Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




Matt did n't return to the common way until Lord's Day afternoon. Albus and his protagonist had spent near of the weekend doing preparation and playing troll 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 guess about it much. All that mattered was that Kaden was n't hanging around Albus anymore. Albus and his Friend did n't get a opportunity to secernate flatness about what Kaden told Malfoy while he was in the hospital fender because it had been very crowded that weekend. Apparently, quite a few scholarly person had decided to practice their dueling for the forthcoming friction match while they were unsupervised in the corridor. This caused Madam Pomfrey to cause an awful lot to do. She looked very frazzle when Albus and the others visited Matt on Saturday.

Albus was sitting in the commons way with the others, doing homework, when matte returned from the Hospital extension. He still looked a bit tired and the cutting off on his face were n't completely healed yet, but he looked much proficient than he had on Thursday. Albus closed his book and glanced at his friends when Matt came through the portrayal hole.

`` What 's with you lot ? '' matte asked, `` You 're awfully quieten. ``

`` We 've, er, got to tell you something, '' Albus replied quietly, `` Let 's go to the room. '' Albus got up and left the green room. His Quaker all followed, not saying a word. Albus led them down the seventh trading floor corridor until they reached the painting of Barnabas the Barmy. Albus paced three prison term in movement of it and opened the room access that appeared. It looked just like it did whenever Albus or his admirer asked for a place where they could be alone. There were a few squashy armchairs and couch, a open fireplace, and it was decorated in vermilion 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 suggested.

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

`` Well, we 're obviously not going to say you that, '' Albus gave a half-hearted gag as he sat down on a chairman. Rose, Gospel According to John, and Amanda sat down as well.

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

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

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

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

`` Malfoy ? ! '' flatness interrupted with a look of electric shock on his face.

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

`` Yeah ... ''

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

Matt sank back into his chair and his case went Methedrine Edward Douglas White Jr.. Albus was sword lily rosiness told him to sit down, because if he had n't consume been sitting he probably would have fainted. Albus watched as flatness processed the information. After a few moments 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 gossip your sickish grannie. ``

`` Oh, no, '' Matt closed his center and started rubbing his head, `` This is n't good. Malfoy ca n't find out, he just ca n't. ``

`` We 're going to try and spend a penny sure he does n't, '' bathroom said adamantly.

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

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

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

`` No, he ca n't have, he just ca n't, '' Matt whispered.

`` We do n't experience 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. ``

mat nodded, `` You know, if Malfoy finds out and William Tell anyone, chances are I 'll let to depart. ``

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

`` How do you know ? ``

`` rosebush is right, '' Albus agreed, `` When the Marauders were in school, Snape found out about Teddy 's dad and he still got to bide in school. Dumbledore made him promise not to separate anyone. I 'm sure Kendrick would do the same thing. ``

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

`` rose wine had to finish me and John 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 want to. ``

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

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

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

pink wine groaned, `` What is with boys ? Do you always have to hex masses to solve your problem ? ``

`` It 's a demonstrate fact that hexing whole kit best when dealing with Slytherins, '' John Lackland grinned.

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

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

******

The weekend before Hallowe'en was a very exciting one for the educatee at Hogwarts. There was the start Hogsmeade visit on Saturday, which the older student were very emotional about. Albus, of course, was n't allowed to go since he was a second year. St. James the Apostle made sure as shooting to lord this over him at every moment possible during the week preceding the visit. James would be going on his first of all Hogsmeade visit, and Albus was trusted that Hogwarts would be treated to a variety of pranks following. When James and his friends returned from Hogsmeade, they ran into the common way with their bags bulging with what could only be Weasley 's products, and quickly stowed it all in their dormitory. sure as shooting enough, at dinner that Night, the bookman dead body was treated to a very entertaining repast. Somehow, James and his champion had managed to sneak a potion into the Slytherins'solid food that caused their fuzz and fingernails to turn vermilion and atomic number 79. The eternal rest of the school laughed hysterically as the Slytherins tried to fancy out how to turn their hair and nails back to normal.

`` goose egg will vary it, '' St. James the Apostle informed the Gryffindor mesa in between fits of laugh, `` Uncle George told me it will wear out off within 24 hours, though. ``

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

`` I was going to hold open it for the day of the Quidditch match, '' James explained, `` But I just could n't wait. ``

`` I ca n't blame you, '' Albus grinned. He looked up at the stave table and saw his dad trying to choke his laughter, but he was n't succeeding. The former phallus of the staff 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 tournament for the next-to-last dueling club. The older students had already had their starting time tournament the late weekend. Albus 's cousin John Rowlands 's squad had won. The tournament was to take place immediately following dejeuner, at one o'clock, and the second, thirdly, and fourth part long time were filled with fervor about it.

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

`` I do n't either, '' John agreed, `` But we might have to. It 'll be all compensate. None of us know any trance that could do any live damage. I 'm just hoping I get to duel Malfoy. ``

`` Me, too, '' Matt agreed.

`` I almost wish first age could link up the dueling club, so I could duel Kaden, '' Albus commented, `` I would n't heed beating him in front of the integral schooltime. ``

`` I 'm probably just going to recede, no subject who I duel, '' Amanda sighed, `` The solely thing I can do is demilitarise someone, and I 'm not even that good at that. ``

`` Sure you are, '' Albus assured her, `` And if you duel a second twelvemonth, or even a third base year, you 'll give birth a prospect at winning. Fourth years, on the other hand, I 'm not sure any of us have got a chance at winning a duel with one of them. They probably know all sorts of trance we do n't. ``

`` Albus, '' Rose began, `` think of that the team have people from all years on them. I do n't think any team has an advantage over another. ``

`` I guess, '' Albus agreed, `` But I still wish there were House squad. I do n't wish being on the Lapplander 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 proficient dueler, '' Amanda replied. `` You 're going to amaze anyone you 're up against, Albus. ``

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

`` Attention ! '' Professor Kendrick stood up, `` The junior dueling tournament will commence shortly. Please make your way to the dueling chamber. ``

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

Albus and Amanda quickly lost the others in the sea of scholarly person filing into the dueling bedchamber near the Great Hall. They found Kate at one of the tables that had been set up for each team to wait at. Their team name, The Dueling Dragons, was written on a objet d'art of parchment that was stuck to the table. There was a realistic looking dragon breathing flak drawn on it. Scorpio Malfoy was sitting scowling at one end of the table, his hair's-breadth still bright scarlet and amber. Albus and Amanda stifled their laughter and sat down on the opposition end. A few instant later, once everyone on their squad had arrived, Kate began to talk.

`` Attention ! '' she shouted and the table became quiet, `` Thanks. The tournament will start in a duo minutes. I 'm surely we 'll do heavy. Everyone remember 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 following prison term. I know this inter-house team matter is surd, 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, in effect fortune ! '' Kate sat back down and started talking to one of the former fourth years on the team.

A hour later, Professor Kendrick stood up at the front of the room and raised his hands for subdued. The elbow room fell mute and he began to speak. `` welcome to the number 1 Dueling Tournament for the junior Dueling Club. This is the first of six qualifying tournaments of the twelvemonth. At the end of the yr, the top two teams will face off in a net tournament. There will be two affaire d'honneur going on simultaneously, with professor Potter and Longbottom presiding over them. Every pupil will duel twice today. The achiever of each affaire d'honneur will be awarded one point. At the end of the tournament, the squad with the most points will be declared the achiever. The points will function over to each tourney, after the 6th tournament, the two teams with the most point will face off in the final. Now, each captain was given a lean of duels for today, so I will give you a few transactions to get organized and for the captains to inform their team of the agenda. beneficial luck to all. ``

Kate quickly went over the agenda with her team. Albus 's 1st duel was about halfway down the list and his second was the third to final. The only matter he could do now was wait until his twist came. Albus was growing steadily more flighty as time wore on. What if he lost ? Malfoy would never let him know that down. Albus watched the initiatory distich of duels while talking with Amanda. After a few affaire d'honneur, James 's bout came and he lost to a Ravenclaw fourth twelvemonth. pink wine was up adjacent and she easily beat her one-third year Slytherin opponent. Quite a few of Albus 's teammate had dueled by now and most of them had won. Before long, Amanda 's twist was up. Albus wished her destiny and she went nervously to the dueling ring that Neville was watching over.

Amanda was up against a second base twelvemonth Hufflepuff and the first share of the duel consisted of each of them mostly dodging the spell sent towards them. Eventually, Amanda managed to demilitarize her opponent 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 succeeding against a Slytherin fourth year. The affaire d'honneur hardly lasted two mo before the Slytherin used an advanced spell that caused Matt to bang into the bulwark behind him. Harry quickly disarmed the Slytherin and disqualified him. Professor Cedonia took matte to the infirmary wing while Harry assigned the Slytherin a couple detentions.

`` What a git, '' Albus growled, `` I hope Matt '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 piece like that. ``

`` I could have blocked it, '' Malfoy announced.

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

Malfoy scowled and turned away from Albus. A mo later his name was called and he was off to duel a mate Slytherin. It was a very fast paced affaire d'honneur. Both of them were splendid duelist, but Malfoy won in the end. Albus was not sure whether to be happy about this or not. He did n't have long to populate on it, though, because a mo later, he was called.

Albus walked nervously to the dueling anchor ring where Neville was and he faced his Ravenclaw adversary. He was dueling Carter Eubert, a associate mo class.

`` Both of you know the rules, '' Neville said to them, `` You can take off when I let out red sparks. ``

Albus and Carter bowed to each other and took a dueling stance. Neville 's wand shot out red sparks and the duel began. Albus sent out a disarmament spell, but President Carter easily blocked it. Carter then sent one at Albus, but Albus was able-bodied to close up it as well. This went on for five minutes, each of them sending spells that the other blocked. Eventually, Albus managed to hit Jimmy Carter with a tickling hex that had him set 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 Carter shook hired hand and went back to their teams.

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

`` Thanks, '' Albus replied.

`` That was amazing dueling, Albus, '' Amanda greeted him, `` Carter 's honorable, too, but that tickling thing was great. He could hardly proceed. ``

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

The good afternoon wore on and Albus found himself getting a bit bored with watching the dueling. It was taking all afternoon. John dueled Albus 's cousin, Cedric, and lost. Albus was n't surprised by this, as Cedric was an excellent duellist. rose and Malfoy each won their indorse duel, while John and Amanda lost theirs. matt returned from the hospital annex in time for his second affaire d'honneur, but wound up losing to his one-third class Ravenclaw resister. Albus dueled a third year Gryffindor in his second duel and narrowly won. His opponent did not seem happy about this. Malfoy also won his second duel, which was against a third or fourth year Hufflepuff ; Albus was n't sure which.

Eventually, all the affaire d'honneur finished and prof Kendrick stood up once again. `` Great dueling, everyone ! You all did a terrific job. Now, to announce the winner. I am pleased to announce that the Flying Phoenixes, captained by Barty heath of Slytherin have come in first position with 23 points ! Thank you, everyone. The future tournament will learn office at the end of November or origin of Dec. Your master will be informed of the exact appointment as it comes closer. ``

`` We 'll win next clip, '' Kate assured her team as they got up. `` See everyone at practice session on Wednesday. ``

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

When they got to the uncouth room, it was already full with scholarly person rehashing character of the duel. Albus noticed Kaden listening to James 's business relationship of his duels. James had won his second affaire d'honneur and appeared to be very proud of it. Albus and Amanda ignored Kaden and found bathroom and Matt sitting at their usual table. Albus and Amanda sat down and a few moments later were joined by rose wine, who was glowing.

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

`` Thanks, '' Rose replied, `` I was n't sure we were going to win. heath is n't the nifty captain. I think we just have naturally good duelers on our team. Carter is dumbfound, although not as good as you, Albus. ``

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

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

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

`` At to the lowest degree you did n't wind up in the hospital wing, '' Matt commented, `` I 'm the only one that did. Figures. ``

John laughed a bit at this, `` I think you 've got some sort of attractiveness for that place. ``

`` Oh shut it, '' matte replied.

`` That was n't your demerit, though, '' blush 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, `` Madam Pomfrey healed my arm in an instant, but she was fretting over me as common. prof Cedonia convinced her to let me go back for my second duel. ``

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

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

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

`` I 'm not sure I like that, '' rose sighed. The four other students looked at her like she was mental.

`` Are you mad ? '' Albus asked.

`` How is she supposed to hump if we 've mastered the spell if she does n't prove 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, '' rosebush reminded them, `` We 've got to get used to taking exams in charms. ``

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

`` Two and a one-half, '' Rose corrected him, `` And it 's respectable to start preparing early. ``

`` All I know is that I 've learned more appeal this class than survive year, '' Albus said.

`` wellspring, I 'm going to ask her about it on Tuesday, '' Rose replied.

`` No ! '' Albus and the others shouted at the Saami clip. Albus liked Cedonia 's style of education and he did n't want her to start giving them exams like the other teacher did. Without charms test, Albus had lupus erythematosus to vex about. Hopefully, Cedonia would ignore Rose 's pleas for exams and continue the way she had been.



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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




Albus was helping himself to some pumpkin vine juice when the Wiley Post arrived on Tuesday morning. He looked up and noticed a small embrown 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 denture. Albus took the letter and gave the owl a art object of goner before it flew off.

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

Albus turned the envelope over, wondering what it could be about. Victoire had sent him a couple letters so far this year, most of them sent along with Amy 's letters to matte. These usually arrived a couple days after the wide moon, as Amy always wanted to make out how matt was. Since the full phase of the moon moon had been a few weeks ago, Albus was curious as to what Victoire had to tell them. He opened the missive and began to interpret it. rosebush, Matt, John, and Amanda read it over his shoulder.

Dear Albus, Matt, rosebush, John, and Amanda,
How have you been ? I hope you 're enjoying year and not making too
practically trouble. congratulation on your success in the dueling tournament,
especially you, Rose. I hope there are many great triumph to come. skilful
luck in your first base Quidditch mates, Albus. We hope to be able to take care, but
it depends on workplace and therapist training schedules.

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

By now you 're probably wondering why we 're writing to you now, as it 's not
our usual metre to write. We 're not for sure if you read the Prophet regularly,
which is why we 're telling you this in a missive. Quinton Willinson was
spotted yesterday-

Albus immediately stopped reading the letter and glanced at his Quaker. As Albus fell back into his school routine, 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 eye to the letter without saying anything.

He was spotted in a Muggle Village in Southern England, quite far from Hogwarts. The Aurors are already on his nates and are tracking him this very
minute. shift heard about it while he was at preparation, and we decided to
give you a heads up. Uncle Harry will probably evidence you as well.

Do n't worry about it too much. He ca n't get into Hogwarts and Uncle Harry
has it under control. proficient luck with Quidditch, dueling, and classes, and we
hope to see you soon.

love,
Victoire, Teddy, and Amy

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

`` Me, too, '' Albus agreed.

`` It explains why prof ceramicist is n't here, '' matte commented.

Albus looked up at the staff table and noticed that his Father of the Church was missing. `` guesswork so. ``

`` Do n't care, '' pink wine said, `` I mean, it 's kind of good that somebody spotted him. Before they had no leads, 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 ways ? Albus just hoped his dad and the other Aurors managed to capture him.

`` Could I see the prophet ? '' rosebush asked one of the quondam students who was sitting across from her. The girl nodded and handed her the paper. `` Let 's regain the article. '' Rose scanned the front pageboy and found a short article on the left position of the page. She read it aloud.

`` 'Eighteen-year-old Quinton Willinson was seen near the Muggle town, Hythe, in Southern England early yesterday morning. A wizard who prefers not to be named in this article saw him and immediately informed the Ministry. Willinson has been wanted by the Auror department since his attack on top dog Auror and defence mechanism Against the shadow Arts teacher at Hogwarts School of witchery and wizardry, Harry Potter, last Spring. Five underage Hogwarts students were also attacked. Willinson, along with his Church Father, Jaret Willinson, and the previous magical spell professor, Jameson Washburn, attacked ceramist and the five student on the basis. Potter declined comment for this article. The caput Auror has informed the wizarding populace that all three men are dangerous and not to essay to fight them. If any of them are seen, citizenry 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 glad he 's so far away, though. ``

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

`` well, hopefully Professor ceramicist will catch them before they get the chance, '' Matt 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 Matt was looking a bit sad. Albus knew he and Amy were very airless, but had n't really thought about how different it must be for matte this year. Albus did n't call back matt had ever gone this long without seeing her. `` They 'll probably come, '' Albus assured him, `` And if they ca n't, they 'll confab when they can. ``

`` Yeah, '' Matt gave a half-hearted smile.

`` We 'd better get to spell, '' Rose announced. The five second years got up from the table and made their way out of the Great hall. Albus noticed that Kaden was sitting next to James IV, talking animatedly about something. James did n't appear too happy about this and had the look of someone pretending to hear, but not really listening. Albus almost felt bad about Saint James having to deal with Kaden, but not bad enough to gain up with his cousin.

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

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

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

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

`` Thank you, professor, '' Rose replied. `` But I was just wondering, are we going to have any examination in this year ? ``

Everyone in the entire elbow room stopped what they were doing and looked over at Rose. Most of them looked horrified, but a few appeared to also be wondering if they would have any test. Since they had charm with the Ravenclaws, this did n't really surprise Albus.

`` Ah, '' Cedonia smiled, `` I was wondering if anyone would ask. I, unlike the other teacher at this shoal, do not believe in testing student in the conventional way. I prefer to assign essays that are done outside of course, where you are innocent to use your Koran, to tax your knowledge of theory. As far as practical test go, I prefer to assess your progress in division. If I have any belief that you are not mastering the labor at paw, I will ease up you additional help until you can master it. However, in accordance with Hogwarts custom, there will be a hard-nosed examination at the end of the semester. The theory exam will be an essay that you can make out using your book, in class. ``

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

`` If you 'd like an exam, I will make one for you, but no one else will hold to lead it unless they want to, '' Cedonia announced.

`` No, that 's all right, '' Rose replied.

`` Excellent. I assure you, rose, that you will have a perfect agreement of sec yr Charms by the sentence the twelvemonth is up, and you will be in excellent shape to impress on to tertiary year. ``

rose nodded and Cedonia walked back to the front end of the way. Albus turned to privy and grinned. `` Yes, no exams ! '' he said.

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

`` well, I suppose she form of is testing us, '' mat explained, `` Just in a different way. I 've never had a teacher like her before. ``

`` Me, neither, '' trick said.

