Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Pouring a can of pea soup into the toilet and pretending it was vomit ? No, he 'd done that the last clip. Ketchup on the nozzle, pretending it was blood ? No, that one was just unintelligent. Faking a head ache ? Nope, his mum would just turn that around on him and tell him it was his own fault for staying up too late the previous night.

Kaden Dursley sighed and sat up on his bed. He gazed out the windowpane at the overcast sky. It was unsufferable to separate the clock time of day since the sun was blocked by clouds, but his clock said it was nearly one o'clock. It would probably rain later, which only worsened Kaden 's mood.

Ever since Kaden awoke at noon, he had been trying to think up a near alibi to vamoose going to dinner at his grandparents'house later that day. His grandparents were possibly the most insufferable people on the face of the major planet, save for his auntie Marge.

Kaden had never liked his grandparents. Sure, they 'd showered him with sempiternal talent on his birthdays and Christmas, but that was the only way they showed their affection. Well, aside from his grandma 's bone smashing clinch, which were surprisingly tight considering her modest frame. His grandparents were downright boring, their conversations ranging from the weather to what the next door neighbors were doing that morning.

However, the absolute tough thing Kaden 's grandparents had done was ensure that he had to go to Smelting 's in the fall. Smelting 's was an elite group schoolhouse that his granddad and his don had both attended. Kaden had visited numerous clock time and hated everything about it. He hated the awful uniforms, the stuck-up professors, and the kids who constantly argued about whose founding father had the topper job.

Kaden had told his parents that he did n't require to go. At first, his Father of the Church was volition to consider letting him see populace schooling with all his Friend, but after his granddad had his say, there was no discussing the matter. Smelting 's it was. And after that, he would surely be destined to work for Grunnings, the same drill troupe that his granddaddy and founder worked for. What a boring life.

Perhaps if he tried real backbreaking, Kaden would be able to throw himself a febricity. He 'd done it once, a few long time ago. His parents had wanted him to attend some sort of oeuvre related company for his grandpa, and Kaden had been dreading it. Half hour before they were supposed to provide, his temperature spiked to five stage above normal and he 'd been able to skip the company. The practiced part was, the fever had been gone within the hour.

He had no idea how he 'd done it, though. Kaden concentrated hard, thinking of hot matter such as volcanos and the Equator, but even after fifteen minutes of thinking, he still felt perfectly formula. It must have been a fluke, the other clock time. Must 've just been a random fever.

There was a easygoing knock on his door and Kaden hastily got out of his bed. He opened the door, revealing his female parent standing in the doorway. She was a short-change woman with unbowed brown hair, the same coloring as his own, that was level with her chin.

"Kaden, soundly, you 're awake,"she smiled."Your grandfather wants to see you in your Smelting 's uniform tonight. He 's start a new digital camera and needs to remove some icon of you in it."

Kaden groaned."But I wore it last time I saw him."

"I know,"she said."But it 's really not a big heap, is it ?"

"Fine,"Kaden muttered.

His mother left and Kaden shut the door again. She had always been the peacekeeper in the family. Whether dousing arguments between Kaden and his seven-year-old sister, Bethany, or easing the tenseness between Kaden and his grandparents, she was always keeping the peace.

Not ten mo later the doorway burst open and Bethany practically flew into the way. She never knocked, something Kaden would normally shout at her for. However, this time he was too shocked at her appearance to bother shouting.

Bethany was wearing a princess outfit, staring with frothy shoe and a crown. She was grinning ear to ear and her long blonde whisker was curled.

"Why are you wearing that ?"Kaden asked. Bethany was n't normally the girly type and preferred to wear denim and a t-shirt while kicking a football game around with Kaden.

"Grandma Petunia got it for me,"Bethany grinned,"It 's so a great deal adept than the other princess costumes I 've seen. Now grandfather Vernon can take pictures of me, too."

"Wish he 'd just take pictures of you,"Kaden muttered.

"mum did my hair. Do you like it ?"Bethany asked.

"Lovely,"Kaden replied.

"I-"Bethany began, but stopped as the doorbell rang."I 'll get it !"she shrieked as she ran out of the room.

Kaden ran after her. She was n't supposed to get the threshold, and not only because of the reasons most parents would n't let their seven-year-old daughters answer the door. A few weeks ago she had purchased over fifty burnt umber stripe from a kid who was selling them, with their mum 's money.

"Bethany, motility !"Kaden shouted as they reached the door.

Kaden pushed her out of the way and peered out the windowpane. There was a man standing on their front porch wearing an outfit even strange than Bethany 's. In fact, it kind of looked like Bethany 's. It was a clothes. A black robe-like dress. Kaden had to stifle his laugh as he opened the door.

"Hello,"the man greeted them. He was unforesightful than Kaden 's Father of the Church, but marvelous than Kaden. His blonde hair looked windswept and he had a happy smile on his face.

"Er, hi,"Kaden said, still trying not to laugh.

"Are your parents in ?"the man asked.

"Yeah,"Kaden answered."Bethany, go get them."

"Why are you wearing a dress ?"Bethany giggled.

"Not a dress,"the man said."Go get your parents and I 'll explain."

More peculiar than ever, Kaden glared at Bethany until she turned around and ran into the kitchen. Kaden turned back to the man and watched him. He seemed Nice enough, still smiling as he stood on the stoop. Kaden assumed he was selling something, perhaps the strange dress-like turnout he was wearing ? If that was the case, then he 'd hold no portion at the Dursley 's house. At least he had n't showed up at Kaden 's grandparents'house, though. He certainly would n't be smiling after that. Petunia and Vernon hated anything abnormal and that would certainly include men wearing dresses.

Bethany returned with their parents following behind her. Dudley was dressed in jeans and a t-shirt that was stretched over his rather prominent belly. His blonde pilus was straight and tidy, which Kaden was sure was due to the dinner party with his grandparents. Normally Dudley did n't niggle around with his pilus.

"Dudley and Christina Dursley ?"the strange man asked.

"Yes,"Dudley said as he furrowed his brow."Can I help you ?"

"My name is Professor Neville Longbottom,"the man said as he stuck out his hand."I have something I wish to hash out with you. May I come in ?"

"I suppose,"Dudley said as he shook the prof 's hand.

Kaden held the door open air and Neville Longbottom stepped inside. Kaden followed as his parents lead them into the sustenance way. Christina ran to fetch drinks while Neville settled himself onto one of the couch. Dudley sat in the chair across from him, looking confused and slightly shocked. Bethany was staring at Neville.

Kaden sat down in a beanbag chair on the floor and waited for the adults to start talking. He was glad his parents had n't kicked him and Bethany out of the room. He hated when they did that. It was rather superfluous anyway since Kaden had become very adept at listening in on his parents'conversations.

Christina returned with potable and passed them out. Neville took a sip of his, set it down, and then turned to Dudley.

"This may come as a bit of a shock for you,"Neville began."But I am a professor at Hogwarts."

Dudley spat out his sal soda and started coughing. Christina let out a small gasp and turned to look at Dudley, who had gone pallid white. The two shared a look and then turned back to Neville.

Kaden was more confused than ever. What was Hogwarts ? A school ? Why would a professor from a school he 'd never get word of show up at his door ? His parents had obviously heard of it.

"That 's a stupid figure,"Bethany announced.

"You do n't mean,"Dudley began, ignoring Bethany."You ca n't be serious. This has got to be a gag !"

"It 's not a antic,"Neville assured him."I 've come to pop the question Kaden a place at Hogwarts."

"But, but,"Dudley said faintly."Oh my God."

Kaden was fully brisk now. What variety of schooltime was Hogwarts ? And what had he done to clear a place ? He had n't applied to any former shoal besides Smelting 's. Of course, if this Hogwarts schooltime really was offering him a place, he wanted to go. Anything was dear than Smelting's.

"But what is Hogwarts ?"Kaden asked.

"Dudley,"Neville said quietly."What have you told your tyke about Harry ?"

Harry ? What did Harry make to do with this ? Kaden had met his dad 's cousin, Harry ceramicist, only a few times. All he knew was that Harry had three kids around his own age and that they lived in Jack London. For whatever reason, Kaden 's family rarely visited them. Kaden found this rather odd since his grandparents had raised Harry after Harry 's parents were killed in a car crash.

"Not much,"Dudley muttered.

"You told them Harry 's parents were killed in a car crash, did n't you,"Neville said, more as a command than a question.

"What else was I supposed to say ?"Dudley groaned.

Kaden stared at his Father-God, who was looking to a greater extent and more uncomfortable. Had Harry 's parents really not died in a car clangoring ? Why would his dad lie about that ?

"Well, you 're going to have to explicate now,"Neville said."I 'll wait. Unless you 'd rather I do it-"

"No, no, I 'll do it !"Dudley exclaimed."But only if we decide that Kaden can assist this school."

"Of course of study I 'm going !"Kaden shouted."Dad, you know I do n't want to go to Smelting 's and here 's the perfect reasonableness not to !"

"I do n't know,"Dudley sighed."What will my parents say ?"

nonentity said anything for a few here and now. Kaden continued to glare at his father. He was sick of having to do what his grandparents wanted. Why would n't his own father stick up for him ?

"enough,"Christina said loudly."Look, Dudley, we knew this could happen. It runs in the gene ! He 's been making odd thing happen for years. We tried to ignore the foretoken, but we knew it might happen. And frankly, I 'm felicitous. You and I both know he would n't have been happy going to Smelting 's. I also could n't care less about what your parents think. You 're a grown man, Dudley, make decisions regarding your kids based on what you think, not what your parents think."

What ran in his genes ? It could n't be intelligence service. Kaden knew he was mediocre, no advantageously than most of the minor his age. Maybe it was football game skills ? Kaden was a fair football game player, but no one else in his family was particularly estimable. How would that run in his genes ?

"All right,"Dudley said quietly."He can go."

"Excellent !"Kaden exclaimed."Now can somebody narrate me what Hogwarts is ? And what exactly I 've got running through my cistron ?"

Dudley looked up and his eyes met Kaden 's."Hogwarts is a school. A especial school that Harry attended when we were kids. It 's a school of magic, for witches and wizards-"

"Wait,"Kaden interrupted."magic trick ? Like Abra Kadabra and magic baton and stuff ?"

"verge yes, but Abra Kadabra is not a spell,"Neville said as he pulled out a long stick which Kaden assumed was a wand.

Kaden watched skeptically as Neville pointed his sceptre at his looking glass of washing soda. He muttered something in a different language and the glass began to swim. Kaden gaped as he glass floated around the way and then back to Neville. Neville caught it and then pocketed his wand.

"Holy crap,"Kaden gasped."So I 've got magic running through my genes ?"

"Apparently so,"Dudley said.

"Then how come I ca n't do magic, like make my homework magically do itself ?"Kaden asked.

"You are n't trained,"Neville said,"but even then you wo n't be able to give preparation do itself. cerebrate, Kaden, has anything ever happened to you that you ca n't excuse ?"

Kaden thought, then his eyes opened broad and he stared at Neville."What if a mortal really did n't desire to go somewhere and they got a febricity all of a sudden and then it went away once they did n't sustain to go where they did n't want to ?"

Neville grinned."Yes, that would be charming. Did that happen to you ?"

"Er, yes,"Kaden said, avoiding his Fatherhood 's eyes."But I did n't do it on purpose. corporate trust me, I 've tried to do it again and it does n't work."

"Of track you did n't do it on purpose."Neville laughed."Things like that happen to a lot of young witches and wizards."

"But what about Harry ?"Kaden asked."You said his parents did n't die in a car crash ?"

"They did n't,"Dudley said."They were murdered by an wickedness genius, God Almighty something or the other-"

"Voldemort,"Neville muttered.

"Right,"Dudley said."Harry was sent to live with my parents and I, who told him his parents died in a car crash. They told him nothing about magic or his parents. They thought if they ignored the magic, they could stamp it out of him. They hate magic. When he turned eleven a man showed up to secern him all about it and offer him a office at Hogwarts."

"So, do King James, Albus, and Lily go to Hogwarts ?"Kaden asked."And is this Voldemort bloke still around ?"

"Jesse James and Albus are currently attending Hogwarts, but Lily is too young,"Neville explained."And Voldemort was defeated years ago ; no demand to worry."

Kaden nodded. Quite a few questions were going through his head, but he could n't figure out which to ask first.

"So,"Dudley said."He 's going to have to get a- a wand ?"Dudley 's side paled a bit when he said 'wand'.

"Yes,"Neville smiled,"Everything you need can be found in Diagon Alley in London."He rose from his chair and pulled a letter out of his robes, handing it to Kaden."Your acceptance letter and list of supplies."

Kaden took the letter and ripped it open. It was printed on thicker paper than what he was used to, almost like the sort of paper he imagined mass wrote on centuries ago.

He unfolded it and show it aloud to his parents and Bethany. It told him of his acceptance and was signed by the deputy sheriff headmistress, professor Padma Patil. Then it said that the Hogwarts Express would exit from King 's hybridisation station on September first, from a program 9 3/4.

"9 ¾ ?"Kaden asked questioningly."That 's not a real platform, is it ?"

"It is,"Neville laughed."It 's hidden from Muggles."

"Muggles ?"Kaden repeated.

"hoi polloi who ca n't execute magic, such as your parents,"Neville explained.

"Oh,"Kaden replied as he unfolded the lean of supply. It was full of odd books such as Magical Herbs and fungus kingdom, brass graduated table, and even a pewter cauldron. If his father had n't have already known about illusion, he would 've thought the whole thing was a joke.

"I can withdraw you to Greater London and read you where Diagon Alley is, if you would like,"Neville suggested.

"No, no, I think I 'll ask Harry,"Dudley said.

"That 's amercement,"Neville replied."Do either of you have anymore inquiry ?"

"Am I a beldame ?"Bethany asked.

"well, I 'm not sure,"Neville answered."If you get a letter the summer you 're 11 then you 're a hag. If not, then you 're not a witch."

"Oh,"Bethany said disappointedly."I want to be a witch."

"I 'm sure Kaden will tell you all about Hogwarts once he 's there,"Neville assured her as he stood up."I 'm going to have to go, but if you 've got any inquiry, just get ahold of Harry."

"Thanks,"Dudley said as he shook Neville 's hand. He still looked in shock and not all the color had returned to his face.

"I 'll see you at Hogwarts,"Neville said to Kaden.

"What do you instruct ?"Kaden asked.

"Herbology,"Neville replied."Magical plants."

Kaden watched as Neville left the home and then turned his attention to his parents. Dudley had slowly sat down on the skinny president and let out a small moan.
***


The alone audio at dinner was the chink of utensils hitting the PRC collection plate and the loud burp that Kaden let out after chugging half a meth of soda, earning him a relentless regard from his grandmother. It seemed that nobody could call back of anything to peach about. Even the usual issue of the atmospheric condition, sportswoman, and work had been exhausted.

Kaden and Bethany had been given rigid orders by their father not to mention anything about Hogwarts, Harry, or magic whatsoever. Kaden 's grandparents hated magic with a passionateness, something that kind of entertained Kaden but seemed to frighten his Father-God. Kaden has also learned that his grandparents did not like Harry due to his being a whiz, which explained why he rarely saw Harry or his baby.

Vernon and petunia were still under the stamp that Kaden was going to attend Smelting 's and Kaden had just endured an hour of having his photo taken by his granddad while wearing his Smelting 's uniform.

"You should get involved with boxing at Smelting 's,"Vernon said in between morsel of potatoes."Your dad was a wizard boxer when he was there."

"I like football,"Kaden muttered while wondering if Hogwarts would bear football. necromancer would still meet sports, would n't they ?

"football game ..."Vernon muttered."Better than nothing, I suppose. Smelting 's does have an excellent football game squad. I 'll give the coach a ring and let him know you 'll be joining."

"Well I 'm not certain yet what I 'll be joining,"Kaden said as he pushed his carrots around his plate.

"You 'll join a sportswoman, though,"Vernon insisted."Boys grow into proper men when they play a sport."

"We 'll need to bulge you up, too,"Petunia commented as she placed another pork chop on Kaden 's plate.

"I 've already been to the school twice,"Vernon said as he took another large gulp of brandy."radius with all your professors and they 're quite excited to play you. Long line of Dursley men who attended Smelting 's, you know."

"Yeah, you 've mentioned it five clock time,"Kaden said under his breath.

"What was that ?"Vernon asked.

"goose egg,"Kaden muttered.

Kaden really did n't wish lying to his grandparents. His parents had always taught him that lying was wrong, but now he knew that they had been lying to him his whole life about Harry. Now, he had to lie to his grandparents. How long would he have to keep lying ?

"Dudley had a wonderful clip at Smelting 's,"genus Petunia commented as she refilled Vernon 's brandy methamphetamine."Another spyglass, Dudley ?"

"No, no, I 'm very well,"Dudley said. His own brandy glass was still half-full.

"Every holiday, coming household with wonderful story of your acquaintance and all you 'd done during the past term ..."petunia smiled as she reminisced.

"And that 's where he started his boxing career !"Vernon said proudly."You 'll do us proud, Kaden. You 've got the Dursley blood."

Not really, Kaden thought. More like he had the Potter pedigree. Or perhaps not. He was n't technically related to the ceramist side of the family, just the Arthur Evans face. So he had Evans ancestry.

"You know what ?"Christina said."That 's it. Dudley, we 're telling them."

"tattle us what ?"Vernon asked, setting down his brandy glass.

"We ca n't,"Dudley hissed."We said we would n't tell them tonight."

"This is ridiculous, Dudley,"Christina said."It 's not fair to the kids."

"William Tell us what ?"Vernon asked, more loudly this time.

Christina stood up."I 'd wish to lecture with you in secret, Dudley."

Dudley got up and followed Christina out of the elbow room. The two of them disappeared into the kitchen, leaving Kaden and Bethany alone with their grandparents. Petunia was sitting straight up, wearing a pinched grammatical construction, and staring at the kitchen door. Vernon was sipping on his brandy again. It was all very awkward. Kaden pushed his uneaten food around on his plate and tried to ward off his gramps 's eye.

Christina and Dudley returned a few proceedings later, Christina looking triumphant and Dudley looking dying. They resumed their seats and Christina gave Dudley a knowing look.

Dudley sighed and glanced at Vernon, before staring at his shell."Mum, Dad, we 've got to tell you something. Kaden 's not going to Smelting's."

Vernon dropped his brandy glass and it shattered onto the mesa. Petunia looked so offend that she did not even move to clean it up."He 's WHAT ?"Vernon exclaimed.

"He 's not going,"Dudley said quickly."It 's not for him. He has n't wanted to go there from the startle and we 're not going to drive him."

Kaden felt his grandfather staring at him, despite the fact that he was not looking up from his plate."That 's not dependable, Kaden,"Vernon said.

"It is,"Kaden muttered. Kaden finally looked up and saw that his uncle was staring agape at Dudley. Petunia looked mildly uncomfortable.

"Then where 's he going ?"Vernon asked."Not public school. You know the subject that exist with them."

"Yes, public schooltime,"Dudley said immediately. Christina turned and glared at him.

"Public school ?"Vernon roared.

Public shoal ? Kaden thought. Was his dad really going to change one lie for another ?

"He wants to last out with his admirer, Dad,"Dudley said."We just ca n't force him to go somewhere that he does n't want to go."

"Every boy in our home has gone to Smelting 's !"Vernon exclaimed as he slammed his clenched fist down on the table."You ca n't go against that tradition."

"Vernon ..."Petunia said quietly."Kaden is their son. It 's up to them."

"It 's outrageous, Petunia. The boy wo n't get a right teaching in world school,"Vernon insisted.

Kaden wished the basis would open up and swallow him wholly. Was that the sort of thing he could do with magic ? It would be very utile for dinner party with his grandparents.

"You 'll regret this, Dudley,"Vernon said."patsy my words. Smelting 's is the only if suitable school out there. He 's going to drop out on a lot."

Kaden glanced up and glared at his grandfather, who luckily did not notice. Why was he so against any school besides Smelting 's ? He knew the reason why Dudley did n't require his grandfather to fuck he was attending Hogwarts, but would it really be that fearsome if they told him ? Did he really hate magic that very much ? But he, Kaden, was a whizz. A wizard just like Harry, and Vernon hated Harry and all wizards. Did that have in mind his own grandfather would hate him, Kaden ? It gave Kaden a sickening feeling in the pit of his venter and he pushed his plate away.

"May I be excused ?"Kaden asked quietly.

"Yes, that 's fine,"Christina said as Vernon continued to shout.

Kaden escaped the dining way and ran upstairs to the smallest bedroom. He knew it had been Harry 's bedroom, although it no longer contained any oddment of his wizard cousin-german. It was dandy as could be, decorated in pastels and flowers. Kaden sat on the bed and stared out the window.

Earlier in the day he 'd feel so turn on about finding out that he was a wizard. It explained all the unusual affair he 'd done in the past. The fever was not the solitary prison term something inexplicable had happened to him. Once, he had fallen off his motorcycle, landed hard on his carpus, and suffered no more than a gelt. Another prison term he 'd pass on a library book at domicile that he had meant to get back to school, only to find that it had appeared in his backpack during lunch.

Why had n't his dad told him about Harry being a wizard ? Perhaps there was some sorting of law preventing sorcerer telling Muggles about magic ? That would explicate why to the highest degree Muggles did not know about thaumaturgy. But his mother had known. Dudley had clearly told her. Harry must ingest done strange things as a small fry and Kaden wondered if his own begetter had realized what Kaden was when he did strange things.

There was a bang on the door a few arcminute later. Christina popped her foreland into the room and told Kaden they were leaving. She looked furious. Kaden nodded and quickly followed her down the step and out the threshold, without even saying goodbye to his grandparents.
***


The next few weeks were both exciting and cumbersome. Kaden put up a calendar on his wall to count down the days until he got to result for Hogwarts. Harry had said he would take them to Diagon bowling alley a few weeks before terminus started and Kaden was very a lot looking forward to that.

Kaden 's parents had a very big row in the solar day following the dinner at Vernon and petunia 's. Christina insisted that they tell Vernon and Petunia about Kaden attending Hogwarts and Dudley still wanted to retain it a secret. In fact, during those few hebdomad, they did not see Vernon and petunia at all, when they normally saw them once a week.

It took a long fourth dimension for Christina to win over Dudley that he should secern his parents about Kaden attending Hogwarts, but she finally did. In fact, it was the evening before Kaden and his family were to go to Diagon Alley with Harry that they went over to Vernon and Petunia 's for dinner once more.

The social occasion was very quiet at inaugural, with cipher knowing what to say and the only phrases mentioned being"pass the salt"or"could I have some more brandy, please ?"Kaden did not say a single discussion, which even he knew was rare, since he liked to talk a lot.

It was Vernon who finally broke the secretiveness."Still set on this populace schoolhouse, are you ?"

Dudley and Christina exchanged glances."No, actually, Kaden was never going to look public shoal,"Dudley said quietly."He 's been selected to go to a humble, common soldier school in Scotland. He did n't practice, but he 's been selected to attend."

"Then why did you tell us-"

"He 's going to Hogwarts, Dad,"Dudley interrupted, clearly wanting to get it over with."There. I told you. He 's going to Hogwarts. Kaden is a maven, just like Harry."

Kaden watched as both of his grandparents visibly paled. Vernon dropped his brandy glass. Petunia let out what could only be described as a small close call. Vernon 's expression then turned the purplish coloring it did when he got angry.

Petunia squeaked again and Vernon slammed his clenched fist down on the table."That spot ! That blank space where the boy went. Where ABNORMAL people go. You ca n't honestly be thinking of sending Kaden there ? ! I wo n't take in it, I wo n't !"

"It 's not up to you,"Christina said shortly."He 's our son."

"He 's going, Dad,"Dudley said quietly."Christina and I, we had a touch sensation ...."

"A feeling about what ?"Petunia asked.

"Kaden 's done foreign things,"Dudley answered."Like Harry did when we were kids. We never told him about magic, but we half expected this."Dudley left out the persona about him debating whether or not to let Kaden attend.

Vernon gave Kaden a very unusual tone, one that made Kaden feel mildly uncomfortable. It was a weird mix of mental confusion, choler, and the slightest bit of repulsion, as if he could not stand to remember that someone actually related to him was a superstar. Vernon had surely prided himself on the fact that he was not actually related to Harry.

"You do n't consume to send him there,"Vernon said, after he tore his eyes away from Kaden."It 's not required. You 're under no obligation-"

"He 's going, Dad,"Dudley said."It 's what 's topper for him."

"No, it 's not !"Vernon exclaimed."He 'll get mixed up that like crowd that your auntie did and you know what happened to her."

"She was murdered !"Dudley exclaimed."You ca n't blame her for being murdered. And the maniac who did it is gone."

"He 'd be dependable off at Smelting 's,"Vernon muttered as he poured himself another generous helping of brandy, in a new trash."Smelting 's wo n't be happy to hear this."

Kaden could n't worry less about Smelting 's. He was just happy he 'd never have to set foot in the piazza again. Anything would be estimable than Smelting 's and what little he knew about Hogwarts was better. He just wished his grandfather would be a little more accepting. Kaden may not have particularly liked his grandfather, but he still loved him and hated look as if it was not mutual.

Vernon sighed and stared at Kaden once more. Kaden immediately looked down at his plateful of uneaten food.

"Vernon,"Petunia said quietly."He 's still your grandson. You may not care that he 's a champion, but he 's still your grandson."

Vernon chose to snub this and continued eating. The mesa settled into uncomfortable silence once more and Kaden managed to choke down a few collation of chicken before Petunia brought out dessert. She served Kaden a very orotund helping of pud, but he only ate a few bites before stopping.

Kaden and his family did not linger after pudding was finished. No one seemed lean to visit any tenacious. Vernon and Petunia walked them to the door, but Vernon beckoned Kaden into the living elbow room before they left.

"Er,"Vernon began."Your grandmother 's right hand. You are still my grandson. I ca n't say that I 'm not disappointed you 're not going to Smelting 's and I absolutely hate that other ... school ... but you 're still my grandson."Vernon gave Kaden an awkward one-armed hug.

Kaden nodded, smiling. As far as he was concerned, that was as undecomposed as an excuse from his grandfather. He caught up with his parents and Bethany, gave his grandmother a hug, and they left.

Kaden lay in bed that night feeling very content. His grandparents may not birth been happy about his attending Hogwarts, but they did not seem to hate him for being a sorcerer, and that was as good as he expected. Plus, the observe day he would get to go to Diagon Alley with Harry and the residue of his witching cousins. It would be his initiatory gustatory sensation of the witching public and he could not wait.


A/N : Big thanks to my Skype writing group who helped me issue forth up with a title for this ! Especially to Mikayla, who came up with the title I used.

If you enjoyed this, check out Albus ceramicist and the Tracks They Left bum, in which Kaden 's story is continued in.

Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




Albus Severus ceramist stared out his sleeping room window and watched as an owl flew skinny and closer to Grimmauld situation. The sun was just above the horizon and was already shining brightly into Albus 's way. Albus ran a handwriting through his messy black hair as he waited for the owl. True, he did n't really know if the owl was for him or not, but he was eagre to see. He was the only one awake at this hour anyway. His brother James II was surely sleeping in, as he had been doing all summertime. Albus slept in for the first few calendar week, but after a while the novelty wore off and he started rising at an earliest hour. Albus watched the owl through his green eyes as it soared towards his window. Albus leaned over and opened the latch, and the owl landed on his desk.

It was a large brown shriek owl that Albus immediately recognized as his acquaintance, Matt Eckerton 's. It stood proudly on top of Albus 's Transfiguration book with its leg sticking out, waiting for Albus to unbrace its letter of the alphabet. Albus went over to the owl and retrieved the missive. Once he did so, the owl flapped its wings and flew out the window once more. Albus flopped down onto his bed and ripped open the gasbag. It had been week since he had last-place seen his friends from Hogwarts and eagerly anticipated their varsity letter. John Brickston and mat Eckerton had each written him a twosome meter. Albus unfolded the alphabetic character and silently interpret it.

