Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Albus spent most of the solar day preceding Christmas at Rose 's house. James was determined to use all of his part with time for Quidditch practice, and he had to go to Rose 's house for that. Albus usually went with him and he and Victor Hugo would help James practice while Rose read.

Harry had to practically branch James from his broom by magic on Christmastide Eve so they could go to Godric 's hollow. James wanted to stick around at Rose 's theatre and retain practicing, but Harry refused to let him. The trip was serenity since William James was rather sullen the full time.

"Professor Patil says I 'm a innate at metamorphosis,"Lily bragged to Albus as they walked towards the tunnel afterwards.

"That 's sound,"Albus replied.

"Yeah, so I 'm going to become an Animagus eventually. I want to be a cat."

"You do n't get to take what form of animal you transform into,"Albus told her.

"Oh,"Lily said,"But I think I 'll become a cat."

Albus nodded as Lily began to name in great point what kind of cat she would transform into.

Everyone else was already at the Burrow and Albus felt an straightaway warmness come over him as he stepped inside. It had nothing to do with the fact that it was so common cold and snow-clad outside, either. There was something so comforting about being at the Burrow surrounded by all his house. He was able to forget all the issues with the Quidditch tourney and professor Killigan. All he could think about was how ravenous he was and how good some of his grandmother 's cooking would be right about then.

Rose sat down next to Albus as he tucked into a magnanimous bowl of onion soup with a side of homemade bread.

"Uncle Charlie and aunty Katherine are going back to Roumania this summer,"Rose announced.

"To moderate Thomas More tartar ?"Albus asked. His uncle and auntie had n't done that since Sir Henry Morton Stanley started Hogwarts, but they often talked about how they wanted to go back.

"Yeah,"blush wine nodded,"They might stay even after the summer 's over, but broom and scar will do back to go to Hogwarts."

"They get to go, too ?"

"Yup. Francis Edgar Stanley and Eddie are going, too. Stanley 's quitting his job for it. He 's definitely staying in Romania after the summer 's over. He wants to get into dragon training."

"Wow,"Albus replied,"They 're lucky. I guess it 's skillful that Sir Henry Morton Stanley decided what he wants to do."

Stanley had been working at the Magical Menagerie since he finished Hogwarts, but knew he did n't want to do that his unscathed life. He just did n't experience what he did want to do.

"I wish our parents would take us to some other country,"Albus sighed.

"Me, too,"rose wine agreed,"Imagine the chronicle we could learn."

Albus personally had enough of History from Professor Binns, but he supposed learning history by traveling would be fun.

"Noel Quidditch tomorrow ?"Teddy asked as he sat down next to Rose.

"Definitely,"Albus grinned.

"I would n't enumerate on it, Teddy,"Molly said as she handed Albus another hunk of bread,"We 're supposed to get the snowstorm of the ten tomorrow. The Muggle electrical energy is already out in town."

"Is it really ?"Chester A. Arthur popped his header into the elbow room,"Fascinating ! I may deliver to go see it tomorrow !"

"You 'll do no such thing !"Molly shouted,"It 's near out of the question to Appparate during such a storm. Not to cite the fact that it 's Christmastide and you should be here."

"We do n't postulate electricity to spiel Quidditch !"Teddy exclaimed,"It 'll be consummate training conditions ! If you can catch a Snitch in the middle of a blizzard, you can catch one in any weather. It 's not like Kendrick ever calls off Quidditch because of snow."

"We 'll see tomorrow, Teddy,"Molly sighed.

Albus finished his soup and he and Rose went into the den, where they were greeted by a loud chorus line of 'Odo the poor boy', sung by George, Alicia, Charlie, and Ron. Bill and Fleur were laughing while Hermione shook her head. Albus had a feeling the just ground why Fleur approved was because the singing was drowning out Celestina Warbeck.

"So then I said, I 'm not paying seven reap hook for that !"Percy said to Katherine, who was only sort of paying attention,"And the bloke looked at me like I was mad. I say he 's mad, charging that much for a spell of a questionably historic old construction. There really should be rule on such things. It 's one thing I 'll change if I 'm ever Minister."

Albus stifled a laugh. His Uncle Walker Percy had been talking about running for minister of religion for the past ten years, but still had n't done it. virtually of his uncles and aunts got spue of hearing him talk about what he would and would not commute.

"Hey, Albus, rosiness,"Victoire waved at him from across the room.

"Hi Victoire,"Albus made his way over to her,"How is Healer training ?"

"Exhausting,"Victoire sighed,"And I have to figure out which character of the hospital I want to do the rest of my training in by Sept. We 've been rotating throughout all the floors, but now we have to pick one. I 'm nowhere near decided."

"You have until Sep,"Albus shrugged. It seemed like a long time to him.

"I know,"Victoire replied,"But Amy 's known where she wants to finish training since we were in fourth year."

"You 're not in Amy 's situation,"slip appeared and put his arm around her,"And I think you 'll do great anyplace you decide."

"Thanks, teddy,"Victoire smiled,"I 'm thinking either the Maternity Barbara Ward or Spell Damage."

"There 's a busy ward,"Teddy grinned,"while Damage. You 'll get all the funny injuries there."

"That 's not a good reason to clean a differentiation,"Victoire groaned.

"trade good a grounds as any,"chemise shrugged.

The time grew later and after Albus played numerous rounds of Exploding duck soup with his cousin, his grandmother announced that it was time for bed. Everyone argued, but there was really no period. Everyone, including the other adults, knew that arguing with mollie Weasley was useless.

Albus trudged up the stairs to the gamey bedroom that he shared with James I, Ben, and Cedric. He climbed into bed and then realized just how big this impending blizzard was. The wind was howling louder than he 'd ever pick up before.

The nothingness was so powerful that Albus could feel it through the gaps in the window. Every once in a while, the menage would creak and shake. Albus sighed and put his pillow over his capitulum to try and drown out the howl.

Albus did n't manage to range off to catch some Z's until after Cedric got out of bed, swore loudly, and disregarded the no magic outside of schoolhouse rule to put a silencing charm on the room.

******

Albus was awoken by his yearbook Christmas wake-up yell, Lily. She breezed through the doorway shouting about how they all needed to ignite up and open their present tense.

"And there 's three pes of snow outside,"Lily said as she left the room,"I checked."

"Merlin !"King James jumped off the top hogwash and looked out the window,"There is ! And it 's still coming !"

"Whoa, you ca n't see anything !"Cedric added.

"We could build the man 's grownup snow wizard later,"Ben suggested.

"We could make an integral nose candy wizard USA,"Albus said.

"Presents first,"King James I said as he located his mass of presents.

Albus descended upon his own pile of presents and began opening them. There were the usual sweets and Weasleys'products from his aunty and uncles. Another Weasley perspirer, this one scarlet and atomic number 79 striped. He pulled it on over his pyjama and opened the eternal rest of the presents from his aunts and uncles. His Aunt Hermione had gotten him a few books he 'd probably never register, including one about the history of house elves at Hogwarts.

Albus saved his parents'nowadays for hold up, although he doubted they could top finish year 's. There really was n't anything in the creation that was better than the Invisibility Cloak.

"Al, did you give Mum and Dad 's yet ?"James shouted.

"I 'm opening it now,"Albus said as he ripped the paper off the small box.

"You 'll never approximate what they got us !"

Albus opened the box and saw two tickets. Two ticket for the Quidditch World Cup that was taking place this summer !

"Whoa !"Albus shouted,"World Cup tickets !"

"I did n't even have a go at it they were on sale this other !"James River said.

"You two get the best present tense,"Cedric said.

"Hey, I got two tickets,"James replied.

"Yeah, two,"Ben sighed,"You can only pick one of us to go."

Albus suddenly realized he had the like job. Two ticket. Five champion he would require to read. Who was he going to choose ? Not rose wine. They may have been friend since they were babies, but she just did n't sustain a passion for Quidditch. Neither did Kaden. He was another to cross off the listing. John and matt were the Quidditch fans. He 'd consume to choose between them. Amanda liked Quidditch well enough, but she did n't keep an eye on a team or anything.

"Those are limited edition tickets,"Ben said,"They do n't cognize who 's playing yet, so they do n't sell very many ticket ahead of time."

"They 're for the top box, too,"James said in awe.

Lily burst into the room with a big grin on her human face. She was holding two just the ticket as well."Did you get Quidditch tickets ?"

"Yeah,"Albus and Saint James the Apostle said at the same time.

"This is going to be splendid,"Lily said and then ran out of the room.

Albus 's parents were already in the kitchen by the time Albus went downstairs. They were sitting at the table eating breakfast. Albus gave them each a huge hug and then sat down.

"How did you get the ticket ?"he asked.

"They were a giving from the Minister,"Harry replied,"The Cup is in Canada this twelvemonth and he 's good friends with their government minister. Got him a lot of relieve tickets."

Albus grinned as he began to eat breakfast. Somehow his parents had come close to topping last year 's present. Now not only was he going to get to see the universe Cup, he would get to go to a dissimilar country.

pink wine came downstairs a little while later and was impressed with the tickets. She had no desire to go to the Cup and had no suggestions on how Albus was going to choose between John and Matt.

"Anyone up for Quidditch later ?"Teddy announced as he sauntered into the kitchen.

"Not under my watch !"Molly shouted,"You ca n't see a foot in social movement of you out there ! And it must be close to 15 below !"

"Maybe after luncheon, then,"teddy bear shrugged.

molly shook her headway and sighed as she set a few Sir Thomas More platters of ballock and pledge onto the table.

There was a belt on the door that could only just be heard over the howling farting. Molly glanced at Arthur, who shrugged and got up to see who it was. Albus followed, very curious to see who would visit on Noel morning in the heart of a immense blizzard.

"Xeno, is that you ?"Arthur shouted outside.

"Yes !"Xenophilius Lovegood shouted back. Arthur stood aside as the man walked in and then shut the door behind him."Quite the tempest we 're having ! Just thought I 'd stop by and see if this situation was still standing."

"Quite the storm, yes,"Arthur agreed,"I heard the Muggles lost electricity. Fascinating. I wonder what they do without it. But yes, the house is still standing."

"commodity, but if you feel it 's too rickety, just let me know and I 'll go get some of my Jutispy plant. The folio do marvel on old building. take a leak them like new. I just put a clustering into my place and it 's a honorable thing, too. Of track, they tend to pull in Nargles ..."Xenophilius 's voice trailed off.

"I 'll prevent that in judgement,"King Arthur smiled,"Are you spending the holiday alone ?"

"Yes, yes,"he replied,"Luna and Rolf are with his phratry this Christmas."

"Then you must remain here a spell. mollie 's cooked far too a lot nutrient, like common,"King Arthur Pb Xeno into the kitchen.

Albus followed them. He always found Xenophilius Lovegood to be an interesting magician, if not a slight mad. Always going on about Nargles or Nom-Noms or something.

Molly was more than glad to offer Xenophilius with a enceinte phonograph record of breakfast and he settled down to discuss the storm with the adults.

Albus spent most of the morning playing Exploding Snap, Wizard 's Chess, and Gobstones with his full cousin. They tried to flirt skin and go seek, but the theater was too crowded to play it properly.

Teddy and James kept looking out the windowpane, willing it to finish snowing. Both of them were just itching to go represent Quidditch. Albus would possess gladly gone and played if it would cease snowing so much. He was dedicated to the game, but not enough to play in this storm.

Lunchtime came and the snow was still falling. George went outside to measure it and came back with the news that it was three and a half fundament.

teddy bear went upstairs after lunch and came back decked out in three pinny, a thick cloak, and a pair of boots. Under one arm was his broom and under the other was a box of Quidditch balls. James was aright behind him, dressed the same.

"Theodore Remus Lupin !"Molly shouted,"I suppose I ca n't stop you from going out there and catching death of a cold-blooded, but I will not let you drag James with you !"

"He 's not dragging me, Grandma,"King James I rolled his eyes,"I want to go !"

"Just let them, Molly,"Harry said,"They 'll get cold soon enough and do back inside."

"Fine,"Molly replied and went back into the kitchen.

"Excellent,"Teddy grinned,"Anyone care to join us ?"

Georgia, Fred, and Heather suited up in affectionate clothes and joined Teddy and James. Albus decided against it. Quidditch was fun, but he did n't want to stop dead when he could stay inside and be warm.

The Christmas Quidditch lasted a one-half an 60 minutes. Teddy, St. James, Georgia, Heather, and Fred all stumbled back into the house shivering with their faces red and covered in snow and ice. mollie immediately descended upon them with sucker of hot hot chocolate and dry clothes.

"Told you, Molly,"Harry grinned.

"C-ca n't feel the Sn-Snitch,"chemise muttered.

Harry laughed."That does n't surprise me. You 'll receive it when the storm calms down. You put the appeal on it to stay in the yard, right ?"

"Y-yeah,"teddy replied.

Christmas dinner came and went in its usual chaos. Xenophilius stayed for it and James snuck sneezing pulverisation into his soup, which he found incredibly odd. mollie was not as impressed and gave James quite the scolding. How she found out it was James was beyond Albus.

The storm continued throughout the dark and Cedric had to put the silencing charm back on their room in order for any of them to get any sleep.

******

Nobody left the Burrow until two days after Xmas. That was when the nose candy finally let up. It topped out at around four and a one-half understructure, which was a new record for Albus 's lifetime. The burrow 's yard had been decorated by dozens of snow hag and wizards, along with hippogriffs, owl, and a variety of other magical brute.

When Albus found out what his folk was doing after they left the Burrow, he wished the snow would make kept coming. They were going shopping for apparel robes for the New twelvemonth 's party.

"Why ca n't I just wear my old clothes robe ?"Jesse James whined as they walked down Diagon bowling alley towards Madam Malkin's.

"Because they 're five inches too light,"Ginny replied,"They 're even too small for Al."

"Yeah, Hugo 's the lucky one,"King James I muttered. Hugo was wearing James 's old dress robes to the company and therefore did not have got to go shopping.

"momma, I want imperial robes,"Lily announced.

"If they have any,"Ginny replied.

Albus wanted to buy the first yoke of dress robes he found, so long as they were n't pink or purple. The Sooner they were done robes shopping the better.

Rose and Lily made a beeline for the girl garb robes as soon as they walked in the door. Albus stood awkwardly adjacent to James while their mother found various robe for them.

"Here, try these on, Al,"Ginny handed him a dyad of emerald Green River robes.

"Very Slytherin,"James snickered.

"Shut it, Henry James,"Albus muttered.

"They 'll bring out your eye, Al,"Ginny told him,"Now go try them on."

Albus reluctantly tried on the Slytherin colored robe and then left the dressing elbow room for his female parent to see.

"Too short-circuit,"she announced,"But the color is utter. I 'll discover a boastful size."

James wound up with a United States Navy blue brace of robe, which Albus would have preferred. Lily found her majestic robe and Rose got a sky blue air span.

"Next metre you 're getting jet gown,"Albus muttered to James, who was still making fun of the colouration of Albus 's robes.

"No I wo n't. I do n't have common eyes,"James grinned.

"Then we 'll get you a nice red set,"Ginny said,"They 'll clash horribly with your hair."

"I do n't give care. They 'd be Gryffindor colored,"James laughed.


A/N : Thanks to my Beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as all the awing masses who have read and reviewed this ! Also, for anyone who read In Moonlight 's fantasm, the first chapter of the sequel, Beyond the tail, is now up !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


The company was at the Minister 's Mansion, the house where all the Ministers of Magic had lived. Albus had been there a few meter before, but not in a couple years. Usually all the political party the Minister held were while Albus was at Hogwarts.

A few 60 minutes before the party, Ginny made Albus, James IV, and Lily all take showers and comb their whisker properly. She spent a full XV mo trying to get Epistle of James 's fuzz to lie flatbed and another XV minute putting Lily 's up in some sort of expound bun typecast thing. Albus was very happy his own haircloth was far too inadequate for that kind of thing.

Before they left, Albus 's parents sat him, King James, and Lily down on the couch and proceeded to tell them the pattern for the evening.

"Absolutely no making trouble !"Ginny stared at James as she said this,"None at all ! This is the Minister 's household ! I will not give you wreaking mayhem in it."

"We 're trusting you to keep yourselves occupied during this. I 'm going to receive to mingle with everyone and we wo n't be able to watch you every minute,"Harry added,"You 're all at Hogwarts now. You 're old enough to not be glued to us for the evening."

"Do n't concern,"James said,"I know when deviltry is n't appropriate."

"Let 's Leslie Townes Hope so,"Ginny sighed.

Albus and his family Apparated to the curate 's house, which meant side-along spectre for Albus. He hated side-along Apparition. It felt like he could n't breath. It was worse when the person who was Apparating him was also Apparating another individual, which was always the case in his kinfolk. It was the nemesis of being the midriff child. He was either with James or Lily. This fourth dimension it was with Lily and Harry was Apparating them.

When Albus had regained his power to breath properly, he looked around at where they had landed. He was standing on the battlefront lawn of what was the most extravagant mansion he had ever seen. It could n't be considered a house ; it was just too monstrous.

A long and winding sidewalk, framed with George H.W. Bush and Light Within on either slope, lead up to the face threshold. Albus 's parents started walking up and Albus followed.

The mansion seemed to get boastful as they got closer. It was painted brown with a black roof and reminded Albus of a rook. It was n't nearly as big as Hogwarts, of line, but it was still huge.

Harry rang the bell when they arrived at the threshold and it was answered by the Minister himself."Harry !"he shouted,"Come in !"

rector Langston Hartwell was the third base minister since the fall of Creator Voldemort. He was a magniloquent, rotund man with very little hair left on his school principal. He did frisk a rather large mustache, which caused Albus to think of him as a much tall version of Professor Slughorn.

Hartwell was one of those very educated wizard who spoke using very tumid words that Albus could n't really understand. He was verbose and most of his speeches could be condensed down into a few condemnation, according to Harry, that is. He was a very gracious man, though.

"right this way,"Hartwell motioned for them to follow him.

Hartwell lead them through the menage, which was just as immaculate as Albus remembered, and into what could only be described as a gilded ballroom. It was the same ballroom all the company Albus had been to were held.

The room was decorated with Ag and black and was already filling up with the great unwashed. Albus spotted Rose and flatness in the dorsum of the room and left his family in the doorway to go see them.

"Some topographic point, huh ?"Albus said once he reached them.

"This is the freehanded house I 've ever seen,"Rose agreed,"I see you 're wearing your Slytherin robes."

Albus rolled his eyes."Shut it."

"What do you think, Matt ?"pink wine turned to Matt,"His mum says they equalize his middle, but King James says they 're Slytherin robes."

"Slytherin,"lustrelessness said immediately.

"Then yours are Ravenclaw,"Albus pointed out, gesturing to Matt 's risque robes.

"I do n't wish,"Matt shrugged,"So, did you just get here ?"

"Yeah,"Albus replied.

"I 've been here for two hr already,"lustrelessness said,"We were the get-go ace here. Dad keeps introducing me to people and they all think I 'm a first year."

"Bet that 's fun,"Albus laughed,"Do you fuck most of these people ?"

"Some,"matte said,"That 's the blighter Dad 's taking over for,"he gestured to a very prominent maven,"McVicar."

"right wing,"Albus said,"I 've heard of him. Dad 's always said he would never retire."

"Dad never thought he would either,"Matt laughed,"Then we 've got your Uncle Hotspur, I think you probably know him. Those citizenry are a few of Dad 's fellow worker,"Matt gestured to a few more witches and wizards,"Then there 's a cluster of people from other departments, but I do n't think any of their names."

"Looks like it 's going to be a fun night,"Albus said sarcastically.

"Oh, it will be,"lustrelessness grinned,"When I was really little, we went to company like this a few sentence a month. You make your own fun."

"Like what ?"Albus asked.

"Charming alcohol out of the wine and champagne. It 'll still savour exactly the Same,"matte grinned mischievously,"By the prison term midnight curl around, everyone will be wondering why they 're not drunk. It 'll be funny."

"You 've done this before ?"Rose raised an eyebrow.

"Amy has,"Matt said,"She 's here somewhere and she 's going to do it soon."

"I have to accommodate, that 's really creative,"Rose giggled,"What else ?"

"Mostly stuff with the food for thought. Charm the chocolate to try like vanilla, charm the serving utensils to move every prison term you go to pick them up, that sort of stuff,"matte explained.

"My parents gave us this speech about how we ca n't play put-on here,"Albus said,"She was saying it mostly for James, but I think she should 've given it to you."

"My parents never say that stuff to me,"Matt laughed,"They never suspect me of anything. The minute they find out the alcoholic beverage 's been charmed out of the potable, they 'll witness Amy."

"She is the one who 's going to do it,"pink wine pointed out.

"It was my idea, though. She was n't originally going to do it at this company,"matte explained.

"Alcohol 's gone,"Amy said quietly as she came up behind matte,"This is going to be interesting."

"What exactly happens when you use this magic spell ?"rosiness asked.

"Oh, it 's outstanding,"Amy grinned,"first, only a mate citizenry notice and they make a very quiet citation to another soul and then that person agrees that there 's something wrong with the drinks. Then it just snowballs from there until it 's all they 're talking about. Then someone will test the drinking, notice the alcoholic drink 's been charmed away, replace it, and then everyone will cheer. But some of them will act drunk because they think there 's alcohol in the drinks."

"Are n't your parents going to be upset ?"rose wine asked.

"They might tell apart me they wish I had n't done it, but there 's not much they can do,"Amy shrugged,"That 's why I 'm doing it and not Matt."

"I could n't see your parents yelling at you anyway,"Albus laughed.

"You never know,"Matt shrugged.

"I bet James and Cedric are going to do something,"Albus said as he scanned the bunch. Saint James the Apostle and Cedric were sitting at one of the tables, heads close together like they were plotting something.

"I 'd be shocked if they did n't,"rosebush smirked,"Aunt Ginny has no hope of stopping James."

"And I 'd bet my last Galleon that Georgia and Omar Bradley are talking about Quidditch,"Albus gestured to his other two full cousin, who were standing near the buffet.

"That 's all they talk about,"Rose said,"And Lily looks bored. Five Sickles says she 's over here in about ten minutes or so."

"I would n't bet against that,"Albus said,"And Samantha and lindy hop will sneak out of the room the following sentence Aunt Corrine looks away."

Albus 's Aunt Corrine was talking with two enchantress Albus did n't know and his counterpart cousins were chasing each former around the room.

"Are any of your other cousins coming ?"Amy asked.

"Nope,"Albus shook his head,"None of my other auntie and uncles work for the Ministry."

"Let 's go get something to eat,"Matt said.

Albus and Rose agreed. Amy left to go talk to someone else and the three protagonist walked over to the buffet. There was already a small queue in front end of it.

"There go Samantha and lindy hop,"pink wine said as they waited. The twins ran out one of the doors and Corrine quickly followed.

The queue moved quickly and soon Albus was in front. He grabbed a scale and piled it high with just about everything. There was always the best food at this kind of party.

They found an evacuate table far enough away from James and Cedric. Albus did n't want to be anywhere near them when they did whatever they were planning on doing.

"I do n't even know what half this stuff is,"Matt said as he began eating,"But it 's good."

more and more people arrived as Albus ate his dinner party. He recognized a few of them, but did n't remember any names. He also noticed that nobody was acting strangely due to Amy 's magic spell. They were all acting perfectly convention for adults who had had a few drinks.

Albus, Matt, and rose wandered around the room once they finished their food. A few grownup stopped to exclaim how big they 'd gotten and to investigate what twelvemonth they were at Hogwarts. Lily joined them because she did n't require to be associated with Saint James and Cedric 's mischief.

"howdy, everyone !"parson Hartwell shouted from the dais at the front of the room.

Everyone quieted down and turned to watch him. Albus, pink wine, and matt were somewhat close down to the podium.

"Thank you,"he smiled,"I assume you all know why I 've thrown this party, and it 's not just to unload the tumid amount of wine I was given for Christmas !"

The adults all chuckled at Hartwell 's attack at a antic and then quieted down once again.

"Yes, yes, well, this party is in honor of none other than Bruno Walter Eckerton, whom I have appointed to the position of Head of the section of rule and restraint of Magical Creatures. There is no one else whom I would believe with such a job ...."

Hartwell 's address soon descended into one of his usual speech, which Albus could not understand. It was long, drawn-out, and Albus could 've sworn he saw his dad yawn at one point.

Albus clapped loudly when Hartwell finally finished and turned the stump over to McVicar.

"Thank you, pastor,"McVicar began,"That was quite an matter to spoken language. I, too, would care to congratulate Bruno Walter Eckerton on his promotion.

"I am sure at to the lowest degree one-half of you were quite storm to pick up that I was retiring. I myself was surprised. In fact, I probably would n't experience done it if it were n't for the fact that my wife has been begging me to for the retiring ten years.

"However, the main reason for my lack of an sooner retirement was because there was not a single person employed in the Ministry whom I would have trusted with this job. cypher had the capabilities to carry out this view in the way I would like. Like they always say, if you want something done right, do it yourself. That was my motto up until five years ago, that is.

"A little over five age ago, a man came into the Ministry looking for a job in the Department of the Regulation and dominance of Magical animate being. He applied for a job in wolfman documentation Services, a position that had been open for well over a class. I was ready to hire anyone who walked through the doorway at that point, but I had no melodic theme what was to come when I hired Walter Eckerton.

"Some of you may do it that Walter has experience in this field. He was the Head of the Department of regularization and controller of Magical Creatures in Australia for three years before leaving the position in order to locomote to England.

"Bruno Walter revolutionized Werewolf backing Services as soon as he started. The ideas he had were 1 that even I had n't thought of. In five brusk years, he has bettered life story for those plagued with lycanthropy more than anyone else in the department have in their entire careers.

"It took only six months for me to realize that I wanted Walter to lead over for me when I retired. Not only does he get the experience and intelligence for the job, but he also has allegiance that I have never seen before. I even have to admit that his dedication surpasses my own. I have never seen anyone combat as gruelling for lycanthrope right as he has.

"The only affair left for me to do was convince myself it was prison term to recede,"McVicar chuckled,"And yes, it did take the better part of five days to do that. But now, I feel very confident as I hand the reins over to Walter."

Everyone clapped as McVicar stepped away and Matt 's dad took the ambo."That was quite the speech,"Albus muttered to Matt.

"I 'll say,"Matt agreed,"And McVicar does n't usually praise people like that."

"well,"lusterlessness 's dad began,"Thanks for your voting of confidence, Rob. I certainly hope I can live up to your expectations.

"I have to begin by saying how unexpected this was. I really had no design of becoming the point of the intact department again, no matter which country I was living in. Werewolf Support Services has been such a great blank space to process these past few days. It truly is my passion.

"However, when Langston and Rob approached me about taking over when Rob retired, I found it unmanageable to say no. In the end, I said yes because I want to pee more of a remainder.

"Of course, I could not feature gotten to this home without the help of my married woman, Julie,"he gestured to Matt 's mum, who was standing near the podium,"And my girl, Amy, and my son, lusterlessness.

"I 'm not one for tenacious voice communication, so I 'll just say that I look forward to starting the job and I truly desire I can be at least one-half of the capitulum of the department Rob has been."

"I just hope none of them find out why my dad 's so dedicated,"matte whispered.

"They 're too drunk to think much on it,"Rose smirked.

"They 're not really drunk,"Albus reminded her.

"They 're certainly acting like they are,"rosebush pointed out.

A good dower of the adults were acting very drunk. In fact, if Albus had n't known about Amy 's charm, he would say they all really were drunk. The eldritch thing was that everybody was acting drunk. There did n't seem to be anyone who was thinking there was something wrong with the drinks.

"Let 's go ask Amy about it,"Matt suggested.

Amy was standing nearby, so Albus, matte, and rosiness squeezed their way through the bunch to get to her.

"Amy,"Matt whispered,"Why 's everyone acting normal ?

"I do n't know,"she whispered back,"Let 's go look at the drinks."

James II and Cedric were also standing near the drunkenness mesa, looking nearly as confused as Albus felt about this charm. That was kind of strange.

Amy grabbed a glass of wine and tried it."Well, it tastes fine, but it 's supposed to."

"You 'll let to tope a lot more than that to get properly drunk,"matt grinned.

"I 'm not doing that,"Amy rolled her eyes.

"Actually,"James II grinned mischievously,"That might get you drunk."

"What did you do ?"Albus groaned.

"Cedric and I added some extra alcoholic drink to that wine,"James whispered.

Albus, Rose, Matt, and Amy burst out laughing. Albus could not trust it. All of their pranks had backfired. The wine was now perfectly normal.

"What 's so shady ?"Cedric asked.

"Amy pulled a prank, too,"Albus said.

"I put a charm on all the wine to remove the alcohol, while keeping the appreciation,"Amy explained,"I did it right hand when the party started."

"So much for that prank,"James groaned.

"Now you wo n't get in trouble,"Albus pointed out,"Mum 's been watching you two."

"I know,"St. James muttered,"That 's why we ca n't do it again."

"What do you desire to do now ?"Albus asked as St. James the Apostle, Cedric, and Amy left.

"privation to explore the Minister 's residence ?"Matt suggested.

"Is that allowed ?"rose asked skeptically.

"I do n't see why not, I mean, this is my dad 's company,"flatness pointed out,"Plus, we 'd just be walking around."

"Let 's go,"Albus said and lead them out of the ballroom.

It was often quieter in the sleep of the sign of the zodiac. They started wandering through any rooms that had open doors.

"This place is so damn fancy,"Albus said.

"It reminds me of my grandparents'theatre,"Matt said.

"Their theatre is this big ?"Rose asked.

"Nearly,"lusterlessness replied,"They 've got a ballroom and everything."

The three Quaker wound up in a very large living way filled with oldtimer furniture. There was an oriental carpet on the ground and oak tabular array and bookshelves around the perimeter. Atop the mesa were envision vas of blossom and lechatelierite sculptures.

"We 'd better be deliberate in here,"rose said as she walked into the room,"If we break any of this stuff and nonsense, our parents would hit us."

"Cinda 's got one of these,"matte pointed to a crystal swan.

"Do n't reach it !"blush wine hissed.

"I was n't,"flatness assured her,"I broke Cinda 's once, but Mum fixed it."

"Look at all these account book,"Albus gazed up at one of the bookcases,"Madam Pince would love to get her hands on these."

"They 're all about politics, though,"Matt pointed out,"Pretty boring."

"Mum would wish them,"rose said

"I wonder how old this furniture is,"Matt said as he looked at a rather uncomfortable looking armchair.

"Probably older than Aberforth Dumbledore,"Albus replied.

"Hey, Albus, Matt, come here,"pink wine said as she looked out the window.

Albus and mat walked over to the window and leaned over the mesa that was in front man of it.

"What is it ?"Albus asked.

"look, there's-"

Matt leaned farther over the mesa and knocked one of the watch crystal sculptures off. Rose gasped and managed to catch it before it crashed onto the floor.

"Merlin,"Rose whispered as she set it back on the table,"Be careful."

"Sorry,"mat replied,"What were you saying ?"

"There 's someone sneaking around out there,"Rose said.

Albus peered out the windowpane into the darkness. He could just barely make out a shadow lurking around the George Herbert Walker Bush. It did n't look like the soul was walking up towards the house to go to the party. Plus, why would he show up three hours late ?

"There 's definitely someone out there,"Matt said.

"Let 's go find out who it is,"Albus said. He did n't take a cue as to who it was, but he wanted to obtain out. There was no reason for mortal to be sneaking around the diplomatic minister 's Mansion at this time of night.

"Albus Severus potter, are you bloody insane ?"rose exclaimed,"I think you are !"

"Look, I just want to go see if we can find out who it is. I 'm not saying we should go duel them. Plus, there 's a solid room wide of Ministry officials in case whoever is out there is someone bad,"Albus said.

"That 's a good dot,"flatness replied,"Why would individual hook around a household that 's entire of Ministry officials, especially when the two top Aurors are inside ?"

"I do n't recognise,"Albus said,"But I want to find out who it is."

Rose reluctantly agreed and followed Albus and Matt, muttering under her breath. They found the nearest threshold and went out into the cold dark, drawing their wands as they did so.

"If we are n't killed, we 'll freeze to death,"Rose muttered.

Albus ignored her and started looking around. He stayed close to the house and tried to keep himself concealed in the bushes as he looked for the figure. However, he could n't see or hear anything.

"Do you hear anything ?"he whispered to Matt.

"No,"Matt replied,"It 's like they disapparated or something."

"goodness,"Rose muttered,"Now let 's go back inside."

"They could 've just moved,"Albus pointed out,"Let 's go along going."

Albus continued creeping around the theater, with his sceptre out in nominal head of him. His heart was beating fast and his hired man were sweaty despite the frigidity. He did n't want to stop, though. Figuring out who this bloke was was exciting and cheek wracking at the same time.

"Do n't move !"someone shouted and all of a sudden there was a bright light in Albus 's middle. Wand light.

Rose screamed and grabbed appreciation of Albus 's arm. Albus held up his own wand, his deal shaking.

"Who are you ?"the person shouted.

"Wh-who are y-you ?"Albus stammered.

"He sounds familiar,"flatness whispered,"Hang on. Bloody hell, that 's professor Balladanis !"

Albus thought for a second and the voice did fathom a lot like Balladanis. But why would he be sneaking around the rector 's Mansion ?

"Albus ceramist, is that you ?"the man shouted.

"Er, yes,"Albus replied.

The scepter brightness lowered and Albus heard the man footstep through the snow towards him. Albus saw that he was indeed professor Balladanis. He breathed a sigh of rest period as rosiness let go of his arm.

"Mr. ceramist,"Balladanis said and then waved his scepter around,"And miss Weasley, Mr. Eckerton. Oh, I suppose this party is for your Father of the Church, Mr. Eckerton ?"

"Y-yes, sir,"lustrelessness replied.

"What are the three of you doing sneaking around outside in the dead of Nox ? I thought I 'd taught you dear than that. You 're just asking for trouble,"Balladanis said sternly.

"Told you,"Rose whispered to Albus.

"Er,"Albus began,"We saw someone lurking around out here and went to investigate. I guess that soul was you ...."

"And you 're lucky it was me,"Balladanis barked,"The three of you could have been dead if that person had been a dark wizard. Now, I 'm taking all three of you back inside."

Albus nodded and followed Balladanis through the blow and towards the threshold."Sir,"Albus said,"If you do n't mind my asking, what were you doing away ?"

"If you must sleep together, the government minister asked me to hold in the land in decree to urinate sure enough nobody was lurking around,"Balladanis replied.

That did nothing but spark Albus 's curiosity even more. He knew ameliorate than to press further, though. Balladanis was not one to excuse his motives.


A/N : Thanks to my Beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as everyone who has read and reviewed this !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


It was nearing midnight when Albus, Matt, and rose re-entered the building, escorted by prof Balladanis. Albus had been hoping the professor would just see them to the door and then remain his hunt of the perimeter, but instead he went back to the ballroom with them and marched them right up to Harry.

"potter,"Balladanis interrupted the conversation Harry had been having with some virtuoso Albus did n't have it off,"I found your son, your niece, and their friend wandering around outside."

"Albus,"Harry groaned,"I thought we made it authorize that you were to stay inside."

"I 'll give them with you,"Balldanis said,"Happy New Year."

"Happy New Year,"Harry replied,"And thanks."

Balladanis disappeared into the crowd and Albus shifted uncomfortably as his dad stared at him for a few moments.

"Care to explain ?"Harry raised an eyebrow.

"We were just, er, exploring,"Albus muttered.

"Do n't do it again,"Harry sighed.

"We wo n't,"Albus assured him.

Harry went back to his conversation and Albus lead his protagonist back to the buffet.

"I hope you 've learned your lesson,"Rose muttered,"I am not doing that again."

"We wo n't do it again. Not this night, that is,"Albus grinned.

"10 !"someone shouted.

Albus looked at the nearest clock and saw that it was almost midnight. Everyone else joined in the countdown, holding their glasses of Champagne-Ardenne in the air. Amy joined Albus, Rose, and Matt.

"3, 2, 1, Happy New Year !"Albus shouted along with everyone else.

The crew began to thin out a little while later. virtually of the people Albus did n't know left, along with his Uncle Harry Hotspur, aunty Corrine, and his cousins. Albus 's parents did n't see like they were in any hurry to leave, so he got a dental plate of the remnant desserts and at them with his friends.

rosebush 's family and Amy left, and then it was just the Potters, Matt, his parents, the pastor, and his wife left. All the adults were talking, King James I was teasing Lily about something, and Albus and Matt were finishing off the hold out of the desserts.

"Do you remember there 's any way for Hogwarts to win the Quidditch tourney ?"lusterlessness asked as he polished off a piece of deep brown cake.

"Only if Linda 's sick the day of one of the matches,"Albus sighed.

"Maybe that 'll happen,"matte said,"You never know."

"Al, we 've got to go,"Ginny tapped him on the shoulder.

"Ok, Mum,"Albus replied and then turned back to flatness,"I 'll see you soon."

"Yeah, see you on the train,"matte said.

Albus waved goodbye and then joined his mum, dad, King James I, and Lily. They all said congratulations to mat 's dad and then left the minister of religion 's sign of the zodiac. Albus peered into the bushes as he left, but there was no planetary house of prof Balladanis.

******

The remainder of the Christmastime holiday went by very slow for Albus. He did all his homework, which was quite boring, and there was nothing to do after that. rose wine was visiting her other grandparents and James was at Nathan 's house. Even Kaden was fussy visiting his grandparents ( Vernon and Petunia ). He sent Albus a varsity letter complaining about it, since the visit was also with aunt Marge. Albus was very thankful that he did n't take to go. Neither of his parents had mentioned anything about visiting with Vernon and genus Petunia again.

Finally the day to pass to schooltime arrived and the thrower made it to Platform 9 ¾ just in time. Albus found all his friends in one of the compartments and once they kicked Lily, Ashtyn, and Hugo out, they told each former about their holidays.

"aunt marge has got to be the most horrible aunty in the stallion world,"Kaden fumed,"My dad told her about deception a few month ago and she 's been amazing ever since. I mean, she was always variety of horrible, but now she 's forged. She just hates trick so much. She 's worse than my grandparents."

"Wow,"Albus replied,"Glad I 've never met her."

"Consider yourself prosperous,"Kaden muttered,"I 'm guessing you lot had better holiday ?"

"We found prof Balladanis lurking around the government minister 's Mansion,"Albus announced.

"What ?"John, Kaden, and Amanda shouted at the Lapplander time.

"I saw soul sneaking around outside and Albus insisted we go look into,"rosiness said,"Turns out it was Balladanis and the minister had apparently asked him to checker the basis for trouble."

"Did he find you ?"lav asked.

"Yeah,"Albus nodded,"He was n't to felicitous either."

"Told us we could 've been killed,"Matt explained.

"wellspring, we could 've,"Rose muttered.

