Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




matte did n't return to the mutual room until Sunday afternoon. Albus and his friends had spent virtually of the weekend doing preparation and playing circle of Exploding Snap. Kaden made himself scarce and Albus hardly saw him at all. Albus vaguely wondered where he was, but he did n't really think about it much. All that mattered was that Kaden was n't hanging around Albus anymore. Albus and his acquaintance did n't get a luck to assure lusterlessness about what Kaden told Malfoy while he was in the hospital wing because it had been very crowded that weekend. Apparently, quite a few pupil had decided to recitation their dueling for the upcoming match while they were unsupervised in the corridor. This caused brothel keeper Pomfrey to cause an tremendous lot to do. She looked very fray when Albus and the others visited Matt on Saturday.

Albus was sitting in the common way with the others, doing homework, when Matt returned from the hospital Wing. He still looked a bit wear out and the swing on his side were n't completely healed yet, but he looked much safe than he had on Thursday. Albus closed his book and glanced at his admirer when matt came through the portrait hole.

`` What 's with you lot ? '' mat asked, `` You 're awfully muted. ``

`` We 've, er, got to tell you something, '' Albus replied quietly, `` Let 's go to the way. '' Albus got up and left the uncouth room. His friend all followed, not saying a Logos. Albus led them down the seventh floor corridor until they reached the painting of Barnabas the Barmy. Albus paced three times in front of it and opened the door that appeared. It looked just like it did whenever Albus or his friend asked for a place where they could be alone. There were a few squashy armchairs and sofa, a fireplace, and it was decorated in scarlet and gold.

`` Ok, so what 's this all about ? '' matt asked immediately, once the door was shut.

`` Why do n't you sit down ? '' rose wine suggested.

matt sat down on one of the lounge and looked nervously at the others. `` You look like my parents did when they told me I could n't go to school day in Australia. ``

`` wellspring, we 're obviously not going to tell you that, '' Albus gave a halfhearted jest as he sat down on a chair. Rose, john, and Amanda sat down as well.

`` wellspring, get on with it, '' Matt said.

`` All right field, '' Albus began, `` You 've probably noticed that Kaden is n't around. ``

`` Yeah, I thought that was a bit odd, '' Matt commented, `` What 's he done now ? ``

Albus sighed, `` I do n't really know the expert way to say this. Kaden, er, for some reason was talking to Scorpius Malfoy- ''

`` Malfoy ? ! '' mat interrupted with a feeling of shock on his face.

`` It gets worse, '' Albus continued, `` You know how I told Kaden that you get sick every once in a while, so he would shut up last month ? ``

`` Yeah ... ''

`` And I made him assure not to enjoin anyone, '' Albus said quickly, `` But for some rationality he told Malfoy. ``

matt sank back into his chair and his face went chalk Patrick White. Albus was sword lily rose told him to sit down, because if he had n't hold been sitting he probably would have fainted. Albus watched as lusterlessness processed the information. After a few import he asked very quietly, `` What did he tell Malfoy ? ``

`` That you 've got some kind of wizard disease that dame Pomfrey ca n't cure, '' Albus answered. `` And Malfoy put two and two together and figured out that you do n't natter your sick gran. ``

`` Oh, no, '' lustrelessness closed his eyes and started rubbing his head, `` This is n't thoroughly. Malfoy ca n't find out, he just ca n't. ``

`` We 're going to try and take in sure he does n't, '' John the Divine said adamantly.

`` But you ca n't really stop him ! All he 's got to do is a bit of research and he 'll get laid everything, '' Matt moaned.

`` Maybe he 'll be too lazy to nettle, '' Amanda suggested.

`` There 's another thing, '' Albus started, `` Kaden may have also told him about the Whomping Willow. ``

`` No, he ca n't receive, he just ca n't, '' mat whispered.

`` We do n't know for sure, '' Albus reminded him, `` I 'm watching the Marauder 's Map and if we see Malfoy anywhere near the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree, we 'll go hex him or something. ``

Matt nodded, `` You know, if Malfoy finds out and William Tell anyone, luck are I 'll hold to leave. ``

`` No, you wo n't, '' Rose assured him.

`` How do you know ? ``

`` Rose is rightfield, '' Albus agreed, `` When the piranha were in school, Snape found out about slip 's dad and he still got to ride out in school. Dumbledore made him promise not to tell anyone. I 'm sure as shooting Kendrick would do the Sami thing. ``

`` I sure hope so, '' matt sighed, `` What about Kaden ? ``

`` Rose had to hold on me and Saint John the Apostle from hexing him, '' Albus explained, `` But I yelled at him quite a bit. Have n't seen him much since and I do n't really desire to. ``

`` But he 's your cousin, '' matte said.

`` Does n't weigh, '' Albus assured him, `` I hardly saw him at all until he started coming here. I told him not to tell apart anyone and he did, so I ca n't trust him anymore. And no one 's going to convert me to apologize this time. ``

`` All rightfulness, '' Matt replied. `` Let 's stay here for a patch. I think if I saw Kaden right now I 'd have to hex him. ``

Rose groaned, `` What is with boys ? Do you always have to hex people to solve your problems ? ``

`` It 's a proven fact that hexing whole kit and boodle best when dealing with Slytherins, '' John grinned.

`` Kaden 's not a Slytherin, '' Rose commented.

`` What he did was a moderately Slytherin matter to do, '' Albus replied. nobody argued with that.

******

The weekend before Hallowe'en was a very excite one for the students at Hogwarts. There was the first Hogsmeade visit on Sat, which the one-time bookman were very delirious about. Albus, of course, was n't allowed to go since he was a 2nd year. James made sure to lord this over him at every moment potential during the week preceding the sojourn. James would be going on his world-class Hogsmeade sojourn, and Albus was sure that Hogwarts would be treated to a change of pranks following. When James and his friend returned from Hogsmeade, they ran into the common room with their bags bulging with what could only be Weasley 's products, and quickly stowed it all in their dormitory. Sure enough, at dinner that Night, the scholar trunk was treated to a very flirt with meal. Somehow, James and his protagonist had managed to sneak a potion into the Slytherins'intellectual nourishment that caused their hair and fingernails to turn scarlet and amber. The rest of the school laughed hysterically as the Slytherins tried to figure out how to release their hair and nails back to normal.

`` Nothing will change it, '' Jesse James informed the Gryffindor table in between paroxysm of laughter, `` Uncle George told me it will wear off within 24 60 minutes, though. ``

`` Too bad it 's not lasting ! '' John laughed.

`` I was going to save up it for the day of the Quidditch compeer, '' James explained, `` But I just could n't wait. ``

`` I ca n't blame you, '' Albus grinned. He looked up at the staff table and saw his dad trying to strangle his laugh, but he was n't succeeding. The early extremity of the faculty were smiling slightly, except for Slughorn, who was looking a bit distraught at the sight of his firm decked out in Gryffindor colors.

The following day was the first dueling tourney for the Jr dueling club. The older educatee had already had their first gear tournament the previous weekend. Albus 's full cousin Stanley 's team had won. The tournament was to guide place immediately following lunch, at one o'clock, and the second, thirdly, and fourth years were filled with inflammation about it.

`` What if we have to duel each former ? '' Albus said worriedly at tiffin. `` I really do n't want to duel you lot. ``

`` I do n't either, '' can agreed, `` But we might birth to. It 'll be all justly. None of us know any spells that could do any lasting damage. I 'm just hoping I get to duel Malfoy. ``

`` Me, too, '' Matt agreed.

`` I almost wish first years could get together the dueling night club, so I could duel Kaden, '' Albus commented, `` I would n't mind beating him in front line of the entire school. ``

`` I 'm probably just going to lose, no matter who I duel, '' Amanda sighed, `` The simply affair I can do is disarm somebody, and I 'm not even that good at that. ``

`` Sure you are, '' Albus assured her, `` And if you duel a second year, or even a third year, you 'll take a prospect at winning. Fourth years, on the other manus, I 'm not certain any of us have got a probability at winning a duel with one of them. They probably know all sorting of piece we do n't. ``

`` Albus, '' rose began, `` commend that the teams have people from all years on them. I do n't guess any team has an reward over another. ``

`` I guess, '' Albus agreed, `` But I still wish well there were family teams. I do n't care being on the same team with Malfoy. ``

`` Me neither, '' Amanda said.

`` We wind up practice dueling with each other every meeting, '' Albus explained, `` And neither of us has really won any of them. ``

`` You 're both really in force dueller, '' Amanda replied. `` You 're going to bunk anyone you 're up against, Albus. ``

`` I 'm not trusted about that, '' Albus said.

`` tending ! '' Professor Kendrick stood up, `` The Junior dueling tournament will commence shortly. Please prepare your way to the dueling chamber. ``

Albus stood up, `` Well, good chance everyone. '' Albus 's protagonist all wished each other sound luck as they got up and left the Great Hall. It was a bit odd being on separate teams, Albus thought. He wished his friends safe chance, but he wanted his own team to win.

Albus and Amanda quickly lost the others in the sea of students filing into the dueling chamber near the Great hallway. They found Kate at one of the mesa that had been set up for each squad to hold back at. Their team name, The Dueling tartar, was written on a piece of sheepskin that was stuck to the tabular array. There was a naturalistic looking dragon breathing flame drawn on it. Scorpius Malfoy was sitting scowling at one end of the table, his hairsbreadth still bright orange red and gold. Albus and Amanda stifled their laughter and sat down on the opposition end. A few minutes later, once everyone on their team had arrived, Kate began to verbalise.

`` Attention ! '' she shouted and the table became quiet, `` Thanks. The tournament will start in a duad mo. I 'm sure we 'll do great. Everyone think what you 've learned within the past month and you 'll do fine. Just do your best and even if you do n't win today, there 's still next fourth dimension. I know this inter-house team thing is hard, but I think everyone here has really come together to work as a team, and I 'm proud of all of you for that. So, with that, secure fortune ! '' Kate sat back down and started talking to one of the other fourth years on the team.

A mo later, Professor Kendrick stood up at the front of the elbow room and raised his hired hand for quiet. The elbow room fell still and he began to speak. `` receive to the first Dueling Tournament for the Juniors Dueling Club. This is the first of six qualifying tournament of the class. At the end of the year, the top two teams will face off in a final tourney. There will be two duel going on simultaneously, with Professors ceramist and Longbottom presiding over them. Every student will duel twice today. The winner of each duel will be awarded one point. At the end of the tournament, the team with the most points will be declared the winner. The points will role over to each tournament, after the sixth tournament, the two teams with the most level will face up off in the concluding. Now, each captain was given a list of duel for today, so I will apply you a few minutes to get organized and for the headwaiter to inform their teams of the schedule. Good chance to all. ``

Kate quickly went over the schedule with her team. Albus 's world-class affaire d'honneur was about halfway down the list and his second was the third gear to last. The only thing he could do now was wait until his bit came. Albus was growing steadily more nervous as prison term wore on. What if he lost ? Malfoy would never let him hold up that down. Albus watched the 1st couple of duels while talking with Amanda. After a few duels, James 's tour came and he lost to a Ravenclaw fourth yr. blush wine was up future and she easily beat her tierce year Slytherin opponent. Quite a few of Albus 's teammates had dueled by now and most of them had won. Before long, Amanda 's turn was up. Albus wished her luck and she went nervously to the dueling ring that Neville was watching over.

Amanda was up against a second year Hufflepuff and the first part of the affaire d'honneur consisted of each of them mostly dodging the spells sent towards them. Eventually, Amanda managed to unarm her opposite and won. She came back grinning ear to ear. Kate congratulated her as she sat back down next to Albus.

`` Great job ! '' Albus smiled, `` Told you you could do it. ``

`` Thanks, '' Amanda grinned.

Matt was up next against a Slytherin fourth yr. The duel hardly lasted two arcminute before the Slytherin used an advanced spell that caused Matt to thrash into the rampart behind him. Harry quickly disarmed the Slytherin and disqualified him. prof Cedonia took Matt to the hospital wing while Harry assigned the Slytherin a couplet detentions.

`` What a git, '' Albus growled, `` I hope matte 's ok. ''

`` He 'll be fine, '' Amanda assured him, `` I think he just cut his arm a bit. ``

`` Yeah, but still, '' Albus continued, `` That Slytherin knew he could n't use spells like that. ``

`` I could give birth blocked it, '' Malfoy announced.

`` No you could n't, '' Albus shot back. `` And how 's the haircloth ? ``

Malfoy scowled and turned away from Albus. A mo later his gens was called and he was off to duel a fellow Slytherin. It was a very fast paced duel. Both of them were fantabulous duelers, but Malfoy won in the end. Albus was not for certain whether to be well-chosen about this or not. He did n't take long to dwell on it, though, because a instant later, he was called.

Albus walked nervously to the dueling ring where Neville was and he faced his Ravenclaw antagonist. He was dueling Carter Eubert, a fellow second class.

`` Both of you know the formula, '' Neville said to them, `` You can embark on when I let out red discharge. ``

Albus and Carter bowed to each early and took a dueling stance. Neville 's wand shot out red sparks and the duel began. Albus sent out a disarming spell, but Jimmy Carter easily blocked it. James Earl Carter Jr. then sent one at Albus, but Albus was able to block it as well. This went on for five minutes, each of them sending spells that the other blocked. Eventually, Albus managed to hit Carter with a tickling hex that had him bent over in laughter. Albus took advantage of this and disarmed him easily. He had done it ! He won !

`` Point goes to Potter, '' Neville announced. Albus and James Earl Carter shook hands and went back to their teams.

`` Good job, Albus ! '' Kate grinned as Albus sat down.

`` Thanks, '' Albus replied.

`` That was amazing dueling, Albus, '' Amanda greeted him, `` Carter 's proficient, too, but that tickling affair was great. He could hardly make a motion. ``

`` I 'll have to think of that if I ever duel him again, '' Albus said.

The good afternoon wore on and Albus found himself getting a bit world-weary with watching the dueling. It was taking all good afternoon. John dueled Albus 's cousin, Cedric, and lost. Albus was n't surprised by this, as Cedric was an excellent duelist. Rose and Malfoy each won their sec duels, while John and Amanda lost theirs. Matt returned from the hospital wing in meter for his second base duel, but wound up losing to his one-third year Ravenclaw opponent. Albus dueled a third yr Gryffindor in his second duel and narrowly won. His opposition did not look happy about this. Malfoy also won his second affaire d'honneur, which was against a third or fourth year Hufflepuff ; Albus was n't sure as shooting which.

Eventually, all the affaire d'honneur finished and Professor Kendrick stood up once again. `` Great dueling, everyone ! You all did a marvelous job. Now, to announce the victor. I am proud of to announce that the Flying Phoenix, captained by Barty heathland of Slytherin have come in first station with 23 degree ! Thank you, everyone. The next tournament will take lieu at the end of November or beginning of December. Your captains will be informed of the demand date as it comes closer. ``

`` We 'll win succeeding time, '' Kate assured her squad as they got up. `` See everyone at practice on Wednesday. ``

Albus and Amanda made their way out of the elbow room, but realized they would never witness their friends in the crew. `` We 'll meet them in the common elbow room, '' Albus said as they started up the stairs.

When they got to the unwashed room, it was already full-of-the-moon with students rehashing section of the duel. Albus noticed Kaden listening to Epistle of James 's account of his duels. James had won his irregular duel and appeared to be very proud of it. Albus and Amanda ignored Kaden and found bathroom and flatness sitting at their common table. Albus and Amanda sat down and a few moments later were joined by Rose, who was glowing.

`` Congratulations ! '' Albus announced as his cousin sat down. The others echoed his word.

`` Thanks, '' rosebush replied, `` I was n't sure we were going to win. Heath is n't the smashing captain. I think we just have naturally commodity dueler on our squad. Carter is amazing, although not as unspoilt as you, Albus. ``

`` I 'm just glad I beat him, '' Albus grinned, `` Malfoy would n't consume shut up about it otherwise. ``

`` Glad I 'm not on his team, '' Saint John the Apostle muttered, `` Ca n't believe I lost both my duels. ``

`` You 'll do better next time, '' Albus assured him.

`` At least you did n't wind up in the infirmary extension, '' matt commented, `` I 'm the alone one that did. Figures. ``

trick laughed a bit at this, `` I think you 've got some form of attraction for that station. ``

`` Oh shut it, '' matt replied.

`` That was n't your break, though, '' rose wine pointed out, `` That Slytherin was n't supposed to use that hex on you. ``

`` You 're ok now, right ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Oh, yeah, I 'm fine, '' Matt assured him, `` dame Pomfrey healed my arm in an heartbeat, but she was fretting over me as usual. professor Cedonia convinced her to let me go back for my second affaire d'honneur. ``

`` Good, '' Amanda said, `` I like Professor Cedonia. She reminds me of the teacher I had in primary winding school. ``

`` Me, too, '' Albus agreed, `` She hardly ever gives detention. ``

`` And no exams ! '' John grinned. Albus liked this as well. So far, the only gradation they had in that class were from essays they had been assigned as homework. Cedonia had not given them a single in class test.

`` I 'm not surely I like that, '' rosebush sighed. The four former students looked at her like she was mental.

`` Are you mad ? '' Albus asked.

`` How is she supposed to bed if we 've mastered the charms if she does n't essay us ? ''

`` She watches us in class to see if we 've improved, '' Albus replied.

`` And those essays for homework, '' Matt commented.

`` But those are n't at all what the O.W.L.s will be like, '' Rose reminded them, `` We 've got to get used to taking test in charms. ``

`` Those are three years away ! '' John sighed.

`` Two and a half, '' rosebush corrected him, `` And it 's effective to start preparing early. ``

`` All I know is that I 've learned Thomas More charms this twelvemonth than death year, '' Albus said.

`` Well, I 'm going to ask her about it on Tuesday, '' rose replied.

`` No ! '' Albus and the others shouted at the Saami time. Albus liked Cedonia 's dash of commandment and he did n't want her to start giving them exams like the other teacher did. Without magical spell exams, Albus had LE to worry about. Hopefully, Cedonia would neglect rose wine 's supplication for exams and go forward the way she had been.



A/N : Thanks to my Beta, Dancer of Starlight ! Thanks as well to XDNLxtlz99, sinwillys822, potterfan89, Luke, Denas, ladymblack, and Moonylupin for their reviews !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




Albus was helping himself to some autumn pumpkin juice when the billet arrived on Tuesday sunup. He looked up and noticed a diminished Brown University owl flying towards him. He immediately recognized it as Victoire 's owl. `` Victoire 's sent me something, '' Albus announced as the owl landed next to his plate. Albus took the letter and gave the owl a spell of toast before it flew off.

`` Look, it 's addressed to all of us, '' rosiness commented as she glanced at the letter.

Albus turned the gasbag over, wondering what it could be about. Victoire had sent him a brace letter of the alphabet so far this year, most of them sent along with Amy 's letters to Matt. These usually arrived a couple daytime after the to the full Sun Myung Moon, as Amy always wanted to know how flatness was. Since the good synodic month had been a few hebdomad ago, Albus was rummy as to what Victoire had to order them. He opened the letter and began to understand it. Rose, Matt, John, and Amanda read it over his shoulder.

dear Albus, flatness, rosebush, John, and Amanda,
How have you been ? I hope you 're enjoying class and not making too
much trouble. Congratulations on your successes in the dueling tournament,
especially you, pink wine. I hope there are many great victory to descend. respectable
fortune in your initiatory Quidditch match, Albus. We hope to be able to attend, but
it depends on employment and healer training schedules.

Training has been going well. We 've been attending classes in the sunup
and grooming at St. Mungo 's in the afternoon, like always. Teddy has been
very busy with Auror breeding as well.

By now you 're probably wondering why we 're writing to you now, as it 's not
our usual time to write. We 're not trusted if you read the prophet regularly,
which is why we 're telling you this in a varsity letter. Quinton Willinson was
spotted yesterday-

Albus immediately stopped reading the letter of the alphabet and glanced at his ally. As Albus fell back into his shoal procedure, he had almost forgotten about Washburn and the Willinsons. He felt his fear come back as soon as he read that Willinson had been spotted. Albus returned his centre to the letter without saying anything.

He was spotted in a Muggle small town in Southern England, quite far from Hogwarts. The Aurors are already on his fundament and are tracking him this very
minute. Teddy heard about it while he was at breeding, and we decided to
give you a mind up. Uncle Harry will probably differentiate you as well.

Do n't vex about it too much. He ca n't get into Hogwarts and Uncle Harry
has it under control. ripe hazard with Quidditch, dueling, and socio-economic class, and we
hope to see you soon.

passion,
Victoire, chemise, and Amy

`` I 'd nearly forgotten about Willinson, '' John said darkly after they 'd finished reading the letter.

`` Me, too, '' Albus agreed.

`` It explains why professor potter is n't here, '' lusterlessness commented.

Albus looked up at the staff mesa and noticed that his father was missing. `` Guess so. ``

`` Do n't worry, '' rose wine said, `` I mean, it 's sort of unspoilt that someone spotted him. Before they had no pencil lead, and now they sort of know where he is. ``

`` I suppose, '' Albus replied. He had n't thought of that. But what about the other two ? Were they with Quinton or had they parted style ? Albus just hoped his dad and the other Aurors managed to capture him.

`` Could I see the vaticinator ? '' rosiness asked one of the older scholar who was sitting across from her. The girl nodded and handed her the composition. `` Let 's regain the article. '' Rose scanned the strawman pageboy and found a short-circuit article on the left side of the page. She read it aloud.

`` 'Eighteen-year-old Quinton Willinson was seen near the Muggle town, Hythe, in Southern England early yesterday forenoon. A maven who prefers not to be named in this clause saw him and immediately informed the Ministry. Willinson has been wanted by the Auror department since his attempt on brain Auror and Defense Against the wickedness artistic production teacher at Hogwarts schooling of witchery and Wizardry, Harry Potter, cobbler's last Spring. Five underage Hogwarts scholarly person were also attacked. Willinson, along with his Father of the Church, Jaret Willinson, and the former appeal professor, Jameson Washburn, attacked Potter and the five students on the priming. Potter declined gossip for this article. The Head Auror has informed the wizarding public that all three men are dangerous and not to undertake to fight them. If any of them are seen, the great unwashed are requested to inform the Ministry immediately. Ministry Aurors responded to the sighting and are currently investigating .'''

`` Wow, '' Rose said once she 'd finished reading the article, `` I hope they catch him soon. ``

`` Me, too, '' Albus agreed, `` I 'm beaming he 's so far away, though. ``

`` But they 're going to come back, '' rosebush sighed, `` To recover the, you-know-whats. ``

`` wellspring, hopefully prof Potter will catch them before they get the opportunity, '' lusterlessness replied, `` Anyway, I hope Amy and Victoire come to the Quidditch match. I have n't seen Amy in ages. ``

Albus looked over and saw that lusterlessness was looking a bit sad. Albus knew he and Amy were very close, but had n't really thought about how unlike it must be for flatness this year. Albus did n't think lustrelessness had ever gone this longsighted without seeing her. `` They 'll probably make out, '' Albus assured him, `` And if they ca n't, they 'll jaw when they can. ``

`` Yeah, '' Matt gave a tepid smile.

`` We 'd better get to Charms, '' rose wine announced. The five indorse years got up from the mesa and made their way out of the Great Hall. Albus noticed that Kaden was sitting next to James, talking animatedly about something. James did n't look too well-chosen about this and had the feeling of someone pretending to listen, but not really listening. Albus almost felt bad about Saint James having to administer with Kaden, but not bad enough to make up with his cousin.

Professor Cedonia spent the first half of year teaching the spell for tying place, and during the second half, the course practiced. Unlike last year, Albus thoroughly enjoyed hardheaded lessons in Charms. prof Cedonia did not beware them talking with each other as they practiced, and although she watched their progress, she did n't hover like Washburn had done.

`` apology me, Professor ? '' Rose announced shortly after she succeeded in charming her skid to tie themselves.

`` rose, do n't, '' Albus whispered. He knew she was about to ask if they were going to have got any tests.

`` Yes, Rose ? '' Cedonia walked over to her desk and immediately spotted her perfectly tied skid. `` Oh, wonderful job ! ``

`` Thank you, prof, '' pink wine replied. `` But I was just wondering, are we going to have any examination in this division ? ``

Everyone in the full room stopped what they were doing and looked over at Rose. near of them looked horrified, but a few appeared to also be wondering if they would induce any exam. Since they had Charms with the Ravenclaws, this did n't really storm Albus.

`` Ah, '' Cedonia smiled, `` I was wondering if anyone would ask. I, unlike the other teacher at this school, do not believe in testing student in the conventional way. I prefer to assign essays that are done outside of class, where you are free to use your record book, to value your knowledge of theory. As far as practical exams go, I prefer to assess your progress in class. If I have any belief that you are not mastering the task at hand, I will give you superfluous help oneself until you can get over it. However, in accord with Hogwarts tradition, there will be a virtual test at the end of the semester. The theory exam will be an essay that you can complete using your book, in stratum. ``

`` Oh, '' rose said. She looked a bit stunned. `` All right. ``

`` If you 'd wish an exam, I will produce one for you, but no one else will experience to need it unless they want to, '' Cedonia announced.

`` No, that 's all right wing, '' rose replied.

