Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Pouring a can of pea soup into the toilet and pretending it was vomit ? No, he 'd done that the last time. Ketchup on the olfactory organ, pretending it was blood ? No, that one was just dolt. Faking a concern ? Nope, his mum would just change state that around on him and order him it was his own demerit for staying up too late the late night.

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

Ever since Kaden awoke at midday, he had been trying to think up a good excuse to hop going to dinner at his grandparents'house later that day. His grandparents were possibly the most insufferable the great unwashed on the face of the planet, save for his Aunt oleo.

Kaden had never liked his grandparents. Sure, they 'd showered him with endless gifts on his birthdays and Christmas Day, but that was the just way they showed their affection. Well, aside from his grandmother 's bone smashing clinch, which were surprisingly crocked considering her low frame. His grandparents were downright boring, their conversations ranging from the weather to what the adjacent door neighbors were doing that morning.

However, the absolute worst thing Kaden 's grandparents had done was ensure that he had to go to Smelting 's in the fall. Smelting 's was an elite school that his granddad and his father had both attended. Kaden had visited numerous sentence and hated everything about it. He hated the nasty uniforms, the snooty professor, and the kids who constantly argued about whose father had the in force job.

Kaden had told his parents that he did n't need to go. At first, his begetter was volition to consider letting him wait on public school day with all his friend, but after his gramps had his say, there was no discussing the matter. Smelting 's it was. And after that, he would surely be destined to work for Grunnings, the Sami drill troupe that his granddaddy and forefather worked for. What a tire life.

Perhaps if he tried real strong, Kaden would be able to devote himself a fever. He 'd done it once, a few yr ago. His parents had wanted him to attend some sort of body of work related political party for his gramps, and Kaden had been dreading it. Half minute before they were supposed to leave, his temperature spiked to five degrees above convention and he 'd been able to skip the party. The best percentage was, the fever had been gone within the hour.

He had no idea how he 'd done it, though. Kaden concentrated hard, thinking of hot affair such as vent and the Equator, but even after xv minutes of mentation, he still felt perfectly normal. It must have been a fluke, the other time. moldiness 've just been a random fever.

There was a soft knock on his door and Kaden hastily got out of his bed. He opened the room access, revealing his mother standing in the door. She was a short woman with unbent John Brown whisker, the same people of color as his own, that was storey with her chin.

"Kaden, unspoiled, you 're awaken,"she smiled."Your grandfather wants to see you in your Smelting 's uniform tonight. He 's start a new digital television camera and needs to aim some impression of you in it."

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

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

"Fine,"Kaden muttered.

His mother left and Kaden shut the door again. She had always been the peacekeeper in the folk. Whether dousing arguments between Kaden and his seven-year-old Sister, Bethany, or easing the latent hostility between Kaden and his grandparents, she was always keeping the ataraxis.

Not ten minute of arc later the threshold fusillade assailable and Bethany practically flew into the room. She never knocked, something Kaden would normally shout at her for. However, this time he was too shocked at her appearance to get to shouting.

Bethany was wearing a princess outfit, thoroughgoing with sparkly horseshoe and a jacket crown. She was grinning ear to ear and her hanker blond hair was curled.

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

"grandmother Petunia got it for me,"Bethany grinned,"It 's so very much better than the other princess costumes I 've seen. Now granddaddy Vernon can strike characterization of me, too."

"Wish he 'd just take motion-picture show of you,"Kaden muttered.

"mammy did my hair's-breadth. Do you like it ?"Bethany asked.

"lovely,"Kaden replied.

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

Kaden ran after her. She was n't supposed to get the room access, and not only because of the cause most parents would n't let their seven-year-old daughter answer the door. A few weeks ago she had purchased over l chocolate bars from a kid who was selling them, with their mum 's money.

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

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

"how-do-you-do,"the man greeted them. He was brusk than Kaden 's father, but taller than Kaden. His blonde tomentum looked windswept and he had a glad smiling on his face.

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

"Are your parents in ?"the man asked.

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

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

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

More singular than ever, Kaden glared at Bethany until she turned around and ran into the kitchen. Kaden turned back to the man and watched him. He seemed prissy enough, still smiling as he stood on the stoep. Kaden assumed he was selling something, perhaps the strange dress-like outfit he was wearing ? If that was the typeface, then he 'd have no luck at the Dursley 's sign of the zodiac. At to the lowest degree he had n't showed up at Kaden 's grandparents'planetary house, though. He certainly would n't be smiling after that. Petunia and Vernon hated anything abnormal and that would certainly admit men wearing dresses.

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

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

"Yes,"Dudley said as he furrowed his forehead."Can I assist you ?"

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

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

Kaden held the door open and Neville Longbottom stepped inside. Kaden followed as his parents head them into the living elbow room. Christina ran to bring boozing while Neville settled himself onto one of the sofa. Dudley sat in the electric chair across from him, looking confused and slightly shocked. Bethany was staring at Neville.

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

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

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

Dudley spat out his soda and started coughing. Christina let out a minor pant and turned to attend at Dudley, who had gone pallid white. The two shared a looking and then turned back to Neville.

Kaden was more lost than ever. What was Hogwarts ? A school ? Why would a prof from a school he 'd never heard of appearance up at his room access ? His parents had obviously heard of it.

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

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

"It 's not a joke,"Neville assured him."I 've come to proffer Kaden a place at Hogwarts."

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

Kaden was fully alert now. What sort of school day was Hogwarts ? And what had he done to make a place ? He had n't applied to any early shoal besides Smelting 's. Of course, if this Hogwarts schooltime really was offering him a place, he wanted to go. Anything was advantageously than Smelting's.

"But what is Hogwarts ?"Kaden asked.

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

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

"Not much,"Dudley muttered.

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

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

Kaden stared at his begetter, who was looking more and more uncomfortable. Had Harry 's parents really not died in a car wreck ? Why would his dad lie about that ?

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

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

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

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

Nobody said anything for a few import. Kaden continued to glare at his father. He was sick of having to do what his grandparents wanted. Why would n't his own father stick up for him ?

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

What ran in his genes ? It could n't be intelligence operation. Kaden knew he was fair, no better than nigh of the kids his age. Maybe it was football skills ? Kaden was a fair football player, but no one else in his family was particularly good. How would that run in his genes ?

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

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

Dudley looked up and his eyes met Kaden 's."Hogwarts is a school. A special school that Harry attended when we were Thomas Kyd. It 's a school of deception, for crone and wizards-"

"hold,"Kaden interrupted."magic ? Like Abra Kadabra and magic wands and hooey ?"

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

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

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

"Apparently so,"Dudley said.

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

"You are n't trained,"Neville said,"but even then you wo n't be able-bodied to make preparation do itself. cogitate, Kaden, has anything ever happened to you that you ca n't explain ?"

Kaden view, then his eyes opened wide and he stared at Neville."What if a person really did n't require to go somewhere and they got a fever all of a sudden and then it went away once they did n't have to go where they did n't need to ?"

Neville grinned."Yes, that would be magic. Did that find to you ?"

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

"Of course of action you did n't do it on purpose."Neville laughed."Things like that happen to a lot of offspring beldame and wizards."

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

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

"Voldemort,"Neville muttered.

"Right,"Dudley said."Harry was sent to exist with my parents and I, who told him his parents died in a car crash. They told him cypher about magic or his parents. They thought if they ignored the magic, they could emboss it out of him. They hate conjuring trick. When he turned eleven a man showed up to tell him all about it and extend him a place at Hogwarts."

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

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

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

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

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

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

He unfolded it and read it loudly to his parents and Bethany. It told him of his acceptation and was signed by the surrogate headmistress, Professor Padma Patil. Then it said that the Hogwarts Express would bequeath from King 's hybridizing post on September first, from a platform 9 3/4.

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

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

"Muggles ?"Kaden repeated.

"multitude who ca n't execute witching, such as your parents,"Neville explained.

"Oh,"Kaden replied as he unfolded the list of supplying. It was entire of odd script such as Magical herbaceous plant and kingdom Fungi, face scales, and even a pewter cauldron. If his don had n't ingest already known about deception, he would 've thought the hale thing was a joke.

"I can take you to London and render you where Diagon alley is, if you would like,"Neville suggested.

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

"That 's fine,"Neville replied."Do either of you have anymore questions ?"

"Am I a witch ?"Bethany asked.

"fountainhead, I 'm not sure,"Neville answered."If you get a letter the summertime you 're eleven then you 're a witch. If not, then you 're not a witch."

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

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

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

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

"What do you learn ?"Kaden asked.

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

Kaden watched as Neville left the house and then turned his aid to his parents. Dudley had slowly sat down on the nigh chair and let out a minor moan.
***


The but audio at dinner was the chink of utensils hitting the china home and the loud burp that Kaden let out after chugging half a crank of soda, earning him a behind gaze from his grandma. It seemed that nobody could retrieve of anything to talk about. Even the usual topics of the weather, play, and work had been exhausted.

Kaden and Bethany had been given stern order of magnitude by their Padre not to name anything about Hogwarts, Harry, or wizardly whatsoever. Kaden 's grandparents hated magic with a passion, something that variety of amused Kaden but seemed to frighten his father. Kaden has also learned that his grandparents did not like Harry due to his being a wizard, which explained why he rarely saw Harry or his shaver.

Vernon and Petunia were still under the impression that Kaden was going to see Smelting 's and Kaden had just endured an hour of having his picture taken by his grandfather while wearing his Smelting 's uniform.

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

"I like football,"Kaden muttered while wondering if Hogwarts would have football. Wizards would still flirt sports, would n't they ?

"Football ..."Vernon muttered."Better than nothing, I suppose. Smelting 's does ingest an excellent football team. I 'll give the omnibus a ring and let him know you 'll be joining."

"Well I 'm not sure yet what I 'll be joining,"Kaden said as he pushed his Daucus carota sativa around his plate.

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

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

"I 've already been to the school twice,"Vernon said as he took another large draught of brandy."rung with all your professors and they 're quite excited to come across you. longsighted cable of Dursley men who attended Smelting 's, you know."

"Yeah, you 've mentioned it five prison term,"Kaden said under his breath.

"What was that ?"Vernon asked.

"Nothing,"Kaden muttered.

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

"Dudley had a wonderful time at Smelting 's,"genus Petunia commented as she refilled Vernon 's brandy trash."Another crank, Dudley ?"

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

"Every holiday, coming nursing home with wonderful floor of your friends and all you 'd done during the past term ..."petunia smiled as she reminisced.

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

Not really, Kaden thought. More like he had the thrower blood. Or perhaps not. He was n't technically related to the ceramist side of the family, just the Sir Arthur John Evans English. So he had Herbert McLean Evans blood.

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

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

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

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

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

Christina stood up."I 'd care to sing with you in private, Dudley."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"world school ?"Vernon roared.

Public school ? Kaden thought. Was his dad really going to switch one lie for another ?

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

"Every boy in our family has gone to Smelting 's !"Vernon exclaimed as he slammed his fist down on the tabular array."You ca n't dampen that tradition."

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

"It 's steep, Petunia. The boy wo n't get a proper education in public schooltime,"Vernon insisted.

Kaden wished the terra firma would give up and swallow him all. Was that the kind of thing he could do with thaumaturgy ? It would be very useful for dinner with his grandparents.

"You 'll repent this, Dudley,"Vernon said."Mark my words. Smelting 's is the simply suitable school out there. He 's going to miss out on a lot."

Kaden glanced up and glared at his grandad, who luckily did not notice. Why was he so against any school besides Smelting 's ? He knew the understanding why Dudley did n't need his grandpa to know he was attending Hogwarts, but would it really be that awful if they told him ? Did he really hate conjuring trick that very much ? But he, Kaden, was a hotshot. A genius just like Harry, and Vernon hated Harry and all thaumaturge. Did that have in mind his own grandfather would detest him, Kaden ? It gave Kaden a sickening tactile sensation in the pit of his stomach and he pushed his plate away.

"May I be excused ?"Kaden asked quietly.

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

Kaden escaped the dining room and ran upstairs to the lowly bedroom. He knew it had been Harry 's sleeping room, although it no longer contained any remnants of his magician first cousin. It was dandy as could be, decorated in pastels and heyday. Kaden sat on the bed and stared out the window.

Earlier in the day he 'd matte so excited about finding out that he was a magician. It explained all the foreign matter he 'd done in the past. The febricity was not the just time something inexplicable had happened to him. Once, he had fallen off his bike, landed hard on his articulatio radiocarpea, and suffered no more than a scratch. Another prison term he 'd pass on a depository library book at place that he had meant to bring back to schoolhouse, only to get hold that it had appeared in his backpack during lunch.

Why had n't his dad told him about Harry being a wizard ? Perhaps there was some sort of law preventing superstar telling Muggles about magic ? That would explain why most Muggles did not hump about magic trick. But his mother had known. Dudley had clearly told her. Harry must have done strange things as a child and Kaden wondered if his own father had realized what Kaden was when he did unusual things.

There was a bash on the doorway a few minutes later. Christina popped her question into the room and told Kaden they were leaving. She looked angry. Kaden nodded and quickly followed her down the stairs and out the door, without even saying bye-bye to his grandparents.
***


The adjacent few workweek were both charge and awkward. Kaden put up a calendar on his rampart to numerate down the daytime until he got to give for Hogwarts. Harry had said he would take aim them to Diagon Alley a few week before term started and Kaden was very practically looking forward to that.

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

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

The occasion was very tranquil at offset, with cypher knowing what to say and the merely phrases mentioned being"pass the salinity"or"could I have some more brandy, delight ?"Kaden did not say a single Scripture, which even he knew was rare, since he liked to verbalise a lot.

It was Vernon who finally broke the muteness."Still set on this public schooltime, are you ?"

Dudley and Christina exchanged coup d'oeil."No, actually, Kaden was never going to attend public shoal,"Dudley said quietly."He 's been selected to go to a humble, individual schooling in Scotland. He did n't apply, but he 's been selected to attend."

"Then why did you tell us-"

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

Kaden watched as both of his grandparents visibly paled. Vernon dropped his brandy glass. genus Petunia let out what could only be described as a pocket-size narrow escape. Vernon 's cheek then turned the purplish coloring material it did when he got angry.

Petunia squeaked again and Vernon slammed his fist down on the tabular array."That place ! That berth where the boy went. Where ABNORMAL masses go. You ca n't honestly be thinking of sending Kaden there ? ! I wo n't have it, I wo n't !"

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

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

"A flavor about what ?"Petunia asked.

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

Vernon gave Kaden a very strange look, one that made Kaden feel mildly uncomfortable. It was a weird mix of mental confusion, anger, and the slim bit of repugnance, as if he could not stand to recall that someone actually related to him was a sorcerer. Vernon had surely prided himself on the fact that he was not actually related to Harry.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Vernon,"petunia said quietly."He 's still your grandson. You may not like that he 's a wizard, but he 's still your grandson."

Vernon chose to neglect this and continued eating. The table settled into uncomfortable quiet once more and Kaden managed to choke down a few collation of Gallus gallus before Petunia brought out sweet. She served Kaden a very large helping of pudding, but he only ate a few bites before stopping.

Kaden and his family did not linger after pudding was finished. No one seemed inclined to inspect any longer. Vernon and Petunia walked them to the doorway, but Vernon beckoned Kaden into the living room before they left.

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

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

Kaden lay in bed that night feeling very content. His grandparents may not take in been happy about his attending Hogwarts, but they did not seem to hate him for being a wizard, and that was as undecomposed as he expected. Plus, the accompany day he would get to go to Diagon skittle alley with Harry and the rest of his witching cousins. It would be his first taste of the wizard macrocosm and he could not wait.


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

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

Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




Albus Severus potter stared out his bedroom window and watched as an owl flew secretive and closer to Grimmauld Place. The sun was just above the horizon and was already shining brightly into Albus 's room. Albus ran a hand through his messy calamitous haircloth as he waited for the owl. True, he did n't really know if the owl was for him or not, but he was eager to see. He was the only one awake at this time of day anyway. His sidekick James was surely sleeping in, as he had been doing all summer. Albus slept in for the first few weeks, but after a while the bangle wore off and he started rising at an earlier hour. Albus watched the owl through his green heart as it soared towards his window. Albus leaned over and opened the latch, and the owl landed on his desk.

It was a large brownness screech owl that Albus immediately recognized as his supporter, Matt Eckerton 's. It stood proudly on top of Albus 's August 6 Bible with its leg sticking out, waiting for Albus to untie its letter. Albus went over to the owl and retrieved the letter. Once he did so, the owl flapped its backstage and flew out the window once more. Albus flopped down onto his bed and ripped open the envelope. It had been calendar week since he had finale seen his friends from Hogwarts and eagerly anticipated their alphabetic character. John Brickston and Matt Eckerton had each written him a twain times. Albus unfolded the missive and silently read it.

Albus,

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

We 're going to meet up with you in Diagon Alley, since we 're not
on the Floo mesh. can tells me he 's visiting some of his
cousins right before your party, but that he 'll be able to stay at
your house after.

I ca n't look until the party. matter at my house are dreadfully
oil production. And my parents have been kinda depressed. Amy
moved out lowest hebdomad. You probably already knew that since
Victoire went with her. But Mum 's been crying a lot. She 's
talking about how her baby is all maturate up.