"Wyrd though,"john said,"Why would the Minister think someone would be hiding around his household ?"

"Does n't he have safety around anyway ?"Amanda asked,"The Muggle government minister does."

"Again, that 's why it 's weird,"John replied,"He does have guards."

"Why would he ask Balladanis anyway ?"flatness asked,"Why not ask an Auror ? Balladanis is a professor."

"He has n't always been,"Albus pointed out,"He had some variety of mysterious job before."

"Again, weird,"privy said.

"Yeah, there were a cluster of Aurors at the company, not to observe Albus 's dad,"matte pointed out.

"That settles it,"John announced,"Albus, you 've got to bump out what he did before he started teaching defensive measure ?"

"Why me ?"Albus asked.

"Because you 've got those special dueling object lesson with him. He likes you for some ground. Of class, he also likes Malfoy. But that 's probably just because Malfoy 's a good dueller, too,"John explained.

"I 'll try,"Albus sighed,"But I really do n't think he 'll tell me."

"You never know,"Gospel According to John said.

******

"tranquility, quiet !"Balladanis shouted the following Tuesday, their first day of United States Department of Defense after the holiday.

Albus immediately stopped talking to mat and John and turned to face Balladanis. He was really hoping that the prof would say nothing about what happened at the party and so far Balladanis was showing no recollection of it.

"I trust you all had superb holidays,"Balladanis said,"But the holidays are over and although I am sure none of you thought a bit about defensive magic during said vacation, it is now time to begin that thinking once again.

"number 1, I 'll say that there is no metre to not be thinking about defensive magic, as the dark arts do not take rupture for trivial things such as holidays.

"Second, in this full term we will begin to explore fauna far more dangerous than hinkypunks and kappas. In this term we shall determine about those terrifying creatures such as acromantulas, basilisks, wolfman, dragons, and vampires."

Albus could n't avail but glance at Linda when Balladanis said vampire. Balladanis had glanced at her as well, and he also glanced at mat when he said lycanthrope. Of course, he had looked at Albus when he said basilisks, so it did n't necessarily think of anything, but Albus had a tone it did.

"As the headmaster would find it highly inappropriate for a flying dragon to evidence itself in this classroom, we shall not be using the anamatek as often this term,"Balladanis continued,"But we will be using it a few times. You will find that there are more talking to in this term, much to my disapproval. There is nothing I would like better than to instruct you about acromantulas and werewolves with practical object lesson, but there are both laws and schooling rules that prevent such lessons."

Albus and matt glanced at each other. It was prescribed. prof Balladanis was insane. What kind of teacher would want to teach about dragons with subsist dragons ? fountainhead, Hagrid would, but he was n't the same as Balladanis.

"take out some parchment,"Balladanis said,"We 're going to commence learning about acromantulas today ...."

The rest of the day went by relatively quickly. Albus actually did not have Quiditch practice that nighttime, so everyone went to the Marauder 's Den after dinner.

"fortune telling is such a joke,"Saint John said as he tossed his bag onto the floor and collapsed onto a put,"We started crystal lump gazing today. All I saw was a load of fog."

"I told you not to take it,"Rose said as she pulled a stack of books out of her own bag.

"I did n't recollect it would be this bad,"lav groaned,"There is no way anyone could see anything in a quartz ball."

"palmistry was better,"Amanda said,"And Trelawney makes the whole thing worse."

"Trelawney could get Defense bad,"Albus replied.

"Balladanis told us that he wished he could teach us about darkness tool using the anamatek,"rosebush said,"Seriously, he wanted a basilisk to appear in the center of the classroom."

"That would be dolt,"Kaden said as he unwrapped a Chocolate Frog,"Those can belt down you with their eyes."

"I know,"Rose said,"Balladanis is insane."

"Do you consider that anamatek could turn into a werewolf if the moon was n't full ?"toilet asked.

"Probably not,"flatness answered,"It would just be a wolf. I think it would just be a Hugo Wolf any other meter of the month, too, because there 's no way it could turn person into a wolfman by biting them."

"That 's secure,"Albus said,"Because he did say that he 'd use the anamatek a few times this term. Wonder if he 'll have it bend into a vampire."

"No need,"John laughed,"We 've got Linda."

"If you think of it that way, there 's no spot to deliver it turn into a fake werewolf either,"Rose pointed out.

"Good tip, I guess,"John muttered.

******

The rest of the hebdomad went by quickly. Albus had Quidditch practice Th evening, and woods informed the totally team that they 'd pose rusty over the holiday. He also told them that the next friction match was in two workweek and they 'd be playing New House of York. If they won, they 'd be in endorsement stead.

Albus had a dueling moral with Balladanis the fall out eventide and he had absolutely no idea how he was going to ask what Balladanis 's previous job had been.

Albus arrived at Balladanis 's way before Malfoy and entered to find Balladanis clearing all of the desks from the middle of the room.

"Mr. potter,"Balladanis turned around and recognize Albus,"Is it condom to assume that you did not go wandering about late at night alone after New Year 's ?"

"Yes, sir,"Albus muttered as he felt his cheek turn red. He was quite glad Malfoy was n't there yet.

"Mr. Malfoy,"Balladanis said as Malfoy walked into the room,"Now we may get. I have decided that your understanding of the Protego charm is satisfactory so we are going to move on to something else.

"This particular charm, when performed correctly, manages to disarm and disorientate a individual at the Same metre. The sensation is often described as dizziness. Can either of you tell me what why this charm would be more useful than a criterion disarming spell ?"

"Because it 's easier to duel somebody who 's dizzy than person who is n't,"Malfoy said.

"More specifically than that,"Balladanis said,"Mr. Potter ?"

"Er, because you can get the somebody tied up while they 're disoriented ? If they 're a dark hotshot you 're trying to watch,"Albus replied.

"Another good intellect, but not the one I was thinking of,"Balladanis began to walk slowly around the room,"superstar who are expecting to have to duel other hotshot often keep multiple verge on their person. There are trance that can be performed on these verge to keep them attached to your gown or your actual body, spells that Expelliarmus wo n't overtake easily. However, these piece require invariant concentration.

"If a wizard is hit with the charm I am about to learn you, they will drop off the concentration essential to keep their extra wands affixed. Then, you can use Expelliarmus to get the extra wands."

"Can you teach us that charm to hold on extra wands in our robes ?"Malfoy asked.

"Perhaps towards the end of the class. It takes immense concentration and magical energy to simultaneously do that good luck charm while dueling soul,"Balladanis explained,"For now, you will learn the charm to disarm and disorient a person at the same time.

"The incantation is 'Confundo-Expelliarmus'. A compounding of Confundus and Expelliarmus. Mr. Malfoy, you will go first. When I say so, perform the charm against Mr. Potter. Mr. Potter, you may try and turn back him using the Protego appeal I taught you earlier."

Albus nodded, wishing he had been chosen to perform the new charm first, and faced Malfoy. He held his wand up and muttered 'Protego'under his breath. He focused all of his concentration on holding the shield up.

"Now, Mr. Malfoy,"Balladanis muttered.

"Confundo-Expelliarmus !"Malfoy shouted.

Albus felt the magic spell hit his shell, but it did n't crack through. He gripped his wand harder and stared at Malfoy.

"Keep going,"Balladanis said to Malfoy.

"Confundo-Expelliarmus !"Malfoy shouted again.

The charm hit Albus 's shield a minuscule harder this clock time. Albus could feel beads of travail forming on his brow.

Malfoy kept going and it took him five times to break through Albus 's shell. When it happened, Albus felt his wand leave his hand and was overcome by a wave of giddiness at the same metre. He felt exactly like he had when he had gotten the flu the previous year, only without the fever.

Albus did n't pay any aid to what Malfoy and Balladanis were doing. He felt like he was going to clear out and he had to sit down. He sat down right on the story and was vaguely aware of Balladanis standing over him.

Then, all of a sudden, the dizziness was gone. Albus shook his principal and then looked up and saw Balladanis and Malfoy standing in front of him. Malfoy looked impressed and Balladanis looked like he always did.

"You did quite well with that carapace,"Balladanis said as Albus stood up,"And I think it 's safe to assume that you could n't have held assiduity for any spells after Mr. Malfoy succeeded in breaking your shield."

"No, sir,"Albus shook his head.

"Normally the charm 's effects would cause lasted longer, but I performed the counter-curse because it looked like you were set to pass out,"Balladanis explained,"When you 're ready, you can try the charm."

"I 'm ready,"Albus said as he took his sceptre back from Malfoy.

Balladanis gave Malfoy a few bit to get his shield up and then nodded at Albus to execute the charm.

"Confundo-Expelliarmus !"Albus shouted. As he expected, the magical spell did not break Malfoy 's shield.

Much to Albus 's pleasure, he managed to break the shield on the fourth try. One less try than Malfoy had needed for Albus.

The spell hit Malfoy in the chest and his wand soared towards Albus. Albus caught it and watched as Malfoy set over and fell to the ground, much like Albus himself had done.

Balladanis gave Albus one of his rare smiles and then pulled out his own scepter. He waved it at Malfoy and Malfoy looked up.

"That was weird,"Malfoy muttered.

"It 's supposed to be,"Balladanis said,"Now get up and we 'll do it again."

Balladanis kept them at it for the upright part of an minute, yesteryear when Albus would have liked to quit. It was exhausting to be hit with that charm prison term after fourth dimension while trying to prevail up a shield good luck charm. Malfoy did n't appear to be faring much better and Albus thought he was even going to ask Balladanis to block up after a one-half minute, but Malfoy closed his mouthpiece, obviously thinking advantageously of it.

The practice was n't for zip, though. Albus managed to control Malfoy off thirster and longer each time and although Malfoy was getting right at the buckler appeal as well, Albus broke through it a few More times.

"That 's enough for tonight,"Balladanis finally said after he performed the countercurse on Albus for what must have been the tenth time that night,"I 'll see you in class on Tuesday."

Malfoy made a beeline for the door, but Albus turned to Balladanis instead. He might as well just get it over with. There was no good way to ask Balladanis what his late job had been. He just had to do it.

"Er, Sir,"Albus began,"I was just wondering, what did you do before you began teaching here ?"

Balladanis gave Albus the strangest look he had ever seen. It was a potpourri of anger, sorrowfulness, and even regret. For a moment, Albus wished he had n't asked. It was too personal. He should induce just told Saint John they would n't be able to find out.

"Now is not the time,"Balladanis said quietly,"All in well time, I will tell you."

Albus was taken aback. That was Thomas More than he had expected. He had thought Balladanis would bear told him to bear in mind his own stage business and get back to Gryffindor tug before curfew. Albus was going to find out, he was just going to have to be patient.

Albus left the room as quickly as he could in his exhausted land, before Balladanis could change his judgment about eventually telling Albus about his previous career. The paseo back to Gryffindor tugboat seemed farseeing than usual and all Albus wanted to do was flop into bed when he finally got there.

Instead, he was ambushed by all of his supporter. All five of them looked appalled and Amanda looked like she was going to be spew. He looked around the coarse room and saw that near citizenry looked appal and everyone was subdued. There was no joking around going on. Even James was quietly sitting at one of the tables.

"What happened ?"Albus whispered as he followed them back to their common table.

Rose opened her mouthpiece to speak and then closed her eye, ineffective to do so. Albus turned to Saint John and raised his eyebrows.

"You know that bloke who owns Dervish and Banges ?"john asked quietly.

Albus nodded, having seen the man on numerous occasions when he was in Hogsmeade. He was slightly older than Albus 's parents, with greying hair and a very vivid personality. He never hesitated to make his thought known

"Someone killed him,"St. John said in barely Thomas More than a whisper.

"Wh-what ?"Albus turned to look at all his acquaintance in turn. Matt nodded ever so slightly and then put his caput on his hands.

"mustiness 've just happened,"John said,"They just found him. Madam Rosmerta heard a commotion and Flooed here, to get the Auror on obligation. By the time they got back, his shop was a complete kettle of fish inside and he was laying dead on the floor. Avada Kedavra. They 're searching Hogsmeade, the timber, the flat coat, and the shoal. Nobody 's allowed out of their vulgar way and dormitories."

"We thought Balladanis would bring you back here when it happened,"rose said.

"Nobody even came in to tell us,"Albus replied, still in shock.

masses were n't just randomly killed in Hogsmeade. That form of thing just did n't happen anymore. Not since Voldemort had been defeated. fountainhead, professor Torro had been killed back before his outset year and then that one witch from the Ministry had been killed over Christmas, but their killer had never been found and nothing had happened since.

"Why would anyone defeat him ?"Matt wondered aloud.

"Why would anyone pop anyone ?"Rose replied.

The portraiture maw opened and all the voicelessness stopped. Everyone looked to see who came in. It was professor Longbottom, looking forged for the article of clothing. His robes were disheveled and his tie was askew.

"Aurors are still searching the castling and the grounds,"he told them,"I suggest you all try and get some eternal rest. The search will be long over by morning, so you will be free to entrust the unwashed room then."

Albus and his friends looked at each early after Longbottom left. They wordlessly went up to their dormitories, Kaden going with Albus instead of to the 2nd days'dorm. cypher said anything as he curled up on the floor with one of Albus 's supernumerary blankets. Albus got into bed and stared at the ceiling. He had been so release earlier, but now there was no way he 'd get much sleep that night.


A/N : Thanks to my genus Beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as all the awesome readers and reader !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Lunch was very subdued the side by side day. well-nigh people had slept quite late since it was a Sabbatum. Every educatee of Hogwarts had their nose in a written matter of the seer, be it their own or a friend 's. The stave table looked the Lapp, with every professor either reading the Prophet or whispering with another prof, no doubt about what they 'd scan.

Albus was reading Georgia 's Prophet as she had finished with it and made a mental note to originate subscribing himself. All of his friends were peering over his shoulders. Even Linda was hovering around them, a foot or so away.

HOGSMEADE SHOPKEEPER MURDERED

A disturbance in Dervish and Banges late
yesterday evening that sent one Hogsmeade
resident to Hogwarts to ascertain the Auror on
duty hint to the breakthrough of the death
of a storekeeper.

Leroy Wisander, 42, the ten-year owner of
Dervish and Banges was pronounced numb
on the view by Ministry Aurors yesterday
evening. His shop had been broken into
and it showed signs of a struggle.
Wisander was discovered in the midriff of
destroyed merchandise with his wand
laying a few pes away. Aurors confirmed
that he was killed with the killing curse.

An all-inclusive lookup of Hogsmeade, the
timberland, Hogwarts, and its grounds turned
up goose egg despite the hours Aurors spent
searching. No fingerprints were found on
the scene.

Aurors will be devoting prison term to finding
Wisander 's cause of death and a possible motive.

Leroy Wisander had owned Dervish and Banges
for a little over ten class, when he
purchased the shop from its previous owner
who retired. However, Wisander is more
known for the scathing newspaper column he writes
for this very newspaper.

Anyone who knew Wisander knew he was a man
of very firm judgment and did not hesitate
to let others know his opinions. His most
recent editorials have explored the subject
of werewolf, vampire, and other so called
'half-breeds'rights. Aurors have declined
comment on whether they believe Wisander 's
column are a potential need for his
murder. Wisander 's obituary can be found
on page five.

Albus set the paper down and his friends all resumed their seats. Nobody said a word for a few transactions. Albus did n't know what to think. The article certainly made it seem like Wisander was killed because of his impression. However, it did n't exactly say what his feeling were. Albus had n't ever read any of his column, so he could n't say either.

"What kind of newspaper column did he write ?"Matt asked quietly.

"I have no idea,"Albus replied, looking at his ally whose face was quite pale,"want to go to the elbow room ?"

"Yeah,"lusterlessness nodded,"I 'm not really hungry."

Albus got up and was followed by all of his friends. whoremonger and Kaden each grabbed a good deal of toast before leaving. Even Rose and Amanda went with them instead of going off to analyse with Linda.

"Have any of you show his column ?"matte asked as soon as they were in the piranha 's Den.

Nobody had read them. Not even Rose. Matt sighed and collapsed onto one of the couches."I 've got to observe out what they were about. I do n't even eff which would be proficient, him being for or against werewolf rights. If he 's for them, that means some bloke is on the unloose killing hoi polloi for wanting werewolf rights."

Matt did n't even possess to continue for Albus to cognise why that worried him. lusterlessness 's dad was possibly the prominent exponent of lycanthrope right in all of Great Britain and everyone knew it. If mortal had been killed just for writing about werewolf right hand, what would chance to someone who was actually passing legal philosophy for them ?

"That might not be why Wisander was killed,"Rose pointed out.

"Why else would person experience killed him ?"Matt asked,"He was just a store possessor in Hogsmeade."

"Why did someone putting to death Professor Torro ?"John replied,"He was n't even writing any newspaper column or anything."

"To daunt people,"Albus said quietly,"The Defense instructor position used to be cursed, back when our parents were in school."

"well, I do n't retrieve you should worry until you find out what the newspaper column are about,"rosebush said to Matt.

"The former option is n't a good deal better,"Matt muttered,"If he did n't write editorials for werewolf rights, then he wrote them against them."

Albus thought flatness had a stop, but he kept his mouth shut. Any way you looked at it, this murder pointed to the fact that affair were changing. Aurors had been patrolling Hogwarts for months, but Albus had quickly adjusted to that and did n't really think much about it, but maybe there was more bump outside of Hogwarts than Albus was mindful of.

"Let 's go to the library,"pink wine said as she stood up,"They 'll ingest old copies of the vaticinator there."

Everyone agreed with this and they set off to the library. When they arrived, they were surprised to encounter how crowd together it was. Usually Sabbatum were the days everyone put off their homework and then Sundays were spent in the library.

Once they stepped inside, Albus saw that everyone was looking through old copies of the Prophet. Nearly every table had a few newspaper on it and a few bookman poring over them. gentlewoman Pince was bustling about, no doubt worrying about whether the students would rip her precious newspapers.

"Might not be any will,"John the Evangelist muttered.

"This is good,"Albus replied,"Now it wo n't look suspicious for us to be investigating."

St. John the Apostle was almost right. There was a very small stack of paper left. Albus grabbed them all and then they went to a secluded table towards the back of the program library. Albus, lusterlessness, and Rose each took a newspaper while John, Kaden, and Amanda played tic-tac-toe on a spare bit of parchment.

Albus leafed through his newspaper, which was about two years old, until he got to the column section. In the very middle, in the biggest font, was an editorial by Leroy Wisander.

HEALERS, brewer TO BLAME, NOT MINISTRY functionary

As I was locking up my workshop in conclusion night,
I noticed that it was a full lunation. I
could not help but think of the pitiful
hoi polloi plagued with lycanthropy
currently shut up while attacking
themselves.

Now, I know what you all are thinking.
Wolfsbane. The stuff works miracles
if taken correctly. However, it does
no good if it 's sitting in St. Mungo 's
and not being used by witches and
mavin with lycanthropy.

The stuff is expensive. I myself did
the calculations and discovered that
it would be extremely hard for
anyone with a low income to afford it.

And what variety of jobs are lycanthropes
often stuck with ? Menial, low-paying
1. The Book of Job where they make hardly
enough money to pay the rent and buy
intellectual nourishment, let solitary purchase a potion that
could alter their lives for the better.

I am absolutely appalled that Healers
and potion brewer charge for this
important potion. They must be making
a nice profit. They can use the profits
to select spendthrift holidays while the
miserable beldam and ace who buy it
struggle to afford it.

There is only so much Ministry functionary
can do. pass of wolfman documentation service,
Walter Eckerton, says he would have sex to
give away disengage wolfbane, but there just
is n't room for it in the budget.

What do I propose ? I propose that healer
and potion brewers give it away for free.
They have the abilities to brew it, not
the Ministry. virtually Healers claim to hump
helping people, but often it is those who
need it most, such as those with lycanthropy,
are often forced to go without, all because
those with the abilities to brew it like
to have a little extra spending money.

"Nothing in this one,"rose wine said as she shoved hers aside.

"This one 's got one about lamia,"Matt said as he set his paper on top of Rose's.

"Read this,"Albus handed Matt his paper,"Wisander even mentions your dad."

Matt took the paper and he and Rose began to record it. King John, Amanda, and Kaden peered over as well. Albus sat and waited while they read.

"Let 's go back to the elbow room,"matte said as soon as he 'd finished Reading it.

Albus nodded and they returned the newspapers and walked as fast as they could back to the Marauder 's Den.

"Bloody netherworld, that bloke must get had so many enemies !"John shouted as soon as they were back.

"I know,"Albus agreed,"And that one 's from two years ago. conceive of what he 's written recently."

"Why did he own to mention my dad ?"lustrelessness groaned,"He made it sound like my dad agrees with that editorial and he definitely doesn't."

"He was just trying to stir something up,"rose wine replied,"And search where it got him."

"therapist are n't like that. Most of the single I 've met would give away liberal Aconitum lycoctonum, but it 's more perplex that that. The fixings are expensive and it takes forever to brew. Not to mention how hard it is. There are n't many healer who can brew it and even most beer maker ca n't brew it,"matte explained.

"That bloke did n't have it off the half of it,"John agreed,"My dad 's a healer and he 'd get it on to give away detached potions. It just does n't work that way."

"My dad 's linked with that bloke,"matt said quietly,"And now that he 's pass of the stallion department, he 'll be passing more Laws. Whoever killed Wisander 's not going to be happy."

"Your dad 's a really commodity thaumaturgist, though,"Albus pointed out to his interest Quaker,"Plus he works at the Ministry, where there are lashings of Aurors milling about. And your house is more protected than any other house I 've seen, well, except the Minister 's Mansion."

"I know, but it 's still not secure,"Matt sighed.

Albus could n't argue with that. Something was going on outside of Hogwarts. Something far more significant than the Quidditch tourney and the dueling tournament.

******

Albus and his supporter scoured the Daily Prophet every morning the following week. Every day there was an article about Wisander, the investigation, or both. So far the investigation had turned up cypher. The Aurors had questioned quite a few people, namely those very frank against werewolf and vampire right wing, but the search had proved fruitless.

The articles about Wisander were far more interesting. It seemed that his editorial about wolfsbane Potion was one of the tamer ones. Each day little pieces of his various editorial were being published. In one, he stated the reasons why werewolves should n't be locked up on full Moon. The intellect were quite absurd, but the oracle had printed it anyway. Another editorial talked about why vampires should be allowed admittance to humans to bite. He suggested using captive and allowing lamia to suck them dry. Thus helping vampires and reducing prison toll at the Lapp time.

"I reckon this cuss was off his rocker,"John announced at breakfast the following Sunday. He had just finished reading an article about how Wisander spent a year living with a vampire tribe in turkey when he was offspring. They were some of the few masses actually up at an early on minute, as Albus had Quidditch practice session and John the Divine had a break of the day detention with Filch for putting dungbombs in the toilets in Moaning Vinca minor 's bath the old day.

"That 's a squeamish way of putting it,"Albus said as he served himself more eggs.

"What are you doing after Quidditch practice session ?"Saint John the Apostle asked.

"After Quidditch ?"Albus laughed,"You mean, I 'm going to get to leave eventually ? wood wo n't make us praxis for the following week ? I thought he was going to retain going until the literal match on Saturday."

"He 's got to let you out for class,"whoremonger grinned.

"What a ignominy,"Albus rolled his centre,"Anyway, I 'll probably have to do homework, since exercise will go until late. How about you ? Any plans for after detention ?"

"Thought I might garner another hold,"can grinned,"But Kaden 's busy with chess club this afternoon-"

"Wait,"Albus nearly choked on his juice,"Kaden joined the chess club ? Kaden ? Kaden Dursley ?"

"Know any other Kadens ?"John laughed,"rosebush said they want to teach him how to take on properly, you know, like a challenge of sorts."

"I 'll evidence pink wine upright hazard with that,"Albus said.

"Yeah, so both Kaden and Rose will be busy with that. Not that rosiness would want to bring in detention with me anyway. And Amanda 's doing something with Linda today, homework, I think. And I doubt Matt will be up for doing anything,"John continued.

"right field,"Albus said, remembering that the full phase of the moon moonlight was that night,"But you did the dungbombs on your own."

"But it 's not as fun,"John the Divine sighed,"I guess I 'll just hang around the den with mat. I can sustain a nice colored conversation."

"You can do your homework,"Albus told him.

"Nope, I 'm waiting until you get back for that,"John said.

"well, have fun in your detention. I 've got to get to drill,"Albus said as he got up.

There were a few pick words Albus had for practice that day. Long, grueling, and vivid. Ellen Price Wood was in his ok variant as he ordered the team to do Mandrillus leucophaeus hour after hour. He seemed to get Sir Thomas More and more than stressed as the day wore on.

James did a lot of person-to-person training with teddy and Albus was more than than a piddling envious. Teddy was a much more patient captain than Ellen Price Wood was and yelled a whole lot less. President Tyler Pike mostly helped Wood.

Wood let them have a short break for lunch, making sure they knew to come back afterwards. Albus heard the Slytherins on the team talking about skipping out of the respite of recitation, but they were back on the lurch at the fourth dimension Wood told them to be.

The afternoon was very exchangeable to the good morning and Albus found that he could tune out Wood 's yelling quite easily. It was similar to tuning out his mum 's shouting.

Practice finally ended at three, when the New York team walked onto the pitch and demanded they leave, because they had booked the pitch for three o'clock that day.

"Remember, recitation Tues even !"forest shouted as the whole team rushed to get off the pitch.

Albus trudged back to the rook tired and shivering. He went straight to Gryffindor Tower and took a very long, hot shower and then set off to find his protagonist.

Rose, Amanda, and Linda were in the uncouth room, but the boys were n't. Albus figured they were in the Marauder 's Den and set off to attend for them after saying a quick hello to the girls.

John and Kaden were in the middle of a ignite game of Exploding Snap when Albus walked into the marauder 's Den a few min later. John the Divine 's grimace was full of ash, but Kaden 's was quite clean. There was also a big grin on his face which contrasted the scowl on John 's facial expression. lusterlessness was laying on the couch facing them, like he had been watching the biz, but he was vocalize asleep.

"Albus !"Kaden shouted,"How was pattern ?"

"Grueling. Wood 's ten multiplication worse than Empire State of the South. Five hours we were out there. Five bally hours in the cold !"Albus groaned as he collapsed onto the other couch.

"Better than scrubbing Moaning Vinca minor 's john with a toothbrush,"John muttered,"I do n't know what was worse, the scrub or listening to Myrtle."

"All three of you are so gay today,"Kaden said,"So many complaints."

"Can you blame us ?"Albus muttered.

"No, not really,"Kaden shrugged.

"How was chess ?"Albus asked.

"I got beaten by every single person in the chess game guild,"Kaden shook his head,"But they think I have potential."

"Albus,"Saint John the Apostle said as the menu blew up in his face again,"Have you done that Department of Defense essay ?

"No,"Albus groaned.

"I need your avail,"whoremaster said as he got up and started digging around in his bag.

Albus groaned again and fished around in his own bag for his defense team ledger. Balladanis wanted a foot long essay about basilisks, which were the current dark animate being of the calendar week.

John sat down at the table while Albus lay on the sofa. He just could n't bring himself to get up and do his essay. Instead, he mumbled answers to John whenever he asked a question.

"Do you concoct the volaille egg under a frog or a toad ?"John asked.

"Toad,"Albus mumbled.

"You know, I could pull a rosebush and recite you to do your essay,"John replied.

"Do n't even bother,"Albus said. Even pink wine would n't be able-bodied to get him off the couch.

"Quidditch seems less grueling than football game,"Kaden commented,"I mean, you fly, you do n't run."

Albus lifted his head up and glared at Kaden."Wood had us doing push-ups and running laps."

"Really ?"Kaden sounded storm,"Why ?"

"To get us into form after the holiday,"Albus answered,"So yes, Quidditch is a lot of work."

"Ok, ok,"Kaden muttered as he located some of his own homework.

Albus managed to get in a somewhat comfortable attitude on the couch and wrote his essay with his book and parchment perched on his knees. It beat sitting at the table ; at least he was able to sort of lie down.

A few time of day later both Albus and John had their essays completed. Kaden was still scribbling furiously on whatever prep he was working on.

"We should probably wake him up,"Albus gestured to Matt, who had not moved one sinew since Albus had came back from practice.

John got up and began to prod Matt 's arm. It took a good two minutes for lustrelessness to open his eyes.

"It 's nearly six,"lavatory told him.

"Then I should probably go,"flatness mumbled,"Oh, Albus, you 're back from practice."

"Yeah,"Albus nodded,"It was really long, though."

"I 'll go with you to the infirmary offstage,"John said and lusterlessness did not object. Albus assured him they 'd chaffer him the adjacent day and then they left, leaving Albus and Kaden alone in the room.

John the Divine returned a slight while later and the three of them went down to dinner. They returned to the predator 's Den afterwards and John and Kaden continued working on their homework while Albus slept on the couch.

******

"Albus, get up !"

Albus mumbled something incoherently and rolled over in his bed. It felt far too early to wake up.

"Albus !"Whoever was shouting was now prodding him in the side.

Albus opened his eyes and saw shift standing over his bed. A coup d'oeil at the clock told him that, yes, it was far too early to wake up. It was six in the morning. On a Sat. Yes, it was the day of the Quidditch couple against New House of York, but that was n't until one o'clock and Albus was only a reserve participant anyway.

"Albus, you 'd improve get up now. Wood 's in the common way,"teddy bear whispered.

That got Albus 's attention. His eyes shot back unresolved and he sat up."What ?"

"Fielding 's sick,"Teddy told him,"You 're playing today."

Now Albus was wide awake."Seriously ? What about O'delle ?"Hailey O'delle was the other reserve Chaser, a 7th year Slytherin.

"She 's sick, too,"Teddy explained,"The two of them are going out, so it does n't surprise me."

Albus took that to think that teddy thought they were snogging and one got the former sick.

"I 'll be down in two minutes,"Albus muttered.

Teddy nodded and left. Albus threw on a t-shirt and a twain of denim before running down to the park room, where he found King Oliver Ellen Price Wood tempo in front of the empty fire.

"Albus,"he said as soon as Albus stepped into the common room,"You 're playing chaser today."

Albus nodded and sat down for what was certainly to be a very longsighted speech. forest paused and then launched into an account of tactic, which Albus had already heard during exercise that hebdomad. He could n't visualise out why he had to be woken up at six to be told he was playing. Wood could give birth accomplished the same thing at ten.

Wood and teddy left after Wood finished lecturing Albus and Albus considered going back to bed, but as he was wide awake, it would be pointless.

voice of Wood 's speech had been on the atmospheric condition, which was cold and slightly snowy. Could be spoiled, Albus thought. At least there was n't a blizzard. The experimental condition were very similar to those they had been practicing in all week.

Albus sat in the unwashed elbow room reading a book he found laying around until his friends got up around ten.

"There you are,"Matt, who was looking significantly amend than he had a few daylight ago, said,"What clock time did you get up ?"

"Six,"Albus muttered,"teddy bear got me up. Grant Wood had to tell me I 'm playing Chaser today."

"What ?"Matt shouted,"That 's brilliant !"

"This is great, Albus !"John grinned,"But why ?"

"Fielding 's sick and so is the other taciturnity Chaser,"Albus explained,"I 'm just glad we 're playing New House of York and not Australia."

Albus went to the Great Hall to eat lunch with his friends, but he was n't really hungry. He did n't cogitate he had ever been more anxious for a Quidditch match. This was a really important mate, as woodwind instrument had pointed out numerous multiplication. If they won by a panoptic enough margin, they 'd be in instant place.

Word had gotten around that Albus was playing in the match and numerous mass came over to the Gryffindor table to wish Albus luck.

"Al,"Harry sat down next to Albus.

"Dad,"Albus smiled. He had n't been certain if his dad was coming to the match or not.

"I 'll be watching the whole time. I 'm sure as shooting you 're going to do great. Just think of it as a equal against another house. Ravenclaw, I guess, since their robes are spicy,"Harry grinned,"trade good luck."

"Thanks,"Albus replied.

Albus left with the rest of the Hogwarts team a few moment later. All his acquaintance wished him safe luck as he left the Hall.

Nobody talked much as they changed into their gown. Everyone sat down afterwards, fix for Wood 's pre-match speech.

However, woods seemed to be all speeched out. He merely said that they 'd trained well and to give it their all. Albus was a little shocked by the truncation of the spoken language, but quickly got over it as he walked out onto the pitch.


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as all the awesome people who have read and reviewed this !

Also, I wrote a new song fic ! It 's from Snape 's stop of view, as I wanted to try something dissimilar. It 's on my Author Page if you want to train it out !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Ten minutes into the match, Albus decided there were four case of Quidditch in the macrocosm. passing Quidditch, like what he played with his cousins ; school Quidditch ; professional person Quidditch ; and then there was the type of Quidditch he was playing now.

It was a compounding of schooling Quidditch and professional Quidditch. The bunch was louder, the player more specify, and the stakes were higher than a rule school Quidditch mate.

Albus dodged one of the New York pursuer and flew up to view the Quaffle, which had been dropped by Waverly as he had been hit by a bludger. As soon as Albus had the Quaffle, he was flanked by the early two New York Chasers.

Albus pushed his Calluna vulgaris to fly faster and held the Quaffle tighter to his dresser. Then he plunged down to the priming, where nobody else was flying. He was back up richly two arcminute later when he had reached the New York end mail service. After dodging a Bludger, he threw the Quaffle into the left end post. The Keeper was too sluggish and the Quaffle soared through.

"Potter of Hogwarts has scored !"Todd Smith shouted,"40-30 Hogwarts !"

James grinned at Albus as he flew past. Albus smiled to himself and joined Waverly and Reilly, who were waiting for New York 's custodian to throw the Quaffle out. That had been his initiative destination of the match.

The Quaffle continued to exchange hands quickly as the match went on. An minute later there was still no sign of the Snitch and both teams were neck in neck as far as points went. New House of York was up by ten.

Albus scored a few more destination and he began to relax a little. The match began to feel more like a shoal match and less like a professional compeer, even though the wager were still heights.

Wood had repeated over and over again that they had to be up by at least l points when James I caught the snitcher, or they would n't be able-bodied to whelm New York as far as overall points went.

"New York 's Seeker has seen the stoolie !"Smith announced.

Albus, who had been following one of New York 's Chasers ( the one who had the Quaffle ), turned around and saw that their searcher was making a beeline for the top of Hogwarts'middle goal.

James noticed as well and flew straight at the wicket. He had been significantly closer than New House of York 's seeker and flew away from the basketball hoop with the struggling snitch in his hand.

The crew roared and James held the snitch high above his head. Both squad flew to the dry land and Albus saw the pained face on Wood 's facial expression. They had n't won by enough to be in instant place overall.

"I had no choice !"James II shouted to him,"She was going to get it !"

Wood nodded in agreement, but he still looked let down. Albus chose to brush aside this and helped the respite of the team to lift James onto all of their shoulders.

"To update everyone on the spot, the Australian School of Sorcery is in maiden plaza. New York and Hogwarts are currently tied for second. The adjacent match will withdraw place at the end of February !"John Smith told the crowd.

Albus did n't meet up with his admirer until they were back in the common room. teddy bear had gone to Hogsmeade and a party was currently underway in the Gryffindor commons room. teddy informed everyone that the three other houses were hosting company as well. The students from New York who had been sorted into Gryffindor, including their searcher, were sulking in a corner.

"I think that was your full match yet,"John said to Albus as they settled down at their usual table.

"I think so, too,"Albus agreed,"I sort of like I could play in the next match."

"Maybe fielding will still be pale,"St. John the Apostle said.

"dubiousness it,"Albus replied,"Plus, I 'm certain O'delle will get first dibs on the adjacent peer if any of the other Chasers get sick."

"At to the lowest degree you got to act as in one equal,"rosiness pointed out.

"Anyway, the next match you 'll probably be playing Australia,"Matt said.

"Yeah,"Albus nodded,"If we win that one, it 'll be a miracle. But we 're not even playing in the next one. Next match is New York versus Australia."

The party continued until dinner time, when people began to go away as nobody had snuck down to the kitchens to get food. Harry came in to felicitate Albus and James shortly before Albus and his champion left for dinner. He was also scheduled to patrol the school for the oddment of the weekend and wanted to let his kids know.

******

lifespan at Hogwarts returned to normal shortly after the Quidditch match. The prophesier printed fewer and fewer clause about Wisander until there were none at all. Everyone seemed to draw a blank about his death. Everyone except flatness, that is, who was still worried about his dad.

However, the students at Hogwarts were reminded again of the unresolved murder when the next Hogsmeade trip arrived two days after valentine 's Day. A percentage of the bookman were too lovesick to notice the boarded up shop of Dervish and Banges as they made their way to Madam Puddifoot's.

Neither Albus, John Lackland, or Matt were too preoccupied to discover the abandoned construction, though. The three of them stopped to appear at it for a while despite the biting steer. rosiness and Amanda were spending the day with Linda.

"Who owns it now ?"John asked as they looked at the empty building.

"Dunno,"Albus shrugged,"The vaticinator never mentioned any family."

"It 's probably still part of the investigation,"Matt pointed out,"plus, who would need a building that someone was killed in ? I do n't even want to go in it."

Albus did n't think it was a good clip to remind matt that Severus Snape had been murdered inside of the screeching Shack.

"commodity point,"Albus said,"But so far they have n't found anything."

"They wo n't notice who it was,"John said quietly,"They never found out who killed Torro."

"I really hope they find who it was,"Matt replied.

"They will,"Albus said,"They 're still focused on it."

Albus, Matt, and John went to the trinity Broomsticks a little while later because all three of them were frozen. They warmed up with Butterbeer and were just thinking about heading back to the palace when Albus heard someone whisper his name behind him.

"Albus,"they said again.

Albus turned around, but no one was there. The voice sounded familiar, though. Albus slowly reached his hand out and it touched something solid, but it looked like no one was there.

"Kaden,"Albus groaned,"Is that you ?"

"Yeah,"Kaden whispered back,"I stole your cloak."

Albus immediately stood up and motioned for mat and John the Evangelist, who were both looking confused, to follow him. He assumed Kaden would follow as well. Albus lead them up High Street until they reached the screeching Shack. Nobody was hanging around it that day.

"Kaden !"Albus seethed,"You do realize how stupid this was."

"Yes,"Kaden replied as he took off the cloak.

"Bloody perdition !"John shouted.

"You stole the cloak ?"matt asked.

"Kaden, you idiot !"Albus shouted,"I know I first told you this would be a good time, but there was a reason I changed my mind and told you not to nobble in today. most of the teachers come to Hogsmeade for the February trip. My cousin told me. They want to take a crap sure as shooting no one does anything stupid because they 're in love or whatever."

"Er,"Kaden muttered.

"How did you get in ?"Matt asked.

"One-eyed beldam statue,"Kaden replied,"Leads right into Honeyduke's."

"Kaden, do you bang how hard it 's going to be to get you back unnoticed ?"