Albus,

My parents said yes ! I can go to yours and rose 's birthday party !
I really was n't sure if they 'd actually let me, but they 've been
talking to your parents a lot and they finally agreed. They 've got
it all arranged. I 'm going to go to your house a couple on days before
the party, in about three calendar week, and I can persist a couple days after,
too. But then I 'll own to go place ; you know why.

We 're going to meet up with you in Diagon Alley, since we 're not
on the Floo Network. John tells me he 's visiting some of his
full cousin rectify before your party, but that he 'll be able-bodied to stay at
your sign after.

I ca n't wait until the party. Things at my planetary house are dreadfully
drilling. And my parents have been kinda depressed. Amy
moved out last workweek. You probably already bed that since
Victoire went with her. But Mum 's been crying a lot. She 's
talking about how her infant is all grown up.

Anyway, I 'll see you in a few weeks !
Your booster,
Matt

Albus grinned broadly as he set Matt 's varsity letter down next to John 's most Holocene one. He was thrilled that both of his best protagonist would be able to go to his birthday party. John the Evangelist had said yes right away, but mat 's parents were very protective of him and had to be convinced. Both of his Friend would weave up spending about a calendar week with Albus and he could n't hold back. Albus wondered what Mrs. Eckerton would do with herself while her son was at Grimmauld lieu. Albus had only met the charwoman twice, but he got the feeling that she was even more protective of her children than his own grandmother was. He could only guess what matte 's mum was doing now that her daughter had moved out. Only a week before, Matt 's sister, Amy, and Albus 's cousin-german, Victoire, had moved into a matte in Jack London. The two of them were beginning their Healer preparation in September.

Albus heard pace running down the hall that he recognized immediately as his little sister Lily 's. He glanced at the clock and saw that it was nearly nine. His mother must be up, too. Albus got up from the bed and got dressed. He opened the door and went down to the kitchen. When he got there, he saw his mother standing near the fire tending to a cauldron. Lily was sitting at the table in her jammies, playing with her pet pygmy puff.

Albus sat down future to her and watched her as she fed the small creature wiz O's.

`` Hi, Albus ! '' she said cheerfully, `` Wan na give Martin ? ``

`` Er, no thanks, '' Albus told her.

`` Hi, Al, '' Ginny looked up from the cauldron and smiled at him, `` I 'm cooking some oatmeal. ``

`` Sounds good, '' Albus said as his stomach growled, `` I got a varsity letter from Matt just now. He can follow to the party and he 's coming a few daytime early. ``

`` That 's terrific, '' Ginny smiled and went back to stirring the cauldron.

`` Would Danton True Young master like any pumpkin vine succus ? '' Kreacher appeared at Albus 's side carrying a flagon of juice and a cup.

`` Sure, thanks, Kreacher, '' Albus told the house elf. Albus liked Kreacher. He was always there to aid whenever Albus needed him. Harry had told him that Kreacher was not always this nice, but Albus could hardly conceive of it.

Albus took the glass of pumpkin succus and grabbed the copy of the sunrise Prophet that was laying nearby. He immediately opened it to the Quidditch part. `` Ha ! '' he laughed when he saw the headline, `` I wonder if Matt 's read this ! ``

Ginny glanced over at Albus 's outcry and looked at him quizzically. `` The Chudley shank just lost another game. Their novel Seeker tripped over his own broom as he was kicking off from the ground and gave himself a black eye, '' Albus laughed. `` Matt supports the Cannons. ``

`` Who supports the cannon ? '' James II came slowly down the step, yawning as he rubbed his eyes.

`` Matt does, '' Albus said and he tossed James the paper, `` Read that. ``

Jesse James read the newspaper silently for a few minutes and then explode out laughing. `` They 're hopeless. ``

Albus nodded in agreement as he started eating the oatmeal that Ginny had served him. He discussed Quidditch with James and his mother for the adjacent half hour. All of them agreed that the cannon had no chance of ever making it to the league Cup. When Albus had finished his oatmeal, Harry came stumbling down the stairs in his pyjama.

`` There 's oatmeal in the caldron, dearest, '' Ginny smiled warmly at him and got up from the table. She planted a spry kiss on his face as he reached for an empty-bellied bowl.

Albus twisted his brass up in disgust as William James shouted, `` Mum ! Ca n't you do that when we 're not looking ? ``

`` Someday you 'll sympathise, Saint James, '' Ginny laughed, `` Someday soon, fille wo n't have cooties anymore. ``

`` That 's already happened, '' James muttered quietly so only Albus could get a line him, `` It 's just I 'll never need to see my own parents doing that. ``

`` Do you have to go into workplace today ? '' Ginny asked as Harry sat down following to her at the table.

`` No, thank Merlin, '' Harry told her, `` First Saturday off in a calendar month. I had n't realized how far I got behind when I was teaching. ``

`` Have you decided if you 're teaching yet next year ? '' James asked. He and Albus had been asking their beginner this over and over again for the past tense month, but he had yet to make a decision.

Harry sighed, `` I 'm still not sure enough. Professor Kendrick is looking for another instructor, but he has n't found anyone yet. It would seem as if multitude think the job 's cursed again. If he does n't find anyone else, I guess I 'll do it. ``

`` I hope you do instruct, Dad, '' Albus told him, `` I like having you for a teacher. ``

Harry grinned, `` I 'm glad you like it. What do you say we have a Wizard 's Chess tournament after breakfast ? ``

`` Yeah ! '' Albus shouted excitedly. `` Might actually have a luck at winning since Uncle Ron and rose wine are n't here. ``

The whole Potter home played game after game of chess, until James I was declared the fighter. By the fourth dimension lunch rolled around, Albus was barf of the game. `` Can we go play Quidditch after lunch ? '' he asked.

`` Maybe, '' Harry said in between bites. Harry often took them to play Quidditch at rose wine 's theatre. Since the Potters lived in London, they really could n't make for Quidditch at their own business firm. `` pink wine wo n't be there, though. They 're visiting Aunt Hermione 's parents. ``

`` That 's all right, '' Albus said, `` rose wine does n't really like Quidditch anyway. ``

`` I 'll never understand that, '' James sighed.

At that moment, Albus heard a high pitched ring coming from the kitchen buffet. He looked over and saw the small wandering phone that always sat next on the windowpane sill. The Potters did not have many Muggle devices in their house, but they did have one telephone in case they had to get hold of any Muggles. Usually the headphone was just used when Harry talked to his cousin, Dudley. But James I and Albus had given the act to their Muggle born friends. Amanda had called Albus earlier in the summer to recite him that she would be able to go to his party.

Harry glanced at Ginny, who shrugged. It was obvious that neither of them were expecting a call. Harry wordlessly got up from the table and answered the phone. `` hullo ? '' he said. He went quiet for a few import while whoever was on the early end told him something. Harry 's eyes widened in blow and a grin spread cross his human face. `` What ? Are you dangerous ? Dudley, that 's brilliant ! ``

Dudley ? Albus thought. Normally, Dudley only called around vacation and natal day. Even then, the conversations tended to be short and not filled with excitation like this one obviously was. Albus was very curious at this point and he glanced at King James I, who looked just as curious.

Harry 's excitement calmed down a bit as he continued the conversation. `` Well, you 'll get to state them sometime. Yes, I know they wo n't be thrilled, '' he paused, furrowing his hilltop as he listened. `` No, I 'm not going to tell them for you ! ``

Harry listened for a few instant as he started to yard alongside the heel counter. `` Hmm, well, if you 'd like, we 'll consider him to Diagon back street with us when we go. You can come, too, of row. ``

Harry talked for a few more than transactions and then advert up the telephone. He started laughing as he sat back down at the table. `` Just spoken with Dudley .... ''

`` Yes, I 'd guessed that ! '' Ginny said quickly, `` What about ? ``

`` You 'll never hazard .... ''

`` So tell us ! '' Ginny replied.

`` Kaden is a magician, '' Harry grinned.

Albus 's rima oris fell assailable. Harry 's cousin-german, Dudley, had two kids. The older one, Kaden, was a petty untested than Albus. Dudley had never been a fan of magic and Albus could only imagine what he would think of his own son being a wizard.

`` You 're kidding ! '' Ginny shouted.

`` Nope, he got his letter this aurora, '' Harry told them, `` The owl scared the heck out of Christina, but Dudley says Kaden is thrilled. '' Christina was Dudley 's wife. Dudley had told his wife about deception, but had not gone into capital detail and neither of the kids knew anything about it. `` He 's not looking forward to telling Vernon and genus Petunia. ``

`` I would conceive not, '' Ginny said, `` Merlin, they 're going to riff. ``

`` Dudley actually asked me if I 'd tell them, '' Harry laughed, `` I told them definitely not. ``

`` trade good, '' Ginny agreed, `` I would n't even want to be in the same room as your aunt and uncle the moment they find out about Kaden. ``

Harry and Ginny continued to speak about Kaden even after James and Albus left the table. The two of them went up to James 's room, where they spent a few minutes discussing it themselves.

`` Wonder what menage he 'll be in, '' Albus said as he tossed around one of William James 's practice Snitches.

`` I 'd guess Hufflepuff, '' James commented. Albus had to correspond with that. He had met his cousin, Kaden, before and he 'd seemed the Hufflepuff kind. James had managed to displume quite a few frivolity on him over the days and he did n't seem to be the penetrative pinion in the box. Albus remembered the final metre they 'd seen Kaden. It had been a couple yr ago. Albus and his family tended to confabulate the Dursleys every pair of geezerhood, but the Dursleys had never been to Grimmauld Place. Albus guessed it was probably because Kaden and his sis did n't sleep with about magic. Well, they did now, Albus thought.

`` Think he 'll be any good at Quidditch ? '' Albus asked.

`` Who knows ? '' James shrugged, `` He 's never been on a broom before, but look at Dad. ``

`` I ca n't wait to see him eat Bertie Bott 's noodle for the first time, '' Albus grinned mischievously, `` The low gear time Amanda had one of those, she spat it out in John 's face. ``

`` I guess he 's coming to Diagon Alley with us. Dudley, too, probably, '' Saint James the Apostle said, `` That 'll be worry. ``

`` Yeah, I ca n't wait to see what Dudley thinks of the space, '' Albus laughed.

`` Just wait until Kaden asks for his 1st broom, '' James grinned.

Albus burst out laughing, thinking of the look on Dudley 's face when Kaden announced he was going to play Quidditch, `` We 'll have got to teach him how to roleplay Quidditch ! ``

`` Definitely, '' James II agreed. `` This is going to be a expectant year, I can experience it ! ``

`` That 's because you get to go to Hogsmeade this year, '' Albus reminded him.

`` I know, '' James grinned, `` I ca n't wait ! ``

`` summation, Washburn 's gone, '' Albus commented, `` Wonder who they 'll get to replace him ? ``

`` Hopefully someone who 's not a Slytherin-loving git. ``

`` Or who wants to slip the Hallows. ``

`` Or who 's finish in life is to become the next Voldemort. ``

`` Or who stares at you so menacingly you ca n't even perform the round-eyed spells. ``

`` Or who gives you hold every other day. ``

Jesse James and Albus continued to name off Washburn 's fault, which quickly turned into insulting the way he looked, until they were both laughing so hard they were in binge. They were still laughing hysterically when Harry came into the room a while later.

`` What 's so rum ? '' he asked.

Albus stopped laughing and looked up at him, grinning, `` We, er, were talking about Washburn. ``

`` Ever notice how he 's form of got a unibrow ? '' Saint James the Apostle asked, laughing.

`` I guess, '' Harry smiled. `` Anyway, do you two want to go play Quidditch ? ``

`` Yeah ! '' the son shouted at the same metre. St. James grabbed his broom off the top of his desk and found a Quaffle, along with a recitation Snitch.

Albus ran out of the room and grabbed one of his mother 's old brooms from the nearby cupboard. It was old and started vibrating if you flew too fast, but it worked. He was hoping he would get a new broom if he made it onto the Quidditch team this year. `` Ready, '' he said as he rejoined his dad and brother.

`` Are Mum and Lily coming ? '' King James I asked.

`` No, they 've got some shopping to do in Diagon Alley, '' Harry told them as he left the room, `` I think we 'll Floo. ``

Albus followed his dad and James down the steps and into the draftsmanship room. Harry grabbed a smattering of Floo powder, threw it into the attack, and shouted, `` Ron and Hermione Weasley 's house ! '' Saint James followed after him, and then Albus.

Albus landed in his Uncle Ron and Aunt Hermione 's living room. Their house was a lowly, cosy lieu in the center of a domain with a forest nearby. It seemed strangely quiet without anyone else in it. Albus, James, and their dad headed out the door and into the flying field. Albus watched as Harry pulled out his wand and muttered a few turn that would prevent the Snitch from roaming too far.

`` Let 's do some Quaffle practice, '' Albus suggested as he mounted his Calluna vulgaris, `` I need to drill for try-outs. ``

Harry and James agreed and mounted their brooms as well. The two of them were up in the air before Albus was, due to their superior Scots heather. Albus saw James release the Snitch and wait a few moments before taking off after it. Harry had the Quaffle in his hand and once Albus was in the air, he passed it to him. Whipping out his wand, Harry conjured a large wooden hoop and suspended it in mid-air.

`` There you go, Al, '' Harry grinned, `` Try and put the Quaffle through that. I 'll Keep. ``

`` You 've got to entreat two more than, Dad, '' Albus told him, `` Otherwise it 's too easy for you. ``

Harry laughed and conjured a few More hoops. Albus flew around him for a small while before sending the Quaffle into the left most hoop. Harry was too dumb and the Quaffle sailed through.

`` Good one ! '' James shouted as he caught the Quaffle on the former English. He tossed it to Harry, who then tossed it back to Albus.

They continued playing for a couple hour, taking suddenly breaks to rest. Albus managed to score a lot of goals, with Harry only blocking a couple. After a piece of catching and releasing the Snitch, James joined Albus and the two of them teamed up against Harry. Harry was n't able to write many end with both his Word passing the Quaffle back and forth. Eventually, they all got tired and decided to call off it a day. Albus flooed back to Grimmauld Place tired, but happy.



A/N : Well, here it is, the first chapter of the sequel ! I hope everyone enjoyed it. Just a Federal Reserve note to any new readers out there, I highly recommend you read Albus thrower and the Secrets Within, which can be found on my author varlet.

Thanks to my sister and beta, Dancer of Starlight. Thanks as well to my other babe and my brother.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




`` Can we go now, Dad ? '' Albus asked impatiently. He was supposed to meet lusterlessness at the Leaky cauldron in five minutes, but Harry was on the earphone talking to Dudley.

`` Dudley, you just have to tell them, all rightfulness ? '' Harry sighed, `` You ca n't hold on it from them forever. ``

`` Dad ... '' Albus tapped his groundwork. Harry said he would assume Albus to Diagon alley a half 60 minutes ago, but then Dudley had called. The two of them had been talking for the past thirty proceedings.

`` Listen, Dudley, '' Harry began, `` I 've got to take Albus to Diagon back street. Yes, that 's the blank space Kaden will go to get his clobber. Ok, I 'll lecture to you later. Bye. '' Harry closed the phone and set it down on the windowsill.

`` Finally ! '' Albus sighed, `` Can we go now ? ``

`` Yes, '' Harry told him, `` Sorry about that. Dudley still has n't told Uncle Vernon and aunt genus Petunia about Kaden. I 've told him he 's got to do it soon. ``

Albus followed his dad to the fireplace and the two of them flooed to the Leaky Cauldron. The pub was very crowded since it was a Saturday. Albus tried to glance through the gang in order to find his friend, but he did n't see Matt.

`` Hey, it 's Harry Potter ! '' somebody sitting at the bar shouted. He was clearly drink. `` Hi Harry Potter ! '' he waved lazily.

Everyone else in the pub looked over at the fireplace that Harry and Albus just came through. Harry nodded to the drunken thaumaturge as he and Albus walked past the bar. The bunch parted in order to appropriate them through. Once they made it through the crowd, Albus spotted Matt and his parents at one of the mesa in the back. Albus hurried over to him with Harry following closely behind.

`` matte ! '' Albus shouted as he sat down, `` How are you ? ``

`` I 'm swell ! How are you ? ``

`` Brilliant, '' Albus grinned, `` I 'm so glad you could fall. ``

`` Me, too. I 've been bored out of my brain, '' Matt told him, `` I 've even started some of my homework. ``

`` Wow, you must 've been bored, '' Albus laughed.

Harry sat down adjacent to Mr. Eckerton and the two of them shook hands. `` Why do n't we get some tiffin ? '' Harry suggested. Everyone agreed.

`` Hi, Harry ! '' A fraught Hannah Longbottom walked over to their table.

`` Hannah, how 've you been ? '' Harry asked.

`` Fine, '' Hannah grinned, `` Just a couple more than month and there will be another Baby Longbottom ! So, what can I get you ? ``

The mathematical group ordered their solid food and a unforesightful while later it arrived. Albus and flatness spent the whole prison term telling each other about their hebdomad apart while the grownup talked quietly with each other.

`` So suppose what ? '' Albus said while eating a bit of his sandwich.

`` What ? '' mat asked.

`` You know my cousin, Kaden ? '' Albus grinned.

`` Is he your dad 's cousin Dudley 's kid ? ''

`` Yeah, and he 's a wizard ! ``

`` What ? ! '' lusterlessness spat out a mouthful of pumpkin juice.

`` St. Matthew, '' Mrs Eckerton scolded, `` Be polite. ``

`` Sorry, Mum, '' Matt wiped the pumpkin juice up off the tabular array and turned back to Albus, `` Are you grave ? ``

`` Yup, he got his letter a couple calendar week ago, '' Albus told him, `` Mad, is n't it ? Of track, it is n't that surprising. I mean, there 's obviously magic in the sept. ``

`` Yeah, '' Matt laughed, `` But what did your Uncle Vernon say ? ``

`` Dunno, Dudley has n't told him yet, '' Albus said, `` That 's why we were a little former. Dad was on the sound with Dudley trying to convince him to severalise Uncle Vernon and aunt petunia. ``

`` We 'd better be getting household, '' Harry stood up, `` See you in a few 24-hour interval, Bruno Walter and Julie. ``

Albus, flatness, and his parents stood up as well, `` See you then, '' Mr. Ecketon replied and turned to matte, `` Have fun, and do n't make too much bother. ``

Mrs. Eckerton hugged Matt tightly, `` I love you, Gospel According to Matthew. Do n't hesitate to owl if you need us. ``

`` I 'll be fine, Mum, '' Matt replied once his mother stopped hugging him.

`` Do n't worry, Julie, '' Mr. Eckerton put an arm around his wife, `` Let 's go visit Amy before we go menage. '' Mrs Eckerton nodded and the two of them left the pub.

`` We 're flooing home, '' Harry said as they walked over to the fireplace, `` Have you ever done that, Matt ? ``

`` Er, yeah, but not in a couple long time, '' Matt eyed the fireplace nervously.

`` You 'll be fine, '' Harry told him, `` Just bewilder the powder in and say 'Number 12 Grimmauld Place .'''

`` 12 Grimmauld Place, '' Matt repeated, `` Got it. ``

`` You can go first, Al, '' Harry handed him the bag of floo pulverisation.

Albus threw it into the fire and shouted, `` Number 12 Grimmuald Place ! '' He was whisked away in a swirl of William Green fire and came out in the drawing elbow room of his house. He quickly stepped away and waited for Matt and his dad to appear.

A few minutes later, matt fell out of the fervour and landed on the floor. He was coughing and sputtering. `` I did n't like that, '' he groaned as he stood up.

`` You 'd improve step away, '' Albus pulled matt away from the fire just before Harry appeared.

`` Are you all right ? '' Harry asked when he saw Matt coughing.

`` Yeah, I think so, '' lusterlessness coughed, `` But I think I prefer specter. ``

`` You get used to it, '' Albus told him, `` Come on, you can drop your stuff in my way. ``

`` Wow, this is a pretty big house, '' Matt gazed around as he followed Albus up the stair. `` Reminds me of the house we had in Australia. ``

`` Yeah, it used to be Sirius 's house, '' Albus told him, `` It was a lot dissimilar then. It had a lot of creepy and darkness stuff in it. The Black menage was pretty involved in the dark humanities. Except for Canicula, and his brother genus Regulus changed his views at the end of his life and tried to destroy a Horcrux. Anyway, my dad managed to get most of the wickedness stuff out. ``

`` Well, that 's undecomposed, '' Matt said as they entered the next story.

`` My way 's the concluding one on the right, but first gear I 've got to show you something, '' Albus led lusterlessness into one of the early room, `` This is Jesse James 's room. But it used to be Sirius 's. ``

`` Your brother 's not very slap-up, is he ? '' Matt asked as he stepped over a passel of dirty school day robe and books.

`` Nope, he 's not, '' Albus said and walked over to one of the bulwark, `` Here 's what I wanted to render you, '' he pointed to a motion picture of four boys, `` Sothis put a bunch of movie up on the wall and no one can get them off. My dad covered up most of them, but he left this one. It 's my granddaddy, Canicula, Teddy 's dad, and Peter Pettigrew. ``

`` Wow, '' Matt stared at the pic, `` So that 's Moony, the only other, you know, to have gone to Hogwarts ? ``

`` Yup, '' Albus told him, `` sentiment you 'd like to see it. ``

`` Yeah, thanks, '' matt said, still looking at the picture.

`` fountainhead, do you want to go to my way ? '' Albus asked after a few minutes.

`` Sure, '' lusterlessness replied, turning away from the ikon. `` Let 's go. ``

******

A few days later, Saint John arrived at Grimmauld Place. The boy spent their fourth dimension playing games and talking. John the Divine was just as shocked as matt was that Kaden was a wizard. Harry took them to Rose 's house to play Quidditch a few times. Amanda was there and the five of them managed to do a bit of homework after rose wine prodded them a few multiplication.

`` So, what do you want to do now ? '' Saint John the Apostle asked. The three son were lounging around in Albus 's way, tossing a Quaffle back and forth.

`` I dunno, '' Matt threw the Quaffle to Albus, `` What do you want to do ? ``

`` Hmm, '' Albus caught the Quaffle and stopped to retrieve. He had given his friend the magisterial tour of Grimmauld space as soon as they 'd arrived, but there was one topographic point he had yet to indicate them. `` Want to search the dome ? '' he grinned mischievously.

`` Yeah ! '' John the Evangelist jumped up from the bed. `` What 's in it ? ``

`` All variety of old stuff and nonsense, '' Albus replied. `` I do n't go up there very often, but it 's smashing for exploring. ``

`` Let 's go, '' mat agreed and got up.

Albus led his Friend down the dorm and towards the stairs. They climbed all the way up to the top and opened the door. The garret of bit 12 Grimmauld Place was a very large room, filled with old boxes and furniture. It was disconsolate, cramped, and dusty and difficult to move around in. `` Here we are, '' Albus announced and walked into the room.

`` Whoa, '' John the Divine exclaimed, `` What is all this hooey ? ``

`` Mostly old Shirley Temple Black folk heirlooms and early clobber that belonged to the total darkness kinsfolk. But some of it is my mum and dad 's. When they moved in, they moved a lot of the stuff that was here originally into the attic, '' Albus explained.

`` It 's not dangerous, is it ? '' flatness asked as he peered into one of the boxes.

`` Nah, '' Albus assured him, `` My parents got rid of all the grievous and dark stuff. ``

`` Wicked ! '' bathroom shouted as he pulled out an old silver tea tray, `` I 'll bet this is worth piles of galleons. ``

`` Probably, '' Albus agreed and went over to probe the tray, `` It 's got the Black family crest on it, too. ``

`` What 's in there ? '' mat had walked over to the sole door leading off the room, besides the one they had come in.

Albus jumped over three boxes and threw himself against the door. `` Do n't go in there ! '' he shouted.

`` Why not ? '' lusterlessness asked curiously.

`` There 's a portrait of Sirius 's mum in there, '' Albus told them, `` She 's ugly. The portrait used to be in the hall downstairs, but my dad managed to use a relocation charm to get it up here. He could n't ostracize it from the house, though. There 's some variety of appeal on it that keeps it in the firm. ``

`` What did she do to bring in you keep her up here ? '' John asked.

`` She insults everyone who comes into the house. The screaming 's awful. My Uncle Percy came up here once looking for some spare kitchen utensils and we had n't told him not to go in there. It took three hours to shut her up. ``

`` She sounds atrocious, '' Matt agreed.

`` I bet she was worse when she was alive, '' Albus commented. The two of them walked back over to the box John was rifling through.

`` Look at all this ! '' trick grinned, `` The altogether box is filled with partiality material. Goblets, silverware. '' John pulled out a very big candelabra and examined it. `` Are those, snake in the grass ? '' he pointed to the parts of the candelabra that would entertain candles. Each of them was a snake 's head, and the taper would sit in the snake 's mouth.

`` I think so, '' Albus took it from John the Evangelist and stared at it, `` That 's form of creepy. No wonder it 's up here. ``

`` Not to observe the fact that it 's very Slytherin, '' John commented. Albus and John bent down and continued to look through the box, while mat watched them. `` Funny, '' John announced as he picked up yet another silver item. It was an old teapot that looked like it went with the tray, `` There 's not much atomic number 79 up here. If the Blacks were so rich, why did n't they have any gold ? ``

`` It 's too Gryffindor, '' Albus laughed.

`` True, '' John replied. He examined the teapot more closely. `` Hey, flatness, could you hired man me that tray ? '' He pointed to the tea tray that he had set on the floor earlier.

`` Erm, '' matt glanced from the try and then to St. John the Apostle, `` Sorry, I ca n't. I 'm allergic to silver. ``

`` Really ? '' lav asked as he picked up the tray himself.

`` Uh, yeah, all lycanthrope are, '' Matt explained.

`` That 's concern, '' John said.

`` How did we go a completely class without knowing that ? '' Albus asked.

`` Well, '' matte grinned, `` There 's not much Ag in the Gryffindor vulgar room. It 's too Slytherin. '' The son all laughed.

`` These definitely go together, '' John announced, holding up the tray and teapot. `` I 'll bet there 's a whole set. ``

`` Probably, '' Albus agreed and stood up, `` Let 's notice another box, one that does n't have silver in it. ``

John Lackland agreed and put down the tray and teapot. flatness looked very grateful as they started wandering around the Classical Greek. Albus and privy peered into the boxes, looking for one that did n't have any silver in it.

`` Are there any without ash grey ? '' John asked after they 'd looked at at to the lowest degree ten unlike boxes.

`` Here ! '' Albus announced, pointing to a large box at the far end of the elbow room. `` This says 'Sirius'on the English. I 'm sure there 's no silver in it. It would be too Slytherin. Plus, Sirius hated his family. ``

`` Excellent, '' John sat down and opened the box. Albus and flatness joined him and started pulling stuff and nonsense out.

`` see at these old robes, '' Albus held up a very old set of Gryffindor robes.

`` And this, '' John the Evangelist pulled out an old copy of 1000 Magical herb and Fungi. `` Bet it has n't changed in the least. ``

`` Broken snitcher, '' mat announced, `` Broken Sneakoscope, a few dungbombs, broken quills, aught too exciting. ``

`` Wait, what 's that ? '' Albus pointed to a little, worn out leather book at the rear. It did n't look much like a text account book. Albus reached into the box and pulled it out. He opened it up in silence, while John the Evangelist and Matt looked over his shoulder. On the first page was a film of four son. `` It 's photograph record album, '' he murmured. He flipped through the future few pages, noticing that the exposure were always of the same four male child, though occasionally one or two of them were missing.

`` Who are they ? '' John asked.