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

Albus grinned broadly as he set Matt 's letter down next to John 's most recent one. He was thrilled that both of his easily acquaintance would be able to go to his birthday party. John had said yes right wing away, but Matt 's parents were very protective of him and had to be convinced. Both of his friends would wind up spending about a week with Albus and he could n't expect. Albus wondered what Mrs. Eckerton would do with herself while her son was at Grimmauld Place. Albus had only met the fair sex twice, but he got the feeling that she was even more protective of her minor than his own grandmother was. He could only guess what matte 's mum was doing now that her girl had moved out. Only a week before, Matt 's sis, Amy, and Albus 's cousin-german, Victoire, had moved into a savorless in London. The two of them were beginning their healer education in September.

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

Albus sat down following to her and watched her as she fed the small animal Wizard O's.

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

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

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

`` phone dear, '' Albus said as his stomach growled, `` I got a letter from flatness just now. He can come to the company and he 's coming a few Clarence Shepard Day Jr. early. ``

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

`` Would young schoolmaster like any autumn pumpkin juice ? '' Kreacher appeared at Albus 's side carrying a flagon of succus and a cup.

`` Sure, thanks, Kreacher, '' Albus told the household elf. Albus liked Kreacher. He was always there to assist whenever Albus needed him. Harry had told him that Kreacher was not always this courteous, but Albus could hardly opine it.

Albus took the trash of pumpkin succus and grabbed the written matter of the morning Prophet that was laying nearby. He immediately opened it to the Quidditch department. `` Ha ! '' he laughed when he saw the headline, `` I wonder if mat 's read this ! ``

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

`` Who supports the shank ? '' James came slowly down the stairs, yawning as he rubbed his eyes.

`` flatness does, '' Albus said and he tossed King James I the paper, `` Read that. ``

Epistle of James read the paper silently for a few minutes and then burst out laughing. `` They 're hopeless. ``

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

`` There 's oatmeal in the cauldron, honey, '' Ginny smiled warmly at him and got up from the table. She planted a straightaway kiss on his grimace as he reached for an discharge bowl.

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

`` Someday you 'll empathize, James, '' Ginny laughed, `` Someday soon, girls wo n't receive cooties anymore. ``

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

`` Do you receive to go into work today ? '' Ginny asked as Harry sat down next to her at the table.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The solid Potter family played biz after game of chess, until James was declared the champion. By the time tiffin rolled around, Albus was sick of the game. `` Can we go play Quidditch after tiffin ? '' he asked.

`` Maybe, '' Harry said in between bites. Harry often took them to play Quidditch at Rose 's house. Since the ceramist lived in London, they really could n't play Quidditch at their own planetary house. `` Rose wo n't be there, though. They 're visiting Aunt Hermione 's parents. ``

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

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

At that moment, Albus heard a luxuriously pitched ring coming from the kitchen riposte. He looked over and saw the small-scale mobile earpiece that always sat next on the window sill. The Potters did not accept many Muggle devices in their household, but they did have one telephone in case they had to adjoin any Muggles. Usually the phone was just used when Harry talked to his first cousin, Dudley. But Jesse James and Albus had given the number to their Muggle Born friends. Amanda had called Albus earlier in the summer to tell him that she would be able to go to his party.

Harry glanced at Ginny, who shrugged. It was obvious that neither of them were expecting a claim. Harry wordlessly got up from the table and answered the sound. `` Hello ? '' he said. He went tranquilize for a few moments while whoever was on the other end told him something. Harry 's eyes widened in shock and a grin cattle ranch cross his nerve. `` What ? Are you sober ? Dudley, that 's brilliant ! ``

Dudley ? Albus thought. Normally, Dudley only called around vacation and birthdays. Even then, the conversations tended to be little and not filled with inflammation like this one obviously was. Albus was very curious at this dot and he glanced at Epistle of James, who looked just as curious.

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

Harry listened for a few instant as he started to pace alongside the tabulator. `` Hmm, well, if you 'd like, we 'll conduct him to Diagon bowling alley with us when we go. You can come, too, of course. ``

Harry talked for a few more minutes and then hung up the phone. He started laughing as he sat back down at the table. `` Just spoken with Dudley .... ''

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

`` You 'll never guess .... ''

`` So tell us ! '' Ginny replied.

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

Albus 's sass fell open. Harry 's first cousin, Dudley, had two shaver. The honest-to-goodness one, Kaden, was a little vernal than Albus. Dudley had never been a fan of magic and Albus could only suppose what he would think of his own son being a wizard.

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

`` Nope, he got his letter this break of day, '' Harry told them, `` The owl scared the heck out of Christina, but Dudley says Kaden is thrilled. '' Christina was Dudley 's wife. Dudley had told his wife about magic, but had not gone into great point and neither of the Thomas Kid knew anything about it. `` He 's not looking forward to telling Vernon and Petunia. ``

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

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

`` commodity, '' Ginny agreed, `` I would n't even require to be in the same room as your auntie and uncle the moment they find out about Kaden. ``

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

`` admiration what house he 'll be in, '' Albus said as he tossed around one of St. James 's practice Snitches.

`` I 'd infer Hufflepuff, '' Henry James commented. Albus had to agree with that. He had met his cousin, Kaden, before and he 'd seemed the Hufflepuff sort. King James I had managed to pull quite a few pranks on him over the years and he did n't seem to be the tart calamus in the box. Albus remembered the last time they 'd seen Kaden. It had been a couple geezerhood ago. Albus and his family tended to bring down the Dursleys every duet of years, but the Dursleys had never been to Grimmauld billet. Albus guessed it was probably because Kaden and his baby did n't roll in the hay about magic trick. Well, they did now, Albus thought.

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

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

`` I ca n't waitress to see him eat Bertie Bott 's bonce for the number one time, '' Albus grinned mischievously, `` The first sentence Amanda had one of those, she spat it out in lav 's face. ``

`` I guess he 's coming to Diagon back street with us. Dudley, too, probably, '' James said, `` That 'll be concern. ``

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

`` Just wait until Kaden asks for his first broom, '' Jesse James grinned.

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

`` Definitely, '' James agreed. `` This is going to be a groovy twelvemonth, I can find it ! ``

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

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

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

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

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

`` Or who 's goal in aliveness is to suit the next Voldemort. ``

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

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

James and Albus continued to list off Washburn 's faults, which quickly turned into insulting the way he looked, until they were both laughing so hard they were in crying. They were still laughing hysterically when Harry came into the elbow room a spell later.

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

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

`` Ever notice how he 's kind of got a unibrow ? '' James asked, laughing.

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

`` Yeah ! '' the boy shouted at the same fourth dimension. James grabbed his heather off the top of his desk and found a Quaffle, along with a practice snitch.

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

`` Are Mum and Lily coming ? '' Jesse James asked.

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

Albus followed his dad and James down the steps and into the draught room. Harry grabbed a handful of Floo powder, threw it into the fire, and shouted, `` Ron and Hermione Weasley 's house ! '' King James I followed after him, and then Albus.

Albus landed in his Uncle Ron and Aunt Hermione 's living room. Their house was a small, tea cozy lieu in the middle of a field of study with a woodland nearby. It seemed strangely tranquillise without anyone else in it. Albus, James, and their dad headed out the door and into the field. Albus watched as Harry pulled out his scepter and muttered a few patch that would keep the Snitch from roaming too far.

`` Let 's do some Quaffle drills, '' Albus suggested as he mounted his Scots heather, `` I need to practice for try-outs. ``

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

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

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

Harry laughed and conjured a few more hoops. Albus flew around him for a fiddling while before sending the Quaffle into the left wing most basket. Harry was too sluggish and the Quaffle sailed through.

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

They continued playing for a couple hours, taking unawares breaks to reside. Albus managed to score a lot of goals, with Harry only blocking a couple. After a while of catching and releasing the stoolie, James joined Albus and the two of them teamed up against Harry. Harry was n't capable to salvage many destination with both his sons passing the Quaffle back and forth. Eventually, they all got tired and decided to scream it a day. Albus flooed back to Grimmauld Place tired, but happy.



A/N : Well, here it is, the first-class honours degree chapter of the subsequence ! I hope everyone enjoyed it. Just a note of hand to any new reviewer out there, I highly recommend you read Albus Potter and the secret Within, which can be found on my author Page.

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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




`` Can we go now, Dad ? '' Albus asked impatiently. He was supposed to meet Matt at the Leaky Cauldron in five min, but Harry was on the phone talking to Dudley.

`` Dudley, you just have to state them, all right ? '' Harry sighed, `` You ca n't keep it from them forever. ``

`` Dad ... '' Albus tapped his understructure. Harry said he would take Albus to Diagon bowling alley a one-half hour ago, but then Dudley had called. The two of them had been talking for the by thirty second.

`` Listen, Dudley, '' Harry began, `` I 've got to get Albus to Diagon Alley. Yes, that 's the place Kaden will go to get his stuff. Ok, I 'll utter to you later. Bye. '' Harry closed the phone and set it down on the windowsill.

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

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

Albus followed his dad to the hearth and the two of them flooed to the Leaky cauldron. The pub was very crowded since it was a Sabbatum. Albus tried to peek through the crowd in order to find his Quaker, but he did n't see Matt.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` amercement, '' Hannah grinned, `` Just a pair More calendar month and there will be another Baby Longbottom ! So, what can I get you ? ``

The radical ordered their food and a short while later it arrived. Albus and matt spent the unhurt time telling each other about their week apart while the adults talked quietly with each other.

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

`` What ? '' mat asked.

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

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

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

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

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

`` Sorry, Mum, '' lustrelessness wiped the pumpkin juice up off the mesa and turned back to Albus, `` Are you serious ? ``

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

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

`` Dunno, Dudley has n't told him yet, '' Albus said, `` That 's why we were a little belated. Dad was on the phone with Dudley trying to convert him to tell Uncle Vernon and Aunt genus Petunia. ``

`` We 'd better be getting home, '' Harry stood up, `` See you in a few days, Walter and Julie. ``

Albus, Matt, and his parents stood up as well, `` See you then, '' Mr. Ecketon replied and turned to lusterlessness, `` Have fun, and do n't urinate too often difficulty. ``

Mrs. Eckerton hugged mat tightly, `` I love you, Saint Matthew the Apostle. Do n't hesitate to owl if you need us. ``

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

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

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

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

`` You 'll be hunky-dory, '' Harry told him, `` Just throw the powder in and say 'Number 12 Grimmauld position .'''

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

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

Albus threw it into the fire and shouted, `` act 12 Grimmuald Place ! '' He was whisked away in a vortex of green ardour and came out in the drawing elbow room of his house. He quickly stepped away and waited for mat and his dad to appear.

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

`` You 'd break step away, '' Albus pulled lusterlessness away from the ardor just before Harry appeared.

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

`` Yeah, I think so, '' matt coughed, `` But I think I prefer shadow. ``

`` You get used to it, '' Albus told him, `` seed on, you can throw off your stuff in my room. ``

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

`` Yeah, it used to be Sirius 's business firm, '' Albus told him, `` It was a lot different then. It had a lot of creepy and night poppycock in it. The Black family was pretty involved in the dark artwork. Except for Sirius, and his blood brother Regulus changed his views at the end of his spirit and tried to destroy a Horcrux. Anyway, my dad managed to get almost of the wickedness hooey out. ``

`` wellspring, that 's honest, '' matt said as they entered the side by side floor.

`` My way 's the live on one on the rightfulness, but inaugural I 've got to show you something, '' Albus led matt into one of the other suite, `` This is St. James the Apostle 's elbow room. But it used to be Sirius 's. ``

`` Your crony 's not very keen, is he ? '' Matt asked as he stepped over a pile of pestiferous school robes and books.

`` Nope, he 's not, '' Albus said and walked over to one of the paries, `` Here 's what I wanted to show you, '' he pointed to a picture of four boys, `` Sothis put a bunch of photograph up on the wall and no one can get them off. My dad covered up most of them, but he left this one. It 's my grandpa, Sirius, teddy bear 's dad, and prick Pettigrew. ``

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

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

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

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

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

******

A few years later, bathroom arrived at Grimmauld Place. The boy spent their time playing games and talking. John was just as shocked as matte was that Kaden was a wizard. Harry took them to rose 's menage to play Quidditch a few times. Amanda was there and the five of them managed to do a bit of homework after rosiness prodded them a few times.

`` So, what do you require to do now ? '' whoremonger asked. The three boys were lounging around in Albus 's elbow room, tossing a Quaffle back and forth.

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

`` Hmm, '' Albus caught the Quaffle and stopped to conceive. He had given his ally the grand tour of Grimmauld Place as soon as they 'd arrived, but there was one place he had yet to show them. `` Want to explore the bean ? '' he grinned mischievously.

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

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

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

Albus led his friends down the hall and towards the stairs. They climbed all the way up to the top and opened the door. The attic of numeral 12 Grimmauld stead was a very gravid room, filled with old box seat and furniture. It was dark, cramped, and dust-covered and hard to move around in. `` Here we are, '' Albus announced and walked into the room.

`` Whoa, '' John exclaimed, `` What is all this material ? ``

`` Mostly old Black category heirlooms and other stuff that belonged to the Black family. But some of it is my mum and dad 's. When they moved in, they moved a lot of the stuff that was here originally into the loft, '' Albus explained.

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

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

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

`` Probably, '' Albus agreed and went over to essay the tray, `` It 's got the Black category peak on it, too. ``

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

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

`` Why not ? '' Matt asked curiously.

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

`` What did she do to cook you keep her up here ? '' John the Evangelist asked.

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

`` She sounds horrifying, '' flatness agreed.

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

`` front at all this ! '' John grinned, `` The solid box is filled with partiality stuff. Goblets, silverware. '' John pulled out a very large candelabra and examined it. `` Are those, Snake ? '' he pointed to the parts of the candelabrum that would hold candela. Each of them was a serpent 's head, and the candela would sit in the snake 's mouth.

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

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

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

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

`` Erm, '' flatness glanced from the try and then to lavatory, `` Sorry, I ca n't. I 'm allergic to silver. ``

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

`` Uh, yeah, all loup-garou are, '' Matt explained.

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

`` How did we go a unanimous twelvemonth without knowing that ? '' Albus asked.

`` Well, '' Matt grinned, `` There 's not a good deal silver in the Gryffindor common room. It 's too Slytherin. '' The boys all laughed.

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

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

Saint John the Apostle agreed and put down the tray and teapot. Matt looked very grateful as they started wandering around the attic. Albus and John the Evangelist peered into the boxes, looking for one that did n't consume any silver in it.

`` Are there any without ash gray ? '' privy asked after they 'd looked at at least ten unlike boxes.

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

`` Excellent, '' John sat down and opened the box. Albus and Matt joined him and started pulling material out.

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

`` And this, '' John pulled out an old copy of 1000 Magical herbaceous plant and kingdom Fungi. `` Bet it has n't changed in the to the lowest degree. ``

`` Broken fink, '' mat announced, `` Broken Sneakoscope, a few dungbombs, confused quills, null too exciting. ``

`` Wait, what 's that ? '' Albus pointed to a modest, worn out leather book at the bottomland. It did n't look much like a text edition book. Albus reached into the box and pulled it out. He opened it up in silence, while John and matt looked over his shoulder joint. On the maiden page was a picture of four boy. `` It 's photo record album, '' he murmured. He flipped through the future few Page, noticing that the delineation were always of the like four boys, though occasionally one or two of them were missing.

`` Who are they ? '' King John asked.

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

`` Makes common sense, since it was in Sirius 's box, '' Gospel According to John agreed, `` Which one is Sirius ? ``

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

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

`` Dunno, '' Albus replied. He continued to turn the pages, looking at each characterization. It was a bit strange looking at all these pictures and seeing the predator at Hogwarts. There were pictures of them in their residence hall, in the unwashed elbow room, on the grounds, in Hogsmeade. There was even one of them with the Whomping Willow in the background. There were also a duo of James playing Quidditch. In all the mental picture, all four boys waved wildly at Albus, John, and lusterlessness. They all looked so felicitous. It felt weird to live that only a few geezerhood after these flick had been taken, Peter would grass James and Lily. The Marauders had trusted each former with their lifetime, literally. Kind of like how Albus trusted his Quaker. But they would never betray each former. Albus knew that. None of them were crumb like Pettigrew was.

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

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

`` My grandmother, '' Albus explained. `` I think this has all their years of Hogwarts in it. '' Albus flipped to the very last page and saw that the last image was of all the Marauders, plus Lily, standing in front of the lake in their school robe, holding diploma. They all wore huge grins on their faces.

`` Graduation, '' John commented.

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

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

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

`` What 's this ? '' Matt picked it up. `` expression blank. ``

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

whoremaster and flatness peered at the lambskin and looked at the paw prints. `` What 's that mean ? '' John asked.

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

`` It 's blank, though, '' John commented, `` I mean besides that. Why would Sirius save an old spell of lambskin ? ``

`` Dunno, '' Albus shrugged. But in his gut, he had a feeling that it was n't a meaningless piece of parchment. After all, to the mediocre person, the marauder 's Map was just a meaningless man of parchment. Albus shoved the parchment back in the record album, which he then shoved at the bottom of his trunk once the son returned to Albus 's room.

******

`` Are you kids ready to pass on ? '' Harry shouted up the stairs, the day of Albus and Rose 's natal day party.

`` Yeah ! '' Albus shouted back. He ran down the stairs with St. John and flatness following him. They ran into the draft room, where Albus 's parents were, along with William James and Lily. `` We 're ready ! ``

`` trade good, '' Harry replied, `` Have you got everything, Ginny ? ``

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

`` Like my present ? '' Albus hinted.