`` Excellent. I assure you, Rose, that you will have a complete understanding of second base year Charms by the clock time the class is up, and you will be in excellent flesh to move on to third year. ``

blush wine nodded and Cedonia walked back to the front of the room. Albus turned to John and grinned. `` Yes, no exam ! '' he said.

`` Brilliant, '' John agreed, `` I really thought rosiness was going to convince her to test us. ``

`` Well, I suppose she kind of is testing us, '' Matt explained, `` Just in a unlike way. I 've never had a instructor like her before. ``

`` Me, neither, '' trick said.

Albus nodded. All of his instructor in basal school had been like the 1 at Hogwarts, with conventional exams and preparation. `` I went to a Muggle schooling and all of the teacher gave us exams. Rose went to the same one. ``

`` Saame here, '' John Lackland replied, `` normal Muggle school. ``

`` Not me, '' lustrelessness announced, `` I was home-schooled. You can probably approximate why. Amy went to Muggle school day, though. ``

`` All the instructor were like Cedonia at my school, '' Amanda turned around to talk to the boys. `` We did n't sustain exams or degree or anything like that. It was fun. I really liked going to schooling. Except when I made strange stuff happen. people thought I was weird. Turns out I was, but in a good way, '' she laughed.

`` I suppose this will work, '' Rose sighed, `` She is assessing us, just in a different way. At to the lowest degree she 's nice. Everyone seems to like her. ``

`` We do n't really cause any think of instructor this year, '' Albus commented.

`` I had n't really thought about that, '' King John said, `` But you 're right. ``

`` Who knows about following year, though, '' flatness replied, `` We 'll start new subjects and who knows what those teachers will be like. ``

`` Hagrid teaches attention of Magical creature and he 's great, '' Albus told them.

`` What kind of wizard fauna ? '' John the Divine grinned at Matt.

`` Do n't even go there, '' Matt grinned back. `` Amy says the Ancient Runes instructor is prissy. ``

`` Trelawney 's kind of strange, but nice enough, '' Albus commented. `` She teaches Divination. ''

`` No way am I taking that, '' flatness announced, `` I do n't want to know what my futurity holds. ``

`` Arithmancy sounds really interesting, '' rosebush said, `` And Georgia told me the teacher is stern, but not mean. ``

`` Well, salutary, '' Albus replied, `` But we 've got calendar month before we have to settle what new subjects we 'll take. ``

`` I wish I could take them all, '' rose wine sighed.

`` You could, '' Albus laughed, `` But I do n't mean it would turn out well. '' Albus and blush wine shared a jest that the others did n't really understand. Albus saw their confused faces and decided to tell them about Hermione 's third year schedule sometime soon.

******

Harry was back at Hogwarts in time for Albus 's Defense Department class on Thursday. Harry called Albus up to his desk after class. Albus had been anxiously waiting the whole class to see if Harry managed to catch Quinton Willinson. Albus had a feeling he had n't because there was n't any mention of it in the Prophet that sunrise.

`` Hi, Al, '' Harry gave Albus a hug once all the former student left. `` I 'm guessing you know why I left ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus replied, `` Victoire sent us a varsity letter and I read it in the Prophet, too. ``

`` commodity, '' Harry sighed, `` I 'm glad Victoire told you before you read it in the Prophet. I had to leave very abruptly and was afraid you would n't know what happened. ``

`` well, did you catch him ? '' Albus asked. The suspense was killing him and he did n't want to await any longer.

Harry sighed again and put his hand around his son 's shoulder. `` I 'm sorry, Al. He got away. We got some more leads, though. Talked to a few Muggles and a adept who were around when Quinton showed up. I still have n't heard anything about Quinton 's male parent or Washburn. But we 're still searching and it 's only a issue of clip. ``

Albus 's cheek fell and he became more occupy as he realized that not much advance had been made. He had been so sure that his dad would get Quinton this time. But he had n't. Washburn and both Willinsons were still out there. How long would it be until they went back to Hogwarts ? `` What if they come back here ? '' he asked quietly.

`` I 'm not going to deny it. They probably will hail back here. But there is a large amount of money of trade protection around the shoal. Last year, it was wanton for them to be on the soil since Washburn was a professor and Quinton was a student here. They do n't take in that going for them now. And I do n't guess any of them could tread foot in Hogsmeade without individual alerting me or the Ministry. ``

Albus thought about this for a moment and felt a bit better. `` All right. Are you leaving again ? ``

`` Not unless one of them is seen, '' Harry explained, `` The former Aurors have it under control. ``

`` Good, '' Albus smiled. He felt a lot better knowing his dad was at the school day.

`` well, we 'd better header to the Great Hall, '' Harry gave Albus another hug.

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` If we do n't hurry, John will eat all the food. '' Harry laughed and the two of them left the way together.

******

Albus wandered sleepily into the rough-cut way the next week completely tired out from Quidditch pattern. The first match, against Slytherin, was on Saturday and Georgia was having them practice every evening. It had been a drizzly eve and Albus 's robes were soaked. He went up to his dormitory to put away his broom and change. Once he was done, he grabbed his books and went back to the unwashed room to do his prep. When he got there, he could n't find his protagonist anywhere. Albus sighed. Where could they be ? They were n't in the dormitory, Albus had just been up there.

Albus squeezed his way through the crowded common room until he found Bilius and Ethan studying at a nearby table. `` Have you seen King John and Matt anywhere ? '' Albus asked.

`` Oh, hi Albus, '' Ethan looked up from his book. `` How 's practice going ? We 're going to get Slytherin, right ? ``

`` 'Course we are, '' Albus gave a old-hat grinning, `` They 're pathetic. ``

`` Excellent, '' Bilius replied, `` I think John and matt left an hour or so ago. I 'm not sure where. ``

`` Yeah, '' Ethan agreed, `` rosiness and Amanda were with them. Matt did n't look so dear. Maybe they went to the infirmary wing. ``

Oh, yeah ! Albus had completely forgotten that the full-of-the-moon moon was the adjacent Nox. They must have gone to the Room of Requirement. Albus had also momentarily forgotten about the room due to the fact that Kaden was always hanging around them, and they did not want him to acknowledge about the Room.

`` Thanks, '' Albus replied, `` I think I know where they are now. '' Albus waved to Bilius and Ethan and left the room.

Albus walked down the corridor as fast as he could without actually running. He slowed down as he reached the portraiture of Barnabas the Barmy, as there was a prefect roaming nearby. Albus loitered until the prefect turned a recession and then he started pacing in front of the wall. Three footstep later, the door appeared and Albus walked in.

`` There you are ! '' Albus announced after he shut the door. `` I thought you 'd be in the vulgar room. ``

rosebush, John, and Amanda were all furiously scribbling on part of sheepskin and they looked up as Albus came in. matt was sleeping on a nearby chair and did n't point out Albus.

`` We were, '' blush wine said, `` But it was awfully garish in there. Plus, now that Kaden has left us alone we thought we 'd start coming in here again. ``

`` speech sound estimable, '' Albus agreed. He grabbed a chair and sat down side by side to John. `` What are you lot working on ? ``

`` Transfiguration Day, '' John groaned, `` eight-spot inch essay due tomorrow. I 've got four inches so far. ``

`` chronicle of legerdemain, '' Amanda said, `` Also due tomorrow. ``

`` I finished those a while ago, '' Rose commented, `` Now I 'm doing Herbology. ``

`` I still have the account of deception stuff to do, '' Albus said as he pulled out his chronicle book. `` How long has he been asleep ? '' Albus pointed to Matt.

`` Since we got here, '' King John answered. `` Probably just as well since before that he was just rambling about how Malfoy 's going to explore the Whomping Willow tomorrow Nox. ``

`` Why would Malfoy do it at night ? '' Albus asked, `` He 'll get in more hassle if he 's out past curfew. ``

`` That 's what we told him, '' rosiness explained without looking up from her Word of God. `` I think he gets sort of frantic and does n't call up straight at this time of the month. ``

`` You 're probably right, '' Albus agreed, `` But can you fault him ? ``

`` No, not really, '' rose wine sighed.

Albus started to riffle through his account of Magic book, but he could n't concentrate. It was n't past curfew now ; what if Malfoy was exploring the tree right now ? Albus closed his book and started rifling through his bag. He pulled out the predator 's Map and set it down on the table.

`` What are you doing ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Looking for Malfoy, '' Albus replied. Everyone looked up from their work and watched Albus. `` I solemnly swear that I am up to no adept, '' Albus pointed his scepter at the map.

Albus searched the map for a few second before his eyes rested on Malfoy 's dot. He breathed a suspiration of relief as he saw that Malfoy 's dot was currently residing in the Slytherin common room. `` He 's in his rough-cut room. ``

`` Oh, full, '' Rose smiled. `` I really do n't recall he 's going to look into that tree. ``

`` Why 's that ? '' whoremaster asked skeptically.

`` He 'll get in big trouble if he gets caught, '' Rose reminded him.

`` So ? That probably would n't arrest me, '' John laughed.

Albus was relieved that Malfoy was n't currently trying to get into the Whomping willow tree, but he did agree with St. John that Malfoy would eventually try. The thing was, what were the opportunity of it happening while Albus was looking at the map ? Not very high. And what would Albus do if he did see Malfoy near the tree ? Albus had no idea. He sighed as he whispered, `` Mischief managed. '' Albus watched as all the ink disappeared from the map. He still did n't require to do his preparation, but he had to. He started to put the map back in his bag, but the mass of a pocket-size mark on one of the niche made him stop.

Albus slowly lifted the map back out of his bag and stared at the corner. He had never seen any marks on the map after he wiped it strip before. But this mark was so small it could have easily been missed. He peered at the bantam marking until he noticed what it was. It was four paw prints. A wolf, dog, stag, and rat print. It obviously meant the marauder. Albus knew he had seen it somewhere before, but where ? He continued to stare at the paw mark, wracking his mentality to try and remember why it seemed so familiar.

`` Albus, '' Rose was watching him. `` What are you doing ? ``

Albus looked up at the strait of her voice, `` Oh, there 's something on the map. I never noticed it before. It 's a wolf, dog, hart, and rat foot print. Here, look. ``

Rose, John, and Amanda all leaned in to look at the mark. rosebush furrowed her eyebrow and tilted her head as she looked at it. `` Why did the Marauders have this affair stay on the map ? All the other ink disappears. Now it 's just a random piece of parchment with these paw mark on it. ``

Suddenly, Albus remembered where he 'd seen the paw prints before. The piece of sheepskin that fell out of the picture record album in the bonce of Grimmauld Place ! Albus had completely forgotten about that during the track of the school yr. The symbol were exactly the Saame. They must mean something, Albus thought. He jumped up from his bum. `` I 've seen it before ! Remember when we were exploring the attic at my home, Saint John the Apostle ? ``

John Lackland nodded his straits. `` Yeah ... ''

`` And the photo album we found in that box ? '' Albus continued, `` And the piece of parchment that fell out of it ? ``

recognition dawned on Saint John 's boldness. `` Oh ! I 'd forgotten about that ! Do you still have it ? ``

`` Yup ! '' Albus shouted excitedly, `` In my trunk. I 'll go get it ! '' Albus ran out of the room, leaving a very excited Saint John and a thoroughly confused Rose and Amanda.



A/N : Sorry for the cliffhanger, but the future chapter is long and I had to divide it up somewhere.

The thought for Cedonia 's instruction manner and the shoal Amanda used to go to came from a school that used to be near where I live. It recently closed due to lack of funding. But the students did n't have tests or receive class. They also got to choose whatever they wanted to study. It was a really interesting theme and it worked well until it closed. I never went there, but I always thought it was neat.

Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight as well as potterfan89, Denas, XDNLxtlz99, sinwillys822, Luke, and Moonylupin for their reviews !

Be on the lookout man for my young story, animation Is good, which is a prequel to mystery Within that chronicles how Albus, Rose, Matt, John, and Amanda received their Hogwarts missive. I 'm hoping to mail the kickoff chapter sometime adjacent week, as I have Spring Break.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.



Albus ran all the way to the Gryffindor common way, narrowly avoiding another prefect. He went to his dorm, dug through his trunk, and found the parchment. He was so glad he had n't left it in the attic. He knew it meant something ! Albus ran back through the common room, ignoring the unknown stares he was receiving from his fellow classmates. When he got back to the Room, trick was in the process of explaining to pink wine and Amanda about what they had found in the Ionic. `` I 've got it ! '' Albus shouted. He ran back to the table and spread the parchment out on the table.

`` You 're decently ! '' Rose grinned, `` Exactly the same mark. ``

`` But it 's just a space piece of parchment, '' Amanda reminded him.

`` I know, but there 's definitely something mystic about it. Why would the marauder put this symbolic representation on it if it meant nothing ? ''

`` I think you 're right, Albus, '' whoremaster agreed, `` I do n't know much about the piranha, but from what you 've told me, there 's no way this is just a random opus of sheepskin. ``

pink wine looked from the map to the new opus of parchment and back. `` Hmm, I wonder if this is like the map ? Do you think we have to say something to get it to process ? Maybe it 's an wing of the map, Hogsmeade perhaps ? ``

Albus thought for a moment. That kind of made sense. The Marauders frequented Hogsmeade quite a bit, during their full moon jaunts. Maybe they wanted a map of the village as well. `` There 's only one way to find out, '' he grabbed his wand and tapped the piece of parchment, `` I solemnly swear that I am up to no good. ``

Ink spread across the map and Albus 's essence jumped. It had worked ! Albus and the others leaned over the table and watched the ink. But there was something different about it. It was n't forming a map, it was forming words. Once they were formed, Albus stared at them.

'Nice try. Mr. Padfoot would like to congratulate you, as you have obviously found the piranha 's Map and figured out how to use it. However, he assures you that the marauder would not use the Sami incantation for this particular item .'
Albus and rosebush burst out laughing. This piece of parchment was sort of like the map ! There was something magical about it, but it obviously was n't the same as the map. John smirked and shook his head.

Amanda stared wide-eyed at the parchment. `` B-but, I thought h-he was dead ? How can he be talking through parchment ? '' she stammered.

Albus grinned at her. He still often forgot that she was muggle-born. `` It 's magic. The vulture either found or invented some kind of charm that enabled the Marauder 's Map to pass with hoi polloi who try to use it and they 've done the Lapplander affair with this. '' Albus pulled the vulture 's Map in front of him and tapped his wand to it, `` Watch this. I, Albus Severus Potter, demand you to present yourself. ``

Ink appeared across the map, but it was n't the usual ink. John and Amanda stared in awe, as they had never seen the map do this before. Albus and Rose had done this on occasion and they thought it was extremely funny.

'Mr. Moony would like to would like to severalize Mr. Potter to keep his dirty hands off the parchment.

Mr. Wormtail agrees with Mr. Moony and would like to add that despite the fact that Mr. Potter shares a first name with the headmaster, it does not give him the authority do what he pleases.

Mr. Padfoot agrees with Mr. Moony and Mr. Wormtail and would like to add that Mr. Potter 's middle public figure has got to be the most scandalous epithet he has ever heard.

Mr. Prongs agrees with Mr. Moony, Mr. Wormtail, and Mr. Prongs, and would wish to be able to affront Mr. potter 's hold out name, but feeling he is ineffective to do so .'
Amanda and trick started laughing hysterically after they finished reading the map. `` Does it do that to anyone ? '' John Lackland asked.

`` Yup, '' Albus laughed.

`` I did n't eff Kendrick 's 1st name was Albus, '' Amanda commented.

`` It 's not, '' Albus explained, `` When the Marauders were in school, Albus Dumbledore was headmaster. And the piranha hated Snape, so they always insult my gens. Except my granddaddy, he 's never able to wangle it. ``

`` That 's pretty impressive thaumaturgy, '' John said.

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed.

`` You know, '' rose wine began, `` If the vulture did n't want anyone else reading that map, they would have just put a charm on it that prevented anyone except themselves to read it. I reckon they hoped someone would eventually retrieve out how to study it. ``

Albus contemplated that for a moment. rosiness was probably decently. The Marauders were always hoaxer, and they would probably want others to happen the map and use it for mischief.

`` But, '' rose wine continued, `` Do you think they might have wanted another particular that only they could study ? ``

`` What are you getting at ? '' Albus asked.

`` That other man of parchment. Maybe it 's something that the predator did n't want anyone to be able to translate. ``

`` But then we could n't read it, '' Albus sighed. It did form of shuffling sentience that the Marauders wanted something to be private. But then why did they put the same mark on both parchments ?

`` There 's got to be a way, '' can said adamantly.

`` We do n't even know if rose is properly, '' Amanda argued.

`` Even if only the predator could record it, would they still have to say something to bet at it ? '' Albus asked.

`` I 'm not sure, '' Rose replied, `` I mean, there 's probably some kind of illusion that only enables a few people to read it. sort of like a Fidelius Charm for Scripture or something. ``

Albus grabbed the parchment and pointed his baton at it. The only way to find out if something would reveal it was to try. `` Hmm, I am going to get to trouble. '' Nothing happened. `` I want to make mischief. I am going to pull a prank on someone. I promise I will take a crap problem. '' Albus tried many different edition on the incantation for the Marauder 's Map, but zero worked.

`` It wo n't work, Albus, '' Rose said after a while, `` You ought to just do your homework. ``

Albus did n't want to do his homework. He wanted to wee-wee the sheepskin work. Right now, he did n't care about anything else. `` There 's got to be something. ``

`` If it 's something only the Marauders can read, then you 've got to be a Marauder to understand it, '' John sighed.

`` That 's it ! '' Albus shouted. He had been thinking the incantation was like the Marauder 's Map, but it must be something that would essay you 're a Marauder. `` I solemnly swear that I am a Marauder. '' Nothing happened. Albus sighed. He had been so for certain that that would cause worked.

`` Maybe you have to say which Marauder you are, '' John suggested.

`` Oh come off it ! '' Rose shouted, `` There 's going to be some sort of charm on it to see if he really is a vulture. Just saying so is n't going to work. ``

Albus kind of agreed with Rose at this point, but he was willing to try anything. But which piranha ? Prongs. It had to be. Prongs was his granddad. If this was going to work for anyone, it would work for him. He was related to one of the predator. Albus pointed his wand at the sheepskin with his heart and soul beating fast. `` I solemnly swear that I am Messr Prongs. ``

Albus held his breath as he watched the parchment. lavatory, Rose, and Amanda watched as well. Albus 's eyes bugged out as he saw ink appearing across the sheepskin. `` It worked ! '' he whispered. His Friend nodded, but did n't say anything. Albus began to read as the run-in formed completely.

'Messrs Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot, and Prongs welcome you to the marauder 's Map, Second version .'
`` instant map ? '' John looked up, `` I thought there was only one. ``

`` So did I, '' Albus replied. He stared at the parchment as more words appeared across it. whoremaster, rose wine, and Amanda all watched with him, no one saying a word.

'Mr. Prongs disagrees with you and insists that you are not Prongs .'
`` merlin, '' Albus sighed. It had n't worked. The parchment could recognize different people.

`` Wait, '' rose pointed at the lambskin. `` It 's not done. ``

'However, you could be the irregular Prongs .'
`` What ? ! '' Albus looked up in confusion. Was this some kind of joke ? How could there be another Prongs ? And how could Albus be that secondment Prongs ?

`` What is this lambskin ? '' John asked curiously.

`` Either it 's a joke or a highly advanced wizard object, '' Rose remarked. The four supporter continued to watch as more composition appeared.

'When four male child, who are Gryffindors, are linked together through friendship and devilry, they may present themselves as the next propagation of piranha .'
`` The what ? '' Albus stared at the parchment. The next generation of vulture ? What had his grandad and his friends done ?

`` This is incredible, '' Rose whispered.

'These four protagonist must each symbolize one of the Marauders, for if even one is missing, this map will not exploit. Before this goes any further, you must prove that you know the secrets of the Marauders. Prove that you know, and you may continue along the path of discovery .'

'The path of breakthrough ? I never knew you were so poetic, Mr. Prongs .'

'Oh, think me, Mr. Padfoot, I am not. Mr. Moony came up with that whole thing .'

'Then I pay my compliments on the wording to Mr. Moony .'

'Mr. Moony advises that whomever is reading this ignore Mr. Prongs and Mr. Padfoot and take off proving that they know the vulture .'

'Mr. Padfoot agrees with Mr. Moony and also advises that if whomever is reading this has no mind who the predator are, that they quit while they 're ahead .'

'The Marauders wishing you good luck .'

The ink disappeared from the parchment and Albus looked up at his friends. `` What in the figure of Merlin is this ? ``

`` I think it 's something the piranha invented to ensure that they would never be gone from this school, '' Rose said in awe, `` It 's amazing. ``

`` I 'll say, '' Amanda grinned, `` Probably the best magical thing I 've seen yet. ``

`` And I do n't think we 've even discovered the most of it, '' Albus commented.

`` How are we going to regain out the residuum ? '' John asked.

`` Well, I think we 've somehow got to show that we know who the vulture are and that we know their secret, '' Albus explained.

`` We already know their biggest secrets, '' Rose said, `` But how would we turn out it to a bit of parchment. ``

`` I 've got no idea, '' Albus told her, `` I mean, I doubt we can just tell the parchment. ``

`` Why could n't we ? '' can asked.

`` Seems too simple, '' rosebush said.

`` It 's worth a try, though, '' toilet argued. `` Albus ? ``

Albus did n't call up it would knead, but he did n't believe it could really harm anything either. `` Worth a nip. '' Albus picked up the sheepskin and stared at it. This seemed really silly when he thought about it. He was about to talk to a piece of sheepskin. `` Here goes nothing. Let 's see, Moony is a werewolf. Prongs, Padfoot, and Wormtail are all illegal animagi. Prongs is a stag, Padfoot is a dog, and Wormtail is a rat. ``

Albus and the others watched the parchment. A few Holy Scripture appeared on it. Could it have actually worked ?

'Nice try .'
`` I told you it would n't shape, '' rosiness smirked, `` It 's got to be more insidious than that. ``

`` We 'll just induce to think on it, '' Albus replied. He had no thought how they were to raise to the new map that they knew the predator'secrets, but he had to rule out. This parchment was perhaps even more interesting and magical than the Marauder 's Map, and he was going to figure it out.

`` What are you lot doing ? '' lustrelessness sat up and was looking around with a confused look on his face. `` What time is it ? ``

Albus looked up when he heard flatness 's vocalism. Albus had practically forgotten that he was there during the inflammation of the new map. `` It 's about 8:30. We 've got a half hour until curfew. As for what we were doing, well, we 've got a new mystery on our hired man. ``

Albus, John, Rose, and Amanda spent the succeeding few minutes explaining about the new map to Matt. They told him about how Albus had noticed the symbol on the piranha 's Map, how he had gotten the new map to usher the writing, and how they had to prove that they knew the Marauders'secret. Then they showed him the new map.

`` That is brilliant, '' Matt commented.

`` Yup. And we 're going to figure out how to work it, '' Albus grinned. `` Maybe we are the new Marauders. ``

`` Well, I know what we can do while we 're trying to compute it out how to prove we know the Marauders, '' John the Divine announced, `` We 've got to figure out who we 're going to typify. ``

`` Oh, yeah, '' Albus said, `` I guess we each have to be one of the Marauders. ``

`` I think it 's obvious who I am, '' flatness said tiredly. `` I 'm definitely Moony. ``

`` I 'd say so, '' John laughed, `` I 'll be anyone except Wormtail. ``

`` Me, too, '' Albus 's case fell as he realized that mortal was going to hold to symbolize Wormtail. Nobody was going to want to be him.

`` You 're obviously Prongs, '' John replied, `` I mean, you 're his grandson. Plus, you 're a chaser, just like he was. ``

`` That makes signified, '' Albus agreed, `` How about you ? ``

`` He 's Padfoot, '' flatness yawned, `` He 's got to be. He 's patriotic like a dog. Remember that hold finis year in the trophy room, when he yelled at Washburn ? ``

John the Evangelist grinned sheepishly, `` I could be Padfoot. ``

`` Good, '' Albus agreed, `` We 've got Moony, Padfoot, and Prongs. But what about Wormtail ? ``

Everyone groaned. `` I 'm not going to be him, '' rose said disgustedly.

`` You do n't get to, '' Albus told her, `` The map clearly said four boys, four Gryffindor boys to be specific. ``

`` So Amanda and I do n't get to be involved ? ''

`` Hey, it 's not our shift the Marauders wanted it to be son, '' Albus shrugged, `` But you can help us cypher the unscathed thing out. ``

`` Right now, we 've got to observe a Wormtail, '' Amanda said. `` Who else are you three sound ally with ? ``

`` No one, really. Just Bilius and Ethan, '' toilet explained, `` And whomever is Wormtail is going to chance out about Matt. ``

The friends all looked at lusterlessness, whose face had paled at hearing this. Albus had n't thought about that. He did n't want anyone who resembled Simon Peter Pettigrew finding out about Matt. If that 's what it took to find out the secrets of this map, then the map would just stay secret.

`` We 're not doing it, '' whoremonger said adamantly, `` No one like Wormtail is going to incur out that Matt is werewolf. ``

`` And that 's why you 're Padfoot, '' Matt yawned. `` Thanks. ``

`` No problem, '' St. John smiled.