`` I think they 're the Marauders, '' Albus pointed to a picture of a messy haired boy with spyglass, `` Because that is definitely my grandfather. ``

`` Makes sense, since it was in Dog Star 's box, '' trick agreed, `` Which one is Sirius ? ``

`` Probably him, '' Albus pointed to the tall, long haired boy. `` And the short chubby one has got to be Peter Pettigrew. So, that 's Remus, '' Albus pointed to the near boy.

`` Wow, '' Matt whispered, `` Wonder if your dad knows it was here. ``

`` Dunno, '' Albus replied. He continued to grow the pages, looking at each photo. It was a bit unknown looking at all these pictures and seeing the piranha at Hogwarts. There were pictures of them in their dormitory, in the park way, on the earth, in Hogsmeade. There was even one of them with the Whomping willow in the background knowledge. There were also a pair of St. James the Apostle playing Quidditch. In all the pic, all four boy waved wildly at Albus, John, and Matt. They all looked so happy. It felt weird to get laid that only a few class after these pictures had been taken, Peter would betray St. James and Lily. The vulture had trusted each early with their life-time, literally. Kind of like how Albus trusted his friends. But they would never lead astray each other. Albus knew that. None of them were rats like Pettigrew was.

Towards the end of the photo album, a girl started appearing in a lot of the pictures. She would have her arms wrapped around James IV and would kiss him every once in a while.

`` Who 's that ? '' flatness asked, pointing to the girl.

`` My grandmother, '' Albus explained. `` I think this has all their years of Hogwarts in it. '' Albus flipped to the very last Sir Frederick Handley Page and saw that the last flick was of all the Marauders, plus Lily, standing in front of the lake in their school robes, holding diplomas. They all wore vast grins on their faces.

`` Graduation, '' Saint John commented.

`` Yup, '' Albus replied, `` They look very well-chosen there. ''

`` What are you going to do with it ? '' St. John asked.

`` I think I 'll keep it, '' Albus replied. `` I mean, no one 's going to escape it if it 's up here. '' Albus closed the photo album and a folded up piece of parchment fell out.

`` What 's this ? '' lustrelessness picked it up. `` Looks blank shell. ``

Albus took it from him, unfolded it, and examined it. It was almost vacuous. In one of the quoin were four very small paw prints. `` No it 's not. Look, '' Albus pointed to the corner.

John and Matt peered at the parchment and looked at the paw print. `` What 's that mean ? '' Saint John the Apostle asked.

`` I 've never seen it before, '' Albus replied, `` But I think it 's supposed to represent the marauder. I 'm guessing they 're a wolf, dog, stag, and rat photographic print. ``

`` It 's blank, though, '' John commented, `` I mean besides that. Why would Sirius keep an old part of parchment ? ``

`` Dunno, '' Albus shrugged. But in his gut, he had a tactile sensation that it was n't a meaningless piece of lambskin. After all, to the modal person, the Marauder 's Map was just a nonmeaningful small-arm of parchment. Albus shoved the lambskin back in the album, which he then shoved at the bottom of his torso once the son returned to Albus 's room.

******

`` Are you kids ready to leave ? '' Harry shouted up the stairs, the day of Albus and rosebush 's birthday party.

`` Yeah ! '' Albus shouted back. He ran down the stairs with Saint John and Matt following him. They ran into the drawing way, where Albus 's parents were, along with James and Lily. `` We 're gear up ! ``

`` Good, '' Harry replied, `` Have you got everything, Ginny ? ``

`` I think so. I took most everything to the Burrow earlier. ``

`` Like my portray ? '' Albus hinted.

`` Yes, like your submit, '' Ginny laughed.

`` Are we going by floo ? '' lusterlessness eyed the fireplace warily.

`` I thought we would, '' Harry told him, `` Do n't concern, it 'll be better this time. ``

Harry was right. This sentence, flatness did not inhale nearly as much smoke and managed to not fall over as he arrived at the tunnel. When they got there, the house was already crowded with people.

`` Albus ! '' Molly Weasley came running over to them and gave Albus a big hug, `` Happy Birthday ! ``

`` Thanks, Grandmum, '' Albus replied.

`` Oh, are these your friend ? '' Molly asked.

`` Yeah, this is lavatory Brickston and Matt Eckerton, '' Albus gestured to his friends.

`` Nice to meet you, '' molly smiled, `` Now, Ginny, I need your assistance in the kitchen. Harry, would you help Ron set up the tables in the yard ? ``

The adult quickly left to set up for the party, leaving Albus and the other kids alone.

`` I 'm off to find Cedric and Ben, '' James announced, `` See you later. ``

`` Let 's go to the 1000, '' Albus suggested.

`` Is everyone here related to you ? '' mat asked as they walked through the house towards the rearward door.

`` Pretty much, '' Albus laughed, `` If they 've got red hair, chances are they 're related. ``

`` Wow, I ca n't imagine having this many cousins, '' flatness replied, `` Well, I have n't got any first cousin. ``

The group managed to urinate it through the crowd and into the backyard. They saw Harry and Ron setting up the mesa magically. A few of Albus 's cousins were in the air on broom and a few others were playing with the gnome in the garden. Albus spotted Rose and Amanda at a nearby table.

`` Rose ! '' Albus ran over to them, `` Amanda ! ``

`` howdy, '' Rose and Amanda greeted them. `` Did you just get here ? '' Rose asked.

`` Yeah, have you been here for a piece ? '' Albus asked as he sat down.

`` For about a half time of day. We flooed, '' rosebush told them.

`` Us, too. ``

`` I hate flooing, '' Amanda groaned, `` accept me 15 minutes to barricade coughing. ``

`` It gets better, '' Matt assured her, `` I had n't done it in yr, but I did it to get to Albus 's house. Took me forever to bar coughing. But then when we came here, I was okay. ``

`` Did Kaden arrive with you ? '' Rose peered around at the yard like she was looking for Albus 's cousin.

`` Oh, no. Dad invited him, and Dudley, too. But they were having dinner party with Uncle Vernon and auntie petunia, '' Albus explained.

`` Did Dudley tell them ? '' rosebush asked.

`` Sure did. Apparently Uncle Vernon went mad. He was shouting and swearing. Said he was n't going to have got anymore monster in the family. But aunty Petunia got him to stop. She 's actually ok with it. ``

`` Wow, '' Rose replied, `` Still ca n't believe it. ``

`` Me, neither, '' Albus laughed.

`` Hi, kids ! '' Bill had appeared succeeding to the table, holding what appeared to be a gigantic Gryffindor lion. `` Everyone 's arrived, so I think we 're going to do the pinata soon. ``

`` Brilliant ! '' Albus grinned.

Bill set the pinata down on the mesa and glanced out across the yard. `` Oi ! Teddy ! lack to do the pinata ? ``

Teddy, who had turned his hairsbreadth orange red and gold for the occasion, came running over to the mesa. `` Sure ! We doing it in the middle of the one thousand ? ``

`` That would probably be best, '' Bill replied. The two of them set off to realise a place for the pinata.

`` There 's no trees there, '' Amanda commented, `` What are they planning to string up it on ? ``

`` Hang it on ? '' Albus asked.

`` wellspring, yeah. That 's what you do with pinatas. You hang them on Tree so they 're in the air, '' Amanda said.

`` Oh ! That 's how Muggles do it ! '' Albus realized, `` shift 's just going to hover it. He 'll move it around and it 'll be really hard to hit. ``

`` Whoever wants to do the pinata can get over here now ! '' shift shouted. All at once, all of Albus 's cousin-german ran over to teddy. Albus, Rose, and their booster managed to push their way through the crowd to the front.

`` All right ! '' Bill shouted, `` Albus and rose wine first, then youngest to oldest. ``

rosebush went first. neb put a blind-fold appeal over her eyes and handed her an old broom. Teddy levitated the pinata and flung it around rosebush. After a few poorly aimed strike, her turn was over. Albus was up adjacent. He took the Calluna vulgaris from rosebush and was blind-folded. He loved this component of his birthday party, but he was never very just at it.

`` To the right ! '' someone shouted. Albus swung the Calluna vulgaris around to his rightfield, but did n't work contact with anything. Teddy always made it difficult.

`` I bet you anything that Bradley 's going to erupt it open, '' Albus said once his turn was over. `` He does at everyone 's company. ``

`` Well, this is the kind of matter a beater would be good at, '' Rose pointed out.

`` I know, '' Albus replied. The pinata bashing continued for a while and no one had managed to even touch it. shift was laughing hysterically as everyone flung the ling around. Soon, all the trivial kids had finished and Albus 's friends were up. Amanda was the initiative one to actually extend to the pinata with the ling, but she did n't realize any onward motion in smashing it exposed. lustrelessness actually managed to hit himself in the head with the broom, instead of the large Gryffindor lion.

`` See, I was n't exactly lying when I told you I was clumsy last class, '' he whispered to Albus as he rubbed his head.

John was up next and he hit the pinata with a loud crush that sounded like it should have smashed the whole thing. `` Yes ! '' he shouted.

`` Sorry, it 's a magically reinforced pinata since there 's so many of us, '' Teddy grinned, `` It 'll select a few more of those. ``

As usual, Bradley was the one to give the final blow to the pinata. Everyone rushed forward to grab the sweets that had fallen out of it. Albus and his friends each got a great bagful of sweets.

`` meter for nowadays ! '' Molly shouted over the crowd. Albus and Rose sat down at one one of the tables next to two gravid hemorrhoid of presents. They alternated opening them, each receiving a lot of books, Henry Sweet, Weasley maven Wheezes merchandise, and various habiliment items. Soon, there was just one present left.

`` It 's from us, Al, '' Harry smiled as he handed Albus a long, rectangular box.

Albus took the box and tore the swathe off. hullabaloo washed over him as he saw what it was. `` A Firebolt 2000 ! '' he shouted, `` Wow ! This is bloody glorious ! Just like Georgia 's ! Thanks Mum and Dad ! ``

`` You 're receive, '' Harry grinned, `` It 'll be perfect for when you get on the Quidditch team this yr. ``

`` If I get on the squad, '' Albus replied.

`` You will, '' James assured him.

`` I 'm going to try it out now ! '' Albus grinned. He ran to the centre of the grand with his admirer and cousins following. He mounted the broom and took off into the air. The eventide duck soup felt cool off as he soared higher and in high spirits. It flew just like Georgia 's did. The quickening was marvelous and it turned at the slightest touch. Albus flew around the yard for a few bit, enjoying the thrill that only flying could bring in. Albus had loved flying and Quidditch for as long as he could remember. He had received his first toy broom on his initiatory natal day. He promptly crashed into a tree diagram the next day and broke it. Albus had gotten a lot better at flying since then, but he still was n't nearly as good as James was. After a few more minutes, Albus descended and landed on the ground.

`` How is it ? '' John asked.

`` Completely wonderful, '' Albus grinned, `` Want to try ? ``

`` Of course ! '' John Lackland took the broom and flew off into the sky. Albus spent the next one-half 60 minutes lending his broom to his cousins and friends. They all agreed that it was a superb broom and that Albus was sure to make chaser on the Gryffindor Quidditch squad.

Molly served dinner shortly after everyone had tried out Albus 's new ling. The discussion centered mainly around Quidditch, like it often did when all the Weasleys got together. With such a large number of people, there was always a honorable bit of disagreement about which squad were the right. Matt was thrilled that Albus 's Uncle Ron was a Chudley Cannons fan and the two of them defended their team to the rest of the group.

The eventide ended with a magnificent Gryffindor lion shaped coat that mollie had made. Hermione had enchanted it to roar realistically when it was low gear cut. Shortly after everyone finished their cake, they started going home. Albus 's household were some of the net to leave.

`` I 'm going to Apparate home with Lily, '' Harry said as they walked to the fireplace. Lily was asleep in his arms.

`` All right, '' Ginny replied. Harry turned on the spot and disappeared. `` You boys go first, '' Ginny gestured to the pot of floo gunpowder.

Albus stepped out of the fireplace at Grimmauld post and waited for King John and flatness. They appeared a few second later, and the three of them went up to Albus 's room.

`` That was really fun, Albus, '' flatness yawned as they lay down to go to sleep, `` Your family is fun. shuffling me wishing I had some cousin. ``

`` You 're welcome to share mine, '' Albus laughed.

`` Mine, too, '' john agreed, `` If you think Albus 's family is nuts, you should meet mine. You 'll touch one of my cousins this year. It 's her number one yr at Hogwarts. All my cousins are vernal than me. ``

`` The lonesome one of my cousin coming to Hogwarts this year is Kaden, '' Albus told them.

`` Well, half of Gryffindor is your first cousin, Albus, '' John laughed, `` And if you make the Quidditch team, Ryan will be the simply non-Weasley and non-Potter on the team. ``

`` Yeah, we 're taking over, '' Albus joked. `` Well, expert night. ``

`` Night, '' Gospel According to John replied.

`` Nox, '' Matt said.



A/N : Thanks to my sister and beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as my early Sister and my brother. Thanks also to XDNLxtlz99, teddysxxgirl, Moonylupin, smirkyhaha, and ginnyweasleypotter87 for their reviews !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




`` Do you see them yet, Dad ? '' Albus asked.

`` No, not yet, '' Harry replied.

Albus sighed. He, Harry, John, and mat were all standing outside the Leaky cauldron. The Muggle side. It was a few day after Albus and blush wine 's birthday party and Matt was meeting his parents to go dwelling house in a couple hour. Harry had agreed to take them a few hours early so they could buy their new books. Harry also decided that it would be a good time to take Dudley and Kaden shopping for Kaden 's supplying.

A few minutes later a low-spirited sedan pulled up to the curbing. A rather large blond-haired man stepped out, along with a unretentive brunet woman, and two kids. Albus recognized the boy as Kaden. He was short, only an inch or so taller than Matt, and a bit on the chubby face. His hair was brown and looked in demand of a cut. Kaden 's younger babe, Bethany, had inherited her founder 's blond hair and was about a capitulum shorter than Kaden. Albus thought she was seven, but he was n't certain.

`` Hello, Dudley, '' Harry extended his manus to his first cousin.

`` Hi, Harry, '' Dudley took his hand and shook it.

`` Why do n't we go inside the pub and we 'll talk more than there ? '' Harry suggested and opened the threshold to the Leaky caldron. Everyone filed inside. The Durlseys stared around, gaping at everything in spate while they followed Harry out the indorse door. Harry took out his wand, tapped one of the bricks, and Diagon alley appeared in front of them. `` This is Diagon Alley. ``

`` This is where you got all your, your sorcerous stuff ? '' Dudley gaped.

`` Sure is, '' Harry grinned, `` The first base thing you 'll want to do is set up an account at Gringotts. '' He pointed to the large Caucasian building at the end of the street. `` Pounds wo n't buy much here. You have to use wizard money, Galleons, sickle, and Canute. ``

Albus really did n't need to go to Gringotts and delay while the Durlseys learned about wizard money. `` Dad, can me, Gospel According to John, and lustrelessness go feeling at the workshop by ourselves ? ``

`` I suppose so, '' Harry said after he thought for a minute, `` I 'll learn Dudley and Christina to Gringotts and shew them around. Why do n't you pick out Kaden with you ? '' he suggested. `` We can gather you at flourish and Blotts in an hour. ``

`` Sure, '' Albus said, happy to not receive to go to Gringotts, `` Let 's go. '' The boys set off down the street, none of them really surely where to go first. Kaden seemed to be gazing in awe at everything he saw. Albus led them to a bench outside Quality Quidditch Supplies. `` Ok, Kaden, these are my friends, St. John and Matt. ``

`` Are your parents beldam and wizards, too ? '' Kaden asked.

`` Yeah, '' John replied. Matt nodded.

`` Oh, '' Kaden said, `` Are there a lot of tyke whose parents are n't witches and whizz ? ``

`` A mediocre few, '' Albus answered, `` Our friend Amanda has Muggle parents. ``

`` I wish I 'd known about legerdemain earlier, '' Kaden told them. `` What 's a Muggle, anyway ? ``

`` Do n't worry, you 'll catch up fast. Muggles are people who ca n't do magic. Like your parents, '' Albus told him, `` Let 's go into the Quidditch store. ``

`` What 's Quidditch ? '' Kaden asked as they walked into the shop, `` Whoa ! There 's heather in here ! Are we going to be clean something ? '' he asked skeptically.

John burst out laughing, `` Clean with brooms ? No way. We fly on them ! ``

Kaden 's mouth fell unresolved, `` Like crone do in moving picture ? ``

John laughed even harder, `` Yes, just like that ! ``

`` So what 's Quidditch ? '' Kaden asked again as he inspected a Firebolt 2000.

Albus, John, and matte spent a good twenty minute telling Kaden all about Quidditch.

`` That sounds very complicated, '' Kaden announced once they 'd finished.

`` I suppose, '' john shrugged, `` But it 's fun, better than that sport Muggles play. Football or something ? ``

`` Hey ! I play football game ! '' Kaden shouted, `` And it 's fun. ``

`` well, there 's no football at Hogwarts, '' John told him, `` It 's Quidditch or goose egg. Just wait until you first fly a Scots heather, you 'll change your mind about football. ``

`` Do you encounter Quidditch ? '' Kaden asked.

`` Not on my House team. First years are n't allowed to wreak. And this year the solely opening is for a Chaser. My situation is Beater. But Albus is trying out. ``

`` Oh, really ? '' Kaden looked at Albus.

`` Yup. I hope I make it. James is already on the team. He 's the seeker. One of the undecomposed Gryffindor has ever had, '' Albus said.

`` What 's Gryffindor ? ''

`` Does n't cognize much about Hogwarts, does he ? '' John Lackland whispered to Albus.

Albus shook his head. `` Gryffindor is one of the Houses at Hogwarts. You get sorted on your first day into one of the four family. Gryffindor is usually where you go if you 're brave, Ravenclaw if you 're fresh, Hufflepuff if you 're loyal, and Slytherin if you 're evil. ``

`` What ? ! ''

`` Well, technically Slytherins are cunning, but to the highest degree of the vicious crone and star were in Slytherin. ``

`` How do you get sorted ? ``

`` Ca n't distinguish you, '' Albus grinned, `` It 's part of the fun not to know. ``

`` Are you all in Gryffindor ? '' Kaden asked.

`` Yeah, '' Albus replied, `` All my cousins are, too. ``

`` I hope I 'm there, '' Kaden replied. `` Can we go somewhere else ? I 'm wan of looking at brooms.

`` Let 's go to Weasley 's Wizard Wheezes, '' toilet suggested. Although he looked a little taken aback that Kaden did n't want to look at Scots heather anymore.

The boys left the shop and made their way to Weasley 's Wizard Wheezes. Kaden kept up a constant current of questions the whole way there. By the time they made it to the shop, Albus was getting a bit outwear of answering them. Albus had remembered Kaden as being rather still, but now he seemed to be very hyper. Maybe the excitement of finding out he was a wizard had caused him to be More outgoing.

`` Whoa ! What is this piazza ? '' Kaden gazed around at the inside of George VI Weasley 's shop with a look of awe on his face.

`` jocularity shop class, '' John told him, `` Best store in Diagon Alley. ``

`` Why thank you, toilet ! '' George greeted them. `` hullo, Albus ! Hi, Matt ! ``

`` Hi, Uncle George, '' Albus grinned, `` This is my cousin, Kaden. Dudley 's son. ``

`` Oh, yeah, Harry told me you 're a whizz, '' George V turned to Kaden, `` If you 're ever in indigence of any pranking items at Hogwarts, just institutionalise me an owl, I 'll have what you 're looking for. ``

Kaden nodded and stared at George. After a few instant, he asked, `` What on Earth happened to your ear ? ``

`` Lost it during the war against Voldemort, '' George told him, `` I 'm a bit holey now. ``

Kaden laughed, `` Holey, like a saint ! ``

George turned to Albus, `` You sure he 's not a Weasley ? ``

`` Positive ; he thinks football 's better than Quidditch, '' Albus told him.

`` I 'm for sure that 'll change after he sees Quidditch, '' St. George replied. `` wellspring, I 've got to get back to work. See you later, Albus. ``

`` Bye, '' Albus said as George went back behind the rejoinder. Albus started looking around the shop with John and lustrelessness while Kaden bounced from one video display to the next, announcing how brainy everything was and asking the former son more questions.

`` What are these ? '' Kaden pointed to a few Skiving Snackboxes.

`` Skiving Snackboxes, sweets that make you ill, '' Matt told him.

`` Why would you require to do that ? '' Kaden grimaced.

`` To get out of boring classes, '' matte explained, `` Once you 've sat through one of Binns 's stratum, you 'll understand. ``

`` And what are those ? '' Kaden pointed to a display of Extendable Ears.

`` Extendable pinna, '' Albus told him, remembering when he used them last Christmas only to overhear his dad talking about the Hallows. `` You use them to listen in on conversations people are having. ``

`` regard I had some money, '' Kaden sighed as he put back a software of Extendable Ears.

`` You will soon, once your parents are done at Gringotts, '' Albus told him, `` speechmaking of which, we should probably point back to flourish and Blotts. ``

The boy waved goodbye to George and left the shop class. Albus, Matt, and whoremonger listened as Kaden commented on everything they passed on their way to the Book store. Albus hoped that his cousin would calm down once he was more victimized to the Wizarding World. They continued their pass to Flourish and Blotts while explaining about magical forms of transportation to Kaden. He was amazed that wizards could appear and disappear 'just like that', as he put it and snapped his fingers.

When they got to the Flourish and Blotts, Harry and the Dursleys were already waiting for them outside. `` Are you having fun ? '' Harry asked.

`` Yeah ! Albus has told me about Quidditch and apparition and Flooing and all sort of magical practical joke items, '' Kaden grinned.

`` fountainhead, let 's go get your books now, '' Harry said as the grouping walked into the workshop. wave and Blotts was quite empty today. There were only a few other hoi polloi inside, none of whom Albus recognized. Harry and the Dursleys took the son'inclination to a cut-rate sale person while the boys started looking around.

Albus, can, and lustrelessness had been to this Book store numerous clip and did n't find anything exciting about it. The three of them would rather have been in tone Quidditch Supplies. Kaden, on the former hand, seemed as stir there as he had been in George 's shop. He ran all over the shop class, picking up random Quran and bringing them back to show the early boys.

`` count at this ! '' he panted, running back to Albus for what must feature been the tenth time, `` It 's a book about brewing potions ! Am I going to get to do that ? ``

`` Er, yeah, '' Albus replied wearily. He had already given this answer in response to doubtfulness about charms, transfiguration, and justificatory spells.

`` I ca n't wait ! '' Kaden shouted and disappeared into another row of books.

Albus turned to his admirer and groaned. `` I do n't consider he 'll ever run out of excitement. ``

Gospel According to John stifled a jest, `` Just waiting until he gets his get-go Potions essay. He wo n't be too thrilled about it then. ``

`` Look at this Scripture ! '' Kaden came running back a few moment later with a book entitled, iniquity Creatures : How to Protect Yourself. `` It 's got overindulge about vampires and wolfman in it ! I did n't know those were actual ! ``

Albus felt Matt stiffen future to him. Albus glanced at him and saw the look of affright on his nerve. Albus immediately took the book from Kaden, `` Yeah, they 're existent. But they 're aught like the I in Muggle fairy tarradiddle. And you do n't need to say this record. It 's too forward-looking. You 've got to take off out with the basics. '' Albus quickly stuffed the book onto a nearby shelf. He did not want Kaden to read about the preconception wizards had about werewolves.

Kaden took off into another section of the stock and Matt relaxed. `` That was close, '' he whispered.

`` I 'm not going to let him buy into that werewolf bias, '' Albus assured him, `` Even though he 'll probably never find out about you. ``

`` Thanks. ``

`` I 've got everyone 's Koran ! '' Harry announced as he, Dudley, Christina, and Bethany walked back to where the boys were standing.

`` Can we go get my wand now ? '' Kaden asked excitedly as he ran back from the former section of the store.

`` Sure, '' Dudley replied, `` You lead the way, Harry. ``

Harry, Kaden, and the rest of the Dursleys walked ahead of Albus and his acquaintance on their way to Ollivander 's. Kaden was practically skipping up the street in his excitement about his scepter. In direct contrast, Matt was starting to tire out due to the upcoming full synodic month. By the time Albus, John, and mat got to Ollivander 's, Kaden was already trying out his first scepter. He gave it a Wave and one of the empty-bellied wand boxful on Ollivander 's desk exploded. Kaden thought that the plosion was neat, but Ollivander disagreed. Kaden tried out wand for the next XV minute of arc before finding one that created gold sparks when he waved it. Dudley paid for the wand and the group left the store. The succeeding arrest was the Apothecary and then lady Malkin 's. An hour later, Kaden was all set for his first class at Hogwarts.

Once they were done shopping, the group met Matt 's parents at the Leaky cauldron. Everyone was hungry, so they all decided to eat dinner together. Albus, John, lustrelessness, and Kaden sat at their own table while the adult and Bethany sat at the other.

`` Ca n't believe the summer 's almost over, '' Albus said as he took a gulp of butterbeer. `` What are you hombre doing for the rest of it ? ``

`` I 'm going to confab some more of my cousins after I go home, '' St. John told them.

`` That 's probably what I 'm doing, too, '' Albus told them, `` And the big party we have at the end of every summer. That 's always awesome. What are you doing matte ? ``

Matt glanced up from his food, which he was only picking at, and looked at Kaden before answering. Kaden was currently staring as a champion at the next board cut his steak with his verge. `` I 've got to go to St. Mungo 's, '' he whispered.

`` What 's St. Mungo 's ? '' Kaden asked loudly and turned his attention back to the other boys.

`` champion hospital, '' Albus replied, hoping that Kaden would n't urge on for more than information. Luckily, at that moment, a waitress came walking by while levitating two phonograph record of nutrient. Kaden immediately turned his attending to the levitating trays and did n't advert ask anything about St. Mungo's.

`` Why have you got to go there ? '' Albus asked very quietly, as he leaned in closer to lusterlessness. John leaned over as well.

`` I 'll explicate sometime else, when we 're alone, '' he gave a meaningful glance at Kaden, `` Maybe on the train. But do n't concern about it, I 'm alright. ``

Albus was n't very reassured by this. He did n't mean people went to St. Mungo 's when they were delicately. But he did n't beseech for more info, he knew mat disliked discussing his condition, especially around so many people.

`` We should probably get going, '' Mr. and Mrs. Eckerton stood up and walked over to Albus 's table. Mrs Eckerton sent a disquieted look at her son. lusterlessness was resting his head on his hand and had his heart closed. `` Are you all right, dear ? '' she asked quietly.

Matt lifted his headway up and nodded. `` I 've just got a worry. I 'll see you on the wagon train, Albus, bathroom. Nice to meet you, Kaden. ``

Harry and the Dursleys got up and said their goodbyes to Matt 's parents. Mr. Eckerton drew mat into a rigorous hug, and the three of them Disapparated.

Kaden gawked at the plaza that flatness and his parents had been just mo before, `` That was bright. I want to do that. ``

`` You 'll get to, '' Albus told him, `` When you 're in your sixth year, you can take lesson. And then when you 're XVII, you take a trial to get your licence. ``

Kaden sighed, `` That 's so far away. But how come matt got to do it now ? ``

`` He just did side-along Apparition. Someone who 's got their apparition licence can take other mass with them while they do it. ``

`` Have you done that before ? '' Kaden asked.

`` Yeah, but I prefer Flooing. ``

`` So do I, '' john told him, `` But Matt likes side-along fantasm punter. ``

`` sentence to go, Kaden, '' Christina Durlsey came over to the table.

`` All right, '' Kaden sighed and stood up, `` I 'll see you guys on the train. I ca n't wait ! ``

Albus waved goodbye as the Dursleys left the pub to go back into the Muggle world. Albus was n't sure what to think about Kaden. He had n't seen him in years, but he 'd be seeing a lot of him now. Kaden was definitely a ball of DOE, that was for indisputable. Kaden seemed to think that everything in the wizarding earthly concern was great. He was going to be in for a rude awakening when he learned about Voldemort and other malefic wizards.



