvilChaos, phoenixy friend, XDNLxtlz99, Tears of a Phoenix, Denas, Miguel, Gospel of Luke, and tranc3rooney for their reviews !