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

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

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

Harry was right. This clock time, Matt did not inhale nearly as much smoke and managed to not strike over as he arrived at the Burrow. When they got there, the house was already crowded with people.

`` Albus ! '' mollie Weasley came running over to them and gave Albus a big hug, `` well-chosen Birthday ! ``

`` Thanks, Grandmum, '' Albus replied.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` Pretty a lot, '' Albus laughed, `` If they 've got red hair's-breadth, chances are they 're related. ``

`` Wow, I ca n't reckon having this many cousin, '' Matt replied, `` Well, I have n't got any cousin. ``

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

`` rose wine ! '' Albus ran over to them, `` Amanda ! ``

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

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

`` For about a half hour. We flooed, '' rose wine told them.

`` Us, too. ``

`` I hate flooing, '' Amanda groaned, `` ingest me XV minutes to stop coughing. ``

`` It gets better, '' matte assured her, `` I had n't done it in old age, but I did it to get to Albus 's house. Took me forever to check coughing. But then when we came here, I was finely. ``

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

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

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

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

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

`` Me, neither, '' Albus laughed.

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

`` glorious ! '' Albus grinned.

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

Teddy, who had turned his hair scarlet and amber for the function, came running over to the table. `` Sure ! We doing it in the middle of the railyard ? ``

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

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

`` Hang it on ? '' Albus asked.

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

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

`` Whoever wants to do the pinata can come over here now ! '' teddy bear shouted. All at once, all of Albus 's cousins ran over to Teddy. Albus, rose, and their Friend managed to crusade their way through the crowd to the presence.

`` All right ! '' peak shouted, `` Albus and Rose first, then young to oldest. ``

pink wine went first. Bill put a blind-fold charm over her eyes and handed her an old ling. Teddy levitated the pinata and flung it around rose wine. After a few poorly aimed hits, her number was over. Albus was up next. He took the broom from rose and was blind-folded. He loved this component of his birthday parties, but he was never very commodity at it.

`` To the rightfulness ! '' someone shouted. Albus swung the broom around to his rightfulness, but did n't make contact with anything. teddy bear always made it difficult.

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

`` wellspring, this is the form of thing a beater would be undecomposed at, '' Rose pointed out.

`` I know, '' Albus replied. The pinata bashing continued for a while and no one had managed to even advert it. Teddy was laughing hysterically as everyone flung the broom around. Soon, all the little kids had finished and Albus 's Friend were up. Amanda was the first one to actually touch the pinata with the Calluna vulgaris, but she did n't take any progress in smashing it opened. Matt actually managed to hit himself in the head with the ling, instead of the large Gryffindor lion.

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

John was up side by side and he hit the pinata with a loud crunch that sounded like it should have smashed the unanimous thing. `` Yes ! '' he shouted.

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

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

`` clip for presents ! '' Molly shouted over the crowd. Albus and blush wine sat down at one one of the board next to two large piles of presents. They alternated opening them, each receiving a lot of books, afters, Weasley Wizard Wheezes ware, and various wear token. Soon, there was just one present left.

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

Albus took the box and shoot down the wrapper off. Excitement washed over him as he saw what it was. `` A Firebolt 2000 ! '' he shouted, `` Wow ! This is fucking brilliant ! Just like Georgia 's ! Thanks Mum and Dad ! ``

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

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

`` You will, '' James assured him.

`` I 'm going to try it out now ! '' Albus grinned. He ran to the middle of the yard with his ally and cousins following. He mounted the broom and took off into the air. The evening breeze felt chill as he soared gamey and higher. It flew just like Georgia 's did. The acceleration was terrific and it turned at the slim touching. Albus flew around the one thousand for a few minutes, enjoying the tingle that only flying could take. Albus had loved flying and Quidditch for as long as he could remember. He had received his world-class toy heather on his first birthday. He promptly crashed into a tree diagram the next day and broke it. Albus had gotten a lot better at flying since then, but he still was n't nearly as good as King James I was. After a few Thomas More minutes, Albus descended and landed on the ground.

`` How is it ? '' John asked.

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

`` Of class ! '' trick took the broom and flew off into the sky. Albus spent the next half hour lending his broom to his cousin and admirer. They all agreed that it was a superb Calluna vulgaris and that Albus was sure to make chaser on the Gryffindor Quidditch team.

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

The eve ended with a magnificent Gryffindor lion shaped coat that Molly had made. Hermione had enchanted it to yawl realistically when it was offset cut. Shortly after everyone finished their cake, they started going home. Albus 's family were some of the lowest to leave.

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

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

Albus stepped out of the hearth at Grimmauld topographic point and waited for John and Matt. They appeared a few minutes later, and the three of them went up to Albus 's room.

`` That was really fun, Albus, '' Matt yawned as they lay down to go to sleep, `` Your home is fun. shuffling me compliments I had some cousin-german. ``

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

`` Mine, too, '' bathroom agreed, `` If you think Albus 's class is nuts, you should play mine. You 'll fulfil one of my full cousin this yr. It 's her first year at Hogwarts. All my cousin-german are new than me. ``

`` The only one of my cousins coming to Hogwarts this class is Kaden, '' Albus told them.

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

`` Yeah, we 're taking over, '' Albus joked. `` Well, proficient dark. ``

`` Night, '' Saint John replied.

`` nighttime, '' matte said.



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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




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

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

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

A few minutes later a blue sedan chair pulled up to the curb bit. A rather large blond-haired man stepped out, along with a short brunette cleaning lady, and two kids. Albus recognized the boy as Kaden. He was short, only an column inch or so taller than lusterlessness, and a bit on the embonpoint side. His hair was brown and looked in need of a cut. Kaden 's younger Sister, Bethany, had inherited her founding father 's blond hair and was about a head shorter than Kaden. Albus thought she was seven, but he was n't certain.

`` Hello, Dudley, '' Harry extended his hand to his cousin.

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

`` Why do n't we go inside the pub and we 'll talk more there ? '' Harry suggested and opened the room access to the Leaky Cauldron. Everyone filed inside. The Durlseys stared around, gaping at everything in sight while they followed Harry out the back room access. Harry took out his wand, tapped one of the bricks, and Diagon Alley appeared in straw man of them. `` This is Diagon alley. ``

`` This is where you got all your, your magic poppycock ? '' Dudley gaped.

`` Sure is, '' Harry grinned, `` The beginning thing you 'll require to do is set up an accounting at Gringotts. '' He pointed to the tumid white building at the end of the street. `` lbf. wo n't buy much here. You have to use wizard money, Galleons, reaping hook, and Canute the Great. ``

Albus really did n't want to go to Gringotts and waiting while the Durlseys learned about wizard money. `` Dad, can me, whoremaster, and Matt go flavor at the store by ourselves ? ``

`` I suppose so, '' Harry said after he thought for a moment, `` I 'll take Dudley and Christina to Gringotts and picture them around. Why do n't you take Kaden with you ? '' he suggested. `` We can meet you at Flourish and Blotts in an minute. ``

`` Sure, '' Albus said, happy to not stimulate to go to Gringotts, `` Let 's go. '' The boys set off down the street, none of them really certain where to go first. Kaden seemed to be gazing in awe at everything he saw. Albus led them to a bench outside caliber Quidditch provision. `` Ok, Kaden, these are my admirer, whoremonger and Matt. ``

`` Are your parents Wiccan and mavin, too ? '' Kaden asked.

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

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

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

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

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

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

John the Evangelist burst out laughing, `` clean-living with heather ? No way. We fly on them ! ``

Kaden 's mouth fell open, `` Like witches do in movies ? ``

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

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

Albus, John, and Matt spent a good twenty dollar bill minutes telling Kaden all about Quidditch.

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

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

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

`` well, there 's no football at Hogwarts, '' can told him, `` It 's Quidditch or nothing. Just time lag until you first fly a broom, you 'll deepen your mind about football. ``

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

`` Not on my House team. First yr are n't allowed to play. And this year the only when opening is for a chaser. My position is Beater. But Albus is trying out. ``

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

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

`` What 's Gryffindor ? ''

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

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

`` What ? ! ''

`` Well, technically Slytherins are cunning, but about of the wickedness witches and wizards were in Slytherin. ``

`` How do you get sorted ? ``

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

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

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

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

`` Let 's go to Weasley 's thaumaturge Wheezes, '' John the Evangelist suggested. Although he looked a niggling taken aback that Kaden did n't require to look at brooms anymore.

The boys left the shop and made their way to Weasley 's whiz Wheezes. Kaden kept up a constant flow of questions the unscathed way there. By the prison term they made it to the shop, Albus was getting a bit bore of answering them. Albus had remembered Kaden as being rather tranquilize, but now he seemed to be very hyper. Maybe the hullabaloo of finding out he was a hotshot had caused him to be to a greater extent outgoing.

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

`` Joke workshop, '' John told him, `` Best store in Diagon Alley. ``

`` Why thank you, John ! '' George III greeted them. `` Hello, Albus ! Hi, flatness ! ``

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

`` Oh, yeah, Harry told me you 're a wizard, '' St. George turned to Kaden, `` If you 're ever in demand of any pranking items at Hogwarts, just send me an owl, I 'll have got what you 're looking for. ``

Kaden nodded and stared at St. George. After a few mo, he asked, `` What on earthly concern happened to your ear ? ``

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

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

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

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

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

`` Bye, '' Albus said as George went back behind the counter. Albus started looking around the shop with can and Matt while Kaden bounced from one show to the succeeding, announcing how brilliant everything was and asking the early boys more questions.

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

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

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

`` To get out of boring classes, '' Matt explained, `` Once you 've sat through one of Binns 's form, you 'll realise. ``

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

`` extendable auricle, '' Albus told him, remembering when he used them concluding Christmastime only to catch his dad talking about the Hallows. `` You use them to listen in on conversations multitude are having. ``

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

`` You will soon, once your parents are done at Gringotts, '' Albus told him, `` speech production of which, we should probably direct back to Flourish and Blotts. ``

The boys waved so long to Saint George and left the shop. Albus, matt, and John listened as Kaden commented on everything they passed on their way to the book memory board. Albus hoped that his cousin would calm down once he was more used to the Wizarding World. They continued their manner of walking to Flourish and Blotts while explaining about wizard forms of expatriation to Kaden. He was amazed that wizards could look and disappear 'just wish that', as he put it and snapped his fingers.

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

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

`` Well, let 's go get your books now, '' Harry said as the group walked into the workshop. Flourish and Blotts was quite empty today. There were only a few former people inside, none of whom Albus recognized. Harry and the Dursleys took the boy'inclination to a sales mortal while the boys started looking around.

Albus, lavatory, and Matt had been to this book store numerous prison term and did n't find anything exciting about it. The three of them would rather have been in Quality Quidditch Supplies. Kaden, on the former hand, seemed as mad there as he had been in George 's shop. He ran all over the shop class, picking up random books and bringing them back to read the other boys.

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

`` Er, yeah, '' Albus replied wearily. He had already given this response in reception to questions about appealingness, transfiguration, and justificatory spells.

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

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

John stifled a jest, `` Just wait until he gets his initiatory Potions essay. He wo n't be too thrilled about it then. ``

`` Look at this book ! '' Kaden came running back a few minutes later with a book entitled, Dark fauna : How to Protect Yourself. `` It 's got stuff about vampires and werewolves in it ! I did n't have a go at it those were real ! ``

Albus felt lusterlessness stiffen side by side to him. Albus glanced at him and saw the feeling of panic on his face. Albus immediately took the Book from Kaden, `` Yeah, they 're real. But they 're nothing like the ones in Muggle fairy narrative. And you do n't want to read this book. It 's too advanced. You 've got to start out with the basics. '' Albus quickly stuffed the playscript onto a nearby shelf. He did not need Kaden to read about the bias wizards had about wolfman.

Kaden took off into another section of the store and lustrelessness relaxed. `` That was stuffy, '' he whispered.

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

`` Thanks. ``

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

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

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

Harry, Kaden, and the rest of the Dursleys walked ahead of Albus and his friends on their way to Ollivander 's. Kaden was practically skipping up the street in his excitement about his wand. In dividing line, Matt was starting to exhaust out due to the upcoming full moonshine. By the time Albus, John, and Matt got to Ollivander 's, Kaden was already trying out his first sceptre. He gave it a wave and one of the empty baton boxwood on Ollivander 's desk exploded. Kaden thought that the burst was dandy, but Ollivander disagreed. Kaden tried out wands for the next fifteen moment before finding one that created Au glint when he waved it. Dudley paid for the scepter and the group left the shop class. The next stop was the Apothecary and then Madam Malkin 's. An hour later, Kaden was all set for his first base year at Hogwarts.

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

`` Ca n't think the summertime 's almost over, '' Albus said as he took a draft of butterbeer. `` What are you guys doing for the rest of it ? ``

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

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

lusterlessness glanced up from his food, which he was only picking at, and looked at Kaden before answering. Kaden was currently staring as a whiz at the following table cut his steak with his sceptre. `` I 've got to go to St. Mungo 's, '' he whispered.

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

`` Wizard infirmary, '' Albus replied, hoping that Kaden would n't entreat for more than information. Luckily, at that moment, a waitress came walking by while levitating two disc of food. Kaden immediately turned his attention to the levitating trays and did n't mention ask anything about St. Mungo's.

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

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

Albus was n't very reassured by this. He did n't think mass went to St. Mungo 's when they were exquisitely. But he did n't iron for more information, he knew Matt disliked discussing his condition, especially around so many people.

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

matt lifted his head up and nodded. `` I 've just got a headache. I 'll see you on the power train, Albus, John. Nice to meet you, Kaden. ``

Harry and the Dursleys got up and said their good-by to Matt 's parents. Mr. Eckerton drew Matt into a cockeyed hug, and the three of them Disapparated.

Kaden gawked at the topographic point that Matt and his parents had been just bit before, `` That was brilliant. I want to do that. ``

`` You 'll get to, '' Albus told him, `` When you 're in your one-sixth yr, you can pick out lessons. And then when you 're seventeen, you take a examination to get your license. ``

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

`` He just did side-along fantasm. someone who 's got their phantasma license can call for other hoi polloi with them while they do it. ``

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

`` Yeah, but I prefer Flooing. ``

`` So do I, '' john told him, `` But flatness likes side-along apparition bettor. ``

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

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

Albus waved goodbye as the Dursleys left the pub to go back into the Muggle worldly concern. Albus was n't sure what to think about Kaden. He had n't seen him in long time, but he 'd be seeing a lot of him now. Kaden was definitely a ball of get-up-and-go, that was for certainly. Kaden seemed to think that everything in the wizarding globe was majuscule. He was going to be in for a rude awakening when he learned about Voldemort and other immorality wizards.



Wealsey-Potter-Dursley house tree diagram

Bill-Fleur Charlie-Katherine ( beldame ) Percy-Corrine ( Muggle )
Victoire, 18 Francis Edgar Stanley, 7th class Sakartvelo, 6th class
Gabriella, 6th twelvemonth Heather, 5th year Bradley, 4th year
Ben, 3rd year bull's eye, 4th year Cedric, 3rd twelvemonth
Eddie, 6 years old Samantha & lindy hop ( similitude ), 7 years old

George-Alicia Spinnet Ron-Hermione Ginny-Harry
Fred, 5th class rosebush, 2nd yr Saint James the Apostle, 3rd year
Angie, 9 years old Hugo, 10 days old Albus, 2nd yr
Lily, 10 days old

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

*all in Gryffindor*



A/N : Thanks to my sister and beta, Dancer of Starlight. Thanks as well to my former sister and my brother. And thanks to ginnyweasley98, smirkyhaha, sinwillys822, Moonylupin, and ladymblack for their reappraisal !

I also want to invite everyone to check over out my meet the source page on the forums. There 's a tie-in to it in my profile. Feel free to ask about my stories or writiing in general there.


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


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

Albus sped up as he pushed his trolley through the crowd together King 's Cross post. James was right-hand adjacent to him, pushing his own trolley. Their parents and Lily were in front of them, walking as fast as they could without actually running. The potter were running late, very late. It was Sep first and the Hogwart 's express would be leaving in exactly XV minutes. The whole morning had been very stimulate. Albus woke up latterly and St. James woke up even later. Albus had stayed up until midnight the night before working on his Transfiguration essay, and St. James the Apostle always woke up late. Then, Saint James the Apostle could n't find his drill Snitch and refused to leave before he found it. Lily finally found it in a cauldron that was in the kitchen. No one was really certain how it got there.

But because of all this, the Potter family was now practically running through tycoon 's hybridization, trying to get to Platform 9 3/4 on clock time. This was earning them many foreign feel from the Muggles, especially due to the fact that they had two irritated bird of Minerva on their trolleys.

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

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

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

Albus nodded and ran through the barrier. A few moments later, Albus was standing on political platform 9 3/4, and rosebush was running up to him.

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

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

`` A bit ? ! The train 's leaving in seven minutes ! ``

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

`` I 'll charge your trunks, '' Ron appeared and took James II and Albus 's trolleys to the train.

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

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

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

Ginny gave them a nates look, `` I do n't want any owl from Professor Kendrick. ``

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

`` Five minutes until the train leaves ! '' Hermione told them.

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

At that moment, Kaden burst through the roadblock with a huge grin on his face. Harry was behind him, pushing another tramcar. Ron grabbed it and ran it over to the train.

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

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

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

`` Bye, Mum, bye Dad, bye Lily ! '' Albus shouted as he climbed onto the train. Kaden and rosebush got on after him. James jumped on just as the power train was starting to move.

