A/N : abbreviated author 's note prior to the chapter. This chapter is from slip 's point of view, as I wanted to write the particular of what happened during the commission to seize Greyback. An clause in the Prophet just would n't do it justice. promise you enjoy !


teddy bear Lupin had been a Junior Auror for nearly eight calendar month. In that sentence he had n't done much in terms of fighting dark adept, and virtually of the missions he 'd gone on had been rather boring. Up until the Azkaban break-out most of his oeuvre had consisted of paperwork and the occasional stake-out. Being an Auror, Teddy had discovered, was a lot Thomas More than chasing down Dark wizards and saving people 's lives.

It was for this very reason that teddy had been surprised when his godfather, Harry Potter, had approached him the previous day and told him of his newest assignment. He, Teddy lupine, spic-and-span Jnr Auror, had been assigned to the charge of capturing escaped lycanthrope, Fenrir Greyback. knot, the same werewolf who had infected his father with lycanthropy 10 ago. Johnny Reb, one of United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland 's most precious fugitive from justice.

The mission, Harry had informed him, was very sensitive in nature and had to be handled with discretion. There was to be no mention of it to anyone outside of the hoi polloi assigned to it. There were very few people assigned to the missionary station and they included Harry himself, the Head of the regulation and mastery of Magical brute, and Ron Weasley. That was it. A few others had been assigned to keep an eye on the child Greyback attacked the previous calendar month, but they were n't to be directly involved with the Greyback military mission itself.

Harry had explained the details of the mission, including the fact that the whole thing had been Albus 's approximation, along with one of his Quaker, who happened to be the Head of the Regulation and Control of Magical Creature 's son. Who also happened to be a loup-garou. It took Teddy a few moment to envelop his head teacher around the entire situation. To spend a penny things even more harebrained, Albus 's werewolf acquaintance was the brother of Teddy 's supporter, Amy.

But when it came down to it, all of this meant that Teddy was going on his showtime real delegacy as an Auror.

Harry had instructed him to indicate up at the Hog 's Head, in camouflage, at seven o'clock. Once there, he was to social club a beverage and sit at the bar, avoiding contact with everyone. Harry, Ron, and Walter Eckerton were going to do the Same.

Disguising himself was Teddy 's main strength. Before he Apparated to Hogmseade he morphed his side so he looked a few years older and his hair so that it was a generic brown color rather than its usual greenish blue. He finished off the face by shrinking himself and adding a few pounds. After donning a tattered old cloak, slip turned on the speckle and reappeared in the alley next to Weasleys'Wizard Wheezes.

Teddy peeked inside the building and saw George working. If he had n't been on a commission he would 've stopped to say hello, but instead he turned in the opposite centering and headed toward the Hog 's Head.

The pub was practically empty. There was an old Wiccan at one of the tables, nursing a drink, and a cuss quiescency at the end of the bar. Ron was already there, sitting at a table with a goblet in battlefront of him. He 'd clearly attempted to disguise himself, but there was no mistaking his red pilus. Harry and Walter did n't seem to be there yet.

Teddy ambled up to the bar, deciding at the stopping point minute that his fudge part should walk with a limp. Aberforth was there and Teddy ordered a Butterbeer. Probably not the usual potable for the Hog 's psyche, but he needed to keep his brain make for the commission. He took the drink and began to sip it slowly, as he had no idea how long he 'd need to pretend he was n't an Auror.

A one-half minute later the doorway opened again and Harry and Bruno Walter walked in. Walter joined Ron at his binding table while Harry went up to the bar. He sat next to Teddy.

"How 's it going, Aberforth ?"he asked quietly.

"amercement,"Aberforth grunted.

"We 're here on Ministry line of work,"Harry said."Might be here a few 60 minutes. Could be the whole nighttime. Do you mind ?"

"Not at all,"Aberforth replied."Pub 's yours, although I 'll be leaving at eleven. Not much line of work on a Monday night."

"We 'll lock up when we leave,"Harry said.

Aberforth nodded and set a few more Butterbeers on the counter. Harry picked them up and gestured for Teddy to keep up him to the back table, where Ron and Walter were now crouched over a piece of parchment.

shift sat down following to Bruno Walter and Harry sat future to him. He passed around the Butterbeers while Ron turned the lambskin around so Teddy and Harry could see it. Teddy recognized it ; it was Albus 's map of Hogwarts and Hogsmeade. Currently, it was magically magnified to testify the scream Shack and the grounds outside it. Only one dot was there. It was labeled 'Matthew Eckerton'and was stationary in the Shrieking shack.

"Moon just rose,"Walter said quietly."Just a waiting game now."

No one had told him, but shimmy knew the real ground why he 'd been assigned to this military mission, and it had nothing to do with his Auror acquirement. for certain, that had been a addition, but any of the other junior Aurors were just as qualified. And the full Aurors were even more so. The understanding was that he was the only Auror who was related to a lycanthrope, and thus would n't care that a loup-garou at Hogwarts was an entire part of this plan. It was also the ground why Harry and Ron were there, when Auror Newman had previously been assigned to the Greyback fount. Walter Eckerton did n't want any risk of exposure of his son 's condition being leaked to the public, and putting Harry, Ron, and chemise on the subject would check that it would n't.

"Are you sure Greyback is even going to show up ?"teddy bear asked quietly as he stared at the map.

"Fairly certain,"Walter said."loup-garou are attracted to the outcry of their own variety and Johnny is set on creating his own pack of unseasoned werewolves. He spent the shoemaker's last broad lunar month lurking around the Shrieking Shack, after he attacked those children. He knows Matt 's there. He 'll fall back."

Teddy nodded. The minutes ticked by and the pub grew quieter. The old Wiccan left, taking her chalk with her. The man sleeping at the bar snorted and rolled over, nearly falling off his pot. Teddy finished his Butterbeer and set it future to the other abandon field glass on the table, wondering if he should go lodge another or just rest seated.

At eleven o'clock Aberforth woke up the bloke at the bar and had to help him to the doorway and then physically shove him out of the pub. He gave a warm nod to Harry, Ron, Walter, and chemise and then went upstairs.

"I suppose the disguises were a bit pointless,"Ron said as he pointed his sceptre at his nerve. His nose returned to its normal pattern.

"wellspring, with the Hog 's school principal, you never know,"Harry said.

The group settled into silence again. Outside, there was the sound of syncope howl. chemise glanced at Walter and noticed that he winced slightly every metre there was a particularly cheap howling. Harry and Ron sent him sympathetic looks that Teddy tried to mimic. He did n't bear any kids so he really had no idea what that was like, let alone having a kid with lycanthropy.

Teddy glanced down at the map and noticed three new acid had appeared."Harry !"Teddy said as he pointed to the map.

All four men crowded around the map once more. One of the dots was indeed labeled 'Fenrir Johnny ,'but the others were names Teddy did n't recognize.

"George Meredith Edward Jenner and Maxwell Jenner,"shift read."Who are they ?"

"They must be early werewolves,"Ron said.

"Or Animagi,"Harry pointed out.

"No,"Walter said as he shook his headspring."Those are the two kids who got bitten last month."

"You 're kidding,"Harry said."Dammit, this did n't cross my mind."

"Mine either,"Walter said.

"What about the others ?"Ron asked."Newman and the two from the lycanthrope command building block ?"

"There they are,"Teddy said as three new dots suddenly appeared onto the map. They must 've Apparated."

"Yeah, well, they 'd have no probability following three werewolves on foot,"Walter said.

"Let 's go,"Harry said as he stood up.

Teddy stood and drew his wand. He followed the three older men out of the pub and shut the room access behind him.

The Hog 's principal was not far away from the Shrieking shack. Within three minutes they arrived and found Newman and the early two virtuoso attempting to throttle the three werewolves.

"They 're the kids from final stage calendar month !"one of the Werewolf control Unit employees shouted.

"Be deliberate with them !"Walter shouted back."They 've done nothing incorrect !"

"We 're trying !"

The two smaller werewolves were currently attempting to attack the Werewolf controller whole employees and John Henry Newman, while Johnny Reb seemed to deal far more about getting into the Shrieking Shack. He was a much tumid wolf, greyness in color, and had bright yellow eyes. He was on the porch, biting at the door, and not paying any attending to the wizards around him. It seemed to Teddy that he had far Sir Thomas More dominance over himself than a pattern werewolf.

Walter and Ron joined the Werewolf restraint Unit employees in trying to restrict Meredith and Maxwell. It was a hard task because they had to do it without hurting them. Teddy was fairly certain that the law would n't worry whether the two children were hurt in the process, but that had never been how Bruno Walter ran the department.

Harry nodded to Teddy and they walked slowly up the lawn, their wands out in front line of them. If they could just pick up Rebel by surprise then they 'd be capable to conjure some R-2 and restrain him before he even knew what was happening.

They were only xx feet away when it happened. grayback suddenly froze and then turned around. He must 've smelled them. With a tacky maze, he jumped the twenty substructure separating them in one leap.

Teddy and Harry jumped back, sending while forward as they did so. Johnny lunged, the spells not seeming to strike him at all, and made a swipe at slip. Teddy jumped to the position and sent another smasher at Reb.

Battling a werewolf was very different from battling a wizard, chemise realized. And battling werewolves had not been covered in education. Sure, they 'd learned and practiced the spells used against wolfman, but they 'd never performed them on existent werewolf. The main conflict was that werewolves did n't consume wands and thus could not cast off spells. But at the Saame time, they had teeth, nipper, and were much secure than the norm human. Plus there was the fact that one snack would turn you into one forever.

Teddy and Harry took turns sending sweetheart at Limnodromus griseus and were able to confuse him enough that he did n't quite make love who to attack. As they worked, they were steadily moving closer and closer to the Shrieking Shack.

Greyback soon realized that he was being cornered back onto the porch and decided to hire another leap forward. He snarled loudly and lunged toward Harry, nearly making physical contact. slip jumped forward and sent another knockout toward Greyback.

Greyback flew backward and slammed into the front threshold, his top dog making a sickening crush as it collided with the doorknob. He slid down the door and landed on the floor, not moving.

shimmy looked at greyback and then at Harry, who was getting up from the ground. Teddy had n't even understand that he 'd fallen over.

"Harry, you okay ?"Teddy asked.

"Fine,"Harry said."You ?"

Teddy nodded and began to call for a few cautious steps toward Limnodromus griseus. Harry was soon by his side.

"Is he ..."Teddy began.

"I do n't think so,"Harry said quietly."Just unconscious mind. Here."Harry muttered a spell and ropes flew from the end of his baton. They wrapped them around Greyback until he was secure.

Teddy felt slightly disappointed. There was a part of him, a very small part, that wished he 'd killed greyback. Reb had been the one who 'd made his dad 's life miserable, and he 'd viciously attacked Victoire 's dad when he was n't even transformed. Yes, Teddy had to let in, there was a part of him that wanted revenge. A piece of him that wanted to be the one who finally killed Fenrir Greyback.

teddy bear glanced over to the sleep of the grouping, but they 'd finished, too. Walter was currently tying the two loup-garou baby up with roofy while the other men stood around watching. Ron looked up and met teddy 's center, then walked over toward them.

"Done ?"Harry asked.

Ron nodded."They 're tied up and Stunned. I suppose we 'll have to keep Stunning them until the Sun Myung Moon sets."

"So they were n't on wolfsbane,"Harry said."Interesting."

"Walter said he 'll personally make a visit to their sign of the zodiac in a few sidereal day to talk over precautions for next month,"Ron said."But still, their parents must be half-wit. They could 've been killed."

"The parents are okay, then ?"Harry asked."I wonder what happened."

Ron nodded."Paul Newman said they locked the Kyd in the backyard shed but did n't put any wards up. It must 've been comfortable for grayback to smash in."

"I wonder why they did n't listen to lycanthrope documentation Services,"Harry mused."I know for a fact they visited."

"Well, at least no one was hurt,"chemise pointed out. He turned back to where the other wolfman had been tied up, but noticed that they were now being levitated to the porch of the Shrieking Shack by the Werewolf Control Unit employees. Walter and Newman were following them.

"What is that infernal racket ?"Paul Newman exclaimed, nodding his head to the Shrieking Shack.

Bruno Walter glanced a the Shack and then turned to John Henry Newman."Ghosts. I 've heard that office has been haunted for eld, long before I moved to this country."

Harry nodded."It 's been haunted since the 70s."

"Loud ghosts,"Paul Newman muttered."Has the flavor division ever looked into it ?"

"Multiple times,"Walter said."They 're peaceable ghosts, just loud. We have n't had too many complaints, so have n't bothered to do anything about it."

Teddy was amazed that Walter could lie so easily and freely. But he supposed that he 'd been doing it ever since his son became a lycanthrope, so he 'd have used to it.

"Let 's get this lot back to the Ministry,"Harry said, gesturing to the three unconscious wolfman. Paul Leonard Newman, take either Lee or Mungo Park back to the shaver 's house and inform their parents that they can blame them up at the Ministry tomorrow."

Paul Newman and Lee, who was one of the loup-garou Control Unit employees, Disapparated on the office. Harry grabbed clench of grayback and instructed Walter and Parks, the other Werewolf Control Unit employee, to each adopt one of the fry. With an exceptionally brassy offer, the intact group Disapparated.
***


Each of the werewolves were set up in an interrogative sentence way to hold off the remaining hours until sunrise. Teddy, along with Walter, had been assigned to keeping ticker on Greyback, Stunning him when necessary. Harry, Ron, park, and Lee had been assigned to the tiddler. Cardinal Newman got started on the paperwork.

"So if a werewolf were to have somebody there to Stun them every hour or so while they were transformed, they 'd be harmless, right ?"Teddy asked as Bruno Walter Stunned Greyback for the fourth meter."Why do n't people do that ?"

"Repeated Stunning is n't good for you,"Walter replied."It 's why it 's not allowed on nearly prisoners. It 's only allowed on werewolves because they 're classified as savage and not Beings."

teddy nodded."What does it do to them ?"

"Depends on the werewolf,"Bruno Walter said."It has no long-term effects on plenty, but others wind up ill or with memory loss."

"Ca n't say I 'll be too upset if it has any ill effects on him,"slip said as he nodded to Greyback.

"Me either,"Walter said.

"I have to ask,"Teddy began,"did you get into rule and Control of Magical fauna before or after your son was bitten ?"

"Before. Ironic, is n't it ?"

"Just a bit."

"It 's because of your father that my son is able-bodied to go to Hogwarts. I know you probably do n't even remember him, but I 'm forever grateful for him paving the way."

Teddy nodded."I wish I could remember him. I suppose it was really Dumbledore, though, who let him go to Hogwarts."

"I never had the joy of meeting Albus Dumbledore. I wish I could say I have."

shift and Bruno Walter lapsed back into silence. Teddy could hardly believe that he was sitting in an enquiry room with the lycanthrope who had turned his father. If only his dad could see him now.

Walter glanced at his lookout."moonshine should be setting within the one-half hour."

shift gulped and he hoped Walter could n't learn his heart thrashing. He had n't been nearly as anxious about facing Johnny as a wolf, but the thought of facing him as a human was slightly terrifying. He almost wanted the next half time of day to finally forever, but at the same time he did n't. It had been a very long day and he wanted to go home and rest, eat, and see Victoire. Unfortunately, there was still a mountain of paperwork ahead.

Greyback began to call down, but Bruno Walter did n't Stun him. Instead, he conjured a simple set of robe, set them on the table, stood up, and gestured for Teddy to follow him out into the corridor. slip did so, but looked at Walter quizzically.

"He ca n't escape. He 's got no baton and there 's anti-Apparition charms on the rooms,"Walter explained."He 'll be at his absolute weakest as he transforms and despite the iniquity he 's done, he deserves the respect of transforming alone."

Teddy was affect. He himself would n't have even thought about that, but Walter had clearly been planning that all along. Teddy supposed it came from having a son who was a werewolf. If Teddy 's own father had lived, would he deliver exchangeable persuasion ?

There were no silencing appeal on the interrogation rooms. Soon the corridor was filled with howling and was then replaced by atrocious screech. The scream soon gave way to a recollective current of profanity.

"Let 's go,"Bruno Walter said as he placed his hand on the doorknob.

Teddy had no idea what to have a bun in the oven when he entered the room. He 'd only seen pictures of Greyback from the Prophet and black-and-white picture never did a person justice.

Fenrir knot was crouched on top of the tabular array, dressed in the vesture that Bruno Walter had provided. His grey tomentum was stringy and matted with dirt and blood, and his look bore several week 's worth of grayness face fungus. His face was lined with recondite line and Teddy realized that he had absolutely no estimate how old the man was.

Greyback took a cryptical snuff as Walter and slip entered. He grinned and let out a maniacal gag."Head of the section,"he muttered."Guess I 'm popular."

Teddy froze, all his training suddenly out the windowpane. He could hardly believe that this man had attacked his father when he was only a nestling. Fenrir greyback was far Thomas More sinister in individual and shift felt a sting of sympathy for his father as a five-year-old.

"So you found me,"Greyback said."How 'd you do it ?"

"We were waiting for you, Greyback,"Bruno Walter said."We knew you 'd return to Hogsmeade."

Calidris canutus sneered."Yeah, wanted to go back for that wolfman in the Shrieking Shack. He smelled youth, impressionable."

Walter paled."You 'll never have the opportunity to go back."

"We 'll see,"Greyback replied.

"enough schmooze,"Walter said, turning to Teddy."Arrest him."

shimmy snapped out of his thoughts and immediately went back into Auror-mode. He set himself apart from the situation and ran on autopilot.

"Fenrir Limnodromus griseus, I am Auror Ted lupin and you 're under arrest,"chemise began.

Greyback 's eyes grew broad."Lupin. Any sex act to Remus lupine ?"

"He was my Father of the Church,"slip said proudly.

"I made him who he was,"Greyback said as he stared directly into Teddy 's oculus."I changed his life."

"Fenrir Greyback, you are under arrest,"Teddy repeated, ignoring him. He conjured a pair of manacle and walked over to Limnodromus griseus."You have the right to remain silent. I suggest you use it,"he said as he cuffed the lycanthrope."If you choose not to be tacit, anything you say can be used in your trial. You will make a run. If you can not find internal representation, we will recover it for you."

slip grabbed Greyback 's arm and pulled him off the table and into a digest position. As he did so, he met the older man 's centre. They were jaundiced, everlasting yellowness, and completely unappeasable. He looked like the face of iniquity, as if Calidris canutus had no human being soul left. It was in that moment that Teddy knew for indisputable that this werewolf held no similarity to his father. Greyback lived to spread evil, while Remus Lupin had lived to stop it.

Teddy slapped a set of manacle on Greyback. He opened the door and pushed Limnodromus griseus out into the corridor, still holding onto his arm. Walter followed and the two walked alongside each other as they led Limnodromus griseus to the holding cells.

Harry was waiting for them when they arrived. He shoved Greyback into a cellphone and locked the door behind him.

"Your dad would be incredibly proud of you,"Harry said to Teddy.

Teddy nodded and gave Harry a half-smile.


A/N : I hope you enjoyed the Teddy chapter ! I had a lot of fun writing it. Thanks for all the adorable reviews !

The rights Teddy read to Reb are adapted from the Miranda right wing, created by the United States Supreme courtroom in 1966.


Albus awoke the next morning to the sound of an owl pecking at the window. He rose from his bed and went to let it in. The owl was unfamiliar, but he vaguely recognized it as the breed of owl the Ministry of Magic used. The letter was addressed to him, so Albus took it, let the owl back out into the common cold, and set down on his bed to give it.

Albus-

We got him.

-Dad

That was all it said, but it did n't need to say anything else. His dad probably could n't say anything else in a alphabetic character, anyway. Albus folded up the lambskin and shoved it into his bedside table. He glanced at the clock and realized there was no full point in going back to bed since classes would start in two hours.

Instead, he got started on that week 's magical spell reading while he waited for John to heat up. This took a effective hour and when he finally did wake up, it took him fifteen arcminute to fully wake up and get dressed. John was not one for mornings.

Albus waited until they were in the Great Hall for breakfast to order John about the letter from his dad, so that he could order Kaden, Rose, and Amanda, too. Luckily they managed to find a relatively secluded persona of the table.

"I got a varsity letter from my dad this sunup,"Albus said as he scooped eggs onto his shell."They got him."

"Oh thank God !"rosiness exclaimed.

"Did he tell you about it ?"John the Evangelist asked.

"No,"Albus said."But I 'm sure it 'll be in the Prophet tomorrow."

The grouping decided to eat a very flying lunch later in Order to call Matt before their afternoon course of instruction. Albus wanted to evidence him about grayback as soon as potential.

Albus found it incredibly hard to save his mouth shut during potions because the eternal sleep of his class fellow were discussing Limnodromus griseus and whether he had attacked anyone the premature night. Janie Creevey swore she saw him on the grounds from her dormitory windowpane last nighttime, but Karina and Marina said it was only a dog. Two of the Slytherins said they heard howling all Night, and Scorpius said one of the older students had received a letter from his brother claiming to have seen Rebel in Diagon Alley. It seemed that Albus and his supporter were the only when ones in the integral castle who knew Johnny had been captured.

Scorpius Malfoy left potions early after speaking in whispering with Slughorn. Whatever it was it was a good exculpation since Slughorn actually let him go. Albus thought this was very curious, but did n't live on it since his mind was still racing about Greyback. He wanted details about the capture, but probably would n't get any until he read the clause in the Prophet.

"Anyone know why Malfoy left ?"Gospel According to John asked as they hurried up to the Great G. Stanley Hall for lunch.

"No idea,"Albus said."Maybe he was ill ?"

"He did n't look ill,"St. John said."I suppose if he is ill we 'll see him in the hospital wing."