Kaden 's face turned white and his mouthpiece dropped open. Albus turned around to see what he was looking at and was met face to cheek with professor Balladanis.

"Quite difficult, I 'd await,"Balladanis replied,"Come with me, all of you."

Albus groaned inwardly as he followed Balladanis down the street. They had gone all class without Kaden getting them into problem, but Albus should own known salutary than to think they could go the unhurt year.

Nobody spoke until they were shut in Balladanis 's study. Balladanis sat down in his chair and looked at Kaden.

"Explain,"Balladanis said.

"They had nothing to do with it,"Kaden said quickly,"Albus was just telling me how stupid person I was."

"Then it would seem that Mr. Potter and I agree on something,"Balladanis replied,"Where 'd you get that cloak ?"

"It 's Albus 's,"Kaden said quietly,"I took it. He did n't give it to me to sneak in or anything."

"Very well,"Balladanis said,"Mr. Potter, Mr. Eckerton, and Mr. Brickston, you may rejoin to your common room. Mr. Dursley will join you after I arrange his detention."

Albus, matte, and John could not get out of there ready enough. They walked straight back to the usual room, talking about how favourable they had been. It must possess looked like all three of them had helped Kaden pussyfoot into Hogsmeade. upright thing Balladanis believed Kaden.

Kaden returned fifteen minutes later, looking quite unhappy. He collapsed onto a chair and stared mutinously at the table.

"hold every Saturday for the next calendar month,"Kaden muttered,"Plus he gave me a lecture about how serious it was for me to sneak out and if I did it again I 'd get a worse punishment than detention. Did n't expatiate on that, though."

"He 'd probably get you kicked out,"John the Evangelist commented.

"Did he say what you have to do for detention ?"Albus asked.

"No,"Kaden said,"hypothesis it 'll be a surprise."

******

Kaden discovered what his detention was that night. Balladanis decided to experience him alphabetize his common soldier depository library, which was quite blanket. Kaden returned to the Marauder 's Den rant about the amount of Scripture Balladanis had.

"He 's got more books on darkness creatures than your dad 's got,"Kaden said to Matt.

"That 's impressive,"lusterlessness replied.

"compliments he had less,"Kaden muttered.

Kaden spent all four of his detentions alphabetizing those books. He almost did n't manage to complete and if that had been the case, Balladanis would consume given him a fifth part detention.

The next full moon came and went, as did the next Quidditch couple. Albus was beginning to suspect that the wide-cut moonlight were becoming forged for Matt, although he did n't know why.

New York lost miserably to Australia in the Quidditch mates. They had been doing pretty well until Linda caught the Snitch a one-half hour in. Wood insisted that this was a good matter, though. It meant that if Hogwarts managed to score a undecomposed amount of end before Linda caught the sneak in their next equal, they would take more than overall point than New York. Wood seemed to give birth lost any Hope that James could stick Linda in Seeking, something James fumed about on a near day-by-day basis.

March arrived and with it a three day rain storm that left the priming completely flooded. Both Herbology and concern of Magical Creatures had to learn station inside, which resulted in incredibly boring lessons. forest continued to hold Quiditch recitation and Albus returned to the castle completely soaked and covered in mud after each one.

All of the teachers were piling on the homework and professor Patil had even gone so far as to advert the O.W.L.s even though they were a whole two year away. The only teacher who was n't talking about the end of condition examination was prof Balladanis.

Balladanis conducted his object lesson as if end of terminal figure exams did not exist. He changed nothing about his example except the coloured creature they were learning about.

"We 're starting vampires next calendar week,"Balladanis announced at the end of course on Thursday,"Please read the chapter on them by Monday."

Albus could n't help but look at Linda before he began packing up his things. He wondered if Balladanis would be teaching them enough about identifying lamia for anyone to figure out that Linda was one.

"So,"John said as he flipped through his defensive measure book the following even. Albus, Matt, John, and Kaden were in the Marauder 's Den and lav was just finishing the chapter on vampires."feel what 's after vampires.

Albus looked through his own book of account."Werewolves,"he said quietly and then looked at Matt.

"Yeah,"Matt muttered,"It was bound to pass eventually."

"I wonder if Balladanis is going to make you go in for surplus help during that unit,"trick grinned,"I 'm indisputable you 'll need freight of duplicate help in identifying werewolves."

mat rolled his heart."He better. It 'll reckon suspicious if I do n't go in for extra supporter. speaking of additional help, we 're due to go in for it in 15 minutes."

"We 'd better go then,"whoremaster said,"See you two later."

Albus managed to finish his Herbology prep while John and Matt were gone. Then it was time for him to go in for his dueling lessons.

The desks were n't pushed to the face of the classroom when Albus entered. Balladanis was seated behind his desk and there was a stone basin sitting on it. Balladanis was pulling silvery chain of something out of his oral sex and placing them in the basin.

It was a pensieve and the strings were storage, Albus realized. For a moment, he thought that maybe Balladanis had cancelled dueling and neglected to tell him.

"Sir ?"Albus asked hesitantly.

"Mr. ceramicist,"Balladanis said quietly,"cum in."

Albus stood awkwardly side by side to one of the front tables while he waited for Malfoy. Balladanis stared into the pensieve and acted like Albus was n't there. When Malfoy arrived, he looked up and stared at the two boys for a few proceedings before speaking.

"We 're not dueling today,"he said,"Instead, I am going to show you something."He motioned for them to join him at his desk.

Albus glanced nervously at Malfoy. Balladanis was n't one for explanations, but Albus would have appreciated one veracious then.

"This is a pensieve,"Balladanis said,"It is used to explore computer storage. That is exactly what we 're going to do. Albus, lean forward and put your head into the pensieve. Your body will follow. Scorpius, you will comply. I will descend after you."

Albus 's pulse sped up a trivial bit as he leaned over the pensieve. Was this a pillock idea ? He did n't even know what he was getting into. But it was just a retentiveness. Nothing could wound him in a memory, right ?

Albus took a mysterious breather and plunged his cheek into the pensieve. He had never been in one before. He landed on the hard grass and looked around.

It was dusk and very quiet. There was a small house in the distance, atop of a rocky Hill. In fact, the unanimous area was mostly rocky. Albus had landed on the one lone piece of dope in the entirely place. It did n't look like any place in Britain.

He stood up as Malfoy landed next to him, followed quickly by Balladanis. Balladanis landed on his feet and they waited for Malfoy to get up.

"Follow me,"Balladanis said quietly.

Albus did so, but he still felt like he deserved an explanation. Where were they ? Why were they there ? Whose memory was this ? What did it receive to do with dueling ?

"Excuse me, Sir,"Malfoy said,"Where are we ?"

"Greece,"Balladanis replied.

This did nada but increase Albus 's oddment. Why were they in Greece of all places ? But he did n't ask. It did n't appear like Balladanis was in an explaining mood, judgement by his short, one Son answer to Malfoy.

They walked quietly towards the small house. The only if haphazardness was their stride. There were n't even any owls hooting or dogs barking. It struck Albus as very odd.

The mansion must deliver been their destination. Balladanis stopped when they arrived at the break away down wooden fence surrounding it. The household reminded Albus of the Shrieking hovel, only smaller. It was kind of interrupt down and did n't look like a office that would be good to live in.

Someone lived there, though. A spark was on upstairs. It remained on for a few more minutes and then mortal turned it off.

Balladanis made no move towards the house. Instead, he seemed focused on the forest that lay just beyond it. Albus decided the forest was as ripe a place as any to watch.

They watched the forest for a half an hour before anything happened. Then five hooded fig practically flew out of the forest. They were at the house before Albus even realized it. He looked at Balladanis. His face was hardened.

All was subdued for two minutes. The figures entered the house, but did not turn on any luminousness. Then the screams started. Albus jumped at the sound of the first one.

They were agonizing, long screams. Albus wanted nothing more than to go in and avail whoever was screaming, but he knew he could n't. It was nothing Sir Thomas More than a computer storage. Instead, he looked again at Balladanis.

His professor 's fount showed nada. Nothing but the same inure look he had seen on it so many clip. Malfoy on the other hand, looked horrified. He looked exactly how Albus felt.

The screaming was coming from two dissimilar hoi polloi. There was a high-pitched one that must have been coming from a woman, and a turn down one that must have been coming from a man.

Then, they stopped. starting time the char, then the man. The hooded figures left the family as quickly as they had entered and returned to the forest.

Balladanis, however, made no move to exit. Instead he stared at the house. Two minutes later, someone fled from it.

They ran from the house, towards Albus, Malfoy, and Balladanis. As they drew nigh, Albus could see that the soul was a boy who looked no erstwhile than Albus himself. His face was etched with a sadness Albus had never seen before. It was too sour to tell, but Albus was sure there were tears running down his face.

The boy obviously did n't notice the three people watching him. He ran right past them, up the rocky hill in the distance. It occurred to Albus after he passed that the boy looked somewhat familiar. There was something about his face that Albus recognized, but he could n't quite stead it.


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as all of the amazing the great unwashed who have read and reviewed this !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Professor Balladanis did n't say anything for a long metre after he, Albus, and Malfoy returned to the defense force classroom. Albus landed next to Malfoy, still confused as to how he managed to get out of the pensieve, in front of Balladanis 's desk. Balladanis landed behind his desk, facing the wall, and did n't work around for a few minutes.

Albus glanced nervously at his professor as he thought of questions he was just burning to ask. In fact, there was nothing about the scene he had just witnessed that did n't make Albus funny. Everything about it had been confusing.

Malfoy looked just as confused. They kept looking at each former and it was kind of strange. They were on the same position. Both of them wanted Balladanis to excuse.

Balladanis finally turned around and looked at them. He put his hands on his desk and leaned forward, looking both Albus and Malfoy in the eye.

It happened in a break up second. Albus looked at his professor and immediately thought back to the cheek of the boy in the scene. That was why he looked familiar. The boy was Balladanis. Then, Balladanis shifted slightly and the likeness was gone. But Albus knew it. That prospect had been from Balladanis 's childhood.

"Sit down,"Balladanis said.

Albus and Malfoy sat down quickly at the table in front of Balladanis 's desk. They were sitting right next to each former and Albus did n't give care. At the moment, finding out what that scene was was more important than staying away from Malfoy.

"A few hebdomad ago you asked me what I did before I started teaching here, Mr. thrower,"Balladanis began,"I have always had the design of telling you, of telling both of you. I was merely waiting for the right minute. I feel that that moment is now."

Balladanis paused and walked around to the front man of his desk. He began to tempo in front of it.

"There is a rationality why I am telling you this now. Why I am not explaining to all of my classes what I did before teaching. The cause is that you two are incredible duellist. Both of you have attainment beyond your eld that I have never seen before, and conceive me, I have seen plenty of exceptional duelers in my time. This may be a practiced time to assure you how rare it is to induce two such skilled duelist in the same year at Hogwarts."

Albus turned to look at Malfoy. What was Balladanis getting at ? It sounded like the first of some sort of house unity oral communication or something.

"I know the two of you are n't the honest of friend,"Balladanis continued,"But I must say how impressed I am that you seem to put the animosity behind you when you step into my schoolroom for your lessons."

The sole grounds for that, at least for Albus, was because of Balladanis himself. Albus doubted he would tolerate Albus and Malfoy bickering with each early during lessons.

"Back to what I was going to severalise you,"Balladanis said,"That tantrum that I just showed you, in case you have not figured it out yet, took place while I was a boy of only 13. It was the summer before my tertiary year at school.

"I grew up in Greece, in that very planetary house we just saw. My parents, although they loved me deeply, were very inadequate and could barely afford to put food on the mesa. I think they were thankful when I went away to shoal, the sole cause being that they would n't make to worry about me getting enough to eat.

"I had two blissfully guiltless and fun geezerhood at the Grecian School of Magic. I returned home during summers wide of stories about my friends and all the mischief we 'd gotten into."

Albus found it unmanageable to ideate Balladanis getting into trouble at school or doing anything fun in general.

"Everything changed the summer before my third year. It changed on the night you just witnessed. A coven of vampires entered my house that night. They attacked my parents and drink in them dry. I hid in a wardrobe, too scared to do anything. Then, once the vampires left, I fled. I ran until I could not run anymore. I wound up at the house of one of my friends. His parents took me in, but things were obviously never the Saame. I changed on that night."

Balladanis stopped talking and Albus sat in complete shock. Balladanis 's parents had been murdered by vampires ? That was one affair that had never crossed Albus 's psyche.

"I returned to shoal that Sep hardened. Nothing was fun anymore. Nothing was mirthful. It was then that I decided to consecrate my life to ridding the Earth of such evilness. lamia, wickedness wizards, loup-garou, anyone and anything that execution viciously."

Albus could n't aid but glare at Balladanis when he mentioned werewolf. Balladanis seemed to notice this and gave Albus the fragile of smiles.

"However, I did pull in that not all vampire, werewolves, giant star, and former beingness are inherently evil. Not all of them want to vote out. It was for this reason that I did not wish to be employed by the Greek Ministry. The Hellene Ministry prefers to deal with charming puppet as a whole and not distinguish between them. Perhaps this is because Greece has a very with child population of vampires.

"Thus, becoming an Auror was out of the question. Instead, I chose to enter a more secretive professing. One that you will not chance pamphlet on when you get career advice from your capitulum of sign of the zodiac. One that no one except me is going to suggest to you. Yet it is one that I believe the two of you are quite suited for."

Albus 's heart sped up at this. Balladanis was going to ease up them career advice ? They were only thirteen. But at the Sami fourth dimension, Albus felt excited. Balladanis thought he was a ripe enough dueler for this career, whatever it was.

"I am a Presuler,"Balladanis said,"I am sure neither of you have heard of one. A Presuler is somewhat like an Auror, in that we seek out glum wizards and dark legerdemain. However, we not only attempt out morose champion and gloomy deception, we seek out dark and grave creatures as well.

"The crowing difference is that Presulers are not employed by the Ministry. There are very few Presulers in the world and we are often sought out by various Ministries and hired on an as-needed basis. We travel from area to commonwealth, whenever we are needed. It is quite secretive. I suppose Presulers are a combination of Aurors and private investigators."

Balladanis was right in that Albus had never heard of a Presuler before. The idea intrigued him, though. A tightlipped sort of Auror who did not work for the Ministry.

"I never caught the vampires who killed my parents. I have met one vampire who knew them, but she is not like them. I am still searching for them, however."

Balladanis stopped pacing and leaned up against the front of his desk. He looked at Albus and Malfoy, but did not say anything else.

"Why are you teaching here, then ?"Malfoy asked.

"That is one thing that is between myself and prof Kendrick,"Balladanis replied.

"Are you coming back succeeding yr ?"Malfoy asked.

"As of rightfulness now, I have no musical theme,"Balladanis answered,"It is getting late. I 've kept you here much tenacious than normal. If you think of anymore questions, do not hesitate to see me. I 'll take the air you back to your plebeian rooms."

Albus walked alongside Balladanis in silence on his way back to the Gryffindor Tower. His mind was racing with what he just learned. He did n't know what to relieve oneself of it. It was just so a good deal information at once.

The common way was nearly evacuate when Albus climbed through the portrait kettle of fish. It must sustain been really late, since it was Friday Night. Albus really did n't know what prison term it was.

"There you are !"Rose shouted,"Merlin, you 've been gone for time of day !"

"What did he own you doing ?"matt asked.

"I 'll assure you tomorrow,"Albus muttered, realizing that all he wanted to do was lay in his bed and think about what Balladanis had just said.

Albus was vaguely cognizant of his friends sigh of disappointment as he went up to his dormitory, but he did n't feel like talking about it right then. He was tired and his brain was racing at the Same prison term.

Albus tossed and turned the entire night. He alternated thinking about what he had seen in the pensieve and about becoming a Presuler himself. Then he wound up thinking about Linda and what Balladanis thought of her. He had said he did n't hold a score against vampires that did n't kill people, but who knew what he really thought.

Was Linda the vampire he had met who knew the vampire who killed his parents ? It was possible since vampires never aged. Or maybe she was a completely different vampire. Albus wondered how many lamia Balladanis knew.

Eventually Albus fell into a restless sleep, but his dreams were plagued by what he had seen in the pensieve.

******

"Merlin, Albus, get up !"

Albus rolled over in his bed and put his pillow over his heading. After waking up drenched in sweat at four in the morning after a nightmare in which his unharmed class had been killed by vampires, he had finally drifted off into a somewhat decorous quietus. One that he wished he was still in.

"It 's nearly one o'clock."

"He 's like you are after replete moons."

"Shut it. Seriously, Albus, get up."

"Yeah, we want to cognize what happened final stage night."

Someone pulled the curtains open and took the pillow off Albus 's head. He looked up and saw John and Matt.

"Did you lose to Malfoy or something ?"John asked,"Because that would make me require to hole up in bed for the day."

"No, it 's not that,"Albus muttered,"I 'll enjoin you, but I 'm only explaining it once, so one of you better find Rose, Amanda, and Kaden. And I 'll tell you in the Marauder 's Den because there is no way Linda can be around to hear this."

The girls and Kaden met them in the Marauder 's Den after Albus, John, and Matt had lunch. Saint John the Apostle kept pestering Albus all through luncheon, wanting to know why Linda could n't hear about it, but Albus said aught. He was n't even trusted if he was allowed to order his supporter about this, but Balladanis had n't really forbidden him.

"Albus, what in the name of Falco columbarius happened last night ?"blush wine asked as soon as they were all in the Marauder 's Den.

"Balladanis told us what he did before he started teaching at Hogwarts,"Albus said quietly.

"And you neglected to tell us until now ?"John gaped,"I 've been wanting to be intimate for the total year !"

"I know, Gospel According to John,"Albus snapped,"But it 's not anything what you 'd think."

"Sorry,"King John muttered.

"Balladanis took us into a pensieve last-place night,"Albus began.

"Really ?"rosebush looked impressed,"What was that like ?"

"Not that great, to be honorable,"Albus said,"Probably would have been better if it was a better retentiveness.

"Anyway, he took us without any explanation of what we were going to see. He took us to this really old broken down mansion in Greece. sort of looked like a smaller more run-down variation of the screeching Shack."

"In Hellenic Republic ?"Kaden asked.

"Yeah,"Albus nodded,"We watched the household for what seemed the likes of hours and then these frame broke into it and we heard this fearful screeching. Then the form left. Then this bloke who was about our age came running out with this horrible scared face on his face. Then we left."

"What does that have anything to do with what Balladanis does for a support ?"John asked.

"Everything,"Albus sighed,"That had been his house. The screams were his parents. The boy was him. He told us this after. His parents were killed by a coven of vampires."

nonentity said anything for a long time. Albus looked at his friends and they all wore equal looks of shock.

"And you watched it ?"flatness asked.

"From a distance,"Albus replied.

"pigeon hawk, no admiration Balladanis is so bloody insane,"John the Divine let out a low whistle.

"He decided to devote his aliveness to ridding the world of wickedness, whether it be lamia, dark wizard, or other dark tool,"Albus continued.

"So he 's an Auror ?"rose wine asked.

"No,"Albus shook his chief,"He 's a Presuler."

"What is that ?"Kaden asked.

"It 's like an Auror, only they go after dark creatures, too. And they are n't employed by the Ministry. They 're hired by Ministries all around the world. They 're investigators as well. Apparently it 's all very closelipped,"Albus explained.

"Wow,"John said,"I thought he was an Auror or something."

"Me, too,"Matt agreed,"Instead he just hunts down vampire. And, werewolves."

"Only unity that kill the great unwashed,"Albus assured his lycanthropic friend.

"All werewolf have the capability of killing citizenry, Albus,"Matt said quietly.

"So does everyone,"Albus replied.

"Whatever his panorama on lamia and werewolves truly is, it 's going to be interesting to see how he teaches us about them,"blush wine mused.

"shot this is why you did n't desire Linda to listen about this,"John said.

"Yeah,"Albus replied,"Apparently he still has n't found the vampires who killed his parents, but he knows a vampire who knows them. That vampire does n't kill people. I wonder if it 's Linda."

"Who knows ?"Rose shrugged,"I doubt we 'll ever find out."

"Oh, I 've got to distinguish you what he said after he told us all of this,"Albus took a cryptical breath,"He thinks Malfoy and I should become Presulers."

"Seriously ?"Matt asked.

"Yeah, because we 're trade good duelers,"Albus explained,"But I do n't know."

"You do n't have to know. You 're only long dozen. And Albus, do n't adjudicate anything until you 've read about this. Do n't just go on what Balladanis is saying. I think we 've finally discovered why he 's so passionate about fighting the shadow Arts, but it might cloud his discernment sometimes,"pink wine warned.

"I know, that 's what I do n't get,"Albus said,"Why is he telling us this now ?"

"Maybe because he does n't plan on staying,"Matt replied,"Why would he arrest searching for the lamia who killed his parents to teach here anyway ?"

"Malfoy asked,"Albus told him,"But he would n't tell us. He said it 's between him and Kendrick."

"Because that 's not leery or anything,"John rolled his eyes,"There 's still something rummy about Balladanis."

"What are you going to do, Albus ?"Matt asked.

"I 'm not deciding anything now,"Albus replied,"I 'm just not going to cogitate about it."

******

Not thinking about Presulers and what happened to Balladanis 's parents proved to be wanton said than done, especially since defending team class was soon devoted to learning about vampires. Balladanis seemed to instruct that specific unit with much more enthusiasm than common, a feat that nobody thought possible. Everyone speculated as to why Balladanis was more enthusiastic than usual, but most just attributed it to the fact that he was bloody insane.

A lot of what Balladanis taught about vampires was stuff Albus already knew due to what matte had told them earlier in the school year. It was still fairly interesting, though. Albus found that the more severe the brute they were learning about, the more occupy it was. Not to mention the fact that they did n't use the anamatek anymore, a fact that nearly every student was grateful for.

However, partway through their second hebdomad devoted to vampire, the anamatek 's tree trunk reappeared in the defence reaction classroom. There was an audible groan from every student who stepped into the room.

"If that thing turns into a vampire, I think I 'm going to get up and leave,"John seethed as they took their seats.

"Maybe we 're moving onto another creature,"Albus suggested even though he knew the chances were lose weight to none.

"That would n't be any practiced. We 're doing loup-garou next,"John reminded him,"And Matt said that matter could n't call on into an actual werewolf. Speaking of lustrelessness, he 's prosperous he 's missing this."

"I think he 'd say otherwise,"Albus replied. The wide moonshine had been the previous dark.

"repose,"Balladanis said,"We 'll be continuing our vampire lesson today. Today I wish to show you what a vampire looks like, which is why I have brought back the anamatek. However, you will not be fighting it. None of you have the skills requirement to fight a vampire."

"He 's mental,"St. John the Apostle muttered.

Balladanis drew his verge and pointed it at the trunk. It snapped open and out stepped a very picket man with chiseled features. He did n't actuate, but merely stared out at all the students.

"Vampires are the perfect predator,"Balladanis announced,"They 're incredibly fast,"he pointed his wand at the vampire and it disappeared.

It reappeared in the back of the classroom, but it had not Apparated. The vampire had moved so fast that Albus had missed it in the blink of an eye.

"They 're agile,"Balladanis continued,"They 're right looking. They attract you in. Then they kill, they suck you dry until you are dead. The alternative is not great, either. From the moment their teeth breach your skin, you begin to transform into a lamia as well. You will become one if they do not suck you dry. There is no way to stop it, no potion to countervail it.

"vampire hunt club at night when their vision is still excellent, but when human imagination is compromised. However, that is not the entirely reason. Does anyone get laid the former ?"

rosebush raised her paw. Linda did not.

"Yes, misfire Weasley ?"Balladanis said.

"lamia are in sum allergic to the sun,"rosiness explained,"When the sunlight hits them, it hurts them. The sun gives them headaches and makes them palpate sick."

"Precisely,"Balladanis gave her a uncommon smile,"There is no potion to countervail the personal effects of the sun on vampires. Therefore they tend to inhabit areas that see less sun and areas of dense woodland, such as the Northwestern and Northeastern United States, persona of Canada, and parts of Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. However there is also a pregnant vampire population in Greece."

Balladanis pointed his wand at the vampire again and it retreated back into the trunk. Everyone breathed a corporate sigh of sculptural relief. The lesson continued until the bell rang. Balladanis made no mention of moving onto the succeeding building block, nor had he assigned the usual end of the social unit essay.

Albus and his friends went to jaw Matt late that night after Albus got out of Quidditch practice session. They only had a half time of day or so until curfew, but they had n't visited at all yet.

"You missed an splendid Defense lesson today,"toilet said once Madam Pomfrey had gone back into her study after leaving to see who had entered her ward.

"Was it any different from the usual ones ?"Matt asked tiredly. He looked gear up to fall asleep at any moment.

"Balladanis brought back the anamatek,"Albus told him.

"He what ?"matt shouted, although since his voice was hoarse it was n't very tacky,"We 're still doing vampire, are n't we ?"

"Yeah, he had it turn into a lamia,"john said,"We did n't have to fight it. He just used it to bear witness how fast vampires were and what they looked like."

"That is Wyrd,"matte replied,"He assign the lamia essay yet ?"

"Nope,"whoremonger shook his head,"I think we 're in for a few more days of vampires."

"Well, the longer we spend on lamia, the more time we have before we start loup-garou,"matt said quietly,"I really hope he does n't expend as much time on them as he has on vampires."

"I do n't think he will,"Albus said,"His parents were n't killed by werewolves."

"Thank Merlin for that,"matte yawned.

"You 're tired,"blush wine said,"We should leave."

"We 'll be back tomorrow after lunch,"Albus told him,"Good night."

"'Night,"matte said.

They left the ward just as gentlewoman Pomfrey was coming out of her report, presumably to severalize them to leave and move over Matt Sir Thomas More potions. Albus and his friends headed straight for the vulgar room, where they got started on all the homework that had been piled on them that day.


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as all the awesome people who have read and reviewed this !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.



A few of Albus 's cousins had begun to necessitate up wager on how long Balladanis was going to spend teaching the third geezerhood about vampires. Fred was certain he 'd drop the residue of term, but Bradley was convinced he 'd move onto the future unit partway through April. None of the third years were actually participating in these bets because they were all afraid Balladanis would find out.

The vampire unit was still well underway when the succeeding Quidditch peer came along. This one was the second Hogwarts versus Australian School of black art match, which meant Wood was in his flush when it came to practice. Albus considered just moving his bed to the changing room since he spent more than of his time on the Quidditch Pitch than in the Gryffindor common room.

Albus awoke the day of the catch to John 's tacky swearing instead of shimmy, which told him that he did not sustain to play during that mate. He could n't help oneself but feel slightly disappointed. Figuring there was no full point in going back to sleep, he got up and asked John the Evangelist what happened.

"Tripped over Matt 's bloody cauldron,"bathroom muttered, holding onto his compensate foot,"Why ca n't he just put that pillock matter away ?"

"Like you always do ?"Albus smirked and gestured to John 's own cauldron, which was sitting only a few metrical foot away from Matt's.

John muttered something identical and shoved his cauldron under his bed. He went into the toilet while Albus woke matt up. The three of them met Kaden in the vulgar room a niggling while later and then went down to the Great dormitory to get something to eat.

A few hours later the boys were in the Quidditch stands, waiting for the equal to start. rose wine and Amanda were with them.

"Wonder how farseeing it 'll take Linda to find the sneak this meter,"Albus mused.

"I 'm betting on ten minutes,"John the Divine said,"Hey, remember that time we eavesdropped on Killigan ?"

"Yeah,"Albus replied,"Was n't Linda supposed to start flying slower after that ?"

"That 's what I thought,"John shrugged,"But she did n't during the last match."

"She probably wo n't this time, either,"Matt put in,"I mean, think about it, if James could fly that fasting, would he really slow down to a convention speed ?"

"Definitely not,"Albus sighed.

flatness 's prevision proved castigate. Linda did not slow down in the slightest. She flew at her usual abnormally fast velocity, beating James to the Snitch by a few yards. Luckily for Hogwarts, they had been ahead of Australia at that dot and only wound up losing by 40 points.

This put Hogwarts quite a bit ahead of New House of York as far as Quidditch points went. Australia was still in the lead, but they were not faring so well in the dueling tournament. As of the most Recent tournament, Hogwarts was winning. Australia was in last situation and New York was somewhere in between. Albus was pretty sure that if the Quidditch and dueling tournament detail were added up, Hogwarts and Australia would be neck in neck. Whatever the outcome of the remaining modification tournaments and matches, the final exam for both were going to check the succeeder of the competition. The item were just too close.

Although there was obviously no celebration in the Gryffindor unwashed room after the couple, nonentity was particularly blue either. Albus figured this was because nobody had really expected Hogwarts to win anyway.

******

Two weeks into Apr, Omar Bradley along with quite a few other onetime Gryffindors, were able to John Cash in on their bets about Balladanis. Fred and a few others grumbled loudly about it as they handed over Galleons to the winners.

Balladanis had assigned the long awaited essay on vampires on Thursday, officially making the lamia social unit the farseeing unit of measurement they had done. They had spent an entire calendar month and a half on it. The essay seemed to match this duration, as Balladanis wanted it to be two and a one-half feet.

Albus, Matt, and John saved their essays for the last potential moment, settling down to cultivate on them the day before they were due. It was n't a particularly hard essay because Balladanis had given them so a lot information on the case. It was just a very long essay to write. Rose and Amanda had done theirs over the weekend, presumably with Linda. Albus could n't facilitate but be slightly envious of them because doing the essay with an genuine vampire would pull in it the gentle essay ever.

"Bet Linda 's glad this unit 's over,"Albus said as they worked on their essays in the marauder 's Den Monday evening.

"She is,"blush wine answered,"She hated every mo of those lessons. Ca n't say I blame her."

"How long is your essay, blush wine ?"Gospel According to John asked as he measured his own essay.

"Three feet,"rosiness answered.

Saint John groaned."Do you cerebrate Balladanis will notice if mine 's three column inch short ?"

"Yes,"Rose said,"If there 's any essay he 'll be extremely picky about, it 'll be this one."

"Maybe if we do n't finish it we can just skip class tomorrow,"Matt muttered,"After all, I would n't want to register up in class without the essay done."

"But it 'll be regretful when you finally do go to class,"rose pointed out.

"I still do n't particularly desire to go to class tomorrow,"flatness said,"Whether I 've finished the essay or not."

"You 're going to land up it,"rosiness told him,"You 've got two in left."

"Finished,"Albus announced.

"Excellent,"John said as he grabbed Albus 's essay,"I 'll replicate piece of yours."

"You know,"Albus said quietly,"Nobody found out about Linda being a lamia even after we 've spent a month and a one-half on them. I do n't think anyone 's going to find out you 're a lycanthrope just because we 're learning about them."

"I know, I 've just got a bad feeling about it,"mat sighed.

"Look on the brilliantly slope,"Kaden put in,"When you get assigned the lycanthrope essay, you 're sure to get a 100."

"I do n't really care about the essay,"lustrelessness said flatly.

Both flatness and John managed to complete their essays before curfew and they returned to Gryffindor towboat, and they soon went to bed. Albus did n't cerebrate lustrelessness slept much, though. He heard him tossing and turning all night.

Albus, mat, and Saint John the Apostle got a late start since King John had misplaced his lamia essay. After finding it under his bed ( no one was indisputable how it go there ), the three boys rushed down to the Great Hall to grab small-arm of goner before running to Defense.

They walked into the room right on time and barely had a chance to trip up their hint before Balladanis asked for everyone to deal in their vampire essays. Albus passed his essay up and pulled out lambskin and a quill.

"Well, our unit of measurement on vampires is over,"Balladanis said once everyone had handed in their essays,"I trust you have all read the chapter on werewolves for today ? If you had for some grounds decided not to do that, I highly suggest doing it tonight."

Balladanis began his usual tempo in straw man of the classroom. He stopped in figurehead of Rose and Linda 's tabular array and then stared out at the class.

"I thought I would begin with werewolf history,"he announced,"nobody is sure as shooting when the first werewolf came about, but they have existed in nearly every wizarding culture. Not only that, but even ancient Muggle polish have lycanthropy in their histories.

"Hundreds of days ago, before the Muggle field of psychology came about and long before Muggles had any understanding of the human mind, they tried to spend a penny good sense of people whom they deemed 'insane'.

"One way they did this was to impute the insanity to the moonlight. Over the years, the myth of wolfman came about. Thus, werewolves have had a significant function in Muggle storey. In reality, the the great unwashed Muggles accused of having lycanthropy were merely suffering from dementia praecox or turn of insanity."

Albus frantically tried to write everything down. He knew absolutely null about the Muggle view of lycanthropy. He glanced at Matt and saw that he was n't writing anything down, but his hired man was shaking.

"Muggles of course of instruction know cypher about real werewolves,"Balladanis continued,"And their Hollywood created loup-garou have slight in commons with the veridical affair.

"werewolf are plagued with the unwellness lycanthropy. Does anyone know what that means ?"

rose was the only one who raised her manus. Balladanis nodded to her."It comes from the Greek words 'lykos'and 'anthropos',"Rose explained,"Lykos means woman chaser and anthropos means man."

"Very upright,"Balladanis replied,"Lycanthropy refers to the disease and those who have it are called lycanthropes.

"wolfman have been shunned by wizarding fellowship for as long as history has told us about them. In Holocene epoch geezerhood, there has been practically speculation about whether this is necessary or even a good idea. However, it is difficult to convert the brain of the majority when we have been taught to avoid lycanthropes and cast out them from wizarding order for so long.

"It has not been for no ground that this oecumenical prejudice has came about. When in wolf physique, werewolves can not hold their actions and thus attack helpless multitude. This has long been construed as werewolf wanting to aggress people, wanting to infect them with the horrible disease.

"This can not be farther from the case when it comes to most werewolves. Most do not like to lash out others. Within the past hundred years, wolfman have begun locking themselves up on the full lunar month in ordination to void attacking others. However, there is one significant drawback to this for the lycanthrope. Does anyone bonk this ?"Balladanis 's eyes rested on matte, but he continued staring down at his empty parchment.

Rose and Linda raised their hands. This clock time Balladanis called on Linda."When werewolves do n't have anybody to attack, they attack themselves,"Linda said,"They do n't cause a selection and they often wind up really injured because of it."

Balladanis took Linda 's thought further, but Albus did n't get a line what he said because lusterlessness had knocked over Albus 's ink. He looked incredibly queasy and Albus was felicitous that the class was almost over. He quickly cleaned up the ink and tried to pay attention to the residual of the lecture.

"We 'll break up up adjacent class with what happens before, during, and after full moons for a person with lycanthropy,"Balladanis announced shortly before the gong rang,"If you have not read the loup-garou chapter, please do so for next time. Mr. Eckerton, if you could delight issue forth see me."

lusterlessness looked, if it was possible, even more nervous at this prospect. The rest of the class left and Albus tried to put away his things as slowly as possible, but Balladanis shooed him, along with privy, out of the room.

Malfoy was standing outside the schoolroom when Albus and Saint John left. He had a fragile smirk on his face.

"Interesting lesson, thrower,"Malfoy said quietly,"Very interesting indeed."

"What do you desire, Malfoy ?"Albus asked, knowing perfectly well what he wanted.

"Oh, zilch. Just a very enlighten object lesson. I 've learned so much,"Malfoy replied and then sauntered off down the corridor.

"Merlin,"John the Divine muttered,"He knows."

"If he does n't yet, he 'll have intercourse after next object lesson. He 's onto it, that 's for sure,"Albus said.

"Onto it ?"John the Divine replied,"That 's a nice way of putting it. The totally school 's going to know in two daytime, after the next class."

"What are we going to do ?"Albus groaned,"If we tell him what Malfoy said, he 's going to be too scared to do anything. I mean, did you see him during this lesson ?"

"Yeah,"John nodded,"We ca n't tell him. Whatever Malfoy 's going to do, he 's going to do it whether lusterlessness knows about it or not."

"I agree,"Albus nodded,"We wo n't tell."

"What are you two talking about ?"Matt appeared behind them, looking no proficient than he had before.

"cipher,"John said,"What did Balladanis want ?"

"Told me I did n't stimulate to go to the superfluous help during this unit unless I wanted to,"flatness told them.

"What are you going to do ?"John asked.

"I do n't jazz,"matt said as they began walking to Herbology,"I know it 'll calculate wary if I do n't, but I really ca n't take on many Thomas More example like that. Merlin, Thursday 's lesson is going to be awful."

Albus saw no point in denying that. flatness did n't suffer a cue as to how fearsome it would be. They said nothing more about it the hale way to Herbology.

******

Albus had never been so happy about having ridiculously long Quidditch practice session as he was Tuesday and Wednesday evening. He was perfectly happy to spend all his free time on the Quidditch lurch and then be too tired to do much of anything else afterwards.

It was just so difficult for him to keep what Malfoy said away from Matt. He wanted nothing more than to warn his friend about it, even though he knew that would fulfil nada. All it would do was prepare matte care even more and then act even more anxious during Defense.

Quidditch also kept Albus 's thinker off of what would happen after Malfoy 's suspicions were confirmed. It would n't be anything like when Albus found out or even when Kaden found out. No, Malfoy was going to use this to his advantage. Albus was nearly one hundred percent sure Malfoy would announce it to all of Slytherin. Then, Christian Bible would spread and the stallion school would receive out. Merlin only knew what would happen when students'parents found out.

Albus knew that wolfman right hand had come a long way since teddy bear 's dad was in shoal, but he also knew that most people would not be happy if their baby were going to schooling with a werewolf, especially one that did not take Wolfsbane. Not to mention the theatre of operations day the press would have with it. lusterlessness 's dad had just become Head of the section for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures for Merlin 's sake. It would be a repeat of what had happened when Matt and his folk had lived in Australia.

Not to mention what it would do to Matt himself. Albus remembered when there had been a slight prospect that Malfoy found out about the enactment under the Whomping willow. He had nearly had a scare tone-beginning. What would happen if Malfoy found out he was a wolfman ?

It did not help that the full moon was that Friday. Matt barely spoke during the brief times that Albus was not occupied on the Quidditch slant. He sat in the vulture 's Den with everyone else, but he stared off into quad or slept.

Yes, Wood 's long Quidditch exercise took Albus 's mind off of all of that, but they did not block Th from arriving and Sooner than Albus would have liked he found himself sitting in Balladanis 's classroom.

Albus and John exchanged neural glance as Malfoy walked in with a very smug look on his facial expression. Albus was so focused on Malfoy that he nearly missed the fact that the anamatek 's tree trunk was back in battlefront of Balladanis 's desk. Once he noticed it, he poked John in the side.

"What ?"King John seethed. Albus gestured to the automobile trunk."Merlin 's beard,"lavatory exclaimed,"I do n't even want to jazz what he 's going to do with that."