`` That was end, '' Rose sighed as the train left the station.

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

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

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

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

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

Albus and rose wine continued down the corridor, peeking into compartments as they looked for their friends. Kaden followed close-fitting behind, still wanting to talk about the roadblock. Anything remotely magical seemed to excite him, and Albus had to stifle a gag as he thought about what Kaden was going to do when he saw the sorting Hat.

`` There they are, '' Rose announced when they were halfway down the string. Rose pulled open the room access and they walked inside. trick, Matt, Amanda, and a girlfriend with long, inkiness, curly hair Albus had never seen before were sitting inside.

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

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

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

`` Hey ! It was n't my fault. James would n't leave until he found his practice stoolie. ``

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

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

`` Hi, '' Isabelle said quietly.

`` Hello, '' Albus smiled, `` I 'm Albus ceramicist. ``

Isabelle 's optic opened blanket and she stared at him. `` Really ? ``

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

`` Wow, '' Isabelle replied.

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

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

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

`` Hi, '' Kaden replied and sat down side by side to Amanda. `` You 're, what 's the Book ? Muggle-born, too, right ? ``

`` Yeah. ``

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

`` I suppose. It was variety of scary at first, but it does n't bother me much now. ``

`` He 's been going on about the barrier for the past times ten hour, '' Albus whispered to John the Divine and Matt.

`` Just wait until he first gets hexed, '' Saint John the Apostle whispered back, `` He wo n't be thinking everything 's glorious then. ``

`` How was your holiday in Ireland, Amanda ? '' rosiness asked.

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

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

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

`` Mine was just, '' John said, `` Visited Isabelle 's fellowship and we all went to Diagon skittle alley together. Nothing too exciting. ``

`` I love Diagon back street ! '' Kaden shouted, `` I ca n't hold off to go back there ! ``

`` Yeah, it 's a pretty full-strength place, '' Albus agreed, `` Went back there with James after you left, whoremonger. Other than that I spent the rest of my holiday doing preparation and performing Quidditch. ``

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

`` How about you, lustrelessness ? Do anything exciting ? '' Albus asked, looking at his Quaker. Albus really wanted to have sex why Matt had been in St. Mungo 's, but he knew that matte would not elaborate on it while Kaden and Isabelle were in the compartment.

`` Not really, '' lusterlessness replied quickly, giving Albus a smell that meant he would severalise him later. `` So, I wonder who the new Charms teacher will be ? '' lusterlessness asked, changing the subject.

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

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

`` He was the Charms teacher, '' Albus told him, `` He got fired for trying to slip, er, certain things that would help him reach Voldemort 's ideals. And he started a duel with me, John, Amanda, lusterlessness, and Rose. One of his champion dueled with my dad, too. It was pretty bad. ``

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

Albus sighed and looked at rose, who shrugged. It was going to be a long misstep. Albus turned to Kaden and explained all about Voldemort. He left out the part about the Hallows, though, as he was n't indisputable if his dad would desire him to enjoin Kaden. `` So you see, not all wizard are practiced, '' Albus finished.

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

`` Er, yeah, '' Albus replied.

The chemical group spent much of the balance of the journey talking about who the next Charms teacher would be, Quidditch, the Dueling club ( which they 'd be allowed to get together this year, as second years ), and a great mass of other stuff. Around lunch time, the witch came around with the trolley and everyone bought large amounts of food. Everyone had a lot of fun watching Kaden try all the ace afters. Kaden announced that he liked Bertie Botts Every Flavor Beans comfortably, despite the fact that the maiden one he tried was a vomit tone. When he opened his world-class Chocolate anuran, he was shocked that it could hop and even more offend when he saw the pictorial matter of Rowena Ravenclaw disappear from the card that came with it.

After they polished off the relaxation of the sweets, the conversation turned to which home Kaden and Isabelle wanted to be in. Apparently John and Isabelle 's house consisted of an peer act of Gryffindors and Hufflepuffs. Isabelle 's dad had been a Gryffindor and her mum had been a Hufflepuff. Isabelle did n't really care if she was in Gryffindor or Hufflepuff, but she knew she did n't desire to be in Slytherin. She decided that Ravenclaw would n't be bad, but she wanted to be some place where her kinfolk had been. Kaden on the other mitt, definitely wanted to be in Gryffindor. Albus was n't too sure he 'd twine up there, still thinking that his cousin was more of a Hufflepuff, but he did n't recite Kaden this.

Soon the train made it to Hogsmeade place and it was time for everyone to get off. Albus and his friend joined the bombastic crowd of students exiting onto the platform.

`` true fir'years ! Firs'years ! '' Hagrid called out.

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

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

`` My full cousin Kaden 's starting this year, and John the Evangelist 's cousin, Isabelle, '' Albus gestured to the two showtime long time standing near him.

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

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

Kaden started laughing, `` I ca n't hold back to memorize how to do something like that. ``

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

`` Finally, '' Albus muttered as he lead his champion to the carriages, `` I thought he 'd never leave us alone. '' Albus liked Kaden, but found his constant fellowship to be taxing.

`` I kinda like him, '' John laughed, `` He 's got kindling. ``

`` Well, you 're variety of like him, John, '' Albus laughed and climbed into the nearest hollow baby carriage. `` Although you 're a bit less annoying, '' Albus turned around and grinned at his friend.

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

`` So, matte, you were awfully quiet on the train, '' Albus began, `` Something take place during the last part of the summer ? ``

Matt sighed and glanced around at his supporter, `` Yeah .... I just did n't want to severalise you with Kaden and Isabelle around. ``

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

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

`` Yeah, '' Albus said.

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

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

`` I know I did n't tell you a whole lot about it, but it 's the reason I was at St. Mungo 's. somebody has to honour me after every transformation. Usually Madam Pomfrey or my parents do it, but the therapist like to do it at to the lowest degree twice a twelvemonth. ``

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

`` That makes sense, '' Rose commented.

`` Yeah, but that 's not all. I figure I should probably tell you a bit more about the subject area. It started when I was 8. For the first 2 class, I did n't get any Wolfsbane potion. The next 2 years, I got even Wolfsbane. Not that it made much of a difference. ``

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

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

`` When ? '' lavatory asked.

`` I think in Jan, because I 'll be home on Christmas break. I 've got to take it a dyad days beforehand and it 'll be better if mortal can look out closely, '' mat told them.

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

`` No, '' Matt said quietly. `` That 's the point of the study, to test the potions. ``

Albus glanced at Matt. He looked a bit mark at the candidate of taking an untested potion. No curiosity he had been tranquility on the geartrain. Albus was n't certainly if he would want to drive an untested potion. Of course, if the potion worked, matt 's life would drastically change for the better. But what if it did n't work, what if it had horrible side of meat personal effects ?

`` But they 've been researching it, right ? '' Rose asked, `` I mean, they 're pretty trusted it wo n't do anything bad ? ``

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

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

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

******

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

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

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

`` And Isabelle 's right behind him, '' St. John the Apostle told them.

Professor Patil motioned for the room to be tranquility and the categorization Hat burst out in Song. Albus had to stifle a laugh as he saw Kaden 's mouth give in shock. Albus knew that hat would amaze his cousin. Kaden turned around and whispered something to Isabelle, who nodded. Once the hat stopped singing, professor Patil started the sorting. The first two students were both sorted into Ravenclaw.

`` Brickston, Isabelle, '' Patil called, and John 's cousin walked over to the BM. Patil dropped the hat on her head and a few moments later, it shouted out, `` Hufflepuff ! '' Isabelle got up and joined her fella Hufflepuffs.

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

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

`` Yeah, I know, '' John sighed, `` Hufflepuff 's skillful, too. But it 's not nearly as skillful as Gryffindor. ``

`` Dursley, Kaden, '' Patil announced. Kaden ran forward immediately and sat down on the pot, with a big grin on his nerve.

Patil put the hat on his headspring and after a few minutes, it opened its brim all-encompassing and announced, `` Gryffindor ! ``

Albus turned to look at Henry James, who was sitting a few tail down, wearing an identical feeling of shock to the one Albus was. `` Gryffindor ? '' he mouthed, shaking his head. He was so sure as shooting that Kaden would wind up in Hufflepuff.

`` well, the hat did look at an awfully longsighted meter to adjudicate, '' Rose pointed out. `` Maybe he 's got facial expression of all the mansion. ``

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

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

`` Wo n't be the uncanny affair you 'll see here, '' Albus told him, thinking of Nearly Headless ding, the portraits on the walls ( Sir Cadogan in item ), the Whomping Willow, Moaning Myrtle, and numerous other aspects of the palace that Kaden would have never seen before.

The sorting go on and the group of first off eld dwindled until there were only a couple students left. Albus had n't recognized any of the other first years, besides Kaden and Isabelle. He thought this must have been the beginning year in a long time that a Weasley had n't been sorted.

`` Willinson, Felix, '' Patil announced. One of the two remaining male child walked sullenly to the stool and waited for the hat to assort him. A few second base later, the hat shouted, `` Slytherin ! ``

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

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

`` Maybe a cousin ? '' pink wine suggested, `` I remember Slughorn mentioning that Willinson was an alone tiddler at one of the biff social club meetings finis year. ``

`` Great, '' Albus sighed, `` I thought we 'd be done with Willinson after last class, but now we 'll make to cover with his cousin. ``

`` Felix Willinson might not be like his cousin, '' pink wine pointed out.

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

`` May I have your tending, please ! '' Albus and his friends stopped talking and looked up to see that Kendrick had stood up. `` Thank you. I do have a few commencement of terminal figure announcements, but I think they can wait until after the feast. Enjoy. '' Kendrick waved his limb and food appeared on the prosperous platters.

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

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

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

`` Told you he was like you, '' Albus whispered to whoremaster as John filled his own denture with as much intellectual nourishment as he possibly could.

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

`` That 's disgusting, John, '' Rose screwed up her expression in disgust.

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

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

`` What ? '' matt asked Kaden.

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

Matt glanced at Albus, clearly unsure about what to say Kaden. Albus glanced at his former admirer, who all shrugged. `` Er, '' Albus began, `` think back what I said about the magic spell teacher on the train ? '' Kaden nodded, while stuffing his cheek with the rest of his roll.

`` Well, Professor Washburn was n't the only one in on that affaire d'honneur. Some wizard named Jarett Willinson was fighting alongside Washburn ; we think he 's the one who was in complaint. He has a son, Quinton, who was a 7th yr finish year. Quinton drove us mad all last twelvemonth and then fought along with Washburn and his dad. We 're all trying to figure out if Felix is related. We think he is, only probably just a cousin because Quinton does n't own any sibling. ``

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

Throughout the rest of the spread, Albus talked to his friends about Felix Willinson and whether or not he was anything like Quinton. Rose wanted to give him the welfare of the doubt and delay and see if he shared the same views as Quinton. John Lackland, on the early hand, was ready to hex him as soon as the fiesta was over. He figured that Felix must agree with Quinton, since he was in Slytherin. Matt and Amanda both agreed that Felix probably did agree with his cousin, but did n't think they should take up hexing him before they really met him. Albus was n't sure what to call up, and he just thought they should forfend Felix, not trying to be favorable with him or hex him.

Kaden received a courteous shock absorber when Nearly-Headless notch decided it would be his plate he would appear out of during the feast. Kaden dropped his roll in surprisal, but another one of his huge grinning appeared on his face shortly after. He gazed around in astonishment and watched all the ghosts circling the room. Albus laughed and told him that they even had a ghost teacher. Kaden was amazed by this and said he could n't hold back for that class.

`` It 's just story of Magic, '' Matt told him, `` Boringest class in the school. full one for quiescence, though. ``

`` You 'd experience, would n't you ? '' John joked.

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

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

`` trustingness me, the charge wears off after the foremost day, '' matt said.

A few minutes later the food disappeared and desert appeared just present moment later. Kaden and trick immediately piled their plates with every pudding there was. Albus and his champion informed Kaden about the rest of their prof and they all speculated about the new Charms teacher. Albus had noticed one new teacher sitting at the faculty tabular array and assumed she was the new Charms teacher. She was an old beldame, with her hoar hair pulled back in a blotto bun. She was very skinny and Albus was guessing she was quite marvellous, but it was hard to separate as she was sitting down. Albus thought she had an almost bird-like appearance.

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

whisper immediately erupted in the room, as to what this big announcement could be. Kendrick waited a few moments before continuing, `` Anyway, first I 'd wish to innovate you to our new Charms instructor, prof Cedonia. '' The old witch stood up and Albus noticed that she was, indeed, very tall. She gave a small waving and sat back down again. `` I also need to remind you that the Forbidden wood is, as always, out of bounds, as is the Whomping willow. ``

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

`` Mr. Filch has asked me to remind you that dueling in the corridors is forbidden. Also, that the list of forbidden objects now includes the new 'Extra-Strength Dung bomb calorimeter'that have just been released at Weasleys'Wizard Wheezes. All former products uncommitted for purchase there are also forbidden and bookman may visit the full lean on Mr. Filch 's door. ``

Albus, who had experienced the personal effects of one of his uncle 's new dung bombs, could sympathize why they were banned, but knew the ban would n't cease people from using them. He laughed to himself as he remembered the looking on his grandmother 's cheek when Uncle George brought one of the dung turkey to the end of summer get together at the Burrow.

`` If you want to try out for your house 's Quidditch squad, please give your name to your nous of house. I think those are all the usual announcement. Now, onto the more excite proclamation, '' Kendrick paused and none of the students said a word, `` It has come to my attention that the tensions between the houses have been increasing over the past times few years. I know that sealed houses have always had rivalry, '' Kendrick turned to see at the Gryffindor and Slytherin table before continuing, `` But I think the contention has gotten too large. I believe we need more unity. A nifty Muggle man once said'A sign of the zodiac divided against itself can not stand-'''

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

`` Thank you, Mr. Weasley, '' Kendrick said sternly, `` I was talking about Hogwarts as a unit. I, along with the other professors, believe that their is too much House rivalry. Therefore, we will be taking steps this class to alleviate it. ``

`` This wo n't be practiced, '' bathroom muttered under his breath, `` I can see it coming, we 're going to cause to be friendly with the Slytherins. ``

`` We have decided to modify the Dueling club, '' Kendrick continued, `` This class, unlike past eld, we will have inter house team. ``

`` What ! ? '' well-nigh of the Great Hall erupted into outcry of utter astonishment. The Gryffindors were glaring at the Slytherins, and vice versa.

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

`` well, we do n't require any bloody Slytherins on our team either ! '' Fred Weasley shouted back.

`` Thank you for proving my point, '' Kendrick shouted over the noise. The elbow room quieted down immediately, `` As I said, there is too much rivalry. I believe this will help oneself relieve it. You will sustain to work together with members of former firm in club to win the dueling backing. There will be more details to follow during the for the first time meeting of the Dueling golf club. As always, the club is open up to second geezerhood and above. ``

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

`` No, '' Albus told him, `` Sorry. beginning eld do n't know enough spells to get together. But you can join side by side year. '' Kaden scowled and turned back to the headmaster.

`` What about Quidditch ? '' Henry James asked, `` That 's not bury house, is it ? ``

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

`` He probably would, '' Albus replied quietly, so only his admirer could discover him.

`` I think those are all the proclamation I have for now. I suggest you all get a goodness Night 's rest for course tomorrow morning. First long time, delight follow a Prefect to your mutual elbow room. full Nox, everyone, '' Kendrick sat back down.

`` Blimey, '' lav sighed and shook his read/write head as he stood up, `` Inter menage dueling. ``

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

`` Oh, I do n't love, '' rose shrugged, `` I variety of think it 's a secure estimation. ``

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

`` cipher could do that, '' can said.

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

`` Definitely, '' Albus replied. toilet, rose wine, and Amanda all nodded their heads.

`` commodity, me too, '' Matt told them, `` Just give birth to hope I 'm not with Scorpius Malfoy. ``

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

Albus and his acquaintance continued their trek to Gryffindor column, and the conversation turned to the new magic spell teacher. None of them could guess what Professor Cedonia was like, but they all assumed she was strict. She had a very stern look about her all during the feast. When they got to the vernacular room, they all decided to require Kendrick up on his advice and play in too soon. They were all tired from the journeying to Hogwarts. Albus got into his warm four-poster bed, and realized that with Professor Washburn gone, he would n't have anymore of those Legilimency ambition he had last year. With that happy persuasion in his caput, Albus drifted off into a relaxing sleep.



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

inverted comma that Kendrick said in his words was said by Ibrahim Lincoln and all credit goes to him.

I 've also written a new one-shot, That Nox, which is about the nighttime lustrelessness got bitten. If you want to check it out, the link is in my visibility.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




`` What have we got next ? '' John asked at dejeuner the future day. The Gryffindor second years had just gotten back from a particularly boring account of Magic year. Before that, they had metamorphosis, which was almost as boring as chronicle of Magic.

Albus looked at his docket, `` two-base hit Potions. I hope we 're not with the Slytherins this year. ``

`` Yeah, we 're already with them for August 6, '' Matt groaned.

`` Hi, everyone ! '' Kaden threw himself onto the Bench next to Albus and started piling his plate with intellectual nourishment, `` The classes are brilliant here ! There is n't any maths or English class ! ``

`` English ? '' John laughed, `` Why in the name of Merlin would they teach us to speak side ? ``

`` Muggles exact English people class in school, can, '' Amanda sighed, `` They learn grammar and punctuation and read literature. ``

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

`` It is, '' Kaden announced, `` Anyway, I had Uncle Harry for denial first this morning ; it was so keen. ``

`` gladiola you liked it, '' Albus responded.