Albus and his Friend ate the immobile lunch they 'd ever rust and hie up to the hospital fender. Kaden had Herbology after lunch and would need a proficient bit of time to get there, so they wanted to spend as much of lunch as potential in the hospital wing.

dame Pomfrey was officious berating a student for trying to fascinate her hair pink and had charmed it all off instead and did n't find Albus and the others walk in. Only one bed was occupied and the pall were drawn around it.

"guess Malfoy 's not here,"John said as he led the group over to Matt 's bed.

John pulled the pall back and Albus saw that Matt was sitting up in bed, eating lunch. This calendar month he was sporting a patch wrapped around his full drumhead and ones on his hands as well. He seemed to be having a bit of difficulty holding his sandwich.

"They better have caught him,"Matt said as he dropped his sandwich."Dammit. I ca n't go another month wrecking my hands."

"They did,"Albus said."My dad owled me this cockcrow, but he did n't give me any details."

"I knew he was there,"mat said."The brute wanted to get out again and this clock time I banged my head repeatedly against the door."He gestured to the head bandages.

"I do n't think you 'll have to worry about that again,"lavatory said."They 'll probably put twice as many guards on Greyback 's cell."

"I think this is the worst vexation I 've ever had in my life-time,"Matt muttered.

john grinned mischievously."Shall Kaden and I do a repeat of last week 's prank ?"

mat gave him a flavour of murder."If you do, I 'll toss off you and I wo n't be responsible for my actions."

"Just kidding,"John said.

"Madam Pomfrey wants me to eat luncheon and then she 's going to fall in me adequate sleeping draught to sleep until dinner. I ca n't wait."

"well, I 'm going to sustain a lovely good afternoon of fertilizing wizardly industrial plant with dragon dung,"Kaden said."So aside from the turning into a wolf thing and the raging worry, I 'm kind of jealous."

"I 'd take the firedrake dung,"Matt said and then turned to Albus."Embry is announcing who gets to find out the finish debate today, is n't he ?"

Albus shook his fountainhead."They 've actually put it off two Sir Thomas More week. It was in the paper this daybreak. I guess they want it fresh in people 's minds or something. Plus, we 've got Quidditch Saturday and dueling Sunday."

"Is Gryffindor playing ?"matt asked.

"Hufflepuff and Slytherin,"Albus said."If Hufflepuff profits, then we 'll be ahead in points. But if Slytherin profits, we 'll probably be behind them."

"Here 's hoping for Hufflepuff, then,"Matt said. He glanced at his half-eaten sandwich."I think I 've given up on eating. I do n't mean to plain you lot out, but I 'm really looking forward to sleeping."

"Not a problem,"Albus said."We 'll see you later."

"I think I 'll be back tomorrow,"flatness said."Unless this headache does n't go away."

John glanced at the clock."Brilliant. There 's sufficiency time for me to run back to the Great Hall for an eclair before Transfiguration."

"I 'll join you,"Kaden said.

"Me, too,"Albus agreed.

The girls decided that a second dessert was in order as well, so the whole mathematical group hurried back to the Great mansion house before their future class. On the way there Albus realized just how much better he felt now that Greyback was once again behind bars.
***


"teddy bear arrested him !"Albus exclaimed at breakfast the next morning. He 'd just finished reading the article about Greyback.

"Seriously ?"Rose exclaimed, grabbing the prophesier."I did n't even live he went on that mission."

Albus nodded."It was him, my dad, your dad, and Matt 's dad. Plus Newman and a few loup-garou ascendance unit employees. And those Thomas Kid who got attacked last week were captured, too. Apparently their parents did n't put any Aaron Montgomery Ward up on the shed they were in."

"That 's pillock,"Rose said.

"Was anyone distress ?"Amanda asked.

"No,"Albus said.

"Oh, face, they 've quoted Laurentis,"Rose said."Listen to this. 'Greyback 's recapture is wonderful word for wizarding Britain. I applaud both the Auror Department and the department for the Regulation and ascendency of Magical Creatures for their collaboration in this capture, especially Harry Potter and Bruno Walter Eckerton. However, there are still four prisoners at large. The work is not done and we must remember this before celebrating .'”

"Did they quote your uncle ?"John asked.

"No,"rosiness said."It says he has n't made a statement about it yet."

"I honestly think that this is only going to make his support of your dad feeling better,"Amanda said."Laurentis can try, but this is a winner. I mean, just look at the article. Absolutely nothing went wrong with that gaining control. There were three werewolves on the open in Hogmseade and nobody got attacked. It 's that simple."

Albus had n't thought about it in that way, but it was true. Three loose wolfman would normally be a nightmare for a quiet small town like Hogsmeade, but thanks to the Aurors and the Werewolf controller Unit employees, cypher got hurt.

"I 'll just be happy when this election is over,"Albus said.

"You 're telling me,"Cedric said as he sat down across from Albus."I do n't even care who wins anymore."
***


Hufflepuff somehow managed to squeeze Slytherin during Saturday 's Quidditch match. Albus chalked this up to the fact that Hufflepuff had the dependable team they 'd had in long time, and that Slytherin 's keeper had landed himself in the hospital flank after blowing up his potion on Fri, earning him a ban from the compeer by brothel keeper Pomfrey. But whatever the reason actually was, it was certainly beneficial to Gryffindor.

Albus awoke early on Dominicus, suddenly riddled with nerves about the dueling tourney. This month 's tourney was the second to last of the twelvemonth since all the prof had agreed to end it earlier due to exams. Many of the 7th years had expressed that they could n't supervise practices while studying for N.E.W.T.s. But this meant that Albus only had two more luck to guarantee a win for his squad, something that had n't happened yet this twelvemonth.

Albus and Amanda were the first-class honours degree of their team to arrive in the Great dormitory before the tournament. The rest of the team trickled in slowly as they waited. Five minute before the tournament was scheduled to begin, the only person missing was Malfoy.

"It 's not like him to be late,"Amanda commented."Usually he 's here too soon telling you what an awful job as headwaiter you do."

"No, it 's not,"Albus agreed as he stood up to get a better look at the doors."I do n't see him."

"He was n't in potions the other day,"Amanda reminded Albus."Actually, I have n't seen him since he left potions early on Tuesday."

Albus thought back and realized Amanda was right."Oi !"he called to his chemical group of Slytherin teammate."Any of you know where Scorpius Malfoy is ?"

"He went home,"one of the third years said."No idea why. He has n't been here since Tuesday."

"He went nursing home ?"Albus repeated, staring at the third class."That 's odd."

The third year shrugged."He did n't narrate anyone anything about it. He just left."

Albus had to admit that this intelligence gave him as often disappointment as confusion. Scorpio Malfoy was one of the team 's best duelers, no matter how annoying he was.

"No one goes home when it 's not a vacation,"Amanda said.

"Yeah, not unless they 're really ill or something dread happened to their class,"Albus said.

"Attention students !"Neville called out."The tournament is about to begin !"

Albus managed to tug all thought process of Malfoy out of his idea for the continuance of the tourney. Most of his teammate dueled well, although only Albus and a few other fourth years won both their affaire d'honneur. In the end they secured third place, which was certainly secure than a proficient portion of the residue of the team, but still was n't first. They were still in the running for winning overall at the end of the season, but they 'd necessitate to do really well in the final tourney.

Albus and Amanda met the residual of their acquaintance in the piranha 's Den after the tourney was over.

"Did Malfoy jump the tournament ?"john asked as soon as they entered."Not that I 'm complaining since your squad probably would 've tick mine if he had showed."

"Apparently he went home on Tuesday,"Albus said."I 'm assuming that 's why he left potions early, but no one has any idea why he went."

"Maybe his parents took him on holiday,"Matt said."They seem the character to do that."

"You 're not allowed to lack classes unless it 's a good self-justification,"Rose pointed out."I do n't consider going on holiday is a good excuse."

"I think something bad is happening to someone in his family,"Amanda said quietly."Remember that letter he was reading during practice ? And how quiet he 's been lately ?"

"I 'll ask Elsie Willinson,"rosebush said."I tutor her tomorrow. Chances are that Malfoy told Felix about whatever 's going on so maybe Elsie knows, too."

But whatever was going on with Scorpio Malofy, Elsie Willinson was just as clueless as Albus and his friends. She either had no theme or refused to tell apart Rose, despite the fact that rosebush prodded her about it ever ten mo during their tutoring session on Mon.

Malfoy returned to classes on Tuesday, walking into potions XV transactions former, and Slughorn made no honorable mention of his tardiness or the class he missed the old calendar week. Albus attempted to watch out his font during year but he gave no cue about his emotions.

"Hey, Malfoy !"Albus shouted as they left the schoolroom a curt while later.

Malfoy spun around and met Albus 's eye. He did n't look wild, nor was he sneering. Instead, he just looked lost."What do you want, Potter ?"

"Missed you at the tournament Sat,"Albus said, hoping Malfoy would assure him where he 'd been.

"Bet you did n't win without me,"Malfoy replied.

"third place,"Albus answered."Where were you ?"

"None of your business, Potter,"Malfoy said as he turned around. He sped up and was soon lost in the sea of pupil hurrying to the Great Hall for lunch.
***


The following hebdomad passed quickly and Albus soon forgot about Malfoy and his mysterious disappearing. The election was now only a week away and everyone in the castle, students, prof, and ghosts alike were talking about it. With only one debate remaining, it was up in the air as to who would win. The seer published a poll they 'd taken and neither candidate had a significant lead on the other.

"Kingsley Shacklebolt, onetime top dog of the Auror Department, was the last minister of conjuring trick selected by the Wizengamot,"Professor Banks said in class two days before the net debate."His selection was very quickly and he stepped into post the day after Voldemort 's death. While almost of the wizarding human race knew that the Ministry needed an overhaul, they also needed someone to take armorial bearing and supervise the overhaul.

"Shacklebolt held spot for three years while supervising the drastic changes that made the Ministry of Magic the governing entity we see today."

Albus had met Kingsley Shacklebolt a few times and found him slightly intimidating, but funny at the same time. He just had a very overlook presence and Albus was n't surprised he 'd been made pastor of magic trick after the war.

"The three long time Shacklebolt held office were very tumultuous. conclusion had to be made, drastic one, and they were not easygoing. The initiatory and most obvious conclusion was the decision to change the way the Wizengamot was set up. The Wizengamot as it was was incredibly corrupt. Remember that prior to this redesign every pureblooded mob held a seat on the Wizengamot, but this left half-blood and Muggle-born witches and maven without internal representation.

"Shacklebolt, along with the other Ministry functionary working to reorganize the Wizengamot looked to the Muggle world for brainchild. The previous Wizengamot bore more resemblance to the Muggle star sign of Jehovah, the Upper sign of the zodiac of Parliament. It was decided that the Wizengamot ought to more closely resemble the firm of third estate, the Lower House of sevens. In the Muggle earthly concern, these instance are called Members of Parliament, MPs for unawares, and are elected. In the wizarding earth, they are simply call in phallus of the Wizengamot.

"extremity of the Wizengamot then began being elected by the general populace, much like MPs are elected in the Muggle humans. Each fellow member has a district, although figuring out these territory was far more difficult than it was in the Muggle globe. Does anyone have a hypothesis as to why ?"

Amanda raised her helping hand."Yes, Miss Tagger ?"Banks said.

"witch and necromancer are n't as uniformly spread out throughout the United Kingdom,"Amanda explained."In the Muggle world the district are very much based on towns, but champion do n't really feature towns."

"Correct,"money box said."Because of this the territorial dominion, if shown on a map, would look vastly dissimilar in terminal figure of size. For illustration, John Griffith Chaney has three separate districts because there is a very prominent wizarding population in London. It 's far easier for wiz to blend in in a prominent urban center than a pocket-size townsfolk since affair generally go unnoticed in big cities. On the other deal, Wales only has two district, and therefore two representatives, since it 's much less densely populated by wizards."

Albus did n't have got a clue as to who his territory 's interpreter was, or even what dominion he lived in. It was one of three, as he now knew.

"I 've taken the liberty of printing a map with a tilt of all the instance and district numbers,"Banks said as he began passing out canvas of sheepskin."I 'd venture a guess than very few of you know what district you 're in or who your congresswoman is."

Albus looked at the sheet after he received it. London seemed to be divided into West London, Second Earl of Guilford Jack London, and East/South British capital. compass north London, where Albus lived, was district Two, currently represented by a bloke named Joseph Oliver Prang.

"Elections are held every five years,"Banks said."None of the instance are up for election this year, but almost are up for election next yr. None of you will be of age to vote in future year 's election, but I suggest you read up on your example thought and beliefs anyway.

"To entice you to teach,"Banks continued as he walked around his desk,"I am assigning an essay, due in two calendar week. human body out who your representative is and write me a foot-long essay detailing your interpreter 's belief and whether you agree with them or not. I suggest looking at old copy of the oracle as well as archived arrangement of Wizengamot get together, both useable in the depository library. You are receive to use any other sources as you see fit."

There was a worldwide moan from the course of instruction, which made depository financial institution grin. He always seemed to love assigning homework.

"Now onto the more exciting news,"Banks said."This Saturday is the final exam debate and four of you will be able to attend. I apologize in advance for those whose names have not been chosen, but there simply were not enough debates. As usual, the quietus of you will listen to the debate in the Transfiguration classroom.

"The two from Hufflepuff are Sam Bordeaux and Cassie Hornell. The Gryffindors are John Brickston and Janie Creevey. Your essay on this debate, to be formatted like the premature two, will be due in a hebdomad. grade dismissed."

"I knew it would be me,"lav said as the packed up."Bilius and Ethan have already gone and you two get to go every time."

"I had n't even realized that,"Albus said.

"Karina 's the lone one of us who wo n't get to go,"blush wine pointed out.

"That essay, though ..."John said."The one on our representatives. That 's going to take forever."

"Not if you do your research right field,"rosebush said as they left the room.

"Any of you in District seven ?"lav asked.

The eternal sleep of the mathematical group shook their heads. They compared district numbers, but none of them were in the same. rosiness and Matt were the tight, with their districts bordering on each other.

"I guess we 're all doing our own enquiry then,"John the Divine said with a sigh.

pink wine gave him a satisfied smirk, clearly happy that she would n't possess to get by with John attempting to bum off her enquiry. Albus wished that he and Rose were in the same district because he, like John, did not relish doing this inquiry. Usually they only had to use their text edition for enquiry, but not this time. This sentence, their textbooks would n't avail at all.


A/N : Thanks for all the reviews ! It 's time for the annual Dobby awards at HPFF and nominations are now loose ! psyche to the forums to put up your favorite report ( such as this one, *hint, hint* ). There is a link to the forums on the in good order side of the page. Be certainly to read the linguistic rule before you nominate ! We hate having to disqualify history for broken principle.

The entropy about the Muggle Ministry was adapted from the House of the Lords and the fantan Wikipedia varlet. I hope I got everything right hand, but I 'm not Brits, so feel justify to point out any errors.


As the week progressed more and more of the Prophet was dedicated to election insurance coverage. By the time Saturday arrived it became nearly impossible to find a single clause that was n't about the election. There were editorials, consultation, statements from the candidate, opinion polls, and more. Albus was getting so tired of it that he did n't even glance at Sat 's edition.

"station your stakes here !"

Albus glanced up from his breakfast to see James, Cedric, and Ben walking up the aisle between the Gryffindor and Hufflepuff tables carrying a jar filled with coins.

"We 're taking wager !"James shouted."Any takers ?"

"What are you betting on ?"Albus asked."Who wins ?"

"No, that 's drilling,"James said."We 're taking bet on how long it 'll take the debate moderator to bring up that crazy Australian bloke who kidnapped you live year. This debate is on International Magical Cooperation, after all."

It had n't even crossed Albus 's psyche that hold up yr 's incident would be brought up in this debate, but St. James was probably right. It was the boastful international dirt wizarding Britain had seen in years.

"What 's your bet ?"Albus asked his brother.

"Ten minutes,"James said."We 've had a few mass say it 'll come about right away and others who are giving it as long as a half hour."

"You do realize that your dad 's the one moderating this debate, do n't you ?"rosiness asked, setting down her copy of the Prophet.

Saint James, Cedric, and Ben exchanged a glance."Er, no, we did n't know that,"James said."How do you know ?"

"Says right hand here in the paper,"Rose said, pointing to it."He might not bring it up."

"I hope he does n't,"mat muttered."I 'd rather just forget Lubar 's existence."

"He might still bring it up,"James said."It was a fairly big incident."

blush wine shrugged."It 's possible."

"So what would Uncle Hotspur say if he knew you three were taking bets on the debate ?"Albus asked with a grin.

Cedric paled."He 's not going to happen out. Everyone who places a bet is sworn to secrecy. We 've had them sign something. If they say anything their faces will plough orange."

"Is n't that like what Aunt Hermione did for the D.A ?"Albus asked.

"kind of,"Cedric said."But we 've told the great unwashed about it, so they know what they 're signing."

"Any stake, then ?"Epistle of James asked.

Albus and his friends all shook their straits no. Last yr 's incident was far too personal for them to come out bets on whether it would be a debate matter.

"We 're wasting fourth dimension, then,"James said as he led Cedric and Ben further down the aisle."Place your bets here !"

"They 're idiots,"rosiness muttered.

Albus agreed.

An hour later Albus, Rose, flatness, and John were back in the Great Hall for the debate. Albus soon realized that this public debate would be watched by even more people than the past ones, with many mass standing in the binding due to lack of seating. Personally, Albus thought about people would 've already made up their intellect since the election was only four days away, but clearly it was still a popular event.

John had to sit with the former students who 'd been picked while Albus, pink wine, and Matt sat up front, like usual. All of Albus 's first cousin were there, including Georgia, who looked like she was forcing herself to smile.

"Hey, GA,"Albus said.

"Hi, Al,"GA replied."I 'm so happy this is nearly over."

"Me, too,"Albus agreed."How is the team ?"

Georgia 's fake grin grew unfeigned."Oh, they 're wondrous ! Connor Blythe, the Keeper, he put in his notice that he 's only going to do one more time of year after this one and he told me he 's recommending me to require his spot. Me ! And I 've only been on the squad for a yr !"

"That 's wonderful !"Albus exclaimed."You 'll own to get me just the ticket to your first match."

"Oh, I expect everyone in the family unit to be there at my for the first time match as perm Keeper,"GA said."And I want Dad right there in the front row, cheering me on."

"Well, if he wins, he 'll let to prevent supporting you,"Albus pointed out.

"Yes, well, I want it to be really,"Georgia said."We 'll see."

"Could everyone please acquire their seats ?"Kendrick announced in a magically overdraw voice.

Sakartvelo left and went to her own hind end, as did everyone else who was still standing. The room grew quieten and Kendrick took a few steps forward.

"Thank you. I 'd like to welcome you all to Hogwarts. This is the lowest argumentation of the election and I appreciate the Ministry allowing Hogwarts to take such a big office in it. It has been a wondrous learning opportunity for staff and educatee alike. Remember, Wednesday is election day, so please cast your balloting. Now, I would like to introduce today 's moderator, a man who needs no initiation, Mr. Harry Potter, question of the Auror Department !"

The way erupted in thunderous applause. It seemed that no matter how Laurentis tried to discredit Albus 's dad, no one could choose away the fact that he remained the Boy Who Lived.

Harry walked forward and took his place behind the moderator 's ambo."Thank you, give thanks you,"he said and the crowd grew quiet once more."Now, please welcome our candidate, Mr. Percy Weasley and Ms. Patricia Laurentis."

The candidate received considerably less applause than Harry did, something Albus found incredibly funny story. If his dad ever decided to run for government minister he 'd give birth the thing won before the airstream even began.

"I am for sure both our candidate know the rules by now. Five minute response and five minute rebuttals,"Harry began."Mr. Weasley, you will begin."

Albus had to stifle his laugh at the fact that this dad called Uncle Sir Henry Percy 'Mr. Weasley .'

"The first question is very full general,"Harry said."In your opinion, how is Britain 's relationship with its foreign neighbour ? Should the Ministry be making more of an crusade to mold with its neighbors or are things ok as they are ?"

"I think boilersuit our ministry has a just relationship with extraneous ministries and governments,"Percy began."We have no current feuds with any strange countries and all foreign talks have gone well in the past few years. However, I believe there is always room for improvement when oral presentation of relationships with former commonwealth. There are always chances to reach out to our neighbors, and you never know when such kinship will be necessary."

"Ms. Laurentis."

"My adversary makes bonnie distributor point,"Laurentis said."And while I feel that furthering our relationships with foreign ministries is an excellent idea, I wonder if that is really where our energies should be focused right now. There are many issues we need to address here at home, and as Mr. Weasley said, our current kinship with foreign nations are good."

"The Department of International Magical Cooperation deal solely with external wizardly cooperation,"Percy pointed out."Working to fix exit at domicile is obviously a good idea, but what do you suppose this department does while we do that ?"

"fountainhead, yes, of course, that section is always working on international issues,"Laurentis said."I was merely speaking of the diplomatic minister and his immediate officials."

"Thank you,"Harry said."future question. The topic of changing the compartmentalisation of werewolves from Beasts to Beings was brought up at the last debate. Both of you expressed no desire to bring this up with the international community. Have either of you changed your locating on this in light of the recent gaining control of Fenrir Greyback ? If not, will you explain in Sir Thomas More item why you feel the way you do ? Ms. Laurentis, you may begin."

Albus glanced at Matt. Maybe now they 'd figure out exactly why Uncle Percy did n't want to switch the loup-garou sorting, to a greater extent than just it was n't worth the elbow grease.