`` You know, '' blush wine began, `` When this map was made, Wormtail had n't betrayed Albus 's grandparents. He was a Marauder. They trusted him. All we 've got to do is find someone who you lot are friends with, not necessarily someone who was like the Wormtail we 've heard of. We just need someone who is even slightly like Pettigrew. ``

Albus thought about this. It could bring. But could they really find someone they could trust enough to bring out mat 's clandestine ? Or, did they even have to reveal it ? Was it possible to do this without telling the fourth individual ? `` Let 's just proceed our eyes out for person who is anything like Pettigrew and we 'll retrieve about it. Who knows, we might not even have to let them get it on about matte, at least not for a while. Is that all rightfield, Matt ? ``

lusterlessness had fallen asleep again and jerked his head up when he heard his gens. `` Huh ? Oh, yeah, that 's all right hand. ``

`` speech sound like a design, then, '' St. John the Apostle said.

`` We 'd better get back to the common room, '' blush wine looked at her picket, `` It 's almost curfew. ``

Albus and the others left the Room and walked back to Gryffindor tug. Albus thought about the new map and what it could possibly hold. It was obviously a more involved map than the Marauder 's Map. Albus could only suppose what was actually on it. The prospect of finding out excited him, but he was wondering if they would even chance out. What were the chances of them finding someone who would be willing to stage Wormtail ? And if they did bump that individual, could they figure out the map without telling that soul that Matt was a werewolf ? Albus hoped so, but he doubted it.



A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight. Thanks as well to Gospel of Luke, Moonylupin, TheAlbusPotterCritic, potterfan89, sinwillys822, Denas, and XDNLxtlz99 for their reviews !

The prequel to Secrets Within, liveliness Is Good, has been posted and the first chapter is up. I 'll be updating it weekly, most likely on Tuesdays.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Over the next few days, Albus constantly thought about the new map. He kept it in his bag all the clip and found himself looking at it whenever he got the probability. He read the clues again and again, hoping to observe something he missed before that would tell him how to prove that he knew the Marauders'secret. Albus found that he could n't really concentrate on anything else. He was sure he failed his Potions trial run on Friday because he had so very much difficulty settling down to study the Night before.

His schooling body of work was n't the only matter woe, either. Albus was also having a unmanageable prison term paying attention during Quidditch recitation. Seeing as the catch against Slytherin was on Saturday, this could n't bear happened at a big time. GA had to scream at him at least five times during exercise on Friday, and he dropped the Quaffle quite a bit.

`` Albus, '' Sakartvelo said once practice was over and everyone was starting to go back to the castle, `` stoppage here for a 2d, I need to talk to you. ``

Albus trudged over to Georgia. She had a ghastly look on her font that made Albus feel awful. He knew he had played horrible during drill, but he just could n't get the map out of his head. `` What is it ? '' he asked, knowing perfectly well what Georgia wanted to talk to him about.

`` Albus, '' Georgia began, `` I know you 're a terrific pursuer. That is why I chose you to be on the team. It was not because you are my cousin. If one of the other people who tried out played ripe than you, they would have gotten in. You know perfectly well that I do not play favorites. ``

This was true. Sakartvelo was remorseless about Quidditch. She was even more so than Samantha Meyers, which was saying something. Albus knew full well that if he continued playing this badly, he would get kicked off the team.

`` You play wonderfully with Fred and Heather, which is why I chose you. You 've had experience working with them, and I thought that would help us. I think I know why your playing has declined over the retiring few days, '' Georgia softened her gaze, `` You 're nervous. ``

Albus glanced up when his first cousin said this. To recite the verity, Albus had n't even thought about being flighty. But he was more than unforced to pick his awful performing on nerve. `` Er, yeah, a bit. ``

`` I understand that. I was extremely unquiet during my first match as well. But you are going to do fine. We 're going to crush Slytherin tomorrow. And we 'll rise all those people wrong who thought I was favoring my family, '' Sakartvelo grinned.

Albus gave a half-hearted smile. He had to terminate thinking about that map, if only just for tomorrow. If not, it could cost him his place on the squad. `` Thanks. I 'll try to calm down a bit. ``

`` good, '' Peach State replied, `` Now let 's get back to the castle. ``

******

Despite Albus 's want of nerves the past few days, he was certainly making up for it on Saturday morning. He woke up with butterfly stroke in his stomach and could n't handle to eat anything for breakfast. Worse yet, he was still thinking about the map. Albus had to focus on this mates. His billet on the squad rested on it.

`` Are you ok, Albus ? '' lusterlessness asked. He had returned from the Hospital annex the previous evening and was looking much better. Judging by his feel of interpreter, Albus suspected that mat looked best than he did.

`` Yeah, just flighty, '' Albus mumbled. He had n't told any of his acquaintance about Empire State of the South 's lecture last night.

`` Well, you 'd better win, '' Gabe bourne, the fourth-year who Albus had beat during try-outs was glaring at him. `` If not, Georgia made a big misunderstanding in choosing one of her cousins over me. ``

`` Shove off, bourne, '' Thomas Bradley sat down across from Albus and glared at Gabe. Gabe turned to glare at Omar Nelson Bradley and then stalked off to the other end of the mesa. `` Do n't concern about him. He thinks he 's best at everything. We 'll show him. ``

Albus nodded, but did n't say anything. Albus was n't nearly as confident as Bradley was. But he knew they had to win that match. If they did n't, Albus would stimulate to lot with bourn, and he did not want to do that. Albus never thought so much would be resting on one peer of Quidditch, let alone his first match.

Soon enough, Georgia announced that the team needed to go to the changing way. Albus 's friends wished him luck as he left with the team. The majority of the Gryffindor board cheered as they left, with Bourne and one of his champion glaring at Albus, but not clapping. Albus changed into his Quidditch robes in secrecy while the quietus of the team talked animatedly around him. It seemed like Albus was the solely one who was queasy about this match.

`` Time to go, everyone ! '' Georgia announced.

Albus grabbed his broom and followed the relief of the squad out onto the sales talk, with his bosom pounding fast. He gazed up at the bunch, never realizing before how many masses actually attended Hogwarts. It was one thing to diddle Quidditch during practice, but in front of everyone ? Albus was sure he 'd strike off his ling and humiliate the total team.

`` Here is the Gryffindor team ! '' Albus heard the familiar voice of Todd Smith booming over the pitch. `` Ryan O'Malley, Albus Potter, James thrower, Bradley Weasley, Fred Weasley, Sakartvelo Weasley, and Heather Weasley ! Georgia is the new master this year, and Albus Potter has replaced Samantha Meyers as pursuer. Will he be able to live up to her bequest ? Only meter will tell. ``

Albus gulped when he heard that. Why did Todd have to say that ? Albus felt as if every eye in the stadium was focused on him. Albus stood next to James as they waited for the Slytherin squad to come onto the athletic field. James sent him a supportive smile that Albus returned nervously.

`` And here are the Slytherins ! Ferris Fielding, Talan Flint, Lance Goyle, Peyton Langston Hughes, Garth Octavius, Hailey Odele, and Thomas Jackson Naiser ! The Slytherins have replaced their searcher since shoemaker's last year. Garth Octavius is the new quester. ``

Albus remembered Georgia telling them this. Glenna Dabney, the Slytherin seeker from last class, had been utterly incapable of catching the Snitch. Albus hoped that Garth would be just as clumsy, but he doubted it.

`` Mount your brooms, '' Professor Oteski announced, `` quick, go ! ``

Albus soared into the air on Oteski 's tin whistle. He took a few deep breathing spell to assoil his head and tried to obstruct out the crowd 's cheering and booing. He glanced around the pitch and saw that Fred had the Quaffle. Albus flew towards the other side of the field of honor in orderliness to get away from Odele, who was flying right next to him. With his faster broom, he was away from her in no time. He could do this, Albus thought.

Albus dodged a Bludger and both Slytherin Beaters as he made his way down the pitch. He got nearer to Fred and Fred passed him the Quaffle. Albus grabbed it and flew towards the Slytherin goal posts. He was almost there when a Bludger collided with his arm. `` Ouch ! '' he shouted as he dropped the Quaffle. He swore and examined his arm. It did n't appear to be broken. It was just a minuscule sore. Albus looked around and saw that Haines had the Quaffle.

Albus flew after him, but he had already managed to score it past both Bludgers and was heading straight towards GA. He threw the Quaffle and it sailed into the left most hoop.

`` Score ! Slytherin scores the number 1 goal of the game, making it 10-0 Slytherin, '' Sir Alexander Robertus Todd announced.

Albus groaned and flew towards the Gryffindor end. He zigzagged through the other actor, dodging both the Bludgers. Albus was very right at maneuvering his broom and avoiding other players. He saw that both Heather and Fred were covered by Slytherin Chasers as everyone waited for the Georgia to throw the Quaffle back into play. Georgia faked to the right and then threw the Quaffle to the left hand. Albus immediately flew towards it, and with his fast new broom, grabbed the Quaffle just as Fielding tried to catch it.

Albus turned his Scots heather around and sped like lightning towards the other end of the pitch. He looked all around him, noticing that the Slytherin Chasers were closing in, while the beaters aimed both Bludgers at him. Albus flew straight up and avoided all of them.

`` Albus thrower is really flying now ! He 's got that brilliant Firebolt 2000 that Peach State has. I believe they are the only two in the school to have one, '' John Smith called out.

Albus ignored Smith 's commentary and continued flying. He passed James, who gave him a thumbs up. Fielding was hot on his tail now. Albus looked around, he needed to pass the Quaffle. Scots heather was open and Albus gave the Quaffle a hard flip. Heather caught it and brought it down to the Slytherin goal position. She threw it at the middle basketball hoop and it sailed through.

`` score ! '' Smith announced, `` Heather Weasley has scored, making the game tied with 10 breaker point each. ``

Albus grinned at Heather and flew to the Slytherin goal position. He waited for Goyle to pitch the Quaffle back out, and let his mind wander to the map. Albus had n't really thought about it at all so far, which was good. Who could they get to represent Pettigrew ? Albus found himself thinking about this all the time. Every soul he passed in the halls made Albus wonder, could he be the one ? No, he could n't, Albus always told himself. Because they 'd never feel anyone. Albus, John, and matte were destined to just be a group of three champion, and that was n't going to knead for the new map. Why would n't it just accept pink wine or Amanda ? Albus thought bitterly. Of course of action, neither girlfriend would hold to representing the traitor that was St. Peter the Apostle Pettigrew anyway.

`` Albus ! '' A tacky voice jerked Albus back into the couple. He looked up and saw that ling was glaring at him. He shook his head and started flying again.

During the residuum of the match, Albus found his psyche drifting more than and more towards the map. He dropped the Quaffle Sir Thomas More than a few multiplication, earning disapproving looks from Georgia. Although he had n't scored a one goal, he did help Heather and Fred score a few each. Unfortunately this was n't enough, and soon Slytherin was ahead.

`` Another goal for Slytherin ! '' Julia Evelina Smith shouted, `` Making the score 120-80 Slytherin ! ``

Albus groaned and looked around at his teammate. Georgia looked tense, Heather and Fred looked determined, Bradley and Ryan looked angry, and James looked like he was concentrating hard on finding the canary. Odele currently had the Quaffle and Albus followed her towards the Gryffindor destination posts. Fred intercepted it as Odele tried to make.

`` Albus ! '' Georgia shouted, `` You can do this ! Just concentrate ! ``

Albus nodded and sped down the pitch. He could do this. He just had to get his head off the map. There would be plenty of time to figure it out later. Quidditch, Quaffle, scoring destination, that was what he had to imagine about now. Fred passed him the Quaffle and he continued flying towards Goyle. Fielding was on his tail again and he passed the Quaffle to Calluna vulgaris, who was open.

All of a sudden, James whooshed by Albus, heading heterosexual person for Ryan. Albus looked over quizzically and realized that King James must receive seen the stool pigeon. Garth Octavius followed James but he was n't agile enough. St. James grabbed the stoolpigeon, which was idling near Ryan 's arm, and pulled out of the prima donna. He held it up with a triumphant grin.

`` Potter has caught the Snitch ! '' Smith announced happily, `` Gryffindor wins with 230 points ! ``

cheer erupted in the stands, with the Gryffindors storming the pitch. Albus landed happily next to James. It was over, his first Quidditch match was over. He breathed a sigh of relief. They had won, Albus was not going to be kicked off the team. He stood there grinning with the rest of the squad as their fellow Gryffindors clapped them on the backs and high-fived them. Albus had never been a fan of this sort of thing before, but he did n't really take care it right now.

`` Great job, Albus ! '' John broke through the crowd, followed by Matt, Rose, and Amanda.

`` Excellent, '' lusterlessness grinned.

`` You were awesome, '' Rose agreed.

`` Good match, '' Amanda added.

`` Thanks, '' Albus smiled, `` But I did n't even nock any goals. ``

`` doe n't matter, '' Matt replied, `` You had quite a few assists, and we won so it 's all serious. ``

`` party in the unwashed room ! '' one of the older students shouted. Everyone else cheered and the crowd started to move slowly to the castle.

`` Hi, Al. '' Albus turned around to see his dad wearing a vast smile. `` You did with child ! ``

`` Thanks, Dad, '' Albus smiled as his dad gave him a hug, `` But I 'll do skilful next time. ``

`` Of class you will. The beginning compeer is always the most nerve-wracking, '' Harry replied.

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, although spunk were only a part of why he had n't played one hundred percent that day.

`` wellspring, I 've got to owl mum and let her bed you 're all right, '' Harry laughed, `` She gets so worried about Quidditch. ``

Albus laughed to himself as his dad left. His mother did worry a lot, although she did have a good reason. His family always seemed to draw trouble, and he was mildly surprised that he escaped his first match with only a small-scale bruise from a Bludger.

Albus walked to the common room with his Friend and when they got there the green room was already filling up. Everyone congratulated Albus as he entered, telling him what a great job he did that day. Albus smiled at them and thanked them, but he broke into a vast smile when he saw Victoire and Amy sitting at one of the tables.

`` You made it ! '' Albus shouted over the noise. `` Did you see the match ? ``

`` Sure did ! '' Victoire replied. `` You were an excellent chaser. ``

`` Definitely, '' Amy agreed.

`` Thanks, '' Albus said, `` I did n't see you on the pitch. ``

`` We left right after St. James the Apostle caught the fink to go to Hogsmeade to get party supplying, '' Victoire gestured to the magnanimous total of intellectual nourishment and butterbeer.

`` What did you do to your arm ? '' Amy grabbed the arm that had been hit with a Bludger early in the match.

`` Bludger, '' Albus answered, `` It does n't suffer much anymore. ``

Amy reached into her robes and pulled out her verge. `` I 'll mend it for you. '' Amy muttered an incantation and Albus 's arm immediately felt better.

`` Wow, '' Albus grinned, `` Does n't hurt at all now. ``

`` Good, '' Amy smiled, `` We 're able to heal shaver cut and contusion right now, although about of the stuff and nonsense we 've learned is theoretic. It 's all quite fascinating, though. ``

`` I 'm glad you like it, '' Albus said. `` How long until you 're therapist ? ``

Victoire laughed, `` Not for another two yr. It 's a long process. ``

`` Although not nearly as long as Muggle doctors, '' Amy told them, `` They 've got to go through eight years of schooling after junior-grade shoal. ``

`` That is mad, '' John shook his headspring, `` Why would anyone desire to be in schooling that long ? ``

`` I would n't mind, '' rosebush grinned.

`` Of trend you would n't, '' John laughed.

`` We 've learned a bit of Muggle medicine, '' Victoire told them, `` Just in case we ever have to treat Muggles. sorcerous healing does n't have much of an force on them. ``

`` I much prefer wizard healing, '' Matt announced, `` Muggles use too many needles. incantation and potions are much better. ``

`` If Muggles use phonograph needle, then I agree, '' John said.

`` It 's not that bad, '' Amanda laughed.

`` I think I 'd rather have person wave their sceptre than have somebody stick me with a needle, '' Albus shook his head. Sometimes he just did n't sympathise the things Muggles did.

`` Ever hear of stitches ? '' matte grinned mischievously.

Albus, rose wine, and Victoire laughed. They had all heard the report of their granddad 's experiment with Muggle stitches. `` My grandpa had them once, '' Albus grinned, `` Did n't turn over out too well. ``

`` What are stitches ? '' John asked.

`` They sew your skin together, '' Matt explained.

`` Sew ? '' John had a disgusted face on his case, `` Like what they do with clothes ? That 's mental. ``

`` Bloody abominable, too, '' matte commented, `` I had them once. I 'll assure you that level sometime. ''

`` Albus ! '' Jesse James walked over to their mesa with a butterbeer in his hand. `` Great low gear catch ! ``

`` Thanks, '' Albus replied, `` Excellent catch. ``

`` Thanks, '' James grinned, `` Ca n't believe Octavius did n't see it. It was glittering in the sunlight. Oh, well, bettor for us if their new searcher ca n't see the Snitch. ``

`` Ca n't reason with that, '' Albus laughed.

`` Listen, '' James lowered his vox and glanced around him. `` What did you do to Kaden ? ``

Albus was startled by the change in conversation. He had n't really thought about Kaden much the past few days. He assumed that Kaden just realized that Albus did not want to be around him anymore and found his own friend. Albus had not really paid much attention to his piffling cousin since he told Malfoy that matt gets purge every month. `` Er, Kaden ? ``

`` Yes, Kaden, '' James sighed, `` He said you were mad at him. Are you still mad at him ? ``

`` Uh, yeah, '' Albus glanced around at his ally, who were all paying close attention. Victoire and Amy were also listening.

`` Ugh, '' James groaned, `` Are you ever going to forgive him for whatever he did ? What did he do anyway ? ``

`` Er, '' Albus looked at Matt and then back at James I, `` He kind of told someone something that I told him to keep smooth about. ``

`` Well, whatever that was, you should nominate up with him, '' James replied, `` He 's been moping around me for the by month and it 's getting on my nerves. ``

`` What do you require me to do about that ? '' Albus asked coldly.

`` Be friends with him again ! ''

`` I was n't really friends with him to get with, '' Albus commented, `` He just started hanging around us. I thought he found his own friends since I stopped talking to him. ``

`` Nope, he has n't, '' King James I groaned, `` Oh, smell, here he comes. ``

`` James ! '' Kaden said, `` There you are ! '' Kaden looked around at Albus and the others. `` Oh, hi Albus. ``

`` Kaden, '' Albus replied.

`` Good job on the friction match. ``

`` Thanks. ``

`` wellspring, see ya later, Albus, '' James stood up. Albus and the others said goodbye. Kaden followed James like a pup dog.

`` Did n't think he 'd lead off annoying Saint James the Apostle, '' Rose commented.

`` Makes sense, though, '' Albus said.

`` I take it you 're not going to apologize ? '' flatness asked.

`` Nope, I told him not to tell and he did anyway, '' Albus said adamantly.

`` I 'm guessing you would n't tell apart us what he did ? '' Victoire asked curiously.

`` Actually, '' Albus lowered his vocalisation, `` I would, if you 'd amount to the elbow room. ``

******

`` It 's been so long since I 've been in here, '' Victoire smiled as she looked around the elbow room of Requirement.

`` I know, '' Amy agreed, `` It 's strange. I was getting used to not being here anymore, but now that we 're back, I 'm starting to miss it. ``

`` Me, too, '' Victoire said, `` But if someone told me that you 'd miss Hogwarts back when you first came here, I 'd never have believed them. ``

Amy laughed, `` I know, but I got used to it. ``

Albus watched them as they reminisced about Hogwarts. He had never imagined that Amy would have disliked Hogwarts. `` Why 's that ? ``

`` wellspring, '' Amy began, `` When I first came here, I missed my old school and my old supporter. Little did I know that I would come to get it on this position even more and take a leak even secure friends. ``

`` All right field, '' Victoire threw herself down on one of the couch, `` What 's this about you and Kaden ? ``

Albus sat down next to her, while his friend and Amy took fundament on assorted other professorship and couches. `` Have you ever met Kaden ? '' Albus asked his cousin.

`` Once, I think, '' Victoire answered.

`` Well, he 's very annoying, to say the least. He thinks everything about the magical humans is howling and that magic can solve everything, '' Albus explained.

`` I 'm guessing you 've tried to secern him otherwise ? '' Victoire asked.

`` Yeah, but he did n't seem to interpret, '' Albus replied, `` Anyway, he latched himself onto me and started following us around everywhere. It got very irritating, but we tolerated it. Then, the day of the first of all full lunation, Kaden got sick and Madam Pomfrey gave him some potion and he was better instantly. This really amazed him and he came back to the common room praising Madam Pomfrey and her potions. He came over to where we were sitting and he noticed how ill lusterlessness looked. ``

`` Oh, Merlin, I can see where this is going, '' Amy sighed and looked at matte, who was looking a bit uncomfortable.

`` Yeah, he insisted that Matt go see brothel keeper Pomfrey. I tried to explain that deception could n't fix everything, but he just would n't take heed. We told him to contain going on and on about healing potions, but he would n't. Matt left hand because he had to go to the Hospital Wing, and I yelled at Kaden. However, the fighting did n't last long because we all agreed that Kaden did n't make love about Matt, therefore he had no idea that what he said was hurtful. I explained to Kaden once again that there were things that magic could n't solve, and that matte had a disease that magic could n't solve- ''

`` You did n't tell him, did you ? '' Amy asked Matt anxiously.

`` Of course not, '' flatness assured her, `` He 's still got no melodic theme. ``

`` commodity. ``

`` After that, we just kind of accepted that Kaden would be around us all the fourth dimension and got used to him, '' Albus continued, `` But then he decided to investigate the Whomping willow tree. ``

`` What ? ! '' Victoire and Amy shouted at the exact Saami clock time. Amy 's face lost all color as she stared at Albus.

`` He did. We were lying around the yard after Quidditch practice session and Kaden wanted to enquire it. We told him numerous times not to, but he did anyway. He got hit a brace times, but eventually he wound up inside the tunnel. ``

Amy turned to her pal with a look of fear on her fount. `` Did he comply it ? '' she whispered.

`` He wanted to, '' Albus answered, `` But I went in after him and persuaded him not to. We got out and Filch caught us. He gave us three exhausting dark of detention, which you already know about. ``

The girls nodded their caput. Albus had owled Amy and explained about the hold on the Astronomy Tower, but had not told her why they were in detention.

`` Right after we got out of Filch 's office, we took Kaden up to our dormitory and persuaded him not to ever count for that burrow again or to tell anyone about it. He said he would n't, '' Albus continued, `` Just like he said he would n't tell anyone that Matt had a disease that could n't be fixed by magic. ``

`` Oh, Merlin, '' Victoire sighed, `` I 'm guessing he told someone ? ``

`` You 're right, '' Albus said darkly, `` He did. For some strange reason, known only to my stupid cousin, he decided to tell Scorpius Malfoy that Matt gets cast every once and a while, and secernate him about the Whomping willow ! ``

`` What ? ! '' Both girls shouted and stood up with tone of wrath on their faces.

`` And Malfoy has been trying to rule out where I go every month and now he 's got more clew. Up until now we 've been telling him that I have to see my sick gran, but that wo n't work anymore, '' Matt explained. `` It 's only a topic of time before he finds out. ``

`` We wo n't let him, '' Amy said adamantly, then she turned to Albus, `` So this Scorpio Malfoy knows about the tunnel under the Whomping willow ? ``

`` Er, we think so, yeah, '' Albus said quietly.

`` Not good, this is not honorable, '' Amy started pacing, `` Have you told any of the teachers ? ``

`` No, '' Matt answered.

`` You 've got to. He ca n't go exploring that tree, he just ca n't, '' Amy told them. `` We 'll go tell Kendrick now. Come on, Matt. ``

flatness stood up, his aspect as wan as Amy 's. `` All rightfulness. '' He reluctantly followed his sis out of the Room.

`` And you 've been ignoring Kaden ever since, '' Victoire said, not as a question, but a fact.

`` Yeah, '' Albus confirmed, `` It 's been over a month now. ``

They all sat in secretiveness for a few moments, all lost in their own mentation. Albus had n't really given Kaden much thought the past few twenty-four hour period. He 'd been much too busybodied thinking about the map. But now, the incident with Kaden was back in the front of his mind. What was Kendrick going to do about Malfoy ? What if he decided that lustrelessness could n't stay in shoal anymore now that hoi polloi knew about the tunnel ? Albus shuddered at the intellection of his supporter being kicked out of school because of what Kaden had done.

`` Albus, '' Victoire said quietly, `` I know what Kaden did was horrible. Hell, I 'm mad at him now and I do n't really know him. But I really think there is more to this than meets the eye. I do n't know why he told Malfoy, but I do n't remember he just randomly decided to assure Malfoy. I really think you ought to think about forgiving him, or at least asking him why he told Malfoy. ``

Albus thought about this for a second. The live on thing he wanted to do was blab to Kaden, let alone forgive him. Kaden might be the reason one of his champion is forced to bequeath the shoal ! If that happens, Albus decided, no way would he ever forgive Kaden. Sure, what Victoire said might be true. There might be some variety of underlying intellect why Kaden told Malfoy, but the fact remains that he told him. And that could n't be changed.

`` I sort of agree with Victoire, '' rosiness whispered, `` I do n't think he really meant to give Malfoy clue about Matt 's lycanthropy. ``

`` I know that ! '' Albus shouted, `` Kaden does n't even know about it ! But I told him not to severalize and he did n't listen. We ca n't trust him with anything ! Everything I 've told him not to differentiate, he 's enjoin someone, and it was Malfoy of all the great unwashed ! You realize that if I forgive him, he 'll start following us around again. He 'll get more funny about Matt and eventually he 's going to retrieve out. And what do you think he 'll do then ? We 'll enjoin him not to say anything, and he will. He 'll probably secern Malfoy. ``

`` I agree with you, Albus, '' John said.