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

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

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

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

`` We 'd better get going to Potions, '' pink wine stood up and grabbed her bag.

`` Potions ! '' Kaden shouted, `` That sounds fun ! Like chemistry. '' He pulled out his own agenda, `` I 've got it tomorrow, I ca n't hold off ! ``

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

Albus and his friends walked out of the Great Hall and towards the step that lead to the keep.

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

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

`` Oh, Merlin ! '' King John shouted once they reached the keep, `` We 're with the Slytherins again ! ``

`` Of all the social class to deliver with them, '' Albus muttered.

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

`` Ah, my two favourite Houses together again ! '' Slughorn grinned and clapped his deal together, `` Just let me run through attending real quick. '' Slughorn read off the names of all the educatee, `` Excellent, excellent, we 're all here !

`` Now, seeing as we have a double course today, I thought a little contest would be appropriate ! Let 's see how much you remember from last twelvemonth. The partners that brew the respectable Forgetfullness Potion will each get a large slab of Honeyduke 's chocolate ! '' Slughorn glanced around at his students. The Gryffindors were on one incline of the elbow room, Slytherins on the other, much like it had been in the previous year.

`` I 'm sure you all heard professor Kendrick 's manner of speaking last Nox, about the fact that the school needs to be more unified, '' Slughorn continued in an uncharacteristically unplayful tone, `` Therefore, I have decided that it would be a near idea to sustain inter-house spouse this year. ``

Albus turned to Matt and mouthed, Good melodic theme ? Matt was looking as shocked as Albus felt. Neither of them wanted to run on Potions with any of the Slytherins. How could Slughorn think this would be a full idea ? Albus thought it would most likely cause more explosions than usual.

Once the class stopped groaning, Slughorn continued, `` I, for one, agree with the headmaster in that there needs to be LE tension between the houses. So, please stop moaning. I 'm certain you 'll recover that you can cultivate together for the afternoon. I will read off the span and then you may go. ``

Slughorn picked up another piece of sheepskin and started reading off it, `` Dalila Avish is with Amanda tagging program, John Brickston is with Saint Francis Xavier Goyle, Janie Creevey is with Nessa Vaisey, Matt Eckerton is with Scorpius Malfoy. ``

Albus glanced at lustrelessness who had a looking of staring horror on his face. He was shaking his head and mouthing the intelligence 'no'. Albus knew that matt would throw rather worked with any Slytherin other than Scorpius. Albus turned his chief slightly and saw that Scorpio had a smug look on his face. He probably thought he 'd find out Matt 's enigma now. But he would n't, not if Albus could do anything about it.

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

Could be worse, Albus thought. He did n't really know Thomas Jackson, although he did jazz that Jackson was an excellent Potions brewer. Albus was decorous with Potions, but not nearly as good as Jackson.

`` Bilius Mansfield is with Patrick Parlan and Leigh Montague is with Rose Weasley, '' Slughorn looked up from his parchment and tapped his scepter on the dim panel. direction appeared on it. `` There you go ! ``

Albus gave matt a halfhearted smile that mat did not retort, and Albus got up to join Jackson Limbert at his desk. Scorpius Malfoy got up and took Albus 's countermand tush. `` Limbert, '' Albus nodded as he set his caldron down on the desk.

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

Albus nodded and lit a fervor beneath his cauldron as Limbert joined the queue of students getting constituent from the closet. Limbert returned a few minutes later and he and Albus started to set up the constituent. They worked in silence the all time. Albus did n't know what Slughorn was thinking. The secure he could probably desire for was what Albus and Limbert were doing ; working civilly with each other, but not talking. Albus dropped a few beetles into the caldron and looked around at everyone else. It seemed like Albus and Limbert were some of the few who were getting along. Scorpius Malfoy was whispering something to Matt, that Matt was trying hard to ignore. Rose was telling Vivien Leigh something and Vivien Leigh looked like she was ready to hex Rose. John was correcting Goyle, who was stirring his cauldron in the amiss direction, and toilet looked like he wanted to scream. Amanda and Delila seemed to be getting along all right, but like Albus and Limbert, were n't talking.

`` clip 's up ! '' Slughorn announced a spell later. Albus stepped back from his cauldron as Slughorn started to canvas the potions. He inspected each one, telling its owner what they could let done to make it proficient. Slughorn was impressed with blush wine and Leigh 's potion, but not with any of the others. Finally, he made his way to Albus and Limbert 's caldron.

He leaned over the cauldron and prodded it with his wand. `` Excellent ! Well done, boys ! I think we have a achiever ! '' Slughorn produced two bars of chocolate and gave them to Albus and Limbert. `` Please interpret chapter one of your Word and indite a six in sum-up of it for next social class. ``

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

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

`` I think Goyle 's actually dumber than a troll, '' John commented, `` Does n't get it on the difference of opinion between clockwise and counter-clockwise. ``

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

`` At to the lowest degree you were n't with Malfoy, '' Matt said, `` He spent the whole metre asking me I would be visiting my gran this year. ``

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

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

`` I do n't cognize what Slughorn was thinking, '' Amanda sighed, `` We 're never going to all get along. I 'm just glad I was with Dalila. She 's not that bad. She 's very quiet, so we just ignored each other. ``

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

`` Worked out proficient, '' John said, `` You got the burnt umber. ``

******

The next morning, after breakfast, the Gryffindor and Ravenclaw second twelvemonth found themselves waiting outside the Charms classroom. None of them had met the new teacher and they were all eager to see what she was wish. Albus did n't care what she was like, as long as she was nicer than Washburn. Shortly after the doorbell rang, prof Cedonia came ambling up the corridor. She did n't say a word to her student as she unlocked the door. Albus filed inside with the others and sat down at a table with lavatory and Matt.

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

`` Only if she tries to read my mind, '' Albus whispered back.

`` serenity, please, '' prof Cedonia said in a silence, but forceful, spokesperson. `` Thank you. I 'll just run through the attendance. '' Cedonia called out all their public figure and when she was satisfied that everyone was there, she walked out from behind her desk. `` Now, I know your terminal year of instruction in this field was less than satisfactory, and I hope to change that for this class. I know some of you, '' her eyes fell upon Albus 's table, `` Spent to a greater extent time in detention with Professor Washburn than in class with him. I do not believe that that is a effective way of teaching. Now, do n't get me legal injury, if there is any misbehaviour, I will give custody, but I do not hand them out lightly. I would much rather observe out why a student is misbehaving and work to fix it, than just give out detention like they 're free samples. ``

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

`` For instance, some student cause chaos because they are bored with grade. I do not want you to be bored in my classroom. If you are, delight feel loose to let me have it away before you start causing any pandemonium.

`` Now, with that in brain, I 'd like to start off with a review of last year. Please drive out your parchment and pinion. ``

The relaxation of the class was rather enjoyable, Albus thought. They spent half of it taking notes, which Cedonia actually made middling fun. She kept everyone engaged, but did n't drive you to answer a question you did n't know, like Washburn had done. The former one-half was spent practicing magic spell they had learned shoemaker's last year. Albus found that he was much better at appealingness when he was n't being watched by a teacher who hated him. He actually managed to levitate his textbook a couple foot in the air and he did n't set anything or anyone on fire.

`` I 'm going to like Charms this year, '' whoremaster announced as they walked out of the room.

`` Me, too, '' Matt agreed, `` I wish we 'd had her last class. ``

`` I like her stylus, too, '' pink wine commented, `` She is n't going to be giving out a lot of hold. I like that. ``

`` Definitely, '' Albus nodded, `` I 'm going to let so much more free time this year without all the detentions, '' he joked.

`` You 'll just have to do former things to clear detention, '' John laughed, `` Like pull antic on the Slytherins. ``

`` It 'd be better just to vanquish them at the Dueling golf-club, '' pink wine said, `` You could n't get in worry for that. ``

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

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

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

`` When 's the first merging, anyway ? '' Matt asked.

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

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

`` Good, '' Albus said, relieved that Matt would not be missing the first off Dueling golf club meeting.

******

The rest of the calendar week passed by quickly. Albus and his ally fell right back into their usual Hogwarts routine. They spent their evenings in the common elbow room either doing homework or just talking and playing games. Kaden usually spent the evening with him. Kaden seemed to pass time with Albus 's group rather than the other Gryffindor start years. Albus was not surely why, and was starting to become a bit annoyed at the fact that Kaden was always around. The only if prison term Albus seemed to get away from Kaden was during course of instruction. course of study were going well so far. Albus was doing practically better in appeal with Professor Cedonia, and was doing about the same as the previous yr in the rest of his classes.

When Saturday arrived, everyone was talking about the Dueling Club. The first coming together was taking position that good afternoon, after lunch. Albus and his friends went immediately to the Dueling room after they finished eating. When they got there, it seemed like everyone in the whole school was joining. fountainhead, everyone except the first years.

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

`` Probably, '' pink wine replied, `` There are n't many mass who do n't link. ``

`` Quiet, please ! '' Harry shouted out over the crowd. Everyone stopped talking and turned to look at him. `` Thanks. Now, like past twelvemonth, we 're having Junior Dueling as well as the veritable Dueling Club. If you 're minute, third, or fourth year, you have to fall in the Junior golf club. If you 're in one-fifth class or above, please follow professor Longbottom to the adjacent room where you will have your meeting. ``

`` well that 's a ministration, '' Matt commented as the older scholarly person left the elbow room, `` I did n't take to dueling with seventh yr. ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` My cousin Stanley is a brilliant dueler. I would n't desire to be paired up against him. ``

`` Oh, I do n't bang, '' can grinned and pulled out his wand, `` I bet I could take on a one-seventh year. ``

`` Yeah, sure as shooting, '' blush wine rolled her eyes.

`` Wands away ! '' Harry shouted, and lav quickly stowed his baton. `` Now, as you know, professor Kendrick has decided that we will not have mansion teams this twelvemonth. There will be eight squad, just like hold up yr, but they will have members from each house on them. ``

There was a collective groan from the crew. Everyone was standing in group consisting of student of their own sign. Albus sighed, he had kind of hoped that prof Kendrick would change his mind, but it did n't appear that way.

`` Yes, I know none of you are happy about it. And frankly, I 'm not sure if it will cause less stress between the family, but it 's worth a try. Now, once we get everything organized, this will work much like Quidditch. Each team master will set up drill times, and there will be contention throughout the year. Unlike Quidditch, there is no trying out ; everyone gets on a team.

`` first-class honours degree, I 'll tell you who the sea captain will be. Professor Longbottom and I picked them at the end of last class, based on your performance. All the captains are fourth years. There are two from each house.

`` They are Bradley Weasley, Tasha Kasey, Kate Waverly, Leo Davies, April Finch-Fletchley, Saint Paul Galivant, Nadine Neal, and Barty Heath. ``

There was a bombastic amount of shouting and groaning at the announcement of the headwaiter. Albus did n't know any of the captains besides his first cousin, Omar Nelson Bradley. He hoped he was on Omar Bradley 's squad.

The rest of the coming together consisted of Harry putting everyone onto a squad. Albus found it rather boring and spent the hale clip talking to his friends. Eventually, he was put on a team. He was on Kate Waverly 's team, along with Amanda. They were the solely two Gryffindor number one years on that team. James was n't on it either. Albus was happy he was on Kate 's squad. She was a Ravenclaw and on the Quidditch team. Albus was very relieved that his headwaiter was not a Slytherin. However, shortly after Harry told Albus he was on Kate 's team, he found out that Scorpius Malfoy was on his team. He was not looking forward to having to get together with Malfoy. He had hoped he would be able-bodied to duel Malfoy, but it did n't see like that would be happening.

`` I 'm so beaming I 'm not on Malfoy 's team, '' matt said, as they entered the common room after the meeting was over.

`` Yeah, well, me and Amanda are, '' Albus groaned and threw himself into one of the chairs.

`` But you are n't his Potions spouse, '' Matt pointed out, `` I 'd go mad if I had to be on his dueling squad, too. ``

`` Good distributor point, '' Albus sighed, `` But you really lucked out. You have my cousin for your captain. ``

`` At least you have n't got a Slytherin for your captain ! '' John the Divine shouted. rosiness nodded. She and John both had Slytherin police chief, but not the same unity. St. John 's captain was Nadine Neal and rosiness 's was Barty Heath.

`` Oh, you 'll survive, '' Amanda laughed.

`` Easy for you to say, with your Ravenclaw captain, '' whoremaster muttered.

`` Albus ! '' Kaden came running out of the door leading to the son'dormitories, `` How was dueling ? Was it fun ? Did you win ? Was the former guy unconscious mind for a while ? Is he still unconscious ? '' Kaden sat down excitedly in the chairwoman next to Albus's.

Albus sighed ; he had yet to see his first cousin without his endless sum of Energy Department. Albus was beginning to wonder if Kaden could take root down enough to sleep. `` Er, we did n't really duel today, Kaden. It was just an informational merging. We got assigned squad, though. ``

`` Neat ! Who 's on your team ? ``

`` Me, Amanda, Cedric, and a bunch of Hufflepuffs, Ravenclaws, and Slytherins that I do n't live. Our master is Kate Waverly, she 's a Ravenclaw. ``

Kaden grinned, `` I ca n't await to join the Dueling clubhouse adjacent yr. I 'll outwit everyone ! '' He pulled out his wand and waved it around. It produced a dribble of water that landed on Albus 's head.

`` Watch it ! '' Albus shouted and shook the body of water out of his optic, `` And put your wand away.

`` Sorry, '' Kaden replied and put his wand into his robe. `` What are you going to do now ? ``

`` Probably go down to the Quidditch pitch and practice for try-outs tomorrow, '' Albus told him.

`` Ooo ! Can I add up, please ? Flying lessons start next week. I ca n't wait ! Can I try out your broom ? '' Kaden begged.

Albus did not require Kaden on his new broom. Kaden had never flown before and Albus was sure he would crash it. `` You can derive ticker, I guess. But sad, you ca n't try out my broom. ``

Kaden 's face fell a bit, but he still looked excited, `` All right hand, let 's go ! At to the lowest degree I can watch you play Quidditch. I still do n't see how it can be meliorate than football game. ``

`` It is, '' Albus replied adamantly. He stood up and turned to his friends, `` You lot want to fare ? ``

`` Yeah, definitely ! '' King John stood up. `` I 'll bring my heather and help you practice. ``

`` I 'll come, '' matt agreed.

`` Do n't think so, '' Rose replied, `` I 'm going to do some prep. Want to stay here with me, Amanda. '' pink wine gave Amanda a look.

`` Sure, '' Amanda said, `` See you later, Albus. ``

Albus and bathroom grabbed their brooms from their dorm and the four boys left the common room.

`` Rose and Amanda are probably having girl talking, '' John grinned.

`` Yeah, they 're probably talking about us, '' Albus laughed.

Albus, John, Matt, and Kaden spent the rest of the afternoon playing Quidditch. Kaden watched the whole time, amazed that Calluna vulgaris could enable people to fly. He still thought football was better, but Albus assured him that after he saw a match, he would transfer his nous. John let Matt fly his broom for a little piece and Albus practiced his chaser skill with both of them. By the fourth dimension dark fell, and Albus was exhausted, john and Matt were indisputable he would get on the team.



A/N : Thanks to my sister and beta, Dancer of Starlight ! Thanks as well to my other sister and my brother. Thanks to ginnyweasley98, XDNLxtlz99, sinwillys822, potterfan89, Moonylupin, and ladymblack for their reviews !

Just to let everyone know, the adjacent chapter might not be up until Friday of next workweek instead of Thursday. I might feature to switch my update day to Fri instead of Thursday from now on, since school is starting and my Thursday are going to be quite busy.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




Albus woke up the next day feeling very nervous. The Quidditch try-outs were n't until the afternoon, but Albus did n't eat much breakfast anyway. He spent to the highest degree of the morning in the park room with his friends, trying to get some preparation done, but found that he could n't concentrate. Eventually he gave up and played a few rounds of Exploding Snap with John, who was putting off his prep until the conclusion minute.

Harry stopped by the Gryffindor table during dejeuner and wished Albus good luck. Shortly after lunch, Albus headed down to the Quidditch auction pitch with his new Calluna vulgaris over his shoulder. rosebush, can, matt, and Amanda went with him.

`` Albus, hey, Albus ! '' Albus turned around as he was leaving the palace to see Kaden running out of the Great Hall.

`` What ? '' Albus asked impatiently. He was anxious to get down to the pitch shot and see how many early people were trying out. He did n't require to be late.

`` Are you going to try-outs now ? '' Kaden asked excitedly.

`` Uh, yeah, '' Albus replied.

`` Oh, can I come ? '' Kaden asked hopefully.

`` Sure, '' Albus answered and stepped out of the castle. The group continued their walk to the pitch, listening to Kaden lecture animatedly about his beginning workweek at Hogwarts. Albus did n't think Kaden would ever run out of things to say, and found his invariant jabbering a bit irritating. Albus was n't in the humour to hear about how Professor Patil had yelled at one-half of Kaden 's transfiguration grade the previous day. Soon, Albus just adopted the policy of smiling and nodding when Kaden paused, like he did with his other younger cousins. Right now, all Albus wanted to do was concentrate on his try-out.

privy, Matt, rose wine, Amanda, and Kaden went to go sit in the stands while Albus went down to the large gang of Gryffindors trying out. Albus turned his attending to the other pursuer hopefuls gathered around him. There was a 7th year boy who Albus vaguely recognized as one of Stanley 's booster, two burly looking sixth year male child who looked like they 'd clear honorable Beaters than pursuer, a couplet twenty percent year girls, quite a few twenty-five percent and tierce years, and even a clump of initiative years. After a few to a greater extent minutes of waiting, the Gryffindor team emerged from the footlocker elbow room, lead by Albus 's cousin, Peach State. Georgia had become the new captain over the summertime. Albus distinctly remembered the morning time she got the letter informing her of her captainship. Her head had appeared in the fireplace at Grimmauld property, where she shouted the intelligence so loudly, Ginny had dropped the ladle she was stirring porridge with.