"The capture of Fenrir Calidris canutus was undoubtedly a winner. I hope cipher has misconstrued my words on that. The fact that it was done without any injuries, let alone fatality, was nothing dead of amazing. The Aurors and Werewolf control whole employees who executed the architectural plan of capture are to be applauded. However, I fail to see why the capture of one werewolf should affect our decisions on the group as a whole. If anything, if werewolves had been classified as Beings during that capture the Aurors and Werewolf mastery Unit employees would not have been able to use the method acting of capture they used. To be honest, I fail to see any benefits of reclassification."

Albus felt Matt tense next to him. Laurentis really was clueless, was n't she ?

"Mr. Weasley."

"I agree with my opponent about the gaining control of Fenrir Calidris canutus. However, I disagree with her about the potential benefit of reclassification. First, the Aurors and lycanthrope Control whole employees could have used the same method acting they used live dark, as headspring of section Walter Eckerton does not allow any method of capture that would not be allowed if werewolves were classified as organism. In terms of Department for the Regulation and controller of Magical Creatures rules and regulation, werewolves are to be treated as beingness. This has been the showcase since Eckerton took over as brain over a class ago. Perhaps Ms. Laurentis is incognizant of this fact.

"As for benefit, those with lycanthropy would be capable to secure jobs far more easily and would cause the same right wing given to goblins, house-elves, Centaur, vampires, and world alike."

Apparently his uncle had much more of an opinion than the one he gave at the last argumentation, Albus thought.

"Your sentence is up, Mr. Weasley,"Harry said."Your rebuttal, Ms. Laurentis."

"Then perhaps Walter Eckerton ought to take another look at the law,"Laurentis began."Because it is perfectly legal of him to use more harsh methods to bring werewolves into capture. But since this gaining control was a holler success, I will not blame him for that. As for werewolf rights, I have yet to hear of any complaints by werewolves about their rights."

"That 's because they do n't complain to you,"Matt muttered under his breath.

"Your rebutter, Mr. Weasley."

"As I did not take in time to fully answer the motion, I will continue,"Walker Percy said."While it would be beneficial for werewolves if they were reclassified as beingness, I do not reckon it 's feasible. It would require correspondence from all Carry Nation, which is frankly asking a lot. I know for a fact Australia would never be on board, and considering our stony relationship with that finical country, I do not find it is in our best interest to begin lecture of the reclassification of loup-garou. In conclusion, I feel it would be a worthwhile endeavor, but given the unlikelihood of it amounting to anything, it would be a barren of manpower."

"Thank you,"Harry said."Next interrogation. In paying attention to our rocky human relationship with Australia, as Mr. Weasley put it, do you feel it would be beneficial to bear on trying to get Ralph Lubar extradited to the United Kingdom ? Mr. Weasley."

Albus glanced at his watch. Whoever betted on forty minutes would be very felicitous, he thought. Albus had been hoping this topic would n't be brought up, but he supposed it was too big of an take not to be.

"If elected I would put over this decision to the department of International Magical Cooperation, since they possess the necessity expertness on the issue. However, it is my personal belief that it would be worth pursuing. I believe it is crucial to send a message that Ministry employees, even high-ranking functionary such as Ralph Lubar, are not above the law. What Lubar did was unspeakable and in no creation should he get away with it."

"Ms. Laurenits."

"placard how Mr. Weasley did not quotation that his nephew was one of the children kidnapped by Lubar,"Laurentis pointed out."I think this might cloud his sagacity a little. I disagree with him about this peculiar theme. We 've been trying to birth Ralph Lubar extradited for nearly a twelvemonth and Australia has not budged. Why bother continuing to make attempt toward this when it is sack they will be fruitless ?"

"If we give up, it will be telling the public that anyone can go entrust a crime in another country and not be punished,"Walker Percy said."More than that, it demonstrates the corruption of the Australian governance and having our citizens believe their government to be corrupt will not assist international magical cooperation."

"The possible depravation of the Aboriginal Australian governing is not any of our commercial enterprise at the current meter. We can not force them to extradite Ralph Lubar and it is my personal feeling that they will never do so. I daresay that the Department of International Magical Cooperation has Thomas More pressing matters to manage with."

"Thank you both,"Harry said."We have time for one Thomas More question, but in spark of the fact that the election is on Wednesday, I am going to founder each of the candidates a probability to ready a ecumenical speech instead. Mr. Weasley, you may verbalise first."

"Thank you, Harry."

Percy seemed unable to scream Harry 'Mr. Potter .'Albus giggled at this.

"I would like to thank Professor Kendrick and the residual of the Hogwarts faculty for being so accommodating, as well as the students. None of the students sitting in this way right now were active before the Ministry was reorganized in 1998 through 2001. None of the bookman in this room were alive during Voldemort 's reign of threat. They read about both of these in history books, because to them, it is simply history. To me, and the sleep of the adults in this room, the previous Ministry and Voldemort are our past, our memories. We remember the little terror, the unknown, the fear.

"I was a division of the reorganization of the Ministry. We all know the years that have followed- the years where we have lived without care, without scourge, without the alien. I have been with the Ministry every footstep of the way since Voldemort 's licking and I will make it my tariff to continue the public security that we 've had for over twenty years. I will celebrate this short because I, like most of you surely do, believe that the best lecture is a short speech communication. If you want a pastor who will persist in the achiever of Minister Hartwell 's time in position, vote for me, Sir Henry Percy Weasley, on Midweek. Thank you."

There was a smattering of applause, but it did n't last long. Albus had a feeling that most of the rest of the educatee wanted the election to be over.

"My opponent routinely brings up the past times. He speaks of the war, Voldemort, and the old Ministry, but never once has he discussed the future tense, except in faint financial statement about keeping matter the same. It 's straight that I was not involved with the reorganisation of the Ministry over twenty years ago. I got into politics later in life. But I do not sense that this will throw me an inferior parson, nor do I think it will be particularly beneficial to Mr. Weasley.

"chronicle is just that. History. We certainly need to larn from our history to ensure that we do not make the Saami mistakes we did before, but it is not necessary to have lived through history to be a successful leader. There are batch of Ministry employees, even a few high-ranking officials, who were not here during Voldemort 's reign. Walter Eckerton, for object lesson, did not live in UK during Voldemort 's sovereignty. Yet he very successfully runs the section for the Regulation and ascendance of Magical Creatures.

"In light, I believe we need to centre on our future rather than our past. If elected diplomatic minister I will ready liberalist changes in not only our ministry and police force, but our educational system as well. matter have been ran the Sami for over twenty year, and while I am not denying the success, I think we have needed change for a while. Escaped captive are running free. Hogwarts object lesson are being taught the same way they were when these children 's grandparents were in school. The ministry, along with its law of nature and policies, needs to adjust as the age go by. If you feel variety is needed, if you are at all upset about the way matter are, vote for me, Patricia Laurentis, on Wednesday."

There was another smattering off applause. Albus did n't clap at all and neither did any of his cousins. If the election was based upon transmissible support, Harry Hotspur would hold it in the bag.

"I think your uncle may have won my parents'living back,"Matt said as they left the Great Hall.

"Yeah, he made himself sound a bit better today,"Albus replied."Laurentis just does n't get it."

"Nope,"lusterlessness said."But she does n't seem to have an issue with my dad, which is practiced if she gets elected."

"What if she wins and she stops trying to get Lubar extradited ?"Rose asked as they met up with John.

"She ca n't. The man is mad,"whoremaster said.

"Honestly, I think it would be better if he was n't extradited,"lustrelessness said quietly.

"Why ?"John asked incredulously."He kidnapped us and tried to make for Voldemort back !"

"He was n't really a constituent of that,"Matt said."That was the Willinsons."

"But still,"Albus said."Why ?"

"Because if he gets extradited he 's going to be angry,"Matt explained."He 's got quite a mood. And when he does n't get his way he attempts to smash the lives of those who stand in his way. Just think about it. If he were brought back here, what 's stopping him from making my ... condition ... world ?"

"He could n't do that,"Albus said."It 's illegal."

"You think Lubar would care ? He did it in Commonwealth of Australia !"Matt snapped."He 's already broken the law. And even if he got in problem for it nothing could have what he said back. It sucks that he 's not getting punished, but I think it would be better if the macrocosm just forgot about the unhurt thing."

Albus had n't thought about it like that before. Matt did suffer a point. But there was a region of Albus that just wanted to see Lubar behind bars.

"addition, there 's no way Australia will extradite him,"Matt said."Your uncle and Laurentis are both the right way about one matter. The Australian government is very corrupt, and I do n't intend anything will bump until that corruption ends. Lubar wo n't be punished, and lycanthrope wo n't get reclassified as Beings."

"So even though you moved, the Australian government still has some control over your life,"John said."That 's messed up."

"Yeah, it really is,"Matt agreed."But it 's the way the world works."


A/N : Thanks for all the review ! Once again, I 'd care to shamelessly plug my stories for Dobby nominating speech ! Head over to the forums to nominate my ( or any former ) tarradiddle for a Dobby laurels ! Be sure to read the rules before nominating.


Albus had been hoping course of instruction would be suspended the day of the election, but there was no such luck. Kendrick organized it so that the Great lobby would be the canvas place and that voting would not affect the general student eubstance. Hogwarts was the intend polling piazza for the district it was in, so there would be early people coming to the shoal to vote. Albus 's cousin-german who were of age ( Bradley, Fred, and Heather ) all voted after breakfast, as soon as the polling station had been set up.

Albus and his friends spent most of Herbology watching people walking from Hogsmeade to Hogwarts in Holy Order to vote. It was very trouble and Neville did n't bother telling the great unwashed to get back on undertaking.

"When are we going to have sex who won ?"John asked as they walked back to the castling for Defense.

"It 'll be in the oracle tomorrow aurora,"Albus said."That 's the official posting, but I 'm sure we 'll rule out earlier. Bradley and Cedric have to go to the end of the election party tonight. It starts at six and the crown close at eight. They 're announcing the winner at the party at eight-thirty. Bradley and Cedric will be back after that and I give it about five minute to spread around the castle."

John laughed."You do n't have to go to the party ?"

Albus shook his head."My parents gave me the choice. I said no. James and Lily are n't going, either."

"What about you two ?"John asked Rose and Matt.

"No,"rosebush said. Matt shook his head.

"Good,"John said."We should give birth our own political party here. A company to keep the end of this election. Maybe it 'll mean Embry will let up on the essays. Anyone else writing their debate essay during defence mechanism today ?"

For the past tense few calendar month to the highest degree hoi polloi had used Defense as a subject area anteroom. The worksheets Young assigned never took longer than 15 minutes and he did n't seem to care what his student did with the rest of the class. Just as long as they were n't being trashy. Albus did n't think anyone had used any Skiving Snackbox sweets in Defense this year, since there was n't much point.

Albus, Matt, and Amanda all still needed to drop a line their essays as well. Rose had written hers immediately following the debate, but the relaxation of them did n't see the need to do it right away.

"I can always complete it in History of conjuring trick, too,"whoremonger said as they entered the castle.

"Let 's go peek in the Great Hall,"Albus said as he led his friends over to the right.

Albus glanced inside and saw that there were four modest cubicles curtained off where the staff board should 've been. A myopic queue of masses were off to one position and seemed to be waiting their tour for the cubicles. It did n't seem very exciting.

"Any gossip on the election ?"

Albus turned and saw a newsman lurking near the doorway. He did n't tell apart this particular reporter.

"No, thanks,"Albus said as he steered the group away from the Great Hall, and thus away from the reporter.

"I do n't think they 're allowed inside,"rosiness mentioned."So they ca n't bother people who are voting."

"That makes sense,"Amanda said."Well, let 's go get those essays done with. Then we 'll never cause to spell essays on debate again."

Albus nodded. No more disputation essays. Now that would be a respectable affair.

The remnant of the day passed quickly. Albus, Matt, and Amanda managed to finish their essays during refutation, but John only got halfway done. ballot was suspended during tiffin and then again at dinner. Albus overheard a few of the sixth and one-seventh years talking about balloting and the election during dinner. A couplet of Ravenclaws even got into an argument about it.

"Let 's make a pact now not to get in any scrap over the next election when we can all vote,"blush wine said as they watched one of the arguing Ravenclaws storm out of the Great hallway.

The residue of the group heartily agreed. Albus could n't reckon ruining a friendship over something as silly as an election.

"This party that Thomas Bradley and Cedric are going to,"John the Evangelist began,"it 's for both your uncle and Laurentis ?"

"Yeah,"Albus said.

"That 's going to be awkward when they announce the winner,"John said with a laugh.

"It 's supposed to push full sportsmanship and that sort of thing,"rose wine explained.

"Still ... I ca n't imagine Laurentis being a serious athletics,"John said.

After dinner Albus and his admirer returned to the usual room, deciding that it might be interesting to spend the evening there rather than the Marauder 's Den. They also wanted to find out firsthand from Bradley and Cedric who won.

The coarse room had the distinct flavour that Gryffindor had just won a Quidditch catch. Saint James the Apostle, Fred, broom, chump, and Ben had taken it upon themselves to have a party to celebrate the end of the election and thus the end of debate and essays on argument. There were slip of Butterbeer and trays of biscuits and nobody was working on any homework.

"Maybe now matter can get back to normal,"Albus said as he opened a Butterbeer.

"If Uncle Hotspur wins things will never be normal again,"pink wine pointed out.

Albus shrugged."I do n't know. Amanda seems fairly pattern and her uncle 's the blossom Minister."

"That 's because cypher here cares about the bloom pastor,"Amanda said."At home everyone knows I 'm the niece of the bloom curate. My baby and brother certainly are n't anonymous at their schools. My sister 's at university now and she says it 's a bit better than it was in secondary school."

"Albus, you 're Harry Potter 's son,"toilet said flatly."No thing what happens, you 're going to be well-known."

Albus supposed that was true, but sometimes he wished it was n't. Sometimes, he wished he could take a crap his own way in the world and not have his dad 's name tied to him.

"Did you ever get the map back from your dad ?"lusterlessness asked.

"Yeah, why ?"

"Just curious,"Matt said.

Albus reached into his bag and pulled the map out. He 'd taken to carrying it around with him all the time, but he was n't sure why. After setting it down on the table he revealed it and focused on the constituent that showed Hogwarts.

"There 's still a bunch of the great unwashed voting,"Albus said, gesturing to the Great dorm. About a half dozen or so dots were milling about.

"Madam Rosmerta 's there,"Amanda pointed out."I wonder who she 's voting for."

"No mind,"Albus said. He glanced at his sentry."one-half hour until the polls close."

"How long do you call back Bradley and Cedric will bide ?"Kaden asked.

"Probably not long after the announcement is made,"Albus answered."They do n't really like going to those things."

"Albus,"lavatory said, pointing to the map."Is it just me or is Malfoy going into Moaning Vinca minor 's bathroom ?"

Albus peered down at the map. Sure enough, a dot labeled 'Scorpius Malfoy'had just entered the moment floor lady friend 's lavatory. That did n't gain any sense.

"What the hell is he doing in there ?"Matt exclaimed."Why would anyone go in there ?"

"myrtle 's there,"whoremonger commented."Look, she 's floating over toward him."

"But why ?"Albus asked, still utterly confused."Why would a gent go in there ?"

"Maybe the map made a fault ?"Kaden suggested.

"Dad says the map never lies,"Albus explained."well, there 's only one way to find out. Let 's keep up him."

"Sounds near to me,"Amanda said as she stood up."This party is getting boring anyway."

John and Kaden nodded their heads in agreement. pink wine raised her eyebrows.

"No way,"mat said, shaking his psyche vehemently."There are n't enough Galleons in the world."

"Oh, come on, it 's just a girl 's loo,"Amanda said."aspect, there are n't even any girls in there in any case Myrtle. And she 's a ghost !"

John laughed."Vinca minor 's got a bit of a crush."

"John, shut up !"matte said, his cheeks turning red.

Amanda and rosebush burst out in laughter."Seriously ?"Amanda said.

"Yeah, we had hold in there once,"St. John the Apostle explained."myrtle spent the whole time flirting with Matt. It was hilarious."

"I said, shut it !"matte shouted.

"Oh, hail on, she 's just a ghost."

"I 'm not going. I refuse."

"Fine,"John said."cause yourself. Rose ?"

"I 'll stick around here, thanks,"Rose said."You 're wasting your clock time anyway. It 's not like he 'll tell you anything."

Albus did n't deal. He still liked the idea of going because it felt like he was doing something, making some sort of progress on figuring out why Malfoy had been acting so oddly the past tense few months.

They did n't inconvenience bringing the invisibleness Cloak since there was still an hour left until curfew. On their way there, they spotted Peeves unscrewing chandeliers in honor of April tomfool 's Day, but ignored his cackles.

Albus watched the map as they went. Malfoy remained in the lavatory as they walked quickly toss off flying of stairs. But they got stuck on the steps leading to the irregular storey corridor, after the step decided to conduce them directly to the starting time floor rather than the second.

"He 's leaving !"Albus exclaimed as they got back on the step after their cold-shoulder detour.

"Maybe we can trip up him on his way back to the dungeons,"Amanda suggested.

Albus nodded."Let 's wait here, then."

Their flow location gave them an excellent eyeshot of the Great antechamber. A few Ministry officials were currently carrying pieces of the ballot cubicles out of the room, polling clearly over. It would only be about a half time of day until they had a new Minister of Magic.

St. John nudged Albus."There he is."

Albus turned away from the Great Hall and saw Malfoy walking down the staircase. He looked extremely determined.

"Malfoy,"Albus said.

"ceramicist,"Malfoy replied.

Albus suddenly had no idea how he was going to ask Malfoy about why he was in the girl 's loo without revealing the map. If they caught him in there it would 've been easy to say they saw him going in there, but now he was just walking down the stairs, perfectly innocently. He 'd get to be really measured about it.

"So why were you in a lady friend 's loo ?"Amanda asked.

So much for being careful, Albus thought.

Malfoy paled."Er, I wasn't."

"Yes, you were,"Amanda said."I was in there, too. indorse floor, Moaning Vinca minor 's gutter ? Ring any bells ?"

"That loo was hollow,"Malfoy said quickly."I checked."

"Next time ascertain a bit harder,"Amanda said."I was in the hold up stall and when I heard you come in I had to stay there because you 're a bloke and it would just be uncanny to come out of a bathroom stall and come face to side with a bloke. I heard you talking to Myrtle, though."

"I ... er ... that 's not any of your ... business,"Malfoy stammered.

"Then do n't deal your business concern in a girl 's loo,"Amanda said with a laugh."Let 's go. We do n't desire to miss the news about the new curate. Clearly Malfoy 's a bit unhinged."

Amanda turned and set off up the stair. Albus, John, and Kaden followed, leaving Malfoy frozen in their wake. Albus glanced back and saw that he was still as pale as matte is right field before a replete moonshine.

"Amanda, what was that ?"John exclaimed once they 'd reached the second floor.

"That felt good,"Amanda said."He just really irritates me, and this time we had something on him. I could secern Al did n't have a go at it how to ask him without telling him about the map. But I figured it 'd be pretty sluttish to affect I 'd been in the loo with him."

"That 's brilliant,"whoremaster said.

Amanda grinned."I have my moments."

"Whatever it was, I do n't think he 'll be going in that loo anymore,"Albus said."I just wish we 'd figured out why he was in there in the first place."

"Seriously,"privy said."The lonesome way you 'd view me in a young lady 's loo is if you paid me a load of Galleons."

"Or you got detention."Amanda smirked.

"That does n't count,"John said.

"Oh, shut it, both of you,"Albus said."Let 's hurry up and get back to the unwashed room."

When Albus, John, Kaden, and Amanda returned to the common room they were greeted by loud groans and sighing. Confused, Albus turned to his chum, who was nearest the portrait hole.

"We thought you lot were Thomas Bradley and Cedric,"William James said.

"James, it 's not even eight-thirty yet,"Albus pointed out."They wo n't be back for at least a half hour."

"Oh, right."

Rose and Matt were in the middle of a biz of chess game. Matt was losing spectacularly.

"Did you find him ?"mat asked as pink wine 's bishop crushed his queen.

"Yeah, but not in the loo,"Albus said."Caught him on his way back to his green room. He would n't order us a thing."

"Of course he did n't,"matt said."And he probably denied he was in the loo anyway."

"He would 've,"Albus said."But Amanda told him she 'd been in there and then told him off for being there. It was brilliant."

"Wish I could 've seen that. I 've always wanted to enjoin off Malfoy."

"You should 've hail,"John said."We did n't even see Myrtle."

"Still ... not taking any luck,"matte said."King to D6."

rosebush instructed her knight to move closer to Matt 's king."Checkmate.

lusterlessness sighed."One day, I 'll win."

"Me following !"Kaden exclaimed. Everyone else laughed."What ? I 've gotten better,"Kaden muttered.

Albus, John, matt, and Amanda settled down to watch as Rose clobbered Kaden. Albus could 've sworn he saw Kaden 's chessman quiver as they were set up on the card. rosebush 's queen was most definitely grinning maliciously. Over the next half time of day Kaden 's pieces were viciously slaughtered by Rose 's, but not without putting up a fighting. Kaden was in fact getting punter.

"Exploding duck soup ?"Matt asked after Rose and Kaden repaired their chessmen.

"Yeah, all right,"Albus agreed. The others nodded.

Albus ran up to his dormitory to retrieve his Exploding Snap add-in. As he returned, the portrayal hole opened.

The entire common room froze and was silent. Not a single individual moved. Not a 1 person said a countersign. Even the 1st years, who had been tossing a Quaffle around, were still. Albus stood on the underside footprint to the dorm room and waited.