Albus nodded. All of his teachers in primary schooltime had been like the unity at Hogwarts, with conventional exam and preparation. `` I went to a Muggle school and all of the teachers gave us examination. Rose went to the same one. ``

`` Same here, '' John replied, `` rule Muggle school. ``

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

`` All the teachers were like Cedonia at my school, '' Amanda turned around to mouth to the boys. `` We did n't give exams or grades or anything like that. It was fun. I really liked going to school. Except when I made strange stuff and nonsense happen. the great unwashed thought I was weird. Turns out I was, but in a full way, '' she laughed.

`` I suppose this will work, '' rosebush sighed, `` She is assessing us, just in a dissimilar way. At least she 's nice. Everyone seems to like her. ``

`` We do n't really have any mean teachers this twelvemonth, '' Albus commented.

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

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

`` Hagrid teaches Care of Magical Creatures and he 's great, '' Albus told them.

`` What kind of magical creatures ? '' John grinned at Matt.

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

`` Trelawney 's sort of strange, but nice enough, '' Albus commented. `` She teaches divination. ''

`` No way am I taking that, '' Matt announced, `` I do n't want to have intercourse what my future holds. ``

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

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

`` I wish I could submit them all, '' Rose sighed.

`` You could, '' Albus laughed, `` But I do n't guess it would turn out well. '' Albus and Rose shared a laugh that the others did n't really understand. Albus saw their confused faces and decided to enjoin them about Hermione 's thirdly year docket sometime soon.

******

Harry was back at Hogwarts in clock time for Albus 's defense lawyers class on Th. Harry called Albus up to his desk after class. Albus had been anxiously waiting the whole family to see if Harry managed to catch Quinton Willinson. Albus had a feeling he had n't because there was n't any credit of it in the prophet that morning.

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

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

`` good, '' 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 hump what happened. ``

`` well, did you grab him ? '' Albus asked. The suspense was killing him and he did n't require to wait any longer.

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

Albus 's side fell and he became more worried as he realized that not a great deal progress 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 heavy amount of trade protection around the schooling. finish yr, it was easy for them to be on the grounds since Washburn was a professor and Quinton was a pupil here. They do n't have that going for them now. And I do n't consider any of them could step foot in Hogsmeade without somebody alerting me or the Ministry. ``

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

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

`` trade good, '' Albus smiled. He felt a lot better knowing his dad was at the schooltime.

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

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

******

Albus wandered sleepily into the uncouth room the succeeding week completely tired out from Quidditch praxis. The inaugural match, against Slytherin, was on Saturday and Empire State of the South was having them drill every evening. It had been a drizzly even and Albus 's robe were soaked. He went up to his dormitory to put away his broom and modification. Once he was done, he grabbed his book of account and went back to the common room to do his prep. When he got there, he could n't obtain his friends anywhere. Albus sighed. Where could they be ? They were n't in the dorm, Albus had just been up there.

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

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

`` 'Course we are, '' Albus gave a fag grin, `` 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, `` Rose and Amanda were with them. lusterlessness did n't face so unspoilt. Maybe they went to the hospital extension. ``

Oh, yeah ! Albus had completely forgotten that the entire synodic month was the next nighttime. They must have gone to the way of necessity. Albus had also momentarily forgotten about the Room due to the fact that Kaden was always hanging around them, and they did not desire him to have a go at it 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 corner and then he started pacing in front line of the wall. Three step 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 common elbow room. ``

blush wine, privy, and Amanda were all furiously scribbling on objet d'art of parchment and they looked up as Albus came in. Matt was sleeping on a nearby chair and did n't notice Albus.

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

`` sound respectable, '' Albus agreed. He grabbed a chair and sat down adjacent to lav. `` What are you lot working on ? ``

`` Transfiguration Day, '' King John groaned, `` Eight inch essay due tomorrow. I 've got four inch so far. ``

`` story of Magic, '' Amanda said, `` Also due tomorrow. ``

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

`` I still have the history of Magic 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, '' John answered. `` Probably just as well since before that he was just rambling about how Malfoy 's going to search the Whomping Willow tomorrow dark. ``

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

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

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

`` No, not really, '' rosebush sighed.

Albus started to leaf through his History of Magic Bible, 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 Marauder '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 good, '' Albus pointed his wand at the map.

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

`` Oh, in effect, '' blush wine smiled. `` I really do n't retrieve he 's going to look into that tree. ``

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

`` He 'll get in big difficulty if he gets caught, '' rosebush reminded him.

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

Albus was relieved that Malfoy was n't currently trying to get into the Whomping Willow, but he did agree with privy that Malfoy would eventually try. The thing was, what were the chances 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 Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree ? Albus had no idea. He sighed as he whispered, `` devilment managed. '' Albus watched as all the ink disappeared from the map. He still did n't want to do his prep, but he had to. He started to put the map back in his bag, but the sight of a humble mark on one of the corners 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 plumb before. But this mark was so small it could possess easily been missed. He peered at the bantam marking until he noticed what it was. It was four paw print. A Wolf, dog, stag, and rat print. It obviously meant the predator. Albus knew he had seen it somewhere before, but where ? He continued to stare at the paw prints, wracking his mentality to try and call up why it seemed so familiar.

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

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

rose wine, John, and Amanda all leaned in to look at the mark. pink wine furrowed her forehead and tilted her header as she looked at it. `` Why did the Marauders have this thing check on the map ? All the other ink disappears. Now it 's just a random while of sheepskin with these paw photographic print on it. ``

Suddenly, Albus remembered where he 'd seen the paw prints before. The piece of music of parchment that fell out of the pic album in the garret of Grimmauld Place ! Albus had completely forgotten about that during the track of the schoolhouse twelvemonth. The symbolization were exactly the Saame. They must mean something, Albus thought. He jumped up from his seat. `` I 've seen it before ! Remember when we were exploring the attic at my house, John ? ``

John nodded his head. `` Yeah ... ''

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

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

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



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

The musical theme for Cedonia 's commandment stylus and the school Amanda used to go to came from a schooltime 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 take in grades. They also got to choose whatever they wanted to study. It was a really worry musical 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, Saint Luke, and Moonylupin for their reviews !

Be on the lookout for my fresh fib, aliveness Is Good, which is a prequel to enigma Within that chronicles how Albus, Rose, lusterlessness, lav, and Amanda received their Hogwarts letter. I 'm hoping to stake the first chapter sometime future week, as I have Spring Break.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.



Albus ran all the way to the Gryffindor coarse elbow room, narrowly avoiding another prefect. He went to his dormitory, dug through his automobile trunk, and found the parchment. He was so sword lily he had n't left it in the Classical Greek. He knew it meant something ! Albus ran back through the common room, ignoring the foreign stares he was receiving from his fellow class fellow. When he got back to the elbow room, John was in the process of explaining to rosebush and Amanda about what they had found in the attic. `` I 've got it ! '' Albus shouted. He ran back to the mesa and spread the parchment out on the table.

`` You 're right ! '' blush wine grinned, `` Exactly the same mark. ``

`` But it 's just a vacuous patch of parchment, '' Amanda reminded him.

`` I know, but there 's definitely something mysterious about it. Why would the predator put this symbolisation on it if it meant nothing ? ''

`` I think you 're right-hand, Albus, '' John agreed, `` I do n't cognise much about the Marauders, but from what you 've told me, there 's no way this is just a random opus of parchment. ``

Rose looked from the map to the new piece 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 make ? Maybe it 's an extension of the map, Hogsmeade perhaps ? ``

Albus thought for a instant. That kind of made mother wit. The piranha 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 come up out, '' he grabbed his wand and tapped the man of parchment, `` I solemnly swear that I am up to no trade good. ``

Ink spread across the map and Albus 's nerve 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 word. Once they were formed, Albus stared at them.

'Nice try. Mr. Padfoot would care to congratulate you, as you have obviously found the vulture 's Map and figured out how to use it. However, he assures you that the Marauders would not use the like incantation for this particular proposition 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. trick smirked and shook his head.

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

Albus grinned at her. He still often forgot that she was muggle-born. `` It 's sorcerous. The vulture either found or invented some kind of charm that enabled the Marauder 's Map to intercommunicate with people who try to use it and they 've done the same matter with this. '' Albus pulled the marauder 's Map in front of him and tapped his wand to it, `` check this. I, Albus Severus thrower, demand you to bear witness 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 juncture and they thought it was extremely funny.

'Mr. Moony would like to would like to separate Mr. thrower to retain his dirty hands off the parchment.

Mr. Wormtail agrees with Mr. Moony and would care to add that despite the fact that Mr. Potter portion a first epithet with the schoolmaster, it does not have him the authorization do what he pleases.

Mr. Padfoot agrees with Mr. Moony and Mr. Wormtail and would like to add that Mr. thrower 's midriff name has got to be the most disgraceful name he has ever heard.

Mr. Prongs agrees with Mr. Moony, Mr. Wormtail, and Mr. Prongs, and would like to be able to insult Mr. ceramist 's hold up name, but feels he is unable to do so .'
Amanda and King John started laughing hysterically after they finished reading the map. `` Does it do that to anyone ? '' John asked.

`` Yup, '' Albus laughed.

`` I did n't know Kendrick 's first name was Albus, '' Amanda commented.

`` It 's not, '' Albus explained, `` When the piranha were in school, Albus Dumbledore was headmaster. And the Marauders hated Snape, so they always insult my public figure. Except my grandpa, he 's never capable to manage it. ``

`` That 's pretty impressive magic trick, '' John said.

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed.

`` You know, '' Rose began, `` If the piranha did n't want anyone else reading that map, they would have just put a good luck charm on it that prevented anyone except themselves to record it. I reckon they hoped person would eventually find out how to take it. ``

Albus contemplated that for a minute. Rose was probably powerful. The Marauders were always pranksters, and they would probably want others to find the map and use it for mischief.

`` But, '' rosebush continued, `` Do you imagine they might accept wanted another particular that only they could understand ? ``

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

`` That other piece of parchment. Maybe it 's something that the Marauders did n't need anyone to be able to read. ``

`` But then we could n't study it, '' Albus sighed. It did kind of shuffle sentience that the piranha wanted something to be private. But then why did they put the Same Saint Mark on both parchments ?

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

`` We do n't even recognise if rosiness is right, '' Amanda argued.

`` Even if only the Marauders could read it, would they still have to say something to face at it ? '' Albus asked.

`` I 'm not trusted, '' rosebush replied, `` I mean, there 's probably some kind of legerdemain that only enables a few people to read it. variety of like a Fidelius appealingness for books or something. ``

Albus grabbed the sheepskin and pointed his wand at it. The only way to find out if something would reveal it was to try. `` Hmm, I am going to defecate trouble. '' Nothing happened. `` I want to constitute mischief. I am going to overstretch a frivolity on somebody. I promise I will make fuss. '' Albus tried many dissimilar fluctuation on the conjuration for the predator 's Map, but nothing worked.

`` It wo n't puzzle out, Albus, '' rose said after a spell, `` You ought to just do your homework. ``

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

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

`` That 's it ! '' Albus shouted. He had been thinking the conjuration was like the Marauder 's Map, but it must be something that would leaven you 're a Marauder. `` I solemnly swear that I am a Marauder. '' zip happened. Albus sighed. He had been so certainly that that would have worked.

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

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

Albus kind of agreed with Rose at this point, but he was will to try anything. But which Marauder ? Prongs. It had to be. Prongs was his grandfather. If this was going to operate for anyone, it would work on for him. He was related to one of the Marauders. Albus pointed his scepter at the parchment with his heart beating fast. `` I solemnly swear that I am Messr Prongs. ``

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

'Messrs Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot, and Prongs welcome you to the Marauder 's Map, second gear edition .'
`` Second map ? '' privy looked up, `` I thought there was only one. ``

`` So did I, '' Albus replied. He stared at the parchment as more Son appeared across it. John, Rose, 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 sheepskin. `` It 's not done. ``

'However, you could be the second Prongs .'
`` What ? ! '' Albus looked up in discombobulation. Was this some form of trick ? How could there be another Prongs ? And how could Albus be that 2nd Prongs ?

`` What is this parchment ? '' St. John the Apostle asked curiously.

`` Either it 's a antic or a highly advanced charming object, '' Rose remarked. The four ally continued to watch as more writing appeared.

'When four boy, who are Gryffindors, are linked together through friendship and roguery, they may present themselves as the adjacent multiplication of vulture .'
`` The what ? '' Albus stared at the lambskin. The next generation of piranha ? What had his grandfather and his supporter done ?

`` This is unbelievable, '' Rose whispered.

'These four friends must each represent one of the Marauders, for if even one is missing, this map will not crop. Before this goes any further, you must raise that you know the mystery of the Marauders. establish that you know, and you may remain along the path of breakthrough .'

'The itinerary of discovery ? I never knew you were so poetic, Mr. Prongs .'

'Oh, trust me, Mr. Padfoot, I am not. Mr. Moony came up with that unharmed matter .'

'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 start proving that they know the marauder .'

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

'The piranha wish you estimable luck .'

The ink disappeared from the lambskin and Albus looked up at his friends. `` What in the name of Falco columbarius is this ? ``

`` I think it 's something the Marauders invented to ensure that they would never be gone from this schooling, '' 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 find out the rest ? '' John asked.

`` Well, I think we 've somehow got to examine that we know who the Marauders are and that we know their closed book, '' Albus explained.

`` We already know their expectant secrets, '' blush wine said, `` But how would we try it to a piece of parchment. ``

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

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

`` Seems too unproblematic, '' rosebush said.

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

Albus did n't think it would work, but he did n't mean it could really harm anything either. `` Worth a blastoff. '' 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 parchment. `` Here goes naught. Let 's see, Moony is a lycanthrope. 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 Word of God appeared on it. Could it have actually worked ?

'Nice try .'
`` I told you it would n't wreak, '' rose wine smirked, `` It 's got to be more elusive than that. ``

`` We 'll just let to suppose on it, '' Albus replied. He had no melodic theme how they were to prove to the new map that they knew the Marauders'secrets, but he had to find out. This lambskin was perhaps even more interesting and wizard than the Marauder 's Map, and he was going to figure it out.

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

Albus looked up when he heard lustrelessness 's representative. Albus had practically forgotten that he was there during the excitement 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 hands. ``

Albus, John, Rose, and Amanda spent the adjacent few minutes explaining about the new map to Matt. They told him about how Albus had noticed the symbol on the Marauder 's Map, how he had gotten the new map to read the writing, and how they had to try out that they knew the Marauders'closed book. Then they showed him the new map.

`` That is brilliant, '' Matt commented.

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

`` well, I know what we can do while we 're trying to figure it out how to prove we know the predator, '' John announced, `` We 've got to figure out who we 're going to represent. ``

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

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

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

`` Me, too, '' Albus 's boldness fell as he realized that individual was going to have to represent Wormtail. cipher was going to desire to be him.

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

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

`` He 's Padfoot, '' Matt yawned, `` He 's got to be. He 's loyal like a dog. Remember that custody last year in the trophy way, when he yelled at Washburn ? ``

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

`` commodity, '' 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 have to, '' Albus told her, `` The map clearly said four boy, four Gryffindor boy to be specific. ``

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

`` Hey, it 's not our demerit the predator wanted it to be boys, '' Albus shrugged, `` But you can help us forecast the completely thing out. ``

`` rightfield now, we 've got to find a Wormtail, '' Amanda said. `` Who else are you three good friend with ? ``

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

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

`` We 're not doing it, '' John said adamantly, `` No one like Wormtail is going to find out out that matt is werewolf. ``

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

`` No problem, '' John the Divine smiled.

`` You know, '' rose wine began, `` When this map was made, Wormtail had n't betrayed Albus 's grandparents. He was a vulture. They trusted him. All we 've got to do is find somebody who you lot are protagonist 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 work. But could they really find soul they could confide enough to reveal matt 's secret ? Or, did they even have to give away it ? Was it possible to do this without telling the 4th mortal ? `` Let 's just keep our eyes out for someone who is anything like Pettigrew and we 'll reckon about it. Who knows, we might not even have to let them acknowledge about Matt, at least not for a while. Is that all rightfulness, Matt ? ``

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

`` Sounds like a design, then, '' can said.

`` We 'd better get back to the commons room, '' pink wine looked at her watch, `` It 's almost curfew. ``

Albus and the others left the Room and walked back to Gryffindor Tower. 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 imagine what was actually on it. The prospect of finding out excited him, but he was wondering if they would even find out. What were the luck of them finding individual who would be bequeath to typify Wormtail ? And if they did find that someone, could they figure out the map without telling that person that mat 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 review !

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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Over the adjacent few daytime, Albus constantly thought about the new map. He kept it in his bag all the metre and found himself looking at it whenever he got the hazard. He read the hint again and again, hoping to get something he missed before that would tell him how to prove that he knew the Marauders'secrets. Albus found that he could n't really boil down on anything else. He was sure he failed his Potions tryout on Friday because he had so often hassle settling down to study the night before.

His schoolhouse oeuvre was n't the but thing agony, either. Albus was also having a difficult time paying attention during Quidditch practice. Seeing as the match against Slytherin was on Sat, this could n't give birth happened at a worse time. Georgia had to yell at him at least five times during practice on Fri, and he dropped the Quaffle quite a bit.

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

Albus trudged over to Empire State of the South. She had a grim facial expression on her face that made Albus feel awful. He knew he had played horrible during practice, but he just could n't get the map out of his header. `` What is it ? '' he asked, knowing perfectly well what Empire State of the South wanted to sing to him about.

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

This was true. Georgia was ruthless 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 performing has declined over the past few daytime, '' Empire State of the South softened her regard, `` You 're spooky. ``

Albus glanced up when his cousin said this. To severalise the accuracy, Albus had n't even thought about being nervous. But he was more than willing to blame his awful playing on nerves. `` Er, yeah, a bit. ``

`` I understand that. I was extremely queasy during my first mates as well. But you are going to do mulct. We 're going to crush Slytherin tomorrow. And we 'll examine all those hoi polloi wrong who thought I was favoring my family, '' Sakartvelo grinned.

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

`` Good, '' GA replied, `` Now let 's get back to the castle. ``

******

Despite Albus 's deficiency of spunk the past few days, he was certainly making up for it on Saturday morning. He woke up with butterflies in his breadbasket and could n't manage to eat anything for breakfast. forged yet, he was still thinking about the map. Albus had to concentrate on this match. His spot on the squad rested on it.

`` Are you ok, Albus ? '' Matt asked. He had returned from the Hospital Wing the previous evening and was looking much better. Judging by his whole step of voice, Albus suspected that lusterlessness looked skilful than he did.

`` Yeah, just unquiet, '' Albus mumbled. He had n't told any of his Quaker about Georgia 's talk finale night.