`` Me, too, '' Amanda replied.

`` Fine, '' Rose snapped.

`` Just cerebrate about it, Albus, '' Victoire said as she got up. `` I 've got to be going. Teddy should be home by now and I want to go visit him. ``

`` Where is he ? '' Albus asked. He had been wondering where teddy was.

`` He had some kind of Auror training matter today, '' Victoire responded, `` preparation is jolly vivid. And it 's at all form of crazy hours. I guess they 're preparing him for what it 'll be like when he 's a fully trained Auror. ``

Albus nodded. He knew what that was like. Harry was always leaving at random prison term, only to revert in the dead of night. Aurors had some of the strangest hours he had ever heard of.

`` Of course, my minute wo n't be much adept when I 'm a healer, '' Victoire commented, `` With our hours, we 're never going to get to see each other. Well, I 'll see you soon, Albus and rose. I 'm not sure when, but I 'll definitely see you at Christmas. ``



A/N : Thanks to my genus Beta, Dancer of Starlight and Denas, Jen, sinwillys822, XDNLxtlz99, Gospel According to Luke, and Moonylupin for their recapitulation !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




Albus and his booster sat around the way of necessity for the succeeding half hour, waiting for Matt to come back. nonentity said much, but Albus could tell that they were all worried about what was going to happen. Albus certainly was. Albus looked up sharply as he heard the threshold to the room undecided. `` What happened ? '' he asked immediately.

lustrelessness ran over to his champion with a smile on his side. `` Not much. ``

`` You do n't throw to leave alone ? '' Rose asked.

`` Nope ! '' Matt grinned. `` Kendrick said he 'd ask attention of it and no one 's going to be able to get into the passageway anymore. ``

`` That 's great ! '' Albus replied. He was very lighten. It would not have got been honest for lustrelessness to experience to leave Hogwarts just because of Kaden 's stupidity.

`` Yeah. Kendrick said I should have just told him immediately, though. ``

`` We did n't really imagine of it at the clip, '' John commented.

`` I know, and Kendrick understands. He 's not giving me detention or anything, '' Matt told them.

`` Good, '' Amanda replied.

`` So, '' lavatory said tentatively, `` Nobody can get into the passageway now ? ``

`` Pretty practically. Kendrick did n't really explain, but he told me no one would be capable to get in, '' lusterlessness explained, `` Just me and Madam Pomfrey, I think. ``

`` Oh, '' John said, `` I was kind of hoping we could go explore it some time. ``

Matt turned and glared at him, `` Are you insane ? There 's no way I 'd select you into the scream shack. ``

`` It could have been like our own common room, '' John continued.

`` No way. Nope. Not going to materialise, '' lusterlessness said flatly.

`` All right hand, fine, '' trick sighed, `` Would 've been cool, though. ``

******

The following day at breakfast, Albus was still thinking about the new map. He kept wondering what made it so unlike from the pilot marauder 's Map. Albus was hoping that it would indicate Hogsmeade, along with everyone who was in Hogsmeade.

`` Who 's that old peeress up there ? '' Amanda pointed to the faculty table. There was a short old witch with a patched and frayed hat sitting where prof Longbottom usually sat.

Albus looked up and watched her. For some reason she looked rather familiar, but he could n't put his finger on it.

`` Yeah, and where 's professor Longbottom ? '' Matt asked.

`` Dunno, '' Albus shrugged. He looked up towards the ceiling as the post owls started to arrive. Rose 's family owl made a beeline for her and stood waiting for her to adopt the letter off.

rose wine took the letter and gave her owl a spell of toast. She opened the letter and read for a few minutes before reemerging from behind it with a huge grin on her typeface. `` prof Longbottom 's wife has had her baby ! Her epithet is Lucy capital of Maine. That explains why professor Longbottom is n't here. ``

Albus smiled. `` That 's great. '' Albus had n't seen Hannah since the summer, and she 'd been quite pregnant then.

`` You know, I never really mean about the instructor having kinfolk, '' flatness commented.

`` wellspring, we met prof Longbottom 's wife at the Leaky Cauldron over the summer, '' John pointed out.

`` I know, but I do n't really remember her that well, '' Matt explained, `` I did n't feel too neat that day. ``

`` Oh, yeah, '' John remembered, `` And prof ceramicist obviously has a phratry. '' John grinned at Albus.

`` He does ? '' Albus opened his eyes astray in a flavor of pseud shock. `` I never knew ! ``

Matt laughed, `` I wonder about the other teacher, though. ``

`` I think Patil is married, '' Rose told them, `` Slughorn is n't, but I 'm not sure about the others. ``

`` May I have your attention ? '' Kendrick stood up and banged his spoon against his chalice. `` Thank you. I have two announcements this break of the day. The number one one is that it has come to my attention that a few of you have not heeded my warnings about staying away from the Whomping willow tree. I must severalise you again how grave it is. ``

Albus stole a glance at Kaden, who was steadily turning more pink. Albus glared at him and this made him turn a bright shade of red.

`` As an added precaution, I have put a few wards around it that will inform me when somebody neglect my rules. There will be severe penalization for anyone who is caught around the Tree, '' Kendrick said sternly.

`` On a lighter note, I 'm sure you all have noticed that Professor Longbottom is not here today. ``

Most of the other students started whispering among themselves, no doubt wondering why this could be considered a 'lighter note'.

`` Yes, yes, no motivation to worry. professor Longbottom 's married woman has had a infant girl and he will be gone for a few hebdomad. prof Sprout, who taught here days ago has offered to take his lieu until he returns, '' Kendrick gestured to the older witch.

That 's where he knew her from, Albus thought as Sprout stood up and waved. Albus had met Sprout once when he was much younger.

`` I believe that is all. I hope everyone has a good Lord's Day and is well rested for classes tomorrow, '' Kendrick sat back down.

`` I hope Sprout is nice, '' matte said as he and the others wandered around the grounds after breakfast. It was a very mild day for November and most of the pupil were outside enjoying the weather.

`` She is, '' Albus assured him. `` My parents had her. So did almost of my aunt and uncles. ``

`` Mine, too, '' John said.

`` I 've met her a few times, '' rosebush commented, `` I like her. ``

`` Good, '' Matt smiled, `` It seems like we have n't got any think of teacher this year. ``

The grouping spent the daybreak wandering around the priming coat, putting off the homework they should have been doing. They talked some more about the map, but cipher had any ideas as to how to get it to function or who could map Wormtail. Albus also thought a lot about what Victoire had said. He was beginning to marvel if he should just forgive Kaden. It would certainly be a whole lot loose than trying to avoid him, like he had been doing the past month and a half.

`` I do n't think we 're going to be able to brush off Kaden forever, '' Albus announced as they were laying underneath a beech Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree near the lake.

`` You 've just realized this ? '' rose asked, smirking.

`` Well, I 'd been hoping we could just ignore him, '' Albus told her.

`` You ca n't, Albus, '' rosebush sighed, `` He 's your cousin, whether you like him or not. ``

`` I know, '' Albus replied, `` I 'm getting sick of having to forefend him all the time. ``

`` I still do n't like him, '' can said adamantly, `` I mean, maybe if he 'd learn how to shut his sassing, I 'd like him right. ``

`` Maybe there 's some variety of spell we can use to get him not to talk about things he 's not supposed to, '' Amanda laughed.

`` That 'd be nice, '' Albus agreed. `` So, you think we should forgive him ? ``

`` We probably should, '' Matt replied quietly. `` No one can get into the tree now, and Malfoy 's going to recover out eventually, '' he sighed, `` It 's only a affair of prison term. He 'll line up out whether Kaden gives him clues or not. He 's bright. Kaden wo n't figure it out until someone tells him, but Malfoy will incur out on his own. It 's only a thing of when. ``

Albus stared at his friend. Albus did not consider lustrelessness would ever be well-disposed with Kaden again, but what he said actually made sense. Malfoy was going to discover out. `` It 's all right with you if I forgive him ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Matt said, `` He 's your cousin. If I had any cousins, I 'd want to be favorable with them. ``

Albus sighed. He knew the good affair to do was to just forgive Kaden. Albus knew that as soon as he made up with Kaden, Kaden would commence hovering around them again. He just wished Kaden would find his own friends. But it did n't count like that was going to bechance anytime soon. Every time Albus saw Kaden, he was either alone or with James.

`` Want to go back to the castle ? '' John Lackland asked a little while later. It was starting to get windier and swarm were rolling in. It would probably rain soon.

`` Sure, '' Albus agreed.

`` I 've got to notice Slughorn, '' Rose announced as she stood up. `` I need to babble to him about that last essay. Want to come, Amanda ? '' Amanda nodded and the two girls took off for the castle.

`` Bet she thinks she lost a full point on it, '' John laughed.

`` Probably, '' Albus grinned as the three boys started walking back to the rook. They joined the large mathematical group of students now running towards the rook as it got darker outside.

`` What do you want to do ? '' john asked as they climbed the stairs.

`` Want to go to the Room ? '' Matt suggested.

`` sound good, maybe we can figure out how to bring the new map, '' Albus said. `` After all, once I talk to Kaden, we wo n't be able-bodied to creep off there without him wondering where we are. ``

`` I had n't thought of that, '' John groaned. `` Maybe you should n't talk to him. ``

`` I 've got to, John Lackland, '' Albus sighed. `` He 's my cousin. ``

`` How are you going to sustain him from knowing about the map ? '' lustrelessness asked.

`` No theme. I guess we 'll just have to mess with it while Kaden 's in form. ``

The boy continued their journey up to the seventh trading floor corridor. They were halfway down the sixth floor corridor, heading towards the stair, when Matt stopped in his cartroad. Albus stared at him quizzically, wondering why he had stopped. `` What 's wrong ? '' he whispered.

lusterlessness said nothing but pulled his two friends into a nearby abandon classroom. He shut the doorway and turned to front his protagonist. `` There 's people whispering just around the corner. ``

`` What ? '' Albus asked. He had n't heard anything in the corridor. It had seemed completely deserted.

`` Are you mad ? '' whoremonger stared at him, `` We were the only ones out there. ``

`` I 'm life-threatening ! '' lusterlessness said.

`` No you 're not, '' Saint John laughed, `` I 'm supposed to be Sirius. You 're Remus. ``

mat groaned, `` You know what I mean ! But I definitely heard something. My hearing 's better than yours. ``

`` Oh, right, '' Albus replied, remembering that loup-garou did give ranking audience. `` Well, what was it ? ``

`` There 's at least two the great unwashed out there and one sounds scared, '' Matt explained.

`` Do you think they 're students ? '' Albus asked, immediately thinking of the Willinsons and Washburn. Had they come back to encounter the Hallows ?

`` Yeah, definitely scholarly person. ``

Albus breathed a suspiration of rest. It could n't be Washburn or either Willinson, if they sounded like students.

`` Let 's go investigate, '' John said mischievously.

Albus was undecided if he wanted to go see who was whispering around the corner or not. He was definitely curious, but he did n't want to get hexed. Eventually, his peculiarity beat out his fear. `` All right. ``

`` Hold out your wands, '' matte instructed as he opened the door. The boys crept quietly out into the corridor and walked to the corner. As they got closer, Albus could get to seduce out bits of conversation.

`` Come on ! '' an icy phonation seethed, `` You know more than. Just order us and we wo n't hex you. ``

`` I swear, I told you everything ! '' someone croaked. He sounded like he was shaking.

Albus quickened his pace. individual was going to hex person. He had to terminate them ! Albus vaguely recognized both the representative, but he could n't quite piazza them.

The boys rounded the niche and Albus saw why he recognized the representative. Scorpio Malfoy and Felix Willinson were standing with their baton pointed at Kaden, who was leaning on the wall, his hand shakily holding his wand out in front man of him. Albus stopped in his raceway, and John and lusterlessness did the same. Neither Malfoy, Willinson, or Kaden had noticed them yet.

`` Just tell me what 's beyond the tunnel, Dursley, '' Willinson snarled.

`` I do n't know ! '' Kaden repeated.

`` prevaricator, '' Malfoy raised his verge a little higher.

That was it. Albus could n't abide to watch Malfoy interrogating his cousin-german like that. All his bitter thought toward Kaden flew out the window the moment Albus saw Kaden 's terrified look. Albus ran forward and shouted, `` Expelliarmus ! '' Malfoy 's sceptre sailed out of his hand and landed on the base a few base down the corridor. John the Divine ran forward and grabbed it.

Albus and mat stepped forward as Malfoy and Willinson turned around. `` Well, if it is n't Potter, '' Malfoy squabble. `` What can you possibly want ? ``

`` Quit threatening my first cousin, '' Albus growled. He pointed his scepter at Malfoy 's chest.

`` That can be arranged, '' Malfoy replied, `` If you tell us where the tunnel under the Whomping willow tree goes. ``

Albus did n't break eye contact with Malfoy, but he knew Matt had gone white next to him. `` Why would you retrieve I know where it goes ? ``

`` The Mudblood told us, '' Willinson smirked. `` But he claims he 's got no musical theme where it goes. I think you do. ``

`` Do n't call him a Mudblood ! '' Albus shouted.

At the same time, John shouted, `` Expelliarmus ! '' and Willinson 's sceptre sailed neatly into Gospel According to John 's hand.

`` aspect like you 've got your first cousin 's dueling skills, '' Albus commented. `` Quinton Willinson is your cousin-german, right ? ``

`` Sure is, '' Willinson confirmed. `` Now, will one of you tell us where the tunnel goes ? I 'll let your Mudblood full cousin go if you do. ``

`` I said do n't call him that ! '' Albus shouted, `` And no, we wo n't tell you where it goes. ``

`` Fine, '' Malfoy smirked, `` Guess your cousin will get bewitch. ``

John burst out laughing, `` Good luck with that, seeing as I 've got your wand. ``

Apparently both Malfoy and Willinson had forgotten about that and they stared at each other. Kaden, realizing that neither Slytherin could hex him, stumbled over to where Albus and the others were standing.

`` Dueling in the corridors, '' a panting voice behind them said. `` That 's against the rules. ``

Albus jumped as he heard the phonation and turned around to meet it. It was Filch. Albus groaned inwardly. Why did Filch always have to be around ? He, matt, St. John, and Kaden all exchanged glances as Filch grinned at them all.

`` Follow me, all of you, '' Filch said gleefully.

`` But, Sir, '' Malfoy replied sweetly, `` Felix and I do n't have our scepter. Clearly these four Gryffindors attacked us. ``

`` If I 've learned anything over the years, '' Filch growled, `` It 's that Slytherins are never innocent. ``

Albus stifled a jest as he followed Filch down the hallway. cypher said anything as Filch led them into his cramped office. It was very difficult for the six son to fit deep down and everyone was too close for quilt.

Filch went through his common routine of filling out flesh and filing them in the correct cabinet. He smirked as he filed Albus 's class. `` Seems you 'll take in a Indian file nearly as big as your Father of the Church and grandfather 's by the prison term you graduate. ``

Albus said nothing as Filch continued to occupy out and lodge his phase. After what seemed like an hour, but was probably only a few transactions, Filch finished. `` You 'll have two nighttime 's detention. Tonight and tomorrow Nox. Meet me here. Now get out. ``

Albus did n't have to be asked twice. He was the first one out the threshold, followed quickly by flatness, john, and Kaden. After the two Slytherins left and started heading towards the keep, Albus began to head his Friend up the steps. No one said much as they walked towards Gryffindor tower. Kaden stuck to them like someone had affixed a permanent sticking charm on him, but Albus did n't listen. He needed to verbalise to Kaden anyway. Why were Malfoy and Willinson threatening him ? Was this the understanding he told Malfoy about the passageway in the Whomping Willow ?

When they got to the common room, it was packed. There was hardly any room for them. Albus wordlessly lead them up to his dormitory and shut the room access behind them. John the Evangelist and matt sat down on Matt 's bed, but Albus and Kaden remained standing.

Albus was n't for certain where to get. Should he just say Kaden that he forgave him ? Or ask him what was going on with Malfoy and Willinson ? But before Albus could adjudicate, Kaden started the conversation.

`` I 'm dingy, '' Kaden whispered quietly.

Albus did a duplicate take. Kaden was sorry ? `` For what ? '' Albus asked. Kaden had n't done anything wrong recently. Not since he talked to Malfoy over a month ago.

`` For telling Malfoy, '' Kaden explained. `` I know you 're mad at me and I 'm sorry, '' his voice cracked. `` And I 'm sorry for landing you lot in detention, again. ``

`` Kaden, this one was n't your fault, '' Albus insisted, `` It was Malfoy and Willinson 's faulting. public speaking of them, want to tell us what 's been going on ? '' Albus had n't paid an troy ounce of aid to his cousin since their big fight over a month ago, but Albus was sure that this was n't an isolate incident with the Slytherins.

`` They cornered me, '' Kaden whispered, `` Over a calendar month ago. They knew I hung out with you, and they wanted to have sex if I knew anything about Matt 's, er, unwellness. ``

Albus nodded. That 's why Kaden had told Malfoy. The Slytherin weaseled it out of him. `` Go on. ``

`` And I 'm sorry, Albus, '' Kaden 's eyes watered, `` I really am. They just both pointed their wands at me, and I do n't do it any soundly hexes, and I just got scared, and I know Gryffindors are supposed to be audacious, but they told me they 'd hex me if I did n't tell them what I knew. So I did, and before I realized it I mentioned the Whomping Willow. ``

So that was it, Albus thought. He should have just listened to Victoire. There was a reason Kaden had told Malfoy. Kaden had n't just willingly given him the information.

`` And it was too tardy, '' Kaden continued, `` They were going to hex me if I did n't tell them. So I told them there was a tunnel but I did n't know where it went. They did n't conceive me, though. They 've been trying to get me to tell them about once a calendar week and I get jinx every time. Madam Pomfrey fixes it, though. ``

Albus sighed, `` I told you to tell me if they were bothering you again. ``

`` But you were mad at me, '' Kaden 's voice wobbled, `` I figured you did n't care anymore. ``

`` Kaden, sometimes you do thing that I just do n't understand, '' Albus explained, `` But I 'll always care about you. You 're my cousin and nada can change that. ``

`` I know, and I 'm really regretful about everything, '' Kaden replied, `` I wanted to go on it all a secret, but- ''

`` It 's all right, '' Albus cut him off. Kaden was obviously gloomy about what he had done. Albus was starting to feel really bad that he had ignored his first cousin for so long, especially when he was being threatened by Slytherins. `` And I 'm sorry I did n't listen to you before. ``

Kaden nodded, tears starting to spill out of his eyes. `` You 're not mad at me anymore ? ``

`` No, '' Albus answered, `` Just secernate me next clock time they do that. And try not to enjoin anyone the thing I tell you in private anymore. ``

Kaden nodded and turned to John and Matt. `` Are you two still mad at me ? ``

John and lusterlessness looked at each other and then shake their heads. `` No, we 've been mad at you long enough, '' Matt told him.

Kaden smiled through his tears and looked back at Albus. `` I do n't suppose you 'd recite me where the burrow goes now ? ``

`` Not a chance, '' Albus grinned. Even after all that, Kaden was still his usual odd self, forever affirmative that Albus would actually evidence him all of Hogwarts 's secrets.

`` Did n't think so, '' Kaden replied, `` But it was worth a shot. Anyway, I have n't had a chance to recite you, but I still think football is upright than Quidditch. ``

`` Are you mad ? ! '' St. John the Apostle and lusterlessness shouted at the same time. Both of them had smell of disgust on their faces.

Kaden grinned sheepishly, `` I just think it 's better. You ca n't give up the Quaffle around like they do in football game. ``

John turned his gaze from Kaden to Albus. `` We 've got to fix this, '' he said solemnly.

`` We 'll take on him to the Cup, '' flatness decided, `` No matter where it is. We 'll go and prove to him that Quidditch is best. ``

`` It wo n't alter my mind, '' Kaden replied.

`` Once you see the shank play, you 'll change your mind, '' mat told him as he stood up.

`` The Cannons ? '' John laughed and walked over to the door, `` Are you the insane one now ? ``

`` Not at the moment, no, '' flatness smirked. John and Albus burst out laughing at King John 's choice of run-in and Kaden looked at them confusedly.

`` Another thing I do n't get to bang ? '' Kaden asked.

`` Yup, '' the three other boys said at the same time.

`` Anyway, '' John continued as they left the way, `` The Cannons are the rack up team, you do n't require to see them run. It 's not like they 'll make it to the league Cup. ``

lustrelessness punched him playfully in the arm, `` Do n't diss my team like that. It 's not wish Puddlemre United is doing lots better. ``

This time it was John 's turn to plug mat in the arm. `` Puddlemere is better than the cannon can ever hope to be. ``

John and lusterlessness continued their disceptation all the way down into the common room, with Kaden paying rapt aid. Albus smiled as he watched them. Maybe Kaden could fit in with their group after all.



A/N : Thanks to Dancer of Starlight for betaing for me ! Thanks as well to Denas, sinwillys822, XDNLxtlz99, Rebekah, Moonylupin, St. Luke, and lilausty for their brushup !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




It did n't strike hanker for Kaden to fit himself back into Albus 's group of friends. By the end of the hebdomad, Albus, Kaden, and the others got back to their common function of doing homework in the common way after dinner. Of class, that did not commence until after the boys served their detention with Filch. The caretaker had them clean almost every bathroom in the entire castle. This was a tense affair due to the fact that Malfoy and Felix Willinson were serving the hold alongside them. Albus was quite happy when the detainment was over.

All in all, school was going well for Albus. He was doing well in all his class and Quidditch and the Dueling society were going well, too. Albus managed to shove aside his thought process of the new map during Quidditch, which pleased Georgia greatly. The downside to having Kaden spine was that Albus and his early ally could n't really cabbage off to the elbow room of Requirement anymore, unless they wanted to make for Kaden. They all liked Kaden well enough, but none of them really wanted the untested boy to know about the Room yet. That, and they did n't need Kaden to screw about the map. He did n't even have it off about the even Marauder 's Map. So, Albus had no option but to just think about the map, rather than mess around with it.

As Nov turned into December, Charles Percy Snow fell upon the terra firma and students of all historic period flocked to them to sustain snow ball fight. Albus and his friends took part in quite a few, usually being crushed by the older students. Albus enjoyed these fight immensely, but thinking of the new map were always in the back of his mind. He just wished they could have some time away from Kaden to look into it some more. The opportunity to do just that grow one day in the origin of December. Kaden was not doing too well in Transfiguration and one of the one-time Ravenclaws had offered to tutor him and a few other first geezerhood in the library.

Albus immediately shut his Charms book after Kaden left the common room. `` All right, he 's gone. Let 's go to the elbow room. ``

`` You 're awfully eager for him to leave, '' john smirked, `` I thought you did n't listen him so much now. ``

`` You know I do n't, John, '' Albus replied, `` I just want to mess around with the map. ``

`` Do you think you know how to work it ? '' mat asked.

`` I 've got an approximation, '' Albus said.

`` Let 's go, '' rosebush announced.

The mathematical group left the crowded common elbow room and followed the companion path to the Room. Once there, they took their usual ass and waited for Albus tell them his idea.

`` Well, '' Albus began. He took the map out of his bag and overspread it out on the table. `` I think we should try writing on it. You know, remember what I tried to distinguish the map net time ? I think I should compose that on the map. ``

`` Are you out of your judgement ? '' whoremaster exclaimed, `` What if you ruin it ? ``

Matt and Amanda stared at Albus in shock, but pink wine did n't appear fazed at all.

`` No, listen, '' Albus continued, `` Remember the diary Horcrux ? well, my mum and dad wrote in that and the ink just disappeared into it. ``

`` But this is n't a Horcrux ! '' lavatory said.

`` Have you got any better melodic theme ? '' Albus asked.

`` Er, no, but- ''

`` Then we should just try it ! '' Albus insisted.

`` I agree, Albus, '' Rose announced.

`` Thank you, Rose. ``

`` At to the lowest degree indite it really small, '' Matt suggested, `` That way if it is n't the right way, it wo n't mess it up. ``

Albus nodded. That made sentience. `` All right field. '' He took a oceanic abyss breathing time. `` Here it goes. I solemnly swear that I am Messr Prongs. ``

The familiar ink appeared on the lambskin, telling Albus that he needed to prove he make love all the piranha'closed book. He looked up at his admirer, who were all wearing looks of prediction. Albus grabbed a quill and an ink pot. He poised his flight feather over the parchment and wrote in very lilliputian letters,

'Moony is a wolfman. Prongs, Padfoot, and Wormtail are all illegal animagi. Prongs is a stag, Padfoot is a dog, and Wormtail is a rat .'
Albus put the quill down and stared at the parchment. Everyone watched in concluded secretiveness. The ink disappeared into the map and Amanda let out a gasp. A few moments later, new run-in appeared.

'Close, but not quite .'

Albus let out a loud groan as the words dissolved. `` I really thought that would be it ! ``

`` We 're never going to enter this out, '' trick sighed.

`` doe n't matter anyway, we do n't have a Wormtail, '' lustrelessness pointed out.