Omar Nelson Bradley walked inside, followed by Cedric. Neither seemed overly excited, but that did n't mean that Percy had n't won. After all, they, like Albus, did n't really desire Harry Hotspur to be diplomatic minister, but they did n't require Laurentis as Minister either.

"fountainhead ?"James asked.

"Dad lost,"Bradley said quietly. He whispered something to Epistle of James and then he turned and left the vulgar room, followed by Cedric.

Albus could n't consider it. He had n't realized it until now, but he truly had believed that Uncle Walker Percy would win. He had the support of Harry Potter. Did n't that entail anything anymore ?

Albus returned to his friends and set the box of batting order down on the mesa. He sat down and did n't say a word.

"What does this mean ?"Amanda asked quietly."will she do everything she said she was going to do ?"

"That and probably worse, too,"Albus said.

Saint James walked up to the mesa."Al, Rose, we 're all going to the Room of Requirement. Bradley and Cedric want to give us more details."He glanced the rest of the group."Sorry, family line only."

"We 'll see you later,"Albus said as he and Rose stood up.

Albus, Saint James, and rose wine walked to the elbow room of requisite in silence. When they arrived they saw that the threshold was already there. They walked inside.

The rest of their full cousin had already arrived. Albus took a seat on the last remaining couch and James and Rose sat on either side of him. Nobody was speaking, so he glanced around and watched all of his cousins.

Bradley, Cedric, Heather, Mark, Ben, Fred, Hugo, Lily, King James I, pink wine, and Angie. And himself. They were the halfway group of cousins. Not the onetime, not the youngest, but the ones in the middle, who never did anything first and never did anything finally. They were n't the first to go to Hogwarts and they would n't be the last to graduate. They stood by each other, through the right and through the bad.

Bradley and Cedric were n't seated. They were standing at the front of the elbow room, near its door. The full room was decorated like the den in the Burrow, with mismatched article of furniture and organized chaos everywhere. Albus liked it.

"Well, Dad lost,"Omar Bradley finally said."I already told you that ... but yeah. It was close. He only lost by a yoke hundred vote.

"How did he get it ?"broom asked.

"Graciously,"Omar Nelson Bradley answered."Thanked everyone for their bread and butter and shook Laurentis 's hand, of course."

Albus was n't surprised. Uncle Percy had and always would be the image of a polite politician. But maybe that was n't enough to get elected.

"Is it dread that I 'm glad he lost ?"Cedric asked as he squeezed onto the couch between Saint James the Apostle and Albus."Because I am, form of."

"Just a bit,"heather said."What is Uncle Harry Hotspur going to do now ? I doubt Laurentis will keep him on."

"I had n't even thought of that,"Bradley said.

Neither had Albus, but it made sense. Walker Percy was still employed by the Ministry, but his job was one of those chore selected by the minister.

"He 's always worked for the Ministry,"Bradley continued."I do n't think he could do anything else."

The room descended into silence. Nobody seemed to cognise what to say, Albus included. His tone on his uncle becoming minister had been all over the place for the past seven calendar month, but now that Sir Henry Percy had actually lost, all Albus felt was disappointment. It was unusual. Just live week he had been variety of hoping Percy would lose, and now that he had, Albus felt the stark opposite.

It was already past curfew for Lily, Hugo, and Angie, but nobody was telling them to go back to the unwashed room. Albus was vaguely curious about what was going on in the commons way, but not rum enough to actually go back. flatness, John, Kaden, and Amanda would tell him later.

What Albus was really distressed about, more than anything, was what Laurentis was going to do to both the Ministry and Hogwarts. Laurentis had made it earn that she was going to change the school, but Albus liked it the way it was. Then there were the changes to the Ministry, such as the dementors. How long would it drive for Laurentis to impart them back ? Surely she had to go through proper communication channel to do it.

James, Bradley, and Cedric were the low gear to turn back to the common room, claiming they had to name ripe on all the stakes they 'd taken. Albus had a feeling all three of them were now slightly in debt. Albus and blush wine returned a few proceedings later, leaving the repose of their cousin-german talking quietly in the way of Requirement.

When they returned Matt, John, and Kaden were playing Exploding Snap. Amanda was writing a letter.

"Who are you writing to ?"rosiness asked.

"My uncle,"Amanda answered."I 've been keeping him updated on the election. He says he likes hearing it from me rather than waiting until the new pastor arrives to fulfil him."

"Your uncle meets the Minister of magic ?"John asked.

"Well, yes,"Amanda said."The two humans do have to coexist. Sometimes there are problem that affect both. Voldemort, for instance. And Hartwell personally told my uncle about the get by death Eaters."

"That 's so uncanny,"John said.

"I told you about it earlier in the yr,"Amanda pointed out."That 's the entirely reason I got to go to Hogwarts. My parents changed their judgement at the last mo and happened to observe it to my uncle, laughing about the fact that they 'd actually said I could go. And then my uncle told them it was all true."

"I wonder how often that happens,"Albus mused,"Muggleborns not being able to go to Hogwarts because their parents do n't believe."

Amanda shrugged."I 'm just lucky I was n't one of them."

"I think we all need a distraction,"Rose said and turned to Kaden, whose boldness was covered in ash."Deal out the notice again. Let 's play until we 're too tired."

Albus heartily agreed, and that was exactly what they did. Two hours later, all of their faces ashen, they were finally tired. But when Albus climbed into bed, his thought began racing and he found himself unable to sleep.


A/N : Sorry for the belated update ! My natal day is tomorrow so I had friends up for the weekend and completely forgot. Thanks for all the reviews !


The next day 's edition of the Prophet was devoted entirely to election day and Laurentis 's win. The success did not storm anyone in Hogwarts since Bradley and Cedric had spread that as soon as they returned. Albus still read the full nominal head pageboy clause at breakfast and he was glad he did, because the clause still held surprises.

LAURENTIS profits ; Menachem Begin APPOINTING POSITIONS

In the tight raceway for pastor of magic to
particular date, nominee Patricia Laurentis won the
spatial relation last nighttime. Polls closed at eight,
with the official winner announced at a closed
party at the minister 's mansion at eight-thirty.
Laurentis won by a mere 342 balloting, which is the
closest race we have ever seen.

'I am of course very please with this turn of
consequence ,'Laurentis said at the Minister 's
manse after the annunciation was made .'I am
very excited to be sworn in as Minister of
deception on May first. I feel I will be able to
give the public what they need, for they have
spoken and now it is my responsibility to give them what
I promised during my political campaign. I of course
offer my commiseration to Percy Weasley. He truly
was a pleasure to run against over the past
seven month .'

'I offer my extolment to my opponent ,'Percy
Weasley said to Daily Prophet newsman at the
Minister 's Mansion. 'We both campaigned hard
and she won, fair and satisfying. I am let down,
of course of study, but I still congratulate her .'

Over the next month Laurentis will decide who
she wishes to appoint to top Ministry positions,
before she is sworn in as minister of religion of conjuration on
May first of this year. Laurentis is wasting no
prison term with this, as she was seen at the Ministry
earlier this aurora .'I already have people
picked out for most posture ,'she said upon
questioning .'I will be keeping a few of the
electric current officials, but I will be replacing quite
a few in order to practiced unify the Ministry .'

One mortal has already confirmed his intent
to take Laurentis up on her offer of a position.
Ironically, he is set to take over Walker Percy Weasley 's
current position under curate Hartwell .'I am
very pleased to announce that Dragon Malfoy is
going to adopt the situation of senior
Undersecretary for the Drafting and editing
of practice of law. Dragon Malfoy has been a protagonist of mine
for many yr as we have worked together in the
Azkaban Division for nearly a ten. I am very
excited to extend working with him .'

Laurentis plans to announce the figure of her
official as they confirm throughout the month.

"Malfoy 's dad ?"Albus exclaimed, in shock absorber."Since when is he chummy with Laurentis ?"

"Malfoy never said a watchword,"Matt added, his eyes large.

"Of track he did n't,"Rose said."We 're not exactly his friends."

"Wait, recollect in Hogsmeade back in October ?"Albus replied."When he talked about how my family wo n't be running the wizarding globe for long ? Not that my family has ever ran the wizarding world ... But he seemed to lie with something we didn't."

"This must be it,"toilet said, staring at the paper."That 's a pretty top position, is n't it ?"

"second base highest for drafting law,"Rose said."Given his relationship with Laurentis anything he drafts will most likely pass."

"And who knows what his persuasion are,"Albus said, craning his neck to see the Slytherin table."Malfoy 's over there. I ca n't quite see his nerve, though."

"I 'm sure he 'll cause something to say to you in Potions,"Amanda pointed out.

Albus had quite a few hours to wait to discover out just what exactly Malfoy would have to say to them. account of Magic, his firstly class of the day, was as boring as ever. prof Binns showed absolutely no recognition that the election had taken blank space the former day. prof Patil was the discharge opponent, making no motion to cover up her indignation at Laurentis 's win, which led her to float up the desk she was attempting to metamorphose.

"Do you think Laurentis will actually deliver teacher sacked ?"John asked as they walked to the Great dorm for lunch."Because if she does, Patil wo n't stand a chance."

Albus shook his brain."Only if they 're really atrocious teacher. Umbridge sacked a few in my dad 's 5th year and I think people will be outraged if Laurentis does the Same thing. Honestly, I think Binns and Young are the only ones in danger."

"Could you sack a ghost ?"John asked."I mean, where would he go ?"

"He 'd probably stick to around and still try to teach,"Albus said."I ca n't conceive of it would go over well."

"And Cy Young ca n't get sacked,"John Lackland lamented."That 's where I do all my homework."

Albus secretly agreed, but did n't say anything because rosebush snorted in disgust.

Malfoy was waiting outside the potions dungeon when Albus and his friends arrived after lunch. Gone from his aspect was the unsettled and partially sad feeling, replaced by Malfoy 's common haughty smug. Clearly his dad getting a top Ministry place had changed something.

"Hey, ceramicist,"Malfoy greeted him."Congratulations to your uncle on his personnel casualty. Ca n't thank him enough for that."

"I 'll be surely to tell him,"Albus replied."He 'll be thrilled that he made a Malfoy happy. Must be nice that your dad 's got some actual king now."

"And yours wo n't possess any for long,"Malfoy said."Just another month."

"Nothing 's set for surely about the Auror Department,"Albus countered.

Malfoy laughed."I think I might lie with a bit More than you on that. Laurentis was over at my house for dinner go week."

"And you were here,"Albus said."You never mentioned that your dad 's protagonist with Laurentis."

"It never came up."

"fountainhead now that you 're all happy again maybe you 'll actually shew up for this month 's dueling tournament ?"

That wiped the smirk off Malfoy 's look. He turned stony and took a pace closer to Albus."Do n't say a parole about that. It 's none of your business."

"Touchy,"John commented.

"clobber it, Brickston. This does n't business organisation you. Your parents will bear exponent in the Ministry the day Hagrid adopts a formula pet."

"We 'll see who 's got the power the moment one of your family winds up at St. Mungo 's,"Gospel According to John snapped.

Malfoy paled."Just exclude up. The point is, my dad 's going to make a improve place than yours."

"nonentity cares what your dad does for a living,"matte said.

"Nobody asked you. At least my dad does n't bring his work domicile with him."Malfoy laughed.

John whipped out his wand."You always take it one too far, do n't you, Malfoy ?"

Malfoy took out his wand as well."I could say the same about you, Brickston."

"baton away, boys."

Albus turned and saw Professor Slughorn standing in the doorway. He breathed a sigh of relief. The last matter John needed was another custody.

"Get inside. Class is starting in one minute."

Both Saint John the Apostle and Malfoy were favourable they did n't get detention, Albus thought. Neither of them had thrown any curse, but a stricter teacher would 've handed out detention just for having their scepter drawn. Not Slughorn, though. Albus got the sense that Slughorn did n't like handing out detainment, probably because that meant having to superintend them.
***


The comply few sidereal day passed without anymore status announcement from Laurentis. In fact, it was a relatively calm few mean solar day, especially when compared with the by seven month. For the world-class prison term all class, there was trivial coverage of the election, that is until they had political sympathies on Tuesday. At the end of the lesson, Embry reminded them of their research essays on their interpreter, an assignment that had completely slipped Albus 's nous. It was due in two days.

Apparently, it had slipped John and Matt 's minds as well. Rose and Amanda had been diligently working on theirs all calendar week, only needing to write their finis. Amanda had even asked her uncle for help, devoting part of her essay to the similarities and departure between the wizarding and Muggle governments.

"I guess we 'll be spending the even in the library,"Albus said as they headed to the Great Hall for dinner."

"Dammit,"Matt muttered."I 'm going to have to write the entire thing tonight. The full moon 's tomorrow."

"Usually you 're lots better about remembering to do naming before that,"Rose commented.

"I know, but with the election and everything, I forgot,"Matt said.

"But you 'll be missing category on Th,"John pointed out."So you can grow it in Tuesday and get four superfluous days."

"I 've never done that with semipermanent duty assignment,"lustrelessness said."I do n't want to start now. Albus can turn it in, like usual."

"Let 's eat fast, then,"Albus said as they entered the Great Hall.

"Hey, Amanda, want to take a walk around the lake before we write our close ?"blush wine asked."The weather condition 's so nice tonight we might as well take advantage."

"Of course !"Amanda agreed."Ca n't let that go to waste."

"Oh, shut up,"Albus muttered.

Forty-five second later Albus, Matt, John, and Kaden had taken over one of the turgid tables in the subroutine library. Kaden had joined them since he had a Transfiguration of Jesus essay due the next day and fortune telling prognostication to do. Albus was considering hexing two firstly age at the table next to them who kept giggling, if dame Pince did n't get to them first. He wished that one of his acquaintance lived in his territory ; it would make this so much wanton.

Albus did have a trenchant reward over both Matt and John, in that his illustration was far Thomas More well-known than theirs. King Oliver Prang, who had been serving the northward John Griffith Chaney district, was on his fourth consecutive term, which amounted to over fifteen geezerhood. That was more than Albus 's entire life. London in itself was a location that required far more than care than other areas of the country, which resulted in far More information being useable on it. St. John was able to settle a evenhandedly total of information on his congresswoman, Nadine Abernathy, but mat, since he lived in one of the most remote surface area of England, had difficulty locating information on Marcus Whitby.

"Does this bloke even be ?"lustrelessness asked as he looked through the very go file away copy of the oracle that was published during Whitby 's one full term."Oh, here we go. Lovely. Now I know he exists. Here 's a sentence that mentions he won the election. And of course he won. He did n't have any opponents."matt groaned and banged his head repeatedly on the table."This is hopeless."

"You 've still got all the minutes from Wizengamot get together,"Albus said, pointing to the three boastfully stacks of paper in the centre of the table. He really did palpate bad for flatness, though. It was bad enough having to do a paper like this, but having to do it when the good moon was only two days away ?

"I could probably just make stuff up,"Matt said as he took the top few pages."I mean, honestly, could Embry possibly know anything about Marcus Whitby ? It 's the to the lowest degree densely populated district in all of England."

"Embry probably knows everything about everyone,"St. John the Apostle said."There. I 've got my intro. Look at it this way. Your bloke 's only been in office for a class. So you 've got far less farce to look through. It wo n't subscribe to as long."

"But if there is n't anything, then that does n't aid,"Matt muttered."Have you even record anything ?"

"A bit."John shrugged."Nadine Abernathy 's on her second term, so there 's not as much as Albus has got. But I read enough to write the intro. Now I 'll read a bit more."

"You have a Wyrd way of doing research."

Albus glanced up and saw that rose and Amanda had returned, suitcase in hand. They sat down and pulled out their own essays, which looked very long.

Matt tossed the papers he 'd been looking at onto his rejection pile, which was so hugger-mugger that Madam Pince would probably take in a heart attack if she saw it. He then let out a loud sigh and put his head in his hands.

"Could you please take pathos on him ?"Albus asked rosebush.

Rose looked up from her essay."I told you. You 're all doing this yourselves."

"His representative has only been in office for a twelvemonth,"Albus explained."And the simply thing he 's found is one prison term in a seer from a year ago saying he won the election, which was against nobody. And the full moon is tomorrow."

"Please, rose wine ?"lustrelessness asked, picking his head up to see at her. His face was flushed and he looked very frustrated.

"Your parents should 've moved somewhere less distant,"Kaden commented.

"They wanted to be in the midsection of nowhere,"Matt said flatly."They did n't want neighbors."

pink wine sighed."mulct. But only because you look so misfortunate. And mine was pretty knockout, too, because my district is also remote. Just let me end up my conclusion."

"Lucky,"John muttered."I do n't suppose you 'd help-"

"Absolutely not, trick Brickston,"blush wine said and lowered her voice."As soon as you turn into a wolf once a month I 'll assist you with your procrastination."

Albus turned back to his own essay and over the next four minute managed to get it half done. He did n't imagine it was very good, but it was procession. John the Divine was about halfway done as well, so the two of them decided to call it a night. John settled in to help Kaden with his phony divination prognostication. flatness was still working on his, with a lot coaching from Rose.

"Did you obtain anything ?"Albus asked.

"A bit,"Rose said."It 's not much. This lad seriously has n't done anything. He 's hardly mentioned in any of these minutes."

Matt yawned."How recollective does this have to be again ?"

"A substructure,"Rose answered."You 've got another four inches to go."

"It 's nearly ten,"Albus mentioned."The library is going to close and we 've already missed curfew."

The depository library was now only filled with fifth through 7th years. It was certainly quieter.

"We should probably finish in the common room, then,"Rose said.

"I do n't think I can,"matt said."Too fag. I 'll finish it tomorrow since I 'll probably pass over afternoon classes anyway."

The mathematical group packed up their matter and walked quickly back to the common room. By some fortuity of luck they managed to nullify the prefects and did n't get any detention from being out after curfew.

"No mandatory curfew tomorrow,"Kaden commented as they entered the coarse room.

"With Greyback caught they do n't necessitate to do it anymore,"Albus pointed out.

"Thank God,"Matt replied."He wo n't be lurking around tomorrow."

"I just go for your dad was able-bodied to serve those parents with the two kids,"rose wine said.

"He 'll probably go do the Mary Augusta Arnold Ward himself,"Matt said."At to the lowest degree for this month. And I 'm sure they 've got Wolfsbane this month."

Albus nodded. It was going to be a better wax moon for everyone involved.
***


Albus, lusterlessness, and can managed to get their essays done in time and turned in on Thursday. The total moon was relatively normal, as to the full moons go, without any reports of werewolf flak. Matt wound up in the hospital wing for two full days, having resorted to chewing on himself since the wolf no longer had the distraction of Greyback outside. But Albus had a feel Matt preferred it that way. Greyback 's presence was just too creepy and too obscure.

A few daylight after the full lunar month James returned to the mutual room fuming. Albus raised his eyebrows at his brother as he straightened a pile of career pamphlets that had once again appeared on the common room tables.

James River stomped over to Albus 's table, pulled up a chair, and squeezed himself between Albus and Matt."vocation advice,"he muttered.

"Did you just have it ?"Albus asked.

"Yeah, with Longbottom,"Henry James said."Neville always seemed so Nice when we were little and even in class he 's easily the easily prof here. But for career advice ? He 's terrible !"

"wellspring, what did you talk about ?"

"Careers."

Rose snorted."Obviously."

"He wants me to find fault something now. I do n't live what I want to do with my aliveness. I 'm only sixteen for God 's saki !"

"I think you have to pick something so you can peck your N.E.W.T. classes next class,"pink wine explained."Otherwise the teacher do n't know what to put you in."

"I know that,"James snapped."But I do n't want to do anything that 's going to require heaps of N.E.W.T.s. I want to work Quidditch."

rose wine laughed."He did n't care that ?"

"No,"James II muttered."So I told him about Sakartvelo. And then he said that it 's not very common to be drafted by a master team and that even Georgia had a back-up plan. That 's news to me. As far as I know she 's wanted to play Quidditch her whole life."

"She was going to design brooms,"rose said."Still might, after she 's done with Quidditch. Why do n't you do that ?"

"Neville suggested it. But it requires Arithmancy most of the time and I have n't even done O.W.L. Arithmancy. I just want to read the bare minimum of N.E.W.T.s and get done with it."

"And of course Neville did n't like that,"rosebush said."Honestly, James, just blame something."

"But I ca n't !"James said as he picked up a plenty of pamphlets."smell at these. hob Liaison, Gringott 's forgery Coin Checker, surety troll trainer. They 're all beat boring."

"There 's loads of business in the Ministry and St. Mungo 's,"rose said.

James snorted."No one would require me as their Healer."

Albus had to agree with that. James had about the Sami ability to concentrate as a troll."Hey, you could cultivate surety trolls."

"I said that 's deadening. And I do n't require to work for the Ministry. Not now that Laurentis has won. Just you lot wait. You 'll have to go through this future year."

"I already know what I want to do,"rose wine said."I 'm going to be a healer, specializing in psychiatry."

"Of class you do,"St. James the Apostle muttered.

"If it makes you find better, first mate, I 've no thought what I want to do,"Saint John the Apostle said.

"Me either,"Kaden agreed.

"You 're a third year,"James II said flatly."It does n't count that you do n't have it off what you want to do. What about you, Al ?"

Albus shrugged. He had n't thought much about careers since the premature year when Balladanis told him he could be a Presuler. The estimation was very beguiling, but he did n't desire to secern anyone else about it.

"I suppose it does n't matter. The N.E.W.T.s I take are going to depend on which O.W.L.s I actually pass."

"If you 'd quit complaining and start studying you 'd come about more of them,"Rose pointed out.

"I suppose you 're right,"James said as he stood up."Guess I 'll go to the library."

"James, wait !"rosiness shouted as James neared the portrait hole."Forgetting anything ?"