`` Attention, please ! '' Sakartvelo shouted over the crew. She had a very loud voice and everyone was quiet immediately. `` Thanks. Now, there 's only one uncommitted fleck this class, for chaser. And I 'm not kicking any of hold out year 's participant off, so if any of you are seeking a position early than Chaser, clear off now. ``

There were a few groans from the bunch, and the two sixth year boys stalked off the field. One of the fourth eld left as well.

`` Also, I 'm drear but the rules have not changed since conclusion twelvemonth, and first years are not allowed on the team. I encourage you to try out again when we next have available positions. '' The rather large radical of first age scowled and left the pitch in a huff.

`` Well, now that that 's taken tutelage of, '' Georgia pulled out a snip board, `` First, I 'll involve to see you all fly around the pitch. fifth part through seventh years first. ``

Albus watched as the senior pupil flew around the delivery a few meter. Georgia watched them carefully and wrote notes on her clipping board. Albus thought they all flew remarkably well except for one of the fifth year young lady. She kept lurching downwards every time she accelerated, almost falling off her broom. After a few round around the pitch, the older students landed next to Empire State of the South.

`` Good. But I 'm sorry, Carrie, '' Georgia turned to the fifth year who did n't fly very well, `` I do n't think you 're cut out for this. '' The girl shrugged and went to sit in the stands. She did n't face too disappointed and Albus suspected the only reason she tried out was because the other fifth year girl did n't want to do it alone.

Next, it was Albus 's turn to fly around the pitch. He took off along with the thirdly and fourth years. Once in the air, he started feeling better about the try-out. He could do this, he was a good flier. He sped around the delivery, going faster than the former student. Albus noticed that they were heavy fliers as well, even improve than the seventh and one-fifth years who had flown earlier.

`` Excellent, '' Georgia grinned as Albus landed in battlefront of her. The others landed shortly after. `` Now I just have to see how well you work with Quaffles and the quietus of the team. ``

During the following part of the try-outs, all the Chaser wannabee went up into the air along with the rest of the team and passed the Quaffle back and Forth. Albus only dropped it once. The same could n't be said for everyone else. Everyone else dropped it at least once. The only other someone who only dropped it once was one of the one-quarter years, Gabe Bourne.

`` You all did bully, '' Sakartvelo smiled after they finished tossing the Quaffle around, `` But I have narrowed it down to Gabe bourn and Albus Potter. '' The other aspirant sighed and left the pitching.

After this, Georgia simulated a real mate, in order to find out who fit expert with the squad. Albus, who had played Chaser with his cousins numerous times, worked quite well with ling and Fred. Albus already knew the way they played and found that it was very easy to communicate with them while he was flying.

`` All right, '' Georgia announced once everyone had landed, `` I 've decided on Albus potter. I 'm no-count, Gabe, feel free to try-out again another time. ``

`` Yes ! '' Albus grinned. The rest of the squad clapped him on the shoulder and congratulated him.

`` I knew you 'd get it, Albus, '' James grinned.

`` Figures, '' Gabe muttered as he left the sales talk, `` Had to blame your cousin. Are n't there enough of them on the team ? ``

`` He 's just jealous, '' James commented. `` You obviously worked better with Heather and Fred. ``

`` Thanks, James, '' Albus grinned. He did n't care what Gabe bourne thought. He was on the squad !

`` Great job, Albus ! '' John shouted as he ran onto the tar. `` I knew you 'd get it. ``

`` Yeah, kudos ! '' matte agreed. Rose and Amanda grinned.

`` glorious ! '' Kaden shouted, `` Maybe I 'll get to be on the team someday. ``

`` I thought you liked football game, '' Albus laughed.

`` I do, football 's still better than Quidditch, '' Kaden assured him, `` But flying is brilliant. ``

`` Quidditch is better, '' Albus replied adamantly, `` But I 'll see you lot up in the castle. We 're going to quell and practice a bit. ``

Albus and the residuum of the squad spent the unharmed afternoon practicing. Albus loved every bit of it. GA was very happy that Albus worked so well with broom and Fred. Usually, when a team got a new Chaser it took a yoke weeks for the new Chaser to get used to the team, but Albus fit proper in. Peach State was surely they would be set for the first equal, and they might even be able to win the Quidditch Cup again.

******

Albus climbed through the portrait hole the following Thursday feeling thoroughly worn out. The Quidditch team had just practiced for two hours and Albus just got back from snagging a belatedly supper afterwards. The squad was only practicing a duo nights a week, but it was enough that Albus hardly had any time for anything other than homework. He could only imagine what it would be like when they were practicing every night of the calendar week.

Albus immediately spotted can and matt sitting at their usual table in the back. He looked longingly at the door leading to the dormitory. All he wanted to do was sleep, but they had Astronomy at midnight that nighttime. Albus ran up to the dormitory for a few minutes to situate his broom and get his school bag, wishing all the while that he could just collapse into bed.

`` Hi, guys, '' Albus said as he sunk into a chair at the mesa his admirer were at.

`` Hi, Albus, '' John greeted him, `` You look almost as bad as Matt does. ``

`` Thanks, '' Albus replied flatly, but he knew he looked fagged. Although not nearly as exhausted as lusterlessness did. The full Sun Myung Moon was that night matt was sleeping with his head on his Transfiguration book.

`` How was practice ? '' John the Divine asked, without looking up from her account of trick notes.

`` Exhausting, '' Albus replied, `` And I got hit with two Bludgers. ``

`` Ouch, '' John said.

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, massaging his left wing arm where both Bludgers had made contact. He heard the portrayal open and saw Kaden coming in, looking more subdued than he usually did. He made a beeline for Albus and sat down next to him.

`` Hi, Kaden, '' Albus said.

`` Hi, Albus. ``

`` Er, is something wrong ? '' Albus asked. He was n't used to seeing Kaden so quiet.

`` Patil assigned another essay today. A metrical foot long ! '' Kaden shouted so loudly that lustrelessness woke up. `` A whole fundament ! ``

Albus looked at whoremaster and both of them burst out laughing.

`` What 's so funny ? '' Kaden asked loudly, his voice returning to its common tone.

`` It 's just, '' Albus grinned, `` that you seemed so in dear with everything magical and it did n't seem like you thought anything was bad in the charming human beings and here at Hogwarts. You loved every one social class and did n't have a charge. I knew that would change once you 'd been assigned a long essay. ``

`` Haha, '' Kaden replied flatly, `` But still ! I mean, come on, how can I write a metrical unit long essay about transfiguring matchsticks into phonograph needle ? It 's not that complicated ! You mutter an incantation and your match alteration, that 's all there is to it ! There 's no way I can dilute that into a foot unless I write as big as Bethany does and I do n't think Patil would like it if I wrote like a seven-year-old. ``

`` A pes is nothing, '' Albus told him, `` Eventually, you 'll be doing essays that are two rolls of parchment. ``

`` Two cast ! '' Kaden shouted, `` How is that potential ? It 's not ! I give up ! ``

`` Could you talk quieter ? '' Matt whispered.

Kaden paused long enough to reckon at flatness. `` You look terrible. You should go see Madam Pomfrey. You know magic fixes everything ! It 's amazing. I had a cold the other day and she gave me a potion and it was gone in an minute ! ``

`` She ca n't fix this, '' Matt muttered.

`` Sure she can. I saw her fix this bloke 's os with her scepter. It was vivid. She 'll have you upright in no fourth dimension, '' Kaden assured him.

`` No she wo n't, '' Matt said quietly.

Albus and bathroom shot Kaden warning looks. Albus willed his full cousin to end talking now. Kaden had absolutely no approximation what lustrelessness went through every month. Albus was getting fed up with Kaden 's belief that everything about the wizarding public was wonderful and that magic fixed everything.

`` Yeah she will, '' Kaden pressed, `` Just go ask her for a potion. ``

`` Just forget it, '' matt replied a bit more loudly, and stood up. He turned to Albus and lav, `` I have to go now. I 'll see you tomorrow, right ? ``

`` Of course, '' Albus assured him.

`` Yeah, we 'll see you then, '' Saint John said, `` Want me to descend ? ``

`` No, I 'm fine, '' flatness replied and left the vernacular room.

`` Is he going to see ma'am Pomfrey ? '' Kaden asked, `` I do n't know why he did n't go right when he got spew. Seems poor fish to me. ``

That was the last straw. Albus had had it with Kaden. He turned to his cousin with a look of rage in his centre. `` Kaden, just keep out it ! '' he shouted. `` Do n't call him stupid ! You 've got no idea what illness he 's got, '' Albus whispered so that only Kaden and St. John the Apostle could hear him, but his voice was every bit as forceful as it had been when he was shouting. `` And get it through your drumhead that magic does not fix everything ! There are some things that ma'am Pomfrey ca n't fix with potions. Do n't ever tell him to just go see Madam Pomfrey so she can make it all better. Because she ca n't. ``

Kaden stared at Albus and did n't say a password. His usual cheery grin faded away and was replaced by a look of shock and hurt. `` Sorry, '' he mumbled and got up from the table. He ran over to the residence hall and went up the stairs without so much as a glance back to Albus.

Albus looked at John, who was wearing a look of blow on his look as well. `` I do n't think I 've ever heard you yell at anyone like that. Besides me, of course, when we were fighting over whether to tell Matt we knew he was a lycanthrope, '' John Lackland said quietly.

`` Yeah, well, he was really starting to get on my nerves, '' Albus replied, `` And this was it. He should n't have done that. He should have stopped talking when Matt said ma'am Pomfrey could n't help him. ``

`` But how was he supposed to know ? '' John asked, `` Do n't you think you were a bit rough ? ``

`` No, '' Albus answered, `` Not when it comes to this. He 's got to learn not to bunt into Matt 's illness, especially if he 's going to be around us all the time. ``

`` I 'm not certain he will anymore, '' whoremonger replied.

The two friends sat in silence for the next few minutes. Albus thought about what John had said. Maybe he had been too harsh. Maybe he should have just told Kaden not to bother Matt. But Kaden had practically called flatness stupid, had n't he ? That was uncalled for. Could what Albus said really been enough to deter Kaden from expenditure meter with Albus and the others ? Albus was n't sure. He was n't even sure if he wanted Kaden to stop spending time with him. As much as Kaden annoyed him, he had grown used to his younger full cousin being around.

`` You 're awfully quiet over here, '' Rose said as she and Amanda sat down at the table. `` Oh, did Matt lead ? ``

Albus nodded. `` How is he ? '' rosebush asked.

`` He 'd have been upright if it was n't for Kaden, '' John pointed out.

Rose groaned, `` What did he do ? ``

`` I was wondering why Kaden was n't here, '' Amanda said, `` It 's kind of odd seeing you without him around, Albus. ``

`` Kaden insisted that Matt go get a potion from lady Pomfrey because he looked sick, '' John the Divine told the fille. Albus was perfectly willing to let John tell the account. `` And of course he looked sick, considering what tonight is. But Kaden did n't know that, of course of action, and he would n't stop telling Matt how trick can fix everything. ``

`` Oh, did he really ? '' rosiness sighed, `` Then what happened ? ``

`` matt left. I think he really did birth to forget then, but I 'm sure he was pretty irritated by Kaden, '' John continued.

`` I 'll bet, '' Amanda said quietly, `` Your first cousin does n't always know the beneficial affair to say, Albus. ``

`` That 's why Albus yelled at him, '' toilet announced.

`` What ? ! '' both lady friend shouted at the same time.

`` Yup, '' whoremaster replied, `` Probably would take in turned into a big row if Kaden had n't stimulate just left. He 's in his dormitory right now. ``

`` Oh, Albus, you did n't, '' Rose sighed.

`` I did, '' Albus said, a short annoyed that pink wine seemed disappointed, `` And you would accept to if you 'd been there. I just told him I was tired of him talking about how conjuring trick muddle everything. I told him that there are some matter that Madam Pomfrey 's potions wo n't fix and not to mention them around matte. I also yelled at him because he practically called mat stupid. Kaden said matte was dullard for not getting a potion when he first got sick. ``

`` I see your point, '' Rose replied, `` But honestly, Albus, you could sustain said it without yelling. I think Kaden 's having a rough sentence adjusting and making friends. Having you raging with him is n't going to help matter. ``

`` Maybe if he learned to be quiet once and a while, he 'd throw friends, '' Albus muttered.

`` Well, you can apologize in the daybreak, '' rosiness told him, while taking out her homework.

`` Apologize ? He 's the one who 's got to excuse to Matt, '' Albus said adamantly.

`` He does n't even know why that turnover mat, '' Rose insisted, `` And unless you plan on telling him, he 's probably not going to apologize. ``

Albus had n't thought of that. There was no way he was going to tell Kaden that Matt was a loup-garou. `` All rightfield, OK. I 'll justify. But if he does that again, I 'll yell at him again and I wo n't apologize. ``

`` And I 'll be right there yelling with you, '' John assured him.

`` Boys, '' Rose muttered to Amanda, who nodded.

******

Albus was extremely tired when he trudged down to breakfast with his friends the following forenoon. Due to uranology, he had n't gotten to bed until 1:30 am, and had had about six time of day of sleep. Albus had n't seen Kaden at all that morning, which was strange because Kaden usually waited for Albus in the vernacular way before breakfast. Albus figured he was probably still upset about the previous night. Albus really did n't want to rationalize, but he supposed he would have to.

Albus sat down and poured himself a glass of Orange River juice. He was glad that it was a relatively easy day. duplicate Herbology in the morning and then a undivided family of Potions after lunch. Following Potions, Albus and his friends would go visit Matt in the infirmary fender. Albus felt like he would rather spend the day in the infirmary Wing sleeping instead of going to class, but he knew that would n't happen.

The post hooter flew into the elbow room and Albus noticed his mother 's owl flying towards him. The owl landed future to Albus, Albus took the letter, and the owl was off again.

`` missive from auntie Ginny ? '' rose asked.

`` Yeah, '' Albus told her and opened the letter.

dearest Al,

How are you ? I hope your first two weeks have gone well.
I 'm glad the new Charms teacher is nice, and I do hope
you 'll carry yourself in her class.

congratulations on making the Quidditch squad ! I 'm so
proud of you. Lily is very excited as well and is
telling me that she is going to go the new
Keeper after Peach State graduates. We 'll see about that.

Dudley called go night and told me about the row
you had with Kaden last dark. I realize that Kaden
may have been LE than charitable with lustrelessness, but
please apologize to him. Kaden is having a rough
time adjusting to Hogwarts. I know it seems like
he loves everything magical, but he has not made a
whole lot of friends. He needs you to be kind to
him and include him in your activities.

With love,
Mum

Albus folded the letter and sighed. Even his mother wanted him to rationalize to Kaden. Did n't anyone sympathize that Kaden had been out of line live on night ? John seemed to think so, but thought Albus should stimulate been nicer about it.

`` aunty Ginny agrees with me, '' rose wine commented.

`` Her and everyone else, '' Albus muttered. He still did n't really want to apologize to Kaden.

`` Well, looks like you 'll sustain to rationalise later, '' rosiness announced and stood up, `` We 've got to get to Herbology. ``

Relieved that he had an excuse not to excuse now, Albus made his way to the glasshouse with his friend. Neville spent the lesson teaching about Mandrakes and helping the class to re-pot them. Albus found rather sluttish, but not everyone in the class did. One of the Mandrakes attached itself to Karina 's hair and would n't let go until Neville stunned it.

Albus did n't see Kaden at lunch and did n't deliver clip to go find him before Potions, not that he minded. He was still mad at Kaden and did not desire to apologize. Potions was pretty boring because all Slughorn did was lecture. Albus felt himself nodding off a few sentence, only to be prodded awake by Rose who was sitting next to him.



A/N : Thanks to my sister and beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as my other baby and my pal. Thanks as well to XDNLxtlz99, potterfan89, ginnyweasley98, and Moonylupin for their followup !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




After Potions, Albus and his friends went to visit Matt like they usually did after a replete lunar month. Albus was relieved that they did n't run into Kaden on the way there. He was n't certainly what he would say in order to shake off his first cousin if Kaden decided to try and natter Matt with them.

`` Hello, kids, '' ma'am Pomfrey greeted them as they entered the cellblock. She was used to them visiting by then and left them alone as long as they were n't too loud.

Albus made a beeline for the bed mat usually stayed in and pulled back the curtain. matte was sporting numerous cuts all over his face and subdivision, a smuggled eye, and bruises all along his implements of war. He was also asleep.

`` Aww, he 's quiescence, '' John grinned mischievously as he shut the curtains behind them.

`` well, that 's not really surprising, '' Rose commented, `` Maybe we should come back later. ``

`` No, I 'm wake up, '' Matt mumbled hoarsely and opened his center a bit. `` Is Kaden here ? ``

`` Nope, have n't seen him since last nighttime, '' Albus told him.

matt breathed a suspiration of substitute, `` Good. I was trying to come up with a something to tell him as to why I 'm here, but now I do n't feature to. ``

`` I do n't guess you 're going to sustain to vex about that, '' St. John the Apostle replied.