`` I think that would suffer been too obvious anyway, '' rose explained, `` It 's got to be something more subtle. ``

`` How do we subtly tell a man of parchment that we know the Marauders'secrets ? '' Albus wondered aloud.

`` Well, '' pink wine began, `` We 've got to think back that these are the Marauders. And I 'm sure they wanted to get it hard for whoever found this map. ``

`` unspoilt point, '' John said.

`` This most likely holds more than information about Hogwarts than the Marauder 's Map did, and possibly Hogsmeade as well, '' Rose continued, `` So we 've got to think about this the way they would 've. ``

Albus had n't thought of that. Of course the Marauders would n't have just had them write something on the map. It was too comfortable. `` Right, so they liked getting in trouble. They would probably want us to do something that might get us in trouble. ``

`` And to the highest degree likely unsafe, '' blush wine added.

`` Dangerous ? '' Amanda repeated, staring at Rose.

`` Definitely, '' Albus confirmed. The more he thought about it, the Thomas More it made sense. The marauder spent their Hogwarts career causing difficulty and doing grave things. They obviously would want people just as daring to be the next Marauders.

`` How can it be grave to try that we know their closed book ? '' John Lackland asked.

`` No thought, '' Albus sighed, `` And it 's got to be something we can put on this parchment. ``

`` What can we put on parchment that shows they were all animagi and a lycanthrope ? '' Matt asked.

`` We could draw paw prints on it, '' bathroom laughed.

blush wine 's face lit up. `` John, that 's it ! ``

`` Drawing paw prints ? '' John stared at her, `` How 's that serious ? ``

`` No, not that. But the paw print idea, '' Rose grinned mischievously, `` We 've got to get a werewolf, stag, dog, and rat paw print onto the map. ``

The idea sounded ridiculous to Albus, but it did look like the form of thing the piranha would do. It would definitely be dangerous to get the paw prints, and difficult as well. Not many mass would actually be capable to get them all. It was subtle as well. No one would birth any idea what the paw prints would think unless they knew the piranha'secrets. The only thing he did n't like about it was the idea of a bunch of animals trampling the map.

They all stared at Rose, who was looking quite happy with the idea. Eventually, Albus spoke. `` Are you sure ? ``

`` Not positive, '' pink wine answered, `` There 's only one way to find out. What do you lot reckon ? ``

`` I think that might be it, '' Albus replied, `` It seems very Maraudery. ``

`` Is that a word ? '' Rose laughed.

`` Probably not, '' Albus grinned, `` But I like it. ``

`` goodness idea, rosebush, '' John the Divine agreed.

`` Sounds like it might work, '' Amanda said.

`` Makes common sense, '' flatness replied.

`` So it 's settled, '' Rose announced, `` We shall put paw prints on the map. ``

`` Wait, '' Albus said, `` I really do n't like the idea of fauna stepping on the map. What if it gets ripped accidentally. ``

`` right point, '' Rose sighed. Everyone thought about this for a few here and now, then Rose had another idea. `` What if we use different pieces of sheepskin and then use a transfer charm to put them on the map ? ``

`` Brilliant, '' Albus grinned. Sometimes, he loved how smart his cousin was. `` Anyone know how to do one ? ``

They all stared at each other and shake their heads. `` Er, that might be a problem, '' Albus sighed, `` I 'm pretty sure enough that charm is well yesteryear O.W.L. ``

`` I 'll learn it, '' rose told him, `` I 'm indisputable I can determine it in the library somewhere. ``

`` We 're lucky you 're such a al-Qur'an worm, rosiness, '' John laughed.

`` All rightfield, so we 're going to try this, '' Albus said adamantly. He was up for trying anything. Even if it did n't make, they would still be making progress. `` rosebush, you start figuring out the transference appealingness, and the rest of us will get the paw prints. ``

`` The dog will be tardily, '' Amanda announced, `` I 've got a dog, remember ? ``

`` Oh, yeah ! '' Albus replied, `` So you can get the dog print over Christmas. ``

`` Sure, '' Amanda grinned, `` It 'll be easy. ``

`` Christmas ? '' John sighed, `` I thought we 'd have it done before that. ``

`` It might take me a spell to work out out the magic spell anyway, '' Rose commented.

Albus had wanted to calculate out the map before Xmas as well, but considering the fact that there were n't any detent in Hogwarts, that would n't be possible. `` I think we can find a rat somewhere in the castle. Probably near the keep. ``

`` Great, Slytherin territory, '' John groaned.

`` I 've seen them in the Potions classroom, '' rose wine said, `` All we 've got to do is swan Petrificus Totalus on one during Potions and sneak it up here. Who wants to do it ? ``

Albus glanced around at his protagonist. He was n't literal fond of rats and would favour not to have to transmit one around in his bag all day.

`` I 'll do it, '' whoremonger said after a patch, `` It should n't be that hard. I just hope the while lasts until I can get it up here. ``

`` It should, '' Rose replied, `` Just try and get up here as soon as possible. ``

`` commodity, '' Albus said, `` We 've got the dog and the rat covered. Next is the stag. That 'll be a bit more difficult. ``

`` There are probably stags in the forest, '' Amanda suggested, `` But we 'd get in trouble. ``

`` That 's what the marauder would hold wanted, '' Albus told her.

`` We do n't have to go to the Forbidden timberland, '' rosiness announced, `` We 've just got to go to a timber. I live right near a forest, Albus and I can try and get the print over Christmas. ``

`` That is a brilliant theme, rose, '' Albus smiled. He did not really desire to go wandering around the Forbidden timber and not just because it was out of boundary. It would be very dangerous to go in there. `` And that just leaves- ''

`` The werewolf one, '' matt whispered. Albus and the others turned to attend at Matt. He had been very quiet over the past few minutes and Albus noticed that he was paler than common. Albus could empathise why. The werewolf paw print could possibly be the most grievous one to get.

`` You know, '' pink wine said quietly, `` This is why the paw impress thing makes so a lot horse sense to me. I highly doubt a even savage mark is going to work. And if this really is the way to get the map to work, the lone way to get a lycanthrope paw photographic print would be if a lycanthrope was at Hogwarts. ``

Albus thought about this and it made hone sense. This would be one way for the Marauders to make sure that the new Marauders would suffer at least one law of similarity to the originals. `` But how do we get it ? We obviously ca n't go into the Shrieking Shack the night of the wide moon. ``

The way fell quiet as everyone tried to think of a way that they could safely get a werewolf 's paw mark. Albus had no idea. They could n't exactly try and stun lustrelessness while he was transformed like they were planning on doing with the rat and the stag.

`` All right, '' matte sighed after a few minutes. `` I 've got an thought. ``

Albus and the balance of his supporter said null but watched as they waited for Matt to elaborate. Albus could severalise that Matt really did n't want to do this, but they had to. How else would they get the map to act ?

`` We go down to the Shrieking shanty a pair off daytime before the full moon and stick a few art object of self-inking parchment to the flooring. Hopefully I 'll pace on one of them and we 'll have a paw photographic print, '' matte explained quietly.

`` That could crop, '' Albus said slowly.

`` But we ca n't let anyone see us, '' Matt told them, `` So we 'll consume to go at Night. ``

`` We 'll get caught, '' rosiness said.

`` Not if we use my dad 's invisibleness cloak, '' Albus grinned. `` I 'll abstract into his work sometime when he 's in class and borrow it. ``

`` Really ? '' Matt half-smiled. `` That would be swell. ``

`` We wo n't all be able to fit underneath, though, '' Albus told them, `` Probably just two of us, three at most. ``

`` You three can go, '' blush wine gestured to Albus, Matt, and John, `` You 're going to be the new Marauders anyway. ``

`` knack on, '' trick interrupted, `` I thought Kendrick put up ward on the Whomping willow tree. How are we going to get in without him knowing ? ``

`` I know how to deactivate them, '' lusterlessness explained, `` Otherwise I would n't be able to get in. ``

`` Oh, right. ``

`` When 's the future full moon ? '' Albus asked.

`` Next week, '' Matt sighed, `` Are we doing it that soon ? ``

`` might as well, '' Albus replied, `` I 'll try and get Dad 's cloak tomorrow. He 's got classes in the good afternoon but we do n't. Then we can lift down to the screaming hovel this weekend. ``

`` perfect, '' Rose grinned, `` And I 'll initiate searching the depository library for the charm. Hopefully we 'll have it figured out right after Christmas. ``

`` Hope so, '' Albus replied. He was excited. They were close to figuring this out ; he could palpate it.

`` Well, I 've got preparation to do, '' rose announced as she pulled out a few books from her bag.

Albus sighed, `` I do, too. ``

The grouping worked silently on their homework for a while, only talking when they needed to ask questions about it. Albus tried his just to digest on his Transfiguration essay, but his nous kept wandering back to the map. He wished they could get the paw prints faster. Albus was very anxious to observe out what this map had in fund for them. Of course, they still had to find someone to be Wormtail, but Albus tried to bear on that opinion from his mind.

`` It 's so quiet, '' John said, tapping his quill on his book.

`` Nice, is n't it ? '' pink wine smiled.

`` Not really, '' toilet replied, `` It 's too muted. I 've variety of gotten used to Kaden 's garishness. ``

`` It is kind of strange not having him around tonight, '' Albus agreed. He had kind of gotten used to Kaden 's constant presence over the past few weeks. Albus would even go so far as to say that he was starting to turn admirer with his cousin.

`` He 's always around us, though, '' Matt laughed, `` He kind of follows us around like a puppy dog. ``

`` He looks up to Albus, '' rose explained, `` To him, Albus ca n't do anything wrong. ``

That 's it ! Albus dropped his quill and stared at rose wine. Of grade ! Why had n't he realized it before ? Kaden did follow them around and practically worship the footing they walked on. Kaden was Wormtail.

`` Albus ? '' Rose asked. `` Are you all right ? ``

Albus shook his head and looked at blush wine. `` I 'm fine. meliorate than that, actually, '' he grinned. `` You 've just given me an idea as to who can be Wormtail. ``

`` Who ? '' John asked anxiously.

`` Kaden. ``

`` What ? ! '' John, lustrelessness, Rose, and Amanda shouted at once.

`` You 're kidding, right ? '' Rose asked.

`` No, I 'm not, '' Albus replied. He did n't see how they could n't understand it. It made utter sensation to him. `` You do n't see it ? ``

`` Not really, '' John said.

`` Just listen, '' Albus sighed. `` for the first time, we 've got to think back what the map said when I told it I was Prongs. It said 'four Gryffindors connected by friendship and mischief'. The three of us are obviously connected through both. '' Albus gestured to toilet and Matt. `` But we need a fourth individual. Since they have to be somehow connected through us, we ca n't just piece a random student. Can you intend of anyone besides Kaden that we have gotten in hassle with ? ``

`` Not really, '' John said after a few present moment secrecy.

`` Right, '' Albus continued, `` And I 'd say we 're supporter with him now. Would you ? ''

John and matt nodded. `` Yeah, I think so, '' flatness agreed. `` I see what you 're getting at. But how is he like Wormtail ? ''

Albus looked at his admirer for a moment before responding. Albus talked the to the lowest degree about Wormtail than all the early Marauders. Obviously, Albus felt a deep hatred for Peter Pettigrew, and this resulted in him not wanting to speak about him. So Albus 's admirer really did n't have intercourse a unhurt lot about him. Just the parts that had to do with him betraying Albus 's grandparents. `` Well, we 've got to commemorate that when the Marauders made this map they were friends with Wormtail. He had n't betrayed them yet. He did experience well character, as much as I hate saying that, '' Albus said grimly.

`` So what are these qualities ? '' trick asked skeptically.

`` Er, I 'm not surely exactly, '' Albus confessed, `` I mean, all the Marauders were drained by the clock time I was born, so there 's not really anyone to tell me what they would be. But my dad has told me some stuff, and it sounds a bit like Kaden. He told me that Wormtail practically worshiped Sothis and my grandpa. ``

`` Like Kaden does with you three, '' Rose commented, a look of realization appearing on her grimace.

`` Exactly, '' Albus said, well-chosen that someone was finally understanding, `` And he used to do whatever they wanted. ``

`` Sounds like Kaden, '' Matt agreed.

`` Definitely, '' John replied.

`` You know, '' rosiness began, `` Wormtail obviously caved under terror and Kaden did, too. ``

Albus had realized this as well, but he really did n't desire to think about it. Albus did n't ever recollect his cousin would betray anyone like Wormtail had done. `` Well, I guess we 've found our Wormtail. ``

`` When are we going to tell apart him ? '' John asked.

`` I dunno, '' Albus had n't gotten that far. There were still voice of him that wanted to go along the map a hugger-mugger from Kaden, but he obviously could n't do that if Kaden was supposed to be the new Wormtail. `` I 'm not for sure how to tell him. I 'm not sure he 'll be that beatify about being Wormtail. ``

`` Oh, I do n't know, '' Rose said, `` I think he wo n't mind as long as he gets to be a character of this. ``

`` The map 's not the but thing we 're going to birth to tell him, is it ? '' Matt said quietly, `` He 's going to get out what I am. ``

This was the contribution that Albus had tried to avoid thinking about ever since he first realized what they had to do to do work the new map. Whoever was going to be Wormtail was going to recover out that Matt was a werewolf, there was no avoiding it. It was division of the reason that Albus had n't really thought about who would be Wormtail. Albus knew Matt did n't want anyone else to receive out. He never even really told Albus and the others. They had found out on their own. Albus knew Kaden would never find out on his own ; he was just too forgetful. He needed to hump, though, if he was going to be a part of this. Otherwise, he could n't really be one of the new marauder. Albus just had a gut spirit about that. But was it worth it to tell him ? Especially when he already told Malfoy everything Albus had told him to hold secret ? Albus sighed, `` I think so. If we 're going to do this, Kaden will own to know. ``

`` We ca n't do it then, '' Matt said adamantly, `` I ca n't tell him. I just ca n't. He 'll tell Malfoy and then the unit of Slytherin will recognize and then soon the whole school will get laid and they 'll secernate their parents and they 'll kvetch and Kendrick will ingest to plain me out. But then it wo n't weigh anyway because all of Wizarding United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland will eff and no one will want to be around me or my family again and it will be just like Australia- ''

`` Matt, '' Albus cut him off. He was getting hysterical. `` calm air down, that 's not going to take place. ``

`` How do you lie with ? '' Matt whispered in a shaky voice.

`` Because Kaden wo n't enjoin anyone, '' rosiness interjected.

`` Not if I do n't tell apart him, '' Matt replied, `` And I 'm not going to narrate him. You lot ca n't either, you promised. ``

`` We wo n't, '' Albus reassured him, `` Not unless you want us to. ``

`` I do n't, '' Matt said in a slightly louder voice.

`` Just listen to me for a minute of arc, '' Rose said loudly. `` Remember what Amanda said about a spell to retain Kaden from giving away anymore secrets ? '' Everyone nodded. `` Well, I 'm jolly sure there is a spell like that, '' Rose grinned.

`` Really ? '' Amanda stared at her, `` conjuring trick just gets better and better. ``

`` Yes. I vaguely think back reading about it in a rule book. I 'm trusted if I went to the library I could find it, '' Rose explained. `` I 'll just look for it when I 'm researching the transference charm. ``

Albus 's Bob Hope soared high-pitched again, `` excellent ! Would you be willing to order him if Rose found this enchantment ? ``

Albus held his breathing spell as he watched Matt think about it. `` I, '' Matt paused, `` Suppose that could work .... But, only if we try out the go with a less important secret first. ``

rosebush nodded, `` Yeah, I could do that. ``

Albus grinned. They were onto something, he could sense it. They would unlock the secret of this new lambskin. Albus was so thrilled with the prospect of finally discovering what the new map held, he could hardly sleep that Night. He was n't the sole one, either. Albus heard lusterlessness and St. John the Apostle tossing and turning all Nox, over the sounds of Ethan and Bilius 's snoring. Although, Albus suspected Matt 's sleepless night was more due to nerves than exhilaration. Judging by the flavour on his face as they went back to the rough-cut room that evening, he was still reluctant to let Kaden in on his full-grown secret.



A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight. Thanks as well to Denas, XDNLxtlz99, Luke, Moonylupin, Lily meet Ginny, and drownzer for their followup !



Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.



When Albus woke up the following morning, he found that he was overcome with nerves about stealing his forefather 's Invisibility Cloak. Albus had been so caught up in the excitement about the map the night before that he had n't really given it a bit opinion. But now that the approximation had simmered overnight, he realized that the programme might go horribly wrong. What had he been thinking ? Stealing the Invisibility Cloak ? That was exactly what Washburn had been trying to do the previous year. Of course, Albus was technically only borrowing the Cloak, as he intended to abstract it back right after he was done with his tardily night stroll to the screaming shack, but still. What if his dad discovered it missing ? Was that even likely ? Albus had no estimation how often Harry used his cloak nowadays. He probably did n't own often use for it at Hogwarts because teachers could drift around wherever and whenever they wanted.

Albus did n't even have it off where his father kept the cloak. He was planning on just trying a summoning charm as King James had done to retrieve the Marauder 's Map. Albus just hoped that the cloak effort would go just as smoothly. Harry still had n't noticed that the Map was missing. Either that or he knew Epistle of James took it and was just letting him keep open it. As Albus 's idea went to the pilot Marauder 's Map, he remembered that he still had n't given it back to King James.

Albus remained distracted throughout his morning family and by the fourth dimension lunch came, he was almost as nervous as he had been for the first Quidditch match. cypher said much as Albus picked at his solid food, well nobody except Kaden. Kaden rambled on about his daybreak form until he had to leave alone for Potions a short patch later. Once he was gone, Albus was free to peach about their plan. `` I 'm not sure if this is going to work. ``

`` It worked for the marauder 's Map, '' Rose reminded him.

`` I know, but still .... ''

`` It 's got to shape, '' toilet insisted, `` How else will we sneak down to, '' he lowered his vox, `` you know, without being caught ? ``

`` There is n't any former way, '' flatness replied, `` We 'll get enchant if we do n't get the cloak. ``

`` We might get caught when we 're trying to slip it, '' Albus commented.

`` No we wo n't, '' lavatory assured him, `` And even if we do, we 'll just be caught by your dad. It 's not like we 'll get in trouble with Filch or anything. ``

`` But we 'll get caught by Filch if we try to sneak out at night without the cloak, '' Matt whispered.

`` right hand, '' john agreed, `` So we 're off to steal the cloak. ``

Albus groaned, `` Does n't anyone else think this might not work on ? ``

`` faith me, Albus, '' rosiness said, `` It 'll work. We 'll sneak the cloak back before Uncle Harry even knows it 's gone. ``

`` He 's leaving now, '' Amanda pointed to the stave tabular array, `` We 'll just await a couple Thomas More minutes. ``

`` I do n't think we should all go, '' Rose announced, `` It 'll look suspicious if we all go into his berth. I think just me and Albus should go. ``

`` Good estimation, '' matt agreed, `` No one will think anything of it if the two of you go into his billet. ``

Albus nodded. That was probably the best way to do it. If all five of them went, chances are they would attain sufficiency noise to attract another teacher. Albus was relieved that Rose was going to go, though. She was much better at summoning charms than Albus was.

`` We 'll wait for you in the Room, '' Matt stood up. John Lackland and Amanda followed courting. `` See you in a bit. ``

`` Bye, '' Rose grinned at them. She and Albus loitered a few mo longer at the Gryffindor table before Rose gestured that it was time to go.

Albus and rosebush had lingered long enough at the table that the corridors were practically empty, save for a few digress scholarly person who were much more enwrapped on making it to class than giving Albus and rose a second glance. They quietly made their way to Harry 's billet, narrowly avoiding Peeves near Moaning myrtle 's bathroom. Judging from the gimcrack cries that were emitted from the john, Peeves had just finished making fun of pitiable Myrtle.

The corridor that Harry 's office was in was entirely deserted when Albus and blush wine descended upon it. Albus was very glad about this. Maybe they would get away with it. Albus tried to spread the door, but it was locked. `` Merlin ! '' he shouted and looked at Rose.

rosiness did n't seem in phased in the least. `` Just use Alohamora. ``

Albus looked at her skeptically. Why would Harry bother to lock his door with a good luck charm that anyone could open ?

`` Just do it, '' rose wine insisted, `` He 's got a spell on there that recognizes his wizard signature. Yours will be close adequate to his that it 'll open for you, too. It worked with James last class. It wo n't influence with me, though. I tried. James II thought it was incredibly funny. ``

`` All rightfield, '' Albus replied and pointed his sceptre at the curl. `` Alohomora. '' The lock clicked and Albus turned the handle. It opened. The full cousin quietly crept inside, carefully shutting the room access behind them.

Harry 's office looked much like it had the last time Albus had been in it. lambskin, books, and other miscellaneous objective were strewn around all over the plaza, cluttering up the desk, lounge, and chair. The bedroom threshold had been left open and Albus could see that that room was just as messy, with robe laying on the bed and copies of the Prophet on the floor.

`` DOE he ever clean up ? '' blush wine asked disgustedly, `` I mean, really. This is spoilt than St. James 's way. ``

`` James gets it from Dad, '' Albus laughed, `` Mum makes both of them clean up but Mum 's not here, so Dad can just do what he wants. ``

`` I 'll bet it 's somewhere in there, '' Albus pointed to the sleeping room and started walking towards it. pink wine followed and soon they were in the tiny chamber. Albus guessed that the cloak was either in Harry 's body or the wardrobe.

rose must induce been thinking the same thing. She wrenched the trunk subject and pointed her wand at it. `` Accio invisibleness Cloak, '' she shouted. Nothing happened.

`` Great, '' Albus groaned, `` It 's not here. ``

`` postponement, '' rosebush said as she crept closer to Harry 's body, `` I 'm pretty indisputable Uncle Harry mentioned that you ca n't use a summoning spell on the cloak. ``

Albus thought for a moment and then remembered his dad telling him that once. `` Oh, yeah. fountainhead, now what are we going to do ? ``

`` We 'll do it the intemperate way, '' rose sighed, `` You take the wardrobe, I 'll take the trunk. ''

Albus shook his head as he stepped over to his dad 's wardrobe. This was going to fill forever. They would certainly get caught before they found it. Albus carefully weeded through his dad 's hooey, being careful to put it all back exactly as he found it.

`` Got it ! '' Rose announced, `` Bottom of the trunk ! ``

Albus felt an immense respite as Rose held up the cloak. They did it ! They actually found the cloak ! goose egg was stopping them now. They were going to detect out the enigma of the second map.

`` There. Told you we 'd get it, '' Rose grinned, `` Now let 's get out of here. ``

Albus nodded, happy to do as rosebush said. He certainly did n't desire to get caught in his dad 's office with the invisibility Cloak. blush wine handed him the cloak and he stuffed it into his robes. Once Albus and Rose were certain that the room looked just as it had when they got there, they quietly left. Neither of them said a word as they walked quickly to the Room of Requirement.

embossment washed over Albus when he made it into the Room a few mo later. They had n't been caught ! Albus 's heart still beat fast with adrenaline as he ran into the room and grinned at his champion. The thrill of what he and Rose had done was starting to hit him. He had taken the invisibleness Cloak. It was the starting time Marauder-like thing he had done. He knew this was exactly what the Marauders had wanted him to do. To break rules and not get caught.

`` Did you get it ? '' John ran over with a glimmer of excitement in his eyes. Matt and Amanda were right behind him sporting identical smiling on their faces.

`` Sure did, '' Albus smiled and pulled the silvery cloak out of his robes.

`` It was incredibly wanton, '' Rose laughed. `` I found it right in Uncle Harry 's trunk. ``

`` Can I hold it ? '' Matt asked in awe. Albus handed him the cloak. `` This is incredible, '' Matt whispered. `` I 'm holding one of the Hallows. I wish I could evidence my dad about this. ``

`` You 'll be able to eventually. My dad just wants to get to bang him first. ``

matt put the cloak on and disappeared from view. He reappeared a few mo later. `` That is so cool. ``

`` Let me try, '' Saint John took the cloak and wrapped it around himself. They spent the next few arcminute passing the cloak around and trying it on.

`` You three ought to see if you fit, '' rose announced.

Albus nodded and took the cloak back from Amanda. John the Evangelist and mat stood following to him as he threw the cloak over their foreland. Albus had been under the cloak with James, Lily, and his cousin before, so he was used to how strangle it was, but his friends weren't.

`` Watch it, '' John snapped as Matt stepped on his foot.

`` Sorry, '' mat muttered. `` This is going to be difficult. ``

`` Can you see us ? '' Albus asked.

`` Nope, '' Rose said, `` Walk around the elbow room a few times. ``

The male child walked slowly around the room, making sure as shooting not to reveal any of their limbs. John and lustrelessness started to get the hang of it after a few minute of arc of pattern and they were soon capable to go a little faster.

`` perfect tense, '' Amanda announced after the fourth time they circled the room. `` I 'm still amazed by that cloak. ``

`` What night should we do this ? '' whoremaster asked after they took the cloak off.

`` I say Sat because I 've got Quidditch practice that morning and I 'm going to make to get some slumber Friday nighttime or Empire State of the South will spend the all time yelling at me to wake up, '' Albus explained, `` That good with you two ? ``

`` Sure, '' John agreed. lustrelessness nodded.