"Quiet down,"Balladanis said,"We 'll continue our lycanthrope discourse today by talking about what happens to a loup-garou when the moon waxes.

"Werewolves, in a alike way to vampires, are somewhat sensitised to the moonlight when the moon waxes. For the few night before the actual full moon, when exposed to moonlight lycanthropes will feel ill. The moonlight gives them headaches and when exposed long enough, causes them to misplace consciousness."

Albus did n't bother writing any of this go through, as he knew first hand what happened when a lycanthrope was exposed to too very much moonlight shortly before the full synodic month. Instead he stole quick glances at Malfoy and matt. Malfoy was furiously writing down everything Balladanis said and stealing immediate glimpse at Matt himself. matte was staring down at his parchment and Albus was sure he was trying to ignore everything Balladanis said. He was pale and ill, but Albus was n't sure as shooting if that was because of the moral or because the full phase of the moon moon was the next day.

"lycanthrope are often too ill to go about their daily activities the day of the broad moon and occasionally the day before as well. Before I describe the genuine shift, I wish to show you what a mortal with lycanthropy look like the day of the good moon."

For a brief second, Albus thought Balladanis was going to call Matt to the front of the room, but then realized that as a prof, Balladanis must have promised Kendrick that he would n't do anything like that.

Balladanis pointed his scepter at the trunk and a small man stepped out of it. His pallidness looked exactly like matt 's and he looked just as ill. In fact, the two of them looked incredibly alike. Both of their faces bore scars and had a indisposed flavor to them.

Balladanis began to talk about what the anamatek looked like, but Albus paid no attention. Instead he looked to Malfoy. Malfoy stared at the anamatek for a mo or so with shock and then he glanced at Matt. Finally, he met Albus 's regard and Albus saw the giving smirk he had ever seen on the Slytherin 's case. That was it. Albus knew it. Malfoy had made the connection.

The end of the lesson passed by in a kind of fog for Albus. He and bathroom had exchanged glimpse and the look on lav 's typeface told him he had noticed Malfoy 's fruition as well. Albus heard Balladanis 's speech, but he did n't swear out it.

The object lesson seemed to tangle on and speed by at the same clip. Albus wanted it to be over so he could get out of there, but at the same time he did not desire to know what was going to come about after.

"Next lesson will concenter on wolfsbane Potion and the effects it has had on werewolf right field,"Balladanis announced at the end of the example,"course of study dismissed."

Albus and St. John looked at each other. Albus did n't have intercourse what to do. Should he confront Malfoy ? Or should he severalize matt what happened ? Matt seemed oblivious to the totally thing.

They silently decided just to leave the classroom and resolve what to do after. Rose and Amanda had left with Linda with absolutely no mind what had happened.

Malfoy was waiting for them outside the room and Albus was not for certain if this was a estimable or a bad thing. He had the sudden urge just to hex Malfoy right then and there.

"Another enlightening object lesson,"Malfoy smirked,"Oh, Eckerton, feeling a bit ill ?"

"None of your business,"Matt muttered. Albus and John the Divine both stepped a bit closer to him and Albus clenched his hand around his wand.

"Bet you 'll be feeling even regretful tomorrow,"Malfoy replied,"It 's about that fourth dimension of the month, is n't it ? Tomorrow dark ?"

That got mat 's care. His brain snapped up and he glared at Malfoy. Then he turned around and looked from Albus to bathroom with the most panicked look on his face Albus had ever seen.

"It 's going to be a fun total moon, is n't it ?"Malfoy whispered, just loud enough for matt, Albus and bathroom to hear.

mat did n't say anything. He shook his head and then ran. He pushed through the crowd, much to the disapproval of the students who were trying to get to class, and disappeared in a subject of seconds.

Albus suddenly felt more hatred for Malfoy than ever. Not only had he worked out Matt 's mystic, but he had used it to dash him. In heart, Malfoy had threatened him with it. That was one of the unfit thing he could get done.

Ignoring all the other students who were going to class, Albus pulled out his verge and had it against Malfoy 's dresser in two seconds.

"If you tell anyone,"Albus growled,"I will personally make sure you 're so undistinguishable that even your own parents wo n't spot you."

"Is that a threat, ceramicist ?"Malfoy pulled out his own wand.

"You need me to spell out it out for you ?"Albus asked,"I think we 're about to find out just how much better I am at dueling than you are."

"Rictumsempra !"Malfoy shouted.

"Protego !"Albus shouted at the Same time.

"Expelliarmus !"toilet shouted.

The bunch moved away so that there was a circle of onlooker surrounding the affaire d'honneur. Albus ignored them. It was just him, John, and Malfoy. And Malfoy was outnumbered.

Malfoy deflected John 's disarmament spell and shot another spell at Albus. It bounced off Albus 's shield and hit a nearby portrait. The portrait 's occupant shouted in disgust and moved into her neighbor 's frame.

Albus concentrated on his cuticle charm and glared at Malfoy."Petrificus Totalus !"he shouted through his shield.

Grateful for Balladanis 's dueling lessons, Albus watched as his carapace held up while the hex stroke at Malfoy. Unfortunately, Malfoy dodged it and sent a tickling jinx at John.

This one hit John Lackland and he collapsed onto the story in a fit of giggles. Albus shot another hex at Malfoy and this one collided with his case. Malfoy 's nozzle started haemorrhage and he rounded on Albus.

"What is going on out here ?"Balladanis shouted.

Albus did n't lower his wand and neither did Malfoy, but they did n't fire off anymore hexes either. Albus let his shield down and noticed that the bunch had dispersed. John was still rolling around on the ground.

Balladanis pointed his wand at John the Divine and John immediately stopped giggling and stood up.

"Follow me,"Balladanis growled.

All three son followed Balladanis into his study. Albus looked nervously at privy. Of all the professor to enamour them dueling, it had to be Balladanis. Of course, the one upright thing about this was that Malfoy could n't foretell mat 's lycanthropy to the intact school day while Balladanis was lecturing them.


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as all the awesome people who have read and reviewed this !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Albus and lav sat as far away as possible from Malfoy in Balladanis 's study. Balladanis just stared at them before speaking.

"I can not get to recite you how disappointed I am in all of you,"Balladanis began,"Especially you, Mr. Potter and Mr. Malfoy. I am sure enough I taught you salutary than this. The two of you especially should know how uncalled for that was. You are well cognizant of your dueling skill and what sort of responsibility lies with them. I have half a nous to break off our education sessions. However, I am will to pick up all side of meat of this write up before laying out any sort of penalty. You may go first, Mr. Malfoy."

"I was just walking to class and ceramicist pulled out his wand and attacked me. Then Brickston joined in. I was outnumbered, sir. I had to hold myself,"Malfoy said.

Albus had to try hard not to snort. He and John looked at each other and John Lackland rolled his eyes.

"Very well,"Balladanis said,"Mr. ceramicist, if you please."

Albus took a deep breather. He was going to tell the story. The whole fib."Malfoy was threatening Matt, sir,"Albus began.

"Mr. Eckerton ?"Balladanis asked,"I did not see him anywhere."

"He left after Malfoy threatened him,"Albus continued,"You see, Malfoy has figured something out about flatness, after listening to your talking to on werewolves."

Balladanis 's eyes widened and he looked at Malfoy."Is that true, Mr. Malfoy ?"

"Yes,"Malfoy muttered,"And I was n't threatening him. I was asking him about it. I think I have the rightfulness to know if I 'm in school with a werewolf."

Malfoy said 'werewolf'with disgust and it made Albus want to hex him once more.

"Mr. Eckerton has the right to hold on his medical exam issues to himself,"Balladanis replied,"His health is none of your business whatsoever. Please continue, Mr. Potter."

"After Matt left, I wanted to be sure Malfoy was n't going to go enjoin the hale school about matt 's lycanthropy,"Albus explained,"And I guess we just wound up dueling."

"Just wound up dueling ?"Malfoy scoffed,"You had your verge on me."

"You sent the first hex,"Albus muttered.

"Do you have anything to add, Mr. Brickston ?"Balladanis asked.

"No,"can replied,"Albus is telling the truth."

"Very well,"Balladanis replied,"I see this matter goes much further than a duel. All three of you will meet four nights'detention starting tonight at eight. Each of you have lost ten head from your respective houses.

"However, I am taking all three of you to see the headmaster. There are things more important to discuss than detentions,"Balladanis said as he stood up.

Albus knew full well what Balladanis was insinuating. He and whoremaster said aught as they followed Balladanis to Kendrick 's study. Malfoy walked a few feet behind them.

Albus had n't been to Kendrick 's study since his first yr, when he went to sing to Dumbledore 's portraiture. The spot had n't changed in the slightest. Everything seemed to be in the exact Saami stead. Both Dumbledore and Snape were awaken and in their portraits.

Kendrick was behind his desk writing something when they entered. He looked up curiously at them. Albus, John, and Malfoy stood near the doorway while Balladanis strode forward.

"We have a problem,"Balladanis said,"These three have been dueling."

"I trust you to hand out detentions, genus Tethus,"Kendrick replied,"I am meddling at the moment."

"It 's not the dueling,"Balladanis said,"It 's what they were dueling about."

"And what would that be ?"Kendrick asked.

"Mr. Malfoy has discovered that mat Eckerton is a werewolf,"Balladanis answered,"And I believe Mr. ceramicist and Mr. Brickston have known for quite some time."

Kendrick dropped his quill and looked up."I 'll take this from here. I believe you have a lesson to teach."

"I believe I do,"Balladanis replied and left the room.

Kendrick conjured a few chairs and gestured for the three boy to join him at his desk. Albus sat down in the centre president and waited for Kendrick to get down. He noticed that both Dumbledore and Snape were paying rhapsodic attention.

"Well, well,"Snape said,"Deja vu."

"Not now, Severus,"Kendrick said,"Mr. ceramicist, perhaps you can order me if anyone else knows about flatness 's lycanthropy ?"

"Er, yes,"Albus replied,"rose Weasley, Amanda tagger, and Kaden Dursley."

"I knew that Dursley kid knew something,"Malfoy muttered.

"Not now, Mr. Malfoy,"Kendrick said,"I 'll require to address with them, as well as Matt. I imagine they 're all in class."

"Sir,"Albus interrupted,"I do n't consider Matt 's in class."

"You may be correct,"Kendrick sighed,"Do you have any idea where he might be ?"

"Yes,"Albus answered.

"Very well. Please go find him,"Kendrick said,"And Mr. Brickston, please go find the others."

Albus nodded and he and John left the study. Albus went straight to the Marauder 's Den while John went to the dungeons as blush wine and Amanda would be in potions.

Matt was sitting on his bed in the marauder 's Den, staring at the wall and not moving a muscle.

"I suppose Malfoy 's told everyone,"Matt said without turning to look at Albus. His interpreter was hollow.

"No,"Albus replied,"He has n't had the chance. John Lackland and I dueled him after you left. Balladanis gave us all four Night of detention and took compass point away."

"He 'll severalise everyone soon,"Matt replied,"I should probably go pack. You know, I really thought I 'd get to finish school. That 's not even the worst region. It 's going to be all over the Prophet. My dad 's going to mislay his job again. We 'll probably stimulate to move to New York."

He finally turned around and looked at Albus. He no longer looked anxious. He looked absolutely terrified, yet sad at the like time.

"Why did Balladanis have to be such a in force teacher ?"Matt groaned and laid back on the bed,"If he had been some sort of terribly teacher then maybe Malfoy would n't induce found out. He 's just so thoroughgoing ! He left nothing out ! Even the way he described the transmutation. It was so, it was just so, realistic.

"And that dazed anamatek !"mat sat up and looked at Albus,"That affair looked just like me, only old. No wonderment Malfoy found out."

"You 're not going to get kicked out,"Albus assured him.

"How do you know ?"matte shouted,"How do you really be intimate ? I know teddy 's dad got to detain after Snape found out, but this is different. That was when Dumbledore was here ! Everyone says Dumbledore was barking mad. Kendrick is n't. Kendrick 's perfectly sane and he 's not going to want to deal with this."

Albus did n't really eff what to say to that. Everything Matt said was true. Kendrick was not Dumbledore. cypher could equate to Dumbledore.

"Kendrick wants to see you,"Albus said,"He 's got Malfoy up in his field. He wants to spill to all of us. Me, whoremonger, Rose, Amanda, and Kaden."

"I do n't want to go up there,"lusterlessness said,"I never want to see Malfoy again. I just want to stay here. pigeon hawk, my mind is killing me."

"I think you have to go,"Albus said quietly.

"I know,"lusterlessness groaned and got up off the bed,"This just is n't fair. I hate it. I hate this whole affair. I do n't require to be a flaming werewolf anymore."

"I know,"Albus said, knowing just how scummy matte was at that moment. Albus had never once heard him complain about being a werewolf. Not when he was too tired to do anything because of the total moon or when he was laid up in the infirmary wing for days afterwards.

They walked quietly back to Kendrick 's study. Albus muttered the password, that he had catch Balladanis say, to the gargoyle and they ascended into the study.

Everyone else was already there and they all turned to Albus and Matt when they walked in. lusterlessness froze in seat and Albus stopped and looked at him. He was staring directly at Malfoy.

"Take a seat,"Kendrick gestured to the two evacuate chair, one of which was next to Malfoy's.

Albus took the seat following to Malfoy 's, but did n't look at him. Matt took the former one.

"First, I want to assure you that you do not feature to leave Hogwarts,"Kendrick said to flatness,"nobody else will be finding out about your lycanthropy."

matt did n't depend reassured by this. Malfoy looked mutinous.

"My father wo n't gibe with that,"Malfoy muttered.

"Your father has no say whatsoever in which students I admit to this school,"Kendrick replied,"He works in the Ministry, and may I point out that his position is not very high."

"Matt,"Kendrick turned away from Malfoy,"Energy anyone else know ?"lusterlessness shook his brain."And did you recount the others, besides Mr. Malfoy, willingly ?"Kendrick continued. matt nodded.

"Very well,"Kendrick said,"And how long have they known ?"

matte seemed ineffective to mouth. After a few moments of silence, Kendrick turned to Albus."How farseeing have you known, Mr. Potter ?"

"Two years,"Albus answered.

Kendrick repeated this question with Rose, whoremaster, and Amanda, who all gave the Lapplander answer as Albus. Then he moved onto Kaden and Albus suddenly remembered the Sileo Altus charm. He shared one horrified glance with Rose and waited for Kaden 's reply.

Kaden looked at Kendrick and then turned to Albus. His mouth was agape and he looked a little panicked.

"Are you all right, Mr. Dursley ?"Kendrick asked.

"Fine,"Kaden answered,"It 's just, well ...."

"Professor, Sir,"Rose began,"We sort of put this magical spell on Kaden, so he would n't tell anyone. He can only peach about it with us. He wo n't be able to say a thing about it around you or Malfoy."

Albus braced himself for Kendrick 's response, but before the headmaster could say a discussion, Dumbledore chuckled in his frame.

"The Sileo Altus charm,"Dumbledore smiled,"Ingenious. Who performed it ?"

"I did,"Rose answered.

"Remarkable,"Dumbledore said,"You must be an incredible hag, Miss Weasley."

"Too smart for her own good, more like it,"Snape muttered.

"That is indeed quite the amazing feat, misfire Weasley,"Kendrick said,"Can you recount me how yearn Mr. Dursley has known ?"

"About a year,"blush wine said.

"Thank you,"Kendrick replied,"Now I have some matter to discuss with Mr. Malfoy and Mr. Eckerton in private. The rest of you may go to the Great Hall. I believe there is still a half minute or so left over of lunch."

Albus did n't really desire to leave without finding out what was going to happen to Malfoy, but he knew lustrelessness would tell him.

lustrelessness never showed up in the Great dorm for lunch, nor did he go to Ancient rune or Charms. Albus could not concentrate on either of those classes and was very happy when Charms was over and he was able to leave.

Wood was not very happy that Albus had acquired four detentions. In fact, he was livid. He spent twenty hour telling Albus how he should n't be picking competitiveness with other educatee so close to the next Quidditch friction match, especially in front of instructor'schoolroom. The talk had only ended when Albus told him he was deep for magic spell. Albus had run into Wood in in between Ancient rune and Charms.

"What do you suppose Balladanis is going to make water us do ?"bathroom asked as they walked towards the Marauder 's Den.

"Have n't a clew,"Albus replied,"But whatever it is, it 's going to be bad since we have to do it with Malfoy."

"True,"John agreed.

blush wine, Kaden, and Amanda were with them. Albus wanted to go get Matt before they went to dinner. They had to await a while for the corridor to pass out before they were actually capable to get into the room, though.

mat was fast asleep on the lounge when they entered."Good thing he does n't have detention tonight,"trick pointed out.

"Yeah,"Albus agreed.

Saint John gently shook flatness 's shoulder until he cracked his eyes open."Wake up,"lavatory said,"Or you 'll miss dinner."

"I 'm not thirsty,"Matt muttered.

"What 's Kendrick doing about Malfoy ?"Albus asked as he sat down on the other end of the couch.

"He should put that spell on him,"Kaden announced,"The one you lot put on me."

"I wish he would,"matt sighed,"All he did was tell Malfoy how important it was not to refer anything. He said telling his father would do goose egg. Then he told him that if he ever did tell anyone, he would face up projection for revealing another educatee 's medical exam information. But that 's it ! I mean, Malfoy did promise he would n't say anything, but who really knows ? Sure, if he tells, he 'll be expelled, but that wo n't assume it back. I 'd still have to leave."

"As much as a git as he is,"Albus began,"I do n't call back he 's going to tell anyone if it meant he 'd be expelled. That would be the ultimate shame in the Malfoy household, besides being a Squib or marrying a Muggle or something, getting expelled and not being a fully qualified wizard. Malfoy wo n't need that."

"I guess you 're decent,"Matt sighed,"It 's just so strange, knowing that he knows."

"I know,"Albus said,"Do you want to go eat dinner ?"

"No,"Matt shook his read/write head,"You guys go on ahead. I 've got to send an owl to my parents, let them fuck about this."

Albus nodded."We 'll see you later, then. john and I have got detention tonight."

"Oh, right. Good fortune with that,"Matt replied.

******

Balladanis 's detention was a bit anticlimactic. Albus had been expecting him to think up some really creative and taxing detention, but instead he assigned them business. Lines were possibly the most boring custody ever thought up, but they were preferable to cleaning the lavatory or something.

"ceramist, Malfoy,"Balladanis said after they 'd been writing for ten proceedings,"Your dueling lesson is canceled for tomorrow Nox due to your hold. detainment will be at nine, after my extra help session, something I 'll bear you to be attending, Brickston."

Balladanis said nada more and began grading essays at his desk. He completely ignored the three boys, which Albus did n't really mind. He just wanted to get his lines done and get out of there.

"Where does he go ?"Malfoy hissed at Albus.

"What ?"Albus whispered.

"You know, on entire moons, where does he go ?"Malfoy elaborated.

"I 'm not telling you that,"Albus muttered.

"My dad said a werewolf used to instruct here, and he got fired when everyone found out,"Malfoy drawled.

"He quit,"Albus corrected him,"He was n't fired. He was the best Defense teacher any of our parents ever had."

"lull !"Balladanis shouted,"I did n't say you could talk."

Albus was grateful for Balladanis 's scolding. Malfoy stopped asking questions and went back to his agate line. Albus sighed and went back to his own. How far was Malfoy going to go ? Why could n't he just be satisfied with having worked out matte 's secret ?

A half hour into their line writing, when Albus was contemplating switching mitt despite the fact that he wrote horribly with his right hand hand, there was a knock on the door. Albus looked up and saw prof Kendrick standing in the room access, along with none other than matt 's dad. Albus set down his quill and turned to John. John had set down his own quill.

"Who 's that ?"Malfoy asked.

"Shush !"Albus hissed. The in conclusion matter they needed was for Balladanis to remember they were there and differentiate them to get out so he could birth whatever conversation he was about to have in private.

"Tethys,"Kendrick said quietly,"This is Walter Eckerton."

"We 've met,"Balladanis muttered.

Albus turned again to lavatory. flatness 's dad knew Balladanis ? How ? Matt had never mentioned that before.

"That 's his dad ?"Malfoy whispered.

"Shush !"Albus said again.

"I wish to talk to you about what happened earlier today,"Matt 's dad said quietly.

"What about it, Eckerton ?"Balladanis asked.

"My son told me about your object lesson,"Mr. Eckerton said,"How, informative they are."

"I teach my students what they 'll need to know in order to defend themselves,"Balladanis replied.

"I think you go too far with that,"Mr. Eckerton disagreed,"pigeon hawk, showing them exactly what a loup-garou looks like before a transmutation with an anamatek ? Do you realize how dangerous those are ?"

"Of course,"Balladanis said, raising his vocalism a bit,"You 're not the only expert on magical creatures. I have perfective control over my anamatek."

"nonentity has consummate ascendancy over an anamatek !"Mr. Eckerton said.

"The headmaster has already told me I 'm not allowed to use it anymore, so you really do n't need to be lecturing me about this,"Balladanis seethed.

"Oh, it 's not only that,"Mr. Eckerton stepped a bit closer to Balladanis,"It 's how much you taught the third years about werewolves. The point about their transformations, how to pick one out of the full general population, what happens before, during, and after shift. Your lesson was far more detail than a third year text edition book."

"You 'd find that all my moral are like that,"Balladanis replied,"text books do not dedicate enough details."

"I think giving enough details about identifying a lycanthrope so that a third base class would be able to work out that individual not even in their same theater is one is going too far,"Mr. Eckerton seethed,"You knew about my son. You should receive been a bit more cautious with your lesson."

"withholding tax information from an intact division because of one student is not a good method acting of teaching,"Balladanis countered.

"It is when it could be severe for that one student,"Mr. Eckerton said,"Fan of the greatest trade good for the greatest number, are we ?"

"There are times when that is a good doctrine,"Balladanis replied.

"We 'll accord to disagree, then,"Mr. Eckerton said,"But if I find that your lessons are putting my son in danger anymore, you may find that the Ministry is inquiring into your teaching practices."

"I 'll instruct however I like,"Balladanis muttered.

Mr. Eckerton ignored this and turned to the three boys, none of whom were writing lines any longer."Is that him ?"he asked.

"The one who found out ?"Kendrick replied,"Yes."

Mr. Eckerton strode over to the table Albus, Saint John, and Malfoy were working at. He nodded howdy to Albus and John before turning to Malfoy.

"I realize the headmaster has already gone over this with you,"Mr. Eckerton began,"But I feel the need to repeat that there will be consequences if you make public my son 's condition."

Malfoy nodded."I know,"he muttered.

"goodness,"Mr. Eckerton replied and returned to where Kendrick was standing. He turned once again to Balladanis."I 'll be returning to the palace tomorrow to search your study and schoolroom for the anamatek. If it is still here, I will take it into custody."

Balladanis muttered something under his breathing spell as Matt 's dad left the room with Professor Kendrick. Albus exchanged a glance with John. He wanted naught more than to leave, so he could talk about what had just happened.

"That 's enough for tonight,"Balladanis barked,"Get out. Be back here tomorrow night at nine."

Albus nearly spilled his ink in his rushing to get up. He ran out of the room as fast as he could with trick following. Malfoy made no motility to try and utter to them again, so they headed straight to the vulture 's Den.


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight as well as all of the lovely people who have read and reviewed this ! You guys are awesome !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Albus and John burst into the Marauder 's Den a little while later to notice that Matt and Kaden were the only ones there. lustrelessness 's fount was covered in ash and Kaden was grinning. They were in the eye of a biz of Exploding Snap.

"And that makes four win for me and none for you,"Kaden announced as he collected the bill,"Oh, Albus, lav ! How was your custody ? Want to play ?"

"Not now,"Albus said hurriedly as he sat down succeeding to Matt,"Matt, did you know your dad was just here ?"

"Yeah,"Matt nodded,"When he got my owl, he wanted to go talk to Kendrick. I went with him."

"Well, do you have it off where he went after ?"John asked.

"Home, I guess,"Matt shrugged,"Why ?"

"He and Kendrick turned up in our custody,"John said.

"He what ?"Matt replied.

"Yeah, it was really odd,"Albus said,"He came in with Kendrick and Kendrick introduced him to Balladanis. Only Balladanis said 'we 've met'. You never told us your dad knew Balladanis."

"I never knew,"Matt shrugged,"Then what happened ?"

"Your dad was really wild,"Albus continued,"He thinks Balladanis taught us too practically about how to forecast out if soul 's a lycanthrope and that 's why Malfoy found out. Then he told him how dangerous it was for him to use that anamatek in class-"

"Oh, yeah,"Matt said,"I told my dad about the anamatek and that 's one of the reasons he came here, to tell Kendrick about it. Kendrick 's making him get rid of it."

"Yeah, that 's what your dad said,"Albus replied,"He 's coming back to scrutinise Balladanis 's way tomorrow to make trusted he got rid of it. He also said that if any of Balladanis 's pedagogy puts you in danger again, the Ministry 's going to investigate him."

"It 's really not a well idea to get on my dad 's bad side,"Matt said,"What did Balladanis do during this ?"

"He kept saying that he was going to teach however he wanted,"Albus explained,"Honestly, he did not take care happy that your dad was there. I think something happened between the two of them."

"But what ?"lustrelessness asked,"Dad 's never mentioned him before."

"Think he 'd tell you if you asked ?"John wondered.

"Probably,"Matt said,"I 'll owl him about it."

"Oh, and then your dad told Malfoy he 'd better not tell anyone you 're a werewolf,"John said,"He looked pretty scary, too. I do n't consider Malfoy 's going to recount anyone."

******

It did not take very long for news to spread that Balladanis had gotten in trouble for having an anamatek. Galleons exchanged hands the succeeding daybreak at breakfast, as a few older scholarly person had bet on how retentive he would have it. Somehow everyone knew that Matt 's dad had showed up at Hogwarts the previous night and informed Kendrick about it.

Kaden had refutation that morning and reported to Albus at lunch that Balladanis was even rigorous than usual and seemed incredibly tempestuous. That did not bode well for Albus 's detention that evening.

"He 's out-and-out shuddery,"Kaden said as he piled steak and kidney pie onto his plate,"Yelled at one of the Ravenclaws in my class for spilling her ink. She was nearly in tears. But I 'd detest to be in your family, Albus, he 's going to be fell. I mean, it 's pretty often because of Matt that he got in trouble."

lustrelessness had gone up to the Marauder 's Den after they got out of Herbology since he felt ill and was n't in lunch. Albus knew that Kaden was right. Balladanis was going to get this out on flatness, and possibly Malfoy as well.

"I do n't know why he cares so much,"whoremonger shrugged,"I mean, the Ministry could ingest just taken that matter away. He 's prosperous he just had to drive it back to his star sign or whatever."

"I do n't think he likes the government,"Albus said,"That 's the feeling I got after listening to him lecture about what he did before commandment here. I think that 's why he did that, instead of becoming an Auror."

"well, I think it 's a secure thought for the Ministry to pee-pee him aim that thing home,"John said.

"Me, too,"Albus agreed,"I mean, he could 've turned it into a manticore next."

Kaden went to course after lunch while Albus and John went up to the Marauder 's Den with Rose and Amanda.

"Think he 's owled his dad yet ?"John asked as he gestured to Matt, who was asleep in his bed.

"dubiousness it,"Albus said,"He 's probably been asleep since he got up here."

"Merlin, I just want to know what happened between his dad and Balladanis,"John groaned.

"You 're so impatient,"rosebush commented,"Just let him sleep."

"I was n't going to heat him up,"lavatory muttered.

The end of the afternoon passed by quickly. Albus was dreading his detainment later and whoremaster complained loudly about how he had to go to the supererogatory help academic session about loup-garou when he already knew so much about them.

Albus woke mat up shortly before dinner and he looked much worse than he usually did the day of full moons. They all escorted him to the hospital wing, where Madam Pomfrey rushed him into bed.

Just as they were about to leave the infirmary annexe, the room access opened and in walked lustrelessness 's dad. Albus assumed he was there to check if Balladanis had gotten rid of his anamatek.

King John nudged Albus."We should ask him about Balladanis,"whoremonger whispered.

"He 's not going to evidence us now,"Albus muttered back,"Look at him."

Mr. Eckerton looked tired out and incredibly worried. He nodded to Albus and the others before rushing over to Matt 's bed and talking to Madam Pomfrey in hushed whispers.

As it turned out, Albus had been worrying about the detention for nothing. He entered the room before Malfoy and John was already doing his railway line. Balladanis said absolutely nothing to Albus as he handed him sheepskin. Malfoy arrived a little while later and still Balladanis said nothing.

Malfoy did not blab either. He did not ask anything about lusterlessness and did n't even comment that the entire moon was that night.

Balladanis let them leave at half past ten. Albus and John found Kaden in the Marauder 's Den and spent the remaining clock time left until uranology playing Exploding child's play and Wizard 's Chess.

"Why, why do we have to have got this family with the Slytherins ?"john groaned as they made their way to the astronomy Tower,"If Malfoy does n't take a shit a single comment about the full moonlight, I 'll eat an entire cauldron."

"I 'm going to hold you to that,"Albus laughed,"But I do n't think you 'll have to."

Malfoy went so far as to actually set his telescope up next to Albus 's. professor Polo spent ten minutes telling them that they were to plot the locating of Mars, Venus, the moon, and a handful of stars before turning them fall back to actually do so.

"The Moon is so bright,"Malfoy whispered,"And big and ... full ...."

Albus looked at John."Looks like I wo n't be eating my cauldron tonight,"John muttered.

"Just shut it, Malfoy,"Albus said.

"Is n't his dad the question of the department for the Regulation and Control of Magical wight ? Yeah, he must be, because he 's the one who made Balladanis get rid of the anamatek. Ca n't say I 'm really upset about that,"Malfoy said quietly,"But how ironic."

"Just terminate talking about it,"Albus muttered.

"Oh, total on, Potter. Even you have to appreciate the irony,"Malfoy said.

"volition you just close up,"Albus seethed.

"tranquility over there,"polo said.

Malfoy smirked at Albus one more time before going back to his telescope. The respite of the lesson passed without anymore commentary from Malfoy and Albus was quite happy when he was capable to return to his dormitory.

******

"It 's like back in first year,"Albus sighed,"Remember when gentlewoman Pomfrey locked the hospital wing ?"

"That 's why this is bad !"Rose said.

"well, she did n't engage us out this time,"privy pointed out.

"She did n't exactly let us in either,"Kaden said.

Albus and his protagonist had slept late on Sat morning and after grabbing a quick pungency to eat, had gone to travel to Matt in the hospital extension. Madam Pomfrey had n't let them in. They were currently in the Marauder 's Den, trying to figure out why.

"She always lets us in,"John groaned.

"He obviously had a really bad night,"Albus said quietly.

"Yeah, but why ?"Rose wondered.

"Have n't you noticed that the good moons have been speculative the past few months ?"Albus asked,"He 's been taking longer to recover."

"I wish he 'd just let us become Animagi,"trick muttered.

"toilet, I honestly do n't believe you could get an Animagus,"rosebush replied,"You 'd lift up with a perm tooshie affixed to your arse."

"That would n't be that bad,"King John grinned,"Always thought it would be cool to have a tail."

"You 're not helping,"Albus sighed,"What are we going to do ?"

"I think all we can do is just keep going back to the hospital offstage,"Gospel According to John shrugged,"Until Madam Pomfrey lets us in."

Their cause proved fruitless, though. They went to the infirmary extension twice that afternoon and then right before Albus and can had to go to detention. madam Pomfrey told them 'no'each prison term.

Sun, the last day of Albus and John 's hold, was the same. Madam Pomfrey was quite livid when they showed up for the third time that day.

"Nothing 's changed !"she shouted,"cum back tomorrow even ! I 'll chip in the lot of you detention if you come back any earlier than that !"

With that, she strode back into the ward and slammed the door."Can she even give detention ?"Kaden asked.

"I dunno,"Albus shrugged,"I would n't put it past her."

Albus and lav broke away from the group to complete their utmost detention. Balladanis gave them line of merchandise, just like he had the past three Night. Albus sat quietly completing them, very grateful for the fact that Malfoy had n't said two dustup to him since Astronomy.

"You may stop,"Balladanis said quietly after they 'd been writing for about an hour and a half.

Albus threw his calamus down and leaned back in his professorship. Finally, it was over.

"I hope you learned something,"Balladanis said, which shocked Albus. He had been expecting Balladanis to continue his silence."If I catch any of you dueling in the corridors again, the consequences will be much more severe than hold and lost points.

"Mr. ceramist and Mr. Malfoy, I have given groovy thought to whether I should continue giving you extra lessons. I have decided to give you one more chance. deterrent example will continue this Fri at their rule time. However, if either of you disregard my rules again, I will no longer hold up them. You may go. I 'll see all three of you in stratum on Tuesday."

"Merlin, I 'm happy that 's over,"John muttered to Albus once they were on their way to Gryffindor Tower.

"Me too,"Albus agreed,"He 's going to be awful in class, though."

"Yeah, ca n't say I 'm looking forward to that,"Gospel According to John said.

Albus could n't focus at all in his classes the next day. All he wanted to do was go to the infirmary annexe and feel out how Matt was, but Madam Pomfrey insisted that they wait until evening.

pink wine and Amanda ate dinner party with Linda, but they met Albus, John, and Kaden near the hospital annexe afterwards. They had all eaten a very rushed dinner due to Albus 's Quidditch practice at seven.

Albus cautiously opened the door to the hospital annex, half expecting lady Pomfrey to yell at them again. He walked quietly inside, followed the the others. Madam Pomfrey was sitting at her desk and she visibly sighed when she noticed them.

"Go ahead,"she gestured to the only occupied bed, which had the drape pulled around it.

Albus rushed over to the bed and yanked the curtains back. mat looked exhausted and there was a rather large patch wrapped around his head.

"I was wondering when you 'd descend visit me,"mat gave them a half smile.

"We 've been trying !"King John said,"madam Pomfrey has n't let us !"

"I know,"matt smirked,"I 've heard her yell at you. It 's kind of amusing."

"wellspring, we 're here now,"Albus said,"How are you ? Why did n't Madam Pomfrey let us come visit ?"

"Because I did n't wake up until yesterday afternoon,"Matt answered.

"But that was-"John began.

"Nearly two sidereal day later ?"Matt cut him off,"I know."

"But why ?"Rose asked.

"A lot of matter, really,"Matt sighed,"beginning, I was worried about Malfoy telling everyone and it 's always worse when I 'm disturbed about something. Second, I hit my pass really hard at some peak that night. It still hurts. third, the transformations in ecumenical are getting worse, because I 'm getting older."

That thought certainly had n't crossed Albus 's mind. Albus and all his booster were obviously getting older and that brought plenty of changes, but he had n't even thought about how the wolf would change when matte got older.

"So, are all of the full moons going to be this bad now ?"Kaden asked.

"No,"Matt shook his promontory and then winced,"I mean, I do n't really roll in the hay what 'll happen in the future, but this one was just a combination of bad things."

"That 's good, I guess,"Albus shrugged,"When do you get to leave ?"

"Tomorrow Night at the earliest,"lusterlessness sighed,"Although that means I 'll miss Defense."

"wishing I could miss United States Department of Defense,"John muttered,"Speaking of Defense, did you owl your dad yet ?"

"john, he just woke up yesterday,"Rose pointed out.

"I did n't owl him,"lusterlessness said,"But he came to see me earlier and I asked him."

"Brilliant,"whoremaster grinned,"And ?"

"And,"Matt said,"He told me all about it. He told me Balladanis was a Presuler and was really surprised that I already knew.

"Apparently, back when my dad had just been appointed Head of the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical tool in Australia, he hired Balladanis to enamour a band of vampire who were attacking Muggles on the outback. Balladanis caught them, but he thought Dad went too easy on them."

"What did he do to them ?"John asked.

"Sent them to prison. I think they got 20 years. Balladanis thought they should induce gotten life time. Dad and Balladanis got into this huge disputation at the Ministry about it and Balladanis stormed out. The Aboriginal Australian Ministry did n't lease him after that,"lustrelessness explained,"Although, I 'll bet Balladanis and Lubar would fit on punishment. I wonder if he 's rent Balladanis."

"That explains a lot,"Albus said,"Did your dad say anything else about him ?"

"No, not really,"Matt replied,"Just that he 's got a lot of outlet. Oh, and he wanted me to warn you not to heed to everything Balladanis says during those dueling deterrent example you 've got."

"I 'm not going to,"Albus assured him,"I think we 've all seen a unlike side of Balladanis during the past week."

******

Tuesday morning dawned quickly and Albus trudged to Defense with John. Neither of them really knew what stratum would be like, but judging from what he heard about Holocene epoch Defense course of instruction in the common room, it would n't be fun.

Malfoy was back to his smug self now that detention was over. He sat side by side to Goyle wearing a smirk on his face. Albus ignored him and went to his common table.

Balladanis stormed into the elbow room a few minutes later. He waved his wand at the room access and it slammed shut with a eruption loud enough that it caused the Jordan-Bell twin, who had been sitting skinny to it, to jump.

"Pass your prep motion forward,"he growled.

Albus handed his homework to the table in movement of him and waited for Balladanis to call for it. He paused in front of the table in front of Albus's.

"Potter,"he began,"You can tell Eckerton that his homework is latterly and therefore I will not swallow it. If he wished to get credit for it, he could get graced us with his presence."

Malfoy snorted at this, earning him glares from both Albus and Balladanis. Balaldanis tossed the homework unceremoniously onto his desk and then turned back to his students.

"Wolfsbane potion,"he barked,"Was created by a man by the gens of Joseph Oliver Belby. He finished the creation in 1991. For most wolfman, the potion was a life belt. Who can explain what it does ?"

cipher, not even pink wine and Linda, raised their hands. Albus stared down at his desk, hoping that Balladanis would n't call on him.

"Nobody ?"he said,"Pity. wolfsbane potion renders a werewolf harmless during good Moon. The lycanthrope turns into a Wolf, but a harmless one. One that will just catch some Z's until the moonshine sets and will not have the itch to bite and kill.

"The potion is a lifesaver to those plagued with lycanthropy. I had been hoping to bear witness you what a werewolf would await like on wolfsbane potion, but my anamatek has been banned from the castle,"Balladanis said with malice,"Therefore you will get to go without the visual. It seems that certain parents, Ministry officials, and the headmaster do not approve of my method of teaching. Unfortunately, it is all of you who are suffering for it."

"I would n't call it suffering,"John muttered.

"tranquillity, Brickston !"Balladanis shouted,"Unless you have something to conduce to the class."

"No, sir,"John replied.

"Good,"Balladanis muttered,"Anyway, the anamatek will not be making anymore visual aspect in this classroom and your education is going to meet for it. cypher, and I repeat goose egg can substitute hands on training."

Albus usually agreed with that, but he drew the product line at having what was in core a live manticore in front of him. There were some prison term when reading sufficed.