James glanced down."Oh, right. Books."

James ran up to his dormitory and returned with his bag a minute later. Grinning at Albus and the others, he left the unwashed room.

"I swear, I 'm not sure how we 're related,"rosebush muttered.

"You 're telling me,"Albus replied."You 're still set on the Healer thing ?"

"More than ever,"rosiness said."It is weird, knowing exactly what I want to do this early."

"You 're like my sister,"Matt pointed out."You two really are alike. It 's kind of weird."

"I like your sister,"rose wine said."So I 'll carry that as a compliment. What about you ? Do you know what you want to do ?"

Matt laughed and picked up the Gringott 's pamphlet."Considering that werewolves are n't going to be changed from savage to being anytime soon, I do n't think I 'm going to sustain many choices to blame from."

"You never know,"rose wine said."Who knows what will befall between now and when we graduate. Things could change."

"Still, it 's in question,"matte said, turning to Amanda."Amanda ? You were awfully tranquility when Jesse James was here."

"It 's hard not to be. He 's rather loud himself. I 'm not sure. I think I want to do something in the Ministry, though. I want to take a crap a difference."

"Excellent,"Matt said."You can change everyone 's minds about changing the loup-garou classification."

Amanda smiled."You never know. It 's crossed my psyche a few times."

"I just want to brew potions for a life,"Kaden announced as he leafed through the pamphlets.

"You 're insane,"John said."You seem so pattern, otherwise. But seriously, nonentity enjoys potions."

"You can do that,"matte said."You can become a Brewer. My sister 's doing that along with her Healing degree."

Kaden 's eyes grew large."Wait, really ? That 's a real career ?"

lustrelessness nodded."Not everyone can brew potions, so they need people to brew them for them. You can play at St. Mungo 's and brew healing potions or you could work for a fellowship and brew potions to sell."

"Sort of like a pill pusher, I suppose,"Amanda replied.

"Exactly,"Rose said.

"Brilliant."Kaden grinned."James will hate me now. one-third year and I know what I 'm doing."

Albus laughed."You could change your mind."

Kaden shrugged."I suppose so."

Albus did n't really want to cerebrate about what they would do after Hogwarts. It was three years away. He 'd rather relish the present, but rose had always been the person to look to the time to come. She fantasized about their Hogwarts Clarence Day when they were only six and now, she was fantasizing about what they 'd do after. Albus had never been the eccentric to do that. There would be plenty of prison term for the future in the future.


A/N : Thanks for all the reviews ! For those of you who read Beyond the Shadow, it made it through to the voting round of the Dobbys ! Head over to the assembly to vote for it. It was nominated in the Best OC category.


April went by quickly, as it usually did. The weather condition turned from chilly and windy to warm and rainy, resulting in more than one muddy Quidditch practice. Albus did n't beware the mud as much as he minded the length of the practices. Both Fred and Heather seemed determined to win the Quidditch Cup now that it was their seventh class. They had n't won it yet, in all their years at Hogwarts. Albus wanted to win, too, but not enough that he enjoyed practicing for five hours straight.

When he was n't on the pitch, most of Albus 's clip was spent at dueling practice. The final exam peer of the class was on the cobbler's last Sabbatum in April and Albus 's team was still in the run for a win of the full tournament. They had n't won a unmarried lucifer, but they were routinely in endorse place by only a few point in time. The teams that had gotten first place never did that well in other tournaments, resulting in their overall point total being quite low.

When the last Saturday in April arrived, far sooner than Albus would 've liked, he found himself incredibly skittish. He was n't nervous at all about his duels, but he was nervous for the team. This was it. It was his hold out tourney in the junior Dueling Tournament. His lowest chance to prove himself as captain and earn a spot on Gryffindor 's dueling squad side by side year.

All four headwaiter of the house dueling teams were present at this tournament because they would be script selecting role player for their teams next yr. Unlike Quidditch, there were no try-outs for the dueling tourney.

"Last tournament being on Malfoy 's team,"Amanda commented as Malfoy dueled a girl from Ravenclaw.

"Thank God,"Albus muttered. He could n't wait until he no longer had Malfoy on his team."At least he 's acting normally today."

"At least he showed up,"Amanda pointed out.

"detail to Malfoy !"Neville shouted."Albus Potter and Matt Eckerton."

Albus groaned inwardly. He always felt awfully when he had to duel Matt because their skill levels were so drastically different. At the Lapp clip he did n't desire to go well-off on his friend because the Gryffindor team captain was watching.

Albus and matte bowed to each other and raised their sceptre. Albus thought a silent apology as he shot a knockout at his best friend. Matt dodged it and sent one back. Albus threw up a shield and then sent three consecutive Stunners. The thirdly one made tangency and Matt collapsed onto the floor, frozen.

"Point to monkey !"Neville declared. He waved his wand at mat and the trance lifted.

"Sorry, mate,"Albus said as he helped Matt up.

"Do n't be,"lustrelessness replied."You 're definitely getting on the team next year."

Albus won his second duel as well. His team continued to win well-nigh of their duels, with some of his mate winning their maiden affaire d'honneur ever. Amanda had begun a enumeration of all the degree on a trim bit of parchment and their team was winning, with only a few duels left to go.

Kaden wound up dueling one of the Ravenclaws from Albus 's squad during the close duel of the day. Kaden lost spectacularly, which Albus was both happy and upset about.

A few second later Neville stepped into the center of attention of one of the dueling rings."I am pleased to announce that we have a achiever of both today 's tournament and the year 's tournament overall. Congratulations to Team sevener for winning both today and the tournament boilers suit ! Captain Albus Potter, delight derive forward to have the trophy."

Albus was momentarily stunned, until Amanda nudged him. The entire Great Hall was applauding as he stepped over to the dueling ringing. They 'd done it ! After a class, they 'd finally done it !

Albus shook Neville 's helping hand while a Hufflepuff took their characterization. The prize was a bit pocket-sized than the Quidditch Cup, but certainly not minor by any means. After a few more pictures were taken, including one shooting of the entire squad, Albus joined Amanda and the two of them walked back to the common room.

"When will you regain out if you got on Gryffindor 's dueling team ?"she asked as they walked.

"Not until the summer,"Albus said."They send out letters."

"You 're pretty much guaranteed a patch, after that win,"Amanda said."Malfoy, too, probably. And then you 'll get to duel each other."

"I 'm looking forward to that,"Albus said."Just a bit."

"Me, too,"Amanda agreed.

Albus 's friends were waiting in the common room when he and Amanda arrived. They offered congratulations and Butterbeer, which Albus drank quickly before heading alfresco for Quidditch practice.

Later that night, between his happiness about the win and exhaustion from Quidditch praxis, Albus slept better than he had in months.
***


In April 's last remaining days the Daily seer published at to the lowest degree one article a day on Laurentis and her forthcoming swearing-in ceremony, as well as her picks for top functionary. Albus had n't recognized any names of the officials, or the name of their Book of Job. Mostly they were occupation such as the one his Uncle Percy held under Minister Hartwell. Laurenits, as it seemed, was waiting until she became diplomatic minister to unwrap the big positions, such as Albus 's dad 's position.

The Gryffindor board was unusually tranquillize the forenoon of May first. Albus, along with all his first cousin, were n't saying a Good Book. Albus was thinking of his uncle Percy and how this should 've been his day, not Laurentis 's, and he was sure his cousin were thinking the same.

"I wish one of us could go to her ceremony,"Amanda said as she read the Prophet."It 's not going to be the same Reading about it tomorrow."

"I heard they 're listening to it on the wireless in politics today,"John said."indirect request we had it today. That would be much skilful than having factual class."

"I just want to know if my dad 's out of a job,"Albus said.

"Will he be completely sacked ?"Kaden asked.

"No. He just would n't be oral sex Auror anymore,"Albus answered."It 'd still be awful, though."

"Same here,"Matt agreed."Amy said that Dad 's really flighty about it."

"What metre is it happening ?"Rose asked.

"Ten-thirty,"Amanda said after consulting the composition.

"right hand after History of Magic,"Rose mused."So you lot will experience Care of Magical animate being and I 'll accept Arithmancy. Is anyone else thinking that we should break out Uncle Saint George 's best-selling product this morning ?"

Albus thought he heard her incorrect. Was his cousin actually suggesting they skip form ?

"Wait, pink wine,"John said."Are you saying we should skive off class ?"

blush wine grinned."I think this is going to be a bit more educational. I say we skive and meet in the predator 's Den to listen on the wireless."

"I 'm in,"Albus said immediately. whoremaster, lustrelessness, Amanda, and Kaden agreed.

"We 've got to plan it carefully, though,"Rose said."We ca n't all get ill at the Saami time or it 'll face suspicious."

"I 've got a absolve period starting at ten-fifteen,"Kaden said."So I 'm all set."

Rose nodded."That leaves five of us. Matt, do you have an government issue with skipping all of history of magic ?"

matt laughed."Of course not."

"good. I think you ought to just skive off without using a Skiving Snackbox. No one will mistrust anything."

"Aw, why ca n't I do that ?"john asked.

"Because if someone finds out and asks it 'll be gentle for Matt go just say he felt ill, rather than you. I 'll use a nosebleed nougat in Arithmancy since I 'm the exclusively one of us in that class. Al, whoremaster, Amanda, two of you can use something in history of Magic and then the former one can use something right at the beginning of caution of Magical Creatures. We meet in the piranha 's Den by ten-thirty."

With the program decided upon, they set off for their dawn classes. Saint John the Apostle begged to be the one who used a vomiting pastil first in history of Magic and Albus and Amanda let him. He seemed strangely excited about it. Albus was just going to use the pyrexia fudge.

Professor Binns began droning on about the Giant Wars, a topic he seemed to delight for some reason. He taught it each and every class without fail. Albus doodled aimlessly on his notes while taking furtive glances at John every so often.

"Um, Professor ?"John announced ten minute of arc into the class.

Binns turned around, looking confused. It was rare that anyone ever interrupted him."Yes, Mr. Broggs ?"

"I do n't feel well-"can was cut off by his own regurgitation. His table was now covered with a pile of puke.

"Yes, yes, off to the hospital,"Binns said as he returned his attention to the blackboard.

John hastily shoved the early end of the sweet into his mouthpiece and vanished the puking before grabbing his bag ( which he never unpacked ), and left the room.

Amanda was future. She, like Albus, went the good route and had decided upon the fever fudge. Professor Binns hardly seemed to observe that she felt ill, despite her announcing it to the class. He just waved her out and continued his lecture. Albus could 've probably used his own fever fudge right then and there, but he did n't guess it was worth the small danger.

Albus decided to eat the fever fudge on his way to Care of Magical Creatures so he could pull up stakes immediately after arriving. The vulture 's Den was quite a walk from Hagrid 's hut and he did n't want to miss any of the ceremony.

He felt the effects of the fudge before even reaching Hagrid 's Hut. He had n't had a fever in years and had forgotten just how horrendous they were.

"Hagrid ?"Albus asked as soon as he arrived.

"Albus !"Hagrid exclaimed."How are yeh ?"

"Not honest,"Albus answered."I feel ill."

Hagrid 's face fell."Yeh don'face so well. bettor go see gentlewoman Pomfrey."

Albus nodded and turned around, walking quickly up the course. Once he was out of mess of Hagrid, he shoved the other half of the fever fudge into his mouth and felt immediately better. He 'd done it !

By the time he arrived at the piranha 's Den it was nearly ten-thirty. The rest of his booster were already there, huddled around a very old looking radiocommunication.

"Albus !"Rose exclaimed."Nearly thought you would n't make it !"

"I practically ran here,"Albus said as he tossed his bag onto the floor and took a nates succeeding to his cousin.

"Shhh !"Amanda said."It 's starting !"

"Good daybreak, listeners. We are broadcasting bouncy from Courtroom Ten in the Ministry of Magic, where just minute from now Patricia Laurentis will be sworn in as diplomatic minister of Magic for the United land. It is standing way only in the courtroom, with extra spectator pump in the corridor."

Suddenly there was thunderous clapping, drowning out the commentator 's voice. It died down a few moment later.

"Patricia Laurentis has entered the courtroom. She is making her way down the aisle, greeting the great unwashed on her way.

"Minister Hartwell, along with extremity of the Wizengamot are seated on the dais. Three aged members of the Wizengamot will affirm Laurentis in."

More applause. Then a new voice. Albus recognized it as Minister Hartwell.

"Welcome to the Ministry of conjuring trick. It has been my pleasure to service you over the past ten geezerhood. I 'd like to postulate a moment to thank my party, Merlinus, for their keep over the past decade, as well as all of my top functionary and the rest of the Ministry employees. I 'll restrain this short and just say that I am going to miss serving you, but I have to admit that both my wife and I are looking forward to taking a overnice, long holiday."

Laughter, followed by applause.

"Thank you, diplomatic minister Hartwell,"someone else said. Albus assumed it was one of the Wizengamot members."Ms. Laurentis, if you would please step forward."There was a pause."Please repeat after me. I do hereby confirm to serve well the United Kingdom-"

"I do hereby affirm to serve the United Kingdom-"

"-to the unspoilt of my ability-"

"-to the in force of my ability-"

"-and keep to the ideals of the Paracelsus party-"

"-and keep to the paragon of the Theophrastus Philippus Aureolus Bombastus von Hohenheim party-"

"I swear to listen to the hoi polloi and do what is best for them-"

"I swear to listen to the people and do what is best for them-"

"-regardless of whether it is best for myself or the Ministry."

"-regardless of whether it is best for myself or the Ministry."

"I hereby declare Patricia Laurentis as the third government minister of Magic post-War as of the first of May, 2020, at eleven o'clock in the dawning. Ms. Laurentis, congratulations. Please welcome your new diplomatic minister of trick, Patricia Laurentis !"

There was a handful of polite applause, much quieter than the previous applause for Hartwell. Albus supposed it was a good social occasion and no one wanted to seem too rhapsodic.

"That was speedy,"Albus said.

"She 's going to construct a speech now,"Rose said."Shhh."

"Thank you,"Laurentis said as the applause died down."It is an award to be standing before you as your government minister of magic. I would care to lead off by thanking the Paracelsus party for nominating me as candidate and supporting me throughout my successful campaign-"

"Energy Department she really need to say it was a successful effort ?"John asked."I mean, it 's obvious that it was successful."

"Shut up !"rose wine said.

"-without your backup I would never have made it this far. I hope I am able to subsist up to the high anticipation set by you and Minister Hartwell. I am sure enough you are all unquiet to take heed who I am appointing to straits of Department spot in the Ministry, so I wo n't waste any clock time getting to that."

Albus 's heart sped up. He glanced up and met lustrelessness 's regard. Matt looked just as skittish as Albus felt.

"First, the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. I am pleased to announce that Tethys Balladanis will be taking over for old Head, Reena Barnes."

"What ? !"Albus exclaimed."Did I hear her rightfulness ?"

"Balladanis ?"blush wine shouted at the Same time."But he did n't even like the Ministry, did he ?"

"He said it was too restrictive,"Albus said."I guess he likes Laurentis."

Matt groaned."That means he 's going to be around all the time. Not here, but this country."

"I definitely did n't see that one coming,"Gospel According to John said.

"Laurentis, Balladanis, Malfoy 's dad ..."Amanda mused.

"Shh !"Albus said."I heard her say Auror Department."

"-Robert Johnson will be replacing Harry ceramist as Head of the Auror Department-"

There was an audible gasp from the audience. Albus sat stunned, processing the entropy. Part of him had been expecting this, but now that it had actually happened, it was still a daze. It was very similar to the election results.

"I understand that this is a controversial choice, but I feel that the Ministry needs to be a link presence. I assure you that Robert Johnson is an excellent Auror and will make a rattling Head of Department."

Albus tuned the tuner out once Laurentis went on to the department of Magical Transportation. He could hear his heart pounding in his head and the remainder of the existence seemed so far away. It was almost surreal.

"Albus ?"Rose asked."Are you all right ?"

"I do n't know,"Albus said."She 's insane, right ?"

"Honestly, Albus, I 'm not surprised,"rosebush said quietly."And your dad still has a job."

"But it 's the statement she made by doing it,"Amanda pointed out."She 's implying that he 's bad at his job."

"Exactly,"Albus said, glad that Amanda was able to put into countersign what he felt."First Uncle Sir Henry Percy lost and now this."

"-Walter Eckerton will remain Head of the Department for the Regulation and command of Magical Creatures-"

"Thank God !"Matt exclaimed.

"trade good,"Albus said."At least there 's someone sane still in a read/write head position."

Albus only paid undefined attention to the rest period of the announcement. He did n't make out anyone, except for Malfoy 's dad when Laurentis reiterated that appointment. One thing was gain by the end, and that was no one in Albus 's family was in any of the fountainhead military position.

rose wine switched the wireless off at the end of Laurentis 's speech. The star doing the broadcast was interviewing a few people, but they were n't anyone of dandy importance.

"Do you want to go to lunch ?"Rose asked after a few minutes.

"Yeah, I suppose so,"Albus said as he stood up.

It was clear that word had spread when Albus and his friends reached the Great Hall. Whichever class had had political relation during the speech must 've shared the news show with the entire rook, because everyone stared at Albus as he walked in. He did n't gain eye contact with anyone and made a beeline for the Gryffindor table, where he sat down next to James.

"So you heard,"Saint James said quietly.

"I skived off grade to heed live,"Albus explained."She wants a united ministry. What a onus of tartar dung."

"This is bad,"Jesse James said."This is really bad."

"She 's replaced to a greater extent officials than any minister, ever,"Rose commented."She only kept three."

"I still have no idea why she kept my dad,"Matt replied."I mean, I 'm glad she did, but it does n't make any sense."

"Nothing she 's doing makes a bit of sense,"Albus muttered."But I guess people must like her. She got elected."

"But now that she 's elected she can appoint who she wants,"Amanda said."I do n't reckon anyone actually thought she 'd replace your dad. I 've only been in the wizarding cosmos for four long time and even I know that everyone loves your dad."

That 's what Albus had always thought, too. He hated the fact that he was always in the spotlight because of it, but it was a constant. It was convention for him. Now, he did n't do it what to think.

"Look,"Amanda said as she pointed to the staff tabular array."I do n't think the teacher expected it, either."

Albus glanced up. Every single professor was recondite in conversation, some even ignoring their food. Neville in picky looked stunned and upset. None of them looked happy.

Albus 's own plate was still empty-bellied and he had no desire to fill it. For as long as he could remember his dad had been Head of the Auror section, a job that he loved. Being the man who defeated Voldemort had given him an nimbus of being the ultimate Auror, something that had stayed with him for over twenty years. Now, so many years later, it seemed to Albus that it was wearing off.

It was May first, 2020, almost exactly 23 years after his dad had defeated Voldemort. Albus thought it was slightly ironic that this had happened almost to the day, 23 twelvemonth later.

Albus looked around at his fellow Gryffindors. He knew that more than a few of them had voted for Laurentis, and therefore most likely supported her decision to replace his dad as Head of the Auror section. Not everyone was talking in whispering, with worried expressions. A few groups were laughing, like they did n't have a care in the world. Either they just did n't care about Laurentis 's conclusion, or they supported it. The thought was very unsettling. Laurentis herself was unsettling to Albus, and the more he thought about it, the more he did n't like that she was now the parson of thaumaturgy. He did n't like it at all.


A/N : Thanks for all the adorable review article !


The following week brought a hatful of articles stating and re-stating everything Laurentis said in that maiden speech. A list of the new Ministry officials was printed multiple clip. Albus found the newspaper column more interest than the literal article, mostly because there were quite a few proclaiming how stupe it was of Laurentis to plunder Harry potter. However, it was n't until nearly a week after Laurentis officiall became Minister that an article completely captured Albus 's attention was published.

DEMENTORS TO RETURN TO AZKABAN ;
HOGWARTS TO SEE CHANGES

Newly elected parson of conjuration
Patricia Laurentis officially signed
the law that will bring Azkaban back
under the control of the dementors
late last Night. Laurentis hopes
to have the dementors back by late
next week. 'This has been a goal
of mine for long time and I am very
happy that it is finally happening.
The wizarding human race will be far
safer now that our criminal will
be guarded once more by dementors .'

bringing the dementors back to Azkaban
is the first of many changes the new
rector will be enacting over the
future few workweek. Laurentis 's next
plan is to ordain changes at Hogwarts.
'Over the next few workweek I will be
sending representative from the
Department of Magical Education to
observe each professor. Each
prof will be required to defer
their curricula to the spokesperson
as well .'Professors planning on
retiring at the end of this year
will be relieve from this requirement,
as no variety will take place before
the end of term.

"Well, she 's done it,"Albus said as he set the article down."A week from now Azkaban will have dementors."

"Mad,"Amanda muttered."She 's mad !"

"And she 's sending masses to observe the teacher,"Albus said.

Amanda grabbed the article from Albus and scanned it quickly."Are any of them retiring ?"

"I did n't call back so,"Albus said."But a few of them are quite old."

As if on cue, Professor Kendrick stood up."May I have your attention ? Thank you. Most of you, I am sure, have read the Prophet. Over the adjacent few hebdomad every professor will be observed during one of his or her classes. I ask you all to ignore the interpreter and go about class as if they were n't there. That is how the Ministry will outflank get an understanding of how things work at Hogwarts. Now, prof Slughorn has an announcement to make."

Professor Slughorn stood, although he was so unawares that it hardly made a divergence. He looked a bit nervous and Albus got the feeling that he rarely ever addressed the full bookman body at once.

"Yes, thank you, prof Kendrick,"Slughorn said."I just wanted to tell you all at once that I am going to bed at the end of terminus. I 've enjoyed my metre at Hogwarts, but it 's senior high school time I retire for good."