Wealsey-Potter-Dursley kinsperson tree

Bill-Fleur Charlie-Katherine ( witch ) Percy-Corrine ( Muggle )
Victoire, 18 Stanley, 7th yr GA, 6th year
Gabriella, 6th year Heather, 5th year Bradley, 4th year
Ben, 3rd yr Mark, 4th year Cedric, 3rd year
Eddie, 6 years old Samantha & Lindy ( similitude ), 7 years old

George-Alicia Spinnet Ron-Hermione Ginny-Harry
Fred, 5th year rosiness, 2nd year St. James the Apostle, 3rd year
Angie, 9 years old Victor-Marie Hugo, 10 old age old Albus, 2nd year
Lily, 10 years old

Dudley-Christina ( Muggle )
Kaden- 1st year
Bethany- 7 long time old

*all in Gryffindor*



A/N : Thanks to my babe and genus Beta, Dancer of Starlight. Thanks as well to my other sister and my brother. And thanks to ginnyweasley98, smirkyhaha, sinwillys822, Moonylupin, and ladymblack for their brushup !

I also want to tempt everyone to check out my meet the author page on the forums. There 's a link to it in my profile. spirit free to ask about my tarradiddle or writiing in general there.


Disclaimer- As always, I do not own Harry Potter.


`` Hurry up ! '' Ginny called back to James and Albus, `` It 's already quarter to eleven ! ``

Albus sped up as he pushed his tram through the crowded world-beater 's Cross station. St. James the Apostle was rightfulness side by side to him, pushing his own tramcar. Their parents and Lily were in battlefront of them, walking as fast as they could without actually running. The ceramist were running late, very late. It was September first and the Hogwart 's express would be leaving in exactly fifteen arcminute. The unscathed morning had been very hasten. Albus woke up late and James woke up even later. Albus had stayed up until midnight the dark before working on his Transfiguration essay, and James always woke up late. Then, James could n't find his praxis fink and refused to lead before he found it. Lily finally found it in a cauldron that was in the kitchen. No one was really for certain how it got there.

But because of all this, the ceramicist category was now practically running through King 's crisscross, trying to get to Platform 9 3/4 on time. This was earning them many strange feeling from the Muggles, especially due to the fact that they had two devil bird of Minerva on their trolleys.

`` James, you first ! '' Ginny shouted as they reached the roadblock between platforms 9 and 10. Albus watched as his brother disappeared into a seemingly solid wall.

`` I 'll stay here and look for the Dursleys, '' Harry said as he glanced at his watch. It appeared that the Dursleys were even later than the Potters.

`` All right, '' Ginny replied, `` Albus, you next. ``

Albus nodded and ran through the barrier. A few instant later, Albus was standing on program 9 3/4, and Rose was running up to him.

`` Albus ! '' she shouted, `` There you are ! ``

`` Yeah, we 're running a bit tardy. ``

`` A bit ? ! The wagon train 's leaving in seven minute of arc ! ``

`` I know, '' Albus said as Ginny and Lily appeared behind him, `` But Kaden 's even later. ``

`` I 'll load your trunks, '' Ron appeared and took James IV and Albus 's tramcar to the train.

`` Be good, James, '' Ginny warned, `` You, too, Albus. ``

`` We 're always good, Mum, '' James grinned and slapped Albus on the dorsum, `` Right, Al ? ``

`` 'Course we are, '' Albus grinned back.

Ginny gave them a stern look, `` I do n't desire any bird of night from Professor Kendrick. ``

`` Aw, do n't worry, Mum, '' James laughed, `` You have n't gotten one yet. ``

`` Five proceedings until the gear leaves ! '' Hermione told them.

`` Kaden wagerer hurry up, '' Albus replied.

At that here and now, Kaden burst through the barrier with a huge grin on his cheek. Harry was behind him, pushing another trolley. Ron grabbed it and ran it over to the train.

`` That was vivid, '' Kaden announced as he joined the group.

`` You 've got to get on the train now ! '' Ginny shouted as she herded everyone over to one of the geartrain doors. She gave Epistle of James and Albus a quick hug and kiss. `` Bye, kids ! Be good, all of you ! ``

`` I 'll see you later at the banquet, '' Harry gave each of his sons a hug.

`` Bye, Mum, bye Dad, bye Lily ! '' Albus shouted as he climbed onto the caravan. Kaden and blush wine got on after him. James IV jumped on just as the railroad train was starting to run.

`` That was confining, '' rosiness sighed as the train left the station.

`` Yeah, '' St. James the Apostle agreed, `` But we made it. I 'll see you lot later. '' He ran down the train corridor to retrieve his friends.

`` C'mon, Rose, '' Albus started to walk down the corridor, `` Let 's go find John, lustrelessness, and Amanda. ``

`` How does that work ? '' Kaden asked while he followed Albus and Rose, `` I mean, how on earth can you go through a square brick wall ? ``

`` I dunno, '' Albus shrugged, `` It 's magic, you know. ``

`` Yeah, but still ... '' Kaden shrugged.

Albus and pink wine continued down the corridor, peeking into compartments as they looked for their friends. Kaden followed close behind, still wanting to talk about the barrier. Anything remotely wizardly seemed to excite him, and Albus had to stifle a laugh as he thought about what Kaden was going to do when he saw the Sorting Hat.

`` There they are, '' pink wine announced when they were halfway down the geartrain. Rose pulled open the door and they walked inside. John, matte, Amanda, and a fille with long, pitch blackness, curly hair Albus had never seen before were sitting inside.

`` I was wondering when you two would picture up, '' John grinned.

`` Barely made it, '' Albus told him as he sat down following to John.

`` I was on time, '' Rose announced, smirking at Albus.

`` Hey ! It was n't my fault. Epistle of James would n't get out until he found his drill stool pigeon. ``

`` Well, you made it, that 's all that thing, '' Amanda said.

`` Yeah, unspoilt affair you did n't miss the train. I suppose you could 've just Flooed, but the train is better, '' John the Divine told them. `` By the way, this is my cousin, Isabelle, '' he gestured to the girl Albus had n't recognized. `` She 's just starting this twelvemonth. ``

`` Hi, '' Isabelle said quietly.

`` hi, '' Albus smiled, `` I 'm Albus potter. ``

Isabelle 's center opened wide and she stared at him. `` Really ? ``

Albus sighed, he was tired of of going through this with everyone he met, `` Yes, really. ``

`` Wow, '' Isabelle replied.

`` I 'm go up Weasley, '' Rose told her, `` Albus 's cousin-german. '' Isabelle nodded, but did n't say anything.

`` Oh, Amanda, Isabelle, '' Albus said, `` This is my cousin, Kaden. He 's Dudley 's son. ``

`` Hi, Kaden, '' Amanda smiled at him. Isabelle again just nodded.

`` Hi, '' Kaden replied and sat down adjacent to Amanda. `` You 're, what 's the Christian Bible ? Muggle-born, too, right ? ``

`` Yeah. ``

`` Were n't you amazed by the barrier, too ? '' Kaden asked, `` I mean, it was just so unusual, going through a square brick rampart. ``

`` I suppose. It was form of scary at get-go, but it does n't trouble me much now. ``

`` He 's been going on about the roadblock for the past ten minutes, '' Albus whispered to John and Matt.

`` Just time lag until he first gets hexed, '' King John whispered back, `` He wo n't be thinking everything 's brilliant then. ``

`` How was your holiday in Irish Republic, Amanda ? '' Rose asked.

Amanda grinned, `` It was wonderful ! We went all over the space, just wandering around and seeing everything. I kissed the soft soap endocarp, too. ``

`` I 've done that ! '' Kaden announced.

`` I hope we go back sometime, I had a really good clock time, '' Amanda told them, `` How were the rest of your summertime ? ``

`` Mine was good, '' toilet said, `` Visited Isabelle 's mob and we all went to Diagon skittle alley together. Nothing too exciting. ``

`` I love Diagon Alley ! '' Kaden shouted, `` I ca n't wait to go back there ! ``

`` Yeah, it 's a pretty neat place, '' Albus agreed, `` Went back there with James after you left, John. Other than that I spent the residual of my vacation doing preparation and playacting Quidditch. ``

`` Me, too, '' Rose said, `` Although I mainly watched William James and Albus play Quidditch. ``

`` How about you, lusterlessness ? Do anything exciting ? '' Albus asked, looking at his friend. Albus really wanted to be intimate why mat had been in St. Mungo 's, but he knew that Matt would not expound on it while Kaden and Isabelle were in the compartment.

`` Not really, '' Matt replied quickly, giving Albus a flavour that meant he would tell him later. `` So, I wonder who the new spell teacher will be ? '' flatness asked, changing the subject.

`` Dunno, '' Albus shrugged, `` Anyone will be better than Washburn. ``

`` Who 's Washburn ? '' Kaden asked loudly, `` And what happened to him ? ``

`` He was the magic spell teacher, '' Albus told him, `` He got fired for trying to slip, er, certain affair that would assist him attain Voldemort 's ideals. And he started a duel with me, trick, Amanda, Matt, and Rose. One of his friends dueled with my dad, too. It was pretty bad. ``

`` Who 's Voldemort ? '' Kaden asked, `` And what things ? ``

Albus sighed and looked at Rose, who shrugged. It was going to be a farsighted trip. Albus turned to Kaden and explained all about Voldemort. He left out the persona about the Hallows, though, as he was n't certain if his dad would want him to enjoin Kaden. `` So you see, not all wizards are full, '' Albus finished.

Kaden stared at his cousin, lost for words for the first meter. After a few present moment he whispered, `` Blimey. So that 's why your kin 's famous ? Because my dad said you were, he just did n't tell apart me why. ``

`` Er, yeah, '' Albus replied.

The radical spent much of the rest of the journey talking about who the next spell instructor would be, Quidditch, the Dueling baseball club ( which they 'd be allowed to get together this year, as second base days ), and a not bad deal of former stuff. Around tiffin time, the beldame came around with the tramcar and everyone bought bombastic total of food. Everyone had a lot of fun watching Kaden try all the wiz dessert. Kaden announced that he liked Bertie Botts Every Flavor noodle sound, despite the fact that the first one he tried was a vomiting nip. When he opened his first Chocolate Frog, he was shocked that it could hop and even more dismayed when he saw the picture of Rowena Ravenclaw disappear from the poster that came with it.

After they polished off the residue of the dessert, the conversation turned to which houses Kaden and Isabelle wanted to be in. Apparently John and Isabelle 's phratry consisted of an match bit of Gryffindors and Hufflepuffs. Isabelle 's dad had been a Gryffindor and her mum had been a Hufflepuff. Isabelle did n't really care if she was in Gryffindor or Hufflepuff, but she knew she did n't desire to be in Slytherin. She decided that Ravenclaw would n't be bad, but she wanted to be some situation where her family unit had been. Kaden on the other hand, definitely wanted to be in Gryffindor. Albus was n't too indisputable he 'd thread up there, still thinking that his cousin was more of a Hufflepuff, but he did n't recite Kaden this.

Soon the train made it to Hogsmeade station and it was time for everyone to get off. Albus and his friends joined the large bunch of scholarly person exiting onto the platform.

`` Firs'old age ! Firs'days ! '' Hagrid called out.

Albus lead his group over to him, `` Hi, Hagrid ! ``

`` 'Ello, Albus ! '' Hagrid greeted him.

`` My cousin Kaden 's starting this year, and bathroom 's cousin, Isabelle, '' Albus gestured to the two first off old age standing near him.

Kaden gaped at Hagrid, `` Are you the one who gave my dad a pig 's tail ? ``

`` Oh, yer Dudley 's son, then, '' Hagrid turned to Kaden, `` Tha'was me. ``

Kaden started laughing, `` I ca n't wait to learn how to do something like that. ``

`` Soon enough, soon enough, '' Hagrid told him, `` Le 's go, then, '' he said to Kaden and Isabelle. The two of them waved to Albus and the others, and followed Hagrid to the lake.

`` Finally, '' Albus muttered as he lead his supporter to the go-cart, `` I thought he 'd never leave us alone. '' Albus liked Kaden, but found his constant company to be taxing.

`` I kinda like him, '' John the Evangelist laughed, `` He 's got spunk. ``

`` fountainhead, you 're kind of like him, John, '' Albus laughed and climbed into the nearest empty posture. `` Although you 're a bit less vexing, '' Albus turned around and grinned at his friend.

`` Gee, thanks, '' John laughed and sat down following to Albus. Rose, Amanda, and lustrelessness followed after, and sat down on the arse across from them.

`` So, matt, you were awfully placid on the train, '' Albus began, `` Something happen during the last constituent of the summer ? ``

flatness sighed and glanced around at his champion, `` Yeah .... I just did n't require to tell you with Kaden and Isabelle around. ``

`` I figured, '' Albus replied, `` What happened ? Are you all right ? ``

`` I 'm fine, honestly. It 's just, think back over the summer when I said I was going to St. Mungo 's ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus said.

`` And remember that field of study I told you about ? The one I 'm in ? ``

Albus nodded and remembered back to earlier in the year where Matt had briefly explained about a study as to why wolfsbane Potion had no effect on him and other werewolves.

`` I know I did n't evidence you a whole lot about it, but it 's the grounds I was at St. Mungo 's. person has to discover me after every transformation. Usually Madam Pomfrey or my parents do it, but the Healers like to do it at to the lowest degree twice a year. ``

`` Oh, '' Albus replied, relieved that Matt being severely injured was n't the reason he was in the hospital.

`` That makes sense, '' Rose commented.

`` Yeah, but that 's not all. I figure I should probably severalize you a bit more about the study. It started when I was 8. For the commencement 2 years, I did n't get any wolfsbane potion. The next 2 age, I got steady wolf's bane. Not that it made much of a conflict. ``

`` I wonder why, '' Albus said. He had been queer about this study ever since matt told him about it the previous terminus, but Albus had been reluctant to ask about it.

`` Dunno. No one does, that 's why they 're doing it, '' lustrelessness told them, `` But anyway, the healer and Potion brewer that are working on the Wolfsbane have come up with anther variety and I 'm going to part trying it out. ``

`` When ? '' John asked.

`` I think in January, because I 'll be home on Christmas fracture. I 've got to withdraw it a match daylight beforehand and it 'll be better if someone can watch closely, '' mat told them.

`` Has it been tested before ? '' rosebush asked.

`` No, '' lusterlessness said quietly. `` That 's the point of the subject, to quiz the potions. ``

Albus glanced at matte. He looked a bit scared at the view of taking an untested potion. No wonder he had been quiet on the gearing. Albus was n't sure if he would desire to study an untried potion. Of course, if the potion worked, lusterlessness 's spirit would drastically change for the safe. But what if it did n't work, what if it had horrible side effects ?

`` But they 've been researching it, right ? '' blush wine asked, `` I mean, they 're moderately sure it wo n't do anything bad ? ``

`` Oh, yeah, they do n't think it 'll hurt me. They 're just not sure if it will give the issue it 's supposed to, '' Matt assured them, `` But it is a bit scary. ``

`` Yeah, '' rosebush agreed, `` I 'd say so. ``

`` It 's worth it, though, if they ever find one that works for me. ``

******

`` Brings back memories, does n't it ? '' John said as the starting time years filed into the Great Hall.

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, remembering how horrendous he 'd been of being in Slytherin the late year. He still had n't told his friends that the Sorting Hat had considered it, and he was n't certain if he ever would.

`` There 's Kaden, '' Rose pointed to Albus 's cousin, who was standing right at the front of the group.

`` And Isabelle 's rightfulness behind him, '' bathroom told them.

prof Patil motioned for the room to be quiet and the Sorting Hat burst out in Song dynasty. Albus had to choke a laugh as he saw Kaden 's mouth open in jar. Albus knew that hat would vex his cousin-german. Kaden turned around and whispered something to Isabelle, who nodded. Once the hat stopped singing, Professor Patil started the sort. The first two students were both sorted into Ravenclaw.

`` Brickston, Isabelle, '' Patil called, and trick 's cousin walked over to the faeces. Patil dropped the hat on her oral sex and a few moments later, it shouted out, `` Hufflepuff ! '' Isabelle got up and joined her fellow Hufflepuffs.

`` Dang, '' Saint John said, `` I thought she 'd be here. ``

`` wellspring, you said there are a lot of Hufflepuffs in your family, '' Rose pointed out.

`` Yeah, I know, '' bathroom sighed, `` Hufflepuff 's soundly, too. But it 's not nearly as upright as Gryffindor. ``

`` Dursley, Kaden, '' Patil announced. Kaden ran forward immediately and sat down on the faecal matter, with a big smiling on his face.

Patil put the hat on his promontory and after a few minutes, it opened its brim wide and announced, `` Gryffindor ! ``

Albus turned to seem at James, who was sitting a few nates down, wearing an identical feel of shock to the one Albus was. `` Gryffindor ? '' he mouthed, shaking his head. He was so trusted that Kaden would wind up in Hufflepuff.

`` Well, the hat did fill an awfully long time to resolve, '' Rose pointed out. `` Maybe he 's got facet of all the houses. ``

Like me, Albus thought to himself. He looked up and saw Kaden running over to the Gryffindor table. Albus did n't suppose it possible, but his grin was even full now. A few of the older Gryffindors congratulated him as he wedged his way in between Albus and lusterlessness on the bench. `` Good job, Kaden, '' Albus said.

`` Thanks ! I still ca n't believe that hat can talk. weird matter I 've ever done, have a conversation with a hat, '' Kaden laughed.

`` Wo n't be the weirdest thing you 'll see here, '' Albus told him, thinking of Nearly Headless notch, the portrayal on the walls ( Sir Cadogan in particular ), the Whomping Willow, Moaning Myrtle, and numerous other aspects of the castle that Kaden would accept never seen before.

The sorting continued and the group of outset eld dwindled until there were only a couple student left. Albus had n't recognized any of the other 1st years, besides Kaden and Isabelle. He thought this must bear been the first year in a yearn time that a Weasley had n't been sorted.

`` Willinson, Felix, '' Patil announced. One of the two remaining boy walked sullenly to the BM and waited for the hat to sort him. A few seconds later, the hat shouted, `` Slytherin ! ``

`` Willinson ? '' Albus turned to bet at his friends, who were all starting at each other, `` You do n't think- ''

`` Must be some relation, '' John shrugged.

`` Maybe a cousin ? '' Rose suggested, `` I remember Slughorn mentioning that Willinson was an lone child at one of the Slug Club meetings last yr. ``

`` Great, '' Albus sighed, `` I thought we 'd be done with Willinson after last year, but now we 'll have to administer with his full cousin. ``

`` Felix Willinson might not be like his cousin-german, '' Rose pointed out.

`` But he 's in Slytherin, '' John said adamantly.

`` May I have your care, please ! '' Albus and his Friend stopped talking and looked up to see that Kendrick had stood up. `` Thank you. I do own a few start of term announcement, but I think they can wait until after the spread. Enjoy. '' Kendrick waved his arms and food appeared on the prosperous platters.

`` Whoa ! '' Kaden shouted loudly, `` That 's bloody vivid ! ``

`` That 's how the food always appears, Kaden, '' Albus laughed and served himself a large portion of steak and kidney pie.

`` I could definitely get used to this, '' Kaden grinned as he piled his plate high with everything within reach.

`` Told you he was like you, '' Albus whispered to John as St. John filled his own photographic plate with as very much food as he possibly could.

`` Wut, is'goob foob, '' John replied with his mouth full of potatoes.

`` That 's disgusting, John, '' rose wine screwed up her boldness in disgust.

`` Wut were you wis'ring abo befo ? '' Kaden asked with contribution of a roll in his mouth.

`` Ugh, he does it too ! '' Amanda commented.

`` What ? '' flatness asked Kaden.

Kaden swallowed, `` I said, what were you whispering about before ? You know, when Felix Willinson got sorted. ``

Matt glanced at Albus, clearly unsure about what to say Kaden. Albus glanced at his other Quaker, who all shrugged. `` Er, '' Albus began, `` Remember what I said about the appeal teacher on the geartrain ? '' Kaden nodded, while stuffing his typeface with the relaxation of his roll.

`` Well, professor Washburn was n't the only one in on that duel. Some hotshot named Jarett Willinson was fighting alongside Washburn ; we think he 's the one who was in bang. He has a son, Quinton, who was a seventh year last year. Quinton drove us mad all last yr and then fought along with Washburn and his dad. We 're all trying to picture out if Felix is related. We think he is, only probably just a cousin because Quinton does n't consume any siblings. ``

`` Oh, '' Kaden replied and served himself another helping of chicken. He clearly was n't too occupy about Felix Willinson.

Throughout the rest of the spread, Albus talked to his friends about Felix Willinson and whether or not he was anything like Quinton. Rose wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt and wait and see if he shared the same view as Quinton. whoremaster, on the other hand, was cook to hex him as soon as the feast was over. He figured that Felix must accord with Quinton, since he was in Slytherin. Matt and Amanda both agreed that Felix probably did agree with his first cousin, but did n't consider they should start hexing him before they really met him. Albus was n't for sure what to believe, and he just thought they should avoid Felix, not trying to be friendly with him or hex him.

Kaden received a courteous shock when Nearly-Headless ding decided it would be his crustal plate he would appear out of during the feast. Kaden dropped his paradiddle in surprise, but another one of his huge grins appeared on his look shortly after. He gazed around in amazement and watched all the ghostwriter circling the elbow room. Albus laughed and told him that they even had a ghost teacher. Kaden was amazed by this and said he could n't wait for that class.

`` It 's just chronicle of magic trick, '' matte told him, `` tiresome stratum in the school day. practiced one for sleeping, though. ``

`` You 'd know, would n't you ? '' whoremonger joked.

`` Oh, shut it, John, '' lustrelessness laughed, `` But seriously, Binns is the most boring professor here. ``

Kaden looked a bit defeated at this, `` Really ? How can a class be boring if it 's taught by a ghost ? ``

`` corporate trust me, the thrill wears off after the first day, '' lusterlessness said.

A few minutes later the food disappeared and desert appeared just moments later. Kaden and John immediately piled their plates with every pudding there was. Albus and his acquaintance informed Kaden about the residue of their professors and they all speculated about the new magic spell teacher. Albus had noticed one new teacher sitting at the stave table and assumed she was the new Charms teacher. She was an old hag, with her gray hair pulled back in a tight bun. She was very tightfitting and Albus was guessing she was quite marvellous, but it was hard to tell as she was sitting down. Albus thought she had an almost bird-like appearance.

`` Your attention, please, '' Kendrick stood up once again and the bookman quieted down, `` Thank you. I hope everyone had a good summer and are set up to get back to studying. I have a few start-of-term announcements, as well as one rather big announcement. ''

whisper immediately erupted in the room, as to what this big announcement could be. Kendrick waited a few moment before continuing, `` Anyway, first I 'd like to put in you to our new Charms instructor, Professor Cedonia. '' The old witch stood up and Albus noticed that she was, indeed, very marvellous. She gave a pocket-size wave and sat back down again. `` I also need to prompt you that the Forbidden Forest is, as always, out of bounds, as is the Whomping Willow. ``

Kaden turned to Albus and mouthed, 'Whomping Willow ?', with another look of astonishment on his human face. Albus chose to ignore this and went back to paying attention to the master 's speech.

`` Mr. Filch has asked me to remind you that dueling in the corridors is forbidden. Also, that the lean of forbidden objective now includes the new 'Extra-Strength droppings turkey'that have just been released at Weasleys'Wizard Wheezes. All other products available for purchase there are also tabu and students may visit the total list on Mr. Filch 's door. ``

Albus, who had experienced the effects of one of his uncle 's new dung bombs, could sympathise why they were banned, but knew the ban would n't hold on people from using them. He laughed to himself as he remembered the look on his grandmother 's grimace when Uncle George brought one of the dung dud to the end of summertime get together at the Burrow.

`` If you want to try out for your home 's Quidditch squad, please give your name to your head of house. I think those are all the usual announcements. Now, onto the more exciting annunciation, '' Kendrick paused and none of the scholar said a word, `` It has come to my tending that the tensions between the home have been increasing over the past few years. I know that certain houses have always had rivalries, '' Kendrick turned to look at the Gryffindor and Slytherin table before continuing, `` But I think the rivalry has gotten too large. I believe we need more unity. A bully Muggle man once said'A theatre divided against itself can not stand-'''

`` But our house is n't divided, '' Cedric Weasley shouted out, `` Gryffindor is perfectly unified. ``

`` Thank you, Mr. Weasley, '' Kendrick said sternly, `` I was talking about Hogwarts as a whole. I, along with the early professors, believe that their is too much home rivalry. Therefore, we will be taking steps this year to relieve it. ``

`` This wo n't be good, '' John muttered under his breathing time, `` I can see it coming, we 're going to induce to be friendly with the Slytherins. ``

`` We have decided to transfer the Dueling Club, '' Kendrick continued, `` This year, unlike past tense year, we will receive inter theatre team. ``

`` What ! ? '' Most of the Great Hall erupted into shouts of speak astonishment. The Gryffindors were glaring at the Slytherins, and frailty versa.

`` No way am I dueling with Gryffindors ! '' an Old Slytherin shouted, `` I 'm only dueling against them ! ``

`` fountainhead, we do n't want any blooming Slytherins on our team either ! '' Fred Weasley shouted back.

`` Thank you for proving my dot, '' Kendrick shouted over the noise. The elbow room quieted down immediately, `` As I said, there is too often competition. I believe this will facilitate palliate it. You will take to turn together with members of former houses in ordering to win the dueling championship. There will be more details to succeed during the world-class meeting of the Dueling Club. As always, the nightclub is undecided to second years and above. ``

`` What ? ! '' Kaden shouted loudly and turned to Albus, `` I ca n't join ? ``

`` No, '' Albus told him, `` Sorry. low years do n't bang enough charm to conjoin. But you can join next yr. '' Kaden scowled and turned back to the headmaster.

`` What about Quidditch ? '' King James asked, `` That 's not inter house, is it ? ``

`` Of course not, Mr. Potter, do n't care, '' Kendrick smiled, `` I believe I would be run out of the castle if I tried to take up inter house Quidditch. ``

`` He probably would, '' Albus replied quietly, so only his friends could hear him.

`` I think those are all the announcements I have for now. I suggest you all get a dependable night 's rest for classes tomorrow morning. first-class honours degree eld, please observe a Prefect to your common room. honorable night, everyone, '' Kendrick sat back down.

`` Blimey, '' John sighed and shook his head as he stood up, `` Inter household dueling. ``

`` Yeah, this could get messy, '' mat agreed, `` I 'm not sure it 's going to have the effect Kendrick wants. ``

`` Oh, I do n't know, '' Rose shrugged, `` I kind of think it 's a sound approximation. ``

`` I do n't remember it 'll make us get along with Slytherins, '' Albus commented as they exited the Great Hall.

`` Nothing could do that, '' John said.

`` Are you guys still joining ? '' matt asked.

`` Definitely, '' Albus replied. privy, blush wine, and Amanda all nodded their heads.

`` commodity, me too, '' matt told them, `` Just have to hope I 'm not with Scorpius Malfoy. ``

`` We 've all got to hope that, '' Albus agreed.

Albus and his friends continued their trek to Gryffindor column, and the conversation turned to the new Charms teacher. None of them could infer what Professor Cedonia was like, but they all assumed she was hard-and-fast. She had a very fundament feeling about her all during the spread. When they got to the common room, they all decided to remove Kendrick up on his advice and turn in early. They were all tired from the journey to Hogwarts. Albus got into his warm four-poster bed, and realized that with professor Washburn gone, he would n't have anymore of those Legilimency dreams he had last year. With that felicitous persuasion in his head, Albus drifted off into a restful sleep.