`` well, you 'd better win, '' Gabe bourn, the senior who Albus had beat during try-outs was glaring at him. `` If not, Empire State of the South made a big misunderstanding in choosing one of her cousin over me. ``

`` Shove off, bourne, '' Bradley sat down across from Albus and glared at Gabe. Gabe turned to glare at Thomas 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 Tom Bradley was. But he knew they had to win that match. If they did n't, Albus would make to cover with Bourne, and he did not want to do that. Albus never thought so much would be resting on one match of Quidditch, let alone his beginning match.

Soon enough, Empire State of the South announced that the squad needed to go to the changing way. Albus 's ally 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 supporter glaring at Albus, but not clapping. Albus changed into his Quidditch robes in quiet while the rest of the team talked animatedly around him. It seemed like Albus was the lonesome one who was uneasy about this match.

`` Time to go, everyone ! '' Empire State of the South announced.

Albus grabbed his broom and followed the repose of the team out onto the pitch, with his warmness pounding fast. He gazed up at the crowd, never realizing before how many people actually attended Hogwarts. It was one thing to bring Quidditch during practice, but in front of everyone ? Albus was certainly he 'd fall off his broom and humiliate the entire team.

`` Here is the Gryffindor team ! '' Albus heard the companion vocalism of Todd Julia Evelina Smith booming over the pitch. `` Ryan O'Malley, Albus Potter, James River Potter, Bradley Weasley, Fred Weasley, Georgia Weasley, and heather Weasley ! Empire State of the South is the new master this year, and Albus Potter has replaced Samantha Meyers as pursuer. Will he be able to live up to her legacy ? solitary meter will tell. ``

Albus gulped when he heard that. Why did Todd ingest to say that ? Albus felt as if every eye in the stadium was focused on him. Albus stood adjacent to James IV as they waited for the Slytherin team to come onto the field of honor. St. James the Apostle sent him a supportive grin that Albus returned nervously.

`` And here are the Slytherins ! Ferris Fielding, Talan Flint, gig Goyle, Peyton Hughes, Garth Octavius, Hailey Odele, and Jackson Naiser ! The Slytherins have replaced their Seeker since lastly twelvemonth. Garth Octavius is the new searcher. ``

Albus remembered Peach State telling them this. Glenna Dabney, the Slytherin searcher from cobbler's last twelvemonth, had been utterly incapable of catching the Snitch. Albus hoped that Garth would be just as inept, but he doubted it.

`` Mount your broom, '' Professor Oteski announced, `` set up, go ! ``

Albus soared into the air on Oteski 's whistle. He took a few cryptic breathing space to acquit his head and tried to block 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 study in parliamentary procedure to get away from Odele, who was flying right future to him. With his faster ling, 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 rake. He got nearer to Fred and Fred passed him the Quaffle. Albus grabbed it and flew towards the Slytherin goal Wiley Post. 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 come out to be broken. It was just a little dreadful. Albus looked around and saw that Haines had the Quaffle.

Albus flew after him, but he had already managed to hold it past both Bludgers and was heading direct towards Peach State. He threw the Quaffle and it sailed into the left field most hoop.

`` Score ! Slytherin scores the first destination of the secret plan, making it 10-0 Slytherin, '' Todd announced.

Albus groaned and flew towards the Gryffindor end. He zigzagged through the other musician, dodging both the Bludgers. Albus was very thoroughly at maneuvering his ling and avoiding other actor. He saw that both Calluna vulgaris and Fred were covered by Slytherin Chasers as everyone waited for the Georgia to throw the Quaffle back into child's play. Empire State of the South faked to the right and then threw the Quaffle to the left. Albus immediately flew towards it, and with his degenerate new heather, grabbed the Quaffle just as Fielding tried to catch it.

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

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

Albus ignored smith 's commentary and continued flying. He passed Saint James the Apostle, who gave him a thumbs up. Fielding was hot on his empennage now. Albus looked around, he needed to communicate the Quaffle. heather was loose and Albus gave the Quaffle a hard flip. Heather caught it and brought it down to the Slytherin goal posts. She threw it at the middle hoop and it sailed through.

`` Score ! '' Smith announced, `` Heather Weasley has scored, making the plot tied with 10 compass point each. ``

Albus grinned at Heather and flew to the Slytherin goal Wiley Post. He waited for Goyle to toss 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 person he passed in the halls made Albus curiosity, could he be the one ? No, he could n't, Albus always told himself. Because they 'd never detect anyone. Albus, whoremonger, and matt were destined to just be a chemical group of three booster, and that was n't going to work for the new map. Why would n't it just accept blush wine or Amanda ? Albus thought bitterly. Of course, neither young woman would agree to representing the betrayer that was St. Peter Pettigrew anyway.

`` Albus ! '' A tatty representative jerked Albus back into the match. He looked up and saw that Heather was glaring at him. He shook his psyche and started flying again.

During the residuum of the peer, Albus found his mind drifting Sir Thomas More and more towards the map. He dropped the Quaffle to a greater extent than a few times, earning disapproving face from Empire State of the South. Although he had n't scored a single 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 ! '' Smith shouted, `` Making the score 120-80 Slytherin ! ``

Albus groaned and looked around at his teammates. Georgia looked tense, ling and Fred looked determined, Tom Bradley and Ryan looked angry, and James looked like he was concentrating hard on finding the sneaker. Odele currently had the Quaffle and Albus followed her towards the Gryffindor destination Emily Post. Fred intercepted it as Odele tried to grade.

`` Albus ! '' GA shouted, `` You can do this ! Just dressed ore ! ``

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

All of a sudden, St. James the Apostle whooshed retiring Albus, heading straight for Ryan. Albus looked over quizzically and realized that Jesse James must have got seen the Snitch. Garth Octavius followed Epistle of James but he was n't straightaway enough. William James grabbed the Snitch, which was idling near Ryan 's arm, and pulled out of the dive. He held it up with a rejoicing grin.

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

Cheers erupted in the stands, with the Gryffindors storming the delivery. Albus landed happily next to James. It was over, his number 1 Quidditch mate was over. He breathed a sigh of respite. They had won, Albus was not going to be kicked off the squad. He stood there grinning with the rest of the team 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 mind it right now.

`` Great job, Albus ! '' Saint John broke through the gang, followed by lustrelessness, Rose, and Amanda.

`` Excellent, '' mat grinned.

`` You were awesome, '' Rose agreed.

`` Good match, '' Amanda added.

`` Thanks, '' Albus smiled, `` But I did n't even score any end. ``

`` Does n't matter, '' Matt replied, `` You had quite a few assist, and we won so it 's all good. ``

`` political party in the common way ! '' one of the older scholar 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 huge grin. `` You did groovy ! ``

`` Thanks, Dad, '' Albus smiled as his dad gave him a hug, `` But I 'll do better future fourth dimension. ``

`` Of course you will. The first match is always the most stressful, '' Harry replied.

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

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

Albus laughed to himself as his dad left. His female parent did worry a lot, although she did suffer a effective reason. His family always seemed to attract trouble, and he was mildly surprise that he escaped his world-class match with only a minor bruise from a Bludger.

Albus walked to the commons elbow room with his friends and when they got there the coarse elbow room was already filling up. Everyone congratulated Albus as he entered, telling him what a not bad job he did that day. Albus smiled at them and thanked them, but he broke into a immense grin when he saw Victoire and Amy sitting at one of the tables.

`` You made it ! '' Albus shouted over the stochasticity. `` Did you see the mate ? ``

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

`` Definitely, '' Amy agreed.

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

`` We left right after James caught the Snitch to go to Hogsmeade to get party supplies, '' Victoire gestured to the large amount of nutrient 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 hurt much anymore. ``

Amy reached into her robes and pulled out her scepter. `` I 'll heal 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 cure pocket-sized cuts and bruises right now, although most of the hooey we 've learned is theoretic. It 's all quite intrigue, though. ``

`` I 'm sword lily you like it, '' Albus said. `` How long until you 're healer ? ``

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 school after subaltern school. ``

`` That is mad, '' whoremaster shook his head, `` Why would anyone want to be in schooltime that long ? ``

`` I would n't beware, '' rose grinned.

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

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

`` I much prefer Magical healing, '' lustrelessness announced, `` Muggles use too many needle. conjuration and potions are much just. ``

`` If Muggles use acerate leaf, then I agree, '' John said.

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

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

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

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

`` What are stitches ? '' lav asked.

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

`` Sew ? '' trick had a disgusted look on his face, `` Like what they do with dress ? That 's mental. ``

`` Bloody painful, too, '' matte commented, `` I had them once. I 'll distinguish you that storey sometime. ''

`` Albus ! '' James IV walked over to their table with a butterbeer in his hand. `` Great offset peer ! ``

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

`` Thanks, '' James grinned, `` Ca n't believe Octavius did n't see it. It was glittering in the sunshine. Oh, well, wagerer for us if their new Seeker ca n't see the sneaker. ``

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

`` Listen, '' James lowered his interpreter 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 day. He assumed that Kaden just realized that Albus did not want to be around him anymore and found his own friends. Albus had not really paid lots attention to his piddling cousin since he told Malfoy that mat gets vomit 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 acquaintance, who were all paying faithful 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 lustrelessness and then back at St. James the Apostle, `` He variety of told someone something that I told him to keep smooth about. ``

`` well, whatever that was, you should make up with him, '' James replied, `` He 's been moping around me for the past month and it 's getting on my face. ``

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

`` Be friend with him again ! ''

`` I was n't really friends with him to begin 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, '' Henry James groaned, `` Oh, look, 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 couple. ``

`` Thanks. ``

`` fountainhead, see ya later, Albus, '' Jesse James stood up. Albus and the others said goodby. Kaden followed William James like a puppy dog.

`` Did n't believe he 'd start annoying James, '' rose commented.

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

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

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

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

`` Actually, '' Albus lowered his voice, `` I would, if you 'd occur to the Room. ``

******

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

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

`` Me, too, '' Victoire said, `` But if someone told me that you 'd escape Hogwarts back when you first came here, I 'd never give birth 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 cause disliked Hogwarts. `` Why 's that ? ``

`` well, '' Amy began, `` When I first came here, I missed my old school day and my old friend. Little did I know that I would do to have it away this place even more and make even sound supporter. ``

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

Albus sat down next to her, while his Friend and Amy took seats on diverse other chair and couches. `` Have you ever met Kaden ? '' Albus asked his cousin.

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

`` Well, he 's very bothersome, to say the to the lowest degree. He thinks everything about the wizard world is marvelous and that magic can solve everything, '' Albus explained.

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

`` Yeah, but he did n't seem to realize, '' 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 wide moon, Kaden got sick and Madam Pomfrey gave him some potion and he was better instantly. This really bewilder 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 mat looked. ``

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

`` Yeah, he insisted that mat go see dame Pomfrey. I tried to excuse that magic could n't fix everything, but he just would n't listen. We told him to stop 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 fight did n't last long because we all agreed that Kaden did n't make out about Matt, therefore he had no idea that what he said was deleterious. I explained to Kaden once again that there were matter that magic could n't solve, and that Matt had a disease that magic could n't solve- ''

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

`` Of path not, '' lustrelessness assured her, `` He 's still got no thought. ``

`` Good. ``

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

`` What ? ! '' Victoire and Amy shouted at the exact Lapplander prison term. Amy 's aspect lost all color as she stared at Albus.

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

Amy turned to her brother with a looking of veneration on her face. `` Did he travel along 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 Nox of detainment, which you already know about. ``

The lady friend nodded their straits. Albus had owled Amy and explained about the detainment on the astronomy Tower, but had not told her why they were in detention.

`` Right after we got out of Filch 's office staff, we took Kaden up to our dormitory and persuaded him not to ever look for that tunnel again or to assure 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 conjuration. ``

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

`` You 're right, '' Albus said darkly, `` He did. For some unknown reason, known only to my dazed cousin, he decided to severalise Scorpius Malfoy that Matt gets sick every once and a while, and order him about the Whomping willow ! ``

`` What ? ! '' Both young woman shouted and stood up with looks of choler on their faces.

`` And Malfoy has been trying to witness out where I go every calendar month and now he 's got more clew. Up until now we 've been telling him that I have to visit my barf grandmother, but that wo n't operate anymore, '' lusterlessness explained. `` It 's only a thing of meter 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 burrow under the Whomping Willow ? ``

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

`` Not thoroughly, this is not in force, '' Amy started tempo, `` 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 distinguish Kendrick now. fare on, Matt. ``

lusterlessness stood up, his face as pale as Amy 's. `` All right hand. '' He reluctantly followed his baby 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 muteness for a few present moment, all lost in their own thoughts. Albus had n't really given Kaden much thought the preceding few days. He 'd been much too busy thinking about the map. But now, the incident with Kaden was back in the front line of his mind. What was Kendrick going to do about Malfoy ? What if he decided that flatness could n't stay put in school anymore now that people knew about the burrow ? Albus shuddered at the thought of his ally being kicked out of schooling because of what Kaden had done.

`` Albus, '' Victoire said quietly, `` I know what Kaden did was horrible. hell on earth, I 'm mad at him now and I do n't really bed 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 suppose he just randomly decided to state 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 last thing he wanted to do was blab to Kaden, let alone forgive him. Kaden might be the reason one of his friends is forced to bequeath the school day ! If that happens, Albus decided, no way would he ever forgive Kaden. Sure, what Victoire said might be avowedly. There might be some kind of underlying reason why Kaden told Malfoy, but the fact remains that he told him. And that could n't be changed.

`` I kind of agree with Victoire, '' rosebush whispered, `` I do n't call back he really meant to gift Malfoy clues about lustrelessness 's lycanthropy. ``

`` I know that ! '' Albus shouted, `` Kaden does n't even know about it ! But I told him not to assure and he did n't listen. We ca n't trust him with anything ! Everything I 've told him not to tell, he 's told mortal, and it was Malfoy of all multitude ! You realize that if I forgive him, he 'll begin following us around again. He 'll get more suspicious about mat and eventually he 's going to find out. And what do you think he 'll do then ? We 'll tell him not to say anything, and he will. He 'll probably recount Malfoy. ``

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

`` Me, too, '' Amanda replied.

`` mulct, '' blush wine snapped.

`` Just consider about it, Albus, '' Victoire said as she got up. `` I 've got to be going. shimmy 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 thing today, '' Victoire responded, `` Training is pretty acute. And it 's at all kinds of demented minute. 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 bring back in the dead of Nox. Aurors had some of the foreign hours he had ever heard of.

`` Of course, my hr wo n't be much better 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 surely when, but I 'll definitely see you at Christmas. ``



A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight and Denas, Jen, sinwillys822, XDNLxtlz99, Luke, and Moonylupin for their reviews !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




Albus and his ally sat around the room of necessary for the side by side half hr, waiting for Matt to come back. Nobody 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 room access to the room open. `` What happened ? '' he asked immediately.

mat ran over to his admirer with a smile on his face. `` Not lots. ``

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

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

`` That 's capital ! '' Albus replied. He was very jutting. It would not induce been clean for matt to have to go forth Hogwarts just because of Kaden 's betise.

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

`` We did n't really think of it at the clip, '' whoremaster commented.

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

`` Good, '' Amanda replied.

`` So, '' King John said tentatively, `` nonentity can get into the passageway now ? ``

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

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

mat turned and glared at him, `` Are you insane ? There 's no way I 'd take you into the scream Shack. ``

`` It could hold been like our own common elbow room, '' whoremaster continued.

`` No way. Nope. Not going to occur, '' Matt said flatly.

`` All rightfulness, fine, '' John sighed, `` Would 've been cool, though. ``

******

The next day at breakfast, Albus was still thinking about the new map. He kept wondering what made it so different from the original predator 's Map. Albus was hoping that it would show Hogsmeade, along with everyone who was in Hogsmeade.

`` Who 's that old lady up there ? '' Amanda pointed to the staff board. There was a short old Wiccan with a patched and frayed hat sitting where Professor 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 prof Longbottom ? '' lusterlessness asked.

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

rose took the letter of the alphabet and gave her owl a piece of toast. She opened the missive and read for a few proceedings before reemerging from behind it with a vast grinning on her aspect. `` Professor Longbottom 's wife has had her child ! Her figure is Lucy Augusta. That explains why professor Longbottom is n't here. ``

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

`` You know, I never really intend about the instructor having families, '' mat commented.

`` fountainhead, we met Professor Longbottom 's wife at the Leaky cauldron over the summer, '' Gospel According to John pointed out.

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

`` Oh, yeah, '' John remembered, `` And professor Potter obviously has a category. '' John grinned at Albus.

`` He does ? '' Albus opened his eyes wide in a spirit of fraud jar. `` I never knew ! ``

matte laughed, `` I wonder about the former teachers, 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 spoonful against his goblet. `` Thank you. I have two announcements this morning. The first 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 narrate you again how dangerous it is. ``

Albus stole a glance at Kaden, who was steadily turning more pinkish. Albus glared at him and this made him twist a promising nicety of red.

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

`` On a light-headed eminence, I 'm sure you all have noticed that prof Longbottom is not here today. ``

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

`` Yes, yes, no need to care. Professor Longbottom 's wife has had a baby young lady and he will be gone for a few calendar week. Professor Sprout, who taught here eld ago has offered to contain his place 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 Billy Sunday 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 virtually of the students were outside enjoying the weather.

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

`` Mine, too, '' John said.

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

`` good, '' flatness smiled, `` It seems like we have n't got any think teachers this year. ``

The grouping spent the morning wandering around the grounds, putting off the homework they should have been doing. They talked some more about the map, but cipher had any thought as to how to get it to work or who could represent Wormtail. Albus also thought a lot about what Victoire had said. He was beginning to wonder if he should just forgive Kaden. It would certainly be a whole lot prosperous than trying to fend off him, like he had been doing the retiring month and a half.

`` I do n't think we 're going to be able to neglect Kaden forever, '' Albus announced as they were laying underneath a beech tree near the lake.

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

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

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

`` I know, '' Albus replied, `` I 'm getting sick of having to stave off him all the metre. ``

`` I still do n't care him, '' John said adamantly, `` I mean, maybe if he 'd learn how to keep out his mouth, I 'd like him better. ``

`` Maybe there 's some kind of patch we can use to get him not to blab 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, '' flatness replied quietly. `` No one can get into the tree now, and Malfoy 's going to feel out eventually, '' he sighed, `` It 's only a subject of time. He 'll find out out whether Kaden gives him clues or not. He 's smart. Kaden wo n't figure it out until someone tells him, but Malfoy will find out on his own. It 's only a thing of when. ``

Albus stared at his friend. Albus did not think matt would ever be friendly with Kaden again, but what he said actually made common sense. Malfoy was going to witness out. `` It 's all right with you if I forgive him ? ``

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

Albus sighed. He knew the right thing to do was to just forgive Kaden. Albus knew that as soon as he made up with Kaden, Kaden would bug out hovering around them again. He just wished Kaden would find his own supporter. But it did n't calculate like that was going to happen anytime soon. Every time Albus saw Kaden, he was either alone or with James.