"Ten Galleons says he decided to retire after finding out he had to posit his curricula to the Ministry,"rose whispered after Slughorn sat back down.

"I 'm sure you 're right,"Albus agreed."Dad said he did n't even want to add up back when our parents were in school."

"What about Pres Young ?"Kaden asked."He doesn't even have a curriculum."

Albus burst out laughing."I had n't even thought of that. Bet he gets sacked."

"So that 'll be two new prof next twelvemonth,"St. John said.

Rose groaned."And in our O.W.L. year, too."

"Do n't say that word !"James, who was sitting about five seats down from Rose, shouted.

Rose raised her eyebrows."What word ?"

"O.W.L,"King James I said with a shudder."They 're only a month away."

"Guess you should 've started studying earlier,"Rose said.

"Shut up,"St. James muttered.

Epistle of James was n't the lone one to have forgotten about O.W.L.s amidst all the election news. There seemed to be more frantic studying than usual, and not just from the fifth part and one-seventh eld. The full castle had neglected to read for their end-of-term test. Later that night Albus, John, pink wine, Amanda, and Kaden joined the throng of citizenry vying for tables in the program library in order to cram in as lots poring over as potential. Matt could n't join them, as it was the full lunation.

However, Albus had a hard metre concentrating. His every thought process was focused on the dementors in Azkaban or his dad 's job or the Ministry congressman at Hogwarts. blush wine, Amanda, and even Kaden were focusing on their studying. lav was playing with his calamus. Suddenly, he stood up.

"Kaden ?"he asked."Think now would be a good metre ?"

Kaden grinned, setting down his volume."Yeah, I think so."

"We 'll see you lot later,"John said as Kaden got up."Do n't ask."

"That was weird,"rosiness said once the two boys left.

"It 's probably their japery,"Albus pointed out.

Rose groaned."They 're good. I do n't desire to know."

Albus had assumed that this would be a joke that would earn itself known right away, as most of John and Kaden 's clowning worked that way. But by the side by side morning things seemed perfectly ok at Hogwarts. The Slytherins'hair was still normal colors and everything seemed tranquillize and quiet. lavatory and Kaden kept grinning at each other, so Albus was sure they 'd done something.

It took another to the full day for things to pick up. Albus first noticed it at breakfast, when some of the Slytherins seemed a bit unsettled. They were squirming in their nates and did n't seem able to sit still. But it was only a few of them.

Albus raised his eyebrows questioningly at John and Kaden.

"Should we tell him ?"King John asked.

"Oh, I suppose now we could,"Kaden said as he leaned over to Albus."Itching pulverisation in their wash. The house-elves are very helpful with pranks."

Albus started laughing."Seriously ?"

Kaden nodded."Completely untraceable and the effect wo n't all amount at once. It all depends on when they send their laundry out."

"That 's whiz,"Albus said. John and Kaden 's pranks were most definitely improving over the yr.

"What 's flair ?"

Albus looked up from his breakfast to see Matt nudging a first of all year over so that he could sit down in side by side to John.

"Madam Pomfrey let you out ?"Albus asked.

Matt nodded."Yeah, I think she wanted me to stay longer, but I told her I needed to study. Why are these two geniuses ?"

"We did our prank on the Slytherins,"John explained and then lowered his voice."Itching pulverization in their laundry. The house-elves helped."

"Okay, that is pretty awesome,"Matt said."You wo n't get caught, either."

"Nope, it 's not likely,"John said."So, what should we do today ?"

"Study."

Albus looked up once more and saw that this metre rosebush and Amanda had appeared, both heavily ladened down with al-Qur'an and slew of parchment. They wore very flavor of determination.

"You 're all studying. All day,"Rose continued."Exams are in a month and none of us are prepare. The election happened, it sucked, but it 's over. Nothing can be done. Albus, you 've been moping about your dad 's job for a calendar week. can, Kaden, I 'm determined that you do well this year. flatness, the wide moonshine is over. All four of you are studying from now until exams."

"Aw, Rose, c'mon-"

"No,"Rose said."Studying. All of you. Amanda and I are going to get a table in the depository library and we expect all of you there in fifteen minutes."

blush wine and Amanda left in a flourish of sheepskin and Koran, leaving Albus and the other male child to gaze at each early open-mouthed. Albus knew his first cousin was very academic and placed a richly time value on her own education, but never before had she staged an intercession for his studying.

"She 's lost her mind,"St. John the Apostle said."If she 's like this now, what will befall following year for O.W.L.s ?"

"Do n't say that word !"James shouted from down the table.

"I suppose we have n't got a choice, do we ?"Matt asked as he shoved his bollock into his mouth."hoot, I only just got back."

That was true, Albus thought. He and his Friend quickly finished their breakfast and hurried up to the library, realizing once they arrived that they did n't have any of their Word. They ran up to their hall to retrieve them and made it to the program library five hour later than rose wine insisted they be there.

rosebush and Amanda had shoved two tables together and had spread all their Holy Scripture out over them. madam Pince was sitting behind the circulation desk, looking at them curiously, as if she could not remember a time someone had frequented the program library that early. The rest of the table were deserted.

"What 's with the extra chair ?"Albus asked as he dumped his books onto the table."There 's only six of us."

"Oh, that 's for Elsie,"Rose said as she set parchment down at each stern.

"As in Elsie Willinson ?"Albus replied.

"Yes, that 's the only Elsie we know,"blush wine said."She needs help poring over and I 'm her tutor."

"But she 's Felix Willinson 's babe,"John pointed out.

"And she needs service, John,"Rose said with a sigh."I 've been tutoring her all year and I 'm not going to block up now."

Matt nudged toilet."It 's not a bad thing. Maybe she 'll tell us what her brother and Malfoy have been up to all year."

Albus had n't thought of that. Of course, Rose had n't had any destiny getting Elsie to talk all year, so chance were reduce that he and the early male child would own success.

"Honestly, you lot are far too focused on Malfoy,"rosiness said."You 've hardly studied all year. Just sit down and start reviewing Transfiguration. I 've made study scout for every case. You should have them at your spots."

Albus picked a seat and sat down. rosiness was organized to the compass point of insanity. There were in fact study guide for every bailiwick, organized chronologically, from Sept until May. Albus was suddenly very grateful for his cousin, despite her obvious insanity. This was going to reach studying so often easier.

"Wow, thanks rosiness,"Albus said. The rest of the radical muttered their accord.

Rose smiled."See ? It was a expert idea. Now, we 'll study until luncheon and then have a break."

lunch was about two hours away. That was n't too bad. Albus opened his metamorphosis ledger and settled in with that and the study guide. It took him about a one-half hour to figure out through misdirection, but soon his mind was only focused on Transfiguration.

Around him, the library quickly filled up. Fifth and seventh old age seemed the most excited about finding tables and searching the stacks, but pupil from every yr and every sign of the zodiac were present. gentlewoman Pince spent the morning weaving throughout the tables and looking over everyone 's shoulders to take a crap sure they were working on schooltime piece of work. With exam so near, the library was now closed to everyone who was n't going to revise.

Elsie Willinson showed up a little after eleven. Albus watched as she tentatively made her way over to the table, clearly unsure of studying with so many the great unwashed. Albus was struck again by how similar she looked to Felix. It always sort of amused Albus when sib looked so alike, since he did n't really resemble either of his sib. But Felix and Elsie Willinson were incredibly similar in looks.

Once rose noticed Elsie, she immediately stood up and beckoned the first year over. Elsie seemed less anxious now that Rose knew she was there, but she still avoided eye liaison as she sat down and pulled her books out of her bag. Rose whispered something in her ear and she began reading her charm Book.

Albus sighed and returned to his own oeuvre. Getting Elsie Willinson to talk was going to be much more unmanageable than he thought.
***


blush wine 's revision sessions continued throughout the month of May. Albus did n't care to admit it out loud, but they were incredibly helpful and he was n't surely he would lead his exam if it were n't for Rose. As the month progressed, the sessions grew both in length and the number of participant. By the end of the first hebdomad their study radical had grown to include James IV, Ben, Cedric, and their friend Nathan, who all now feared failing their O.W.L.s.

Albus and Epistle of James missed a few sessions for Quidditch practice, but as the Quidditch final examination John Drew finisher, both of them agreed that Quidditch was just as important as studying. Bradley and Heather were becoming more and more anxious about the final, since it would watch whether Gryffindor won the Quidditch Cup. They were currently only a few point in time behind Ravenclaw and if they pulled off a win in the concluding, they would most likely win the cup as well.

The peer took stead a week before O.W.L.s were scheduled to begin and Albus awoke more nervous than he had been for a Quidditch catch in years. The equal itself was going to be bittersweet since it would be the last time he played with Heather and Fred as the other Chasers on Gryffindor 's team. succeeding yr he 'd have two new chaser and that was going to be incredibly strange.

Albus headed down to breakfast before his booster and encountered a few particularly itchy Slytherins on his way. Giggling to himself and enjoying the fact that John and Kaden 's harlequinade was still going on, workweek later, he entered the Great dormitory. On his way to the Gryffindor tabular array, he was distracted by the mountain of Malfoy, speaking with Felix Willinson, while carrying an overnight bag.

deciding that breakfast could wait, Albus crept over to the Slytherin table and attempted to squat down behind a few seventh days. Unfortunately the Great mansion was too flashy for proper eavesdropping, and Albus made a vow to always induce an extendible Ear on his mortal from now on.

Malfoy stepped away from Felix Willinson and turned, allowing Albus to take care at his typeface. He looked tremendous. His eyes were red and it looked like he had n't slept in days. Very strange, Albus thought, as he rose to follow Malfoy out of the room.

Once in the entranceway hallway, Malfoy immediately ran up the staircase, going far too fast for Albus to follow. Albus stood next to the door to the Great foyer thinking about what Malfoy 's actions meant.

He was clearly upset about something, but what was it ? The overnight bag implied that he was going to be leaving the palace, but why ? Albus thought back to the dueling tourney that Malfoy missed. The two incidents must be connected, and it was quite possible that the varsity letter Albus and Amanda saw Malfoy reading month ago was connected as well.

Albus did n't mention Malfoy to his ally when they came down to breakfast a few min later. As very much as Albus wanted to discuss it with them, he knew that he needed to put it out of his mind for the continuance of the match. If there was ever a equal for Albus not to be distracted, this was it.

The nervousness on the team were tangible as they stood waiting to walk onto the slant. Fred did n't even dedicate a spoken communication, since everyone knew how important the match was, both to Fred and Heather.

Ravenclaw had a good Quidditch team. They were easily the in force team in the schooltime, although most Gryffindors would disagree. But the Gryffindor team was determined in this equal, causing them to play fiercer than ever before.

Albus flew faster than he ever had before. He, Fred, and Heather had always worked very well together, but during this compeer it almost seemed like they were one entity, sharing one brain. Albus 's total psyche was focused on Quidditch and Quidditch only. Gone were the view of his dad 's job, Laurentis, and Malfoy.

The match only lasted an hour. Albus had n't even realized that James II caught the snitch until the whistle was blown. Gryffindor won 420-260, their outdo win yet that year.

"We did it !"Fred shouted as he landed."We 've won the Cup !"

Albus could n't even hear the commentary over the thundery hand clapping of the spectator pump. Professor Longbottom was holding the Quidditch Cup high school over his headway and was making his way through the crowd to Fred. Fred took the Cup and held it out to Calluna vulgaris. Each held one side and raised it up. The Gryffindors were storming the sales pitch and Albus was sept up in the bunch, making it unmanageable to contact his team. Once he did, somebody snapped their picture.

Albus was the happy he 'd felt in weeks, ever since his team won the Dueling tournament. It was his third year on the Quidditch squad and they finally won the Cup. But he was even More happy for Fred and Heather than he was for himself since they 'd both been on the team since their second year and had never won the Cup.

broom had weeping streaming down her typeface and Fred was grinning all-inclusive than Albus had ever seen him. While neither of them were pursuing a career in Quidditch, Quidditch had been their lives for the past six old age. Winning the Cup in their one-seventh yr seemed more affecting than it would have winning it any other year. Albus hoped that Gryffindor 's squad was still as goodness as it was now when he got to seventh year. Winning again in his endure year would be the best smell in the human race.
***


"Malfoy really did leave the castle,"Amanda announced at breakfast the following day.

"How did you find that out ?"Albus asked.

"Weirdly enough, Moaning Myrtle."

"How would she know ?"

"I 've no idea,"Amanda said as she grabbed a few slices of toast."I did n't ask."

"fountainhead, I just found out why he left,"Rose said as she set down the vaticinator."His grandfather passed away."

"As in Lucius Malfoy ?"Albus said, taking the paper."The ex-Death Eater ?"

"One in the Saame,"blush wine said."His obituary is in there."

"Why were you reading the necrology ?"Matt asked.

"I was n't trying to. I was flipping through and happened to see it. It says he 's been ill for a while,"Rose explained.

"That explains why he 's been acting so odd all year,"Amanda said.

"And that howler he got months ago,"Kaden added.

Albus glanced at the obituary but did n't read it. As much as he disliked Malfoy, he could n't help but finger lamentable for him. Albus could n't imagine what it would be like to miss his grandfather, and despite Lucius Malfoy 's obvious faults, he was still Scorpius 's grandpa.

"I feel sort of bad for yelling at him about skipping that dueling tournament,"Albus muttered.

"You did n't do it,"John the Evangelist said."And it 's not like he explained."

"Is n't anyone else a bit deep in thought with the fact that Moaning Myrtle knew about him leaving the castle ?"Matt asked."She never leaves her loo. We saw Malfoy going into her loo a few calendar week ago. Does n't that look a bit too coincidental ?"

"You think he 's gotten chummy with Moaning Myrtle ?"Albus asked.

lustrelessness shrugged."It looks like he has. Why else would she know about it ?"

"But why would he go into a girl 's loo ?"John asked, wrinkling his nose."That 's just bloody insane."

"Sounds like we need to pay a visit to myrtle,"Albus said.

rose groaned."Really, Al ? He just lost his grandfather for God 's sake."

"We 're not going to bother Malfoy,"Albus said."We 're just going to talk to Myrtle."

"Count me out,"Rose said, shaking her forefront.

"But you 're a girl,"Albus pointed out."You could get in there so much soft. Amanda ?"

"Sorry, Albus, but I 've really got to take,"Amanda said.

"We 'll go at night, then,"Albus decided."Saint John, Kaden, Matt ? Which of you is going with me ?"

"Not me,"Matt said immediately.

"I 'll go,"John said.

"You 're both mad,"Rose said quietly."Mad."

Albus may bear been mad, but he could n't let this mystery go. His gut was telling him that Malfoy was up to something, despite his grandfather 's going, and Albus was determined to find out what it was.


A/N : Sorry that the update is a day late ! I was really busy yesterday and did n't have a chance to update. Thanks for all the lovely reappraisal ! I am very behind on answering them, but I 'll stop eventually !


The plan to tattle to Vinca minor in the dead of Night may take in been a programme that belonged solely to Albus and John, but rosebush still had somewhat of a say over when it happened. examination were now only a week away and blush wine was only giving them one dark off, for rest and clearing stress from the mind. Neither Albus or John the Divine dared hybridizing Rose and skip out on revision, which took place in the subroutine library until curfew and then in the common elbow room until they all went to bed.

Their one night off occurred the night before their first test. O.W.L.s and N.E.W.T.s had been going on for a full workweek, but none of the fifth part or seventh twelvemonth were taking any nights off, including James. Despite blush wine 's imperativeness that he acquire a night off, James II insisted upon studying. It was quite a switch.

Albus and John spent the evening playing chess game with Kaden. Matt had turned in early, still tired from the full lunar month, which had taken place two twenty-four hours earlier. rosiness and Amanda had disappeared into their dormitory room, clearly set upon having some time away from the boys.

The common room emptied as the Night progressed, and eventually John and Albus were the simply one left. It had n't taken long since virtually multitude went to bed early because of exams. It was probably fairly stupid of Albus and John to stay up so late, but neither of them cared.

They waited an additional fifteen minutes in case somebody decided to give to the common room, but no one did. Albus glanced at St. John and then pulled the invisibleness Cloak and the vulture 's Map out of his bag. He carefully unfolded the map and set it out on the board. The coast was clear.

Albus and lavatory stumbled out of the portrait hole and once they righted themselves, Albus threw the Cloak over them, under the Fat Lady 's after part gaze.

"Do n't expect me to let you in when you return,"she said."I 'm quite an exhausted."

The Fat Lady was always threatening this but she never seemed to get good on any of her scourge. Ignoring her, Albus and privy set off along the corridor. Gospel According to John led the way while Albus kept his oculus glued to the Map, but the corridors remained abandon. It seemed everyone, both educatee and prof, were getting a ripe nighttime 's rest before exams. Everyone that is, except for Albus and John.

Moaning Myrtle was the only occupant of the second storey female child 's washstand. King John quietly pushed the door overt and Albus followed him in. Once inside, Albus pulled the Cloak off and held it under is right arm.

"Vinca minor ?"John shouted as he stepped into the room.

A splashing sound came from the terminal stall and then myrtle 's ghostly form floated through the closed stall door."son ? Why do n't you go use your own-"Vinca minor cut herself off with a giggle. She floated toward Albus and John and rested on the sinks."Oh, it 's you. Albus ceramist. And his protagonist John. Where 's Matt ? I rather fancy him ...."

"He, er, was n't feeling well,"Albus said, hoping that matte 's absence would n't put Myrtle off from talking to them.

On the adverse, Myrtle 's face lit up."Oh my ! I 've been feeling rather fearsome today myself. It 's a position effect of dying, you know."

Albus did n't suppose dying had any face issue early than dying and had always assumed being a spook would n't be painful, but Myrtle was very odd.

"But why are you here ?"Myrtle asked."You never visit me unless you 're in detention. It 's rather disappointing. No one ever thinks to inspect piteous Vinca minor. Oh, Myrtle 's perfectly, they think, so she does n't need any visitor. Vinca minor does n't take any champion ! All because she 's numb !"

"No, myrtle, that is n't it at all,"Albus said quickly."It 's just, you live in a girl 's loo. We can only visit you now, in the middle of the night."

myrtle let out a tatty suspiration."I suppose. You are n't the only son who talk to me, you know. Some of them even dare come during the day. I suppose they 're a bit braver than you are, which is odd since they are n't Gryffindors."

Albus glanced at St. John. Maybe this was going to be easier than he thought. Myrtle probably did n't suffer any loyalty to Scorpius Malfoy.

"Which boys ?"Albus asked carefully, taking a step closer to Myrtle.

"I only know one of their figure,"Myrtle said with a giggle."I know his name because his forefather used to follow and talk to me when he was in school. But his son is n't quite as talkative and he did n't seem to like at all about me or my death. He only wanted to know about the Chamber of Secrets-"

"The bedroom of Secrets ?"Albus exclaimed."Scorpius Malfoy wanted to know about the Chamber of Secrets ?"

myrtle brightened."Oh, you know him, too ! Yes, he did. He wanted to be intimate exactly where the ingress was. He 'd already done quite a bit of research on it in the library. Rather odd, I thought, for a Slytherin, spending so a lot time in the program library, but not in a bad way. But yes, he came in and asked me about the Chamber and I told him about my death and he did n't quite understand the connectedness at first. So I showed him the entry and told him that he had to speak like a Snake to get in but he could n't figure it out."

"He tried to talk Parseltongue ?"Albus asked.

Myrtle nodded."Sounded dreaded. Your dad was much punter at it. Even that freckled boy managed to calculate it out during the engagement of Hogwarts, but Scorpio Malfoy was truly awful at it. That 's when I met the other boy. Scorpius left and came back a few days later with this former boy. He showed him the entrance and then they started talking about this daughter named Elsie and the other boy thought that she would be able-bodied to open up the Chamber."

"And when was this ?"Albus asked. The early boy must have been Felix Willinson.

"Two calendar week ago, maybe ?"Myrtle said."Do you know why he wanted to get into the sleeping room of arcanum ? He refused to narrate me."

"No,"Albus said, shaking his fountainhead."We want to know, too."

"wellspring,"Myrtle began as she floated up to the ceiling."Please secernate me when you find out. And next time, give sure that lustrelessness comes to chaffer, too."

"Er, surely,"Albus muttered."Is there anything else you know about Malfoy ?"

"No,"myrtle said."You 're going to leave now, are n't you ?"

"Yeah,"Albus said."Exams tomorrow."

Albus threw the Cloak back over himself and John and they left. On the way back Albus explained the bedchamber of closed book to John the Divine, who only knew the place by epithet. By the time they returned to the park room John was just as shocked as Albus was about why Malfoy seemed to want to get into the sleeping accommodation of Secrets.

"Do you think Elsie Willinson can speak Parseltongue ?"John asked as they climbed through the portrait hole ( the Fat Lady had not refused them entry ).

"I do n't know,"Albus said."It 's very rare. I think we 're going to feature to ask Rose."

"Bet she 'll be intimate that, in the eye of examination,"King John said with a laugh.
***


"Of grade I have no idea if Elsie Willinson is a Parselmouth !"Rose exclaimed the future day during their lunch breakout in between examination. Albus had just finished explaining what Vinca minor had told them last Nox, as well as explaining the chamber of Secrets for Matt, Amanda, and Kaden 's sake.

"Are you for certain she has n't mentioned anything ?"Albus pressed.

"Positive ! And honestly, Albus, you need to get this out of your mind. It 's exam week. It 's not the time to be focusing on Malfoy. Whatever he does, it really does n't bear upon you."

Albus knew that, but it did n't do a thing for his curiosity. The fact remained that Malfoy was acting oddly, and if Felix Willinson was involved, it could n't be anything good.