The object lesson continued with Balladanis talking about Wolfsbane. He spoke about how the potion does n't act for all werewolves and Albus found his intellect drifting. All in all, the deterrent example had n't been as bad as he 'd been expecting. Besides his legal brief ranting about his anamatek being banned from the palace, he had been pretty formula. Normal for Balladanis, that is.

"Next moral will be the last on werewolves,"Balladanis announced at the end of class,"We will learn about lycanthropy 's effect on children."

Albus groaned inwardly. Matt would be out of the hospital wing by then. Why could n't Balladanis just end the lycanthrope social unit already ?

"He wo n't be back next year,"John muttered as they walked to Herbology.

"I do n't doubt that,"Albus replied,"I just marvel who we 're going to get instead."


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight as well as all the lovely people who have read and reviewed this !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


"home your bets here !"Fred shouted the next day as he walked around the mutual room.

Albus had just climbed through the portraiture muddle with Empire State of the South and James after a particularly difficult Quidditch practice. Wood was getting them prepared for the equal against New House of York, which was to involve place in a little over a week.

"Georgia, Saint James the Apostle, Albus !"Fred greeted them,"upkeep to position a bet ?"

"What are you taking stake about ?"Georgia asked tiredly,"And if you keep betting on clobber, your mum is bound to find out."

"She wo n't care,"Fred shrugged. He was probably right. Albus 's aunty Alicia was the to the lowest degree exacting out of all of his auntie. She 'd probably place a bet with Fred.

"You 'd just better hope Grandma does n't find out,"Georgia smirked.

Fred looked momentarily horrorstruck and Albus could n't blame him. molly Weasley would probably transmit him a riot if she knew he was gambling.

"She wo n't unless you tell her,"Fred muttered,"And Scots heather and I are taking stake on how practically longer Balladanis is going to hold out. charge to get a hypothesis ?"

"I suppose,"GA said as she pulled out some Au,"Two Galleons says he 's gone in a calendar week. I heard he had three first off class in weeping today."

"He nearly had half of my socio-economic class in teardrop,"Fred said as he took Georgia 's atomic number 79,"William James, Al ?"

"III Galleons says he 's gone in two calendar week,"St. James said as he tossed Fred some amber and then left to go find his friends.

"Nope,"Albus shook his capitulum.

"Suit yourself,"Fred shrugged and continued his walk around the vernacular room,"bet here, site your bets !"

Albus found his Quaker crowded around their usual table in the common room. Linda was with them. All three girls were working on homework. John and Kaden were trading umber Frog cards.

"Fred 's going to get himself in worry,"blush wine muttered as Albus sat down,"You did n't bet anything, did you ?"

"No,"Albus shook his chief,"How about you lot ?"

"I bet ten reaping hook he wo n't last the year,"lavatory said.

"You should know exactly when he 'll leave, what with your taking prophecy,"rose wine smirked.

"prophecy 's a joke,"whoremonger muttered,"I ca n't look to overleap it after twenty percent year."

"Told you so,"Rose grinned,"Sick of making up stuff ?"

"It 's just so superfluous,"trick groaned,"We 're still doing watch glass balls. I just tell her that I see myself dying anytime she asks and it keeps her happy."

"That 's why I 'm not taking Divination,"Kaden announced,"Bloody waste of a class."

Kaden had chosen his classes for next class a few twenty-four hours prior. He decided on Care of Magical tool, Ancient rune, and Arithmancy.

"Easy homework, though,"John sighed,"I just keep reminding myself about that."

"What 's got easy homework ?"lusterlessness asked as he sat down in the electric chair next to toilet 's. He looked a bit better than he had the late day, but still careworn out.

"Pomfrey finally let you out ?"whoremonger asked,"And we 're talking about Divination."

"Yeah, just in clock time for Defense tomorrow,"Matt groaned,"I 'm tempted to use a Fainting phantasy to get out of it."

"I think half the commencement old age are going to do that on Friday,"Kaden said,"I overheard them talking. Apparently Balladanis completely flipped out on one of them today, all over one incomplete preparation motion. Made her cry."

"That 's what Empire State of the South was saying,"Albus replied,"make me want to use a Fainting fondness. Two calendar week. I know I did n't bet on it, but that 's really all I 'd commit him."

******

John filled his pockets with Puking pastille before he set off to Defense the following break of day. Albus did n't bother. His oddity always trumped his dislike for sure course. He 'd rather be there and know exactly what Balladanis was doing.

"Werewolves,"Balladanis said as soon as the bell rang,"When the term is used, almost people conjure up effigy of lonely adult, condemned to a suffering living that revolves around the moon.

"However, there is a unit group of werewolves that are mostly overlooked. Children. Ah, yes, tyke do get attacked by wolfman. Very few survive. Found by their parents when it is too latterly. Even few survive the initial transmutation. lycanthrope transformations, as you have learned, are incredibly taxing, both physically and emotionally. Very few baby are inviolable enough to make it through."

Balladanis paused and began to pace the elbow room."Parents are faced with a decision after their nipper is bitten. They have three choice. number one, they can deal with it. Deal with the monthly transformations and try and pass water life as normal as possible for the kid. turn two, they can abandon their tiddler. Force them to live with a idle pack of loup-garou, to uprise up to kill. However, there is a 3rd option. Does anyone care to guess as to what it is ?"

cipher raised their handwriting. Balladanis looked at his form until his eyes rested on matte. A very creepy smirk appeared on his face.

"Mr. Eckerton, forethought to severalize us ?"Balladanis asked.

Albus, who had been trying hard not to look at Matt throughout the lesson, stole a nimble glance at him. He was staring at the desk, quill in hand, shaking slightly.

"N-no,"Matt stuttered.

"Very well,"Balladanis smirked,"The third alternative is to put the shaver down. Not a pleasant pick, but one that a few parents select anyway. This option used to be readily suggested by Healers, but has now become quite controversial. It is not suggested very often anymore.

"Parents who choose the number 1 choice, to continue to raise their tyke, are in for a very knotty life. Werewolf children are hard to raise. It is a huge adjustment for parents and sib if there are any. The bite affects the whole family. It changes lives, it can rip house apart."

Balladanis continued droning on and on about how lycanthropy affects children and Albus looked again at lusterlessness. His bridge player was shaking even harder and his face was as white as it had been when he had dressed up as a ghost.

Albus shared a look with St. John the Apostle and whoremonger reached into his pocket. He slid a Puking Pastille across the table towards Albus and then slid one to Matt. Albus quietly unwrapped it and then waited until Balladanis had looked away to shove it into his rima oris. Saint John the Apostle and matt did the same. Albus clutched his belly as the Sweet began to take affect.

"Lycanthropic nipper rarely, if ever, get to attend school day,"Balladanis droned.

"Sir !"King John shouted,"I do n't finger so well. May I go to the Hospital backstage ?"

"I do n't experience too well either,"Albus added.

"Shut it, you two,"Balladanis shouted,"And no you may not go to the-"

Balladanis was cut off by the audio of all three boys vomiting at the same fourth dimension. Albus leaned over his table and vomited right onto the floor. The class erupted into vociferation and Balladanis tried to go along order.

"fine !"he seethed,"Get to the Hospital offstage, all three of you !"

Albus resisted the urge to spew again as he ran for the door. lustrelessness and John followed. All three of them shoved the orange end of the sweets into their mouths as soon as they shut the threshold behind them. The affect was instantaneous. Albus immediately felt better.

"The man 's evil !"John the Evangelist shouted,"How could he teach that ?"

"Not here,"Matt muttered and took off down the corridor.

None of them said anything else until they reached the Marauder 's Den."As I was saying,"Saint John the Apostle began,"What is wrongly with that blighter ?"

"I think a lot of things,"Albus muttered,"He 's a raving lunatic."

"He 's only doing it because you 're in the family,"whoremonger said to Matt as he paced around the room,"None of what he said today is actually in the record. I mean, did you read the book ? There 's not lots in there that Balladanis has actually taught !"

"He hates me because my dad made him get rid of his dolt anamatek,"Matt muttered.

"But it started before that,"Albus pointed out,"He wants to puddle you miserable because of what your dad did with those vampires years ago."

"It 's just not fair,"flatness groaned,"I mean, did you mind to what he was talking about ?"

"It was hard not to,"Albus sighed,"Is it true ?"

"Yes,"mat said quietly,"And before you ask, one of the Healers did suggest that to my parents."

Albus suddenly felt more gruesome than he had when he ate the disgorgement cough drop. How could a Healer, someone whose job it was to make believe hoi polloi healthy, actually suggest that to a child 's parents ?

"Seriously ?"John asked,"What happened after they asked ?"

"My dad and my Uncle Jack hexed him at the same time,"Matt gave them a half-smile,"Put him in his own infirmary bed for two days."

"You know, I 'd really like to fill your Uncle seaman,"Saint John grinned,"He sounds like a great bloke."

"He is,"Matt smiled,"He would 've hexed Balladanis quite a while ago if he were here."

"But he 's not,"John sighed,"So what are we going to do about this ?"

"I 'm sending an owl to my dad,"matte said as he stood up,"You two are n't going to receive to do anything."

"Three day,"lavatory said after Matt left,"I give Balladanis three More days."

******

"Your dad certainly does n't waste any sentence,"rosebush said to flatness as she unfolded her copy of the prophesier the following cockcrow at breakfast.

Albus leaned over and learn the paper over Rose 's berm.

HOGWARTS professor TO BE INVESTIGATED BY MINISTRY
The department of Magical training received an interrogation
late yesterday afternoon, requesting an investigation
of Hogwarts Defense Department Against the Dark Arts professor,
Tethys Balladanis. The interrogation was submitted by none
former than the newly appointed oral sex of the department
for the Regulation and command of Magical fauna,
Walter Eckerton, whose fourteen-year-old son currently
attends Hogwarts.

prof genus Aplysia Balladanis has been teaching Department of Defense at
the schooltime since Sept, when he replaced Head Auror
Harry Potter. thrower had taught the subject for two
twelvemonth and wished to focus solely on his Auror career,
resulting in his resignation at the end of last schoolhouse
year.

The impending investigation comes as hardly a surprise.
Earlier this calendar week Walter Eckerton visited Hogwarts
after receiving a tip that Balladanis was holding an
anamatek in his classroom. This proved to be dependable and
Eckerton ordered him to remove it. The anamatek was
legally in Balladanis 's self-will, so all he had to
do was dispatch it from schooltime premises. Eckerton told
reporters that Balladanis complied.

However, Eckerton has claimed that the professor
repeatedly put students in danger and humiliated them
in straw man of their classmates.

'It 's not just the anamatek ,'Eckerton told reporter,
'I 'm filing this question as a parent, not as a Ministry
functionary. showtime and foremost, I wish to protect my son .'

The investigation will commence today and be carried out
by official from the Department of Magical Education,
a section that was set up for this purpose after
the downfall of Lord Voldemort. Officials will visit
the school and interview both students and stave as
a character of their investigation.

Tethys Balladanis will continue to teach defence mechanism Against
the darkness Arts during this time.

"He 's still going to teach ?"John the Divine said incredulously after he finished reading the article.

"I 'm not going to Department of Defense anymore,"lusterlessness said,"Not until he 's gone."

"They ca n't stop him from teaching until they do the investigating,"rose wine explained,"Only Kendrick can turn back him from teaching at the moment."

"Then why does n't Kendrick do that ?"Albus asked as he looked up at the staff table.

Kendrick was talking with Neville and there was a copy of the Prophet laying between them. Balladanis was not present.

"I do n't know,"Rose said quietly,"But DoD is just going to get worse."

"Which is why I 'm not going,"mat said adamantly.

For once, Rose did not correct him about skipping class. Albus could n't fault him. He himself was half tempted to bound off, but he knew his oddment would get the comfortably of him.

"Somehow, I do n't cerebrate you 'll have the luck to skip,"rose wine muttered,"We do n't suffer defense reaction until Tuesday."

"Excellent,"King John grinned,"Now I wo n't have to do that loup-garou essay."

"I never said that,"pink wine replied,"You still ought to do it, just in case."

"feeling, Kendrick 's getting up,"Kaden pointed to the staff table.

"May I have your care !"Kendrick shouted and the chatter in the hall immediately ceased,"Thank you. I trust by now that you 've all either read or heard about the clause on the front varlet of the Prophet.

"Ministry officials will be visiting the school day today and tomorrow to direct their investigation. They will be selecting bookman to interview. If you are selected, I advise you to answer their questions truthfully.

"As of right now, prof Balladanis is still your teacher, therefore you need to plow him with respect and wait on his classes. This is, at the bit, an probe and zilch more. Now, you 'd best be off to class."

"Albus,"rose whispered as they made their way out of the Great Asaph Hall to history of magic,"You 're not going to that dueling lesson tonight, are you ?"

"I dunno,"Albus shrugged. He had n't really thought about it until then.

"I do n't think you should,"rose wine told him.

Albus nodded. He did n't want to go, but he also did n't need to notice out what Balladanis would do when Albus did n't show up that evening.

cipher fell asleep during story of magic. It must suffer been a new phonograph recording, one that was previously set back when Binns was still animated. However, the lack of fatigue duty was not due to Binns 's public lecture. No, that was just as tedious as common. The students remained awake because they were talking about Balladanis. The classroom was filled with the hushed rustle of the Gryffindor and Ravenclaw third years and Binns droned on without seeming to notice.

There were only six students in the palace who knew the specific reason why lustrelessness 's dad had submitted that inquiry. Albus, rose wine, John, Amanda, Kaden, and Matt himself. Seven, if you counted Malfoy, but even Malfoy did not recognise that it had been Balladanis 's lecture on lycanthropic tiddler that pushed Mr. Eckerton to accede the inquiry.

Everyone else speculated. About half the schooltime put the incrimination on the anamatek, even though flatness 's dad had come out and said that was n't the real grounds. The oracle had only glazed over the reasonableness, not getting into particular. The Hogwarts bookman wanted specifics. They wanted to do it what had pushed matt 's dad to submit an inquiry when none of their parents seemed fazed.

The grounds the students fabricated ranged from plausible to horrific. A few 7th old age, mainly Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws, speculated that Balladanis had gotten a bit overenthusiastic with his special assistant sessions and perhaps used Matt as an exercise of someone who did not possess the acquisition to defeat dark virtuoso. mix that with an overprotective parent ( what the seventh years claimed matte 's dad to be, which was not actually an overstatement ), and the investigating was born. They believed that the investigation would blow over and within two weeks everything would be back to normal, with Balladanis still teaching.

A few overexcited first-class honours degree years were the on the contrary side of the spectrum. They believed that Balladanis had let a chimaera loose in his schoolroom while teaching the Gryffindor and Slytherin third years. Apparently they overlooked the fact that nobody had turned up wound after class and the fact that Balladanis would have been sacked immediately if that had actually been the case.

Matt had become somewhat of a celebrity inside the Hogwarts walls. There was n't a I person, living, trace, or portrait, who did n't know it was his dad who launched the inquiry. He was stopped no less than six fourth dimension on the way from story of Magic to Herbology by people wanting to know the details of the research. It was something Albus could narrate Matt was extremely uncomfortable with.

"Merlin, when will they learn that I do n't want to utter about it !"Matt groaned as they made their way back to the castling after Herbology. Two Ravenclaw second year had just run up to flatness, demanding to know why his dad wanted to get Balladanis sacked. Apparently they actually liked him.

"You should just stand up up on the Gryffindor table and make an announcement during lunch,"whoremaster suggested.

"Definitely not,"Matt said,"I 'm just glad we do n't hold class this afternoon."

"Me, too,"Albus agreed,"Hey, look, I bet those are the investigators."Albus pointed to three functionary looking people striding up towards the castle. There were two enchantress and a wizard.

"Probably,"John said,"I wonder who they 're going to interview ?"

"Ten Galleons says they interview me,"matte replied,"And probably Albus since he 's had all those private lessons."

"Let 's just hope they do n't consultation those two Ravenclaws,"King John said.

Albus, Matt, and John continued their trek to the Great G. Stanley Hall, where they ate a very immobile luncheon. None of them wanted to continue very long since everyone was still asking lustrelessness about the inquiry. After they finished, the son went to Gryffindor Tower to situate their base before going to the predator 's Den to put off their homework.

The common way was mostly empty when they arrived, but Albus spotted Lily, Hugo, and Ashtyn sitting around one of the board.

"Do n't you three have course of instruction now ?"Albus asked, feeling very much like Rose.

"Yes,"Lily muttered,"We 've got Defense and we 're skipping. Do n't say anything about it. There 's nothing you can do to make me go, so do n't even try."

"I was n't going to,"Albus assured her,"Was n't it your class where Balladanis made someone cry ?"

"That 's why we 're not going,"Ashtyn replied,"And we do n't care if we get detention either. Oh, and John, you 'd ameliorate not tell Mum."

"I wo n't,"John Lackland said,"The three of us used Puking Pastilles to get out of Defense yesterday."

"You should have just skipped from the start,"Ashtyn told them.

"wellspring, you three love your skipping,"Albus said as he continued to his dormitory.

"Oh, trust me, we will,"Lily grinned.

The boys quickly stowed their bags in their dormitory and set off for the Maruader 's Den. Albus climbed out of the portrait hole and ran straight into Gabriella.

"There you are, Al !"Gabriella exclaimed,"I 've been looking for you. Kendrick wants to see you in his bailiwick. Oh, hang on."Gabriella consulted the opus of sheepskin she was holding."He wants to see Matt, too."

"tone like you two are getting interviewed,"John the Evangelist said as Gabriella went into the commons room.

"Guess so,"Albus shrugged. He really was n't surprised. Even if he had n't been receiving private deterrent example with Balladanis, he probably would have been interviewed. It was one of those things that happened when your founding father was the most far-famed wizard in Britain.

"I 'll see you two later, then,"privy replied,"Have fun."

"Oh, yeah,"Albus rolled his center,"Loads."

Albus and Matt left for Kendrick 's study while John continued towards the Marauder 's Den. Albus had no idea what he was going to do while they were gone, but he would bet that John would be bored within fifteen minutes.


A/N : I hope you all enjoyed HPFF 's April Fool 's Day frivolity ! The stave really outdid themselves this twelvemonth. Thanks to my Beta, Dancer of Starlight, and everyone who has read and reviewed this story !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


There was another Prefect standing next to the gargoyle that concealed the entryway to Kendrick 's study. It was apparently his job to mutter the watchword to the gargoyle to allow all the bookman being interviewed in. He looked incredibly bored.

Albus and lustrelessness ascended into the discipline and found three other students waiting in forepart of Kendrick 's closed door. A very drill looking Hufflepuff, who was probably in sixth or seventh class, Scorpius Malfoy, and much to Albus 's consternation, one of those Ravenclaws they had encountered on the grounds earlier.

Albus was not at all surprised to see Scorpio Malfoy there. After all, he had common soldier lessons with Balladanis as well. However, he chose to ignore Malfoy 's bearing and leaned against the wall to begin the longsighted wait.

What had been the point in sending them all to Kendrick 's study at the same time ? They were obviously only interviewing one someone at a prison term. Why could n't they have just summoned Albus later, when there were less people waiting ?

Kendrick 's door opened and a pale-faced Gryffindor number 1 year walked out. She hurried out of the study and one of the Ministry officials motioned for the Ravenclaw to enter.

The Ravenclaw was in Kendrick 's sketch for about fifteen arcminute. Then it was Malfoy 's turn of events. He took a bit more time, but finally came out and left without so very much as a glance towards Albus and Matt.

In the mean time, two More educatee had entered. One Albus recognized as Peyton Haines, one of the pursuer from the Slytherin Quidditch team. The former was a untried Hufflepuff Albus did n't recognize.

Finally, after what must bear been at to the lowest degree an hour, Albus was finally called into the elbow room.

Kendrick was not in his bailiwick. Only the three researcher were. Albus was now able-bodied to see them up close. The one who had called him into the room was quite tall and wore a menacing blaze. Her robe were perfectly pressed, without a ace wrinkle, and her hair was pulled into a pissed bun. She reminded Albus of Minerva McGonagall.

The early enchantress was the complete opposite. She was brusque and quite a bit stoutness. Her frizzy brown hair stuck up at all kind of odd angles and she had a small duo of glasses perched on her nose.

The remaining investigator was a sensation and he was seated behind Kendrick 's desk, a quill feather in hand. He looked a bit bored by the stallion thing. He was gazing about the way and had the look of someone who was n't quite paying attention.

Two hoi polloi who were paying rapt attention, or should he say portraits, were Dumbledore and Snape. Both were sitting straight up and looking straight at the investigators.

The tall witch gestured for Albus to take a seat in front end of the desk. Albus did so.

"My name is Katherine Torenzo and this is Lorraine Smyth,"the tall witch gestured to the short circuit hag,"And that is Herb Cletus. He 'll be transcribing our interview."

No admiration he was so bore, Albus thought. He did n't even get to ask any of the questions.

"Please state of matter your replete name, age, year, and sign of the zodiac for the record,"Torenzo said briskly.

Albus raised his brow. Would n't they already know all of that information ?

"It 's communications protocol, dear,"Smyth told him.

"Albus Severus Potter, thirteen, third year, Gryffindor,"Albus answered.

"Excellent,"Torenzo replied,"Now, perhaps you can severalise us what goes on in an average lesson with professor Balladanis, in your own words."

"Er, all right,"Albus said,"Well, he comes in and tells us all to stop talking. Then he 'll collect the homework. Oh, and you have to get the homework in on time, no affair what. He does n't take late study, even if you 've got a good excuse. You could be sick in the hospital wing and he would n't take later homework.

"Then he 'll teach us a new spell or about some new creature. Then we 'll have to perform the spell."

"What happens if you do n't perform it properly ?"Smyth asked.

"He makes you do it again, and again, until you get it,"Albus answered,"If you do n't get it, he makes you go to extra help sessions."

"Has this caused distress to any of the students in your course of study ?"Smyth asked.

"Not in my grade, but I 've heard of other students crying because of it,"Albus answered.

"have you attended any extra help sessions ?"Torenzo asked.

"No,"Albus shook his head,"Professor Balladanis has never told me I had to."

"I understand you have been given dueling lessons by him, however,"Torenzo said,"Can you severalize us a bit about them ? What do they dwell of ?"

"Most time he just teach me new spells, magic spell that are harder than the ones we learn in class. Scorpius Malfoy is there, too, and we duel each early with the spells,"Albus explained.

"You said 'most'clock time,"Smyth said,"What else does he have you do ?"

"Er,"Albus shifted uncomfortably in his hot seat,"One time he had us go into his pensieve."

"Did he,"Torenzo muttered,"Please elaborate."

"We watched his parents be murdered by vampire,"Albus said after a abbreviated indisposition. He doubted Balladanis would be happy about this, but Kendrick had said to be truthful.

Both Torenzo and Smyth looked horrified. Cletus was writing away furiously on the parchment. Snape was smirking and Dumbledore 's cheek had seemed to harden.

"We did n't actually see it,"Albus said quickly,"We stood outside the firm as it happened. Balladanis 's parents were in the house. Then we watched Balladanis, in the memory, run away from the house. He was thirteen."

"And then what ?"Torenzo prodded.

"We left the pensieve. Balladanis explained what we had seen-"

"He did n't secern you ahead of time ?"Smyth asked.

"No,"Albus shook his head,"He just told us to go in the pensieve."

"Did he explain why he wanted you to see this ?"Torenzo asked.

"Yeah. He wanted to indicate us why he became a Presuler,"Albus said.

"He told you he 's a Presuler ?"Torenzo raised her eyebrow.

"Yes, he thinks me and Malfoy should become Presulers,"Albus explained.

"Very well,"Torenzo said as she walked towards Albus,"I have one final examination question. Would you feel comfy if professor Balladanis continued to teach here ?"

Albus thought about it for a moment. Balladanis was certainly a motivated teacher and one Albus could learn a lot from. But on the former helping hand, he was n't the sort of champion Albus felt comfortable around.

"No,"Albus said quietly,"I guess not."

Torenzo nodded."Please return to your common room. You are not to speak of this interview to anyone until after the investigation is completed."

Albus got up from the electric chair and Torenzo followed him out of the room. She called matt in as Albus left. Albus muttered a quiet 'good luck'to him before descending from the room.

******

"Why ca n't you just tell us ?"John lamented as the boys sat around the Marauder 's Den after dinner. Rose and Amanda were currently in the girls'dormitory with Linda, who had recently been interviewed.

"I 've told you a million times,"Albus said,"The Ministry Wiccan said we could n't talk about the interview."

"But how would they sleep together ?"John asked,"It 's not like I 'm going to go telling the whole shoal about it."

"Neither will I,"Kaden added.

Albus snorted."I 'll tell apart you about it after Balladanis is sacked, or is n't sacked. I do n't think it 's going to take farseeing for them to decide."

"He 's going to be sacked,"lusterlessness said adamantly and then turned to John,"You 're not going to his extra help session tonight, are you ?"

"Not if I was paid twenty Galleons,"can replied,"Well, ok, maybe if I was paid twenty Galleons, but not for less than ten. What about you, Albus ? Going to go to your dueling object lesson ?"

Albus shrugged. He still had n't decided. What he really wanted to know was whether Malfoy was going, but he could n't very well waltz down to the dungeons, flatboat into the Slytherin common room, and ask.

"No theme,"Albus sighed.

"Do n't go,"Matt said,"If you go, I 'm going to start worrying about your sanity."

"Why would you want to go ?"John gave Albus a strange look.

"I might find out something about how the investigation is going, or something,"Albus muttered.

John opened his mouth to reply, but instead turned to the door. A aloud squawking noise had seemed to emit from it.

"Did you hear that ?"lavatory asked.

Albus nodded and got up from his seat. He walked over to the door and paused following to it. The squawking stochasticity was repeated.

One thing Albus loved about the marauder 's Den was that it was always very pipe down. No noises could be heard from the corridor while he was inside. Albus rarely ever heard stochasticity from the corridor, let alone squawking noises.

Albus cautiously opened the door and instead of the gonzo shuttle he had expected to see, Rose was standing there with her baton out.

"Finally !"she groaned,"I thought you 'd never derive to the door."

"rosiness ?"Albus asked,"What is it ? Was that squawking you ?"

"Yes,"rose said hurriedly,"I had to get you to total out of there. Uncle Harry 's looking for you. He 's waiting in the vernacular room. I told him I 'd notice you."

Albus turned around and told lustrelessness, John, and Kaden, all of whom had followed him out of the elbow room, that he would be back soon. He had no idea what his dad wanted, but it must receive been crucial for him to go to the castling on a day he did n't ingest to police it.

Harry was sitting in one of the squashy armchairs in front of the fervency when Albus arrived. Empire State of the South and Fred were both talking with him, most likely about Quidditch judging by their excessive use of hand gestures, but stopped abruptly when Albus entered. Harry got up and met Albus near the portrayal hole.

"Let 's talking outside,"Harry said. Albus followed him out of the portrayal hole and down the corridor a picayune ways.

"What were you up to just now ?"Harry asked, grinning a bit.

"Nothing,"Albus shrugged truthfully.

"well, I 'm no longer a instructor here, so I wo n't say a Logos about you causing trouble, if that 's what you were doing,"Harry told him,"But anyway, what I wanted to ask you is whether you were planning on going to prof Balladanis 's dueling lesson tonight ?"

That seemed to be the question of the evening, Albus thought."I dunno,"Albus shrugged.

"I realize that the decisiveness is completely up to you,"Harry said quietly,"But I would advise you not to go. professor Balladanis is under a considerable sum of stress, of which you do n't know the half of. I 'd say the chances are high that he may make out this focus on you and Scorpius."

"Do you know if Malfoy 's going ?"Albus asked.

"I really have no idea,"Harry answered,"But I tend to believe he won't."

"I do n't cerebrate I will either,"Albus said.

"A wise decision,"Harry smiled.

Harry said commodity night to Albus and then Albus went back to the Marauder 's Den. Kaden was in the middle of showing matte and Saint John how to induce a proper paper airplane.

"What did your dad desire ?"John asked without looking up from the parchment he was folding.

"To order me it was n't a full thought to go to Balladanis 's deterrent example tonight,"Albus said as he flopped down onto the void couch.

"And ?"Matt asked.

"I 'm not going,"Albus answered.

"trade good,"Matt replied.

"You know what was weird, though ?"Albus began,"My dad said Balladanis was under a lot of accent, about of which I do n't be intimate about. So I 'm guessing it 's not only the investigation."

"Weird,"Kaden shook his head,"I 'll be happy when he 's sacked."

"We do n't know for certainly that he 'll be sacked,"Albus pointed out,"I just like I knew what else he was stressed about."

"Maybe he 's got to battle a beautiful woman,"John smirked,"Remember his boggart ?"

"His boggart !"Albus shouted,"I ca n't consider I did n't put that together sooner. It was n't a beautiful cleaning woman ; it was a vampire. It 's so obvious now that we know what happened to his parents, too."

"Yeah, that does seem fairly obvious,"Matt agreed,"But what 's that got to do with his stress ?"

"Probably nothing,"Albus shrugged,"I just realized it."

"You know,"John began,"This is the maiden Friday we 've had to ourselves."

"You 're right,"Albus said,"What should we do ?"

"Let 's go down to the kitchens,"Kaden said.

"And expend the night here,"Matt added,"We hardly ever do that."

They did just that. The boys snuck down to the kitchens and were given as many sweets and pudding as they could dribble by the sign of the zodiac elves. Then they stayed up late eating all of it and playing various game. Albus was even able to forget about Balladanis for a piece, something that had not happened in quite a while.

******

The Ministry officials remained a permanent fixture at Hogwarts throughout the end of the weekend. Albus overheard a lot of students mentioning that they 'd been interviewed, including John 's first cousin Isabelle, one of the Chasers on the Ravenclaw Quidditch team, and Gabriella.

Professor Balladanis did not show up at a exclusive meal. In fact, he was n't seen at all throughout the weekend. nonentity saw him, which raised the question of whether he was even still in the castle.

Albus was hoping he ran for it. Got out before the Ministry had a chance to constitute their decision. Albus was More than a small nervous about going to Defense on Tuesday and hearing what Balladanis had to say about Albus 's absence from their dueling lesson.

It was on Monday good morning that all the Hogwarts students knew a finding of fact had been reached. professor Kendrick rose partway through the meal, something that only happened when something important happened. He was flanked by the two witches from the Ministry. The mavin was no farseeing there.

The antechamber immediately quieted, without Kendrick even having to ask. Albus was slightly taken aback by Kendrick 's impending promulgation, since there had not been a single reference of Balladanis in that morning 's Prophet.

"A decision has been reached about prof Balladanis,"Kendrick announced,"Madam Torenzo will inform you of it. The Prophet has kindly agreed not to publish the clause about it just yet, as I wished to inform you of it first."

"He 's sacked,"john muttered,"Otherwise he 'd be at breakfast."

"Good point,"Albus said.

Torenzo stood up and gazed out at the students with a neutral feel on her aspect."Upon extensive investigation of Professor Balladanis 's precept methods and thorough consultation of selected student, the Ministry has seen it fit to remove him from his teaching position here at Hogwarts schooltime of Witchcraft and Wizardry. prof Balladanis packed his things late terminal night and no tenacious resides in the castle. Professor Kendrick will inform you about what will happen with refutation social class for the remainder of the year. I would care to thank all of you for your cooperation during this time."

Torenzo sat back down and continued eating her breakfast like nothing had happened. The Great Hall immediately erupted into voicelessness, but they were quickly stopped by Kendrick.

"Defense Department Against the Dark nontextual matter classes will not direct plaza until further posting. I will try and secure a worthy replacing for professor Balladanis as quickly as possible. Until then, please use the time to study for your upcoming test,"Kendrick said and then resumed his nates. He began to peach with Torenzo and the students voices rose in the Hall.

"I knew it !"lustrelessness exclaimed,"Best news I 've heard this month !"

"Yes !"Empire State of the South shouted and then turned to Fred,"Pay up !"

"merlin !"St. James the Apostle groaned,"Why 'd they have to do that probe so quickly ?"

Money began to exchange hands throughout the Gryffindor mesa as Fred collected and handed out Galleons.

"Do you recall Kendrick 'll recover a replenishment ?"John asked.

"Dunno,"Albus shrugged,"No one really wanted that job to begin with."

"Glad I did n't do that werewolf essay,"trick grinned.

"Maybe Kendrick wo n't find a replacement,"Kaden said,"Then we 'd throw one to a lesser extent exam."

"That would be brilliant,"John replied.

The atmosphere in the castling for the relief of the day was incredibly cheerful. Hardly anyone seemed at all sad that Balladanis had left. Quite a few students asked flatness to thank his dad for them. It seemed that the only pupil upset by it were those who had lost bets because of it.

Argus Filch was another who was unhappy. The superior general turmoil of the castling caused him more work. Peeves destroyed the Defense classroom in celebration ( Balladanis never liked Peeves ), St. James the Apostle and his friends set off a few Weasley fireworks, and then there was the general mess that was associated with students celebrating by playing outside in the cloudy sess. Plus, Moaning myrtle flooded her bathroom when a few students told her that even she ought to be excited about it. Apparently she did not accord. For some odd reason it reminded her of her death.

One soul who seemed incredibly excited was Linda. Linda who rarely showed any emotion whatsoever walked around the rook with a big smile on her face. Albus could only attribute this to the fact that Balladanis had taught so extensively about lamia. But he never taunted her the way he 'd taunted Matt. Perhaps that was because his biggest fear was vampires.

There was even a party in the Gryffindor common room that nighttime. Rose thought it was a little ludicrous, to celebrate the dismissal of a teacher, but everyone else, including Linda, thought it was an fantabulous affair to celebrate.

"Just retrieve,"St. John said,"We do n't ever have to listen to him go on and on about how bad the nighttime arts are. I mean, we all know they 're bad. We all know about Voldemort and what he did."

"And that bloody anamatek,"Matt added,"I could 've gone my totally life story without seeing one of those."

"What do you think he 's doing now ?"rose wine mused.

"Maybe some Ministry hired him,"Albus said quietly,"I hope it 's some place far, like Republic of Madagascar or somewhere."

"Yeah,"lusterlessness agreed,"I bet he 's not even in Britain anymore."

"I do n't see why he 'd bother to stick around,"Albus replied,"I mean, he snuck out in the nighttime to avoid anyone seeing him."

"Wish we could 've seen him leave,"whoremonger grinned mischievously,"Would 've been nice to give him a right send off."

"I 'm just glad it 's over,"rose wine muttered,"Maybe now you lot can concentrate on exams. And maybe the rook will get back to normal."

"Normal ?"Albus raised his eyebrows,"This place will never be normal. Plus, we 've got Quidditch on Sabbatum. It 's the lastly match before the final."

"When 's the final exam ?"pink wine asked.

"outset of June, I think,"Albus answered,"Commonwealth of Australia 's already so far ahead that they 'll be in it."

Albus, John, Matt, and Kaden all sent scathing facial expression at Linda, who looked down at the table.

"But if we beat New York in this match,"Albus continued,"We 'll be in it, too. So Wood is in replete variant this week. I 'm practicing every dark starting tomorrow."

"Oliver wood is harebrained,"pink wine muttered.

"Insane, but brilliant on the Quidditch pitch,"John Lackland grinned,"I would love to get yelled at by him during a Quidditch practice."

"Excellent,"Albus said,"You can direct my place."


A/N : Thanks to my Beta, Dancer of Starlight and everyone who has read and reviewed this !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Despite the fact that he did not have defense Against the Dark fine art the side by side dayspring, Albus was down in the Great Hall bright and early because he wanted to read Rose 's Daily Prophet. Having Kendrick announce Balladanis 's release was one thing, reading it in the Prophet was entirely different.

blush wine was already there when Albus, flatness, and privy sat down at the Gryffindor mesa. Amanda and Linda were on either English of her and all three girls were reading the clause. Albus drummed his fingers impatiently on the table while he waited for them to be finished. Finally, pink wine handed him the composition without saying a word and Albus read it, with Matt and John looking over his shoulder.

HOGWARATS teacher REMOVED FROM POSITION BY MINISTRY

In an event that causes much of the wizarding world to remember
back to Voldemort 's sovereignty, Hogwarts defense Against the wickedness
graphics teacher, Tethys Balladanis, has been removed from his
position by the Ministry of Magic 's department of Magical
Education.

During Voldemort 's reign, Defense Department instructor rarely lasted more
than a year at the school, a enigma that abruptly ended when
Voldemort was defeated on May 2, 1998. Up until two twelvemonth
ago, Hogwarts had had only one defense team teacher since that
fateful May day.

Professor Torro taught at Hogwarts for year until he was
mysteriously murdered nearly three years ago. He was
replaced by Head Auror, Harry Potter, who is rumored to
have only taken the view after cypher else agreed to
fill it.

Harry Potter left the positioning this past autumn and it was filled
by Balladanis.

Balladanis taught until two daytime ago, when he was removed
from his position. Approximately a workweek and a half ago, a
charge was lodged by Head of the department for the
Regulation and ascendency of Magical puppet, Bruno Walter Eckerton,
whose fourteen-year-old son currently attends Hogwarts.

The complaint included harsh teaching method, the use of an
anamatek as a teaching tool, singling students out for lack of
skill, and embarrassing educatee in front of their peer.

An investigation by Ministry official ensued and included
the interviewing of select students and staff. The department
concluded their investigation late Sunday eventide and informed
both Balladanis and headmaster Fabius Kendrick of their decisiveness.
Balladanis left the castle willingly and will not be appealing the
decision. When asked for a statement on the issue, both Kendrick
and Balladanis declined.

Upon hearing the news, Walter Eckerton said ,'I am very happy
with the decision and that the investigation was concluded in
a timely fashion. I am not well-chosen that it came to this, but I
feel that nothing should be put ahead of tike 's safety .'

Hogwarts scholarly person will not attend defence reaction classes until a replacement
is found. As of right now, one has not been found.

"I knew they 'd dumbfound your dad in there somehow,"whoremonger announced once they 'd finished reading.

"There was n't anything in there that we did n't already know,"Albus muttered,"I was hoping Balladanis would 've said something or we 'd find out what happened when he left the castle."

"Maybe he really did go quietly,"mat shrugged,"Maybe he wanted to get back to his anamatek."

"I wonder where he lives,"Amanda mused,"Think he lives in England ?"

"Doubt it,"rosebush answered,"Even if he did before I doubt he does now."

******

Life soon returned to normal for the Hogwarts pupil, as it often does after something excite happens. Everyone talked about Balladanis the day the article was published, but soon there was nothing left field to say and the pupil focused on the approaching Quidditch couple, which was mere twenty-four hours away.