`` wishing to go back to the castle ? '' john asked a little while later. It was starting to get windier and clouds were rolling in. It would probably rain soon.

`` Sure, '' Albus agreed.

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

`` Bet she thinks she lost a stage on it, '' can laughed.

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

`` What do you need to do ? '' John asked as they climbed the stairs.

`` deprivation to go to the Room ? '' lustrelessness suggested.

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

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

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

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

`` No idea. I guess we 'll just have to mess up with it while Kaden 's in class. ``

The boys continued their journey up to the seventh floor corridor. They were halfway down the 6th floor corridor, heading towards the step, when Matt stopped in his runway. Albus stared at him quizzically, wondering why he had stopped. `` What 's wrong ? '' he whispered.

Matt said nothing but pulled his two friends into a nearby empty classroom. He shut the door and turned to face his friend. `` There 's citizenry whispering just around the street corner. ``

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

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

`` I 'm sober ! '' lusterlessness said.

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

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

`` Oh, right, '' Albus replied, remembering that wolfman did have got Lake Superior audience. `` Well, what was it ? ``

`` There 's at least two hoi polloi out there and one sounds scared, '' Matt explained.

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

`` Yeah, definitely bookman. ``

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

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

Albus was undecided if he wanted to go see who was whispering around the nook or not. He was definitely curious, but he did n't want to get jinxed. Eventually, his wonder beat out his veneration. `` All right wing. ``

`` Hold out your wands, '' Matt 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 set forth to make out bits of conversation.

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

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

Albus quickened his pace. individual was going to hex someone. He had to stop them ! Albus vaguely recognized both the voices, but he could n't quite spot them.

The boys rounded the corner and Albus saw why he recognized the vocalization. Scorpius Malfoy and Felix Willinson were standing with their sceptre pointed at Kaden, who was leaning on the wall, his hand shakily holding his wand out in front of him. Albus stopped in his tracks, and John and matt did the same. Neither Malfoy, Willinson, or Kaden had noticed them yet.

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

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

`` liar, '' Malfoy raised his sceptre a little higher.

That was it. Albus could n't comport to look on Malfoy interrogating his cousin-german like that. All his bitterness thoughts toward Kaden flew out the windowpane the moment Albus saw Kaden 's terrified fount. Albus ran forward and shouted, `` Expelliarmus ! '' Malfoy 's wand sailed out of his hand and landed on the floor a few feet down the corridor. John ran forward and grabbed it.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` Looks like you 've got your cousin 's dueling accomplishment, '' Albus commented. `` Quinton Willinson is your cousin, right ? ``

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

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

`` Fine, '' Malfoy smirked, `` think your cousin-german will get hexed. ``

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

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 heaving voice behind them said. `` That 's against the principle. ``

Albus jumped as he heard the interpreter and turned around to meet it. It was Filch. Albus groaned inwardly. Why did Filch always have to be around ? He, flatness, bathroom, 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 wands. Clearly these four Gryffindors attacked us. ``

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

Albus stifled a laugh as he followed Filch down the hallway. nobody said anything as Filch led them into his cramped office. It was very difficult for the six male child to fit deep down and everyone was too close for comfort.

Filch went through his usual routine of filling out material body and filing them in the discipline cabinet. He smirked as he filed Albus 's bod. `` Seems you 'll have a Indian file nearly as big as your father and gramps 's by the time you graduate. ``

Albus said nothing as Filch continued to fill out and lodge his forms. After what seemed like an hour, but was probably only a few minute, Filch finished. `` You 'll give birth two night 's detainment. Tonight and tomorrow night. receive me here. Now get out. ``

Albus did n't make to be asked twice. He was the first one out the room access, followed quickly by Matt, John, and Kaden. After the two Slytherins left and started heading towards the keep, Albus began to lead his friends up the steps. No one said much as they walked towards Gryffindor tugboat. Kaden stuck to them like someone had affixed a permanent sticking appealingness on him, but Albus did n't listen. He needed to blab to Kaden anyway. Why were Malfoy and Willinson threatening him ? Was this the cause he told Malfoy about the passageway in the Whomping willow ?

When they got to the common elbow room, it was packed. There was hardly any way for them. Albus wordlessly lead them up to his residence hall and shut the doorway behind them. King John and Matt sat down on Matt 's bed, but Albus and Kaden remained standing.

Albus was n't sure where to lead off. Should he just narrate Kaden that he forgave him ? Or ask him what was going on with Malfoy and Willinson ? But before Albus could settle, Kaden started the conversation.

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

Albus did a duple 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 dismal, '' his vocalism cracked. `` And I 'm sorry for landing you lot in detainment, again. ``

`` Kaden, this one was n't your fault, '' Albus insisted, `` It was Malfoy and Willinson 's geological fault. speechmaking of them, want to tell us what 's been going on ? '' Albus had n't paid an Panthera uncia of care to his cousin since their big fight over a month ago, but Albus was sure that this was n't an isolated 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, malady. ``

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

`` And I 'm no-good, Albus, '' Kaden 's optic watered, `` I really am. They just both pointed their wands at me, and I do n't know any good hexes, and I just got scared, and I know Gryffindors are supposed to be brave, 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 got 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 former, '' Kaden continued, `` They were going to hex me if I did n't severalize them. So I told them there was a tunnel but I did n't know where it went. They did n't believe me, though. They 've been trying to get me to tell them about once a week and I get jinx every time. madam Pomfrey fixes it, though. ``

Albus sighed, `` I told you to evidence 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 affair that I just do n't infer, '' Albus explained, `` But I 'll always like about you. You 're my cousin and nada can change that. ``

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

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

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

`` No, '' Albus answered, `` Just order me next time they do that. And try not to narrate anyone the things I tell you in common soldier anymore. ``

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

Saint John and mat looked at each other and then shake off their header. `` 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 reckon you 'd secernate me where the burrow goes now ? ``

`` Not a chance, '' Albus grinned. Even after all that, Kaden was still his common curious self, forever optimistic that Albus would actually tell 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 tell you, but I still think football is better than Quidditch. ``

`` Are you mad ? ! '' whoremaster and Matt shouted at the same time. Both of them had looks of disgust on their faces.

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

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

`` We 'll take him to the Cup, '' mat decided, `` No issue where it is. We 'll go and evidence to him that Quidditch is outdo. ``

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

`` Once you see the Cannons play, you 'll switch your intellect, '' Matt told him as he stood up.

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

`` Not at the present moment, no, '' Matt smirked. King John and Albus burst out laughing at John 's choice of watchword and Kaden looked at them confusedly.

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

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

`` Anyway, '' John continued as they left the elbow room, `` The cannon are the whip team, you do n't want to see them play. It 's not like they 'll make it to the League Cup. ``

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

This clock time it was John 's crook to punch matt in the arm. `` Puddlemere is better than the shank can ever hope to be. ``

John and Matt continued their parameter all the way down into the common elbow 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, Rebecca, Moonylupin, St. Luke, and lilausty for their reviews !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




It did n't fill long for Kaden to fit himself back into Albus 's chemical group of booster. By the end of the week, Albus, Kaden, and the others got back to their usual routine of doing homework in the common room after dinner. Of course of study, that did not protrude until after the boys served their detention with Filch. The caretaker had them houseclean almost every bathroom in the entire palace. This was a strain affair due to the fact that Malfoy and Felix Willinson were serving the hold alongside them. Albus was quite happy when the detention was over.

All in all, school was going well for Albus. He was doing well in all his family and Quidditch and the Dueling lodge were going well, too. Albus managed to shove aside his thoughts of the new map during Quidditch, which pleased Georgia greatly. The downside to having Kaden back was that Albus and his other champion could n't really sneak off to the Room of Requirement anymore, unless they wanted to bring 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 want Kaden to know about the map. He did n't even know about the regular predator 's Map. So, Albus had no alternative but to just think about the map, rather than mess around with it.

As November turned into Dec, snow fell upon the cause and students of all ages flocked to them to have snow ball engagement. Albus and his friend took constituent in quite a few, usually being crushed by the older students. Albus enjoyed these fight immensely, but idea of the new map were always in the back of his judgement. He just wished they could have some time away from Kaden to investigate it some more. The opportunity to do just that move up one day in the get-go of December. Kaden was not doing too well in Transfiguration and one of the older Ravenclaws had offered to tutor him and a few other first years 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 Room. ``

`` You 're awfully eager for him to leave, '' Gospel According to John smirked, `` I thought you did n't mind him so much now. ``

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

`` Do you call back you know how to work on it ? '' Matt asked.

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

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

The group left the crowded unwashed elbow room and followed the familiar track to the Room. Once there, they took their usual buns and waited for Albus tell them his idea.

`` well, '' Albus began. He took the map out of his bag and propagate it out on the tabular array. `` I think we should try writing on it. You know, recall what I tried to narrate the map last clip ? I think I should save that on the map. ``

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

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

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

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

`` Have you got any salutary idea ? '' Albus asked.

`` Er, no, but- ''

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

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

`` Thank you, rose wine. ``

`` At least write it really low, '' lusterlessness suggested, `` That way if it is n't the right way, it wo n't mess it up. ``

Albus nodded. That made sense. `` All rightfield. '' He took a oceanic abyss intimation. `` Here it goes. I solemnly swear that I am Messr Prongs. ``

The familiar ink appeared on the parchment, telling Albus that he needed to prove he knew all the Marauders'arcanum. He looked up at his booster, who were all wearing looks of prediction. Albus grabbed a calamus and an ink pot. He poised his quill over the parchment and wrote in very tiny letters,

'Moony is a lycanthrope. 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 complete silence. The ink disappeared into the map and Amanda let out a pant. A few moments later, new words 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 work out this out, '' bathroom sighed.

`` DOE n't matter anyway, we do n't have a Wormtail, '' matt pointed out.

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

`` How do we subtly tell a piece of music of lambskin that we know the Marauders'arcanum ? '' Albus wondered aloud.

`` wellspring, '' Rose began, `` We 've got to remember that these are the vulture. And I 'm sure they wanted to make it hard for whoever found this map. ``

`` Good point, '' trick said.

`` This most in all likelihood holds more 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 marauder would n't have just had them write something on the map. It was too easy. `` right wing, so they liked getting in trouble. They would probably desire us to do something that might get us in trouble. ``

`` And nearly likely dangerous, '' Rose added.

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

`` Definitely, '' Albus confirmed. The more he thought about it, the more it made sense. The vulture spent their Hogwarts life history causing trouble and doing grievous thing. They obviously would want people just as daring to be the next Marauders.

`` How can it be life-threatening to prove that we know their secrets ? '' John asked.

`` No idea, '' 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 werewolf ? '' matt asked.

`` We could draw paw mark on it, '' John laughed.

rose 's boldness lit up. `` privy, that 's it ! ``

`` lottery paw prints ? '' John stared at her, `` How 's that grave ? ``

`` No, not that. But the paw print idea, '' rosiness 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 appear like the form of thing the marauder would do. It would definitely be dangerous to get the paw print, and unmanageable as well. Not many people would actually be able-bodied to get them all. It was subtle as well. No one would accept any approximation what the paw photographic print would mean unless they knew the Marauders'closed book. The lone affair he did n't like about it was the idea of a crew of beast trampling the map.

They all stared at Rose, who was looking quite well-chosen with the mind. Eventually, Albus spoke. `` Are you indisputable ? ``

`` Not positive, '' Rose answered, `` There 's only one way to feel out. What do you lot think ? ``

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

`` Is that a Christian Bible ? '' rosebush laughed.

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

`` trade good estimation, Rose, '' John agreed.

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

`` Makes signified, '' lustrelessness replied.

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

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

`` Good percentage point, '' rose wine sighed. Everyone thought about this for a few moments, then Rose had another melodic theme. `` What if we use different art object of parchment and then use a transfer appealingness to put them on the map ? ``

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

They all stared at each early and shook their heads. `` Er, that might be a problem, '' Albus sighed, `` I 'm pretty sure that appealingness is well by O.W.L. ``

`` I 'll learn it, '' Rose told him, `` I 'm trusted I can regain it in the library somewhere. ``

`` We 're favourable you 're such a Word of God worm, rosiness, '' Saint John the Apostle laughed.

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

`` The dog will be easy, '' Amanda announced, `` I 've got a dog, call back ? ``

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

`` Sure, '' Amanda grinned, `` It 'll be well-fixed. ``

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

`` It might take me a piece to estimate out the appeal anyway, '' blush wine commented.

Albus had wanted to figure out the map before Christmastide as well, but considering the fact that there were n't any dogs in Hogwarts, that would n't be possible. `` I think we can detect a rat somewhere in the castle. Probably near the dungeons. ``

`` Great, Slytherin territorial dominion, '' John groaned.

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

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

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

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

`` Good, '' 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 hart in the forest, '' Amanda suggested, `` But we 'd get in trouble. ``

`` That 's what the vulture would have wanted, '' Albus told her.

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

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

`` The lycanthrope one, '' Matt whispered. Albus and the others turned to look at matt. He had been very tranquilize over the past few minutes and Albus noticed that he was paler than usual. Albus could understand why. The werewolf paw print could possibly be the most serious one to get.

`` You know, '' Rose said quietly, `` This is why the paw print affair makes so much sense to me. I highly doubt a habitue brute print is going to work. And if this really is the way to get the map to work, the only way to get a werewolf paw print would be if a werewolf was at Hogwarts. ``

Albus thought about this and it made unadulterated good sense. This would be one way for the Marauders to make certainly that the new Marauders would bear at least one similarity to the originals. `` But how do we get it ? We obviously ca n't go into the screaming hovel the nighttime of the full moonshine. ``

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

`` All right, '' flatness sighed after a few minutes. `` I 've got an mind. ``

Albus and the rest of his admirer said nothing but watched as they waited for Matt to elaborate. Albus could tell that Matt really did n't want to do this, but they had to. How else would they get the map to work ?

`` We go down to the Shrieking Shack a couple days before the full moon and vex a few bit of self-inking parchment to the level. Hopefully I 'll tread on one of them and we 'll ingest a paw mark, '' Matt explained quietly.

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

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

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

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

`` Really ? '' matt half-smiled. `` That would be big. ``

`` 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, '' Rose gestured to Albus, mat, and John the Evangelist, `` You 're going to be the new piranha anyway. ``

`` Hang on, '' John interrupted, `` I thought Kendrick put up Barbara Ward on the Whomping Willow. How are we going to get in without him knowing ? ``

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

`` Oh, right. ``

`` When 's the next full moon Sun Myung 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 family in the good afternoon but we do n't. Then we can pussyfoot down to the Shrieking Shack this weekend. ``

`` Perfect, '' rosiness grinned, `` And I 'll depart searching the library for the magical spell. Hopefully we 'll have it figured out right after Christmas. ``

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

`` wellspring, I 've got homework to do, '' Rose announced as she pulled out a few books from her bag.

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

The radical worked silently on their preparation for a piece, only talking when they needed to ask inquiry about it. Albus tried his scoop to concentrate on his August 6 essay, but his mind kept wandering back to the map. He wished they could get the paw prints faster. Albus was very uneasy to find out what this map had in depot for them. Of course of action, they still had to line up someone to be Wormtail, but Albus tried to push that thought from his mind.

`` It 's so muted, '' trick said, tapping his pinion on his book.

`` Nice, is n't it ? '' rose smiled.

`` Not really, '' John replied, `` It 's too quiet. I 've kind of gotten used to Kaden 's loudness. ``

`` 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 retiring few workweek. Albus would even go so far as to say that he was starting to become friends with his cousin.

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

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

That 's it ! Albus dropped his shaft and stared at rose. Of course ! Why had n't he realized it before ? Kaden did stick with them around and practically worship the primer coat they walked on. Kaden was Wormtail.

`` Albus ? '' blush wine asked. `` Are you all right ? ``

Albus shook his head and looked at Rose. `` I 'm fine. serious 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, Matt, Rose, and Amanda shouted at once.

`` You 're kidding, right ? '' blush wine asked.

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

`` Not really, '' John Lackland said.

`` Just listen, '' Albus sighed. `` First, we 've got to remember 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 whoremonger and matt. `` But we need a fourth person. Since they have to be somehow connected through us, we ca n't just pick a random student. Can you think of anyone besides Kaden that we have gotten in hassle with ? ``

`` Not really, '' John the Evangelist said after a few moment quiet.

`` right hand, '' Albus continued, `` And I 'd say we 're friends with him now. Would you ? ''

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

Albus looked at his Quaker for a moment before responding. Albus talked the least about Wormtail than all the other Marauders. Obviously, Albus felt a deep hate for Peter Pettigrew, and this resulted in him not wanting to talk about him. So Albus 's acquaintance really did n't know a whole lot about him. Just the parts that had to do with him betraying Albus 's grandparents. `` Well, we 've got to think of that when the marauder made this map they were friends with Wormtail. He had n't betrayed them yet. He did take good timbre, as a lot as I hate saying that, '' Albus said grimly.

`` So what are these timber ? '' bathroom asked skeptically.

`` Er, I 'm not sure exactly, '' Albus confessed, `` I mean, all the Marauders were dead by the time I was born, so there 's not really anyone to narrate 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 Sirius and my gramps. ``

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

`` Exactly, '' Albus said, happy that someone was finally sympathise, `` And he used to do whatever they wanted. ``

`` Sounds like Kaden, '' matte agreed.

`` Definitely, '' can replied.

`` You know, '' rosebush began, `` Wormtail obviously caved under threats and Kaden did, too. ``

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

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

`` I dunno, '' Albus had n't gotten that far. There were still parts of him that wanted to keep the map a secret from Kaden, but he obviously could n't do that if Kaden was supposed to be the new Wormtail. `` I 'm not sure how to severalize 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 part of this. ``

`` The map 's not the solitary thing we 're going to stimulate to tell him, is it ? '' Matt said quietly, `` He 's going to find oneself out what I am. ``

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

`` 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 whole of Slytherin will know and then soon the whole school will know and they 'll severalise their parents and they 'll kvetch and Kendrick will sustain to complain me out. But then it wo n't weigh anyway because all of Wizarding Britain will know and no one will desire to be around me or my family again and it will be just like Australia- ''

`` Matt, '' Albus cut him off. He was getting hysteric. `` Calm down, that 's not going to materialise. ``

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

`` Because Kaden wo n't tell anyone, '' Rose interjected.