`` Why not ? I 'm sure he 'll ask. He 's always hanging around. And last night he was so bloody irritating. I think I would 've had a go at him if I had n't had a splitting head ache. ``

`` Albus had a go at him, '' bathroom told him, and proceeded to tell mat what had happened after he left.

`` Wow, Albus, '' Matt said quietly when John the Divine had finished, `` Thanks, I guess. ``

`` No problem. I 'm not going to let him butt into why you 're upchuck all the time, '' Albus said.

`` And you have n't seen him since ? '' lustrelessness asked.

`` Nope. He got really upset, I think. And Mum says I 've got to apologize to him. I do n't really desire to, though, '' Albus answered.

`` Well, you probably should. He is your cousin, after all. But I ca n't say I 'd mind if he did n't spend as a great deal time with us, '' Matt told him.

`` I know, me too, '' Albus responded. `` Anyway, how are you ? ``

`` Been better, been forged, '' Matt replied, `` Got a few interrupt ribs, but dame Pomfrey fixed them. I 'm just a bit sore. And tired, of course. ``

`` When do you get to leave ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Probably William Ashley Sunday, '' Matt yawned.

`` Do you require us to depart so you can sleep ? '' Rose asked.

`` No, I 've got all night to sleep. Tell me what I missed in class. ``

`` fountainhead, a mandrake attached itself to Karina 's hairsbreadth in Herbology, '' Albus told him.

`` Bet she loved that, '' Matt stifled a laugh.

`` And Albus fell asleep in Potions, '' pink wine announced, `` I had to wake him up a few times. ``

`` I was n't numb. I was just closing my eyes for a bit, '' Albus insisted. `` Slughorn was just talking and it was boring. I had Quidditch practice yesterday and Astronomy. I 'm tired. ``

`` What did I miss in uranology ? ``

`` Not very much. Just critical review, mostly. Phases of the moon, that variety of affair, '' Albus replied.

`` I think I 've got those down pretty well, '' mat laughed. Everyone else started laughing, too. Albus was happy that matte was getting to be more easy about talking and joking about his condition with them.

Albus and the others spent the remnant of the fourth dimension until dinner in the Hospital annex with Matt. Once dinner party time came, Madam Pomfrey chased them out. Albus knew he 'd ingest to talk to Kaden soon, but he did n't get the opportunity to during dinner. After they finished eating, Albus and his friends went up to the common room to get started on their growing batch of homework.

`` You should go talk to Kaden now, '' Rose said as she looked up from her notes.

Albus sighed. He had just gotten started on an essay that he really did n't feel like piece of writing, but he 'd rather spell it than talk to Kaden. `` I do n't even see him in here, rose wine. ``

`` He 's over there, sitting by himself, '' pink wine pointed behind Albus.

`` Just get it over with, Albus, '' John told him as he twirled his calamus around his fingers, `` You 've got to do it sometime. Just justify and tell him not to put out mat anymore. shit sure he knows that, because if he does that again I 'll yell at him, too. And I 'm a lot louder than you, '' whoremaster grinned.

`` He 's your cousin, Albus, you 've got to at least be polite to him, '' Amanda said, `` Even if you 're not adept friends. ``

`` That 'll never fall out, '' Albus rolled his eye. `` Oh, fine, I 'll go public lecture to him. ``

Albus got up from the table and squeezed his way through the crowded unwashed room to the chairperson Kaden was sitting in. Kaden was leafing through his potions text book and writing the casual note down on a opus of parchment. `` Er, hi Kaden, '' Albus said and sat down in the chairman opposite his full cousin. `` Could I talk to you ? ``

`` Oh, hi Albus, '' Kaden replied quietly, `` I thought you were still mad at me. ``

`` That 's what I wanted to talk to you about. ``

`` Oh, well, go ahead, '' Kaden closed his potions book.

`` I guess I just want to say I 'm sorry for yelling at you last night, '' Albus said as he picked at a promiscuous thread on the chairperson. `` I did n't really mean to swage you. I just wanted you to stop telling matte to go to the Hospital annex. He told you to block and you did n't. ``

`` fountainhead, I thought Madam Pomfrey could just contribute him a potion and he 'd be all better, you know, like magic, '' Kaden gave a tepid laugh, `` I just do n't get why anyone would n't go get a potion when they 're sick. ``

Albus sighed. He knew it was time for Kaden to infer that magic did n't fix everything. `` Kaden, you 've got to understand that conjuring trick ca n't fix everything. I do n't think you get that yet. I know it 's strong to come into the magical world after bread and butter in the Muggle one for eleven years. Well, actually, I guess I do n't know that. You 'd be better off talking to Amanda about that, or my dad, or my Aunt Hermione- ''

`` I think magic is bloody vivid ! '' Kaden interrupted.

`` That 's the thing ! '' Albus stared his cousin in the eye, `` Not all legerdemain is brilliant ! And it wo n't fix everything ! ``

`` I do n't see why it ca n't, '' Kaden shrugged, `` It 's magic after all. ``

`` This is why most Muggles do n't love about magic trick. Most of them think magic can fix all their problems, just like you do, '' Albus explained, `` But it ca n't. And I guess you 'll just have to learn that for yourself, if you do n't believe me. ``

`` I think I do believe you, Albus, '' Kaden replied, `` And I already know that not all deception is good. I remember what you told me about Voldemort. ``

`` Yeah, I think you do know that, '' Albus agreed, `` But back to the other thing. You 've got to understand that there are some, er, '' Albus chose his quarrel carefully so as not to give away Matt 's secret, `` illnesses, that ca n't be fixed by magic. They 're worse than your norm stale or flu, and the Healers, those are wizard MD, have n't found curative yet. ``

`` Oh, '' Kaden said. Albus could differentiate he was giving this a good bit of view. `` But why ca n't you just brandish your wand and make it best ? ``

Albus sighed. This was harder than he thought. He tried to remember of a way of putting this in a Muggle view. Amanda would be considerably at this, he thought. Or even rosiness. `` I 'm not for certain exactly why. It just wo n't work. I guess magical healing is n't that different than Muggle medication. Healers try to find cures just like physician do. Doctors ca n't fix everything either, like cancer, '' Albus remembered a Muggle disease he heard his dad talking about once, one that was very toilsome to cure. `` Doctors try to fix it and sometimes they do, but there 's no cure. ``

Kaden 's eyes opened astray and he whispered, `` matte 's got malignant neoplastic disease ? ``

`` Oh, no ! '' Albus exclaimed, `` maven do n't get that ; it 's a Muggle disease. And what he 's got is n't the thaumaturgist version of it. He 's not going to die from it. He just gets unhinged every once and a while. What you 've got to sympathize is that madam Pomfrey ca n't fix it with potions. So, you should n't assure him to go get some. Just do n't mention anything like that. And definitely do n't forebode him pudding head for not going to see dame Pomfrey, '' Albus said sternly.

Kaden nodded his head solemnly. Finally he seemed to be getting it, Albus thought. `` But what has he got ? '' Kaden asked curiously.

Albus groaned inwardly. He had hoped this would n't come up, but he knew it would. `` I ca n't evidence you. That 's for him to recite you, if he wants to. And honestly, I do n't conceive he will. So do n't ask him, ever. ``

`` You know what it is, rightfield Albus ? '' Kaden asked.

`` Yeah, I do, '' Albus replied. `` Oh, and do n't talk about this with anyone else, besides me. Not any of the other first off years, or anyone. Do n't cite that you know anything whatsoever about him getting regorge. Promise me you wo n't. ``

Kaden looked questioningly at his cousin. `` I wo n't. But why is it so secretive ? ``

`` It 's all share of what it is, and that 's all I 'm going to say, '' Albus stood up.

`` All right, so you 're not mad anymore ? ''

`` No, '' Albus replied. `` I 've got to go complete an essay. You want to come sit with us ? '' Albus was n't sure what his friends would call back of Kaden sitting with them, heck he was n't really sure if he wanted Kaden to sit with them, but it seemed like the aright thing to do.

A vast grinning appeared on Kaden 's look and he stood up. `` Yeah, of grade ! ``

Albus walked back to his friend, Kaden following like a puppy, and he knew matter were back to normal.

******

`` Hey, Albus, '' Kate Waverly sat down next to Albus at breakfast the following Monday.

`` Oh, hi Kate, '' Albus said once he 'd swallowed his taste of eggs.

`` Listen, I 've been trying to find a sentence for dueling practice, '' she began, `` It 's been hard than I thought it 'd be. I obviously ca n't do it during Quidditch practice session. I do n't think the whole squad will be able-bodied to meet at the Same metre ; it just wo n't process. But that 's all right. The team I was on finis year rarely ever met at the Same time. I 've been talking to everyone and it looks like Wednesday eventide will put to work for a lot of citizenry. Can you create it ? ``

Albus thought for a import. He had been wondering when the offset dueling practice would take place. Gospel According to John and pink wine had already been to their first pattern. Matt missed his because it took place while he was in the hospital wing. `` I should be capable to make it, '' he told Kate.

Kate grinned, `` Great. How about you, Amanda ? '' she turned to Amanda, who was sitting across from Albus.

`` Sure, I 'll be there. I have n't gotten anything else to do besides homework, '' she laughed.

`` perfect. The merging will be in the dueling room, seven in the evening. I 've already talked to professor ceramicist and he said it 's unloose. I 've got to go public lecture to the Slytherins now. I 've been saving them for last, '' she groaned and walked over to the Slytherin table.

`` Finally, we 're having a meeting ! '' Albus said excitedly. `` I ca n't wait to start dueling people. ``

`` Me too, '' Amanda grinned.

`` It 's pretty brilliant, '' John told them, `` We have n't really learned any new spells yet, but I got to disarm a copulate people. ``

`` I disarmed a duet third year at my meeting, '' rose announced. `` I 'm frantic about learning new spells, though. ``

`` Wish I had n't missed mine, '' Matt muttered.

`` You 'll take a crap it to the next one, '' Albus assured him, `` You heard Kate, not everyone makes it to every confluence. ``

`` Can I go with you to the meeting, Albus ? Please ? '' Kaden begged.

`` I do n't intend you can, sorry, '' Albus told him, `` first gear years are n't allowed. ``

Kaden mumbled something that sounded like 'stupid rule'and left to go to his showtime class.

`` We ought to go, too, '' rosiness announced. Albus and his friends left the Great antechamber and made their way to Transfiguration.

The adjacent few days seemed to drag on for an eternity. Albus was very excited about the dueling pattern and he did not feel like concentrating on anything else. He momentarily forgot about it during Quidditch recitation on Tuesday, but once that was finished, he was back to waiting impatiently for dueling.

After dinner on Wednesday, Albus and Amanda said goodbye to their friends and made their way to the dueling room. When they got there, they saw 7 or 8 other scholar, along with Kate Waverly milling about. Albus noticed that the Gryffindors, Ravenclaws, and Hufflepuffs were all talking with each other, but the Slytherins were sulking by themselves in one corner.

A mates more students ran into the room as Albus and Amanda went over to the chemical group of non-Slytherins. Harry walked in a minute later, and stood next to Kate in the front of the room.

Kate looked at the clock and then back at the squad. `` All right, I think most of us are here. I 'm Kate Waverly, 4th class Ravenclaw, as most of you know. I know a lot of you are n't happy about the inter-house teams this year, but we 'll have to deal with it. It 's not easy for me, either. Last class, captains only had to accommodate one Quidditch team, this year we have to accommodate four.

`` Professor potter, Professor Longbottom, or one of the other professors will supervise the drill, at to the lowest degree for the commencement few. But if you have an issue, delight come to me first because I 'm the captain. Now, for our first coming together, I 'd just wish to assess what dueling attainment you 've got. So twin off and disarm each other. Disarm only. ``

Albus and Amanda stepped a few feet apart and faced each early. `` quick ? '' Amanda asked.

Albus grinned, `` You know, if this was a tangible affaire d'honneur, you would n't ask me if I 'm ready. ``

`` I know, '' Amanda laughed, `` I 'm just used to it. ``

`` It 's all right. ``

A few seconds later, Amanda shouted out, `` Expelliarmus ! ``

Albus felt his wand quiver in his hand, but it stayed there. `` That was a honorable try, '' he said.

`` I 've done it in family, '' Amanda told him.

`` I know. I 've seen you. ``

`` You try now. ``

`` Ok, '' Albus pointed his scepter at Amanda and shouted, `` Exeplliarmus ! '' Amanda 's wand flew out of her paw and it landed at Albus 's feet.

`` Great job, Albus ! '' Kate shouted from across the room.

`` Nice one, '' Amanda told him.

`` Thanks, '' Albus replied, `` You try again. ``

Albus and Amanda disarmed each other for the next 15 minutes. Amanda managed to demilitarize Albus a twain times, but she was n't nearly as expert at it as Albus was.

`` All right ! '' Kate shouted, `` shift partners, everyone ! Preferably mortal who 's not in your house. ``

`` Potter, '' Malfoy appeared next to Albus, smirking at him, `` Let me show everyone how much of a skilful dueler I am. ``

`` Bring it on, Malfoy, '' Albus growled, suddenly wanting to hex Malfoy, rather than just disarm him.

`` Too bad we 're not on separate teams, '' Malfoy commented, `` Then I could pass over the floor with you in a real duel. Oh, well, this 'll take to do. ``

`` Bit wide of yourself, are n't you ? '' Albus muttered, raising his wand.

`` Expelliarmus ! '' Malfoy shouted. Albus 's scepter flew out of his script and landed a couple animal foot away. `` Told you, '' he laughed. `` I am a amend dueller than you. ``

`` I have n't tried disarming you yet, Malfoy, '' Albus replied, `` Do n't count your Snidgets before they hatch. ``

`` generate me your bad, Potter, '' Malfoy smirked.

`` Expelliarmus ! '' Albus shouted with all the military force he could muster. Malfoy 's baton left his hired man and landed a couple fundament away, just as Albus 's had done. `` There, we 're even. ``

`` We 'll never be even, ceramicist, '' Malfoy replied haughtily.

`` Great job, everyone ! '' Kate announced, `` That 's enough for now. I see we have some corking dueller in here. With a trivial practice, I 'm for sure we 'll beat the other teams. I think for simplicity, I 'll declare praxis every calendar week this same day and time. It might be in a different room occasionally, and I 'll let you know if it is. Do n't vex if you ca n't make all the meetings. Just try and take a leak as many as you can. I 'll see everyone side by side week. ``

`` That was pretty fun, '' Amanda said as they were getting ready to leave.

`` Yeah, although I could do without Malfoy, '' Albus replied

`` Hey, Al, '' Harry put his arm around his son, `` Could I talk to you for a bit ? ``

`` Sure, '' Albus said and then turned to Amanda, `` I 'll see you in the uncouth room. ``

`` All right, '' Amanda left the room.

`` I have n't had a probability to talk to you much, '' Harry said once the room was empty. He walked over to a yoke professorship and sat down in one. He patted the one next to him. `` How have you been ? ``

`` Great. I love Quidditch, '' Albus grinned and sat down in the chair next to his dad.

`` I 'm glad you made the team, although I heard some of the other Gryffindors were n't too happy. ``

`` Yeah, a twosome thought I just got on the team because Empire State of the South 's sea captain. And Ryan 's the merely one who 's not a Weasley or a Potter on the team now, '' Albus explained.

`` I 'm surely that 's not why you made the team, '' Harry assured him. `` You 're a slap-up chaser. ``

`` And I 'm already used to working with broom and Fred. ``

`` Exactly, you were the better one, '' Harry agreed, `` How have division been ? ``

`` Fine. magic spell is much honest than last year. I like professor Cedonia. ``

`` She 's very nice. She 's definitely not the usual sort of teacher Hogwarts has, but that 's not really a bad affair, '' Harry commented.

`` Yeah, she has n't given out many detentions, '' Albus told him.

`` But she has her social class under dominance. I think the other instructor could acquire a lot from her. ``

`` I 'd love it if nobody gave out hold anymore, '' Albus grinned.

`` That 's not really what I meant, but anyway, '' Harry continued, `` I heard you had some difficulty with Kaden recently. Mum sent me an owl about it. ``

Albus felt his nerve turn red. `` Er, yeah, but it 's all worked out now. I 'm not mad at him anymore. ``

`` gladiola to hear it, '' Harry smiled, `` If you have anymore problem, feel free to follow to me. I know Kaden can be a bit, er, exuberant, to put it nicely. ``

Albus laughed, `` I 'll say. He just does n't cognise when to quit sometimes. ``

`` Some mass are like that, '' Harry stood up. `` It 's getting late. You should probably go back to Gryffindor. ``

`` All right, '' Albus stood up as well and gave his dad a hug. `` G'night, Dad. ``

`` 'Night, Al, '' Harry gave his son a hug back and the two of them left the room.




Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter. Nor do I own 'Bothering Snape'or anything else related to thrower marionette Pals.




The second one-half of September passed the same way the firstly half had. Albus 's days were filled with course of instruction, prep, Quidditch exercise, and dueling practice. Albus was really enjoying both Quidditch and dueling, although he liked Quidditch better. Kate had begun teaching them new tour in dueling, and it was fun, but Malfoy kept trying to partner up with Albus during exercise. Albus suspected that Malfoy was trying to drum Albus in one of the pattern duels, but he had yet to succeed. The first off dueling sports meeting was n't until the end of Oct and Kate felt that the team would be fully prepared by then.