Albus had an easy sentence forgetting about Balladanis due to Quidditch praxis. He was out on the slant every evening and was soon hearing wood 's commands in his head as he fell asleep, which was something that certainly could n't be deemed normal. Albus was almost gladiola that the year was drawing to an end because once the tournament was over, he would n't feature to deal with Ellen Price Wood anymore. Thinking about that made Albus realize that Gryffindor would own a new sea captain the next year since GA was graduating. Albus was sure it would be either Fred or ling, but he was n't sure enough which.

Albus trudged into the Great Hall on Thursday morn sorely wishing that bathroom had n't woken him up. They did n't throw a class first thing, so why 'd he incommode doing that ? Albus was already running on piddling sleep.

"I 'm going to wake you up at five in the sunup this Saturday,"Albus muttered to John as he poured himself some pumpkin juice.

"No you wo n't, you 'll still be asleep,"John grinned,"I need you to help me terminate that Herbology essay that 's due today."

"That 's the grounds for you waking me up ?"Albus groaned,"Why ca n't surface assistance you ?"

"She 's a bit sore with me right now,"King John muttered.

"What did you do ?"Albus asked.

"I may or may not take in accidentally set fire to her Potions notes last night,"John said.

"And I should consume to put up because of that ?"Albus replied,"How did you manage that anyway ?"

"It was n't an accident,"matt put in,"King John and Kaden were tinkering with those super long suit dung bomb calorimeter utmost nighttime in the Marauder 's Den. They stupidly decided to do this at the table right wing where rosiness 's notes were. The dung bombs exploded and Rose 's notes caught fire."

"See, an stroke !"lavatory exclaimed.

"No, stupidity,"matte said,"You should 've done it somewhere else. Oh, Albus, I would n't evoke going in the Marauder 's Den anytime soon. It smells."

"I would n't take in clock time to anyway,"Albus muttered,"Quidditch practice again tonight."

"Oi, Albus !"James River shouted.

"What ?"Albus said.

"Is Dad patrolling here this calendar week ?"St. James the Apostle asked.

"I do n't roll in the hay, why ?"Albus replied.

"He 's here,"James pointed to the staff table.

Albus looked up and saw that his dad was talking with Neville. Except he was n't wearing his Auror robes, he was just wearing normal robes. Albus glanced back at James II who shrugged.

"May I have your aid ?"Kendrick announced,"Thank you. I just wish well to inform you all that Harry ceramicist has kindly agreed to exact over defence force classes for the residuum of terminus. Because of this, defence force course of study will sum up today."

"trade good thing I woke you up,"John grinned.

"Guess you wo n't be able to finish that essay,"Albus guesswork back.

"merlin,"lav muttered.

Albus was n't that surprise, nor did he care that much. He 'd already had his dad Thatch for two eld and it had n't been bad at all. Plus, his dad was a far better teacher than Balladanis.

Albus walked with flatness and toilet to Defense. Rose was still not speaking to John the Divine and she walked with Amanda and Linda a minuscule room ahead. Albus seriously hoped that this would n't move around into what happened earlier in the year.

The integral socio-economic class erupted in clapping as soon as Harry entered the room and Albus noticed that this caused him to blush. Even Malfoy was clapping, albeit half-heartedly, but he was clapping nonetheless.

"Thanks,"Harry muttered,"Well, I did not intend I 'd be back here. I do have to uphold with the curriculum, so I must ask that you complete the werewolf essay for next Thursday. However, it only has to be one foot of parchment."

There was a collective groan from the entire class."Great,"John muttered,"I was hoping to get out of it."

"It wo n't be that firmly,"matte rolled his eyes.

"But it 'll be time consuming,"whoremaster replied.

"I know, I know,"Harry smirked,"But there is a month and a half of term left and I ca n't just let you make this clip to mess up around."

The class was the most enjoyable Defense form the one-third twelvemonth had had in quite a while. Harry lectured for the entirety of the class, but it was n't drill. Albus did not mind in the slightest that his dad was going to be finishing out the term.

******

By the time Sat arrived, virtually no one in the castle was talking about Professor Balladanis. Quidditch was on the forefront of everybody 's minds and the tensions ran high-pitched than they had all yr. The outcome of this friction match would determine who played Australia in the final.

Albus himself was not particularly worry. Hogwarts had already beaten New York once and they could easily do it again. The entire team was in unspoiled health and none of the replacement were needed. Albus was perfectly mental object to sit in the stands with his friend and just watch the catch, rather than have to act in it.

It was a warm leaping day with a slight jazz and swarm binding, perfect playacting conditions. wood had spoke of the atmospheric condition during the former Nox 's practice, telling the squad that a declamatory tempest had been predicted for that day. Luckily it had not appeared yet.

The lucifer commenced with a lot of shouting and cheering from the gang. Hogwarts scored five destination within the first fifteen minutes of the match and New York scored two. The team remained neck in neck for the remainder of the match, until King James pulled out of a nose dive clutching the golden stoolpigeon in his left hand.

The crowd erupted into cheerfulness and James was soon hoisted onto the shoulders of some of the sr. students.

"I have an announcement to make !"Professor Kendrick shouted over the crowd,"Due to Hogwarts 's win, they will be competing against Australia in the final exam Quidditch catch, scheduled to convey place on the first of June !"

The usual after Quidditch party ensued in the vulgar elbow room and everyone rehashed their favorite component of the friction match. No one talked about the final examination lucifer, although Albus was sure it was in the backs of everyone 's minds. Australia seemed impossible to beat.

Once the excitement from another Quidditch win abated, the Hogwarts scholarly person seemed to realize that exams were quite near. The library soon became a pop place to be and fifth and one-seventh old age in specific could be seen there all hours of the day.

As the middle of May arrived, Gabriella demanded a calm down common way in the even, much like her sister had two years prior. Albus and his champion spent more time in the Marauder 's Den after that, usually without Rose, Amanda, and Linda. The three girls seemed to like the quietness of the usual room.

Rose did forgive John for messing up her notes, but she became more tense and snappy as exams drew nearer. It was n't something that surprised Albus or anyone else because it had become a sort of end of term custom with Rose.

defense force object lesson took a drastic round for the advantageously. Albus and all of his friends got perfect fool on their werewolf essays, to the surprise of no one. After that, the family bared no resemblance to Balladanis 's.

"Aw, Falco columbarius !"John shouted at breakfast one Friday in the midsection of May. He had been reading the Prophet.

"What is it ?"Albus asked, thinking Balladanis had been reinstated as Defense teacher or something.

"England did n't make it into the World Cup final,"John sighed,"They were so close."

"Who did make it ?"Albus grabbed the paper from lav, suddenly remembering the tickets he 'd experience for Christmas. He had n't picked who he was going to ask over to go with him. Actually, he had n't even told his friends about the tickets.

"Portugal and Russia,"John groaned,"Russia ! They 've got a applesauce Quidditch team !"

"Obviously not,"rose smirked,"Albus, did you nibble who you 're going to consider when you go to the Cup ?"

"postponement, what ?"John gaped at Albus,"You got tickets ?"

"Er, yeah, for Christmas,"Albus said.

"And you did n't tell me !"King John exclaimed.

"Well, I only got one extra and I did n't know how to pick. I had it narrowed down to you and matte. idea you, if you hate Russia, I 'll just pick Matt,"Albus smirked.

"No, no, I did n't say I hate Russia,"Saint John the Apostle said quickly,"They 've just got a bad team."

"How am I supposed to piece then ?"Albus asked.

"You do n't have to,"matt said as he sat down next to Albus.

"Nice to see you awake,"John grinned. Albus and John had attempted to wake lustrelessness up before they went down to the Great dorm and had no fate. The full moon was the next day, so Albus had n't even been sure if lusterlessness was going to go to class.

"Why, is the Cup a bad time of the month ?"Albus whispered.

"No,"Matt shook his head word,"It 's just that my dad got tickets, so you can just contribute your supernumerary one to John."

"Oh,"Albus grinned,"That makes things easy."

"Where is the Cup ?"Amanda asked.

"Canada,"pink wine replied.

"How are we getting there, Albus ?"privy asked,"Are we going to take a Muggle airplane ?"John looked excited at that prospect.

"No idea,"Albus shrugged,"Dad might get a Portkey."

"That 's boring,"can said.

"want I could go,"Kaden sighed.

"Why, do n't you not like Quidditch ?"Saint John the Apostle asked.

"It 's ok,"Kaden shrugged,"I just want to try out a Portkey."

"You 're eldritch, Kaden,"bathroom laughed.

"So are you. Airplanes are boring,"Kaden argued.

"I 'm with Kaden on this one,"matte said,"I 'd exact a Portkey any day."

******

Between studying for exams and Quidditch exercise, Albus had no time for anything else. He managed to squeeze in metre to confabulate Matt in the infirmary wing on Sunday, but only briefly before he went to Ellen Price Wood 's day long Quidditch practice.

The come after weekend was the final match of the Junior 's Dueling Club, something Albus had been forced to pretermit due to Quidditch practice. After begging Wood and a bit of aid from shimmy, Albus was able to see the final. Albus 's team won, practically to the delight of both Albus and Malfoy.

Albus had not spoken to Malfoy since the incident with Professor Balladanis. Nor had Malfoy said a word to Albus, or any of his acquaintance. Malfoy remained mysteriously quiet around the full moon, not saying anything about it to either Albus or Matt. It was strange, but not something any of the male child were going to complain about it.

triad days before the Quidditch last, the Great G. Stanley Hall was filled with whispering voices that reminded Albus of the day Balladanis had been sacked. written matter of the prophesier were being passed back and Forth River and quite a few scholar looked extremely scared.

"What 's happened ?"Albus asked rosiness as he sat down.

"Willinson has broken out of Azkaban,"Rose whispered, her case completely white.

"What ? !"Albus shouted as he grabbed the nearest copy of the prophesier. matt and whoremonger crowded around him as he read it.

AZKABAN gaolbreak

Officials have reported that three prisoner
broke out of Azkaban late last night. It is
still unknown how it happened. Azkaban precaution
have refused to speak with reporter, and the
Ministry does not bid to divulge data
at this time.

The names of the take to the woods prisoners have been
released and anyone with entropy reguarding
any of them are asked to touch the Ministry.

The Prophet then gave detailed data about all three of the escaped prisoner. Albus only recognized Willinson. The other two had been imprisoned for more petty crimes.

"How did he get out ?"Albus wondered,"He 's an idiot !"

"I think everyone 's confused about that,"rose wine said.

Any Leslie Townes Hope Albus had of getting homework done that hebdomad was gone. He was lucky he was able-bodied to concentrate on Quidditch exercise. Willinson was out of Azkaban. He was galavanting about England, doing whatever he pleased. That in itself was not necessarily that bad, due to Willinson 's imbecility. If he somehow met up with his father and Washburn, then it could be quite bad.

What worried Albus the most was the fact that he would be after the Hallows, all of which still resided somewhere in or around Hogwarts. Willinson was bound to come back, especially now that he was out of prison.

******

Before Albus knew it, the Nox before the Quidditch final arrived and Sir Henry Joseph Wood called the team into the changing room after ending practice.

"It has been incredibly rewarding to manage this squad,"Wood said as he began to pace in figurehead of them,"There were difficulties in the rootage,"he paused and looked at the two Slytherins on the team,"But I am proud to say that you came together as a squad wonderfully.

"It still amazes me that a group of student from all four houses can come together and play together on the same team. I am not sure this could have been done when I was in Hogwarts.

"You have all come a farseeing way over the year. You 've all made huge improvement in your acquirement. Quite a few of you are 7th years and I am very happy to order you that there will be scouts from a couple Quidditch squad watching tomorrow 's match. I have high-pitched hopes for the lot of you, when it comes to Quidditch.

"I can not say whether we will win tomorrow. Commonwealth of Australia is good, there is no denying that. However, I have faith in all of you. Tomorrow, go out there and pass it your best. Now, I think you should all turn in early and eat a right breakfast tomorrow before the compeer. teddy bear, Tyler, anything to add ?"Natalie Wood turned to the boys.

slip and Tyler both shook their school principal and woodwind turned back to the squad."I 'll see you all down here tomorrow. just night."

Mrs. Henry Wood, Teddy, and Tyler stayed behind to discuss tactics while the squad left. Albus and James were the last two to forget. Georgia had left with the other one-seventh years, excitedly discussing the prospect of scouts.

"You think Georgia 's going to sign up with one of the professional teams ?"Albus asked James as they walked back to the castle.

"I 'd be surprised if she did n't,"St. James the Apostle said,"I just hope it does n't pain her hazard when we lose."

"We might not lose,"Albus pointed out.

"We 're going to lose,"James muttered,"Linda 's too good of a Seeker."

Albus said nothing. He wished he could just tell James that Linda was a lamia. It would be so much easier.

They kept walking, each lost in their own thoughts. Albus stopped abruptly when he heard a brassy cracking in the forest.

"What was that ?"he asked anxiously.

"Probably just a limb breaking,"St. James the Apostle answered.

"It was too tawdry,"Albus said as he looked into the woods,"It sounded like someone Apparating in there."

"I do n't think you can Apparate in the forest,"Saint James the Apostle pointed out,"And it did n't sound that loud. You 're just tired from all the Quidditch practice."

"I guess,"Albus said as he and James kept walking,"But what if it was soul Apparating ? What if it was Willinson ?"

"You worry too much, Al,"James groaned,"This property is filled with Aurors and Dad 's here full moon clip now. You 'd birth to be mad to Apparate here if you 're wanted by the Ministry."

"But Willinson is dolt enough to do that,"Albus replied.

"That 's just it,"James laughed,"If he 's stupid enough to do that, he 's going to get caught and sent back to Azkaban."

Albus nodded but he was n't reassured. Willinson may be stupid, but he did manage to nobble Kaden the late give, and he had been on the run for a year prior to that. He may be a rubbish duelist, but he was certainly adept at not getting caught for the most part.


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight as well as all of the marvelously awesome people who have read and reviewed this !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


The atmosphere in the Great Hall the adjacent aurora was unlike anything Albus had seen before. The Hogwarts team was sitting together at the Ravenclaw tabular array, surrounded by bookman from all four mansion. teddy and Tyler seemed to be in the thick of it and were loudly discussing tactic.

The Australian team was sitting together at the Hufflepuff tabular array, with a large length between them and the Hufflepuffs. A small crew of Australians had congregated around them.

Albus decided not to fall in the ease of the Hogwarts team at the Ravenclaw table. cipher was unable to play that day, so Albus 's 24-hour interval on the team were pretty a lot over. To be honest, he was kind of relieved. There was just so much pressure.

"I think this tournament has been good for Hogwarts,"Rose mused,"Look at everyone. cypher seems to worry who 's in what house."

"It 'll all go back to normal once the match is over,"Albus pointed out.

"Maybe not,"rosiness shrugged,"You never know."

"I do n't know, Rose,"matte said,"I do n't think one class can commute centuries of tradition."

"It 's worth a try,"rose said,"I think we should all try and get along."

"I do n't reckon this has helped international wizard cooperation,"John gestured to the Aussie team. The Hufflepuffs sitting nearby were glaring at them.

"challenger rarely does that,"Rose muttered.

"Well, they 'll all be going home soon,"Matt said cheerfully.

rosebush shot him a dirty look and then looked up at the staff table. Albus 's regard followed. The staff table was quite overcrowded that morning. There were scouts from Quidditch squad, Ministry officials including Albus 's Uncle Hotspur, and a potpourri of people from Australia and New House of York.

"looking at that witch,"St. John the Apostle pointed to a very tall, beautiful witch with pale white tegument and long darkness hair.

"She 's Linda 's mother,"rosebush told them.

"Is she-"trick began.

"Yes,"Rose whispered,"She 's one, too."

"I thought so,"whoremonger said without taking his eyes off the witch.

There was a loud cheer from the Ravenclaw table and the Hogwarts team began to will the lobby. Their entourage followed until they reached the room access and then they went to sit back down at assorted tables.

The Australian team followed shortly. The excitement only seemed to increase now that the team had gone down to the changing rooms.

A few transactions later mass began to forget for the pitch shot. The crowd at the staff table left first and the scholarly person followed.

"Albus,"John said as they got up from the table,"I 've got a few span of omnioculars in my trunk. I want to see it up close when Linda catches that Snitch."

"Let 's go get them, then,"Albus replied.

Rose rolled her eyes."Meet us down at the pitch."She and Amanda turned towards the threshold as the male child ran up the grand staircase.

"Why did n't you just convey them to breakfast ?"Matt asked.

"Forgot,"John said.

The rook was absolutely deserted as they made their way back to Gryffindor tugboat. Albus had n't seen it that empty during the day. It was almost disconcerting.

John had to vacate out his entire trunk in purchase order to ascertain the omnioculars. He had four pair and handed one to each of the boys.

"Let 's go,"Albus said,"We 're going to omit the start of the match."

Albus completely ignored the no running in the corridors rule as he made his way through the castle. There was n't anyone to lambaste him anyway. The footstep behind him told him his friends were n't far behind.

Albus turned a street corner and ran big H into something. He fell down onto his rachis and looked up, only to see that it was someone. Not just anyone either. Albus had collided with matte 's boggart.

Only, it could n't be a boggart because if it had been a boggart, it would have manifested itself into what Albus was most afraid of. At that bit, it probably would suffer been Willinson.

The man sneered down at Albus and then smiled creepily. Albus scrambled up and turned back to look at his friends.

Matt had turned blanched and looked far more than afraid than Albus had ever seen him before, including when he had faced the boggart and when Malfoy had found out about his lycanthropy. John was looking from Matt to the man, an obvious revulsion on his face. Kaden was looking extremely confused.

Albus turned and grabbed all three of his booster, pulling them into the nearest schoolroom. He slammed the door and pulled out his baton, putting every locking appeal he knew onto the knob.

Matt collapsed onto the cheeseparing chair and put his headland in his hands."Th-th-that's-"

"We know,"Albus whispered.

"What the hell is he doing here ?"John ranted,"He 's got no business here !"

"Why 's he in the rook anyway ?"Albus began to pace around the way,"If he 's here to watch the Quidditch match, then why is n't he down there ?"

"What if he 's not here to watch the Quidditch ?"toilet said darkly.

"Who the bloody underworld is he ?"Kaden asked loudly.

Albus glanced at flatness before looking at Kaden. Matt did n't seem to have heard Kaden 's question.

"His figure 's Lubar. He 's the Head of the section for the regularization and restraint of Magical animal in Australia,"Albus explained,"He 's the intellect why matte had to travel here, amongst other things."

"He 's a macabre and squirm evil git,"St. John muttered,"What are we going to do ?"

Albus walked over to the door and peered out the humble window at the top. Lubar was no longer in sight.

"I 've g-got to go to the Ministry,"Matt said,"I 've got to t-tell my dad. L-Lubar, he ca n't be here."

Albus paced back and forth in front of the door. The Ministry. How would they get there ? Brooms ? No, that would aim too long. They 'd have to use the Floo Network, but none of the fireplaces at Hogwarts were hooked up, as far as Albus knew.

"We 're going to have to get to Hogsmeade,"Albus said,"You wait here. I 'll get my Cloak and the map. Then we 'll sneak into Hogsmeade and Floo to the Ministry."

Matt nodded."You guys do n't have to come. You can go to the match."

"Are you mental ?"John exclaimed,"That bloke out there is probably worse than Willinson. We 're not letting you do this alone."

Albus nodded in arrangement before waving his wand and undoing the locking charms. He cautiously looked out into the corridor before leaving. It was empty.

Much to Albus 's succour, both the Cloak and the map were right where he 'd entrust them. He shoved them into his robes and ran back to the schoolroom. matte, Saint John the Apostle, and Kaden were all talking quietly. mat did n't look any less scared, but at least he did n't seem to be in shock anymore.

"We 're not all going to fit underneath it,"Albus said as he unfolded the cloak.

"You three get under it,"privy said immediately,"I 'm grandiloquent so I 'll accept up the most room anyway. Plus, if we meet up with Lubar again, I 'm the trump liar."

Albus could n't argue there. Both he and flatness were horrible liars and Kaden still had n't gotten over his unfitness to sustain secrets.

"You take the map, then,"Albus handed the map to John,"We 've got to get to the one-eyed beldam statue on the third floor.

Albus threw the Cloak over himself, flatness, and Kaden, and the three of them followed John out of the room. The corridor was still empty, much to Albus 's relief.

Saint John the Apostle set a very fasting pace and he was soon quite a bit ahead of Albus and the others. Albus could n't say anything, though, as it would give away his presence. Instead he tried to run as fast as he could while making the least quantity of noise possible.

The boys made it down the two flights of stair requisite to get to the third floor and arrived at the statue without seeing anyone. Albus pulled the Cloak off of them and stuffed it into his pocket. With a quick tap of his verge, he statue 's bump opened and the boys climbed inside.

Albus lit his wand and took off down the small passageway. Matt, John, and Kaden followed suit.

"Why did Kendrick let him in ?"John asked as they ran,"Does n't he know what he did ?"

"Yes,"matt answered,"I do n't think Kendrick knows he 's here."

"What did he do ?"Kaden asked.

"You do n't cerebrate he came here to see you ?"Albus asked Matt,"I mean, remember when Killigan saw us that one time and he seemed so interested in finding you ?"

"Of path I do,"matte muttered,"And it really would n't surprise me if that 's why he 's here. But I 'm betting there 's another reason."

"What did he do ?"Kaden repeated, a bit louder.

"Why else would he be here ?"Albus asked,"The lucifer ?"

"Maybe, but I 'm betting it 's got something to do with Linda,"Matt replied,"I do n't know for surely, but it seems too simultaneous for him to be here just to see me."

"What did he do ?"Kaden shouted,"Why would he want to see you ?"

Matt stopped running and wheeled around to await at Kaden."It 's a long story. Lubar 's got a grudge against my dad, one that he obviously still has even though we have n't lived in Australia for six years,"Matt paused,"He passed a cluster of laws against lycanthrope and I wound up having to transform with a clump of other lycanthrope. It was bad."

Matt resumed walking and did n't elaborate on the subject area. Kaden did n't ask him to.

"What 's your dad going to do about it ?"Kaden asked.

"I dunno,"Matt shrugged,"Maybe talk of the town to Kendrick or something."

There was no doubt in Albus 's mind that Matt 's dad would be capable to get Lubar to result Hogwarts, possibly even leave the land. Albus had known little about Mr. Eckerton prior to this year, but now he knew that you did not want to be on his bad side. When it came down to it, Mr. Eckerton was the one who had Balladanis sacked.

The passage finally began to climb up until it came to an abrupt closure at a snarled wooden door. Albus pressed his ear to the door, but heard nix. He carefully pushed it spread, wincing as it creaked.

beholding nobody in the computer storage room beyond, Albus beckoned his friends forward. The room was dimly lit, enough for Albus to see a huge amount of boxes littering the trading floor. On the far wall he could see a fireplace.

The son climbed over the various boxes and stood in front end of the fireplace. Albus located a small sac of Floo Powder and then lit a fire. He turned to his friends.

"You ca n't Floo directly into somebody 's bailiwick at the Ministry. We 're going to let to go to the Atrium,"Albus told them,"I 'll go first, you follow."Albus took a smattering of powder and then handed the bag to Matt.

He tossed the powder into the flak and stepped inside, shouting"The Ministry of trick !"

Albus stumbled out of a different hearth seconds later. The Atrium was nearly deserted, pull through for a few wizards striding towards the lifts, clearly too busy to notice Albus.

Matt landed rather ungracefully on the floor. He picked himself up, brushing stray ash off his robes.

"Place is deserted,"matte said as he looked around.

"It 's a Saturday,"Albus pointed out,"Energy Department your dad body of work Sabbatum ?"

"Yeah,"matte nodded,"At to the lowest degree mornings."

Saint John the Apostle was next to step out of the fire, doing so more elegantly than matt had. He stood in front line of the fervor, staring around at the Atrium. His eyes rested on the outflow of Magical Brethren.

"This is more fancy than I imagined,"Saint John the Apostle said.

"Bloody hell !"Kaden shouted as he fell out of the ardour,"This is the Ministry ?"

"Yes,"Matt said quickly,"But we have n't got meter to explore. Let 's go."

Albus followed Matt towards the desk in the front of the Atrium. There was an old virtuoso leafing through a written matter of the Quibbler, oblivious to his environment. Albus almost thought they 'd be able to sneak around him, but he looked up just as they were about to pass.

"Where do you opine you 're going ?"he asked and then his eyes rested on Albus,"Albus Severus Potter. Why are n't you in schooltime ?"

"Er,"Albus began, a little unnerve that the man knew who he was.

matt stepped in front of Albus."We need to go see my dad. He 's the promontory of the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical wight. It 's kind of an emergency."

"Very well,"the man looked at them oddly,"Put your verge up here."

Albus did as he was told and the others followed suit. They waited impatiently as the old genius tested their baton and then handed them back. He waved them on towards the lifts.

"What 's the point of that ?"Kaden asked as they waited for a lift.

"So if you murder anyone, they can tell whose wand did it,"Albus said bluntly.

"That 's cheerful,"Kaden replied.

Once the lift arrived, the boys piled in and Matt pushed the issue four. Nobody said anything as the raising creaked its way to the fourth floor.

Matt took off at a run down the corridor after they left the rise. Albus had never been to this particular floor. It looked rather similar to the Magical Law Enforcement 's floor, with nondescript bent of double door on one side.

lustrelessness skidded to a halt in strawman of the only door that was individual and banged his hired man loudly on it. When there was no resolution after a few seconds, he banged again.

"Hold your hippogriffs !"called a representative from the inside,"I 'm coming, I'm-"Matt 's dad said as he opened the door.

Mr. Eckerton seemed to freeze at the mint of his son and the other three boys. He gaped at them for a second before shaking his head.

"Matt ?"he asked and rubbed his optic, as if he thought he was seeing a hallucination,"But, why are n't you in shoal ? How did you get here ? Why are you here ? Albus ? What are you- and John, Kaden ?"

His eyes rested on Matt again."matte ? What 's haywire ?"

Mr. Eckerton stepped aside and let the boys into his study. He shut the door quietly behind them.

The study reminded Albus of his dad 's. There were big windowpane on the slope opposite the door, although the vista exterior was not real, nor was the mollify rain that was pattering onto it.

There was a turgid leather covered chair behind the huge oak desk and a few little chairwoman in front man of it. Along the former two walls were shelf with scads of record. well-nigh of them were about diverse wizardly creatures.

Albus, lustrelessness, and John took the seats that were in straw man of the desk while Kaden wandered around the study looking at things. Mr. Eckerton leaned against the front of his desk and looked at his son.

"What 's happened ?"he asked quietly.

"L-Lubar,"flatness said in barely Sir Thomas More than a whispering,"He-he 's at Hogwarts."

"What ? !"Mr. Eckerton exclaimed.

"We were on our way to the Quidditch final,"Matt said,"A-and we saw him."

"Bloody Scheol !"Mr. Eckerton stood up and slammed his fist loudly against his desk,"Did Professor Kendrick take into account this ?"

"I do n't know,"matte replied,"B-but everyone else was at the match and he was just lurking about the castle."

Mr. Eckerton 's face hardened. He looked just like he had when he talked with Professor Balladanis earlier in the term."Let 's go, boys,"he said darkly,"I 've got to stimulate a word with prof Kendrick."

Albus followed Mr. Eckerton out of his subject area and down towards the raising. John 's walking speed was cypher compared to matte 's dad 's. The male child had to run to keep up.

"Where did you Floo from ?"Mr. Eckerton asked once they were in the lift.

"Honeyduke 's,"Albus answered.

"We 'll Floo there now,"Mr. Eckerton replied.

The wizard at the receive desk looked at them curiously as they rushed towards the open fireplace, but did n't say anything.

Mr. Eckerton handed Albus a bit of Floo pulverization and gestured for him to go first. Albus stepped into the fire and shouted,"Honeyduke 's !"

Albus began to spin faster and faster. He saw glimpse of hoi polloi 's houses, shops in Diagon alleyway, and a variety of other places he did not recognize. Then, out of one of the fireplaces, came a hand. Everything seemed to slack down, but Albus was n't sure if it actually did or not.

The bridge player grabbed him. Albus fought against it, but it was too strong. All of a sudden he was laying on a dusty wooden base, one that was not at all like the one in Honeyduke's.

Albus coughed and stood up. His essence was beating fast. What had happened ? Why was n't he in Honeyduke 's ? Where was he ? Whose script was that ?

Albus grappled for his wand and shakily held it up. He lit it and looked around the room, seeing no one.

"Nice to see you, Potter,"a moth-eaten phonation said from behind him.

Albus jumped and turned around. There, crouching next to the fireplace with his hand inside of it, was Lubar. He looked even more creepy in the dank room than he did in Hogwarts.

The fireplace glowed viridity and Lubar yanked his arm out of it. whoremaster came tumbling out of the fire and scrambled too his feet, looking about.

Lubar muttered something underneath his breath and stuck his script in the attack again.

"What the ?"John whispered to Albus,"Where are we ? Is that ? Bloody Hell !"

"Shut up !"Lubar shouted.

Albus gazed around the way. It looked vaguely familiar spirit, but Albus could n't put his finger on it. The window were boarded up, but it was definitely not the Shrieking Shack. Albus doubted that was connected to the Floo meshing anyway.

The open fireplace glowed immature yet again, this time sending Kaden onto the floor. This earned another shout from Lubar, who stuck his mitt in the fire again.

Kaden gaped and then got to his base and stood next to Albus. He looked absolutely terrified, even before he laid eyes on Lubar.

Albus wanted aught more than to run from the elbow room, but he did not know where the building was even located. Plus, Lubar would probably stupefy him or something.

greens light filled the room as the fireplace glowed once more. Albus knew even before it happened that matt would be the one to next fall out of the flaming. Mere seconds later, that suspicion was confirmed.

Matt coughed and scrambled to his ft. He gasped when he saw Lubar and ran over to Albus.

Lubar, finally satisfied, doused the firing and lit his scepter, which illuminated his sinister face. He began to tempo slowly in movement of them.

"Well, well, you went crying to Daddy just as I expected,"Lubar grinned manically,"I do love when things work out the way I expect them to."

Albus could feel lustrelessness shaking next to him. He gripped his wand hard, debating whether to try and demilitarize Lubar.

"Any idea where you are ?"Lubar asked,"Dervish and Banges. Lovely shop, pity about the owner. Yes, a real shame."

Lubar did n't appear at all upset about what happened to the shop possessor. Albus looked around the shop again and now he recognized it.

"Well, let 's not neutralize our time here,"Lubar said,"There 's a few people who 've been dying to see you."Lubar snapped his fingers three clip and Albus heard footstep on the stairs.

Three wizards descended the stairs and strode into the way. They lit their wands at the Saame time and Albus gasped when the light showed their faces. Jarrett and Quinton Willinson, along with Washburn. Three people Albus hoped never to see again.

Albus swallowed hard. He could see no way out of this. As just a dueler he was, he was up against four fully qualified virtuoso. Three of them did not possess the skills to duel, but Albus had no idea what Lubar was capable of.

"Ah, yes,"Lubar smirked,"What a lovely reunification. Unfortunately we have n't got sentence to chat."

Before Albus knew it, Washburn had him in a headlock with his wand pointed at his neck. Quinton Willinson had Kaden and his sire had john. Matt, seeing his friends restrained, made a run for the close window.

"Not so fast, Danton True Young loup-garou,"Lubar caught him by the backrest of his robes and wrapped one of his arms around his middle.

Lubar reached into his robes with his spare hand and pulled out an old tea kettle. He held it out to the other three men and each one put a free people hand on it. Albus knew what was going to happen right before it did. He shared a frightened glance with lusterlessness before feeling a jerk behind his belly button.


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as everyone who has read and reviewed this !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry ceramicist.
A/N : I decided to do part of this chapter from Harry 's gunpoint of horizon. It begins in his stop of horizon and then switches back to Albus 's. Asterisks indicate where the pointedness of view switches.


"Spectacular save by Empire State of the South Weasley !"the reviewer shouted.

Harry grinned as his niece threw the Quaffle back into playing period. It was immediately taken into possession by Hogwarts, and all three chaser threw it back and forth as they flew to the Aboriginal Australian end of the pitch.

"Score ! Hogwarts has scored against Commonwealth of Australia, bringing the come to 50-20 Hogwarts !"

Harry stood up and shouted as loud as the students. One thing he loved about the Quidditch tourney was that he did n't have to try and hold in his exhilaration when Hogwarts scored. During planetary house matches, he had to try and feign he was neutral, even though he obviously supported Gryffindor.

As well-chosen as Harry was about the Hogwarts pursuer being very skilled, he did not have hope that Hogwarts would actually win. Australia 's Seeker, Linda team spirit, was the Charles Herbert Best searcher Harry had ever seen outside of professional Quidditch. He knew that his son, St. James the Apostle, was well, but he was n't delusional. Linda was brilliant.

There was something odd about her, though, and Harry could n't put his finger on it. Her speed on a broom just did n't look natural. Professional Quidditch role player would kill for her speed.

"I 'm surprised she has n't found the Snitch yet,"Neville muttered to Harry.

"Yeah,"Harry nodded as he watched Linda slowly circling above the pitch. King James I was doing the like,"It 'll be soon, though."

Harry turned his gaze to the rest period of the faculty who were sitting around him. Most of them were quite reserved. cipher seemed to be showing the exuberance Harry was. He did n't care. Harry did n't share their belief that teachers could n't get overly excited about Quidditch.

A few professors stood up and then sat back down again as someone squeezed their way past them. Harry craned his chief and was surprised to see Walter Eckerton.

Harry did n't know the man well. They 'd met on social function at the Ministry, although Harry had a feeling he 'd be seeing more of him now that he was mind of the Department for the regularisation and Control of Magical Creatures.

What Harry mostly knew about Bruno Walter Eckerton was more on a personal than pro level. Harry had never met a father who was more protective of his son than Walter Eckerton, although he did have practiced ground. Never a more devoted father, either.

Walter continued his way past the former professor until he stopped in front of Harry. Harry was even more shocked to see the expression on his face. worry was etched in every office of his fount, bringing out the wrinkles, but there was anger in his eyes.

"Walter,"Harry shook his mitt as he stood up,"What 's going on ?"

"Not here,"Walter muttered,"I need a word in private."

Harry told Neville he 'd be right back and he followed Walter out of the stands. They continued walking until they were a short space away from the pitch and then Walter stopped.

"The boys have just been to see me at the Ministry,"Walter said as soon as he 'd stopped.

"delay, what ?"Harry asked,"You mean Albus and Matt ?"

"Yes, and the other two as well,"Walter said quickly,"You 've heard of Ralph Lubar, the Head of the department for the Regulation and ascendence of Magical brute in Australia ?"

Harry nodded, slightly confused at the change of subject."Yes, not a very tolerant bloke, is he ?"

Walter 's grimace hardened."That 's a gracious way of putting it. The bloke is vomit and wrestle and he 's got a grudge against me. Very long story and I have n't got meter to tell it. scant version is that when Matt was eight, Lubar passed a law that required him to transubstantiate in a building with other loup-garou, honest-to-goodness lycanthrope. Nearly killed him. It was flop before we moved. For whatever reason, Lubar decided to visit Hogwarts today, possibly under the pretense of attending the Quidditch match.

"The boy saw him and Flooed to the Ministry from Honeyduke 's. matte 's absolutely terrified of him, which is why they came to me. I came back with them. They Flooed before I did, but when I arrived at Honeyduke 's they were n't there. I 've already spoken with the proprietor of the shop as well as a few other Hogsmeade occupier. No one 's seen them. We 've got to find them."

Harry 's kernel sank."You do n't call back Lubar 's got them, do you ? He 's not life-threatening, is he ?"

"To matte, yes, but I have n't the flimsy thought as to why he 'd require the other boys,"Bruno Walter said.

"Even if he did only want Matt, he 'd induce to get Albus as well because I know Albus would n't let him take matte sitting down,"Harry replied, and started walking briskly towards Hogsmeade,"Let 's go. I 'll get every uncommitted Auror on this."

******

Albus tried as hard as he could to free himself from Washburn 's grasp as he was Portkeying to who knows where. All Albus knew about the location was that it must be far away. Portkeying is usually mostly instantaneous, but this time there was a substantial lag. Albus had clip to try and get away, not that it did anything.

The second clew that their destination was far away was the fact that it was very night when Albus finally landed on the flat coat. Not dark like an at hand storm either. Dark as in night.

Washburn had let go of Albus as they landed and Albus hastened to get to his feet. tawdry thumping around him told him that his friends had landed as well.

The ground was break and strong and the foliation around them was dense. Albus assumed they were in some sorting of forest. He gazed around and saw a lot of unfamiliar tree diagram that seemed to stretch towards the starry sky.

There was no moonshine to sort out the forest. Lubar, the Willinsons, and Washburn had walked a few yards away from the male child and were whispering to each early. All four had lit their wands, but it was n't enough wand light to chip in Albus a well horizon of his surroundings.

Matt, John, and Kaden had all scrambled over to where Albus was and were standing quite close to him, their wands out. Albus pulled his own out as well, but did n't dare get off it.

"Why is it night ?"Kaden whispered.

"Where the netherworld are we ?"john asked.

"We 're in Australia,"lustrelessness said in awe, as if he was just coming to terminus with that fact.

"We Portkeyed across an ocean ?"Kaden gasped.

When Albus thought about it, it made good sense. Lubar was from Australia, so why should n't he exact them there ? It was quite far away from anyone who would be looking for them.

What did n't make sense was why Lubar was with Washburn and the Willinsons. As far as he could evidence, the four wizards seemed to be working together, but why ? Lubar lived halfway across the world. How had he met the Willinsons ?

"Is this anywhere near your old sign of the zodiac ?"John asked.

"How should I know ?"matt snapped,"Australia 's a huge state !"

"I just thought if we were near it, we could hide there,"John the Divine muttered.

"You would n't require to,"Matt said,"My stupefied cousin owns it now."

"You have a cousin ?"Albus asked.

"Not crucial,"lusterlessness said quickly.

Albus nodded."How are we going to get out of this ?"

"They 're not paying attention,"John Lackland whispered, gesturing to where the four sorcerer stood huddled in a roundabout,"Maybe if we run for it."

"The Portkey 's right there,"Matt pointed to the tea kettle, which was a few foundation away,"If we can just get to it."

"All right,"Albus whispered,"On the count of three. One ... two ... three."

Albus ran as quietly as he could towards the Porkey. He was about to pick it up when it soared up into the air. Albus looked up and saw Lubar sneering at him, with the Portkey in his hand.

"That wo n't do,"Lubar said as he stowed the Porkey in his cloak. He turned to the former three men."They 're trying to get away."

"What do you await ?"Jarrett said rudely,"There 's four of them ! Do you actualise how much more difficult this is going to be now ? We only needed Potter ! But no, you had to go and insist on bringing that loup-garou kid as well."

"You would n't even have managed this if it were n't for me !"Lubar growled,"So do n't go telling me what I should and should n't have done."