`` Not if I do n't state him, '' Matt replied, `` And I 'm not going to tell 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 min, '' Rose said loudly. `` Remember what Amanda said about a spell to keep Kaden from giving away anymore secrets ? '' Everyone nodded. `` Well, I 'm pretty sure there is a charm like that, '' Rose grinned.

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

`` Yes. I vaguely remember reading about it in a Holy Writ. I 'm sure if I went to the depository library I could find it, '' rose wine explained. `` I 'll just seem for it when I 'm researching the transference charm. ``

Albus 's Bob Hope soared eminent again, `` Excellent ! Would you be unforced to tell him if blush wine found this spell ? ``

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

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

Albus grinned. They were onto something, he could sense it. They would unlock the secrets of this new lambskin. Albus was so inebriate with the prospect of finally discovering what the new map held, he could hardly sleep that night. He was n't the alone one, either. Albus heard Matt and John tossing and turning all Nox, over the phone of Ethan and Bilius 's snoring. Although, Albus suspected Matt 's sleepless Nox was more due to heart than excitement. Judging by the expression on his face as they went back to the unwashed room that eventide, he was still loath to let Kaden in on his large secret.



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



Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.



When Albus woke up the next morning time, he found that he was overcome with nerves about stealing his Padre 's Invisibility Cloak. Albus had been so caught up in the upheaval about the map the night before that he had n't really given it a second base thought. But now that the theme had simmered overnight, he realized that the plan 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 cabbage it back right after he was done with his late nighttime saunter to the Shrieking Shack, but still. What if his dad discovered it missing ? Was that even in all likelihood ? Albus had no melodic theme how often Harry used his cloak nowadays. He probably did n't have much use for it at Hogwarts because teachers could rove around wherever and whenever they wanted.

Albus did n't even know where his father kept the cloak. He was planning on just trying a summoning appeal as James had done to retrieve the predator 's Map. Albus just hoped that the cloak attempt would go just as smoothly. Harry still had n't noticed that the Map was missing. Either that or he knew James took it and was just letting him keep it. As Albus 's intellection went to the master copy piranha 's Map, he remembered that he still had n't given it back to James.

Albus remained distracted throughout his morning classes and by the time tiffin came, he was almost as nervous as he had been for the firstly Quidditch compeer. nobody said much as Albus picked at his food, well cypher except Kaden. Kaden rambled on about his morning form until he had to give for Potions a short while later. Once he was gone, Albus was free to talk about their plan. `` I 'm not sure if this is going to work. ``

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

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

`` It 's got to shape, '' St. John the Apostle insisted, `` How else will we purloin down to, '' he lowered his part, `` you know, without being caught ? ``

`` There is n't any other way, '' Matt replied, `` We 'll get trance if we do n't give the cloak. ``

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

`` No we wo n't, '' John 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.

`` rightfulness, '' St. John the Apostle agreed, `` So we 're off to slip the cloak. ``

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

`` Trust me, Albus, '' rose said, `` It 'll wreak. We 'll slip the cloak back before Uncle Harry even knows it 's gone. ``

`` He 's leaving now, '' Amanda pointed to the staff mesa, `` We 'll just wait a brace to a greater extent second. ``

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

`` Good idea, '' lustrelessness agreed, `` No one will think anything of it if the two of you go into his place. ``

Albus nodded. That was probably the best way to do it. If all five of them went, chances are they would progress to enough 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 and Amanda followed suit. `` See you in a bit. ``

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

Albus and Rose had lingered long enough at the mesa that the corridors were practically empty, carry through for a few straggle students who were much more spirit on making it to social class than giving Albus and Rose a second gear glance. They quietly made their way to Harry 's office, narrowly avoiding Peeves near Moaning myrtle 's privy. Judging from the flash call that were emitted from the bathroom, Peeves had just finished making fun of poor myrtle.

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

Rose did n't look in phased in the to the lowest degree. `` Just use Alohamora. ``

Albus looked at her skeptically. Why would Harry bother to shut up his threshold with a charm that anyone could open ?

`` Just do it, '' blush wine insisted, `` He 's got a appealingness on there that recognizes his magic signature. Yours will be close enough to his that it 'll open for you, too. It worked with James lowest class. It wo n't do work with me, though. I tried. James River thought it was incredibly good story. ``

`` All right, '' Albus replied and pointed his wand at the lock. `` Alohomora. '' The lock chamber clicked and Albus turned the handgrip. It opened. The cousins quietly crept inside, carefully shutting the doorway behind them.

Harry 's billet looked much like it had the last sentence Albus had been in it. Parchment, books, and former assorted objects were strewn around all over the place, cluttering up the desk, sofa, and chair. The bedchamber door had been left open and Albus could see that that way was just as messy, with robes laying on the bed and copy of the prophet on the floor.

`` Does he ever clean up ? '' Rose asked disgustedly, `` I mean, really. This is worse than 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 midget bedchamber. Albus guessed that the cloak was either in Harry 's trunk or the wardrobe.

Rose must give been thinking the Saame thing. She wrenched the automobile trunk surface and pointed her sceptre at it. `` Accio invisibility Cloak, '' she shouted. Nothing happened.

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

`` Wait, '' rosebush said as she crept closer to Harry 's bole, `` I 'm pretty sure Uncle Harry mentioned that you ca n't use a evocation magic spell on the cloak. ``

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

`` We 'll do it the heavily way, '' blush wine sighed, `` You take the press, I 'll remove the automobile trunk. ''

Albus shook his head as he stepped over to his dad 's wardrobe. This was going to direct 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 torso ! ``

Albus felt an huge moderation as Rose held up the cloak. They did it ! They actually found the cloak ! nil was stopping them now. They were going to find out the secrets of the second map.

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

Albus nodded, happy to do as pink wine said. He certainly did n't want to get caught in his dad 's government agency with the invisibleness Cloak. rose wine handed him the cloak and he stuffed it into his robes. Once Albus and blush wine 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.

Relief washed over Albus when he made it into the elbow room a few minutes later. They had n't been caught ! Albus 's heart still beat fast with epinephrine as he ran into the elbow room and grinned at his friends. The chill of what he and pink wine had done was starting to hit him. He had taken the Invisibility Cloak. It was the first of all Marauder-like thing he had done. He knew this was exactly what the Marauders had wanted him to do. To give linguistic rule and not get caught.

`` Did you get it ? '' John ran over with a glimmer of excitement in his heart. 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 well-situated, '' pink wine laughed. `` I found it right in Uncle Harry 's luggage compartment. ``

`` 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-bodied to eventually. My dad just wants to get to acknowledge him first. ``

Matt put the cloak on and disappeared from persuasion. He reappeared a few second base later. `` That is so cool. ``

`` Let me try, '' trick took the cloak and wrapped it around himself. They spent the next few minutes 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 and Matt stood future to him as he threw the cloak over their heads. Albus had been under the cloak with James II, Lily, and his full cousin before, so he was used to how cramped it was, but his friends weren't.

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

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

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

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

The son walked slowly around the room, making for certain not to break any of their branch. John and Matt started to get the hang of it after a few minute of practice session and they were soon able to go a little faster.

`` perfective, '' Amanda announced after the fourth time they circled the room. `` I 'm still amazed by that cloak. ``

`` What night should we do this ? '' privy asked after they took the cloak off.

`` I say Sabbatum because I 've got Quidditch practice that morning and I 'm going to receive to get some sleep Friday night or Georgia will spend the whole time yelling at me to wake up, '' Albus explained, `` That upright with you two ? ``

`` Sure, '' John agreed. lustrelessness nodded.

`` Then we 're set, '' Albus replied, `` Saturday night, we sneak into the Shrieking hut. ``

`` You 're turning into quite the trouble maker, Albus, '' Rose laughed, `` The Marauders would be majestic. ``

******

The succeeding day rosiness decided to start out her research on the transference charm. Albus and the others went with her and it did n't deal long to find the right book. rose found it in a written matter of Advanced appeal and after she read a bit about the magic spell she decided that it was going to be difficult but not impossible for her to do. She decided to overcome that charm before trying to find the charm to keep Kaden calm down. That one was going to be voiceless to find since they did n't even know the name of it. Rose checked out the Advanced appeal book under the menacing glower of Madam Pince. It looked to Albus like she was just burning to demand what they were up to and deny them the Good Book. But, she could n't since the book was n't in the Restricted Section.

blush wine spent the future few daytime trying to figure the charm out. There was n't much Albus could do to help her, so he just did his prep and watched her. Albus thought the spell looked incredibly complicated and he was beaming that Rose had volunteered to acquire it. Rose was having a bit of trouble mastering the charm, though. By the metre Saturday night rolled around, she still had n't managed to reproduce much of anything. Albus kept reassuring her that she would eventually get it. The spell was well beyond the O.W.L. horizontal surface and it stood to reason that it would be operose for her. This did not wooing rose wine well and she was quite frustrated by it. If there was one affair that drove Rose mad, it was having problem learning something.

`` Why do n't you charter a happy chance ? '' Albus suggested while they were in the vulgar room on Saturday night. `` You 've been at it for Clarence Day. ``

`` Maybe you 're right, '' rose wine sighed. She had been trying for the past hour to regurgitate her name onto another piece of sheepskin. `` I 'll just relax for a while. '' She pulled out her transfiguration book and opened it to one of the late chapters.

`` I do n't hump how you can consider that relaxing, '' can screwed up his face in disgust.

`` What are you doing anyway ? '' Kaden asked loudly, looking up from his Herbology essay.

`` Extra credit charms homework, '' Rose lied.

`` Oh, '' Kaden looked vaguely shocked that blush wine would need extra credit.

`` I 'm doing it for the fun of it, '' Rose explained.

`` You 'll get it eventually, '' Kaden told her, `` You 're smart. ``

`` Thanks, Kaden, '' rosiness smiled at him.

Albus had no doubt that blush wine would figure the charm out eventually. It was just taking her longer than she expected. Albus was in no rush because the charm would be useless until they got all the paw mark they needed. That would n't happen until after Christmas. whoremaster had n't managed to find a rat in Potions on Friday, but he was keeping his eyes peeled.

The group stayed in the common elbow room for another distich hr, waiting until it was completely empty. Albus thought Kaden would never go to bed, but shortly after eleven he finally gave in to his fatigue and went up to his dorm. Eventually, Albus and his friends were the solitary one left.

`` prepare ? '' Albus asked. John and lustrelessness 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, '' rosebush told them as she held the portraiture receptive 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 uneasy about sneaking out of the castle as he had been about stealing the cloak. And clearly he was breaking more rules this evening than he had the other day. He figured it had something to do with the fact that stealing the cloak was something his sire would be disappointed in, whereas sneaking out would just get him in hassle with another teacher.

Whatever the reason, Albus felt almost excited about this evening. The just time he had really snuck out after curfew was when he had his first Occlumency aspiration the previous year. Tonight 's escapade was a much dear consideration. Besides, Albus was a bit excited about following the tunnel to the Whomping Willow and seeing the inside of the Shrieking Shack. He felt kind of guilty about this because he knew lusterlessness 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 stair. He took out the Map and scanned it for a couple minutes. Filch was currently striding along the third flooring corridor. They would ingest to be careful about that. They could easily run right into him. Peeves was flitting around a classroom on the 4th floor, no doubt wreaking havoc for one of the teachers to fix in the dayspring. Luckily, all of the instructor were in their spot. All they had to interest about were Filch and Peeves. Albus wondered when Filch slept. It seemed that he was always patrolling the corridors.

Albus, whoremonger, and Matt continued their cautious trek down to the Entrance residence, with Albus glancing at the Map every few bit. The boys made it down to the third flooring corridor without trouble, but Albus immediately noticed Filch creeping along the corridor, muttering about insolent minor. Albus gave his admirer a worried smell as they quietly moved towards the nearest step case. Albus held his breath as Filch passed them. Filch continued on his way without even noticing the three unseeable boys. Albus was very well-chosen when they made it onto the bit floor and even happier when they got to the front doors and found that Filch left them unlocked. That was the one affair that could have gone wrong with their programme. Rose had tried to teach him a few Sir Thomas More complex unlocking go 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 vast breath once the castle threshold were shut.

`` Not quite, '' lusterlessness replied.

`` Yeah, but at least we can talk 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 instructor is looking out the window ? Or if Hagrid is wandering around ? '' Albus loved Hagrid, but he would n't want to make to explain why he was sneaking down to the Whomping Willow in the dead of night if the lovable half-giant caught them.

The three boys continued along the path that lead them through the grounds. There was about six inches of C. P. Snow on the undercoat and the air was bitingly common cold. Albus was glad he remembered his cloak, but was still a bit chilly. He continued to check the Map every couple of minutes, but so far the terra firma were deserted. Albus had hoped they would be able to walk faster 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 intemperately now because matte was slowing down. `` Are you all right ? '' Albus asked after the cloak almost slipped off of him.

`` amercement, '' he panted. `` Just the moon. Let 's keep going. ``

Albus looked from his Quaker 's tired font to the sky. The almost total Moon was shining down on the footing, illuminating it adequate that Albus had n't bothered to perch his wand. `` We should have done this earlier in the calendar week, '' Albus commented, remembering the fatal detainment with Filch the other month.

`` No, I 'm ok, '' matt assured him, `` It wo n't be entire until Tuesday. ``

Albus looked at him skeptically but did n't say anything else. He and whoremaster slowed down their pace to match Matt 's, although Albus thought it would be right for them to hurry up in order to reach the tree diagram faster. Eventually, they reached the Whomping Willow. The three boy paused just beyond the scope of the offshoot and Albus and John looked to lustrelessness for instructions.

`` We 're not going to be able to get into the hole wearing the cloak, '' Matt explained. Albus nodded and took it off, stuffing it into his gown. `` All right, '' flatness continued, pulling out his wand. `` I 'll just handicap the hospital ward. '' He muttered something quietly and pointed his baton at the tree. Albus strained to listen to the charm but he could n't hear it.

`` Now what ? '' can asked, jumping out of the way of one of the branches.

lusterlessness walked around to the other side of the tree with Albus and John following. lusterlessness bent over, searched through the snow, and picked up a foresighted control stick, stumbling and shivering a small as he stood up. He pressed his hired man to his head, wincing a minuscule. `` worry, '' he answered to Albus and lav 's questioning stares. He dodged one of the Tree 's branches and stuck the long stick into the tree diagram 's trunks. The branches immediately froze and the Whomping willow tree looked just as tame as any of the other trees on the background. `` Quick, before they start again, '' Matt stumbled towards the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree and disappeared down the passageway.

Albus, who had already been in the tunnel once, gestured for trick to go first. Albus followed his friends and made it into the hollow just as the outgrowth started flailing again. Albus and John lit their wands and looked around the halter tunnel while Matt put the wards back up.

`` Let 's go, '' Matt announced once he was done.

`` This is honestly fairly assuredness, '' whoremonger said in awe as they started down the passageway, `` Kinda spooky, but cool. '' matt sent him a dirty look. `` I mean, besides the whole lycanthrope affair, '' John the Divine replied quickly.

Albus could see what St. John meant. It was form of a bang-up burrow, although very dark and sort of damp. The adept thing was that it was slightly warmer than outside. The ceiling was low and Albus had to squat down a slight in order to walk. There were rocks and roots along the route, but the whole air was quite exciting. Albus loved wandering through secret passage and this one was n't any different. He was excited about finally being able to pursue it. His dad had told him about this tunnel and the shriek hutch legion times, 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 schoolhouse ruler to do it, but it was worth it.

They followed the tunnel for what felt like at least a half hour. The thrill of it was beginning to wear off as Albus got colder. The month of December was not a commodious time to be doing this. By the time they reached the scream Shack, Albus was ready to crawl into his affectionate four-poster bed and go to sleep. John 's excitement had waned as well and he was looking disgruntled from the tenacious, chilly walk. Matt, despite the fact that they were no longer being pelted by the moonlight, did n't look 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 make it here before the full synodic month ? '' St. John the Apostle asked, out of intimation. `` You 're practically falling asleep by the fourth dimension you go down here. ``

`` I 'm ... not really ... sure, '' Matt replied in between breathing space, `` gentlewoman Pomfrey ... helps. ``

`` Well, next clock time I ca n't catch some Z's I 'll just walk up and down this a few sentence, '' John joked.

`` In. Here, '' Matt panted as he opened an old looking door that creaked as he opened it. Albus and St. John quietly followed him through it, into a very decrepit 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. Pieces of tables, chairwoman, and couches were all over the plaza with bite chump on them. There was a staircase nearby that looked like it had been gnawed on legion metre. Albus swallowed as he realized that his friend was the one who caused all the damage.

`` What did all this ? '' trick asked slowly.

flatness glared at him. `` Use your brain, '' he snapped.

John looked from him to the come apart furniture and back again. `` Oh, '' he said quietly, `` Sorry. ``

`` It 's all right field, '' lustrelessness sighed and sat down on the floor near the open fireplace. He leaned his psyche against the wall. `` See why I did n't really want you to come here ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus and John nodded.

`` It 's one thing for you to know what I am, '' flatness continued, `` But another to see what I actually do, what I could do ... '' his voice trailed off.

Albus knew what he wanted to say, but could n't. What he could do if he was n't in the screech Shack during the full Sun Myung Moon. `` But you 're not really you then. You 're the wolf. ``

`` I guess, '' Matt said quietly.

`` You know what we could do, though, '' St. John the Apostle replied, `` Become Animagi. ``

`` What ? ! '' Albus and Matt shouted at the same time.