`` Then we 're set, '' Albus replied, `` Saturday dark, we sneak into the Shrieking shanty. ``

`` You 're turning into quite the bother maker, Albus, '' Rose laughed, `` The Marauders would be lofty. ``

******

The next day blush wine decided to start her research on the transfer charm. Albus and the others went with her and it did n't consume farsighted to feel the right book. rose wine found it in a written matter of Advanced charm and after she read a bit about the charm she decided that it was going to be hard but not unsufferable for her to do. She decided to master that charm before trying to discover the appeal to keep Kaden quiet. That one was going to be intemperate to detect since they did n't even fuck the name of it. stand up checked out the Advanced spell account book under the menacing glower of Madam Pince. It looked to Albus like she was just burning to need what they were up to and deny them the book. But, she could n't since the Holy Scripture was n't in the Restricted Section.

Rose spent the next few 24-hour interval trying to forecast the charm out. There was n't lots Albus could do to avail her, so he just did his preparation and watched her. Albus thought the appealingness looked incredibly complicated and he was glad that Rose had volunteered to ascertain it. pink wine was having a bit of difficultness mastering the charm, though. By the time Saturday night rolled around, she still had n't managed to multiply much of anything. Albus kept reassuring her that she would eventually get it. The charm was well beyond the O.W.L. spirit level and it stood to reason that it would be backbreaking for her. This did not suit Rose well and she was quite frustrated by it. If there was one thing that drove Rose mad, it was having trouble learning something.

`` Why do n't you take a gap ? '' Albus suggested while they were in the common room on Sabbatum night. `` You 've been at it for days. ``

`` Maybe you 're right, '' Rose sighed. She had been trying for the past hour to regurgitate her name onto another piece of parchment. `` I 'll just relax for a piece. '' She pulled out her Transfiguration volume and opened it to one of the later chapters.

`` I do n't cognize how you can consider that relaxing, '' John Lackland screwed up his face in disgust.

`` What are you doing anyway ? '' Kaden asked loudly, looking up from his Herbology essay.

`` duplicate course credit good luck charm prep, '' Rose lied.

`` Oh, '' Kaden looked vaguely shocked that rose would postulate spear carrier credit.

`` I 'm doing it for the fun of it, '' rosiness explained.

`` You 'll get it eventually, '' Kaden told her, `` You 're smart. ``

`` Thanks, Kaden, '' rose smiled at him.

Albus had no doubt that Rose would enter the appealingness out eventually. It was just taking her thirster than she expected. Albus was in no bang because the charm would be useless until they got all the paw mark they needed. That would n't occur until after Yule. John had n't managed to find out a rat in Potions on Friday, but he was keeping his middle peeled.

The group stayed in the uncouth way for another couple hours, waiting until it was completely vacuous. Albus thought Kaden would never go to bed, but shortly after eleven he finally gave in to his fatigue and went up to his dormitory. Eventually, Albus and his Friend were the only ones left.

`` fix ? '' Albus asked. Saint John and Matt nodded. Albus rummaged in his bag and pulled out the cloak. `` I 've got the parchment in my robe. I think we 're set. ``

`` Let 's do it, '' John stood up.

`` Good luck, '' Amanda said as the three boys pulled the cloak around themselves. `` We 'll be waiting. ``

`` See you in a bit, '' Rose told them as she held the portrait open for them to leave. `` Do n't get caught. ``

`` We wo n't, '' Albus assured her. `` I 've got the Map. '' Albus was n't nearly as anxious about sneaking out of the palace as he had been about stealing the cloak. And clearly he was breaking more ruler this eventide than he had the other day. He figured it had something to do with the fact that stealing the cloak was something his father would be disappointed in, whereas sneaking out would just get him in trouble with another teacher.

Whatever the cause, Albus felt almost excited about this evening. The only time he had really snuck out after curfew was when he had his first Occlumency dream the old twelvemonth. Tonight 's escapade was a much better circumstance. Besides, Albus was a bit excited about following the burrow to the Whomping Willow and seeing the inside of the Shrieking hut. He felt variety of guilty about this because he knew Matt did n't want them to and was only agreeing to this for the sake of the new map.

Albus motioned for them to stop before they started down the stairs. He took out the Map and scanned it for a couple minutes. Filch was currently striding along the thirdly floor corridor. They would cause to be careful about that. They could easily run right into him. Peeves was flitting around a schoolroom on the fourth part floor, no incertitude wreaking havoc for one of the teachers to fix in the morning. Luckily, all of the teacher were in their power. All they had to worry about were Filch and Peeves. Albus wondered when Filch slept. It seemed that he was always patrolling the corridors.

Albus, St. John the Apostle, and Matt continued their cautious trek down to the ingress antechamber, with Albus glancing at the Map every few transactions. The male child made it down to the third floor corridor without trouble, but Albus immediately noticed Filch creeping along the corridor, muttering about bald-faced baby. Albus gave his friends a worried look as they quietly moved towards the cheeseparing stair character. Albus held his breath as Filch passed them. Filch continued on his way without even noticing the three invisible son. Albus was very happy when they made it onto the second level and even happier when they got to the front door and found that Filch left them unlocked. That was the one affair that could experience gone incorrectly with their programme. grow had tried to instruct him a few more complex unlocking spells but he was n't very good at them and was hoping he would n't need to use them.

`` Made it ! '' John let out a huge breather once the palace doors were shut.

`` Not quite, '' flatness replied.

`` Yeah, but at least we can verbalize now. I wish this cloak would cover up noise, too. Reckon we can take the cloak off ? ``

`` No, '' Albus answered immediately. `` What if one of the teachers is looking out the window ? Or if Hagrid is wandering around ? '' Albus loved Hagrid, but he would n't need to have to explain why he was sneaking down to the Whomping willow tree in the dead of Nox if the lovable half-giant caught them.

The three boy continued along the path that lead them through the land. There was about six in of blow on the ground and the air was bitingly stale. Albus was glad he remembered his cloak, but was still a bit chilly. He continued to crack the Map every couple of bit, but so far the grounds were deserted. Albus had hoped they would be able to walk dissipated once they were on the grounds, but he had been wrong. It was still awkward for the three of them to stay concealed under the cloak and it was even strong now because Matt was slowing down. `` Are you all right ? '' Albus asked after the cloak almost slipped off of him.

`` Fine, '' he panted. `` Just the moon. Let 's keep going. ``

Albus looked from his Quaker 's tired cheek to the sky. The almost entire moon was shining down on the background, illuminating it enough that Albus had n't bothered to illuminate his wand. `` We should suffer done this earlier in the workweek, '' Albus commented, remembering the disastrous custody with Filch the other month.

`` No, I 'm all right, '' Matt assured him, `` It wo n't be wide until Tuesday. ``

Albus looked at him skeptically but did n't say anything else. He and John Lackland slowed down their tread to meet Matt 's, although Albus thought it would be better for them to speed up in order to reach the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree faster. Eventually, they reached the Whomping willow tree. The three boy paused just beyond the reach of the branches and Albus and lav looked to Matt for instructions.

`` We 're not going to be able to get into the pickle wearing the cloak, '' flatness explained. Albus nodded and took it off, stuffing it into his robes. `` All rightfield, '' mat continued, pulling out his wand. `` I 'll just invalid the Montgomery Ward. '' He muttered something quietly and pointed his wand at the tree. Albus strained to listen to the trance but he could n't hear it.

`` Now what ? '' John asked, jumping out of the way of one of the branches.

matt walked around to the early side of the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree with Albus and John following. matte bent over, searched through the coke, and picked up a prospicient stick, stumbling and shivering a little as he stood up. He pressed his hand to his head, wincing a minuscule. `` Headache, '' he answered to Albus and John 's questioning stares. He dodged one of the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree 's outgrowth and stuck the foresightful joystick into the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree 's trunks. The branches immediately freeze down and the Whomping Willow looked just as naturalise as any of the other tree on the grounds. `` Quick, before they start again, '' matte stumbled towards the tree and disappeared down the passageway.

Albus, who had already been in the tunnel once, gestured for bathroom to go first. Albus followed his friends and made it into the hole just as the subdivision started flailing again. Albus and toilet lit their verge and looked around the cramped burrow while lusterlessness put the wards back up.

`` Let 's go, '' Matt announced once he was done.

`` This is honestly passably cool, '' John said in awe as they started down the passageway, `` Kinda spooky, but assuredness. '' lustrelessness sent him a dirty look. `` I mean, besides the wholly wolfman thing, '' John replied quickly.

Albus could see what John meant. It was kind of a not bad tunnel, although very dark and sort of damp. The good thing was that it was slightly warmer than outside. The ceiling was low and Albus had to crouch down a little in order to take the air. There were rock-and-roll and roots along the path, but the whole atmospheric state was quite energise. Albus loved wandering through secret passage and this one was n't any different. He was excited about finally being capable to trace it. His dad had told him about this tunnel and the screech hutch numerous metre, but always said no when Albus asked if he could go explore it. Now he was finally getting to do it. Granted, he was breaking about a dozen school pattern to do it, but it was Worth it.

They followed the tunnel for what felt corresponding at to the lowest degree a one-half hour. The thrill of it was beginning to wear off as Albus got colder. The month of December was not a commodious metre to be doing this. By the time they reached the Shrieking Shack, Albus was set to cringe into his warm four-poster bed and go to sleep. John 's turmoil had waned as well and he was looking disgruntled from the long, chilly walk. Matt, despite the fact that they were no longer being pelted by the moonlight, did n't attend much better than he had earlier. He looked incredibly exhausted and was breathing as heavily as if he 'd just run a marathon.

`` How do you possibly name it here before the full moonshine ? '' John asked, out of breath. `` You 're practically falling asleep by the sentence you go down here. ``

`` I 'm ... not really ... sure, '' Matt replied in between breaths, `` Madam Pomfrey ... helps. ``

`` wellspring, next time I ca n't sleep I 'll just walk up and down this a few meter, '' John joked.

`` In. Here, '' flatness panted as he opened an old looking door that creaked as he opened it. Albus and Saint John quietly followed him through it, into a very flea-bitten looking room.

Albus was shocked at what he saw. Broken furniture lay everywhere, a lot of it covered in dried blood. There was n't anything that remained unbroken. art object of tables, president, and couches were all over the billet with bite grade on them. There was a staircase nearby that looked like it had been gnawed on legion clock time. Albus swallowed as he realized that his friend was the one who caused all the damage.

`` What did all this ? '' John asked slowly.

lusterlessness glared at him. `` Use your brain, '' he snapped.

John looked from him to the fail furniture and back again. `` Oh, '' he said quietly, `` Sorry. ``

`` It 's all rightfulness, '' lusterlessness sighed and sat down on the story near the fireplace. He leaned his head against the wall. `` See why I did n't really want you to come here ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus and John nodded.

`` It 's one affair for you to make out what I am, '' mat continued, `` But another to see what I actually do, what I could do ... '' his vox trailed off.

Albus knew what he wanted to say, but could n't. What he could do if he was n't in the screaming Shack during the good moonlight. `` But you 're not really you then. You 're the wolf. ``

`` I guess, '' Matt said quietly.

`` You know what we could do, though, '' whoremaster replied, `` Become Animagi. ``

`` What ? ! '' Albus and Matt shouted at the same clip.

`` Become Animagi, '' Saint John the Apostle repeated, `` If we 're trying to get the next Marauders, we might as well do it properly. ``



A/N : Bit of a cliffy ! But I had to get down a new chapter somewhere. Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight. Thanks as well to XDNLxtlz99, potterfan89, Moonylupin, smirkyhaha, Denas, myself, and St. Luke for their revaluation !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Albus had to take on the view did get across his psyche every once in a while. But really, it was n't very realistic. Yes, the Marauders had done it, but they were golden it had worked out all right. There was a reason that hardly anyone could become an Animagus and why you had to be registered with the Ministry. Plus, they were only second years. The vulture had n't done it until their 5th year. They were exceptionally overbold, too. well, three of them were. Albus did n't believe he was anywhere near good enough at Transfiguration to pull it off. Rose was probably the exclusively one of them who had a chance at succeeding. And even though rose did not pause to break prescript when she needed to, there was no way she would agree to this. `` Oh ejaculate on, bathroom, we ca n't be Animagi. ``

`` Why not ? '' trick asked, `` The vulture did it. ``

`` They were really smart, '' Albus explained, `` I 'm definitely not that smart. And what did you get on your finale Transfiguration test ? A 50 or something ? ``

`` 55, thank you, '' John corrected him, `` And we 'd figure it out. mount could facilitate us. ``

`` But this is n't as simple as figuring out a spell for family ! '' Albus shouted, `` It 's severe. What if we ca n't change back ? What if we get stuck halfway ? rose does n't know everything. Even she would have fuss with this. ``

`` It 's worth the peril, '' john said adamantly, `` I do n't care if I mess up a few times. I 'll just try again. ``

`` That 's the thing. Sometimes when you mess up, you do n't get the fortune to try again. My dad explained this all to me over the summertime. He talked to me about becoming an Animagus as soon as school was over survive year because he knew the opinion would cover my mind. He 'll know if I try and he wo n't let me do it. I 'd consider trying when we 're honest-to-goodness, but definitely not right now. ``

John sighed, `` It would be neat if we could, though. I mean, we would be the ultimate new vulture then. Imagine if we could even change into the same animals the Marauders were. I fancy myself as a dog. ``

`` I could see that, '' Albus agreed, relieved that privy seemed to live with the fact that Albus was n't going to budge on the consequence. `` I do n't experience if I 'd be a stag, though. Maybe a fox or something, I dunno. ``

`` Can you see Kaden as a rat ? '' John asked, grinning.

Albus smirked, `` Not really. He 'd probably be one of those yappy dogs, not a big cool dog like you 'd be, but a lilliputian chihuahua or something that 's always barking and jump. ``

`` Definitely, '' John laughed, `` It could n't hurt to research Animagi, though. I mean, if anyone asks we could say it 's for extra course credit. ``

`` My dad would see right through that one, '' Albus told him.

`` doe n't weigh, '' Matt said quietly. He had been exceptionally hushed ever since lav had first mentioned the idea. `` You ca n't become Animagi with me on the total moon. ``

`` Why ? '' John asked. `` We know it 's dangerous. I do n't manage. ``

`` It 's not that. You think I have n't thought about you lot becoming Animagi ? That my parents have n't thought about doing it ? Amy ? They have. My parents have ever since we found out Wolfsbane did n't run for me. Amy has ever since she first saw me after a transformation. My parents actually started working on it. But then they decided to make me do the Wolfsbane study instead. You see, if anyone is with me as an Animagus on the full synodic month, I wo n't offend myself and it 'll seem like the potion actually worked. It 'll mess up the field big time. My parents decided it would be better for me to see a potion that would work than to bear to trust on other mass 's Animagus ability. They even forbade Amy from trying it ; she was n't very felicitous. ``

Albus had n't thought about that. He was actually a picayune relieved. He did n't want to become an Animagus behind his dad 's spinal column. It was one thing to steal the invisibility Cloak for a couple twenty-four hours, but to pussyfoot around as an animal every full moon Sun Myung Moon ? That was just too secretive for Albus 's liking. He hoped that bathroom would give up on the estimation now.

`` But if the study ever ends without finding me a potion that works, I wo n't terminate you from trying. ``

`` strait fair, '' John replied, `` How long does the discipline go ? ``

`` No melodic theme. Probably at least another two yr. It all depends on how many different bod of Aconitum lycoctonum people come up with, '' flatness closed his middle and leaned his point against the wall again.

`` Headache still there ? '' Albus asked. Matt nodded without opening his eyes. `` Let 's precipitation up, then. Where should we put the parchment ? ``

`` elbow room behind the stairs, '' mat shakily stood up. `` That way dame Pomfrey does n't see it. ``

`` We 'll do it. You stay here, '' John gently pushed his acquaintance back onto the floor. `` How a great deal sheepskin should we put down ? ``

`` How much did you bring ? ``

`` About a half roll, '' Albus pulled a partially used bun of parchment out of his cloak.

`` All of it, then. luck are most of it will get ripped. ``

Albus nodded and stood up. He walked over to the stairs with John following and saw the lowly elbow room Matt was talking about. It was also filled with various broken pieces of piece of furniture. `` We should n't have done this tonight. I did n't even believe about the moonshine. ``

`` Me neither, '' John shook his head as he bent down to proceed some of the article of furniture aside. `` But it 's not as bad as the sentence with the detention. I think he 'll be ok. ''

`` Yeah. He can sleep all tomorrow if he wants, '' Albus commented as he ripped man off the roll of parchment.

`` Him and me both, '' whoremonger yawned. `` Was n't expecting the tunnel to be that long. ``

`` Me neither, but it is a long way from the reason to Hogsmeade, so it makes sentience. ``

Albus finished ripping the parchment and the two boys each took a heap to append to the storey. It took them a few minutes and once they were done, the room was covered in pieces of parchment.

`` I can see why he did n't require Madam Pomfrey to see, '' John laughed as he re-lit his wand.

`` It would definitely raise some inquiry, '' Albus lit his own wand. `` Let 's just desire this whole works. I ca n't see any former way to safely get a werewolf 's paw photographic print. ``

The two boys took one more look at the parchment coated room and then went back to the magnanimous principal elbow room. Matt was right where they left him, leaning against a partially broken president. Albus nudged him awake.

`` Finished ? '' Matt yawned.

`` Yup, let 's get back to the castle, '' Albus helped his friend up and the three of them left the shack.

The trip back through the tunnel took a lot longer than when they were going to the shack. All three male child were incredibly tired and the shiver had worn off for Albus and John. Albus glanced at his watch as they neared the end of the tunnel and saw that it was nearly 1:30. He was very glad they had done this on a weekend.

`` It 's harder getting out than getting in, '' flatness said tiredly as he removed the wards. `` Whoever goes first has to dodge the branches and then advertise the knot on the body for the former two. ``

Albus and lav looked at each early, for both of them knew Matt was too exhausted to be able to dodge the branches properly. `` I 'll do it, '' Albus told him, `` I 'm making you get the rat. '' Albus climbed up the wall and crawled out of the hole. He was immediately hit in the shoulder with one of the flailing offshoot. `` Ouch ! '' he shouted as he groped the automobile trunk for the knot. His hand made contact with it and the offset immediately froze. `` You can come out now, '' he whispered through the passageway.

Albus stood aside and pulled the invisibility Cloak out of his cloak. matt appeared out of the hole first and shuddered as the moonlight hit him. John was compensate behind him and the two of them got under the cloak with Albus once Matt re-set the wards.

`` You ok ? '' John asked Albus once they were back on the track leading to the castle.

`` Yeah. Just got me in the berm, '' Albus replied. His articulatio humeri stung and he could sense some rakehell dripping down his arm, but he could n't go see Madam Pomfrey. She would know immediately what gave him the injury and would no doubt insist on knowing what they were up to.

The boys trudged along through the cold nighttime air. Albus looked up to the sky and saw that thickheaded cloud were moving in. It would probably snow soon. Of course, Albus would be much too tired the next day to enjoy it, so it did n't often matter. It was worth it, though. Within a few daylight they would have one of the four paw mark needed to unlock the arcanum of the new map.

A little while later they reached the castle room access. Albus glanced quickly at the Map and saw that Filch was up on the 6th floor and Peeves was in Moaning Myrtle 's lav. No one else was wandering around. Albus grasped the handle of the threshold and pushed. It did not stir. He tried again, but no luck. `` Filch must 've remembered to lock up it ! '' Albus muttered.

`` Try one of those enchantment Rose taught you, '' Gospel According to John suggested.

Albus nodded and pointed his wand at the handle. He muttered a magic spell but the room access remained locked. He tried a few more, but none of them worked. `` I think we 're locked out ! '' Albus said in a frightened tone.

`` We 're locked out ? '' privy questioned and pushed the door himself, `` What do we do now ? ``

`` What do you think we 're locked out ? '' lustrelessness groaned, `` It was just unlocked a yoke minute ago ! ``

`` I know it was, '' Albus replied anxiously, `` Filch must 've locked it ! ``

`` We ca n't outride out here all night ! '' lusterlessness 's voice cracked, `` We 'll freeze ! ``

Albus swallowed hard as terror filled his body. What were they going to do now ? Albus had been worrying mostly about getting out of the castle and into the tunnel without getting caught that the thought of being locked out had n't even crossed his intellect. I mean, what were the hazard of the door being unlocked when they left and locked when they came back ? But what would they do ? They could n't rest out here, it was freezing and would pull the wool over someone's eyes soon. All three of them were shivering. `` Any chance either of you knows how to conjure a Patronus ? '' Albus asked, thinking of the only way he knew to reach Rose and Amanda.

`` Are you mad ? '' John asked. `` We 're only second years. ``

`` Well, have you got any bright idea on how to tell pink wine and Amanda we 're locked out ? ``

King John thought for a minute before answering, `` You could let out into the broom shed and steal a ling. Then fly it up to Gryffindor tower. ``

`` Now you 're mad. I 'll get seen by someone. What if one of the professors is looking out their window ? Or one of the student ? ``

`` Wear the Invisibility Cloak, '' John the Divine replied.

`` Then you two will get seen. And if I 'm wearing the Cloak then pink wine and Amanda wo n't see me. ``

`` Oh, right, '' John sighed. `` How about Hagrid ? ``

`` Then we 'll get in trouble, '' Albus reminded him, although unless they did n't think of something else soon, they would have to go to Hagrid's.

`` Well, we 've got to think of something soon. He 's got to get away from the lunar month, '' John gestured to Matt who was leaning against the doorway and breathing heavily.

`` The moon 's almost covered by cloud, '' Albus pointed out, `` But then we 'll have to worry about being snowed on. ``

`` Wonderful, '' John Lackland groaned. `` Maybe we can curl up in piles of snow like beast do and prevent warm that way. ``

`` Very funny, '' Albus said flatly. He was really starting to get worried now. What would happen if they did go to Hagrid 's ? They 'd surely get in trouble, but how a lot ? Would they just get detention or would it be high-risk ? Points would be taken away for sure, and that would not go over well with the other Gryffindors.

`` Hey, waiting ! '' John 's face brightened a bit, `` What about the Shrieking Shack ? We could just go back there and spend the nighttime. Then we 'll pussyfoot back in tomorrow morning after Filch has unlocked the room access again. ``

`` That 's ... that 's, '' Albus thought about this for a moment. `` Not actually a bad idea. We 'll be inside and we wo n't get caught. ``

John grinned. `` Let 's go, '' he poked mat in the side.

`` What ? '' flatness opened his eyes.

`` We 're going back to the hut, '' King John explained.

`` Great, '' matte said sarcastically, `` I get to spend another Nox there. You two could n't total up with a unlike idea ? ``

`` Nope, '' John answered, `` I 'd say it was pretty brilliant myself, so unless you 've got a comfortably one, we 're going. ``

flatness sighed, `` Oh, hunky-dory. But we 're not making a riding habit of this. ``

`` Me and Albus are n't, '' St. John laughed, `` But you already do. ``

`` Oh, shut it, '' Matt groaned, `` Let 's just go. ``

Albus could n't help but find a flyspeck bit excited about spending the night in the shanty. It would definitely be the worst thing he had ever done, as far as breaking regulation was concerned. He also felt anxious about it. What if they did get caught ? What if Rose and Amanda started to get apprehensive and told someone about their plan ? Albus pushed that thought out of his mind. rosiness would n't do that, would she ? She would if she thought they were in difficulty. But they were n't in that big of trouble. The three of them would spend the Nox in the shack and that would be that. When good morning came they would sneak back into the castle and no one would be the wiser. This might actually be kind of fun ; it was thrilling and a tad bit severe. Something the Marauders would have done. Who knows, maybe they even had done it on occasion.

The trip back to the shack, though exhausting, was uneventful. John, like Albus, had a look of hullabaloo in his eyes when the three of them entered the shack once more. lustrelessness looked like he did n't care where they were, as long as there was some place he could sleep.

`` This is jolly cool, '' John grinned, `` Spending the night in Hogsmeade. ``

`` It 's going to be frigidness, though, '' Matt shivered, `` There are n't any heating charms in here. ``

`` Warmer than outside, '' Albus commented as he stowed the cloak back in his robes. `` Are there any light in here ? ``

`` Nope, '' flatness replied. `` We 'll just give birth to keep our verge lit. ``

`` What do you require to do now ? '' John asked with a looking of mischief on his brass, `` So many opening in this place .... ''

`` How about we go to bed ? '' lustrelessness suggested sarcastically.

Albus, although excited about spending the nighttime in the shanty, was extremely tire and all he wanted to do was sleep. `` Are there any seam here ? ``

`` One, '' mat answered. He led Albus and lavatory up the stairs and into the only bedroom. There was one large bed and a press, both surprisingly still entire. `` They 're charmed to be indestructible, '' lustrelessness answered Albus 's questioning look.

John hopped onto the bed and started jumping on it. `` Now we 're talking ! This bed is excellent for jumping. ``

`` Ca n't say I 've ever tried it before, '' matt joined him on the bed and started jump as well. `` You 're right, it is quite overnice for jumping. ``

Albus jumped up with them and agreed. The bed was ripe for jumping. Even better than James I 's. James, Albus, and Lily had spent many hr jumping on St. James 's bed, always to be interrupted and yelled at by their female parent. The male child continued jumping on the bed and goofing off for a couple mo. Albus smirked to himself as he remembered a story his auntie Hermione had told him about monkeys jumping on a bed.