A/N : Thanks to my sister and beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as my other baby and my brother. Thanks also to sinwillys822, Moonylupin, TheAlbusPotterCritic, XDNLxtlz99, potterfan89, and Draco ginger for their reviews !

Quote that Kendrick said in his speech was said by Abraham Lincoln and all credit goes to him.

I 've also written a new one-shot, That Night, which is about the night mat got bitten. If you want to check it out, the link is in my profile.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




`` What have we got next ? '' whoremaster asked at lunch the next day. The Gryffindor irregular twelvemonth had just gotten back from a particularly deadening History of Magic year. Before that, they had Transfiguration, which was almost as deadening as chronicle of Magic.

Albus looked at his docket, `` Double Potions. I hope we 're not with the Slytherins this twelvemonth. ``

`` Yeah, we 're already with them for Transfiguration Day, '' matt groaned.

`` Hi, everyone ! '' Kaden threw himself onto the bench next to Albus and started piling his home base with food, `` The classes are brainy here ! There is n't any maths or English class ! ``

`` English ? '' John laughed, `` Why in the figure of merlin would they learn us to speak English language ? ``

`` Muggles take English class in schooling, John the Evangelist, '' Amanda sighed, `` They learn grammar and punctuation and read literature. ``

`` Oh, '' bathroom replied, `` Sounds boring. ``

`` It is, '' Kaden announced, `` Anyway, I had Uncle Harry for defense lawyers first this aurora ; it was so dandy. ``

`` sword lily you liked it, '' Albus responded.

`` I ca n't hold back to use my baton for something, '' Kaden pulled out his wand and started waving it around.

`` Watch it ! '' Matt shouted as Kaden nearly poked his eye out.

`` Sorry, '' Kaden put his baton back in his robe.

`` You 'll use it soon, '' Albus assured him.

`` We 'd break get going to Potions, '' Rose stood up and grabbed her bag.

`` Potions ! '' Kaden shouted, `` That sounds fun ! Like chemical science. '' He pulled out his own docket, `` I 've got it tomorrow, I ca n't wait ! ``

Albus stood up, `` We 'll see you later, Kaden. ``

Albus and his Friend walked out of the Great mansion and towards the stairs that lead to the donjon.

`` Is there anything Kaden is n't excited about ? '' Matt asked.

`` I do n't think so, '' Albus laughed, `` We 'll see what he 's like when exam fourth dimension comes. ``

`` Oh, merlin ! '' bathroom shouted once they reached the dungeons, `` We 're with the Slytherins again ! ``

`` Of all the classes to hold with them, '' Albus muttered.

The students stood outside the dungeon, in separate groups of Gryffindors and Slytherins, waiting for Slughorn to go far. He arrived a few minutes later and unlocked the door. Albus went inside with everyone else and sat down at one of the desks, next to matt.

`` Ah, my two favorite Houses together again ! '' Slughorn grinned and clapped his paw together, `` Just let me run through attendance really quick. '' Slughorn read off the names of all the bookman, `` Excellent, excellent, we 're all here !

`` Now, seeing as we have a double socio-economic class today, I thought a lilliputian contest would be appropriate ! Let 's see how often you remember from finis year. The partner that brew the in effect Forgetfullness Potion will each get a great slab of Honeyduke 's cocoa ! '' Slughorn glanced around at his students. The Gryffindors were on one side of meat of the elbow room, Slytherins on the early, a good deal like it had been in the former year.

`` I 'm sure you all heard professor Kendrick 's speech final night, about the fact that the school needs to be more unified, '' Slughorn continued in an uncharacteristically severe tone, `` Therefore, I have decided that it would be a good mind to possess inter-house collaborator this year. ``

Albus turned to matte and mouthed, Good melodic theme ? flatness was looking as shocked as Albus felt. Neither of them wanted to work on Potions with any of the Slytherins. How could Slughorn call up this would be a good musical theme ? Albus thought it would most likely cause Sir Thomas More explosions than usual.

Once the class stopped groaning, Slughorn continued, `` I, for one, agree with the master in that there needs to be to a lesser extent tension between the theatre. So, please break moaning. I 'm sure you 'll find that you can work out together for the afternoon. I will learn off the duet and then you may displace. ``

Slughorn picked up another piece of parchment and started reading off it, `` Dalila Avish is with Amanda Tagger, whoremaster Brickston is with Xavier Goyle, Janie Creevey is with Nessa Vaisey, flatness Eckerton is with Scorpius Malfoy. ``

Albus glanced at mat who had a smell of arrant horror on his face. He was shaking his head and mouthing the countersign 'no'. Albus knew that flatness would have rather worked with any Slytherin other than Scorpius. Albus turned his head slightly and saw that Scorpius had a smug feel on his aspect. He probably thought he 'd find out out mat 's secret now. But he would n't, not if Albus could do anything about it.

Slughorn continued reading names, `` Celeste Faxon is with Karina Jordan-Bell, Marina Jordan-Bell is with Elle Yeardley, Ethan Kesse is with Garth Octavius, Jackson Limbert is with Albus ceramist. ``

Could be big, Albus thought. He did n't really know Thomas Jackson, although he did roll in the hay that Jackson was an excellent Potions brewer. Albus was nice with Potions, but not nearly as good as Jackson.

`` Bilius Mansfield is with Patrick Parlan and Leigh Montague is with pink wine Weasley, '' Slughorn looked up from his parchment and tapped his wand on the black-market gameboard. Instructions appeared on it. `` There you go ! ``

Albus gave lusterlessness a half-hearted smile that flatness did not return, and Albus got up to link up Jackson Limbert at his desk. Scorpius Malfoy got up and took Albus 's vacated backside. `` Limbert, '' Albus nodded as he set his cauldron down on the desk.

`` potter, '' Limbert nodded back. `` I 'll get the ingredients, you light a fire. ``

Albus nodded and lit a flack beneath his cauldron as Limbert joined the queue of educatee getting factor from the cupboard. Limbert returned a few transactions later and he and Albus started to prepare the ingredients. They worked in silence the whole fourth dimension. Albus did n't know what Slughorn was thinking. The topper he could probably hope for was what Albus and Limbert were doing ; working civilly with each early, but not talking. Albus dropped a few beetles into the cauldron and looked around at everyone else. It seemed like Albus and Limbert were some of the few who were getting along. Scorpio Malfoy was whispering something to lustrelessness, that matt was trying hard to ignore. rosebush was telling Vivien Leigh something and Vivien Leigh looked like she was ready to hex Rose. John was correcting Goyle, who was stirring his caldron in the wrong instruction, and John Lackland looked like he wanted to shout. Amanda and Delila seemed to be getting along all right, but like Albus and Limbert, were n't talking.

`` Time 's up ! '' Slughorn announced a while later. Albus stepped back from his caldron as Slughorn started to analyze the potions. He inspected each one, telling its proprietor what they could give birth done to make it better. Slughorn was impressed with Rose and Leigh 's potion, but not with any of the others. Finally, he made his way to Albus and Limbert 's caldron.

He leaned over the caldron and prodded it with his verge. `` Excellent ! well done, boys ! I think we have a winner ! '' Slughorn produced two bars of chocolate and gave them to Albus and Limbert. `` Please read chapter one of your rule book and pen a six inch summary of it for following class. ``

Albus and his Quaker cleaned up their cauldron as quickly as they could. They met up with each other just outside the dungeon door. `` well, that was n't as bad as I thought it would be, '' Albus said.

flatness, John, and Rose all stared at him with looks of disgust on their faces. `` Speak for yourself, '' matt muttered. Saint John and Rose both nodded.

`` I think Goyle 's actually dumber than a troll, '' John the Evangelist commented, `` Does n't know the conflict between clockwise and counter-clockwise. ``

`` Vivien Leigh is a bit smarter than that, '' Rose replied, `` But she wo n't listen to a word I say, so we were both doing the same instruction over again ! ``

`` At least you were n't with Malfoy, '' Matt said, `` He spent the all prison term asking me I would be visiting my gran this year. ``

`` What did you say ? '' Albus asked.

`` That I would be, '' matt answered, `` What else was I going to say ? You know I 'll be visiting her this yr. '' He gave Albus a important look.

`` I do n't have intercourse what Slughorn was thinking, '' Amanda sighed, `` We 're never going to all get along. I 'm just gladiola I was with Dalila. She 's not that bad. She 's very pipe down, so we just ignored each former. ``

`` wellspring, you 're quiet too, '' Albus grinned, `` But yeah, that 's what Limbert and I did. ``

`` Worked out trade good, '' John said, `` You got the chocolate. ``

******

The next morn, after breakfast, the Gryffindor and Ravenclaw second years found themselves waiting outside the Charms classroom. None of them had met the new teacher and they were all eager to see what she was like. Albus did n't care what she was like, as long as she was nicer than Washburn. Shortly after the campana rang, professor Cedonia came ambling up the corridor. She did n't say a tidings to her students as she unlocked the threshold. Albus filed inside with the others and sat down at a table with John and Matt.

`` Gon na set her on fervour, too ? '' John grinned at Albus.

`` Only if she tries to interpret my creative thinker, '' Albus whispered back.

`` quiet, please, '' professor Cedonia said in a quiet, but forceful, voice. `` Thank you. I 'll just run through the attendance. '' Cedonia called out all their gens and when she was quenched that everyone was there, she walked out from behind her desk. `` Now, I know your last year of instruction in this subject was less than satisfactory, and I hope to change that for this year. I know some of you, '' her eyes fell upon Albus 's board, `` Spent more time in detention with professor Washburn than in class with him. I do not think that that is a practiced way of teaching. Now, do n't get me improper, if there is any misbehavior, I will consecrate detention, but I do not hand them out lightly. I would much rather find out why a scholar is misbehaving and work to fix it, than just give out custody like they 're free samples. ``

`` I think I 'm going to like her, '' Matt whispered. Albus and lavatory nodded.

`` For example, some students cause chaos because they are bored with class. I do not need you to be bored in my classroom. If you are, delight finger free to let me get it on before you start causing any pandemonium.

`` Now, with that in mind, I 'd like to start off with a review of last class. Please drive out your parchment and quill pen. ``

The sleep of the year was rather gratifying, Albus thought. They spent half of it taking banknote, which Cedonia actually made pretty fun. She kept everyone engaged, but did n't force you to answer a query you did n't fuck, like Washburn had done. The former half was spent practicing magic spell they had learned finale year. Albus found that he was much better at Charms when he was n't being watched by a instructor who hated him. He actually managed to levitate his text a couple feet in the air and he did n't set anything or anyone on fire.

`` I 'm going to like Charms this class, '' St. John the Apostle announced as they walked out of the room.

`` Me, too, '' Matt agreed, `` I wish we 'd had her finis year. ``

`` I like her style, too, '' Rose commented, `` She is n't going to be giving out a lot of detentions. I like that. ``

`` Definitely, '' Albus nodded, `` I 'm going to have so much Sir Thomas More free fourth dimension this yr without all the hold, '' he joked.

`` You 'll just own to do other matter to clear hold, '' John laughed, `` Like pull pranks on the Slytherins. ``

`` It 'd be better just to beat them at the Dueling clubhouse, '' rosiness said, `` You could n't get in difficulty for that. ``

`` Yeah, but they might be on our team, '' John the Evangelist said disgustedly, `` And we probably wo n't all be on the same team. ``

Albus groaned, `` Now it 's not going to be as fun as I thought it would be. I do n't desire to duel you lot. I want to duel the Slytherins. ``

`` Oh, you 'll get to duel them, too, '' Rose assured him.

`` When 's the get-go meeting, anyway ? '' Matt asked.

`` This Sat, '' Albus told him, `` Day before Quidditch try-outs. That 's not a, er, bad meter for you, is it ? ``

`` No, luckily it 's not, '' flatness replied quietly, `` The you-know-what is n't until next Thursday. ``

`` good, '' Albus said, relieved that lustrelessness would not be missing the 1st Dueling nightspot meeting.

******

The sleep of the calendar week passed by quickly. Albus and his friends fell right back into their usual Hogwarts subprogram. They spent their evenings in the common elbow room either doing homework or just talking and playing games. Kaden usually spent the evenings with him. Kaden seemed to spend fourth dimension with Albus 's group rather than the other Gryffindor first long time. Albus was not sure why, and was starting to become a bit annoyed at the fact that Kaden was always around. The but time Albus seemed to get away from Kaden was during stratum. Classes were going well so far. Albus was doing a good deal better in Charms with prof Cedonia, and was doing about the Sami as the former year in the rest of his classes.

When Saturday arrived, everyone was talking about the Dueling Club. The first get together was taking topographic point that good afternoon, after lunch. Albus and his ally went immediately to the Dueling way after they finished eating. When they got there, it seemed like everyone in the whole schooltime was joining. well, everyone except the 1st years.

`` Wow, '' Albus said as he looked around, `` Is everyone joining ? ``

`` Probably, '' rose wine replied, `` There are n't many people who do n't bring together. ``

`` Quiet, please ! '' Harry shouted out over the crowd. Everyone stopped talking and turned to await at him. `` Thanks. Now, like past old age, we 're having Junior Dueling as well as the regular Dueling Club. If you 're endorse, third, or fourth yr, you have to join the Junior ball club. If you 're in twenty percent year or above, please conform to Professor Longbottom to the next way where you will have your meeting. ``

`` Well that 's a substitute, '' lustrelessness commented as the elderly scholarly person left the room, `` I did n't fancy dueling with seventh eld. ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` My cousin Stanley is a smart as a whip dueller. I would n't want to be paired up against him. ``

`` Oh, I do n't know, '' John grinned and pulled out his wand, `` I bet I could take on a seventh year. ``

`` Yeah, certainly, '' Rose rolled her eyes.

`` Wands away ! '' Harry shouted, and John quickly stowed his wand. `` Now, as you know, Professor Kendrick has decided that we will not have House team this year. There will be eight teams, just like finally class, but they will have fellow member from each house on them. ``

There was a collective groan from the crowd. Everyone was standing in group consisting of students of their own sign. Albus sighed, he had form of hoped that professor Kendrick would change his mind, but it did n't look that way.

`` Yes, I know none of you are glad about it. And frankly, I 'm not indisputable if it will cause less tension between the menage, but it 's worth a try. Now, once we get everything organized, this will shape much like Quidditch. Each team maitre d'hotel will set up practice times, and there will be challenger throughout the year. Unlike Quidditch, there is no trying out ; everyone gets on a team.

`` first-class honours degree, I 'll tell you who the headwaiter will be. prof Longbottom and I picked them at the end of last year, based on your performance. All the captains are one-quarter years. There are two from each house.

`` They are Bradley Weasley, Tasha Kasey, Kate Waverly, Leo Sir Humphrey Davy, April Finch-Fletchley, Paul Galivant, Nadine Neal, and Barty heathland. ``

There was a large total of shouting and groaning at the announcement of the sea captain. Albus did n't know any of the captains besides his first cousin, Bradley. He hoped he was on Bradley 's squad.

The rest of the meeting consisted of Harry putting everyone onto a team. Albus found it rather boring and spent the whole time talking to his friend. Eventually, he was put on a team. He was on Kate Waverly 's team, along with Amanda. They were the but two Gryffindor low years on that team. Saint James the Apostle was n't on it either. Albus was glad he was on Kate 's team. She was a Ravenclaw and on the Quidditch team. Albus was very relieved that his captain was not a Slytherin. However, shortly after Harry told Albus he was on Kate 's team, he found out that Scorpius Malfoy was on his team. He was not looking forward to having to cooperate with Malfoy. He had hoped he would be able to duel Malfoy, but it did n't reckon like that would be happening.

`` I 'm so happy I 'm not on Malfoy 's squad, '' Matt said, as they entered the common room after the meeting was over.

`` Yeah, well, me and Amanda are, '' Albus groaned and threw himself into one of the chairs.

`` But you are n't his Potions partner, '' lustrelessness pointed out, `` I 'd go mad if I had to be on his dueling squad, too. ``

`` Good peak, '' Albus sighed, `` But you really lucked out. You have my first cousin for your master. ``

`` At least you have n't got a Slytherin for your captain ! '' John shouted. pink wine nodded. She and John both had Slytherin sea captain, but not the same ace. whoremonger 's captain was Nadine Neal and Rose 's was Barty Heath.

`` Oh, you 'll survive, '' Amanda laughed.

`` Easy for you to say, with your Ravenclaw captain, '' John muttered.

`` Albus ! '' Kaden came running out of the door leading to the boys'hall, `` How was dueling ? Was it fun ? Did you win ? Was the early guy unconscious for a while ? Is he still unconscious mind ? '' Kaden sat down excitedly in the chair next to Albus's.

Albus sighed ; he had yet to see his cousin without his endless amount of vim. Albus was beginning to wonder if Kaden could settle down enough to sleep. `` Er, we did n't really duel today, Kaden. It was just an informational meeting. We got assigned team, though. ``

`` Neat ! Who 's on your squad ? ``

`` Me, Amanda, Cedric, and a lot of Hufflepuffs, Ravenclaws, and Slytherins that I do n't know. Our chieftain is Kate Waverly, she 's a Ravenclaw. ``

Kaden grinned, `` I ca n't wait to join the Dueling Club side by side year. I 'll beat everyone ! '' He pulled out his baton and waved it around. It produced a trickle of weewee that landed on Albus 's head.

`` Watch it ! '' Albus shouted and shook the weewee out of his eye, `` And put your wand away.

`` Sorry, '' Kaden replied and put his wand into his robe. `` What are you going to do now ? ``

`` Probably go down to the Quidditch pitch and practice for try-outs tomorrow, '' Albus told him.

`` Ooo ! Can I amount, please ? Flying object lesson start next week. I ca n't wait ! Can I try out your Calluna vulgaris ? '' Kaden begged.

Albus did not want Kaden on his new broom. Kaden had never flown before and Albus was trusted he would crash it. `` You can come watch, I guess. But dreary, you ca n't try out my Scots heather. ``

Kaden 's face fell a bit, but he still looked excited, `` All right hand, let 's go ! At to the lowest degree I can watch you meet Quidditch. I still do n't see how it can be right than football. ``

`` It is, '' Albus replied adamantly. He stood up and turned to his friends, `` You lot want to come ? ``

`` Yeah, definitely ! '' bathroom stood up. `` I 'll take my broom and assist you practice. ``

`` I 'll issue forth, '' Matt agreed.

`` Do n't think so, '' Rose replied, `` I 'm going to do some homework. Want to stay here with me, Amanda. '' Rose gave Amanda a look.

`` Sure, '' Amanda said, `` See you later, Albus. ``

Albus and whoremonger grabbed their brooms from their dormitory and the four boys left the common room.

`` rose wine and Amanda are probably having girl public lecture, '' trick grinned.

`` Yeah, they 're probably talking about us, '' Albus laughed.

Albus, John, flatness, and Kaden spent the rest of the afternoon playing Quidditch. Kaden watched the whole sentence, amazed that Scots heather could enable citizenry to fly. He still thought football was better, but Albus assured him that after he saw a match, he would alter his brain. john let matt fly his broom for a little while and Albus practiced his chaser acquisition with both of them. By the time night fell, and Albus was exhausted, John and Matt were surely he would get on the team.



A/N : Thanks to my sister and beta, Dancer of Starlight ! Thanks as well to my other sister and my crony. Thanks to ginnyweasley98, XDNLxtlz99, sinwillys822, potterfan89, Moonylupin, and ladymblack for their inspection !

Just to let everyone know, the next chapter might not be up until Friday of next week instead of Thursday. I might have to switch my update day to Friday instead of Th from now on, since schooltime is starting and my Th are going to be quite busy.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




Albus woke up the next day feeling very nervous. The Quidditch try-outs were n't until the afternoon, but Albus did n't eat practically breakfast anyway. He spent most of the morning in the common room with his friends, trying to get some homework done, but found that he could n't concentrate. Eventually he gave up and played a few rounds of Exploding ginger snap with John, who was putting off his prep until the last minute.

Harry stopped by the Gryffindor table during lunch and wished Albus in force luck. Shortly after lunch, Albus headed down to the Quidditch pitch with his new broom over his shoulder. rosiness, privy, Matt, and Amanda went with him.

`` Albus, hey, Albus ! '' Albus turned around as he was leaving the castle to see Kaden running out of the Great Hall.

`` What ? '' Albus asked impatiently. He was anxious to get down to the pitch and see how many other people were trying out. He did n't want to be late.

`` Are you going to try-outs now ? '' Kaden asked excitedly.

`` Uh, yeah, '' Albus replied.

`` Oh, can I come ? '' Kaden asked hopefully.

`` Sure, '' Albus answered and stepped out of the castle. The mathematical group continued their walk to the pitching, listening to Kaden talk animatedly about his first workweek at Hogwarts. Albus did n't think Kaden would ever run out of affair to say, and found his changeless gabble a bit irritating. Albus was n't in the mode to pick up about how prof Patil had yelled at half of Kaden 's transfiguration year the late day. Soon, Albus just adopted the insurance policy of smiling and nodding when Kaden paused, like he did with his other younger cousins. Right now, all Albus wanted to do was center on his try-out.

John, Matt, Rose, Amanda, and Kaden went to go sit in the sales booth while Albus went down to the orotund crowd of Gryffindors trying out. Albus turned his attention to the other Chaser hopefuls gathered around him. There was a seventh year boy who Albus vaguely recognized as one of Stanley 's friends, two beefy looking sixth year boys who looked like they 'd make unspoiled Beaters than Chasers, a couple fifth year girls, quite a few fourth and third days, and even a bunch of first class. After a few to a greater extent minutes of waiting, the Gryffindor team emerged from the locker room, lead by Albus 's cousin, Georgia. Georgia had become the new captain over the summer. Albus distinctly remembered the morning she got the letter of the alphabet informing her of her captainship. Her head had appeared in the fireplace at Grimmauld stead, where she shouted the news so loudly, Ginny had dropped the ladle she was stirring porridge with.

`` care, please ! '' Georgia shouted over the crowd. She had a very loud voice and everyone was quiet immediately. `` Thanks. Now, there 's only one available smear this twelvemonth, for Chaser. And I 'm not kicking any of net year 's role player off, so if any of you are seeking a position other than pursuer, top off now. ``

There were a few groans from the crowd, and the two one-sixth class boys stalked off the field. One of the fourth years left as well.

`` Also, I 'm regretful but the regulation have not changed since final stage year, and initiatory years are not allowed on the squad. I encourage you to try out again when we next have available perspective. '' The rather enceinte grouping of showtime age scowled and left the auction pitch in a huff.

`` Well, now that that 's taken guardianship of, '' Georgia pulled out a clip table, `` First, I 'll need to see you all fly around the pitch. Fifth through seventh yr first. ``

Albus watched as the older students flew around the pitch a few clip. Georgia watched them carefully and wrote annotation on her clip board. Albus thought they all flew remarkably well except for one of the fifth year daughter. She kept lurching downwards every time she accelerated, almost falling off her Calluna vulgaris. After a few spell around the pitch, the older scholar landed next to Georgia.

`` Good. But I 'm sorry, Carrie, '' Georgia turned to the fifth year who did n't fly very well, `` I do n't imagine you 're cut out for this. '' The girl shrugged and went to sit in the stand. She did n't look too disappointed and Albus suspected the only reason she tried out was because the early one-fifth twelvemonth girl did n't desire to do it alone.

Next, it was Albus 's turn to fly around the pitch. He took off along with the third and 4th years. Once in the air, he started feeling better about the try-out. He could do this, he was a good flier. He sped around the pitch, going faster than the other students. Albus noticed that they were peachy fliers as well, even better than the 7th and fifth years who had flown earlier.

`` Excellent, '' Georgia grinned as Albus landed in presence of her. The others landed shortly after. `` Now I just have to see how well you work with Quaffles and the rest of the team. ``

During the next persona of the try-outs, all the chaser wannabee went up into the air along with the balance of the team and passed the Quaffle back and Forth River. Albus only dropped it once. The like could n't be said for everyone else. Everyone else dropped it at to the lowest degree once. The only other person who only dropped it once was one of the quaternary years, Gabe Bourne.

`` You all did great, '' Georgia smiled after they finished tossing the Quaffle around, `` But I have narrowed it down to Gabe bourne and Albus ceramicist. '' The other wannabee sighed and left the pitch.

After this, Georgia simulated a real match, in Holy Order to find out who fit best with the team. Albus, who had played Chaser with his cousin numerous times, worked quite well with heather mixture and Fred. Albus already knew the way they played and found that it was very gentle to communicate with them while he was flying.

`` All right wing, '' Georgia announced once everyone had landed, `` I 've decided on Albus Potter. I 'm sorry, Gabe, feel release to try-out again another time. ``

`` Yes ! '' Albus grinned. The remainder of the squad clapped him on the articulatio humeri and congratulated him.

`` I knew you 'd get it, Albus, '' James grinned.

`` image, '' Gabe muttered as he left the rake, `` Had to pick your cousin. Are n't there enough of them on the squad ? ``

`` He 's just jealous, '' James commented. `` You obviously worked better with Heather and Fred. ``

`` Thanks, James, '' Albus grinned. He did n't care what Gabe Bourne thought. He was on the team !

`` Great job, Albus ! '' lavatory shouted as he ran onto the pitch shot. `` I knew you 'd get it. ``

`` Yeah, kudos ! '' matt agreed. rosebush and Amanda grinned.

`` Brilliant ! '' Kaden shouted, `` Maybe I 'll get to be on the team someday. ``

`` I thought you liked football, '' Albus laughed.

`` I do, football 's still better than Quidditch, '' Kaden assured him, `` But flying is glorious. ``

`` Quidditch is better, '' Albus replied adamantly, `` But I 'll see you lot up in the castle. We 're going to stay and praxis a bit. ``

Albus and the residuum of the team spent the unanimous good afternoon practicing. Albus loved every bit of it. Georgia was very happy that Albus worked so well with Heather and Fred. Usually, when a squad got a new Chaser it took a partner off hebdomad for the new Chaser to get used to the team, but Albus fit in good order in. Empire State of the South was sure they would be set up for the commencement friction match, and they might even be capable to win the Quidditch Cup again.

******

Albus climbed through the portrait hole the fall out Thursday feeling thoroughly worn out. The Quidditch squad had just practiced for two hours and Albus just got back from snagging a belatedly supper afterwards. The team was only practicing a couple nights a week, but it was enough that Albus hardly had any clip for anything other than homework. He could only imagine what it would be like when they were practicing every night of the week.

Albus immediately spotted John and Matt sitting at their usual table in the backrest. He looked longingly at the room access leading to the dormitories. All he wanted to do was sleep, but they had Astronomy at midnight that Night. Albus ran up to the dormitory for a few arcminute to stick his broom and get his school bag, wishing all the while that he could just collapse into bed.

`` Hi, guys, '' Albus said as he sunk into a president at the table his ally were at.

`` Hi, Albus, '' Saint John greeted him, `` You look almost as bad as Matt does. ``

`` Thanks, '' Albus replied flatly, but he knew he looked exhausted. Although not nearly as exhausted as Matt did. The good lunation was that night mat was sleeping with his header on his transfiguration book.

`` How was practice ? '' John asked, without looking up from her History of illusion notes.

`` Exhausting, '' Albus replied, `` And I got hit with two Bludgers. ``

`` Ouch, '' John said.

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, massaging his left arm where both Bludgers had made contact. He heard the portrait open and saw Kaden coming in, looking Sir Thomas More low-keyed than he usually did. He made a beeline for Albus and sat down next to him.

`` Hi, Kaden, '' Albus said.

`` Hi, Albus. ``

`` Er, is something damage ? '' Albus asked. He was n't used to seeing Kaden so quiet.

`` Patil assigned another essay today. A foot long ! '' Kaden shouted so loudly that Matt woke up. `` A whole foot ! ``

Albus looked at John and both of them fusillade out laughing.