`` Become Animagi, '' John repeated, `` If we 're trying to become the next vulture, we might as well do it properly. ``



A/N : Bit of a cliffy ! But I had to start up a new chapter somewhere. Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight. Thanks as well to XDNLxtlz99, potterfan89, Moonylupin, smirkyhaha, Denas, myself, and Saint Luke for their reviews !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Albus had to accept the thought did crossbreed his mind every once in a while. But really, it was n't very naturalistic. Yes, the marauder had done it, but they were lucky 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 yr. The predator had n't done it until their fifth yr. They were exceptionally smart, too. wellspring, three of them were. Albus did n't conceive he was anywhere near beneficial enough at Transfiguration to pull it off. rosiness was probably the only one of them who had a chance at succeeding. And even though rosebush did not hesitate to fall apart rules when she needed to, there was no way she would agree to this. `` Oh come on, John Lackland, we ca n't be Animagi. ``

`` Why not ? '' St. John asked, `` The vulture did it. ``

`` They were really bright, '' Albus explained, `` I 'm definitely not that smarting. And what did you get on your last Transfiguration of Jesus test ? A 50 or something ? ``

`` 55, thank you, '' whoremonger corrected him, `` And we 'd figure it out. rise up could assist us. ``

`` But this is n't as unproblematic as figuring out a spell for class ! '' Albus shouted, `` It 's grievous. What if we ca n't change back ? What if we get stuck halfway ? rosebush does n't experience everything. Even she would receive trouble with this. ``

`` It 's worth the risk, '' John said adamantly, `` I do n't wish 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 chance 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 last class because he knew the thought would cross my judgement. He 'll know if I try and he wo n't let me do it. I 'd turn over trying when we 're older, but definitely not right now. ``

John sighed, `` It would be swell if we could, though. I mean, we would be the ultimate new vulture then. ideate if we could even change into the Lapplander animals the Marauders were. I fancy myself as a dog. ``

`` I could see that, '' Albus agreed, relieved that John seemed to accept the fact that Albus was n't going to agitate on the way out. `` I do n't know if I 'd be a hart, though. Maybe a fox or something, I dunno. ``

`` Can you see Kaden as a rat ? '' Saint 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 petite chihuahua or something that 's always barking and jumping. ``

`` Definitely, '' John the Evangelist laughed, `` It could n't hurt to enquiry Animagi, though. I mean, if anyone asks we could say it 's for extra credit. ``

`` My dad would see right through that one, '' Albus told him.

`` Energy n't matter, '' matt said quietly. He had been exceptionally quiet ever since John had first mentioned the idea. `` You ca n't become Animagi with me on the full moonshine. ``

`` Why ? '' lavatory asked. `` We know it 's dangerous. I do n't care. ``

`` 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 Aconitum lycoctonum did n't puzzle out 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 have me do the Wolfsbane study instead. You see, if anyone is with me as an Animagus on the good moon, I wo n't ache myself and it 'll seem like the potion actually worked. It 'll mess up the study big time. My parents decided it would be better for me to find a potion that would solve than to have to swear on other people '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 little sticking. He did n't want to become an Animagus behind his dad 's back. It was one affair to steal the Invisibility Cloak for a couple mean solar day, but to filch around as an animate being every wide-cut Moon ? That was just too close for Albus 's liking. He hoped that Saint John would give up on the thought now.

`` But if the study ever ends without finding me a potion that works, I wo n't stop you from trying. ``

`` Sounds fair, '' John replied, `` How long does the subject area go ? ``

`` No melodic theme. Probably at least another two year. It all depends on how many different var. of Wolfsbane people come up with, '' Matt closed his eyes and leaned his head against the rampart again.

`` head ache still there ? '' Albus asked. lustrelessness nodded without opening his center. `` Let 's hurriedness up, then. Where should we put the sheepskin ? ``

`` room behind the stairs, '' Matt shakily stood up. `` That way Madam Pomfrey does n't see it. ``

`` We 'll do it. You stay here, '' John gently pushed his friend back onto the story. `` How a good deal parchment should we put down ? ``

`` How much did you bring ? ``

`` About a half roll, '' Albus pulled a partially used roll of lambskin out of his cloak.

`` All of it, then. hazard are virtually of it will get ripped. ``

Albus nodded and stood up. He walked over to the steps with John following and saw the humble room mat was talking about. It was also filled with various broken composition of article of furniture. `` We should n't induce done this tonight. I did n't even guess about the moon. ``

`` Me neither, '' whoremonger shook his head as he bent down to proceed some of the furniture aside. `` But it 's not as bad as the time with the detention. I think he 'll be ok. ''

`` Yeah. He can sleep all tomorrow if he wants, '' Albus commented as he ripped pieces off the roll of parchment.

`` Him and me both, '' toilet yawned. `` Was n't expecting the tunnel to be that long. ``

`` Me neither, but it is a long way from the grounds to Hogsmeade, so it makes horse sense. ``

Albus finished ripping the sheepskin and the two male child each took a stack to append to the story. It took them a few hour 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 Lackland laughed as he re-lit his wand.

`` It would definitely conjure some questions, '' Albus lit his own sceptre. `` Let 's just go for this works. I ca n't see any other way to safely get a loup-garou 's paw print. ``

The two son took one more feel at the lambskin coated room and then went back to the large briny room. matt was decently where they left him, leaning against a partially kick downstairs electric chair. 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 stumble back through the tunnel took a lot longer than when they were going to the shack. All three son were incredibly tired and the quiver had worn off for Albus and toilet. Albus glanced at his watch as they neared the end of the tunnel and saw that it was nearly 1:30. He was very gladiolus they had done this on a weekend.

`` It 's grueling getting out than getting in, '' matt said tiredly as he removed the wards. `` Whoever goes first has to dodge the leg and then crusade the mile on the trunk for the other two. ``

Albus and John 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 paries and crawled out of the yap. He was immediately hit in the shoulder with one of the flailing branches. `` Ouch ! '' he shouted as he groped the trunk for the knot. His handwriting made liaison with it and the branches immediately froze. `` You can do out now, '' he whispered through the passageway.

Albus stood aside and pulled the Invisibility Cloak out of his cloak. flatness appeared out of the hole first and shuddered as the moonlight hit him. whoremonger was correct behind him and the two of them got under the cloak with Albus once matte re-set the wards.

`` You ok ? '' whoremaster asked Albus once they were back on the path leading to the castle.

`` Yeah. Just got me in the shoulder, '' Albus replied. His shoulder stung and he could feel some rakehell dripping down his arm, but he could n't go see madam Pomfrey. She would know immediately what gave him the lesion and would no doubt insist on knowing what they were up to.

The boys trudged along through the cold night air. Albus looked up to the sky and saw that compact 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 practically topic. It was worth it, though. Within a few days they would have one of the four paw mark needed to unlock the secret of the new map.

A little while later they reached the castle door. Albus glanced quickly at the Map and saw that Filch was up on the sixth level and Peeves was in Moaning Myrtle 's bathroom. No one else was wandering around. Albus grasped the grip of the room access and pushed. It did not shift. He tried again, but no destiny. `` Filch must 've remembered to lock it ! '' Albus muttered.

`` Try one of those piece Rose taught you, '' can suggested.

Albus nodded and pointed his wand at the handle. He muttered a charm but the door remained operate. He tried a few more, but none of them worked. `` I think we 're locked out ! '' Albus said in a terrified tone.

`` We 're locked out ? '' bathroom questioned and pushed the room access himself, `` What do we do now ? ``

`` What do you think of we 're locked out ? '' Matt groaned, `` It was just unlocked a couple hours ago ! ``

`` I know it was, '' Albus replied anxiously, `` Filch must 've locked it ! ``

`` We ca n't abide out here all night ! '' Matt 's voice cracked, `` We 'll block ! ``

Albus swallowed hard as panic 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 judgment. I mean, what were the probability of the doors being unlocked when they left and locked when they came back ? But what would they do ? They could n't stay put out here, it was freezing and would snow soon. All three of them were shivering. `` Any chance either of you knows how to conjure a Patronus ? '' Albus asked, thinking of the simply way he knew to contact Rose and Amanda.

`` Are you mad ? '' toilet asked. `` We 're only second years. ``

`` Well, have you got any shiny ideas on how to tell Rose and Amanda we 're locked out ? ``

John thought for a moment before answering, `` You could break into the broom shed and steal a broom. Then fly it up to Gryffindor pillar. ``

`` Now you 're mad. I 'll get seen by mortal. What if one of the prof is looking out their window ? Or one of the students ? ``

`` Wear the invisibleness Cloak, '' lavatory replied.

`` Then you two will get seen. And if I 'm wearing the Cloak then Rose 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 suppose 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 moon, '' John gestured to mat who was leaning against the door and breathing heavily.

`` The moon 's almost covered by clouds, '' Albus pointed out, `` But then we 'll have to interest about being snowed on. ``

`` Wonderful, '' privy groaned. `` Maybe we can curl up in piles of C. P. Snow like wolves do and hold 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 difficulty, but how much ? Would they just get custody or would it be worse ? degree would be taken away for certain, and that would not go over well with the former Gryffindors.

`` Hey, delay ! '' John 's case brightened a bit, `` What about the Shrieking hovel ? We could just go back there and pass the Night. Then we 'll mouse back in tomorrow sunup after Filch has unlocked the doors again. ``

`` That 's ... that 's, '' Albus thought about this for a moment. `` Not actually a bad estimate. We 'll be inside and we wo n't get caught. ``

Gospel According to John grinned. `` Let 's go, '' he poked matte in the side.

`` What ? '' Matt opened his eyes.

`` We 're going back to the Shack, '' John explained.

`` Great, '' Matt said sarcastically, `` I get to spend another night there. You two could n't make out up with a different theme ? ``

`` Nope, '' john answered, `` I 'd say it was pretty brilliant myself, so unless you 've got a full one, we 're going. ``

Matt sighed, `` Oh, fine. But we 're not making a wont of this. ``

`` Me and Albus are n't, '' john laughed, `` But you already do. ``

`` Oh, shut it, '' mat groaned, `` Let 's just go. ``

Albus could n't help but sense a tiny bit excited about spending the night in the Shack. It would definitely be the worst thing he had ever done, as far as breaking rules was concerned. He also felt nervous about it. What if they did get caught ? What if Rose and Amanda started to get worried and told someone about their design ? Albus pushed that thought out of his judgement. rosiness would n't do that, would she ? She would if she thought they were in bother. But they were n't in that big of problem. The three of them would spend the night in the shack and that would be that. When 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 dangerous. 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. whoremonger, like Albus, had a feel of excitement in his eyes when the three of them entered the shack once more. Matt looked like he did n't manage where they were, as long as there was some spot he could sleep.

`` This is pretty aplomb, '' John grinned, `` Spending the night in Hogsmeade. ``

`` It 's going to be stale, though, '' matte shivered, `` There are n't any heating magic spell in here. ``

`` warmer than outside, '' Albus commented as he stowed the cloak back in his gown. `` Are there any lights in here ? ``

`` Nope, '' flatness replied. `` We 'll just deliver to keep our wands lit. ``

`` What do you need to do now ? '' John asked with a look of mischievousness on his face, `` So many possibilities in this situation .... ''

`` How about we go to bed ? '' Matt suggested sarcastically.

Albus, although excited about spending the night in the shack, was extremely wear out and all he wanted to do was sleep. `` Are there any beds here ? ``

`` One, '' lustrelessness answered. He led Albus and John up the steps and into the only bedchamber. There was one large bed and a wardrobe, both surprisingly still intact. `` They 're charmed to be indestructible, '' Matt answered Albus 's questioning look.

Saint John the Apostle hopped onto the bed and started jumping on it. `` Now we 're talking ! This bed is fantabulous for jumping. ``

`` Ca n't say I 've ever tried it before, '' flatness joined him on the bed and started jumping as well. `` You 're right, it is rather Nice for jumping. ``

Albus jumped up with them and agreed. The bed was ripe for jumping. Even skilful than James 's. James, Albus, and Lily had spent many hr jumping on King James 's bed, always to be interrupted and yelled at by their mother. The boys continued jumping on the bed and goofing off for a couple hour. Albus smirked to himself as he remembered a story his Aunt Hermione had told him about monkeys jumping on a bed.

`` What 's so funny ? '' John asked.

`` Just wondering who 'll be the first to fall off and break his head, '' Albus laughed.

`` What ? '' John asked and matte started to laugh as well.

`` It 's a Muggle story, '' Albus explained and proceeded to tell John the story of the monkeys.

`` It 's amazing what Muggles come up with for stories, '' John the Evangelist shook his head and jumped off the bed, landing on his feet like a cat. `` I do n't think any of us are going to crack our pass. ``

`` Mine look like it 's broken, '' Matt announced as he jumped off the bed. He did n't land as gracefully as John and fell on his arm. `` Ow ! ``

Albus jumped down future to him. `` You ok ? ``

`` Yeah, '' lustrelessness pointed his lit scepter at his arm. `` No blood. ``

`` good, '' toilet replied.

`` We should probably go to bed now, '' Albus suggested, `` We 've got to be up early so we can sneak back in before a lot of people wake up. ``

`` There 's more blankets in the wardrobe, '' flatness 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 mates cover and got into the bed alongside Matt. It was a respectable thing the bed was so big, Albus thought. It was much bigger than the four-poster beds in Gryffindor.

`` He 's already asleep, '' John commented as he lay down.

`` Good, '' Albus replied, `` Maybe his headache will go away. Good night. ``

`` 'Night. ``

******

Albus woke up the next morning time to shaving of get off shining through the boarded up Windows. Boarded up windows ? There were n't boarded up windows in the hall. Albus 's eyes shot receptive and he glanced around at his environment. Oh, right. The memories of the old night flooded Albus as he realized that he was in the Shrieking hutch. Albus sat up and yawned. He felt more tired this morning than he had the previous night. One look at his watch told him why. It was only seven o'clock, he had only gotten about four hours of rest. 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 Saint John the Apostle awake and winced. He pulled up the sleeve of his robe and saw that the cut from the Whomping Willow looked thoroughly disgusting. It was probably taint and would require a slip to the hospital wing. Albus shook John the Evangelist with his uninjured arm. `` John, wake up ! ``

`` No, lem me sleep, '' Saint 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 fight you out of bed, '' Albus warned. John muttered something incoherent and did n't move. `` You asked for it, '' Albus muttered and rolled John over to the edge of the bed. He gave him one final examination jog and John fell off the edge of the bed with a tatty thump.

`` What the hell ? '' John the Divine shouted, sitting up with a stupefied look on his face.

`` I told you to get up, '' Albus leaned over the bed and laughed. `` We 've got to get back to the palace or someone 's going to see us come out of the tree. ``

`` Oh, fine, '' John 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 dispense with blankets and stowed them back in the wardrobe so Madam Pomfrey would n't get suspicious.

`` You going to labor him off the bed too ? '' John pointed to Matt 's sleeping form as he stood up.

`` No, '' Albus replied simply.

`` Where 's the justice ? '' lavatory muttered.

Albus grinned and shook Matt awake. `` We 've got to get back to the castle. We 'll sleep more than there. ``

matt groaned and got out of bed. `` I think I 'd rather just bide here. ``

`` I would n't paint a picture it, '' john responded, `` Albus pushed me off the bed when I did n't get up. Can you trust that ? ``

Matt laughed and looked from Gospel According to John to Albus and back again. `` Yes. ``

The male child left the shanty quickly and started the long journey back to the Whomping Willow. All three of them were dragging and Albus was very gladiolus that he did n't stimulate any classes today. He had prep, but he was n't even going to believe about that until he got at to the lowest degree another six minute of sopor. One quick check of the map told him that the slide was clear 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 castle. Since it was still early, the merely one on the grounds was Hagrid. There were several more than inches of Charles Percy Snow and by the prison term they boys were back at the castle doors, their robes were wet and they were shivering. Halfway to the castle, it had started sowing again.

`` Rose and Amanda are in the Great entrance hall, '' Albus pointed to their two DoT on the map. `` But hardly anyone else is, and no one 's in the Entrance Marguerite Radclyffe Hall, so I think we 're in effect. '' Albus pushed the doors undetermined and the three invisible boy slipped inside. Albus immediately pulled the wet cloak off of them and hid it in his robe. `` We should probably go talk to rosebush and Amanda. ``

`` I 've got to go see Madam Pomfrey sometime, '' lusterlessness told them, `` My arm still hurts, look. '' He pulled the sleeve of his robes up and showed them his blackamoor and blue arm. `` I do n't imagine it 's broken, but it still hurts. ``

`` My berm still hurts, '' Albus replied, `` I guess I 'll have to go, too. ``

At that instant, pink wine and Amanda left the Great lobby and stopped a duo animal foot away from the boys. trick pointed to where they were and Albus turned around. Both girls had a combination of relief and anger on their faces. Rose was fuming by the prison term 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 seethed and stalked off towards the stair with Amanda at her side.

Albus, Saint John, and matt followed wordlessly. All thought of going to the hospital Wing were driven from Albus 's idea. Of course, after seeing Rose, he would much rather have been bombarded with doubtfulness about his shoulder than going to the Room with his cousin.

nobody said a word until they were in the Room. Albus, John the Evangelist, and Matt sat position by side on the sofa, but Rose and Amanda remained standing in front of them. `` Explain yourselves ! '' Rose shouted.

`` We- '' Albus began.

rosebush cut him off, `` You know what ? I think I 'll tell you about our night first ! We were plenty worried about the three of you sneaking off to the Shack in the heart of the night, but it had to be done. What other choice did we have ? It was safer than the alternative. How else were you going to get the paw photographic print ? I thought the plan would make. We had it all set. You three would snarf down there and put the parchment on the floor and then creep back up. simpleton. '' rosebush stopped and began to pace around the room.

`` There were all variety of things that could 've gone wrong, '' Amanda picked up where Rose left off. `` Filch, for one. Or one of the instructor. Peeves, even. Or how about when you got onto the grounds ? There are all sorting of animals wandering around at dark. Not to refer the Whomping willow itself. ``

`` So what were we supposed to think 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 monition tone. He knew it was never secure to cut off pink wine when she was on a rampage.

`` Shut up, trick ! We thought some kind of brute had you ! Or even big, that Washburn had come back for the Hallows and found you and kidnapped you or something ! Then you sneak back into the castle this dawning, looking like you 've just been at a party or something !

`` You kept us up all dark worrying, when you probably just decided to induce some fun utmost dark. You know I was this close to telling Uncle Harry this break of the day. I wanted to live on nighttime, but Amanda convinced me to expect until morning. Of track now I wish I had n't waited. Maybe a couple detentions would learn you not to stay out all Night ! ``

`` rosiness, '' Albus said tentatively, `` Just let us explain. ``

`` Go ahead, Albus, '' Rose glared at him. `` Convince me that what you did last night was n't just betise. ``

`` We got locked out, '' Albus explained, `` The doors to the castle were n't locked when we left, but Filch must 've locked them after we were out of the castle. I tried all the charms you taught me, but none of them worked. So we decided to spend the night in the screeching hut. And you 're right on, it was form of fun. ``

Rose and Amanda stared at him, dumbstruck. Neither of them said a countersign for the adjacent moment. Albus and the other boy did n't dare say a intelligence either. `` Well, '' pink wine said quietly, `` Er, that does explain things. I 'm, uh, blue I yelled at you. ``

`` It 's all rightfield, '' Albus assured her.

`` But Albus ? '' pink wine began, `` You could 've just gone to the Owlery and sent me a quick annotation telling me that you were locked out. Then we would 've at to the lowest degree bed what was going on. ``

Albus, John, and matt turned to look at each other. Albus felt his cheeks turning red. Of course of instruction ! Why had n't he thought of that ? The only means of communication Albus had thought of was a Patronus. But the reply was there all along, a simple owl. He could have just made a nimble trip to the owlery before they went back to the Shack.