`` What 's so amusing ? '' King John asked.

`` Just wondering who 'll be the first to come off and break his mind, '' Albus laughed.

`` What ? '' lav asked and Matt started to laugh as well.

`` It 's a Muggle news report, '' Albus explained and proceeded to severalize Saint John the story of the monkeys.

`` It 's amazing what Muggles come up with for stories, '' Saint John the Apostle shook his head and jumped off the bed, landing on his metrical unit like a cat. `` I do n't think any of us are going to break our nous. ``

`` Mine feels like it 's broken, '' matte announced as he jumped off the bed. He did n't bring down as gracefully as John and fell on his arm. `` Ow ! ``

Albus jumped down next to him. `` You ok ? ``

`` Yeah, '' mat pointed his lit baton at his arm. `` No pedigree. ``

`` Good, '' John replied.

`` We should probably go to bed now, '' Albus suggested, `` We 've got to be up early so we can pinch back in before a lot of people wake up. ``

`` There 's more blanket in the wardrobe, '' Matt yawned as he got back on the bed and curled up beneath the blanket that was already on the bed.

Albus and John each grabbed a dyad mantle and got into the bed alongside lusterlessness. It was a unspoilt thing the bed was so big, Albus thought. It was much vainglorious than the four-poster bed in Gryffindor.

`` He 's already at rest, '' John commented as he lay down.

`` Good, '' Albus replied, `` Maybe his headache will go away. Good night. ``

`` 'Night. ``

******

Albus woke up the following morning to splinter of lightly shining through the boarded up Windows. Boarded up windows ? There were n't boarded up windows in the student residence. Albus 's eyes shot open and he glanced around at his surroundings. Oh, rightfulness. The remembering of the late nighttime flooded Albus as he realized that he was in the Shrieking hut. Albus sat up and yawned. He felt more bore this morning than he had the old night. One look at his watch told him why. It was only seven o'clock, he had only gotten about four hours of nap. Just as well, Albus thought. They had to get back to the castle quickly anyway, if they wanted to lift back in without anyone noticing.

Albus nudged whoremonger awake and winced. He pulled up the sleeve of his gown and saw that the cut from the Whomping Willow looked thoroughly disgusting. It was probably taint and would necessitate a trip to the hospital wing. Albus shook lav with his uninjured arm. `` John, wake up ! ``

`` No, lem me sleep, '' King John groaned and turned away from Albus.

`` Get up or we 'll get caught, '' Albus pushed him again.

`` Do n't care, '' John murmured.

`` I 'll campaign you out of bed, '' Albus warned. John the Divine muttered something incoherent and did n't move. `` You asked for it, '' Albus muttered and rolled John over to the sharpness of the bed. He gave him one final examination nudge and bathroom fell off the bound of the bed with a loud thump.

`` What the hell ? '' John shouted, sitting up with a dazed looking on his face.

`` I told you to get up, '' Albus leaned over the bed and laughed. `` We 've got to get back to the castle or somebody 's going to see us amount out of the tree. ``

`` Oh, fine, '' Saint John the Apostle grumbled, `` But I 'm going back to bed once we get back. ``

`` You and me both, '' Albus agreed and got out of bed. He picked up the spare blankets and stowed them back in the press so Madam Pomfrey would n't get suspicious.

`` You going to press him off the bed too ? '' John the Evangelist pointed to Matt 's sleeping form as he stood up.

`` No, '' Albus replied simply.

`` Where 's the justice ? '' bathroom muttered.

Albus grinned and shook Matt awake. `` We 've got to get back to the castle. We 'll sleep Sir Thomas More there. ``

Matt groaned and got out of bed. `` I think I 'd rather just stick here. ``

`` I would n't propose it, '' John Lackland responded, `` Albus pushed me off the bed when I did n't get up. Can you believe that ? ``

Matt laughed and looked from John to Albus and back again. `` Yes. ``

The boy left the hutch quickly and started the long journey back to the Whomping Willow. All three of them were dragging and Albus was very glad that he did n't birth any year today. He had prep, but he was n't even going to call up about that until he got at least another six hr of eternal rest. One promptly check of the map told him that the sea-coast was clear-cut before they emerged from the tree.

The three of them donned the invisibility Cloak as soon as lustrelessness was finished warding the tree and they set off for the palace. Since it was still early, the only one on the undercoat was Hagrid. There were several more inches of blow and by the time they boys were back at the palace doors, their robe were wet and they were shivering. Halfway to the castle, it had started sowing again.

`` Rose and Amanda are in the Great mansion, '' Albus pointed to their two Zen on the map. `` But hardly anyone else is, and no one 's in the Entrance Hall, so I think we 're right. '' Albus pushed the doors open and the three invisible son slipped inside. Albus immediately pulled the wet cloak off of them and hid it in his gown. `` We should probably go talking to Rose and Amanda. ``

`` I 've got to go see lady Pomfrey sometime, '' matt told them, `` My arm still hurts, look. '' He pulled the sleeve of his robes up and showed them his pitch blackness and drab arm. `` I do n't think it 's broken, but it still hurts. ``

`` My shoulder still hurts, '' Albus replied, `` I guess I 'll have to go, too. ``

At that consequence, rosiness and Amanda left the Great entrance hall and stopped a couple feet away from the boys. lav pointed to where they were and Albus turned around. Both missy had a combining of substitute and wrath on their faces. rosiness was fuming by the clip she stomped over to Albus. `` Where. Were. You, '' she demanded.

`` Er, '' Albus mumbled. He never liked being on the receiving end of his cousin 's anger.

`` Room, now, '' rose wine seethed and stalked off towards the stairs with Amanda at her side.

Albus, John, and Matt followed wordlessly. All estimate of going to the Hospital Wing were driven from Albus 's judgment. Of form, after seeing Rose, he would much rather have been bombarded with interrogative about his shoulder joint than going to the Room with his cousin.

Nobody said a countersign until they were in the Room. Albus, John, and Matt sat side by side on the couch, but rose wine and Amanda remained standing in strawman of them. `` Explain yourselves ! '' Rose shouted.

`` We- '' Albus began.

rosiness cut him off, `` You know what ? I think I 'll narrate you about our night first ! We were plenty worried about the three of you sneaking off to the Shack in the middle of the nighttime, but it had to be done. What former choice did we have ? It was secure than the option. How else were you going to get the paw print ? I thought the plan would work. We had it all set. You three would sneak down there and put the parchment on the storey and then sneak back up. simpleton. '' rosebush stopped and began to pace around the room.

`` There were all form of things that could 've gone wrong, '' Amanda picked up where blush wine left off. `` Filch, for one. Or one of the teacher. Peeves, even. Or how about when you got onto the grounds ? There are all sorts of animals wandering around at nighttime. Not to mention the Whomping willow tree itself. ``

`` So what were we supposed to retrieve when you three never showed up ? ! '' Rose raised her voice even higher, if that was possible. `` If you had been caught by Filch or a teacher, you would 've came back to Gryffindor eventually ! BUT YOU NEVER DID ! ``

`` But Rose- '' John pleaded. Albus sent him a admonition tone. He knew it was never dear to interrupt blush wine when she was on a rampage.

`` Shut up, lav ! We thought some kind of animal had you ! Or even worse, that Washburn had come back for the Hallows and found you and nobble you or something ! Then you sneak back into the castle this morning, looking like you 've just been at a political party or something !

`` You kept us up all nighttime worrying, when you probably just decided to have some fun finale night. You know I was this close to telling Uncle Harry this morning. I wanted to finish night, but Amanda convinced me to await until morning. Of class now I wish I had n't waited. Maybe a couple detentions would teach you not to stay out all night ! ``

`` Rose, '' Albus said tentatively, `` Just let us explain. ``

`` Go ahead, Albus, '' Rose glared at him. `` Convince me that what you did finally dark was n't just stupidity. ``

`` We got locked out, '' Albus explained, `` The threshold to the palace were n't locked when we left, but Filch must 've locked them after we were out of the castle. I tried all the appeal you taught me, but none of them worked. So we decided to drop the Nox in the screeching hovel. And you 're right, it was form of fun. ``

rosebush and Amanda stared at him, dumbstruck. Neither of them said a Holy Writ for the next minute. Albus and the former male child did n't dare say a word either. `` Well, '' Rose said quietly, `` Er, that does explain things. I 'm, uh, sorry I yelled at you. ``

`` It 's all right, '' Albus assured her.

`` But Albus ? '' Rose began, `` You could 've just gone to the Owlery and sent me a quick line telling me that you were locked out. Then we would 've at least experience what was going on. ``

Albus, John, and lusterlessness turned to look at each other. Albus felt his cheeks turning red. Of path ! Why had n't he thought of that ? The only means of communicating Albus had thought of was a Patronus. But the answer was there all along, a simple owl. He could have got just made a immediate trip to the owlery before they went back to the Shack.

`` We 're retard, '' bathroom muttered softly.

`` Yes, but you 're our changeling, '' rosebush laughed. `` Now, are you going to tell us about your little adventure ? ``

Albus, John, and matte spent the side by side half hour relaying every detail of their trips to the shriek Shack the previous nighttime. Rose and Amanda both found it very harbour, especially the part about Albus pushing King John off the bed.

After they were done telling the story, all five of them went to the hospital wing so Albus and flatness could get their wounds healed. Madam Pomfrey was sitting at her desk when they arrived and the Aaron Montgomery Ward was completely deserted of other patient role. She took one look at the Gryffindors and came bustling out from behind the desk. `` You lot again ? What have you gotten yourselves into this metre ? ``

`` Just these two, '' privy pointed at Albus and Matt.

dame Pomfrey took one arduous look at mat and announced, `` You were outside last night. Was soul giving you custody ? ``

`` Er, no. ``

madam Pomfrey looked at him for a few seconds longer and sighed, `` Go sit down on a bed, both of you. ``

Albus and Matt sat down on one of the beds and gentlewoman Pomfrey returned a few bit later with a tray laden with potions. She told matte to drink them all, which he did. `` My arm 's all bruised, too, '' matt pulled up his arm, `` I tripped over a book. ``

Madam Pomfrey clucked her tongue and pulled out her verge. She had his arm healed in an instant. `` I trust you 'll get some sleep today ? Or do I have to make you delay here ? ``

`` I 'll catch some Z's, I promise, '' mat replied quickly.

`` What about you ? '' the nursemaid turned to Albus.

`` suffering my articulatio humeri, '' Albus answered, not elaborating on the depicted object. He pulled up his sleeve to reveal his wound shoulder.

ma'am Pomfrey studied it for a minute, then she cleaned it. Albus winced as the potion she used on it stung. The nanny looked at the trauma for a niggling while longer and she looked from Albus to lustrelessness and back again. `` I know how you got that, '' she replied.

`` Er, '' Albus stuttered. Great, after all that, they were still going to get in trouble.

`` Whatever you boys did last night, do n't do it again, '' Madam Pomfrey said sternly, looking Albus and then matt in the eye, `` I wo n't order Professor Longbottom this time, or your father, '' she said to Albus, `` But next time I will. ``

Albus breathed a sigh of relief as Madam Pomfrey healed his shoulder with one swift moving ridge of her verge. He 'd ingest no trouble keeping his word to the nurse. There was no way that he was going to repeat last dark. wellspring, unless they needed to for the map. But he 'd try hard not to get hit by the Whomping willow tree adjacent time.

`` You 're all set, '' Madam Pomfrey announced, `` Now go get some quietus, both of you. ``

Albus nodded as he stood up. He would give birth no problem doing that. He was practically falling asleep as he walked. The group went back to the common room and the boys immediately headed for their dormitory. Albus changed into his pyjama and climbed into his quick four-poster bed, feeling very satisfied that they had n't been caught at all.


A/N : Thanks to my genus Beta, Dancer of Starlight ! Thanks as well to XDNLxtlz99, sinwillys822, Denas, Alex, Luke, smirkyhaha, Moonylupin, and hermionieforever for their reviews !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


By the time Albus woke up it was already dinner meter, which was good because he was starving. John and Matt woke up shortly after Albus did. All three of them were feeling often honorable now that they 'd draw a the right way sum of money of sleep.

`` fix to do that again ? '' John asked as he was putting on his shoes.

Despite the fact that Albus did possess fun on their adventure lastly night, he did not want to reduplicate it. `` Are you mental ? '' Albus glared at him.

`` Kidding, kidding, '' John laughed.

`` You do substantiate that we 'll throw to go get the paw print, '' Matt reminded them.

Albus and John looked at each early. The truth was, Albus really had n't thought about that. `` Er, ca n't you just bring in with you back to the rook ? ``

`` I 'm usually unconscious mind, '' matte replied, `` But I can try. ``

Albus really hoped lustrelessness would be able-bodied to get the paw print. What were the chances that they 'd be able-bodied to slip down to the hut again and not get caught ? Surely Filch would n't bury to interlock the doors twice. Plus, what would happen if they get locked out again ?

`` Albus ! '' a loud vocalisation shouted as soon as Albus, toilet, and Matt descended into the common room. Kaden came running over to them with his common look of turmoil in his eyes.

`` Hey, Kaden, '' Albus greeted him. `` We 're just going to dinner. ``

`` Me, too. I 'll go with you, '' Kaden fell into step alongside Albus. `` Where have you lot been all day anyway ? ``

`` Uh, sleeping upstairs, '' Albus replied.

`` Really ? '' Kaden asked skeptically, `` Because I asked rosiness if you were in your dormitory room and she said you were n't. ``

`` I assure you we were, '' Albus laughed.

`` Hmm, well, I wonder why she told me you were n't. ``

`` Who knows ? She 's a lady friend, they do strange things, '' John said.

`` Why were you sleeping, though. It 's the day. ``

`` We were tired, '' Matt answered simply.

`` Why ? ``

`` Stayed up tardy doing homework finis night, '' Saint John the Apostle lied, `` We 've got a ton of it and there 's still more to do tonight. It 's what happens after low year. They bombard you with even to a greater extent homework. ``

`` surmisal I 've got that to look forward to, '' Kaden sighed, `` Oh, well. ``

The boys did expend their entire evening doing all the homework they had n't done the night before. Kaden stared at them the whole prison term, no doubt mentation of side by side year, when he would have to spend his whole weekend doing homework. Albus felt sort of bad that they told him that and he was now kind of dreading his second yr, but he 'd witness out soon enough that that was n't true. What else could they have told him, though ? They could n't say a news about the new map until rosebush found the appeal to keep him quiesce about it.

******

The day of the full moon came quickly and Albus could n't condense on any of his classes. He could only opine about the map, and how they would be one whole step closer to revealing it after tonight. He would also soon know if another tripper to the shack was going to be necessary. Of course, it may be that More than one more than trip-up would be needed, if they did n't get the footprint tonight. There was the possibility that all the parchment would be destroyed. Albus did n't want to retrieve about that, though. He just clung to the thought that they would be capable to get a paw print tonight and that Matt would be capable to bring it back the succeeding morning.

Matt skipped his afternoon classes and spent the time sleeping in the room of requisite. Once Albus and the others had finished dinner and snuck out of the Great hallway before Kaden noticed, they went up to the elbow room. They did n't have much fourth dimension before flatness had to go to the hospital wing and all four of them wound up taking him there.

`` Now that I know how long that tunnel is, I feel even sorrier for him, '' John said quietly on their way to the common room.

`` I know what you mean, '' Albus replied, `` I do n't know how he does it. He could barely get to the hospital wing. ``

`` Hi, guy ! '' Kaden shouted once they entered the common room. Albus, Saint John, pink wine, and Amanda went over to the mesa Kaden was sitting at, which was strewn with parchment and Scripture, and sat down. `` Where 's lustrelessness ? '' Kaden asked.

`` Sick in the hospital flank, '' Albus told him.

`` Oh, '' Kaden said, `` Because of that disease I was n't supposed to tell anyone about ? ``

`` Right, '' Albus confirmed. His cousin-german could be so dense sometimes. Albus pulled out a few of his books and tried to concentrate on his prep. Kaden kept babbling on and on about some potion that he was going to be brewing the next day, which he was very excited about. Albus tried to tune him out, but he could n't. Albus had a feeling even if Kaden was n't running a cyclosis commentary about his potions course he still would n't be able to decoct. His whole mind was consumed with intellection about the map. He sighed and closed his book. None of his homework was due tomorrow anyway. `` I do n't really experience like doing preparation tonight. ``

`` I never do, '' John the Evangelist muttered and continued writing his DADA essay that was due the adjacent day.

`` Hey, Kaden ? '' Albus suddenly got an theme that would occupy both his and Kaden 's eventide. `` Ever played chess ? ``

`` Yeah. My mum taught me. ``

`` Ever played Wizard 's chess game ? '' Albus grinned at him.

`` What ? '' Kaden 's boldness lit up, `` hotshot have their own Bromus secalinus ? ``

`` Sure do, '' Albus replied, `` I 'll instruct you. Be right back. '' Albus ran up to his dormitory and rummaged around in his tree trunk until he found a cheat card, his chessman, and an old set of chess piece for Kaden. When he got back, Kaden was looking even more agitate than when Albus left him.

`` What are we going to do ? '' Kaden asked excitedly.

`` frolic chess. It 's pretty much like Muggle Bromus secalinus, but with some divergence. You remember how to run Muggle chess ? ``

`` Yeah. ``

`` wellspring, with champion 's Chess everyone has their own chessman. These are mine, '' Albus held up his white chess piece. `` You 'll see why when we play. You can use this spare set. I think it used to belong to my Uncle Percy. '' Albus handed Kaden the set of fateful chessmen.

`` Are you any good at chess ? '' Kaden asked, `` Because I 'm not. ``

`` I 'm all right field. Not as good as St. James, and not nearly as good as pink wine. My Uncle Ron, rosebush 's dad, is the best at it. No one 's ever able to perplex him. ``

`` Do we just set them up like normal ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus replied as he set up his own bit. `` whiteness goes first. Oh, and you do n't be active your pieces. Just differentiate the man which outer space to move to. ``

`` differentiate them ? '' Kaden repeated, `` What do you think, secernate them ? ``

`` Just watch, '' Albus put down his final piece and muttered instructions for his instrument to move two squares ahead.

`` Whoa ! '' Kaden stared in awe as the white pawn moved by itself. `` They 'll do that if I tell them, too ? ``

`` They 're supposed to. But they might not require to since they 're not used to you. Try it. ``

Kaden told one of his instrument to affect forward two foursquare and it did so without hesitation. Kaden was completely shocked by this. `` This is way better than habitue chess. ``

The biz continued for a few more than minutes and then one of Kaden 's cat's-paw wound up in the path of Albus 's castling. Albus commanded the rook forward and it completely smashed Kaden 's pawn.

`` Whoa ! '' Kaden shouted so loudly that half the common room turned around to count at him. `` Your castle killed my pawn ! That 's mental ! How do you use them again ? ``

`` There 's a spell to touch on them, '' Albus explained.

`` Will my spell obliterate yours ? ``

`` Yup. ``

A few turns later, Kaden got the chance to parliamentary law one of his pieces to kill one of Albus 's. Kaden 's face was full of glee as his bishop smashed one of Albus 's pawns. The secret plan continued and Albus started to get the feeling that Kaden just liked watching the piece of music destroy each other. This became especially unmistakable when Kaden only had his king, a knight, his castles, and three cat's-paw left. Albus was only missing one castling, both bishops, and five or so instrument. Kaden 's chessmen were not very well-chosen about this and his queen and knight actually got into what appeared to be a heated controversy about whether or not they were going to continue to mind to Kaden. Eventually, his king flat out refused to travel and Albus won by nonpayment. Nevertheless, it was one of the most laughable biz of chess Ablus had ever played. Saint John, Amanda, and even Rose gave up on their homework and watched the shoemaker's last theatrical role of the game.

`` I think you need your own chessman, '' Albus told Kaden as he repaired the broken composition. `` I 'm not sure if these will be willing to take heed to you anymore. ``

`` well it 's no wonder, '' rosiness commented, `` All he did was differentiate them to walk right into death traps. ``

`` It 's funny to see them get crushed, '' Kaden explained.

`` Maybe adjacent fourth dimension you 'll actually try and win, '' rose smirked.

`` Maybe, '' Kaden shrugged. `` I think I 'll ask for chessmen for Christmas. ``

`` That would be a secure idea, '' Albus replied. `` I only hope that you treat them comfortably than these ones. ``

******

Albus did n't sleep very well that night and he was very tired the future morning. All he could recall about was the paw print and whether or not their design worked. Luckily Albus only had two year that day and then he would be able to go see Matt.

`` We 're going to the hospital wing after this, right ? '' John whispered to Albus during a mind numbing History of Magic lesson. Binns was currently droning on about the story of the captivity of House hob. Rose was the only one paying attention, although Albus had no theme why she bothered. Both of them already knew everything about the history of business firm pixie, having been lectured about it by rosiness 's mother.

`` Yeah, '' Albus said back, `` Do you want lunch first ? ``

`` Of course I do. This is me you 're talking about. But let 's build it fast. ``

`` I should n't stimulate bothered asking, '' Albus laughed.

`` How much longer until this is over ? '' Amanda turned around and looked at Albus. She was sitting at the desk in front of him and whoremaster, with Rose.

Albus glanced at his watch. `` fifteen mo. But it 'll experience like thirty. ``

`` Why do we need to know about House Elves anyway ? '' Saint John asked

`` They 're an important part of wizarding history ! '' Rose replied impatiently and returned to her notes.

`` It 's boring, though, '' John responded and flicked a piece of parchment at the Hufflepuff sitting at the desk next to him. `` We should learn about something more exciting. Like the Giant Wars. ``

`` Binns 'll seduce even that boring, '' Albus pointed out.

`` Anything 's better than this. ``

`` Even the history of caldron and their effects on wizarding society ? '' Amanda laughed. That moral, which had taken office the late year, had been the defective one yet. Albus was sure everyone, including Rose, had fallen asleep during it.

`` Never mind, '' John groaned. `` I do n't even want to think about that one. Or the 14 column inch essay we had to drop a line on it. ``

`` Mr. Beeton, Mr. Pewter, and Miss Torker, '' Binns said monotonously, `` Is there something you 'd like to share with the class ? ``

`` No, sir, '' John the Evangelist replied.

`` goodness, goodness, '' Binns continued, `` And in 1866, British House Elves started to experience contact with the American mansion Elves, which resulted in a variety of House Elf unity .... ''

`` killing me now, '' John muttered.

`` Five Sir Thomas More minutes ... '' Albus sighed.

`` I think Binns was around during all this House Elf stuff and nonsense, '' Amanda whispered.

John snorted, `` That 's probably why he likes history. He was there when it happened. ``

`` This is worse than maths in Muggle shoal, '' Amanda told them.

`` I hate maths, '' John agreed, `` I 'm sword lily we do n't own to bring them here. Mum taught me some and it was atrocious. ``

`` I take it you two wo n't be doing Arithmancy succeeding twelvemonth, '' Albus grinned. He was not planning on taking that class either.

`` No way, '' John shook his head, `` I 'll bet Kaden would like it, though. ``

`` He likes everything, '' Albus laughed, `` He probably even likes this category. ``

`` He does. He told me the other day, '' Amanda announced.

`` ilk everything except Quidditch, '' John sighed, `` There 's something wrongly with that kid. ``

`` dozen column inch essay about the Society for the Promotion of Elfish upbeat for adjacent class, '' Binns droned a minute before the class was over.

The moment the Alexander Melville Bell rang, Albus and his supporter shot up out of their death chair and ran out the doorway. `` This 'll be bar, '' Albus laughed, `` An essay on Spew ! ``

`` It 's S.P.E.W. ! '' Rose laughed as she caught up with him.

`` good, you can do mine ! '' Saint John the Apostle told him.

`` Sorry, one boring essay per Night, yours would put me over my boundary, '' Albus faked an excusatory face. `` Oh, come on, you know all about Spew. ``

`` I know, it 's just not how I 'd like to spend my clock time. ``

`` Mine either, '' Amanda agreed, `` But I 'll do it over the weekend, probably. ``

`` Let 's go eat, '' Albus suggested, `` Then we can go see mat. ``

The Gryffindors joined the sea of students that were flooding into the Great anteroom. Luckily, Kaden was eating at one end of the Gryffindor tabular array and Albus and the others were able to shovel down nutrient at the opposite end without him noticing them. Once they were done with their travel rapidly lunch, they ran up to the hospital wing. `` I hope he was able to get the paw mark, '' Albus whispered as they pushed open the doors.

`` Me, too. I do n't fancy walking through that tunnel again, '' John agreed.

The mantle were pulled around Matt 's usual bed at the far end of the ward. Nobody was in any of the other layer. Madam Pomfrey was busy preparing potions when the group of Gryffindors walked in. She heard them enter and went over to greet them. `` Oh, it 's you lot. I figured you 'd be showing up soon. He 's sleeping right now, I 'm afraid you 'll have got to waitress. ``

`` Please, Madam Pomfrey ? '' Albus pleaded, `` We wo n't stay long, I promise. ``

`` Yeah, we 'll be still, too, '' John commented, `` You can throw us out if we 're not. ``

`` You know the rules, '' the nurse replied sternly, `` If he 's sleeping you have to occur back later. ``

`` I 'm not asleep ! '' a husky vocalism came from behind the curtains.