`` What 's so comic ? '' Kaden asked loudly, his vocalisation returning to its usual tone.

`` It 's just, '' Albus grinned, `` that you seemed so in love with everything magical and it did n't seem like you thought anything was bad in the magical world and here at Hogwarts. You loved every bingle class and did n't consume a complaint. I knew that would deepen once you 'd been assigned a recollective essay. ``

`` Haha, '' Kaden replied flatly, `` But still ! I mean, come on, how can I save a foot long essay about transfiguring matchsticks into needles ? It 's not that complicated ! You mutter an incantation and your match variety, that 's all there is to it ! There 's no way I can stretch that into a foot unless I write as big as Bethany does and I do n't call back Patil would like it if I wrote like a seven-year-old. ``

`` A groundwork is zippo, '' Albus told him, `` Eventually, you 'll be doing essays that are two rolling wave of lambskin. ``

`` Two rolls ! '' Kaden shouted, `` How is that potential ? It 's not ! I give up ! ``

`` Could you talk quiet ? '' Matt whispered.

Kaden paused long enough to look at matte. `` You look tremendous. You should go see Madam Pomfrey. You know magic trick fixes everything ! It 's awing. I had a low temperature the early day and she gave me a potion and it was gone in an instant ! ``

`` She ca n't fix this, '' flatness muttered.

`` surely she can. I saw her fix this bloke 's off-white with her baton. It was brilliant. She 'll have you good in no clock time, '' Kaden assured him.

`` No she wo n't, '' lusterlessness said quietly.

Albus and John nip Kaden warning looks. Albus willed his cousin to give up talking now. Kaden had absolutely no musical theme what Matt went through every month. Albus was getting fed up with Kaden 's belief that everything about the wizarding world was marvellous and that magical fixed everything.

`` Yeah she will, '' Kaden pressed, `` Just go ask her for a potion. ``

`` Just bury it, '' lusterlessness replied a bit more loudly, and stood up. He turned to Albus and John the Divine, `` I have to go now. I 'll see you tomorrow, right ? ``

`` Of line, '' Albus assured him.

`` Yeah, we 'll see you then, '' John said, `` Want me to come ? ``

`` No, I 'm okay, '' Matt replied and left the common room.

`` Is he going to see Madam Pomfrey ? '' Kaden asked, `` I do n't fuck why he did n't go right when he got ill. Seems pudden-head to me. ``

That was the last straw. Albus had had it with Kaden. He turned to his cousin with a look of madness in his eyes. `` Kaden, just shut it ! '' he shouted. `` Do n't call him stupid ! You 've got no approximation what illness he 's got, '' Albus whispered so that only Kaden and John could hear him, but his voice was every bit as forceful as it had been when he was shouting. `` And get it through your caput that magic does not fix everything ! There are some things that madam Pomfrey ca n't fix with potions. Do n't ever severalise him to just go see dame Pomfrey so she can make it all better. Because she ca n't. ``

Kaden stared at Albus and did n't say a word. His common cheery grin faded away and was replaced by a look of shock and detriment. `` Sorry, '' he mumbled and got up from the table. He ran over to the dorm room and went up the stair without so much as a glance back to Albus.

Albus looked at John, who was wearing a tone of shock on his typeface as well. `` I do n't conceive I 've ever heard you yell at anyone like that. Besides me, of course, when we were fighting over whether to differentiate Matt we knew he was a werewolf, '' St. John the Apostle said quietly.

`` Yeah, well, he was really starting to get on my mettle, '' Albus replied, `` And this was it. He should n't give birth done that. He should experience stopped talking when Matt said Madam Pomfrey could n't help him. ``

`` But how was he supposed to recognize ? '' John asked, `` Do n't you think you were a bit coarse ? ``

`` No, '' Albus answered, `` Not when it comes to this. He 's got to learn not to butt against into Matt 's malady, especially if he 's going to be around us all the clock time. ``

`` I 'm not surely he will anymore, '' John replied.

The two friends sat in silence for the side by side few mo. Albus thought about what John had said. Maybe he had been too harsh. Maybe he should possess just told Kaden not to bother Matt. But Kaden had practically called Matt pudden-head, had n't he ? That was uncalled for. Could what Albus said really been enough to dissuade Kaden from outlay clock time with Albus and the others ? Albus was n't sure. He was n't even sure if he wanted Kaden to stop spending time with him. As much as Kaden annoyed him, he had grown used to his younger cousin being around.

`` You 're awfully quiet over here, '' Rose said as she and Amanda sat down at the table. `` Oh, did matte leave ? ``

Albus nodded. `` How is he ? '' rose asked.

`` He 'd cause been better if it was n't for Kaden, '' John Lackland pointed out.

rose wine groaned, `` What did he do ? ``

`` I was wondering why Kaden was n't here, '' Amanda said, `` It 's kind of odd seeing you without him around, Albus. ``

`` Kaden insisted that mat go get a potion from Madam Pomfrey because he looked tired of, '' Saint John told the girls. Albus was perfectly bequeath to let John tell the story. `` And of course he looked sick of, considering what tonight is. But Kaden did n't know that, of course, and he would n't stop telling flatness how legerdemain can fix everything. ``

`` Oh, did he really ? '' rosiness sighed, `` Then what happened ? ``

`` Matt left. I think he really did have to leave then, but I 'm sure as shooting he was pretty irritated by Kaden, '' lavatory continued.

`` I 'll bet, '' Amanda said quietly, `` Your first cousin does n't always have it off the best thing to say, Albus. ``

`` That 's why Albus yelled at him, '' John the Divine announced.

`` What ? ! '' both girlfriend shouted at the same time.

`` Yup, '' John replied, `` Probably would accept turned into a big row if Kaden had n't possess just left. He 's in his dorm right now. ``

`` Oh, Albus, you did n't, '' pink wine sighed.

`` I did, '' Albus said, a little annoyed that blush wine seemed disappoint, `` And you would have to if you 'd been there. I just told him I was tired of him talking about how magic fixes everything. I told him that there are some thing that Madam Pomfrey 's potions wo n't fix and not to mention them around matte. I also yelled at him because he practically called lusterlessness stupid. Kaden said matt was stupid for not getting a potion when he first got sick. ``

`` I see your point, '' Rose replied, `` But honestly, Albus, you could have said it without yelling. I think Kaden 's having a rough time adjusting and making friends. Having you wild with him is n't going to facilitate matter. ``

`` Maybe if he learned to be quiet once and a while, he 'd make supporter, '' Albus muttered.

`` fountainhead, you can excuse in the morning, '' Rose told him, while taking out her homework.

`` Apologize ? He 's the one who 's got to apologize to Matt, '' Albus said adamantly.

`` He does n't even know why that overthrow Matt, '' Rose insisted, `` And unless you plan on telling him, he 's probably not going to rationalise. ``

Albus had n't thought of that. There was no way he was going to tell Kaden that mat was a werewolf. `` All right, fine. I 'll rationalize. But if he does that again, I 'll shout out at him again and I wo n't justify. ``

`` And I 'll be right there yelling with you, '' John Lackland assured him.

`` male child, '' Rose muttered to Amanda, who nodded.

******

Albus was extremely tired when he trudged down to breakfast with his friends the next morning. Due to uranology, he had n't gotten to bed until 1:30 am, and had had about six hr of quietus. Albus had n't seen Kaden at all that morning, which was unknown because Kaden usually waited for Albus in the common room before breakfast. Albus figured he was probably still upset about the previous Nox. Albus really did n't want to excuse, but he supposed he would accept to.

Albus sat down and poured himself a glass of orange juice. He was glad that it was a relatively easy day. twice Herbology in the dawning and then a unity course of study of Potions after lunch. Following Potions, Albus and his friends would go visit matte in the hospital flank. Albus felt like he would rather pass the day in the infirmary annexe sleeping instead of going to class, but he knew that would n't happen.

The military post bird of night flew into the room and Albus noticed his mother 's owl flying towards him. The owl landed next to Albus, Albus took the letter, and the owl was off again.

`` varsity letter from aunty Ginny ? '' blush wine asked.

`` Yeah, '' Albus told her and opened the letter.

Dear Al,

How are you ? I hope your first two calendar week have gone well.
I 'm glad the new Charms teacher is Nice, and I do hope
you 'll behave yourself in her class.

kudos on making the Quidditch team ! I 'm so
proud of you. Lily is very excited as well and is
telling me that she is going to suit the new
steward after Georgia alumnus. We 'll see about that.

Dudley called last Nox and told me about the row
you had with Kaden last night. I realize that Kaden
may suffer been less than sympathetic with Matt, but
please justify to him. Kaden is having a rough out
time adjusting to Hogwarts. I know it seems like
he loves everything magical, but he has not made a
whole lot of champion. He needs you to be kind to
him and include him in your activities.

With sexual love,
Mum

Albus folded the varsity letter and sighed. Even his mother wanted him to rationalize to Kaden. Did n't anyone understand that Kaden had been out of argumentation last night ? lav seemed to think so, but thought Albus should have been nicer about it.

`` Aunt Ginny agrees with me, '' rosiness commented.

`` Her and everyone else, '' Albus muttered. He still did n't really require to apologize to Kaden.

`` fountainhead, looks like you 'll feature to apologize later, '' Rose announced and stood up, `` We 've got to get to Herbology. ``

Relieved that he had an excuse not to apologize now, Albus made his way to the greenhouses with his friend. Neville spent the lesson teaching about devil's apples and helping the class to re-pot them. Albus found rather easy, but not everyone in the family did. One of the Mandrakes attached itself to Karina 's hair and would n't let go until Neville stunned it.

Albus did n't see Kaden at luncheon and did n't suffer clock time to go find him before Potions, not that he minded. He was still mad at Kaden and did not want to rationalize. Potions was pretty irksome because all Slughorn did was lecture. Albus felt himself nodding off a few meter, only to be prodded awake by rosebush who was sitting next to him.



A/N : Thanks to my sister and beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as my other sister and my chum. Thanks as well to XDNLxtlz99, potterfan89, ginnyweasley98, and Moonylupin for their limited review !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




After Potions, Albus and his admirer went to chew the fat Matt like they usually did after a broad Moon. Albus was relieved that they did n't run into Kaden on the way there. He was n't surely what he would say in order to sway off his first cousin if Kaden decided to try and confabulate Matt with them.

`` Hello, kids, '' Madam Pomfrey greeted them as they entered the cellblock. She was used to them visiting by then and left them alone as long as they were n't too loud.

Albus made a beeline for the bed lusterlessness usually stayed in and pulled back the curtains. flatness was sporting numerous cuts all over his face and blazonry, a black eye, and bruises all along his weapon system. He was also asleep.

`` Aww, he 's quiescency, '' John grinned mischievously as he shut the pall behind them.

`` Well, that 's not really surprising, '' rose wine commented, `` Maybe we should hail back later. ``

`` No, I 'm awake, '' Matt mumbled hoarsely and opened his eyes a bit. `` Is Kaden here ? ``

`` Nope, have n't seen him since last night, '' Albus told him.

Matt breathed a suspiration of easing, `` Good. I was trying to fare up with a something to order him as to why I 'm here, but now I do n't let to. ``

`` I do n't guess you 're going to make to occupy about that, '' John Lackland replied.

`` Why not ? I 'm certainly he 'll ask. He 's always hanging around. And last night he was so bloody irritating. I think I would 've had a go at him if I had n't had a splitting headache. ``

`` Albus had a go at him, '' King John told him, and proceeded to tell Matt what had happened after he left.

`` Wow, Albus, '' Matt said quietly when trick had finished, `` Thanks, I guess. ``

`` No problem. I 'm not going to let him butt into why you 're upchuck all the metre, '' Albus said.

`` And you have n't seen him since ? '' mat asked.

`` Nope. He got really upset, I think. And Mum says I 've got to justify to him. I do n't really want to, though, '' Albus answered.

`` Well, you probably should. He is your cousin, after all. But I ca n't say I 'd mind if he did n't spend as very much time with us, '' Matt told him.

`` I know, me too, '' Albus responded. `` Anyway, how are you ? ``

`` Been better, been worse, '' Matt replied, `` Got a few broken ribs, but Madam Pomfrey fixed them. I 'm just a bit sore. And tired, of course. ``

`` When do you get to leave ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Probably Sunday, '' mat yawned.

`` Do you require us to leave so you can sleep ? '' Rose asked.

`` No, I 've got all Nox to slumber. recount me what I missed in course of study. ``

`` Well, a devil's apples attached itself to Karina 's haircloth in Herbology, '' Albus told him.

`` Bet she loved that, '' mat stifled a laugh.

`` And Albus fell asleep in Potions, '' Rose announced, `` I had to wake him up a few prison term. ``

`` I was n't at rest. I was just closing my eye for a bit, '' Albus insisted. `` Slughorn was just talking and it was boring. I had Quidditch practice yesterday and astronomy. I 'm tired. ``

`` What did I miss in Astronomy ? ``

`` Not much. Just review, mostly. form of the synodic month, that kind of affair, '' Albus replied.

`` I think I 've got those down pretty well, '' Matt laughed. Everyone else started laughing, too. Albus was glad that mat was getting to be more comfy about talking and joking about his circumstance with them.

Albus and the others spent the remainder of the time until dinner in the Hospital wing with lusterlessness. Once dinner time came, Madam Pomfrey chased them out. Albus knew he 'd have to verbalise to Kaden soon, but he did n't get the opportunity to during dinner. After they finished eating, Albus and his ally went up to the common way to get started on their growing down of homework.

`` You should go talk to Kaden now, '' Rose said as she looked up from her notes.

Albus sighed. He had just gotten started on an essay that he really did n't experience like writing, but he 'd rather write it than talk to Kaden. `` I do n't even see him in here, Rose. ``

`` He 's over there, sitting by himself, '' rosebush pointed behind Albus.

`` Just get it over with, Albus, '' John told him as he twirled his quill around his fingers, `` You 've got to do it sometime. Just apologize and tell him not to bother Matt anymore. defecate sure he knows that, because if he does that again I 'll yell at him, too. And I 'm much louder than you, '' whoremonger grinned.

`` He 's your cousin, Albus, you 've got to at least be cultivated to him, '' Amanda said, `` Even if you 're not best friends. ``

`` That 'll never happen, '' Albus rolled his center. `` Oh, fine, I 'll go talk of the town to him. ``

Albus got up from the table and squeezed his way through the crowded common way to the chair Kaden was sitting in. Kaden was leafing through his potions text playscript and writing the periodic short letter down on a piece of parchment. `` Er, hi Kaden, '' Albus said and sat down in the death chair opposite his first cousin. `` Could I talk to you ? ``

`` Oh, hi Albus, '' Kaden replied quietly, `` I thought you were still mad at me. ``

`` That 's what I wanted to talk to you about. ``

`` Oh, well, go ahead, '' Kaden closed his potions book.

`` I guess I just want to say I 'm no-account for yelling at you final stage night, '' Albus said as he picked at a loose yarn on the chair. `` I did n't really intend to upset you. I just wanted you to hold back telling Matt to go to the infirmary offstage. He told you to stop and you did n't. ``

`` Well, I thought Madam Pomfrey could just give him a potion and he 'd be all better, you know, like magic, '' Kaden gave a tepid laugh, `` I just do n't get why anyone would n't go get a potion when they 're sick. ``

Albus sighed. He knew it was clip for Kaden to understand that magic trick did n't fix everything. `` Kaden, you 've got to understand that magic ca n't fix everything. I do n't guess you get that yet. I know it 's hard to come into the magical world after living in the Muggle one for 11 years. Well, actually, I guess I do n't know that. You 'd be full off talking to Amanda about that, or my dad, or my aunty Hermione- ''

`` I think magic is damn brilliant ! '' Kaden interrupted.

`` That 's the thing ! '' Albus stared his first cousin in the eye, `` Not all magic is brilliant ! And it wo n't fix everything ! ``

`` I do n't see why it ca n't, '' Kaden shrugged, `` It 's magic after all. ``

`` This is why most Muggles do n't bang about charming. Most of them think magic can fix all their problems, just like you do, '' Albus explained, `` But it ca n't. And I guess you 'll just take to get wind that for yourself, if you do n't consider me. ``

`` I think I do believe you, Albus, '' Kaden replied, `` And I already know that not all magic is good. I remember what you told me about Voldemort. ``

`` Yeah, I think you do know that, '' Albus agreed, `` But back to the other thing. You 've got to understand that there are some, er, '' Albus chose his words carefully so as not to reach away mat 's arcanum, `` illnesses, that ca n't be fixed by magic. They 're worse than your median frigidity or flu, and the Healers, those are sorcerous Doctor of the Church, have n't found cures yet. ``

`` Oh, '' Kaden said. Albus could state he was giving this a good bit of thought. `` But why ca n't you just wave your sceptre and make it better ? ``

Albus sighed. This was harder than he thought. He tried to think of a way of putting this in a Muggle view. Amanda would be meliorate at this, he thought. Or even rose. `` I 'm not sure exactly why. It just wo n't work. I guess sorcerous healing is n't that unlike than Muggle medicine. healer try to regain therapeutic just like Doctor do. Doctors ca n't fix everything either, like Cancer the Crab, '' Albus remembered a Muggle disease he heard his dad talking about once, one that was very surd to cure. `` Doctor try to fix it and sometimes they do, but there 's no cure. ``

Kaden 's eyes opened all-embracing and he whispered, `` Matt 's got cancer ? ``

`` Oh, no ! '' Albus exclaimed, `` Wizards do n't get that ; it 's a Muggle disease. And what he 's got is n't the wizard interpretation of it. He 's not going to die from it. He just gets sick every once and a spell. What you 've got to realise is that Madam Pomfrey ca n't fix it with potions. So, you should n't tell him to go get some. Just do n't mention anything like that. And definitely do n't call him poor fish for not going to see Madam Pomfrey, '' Albus said sternly.

Kaden nodded his head solemnly. Finally he seemed to be getting it, Albus thought. `` But what has he got ? '' Kaden asked curiously.

Albus groaned inwardly. He had hoped this would n't fall up, but he knew it would. `` I ca n't narrate you. That 's for him to separate you, if he wants to. And honestly, I do n't conceive he will. So do n't ask him, ever. ``

`` You know what it is, good Albus ? '' Kaden asked.

`` Yeah, I do, '' Albus replied. `` Oh, and do n't talk about this with anyone else, besides me. Not any of the other 1st geezerhood, or anyone. Do n't mention that you know anything whatsoever about him getting sick. assure me you wo n't. ``

Kaden looked questioningly at his cousin. `` I wo n't. But why is it so closemouthed ? ``

`` It 's all office of what it is, and that 's all I 'm going to say, '' Albus stood up.

`` All right, so you 're not mad anymore ? ''

`` No, '' Albus replied. `` I 've got to go finish an essay. You want to fall sit with us ? '' Albus was n't sure what his friends would think of Kaden sitting with them, heck he was n't really sure as shooting if he wanted Kaden to sit with them, but it seemed like the right wing thing to do.

A huge smiling appeared on Kaden 's case and he stood up. `` Yeah, of course of study ! ``

Albus walked back to his friends, Kaden following like a puppy, and he knew things were back to normal.

******

`` Hey, Albus, '' Kate Waverly sat down next to Albus at breakfast the following Mon.

`` Oh, hi Kate, '' Albus said once he 'd swallowed his mouthful of eggs.

`` Listen, I 've been trying to rule a time for dueling practice, '' she began, `` It 's been severe than I thought it 'd be. I obviously ca n't do it during Quidditch pattern. I do n't cogitate the whole team will be able to encounter at the same time ; it just wo n't work. But that 's all right. The team I was on last-place class rarely ever met at the Saami prison term. I 've been talking to everyone and it looks like Wed eventide will work for a lot of hoi polloi. Can you make it ? ``

Albus thought for a moment. He had been wondering when the first dueling practice would take property. St. John the Apostle and rose wine had already been to their first practice. matte missed his because it took place while he was in the hospital annex. `` I should be capable to make it, '' he told Kate.

Kate grinned, `` Great. How about you, Amanda ? '' she turned to Amanda, who was sitting across from Albus.

`` Sure, I 'll be there. I have n't gotten anything else to do besides homework, '' she laughed.

`` Perfect. The meeting will be in the dueling room, seven in the evening. I 've already talked to Professor ceramicist and he said it 's free. I 've got to go public lecture to the Slytherins now. I 've been saving them for last, '' she groaned and walked over to the Slytherin table.

`` Finally, we 're having a meeting ! '' Albus said excitedly. `` I ca n't waitress to start dueling people. ``

`` Me too, '' Amanda grinned.

`` It 's middling brilliant, '' John told them, `` We have n't really learned any new spells yet, but I got to disarm a couple people. ``

`` I disarmed a couple on tertiary year at my meeting, '' Rose announced. `` I 'm agitate about learning new while, though. ``

`` wish well I had n't missed mine, '' Matt muttered.

`` You 'll make it to the next one, '' Albus assured him, `` You heard Kate, not everyone makes it to every meeting. ``

`` Can I go with you to the confluence, Albus ? Please ? '' Kaden begged.

`` I do n't think you can, sorry, '' Albus told him, `` for the first time years are n't allowed. ``

Kaden mumbled something that sounded like 'stupid rule'and left to go to his first base class.

`` We ought to go, too, '' Rose announced. Albus and his friends left the Great Asaph Hall and made their way to Transfiguration.

The succeeding few days seemed to dredge on for an eternity. Albus was very excited about the dueling practice and he did not feel like concentrating on anything else. He momentarily forgot about it during Quidditch practice on Tuesday, but once that was finished, he was back to waiting impatiently for dueling.

After dinner on Wednesday, Albus and Amanda said goodbye to their booster and made their way to the dueling way. When they got there, they saw 7 or 8 early educatee, along with Kate Waverly milling about. Albus noticed that the Gryffindors, Ravenclaws, and Hufflepuffs were all talking with each former, but the Slytherins were sulking by themselves in one corner.

A twain more scholarly person ran into the room as Albus and Amanda went over to the group of non-Slytherins. Harry walked in a moment later, and stood succeeding to Kate in the front of the room.

Kate looked at the clock and then back at the team. `` All right, I think most of us are here. I 'm Kate Waverly, 4th class Ravenclaw, as most of you know. I know a lot of you are n't well-chosen about the inter-house squad this class, but we 'll have to get by with it. It 's not slowly for me, either. Last class, captains only had to accommodate one Quidditch squad, this year we have to accommodate four.

`` professor ceramist, Professor Longbottom, or one of the other professors will supervise the pattern, at least for the commencement few. But if you have an issue, delight come to me first because I 'm the captain. Now, for our get-go coming together, I 'd just care to valuate what dueling skills you 've got. So pair off and demilitarise each former. Disarm only. ``

Albus and Amanda stepped a few base apart and faced each other. `` prepare ? '' Amanda asked.

Albus grinned, `` You know, if this was a real duel, you would n't ask me if I 'm quick. ``

`` I know, '' Amanda laughed, `` I 'm just used to it. ``

`` It 's all rightfulness. ``

A few seconds later, Amanda shouted out, `` Expelliarmus ! ``

Albus felt his verge vibration in his hand, but it stayed there. `` That was a good try, '' he said.

`` I 've done it in class, '' Amanda told him.

`` I know. I 've seen you. ``

`` You try now. ``

`` Ok, '' Albus pointed his sceptre at Amanda and shouted, `` Exeplliarmus ! '' Amanda 's scepter flew out of her deal and it landed at Albus 's feet.

`` Great job, Albus ! '' Kate shouted from across the room.

`` Nice one, '' Amanda told him.

`` Thanks, '' Albus replied, `` You try again. ``

Albus and Amanda disarmed each former for the next fifteen second. Amanda managed to disarm Albus a dyad times, but she was n't nearly as good at it as Albus was.

`` All right ! '' Kate shouted, `` permutation partners, everyone ! Preferably individual who 's not in your house. ``

`` ceramicist, '' Malfoy appeared future to Albus, smirking at him, `` Let me show everyone how much of a better dueler I am. ``

`` Bring it on, Malfoy, '' Albus growled, suddenly wanting to hex Malfoy, rather than just disarm him.

`` Too bad we 're not on separate teams, '' Malfoy commented, `` Then I could wipe the trading floor with you in a really affaire d'honneur. Oh, well, this 'll possess to do. ``

`` Bit full of yourself, are n't you ? '' Albus muttered, raising his wand.

`` Expelliarmus ! '' Malfoy shouted. Albus 's wand flew out of his hand and landed a couple up foot away. `` Told you, '' he laughed. `` I am a safe dueller than you. ``

`` I have n't tried disarming you yet, Malfoy, '' Albus replied, `` Do n't count your Snidgets before they hatch. ``

`` Give me your whip, Potter, '' Malfoy smirked.

`` Expelliarmus ! '' Albus shouted with all the military group he could rally. Malfoy 's sceptre left his bridge player and landed a couple feet away, just as Albus 's had done. `` There, we 're even. ``

`` We 'll never be even, potter, '' Malfoy replied haughtily.

`` Great job, everyone ! '' Kate announced, `` That 's enough for now. I see we have some great dueler in here. With a picayune drill, I 'm sure we 'll beat the former teams. I think for easiness, I 'll hold recitation every hebdomad this same day and time. It might be in a unlike way occasionally, and I 'll let you know if it is. Do n't vex if you ca n't make all the meetings. Just try and relieve oneself as many as you can. I 'll see everyone succeeding week. ``

`` That was pretty fun, '' Amanda said as they were getting ready to leave.

`` Yeah, although I could do without Malfoy, '' Albus replied

`` Hey, Al, '' Harry put his arm around his son, `` Could I talk to you for a bit ? ``

`` Sure, '' Albus said and then turned to Amanda, `` I 'll see you in the common room. ``

`` All rightfulness, '' Amanda left the room.

`` I have n't had a hazard to talk to you much, '' Harry said once the room was evacuate. He walked over to a couplet chairs and sat down in one. He patted the one next to him. `` How have you been ? ``

`` Great. I love Quidditch, '' Albus grinned and sat down in the chair next to his dad.

`` I 'm glad you made the team, although I heard some of the other Gryffindors were n't too happy. ``

`` Yeah, a duo thinking I just got on the squad because Georgia 's police chief. And Ryan 's the only one who 's not a Weasley or a ceramicist on the team now, '' Albus explained.

`` I 'm sure that 's not why you made the team, '' Harry assured him. `` You 're a corking pursuer. ``

`` And I 'm already used to working with heather and Fred. ``

`` Exactly, you were the best one, '' Harry agreed, `` How have form been ? ``

`` Fine. spell is much comfortably than last year. I like prof Cedonia. ``

`` She 's very nice. She 's definitely not the usual sort of teacher Hogwarts has, but that 's not really a bad affair, '' Harry commented.

`` Yeah, she has n't given out many custody, '' Albus told him.

`` But she has her grade under control condition. I think the other teachers could learn a lot from her. ``

`` I 'd have sex it if cypher gave out detention anymore, '' Albus grinned.

`` That 's not really what I meant, but anyway, '' Harry continued, `` I heard you had some trouble with Kaden recently. Mum sent me an owl about it. ``

Albus felt his cheeks turn red. `` Er, yeah, but it 's all worked out now. I 'm not mad at him anymore. ``

`` gladiolus to get wind it, '' Harry smiled, `` If you have anymore trouble, feel free to come to me. I know Kaden can be a bit, er, exuberant, to put it nicely. ``

Albus laughed, `` I 'll say. He just does n't eff when to quit sometimes. ``

`` Some the great unwashed are like that, '' Harry stood up. `` It 's getting late. You should probably go back to Gryffindor. ``

`` All right wing, '' Albus stood up as well and gave his dad a hug. `` G'night, Dad. ``

`` 'Night, Al, '' Harry gave his son a hug back and the two of them left the room.




Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry ceramicist. Nor do I own 'Bothering Snape'or anything else related to Potter marionette Pals.




The second half of Sept passed the same way the first one-half had. Albus 's days were filled with socio-economic class, homework, Quidditch drill, and dueling recitation. Albus was really enjoying both Quidditch and dueling, although he liked Quidditch better. Kate had begun teaching them new magic spell in dueling, and it was fun, but Malfoy kept trying to better half up with Albus during practices. Albus suspected that Malfoy was trying to beat Albus in one of the praxis duels, but he had yet to come after. The number one dueling sports meeting was n't until the end of October and Kate felt that the squad would be fully prepared by then.

Kaden was quickly becoming a perm fixture in Albus 's group of friends. After Albus apologized and invited Kaden to sit with them in the usual room, he just never left. He was always with them whenever they were n't in class and because of this, Albus and his admirer were spending much less time in the elbow room of Requirement than they had the minute half of their first class. They seemed to cause come to an unspoken agreement not to show Kaden the elbow room, and Albus was perfectly happy with this. After all, there might eventually come a day when Albus and the others needed to be alone, without Kaden, and the way might be the only place in Hogwarts where they could go.

The second Dominicus of October, Albus found himself looking for his friends after a particularly prospicient Quidditch practice. He shouldered his broom, feeling very worn-out, and headed back to the castle. It was a warm downfall day, not a swarm in the sky, and a poise air was blowing. It had been the perfect day for Quidditch practice. Albus had gotten his offset sense of taste of Quidditch practice in the rain a couplet week back and he had n't enjoyed it in the slightest.

On his way back to the castle, Albus noticed John and Matt sitting a match yard away from the Whomping Willow, beneath another tree. Kaden was wandering around nearby, playing with what appeared to be a daily round spell of charge plate attached to a yearn chain. Albus went over to Saint John and Matt and sat down next to them.

`` How was drill ? '' Matt asked.

`` Exhausting, '' Albus replied, `` What have you been up to ? ``

`` Sitting around, putting off doing our prep, '' John grinned.

`` And watching Kaden play with that Muggle toy, '' Matt laughed.

`` What is that thing ? '' Albus stared at the piece of plastic as it went up and down on the string.

`` He calls it a 'yo-yo', '' King John explained. `` Never seen anything like it. ``

`` I think I had one when I was really slight, '' Matt commented, `` But I must possess lost it ages ago. ``

`` How long has he been playing with it ? '' Albus asked, amazed that Kaden, who could n't sit still for fifteen minutes, could have got the attention pair to represent with that toy.

`` About fifteen minutes, '' Matt told him, `` But I think he 's noticed you, Albus. ``

Sure enough, Kaden pocketed his yo-yo and ran over to Albus. `` Hi Albus ! How was Quidditch practice ? ``

`` Good, '' Albus told him, `` Tiring, but good. ``

`` I was watching. I think I 'd like to be a Beater, it looks like fun to whack those Bludgers around, '' Kaden grinned.

Albus, who personally thought Kaden should not be allowed near a Beater 's bat after he nearly put someone 's eye out with his sceptre a couple times, laughed. `` Well, we wo n't be needing a new Beater for a patch, '' he turned to St. John and lustrelessness, `` Where are rose wine and Amanda ? ``

`` Up in the rook, doing prep, probably, '' Saint John the Apostle replied, `` They did n't want to fare outside. ``

Kaden stood up and stared at the Whomping willow tree. `` D'you think that tree could kill someone ? ``

`` Probably, '' Albus said.

`` Wonder why they planted it, then, '' Kaden started to walk a piffling closelipped to the tree.

Albus glanced at his Friend and saw a look of terror appear in Matt 's eyes. Why was it that Kaden always seemed to question the things that had to do with Matt 's being a werewolf ?

`` Er, Dumbledore probably thought it was funny, '' Albus lied.

`` He was mad, then, '' Kaden inched even closer to the tree, whose thrashing offset were now just a couple animal foot away from him.

`` A bit, yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` But he was brilliant, too. ``

`` It 's so strange, though. I 've never seen a tree like this, '' Kaden started to circulate the tree.

`` That 's because it 's sorcerous, '' Albus told him.

`` You should probably step back, Kaden, '' flatness warned him.

`` I 'll be careful, '' Kaden took a few Sir Thomas More steps towards the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree. He was now within orbit of its subdivision. `` Must be a strong Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree. '' He started to try and touch one of the offshoot, but the Tree got there first base and hit him on the leg with one of its branches. `` Ouch ! '' Kaden shrieked.

Albus, Matt, and can all stood up and ran over to him, but not close enough that they could get hit.

`` Kaden, I told you not to go near it ! '' matt shouted.

`` It did n't even break the cutis. I 'm amercement, '' Kaden assured him and went back to inspecting the tree diagram. But the tree did n't like Kaden around it and started to hit him more forcefully. `` Ow ! ``

Albus rushed forward, dodging branches as he went. `` Kaden, move ! ``

But Kaden did n't make a motion away from the tree. A branch hit him in the headspring and knocked him over. He stood up a piffling and peered close-fitting at the Tree 's base.

`` Kaden, get away from there ! '' Matt screamed in a very wobbly pure tone. `` I 'm serious, prompt ! ``

`` I think there 's a hole down there ! '' Kaden shouted excitedly.

Albus saw all the gloss drain from Matt 's face, and he knew that Kaden had just found out how to get into the mysterious passageway that led to the Shrieking Shack. Albus was about to go grab Kaden away from the Tree, when he disappeared from sight.

`` Oh, no, oh, no ! '' Matt shrieked, shaking his chief back and forth.

Albus rushed forward towards the tree. It hit him on his shoulder and his head as he tried to skirt the offset. He crept closer, still getting hit, and saw the hole Kaden was talking about. But it did n't seem like there was any way to get into it without being killed. Albus had no idea how Kaden had done it.

Matt ran forward and grabbed a recollective branch that was on the footing. He wordlessly shoved it into the theme of the tree, and the subdivision stopped. Albus turned to look at him, but he said nothing. Albus quickly jumped into the hole and found Kaden crouching in the entrance of a long tunnel.

`` This is bewilder ! '' Kaden grinned, `` I 've found a secret passageway ! ``

`` Listen, Kaden, we 've got to get out of here, '' Albus said urgently.

`` Aw, come on, Albus. Let 's follow it ! ``

`` No, Kaden, we ca n't, '' Albus insisted.

`` You do n't look very arouse, '' Kaden commented and he stared at Albus for a few seconds. `` I know, you already know about this, do n't you ? ``

`` Er, I, '' Albus tried to recall up something to tell apart Kaden. He was n't a very good lier, `` fine, I do already bang about it. My dad told me about it. But I have n't been in it. bookman are n't supposed to go in it. That 's why we 've got to lead, we 'll be in huge difficulty. ``

`` Do you have it off where it leads ? '' Kaden asked.

`` No, '' Albus lied. He figured he 'd be able to take out that lie off, and he did n't want to severalise Kaden where the musical passage led to. `` Now let 's go. ``

Kaden sighed, `` amercement. But you 're ruining the fun. ``

Albus did n't say another news. He quickly climbed out of the hole, hoping that whatever matt had done to block the arm was still working. Luckily, it was, and Albus was able to climb up out without receiving anymore injury. Kaden climbed out behind him, the huge grin still on his face.

whoremaster and Matt were standing nearby, but not near enough to be hit with ramification. flatness was looking White as a wraith, clearly worried that Kaden had found the shrieking hovel. Albus was just about to tell his friends that Kaden had n't gone down the tunnel when he heard a voice behind him.

`` Playing with the Whomping willow. That is clearly against the rules. ``

Albus turned around and saw Filch making his way slowly towards them. Great, he thought, this is just what they needed.

`` Yes, yes, '' Filch wheezed, `` Follow me, delinquents. ``

Albus turned to await at John the Divine and Matt. toilet was looking pretty calmness, but Matt was still as pallid as Nearly Headless gouge. Kaden also looked a bit worried, but not nearly as much as Matt. Albus was a little nervous as well. He had never gotten in trouble with the caretaker before. He had heard repugnance level about Filch and was n't indisputable which ones were true.

Albus followed Filch up to the castle in between whoremonger and matt. Kaden was walking a petty path behind them. None of them said a tidings. Filch was muttering to himself as he slowly lead the grouping up to the castle. They continued following Filch through the castle while other students stared at them. The other scholarly person were whispering amongst themselves as Albus and the others passed. Albus stared at the ground and tried to ignore them. Why was his trouble devising always so publicized ? Of row, this was n't even his fault, Albus thought bitterly. It was all Kaden 's shift. Why did he have got to keep messing with the tree ? He never seemed to desire to let anything go. When he got an idea into his brain, he never seemed to let go of it until Albus either yelled at him or physically stopped him.

Filch led them into a low, cramped, dreary office staff filled with assorted Muggle cleansing implements. There were only 3 chairs in the room, one of which was behind Filch 's desk and he sat in it immediately. Matt took one of the other chairs, as he appeared so nervous that he might conk. Kaden immediately started snooping around the office, while Albus and bathroom remained standing and watching Filch 's every move.

`` It 's in here somewhere, '' Filch muttered as he rifled through a cabinet. `` Let 's see. B. scrapper towards teacher, bothering house pixy, bothering magical creatures, bothering Snape, bothering other scholarly person, ah, here it is ! Bothering the Whomping Willow. '' Filch grinned and pulled out a musical composition of parchment. He set it down on his desk and looked up at Albus and the others.

Albus glanced at John, who shrugged. None of them had ever been in Filch 's office before and had no idea what to expect. Albus was prepared for the worse, including being shackled to the wall, as his cousin Fred told him Filch had done.

`` Quite the radical of fuss Godhead you are, '' Filch muttered, `` I 've got the form right here, already made. Had quite a few others torment that tree in the past, especially after it was first planted. ``

Albus had his doubts as to whether Filch actually knew why the tree was planted. lusterlessness seemed to be getting more nervous with every credit of the Whomping willow tree, and Albus could n't pick him.

Filch opened his backtalk and was about to say something when there was a crash behind Albus. Albus turned around and saw Kaden standing with a few dozen Fanged Frisbees at his feet. He was holding one in his handwriting and there was an empty box next to him.

`` Do n't extend to anything ! '' Filch shouted and ran out from behind his desk. He yanked the Frisbee out of Kaden 's hand and picked up the others. He shoved the box back on the shelf and went back behind his desk.

`` Sorry, '' Kaden mumbled. Filch ignored him.

`` Back to your punishment, '' Filch continued, picking up a quill. `` full phase of the moon names ? ``

For a break minute, Albus considered giving Filch a fake figure, but figured it would do no good with his dad as a teacher. `` Albus Severus Potter. ``

Filch wrote his epithet down and a grin gap across his face. `` Following in your father 's step ? And your granddad 's ? Yes, yes, I have an entire drawer in my filing locker dedicated to your grandfather and his delinquent friends. I do believe he once bothered the Whomping willow tree as well. ``

Albus ignored Filch 's reminiscing. He had not been bothering that tree. He had been saving Kaden from it. Although what Filch said had sparked his peculiarity. Why had his gramps messed with the Tree ? He knew his grandfather loved to make difficulty, but that tree concealed one of his best friend 's secrets. Maybe it had happened before he knew about it, Albus thought.

`` What about the eternal rest of you delinquents ? '' Filch growled.

`` John Malcolm Brickston, '' John replied. Filch wrote it down and glared at Matt.

`` Gospel According to Matthew Conan Eckerton, '' lusterlessness mumbled very softly.

`` And you ? '' Filch glared at Kaden after he wrote down Matt 's name.

`` Kaden Peter Dursley, '' Kaden announced.

`` right wing, '' Filch finished filling out the form and put it into his very large filing cabinet. `` Your punishment. Three nights'detention. Tonight you 'll be scrubbing caldron, Muggle trend of course, in the Potions room. Tomorrow you can do lines. And Mon you 'll clean the Astronomy tower, without magic as well. fit me in the keep 8pm sharp tonight. Now get out of here. ``

Albus wrenched the room access open and ran out of the office as fast as he could. ternary nights of detention ! Two of which would be spent doing Muggle cleanup ! That was harsh. Albus was angry now. Why did Kaden sustain to go near that tree ? None of them would be in this mess if he had n't. Albus stalked all the way up to Gryffindor Tower, with John and Matt following to him, cypher saying a word. Kaden ran along aside them, trying to get them to blab out to him. Albus knew what they had to do now. They had to puddle sure Kaden did not tell anyone about that tunnel.

When they climbed through the portrait hole, Albus was relieved to see that both Bilius and Ethan were in the usual room. That meant the dormitory was free and Albus could talk to Kaden up there. He wordlessly led the mathematical group to the dormitory and shut the door behind them.

`` Ok, what is unseasonable with you lot ? '' Kaden asked loudly, `` Why are you so subdued ? ``

`` We just got in difficulty because of you ! '' Albus shouted.

`` well, sorry ! '' Kaden responded, `` But it 's not that bad, it 's just cleaning. ``

`` Three nights worth ! '' matt groaned, `` And I did n't even do anything. Neither did John or Albus. ``

`` Albus was in that tunnel with me, '' Kaden pointed out.

`` Only to get you out ! '' Albus reminded him, `` And if you remember, we told you legion meter to leave that tree alone. This is what I was talking about last calendar month, Kaden. You never lay off when people ask you to. And I 've been in Hogwarts tenacious than you have, if I tell you to end doing something, chance are there 's a good reason for it ! And this one just seemed like park sense to me ! 'Do n't go near the tree that could kill you .'Why on Earth would n't you take heed to that ? ``

`` Jeesh, Albus, '' Kaden replied, a little quieter, `` I was just funny about it. ``

`` wonder killed the kneazle, '' John muttered.

`` What ? '' Kaden stared at him.

`` Kneazle, it 's a magical brute, '' St. John explained.

`` Oh, well, Muggles just say curiosity killed the cat. ``

`` That 's unknown, '' John said.

`` Anyway, '' Albus continued, `` You ca n't tell anyone about that tunnel and I mean anyone. Not your mum, not your dad, not your sister, not any of the other first old age, no Muggles or star, young or old, '' Albus turned to John the Evangelist and flatness, `` Have I left anything out ? ``

`` Do n't tell any animate being either, '' John added, `` Or what appear to be inanimate aim either, you never know in this place. ``

Kaden stared at them with a confused look on his brass. `` Why not ? It looks to be a secret passageway ! ``

If it was possible, matt seemed to plough even whiter. `` Do n't order anyone, '' he said forcefully. `` And do n't go back into it. Ever. ``

Kaden sighed. `` You lot deal all the fun away. ``

`` faith me, Kaden, what 's beyond that tunnel is n't fun, '' Albus told him.

`` But you said you did n't cognize what was beyond it ! ``

Oh, right, Albus thought. This was why he was a bad lier. He could never stay fresh the lies straight. Now what was he going to say ? `` Oh, er, well, I kind of do know. But trust me, it 's goose egg practiced. It 's not even that exciting, pretty boring really. ``

`` And you 're not going to tell me what it is, are you ? '' Kaden looked at all of them.

`` Nope, '' Saint John replied.

`` So you all know where it goes ? ``

`` Er, yeah, '' John answered.

`` I just do n't get it. You lot seem to be keeping quite a few things secret from me. Are they extra closed book only people with champion parents can roll in the hay ? '' Kaden asked darkly.

Albus was shocked. Where had his cousin come up with something like that ? `` No ! Of course not ! Why in the gens of Merlin 's beard would you think that ? ``

`` Certain the great unwashed here seem to think Muggle-borns should n't be taught trick, '' Kaden explained.

Albus knew this, of path. He just had n't known that they were bothering Kaden. `` Who, Kaden ? And are they doing this to you ? ``

`` Um, yeah, a bit, '' Kaden muttered, `` Mainly Felix Willinson. ``

Albus groaned. He should have known. Felix had n't bothered Albus at all so far, but apparently he, like his cousin, enjoyed bullying other student. `` Just detain away from him. And if he bothers you again, just tell me. I 'll get my cousin-german to set him straight. ``

`` All right, '' Kaden replied, `` And I really am sorry about the Whomping Willow thing. ``

`` It 's ok, '' Albus assured him. `` We 'll just have you do to the highest degree of the cleaning these adjacent few nights, '' he grinned.



A/N : Thanks to my beta and Sister, Dancer of Starlight, as well as my former baby and my sidekick. Thanks as well to sinwillys822, Niki Lily, drownzer, XDNLxtlz99, Moonylupin, and potterfan89 for their reassessment !


Diclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter. Nor do I own Monty Python, Spamalot, or any of their related material.




Albus never thought he would cause a worse detention than the one he had cleaning the trophy room the previous year. He thought Washburn had been the worst soul to give detention with, but he was wrong. Albus went through his whole first year without getting in trouble with Filch, and he was very well-chosen about that. By the time he finished his second detention on Monday night, he was beginning to like he was doing detention with Washburn instead. At least Washburn had n't breathed down his neck the entire time. Filch spent all of Billy Sunday dark staring at them while they scrubbed cauldron, and all of the previous dark staring at them as they churned out line of products after line. Filch seemed to take joy in watching the educatee rub their manpower raw while scrubbing the cauldron. Of course, the lines could have got been considered a nice break in between the two cleanup events.

By the time Albus trudged into the usual elbow room on Tuesday evening after Quidditch practice, he was prepare to be done with detention. But no such luck ; it was their final night and Filch was sure to relish every minute of it. Albus quickly dropped his heather off in his student residence and went back to the mutual room to spend the ten minute of arc they had before they had to exit for detention.

`` The last affair I want to do is go plum something, '' Albus groaned.

`` looking at like you need to strip your clothes, '' John laughed.

Albus shot him a dirty spirit. `` What do you look ? It 's raining and it 's quaggy and I just spent 45 minutes flying around. ``

`` I know, '' John grinned.

`` Georgia was n't well-chosen about me leaving early, '' Albus told him. `` She 's ruthless. ``

`` I 'll bet, '' John agreed.

`` Hey, where 's matt ? '' Albus asked, looking around the common room.

`` Room of necessary, '' John replied. `` Been there since right wing after you left for practice. ``

`` Oh, right, '' Albus said, remembering that the total moon was the pursuit evening. `` Why are n't you there with him ? ``

`` Wanted to, '' John sighed, `` Could n't shake up Kaden. He 's been with me ever since you left. In fact, I think that 's why lusterlessness left. He could n't get any respite with Kaden around. ``

`` But he 's not here now, '' Albus commented, noticing that Kaden was n't in the park room.

`` He went to put his Holy Scripture in his student residence, '' toilet explained, `` I 'm sure he 'll be back at any moment. ``

As if on cue, Kaden came flying out of the doorway leading to the dormitories and made a beeline for Albus and St. John the Apostle. `` prepare ? It 's the last night ! '' Kaden announced.

`` Yes, we know, '' whoremonger said, `` You 've been telling us that all day. ``

`` Where 's Matt ? Have n't seen him since dinner. He 'd better zip up, wherever he is, '' Kaden peered around the room.

Albus and John exchanged looks. `` I 'll find him, '' Albus replied quickly. `` You two go on ahead. ``

This time it was John 's spell to give Albus a repel smell. He clearly did n't desire to be the one who had to go to hold with Kaden. `` fine. See you later, rosebush, Amanda. ``

`` Enjoy yourselves, '' Rose replied.

`` See you later, '' Amanda waved.

Albus gave John and Kaden a minute 's head start before he left the common room and went to the Room of Requirement. He did n't need Kaden to find out where he was going. Once the coast was clear-cut, he paced three times in battlefront of the blank bulwark on the one-seventh storey and waited for the door to appear. It materialized just similar always and Albus went quietly inside. The room was sour and Albus could hardly see where he was going. He wished there was some light. Immediately, torch lit up along the walls and revealed a four-poster bed in the heart of the little room.

Albus walked quickly over to the bed and wrenched the dangling give. Once he saw how eat matte looked, he immediately felt guilty about how he had complained about being too tired from Quidditch practice to do detention. His exhaustion was aught compared to Matt's.

`` C'mon, we 've got detention, '' Albus gently poked his friend.

lusterlessness opened his eyes and sat up, wincing. `` Already ? All right. '' He slowly got up out of bed and stretched.

Albus led the way out of the way and to the astronomy column. Neither of them said anything for near of the journey, but Albus knew they were both thinking the same thing. They wished they did n't have to do detention that night.

`` Where are John and Kaden ? '' flatness asked, suddenly realizing that they were n't there.

`` They went on ahead. Did n't want Kaden to be intimate about the room. ``

`` Oh, yeah, thanks for that, '' lustrelessness replied.

Albus and lustrelessness slowly climbed the step leading to the Tower, and once they reached the top, Albus opened the threshold and the two of them arrived. Luckily, it had stopped raining and the clouds had even dissipated. The almost full Sun Myung Moon was shedding Christ Within upon the Tower, enough that Albus and the others would be able to do their detention with only a couple torches. Albus noticed Matt shudder and screw up his eyes as the moonlight hit him. Albus figured it was probably giving him a splitting headache at best.

`` You 're recent, '' growled Filch, who gestured to Saint John and Kaden. The two of them were already scrubbing telescopes.

`` Sorry, sir, '' Albus mumbled, not elaborating on why they were late.

`` Another night 's detention, I think, '' Filch replied, `` Tomorrow nighttime. You can cover cleaning cauldrons. There are still some left. ``

Albus glanced at mat who did n't even seem to be paying attention to Filch. He looked too busy trying not to be nauseated. There was no way that flatness could possibly do detainment the following eve. He would just experience to tell professor Longbottom about it the next day. Albus, however, groaned, as he would be able of doing hold the next dark. However, he would take in to miss dueling practice. At least Kate was n't highly strung about them missing practice session like GA was.

`` Well, what are you waiting for ? '' Filch growled at Albus and Matt, `` Start scrubbing ! ``

Albus picked up a rag out of the bucket that was standing nearby and ran quickly to where whoremaster and Kaden were scrubbing. He was partway there when he realized mat was still standing near the threshold. He did n't appeared to induce moved since they entered the tugboat. Filch was glaring at him, looking like he was ready to break loose with ferocity. Albus grabbed flatness by the arm without looking at Filch and led him over to the telescopes.

`` Are you all right ? '' Albus whispered and started to clean the nearest telescope.

`` F-fine, '' matte stuttered. Albus looked at him and noticed that he was shivering.

Albus turned to search at lav who shrugged with confusion. `` It 's a lot tough than endure night, '' Albus muttered. During the previous nighttime 's detention, matte had nodded off a few times, but he had been capable of producing a good bit of lines. Tonight, Matt appeared to be frozen in stead and definitely would n't be getting much cleanup done.

`` well, it is the night before, '' John whispered so quietly that Albus could barely hear him.

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` But he seems gruesome than most nights before. ``

`` Dunno why, '' John replied, `` We 'd better shroud him from Filch, though. Filch will bonk he 's not strip. '' Albus nodded and moved to the other side of Matt.

`` What 's amiss with him ? '' Kaden asked loudly, `` Is he be sick again ? ``

Albus and bathroom injection Kaden ominous face and Kaden immediately shut up. `` I was just wondering, '' he muttered a bit later.

`` Remember what I told you last time ? '' Albus asked quietly, `` Do n't get it up. ``

`` hush ! '' Filch shouted loudly.

Matt jumped and looked at Albus with a look of confusion on his human face. `` What 're we doing ? '' he mumbled.

`` detention, '' Albus replied, `` Listen, d'you want to go to the hospital extension ? ``

`` No, it 's not this night, it 's tomorrow night, '' he said and slouched onto the telescope he was supposed to be cleaning.

`` I said quiet ! '' Filch yelled and waltzed over to the male child, `` Get to work ceramist and Eckerton. ``

Albus and the others worked in silence for the succeeding half time of day. lav and Albus worked carefully down the row of telescope, making sure flatness was between them at all time so it would reckon like he was cleaning. Kaden worked on Albus 's other side, looking much more cheery than the early three boy did.

`` Finland, Finland, Republic of Finland ... '' he sung quietly, `` That 's the commonwealth for me .... ''

`` What ? '' Albus whispered. Kaden had been humming that song for the by five minutes and it was driving Albus mad. He had never heard it before and it sounded quite strange.

Kaden stopped singing and looked at Albus. `` Oh, come on ! You 've never heard of Monty python ? Spamalot, the Broadway play ? ``

`` Uh, no, '' Albus replied, wondering what that song could experience to do with a python. There had n't been any mention of snakes in it.

Kaden sighed. `` I love the wizarding world, but you lot are really lacking in high caliber entertainment. Would it pop you to take in TV and movies ? Monty Python is a moving picture, and a pretty funny remark one at that. You can watch it at my mansion sometime. Spamalot is a Broadway shimmer based on it. They turned it into a movie a few old age back. ``

Albus was still a bit confused about the birdcall, but he figured he 'd understand it if he ever watched the pic. He had seen a few Muggle flick before, but never Monty Python or Spamalot. His Aunt Hermione had a TV, but she did n't let Albus watch it very often. `` You 'll rot your brains out ! '' she always told him, `` Now go understand a book ! ``

Albus and Kaden went back to their cleaning, and Kaden started humming a new Song. Albus assumed it also was from Monty Python since it sounded just as confusing as the previous one. It had something to do with fish.

`` Stop that infernal hum ! '' Filch screamed.

`` Sorry, sir ! '' Kaden replied. Filch scowled. Clearly he was angry about Kaden talking to him, but he could n't bawl out him again since what Kaden had said was polite.

The residuum of the hold was spent in almost over silence. Every once and a patch, Kaden would try to engage the others in conversation, but it was always stopped by Filch. Luckily, Filch never realized that lustrelessness had n't done an ounce of cleaning. He seemed to busy glaring at Kaden and telling him to shut up. Albus realized that Filch probably had an eternal grudge against Kaden now, which Kaden seemed forgetful to. It would not surprise Albus if Kaden had a Indian file that rivaled his grandpa 's by the time he graduated. By the time the hold was over, Matt was leaning against Albus, although he seemed thoroughly unaware of it. Albus had caught Kaden staring at Matt a few fourth dimension, but as soon as Albus sent him a dirty look, Kaden went back to cleaning.

`` All right, you 're done, '' Filch growled, `` Get out of here or you 'll be out of bed after curfew. Then you 'll get another detainment. '' He smirked. Filch picked up the cleaning supplies and ambled down the stairs before Albus and the others.

`` We 're done now, '' Albus gently woke flatness up.

`` Done with what ? '' lusterlessness mumbled without opening his eyes.

`` Detention, where we 've been for the final hour, '' Albus explained while looking at lavatory. privy pulled Matt off of Albus, but he stumbled fell against a telescope.

`` Ouch ! '' lusterlessness shouted and grabbed his head.

`` We 've got to get back to the common way, and quick, '' Albus said, Sir Thomas More to St. John than to Matt, `` It 's almost curfew. ``

`` What 're we going to do with him ? '' John asked. Matt was now leaning on toilet. `` I wish we could levitate him. ``

`` You ca n't ? '' Kaden asked loudly.

`` No, that 's much more set ahead than we 're able to do, '' Albus explained, `` And glower your voice. ``

`` Let 's just each get on one side of him, '' John threw one of mat 's arms over his shoulder and gestured for Albus to do the same.

Albus followed whoremaster 's lead and told Kaden to get the door. Albus, St. John the Apostle, and mat hobbled awkwardly down the stair and back into the briny part of the castle. It was deadening going and they 'd already missed curfew.

`` Good thing he 's light, '' Albus commented.

`` Yeah, '' John agreed.

`` Ugh, '' Matt winced and opened his eye, `` I think I 'm going to be sick. ``

Albus and John looked at each early for a split second before Matt retched onto the floor in front of them.

`` Ew, crude ! '' can exclaimed.