"They 're up to something, blush wine,"Albus said."I 'm telling you."

Rose groaned."Albus, I do n't care."

"Oi, Albus !"James shouted as he jogged over to Albus 's seat."Did you see the oracle this morning ?"

"No,"Albus replied. He, mat, and John had both slept too late to have breakfast before their showtime exam.

James slapped a copy down on the table in front of Albus."That bloke, Henry M. Robert Lyndon Baines Johnson ? The one who took Dad 's place ? He 's revamped the entire department, claiming that they 're going to have a 99 % gaining control rate."

"99 % ?"Albus repeated as he looked at the paper."That 's crazy."

JOHNSON REVAMPS AUROR department

Newly appointed forefront Auror, Robert
Johnson, has spent the past month
revamping and reorganizing the Auror
department. Johnson has rewritten
rule and regulations for the section
as well as reorganized how Aurors
study together. All Aurors have
attended workshop over the preceding month
to familiarize themselves with the
new rules and policies.

'The hope is that we will be able to
capture criminals faster and easier ,'
President Johnson said. 'The department has
been disorganized for years and this
has resulted in many crook going
free for far longer than they should.
Between the new Auror Department policies
and the reinstatement of the dementors
in Azkaban, we should be able-bodied to enamor
Thomas More criminals and hold open them where they
belong- behind bars .'

While Andrew Johnson did not go into specifics
of the policies and dominion, stating that
these are seal off document, he assured
the wizarding public that they have
helped to streamline the department.
'With these new policies I do n't see why
we should n't have got a 99 % seizure rate
within a year .'

"What does that even mean, 99 % capture rate ?"Albus asked after setting the paper down.

"No estimate,"James said."But I thought you 'd want to see it. I 've got to go. Transfiguration practical this afternoon and I need to practice."

"I wish they 'd say what the change actually were,"Albus said as his chum left.

"They ca n't,"rose wine said."The paper is justly about that."

"It 's not like the department was awful when Dad was in electric charge,"Albus continued."He captured Rebel, did n't he ?"

"I think Laurentis is crediting flatness 's dad with that,"rose commented."As much as it was both of them."

"That 's not fair,"Matt said.

"No, it 's not,"Rose said as she glanced at her lookout man."We 'd amend get going. account of Magic exam."

Albus found it incredibly difficult to focus on his History of Magic test, and while he was fairly certain he passed it, he knew he had n't done well. There was just too much to focus on. Between Malfoy and the Auror section, the last matter Albus wanted to cogitate about were goblin revolt and giant wars.

Later that night Rose held another study academic session in the library. Albus managed to sit next to Elsie Willinson, who ignored him completely. Albus spent more metre staring at the piranha 's Map and figuring out the trump way to institute up the issue of speaking Parseltongue with Elsie than any real studying, but Rose did n't seem to notice.

The following two days were nearly identical to the kickoff day of test, with the exception of the subjects they were tested on. Exam in the morning, lunch, exam in the afternoon, studying, dinner, then more studying. The monotony was starting to get on Albus 's nerves, but they were only halfway through examination week.

Elsie Willinson did n't show up to the subject session Wednesday evening. Albus was disappointed since he was finally going to bring up the topic of speaking Parseltongue with her, no topic how effective it would be. Instead, he looked over his Potions note while glancing at the Marauder 's Map every so often.

"Albus, what exactly are you looking for ?"Rose asked.

Albus did n't really need to say because he knew Rose would just roll her optic, but he also knew she would n't let go of the national until he explained."Malfoy. He 's going to go back to the girl 's loo, and when he does, I want to follow him."

"That would be stupid,"pink wine said."face at the yesteryear three years. You 've gotten yourself involved with something pillock at the end of every year. Following Malfoy would just be asking for trouble."

Rose had a point, Albus knew, but he did n't like."It 's just Malfoy. He 's not going to nobble me."

"Famous last intelligence,"pink wine muttered."He 's probably just in his park room."

Albus checked the Map. Malfoy 's dot was definitely not in the mutual room. Albus 's heart sped up as he checked the relaxation of the Map. It took him a while, but then he spotted Malfoy 's dot, making its way down the s storey corridor. He was accompanied by none former than Felix and Elsie Willinson.

"He 's going,"Albus said."And he 's got Felix and Elsie with him. I 'm following him and you ca n't stop me."

Rose groaned."Albus, don't-"

Albus ignored her and turned to the rest of his friends."Are any of you coming with me ?"

"I am."Albus was shocked to see that the phonation belonged to Amanda. Usually Amanda agreed with blush wine.

"Amanda, really ?"blush wine asked.

Amanda shrugged."I want a break from studying and I 'm just as curious as Albus is."

"reckoning me out,"mat muttered, turning red."I 'm not going anywhere near Myrtle."

"She asked about you terminal prison term,"John said with a grin.

Matt turned even redder."I 'd rather not bonk that."

"We 're in,"bathroom said, speaking for himself and Kaden.

"You 've got an hour,"rosiness said."If you 're not back by then I 'm sending prof Longbottom after you."

"We 'll be back,"Albus said as he stood up. As if to farther convince blush wine of this, he left his Bible sitting on the table. John, Kaden, and Amanda did the same.

Albus did n't bother with the Invisibility Cloak since it was n't past curfew. They 'd just have to loaf near the loo until the seashore was sack and sneak in when no one was looking. All they needed was the Map for that.

The corridors were unusually hollow and Albus attributed it to the fact that near of his familiar students were doing some last minute revision before the next day 's exams. It certainly made it easier to sneak into a little girl 's loo.

Albus watched the Map as they went and Malfoy and both Willinsons'dots entered Moaning Vinca minor 's bathroom. They remained there for only a few minutes, and then disappeared off the Map.

"They must 've gotten into the sleeping accommodation of closed book,"Albus explained."I bet the Marauders did n't recognise about it so they could n't hold put it on the Map."

It took another five min for Albus, John the Evangelist, Kaden, and Amanda to get to the loo. Once there Albus burst the door open and ran inside. He stopped short-circuit in front of the sinks.

One of the sinks was gone, having sunk into the floor. In its place was a large, delivery black hole. Myrtle was floating above it, her eyes bright.

"They did it,"Myrtle said excitedly."Are you going to pursue them ?"

"I guess this answers the question of whether Elsie Willinson can verbalise snake,"can said.

"Is Matt ill again ?"Vinca minor asked.

"Er, yeah,"Albus said.

"He 's ill an awful lot of the time,"myrtle said."Tell him to issue forth see me when he 's better."

"Sure,"Albus said as he crept closer to the fix."I 'm going down there. You three are welcome to join me."Albus was determined. He 'd come up this far and he was n't going to block up now. He needed to visualise out what was going on.

"Is it a far drop ?"Amanda asked hesitantly.

"I think it 's more of a microscope slide,"Albus said."That 's what my dad said, anyway."

"There is n't a basilisk in there, is there ?"whoremonger asked.

"No,"Albus said."It 's dead."

"Then I 'm in,"John Lackland said.

"Me, too,"Amanda agreed.

"I 'd go down there even if there was a basilisk in there,"Kaden said."I 'll go first, if you want."

"Be my guest,"Albus said, gesturing to the hole.

"If you die, you can live on here,"Myrtle said, giggling."I told Scorpio that and he told me that was another reason why he ca n't die down there. I do n't think he likes me."

Albus ignored Myrtle and stepped aside so Kaden could skip into the mess. Kaden did so without a indorsement glimpse.

"Are you okay ?"Albus asked once he heard a thud.

"Yeah, I 'm very well !"Kaden shouted back.

Neither John or Amanda seemed inclined to go next, so Albus stepped to the very edge of the trap and looked down. He could n't see a thing. Deciding that it was better to just do it and not think too hard, he took a oceanic abyss breath and jumped.

His dad had been right about it being Sir Thomas More of a slide than a drop down. The yap was more of a sloping tobacco pipe and it was n't a bad slide at all. Soon, Albus landed at the bottom and saw Kaden, who had lit his wand.

Albus lit his own scepter and took a expression around. The place was very wet and it smelled awful. The wall were dripping with murky water and the trading floor was covered in rock, mud, and what looked corresponding old snake in the grass cutis.

"I think we 're near the lake,"Albus said, nodding to the dribble weewee.

There was a whooshing dissonance behind Albus and something crashed into him, knocking him over. Albus let out a screech and turned to see it was only St. John, who had n't landed gracefully.

"Sorry,"John muttered as he lit his own wand. There was now enough wand light to see clearly. The place was creepy. That was the only word for it.

Amanda landed without knocking anyone over and lit her wand. Albus and Kaden waited for John and Amanda to train a look around.

"What do we do now ?"Kaden asked.

"doe anyone pick up anything ?"Albus asked. It seemed drained silent to Albus.

John shook his head."matte should 've come. We need his lycanthrope hearing."

Albus nodded in concord."I guess we just follow the pipage. It looks like it only goes one way."

The others agreed. Albus led the way, his wand pointed in front of him, and they set off. No one spoke. No one made any interference whatsoever. Albus had his capitulum poised to hear even the placid haphazardness, hoping to hear some clue as to where Malfoy and the others had gone.

Ihey walked for what felt care miles before they heard even the light-headed of noise. Albus noticed legion Hydra pelt and the bones from decades-old animals. Then, just when Albus had a tone they were reaching the end of the passage, he heard a representative, clearly, as if it was proper succeeding to him.

"Albus Potter. Well, well, is n't this a pleasant surprise."

Albus recognized the voice. It was Jarrett Willinson.


Cliffhanger ! I know. I 'm evil. Thank you for all the wonderful followup ! I will answer to them, but I 've been quite busy lately.

And now I 'll take a few moments to brag. On the 16th I went to NYC for J.K. Rowling 's event for The Casual void. I got to converge her and get a sign up copy of the volume ! It was absolutely awful. I blogged about it on the assembly, so delight check it out !


Albus froze. He had n't heard that voice in over a yr and part of him thought he would n't ever take heed it again. He always assumed Jarrett Willinson had stayed in Australia, where absolutely no one was looking for him.

Slowly, Albus turned toward the voice. He pointed his lit wand in its direction and saw that there was a very small opening to his left. It appeared to be another piping, but one much smaller than the one he and his friends had just been in. Albus crept toward it, trying not to make any noise.

He turned to John, Kaden, and Amanda."What do you suppose ?"

"I think we should get out of here,"Kaden said immediately, stepping back."I thought we were just going after Malfoy."

"I bet Malfoy 's down there with him,"John said.

"But why ?"Amanda asked as she walked over to the pipe. She stuck her head in, making her voice echoey."Why would he come back here ?"

"Can you see anything ?"Albus asked.

"Not much,"Amanda said, climbing fully into the pipe.

"We should just go back,"Kaden said, his voice wavering. All his bravery from being the first to enter the Chamber was gone.

"I do n't screw,"Albus said."We 've come this far ..."

"Albus, I think come up might 've been right,"Kaden said."Let 's just go-"

Kaden was interrupted by Amanda 's screech. There was a loud splash, a clunk, and then more scream. Albus turned quickly back to the pipe. Amanda was gone, a small mass of rubble in her place.

"Amanda !"Albus screamed, stepping over to the pipe.

"Albus !"she shouted back."help !"

"What 's happening ?"Gospel According to John asked.

"Told you we should 've gone back !"Kaden shouted.

"Well, we ca n't go back now,"Albus said, climbing into the organ pipe."C'mon !"

Albus had to crouch as he walked in rules of order to fit through the pipe. John and Kaden followed him, occasionally tripping over rocks as they went. Albus splashed ahead of them, his wand lighting the few metrical unit in front of him. They followed Amanda 's shrieks until they grew muffled and disappeared all together.

Finally, the tobacco pipe emerged into a small chamber, not unlike a small reading of the bedroom they 'd just been in. It was wetter than the rest of the bedroom of closed book and the far bulwark contained a metal grate that appeared to let out into the lake. But the water supply was n't going through it.

Albus 's attention, however, was n't focused on the magically contained lake water. Instead, his eyes drew to the collection of citizenry scattered throughout the bedchamber. He breathed a sigh of backup man when he saw Amanda, in the grasp of Jarrett Willinson, who had his wand pointed at her chief. Albus was just happy they found her. Jarrett was flanked by his son, Quinton, who was looking a bit worse for wear. Azkaban did n't seem to have agreed with him and he now looked far older than his early twenties.

Scorpius, Felix, and Elsie were there as well, looking very uncomfortable. Elsie was shaking and had a death traction on her brother 's manus. Scorpius stood next to them and he seemed very upset. The merely one who seemed at all okey with the site was Felix, whose face seemed to be coming from his Sister 's clutches on his script, not on the situation.

Albus did n't realize the early three grownup at first. Then he remembered their picture show from the Prophet. The shorter cleaning lady was Dolores Umbridge, her grey hair greatly resembling a hive around her pass. Her tegument was deeply purse and she did n't a great deal resemble the somebody in the photograph, but her eyes and bizarre grin were the same. The other fair sex was about a human foot taller and just as ugly. Her hair was ropy and mostly chocolate-brown, with bar of Second Earl Grey. Her olfactory organ was long, crooked, and boasted a big wart, giving her the flavour of a classic Muggle 's version of a Wiccan. All that was missing was the green skin. The man resembled her, although he was shorter and more dumpy. Both were sneering. Albus assumed they were the Carrows.

"What are you doing here, Potter ?"Scorpius asked, clearly trying to sound more confident than he was.

"Shut up, Malfoy,"Jarrett snapped."I 'll ask the question. And I can only accept they followed you three. Whether it was intentional on your part, I have no idea."

"Ca n't we just go ?"Scorpio demanded."We did what you wanted-"

"No, no you did n't,"Jarrett interrupted."You did what your father wanted and then you did theatrical role of what we wanted. And in that lies the problem."

Albus was thoroughly confused. His centre went from Jarrett to Malfoy and back again, attempting to enter out what was going on. What exactly had Malfoy 's father asked him to do ?

"I never said I 'd do what you wanted us to do,"Malfoy muttered, averting his gaze.

"And yet you did."Jarrett sneered.

"But I did n't want to !"Malfoy looked scared now. He pulled his baton out of his gown and held it up shakily.

"Oh, are you going to duel me ?"Jarrett asked, shifting Amanda in his arms so that he could point his verge at Malfoy.

"M-maybe."

Jarrett sighed."This is pathetic. I do n't wish taking vantage of fragile children, and yet here I am-"

"I 'm not frail !"Malfoy shouted.

"You just lost your grandfather,"Jarrett said."You 're fragile. So is your Father of the Church, and he 's comfortable to deceive."

"He is not !"

At that point Elsie started crying. It started out as lowly snivel but within ten bit blew up into flash sobs. Everyone in the room turned to gaze at her. Albus felt bad. It was obvious she had n't wanted to be here.

"Oh, shut her up !"Jarrett said.

"Elsie, you have to be quiet,"Felix muttered.

"I just want to leave, Felix !"Elsie sobbed."I did n't require to do this. You know I did n't desire to do this !"

"You did n't hold a pick, Elsie. He 's our uncle and he needed our help."

"Could someone please just explain what 's going on ?"Kaden asked loudly."Or even serious, let go of Amanda so we can get out of here and let you lot get back to whatever it is you 're doing ?"

Jarrett laughed."Oh, she 's not going anywhere. You three are give up to leave. I really do n't care what the hell you do."

Albus exchanged glances with John and Kaden, who both shrugged. None of them were going to allow, of class, but Albus was utterly confused. For the past four long time Jarrett and Quinton Willinson had tried to snatch him and now, all of a sudden, they wanted Amanda ? They 'd never wanted her before.

"Oh, you have n't put it together yet, have you potter ? I thought you were overbold than that."

"Put what together ?"Albus asked, still confused.

Jarrett squeezed Amanda tighter."She 's the peak parson 's niece, who happens to be a witch. She 's currently the C. H. Best bargaining chip I could possibly experience. I only wish I 'd known about her earlier, but thanks to your uncle the entire wizarding human race knows she 's the flush Minister 's niece. I must thank that reporter.

"thrower, do you see how bad Laurentis would look if anything happened to the Muggle prime quantity pastor 's niece a niggling over a month after she took office ? And just Clarence Shepard Day Jr. after her appointed psyche Auror revolutionized the section ? Oh, it would bet tremendous, Potter. So we, all of us, are going to sit taut until the Aurors get here and then I 'll seduce my requirement and the Aurors will give in because if they do n't, I 'll wipe out the Prime Minister 's niece."

Albus 's mouth fell receptive. He stared at Jarrett, whose grinning resembled that of a person who just won the lottery. Amanda looked terrorize, her middle darting everywhere and a few vagabond tears running down her cheeks.

"Of course you can leave behind, Potter,"Jarrett said."Go get your dad. Go get the former Aurors. It 'll only impart them here sooner. And do n't even try to hex me because if you do, this lot-"Jarrett gestured to the Carrows, Umbridge, and Quinton,"-will hex you. Your dad is n't a Ministry functionary anymore, ceramist. It wo n't be as big of a criminal offense if they hex you now."

Albus glanced at Umbridge and the Carrows. Umbridge did n't wait like individual subject of hexing anyone, given that she more closely resembled an unstable mental patient than a dangerous witch. But the Carrows, they looked capable of murder. As for Quinton, he was n't much of a threat. Still, Albus, bathroom, and Kaden were more outnumbered than they ever had been before.

"But why ca n't we entrust ?"Malfoy asked, his vocalism wavering."Or at least me ?"

"Because I might need you to do something else,"Jarrett snapped,"and I want you here because if I let you leave I doubt you 'll come back. I know you did n't add us the young woman. She came with Potter, following you."

"Why does it matter ?"Malfoy asked."The peak is she 's here now."

"I do n't believe you would 've ever brought her to me, Malfoy."

"You 're right, I would n't ! And do you want to have intercourse why ? I never wanted to help you. That 's not why I agreed to this. I think you 're all changeling, to be honest."

Albus stared at Malfoy, completely shocked. Malfoy hated Albus, Amanda, and all their booster, so why would n't he stimulate brought Amanda to Jarrett ?

"Then why are you here, Malfoy ?"

"To help my dad !"Malfoy said, his wand still pointed at Jarrett."I did n't know you retard were going to give a plot of your own."

Jarrett laughed."Now you 're the imbecile. You think we 'd suffer agreed to his plot if there had n't been something in it for us ? Meaning my son, here. Not these former three. I 'm not trusted why they agreed to it. I 'm not even sure Umbridge knows where she is, actually. She has n't said much of anything since the escape."

"Do you really think you 're going to get anything out of this ?"Malfoy demanded.

"Yes, I do,"Jarrett snapped.

Malfoy narrowed his centre and then whipped around. In a matter of seconds, he sent five consecutive jinx at the Carrows and Umbridge. Umbridge collapsed immediately, not moving. The Carrows both went for their scepter, but were too slow. Malfoy sent two more mantrap and the Carrows fell over, one on top of the other.

Malfoy turned back to Jarrett, breathing heavily."flavor like the odds are a slight dissimilar now."

"Malfoy, what are you doing ?"Albus asked, still trying to twine his brain around the fact that Scorpius Malfoy had just helped him.

"Shut up, ceramist,"Malfoy muttered."I 'm not doing this for you."

"Scorpius, what is your trouble ?"Felix asked, breaking free of his babe 's traveling bag."I thought we were in on this together."

"I thought we were, too, until your uncle decided to do thing his way,"Malfoy said."It 's like I told you at the beginning ; I only did this for my father."

Albus still did n't have a go at it exactly what"this"was, but all that really mattered now was that they were no longer outnumbered.

"The Aurors are coming,"Malfoy said to Albus."If we can just keep back them off-"

"How do you know the Aurors are coming ?"Albus asked.

"That does n't matter now,"Malfoy said as he sent a Stunner at Jarrett.

Albus turned to John the Evangelist and Kaden."centering on Quinton and Felix. No offence, but you are n't the better duelers and I do n't want you to hit Amanda."

john and Kaden nodded. Albus glanced at Malfoy, attempted to shake up off the weird intuitive feeling he had from being on Malfoy 's side, and started sending hex after hex at Jarrett. Jarrett, clearly unable to duel while holding Amanda, threw up a carapace and did n't hex back. Albus and Malfoy silently agreed to restrain going, in an attack to damp the shield.

Albus heard a forte clang and turned to his right hand. rubble was settling near where the Carrows and Umbridge lay. Once it settled, Albus saw that a turgid Boulder had fallen from the cap and had landed on top of the female Carrow.

"I think she 's utterly,"Kaden said.

Albus swallowed hard. Death had never crossed his judgement when he 'd come down here. Trying to press it from his cerebration, he returned to hexing Jarrett 's shield.

Kaden shouted something Albus could n't make believe out and Albus turned just in time to see him land against the rampart. Albus ran over and knelt next to him."Kaden ! Kaden !"

Kaden stirred and looked at Albus."Albus ?"

"Kaden, thank God,"Albus whispered.

"I 've got an dire headache,"Kaden muttered.

"Do n't fall asleep,"Albus said."Stay awake. You 've probably got a concussion."

Albus heard splashing and looked up. Five virtuoso stumbled through the pipe, their wands out.

"Wands up !"one of them shouted. Albus did n't recognize the spokesperson."Nobody move !"

"Are they all here ?"another asked.

"I believe so,"the first one said as he walked around the room."Looks like the tip was correct."

"Not so fast !"Jarrett shouted."I 've got a few demands."

"You 're in no stance to prepare requirement,"the offset Auror said.

"Albus ?"

Albus turned back to the pipe and let out a suspiration of relief. His dad had been the one-fifth Auror to arrive."Dad. Kaden needs to go the hospital wing. Now."