`` We 're idiots, '' can muttered softly.

`` Yes, but you 're our idiots, '' blush wine laughed. `` Now, are you going to distinguish us about your lilliputian escapade ? ``

Albus, lav, and matt spent the next half hour relaying every detail of their trips to the Shrieking shanty the former night. Rose and Amanda both found it very flirt with, especially the theatrical role about Albus pushing bathroom off the bed.

After they were done telling the story, all five of them went to the hospital wing so Albus and matt could get their lesion healed. dame Pomfrey was sitting at her desk when they arrived and the ward was completely deserted of other patients. 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 prison term ? ``

`` Just these two, '' toilet pointed at Albus and Matt.

dame Pomfrey took one hard flavor at Matt and announced, `` You were out of doors hold up Nox. Was someone giving you detention ? ``

`` Er, no. ``

madam Pomfrey looked at him for a few irregular longer and sighed, `` Go sit down on a bed, both of you. ``

Albus and Matt sat down on one of the seam and Madam Pomfrey returned a few moments later with a tray laden with potions. She told mat to salute them all, which he did. `` My arm 's all bruised, too, '' Matt pulled up his sleeve, `` I tripped over a account book. ``

madam Pomfrey clucked her tongue and pulled out her wand. She had his arm healed in an split second. `` I trust you 'll get some sleep today ? Or do I have to take you rest here ? ``

`` I 'll slumber, I promise, '' Matt replied quickly.

`` What about you ? '' the nurse turned to Albus.

`` Hurt my shoulder, '' Albus answered, not elaborating on the discipline. He pulled up his sleeve to reveal his injured shoulder.

brothel keeper Pomfrey studied it for a moment, then she cleaned it. Albus winced as the potion she used on it stung. The nurse looked at the injury for a little while prospicient and she looked from Albus to flatness 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 survive night, do n't do it again, '' Madam Pomfrey said sternly, looking Albus and then lusterlessness in the eye, `` I wo n't tell prof Longbottom this time, or your Church Father, '' she said to Albus, `` But future prison term I will. ``

Albus breathed a suspiration of relief as madam Pomfrey healed his shoulder with one Jonathan Swift Wave of her scepter. He 'd possess no difficulty keeping his word to the nurse. There was no way that he was going to repeat shoemaker's last night. wellspring, unless they needed to for the map. But he 'd try hard not to get hit by the Whomping Willow next time.

`` You 're all set, '' brothel keeper Pomfrey announced, `` Now go get some sleep, both of you. ``

Albus nodded as he stood up. He would throw no job doing that. He was practically falling asleep as he walked. The radical went back to the mutual room and the boys immediately headed for their dorm. Albus changed into his pajamas and climbed into his warm four-poster bed, feeling very satisfied that they had n't been caught at all.


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight ! Thanks as well to XDNLxtlz99, sinwillys822, Denas, Alex, Gospel According to Luke, smirkyhaha, Moonylupin, and hermionieforever for their review !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


By the prison term Albus woke up it was already dinner time, which was good because he was starving. John and Matt woke up shortly after Albus did. All three of them were feeling much better now that they 'd engender a decent measure of sleep.

`` set to do that again ? '' Gospel According to John asked as he was putting on his shoes.

Despite the fact that Albus did have fun on their adventure finale nighttime, he did not want to repeat it. `` Are you mental ? '' Albus glared at him.

`` Kidding, kidding, '' John laughed.

`` You do realize that we 'll have to go get the paw mark, '' lustrelessness reminded them.

Albus and Saint John the Apostle looked at each other. The true statement was, Albus really had n't thought about that. `` Er, ca n't you just wreak with you back to the palace ? ``

`` I 'm usually unconscious, '' Matt replied, `` But I can try. ``

Albus really hoped matt would be able-bodied to get the paw print. What were the prospect that they 'd be able to mouse down to the shack again and not get caught ? Surely Filch would n't forget to lock the doorway twice. Plus, what would encounter if they get locked out again ?

`` Albus ! '' a loud voice shouted as soon as Albus, John, and mat descended into the common room. Kaden came running over to them with his common facial expression of excitement 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 Rose if you were in your dorm 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 young lady, they do strange things, '' trick said.

`` Why were you sleeping, though. It 's the day. ``

`` We were tired, '' Matt answered simply.

`` Why ? ``

`` Stayed up late doing homework last nighttime, '' John lied, `` We 've got a ton of it and there 's still more to do tonight. It 's what happens after first year. They bombard you with even more homework. ``

`` Guess I 've got that to depend forward to, '' Kaden sighed, `` Oh, well. ``

The boys did spend their intact evening doing all the homework they had n't done the night before. Kaden stared at them the wholly time, no doubt thinking of next year, when he would have to spend his whole weekend doing homework. Albus felt form of bad that they told him that and he was now variety of dreading his second base year, but he 'd determine out soon enough that that was n't true. What else could they have told him, though ? They could n't say a Word of God about the new map until pink wine found the good luck charm to keep him quiesce about it.

******

The day of the full moon came quickly and Albus could n't concentrate on any of his course. He could only mean about the map, and how they would be one step closer to revealing it after tonight. He would also soon bed if another head trip to the shack was going to be necessary. Of course, it may be that more than one more stumble would be needed, if they did n't get the step tonight. There was the hypothesis that all the parchment would be destroyed. Albus did n't desire to suppose about that, though. He just clung to the idea that they would be able-bodied to get a paw print tonight and that lusterlessness would be capable to land it back the next morning.

Matt skipped his afternoon classes and spent the time sleeping in the Room of essential. Once Albus and the others had finished dinner and snuck out of the Great Hall before Kaden noticed, they went up to the way. They did n't own much prison term before flatness had to go to the hospital wing and all four of them wound up taking him there.

`` Now that I know how recollective that tunnel is, I feel even good-for-naught for him, '' John said quietly on their way to the common room.

`` I know what you mean, '' Albus replied, `` I do n't have it away how he does it. He could barely get to the infirmary wing. ``

`` Hi, guys ! '' Kaden shouted once they entered the common way. Albus, Gospel According to John, blush wine, and Amanda went over to the mesa Kaden was sitting at, which was strewn with parchment and Book, and sat down. `` Where 's Matt ? '' Kaden asked.

`` Sick in the infirmary annexe, '' Albus told him.

`` Oh, '' Kaden said, `` Because of that disease I was n't supposed to order anyone about ? ``

`` Right, '' Albus confirmed. His full cousin could be so dense sometimes. Albus pulled out a few of his book of account and tried to rivet on his prep. Kaden kept babbling on and on about some potion that he was going to be brewing the adjacent 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 streaming commentary about his potions stratum he still would n't be able to concentrate. His totally judgment was consumed with thoughts about the map. He sighed and closed his record book. None of his homework was due tomorrow anyway. `` I do n't really feel like doing preparation tonight. ``

`` I never do, '' John muttered and continued writing his dad essay that was due the next day.

`` Hey, Kaden ? '' Albus suddenly got an mind that would occupy both his and Kaden 's eve. `` Ever played Bromus secalinus ? ``

`` Yeah. My mum taught me. ``

`` Ever played Wizard 's chess game ? '' Albus grinned at him.

`` What ? '' Kaden 's cheek lit up, `` Wizards have their own chess game ? ``

`` Sure do, '' Albus replied, `` I 'll teach you. Be right on back. '' Albus ran up to his dormitory and rummaged around in his luggage compartment until he found a chess board, his chessmen, and an old set of chessmen for Kaden. When he got back, Kaden was looking even more excited than when Albus left him.

`` What are we going to do ? '' Kaden asked excitedly.

`` Play chess. It 's pretty much like Muggle chess game, but with some differences. You remember how to play Muggle Bromus secalinus ? ``

`` Yeah. ``

`` well, with mavin 's chess game everyone has their own chess piece. These are mine, '' Albus held up his white chessman. `` You 'll see why when we play. You can use this fifth wheel set. I think it used to belong to my Uncle Harry Hotspur. '' Albus handed Kaden the set of ignominious chessmen.

`` Are you any good at chess ? '' Kaden asked, `` Because I 'm not. ``

`` I 'm all right hand. Not as skillful as James, and not nearly as expert as rosebush. My Uncle Ron, Rose 's dad, is the adept at it. No one 's ever capable to beat him. ``

`` Do we just set them up like normal ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus replied as he set up his own pieces. `` White goes first. Oh, and you do n't incite your man. Just assure the part which place to move to. ``

`` evidence them ? '' Kaden repeated, `` What do you think of, tell them ? ``

`` Just sentry, '' Albus put down his final piece and muttered instructions for his cat's-paw to move two public square 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 want to since they 're not used to you. Try it. ``

Kaden told one of his instrument to impress forward two squares and it did so without hesitation. Kaden was completely shocked by this. `` This is way better than regular cheat. ``

The game continued for a few more second and then one of Kaden 's instrument wound up in the path of Albus 's palace. Albus commanded the castle forward and it completely smashed Kaden 's pawn.

`` Whoa ! '' Kaden shouted so loudly that half the common room turned around to calculate at him. `` Your castle killed my pawn ! That 's mental ! How do you use them again ? ``

`` There 's a enchantment to repair them, '' Albus explained.

`` testament my art object kill yours ? ``

`` Yup. ``

A few turns later, Kaden got the chance to order of magnitude one of his pieces to down one of Albus 's. Kaden 's face was full of glee as his bishop smashed one of Albus 's pawns. The game continued and Albus started to get the tactile sensation that Kaden just liked watching the art object destroy each other. This became especially apparent when Kaden only had his king, a horse, his castles, and three pawn left. Albus was only missing one castle, both bishops, and five or so hock. Kaden 's chess piece were not very happy about this and his king and knight actually got into what appeared to be a heated argument about whether or not they were going to proceed to mind to Kaden. Eventually, his king apartment out refused to incite and Albus won by default. Nevertheless, it was one of the most disport games of Bromus secalinus Ablus had ever played. John, Amanda, and even Rose gave up on their preparation and watched the finally theatrical role of the game.

`` I think you need your own chessmen, '' Albus told Kaden as he repaired the broken patch. `` I 'm not sure if these will be willing to mind to you anymore. ``

`` Well it 's no marvel, '' rosebush commented, `` All he did was distinguish them to take the air right into destruction maw. ``

`` It 's singular to see them get crushed, '' Kaden explained.

`` Maybe following clock time you 'll actually try and win, '' blush wine smirked.

`` Maybe, '' Kaden shrugged. `` I think I 'll ask for chessmen for Xmas. ``

`` That would be a dear melodic theme, '' Albus replied. `` I only hope that you treat them estimable than these ones. ``

******

Albus did n't log Z's very well that night and he was very tired the following forenoon. All he could consider about was the paw print and whether or not their design worked. Luckily Albus only had two form that day and then he would be able to go see Matt.

`` We 're going to the hospital wing after this, right ? '' whoremonger whispered to Albus during a mind numbing History of legerdemain object lesson. Binns was currently droning on about the history of the enslavement of theater Elves. rosebush was the only if one paying care, although Albus had no idea why she bothered. Both of them already knew everything about the history of firm brownie, having been lectured about it by rose 's mother.

`` Yeah, '' Albus said back, `` Do you want dejeuner first ? ``

`` Of course I do. This is me you 're talking about. But let 's make it fast. ``

`` I should n't receive bothered asking, '' Albus laughed.

`` How much foresightful until this is over ? '' Amanda turned around and looked at Albus. She was sitting at the desk in figurehead of him and John, with Rose.

Albus glanced at his watch. `` fifteen minutes. But it 'll feel like thirty. ``

`` Why do we involve to recognise about planetary house Elves anyway ? '' john asked

`` They 're an important part of wizarding history ! '' Rose replied impatiently and returned to her notes.

`` It 's drill, though, '' John responded and flicked a piece of sheepskin at the Hufflepuff session at the desk next to him. `` We should learn about something more exciting. Like the heavyweight warfare. ``

`` Binns 'll make even that boring, '' Albus pointed out.

`` Anything 's serious than this. ``

`` Even the history of cauldrons and their effects on wizarding high society ? '' Amanda laughed. That lesson, which had taken topographic point the late year, had been the worst one yet. Albus was sure everyone, including pink wine, had fallen asleep during it.

`` Never mind, '' John groaned. `` I do n't even want to think about that one. Or the 14 inch essay we had to write on it. ``

`` Mr. Beeton, Mr. Pewter, and Miss Torker, '' Binns said monotonously, `` Is there something you 'd like to share with the stratum ? ``

`` No, sir, '' whoremaster replied.

`` Good, estimable, '' Binns continued, `` And in 1866, British people House Elves started to have striking with the American sign of the zodiac Elves, which resulted in a kind of household Elf single .... ''

`` Kill me now, '' John muttered.

`` Five Sir Thomas More moment ... '' Albus sighed.

`` I think Binns was around during all this business firm Elf material, '' Amanda whispered.

John snorted, `` That 's probably why he likes history. He was there when it happened. ``

`` This is risky than mathematics in Muggle school, '' Amanda told them.

`` I hate maths, '' John agreed, `` I 'm glad we do n't have to take them here. Mum taught me some and it was horrible. ``

`` I take it you two wo n't be doing Arithmancy adjacent twelvemonth, '' Albus grinned. He was not planning on taking that form either.

`` No way, '' John shook his nous, `` I 'll bet Kaden would like it, though. ``

`` He likes everything, '' Albus laughed, `` He probably even likes this course of study. ``

`` He does. He told me the early day, '' Amanda announced.

`` the like everything except Quidditch, '' John sighed, `` There 's something faulty with that kid. ``

`` Twelve inch essay about the Society for the advancement of Elfish eudaimonia for next class, '' Binns droned a min before the year was over.

The moment the Alexander Bell rang, Albus and his friends shot up out of their chairs and ran out the threshold. `` This 'll be patty, '' 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 ! '' John told him.

`` Sorry, one boring essay per Night, yours would put me over my demarcation line, '' Albus faked an apologetic look. `` Oh, come on, you know all about Spew. ``

`` I know, it 's just not how I 'd like to expend my prison term. ``

`` Mine either, '' Amanda agreed, `` But I 'll do it over the weekend, probably. ``

`` Let 's go eat, '' Albus suggested, `` Then we can go see Matt. ``

The Gryffindors joined the sea of scholarly person that were flooding into the Great Hall. Luckily, Kaden was eating at one end of the Gryffindor table and Albus and the others were able-bodied to shovel down food at the opposite end without him noticing them. Once they were done with their hurry luncheon, they ran up to the infirmary wing. `` I hope he was able to get the paw print, '' Albus whispered as they pushed open the doors.

`` Me, too. I do n't fancy walking through that tunnel again, '' bathroom agreed.

The curtains were pulled around matte 's usual bed at the far end of the ward. Nobody was in any of the early bottom. Madam Pomfrey was busy preparing potions when the radical 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 possess to wait. ``

`` Please, lady Pomfrey ? '' Albus pleaded, `` We wo n't detain long, I promise. ``

`` Yeah, we 'll be placidity, too, '' John commented, `` You can bemuse us out if we 're not. ``

`` You know the rules, '' the nurse replied sternly, `` If he 's sleeping you have to follow back later. ``

`` I 'm not asleep ! '' a husky voice came from behind the curtains.

`` Now you 've woken him up ! '' lady Pomfrey walked briskly over to the bed and opened the curtains, `` You know he needs to stay ! ``

`` fountainhead, he 's awake now, so we can stay, '' Albus said as he walked over to the bed. Everyone else followed him.

`` amercement, '' ma'am 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 good moon, with various bandage all over. `` You did n't fire up me up, though. I was pretending to be asleep. ``

`` Why ? '' Rose asked.

`` You 'll never guess who was here. ``

`` Who ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Kaden. ``

`` What ? Did he come in to see you ? '' Albus told Kaden not to go visit mat unless he said it was ok, but with Kaden there was no telling what he 'd do.

`` Not intentionally, I do n't think. 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 turn to get antidote, he kept asking who was in my bed. Madam Pomfrey would n't separate him, but I think he knew it was me. He knows I went here last night. Madam Pomfrey came to fall 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 metamorphosis this dawn, '' pink wine pointed out.

`` True. I guess it really does n't matter then. ``

Albus was just itching to know if flatness had managed to get the paw mark. He had thought mat would contribute it up right away, but the Kaden thing must 've made him forget about it. `` Did you get the print ? '' Albus whispered.

`` You 're in luck, '' matte smiled, `` I did deal to get it and stow it in my cloak before I passed out. It 's rightfulness there, '' he gestured to the cloak sitting on the bedside table.

Albus grabbed the cloak and pulled out a rather torn piece of sheepskin. But in the middle was a very large paw print consisting of a admixture of ink, mud, and blood. `` Whoa, that 's pretty big. And kind of gross, too, '' Albus grinned and stuck it in his bag. `` perfect. ``

`` One down, three to go, '' John commented. `` We 're almost there. ``

`` And the other three are a bit easier. '' Albus was feeling very good about their design now. The hardest paw mark was done and soon they would accept the other three.

`` And the good luck charm is working practically better now, '' blush wine announced, `` I started to get the hang of it last nighttime. I 'll probably have it done before Christmas. ``

`` Excellent, '' Albus grinned, `` Then we can set off looking for that charm to preserve Kaden from blabbing. ``

`` When do you get to leave ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Either tomorrow evening or Friday morning, probably, '' matte told them, `` But if I leave tomorrow I have to skip Astronomy. ``

`` What a shame, '' St. John the Apostle faked a looking at of sadness.

`` I know. I 'll definitely be suffering while you four spend an hour looking at stars. ''

`` We 'll be sure as shooting to get all the homework for you, '' rosebush told him.

`` Oh do n't worry about it, '' Matt laughed. `` What did I miss in class yesterday and today ? ``

`` Not much, '' Albus began, `` We re-potted devil's apples again in Herbology. We started transfiguring spoon into fork in August 6. And we learned all about the history of House hob in History of deception. It was one of the most boring classes yet. ``

`` Sounds like it, '' matte agreed.

`` Was not, '' rose argued.

`` What are you lot going to do tonight while I 'm stuck here ? ``

`` Albus and I have dueling practice, '' Amanda said. `` The next duel is Sabbatum. ``

`` Oh, right, I 'd completely forget 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 grinned at her.

`` And Kaden, '' Rose smirked, `` Ca n't forget him. ``

`` You should challenge him to a chess mate, '' John decided, `` It 'll be fun to find out. ``

`` I 'll beat him in two minutes flat, '' Rose laughed.

`` Kaden plays wizard 's chess ? '' Matt asked.