`` Told you he was sick, '' Kaden said. He had been walking a few footstep ahead of them and kept looking back, wanting to say something but afraid to.

`` We knew that, '' Albus snapped.

Matt retched a second clip and Albus felt him collapse onto the floor. Albus and whoremonger both grabbed his arms as he went down and slowed the downfall. Now what were they going to do ?

`` matte ? '' Albus gently shook him and tried to get him to come alive up, but it was no use.

`` What happened to him ? '' Kaden stared as Albus tried to wake up lusterlessness up.

`` Passed out, '' Albus said shortly. He was a bit annoyed that Kaden asked that. Was n't it obvious ?

`` I know that, '' Kaden replied, `` But why ? ``

`` How should I have intercourse ? '' Albus snapped.

`` Will you two halt arguing ? '' trick interrupted. `` What are we going to do ? ``

Albus shrugged and thought. What were they going to do ? scare overtook him as he assessed the spot. They were out of bed after curfew and Matt was passed out on the floor. It could n't get unfit than this. There was no way for them to get Matt to the common way or the infirmary wing without levitating him. And none of them could levitate a person. Albus looked at Matt and noticed he had begun shivering again. Albus took off his cloak and laid it over his booster. `` Kaden, '' Albus began, `` Go get Madam Pomfrey. ``

`` Why me ? '' Kaden asked nervously. He looked around at the dark corridor, clearly worried about walking through them alone.

`` Just do it ! '' Albus shouted.

Kaden looked taken aback at Albus 's loud tone. `` Ok, ok ! '' he replied and took off down the corridor, towards the stairs.

`` He 's going to be ok, right ? '' Albus asked quietly once Kaden was out of sight.

`` I dunno, '' John whispered back. `` But it 's been bad before and he 's always recovered OK. ``

The boys sat in silence for the succeeding couple proceedings, watching for foretoken of knowingness in their friend. However, matte remained unresponsive and very pale. Though he was still shivering, his os frontale glistened with travail in the moonlight that was streaming in through a nearby window.

`` What 's that ? '' John asked, pointing down the corridor.

Albus looked where John was pointing and saw a frame floating towards him. He stood up and drew his sceptre and John did the Lapplander. The figure came secretive and closer, and soon Albus was able to make it out. It was Peeves. Albus groaned inwardly. This was the finis thing they needed, Peeves announcing their mien to the whole castle.

`` Students out of bed ! '' Peeves shouted gleefully as he noticed the boys.

`` Shut up, Peeves ! '' Albus replied, very vex at Peeves 's happy tone.

Peeves peered down at Matt and then looked at John and Albus. `` Dueling, have we ? It seems that you two have won. But Mr. Filch wo n't like this ! No he wo n't ! Students out of bed and dueling, too ! ``

`` We have n't been dueling ! '' John insisted, `` Now get out of here ! ``

`` hee-haw ! '' Peeves laughed, `` Peeves does n't listen to students, no he does n't ! Peeves causes trouble when students are around ! ``

`` No, tranquillize ! '' Albus whispered.

Peeves cackled even louder and zoomed up and down the corridor. `` Students out of bed ! Students out of bed ! ``

Albus and John gave each other panic-stricken looks. Albus had no musical theme what to do to shut up the poltergeist. But if he did n't stop shouting, someone would surely get hold out that they were there. Albus 's fears were soon realized as he heard hurried footsteps coming down the corridor. Albus wished he had his father 's invisibility cloak.

Peeves apparently heard them too, because he flew down towards them shouting, `` They 're over here ! Over here ! Students out of bed ! ``

`` Go away, Peeves ! '' a loud stern vocalization shouted, `` Or I 'll get the Bloody business leader ! ``

`` Yes, Madam Nurse, mam ! '' Peeves saluted and sped down the corridor, cackling madly.

Albus breathed a sigh of relief. It was just Madam Pomfrey. Albus watched as the nanny ran the rest of the way down the corridor. She was surprisingly fast for person her age. Kaden was panting behind her, trying to keep up.

Madam Pomfrey rushed over to Albus, john, and matte, and immediately turn away down and put her hand on Matt 's brow. `` What 's happened ? '' she asked briskly.

`` He collapsed, '' Albus told her.

The nurse clicked her spit and conjured a stretcher. She waved her sceptre and mat landed on top of it. `` Well, you can explain more once we get to the hospital annexe. Quickly now. ``

Albus, John, and Kaden ran behind Madam Pomfrey all the way to the hospital wing. None of them said a word, although it looked to Albus like Kaden was trying to observe himself from asking Thomas More enquiry. mo later, the group arrived at the hospital offstage. brothel keeper Pomfrey barged through the threshold and immediately deposited matt onto a bed. She bustled around the Baroness Jackson of Lodsworth, gathering potions while asking the son more questions.

`` Why were you out of your usual elbow room ? '' she asked.

`` Detention, '' Albus responded.

`` Where and with whom ? ``

`` Filch had us cleaning the integral Astronomy pillar, '' John replied with a disgusted tone.

Madam Pomfrey stopped rifling through her potion cabinet and turned to seem at John. `` Astronomy Tower ? ``

`` Er, yeah, '' John answered with a look of confusion on his face.

`` Filch ! '' Madam Pomfrey shouted as she ran back to Matt 's bed, `` I 'll have him for this ! I thought I made it cleared to him stopping point class when he had you scrubbing the bathroom ... I 'll hex him into side by side year ! Merlin 's beard, the Astronomy tug ! And tonight of all Night ! '' The wet-nurse continued to run back and Forth from her office staff, potion locker, and Matt 's bed while muttering about Filch.

`` What 's she going on about ? '' Kaden whispered. Albus jumped. He 'd forgotten Kaden was there. `` What 's Filch got anything to do with him being sick ? '' Kaden asked.

`` I 'll get him for this ! '' madam Pomfrey shouted as she waved her sceptre over flatness. `` I swear I will .... ''

Albus looked at lady Pomfrey and then back at Kaden. He chose to push aside Kaden 's question. The nurse was getting dangerously close to cluing Kaden into why Matt was there. If she was n't heedful, she 'd pay away everything.

`` I thought I 'd establish it pull in to him ! '' the nurse repeated while she poured a disgusting looking orange potion down Matt 's pharynx. `` No detention on these Night and certainly not on the Astronomy column ! If he 'd been out there any longer ... fountainhead, I 'm not exactly sure what would have happened ! ``

Kaden looked throughly confused. `` What 's the astronomy Tower got to do with this ? ``

`` Of all the Nox of the month- ''

`` Madam Pomfrey ! '' Albus shouted, suddenly deciding that he had to get the nanny to contain ranting. Madam Pomfrey looked up from what she was doing and glared at Albus. It generally was not a good approximation to interrupt her while she was working, but Albus had no alternative. He ran over to where the nanny was standing. `` Sorry, ma'am, '' he whispered, `` It 's just, there are certain, er, things, that Kaden does n't know. '' Albus gestured to where his cousin was standing. `` And I know lusterlessness would prefer it if he did n't know, '' Albus gave her a significant look that he hoped would convey his thoughts.

Madam Pomfrey stared at him for a few seconds and then realization came over her. `` Oh ! Oh, my ! '' she whispered back, `` I ca n't conceive I, well, right. So blue about that. I 'll be a bit quieter. ``

Albus went back over to where Kaden and John were standing. John gave him a assuage look, but Kaden looked even more disconcert. `` What was that about ? '' Kaden asked.

`` nil, '' Albus gave Kaden another one of his 'shut up now'looking. Kaden immediately closed his mouth. Albus was getting effective at conveying those face now and Kaden seemed to obey compensate away, which was good.

`` All right, '' brothel keeper Pomfrey walked back to the three boys after a few more minutes, `` He 's going to be fine. He 'll just take to stay here for a couplet days. '' She looked at Albus and John the Divine when she said this, and Albus knew she meant that he would be staying until after the full moon.

`` Ok, '' Albus nodded. `` We can chit-chat him, right ? ``

`` Of line, dear, '' ma'am Pomfrey 's expression softened. `` You know what multiplication are good. Now, you three best be off to your dormitory. It 's very late. If anyone hitch you, just tell them you were with me. And do n't worry about seeing Filch. I 'm off to find him now, and he 's going to be meddling for quite a patch. ``

Albus nodded and had to stifle a gag. He knew the nurse would be seeking out the caretaker and would be giving him a tenacious and tacky scolding at best.



A/N : Thanks to my genus Beta, Dancer of Starlight ! Special thanks to my former Sister and my pal for help with the Monty Python stuff. Speaking of Monty python and Spamalot, I took some familiarity in deciding that Spamalot was turned into a movie sometime during the pose and 2017, when this takes place. Otherwise, Kaden could not deliver seen it as it sadly closed on Broadway last month ( before I got to see it, unfortunately ).

Thanks as well to XDNLxtlz99, Gospel of Luke, Moonylupin, and potterfan89 for their recapitulation !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter or Spamalot



Albus and John did n't have a chance to distinguish rosiness and Amanda about the detainment until after lunch the next day. It was their afternoon off and they were relaxing in the elbow room of Requirement for a few minutes before they went to visit Matt. It was the first time since the detention that Kaden was n't around. Kaden had social class all good afternoon, so it was an ideal clip to talk about what had happened the previous Nox. No one, not even Rose, seemed to consume any idea why Matt seemed so much sicker that night than the other nights before full moonshine. Their exclusively guess was that he was already worn out from the hold on the previous two dark. Eventually, they just decided to go to the Hospital annexe and ask Matt. Albus was sure as shooting he would tell them. After all, he told them all about that study he was in.

However, when they arrived at the hospital Wing, Matt was profound asleep. Madam Pomfrey informed them that he had woken up for a short while betimes that good morning, but had fallen asleep soon after. He had been asleep ever since, and the wet-nurse flat out refused to let them waken him up. She insisted that he needed all the rest he could get before nightfall and that they could visit him the following afternoon.

Albus and his friends were very subdued that evening. Albus had just returned to the common room after fulfilling his extra detention with Filch. It was just as execrable as the number 1 cauldron-cleaning custody had been. When he got back to the common room, all his supporter were doing homework and not saying much. Amanda was already back from dueling practice. Albus was worried about matt and he could tell the others were as well. It variety of reminded him of that night of the full moon they stayed up waiting for morning to amount after uranology class the old year. Only this year, they had Kaden to satiate in the soundlessness that surrounded them.

`` And then Slughorn had to feed the whole socio-economic class antidote ! '' Kaden laughed as he relayed his most recent potions course of study. One of the former number one days had heated her cauldron too much and caused the potion to blow up all over the total class. Albus and the others nodded their nous, like they had been doing for the past half hour, and continued working on their respective homework.

`` Is n't it funny ? '' Kaden sighed, `` What 's wrongfulness with you lot ? You 've been sitting there not saying anything for the past hour ! I thought you 'd at to the lowest degree jest at the theme of everyone in my potions class having various parts of their dead body twist promising pink. ``

`` We 're just worried about Matt, '' Rose explained, not looking up from her magical spell book.

`` gentlewoman Pomfrey said he 'd be fine, '' Kaden reminded her.

`` She does n't experience that, '' Rose replied.

`` Sure she does. She 's the nanny, '' Kaden grinned, `` And she can fix anything. ``

Albus sighed loudly, `` Not this again ! Listen, you just do n't sympathise. She ca n't know for for sure that he 'll be ok. ''

This time it was Kaden 's turn of events to suspire, `` Well, I 'm not going to understand unless you tell me what 's incorrectly with him. ``

`` Not going to bechance, '' Albus muttered as he jotted down something on his parchment.

`` Someday I 'll weasel it out of you, '' Kaden said. A few seconds later he started to laugh. `` Weasel. Get it ? Weasley, weasel ! And you 're half Weasley ! ``

`` Very amusing, '' Albus murmured.

`` Oh, you 're no fun, '' Kaden said, still grinning at his own joke.

******

The next day after Herbology, Albus and his protagonist hurried up to their student residence to deposit their bags. Then they rushed to the hospital backstage to see how matt was. Luckily, Kaden was still in class. When they arrived at the hospital wing, Albus saw Matt 's common bed with the curtains pulled around it and made a beeline for it. He was halfway there when Madam Pomfrey came out from behind the curtains and jumped as she saw Albus and the others.

`` Oh ! '' she clutched her chest, `` You scared me ! I was n't expecting you until later. ``

`` Sorry, '' Albus replied, `` We decided to fall now since I 've got Quidditch practice after dinner. ``

`` Is that all right field ? '' Rose asked.

`` Yes, that 's fine. Just for a few minutes, '' the nurse regained her calmness and bustled into her office.

Albus ran the relief of the way to the bed and wrenched the curtains undecided. lusterlessness was awake and propped up on his pillows. He looked tired and was covered in several lettuce and snack, that looked a bit spoiled than usual. `` Hey ! How are you ? '' Albus asked.

`` I 've been better, '' lustrelessness said tiredly. `` It was bad. ``

`` It looks it, '' lav commented.

`` Saint John the Apostle ! '' Rose scolded.

`` What ? '' John shrugged.

`` It 's not that bad, '' Rose said to Matt.

`` It 's OK, really, '' mat assured John.

`` So, '' Albus began, `` What happened during detention ? ``

`` Honestly, I 'm not even sure as shooting, '' matt sighed, `` I do n't really commemorate it. ``

`` Really ? '' rose wine raised her eyebrow, `` That 's odd. ``

`` Why do n't you two tell me what happened ? '' flatness laughed.

`` All right, '' Albus said, `` You kind of froze when we got up to the astronomy Tower and you would n't prompt. Filch yelled at us for being previous and assigned us another detention for stopping point night- ''

`` L-last Nox ? '' matt interrupted.

`` Yeah, scrubbing Sir Thomas More caldron, '' Albus explained. `` I kinda figured something was wrong when you did n't object to it. ''

matte groaned, `` I do n't even recollect him saying that. Great, now I 've got another hold once I get out of here. Probably two since I missed it end Nox. ``

`` Oh, I do n't consider you 'll have to do any custody, '' Albus assured him, `` Filch did n't mention anything about you doing detention the whole metre I was scrubbing cauldron last night. You see, Madam Pomfrey was livid when we told her what we had been doing for detention. ``

`` Yeah, '' St. John laughed, `` I 've never seen her so angry. She was storming around here, muttering and shouting and cursing Filch. It was sort of funny remark, really. ``

`` Anyway, she said she was going to talk to Filch after we left the other night, '' Albus continued, `` I imagine she yelled at him quite a bit. I 'm surely she insisted that you not do anymore hold. ``

`` That 's a relief, '' mat replied, `` So, what happened after Filch gave us another detention ? ``

`` I pulled you over to where John and Kaden were cleaning telescope and John and I stood on either side of you, so it seemed like you were cleaning too. It was almost like you were in a form of trance. You did n't seem to have it away what was going on. So I asked if you wanted to go to the hospital offstage and you said no. Then John, Kaden, and I cleaned for about an hour and a half. No one talked much except for Kaden. He kept humming random songs and Filch yelled at him. Then he told me what the songs were from. They were from a movie called Spamalot. Kaden insisted that I watch it sometime, '' Albus explained.

flatness laughed, `` You should, it 's a really funny film. ``

`` You 've seen it ? '' John asked.

`` Yeah. We 've got a TV at home, since my mum is Muggle-born and she did n't desire to generate up TV, '' Matt replied.

`` I 've never seen it, '' Amanda commented, `` I 've heard of it, though. We should all learn it sometime. ``

`` That would be fun, '' Albus agreed. `` Anyway, once we left the uranology tug, we tried to get back to the vernacular way, but you got chuck partway there and passed out. I told Kaden to get lady Pomfrey, and well, that was it. ``

`` And I do n't recall any of that, '' flatness groaned and stared down at the bed.

`` It 's all right, '' Albus said quietly, `` You were n't really yourself. ``

`` Why 'd it happen, though ? '' St. John the Apostle asked after a few seconds, `` I mean, you 're usually tired the dark before, but why was it that bad ? ``

`` Because I was in direct Moon, '' Matt whispered, `` The reason I get tired and cat beforehand is because the lunar month is getting fuller. The night we did hold, it was practically full. And I was outside in the Moon for over an hour. ``

`` That would explain why dame Pomfrey got so angry, '' King John said.

`` Yeah, '' matt replied, `` Makes the transformation worse, too. Because I 'm already worn out from being in the Moon so long the nighttime before. ``

`` I do n't get it, though, '' Rose said, `` Why did n't you just enjoin Filch you could n't do detention that night ? ``

`` I do n't lie with, '' flatness sighed, `` I guess I just did n't want any sort of especial discussion anymore. It makes people suspicious. I do n't want anyone to wonder why I can blame my hold Night. Plus, I did n't really roll in the hay that would happen anyway. I knew I 'd be tired, but I did n't really bonk I 'd go into a trance like that. It had never happened before. My parents always made for sure not to let me go outside the night before. ``

`` well, even so, you should n't do anymore detainment like that the night before, '' Rose insisted, `` It 'll make you grisly. ``

`` I know, rosebush, '' Matt assured her, `` And Madam Pomfrey talked to Filch and he 's not going to consecrate me anymore hold at bad times. ``

`` You mean, she told Filch ? '' Albus asked. He knew Filch did n't have it away about matte 's experimental condition, but he did n't call back dame Pomfrey would actually tell him.

`` Oh, no, he does n't screw. Madam Pomfrey just said that he needed to turn back with her before assigning me detentions due to 'health egress that will stay buck private'. And she made him blaspheme not to tell anyone that he was checking detainment with her, or else she 'd make sure Kendrick kicked him out. ``

John let out a low whistle, `` Wow, cue me not to get on Madam Pomfrey 's bad side. ``

`` She 's definitely forceful, '' Matt yawned and closed his eyes.

`` Are you all right ? '' rosiness asked.

`` Umm-hmm, '' matte mumbled, `` I 've just got a headache. ``

At that moment, the curtains opened and Madam Pomfrey appeared with another potion. This one was a inscrutable blue and Albus thought it looked disgusting. The lactate took one spirit at Matt, shook her head, and turned to Albus and the others. `` Time for you lot to will. You 're welcome to visit again tomorrow. ``

Albus and his champion said goodbye to lusterlessness and left the hospital wing. Albus had just enough clock time to seize dinner before he had to be at the Quidditch pitch for practice. Georgia thought the team was doing wonderfully and was sure they would beat Slytherin in the fist match in Nov.

******

`` So, where is my vivid potions spouse today ? '' Malfoy asked sarcastically as the Gryffindors and Slytherins left Slughorn 's dungeon the following afternoon.

`` Visiting his sick gran, like common, '' whoremaster replied shortly while glaring at Malfoy. `` Have n't you figured that out by now ? Whenever you ask where he is, he 's always visiting his gran. ``

`` Funny, that 's not what Potter 's cousin said, '' Malfoy smirked. Michael Jackson Limbert and Saint Francis Xavier Goyle nodded on either side of him.

`` What ? '' Albus shouted. His cousins, except for pink wine, probably did n't even get laid lustrelessness left every month, let alone where he went. And Rose obviously would n't severalise Malfoy anything. `` Which cousin ? ``

`` The mud-blood, '' Malfoy said simply.

Kaden, Albus thought. Of course ! Albus had told Kaden that Matt got sick every so often, he just had n't told him what the illness was. But why on terra firma was Kaden talking to Malfoy ?

`` Do n't anticipate him that ! '' rosebush shouted, drawing her wand.

`` calmness down, '' Malfoy replied, drawing his own verge. `` I mean it in the gracious way. ``

`` You do not ! '' John shouted as he drew his wand.

`` Wait ! '' Albus stood in between them and stared at Malfoy. `` Before anyone hexes anyone, I 've got to find out what this is about. What did Kaden say ? ``

`` He mentioned that Eckerton is throw up all the sentence. Apparently he 's got some disease that Pomfrey ca n't cure and you wo n't tell him what it is, '' Malfoy replied smugly.

Albus felt the people of color drainage from his face. He told Kaden not to narrate anyone about this ! And what had Kaden done ? He told Malfoy of all hoi polloi ! Malfoy, the one person Matt did not want knowing where he went every month. Albus groaned. Malfoy now had a few more than clue as to what was wrong with matt. With just a bit of research he was sure to chance out. `` When did he evidence you this ? '' Albus growled. fury and anger were building up inside of him, and not only towards Malfoy. If Kaden was anywhere near Albus right now, he was sure he 'd hex him.

`` final dark, '' Malfoy answered, `` Very interesting bit of info, if you ask me. ``

Albus did n't say another intelligence to Malfoy. He turned and ran towards the stairs and out of the dungeon. The step behind him told him that his booster were following. Albus did n't turn back to let them trip up up. All he cared about now was finding Kaden. He was angrier than he was the night he yelled at Kaden. Albus knew if he found Kaden now, he 'd do to a greater extent than just yell. He 'd hex him into the side by side century. What in the name of pigeon hawk had possessed Kaden to severalize Malfoy that Matt got regurgitate ? Why Malfoy of all multitude ? Albus knew Kaden was aware of the Gryffindor/Slytherin contention. Heck, Albus knew that Kaden himself did n't ilk Slytherins. Felix Willinson had made Kaden well cognizant of the prejudices many Slytherins felt. Yet, Kaden was obviously talking with Slytherins, and telling them things they should n't know.

`` Albus, where are you going ? '' Rose shouted, as Albus ran up a flight of stairs.

`` To retrieve Kaden, '' Albus growled.

`` I 'm going with you, '' John said. He sounded, if it was possible, even wild than Albus felt. He sped up and fell into place beside Albus. `` I told you before that if he did this again, I 'd hex him. I 'm keeping my word. ``

`` wait, Albus, John ! '' Rose shouted again.

But Albus did n't waitress. He continued up trajectory of stairs towards the Gryffindor common elbow room. Students stared at them as they passed, but Albus did n't handle. Rose kept shouting after them, but both Albus and bathroom ignored her. Amanda gave a few tepid shouts after them, but Albus could tell she did n't really care if they tried to hex Kaden or not. Eventually, Albus and lavatory made it to the usual room. They gave the Fat Lady the word and ran into the way. Albus immediately spotted Kaden sitting in a chair, playing with what looked to be another Muggle toy. It was a cube with numerous biased squares all over it. It looked vaguely familiar. Albus thought he may have seen blush wine with one once. Albus ran over to Kaden and grabbed his arm, pulling him towards the dormitories while glaring at him.

`` Hey, what are you doing ? '' Kaden asked. He dropped his cube in surprise. `` What 's gotten into you, Albus ? ``

Albus said nothing as he dragged Kaden to his dorm. John followed without saying a word, and shut the door behind them when they reached the dorm. Albus let go of Kaden and glared at him for a few moments.

`` What is amiss with you, Albus ? '' Kaden asked, glancing from Albus to John.

`` I should be asking you that, Kaden, '' Albus replied in a low vocalisation. `` What were you doing talking to Scorpius Malfoy for ? ``

`` Scorpius Malfoy ? '' Kaden repeated as if trying to conceive of who that was. Then a look of realization appeared on his human face. `` Oh. ``

`` Yeah, 'oh ,''' Albus said, `` You were talking to him last night ! ``

`` Uh ... '' Kaden shifted uneasily on his feet.

`` I told you not to assure anyone about Matt getting sick ! '' Albus erupted. `` You promised you would n't separate ! This is exactly why I did n't require to distinguish you in the first gear blank space ! You just ca n't keep on your mouth shut ! And Malfoy ! He 's been trying to see out about Matt since the beginning of first twelvemonth, and let me tell you goose egg sound will encounter when he does find out. And you know what you 've done ? '' Albus paused for effect, but Kaden did n't say anything. `` YOU MADE IT EASIER FOR HIM TO FIND OUT ! ``

`` I did n't entail to- '' Kaden 's voice cracked.

`` I do n't give care, '' Albus interrupted, `` The dot is, you did ! How can you not mean to tell someone something ? Especially someone you never talk to in the fist topographic point ! ``

`` I- ''

`` Shut up, Kaden ! '' Albus shouted and drew his sceptre. John, who had been letting Albus look at the lead, drew his as well.

`` Wha-what 're you g-going to do ? '' Kaden shakily drew his own wand.

Suddenly, the room access burst open and Rose and Amanda appeared, both of them clutching stitches in their slope and trousering. `` Expelliarmus ! '' Rose shouted. Albus 's wand left his manus and landed on the level near Rose. blush wine disarmed lav and then gathered both wands.

`` consecrate it to me, rose wine, '' Albus growled.

`` No, '' rose wine replied, `` I 'm not going to let you hex your own cousin. ``

`` You heard what he did ! '' Albus shouted.

`` I know, and I 'm not happy about it either, '' Rose replied, `` But hexing him is n't going to fix it. You 'll just get custody. ``

On some layer, Albus knew pink wine was right, but he still wanted to hex Kaden. Albus sighed. There was n't anything he could do now. All he could do is hope that Malfoy did n't put the clue together. That, and never trust Kaden to proceed a arcanum again. `` Just get out of here, Kaden. ``

`` But- ''

`` I said, get out of here, '' Albus growled, `` Or I 'll resort to Muggle dueling. ``

Kaden bit his lip and turned towards the door. He looked back at Albus once before running out of the dormitory.

Albus threw himself down onto his bed after Kaden left. `` I 'm never telling him anything again. ``

`` I do n't blame you, '' John sighed, `` Why 'd he have got to tell Malfoy anyway ? ``

`` I have n't got a clew, '' Albus replied, `` All I know is that this time, I 'm not forgiving him as easily. ``

`` I- '' rosiness started.

`` Do n't bother, blush wine, '' Albus interrupted, `` nix you say is going to make me rationalise to him. ``

`` I was n't going to say that ! '' rosiness shouted, `` I was going to say that I agree with you. I mean, he does n't merit to be Quaker with you if he 's going to go telling half the school thing you told him in secret. You told him not to separate, right ? ``

`` Of course I did ! '' Albus said, `` I all but told him I 'd hex him if he told anyone. ``

`` Exactly, '' blush wine replied, `` What if he tells Malfoy about the Whomping willow ? ``

`` Merlin ! '' Albus suddenly sat up, `` I had n't thought of that ! ``

`` What if he already told Malfoy ? '' John said darkly.

`` Then he 's already investigated it, '' Amanda said quietly, `` Or at least strain. ``

`` And he 'll try again, '' Albus replied, `` I know, I 'll ascertain the map a lot. '' Albus got up from his bed and went to his bole. He rummaged around in it until he found the Marauder 's Map. He took out his wand and tapped it, `` I solemnly swear that I am up to no good. ``

Ink appeared all over the map as Albus and the others crowded around it. Albus scanned it quickly for Malfoy. `` He 's in the Slytherin common room, '' Albus pointed to Malfoy 's dot in the donjon. `` I 'll just check it every once and a piece. ``

`` Good mind, '' John Lackland said.

`` What are we going to separate matt ? '' pink wine asked quietly. `` We 've got to tell him about this. ``

In all the pandemonium of finding Kaden and trying to hex him, Albus had n't thought about what they were going to tell Matt. `` We 'll just have to tell him what happened, that 's all. I 'm not going to shroud that Kaden was the one who told Malfoy. If Matt wants to hex him, he can go right wing ahead. ``

`` We 're not going to let him hex Kaden ! '' pink wine insisted, `` He does n't need anymore detention. ``

`` in force pointedness, '' Amanda agreed. `` We 'll tell him it was Kaden, but we wo n't let him hex him. ``

`` Matt will just cause to forfend Malfoy, '' John commented, `` I mean, there 's cypher we can do now. What 's done is done. We 'll all avoid Malfoy. ``

`` That 'll be hard, '' Albus announced, `` Malfoy is Matt 's potions partner. And he 's on mine and Amanda 's dueling team. ``

`` We 'll just own to try, '' Saint John the Apostle sighed, `` Besides that, there 's not much we can do. That, and never bank Kaden with another enigma. ``





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