"wellspring, now we 've wound up with two supererogatory 1 as well,"Jarret muttered.

"They 're kids, how much trouble can they be ?"Lubar smirked.

"You do n't know this lot,"Washburn replied,"They 're the grounds we have n't had luck before."

"I thought that was because of your unbelievable betise,"Lubar said.

Albus was very scheme. Lubar was arguing with them as if he knew them well. Had Lubar really been working with them all along ?

What did they need him for anyway ? What had Willinson meant when he said 'we only needed Potter'?

"Shut it, Lubar,"Jarrett said.

"I 'll say what I like,"Lubar replied,"This is my bush, not yours."

"You own the forest now ?"Jarrett asked.

"As a matter of fact, I do,"Lubar snapped.

"Ministry must be paying you well."

"Indeed they are,"Lubar said and turned to matt,"So many years have passed. Tell me, what is it like pretending to be something you 're not ?"

To Albus 's surprisal, it was lavatory and not Matt who went flying at Lubar. Lubar disarmed John with a lazy wave of his verge, leaving John stunned in front of him. It appeared that Lubar was a significantly better dueler than either of the Willinsons or Washburn.

Pocketing John 's baton, Lubar turned back to matt, who was shakily holding his sceptre up.

"It does n't count what country you 're in,"Lubar seethed,"You 're the Sami matter no issue where you live. The laws do n't change what you are. Pretend as much as you like, but it wo n't modify a thing."

Now Albus wanted to go after Lubar. The anger was boiling up inside of him and he did n't mean he had ever felt more angry in his integral spirit, and that included every coming upon he had had with Scorpius Malfoy. Malfoy was like a downy kitten compared to Lubar.

However, Albus held himself back. John was already wandless. It would do them no estimable if Albus got disarmed as well. Something told him to hold back, to hold back until he could grab them off guard.

"What about your male parent ? I hear he 's the head of the department in Britain now,"Lubar smirked,"guessing it 's just a matter of time until the Saame matter happens. You 'll have to flee again."

matte was visibly trembling now. Albus wracked his brain, trying to figure out what to do. What could they do ?

"Oh, for Merlin 's rice beer !"Jarrett strode forward,"How is this helping thing ? Did we really risk Portkeying a bunch of kids to Australia just to waste time taunting one of them ?"

"Quiet !"Lubar shouted,"I 'll do what I like !"

"Excuse me !"Kaden said loudly, turning to Lubar,"But how in the name of Merlin do you love them ?"He gestured to the Willinsons and Washburn.

Albus held his breath, waiting for Lubar to put some kind of jonah or scourge on Kaden. Sometimes his cousin was quite dense. It seemed obvious to Albus that this was a time not to ask questions.

To Albus 's surprise, Lubar smiled. It was a twisted sorting of smile, but a grin nonetheless.

"I think that 's a fair dubiousness,"Lubar said."My cousin married this imbecile,"Lubar pointed at Jarrett.

"You 're married ?"Kaden gaped at Jarrett, causing Albus to moan. Why would n't Kaden just shut up ?

"Not for much longer,"Jarrett muttered,"Can we please just get on with this ?"

"Patience, first cousin,"Lubar said as he began to take the air slowly around the early three,"We mus n't do this hastily. Haste is the reason you three have failed prior to tonight."

Fail at what ? What were they going to do ? The only matter Albus could think of was getting the Hallows, but all three Hallows were in England. If that was their architectural plan, they would n't take taken them to Australia.

Albus glanced nervously at Matt, who still looked scared out of his nous. Something was still telling Albus not to try and duel the men. Lubar seemed smart, lots smarter than the early three, and that scared Albus more than anything else. There was a big dispute between dueling someone who was smart and dueling someone who was an idiot.

******

The Ministry seemed deserted when Harry and Walter Flooed there a brusque patch later. Harry had briefly questioned the owners of Honeyduke 's, but they had not seen any of the boys.

Harry and Walter ran towards the lifts at top hurrying, not pausing to answering the questioning stare of the gent at the welcome desk. The nip and tuck could not go fast enough for the two men. Harry nearly pulled the doorway open when they finally arrived at Magical Law Enforcement 's floor.

The Auror office was slightly more lively than the remainder of the Ministry, but not much. Three Aurors were inside, two of whom hastily shoved away a lot of Exploding Snap cards and stood up upon seeing Harry arrive. The other Auror, a rather short but compact witch, shoved the book she was reading in the drawer, and joined the other two.

"Potter, sir !"the witch said,"We thought you were at Hogwarts today !"

"I was,"Harry said darkly and explained the situation.

The three Aurors looked downhearted as they waited for Harry to grant them educational activity.

"Dabney,"Harry turned to the taller of the wizards,"Brighton,"he looked at the witch,"Get started with an all-inclusive search of Hogsmeade. I 'm calling in everyone who is n't busy with anything else. Tiburon and Oswald are on tariff in Hogsmeade today, inform them of the situation."

Dabney and Brighton nodded before dashing out of the room. Harry turned to the remaining Auror."Lewster, you will be searching the Forbidden timberland as soon as person else arrives."

Harry pulled out his wand and muttered a spell. An enormous silvery stag flew out of his wand and Harry whispered to it. The Patronus glided out of the room and Harry leaned against the near desk.

It was n't long before Harry heard footstep in the corridor. He looked up at the threshold just as Ron was running through, followed by half a 12 other Aurors.

"Harry, what 's going on ?"Ron said in a worried tone.

Harry rehashed the stallion post again. Ron 's face paled."What about Rose, was she with them ?"

"No,"Walter shook his head teacher,"It was just the boys."

"Thank Falco columbarius,"Ron whispered,"But Harry, what about Willinson ? D'you think he 's got anything to do with this ?"

"It 's crossed my creative thinker,"Harry muttered,"But I have n't got a cue as to how Lubar would get laid him."

"With dark wizards, you just never know,"Ron pointed out.

"I know,"Harry nodded,"Ron, lead the hunting of the Forbidden Forest. Lewster 's going with you. And take Daniels and Kate Smith with you."

Ron nodded and left the way, followed by Lewster and two other wizards. The remaining four Aurors looked to Harry.

"The rest of you can search the castle and reason. Be distinct. I do not wish to interrupt the Quidditch mate unless it is absolutely necessary,"Harry instructed.

The Aurors left the elbow room and Harry turned to Walter. He slowly shook his forefront. Why was it always Albus ? This was the third year he had gotten into trouble. Albus 's old age at Hogwarts were reminding Harry dangerously of his own.

"I 'd meliorate go Floo home and assure Julie what 's going on,"Walter sighed,"She 's going to fall apart."

Harry nodded as Walter left the elbow room. Ginny. Harry snapped his head up. She was going to be watching the match, but was going to be late. She 's probably there now, Harry thought. She 'd be looking for him.

Harry slowly left the room. How was he going to tell his wife that Albus had been kidnapped and he did n't have a clue as to where he was ?

******

"You 're just too afraid to do it !"Jarrett shouted at Lubar,"What could possibly go wrong ? We 're halfway across the cosmos from the Aurors that are looking for this lot !"

"Once again you have proved your stupidity,"Lubar replied,"Do you realise who we 've taken halfway across the world ? Harry potter 's son ! You have n't a clue as to how things work in the Ministry !

"I can guarantee you that at this very second, the integral Auror department is looking for them. Harry thrower 's probably got every Auror on this case. It wo n't take them long to substantiate that we 're not in England.

"And this one,"Lubar gestured to matt,"He 's got the most meddling parents in the world. They 'd sooner kill everyone in the human beings before letting something happen to him. Very irritating. They wo n't rest until they find him. Not to mention the fact that he 's the son of a Ministry functionary. We 've got two Kyd of two of the most prominent Ministry officials of Britain. Think, Jarrett, think ! We 've got to be deliberate !"

"fountainhead, you 're the one who wanted to choose the werewolf, too,"Jarrett growled.

"And you 're the one who insisted we take Potter 's son !"Lubar shouted,"Why do we even need him ?"

"We just do !"Jarrett shouted back.

"If both of you imbecile had n't wanted to get the kidskin, we could 've done this whole thing without the Ministry finding out,"Washburn cut in.

"Shut up !"Lubar and Jarrett said at the Lapp time.

Maybe if they kept arguing, they would n't sustain a probability to do whatever it was they wanted to do before the Aurors found them, Albus thought. He could only hope that the thaumaturge would have enough to argue about.

"Are we going to do it here ?"Jarrett asked,"Or go to the mansion ?"

"wealthy person you learned zip ?"Lubar shouted,"When they find out that we 're here, the world-class place they 'll look is the house."

"Got any better thought ?"Jarrett seethed,"Have you got a mystical little shack somewhere in this state ?"

"No,"Lubar snapped,"We 're taking them to the outback. Plenty of places to hide, not very inhabited. Perfect place."

Before Albus could even mull over running away, Jarrett had his arm in a frailty grip again. Matt was once again in the clench of Lubar, and John and Kaden were both caught by the Willinsons.

Albus knew very little about the Australian outback, just that it was n't worthy for lots homo habitation. However, the one opus of info he did have it off about it was that it was where near of the dementors that used to guard Azkaban had gone. That, and it was a somewhat popular plaza for vampires.

Lubar and Jarrett had stopped bickering. Albus had two arcsecond to realize what was happening before he felt the familiar but unpleasant sensation of side-along Apparition.


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as all of the awing multitude who have read and reviewed this !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.
A/N : Like the previous chapter, this one goes back and forth between Albus 's and Harry 's perspectives.


Albus stumbled as he landed, breaking free of Jarrett 's clasp. He tripped over a rock and landed expression first in the sand. Spitting the grittiness out of his mouth, he stood up and glanced around.

It was still far too colored to see anything but the precis of quite a little in the distance. The outback seemed very discharge and very quiet. There was a very diminished thumping of bushes and tree diagram nearby, but besides that, Albus did not see much else in the way of plant life.

Albus immediately knew why Lubar had taken them there. He had never been in such a deserted place in his life. There was absolutely nothing around them. Even if Albus had decided to run away, he would n't have gotten very far. As dangerous as staying with Lubar was, Albus knew he would take no opportunity of surviving if he ran off into the outback.

Lubar seemed to know that Albus and the others would n't run away. He neglected to use any variety of R-2 to tie them up or put any magical spell around them. Instead, he walked a short aloofness in the counsel of the mint and gestured for the Willinsons and Washburn to follow them.

"What are we going to do ?"John seethed,"Has anyone got any idea where we are ?"

"The outback 's huge,"Matt replied,"I bet we 're right-hand in the middle of it. The nigh civilization 's probably miles away."

"So we 're done for,"Saint John groaned,"What do they even want with us anyway ?"

"No idea,"Albus said,"But if they keep arguing, we might not birth to find out."

"Do you really call up your dads are going to be capable to find us ?"John asked skeptically.

"Lubar 's rightfulness,"Albus said,"The all Ministry 's going to be looking. I think they 'll find us."

"Energy Department pig out like this happen every class ?"Kaden asked,"I mean, final stage year I got kidnapped by Willinson and now we all were. What 'll go on next year ?"

"Hopefully nothing,"Albus said.

"If there is a succeeding twelvemonth,"John muttered.

"Shut up over there !"Lubar shouted as he walked back over to the son,"I did n't tell you to talk !"

"Lubar !"Jarrett seethed as he pointed to someplace in the length,"There 's people gathering over there ! We 've got to go somewhere else !"

Albus looked towards where Jarrett was pointing and his heart leapt a bit. There was a small gathering of physical body a few G away. Could his dad have found them already ?

"Calm down,"Lubar said,"They 're just lamia. They wo n't bother us. I know that coven. They know better than to mess with me. I 'll pee life pretty scurvy for them if they do."

"Cutting quite a little with vampires now ?"Jarrett asked.

"Proving to be helpful, is n't it ?"Lubar answered.

Albus 's Leslie Townes Hope sank once again. Lubar seemed more confusing than ever. He cut batch for vampires but passed restrictive laws on werewolves ? It did n't take a leak sense.

The men lowered their voices again and Albus wished he had a few Extendable Ears with him. He did n't dare tattle to his friend, just sent them queasy glances every now and then.

A cold wind blew over them and Albus shivered. It was the kind of cold that chilled him to the bone. Hoping that it was n't going to rain down, or snow ( was n't it winter in Australia ? ), he looked to the sky. There were no clouds, but what Albus saw was much worse than clouds.

Five or six draped figure of speech were slowly circling above them. Although he had never before seen one, Albus recognized them as dementors immediately. Despite the dark, Albus could clearly establish out their forms. As they got closer, he could even listen their rattling breath.

The world in front line of him began to drown. He felt like he was going to lead out, but he knew it was just the dementors sucking all the happiness out of him. Albus was left with all his unhappy thoughts.

His dad was n't going to find them. They would be stuck on the Australian outback until Lubar and the others did what they were going to do. Then who knew what would happen ?

"No, no, no !"flatness shouted.

Albus squeezed his eyes shut and then opened them, forcing himself to wait towards his friend. lusterlessness was kneeling on the ground, shaking violently. Both privy and Kaden were looking at him anxiously, neither seeming to be that affected by the dementors.

Of course of action the dementors would affect Matt the tough. He had gone through things that Albus, John, and Kaden could n't even suppose. It probably did n't avail that Lubar was actually present, either.

Without even thinking, Albus pulled his scepter out of his robes. He 'd heard the conjuration for the Patronus charm before and figured it was worth a shot. What else could he do besides try ?

"Expecto Patronum !"Albus shouted, pointing his sceptre at the sky. Nothing happened.

A glad thought ! How could he have forgotten that ? It was difficult to think of one with dementors flying over heard and listening to Matt shouting on the ground.

When the categorization Hat put him in Gryffindor ! Albus pointed his wand to the sky again."Expecto Patronum ! Expecto Patronum !"

Albus kept shouting the incantation while using various happy memories. nothing was happening, but matte 's yelling was decreasing. Then it stopped. Albus stopped and looked towards the primer. It looked like Matt had passed out.

Thinking of the day Balladanis had been sacked, Albus pointed his wand at the dementors once again."Expecto Patronum !"he shouted.

A silvery blob exploded from his wand and went after the dementors. Albus stood shocked for a few mo. He had variety of done a Patronus magic spell !

"Bloody underworld,"Saint John the Apostle whispered.

"Expecto Patronum !"someone shouted from the distance.

Albus looked up and saw Lubar running at them with his wand pointed at the dementors. A silvery squirrel was floating ahead of him and the dementors scattered as it reached them.

Albus 's foggy brainiac immediately cleared and the happiness returned. He quickly stowed his wand in his gown before Lubar thought to disarm him.

"Leave him,"Lubar growled at John and Kaden, who were bent to the ground trying to get matte to wake up.

"Dementors !"Washburn shouted sarcastically,"This was a damn splendid situation to come."

Lubar paid no attention to Washburn 's gossip. His eyes were focused on Albus and he was giving him a very curious look. Albus took a nervous step back, but Lubar did not forfend his regard. Albus immediately closed his mind.

******

"ceramist, sir !"

Harry, who had been walking up High Street in Hogsmeade with Ginny, turned around and saw Lewster striding towards him. Harry stopped, hoping he had some expert news.

"What is it, Lewster ?"Harry asked.

"Just talked to a few of the Centaurus,"Lewster said,"They saw three wizard in the forest a few 60 minutes ago. They recognized one of them as Washburn."

"I 'd bet my finale Galleon the other two were the Willinsons,"Harry replied,"Did the centaurs know anything else ?"

"Just that Washburn and the others were looking for something. Apparently they were scouring the woods flooring for something,"Lewster answered.

Harry nodded. That did n't surprise him. The Resurrection Harlan F. Stone was someplace in the forest."Did you see anything ?"

"No,"Lewster shook his foreland,"And the centaurs are fairly certain they 've left."

"Very well,"Harry said,"See what else you can see out."

Lewster left and Harry turned to Ginny, who looked afraid.

"Harry, you do n't suppose that Washburn is with Lubar, do you ?"Ginny asked.

"There 's no doubtfulness in my nous,"Harry answered,"It 's just a issue of finding them. hear, I 've got to go lookup Dervish and Banges. I 've got this suspicion about the place. Seems like the perfective tense place for Washburn to take in them."

Ginny nodded."I 'll go catch the end of the match. I wo n't mention anything to Jesse James and Lily yet."

"Good,"Harry said,"I 'll be in touch soon."He kissed her lightly on the brow."We 're going to observe him."

"I know,"Ginny replied softly,"hitch safe."

Ginny turned around to walk back to the Hogwarts grounds while Harry picked up the pace and walked the short space to Dervish and Banges.

The construction looked utterly abandoned. The windowpane were still boarded up, the grass overgrown around it. It certainly did n't take care like anyone was hiding inside, but Harry had to check.

Pulling out his wand, he crept cautiously to the doorway. He carefully pulled the boards off of it and quietly wrenched the door open. Without lighting his wand, he walked inside.

The plaza had the flavour of a Recent epoch fire in the hearth. someone had been there. However, there was not a sound from anywhere in the building. Harry lit his baton and saw that it was deserted.

After a thorough tick of the stallion building, in which Harry found no support creatures, he returned to the briny elbow room. The fireplace was filled with nearly suddenly embers and there was a belittled cumulus of Floo pulverization spilled out onto the floor.

The Floo had been used recently. Harry bent down and muttered an incantation that would differentiate him where the stopping point person to use the hearth had Flooed from. He waited for the incantation to make for, his affection pounding.

Soft red smoke emitted from his wand, curling together to organize the words 'Ministry of thaumaturgy .'Harry breathed a sigh of relief. He was getting somewhere. Without hardly a incertitude, Harry knew that Albus and the other son had wound up in Dervish and Banges after going to the Ministry. The just query was, where had they gone after that ?

******

"How old are you, Potter ?"Lubar asked.

"baker's dozen,"Albus replied, still a bit nervous as to why Lubar was looking at him like that. It reminded him of how Balladanis had looked at him during the endorsement dueling tournament.

"And they teach the Patronus Charm to thirteen-year-olds at Hogwarts ?"Lubar replied.

"No,"Albus shook his head, although when he thought about it, Balladanis may hold taught him and Malfoy Patronuses if he had n't gotten sacked."That was the first clock time I 'd tried it."

"Very intriguing,"Lubar said as he turned to the early three men,"This lot did n't tell me you were skilled at Defensive magic."

"You never asked,"Jarrett muttered,"But is thrower 's aptitude for Patronuses really relevant to what we 're doing ?"

"It matters if they decide to try and hex us !"Lubar snapped,"I think it might be Charles Herbert Best if they 're all wandless."

Albus gulped and clenched his wand harder. He glanced at Matt, who was still unconscious. John did n't have his wand. Kaden was n't very good at dueling. It would be up to him, to Albus, if this came to a duel.

"The lonesome one who 's got any attainment is thrower,"Jarrett said,"The early three are n't going to be difficult."

"Fine,"Lubar muttered,"We 'll get started, but I need to babble out to you three away from them first."

Jarrett nodded and the men walked a few yards away and began whispering too quietly for Albus to hear.

Albus bent down to where Matt had collapsed, wishing he knew a healing spell or two."flatness, Matt,"he whispered,"Wake up."

After a minute or two, flatness 's oculus fluttered open and he sat up."What happened ?"he asked, looking around confusedly.

"You passed out,"Albus told him,"When the dementors were here."

"But Albus cast a Patronus !"Gospel According to John said excitedly.

"You what ?"lusterlessness gaped at him.

"It was just silverish mist,"Albus told him,"Lubar 's actually the one who got rid of them."

"Probably just for his sake,"Matt shuddered,"Did anyone else pass out ?"The other three boy shook their heads."Figures,"mat muttered.

"You need some chocolate or something,"Albus said,"Anyone got some ?"

"might,"Kaden began fishing around in his pockets. He produced a chocolate batrachian and handed it to Matt, who took it without saying a word.

"Listen,"Albus said,"Whatever it is that they want to do here, they 're doing it soon. Do you think you can get up ?"

mat nodded and Albus helped him to his metrical unit. Lubar and the others were walking towards them again. Albus slowly pulled his wand out of his robes and held it to his side, hiding it partially behind his back.

Lubar conjured a pile of Wood and set fire to it, illuminating himself, Washburn, the Willinsons, and the boys. Albus was now clearly able to see the wrench feel on Lubar 's face.

"Are you mad ?"Jarrett seethed,"Fire 's going to pull attention !"

Lubar laughed."fervidness 's going to ensure that those lamia stay away and we 've got to see what we 're doing !"

Albus glanced towards where the vampires had been congregating. They were currently walking farther away from Albus and the others. Thinking back to Linda 's boggart, he remembered that vampire are destroyed by blast. Albus turned back to the men.

Jarrett was holding something out in his hired hand, but Albus could n't make out what it was. Jarrett, along with Quinton and Washburn, looked quite excited. Lubar looked mildly annoyed and impatient.

"Do you have intercourse what this is, potter ?"Jarrett asked gleefully.

"No,"Albus said, trying not to sound too nervous.

"It 's the Resurrection of Christ Stone,"Jarrett answered.

Albus could hardly conceal his gasp as he peered closer at Jarrett 's outstretched script. There was a very small stone sitting in it. The Resurrection Stone. One of the Deathly Hallows. Jarrett had finally succeeded in getting one of the three objects he had been after for years. But how ?

"How ?"Albus asked, trying to vocalise confident.

"Ancient magic is a beautiful thing, Potter,"Jarrett answered,"There are long forgotten spells, spells that work very nicely with yearn leave magic objects such as this stone. It was merely a affair of finding the correct spell, getting to the Forbidden Forest, and putting it to use. Quite elementary now that I look back on it."

"Only because you did n't do any of the work,"Lubar muttered,"It was I who found the spell !"

"The other Hallows will prove to be easy to obtain with the help of this,"Jarrett went on, ignoring Lubar 's mutterings.

Albus did not like the sound of that. The gem itself did one thing and that was bring back the heart of people who had passed on. How would that facilitate Jarrett get the other Hallows ?

The invisibility Cloak. Albus 's venter plummeted. It was still in his robe. He really hoped Jarrett would n't realize that.

"Another thing that I thought of !"Lubar seethed.

"You think this lot care who did what ?"Jarrett laughed.

"Oh, just get on with it,"Washburn rolled his eyes.

Jarrett sidestepped past the fire and strode close-fitting to Albus. Albus took a footstep back as his pith started beating faster. He had a very bad feeling about what Jarrett was going to do with that Stone.

"Ah, yes, Potter. You should be afraid,"Jarrett 's gaze swept over all four boy,"You should all be afraid."

"Quit taunting them and just do it,"Washburn said impatiently.

"With this stone,"Jarrett said a bit louder,"I will make for back Lord Voldemort."

******

Harry burst out of Dervish and Banges, not caring that he had blasted the room access completely off its hinge as he did so. He had to line up Bruno Walter. He had to line up Walter and then go to the Ministry. The fireplace did not register augury that it had been used to Floo away from the abandoned shop. That left either Apparition or a Portkey, both of which would have left tracing that he 'd need the department of Magical Transportation for.

Harry rounded a recess as he ran towards Honeyduke 's and nearly ran headlong into a hag. He stepped back and saw it was Ginny. She wore a strange flavour of confusedness and shock, fuse with mingle fear.

"Ginny,"Harry said,"Sorry."

"Not a problem,"she said quickly,"Have you found anything ?"

"Yes,"Harry answered,"Is the match over ? How badly did we miss by ?"

"Only a hundred points,"Ginny said,"But we might not bear actually lost. Listen, did you know Commonwealth of Australia 's Seeker is a lamia ?"

"Wait, what ?"Harry gaped at her, trying to wrap up his psyche around that fact while still focusing his psyche on Albus.

"I 'll explicate after we 've found Albus,"Ginny said.

"Right,"Harry agreed,"I 've got a Pb. person was in Dervish and Banges. They Flooed there from the Ministry ; I 'm indisputable it was Al and the others. I 've got to detect Bruno Walter and go to the Ministry. I 'm not sure where that will leave us, but I might not be back for a while."

"Just be careful,"Ginny said as she gave him a kiss,"And bring him back."

"I will,"Harry said as he kissed her back,"I 'll see you soon."

"Harry !"

Harry turned and saw Bruno Walter striding out of Honeyduke 's. With one last flavor at Ginny, Harry met Walter half-way.

"We 've got to get to the Ministry,"Harry said immediately, and explained about what he had found at Dervish and Banges and what Lewster had learned from the centaurs.

Bruno Walter nodded and the two men Disapparated on the spot. They reappeared a piffling patch later in a pocket-sized phantasma bedchamber in the Ministry.

Passing the bewilder looking surety guard for the third time that day, Harry and Bruno Walter ran to the lifts. Neither of them said a Logos as the lift clattered to the department of Magical Transportation.

The section was nearly deserted, spare for one very bored looking witch sitting at a desk.

"Mr. ceramist, Mr. Eckerton !"she exclaimed as she took her feet off the desk,"Something I can do for you ?"

"Yes,"Harry answered,"I need to know if anyone 's Disapparated from Dervish and Banges in Hogsmeade. Or used a Portkey from that same location. And if you 're able to, I need to get it on where they went."

"Of course of study, Mr. ceramicist, of course,"the crone said as she got up. She disappeared into another room, shutting the door behind her.

Harry sighed and sat down on the nearest chairwoman. Walter sat down in the adjacent one, looking thoroughly miserable.

"We 'll find them,"Harry said quietly.

"I do n't doubt that,"Bruno Walter replied,"However, that is not the sole affair I am worried about. The last time Matt had an altercation with Ralph Lubar, he wound up in therapy for calendar month afterwards."

Harry was not expecting that. He did not live much about therapy, except that sorcerer did not normally use it. Whatever had happened, it must have been bad.

"Do you beware if I ask what happened ?"Harry asked, not sure if he was overstepping some sort of boundary.

Walter did not speak for several s."It 's ok,"Harry said,"You do n't experience to explain."

"I will,"Bruno Walter said quietly,"Shortly after Matt was bitten, I became the foreland of the Department for the Regulation and ascendency of Magical Creatures in Australia. nobody outside of the department knew about his consideration, of class. Ralph Lubar was given my previous position of head teacher of the lycanthrope restraint social unit, and was quite jealous that I was given the Head position. He could not get over the fact that I was given it, even when my own son had lycanthropy.

"It was a score he held against me for many old age, until the day finally came when he cracked and let it slip that matt was a werewolf. A bit of legislation had been passed that required all lieu of transformation be inspected by the Ministry. Lubar inspected Matt 's and it failed on a trifle. Ministry centers were set up for werewolf to metamorphose in, together. matte was required by law to transmute there since his safe room did not pass. I refused to get him transform there. The paper were all over it. I lost my job. Lubar was appointed to the Head position.

"More legislation was passed. A law that stated that Ministry officials could physically force werewolves into the translation centers. On the day of the full Sun Myung Moon, Lubar Flooed into our house and took Matt to the center. By the time I figured out which center it was, the lunar month had risen. It was too late.

"Matt spent weeks in St. Mungo 's. By that sentence we were nearly make to move here. He was so shock, it took calendar month for him to get over it. To be honest, I do n't think he 's fully over it.

"The only cause Lubar did it was to try and get to me. That 's why he 's so spew and turn,"Walter finished as he put his head in his hands,"I swore I 'd never let him near Matt again. Swore I 'd kill him if he went near Matt again.

Walter gave an odd sort of laugh."Listen to me, I 'm telling the Head of the Auror Department that I 'd give murder."

"Just so long as you do n't actually do it when we go save the boy,"Harry said, still processing what Walter had told him. It certainly explained a lot- why they were so reluctant to let Matt out of their hatful, why they were n't on the Floo Network.

One matter that Harry could order was that Walter blamed himself for everything that had happened. Honestly, Harry was n't surprised. If something like that had happened to James, Albus, or Lily, he would 've blamed himself, too.

"That was n't your fault,"Harry said quietly,"And this is n't either."

"If I had just Flooed ahead of the boys-"

"It would n't have mattered,"Harry interrupted,"And it 'll do no good to dwell on it now. It 's in the past."

"That 's exactly what my brother said when lusterlessness was in St. Mungo 's,"Walter said wryly.

"Mr. Potter !"the beldam came bustling out of the room she had gone into, brandishing a piece of sheepskin, which she handed to Harry.

Harry stood up as she handed them the parchment. His eyes scanned the parchment. Portkeys. Four Portkeys had left Dervish and Banges a few brusque minute ago. That in itself did not scandalize Harry, especially compared to where the Portkeys had gone.

"Australia,"Harry read as he turned to Walter, who had visibly paled at the Christian Bible,"They 're in Australia."


A/N : Thanks to my genus Beta, Dancer of Starlight as well as all of the amazing mass who have read and left such adorable reviews !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.
A/N : Like the previous chapters, this one is also split between Albus and Harry 's perspectives.


Never had Albus wished so intemperate that he could Apparate. Why did you have to be XVII to get your phantom licence anyway ? If he ever worked in the section of Magical transportation system, he would deepen that law. Apparition would 've enabled him to get out of Australia, away from Jarrett Willinson, who was trying to wreak back noble Voldemort with the Resurrection Stone.

Albus could not remember being more scared in his life story. This was far big than when he had dueled Washburn on the Hogwarts grounds two old age ago, far unfit than when Quinton kidnapped Kaden the former yr. Lord Voldemort was far scarier than Lubar, Washburn, and the Willinsons combined.

What would Voldemort look like when Jarrett brought him back ? Harry had said the Stone could n't actually bring people back to life. Albus guessed he 'd be more like a spook. But would he be able to do magic, to execute the curses and hex he did when he was alert ?

Albus held his breath as he watched Jarrett turn the stone over in his helping hand. Albus had no idea how it worked, but judging by how quiet all of the adults were, Jarrett was trying to use it.

Over and over again Jarrett turned the stone. He did it for so long that Albus had to let out his hint. The aroused gleam on Jarrett 's face slowly dissipated until it was replaced by frustration.

"Why wo n't it work ?"Jarrett shouted,"Are you positively charged this is the right Lucy Stone ?"

"Of grade I am !"Lubar shouted as he grabbed the Stone,"The spell said it was !"

"Well, it 's not working now, is it ?"Jarrett mocked.

Albus breathed a suspiration of relief. Either they had the wrong endocarp or for whatever reason, Voldemort could n't be brought back with it. Albus was hoping for the former.

Lubar turned the stone over in his hands. On the one-third turn, a unusual sort of mist appeared in front of him. Albus 's nub sped up. It had worked.

The mist began to pass and a name was standing in front man of Lubar. The figure was not Lord Voldemort, though. Albus had no idea who had been resurrected, but it certainly was not Voldemort. This person was a woman, and a light one at that.

Washburn and the Willinsons were exchanging rummy glances. Lubar, however, was staring directly at the trope, his look contorted with something Albus could only put on was sadness.

"M-mother ?"Lubar said as he stepped closer to the woman.

"You idiot !"Jarrett shouted,"That 's not Voldemort !"

"I know that !"Lubar snapped and the looked back to the woman, who was apparently his mother,"Mum."

"Ralphy,"the woman replied.

"I-it 's been so long,"Lubar whispered.

Albus turned to his Quaker, who were all staring in confusion at Lubar. mat in particular was giving Lubar a very strange look. Apparently the gemstone was the Resurrection of Christ Harlan F. Stone and it did indeed work, just not in the way Jarrett had been planning.

"Very long,"Lubar 's female parent agreed,"But you 've done well. I 'm very majestic of you, son."

Albus had to cover his mouth to hold back his snort. What sort of mother could be lofty of what Lubar had done ?

"I 've tried,"Lubar said,"I swore I would after, after what happened."

"You have,"Lubar 's mum replied,"You 've done me proud."

"Oh for Merlin 's sake !"Jarrett shouted as he ran towards Lubar.

Lubar seemed to take in forgotten that there were other people around. He jumped as Jarrett advanced and Jarrett grabbed the Harlan Fiske Stone out of his hand.

Lubar 's mother began to fade as soon as Jarrett took the stone. Running towards her, Lubar held out his men trying to keep her there.

"No !"he shouted,"Mum !"

Mere seconds after Lubar 's female parent completely disappeared, Lubar had his sceptre out and was holding it up at Jarrett. Jarrett had taken out his own wand, but neither man was hurling jinxes. Washburn and Quinton had taken a few tone back.

"You arse !"Lubar shouted,"That was my female parent !"

"I know !"Jarrett replied,"That 's why I did it ! We 're trying to fetch back Voldemort here, not your messed up mum !"

"Do not insult my mother,"Lubar seethed and flicked his wand.

Jarrett fell to the soil, completely unable to move. Lubar stood over him with his wand directed at his chest.

"My female parent was a endearing mortal,"Lubar growled,"You 're grisly to be speaking ill of the dead like that."

Albus did n't really think Lubar should be talking about who is sick and who is n't. Nor did he think his female parent was particularly lovely. Never before had Albus thought he 'd match with Jarrett Willinson on anything, but when it came to Lubar 's mother, he did.

"Better they hex each other than us, right ?"John muttered.

"Good point,"Albus replied.

"Can we please just get back to bringing back Voldemort ?"Washburn drawled loudly,"I was under the impression that that 's what we were here for, not to insult each early 's mothers."

Lubar turned his wand on Washburn."Have you anything to say about my mother ? wellspring, do you ?"

Washburn hastily pulled out his own verge."Er, no, she seemed quite lovely."

"commodity,"Lubar said manically,"Keep it that way, or you 'll end up like him."Lubar gestured to Jarrett, who was still laying paralyzed on the dry land, his eyes darting about nervously.

******

"Australia,"Walter said weakly,"Bloody hell."

"I 'll need you to replicate that Portkey,"Harry said to the witch, who nodded and left the way again.

"Walter,"Harry began,"I am nearly one hundred percent sure that Jarrett and Quinton Willinson, as well as Jameson Washburn are working with Lubar. I am nearly irrefutable that they are with the boy in Australia."

"Right,"Walter agreed,"The evidence surely points that way."

"There is something about that investigation that hardly anyone in the Ministry knows,"Harry lowered his voice,"Nearly a year ago, after Quinton was sent to Azkaban, the Ministry decided that the Auror section needed some help with capturing the former two. The Minister hired a Presuler."

Walter let out a low whistle and then realization dawned on his human face."hold, you do n't mean-"

"Tethys Balladanis,"Harry said quietly,"Yes, he was the Presuler the Ministry hired. Stationed at Hogwarts under the pretense of teaching Defense Against the darkness Arts."

"Bad thought on the Minister 's percentage,"Walter muttered.

"It was my idea to station him at Hogwarts,"Harry replied,"But I did not bonk that he would be such an awful teacher."

"I wo n't concord it against you,"Bruno Walter said.

"I appreciate that,"Harry said,"However, since Balladanis is a percentage of this investigation, I have to contact him and he will have to go with us to Commonwealth of Australia. I understand that you have had your differences, but-"

"If he helps to find Matt, I will forgive him for everything he 's done,"Walter interrupted.

"Here you are, Mr. Potter, Mr. Eckerton,"the beldam returned holding a deformed plastic container, which she handed to Harry."If I can be of anymore aid, let me know."

"That 's it for now,"Harry said as he took the container,"Thanks."

******

Albus stood frozen as the four men dueled each other. whole unsure of what to do, yet very happy that they seemed to have momentarily forgotten about the boys, Albus just stood there watching. matte, John, and Kaden did the same, although John looked More than a bit apprehensive, most likely due to his want of a wand.

Washburn had attempted to demand the Stone from Lubar, who had taken it back from Jarrett, shortly after Lubar had stunned Jarrett. Apparently Lubar did not acquire kindly to this and hexed Washburn. In the entail clip, the Stunner had worn off Jarrett and he attempted to hex Lubar.

All four men were running around, throwing curse at each other while dodging the fire. Albus was variety of hoping one of them would trip and burn their limb or something. Or even just, maybe one or More of them would discharge their verge into the fire.

Washburn and the Willinsons were definitely worse for article of clothing. All three of them were sporting injury. Both Willinsons were limping and Washburn 's left arm was being held at an odd angle.

Lubar seemed fine and even though it appeared that the other three were siding against him, he was coming off better. Albus had to admit that he was very skilled at dueling.

Lubar shot a jet of red light at Washburn, who went flying over the flak and landed with a sickening clunk in front line of the male child. He did not move. Albus looked down and saw a pocket-sized stone next to Washburn 's drumhead. He bent and picked it up. It was the Resurrection Stone.

Albus stood up and jumped back. Lubar, Jarrett, and Quinton had all get along towards him. Three scepter were pointed at his dresser, being held by three the great unwashed with maniac gleams in their eyes.

Albus gulped and held up his own wand, his arm shaking slightly. matt and Kaden had done the Same. John tried to hide behind Matt, but was unsuccessful since he was a good nous taller than him.

"Hand it over, Potter,"Lubar growled.

With a defiant look at Lubar, Albus hastily shoved the gem into the pocket of his gown and held his verge up in high spirits.

******

"Balladanis."

"Eckerton."

Harry watched as the two men stared at each other. Balladanis had Flooed to the Ministry shortly after receiving Harry 's Patronus. Harry had filled him in on what was going on, but the man had n't taken his eyes off of Bruno Walter the total sentence.

"We have n't got time for this,"Harry muttered and held out the charge card container,"Let 's just go."

Walter agreed immediately and laid his hand on the Portkey. Balladanis did so as well, with a little hesitation.

With a familiar spirit jerk behind his naval, Harry disappeared from the Ministry. The Portkey trip was a bit longer than ones Harry was used to, but it did n't surprise him since he knew they were going to Australia.

Harry landed softly on his pes and held out his sceptre as he adjusted to the surroundings. It was pitch black and after he lit his wand, Harry knew they were in the middle of a forest.

The forest was disappointingly quiet. The only if auditory sensation were those of animals and the periodic rustle of trees, brought about by the twist. Not a undivided strait caused Harry to believe that there were people about, let alone his son.

"bedcover out and search,"Harry announced. The blank space may seem deserted, but Albus and the others had been there at some point. They had Portkeyed there.

None of the mavin said a word as they combed the region. Harry left no Lucy Stone unturned as he looked for the smallest tracing of evidence of where his son had gone. If only it was n't nighttime. sceptre did n't provide nearly enough light.

There seemed to be not a trace of anything that showed anyone had been in that sphere of the forest, let alone where they had gone afterwards. Ralph Lubar was good at this, that was for sure. Harry swore as he returned to the same place he had started from.

Walter returned a few arcminute later, looking even more dying than he did before."zilch,"he muttered,"Not a ripped piece of cloak or a single Knut. They did n't persist here long."

Harry groaned and scuffed the ground with his shoe. He and Walter stood quietly as they waited for Balladanis to return.

Balladanis came running towards Harry holding a humble metal official document in his hand and an strange form of excited smirk on his face. He skidded to a check in front of Harry, holding out the legal document. Harry recognized it as an Apparition detector. They were quite rare. The Brits Ministry only owned one, for the entire Ministry.