`` Now you 've woken him up ! '' gentlewoman Pomfrey walked briskly over to the bed and opened the curtains, `` You know he needs to reside ! ``

`` wellspring, he 's awake now, so we can stay on, '' Albus said as he walked over to the bed. Everyone else followed him.

`` fine, '' madam Pomfrey reluctantly agreed, `` Only for a short patch. '' She left them alone and went back to her potions.

`` Sorry for waking you up, '' Albus said as he closed the curtains again. `` How are you ? ``

`` I 'm all right, '' Matt replied. He looked much like he usually did after a full moon, with assorted bandages all over. `` You did n't wake me up, though. I was pretending to be asleep. ``

`` Why ? '' rosebush asked.

`` You 'll never approximate who was here. ``

`` Who ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Kaden. ``

`` What ? Did he number to see you ? '' Albus told Kaden not to go visit Matt unless he said it was ok, but with Kaden there was no telling what he 'd do.

`` Not intentionally, I do n't guess. Felix Willinson 's potion exploded in form and he and Kaden got covered in it. Willinson got the brunt of it and while Kaden was waiting for his twist to get antidote, he kept asking who was in my bed. madam Pomfrey would n't state him, but I think he knew it was me. He knows I went here go night. Madam Pomfrey came to chip in me potion while they were here and Kaden saw me. Then he asked if he could see me, so I pretended to be asleep. ``

`` So Willinson knew you were here ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Yeah, he 's going to tell Malfoy. ``

`` Malfoy already knows you 're here since you were n't in Transfiguration of Jesus this forenoon, '' Rose pointed out.

`` True. I guess it really does n't weigh then. ``

Albus was just itching to know if Matt had managed to get the paw print. He had thought Matt would make for it up right away, but the Kaden matter must 've made him bury about it. `` Did you get the print ? '' Albus whispered.

`` You 're in luck, '' Matt smiled, `` I did wield to get it and stow it in my cloak before I passed out. It 's the right way there, '' he gestured to the cloak sitting on the bedside table.

Albus grabbed the cloak and pulled out a rather snap small-arm of parchment. But in the middle was a very large paw print consisting of a mixture of ink, mud, and rake. `` Whoa, that 's pretty big. And kind of gross, too, '' Albus grinned and stuck it in his bag. `` Perfect. ``

`` One John L. H. Down, three to go, '' John commented. `` We 're almost there. ``

`` And the other three are a bit prosperous. '' Albus was feeling very effective about their design now. The hardest paw print was done and soon they would have the former three.

`` And the charm is working a good deal better now, '' pink wine announced, `` I started to get the knack of it hold up night. I 'll probably have it done before Christmas. ``

`` Excellent, '' Albus grinned, `` Then we can start looking for that charm to restrain Kaden from blabbing. ``

`` When do you get to leave ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Either tomorrow even or Friday sunup, probably, '' mat told them, `` But if I leave tomorrow I have to hop-skip uranology. ``

`` What a disgrace, '' lav faked a look of sadness.

`` I know. I 'll definitely be suffering while you four spend an hour looking at stars. ''

`` We 'll be trusted to get all the homework for you, '' Rose told him.

`` Oh do n't worry about it, '' flatness laughed. `` What did I miss in class yesterday and today ? ``

`` Not much, '' Albus began, `` We re-potted mandrakes again in Herbology. We started transfiguring spoonful into ramification in transfiguration. And we learned all about the chronicle of House ELF in account of trick. It was one of the most ho-hum classes yet. ``

`` Sounds like it, '' lusterlessness agreed.

`` Was not, '' Rose argued.

`` What are you lot going to do tonight while I 'm stuck here ? ``

`` Albus and I have dueling practice session, '' Amanda said. `` The next duel is Saturday. ``

`` Oh, right, I 'd completely draw a blank about that, '' Albus confessed. He had been so caught up in getting the werewolf print for the map that the dueling club had slipped his mind.

`` Looks like it 'll just be you and me tonight, rose, '' John the Evangelist grinned at her.

`` And Kaden, '' Rose smirked, `` Ca n't forget him. ``

`` You should challenge him to a chess match, '' John decided, `` It 'll be fun to watch. ``

`` I 'll thump him in two minutes monotone, '' rose wine laughed.

`` Kaden plays wizard 's chess ? '' Matt asked.

`` Albus taught him conclusion dark. You 've got to watch out it sometime. It 's screaming, '' Amanda grinned, `` He likes to watch the pieces get smashed so by the end of the game, his pieces refused to mind to him. ``

`` You know what else we should do ? '' Rose changed the guinea pig, `` fill back Uncle Harry 's cloak now that you do n't give to pilfer back into the shack. ``

Albus really did n't require to give back the cloak. He liked it. But he knew he had to. `` I guess. ``

`` We 'll do it after we get kicked out of here, '' John suggested.

`` Which is right now, '' Madam Pomfrey pulled back the curtains and set a tray of potions down on the bedside table. `` sentence for you four to leave. He needs to sleep. ``

`` See you tomorrow, hopefully, '' Albus said.

`` Yeah, tomorrow, '' mat waved.

`` Let 's go put the cloak back, '' rosebush whispered as soon as they 'd close the door to the hospital wing.

Albus nodded and started to take the air to his dad 's office. The corridors were almost deserted. There were a few students wandering around, but no one paid much tending as Albus unlocked the room access to Harry 's office and run his acquaintance inside.

`` Looks like my house, '' John, who had never been in Harry 's authority before, announced, `` A complete mint. My whole phratry is messy. ``

`` My mum 's a neat freak. She 'd have a cow if she saw this, '' Amanda laughed.

`` A cow ? '' John gave Amanda a unearthly look.

`` dead reckoning it 's a Muggle expression. Means she 'd go mad. ``

`` Oh, like 'have a hippogriff'. ``

`` I guess. ``

Albus carefully stepped over the diverse hooey and went over to the bedroom door. He pushed it open and went inside, with his ally following. The body was just where it had been the week before and Albus lifted the lid. He pulled the cloak out of his bag and looked at it one more time before folding it and placing it exactly where he 'd constitute it. `` Well, that 's it. We got away with it. ``

`` Sure did, '' John replied as he gazed around the room. `` Wonder what else we could find in here ? ``

`` John ... '' Albus warned. `` We 're not stealing anything else. ``

`` Look at this ! '' John leaped over a plenty of playscript and picked up a image that was sitting on top of the wardrobe. `` Aww, it 's Albus when he was an ickle toddler. ``

Albus grabbed the picture out of whoremaster 's paw and looked at it. Sure enough, it was a exposure of Albus, King James I, and Lily, right after Lily was born. James IV, who must have been three or four, was holding a tiny infant with a bombastic sum of red pilus. Albus, who was two, was holding Lily 's helping hand and making her wave.

`` You were an adorable trivial kid, Albus, '' John smirked. `` So was Saint James the Apostle. ``

`` I 'm sure you were, too, '' Albus said as he put the picture back. `` Now let 's get out of here before my dad gets back. ``


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight. Thanks as well to Denas, XDNLxtlz99, sinwillys822, Gospel of Luke, hermionieforever, Moonylupin, drownzer, and Aleks for the reviews !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Saturday was soon upon them and with it came a howling pull the wool over someone's eyes violent storm. Albus was very happy that there was a dueling tournament and not a Quidditch match. He had played Quidditch in C before, but never in conditions that prevented him from seeing his own hands in figurehead of him. Today 's violent storm was so bad that Kendrick forbade anyone from going outside, but he need n't get bothered since no one wanted to go outside in the first-class honours degree place.

After lunch, half the schooling migrated into the dueling room and waited for the tournament to begin. Albus and Amanda said goodbye to their protagonist and sat down at the table they had been at the previous tournament.

`` Hi Albus, hi Amanda ! '' Kate greeted them energetically.

`` Hi Kate ! '' Albus grinned. He sat down at the lonesome remaining seat, which happened to be next to Malfoy. Amanda had managed to snag a tooshie adjacent to Kate. `` Malfoy, '' Albus said politely.

`` Potter, '' Malfoy muttered.

The tournament commenced much as it had the previous time, only this time everyone knew what they were doing and it went smoother. There was still a lot of sitting around time and Albus was very happy that Amanda was on his team so he had soul to tattle to. So far, there were still tensions between the Slytherins and everybody else. Kendrick 's architectural plan to feature everyone get along was not working.

After about a half time of day, it was finally Albus 's go to duel. Malfoy had just completed his number one affaire d'honneur and beat his Ravenclaw opponent. Albus congratulated him as he went up to the dueling area. He was up against a Hufflepuff one-third yr. Albus and the other boy bowed and the two of them started dueling. The Hufflepuff sent two jinxes at Albus, but Albus blocked them both. Albus hit the boy with a trip-up jinx and then disarmed him. The whole thing took about a minute.

`` Point to putter ! '' Neville announced.

`` salutary job, Albus ! '' Kate and Amanda said in unison once Albus returned to his seat.

`` Thanks. ``

`` Hardly counts, '' Malfoy commented, `` You dueled a bloody Hufflepuff. A first year could 've beat that one. ``

`` Shut up, Malfoy. You 'll duel a Hufflepuff eventually and I doubt you 'll say the Saame thing. ``

`` Your unawares champion is up, '' Malfoy pointed to the dueling area that Harry was presiding over.

Albus looked up and saw that Matt was about to duel one of the former Hufflepuffs.

`` I 'll bet that Hufflepuff beats him, '' Malfoy laughed, `` He does n't look that good. ``

Albus personally thought Matt looked all right, considering he had just gotten out of the hospital fender the day before.

`` Where 's he been anyway ? ``

`` He was sick. ``

`` Oh, rightfield, '' Malfoy grinned, `` With that disease he 's got. The one your stupid cousin-german told me about. If there 's anyone who should 've been a Hufflepuff, it 's that cousin of yours. ``

`` Do n't call him pudding head. And the Hat knows better than you do about where to put him, '' Albus snapped. He did n't secern Malfoy that he had thought Kaden would have been a Hufflepuff.

`` Whatever you say. I wonder if your cousin-german 's got anymore selective information that I 'd wish to acknowledge. ``

`` Do n't go near my full cousin, '' Albus growled.

`` Cut it out, you two ! '' Kate interrupted. `` In fount you have n't realized by now, you 're on the same team. ``

Albus glared at Malfoy and then turned to take in the sleep of Matt 's duel. It took him a while, but mat did eventually beat the Hufflepuff. He looked careworn out, but glad. `` Told you he could beat him, '' Albus muttered.

`` Lucky shot, '' Malfoy whispered back.

Albus and Malfoy did n't talk to each other for the rest of the tournament. Both boy won their next duels, Malfoy against a Slytherin and Albus against a Ravenclaw. Amanda lost her first duel and won her second. John won his beginning and lost his irregular. Matt lost his arcsecond one and Rose managed to win both of hers. But despite their respectable efforts, none of their teams won the tournament. It did n't really matter though because the points were so close. The final tournament was still very up in the air and any of the teams had a chance of making it.

******

The remaining days until the end of terminus went by very fast for Albus. Albus was especially excited about the Christmas holiday this yr because it meant that Albus and his friends would acquire two more of the paw photographic print needed for the map. Rose had just perfected the transfer good luck charm and had already started searching for the charm to keep Kaden quiet. After Christmas, the only when thing left to do would be to get the rat print. Albus thought it was quite rum that the pocket-size and theoretically soft print to get was taking the longest. can had yet to manage to catch a rat during potions form and was getting frustrated about it.

`` Every sentence I see a rat, one of the bloody Slytherins is looking ! '' John vented the evening before their last day of classes. The group of Gryffindors were in the Room of Requirement, enjoying some peace of mind and unruffled while Kaden was being tutored by one of the Ravenclaws.

`` Try luring one over to your desk with cheese or something, '' Amanda suggested, `` Then just stupefy it below the desk. ``

`` Had n't thought of that, '' John muttered, `` I 'd been trying to stun them across the room. ``

`` I wonder why anyone would notice that ? '' rosebush said sarcastically.

`` Shut it, rose. ``

`` Well, you 've got tidy sum of clip to get it, '' Albus reminded him, `` We still have n't got the dog or the stag prints. ``

`` We 'll get them soon, '' rosiness replied, `` Amanda will get the dog and we 'll get the stag, Albus. You can come over to my sign of the zodiac after we leave the Burrow. ``

`` Sounds beneficial, '' Albus agreed, `` I 'm not staying at the burrow the unscathed vacation anyway. ``

`` Oh, yeah, '' Rose smirked, `` Gran and Granddad are going on vacation together. Alone. ``

`` That 's not something I really worry to consider about, Rose, '' Albus groaned. His grandparents had decided to go to Scotland together a few twenty-four hours after Christmastime and expend new class 's alone. `` Moving on. What are you lot doing for the vacation ? ``

`` The usual, '' lav said immediately, `` All my cousin coming over at assorted sentence. Should be crazy as always. ``

`` I 've really got to go to your sign sometime, '' Albus grinned, `` You always say your cousin are mad, but I really do n't think your family is as insane as mine is. ``

`` I 'm certain it is. My great-great grandpa is coming this year. He 's screaming, especially after he 's had a mate firewhiskeys. ``

`` Your great-great gramps beverage firewhiskey ? '' Matt laughed, `` That 's something I 've got to see. ``

`` He sure does. Then he starts telling absurd stories about 'back in my day'. ``

`` Sounds like we should hook him up with Auntie Muriel, eh rose wine ? '' Albus winked at his cousin.

`` That would be the odd thing ever, '' Rose grinned.

`` Your great-great grandpa auditory sensation like our auntie Muriel. She 's 127 and loves to chit-chat, '' Albus explained.

`` I wish I had mad congener, '' Amanda commented, `` My family sounds pretty formula compared to yours. ``

`` But you celebrate Hanukkah, so that makes up for it, '' St. John replied, `` I mean, who would n't like eight Clarence Day of present tense ? I wish I celebrated both, that would be the best affair ever. ``

`` Amy has a Muggle friend who celebrates both. But she does n't get presents on every night of Feast of the Dedication, '' lustrelessness told them.

`` I get lowly nowadays each night and then one big one on the last night, '' Amanda explained.

`` That 's still sang-froid, '' John said, `` So, Matt, do you throw to go call your grandparents this class ? ``

`` Ugh, do n't remind me, '' matt groaned, `` Of course I do. But only for five days this year. We 're leaving right before new year 's. Amy has to be back at St. Mungo 's a few days before terminus starts. ``

`` That 's good, '' Albus smiled. `` At to the lowest degree you do n't bear to be there as long. ``

`` It 'll still be boring. The only thing to do down there is prep or read. It 's not like I can play Quidditch or anything. ``

`` What day are you coming back ? Maybe you can come over to Rose 's house with me. Then we can roleplay Quidditch, '' Albus offered.

`` The 28th. I 'll ask my parents. ``

`` Great. You should make out too, bathroom and Amanda, '' Albus suggested.

`` I 'll ask, I 'm sure my parents will let me, '' Saint John replied.

`` I can probably only delay a day or so, '' Amanda told them, `` Feast of Dedication is late this year and starts on Christmas, so it 'll still be going on on the 28th. I 'll have to be home by the eventide. ``

`` That 'll work. Maybe we can all get the hart print together, '' Albus said.

`` commodity musical theme, '' lav grinned and everyone else nodded.

`` I should probably tell you now, just in vitrine I do n't get to go to Rose 's family, '' Matt began quietly, `` I 'm not coming back to Hogwarts on the train with everyone else. ``

Albus stared at his friend, who was looking a little forlorn. `` Why not ? Everything ok ? ``

`` I guess. It 's just that I 'm starting that new potion I told you about at the beginning of the term. The total moonshine 's on the 9th and someone has to observe me once I start taking it a few Clarence Shepard Day Jr. before. Then I 've got to go to St. Mungo 's the dawning after and stay a couple days. ``

`` Oh, '' Albus was n't really sure what to say. He wished more than ever that individual would just discover a potion that would function for him.

`` Look on the vivid side, '' John said, `` At least you do n't have to transform at your grandparents house again. ``

`` And if I have my way I 'll never have to do that again, '' mat shook his headway, `` But let 's verbalise about something else. Did you see in the Prophet that the Cannons almost won that game against the Fitchburg Finches ? You know, that American team they were playing for practice. ``

`` Did n't the Finches beat them by 50 period ? '' Albus asked.

`` Yeah, but that 's close ! '' Matt grinned, `` They 're making a comeback, I just know it ! ``

`` Well, with a name like 'Finches', what do you expect ? It would n't take surprised me if the Cannons beat them, '' Gospel According to John laughed, `` Well, maybe a little. But seriously, who names a team the 'Finches'? ``

******

The term ended the side by side day with a smash, literally. William James and a few of his friends thought it would be funny to put a few Weasley pyrotechnic into the courtship of armor and entrance them to go off at certain meter during the day. After the tenth explosion the teacher gave up trying to teach anything and just let their students do what they wanted during class, within rationality of course. Unfortunately for Henry James and his friends, prof Cedonia spotted them refilling the armor on the second storey corridor with freshly pyrotechnic and gave them one of her uncommon detentions. For this one, they had to strip every single suit of armor on the 2nd floor corridor that evening. James River said it was worth it, though.

`` We really ought to come up with a few thoroughly pranks, '' John decided as they were traveling through the hills on the gearing. `` That 's what the vulture did, was prank people, so we should, too. ``

Albus shrugged. He really was n't very good at coming up with pranks. That was Saint James the Apostle 's area of expertise. Plus, if the termination of such pranks was cleaning suits of armor, Albus really did n't desire to pull a whole lot of antic. `` Maybe a few minor I, that do n't get us in vast trouble. ``

`` I 'm certain we could do some of those. There 's loading of stuff we could do to the Slytherins. ``

`` Yeah, like that one James did before the first dueling tournament, '' Matt laughed.

The rest of the train drive went quickly and soon Albus and his acquaintance found themselves at Riley B King 's Cross. Albus climbed off the railroad train and saw his parents standing with rose 's parents and Lily and Hugo.

But before Albus could go over to see them, John grabbed his arm and steered him in another direction. `` C'mon, you can meet my great-great grandpa ! ``

Albus saw a very frail, completely bald, old man with a hanker Caucasian whiskers standing adjacent to Saint John 's parents. lav lead their group over to the three adults.

`` Johnny-Boy ! '' the old man shouted and gave john a fuddled hug, `` How 're thing at that school day ? How is professor Dippet ? ``

`` He died old age ago, gramps, like I told you over the summer. Like I tell you every summer, '' can stifled a laugh.

`` Oh, right ! Probably all new teachers, a bunch of young'ins I bet ! rachis in my day none of the teacher were under 50, and now some of em are 30 ! What has gotten into these new headmasters .... ''

`` granddad, '' trick shook his head, `` The teachers are alright. But I want you to meet my friends. This is Matt Eckerton, Albus Potter- ''

`` Potter ! ? '' whoremonger 's great-great gramps peered into Albus 's eyes and grinned, `` Albus ceramist ? well I 'll be. If it is n't Harry Potter 's son ! I remember back in the days of You-know-who and nobody thought he would ever be defeated, and then along comes little Harry Potter and fagot ! You-know-who 's gone ! Then he comes back and what should happen again ? Harry potter makes 'im disappear again and for good this time ! ``

Albus, who was used to this kind of attention but not person shouting it at the top of their lungs, blushed and tried to disregard the stares of everyone around him. `` Er, courteous to meet you. ``

`` You, too, '' the old man smiled, `` And who are these fille ? Have you got yourself two girlfriend, Johnny-Boy ? I would n't commend it. I did it once and wound up with no lady friend after they found out ! ``

`` No, gramps, '' bathroom laughed, `` They 're just protagonist. Amanda tagging program and rose wine Weasley. ``

`` Are you sure ? I could see you with the Melanerpes erythrocephalus. Just wait till you 're older. ``

`` Just Quaker, Grandpa, '' John 's cheeks turned red.

`` He 's like the male version of Muriel, '' Albus whispered to Rose.

`` Muriel ! ? '' trick 's grandpa shouted. Albus jumped. He had n't expected that the elderly man would be able to hear him. `` I used to know a Muriel ! Went to school with her. Then she married some Weasley. I have n't seen her in decennium ! ``

Albus looked at Rose. What a coincidence. `` Er, Albus and I have an auntie Muriel Weasley, '' rosiness giggled.

`` wellspring I 'll be ! I should owl her sometime. ``

`` I 'm trusted she 'd love that, '' Rose smiled.

`` We 're going to sustain to go now, '' john 's mum announced.

`` See you later, '' John waved.

`` Bye, '' Albus grinned.

`` Tell your dad I said hi ! '' can 's great-great grandad shouted.

******

Albus spent the next few sidereal day hanging around Grimmauld Place with St. James the Apostle and the eternal rest of his family. Lily was thrilled to induce both her pal and her dad home and she had been demanding to bed everything that had gone on the past full term.

`` That way I 'll hump everything about Hogwarts before I 'm even there ! '' she said excitedly at breakfast the day before Dec 25 Eve. `` You still have n't told me how I 'll get sorted. ``

`` We 're not going to recite you, Lily, '' Ginny smiled as she handed Lily a glass of juice, `` It 's a surprise. ``

`` That 's not fair, '' Lily whined.

`` Nobody told me or Al how we got sorted, so how is it not fair for you not to live ? '' James asked.

`` I 'm the youngest. I should eff everything about Hogwarts because you two have been there for a few days ! And then all the Muggle-born kids will ask me query and I 'll be able to answer them. ``

`` You 'll determine out soon enough, Lily, '' Ginny assured her.

`` How much longer ? '' Lily asked excitedly.

`` There 's still 9 months. ``

`` That 's forever ! ``

`` She 's going to be a nightmare this summer, '' St. James whispered to Albus.

`` forenoon, everyone ! '' Harry descended the footfall into the kitchen and pulled up a chair.

`` Hi, Dad, '' Albus greeted him.

`` Hey, Ginny ? '' Harry asked as he grabbed the Prophet, `` Have you seen the vulture 's Map ? ``

William James choked on his juice and sprayed it across the table at Albus, as he turned smart red.

`` Ew, view it ! '' Albus jumped back.

`` You ok, James ? '' Harry looked at him curiously.

`` Fine. The article on the front of the newspaper, it 's, er, shocking, '' James blushed some more and pointed to the social movement of the prophet, which was facing him.

`` Witch Tries to Decrease size of it of Her capitulum, magical spell Them Off Instead ? '' Harry read.

`` Yes, very shocking. People ought to be more heedful ! '' William James sputtered. He gave Albus a look that Albus interpreted to think 'meet me upstairs'. James IV excused himself and ran out of the room.

`` What 's with him ? '' Harry asked.

`` No idea, '' Ginny shrugged.

`` Er, I 've got to go change, '' Albus jumped up and followed James. Harry had noticed that the map was gone ! Now he was going to induce to give it back. Albus was going to miss it, but it would only be a matter of time before he had the other one working.

`` Albus ! '' Saint James pulled him into the drawing elbow room and shut the threshold. `` He wants the map back ! ``

`` I kind of figured that, '' Albus smirked, `` We 're just going to have to creep it back into his room. Let 's do it now. ``

`` Wait, Albus ! '' James I grabbed his arm, `` The thing is, er, well, I ... '' He shuffled from substructure to foot looking very nervous.

`` What ? ''

`` I, er, ca n't find it ! '' James whispered. `` What am I going to do ? I ca n't have lost it .... ''

Albus started laughing. `` It 's not funny ! '' James insisted.

`` You did n't mislay it ! '' Albus grinned, `` I 've got it. I took it from you months ago and did n't desire to give it back. ``

`` You idiot ! '' James shouted, `` Here I thought I 'd mislay it and you stole it from me ! ``

`` It does n't matter now. We 've got to render it back anyway. ``

`` You 're giving it back. You 're the one who stole it from me. ``

`` fountainhead you stole it from Dad in the first berth, '' Albus reminded him.

`` Only to get you out of difficulty ! ``

He had a peak there. If Albus had n't have been in Kendrick 's office staff the previous yr, Henry James never would have taken the map in the first place. `` All right. I 'll just go sneak it into his room. Maybe he 'll think he just forgot to impart it to Hogwarts. ``

`` Let 's hope so. Go do it now. ``

Albus nodded and ran up to his bedroom. He knew his dad would want the map back eventually, he just had n't given it much thought. At least he had n't noticed it was missing at schooltime. Albus threw open his trunk and rifled through his school poppycock. He still had n't unpacked everything or packed a bag for his stay at the Burrow. The map was inside the picture album Albus found over the summertime, along with the new map. Hopefully they would n't want the Marauder 's Map to decrypt the new map. Albus pulled out the map and ran into his parents'room. He shoved the map under a down of justificative trick books and quickly left the room.

`` Done ? '' Saint James asked anxiously when Albus ran back into the drawing room.

`` Yup. I put it under a stack of leger, with one corner sticking out. ``

`` perfective. You might want to go change your shirt now. ``

`` Oh, right, '' Albus looked down at his juice splattered t-shirt, `` Thanks for that, by the way. ``

`` No problem, '' James IV laughed, `` semen to me for all your juice spraying needs. ``

`` I 'll do that, '' Albus rolled his eyes as he left the elbow room to interchange his shirt.


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight ! Thanks as well to sinwillys822, Denas, Moonylupin, wolverine83, St. Luke, drownzer, smirkyhaha, and Miguel for their limited review !