Harry knelt down succeeding to Kaden and assessed him."We 'll ingest this lot rounded up soon. Then I 'll aim him."

"Let go of the girl, Willinson,"the outset Auror said. He took a few measure forward and Albus was able to see the side of his face. It was Henry M. Robert President Andrew Johnson, the new headspring Auror.

"She 's the blossom rector 's niece,"Jarrett said."You 'd better be careful, or I 'll pour down her."

"You 're outnumbered, Willinson,"Johnson said."I would n't try anything if I were you."

"It 'll be a vast malicious gossip if she dies down here."

"Oh for God 's sake,"Lyndon Johnson muttered."Expelliarmus !"Jarrett 's sceptre flew in a perfect arc out of his mitt and Johnson caught it."Petrificus Totalus !"

Jarrett attempted to dodge the trance, but still go along clasp of Amanda. He failed and collapsed to the floor. Amanda ran forward and Harry caught delay of her, directing her to sit succeeding to Albus and Kaden.

The Aurors conjured ropes and tied up Jarrett, Quinton, the Carrows, and Umbridge. None of them said a discussion and none of them questioned any of the suspects. If Albus had n't known any better, he would 've thought the Aurors knew exactly what they were going to find down here. It was all very confusing.

President Johnson and the three unfamiliar Aurors grabbed hold of the felon and took them out of the chamber. Harry was left with Albus and the residual of the pupil.

"Dad, what 's going on ?"Albus asked.

"I have my distrust, but unfortunately I do n't have any proof,"Harry said."Let 's get you up to the hospital wing."

Harry carried Kaden, who had since passed out, and led the odd group out of the bedchamber and back to the tobacco pipe that led to Moaning Vinca minor 's bathroom. Once there, he pointed his wand at the pipe and it turned into stairs. A few second later, they were back in the loo. Albus blinked a few times at the brilliant illumination and then his eyes rested upon myrtle, who was floating near the far stall.

"You 're back !"she shouted."Is he dead ?"myrtle gestured to Kaden.

"No,"Albus said."Just unconscious."

"Oh."Vinca minor seemed rather disappointed.

"Let 's go,"Harry said."Hospital wing."
***


Albus had no very reason to stay in the hospital wing. After muttering about how Albus and his friends were always getting into difficulty, Madam Pomfrey proclaimed him in perfect health. John the Divine, Amanda, Scorpius, Felix, and Elsie were also fine. Kaden, on the early hand, had a concussion and was not allowed to catch some Z's. Albus, John, and Amanda remained in the hospital wing with him. Rose and flatness joined them as well, despite the fact that it was well past curfew.

Harry left after delivering them to Madam Pomfrey, but promised to return in a few 60 minutes. That had been three 60 minutes ago and Albus was still waiting for him to hail back, and for an account. They 'd explained the entire ordeal to matt and rose wine, who both agreed that Malfoy 's conduct was very strange.

The doorway to the hospital wing finally opened and Harry walked in, looking incredibly exhausted. ma'am Pomfrey, upon seeing him, hurried off to her sketch.

"Kaden,"Harry said."How are you feeling ?"

"Like person ran my top dog over with a motortruck,"Kaden said.

Harry chuckled."You 'll feel better soon."

"What was that about, Dad ?"Albus asked."Why was it almost like the Aurors expected all the prisoners to be there ?"

Harry sighed."No one knows for sure. The functionary record is that they received an anonymous tip, but none of the prisoners are explaining why they were in the Chamber of Secrets or how they got in."

"When we were down there, Malfoy kept saying he was doing something for his dad, but he never said what it was,"Albus said.

"That helps corroborate my theory,"Harry said."I suspect that Scorpius Malfoy, along with Felix Willinson, were instructed by Draco Malfoy to find a suited location to firm the captive for safe-keeping until Aurors could be brought in to capture them. This, of course, had to be done after the Auror Department was reorganized by Robert Johnson, in order to make believe both him and Laurentis look serious. If Laurentis looks ripe, Draco Malfoy looks good."

"But that means that Laurentis and Draco Malfoy knew where the prisoner were,"Albus said.

"Yes, yes it does,"Harry said quietly.

"Uncle Harry,"rose wine began."You do n't think that Laurentis organized that break-out, do you ?"

"It 's crossed my mind,"Harry said."But it 's irrelevant, because I have no proof. Nor do I have substantiation of my theory about Draco Malfoy and his son. Alecto Carrow is absolutely, Dolores Umbridge is clinically insane, and Amycus Carrow is n't talking. Jarrett and Quinton Willinson are n't talking, either, and I somehow doubt Scorpius Malfoy will rat out his Father of the Church. So, for now at least, this will remain a theory."

"But Dad, it 's illegal,"Albus said.

"It is,"Harry replied."Do n't vex about it, Albus. The prisoners are back in Azkaban, which is all that matters right now."

"But Dad-"

"Albus. torment will do zippo. In my experience, mass who are sully like this are never capable to sustain it a secret long. Whatever happens will happen."

"What about Scorpio ?"Amanda asked."Why did he change position like that ?"

"Scorpius Malfoy has had a rough year. His grandad has been quite ill for a long time, which has put tension on both of his parents and thus, on him. I am sure he was pressured into this by his father and then when it came time for him to get further into it, by helping Jarrett Willinson get detention of Amanda, he realized he did n't want to be involved, not would his Father have wanted him to be involved."

"Is he going to get in trouble ?"Albus asked.

"No,"Harry said."As far as the platter is concerned, Scorpius, Felix, and Elsie stumbled upon the captive just as you lot did."

"That does n't appear fair,"Albus muttered.

"No, it does n't,"Harry said."But on the other hand, I think Scorpius Malfoy deserves a respite this year. I think he 's grown up a lot over the past few month. You might ascertain that he 's not quite the bully he used to be."

"I 'll believe that when I see it,"Matt muttered."I guess that 's why he wanted to get into the Shrieking shack, though. Probably wanted it for the prisoners."

"I suspect that, too,"Harry said."I must say I 'm glad he chose the sleeping accommodation of Secrets."

"Me, too,"Matt agreed.

"I have to return to the Ministry,"Harry said as he stood up."This will be in the paper tomorrow, although I have no idea what type of chronicle they 're going to spin or how involved you will be. Whatever they publish, do n't take up it too hard. Please do not mention my theory to anyone. The terminal thing we need is an article in the Prophet claiming that Harry ceramicist is a cabal theorist."

Albus laughed and said good night to his dad. Madam Pomfrey let them log Z's in the infirmary wing that night, considering how late it was. Kaden, of grade, had to remain awake. Albus was surprised by how easy sleep came, considering what he 'd been through that night, but it was nearly two in the morning time. He realized with a sinking notion that he still had exams the adjacent day. Herbology and ancient runic letter. He hoped they would n't go too horribly.


A/N : Thanks for all the lovely reviews ! I will be getting to them as soon as I can. The next chapter will the last in this novel. I 'm not sure when the fifth novel will be up since I have yet to come up with a concrete plot of land for it. I 'm going to get a break to write other news report that I 've had in my pass for a while.

It 's the end of Oct, which means it 's nearly NaNoWriMo season ! I 'll be continuing to update Between Here and Somewhere throughout November, as well as posting the last chapter of this next Fri. But you wo n't see a good deal else from me until December, as I 'll be busy writing an pilot fic.


Albus, Gospel According to John, and mat overslept the next dawning. Albus awoke ten hour before their Herbology exam and had to wake up privy and Matt, which is never a small feat. It took a full five moment to get them up, but soon they were running through the corridors knowing full well that they would be late. Unfortunately for Albus, none of his judgment was on Herbology. He could n't stop thinking about what happened last night.

The boys ran into glasshouse three five minutes late and as soon as they shut the door the full course of instruction looked up from their exams and stared at them. Albus got the clear-cut feeling that they all knew about last night, whether from rumors or from the Prophet. Professor Longbottom got up from his pot and walked over to them.

"boy,"he said quietly.

"I 'm sorry we 're late, sir,"Albus said."We overslept-"

"Albus, it 's okay. I know what happened last nighttime. Just go take your seats. Your examination are already laid out."

"Thanks,"Albus replied.

Albus was very grateful that Herbology had been the exam he was late for. Longbottom was the most realize professor in the entire schoolhouse. Albus settled down and managed to look at the exam without falling asleep. While there were a few head that he was n't indisputable about, he was quite confident that he at to the lowest degree passed.

By the meter the exam menstruation ended Albus was starving, as were John and Matt. They, along with Rose and Amanda, headed immediately to the Great G. Stanley Hall for lunch. As they walked in, Albus again got the decided feeling that everyone was staring at them.

"You should 've been at breakfast,"Amanda said."Everyone was talking about it and they kept coming over and asking me questions. There were a lot of people crowded around Malfoy, too."

"Do either of you have the Prophet ?"Albus asked as they sat down.

"Yeah, here,"rosebush said, handing it to him.

Albus unfolded the paper and set it down on his plate. John and Matt sat on either face of him and scan over his shoulder.

CONVICTS CAUGHT AT HOGWARTS

Newly appointed Head Auror, Henry M. Robert
Lyndon Johnson, received an anon. tip
late last night that led him and four
other Aurors to Hogwarts School of
witchery and genius. The tip
told Aurors that escaped convicts
Amycus Carrow, Alecto Carrow,
Quinton Willinson, and Dolores
Umbridge could be found in the chamber
of Secrets deep under Hogwarts School.

The bedchamber of arcanum, long since
regarded as a rumored hidden bedroom
beneath the schooltime was proven to
exist in mid-1993. The Chamber has
remained vacate since then.

All four escaped inmate, along with
Jarrett Willinson, wanted for a year
by the Auror Department, were found in
the bedchamber of mystery by Robert Lyndon Johnson
and four other Aurors. Amycus Carrow,
Quinton Willinson, and Dolores Umbridge
have been returned to Azkaban prison.
Jarrett Willinson is currently being held
in Azkaban prison without bail. Alecto
Carrow was pronounced absolutely by Healers
late last-place night, after the cap in
the Chamber collapsed, crushing her
instantly.

Six Hogwarts students were found in the
Chamber as well. Johnson has released
very little entropy on this aspect
of the Night, but has said that Jarrett
Willinson captured one scholar with the
intentions of killing her if demands were
not met. The names of the student have
not been released.

It is unknown how the convicts got into
the schoolhouse. helplessness in the protective
hospital ward are currently being addressed. 'We
wish to secure the public that Hogwarts
schoolhouse remains as safe as ever. The trouble
will be addressed quickly. There is no
need to panic .'

"unknown how the convicts got into the shoal ?"Albus said incredulously."They 've covered the whole thing up !"

"What did you anticipate, Albus ?"Rose asked, shaking her head."Uncle Harry said it would happen."

"I bet that new Head Auror is in on it,"Albus muttered."He 'll probably say he investigated but all he 'll do is pee-pee up story to cover up what Laurentis did."

"You 're probably the right way,"rosebush said.

"Who 's rightfulness ?"Kaden asked as he sat down.

"Albus,"Rose said.

"Have you seen this tripe ?"Albus asked, holding up the paper.

"Yeah,"Kaden replied."But honestly, I do n't care right now. I just want a sandwich. The foretelling exam was savage. I had to state Trelawney 's future in tea leaves."

John laughed."What did you say ?"

"Told her she was going to conform to an untimely Death at the hands of a divagate Quaffle,"Kaden said.

blush wine groaned."Oh, Kaden, you didn't."

"She actually liked it,"Kaden said."Her huge optic lit up and everything."

"She likes death, Trelawney,"John said."Or at least the concept of it."

"Weird,"Albus muttered.

Albus 's remaining exams took place with little ostentation. Despite his thinker not being on the material, he thought he did fairly well, and when the marks were released he discovered that he had passed everything. His Transfiguration scratch was a bit low, but still passing.

The Hogwarts students, with their little store spans, soon forgot about the fiasco in the sleeping room of secret and moved on to other topics of discussion such as the summer vacation and the stream Quidditch time of year. Albus certainly did n't mind this because it meant he was no longer the center of attention. Despite the fact that the Prophet never released the names of the students in the Chamber, everyone knew it was Albus, John, Kaden, and Amanda, along with the three Slytherins.

"look, Laurentis has released a assertion about capturing the prisoners,"rosebush said at breakfast on their day in the castle.

Albus groaned."This ca n't be full. Let 's hear it."

“'I wish to clap the Auror Department for their oeuvre in recapturing the remaining escaped criminals. The timely recapture after the reorganization of the Department only reinforces how important a conclusion it was to reorganize. With the new ordinance and policies in the Auror Department, organized by Henry Martyn Robert Lyndon Baines Johnson, the Aurors were capable to capture the felons immediately after receiving the tip. We can most assuredly look forward to more success from the Auror Department .'”

"What a payload of crap,"Albus said."Of path they were able-bodied to recapture them quickly after receiving that tip. They organized for the convicts to be in the sleeping accommodation in the first place."

"It 's like your dad said, though,"Matt began."Everything will get revealed eventually. That 's not an well-situated secret to stay fresh, what they did."

"Hey, it looks like Embry 's going to piss a speech,"Kaden said, gesturing toward the faculty table.

prof Embry stood up and raised his hands for secretiveness. This did nothing, of course."tranquillise !"Embry shouted."I have something I 'd care to say.

"Thank you,"he said, after everyone stopped talking."I just want to say what a pleasance it has been to teach you all this yr. I never expected to instruct and I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed it. I hope you enjoyed taking my class as much as I enjoyed teaching it, and I hope you all have a greater taste and understanding of our government. Today is my last day at Hogwarts, as the politics row will not continue next twelvemonth, and I am once again needed at the Ministry. Please do n't hesitate to owl me if you wish to obtain a tour of the Ministry for faculty member purposes. I daresay that a few of you might have calling in political science yourselves."

Embry sat back down and the entire room burst into applause. Albus was n't certain if the clapping was for Embry or for the fact that political sympathies would no longer be a class. Albus had n't minded the class, but one few category was to be appreciated.

"I learned something about politics this class, all right,"King John muttered as the applause settled down."And that 's that I never want to be a politician."

"Me, too,"Albus agreed.

"Cheers to that !"James shouted from a few seats down.

"Oh, I do n't know."Amanda shrugged."I think it might be interesting."

Albus was n't at all storm to try Amanda say that. If any of his friends were to become political leader, it would be Amanda.
***


Later that day Albus found himself at yet another Hogwarts graduation exercise observance. He and rosiness had attended every single graduation ceremonial occasion since starting Hogwarts, and one the yr before, too. It had gotten to the point where he did n't pay very much care to the speeches because they all sounded very like to the ones he 'd heard before. During this ceremony, the only part Albus paid aid to was the part where Fred and Calluna vulgaris accepted their sheepskin, which took all of two minutes.

"well, we survived,"Albus said to Sakartvelo after the ceremony ended and everyone was milling around.

Georgia grinned."That we did. It 's form of surreal, to be honest. Dad did n't win, so affair are no different than they were this time endure class, really."

Albus nodded."How is Uncle Percy doing ?"

Georgia shrugged."I 'm not sure. He does n't verbalize about it much. Actually, the weird affair is that whenever I go over there for dinner party he spends a lot of fourth dimension asking about Quidditch. I think it 's mostly to keep me from asking about his lack of engagement, but I 'm not going to complain. Maybe he 'll even learn to wish it. The Quidditch, I mean, not the want of employment."

"He still has n't found a job ?"Albus asked.

"No. He could go back to the Ministry but he 'd accept to do something where he 's not an existent politician, since Laurentis would n't take him. I do n't think he wants to do that. He 's been helping Uncle George IV with the shop class, but I do n't reckon Uncle George really likes that. Says Dad 's too obsessive. But he 's too nice to tell Dad he ca n't help."

"Albus !"blush wine shouted."We 've got to go. The carriages are leaving."

Albus nodded to Rose and then turned back to Georgia."I 'd better go. Let me cognize when your next mate is. I want to go."

Georgia grinned."for certain thing. See you soon, Al."

"Bye, GA,"Albus said as he turned to follow Rose back to the castle, where they would enamor the thestral-drawn carriages back to Hogsmeade.
***


"I say we go to John the Divine 's household this year,"Matt said as the Hogwarts Express hurtled back to London.

"Are you mad ?"lav asked, unwrapping a Chocolate salientian."I mean, really, are you ? You want to come to my house, where I have three crazy little sis running about ?"

matte shrugged."They ca n't be that bad."

"Says he who is the vernal in his category,"John said, looking at Albus for support.

"He 's right,"Albus agreed."And I 've only got one little sister. await a instant, Matt 's the only one of us who does n't have younger siblings, is n't he ?"

The others nodded."All rightfield,"Gospel According to John said."Let 's give mat a real sense of what having slew of sib is like. I 'll owl you and let you bonk when."

"Exploding picnic ?"Kaden asked, holding up a deck of cards of cards.

"Sure,"Matt said. Everyone else nodded.

Kaden began to deal the cards, but before he finished, the compartment doorway slid give. Albus, expecting one of his cousin, turned to the door. It slid open the rest of the way and Malfoy stood on the brink, looking a bit unsure of himself. He was alone. Albus wondered where Felix was.

"What do you want ?"John asked.

"Er, can I just talk to you lot ?"he asked quietly, stepping interior and sliding the door behind him.

"Where 's Willinson ?"Albus asked, standing up.

"He 's no longer speaking to me,"Malfoy explained."After I hexed his uncle and as he put it, 'joined the other position .'”

"What about Elsie ?"Rose asked, clearly concerned about the girl.

Malfoy shrugged."She 's always with Felix. She never said very much around me."

"Is she really a parselmouth ?"John asked."I assume she 's the one who got you into the bedchamber ?"

"Yeah, she did, but she 's not a parselmouth. She 's just really unspoiled with language so she was able-bodied to fake it,"Malfoy explained.

There were a few moments of sticky silence. Malfoy shifted his weight and leaned against the threshold.

"So,"Albus said."Why are you here, exactly ?"

Malfoy sighed."This class sucked and I got caught up in a lot of affair that I did n't desire to do, which is exactly what happened to my dad when he was at Hogwarts."

Albus was utterly confused as to why Malfoy was telling them all of this. He exchanged looks with Matt and then focused on Malfoy once more.

"But it 's just not Charles Frederick Worth it anymore,"Malfoy continued."Hating you lot. I know it was you who somehow got itching powder into all the Slytherins'laundry-"

"That was n't us,"Kaden said quickly, a lilliputian too quickly.

"And we know you put the Capricorn in the rough-cut room,"John added.

Malfoy nodded."As I was saying, it just does n't count. Any of it."He turned to Matt."And I do n't handle that you 're a werewolf. Really. Sure, it 's uncanny and I have no idea why Kendrick even lets you be here-"

"I wo n't pause to hex you, you know,"John said, reaching into his robes for his wand.

Malfoy held up his deal."No, do n't. I guess what I 'm saying is that I think we should call a truce."

"A truce ?"Albus asked, raising his brow.

"Yeah, a truce,"Malfoy said."You all know my granddaddy died this twelvemonth. It makes all this fighting we do seem really stupid."

"You 're not saying we should be admirer, are you ?"John asked incredulously.

Malfoy screwed up his boldness."God no. I 'm saying you lot stop only pranking the Slytherins, do n't differentiate anyone that I dueled on your side in the Chamber, and I wo n't tell anyone Eckerton is a werewolf. I 'll really promise that, without any threats of expulsion."

Albus was unbelieving. Could the death of Lucius Malfoy really prompt this modification in Scorpio ?

"C'mon, truce ?"Scorpius asked, sticking his hand out to Albus.

"Oh, just do it, Albus,"rose said."We 've got O.W.L.s succeeding year. You do n't demand this stupid feud distracting you. Or any of us."

"Fine, truce,"Albus said, shaking Scorpio 's helping hand.

Malfoy nodded."I guess I 'll go, then. See you around, Potter."

Malfoy turned and left the compartment. Albus did n't prompt for a wide-cut second."That was the strangest thing I 've ever seen,"he finally said, resuming his seat.

"I do n't retrieve any of us will ever replete understand what happened there,"rose said."But I think it 's a ripe thing."

"Weird, though,"matt said."You think he means it ?"

The weirder thing was, was that Albus did actually believe him. There had been something in Malfoy 's eyes that Albus had n't seen before. It was like Malfoy seemed older somehow. He was no foresighted a kid, whose biggest worry was arguing with Albus over stupid thing. Somehow, Malfoy had grown up.

Albus supposed they 'd all mature up that twelvemonth. They were going to be fifth twelvemonth now, and Kaden would be a twenty-five percent year, and that meant they were the older scholar in the school. They were growing up. All of them. Even Malfoy.

"Makes me wonder what next twelvemonth will be like,"Amanda mused."Everything about this year has been strange."

"We 've got Laurentis reforming Hogwarts,"pink wine reminded them."I think it 'll be spate strange."

Albus had nearly forgotten about that. He did n't need Hogwarts to change. Despite all that was going on in the outside world, Hogwarts had always remained the Lapp. But now it was n't. Hogwarts was going to change.

Albus leaned back in his bottom and stared out the windowpane, watching the countryside fly by. He did n't know what changes Hogwarts would see in the take after year, but he did n't desire to opine about it just yet. There was still a completely summer before that would go on, and Albus intended to enjoy it.


A/N : Thank you so often for all the keep and reviews for this story ! You guys are amazing. I will be taking a break before continuing with this series as I have former report floating around in my drumhead, but I 'll eventually come up back to Albus. I 've no estimate how tenacious it 'll be, though.

In the meanwhile, please mark out my Marauders Era story, Between Here and Somewhere ! And retain checking back for my review responses, because I will get to them.