"They 've Disapparated,"Balladanis said hurriedly.

"Obviously,"Walter muttered,"Any idea where ?"

"A ecumenical theme, yes,"Balladanis replied, ignoring Walter 's sarcastic quality,"They 're on the outback."

"The outback ?"Walter gasped,"Dammit, there 's dementors out there !"

"I am aware,"Balladanis said.

"Let 's go, then,"Harry said, placing one of his hand on the metal instrument. It would be capable to guide them to the relative region they needed to go.

Walter put his helping hand on the instrument as well and with an exceptionally loud tornado, all three men Disapparated.

They landed on terrain that was very unfamiliar to Harry. The ground was stale and arenaceous and there was hardly any plant biography in sight. In the aloofness there were marvellous mountains and wrapped figures floated above them. Harry suppressed a shudder and gripped his baton tighter. Dementors.

What looked like a roar bonfire blazed in the length. Harry glanced at it suspiciously and then looked back to Walter and Balladanis, both of whom were more familiar with the area.

"Only vampire and dementors ever speculation out here,"Balladanis said quietly,"Neither of whom would set a fire."

"Let 's go, then,"Harry said and began to lead the small group towards the flickering lights in the distance.

******

"Hand it over, ceramicist,"Lubar repeated.

Albus gulped and tried to hold his wand more unwavering. His baton arm was shaking uncontrollably and Albus did n't look to be able-bodied to admit it steady. His heart was thumping hard in his chest of drawers. Albus was sure everyone was able to hear it. However, he did not want to hold up the Stone. That was one thing he was certain of. The only way Lubar would be getting it is if he killed Albus first. Which actually, was n't something Albus would put past him.

"Maybe you should just pay it to him,"can whispered,"I mean, it did n't work to get Voldemort back."

"No,"Albus seethed, surprised that John had suggested it. He probably would n't feature if he still had his wand.

"Do you really want to have to duel me, Potter ?"Lubar stepped a bit closer,"There 's three of us and four of you, one of which does n't sustain a wand. Not good odds, if you ask me."

"And do you agnise that those two are horrible duelist ?"Albus replied.

"I have noticed,"Lubar smirked,"But they 're fully qualified ; you are not. I 'm going to get that rock, one way or another."

Lubar flicked his baton and sent a jet of orange lighting at Albus. Albus jumped back and threw up a shield magical spell, concentrating on making it big enough to screen him and his friends. It worked and the Orange River illumination bounced harmlessly off the cuticle and hit the ground.

"Stay behind me, John,"Albus muttered,"Matt and Kaden, spread out and hit them with whatever magic spell you know."

Albus concentrated on keeping his shield up while casting former spells, like he had done in Balladanis 's dueling lessons. So far it was working, but Albus never managed to keep the shield up very long.

Lubar was momentarily stunned when he saw Albus 's buckler, but he quickly recovered and began sending hex after hex, nonverbally, at Albus and lavatory. Concentrating hard, Albus sent a Stunner at Lubar, but he flicked his verge and it shot off into the length, hitting one of the lone bushes, which promptly caught fire.

Albus chanced a glance at mat and Kaden. Matt was dueling with Jarrett and it looked like they were pretty equally matched, which was kind of silly as far as Jarrett was concerned. It made Albus find better though. Quinton and Kaden just seemed to be sending Expelliarmus charms at each other and missing every time.

The shield emitting from Albus 's scepter faltered and faded a bit. Albus renewed his concentration, but the shield was still weaker than it had been before. There was no way he 'd be able to institutionalize any spells through the shell now.

"Your shield is weakening, Potter,"Lubar smirked as he sent another ravisher at Albus, which shook the shield.

"merlin !"Quinton shouted to the rightfulness of them. He was hopping on one foot and Kaden was laughing hysterically. Albus grinned. Kaden had actually managed to do some variety of hex, although Albus was n't indisputable what one it was.

Lubar turned to Quinton and flicked his wand at Kaden. Kaden promptly froze and fell to the footing. Albus gasped and his shell disappeared.

"Albus !"bathroom shouted.

Albus turned back to Lubar, but did n't get the buckler back up before Lubar shot a hex at Saint John, who fell to the primer like Kaden had.

"Would n't it be easier just to pay me the gemstone ?"Lubar asked as he sent a Stunner at Albus.

Albus deflected it."Not really."

Jarrett and mat were still dueling. Both were sporting a few hurt, but nothing too life-threatening. Neither seemed to have got noticed that John the Evangelist and Kaden were Stunned.

Albus managed to hit Lubar with a trip hex, which gave him a few seconds to catch his breathing place while Lubar righted himself. Unfortunately this only angered him and he was now sporting a gash across his left cheek.

"Expelliarmus !"Lubar shouted.

Albus jumped to the side and the spell hit a nearby rock and roll. Lubar resumed his nonverbal patch and Albus continued deflecting them and dodging them, too exhausted to try and hit Lubar with any other jinxes.

"You ca n't keep back dodging them forever, Potter !"Lubar grinned manically.

"Watch me,"Albus said defiantly.

Albus of course knew that Lubar was right. The odds had not really changed. can and Kaden were both out of the engagement and while John was easily the best dueler after Albus, his absence did not put Albus greatly behind. Washburn was out as well and both Willinsons were injured. Quinton was currently on his human knee panting, not in any human body to stay dueling. matte was holding his own against Jarrett, something Albus was both astonish and captivated by.

No, Albus was not trying to overcome Lubar. He knew that would n't be possible. Albus was merely biding for time. He tried to figure out how long they 'd been gone as he dodged magical spell. It must have been at least three or four hours, although the dark Australian sky had not changed a bit. Albus wished the moon had been out so he could have monitored its trip across the sky.

How long would it take his dad to regain them ? longer than normal, Albus thought. They were in the middle of a foreign area, nowhere near anyplace Harry would be looking.

"I 'm getting annoyed, Potter, and you do n't desire to see me when I 'm annoyed !"Lubar shouted, sending another jet of red igniter at Albus.

Before Albus even had clip to register what sort of hex it was, flatness gave a scream of pain in the neck to Albus 's right and collapsed to the reason. Jarrett wasted no time and pointed his baton at Albus.

Albus took a fraction of a bit to digest the fact that he was now utterly alone, facing two fully acquire wizards. The two adept shot identical blue jet of blue light at Albus and he managed to get out up a lame shield.

The force hit him like a dozen Bludgers to the breadbasket. He lost his ground and landed flat on his back, his head hitting a particularly sharp Rock.

"I told you not to fight back, Potter,"Lubar sneered as he loomed over Albus.

"You 're not getting the Harlan Fisk Stone,"Albus said, forcing away the dizziness. He reached into his robes and pulled out the Stone.

"I disagree,"Lubar said as he made to catch the Stone.

With all the force Albus could muster, he threw the Harlan Fisk Stone as far as he could to the right. In the darkness, it disappeared in a split second base and Albus did n't even hear it land.

"No !"Lubar shouted,"You 'll pay for that !"

"verge where I can see them !"someone shouted from behind Lubar.

Lubar and Jarrett whipped around as fast as they could. Albus lifted his principal slightly and caught a glimpse of his dad, along with a few other wizards. He breathed a suspiration of sculptural relief. They were saved.


A/N : Thanks to my Beta, Dancer of Starlight as well as all of the lovely hoi polloi who have read and reviewed this !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Albus managed to sit up right before the curse started flying. Realizing that he dropped his wand when Lubar and Jarrett hexed him, he groped about for it on the dry land. Not finding it, he crawled behind a nearby bush and watched.

Jarrett did n't stick around long. He sent one pathetic Stunner at Harry, who easily deflected it, and disappeared on the pip. Harry immediately disarmed Lubar before he could do the Same.

Once Lubar was defenseless, Albus left the prophylactic of the President George W. Bush and shakily stood up. He reached the flack and was able to see who the other two wizards next to Harry were. What he saw made him dizzy with cushion all over again.

The shorter of the two was Matt 's dad. He was staring stony faced at Lubar. Albus had never seen anyone glare at anyone else with such hatred and loathing as Matt 's dad glared at Lubar. And that included when his Uncle Ron talked about the Malfoys, or his mum when somebody mentioned Vernon and petunia Dursley.

It was the other magician that nearly caused Albus to drop dead out in impact. He was none early than Professor Balladanis. What in the name of Falco columbarius was he doing there ? It looked like he was actually with Harry and lusterlessness 's dad. But why ? Did n't lustrelessness 's dad hatred Balladanis ?

"Eckerton, what a pleasant surprise,"Lubar smirked.

"Lubar, if we were n't in the front of an Auror and a Presuler I 'd rip you limb from branch, Muggle panache,"Mr. Eckerton growled.

Albus was slightly stunned by Mr. Eckerton 's alternative of quarrel, but remembering what Matt had told him at the source of the year, all surprisal left him.

"Lucky for me Potter and Balladanis are here, then,"Lubar replied and snatched Washburn 's wand off the ground.

Harry, Mr. Eckerton, and Balladanis all sent different spells at Lubar at the Lapplander sentence, but it was too late. He was already gone. Mr. Eckerton swore loudly.

"Two ai n't bad,"Balladanis muttered as he gestured to Washburn and Quinton, the latter of whom was still conscious but not completely aware of his surroundings.

"That 's the glaring difference between you and I,"Mr. Eckerton muttered as he moved swiftly past Quinton and Washburn to arrive at Matt.

"Dad !"Albus shouted.

Harry looked up from Kaden 's unconscious mannikin and raced towards Albus. Albus threw his weapon system around his dad and the two of them hugged each other tightly.

"Al, thank Merlin,"Harry said.

"Dad, what 's Balladanis doing here ?"Albus asked immediately,"And Lubar, what 's going to happen to him ? And Willinson ?"

"I 'll explain it all once we get you back to Hogwarts,"Harry assured him.

Balladanis had a firm appreciation on both Washburn and Quinton and was fiddling with a broken plastic cup. A few mo later, all three of them disappeared.

Harry turned to Mr. Eckerton, who was standing up with Matt in his arms."Can you hold bathroom, too ? I 'll get Kaden and Al will come with me."

Mr. Eckerton nodded and grabbed hold of bathroom 's arm before pulling his own broken plastic cup out of his pouch. They disappeared.

Harry pulled Kaden up and took Albus 's arm. Albus was still thoroughly put off, but did not have time to ask his dad anymore questions before feeling the familiar tug behind his naval that signified he was traveling by Portkey.

Albus landed with a thud in the middle of the Hospital extension. The motion of how they managed to Portkey inside the Hogwarts basis was the least squeeze question on his mind.

Looking around, Albus saw that the others had arrived as well. Mr. Eckerton was laying both flatness and John on the skinny layer while Madam Pomfrey was shouting and gathering potions.

"Look at the state of them !"the nursemaid exclaimed,"Always this lot, too ! You 're a bad influence on them, Harry, I swear !"

Harry looked slightly sheepish as he set Kaden down on the bed next to Matt 's and then turned to Albus.

"I 've got to speak with prof Kendrick and go to the Ministry-"he began.

"But Dad !"Albus interrupted,"What was Balladanis doing there ?"

"I promise I 'll tell you all of that and more,"Harry replied,"But I need to recite everyone you and the others are ok. When I get back, I 'm going to require you to recite me everything that happened."

"But-"

"No buts !"lady Pomfrey cut in,"Bed, Albus, bed ! You need rest !"

Albus, who had barely registered the fact that his head was bleeding and he was still quite dizzy, felt that the finish affair he needed was rest. He needed to know what was going on.

"I 'll explain once you 've gotten some sleep,"Harry assured him.

Albus muttered under his breathing place and got into bed. Once Madam Pomfrey had given him a Sleeping Draught, Harry left, leaving Albus to unsuccessfully try to contend off the sleep he knew was coming.

******

The ward was quiet when Albus woke up. It was completely morose outside, although Albus did n't own the slightest hint as to what day it was. John, Matt, and Kaden were either still unconscious mind or sound asleep. Albus was betting on the latter since ma'am Pomfrey was no where to be seen.

Mr. Eckerton was still there and he had been joined by his married woman. Both of them were nodding off in chairs next to Matt 's bed. It did n't search like Mr. Eckerton had even left. He was wearing the same Ministry gown he had been wearing before.

Albus sat up and put his paw to his header. There was a bandage on the back of it. Another bandage was wrapped around his right wing arm, although he could n't recall when he had injured it. Besides that, he just felt use up.

The threshold to the ward opened, letting in a small flood of light from the corridor. A figure stepped inside and began walking towards Albus 's bed.

"Hey, Al,"they said.

"Dad,"Albus replied, recognizing his father,"Are you going to tell me about Balladanis now ?"

"Yes,"Harry chuckled,"Perhaps we ought to go to the room of Requirement."

Albus shook his head, remembering something he had been debating for the by year. He had waited long enough. It was time.

"No,"Albus said,"I know somewhere better."

Without saying a Holy Writ, Albus got out of bed and lead his dad out the door and up to the twenty percent floor corridor. Harry did not ask a single query as Albus pulled the arm down on the reserve knight and turned to present the polar wall.

Albus located the paw prints and touched his hand to them, turning it into a doorknob. He opened the door and stepped inside. Harry followed, letting out a gasp as he did.

"Remember that map from last yr ?"Albus asked as he shut the door.

Harry nodded, apparently at a loss for words.

"There was more than to it. Instructions on how to get into this room. It was theirs, the piranha'. Their occult common elbow room,"Albus said quietly.

Harry did n't respond. Instead he walked slowly around the room. Albus stood near the door and waited. He was n't sure how long he stood there, watching as his dad investigated the room that had once belonged to his grandfather.

"This,"Harry began,"This is just incredible, Al. How long have you known about it ?"

"About a year,"Albus said quietly.

"And you spend clock time here ?"Harry asked.

"Probably more than we do in the coarse elbow room,"Albus answered.

"Then it is the perfect lieu to talk,"Harry said as he sat down on one of the couches.

Albus sat down following to him."So why was Balladanis there ?"

"I 'll tell you that,"Harry said,"But first I want you to explicate to me what happened."

Albus took a deep breath and told his dad everything. Starting with when they saw Lubar in the castle and ending with throwing the Resurrection Stone into the Outback. He explained how they had first gone to a forest in Australia, how they had Portkeyed to the Outback, the dementors, the almost Patronus he had managed to stool, the affaire d'honneur, the fact that the resurrection I. F. Stone did n't work on to bring Voldemort back.

"Why did n't it work on ?"Albus asked,"I mean, I 'm happy it did n't, but why ?"

Harry thought for a few minutes and then looked at Albus."There are a few understanding that might excuse it. The Resurrection Stone brings back people we love, but it does not fetch them back completely. It 's almost as if their somebody is coming back."

"Like a ghost ?"

"Not exactly,"Harry said,"But similar. It 's possible that since Voldemort split his soul so many time, he ca n't be brought back with the pit. The Stone may need the soul to be intact to work."

Albus nodded."That makes sense."

"It could also be that only loved single can be brought back with the I. F. Stone. Washburn and the Willinsons did not hump Voldemort ; they did not know him. They wanted to bring him back for their own agenda,"Harry explained.

"Is there any way to find out which it is ?"Albus asked.

"No, I do n't recollect so,"Harry said,"Especially now that the Stone is once again gone. Which is something I 'm very grateful that you did."

"wellspring, I figured you left it out in the Forbidden woodland for a grounds,"Albus shrugged.

"Yes, yes I did,"Harry replied,"I think it best if nobody had that Stone."

Albus nodded."Yeah, that makes sense. But what was Balladanis doing there ?"

Harry laughed."You 're not going to let that go, are you ?"

"Nope, you said you 'd tell me,"Albus said.

"I will,"Harry replied,"Albus, do you live what a Presuler is ?"

"Yes,"Albus nodded,"And I know that Balladanis is one."

"You do ?"Harry looked impressed.

"He told me during one of those dueling object lesson he gave me,"Albus explained.

"well, that makes my explanation easier,"Harry said,"A little over a year ago, shortly after Quinton kidnapped Kaden, the Ministry decided to hire a Presuler to help find Washburn and Jarrett Willinson."

"Seriously ?"Albus gaped at him.

"Yes,"Harry muttered,"The government minister believed the Aurors needed some help."

Albus thought he heard bit of scorn in his dad 's voice.

"When I realized that Washburn and the Willinsons were most likely working with Ralph Lubar, I had to contact Balladanis and let him know. He came with us, and I have to take on that he was very helpful. We would not have found you as fast if he was n't there,"Harry explained.

"But why was he teaching here ?"Albus asked.

"The pastor, Professor Kendrick, and I believed it would be good scheme to experience him stationed at Hogwarts, where we all believed Washburn and the Willinsons would return to. Balladanis agreed,"Harry said,"Of course, none of us realized that Balladanis would not be able to address teaching.

"This is all quite close, Al. I 'd prefer you did n't tell anyone. I will be telling Matt, John, and Kaden, because I feel they have the right to know, but I do n't want anyone else knowing about it."

"What about rosebush and Amanda ?"Albus asked.

"I suppose I 'll secernate them as well, otherwise Kaden is sure to tell them,"Harry said.

"What 's going to happen to Lubar ?"Albus asked,"Is Balladanis going to be after him now ?"

"No,"Harry shook his head,"That 's going to be tricky state of affairs. Lubar is n't a British citizen. We ca n't do a affair while he 's in Australia. It 's up to the Australian Ministry to either put him on trial or give him to us to put on trial. And since he 's one of their officials, we 're not trusted they 'll do either."

"But that 's not clean !"Albus stood up angrily,"tone what he did ! Look what he 's done !"

"I know,"Harry sighed,"I 'd like nothing to a greater extent than to give him a life-long Erolia minutilla in Azkaban, but unfortunately the Laws do n't work that way."

"He and Balladanis get along anyway,"Albus said,"Balladanis probably would n't want to go after him."

"I do n't acknowledge about that,"Harry said,"Balladanis likes people to pay for what they 've done. However, being a Presuler and having no Ministry tie-up, he does not induce to take a case if he 's offered it."

"He told me I 'd make a good Presuler,"Albus said quietly as I sat back down,"Malfoy, too."

Harry sighed."What do you call back about that ?"

"I do n't be intimate,"Albus shrugged,"I mean, I like dueling, but I do n't really want to decide what I want to do right now."

"You do n't have to,"Harry replied,"And I do n't require to enjoin you what to do, but I am going to tell you something.

"Being a Presuler is a voiceless job and often a lonely one. You have no coworkers. You work with several Ministries, but rarely get to cognise anyone. You travel a lot, which can pull in it difficult to have a family. It 's not an easy track to go down. Not one I 'd choose for myself."

Albus had n't even thought about that. He did n't reckon he 'd want to rarely ever see his friends and family.

"There 's plenty of other things you could do that would put your dueling science to use,"Harry told him,"And you 're only 13 so no want to settle now."

"I know, I do n't plan to,"Albus replied.

"fountainhead, you should probably get back to the Hospital flank before ma'am Pomfrey posting you 're gone,"Harry smirked,"And thanks again for showing me the room."

Harry stood up and gave his son a hug. They left the way and walked back to the Hospital Wing, both lost in their thoughts.

******

As it turned out, dame Pomfrey had already noticed that Albus was missing. When he returned to the Hospital wing with his dad, she was running about the Ward shouting at the top of her lungs. Matt, lav, and Kaden were all awake, staring at her.

"There you are !"she shrieked,"Where have you been ?"

"Er,"Albus began.

"I had to peach to him in private,"Harry answered for him.

"You should induce asked me first !"Madam Pomfrey exclaimed as she ushered Albus back into bed,"He needs quietus !"

"I 'm his father,"Harry said incredulously.

"I do n't care if you 're the Minister of Magic !"gentlewoman Pomfrey replied,"I 'm the one with the breast feeding point !"

"How long has she been shouting ?"Albus whispered to lustrelessness as he got back in bed.

"15 minutes or so,"Matt answered.

Madam Pomfrey returned to her desk and Harry strode over to where the Eckertons were sitting.

"Could I have a word in individual ?"Harry asked Mr. Eckerton and then turned to dame Pomfrey."Do I ask your permission for that ?"he grinned.

"Very amusing,"dame Pomfrey muttered.

Albus drifted back to sleep a piffling while later and when he next woke up it was light out and lady Pomfrey was bringing them all breakfast trays.

"Er, what day is it ?"Albus asked as brothel keeper Pomfrey set his tray down.

"It 's Sun, love, but it 's good afternoon,"gentlewoman Pomfrey replied,"I figured you 'd prefer to have breakfast."

"Only Dominicus ?"Albus asked. It felt like it had been far more than twenty-four hours since he had met up with Lubar before the Quidditch match.

"clip zona variety are difficult to adjust to,"Madam Pomfrey explained,"Australia 's quite a few hours ahead of us."

Albus nodded and dug into his breakfast. Suddenly he was ravenous. When he thought about it, it must have been at least a day since he 'd eaten anything.

"I wonder how the Quidditch match went,"Kaden mused as he shoved toast in his mouth.

Albus choked on his eggs. He 'd leave about the match !"I doubt we won,"he sighed.

"Is your dad going to tell us why Balladanis was with him when he came to save us ?"john asked,"I mean, he 's had plenty of time."

"He will,"Albus said,"He already told me. You lot were asleep."

The room access to the hospital Wing banged open and rose and Amanda came running in. gentlewoman Pomfrey made a move to get up from her desk, but then sat back down, shaking her head.

"William Tell us what happened !"rosiness demanded as she skidded to a halt in front of Albus 's bed,"When did you get back ? Where did you go ?"

"Who won the Quidditch equal ?"Albus asked.

"Quidditch ? Quidditch ?"rose wine groaned,"I 'm not saying a countersign about Quidditch until the four of you tell me what in the gens of Merlin 's saggy left-"

"Miss Weasley !"madam Pomfrey shouted,"If you do n't lower your voice, you 'll birth to depart !"

"Sorry,"Rose turned back to Albus,"But you lot have got to recount us what happened !"

Albus launched into the entire tale, which took the advantageously part of a half hour to tell. Neither rosiness or Amanda interrupted once during the completely matter. Both of them looked absolutely shocked by the clock time Albus concluded.

"But, but why was Balladanis there ?"Rose asked.

"My dad 's going to tell apart you,"Albus said,"He 's already told me. He 'll probably tell the balance of you today."

"Merlin, Albus,"blush wine sighed,"How practically trouble can you get into ?"

"It 's not my shift,"Albus shrugged,"Now can you secern us about the match ?"

Rose exchanged coup d'oeil with Amanda, who sighed."It was quite the match, let me tell you,"Amanda said.

"Nobody won, Al,"rose said.

"What ?"lavatory interrupted,"How can nobody win ?"

"About forty-five instant into the match, Fred and heather mixture ran onto the pitch-"

"The match lasted that long ?"Matt asked.

"Yes,"blush wine said,"I do n't know why. Anyway, Fred and Calluna vulgaris ran right up to Ludo commercial traveller and started talking to him. cipher could hear what they were saying. Then roadman blew his whistle and they went into a time-out.

"Bagman left the sales talk and had a really tenacious talk with all the master and captains. Then Kendrick announced that the match was called off and told everyone to return to their unwashed rooms.

"Everyone was really furious of course. Amanda and I were already worried because you lot had n't shown up yet. We thought something bad had happened and that was why they called it off."

"Why did they phone it off ?"toilet asked.

"I 'm getting to that,"rosiness said,"We got back up to Gryffindor and everyone was gathered around Fred and Heather. Linda was n't there, and neither were any of her teammates who were Gryffindors.

"We pushed our way to the front of the crew and get word what Fred and broom were talking about. They were claiming that Australia had been cheating the unanimous time-"

"wellspring, they were,"Matt muttered.

"I know,"Rose agreed,"And apparently so did Fred and Heather. I 'm certain they figured it out just recently or else they would 've told someone Sooner. They found out Linda 's a vampire and now the entire school knows."

"How did they visualize it out ?"Albus asked, completely shocked. Linda hid her secret quite well. Fred and heather mixture were 6th old age, they would n't have heard Balladanis 's vampire lecture."

"They 've been trying to visualise it out all twelvemonth,"Rose explained,"And since they 're impudent, they figured it out."

"But what about the match ?"Albus asked.

"I think they 're going to set off the tournament, Albus,"Rose said quietly.

"natural the tournament ?"Albus gasped,"Cancel the tournament ? ! They ca n't do that ! We 've spent the totally year on that tournament ! Do you know how very much clock time I 've spent on the Quidditch auction pitch this yr ? more than sentence than I 've spent in class, probably ! And now they 're going to cancel the bloody tournament ?"

"I do n't bed, Al,"Rose said shortly,"And if they do it 's not my fault."

"Sorry,"Albus mumbled,"It 's just a minuscule aggravating."

"I know,"blush wine replied.

"Where 's Linda ?"Matt asked.

"Gone,"rose sighed,"Without a tidings. I have n't seen her or any of the Aussie since the match. Killigan 's gone, too."

"Wow,"lustrelessness replied,"Ca n't say I blame her, though."

"I guess,"blush wine said,"Anyway, they 'll probably throw an announcement about the tournament at dinner."


A/N : Thanks to my genus Beta, Dancer of Starlight as well as all of the amazing masses who have read and reviewed this ! There is only one More chapter left !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Harry returned to tell everyone else about Balladanis later on in the afternoon. Madam Pomfrey flat out refused to let any of them leave the Hospital fender, so she agreed to lock the room access and go to her discipline while Harry explained. matt 's dad was there as well.

Harry told them everything he had told Albus, although he left out the parts about why it was not all that advisable to turn a Presuler. Everyone was completely shocked to study that Balladanis had been hired to help becharm Washburn and the Willinsons.

Unfortunately, Harry also brought intelligence of Lubar. News that was not all that welcome.

"As of right now, he 's completely unblock and in the solve,"Harry sighed,"The Aboriginal Australian Ministry refuses to deport him, and they wo n't prosecute him in Australia either. To them, it 's like nothing 's happened."

Albus noticed that Mr. Eckerton looked positively infuriated with this. Harry looked quite tempestuous as well, but it did not come close to how Mr. Eckerton looked.

"We 're not going to ease up up,"Harry said,"We 'll observe negotiating with them."

Mr. Eckerton had also apparently been told about the Hallows. When Harry had spoken with him the late night, it had been about the Hallows. Albus remembered back to his first year, when matt had told them about his dad 's new adult ambition of locating the Hallows. Harry must 've trusted him now.

Albus reached over to his bedside table, where Madam Pomfrey had placed the invisibility Cloak the previous night. He wordlessly handed it to Mr. Eckerton, who carefully took it with a smell of awe on his face.

"Falco columbarius 's beard,"he muttered,"It 's the Cloak."

"That it is,"Harry said quietly.

"Unbelievable,"Mr. Eckerton whispered as he fingered it.

He spent a few minute of arc trying the Cloak on before handing it back to Albus."I can not believe I 've finally solved the sheath of the Hallows,"he said to Harry,"This is amazing. I would love to share the tale with my brother. Perhaps I could introduce you to him at the World Cup this summer."

Harry nodded."That would be fine. Perhaps I will eventually recount him as well."

******

Albus wanted zilch more than to be allowed out of the infirmary flank in clock time to go to dinner that Nox. He was sure Professor Kendrick would pull in some sort of announcement about the tournament and he did not need to miss it.

After a full phase of the moon ten minutes of begging on his constituent ( helped out by Matt, John, and Kaden ), brothel keeper Pomfrey told him he was in no fit state to leave the ward. Albus thought this was ridiculous because he felt okay. So what if his arm was still bandaged and in a slingshot ? That should n't turn back him from eating dinner party with the balance of the school.

Instead, Albus was forced to eat a quiet repast in the Hospital Wing and wait anxiously for Rose and Amanda to tell him what Kendrick said.

The girls showed up right after dinner party ended. Albus immediately asked them what Kendrick had said.

"Tournament 's canceled,"rosebush sighed as she sat down on the end of Albus 's bed,"The kids from New York are staying to finish out the year, but the tourney 's canceled. I expect it 'll be in the Prophet tomorrow."

"pigeon hawk !"Albus shouted,"Why 'd they have to cancel it ? Could n't they just unfit Australia ?"

"No,"Rose shook her top dog,"To do that Hogwarts would have to play New York in another final."

"Why do n't they do that ?"John asked.

"Too close to exams,"Rose shrugged,"It 'll mess up everyone 's studying."

"That 's stunned,"Albus fumed.

"If it makes you feel better, I 'm reasonably certain Hogwarts would 've won if Australia had n't take in been here,"rose pointed out,"And Kendrick gave one hundred sign of the zodiac points to everyone who was on the Quidditch and dueling teams."

"Yeah, well, all the houses had citizenry on the teams, so that does n't really help,"Albus muttered.

"Well,"Rose grinned,"I know one thing that 'll cheer you up."

"What ?"Albus asked, even though there was aught that could cheer him up.

"There were Quidditch Scout at that compeer,"Rose told him,"And even though the match was disastrous, they did find mortal they wanted to draft."

"Who ?"Albus asked, slightly intrigued.

"Georgia !"Rose exclaimed,"She 's been drafted to play for Kenmare Kestrals as soon as she graduates !"

"That 's brilliant !"Albus replied. rose wine had been right, that did cheer him up. There was no one he thought who belonged on a professional Quidditch squad more than Georgia.

"Yup, she 's their newest stockpile custodian,"Rose said,"She says Uncle Sir Henry Percy 's not instill. He wanted her to figure out at the Ministry. She does n't care what he thinks, though."

"Uncle Percy 's got plenty of other kids to work at the Ministry,"Albus shrugged. He could never see Georgia working in government.

"Kenmare ?"John said incredulously.

"Yeah, seriously ?"Matt grimaced.

"They 're nearly as bad as the shank,"Gospel According to John groaned.

"She 's just happy to be on a squad,"rosiness shrugged,"She 's always supported Puddlemere, but she thinks if she 's on any team, she 'll be able to mould her way up to a better one."

"Merlin, I hope so,"John shrugged.

"Is she the only one who got drafted ?"Albus asked.

"Only one I know for sure of,"rosiness said,"I heard a rumor that Anna Reilly got taken on by the Balycastle Bats, but I do n't have sex for sure."

Albus nodded, feeling slightly better about the tournament. It was n't pointless now that he knew his cousin had been taken on by a professional Quidditch team because of it. However, that did n't take all the disappointment away.

******

ma'am Pomfrey reluctantly let the boy leave the adjacent day after breakfast. She did n't really bear a alternative since exams began that day. Albus felt perfectly finely and was quite happy to leave the situation.

rosebush handed him a transcript of the Prophet as soon as he and the former boys reached the common room. Albus took it, felicitous that he had a few min before his first exam to read the clause that was inevitably there.

Aussie SCHOOL CHEATS- TOURNAMENT CANCELED

After a galvanise discovery made by two Hogwarts
students, the Quidditch and Dueling tourney
involving Hogwarts, the Adirondack honorary society of
Magic, and the Australian School of Sorcery
has been canceled.

The tournament 's terminal Quidditch match was
interrupted this past Saturday by two Hogwarts
sixth class, Fred Weasley and Heather Weasley,
both 17, who claimed that the Australian team
had been cheating throughout the entire
tournament.

A few month ago, allegation were brought upon
the Australian team after their searcher, Linda
team spirit, 14, flew at an exceptionally firm speed.
An investigation found nothing. The tournament
continued.

Fred and Heather Weasley accused Linda team spirit
of being a vampire. Vampires are outlawed
from playing on professional Quidditch squad due
to the unfair reward they have.

The match was immediately stopped while all three
headmasters questioned the Weasleys and Morales.

headmaster Addiar Killigan of the Australian
School of Sorcery admitted to allowing esprit de corps
to be the seeker of his team in lodge to win the
tournament. The Aboriginal Australian squad was immediately
disqualified from the tournament.

Killigan, morale, and the rest of the Australians
participating in the tournament left Hogwarts late
on Saturday, declining to speak with any of our
reporters.

tourney officials as well as the early two
headmasters have decided to cancel the tournament,
and not declaring a winner.

'It is regrettable that the tournament turned out
this way ,'Fabius Kendrick told reporters, 'Perhaps
we can try it again in a few years .'

"Killigan is an changeling,"Albus said.

"Look at the next article,"pink wine replied.

QUINTON WILLINSON BACK IN AZKABAN, JOINED BY WASHBURN

While the final Quidditch compeer was ending in disaster
at Hogwarts School of witchery and genius, Harry
Potter 's midsection child, Albus, 13, was dealing with his
own battle.

Albus Potter, as well as full cousin Kaden Dursley, 12, and
friends Saint Matthew the Apostle Eckerton and bathroom Brickston, both 14,
were kidnapped by Quinton and Jarrett Willinson, and
Jameson Washburn. The three inmate were helped by
Ralph Lubar, Head of the section of the regularisation
and ascendance of Magical Creatures in Australia.

The four Hogwarts scholarly person were taken to Australia
where Harry Potter and Walter Eckerton found them.
It is unreadable what the yard bird were after, as well as
why Lubar was involved.

Quinton Willinson and Jameson Washburn were caught and
sent to Azkaban. Lubar and Jarrett Willinson escaped.
Aurors are currently looking for Willinson and the
Ministry is negotiating with the Aboriginal Australian Ministry
about what to do with Lubar.

All four boys have recovered from the ordeal and are
currently taking their end of the yr examinations
at Hogwarts. Harry potter has declined comment.

"wellspring, that 's not a very enlightening article,"Albus said as he tossed the paper onto a nearby table.

"I do n't cogitate they can report much,"rose said,"The Australian Ministry may be asking them to keep quiet about Lubar in counter for giving him some sort of punishment.

"It wo n't count,"Matt said,"They 're not going to do anything to him."

Albus was forced to push Lubar into the vertebral column of his mind as examination began. They were all significantly harder than the old class 's had been, but he was sure he at least passed all of them.

There were inadequate articles in the vaticinator about Lubar everyday, but they all said the same thing. Commonwealth of Australia refused to extradite him. Matt was not at all surprised by this, but it infuriated Albus to no end.

The hebdomad after exams was a strange one for Albus. There was nothing left for them to do. No studying, no homework, no Quidditch. blush wine and Amanda went back to spending all their time with the boy, like it had been before Linda had arrived.

Things were different, though. Both Rose and Amanda were a lot restrained than they used to be. Albus was sure they missed Linda, and he had no thought whether she had said goodbye to them, or even if she 'd had the probability.

flatness was lost in his own view most of the clip, rendering him quieter than ever. He often went entire evening without saying two news to anyone, something that usually only happened around full moons. However, the next good Sun Myung Moon was n't until after they left Hogwarts.

Albus was sure this was because of what had happened in Commonwealth of Australia. He never talked about it, but Albus knew that getting kidnapped by Lubar again had scared the daylights out of him.

John and Kaden remained as boisterous as ever and did not seem to be fazed by what had happened in Commonwealth of Australia. They spent their calendar week pulling frivolity and playing eternal games of Exploding Snap that Albus occasionally joined in on.

Albus himself was quieter. His brain was racing with thoughts of Lubar and Balladanis. None of the article ever mentioned Balladanis, but he knew that was because Balladanis 's job had to remain a cloak-and-dagger. He wished more than anything that Lubar would get thrown in prison, whether it was Azkaban or Commonwealth of Australia 's prison.

******

The train ride back to London was subdued, the only noise being John and Kaden 's Exploding Snap bill of fare. Albus and Matt both gazed out the windowpane, mesmerized by the departure landscape.

"Linda sent me a letter concluding nighttime,"rose said, breaking the silence.

Albus lifted his head up and looked at her."What about ?"

"She told us she was drear, and wanted me to tell you that she was gloomy about the tournament,"pink wine told him,"She 's on the run with her mum now. They 're thinking of moving to a different country."

"To go to school ?"Albus asked.

"No,"rose shook her caput,"She 's been through schoolhouse a couple up times already. She was n't even a bookman at the Australian schooling. Killigan pretty much forced her into playing Seeker for them. He 's a really nasty bloke. They have to get out now, though, because everyone knows."

"Where will they go ?"Albus asked, surprised that he was actually feeling sorry for Linda.

"No idea,"Rose shrugged,"She said she 'd owl me when they find out."

"This whole year has been so messed up,"John Lackland sighed,"I hope following year 's better."

"Me, too,"Matt agreed.

"We 've got the World Cup to look forward to, though,"Albus smiled.

"Oh, yeah !"John grinned,"Owl me as soon as you find out when we 're leaving for it."

"Definitely,"Albus said,"Your sister 's going, too. Lily told me she 'd invited her. Victor-Marie Hugo 's not really happy about that."

"Neither am I,"John muttered,"I do n't want Ashtyn going."

"Well, I 'd prefer Lily not go, but it 's the Cup ! Nothing can really destroy it,"Albus said.

"goodness point,"John agreed.

"Let me know when the Cup is,"Kaden said.

"Why ? So you can convince your parents to take you ?"John smirked.

"No,"Kaden laughed,"So I can know when to invite you lot to my house. My dad said he 'd engage us camping."

"Excellent !"lavatory grinned,"Camping like Muggles ?"

"Yep,"Kaden replied,"livelihood in tent, no electricity, no trick either since we 're all underage."

"There is no way my parents will let me go,"Matt said quietly.

"Why not ?"Kaden asked.

"I went camping when I was five,"matt answered,"That was the prison term I got bitten."

"Oh,"Kaden looked a lilliputian taken aback,"Sorry."

"It 's ok,"matt shrugged,"Just do n't go during a entire moon. I do n't want any of you having to join me in the shriek Shack next year."

"I 'll go,"Albus said. He 'd never been camping before, let alone camping like a Muggle. He did feel bad that Matt would n't get to go, but he kind of thought Matt would n't require to go anyway.

The difference of the trip was spent arguing about Quidditch and Albus felt like things were sort of returning to pattern. It was almost squeamish to take heed bathroom and Matt arguing about the shank again and Kaden arguing about football.

The train arrived in London and Albus found his parents waiting for him on the platform. After saying sayonara to his ally, Albus left the station with his family flavour that just maybe life would be convention from then on. Well, maybe the summer would be at least be normal. Albus could n't get his Bob Hope up too high.


A/N : Hard to believe it 's finished ! Thanks to Dancer of Starlight for betaing and thanks to all of the awesome the great unwashed who have read and reviewed this ! You guy are so lovely and amazing !

I am working on the fourth story but it 'll be a patch before the first chapter is up. I 'm thinking I 'll update every other week at outset, switch hebdomad with Beyond the vestige. In the imply time, if you want something new to read, I suggest checking out Remember the carom, which is a collab I worked on last year and is now currently being updated. It 's all about the Chudley cannon and their downfall. It 's under the username The Golden Snitches and is also in my favorite stories so you can obtain it that way.