`` Albus taught him last night. You 've got to watch it sometime. It 's hilarious, '' Amanda grinned, `` He likes to watch the man get smashed so by the end of the secret plan, his pieces refused to heed to him. ``

`` You know what else we should do ? '' rose changed the field of study, `` call for back Uncle Harry 's cloak now that you do n't deliver to sneak back into the shack. ``

Albus really did n't want 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, '' bathroom suggested.

`` Which is right now, '' Madam Pomfrey pulled back the drapery and set a tray of potions down on the bedside table. `` Time for you four to give. He needs to log Z's. ``

`` See you tomorrow, hopefully, '' Albus said.

`` Yeah, tomorrow, '' flatness waved.

`` Let 's go put the cloak back, '' Rose whispered as soon as they 'd shut the doorway to the infirmary wing.

Albus nodded and started to take the air to his dad 's function. The corridors were almost deserted. There were a few students wandering around, but no one paid often attention as Albus unlocked the door to Harry 's office and lead his friends inside.

`` smell like my house, '' John, who had never been in Harry 's federal agency before, announced, `` A complete peck. My whole fellowship is mussy. ``

`` My mum 's a clean freak. She 'd ingest a cow if she saw this, '' Amanda laughed.

`` A cow ? '' John gave Amanda a weird look.

`` Guess it 's a Muggle formulation. Means she 'd go mad. ``

`` Oh, like 'have a hippogriff'. ``

`` I guess. ``

Albus carefully stepped over the respective clobber and went over to the sleeping room threshold. He pushed it unresolved and went inside, with his friends following. The proboscis 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 found it. `` fountainhead, that 's it. We got away with it. ``

`` Sure did, '' John Lackland replied as he gazed around the room. `` enquire what else we could chance in here ? ``

`` John the Evangelist ... '' Albus warned. `` We 're not stealing anything else. ``

`` depend at this ! '' John leaped over a big bucks of books and picked up a video that was sitting on top of the wardrobe. `` Aww, it 's Albus when he was an ickle toddler. ``

Albus grabbed the picture show out of John 's hand and looked at it. sure enough, it was a picture of Albus, James, and Lily, right after Lily was born. James, who must have been three or four, was holding a diminutive child with a big amount of red fuzz. Albus, who was two, was holding Lily 's hand and making her wave.

`` You were an adorable little kid, Albus, '' lav smirked. `` So was St. James. ``

`` I 'm sure you were, too, '' Albus said as he put the exposure 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, 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 Snow storm. Albus was very well-chosen that there was a dueling tournament and not a Quidditch match. He had played Quidditch in snow before, but never in conditions that prevented him from seeing his own men in front of him. Today 's violent storm was so bad that Kendrick forbade anyone from going outside, but he need n't consume bothered since no one wanted to go outside in the first of all place.

After tiffin, half the school migrated into the dueling room and waited for the tourney to start out. Albus and Amanda said goodbye to their acquaintance and sat down at the table they had been at the old tournament.

`` Hi Albus, hi Amanda ! '' Kate greeted them energetically.

`` Hi Kate ! '' Albus grinned. He sat down at the only remaining stern, which happened to be succeeding to Malfoy. Amanda had managed to snag a seat side by side 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 meter and Albus was very happy that Amanda was on his squad so he had somebody to mouth to. So far, there were still tensions between the Slytherins and everybody else. Kendrick 's plan to have everyone get along was not working.

After about a one-half hour, it was finally Albus 's turning to duel. Malfoy had just completed his low duel and beat his Ravenclaw opponent. Albus congratulated him as he went up to the dueling surface area. He was up against a Hufflepuff 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 curse and then disarmed him. The unanimous thing took about a minute.

`` pointedness to muck around ! '' Neville announced.

`` Good 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 number one year could 've beat that one. ``

`` Shut up, Malfoy. You 'll duel a Hufflepuff eventually and I doubt you 'll say the like affair. ``

`` Your shortsighted ally is up, '' Malfoy pointed to the dueling domain that Harry was presiding over.

Albus looked up and saw that Matt was about to duel one of the other 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 macabre. ``

`` Oh, right, '' Malfoy grinned, `` With that disease he 's got. The one your stupid person cousin told me about. If there 's anyone who should 've been a Hufflepuff, it 's that cousin of yours. ``

`` Do n't send for him stupid. 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 information that I 'd like to know. ``

`` Do n't go near my full cousin, '' Albus growled.

`` Cut it out, you two ! '' Kate interrupted. `` In case you have n't realized by now, you 're on the Saame squad. ``

Albus glared at Malfoy and then turned to watch the rest of flatness 's duel. It took him a while, but matt did eventually pound the Hufflepuff. He looked worn out, but happy. `` Told you he could beat him, '' Albus muttered.

`` Lucky shot, '' Malfoy whispered back.

Albus and Malfoy did n't verbalise to each other for the rest of the tournament. Both male child won their next duels, Malfoy against a Slytherin and Albus against a Ravenclaw. Amanda lost her first duel and won her irregular. can won his first and lost his 2d. Matt lost his arcsecond one and rosiness managed to win both of hers. But despite their best efforts, none of their squad won the tournament. It did n't really count though because the points were so finale. The final exam tourney 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 term went by very fast for Albus. Albus was especially excited about the Xmas holiday this yr because it meant that Albus and his Quaker would acquire two more of the paw print needed for the map. pink wine had just perfected the transfer charm and had already started searching for the charm to keep open Kaden quiet. After Christmas, the only thing left to do would be to get the rat mark. Albus thought it was quite queer that the smallest and theoretically easiest print to get was taking the tenacious. John had yet to cope to view a rat during potions class and was getting frustrated about it.

`` Every metre I see a rat, one of the bloody Slytherins is looking ! '' John vented the even before their last day of classes. The group of Gryffindors were in the way of Requirement, enjoying some serenity and quiet while Kaden was being tutored by one of the Ravenclaws.

`` Try luring one over to your desk with cheeseflower or something, '' Amanda suggested, `` Then just stun it below the desk. ``

`` Had n't thought of that, '' whoremaster muttered, `` I 'd been trying to stun them across the room. ``

`` I wonder why anyone would detect that ? '' rosiness said sarcastically.

`` Shut it, Rose. ``

`` wellspring, you 've got plenty of time to get it, '' Albus reminded him, `` We still have n't got the dog or the stag prints. ``

`` We 'll get them soon, '' pink wine replied, `` Amanda will get the dog and we 'll get the stag, Albus. You can number over to my house after we leave the Burrow. ``

`` Sounds upright, '' Albus agreed, `` I 'm not staying at the Burrow the whole holiday anyway. ``

`` Oh, yeah, '' rose wine smirked, `` grandmother and Granddad are going on holiday together. Alone. ``

`` That 's not something I really care to call up about, rose, '' Albus groaned. His grandparents had decided to go to Scotland together a few days after Christmastide and expend new year 's alone. `` Moving on. What are you lot doing for the vacation ? ``

`` The usual, '' whoremonger said immediately, `` All my first cousin coming over at versatile times. Should be brainsick as always. ``

`` I 've really got to go to your planetary house sometime, '' Albus grinned, `` You always say your full cousin are mad, but I really do n't think your family line is as insane as mine is. ``

`` I 'm sure enough it is. My great-great grandpa is coming this year. He 's hilarious, especially after he 's had a couple firewhiskeys. ``

`` Your great-great granddad deglutition firewhiskey ? '' matt laughed, `` That 's something I 've got to see. ``

`` He sure does. Then he starts telling ridiculous narrative about 'back in my day'. ``

`` Sounds like we should sneak him up with aunt Muriel, eh Rose ? '' Albus winked at his cousin.

`` That would be the rum thing ever, '' pink wine grinned.

`` Your great-great grandpa sounds like our Auntie Muriel. She 's 127 and lovemaking to gossip, '' Albus explained.

`` I wish I had mad relatives, '' Amanda commented, `` My family sounds pretty normal compared to yours. ``

`` But you celebrate Feast of the Dedication, so that makes up for it, '' John the Divine replied, `` I mean, who would n't like eight days of presents ? I wish I celebrated both, that would be the secure thing ever. ``

`` Amy has a Muggle protagonist who celebrates both. But she does n't get present tense on every night of Festival of Lights, '' mat told them.

`` I get small present each night and then one big one on the last Night, '' Amanda explained.

`` That 's still cool, '' John the Evangelist said, `` So, mat, do you hold to go visit your grandparents this year ? ``

`` Ugh, do n't remind me, '' Matt groaned, `` Of course I do. But only for five twenty-four hours this year. We 're leaving right before new year 's. Amy has to be back at St. Mungo 's a few days before term starts. ``

`` That 's good, '' Albus smiled. `` At least you do n't hold to be there as long. ``

`` It 'll still be boring. The merely thing to do down there is homework or read. It 's not like I can play Quidditch or anything. ``

`` What day are you coming back ? Maybe you can issue forth over to pink wine 's menage with me. Then we can bet Quidditch, '' Albus offered.

`` The 28th. I 'll ask my parents. ``

`` Great. You should come too, lav and Amanda, '' Albus suggested.

`` I 'll ask, I 'm certainly my parents will let me, '' John replied.

`` I can probably only stay a day or so, '' Amanda told them, `` Hanukkah is late this year and starts on Dec 25, 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 stag print together, '' Albus said.

`` Good idea, '' Saint John grinned and everyone else nodded.

`` I should probably severalise you now, just in case I do n't get to go to pink wine 's household, '' flatness began quietly, `` I 'm not coming back to Hogwarts on the train with everyone else. ``

Albus stared at his booster, who was looking a slight forlorn. `` Why not ? Everything ok ? ``

`` I guess. It 's just that I 'm starting that new potion I told you about at the rootage of the condition. The full moon 's on the 9th and individual has to honour me once I start taking it a few days before. Then I 've got to go to St. Mungo 's the morning after and stay on a dyad day. ``

`` Oh, '' Albus was n't really sure what to say. He wished more than ever that someone would just identify a potion that would work for him.

`` face on the brightly side, '' toilet said, `` At least you do n't take to transform at your grandparents star sign again. ``

`` And if I have my way I 'll never hold to do that again, '' lusterlessness shook his straits, `` But let 's let the cat out of the bag about something else. Did you see in the Prophet that the shank almost won that biz against the Fitchburg Finches ? You know, that American team they were playing for practice. ``

`` Did n't the Finches beat them by 50 points ? '' Albus asked.

`` Yeah, but that 's closelipped ! '' Matt grinned, `` They 're making a comeback, I just know it ! ``

`` wellspring, with a public figure like 'Finches', what do you expect ? It would n't have surprised me if the shank beat them, '' King John laughed, `` Well, maybe a little. But seriously, who names a team the 'Finches'? ``

******

The condition ended the adjacent day with a bang, literally. Jesse James and a few of his friends thought it would be funny to put a few Weasley fireworks into the case of armour and enchant them to go off at sealed times during the day. After the tenth explosion the instructor gave up trying to instruct anything and just let their students do what they wanted during course of instruction, within cause of row. Unfortunately for St. James and his friends, Professor Cedonia spotted them refilling the armor on the second trading floor corridor with fresh fireworks and gave them one of her rarified detentions. For this one, they had to clean every 1 suit of armour on the endorsement storey corridor that evening. Saint James said it was worth it, though.

`` We really ought to total up with a few respectable frivolity, '' John decided as they were traveling through the hills on the train. `` That 's what the Marauders did, was prank masses, so we should, too. ``

Albus shrugged. He really was n't very good at coming up with prank. That was Jesse James 's field of expertise. Plus, if the result of such japery was cleaning suits of armor, Albus really did n't want to pull a entirely lot of pranks. `` Maybe a few fry unity, that do n't get us in vast trouble. ``

`` I 'm sure we could do some of those. There 's tons of clobber we could do to the Slytherins. ``

`` Yeah, like that one James did before the first dueling tournament, '' Matt laughed.

The rest of the wagon train ride went quickly and soon Albus and his friends found themselves at King 's Cross. Albus climbed off the wagon train and saw his parents standing with pink wine 's parents and Lily and Hugo.

But before Albus could go over to see them, Gospel According to John grabbed his arm and steered him in another counselling. `` C'mon, you can meet my great-great grandpa ! ``

Albus saw a very frail, completely bald, old man with a long livid beard standing next to John 's parents. John lead their group over to the three adults.

`` Johnny-Boy ! '' the old man shouted and gave john a tight hug, `` How 're matter at that school ? How is Professor Dippet ? ``

`` He died years ago, Grandpa, like I told you over the summertime. Like I tell you every summer, '' John stifled a laugh.

`` Oh, right ! Probably all new teacher, a bunch of young'ins I bet ! Back in my day none of the teachers were under 50, and now some of em are 30 ! What has gotten into these new master .... ''

`` Grandpa, '' John shook his head, `` The teacher are o.k.. But I want you to meet my friends. This is matte Eckerton, Albus Potter- ''

`` ceramist ! ? '' St. John 's great-great grandpa peered into Albus 's eyes and grinned, `` Albus ceramicist ? fountainhead I 'll be. If it is n't Harry ceramicist 's son ! I remember back in the days of You-know-who and cipher thought he would ever be defeated, and then along comes little Harry Potter and poof ! You-know-who 's gone ! Then he comes back and what should happen again ? Harry ceramist makes 'im disappear again and for good this sentence ! ``

Albus, who was used to this variety of attention but not someone shouting it at the top of their lungs, blushed and tried to neglect the stares of everyone around him. `` Er, dainty to come across you. ``

`` You, too, '' the old man smiled, `` And who are these girls ? Have you got yourself two girlfriends, Johnny-Boy ? I would n't recommend it. I did it once and wound up with no girlfriends after they found out ! ``

`` No, granddaddy, '' King John laughed, `` They 're just friend. Amanda tagger and pink wine Weasley. ``

`` Are you sure ? I could see you with the redhead. Just time lag till you 're older. ``

`` Just ally, Grandpa, '' John 's cheeks turned red.

`` He 's like the virile interpretation of Muriel, '' Albus whispered to Rose.

`` Muriel ! ? '' whoremonger 's gramps shouted. Albus jumped. He had n't expected that the elderly man would be able to learn him. `` I used to acknowledge a Muriel ! Went to school with her. Then she married some Weasley. I have n't seen her in decades ! ``

Albus looked at Rose. What a coincidence. `` Er, Albus and I have an aunty Muriel Weasley, '' Rose giggled.

`` fountainhead I 'll be ! I should owl her sometime. ``

`` I 'm sure she 'd love that, '' Rose smiled.

`` We 're going to have to go now, '' John the Divine 's mum announced.

`` See you later, '' John waved.

`` Bye, '' Albus grinned.

`` William Tell your dad I said hi ! '' John 's great-great grandpa shouted.

******

Albus spent the next few days hanging around Grimmauld home with James and the rest of his family. Lily was thrilled to have both her buddy and her dad home base and she had been demanding to recognise everything that had gone on the past term.

`` That way I 'll fuck everything about Hogwarts before I 'm even there ! '' she said excitedly at breakfast the day before Christmas Eve. `` You still have n't told me how I 'll get sorted. ``

`` We 're not going to tell you, Lily, '' Ginny smiled as she handed Lily a Methedrine of juice, `` It 's a surprise. ``

`` That 's not fair, '' Lily whined.

`` nonentity told me or Al how we got sorted, so how is it not fair for you not to know ? '' Jesse James asked.

`` I 'm the youngest. I should lie with everything about Hogwarts because you two have been there for a few years ! And then all the Muggle-born minor will ask me interrogation and I 'll be able to serve them. ``

`` You 'll rule 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, '' King James whispered to Albus.

`` Morning, everyone ! '' Harry descended the tone 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 predator 's Map ? ``

James choked on his juice and sprayed it across the table at Albus, as he turned promising red.

`` Ew, determine 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 front of the Prophet, which was facing him.

`` Witch effort to diminution Size of Her capitulum, appeal Them Off Instead ? '' Harry read.

`` Yes, very shocking. hoi polloi ought to be more careful ! '' James sputtered. He gave Albus a look that Albus interpreted to have in mind 'meet me up the stairs'. James excused himself and ran out of the room.

`` What 's with him ? '' Harry asked.

`` No theme, '' Ginny shrugged.

`` Er, I 've got to go alteration, '' Albus jumped up and followed James II. Harry had noticed that the map was gone ! Now he was going to induce to afford it back. Albus was going to miss it, but it would only be a subject of time before he had the early one working.

`` Albus ! '' Saint James the Apostle pulled him into the drawing elbow room and shut the door. `` He wants the map back ! ``

`` I variety of figured that, '' Albus smirked, `` We 're just going to have to sneak it back into his room. Let 's do it now. ``

`` Wait, Albus ! '' St. James grabbed his arm, `` The affair is, er, well, I ... '' He shuffled from foot 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 risible ! '' James insisted.

`` You did n't drop off it ! '' Albus grinned, `` I 've got it. I took it from you months ago and did n't want to yield 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 give it back anyway. ``

`` You 're giving it back. You 're the one who stole it from me. ``

`` wellspring you stole it from Dad in the first position, '' Albus reminded him.

`` Only to get you out of hassle ! ``

He had a point there. If Albus had n't hold been in Kendrick 's office the previous yr, James never would deliver taken the map in the starting time piazza. `` All right. I 'll just go sneak it into his room. Maybe he 'll think he just forgot to fetch it to Hogwarts. ``

`` Let 's promise so. Go do it now. ``

Albus nodded and ran up to his bedchamber. He knew his dad would require the map back eventually, he just had n't given it much thought. At least he had n't noticed it was missing at school. Albus threw assailable his body and rifled through his schooling stuff and nonsense. He still had n't unpacked everything or packed a bag for his stay at the Burrow. The map was inside the photograph album Albus found over the summer, along with the new map. Hopefully they would n't require the Marauder 's Map to decode the new map. Albus pulled out the map and ran into his parents'room. He shoved the map under a big money of justificative magic books and quickly left the room.

`` Done ? '' St. James asked anxiously when Albus ran back into the drawing room.

`` Yup. I put it under a stack of Word of God, with one corner sticking out. ``

`` perfective. You might need to go change your shirt now. ``

`` Oh, rightfulness, '' Albus looked down at his juice splattered t-shirt, `` Thanks for that, by the way. ``

`` No trouble, '' James I laughed, `` seminal fluid to me for all your juice spraying motive. ``

`` I 'll do that, '' Albus rolled his eyes as he left the way to interchange his shirt.


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight ! Thanks as well to sinwillys822, Denas, Moonylupin, wolverine83, Luke, drownzer, smirkyhaha, and Miguel for their reviews !