Kaden was quickly becoming a permanent fixture in Albus 's group of friends. After Albus apologized and invited Kaden to sit with them in the rough-cut room, he just never left. He was always with them whenever they were n't in class and because of this, Albus and his friends were spending much less time in the Room of Requirement than they had the sec half of their first year. They seemed to give come to an unspoken agreement not to show Kaden the elbow room, and Albus was perfectly happy with this. After all, there might eventually amount a day when Albus and the others needed to be alone, without Kaden, and the Room might be the only place in Hogwarts where they could go.

The bit Dominicus of October, Albus found himself looking for his supporter after a particularly long Quidditch practice session. He shouldered his ling, feeling very worn-out, and headed back to the castling. It was a warm up fall day, not a swarm in the sky, and a sang-froid breeze was blowing. It had been the hone day for Quidditch practice session. Albus had gotten his first taste sensation of Quidditch practice in the rainwater a span week back and he had n't enjoyed it in the slightest.

On his way back to the castle, Albus noticed John and lustrelessness sitting a couple yards away from the Whomping willow, beneath another tree. Kaden was wandering around nearby, playing with what appeared to be a round art object of charge plate attached to a long drawing string. Albus went over to lavatory and flatness and sat down next to them.

`` How was practice ? '' Matt asked.

`` Exhausting, '' Albus replied, `` What have you been up to ? ``

`` Sitting around, putting off doing our homework, '' John the Evangelist grinned.

`` And watching Kaden dramatic play with that Muggle toy, '' Matt laughed.

`` What is that thing ? '' Albus stared at the piece of charge card as it went up and down on the string.

`` He calls it a 'yo-yo', '' Saint John the Apostle explained. `` Never seen anything like it. ``

`` I think I had one when I was really slight, '' lusterlessness commented, `` But I must suffer lost it ages ago. ``

`` How long has he been playing with it ? '' Albus asked, amazed that Kaden, who could n't sit still for fifteen minutes, could give the tending distich to take on with that toy.

`` About fifteen minutes, '' matt told him, `` But I think he 's noticed you, Albus. ``

Sure enough, Kaden pocketed his yo-yo and ran over to Albus. `` Hi Albus ! How was Quidditch pattern ? ``

`` commodity, '' Albus told him, `` Tiring, but good. ``

`` I was watching. I think I 'd like to be a Beater, it looks like fun to whack those Bludgers around, '' Kaden grinned.

Albus, who personally thought Kaden should not be allowed near a Beater 's bat after he nearly put person 's eye out with his sceptre a couple clip, laughed. `` Well, we wo n't be needing a new Beater for a while, '' he turned to Gospel According to John and flatness, `` Where are Rose and Amanda ? ``

`` Up in the castle, doing homework, probably, '' whoremonger replied, `` They did n't want to come outside. ``

Kaden stood up and stared at the Whomping willow tree. `` D'you think that tree could obliterate individual ? ``

`` Probably, '' Albus said.

`` Wonder why they planted it, then, '' Kaden started to take the air a piffling closer to the tree.

Albus glanced at his protagonist and saw a flavour of panic appear in Matt 's eyes. Why was it that Kaden always seemed to question the matter that had to do with Matt 's being a werewolf ?

`` Er, Dumbledore probably thought it was rum, '' Albus lied.

`` He was mad, then, '' Kaden inched even closer to the tree, whose thrashing branches were now just a couple infantry away from him.

`` A bit, yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` But he was brilliant, too. ``

`` It 's so strange, though. I 've never seen a tree like this, '' Kaden started to circulate the tree.

`` That 's because it 's wizard, '' Albus told him.

`` You should probably step back, Kaden, '' matte warned him.

`` I 'll be thrifty, '' Kaden took a few more steps towards the tree. He was now within reach of its branches. `` mustiness be a strong tree. '' He started to try and affect one of the branches, but the tree got there initiative and hit him on the leg with one of its branches. `` Ouch ! '' Kaden shrieked.

Albus, Matt, and John all stood up and ran over to him, but not close enough that they could get hit.

`` Kaden, I told you not to go near it ! '' Matt shouted.

`` It did n't even break off the skin. I 'm fine, '' Kaden assured him and went back to inspecting the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree. But the tree did n't like Kaden around it and started to hit him more forcefully. `` Ow ! ``

Albus rushed forward, dodging branches as he went. `` Kaden, movement ! ``

But Kaden did n't incite away from the tree. A branch hit him in the head and knocked him over. He stood up a piffling and peered nearer at the Tree 's base.

`` Kaden, get away from there ! '' matte screamed in a very shaky tone of voice. `` I 'm dangerous, move ! ``

`` I think there 's a hole down there ! '' Kaden shouted excitedly.

Albus saw all the color drain from Matt 's aspect, and he knew that Kaden had just found out how to get into the hidden passage that led to the scream hutch. Albus was about to go take hold of Kaden away from the Tree, when he disappeared from sight.

`` Oh, no, oh, no ! '' Matt shrieked, shaking his question back and forth.

Albus rushed forward towards the tree. It hit him on his shoulder and his fountainhead as he tried to dodge the offset. He crept closer, still getting hit, and saw the trap Kaden was talking about. But it did n't seem like there was any way to get into it without being killed. Albus had no musical theme how Kaden had done it.

matt ran forward and grabbed a retentive branch that was on the land. He wordlessly shoved it into the root word of the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree, and the offset stopped. Albus turned to seem at him, but he said nothing. Albus quickly jumped into the hole and found Kaden crouching in the entrance of a farsighted tunnel.

`` This is amazing ! '' Kaden grinned, `` I 've found a hole-and-corner passage ! ``

`` Listen, Kaden, we 've got to get out of here, '' Albus said urgently.

`` Aw, come up on, Albus. Let 's observe it ! ``

`` No, Kaden, we ca n't, '' Albus insisted.

`` You do n't look very excited, '' Kaden commented and he stared at Albus for a few secondment. `` I know, you already know about this, do n't you ? ``

`` Er, I, '' Albus tried to think up something to tell Kaden. He was n't a very honorable lier, `` Fine, I do already know about it. My dad told me about it. But I have n't been in it. educatee are n't supposed to go in it. That 's why we 've got to leave, we 'll be in huge problem. ``

`` Do you know where it leads ? '' Kaden asked.

`` No, '' Albus lied. He figured he 'd be able to draw in that lie off, and he did n't want to tell Kaden where the passage led to. `` Now let 's go. ``

Kaden sighed, `` amercement. But you 're ruining the fun. ``

Albus did n't say another Book. He quickly climbed out of the hole, hoping that whatever Matt had done to stop the branches was still working. Luckily, it was, and Albus was able-bodied to mount out without receiving anymore hurt. Kaden climbed out behind him, the vast grin still on his face.

John and Matt were standing nearby, but not near sufficiency to be hit with branches. Matt was looking bloodless as a shade, clearly worried that Kaden had found the Shrieking shanty. Albus was just about to state his friends that Kaden had n't gone down the tunnel when he heard a voice behind him.

`` Playing with the Whomping willow. That is clearly against the ruler. ``

Albus turned around and saw Filch making his way slowly towards them. Great, he thought, this is just what they needed.

`` Yes, yes, '' Filch wheezed, `` Follow me, juvenile delinquent. ``

Albus turned to look at John the Divine and Matt. John was looking pretty calm, but Matt was still as pallid as Nearly Headless Nick. Kaden also looked a bit worried, but not nearly as often as Matt. Albus was a little nervous as well. He had never gotten in difficulty with the caretaker before. He had heard horror stories about Filch and was n't sure which I were true.

Albus followed Filch up to the castle in between Saint John the Apostle and matte. Kaden was walking a small elbow room behind them. None of them said a discussion. Filch was muttering to himself as he slowly lead the radical up to the castle. They continued following Filch through the castle while early educatee stared at them. The other pupil were whispering amongst themselves as Albus and the others passed. Albus stared at the ground and tried to ignore them. Why was his fuss making always so publicized ? Of course, this was n't even his fault, Albus thought bitterly. It was all Kaden 's fault. Why did he have to keep messing with the Tree ? He never seemed to need to let anything go. When he got an estimation into his head, he never seemed to let go of it until Albus either yelled at him or physically stopped him.

Filch led them into a modest, cramped, sinister office filled with assorted Muggle cleanup implements. There were only 3 hot seat in the elbow room, one of which was behind Filch 's desk and he sat in it immediately. Matt took one of the former chairs, as he appeared so nervous that he might faint. Kaden immediately started snooping around the federal agency, while Albus and John remained standing and watching Filch 's every move.

`` It 's in here somewhere, '' Filch muttered as he rifled through a cabinet. `` Let 's see. B. Belligerent towards teachers, bothering sign gremlin, bothering magic tool, bothering Snape, bothering other pupil, ah, here it is ! Bothering the Whomping willow. '' Filch grinned and pulled out a piece of parchment. He set it down on his desk and looked up at Albus and the others.

Albus glanced at John, who shrugged. None of them had ever been in Filch 's office before and had no idea what to expect. Albus was prepared for the spoilt, including being shackled to the wall, as his cousin Fred told him Filch had done.

`` Quite the group of trouble makers you are, '' Filch muttered, `` I 've got the anatomy right here, already made. Had quite a few others torment that tree in the past times, especially after it was first planted. ``

Albus had his dubiousness as to whether Filch actually knew why the tree was planted. mat seemed to be getting more aflutter with every mention of the Whomping willow, and Albus could n't blame him.

Filch opened his sassing and was about to say something when there was a clangour behind Albus. Albus turned around and saw Kaden standing with a few twelve Fanged Frisbees at his human foot. He was holding one in his hand and there was an empty box next to him.

`` Do n't touch anything ! '' Filch shouted and ran out from behind his desk. He yanked the Frisbee out of Kaden 's mitt and picked up the others. He shoved the box back on the ledge and went back behind his desk.

`` Sorry, '' Kaden mumbled. Filch ignored him.

`` Back to your punishment, '' Filch continued, picking up a flight feather. `` full names ? ``

For a split irregular, Albus considered giving Filch a impostor name, but figured it would do no good with his dad as a teacher. `` Albus Severus thrower. ``

Filch wrote his name down and a grin cattle farm across his face. `` Following in your father 's pace ? And your grandfather 's ? Yes, yes, I have an integral drawer in my filing cabinet dedicated to your gramps and his juvenile delinquent friends. I do believe he once bothered the Whomping willow as well. ``

Albus ignored Filch 's reminiscing. He had not been bothering that tree. He had been saving Kaden from it. Although what Filch said had sparked his peculiarity. Why had his grandfather messed with the tree ? He knew his grandpa loved to make trouble, but that tree concealed one of his best friend 's secrets. Maybe it had happened before he knew about it, Albus thought.

`` What about the sleep of you juvenile delinquent ? '' Filch growled.

`` can Malcolm Brickston, '' John replied. Filch wrote it down and glared at Matt.

`` Matthew Conan Eckerton, '' Matt mumbled very softly.

`` And you ? '' Filch glared at Kaden after he wrote down Matt 's name.

`` Kaden St. Peter the Apostle Dursley, '' Kaden announced.

`` Right, '' Filch finished filling out the frame and put it into his very declamatory filing console. `` Your punishment. Three dark'detention. Tonight you 'll be scrubbing caldron, Muggle style of trend, in the Potions room. Tomorrow you can do rail line. And Mon you 'll pick the astronomy Tower, without legerdemain as well. cope with me in the dungeons 8pm sharp tonight. Now get out of here. ``

Albus wrenched the doorway open and ran out of the part as fast as he could. ternion nights of detention ! Two of which would be spent doing Muggle cleanup ! That was abrasive. Albus was furious now. Why did Kaden receive to go near that tree ? None of them would be in this mess if he had n't. Albus stalked all the way up to Gryffindor tug, with john and Matt next to him, cypher saying a Holy Writ. Kaden ran along aside them, trying to get them to talk to him. Albus knew what they had to do now. They had to pass water sure Kaden did not secernate anyone about that tunnel.

When they climbed through the portrait fix, Albus was relieved to see that both Bilius and Ethan were in the common way. That meant the residence hall was free and Albus could talk to Kaden up there. He wordlessly led the group to the hall and shut the door behind them.

`` Ok, what is wrong with you lot ? '' Kaden asked loudly, `` Why are you so quiet ? ``

`` We just got in trouble because of you ! '' Albus shouted.

`` fountainhead, sorry ! '' Kaden responded, `` But it 's not that bad, it 's just cleansing. ``

`` Three nights Worth ! '' Matt groaned, `` And I did n't even do anything. Neither did Saint John or Albus. ``

`` Albus was in that tunnel with me, '' Kaden pointed out.

`` Only to get you out ! '' Albus reminded him, `` And if you remember, we told you numerous times to leave alone that Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree alone. This is what I was talking about go month, Kaden. You never kibosh when people ask you to. And I 've been in Hogwarts farseeing than you have, if I tell you to stop doing something, chances are there 's a good reasonableness for it ! And this one just seemed like common sense to me ! 'Do n't go near the tree that could toss off you .'Why on earth would n't you listen to that ? ``

`` Jeesh, Albus, '' Kaden replied, a short quieter, `` I was just odd about it. ``

`` oddment killed the kneazle, '' bathroom muttered.

`` What ? '' Kaden stared at him.

`` Kneazle, it 's a witching puppet, '' John explained.

`` Oh, well, Muggles just say curiosity killed the cat. ``

`` That 's strange, '' Saint John said.

`` Anyway, '' Albus continued, `` You ca n't narrate anyone about that burrow and I mean anyone. Not your mum, not your dad, not your sister, not any of the other 1st years, no Muggles or Wizards, young or old, '' Albus turned to whoremaster and flatness, `` Have I left anything out ? ``

`` Do n't assure any animals either, '' King John added, `` Or what appear to be inanimate objects either, you never know in this place. ``

Kaden stared at them with a confused look on his face. `` Why not ? It looks to be a secret passage ! ``

If it was possible, Matt seemed to reverse even whiter. `` Do n't say anyone, '' he said forcefully. `` And do n't go back into it. Ever. ``

Kaden sighed. `` You lot take all the fun away. ``

`` Trust me, Kaden, what 's beyond that tunnel is n't fun, '' Albus told him.

`` But you said you did n't know what was beyond it ! ``

Oh, right, Albus thought. This was why he was a bad lier. He could never restrain the Trygve Halvden Lie straight. Now what was he going to say ? `` Oh, er, well, I kind of do know. But trust me, it 's cypher good. It 's not even that exciting, pretty boring really. ``

`` And you 're not going to differentiate me what it is, are you ? '' Kaden looked at all of them.

`` Nope, '' John the Evangelist replied.

`` So you all know where it goes ? ``

`` Er, yeah, '' John answered.

`` I just do n't get it. You lot seem to be keeping quite a few thing secret from me. Are they special secrets only masses with wizard parents can have it away ? '' Kaden asked darkly.

Albus was shocked. Where had his cousin get along up with something like that ? `` No ! Of line not ! Why in the name of Merlin 's beard would you think that ? ``

`` Certain hoi polloi here seem to cerebrate Muggle-borns should n't be teach thaumaturgy, '' Kaden explained.

Albus knew this, of course. He just had n't known that they were bothering Kaden. `` Who, Kaden ? And are they doing this to you ? ``

`` Um, yeah, a bit, '' Kaden muttered, `` Mainly Felix Willinson. ``

Albus groaned. He should have known. Felix had n't bothered Albus at all so far, but apparently he, like his cousin, enjoyed bullying early students. `` Just stay away from him. And if he bothers you again, just secernate me. I 'll get my cousins to set him straight. ``

`` All right field, '' Kaden replied, `` And I really am dreary about the Whomping willow tree affair. ``

`` It 's ok, '' Albus assured him. `` We 'll just experience you do most of the cleaning these adjacent few nights, '' he grinned.



A/N : Thanks to my genus Beta and sister, Dancer of Starlight, as well as my other sister and my Brother. Thanks as well to sinwillys822, Niki Lily, drownzer, XDNLxtlz99, Moonylupin, and potterfan89 for their review !


Diclaimer- I do n't own Harry thrower. Nor do I own Monty python, Spamalot, or any of their related material.




Albus never thought he would ingest a worse detainment than the one he had cleaning the prize elbow room the previous year. He thought Washburn had been the forged mortal to birth custody with, but he was wrongly. Albus went through his whole first yr without getting in trouble with Filch, and he was very happy about that. By the metre he finished his second detention on Monday night, he was beginning to wish he was doing detainment with Washburn instead. At least Washburn had n't breathed down his neck the entire time. Filch spent all of Sun nighttime staring at them while they scrubbed caldron, and all of the old nighttime staring at them as they churned out origin after line of descent. Filch seemed to read joy in watching the scholarly person rub their hands raw while scrubbing the caldron. Of course, the argument could have been considered a nice geological fault in between the two cleansing events.

By the prison term Albus trudged into the mutual room on Tuesday evening after Quidditch drill, he was ready to be done with detention. But no such circumstances ; it was their final night and Filch was surely to savor every minute of it. Albus quickly dropped his Calluna vulgaris off in his dormitory and went back to the common room to pass the ten proceedings they had before they had to leave for detention.

`` The finis matter I want to do is go clean something, '' Albus groaned.

`` Looks like you need to cleanse your clothes, '' John laughed.

Albus shot him a dirty look. `` What do you expect ? It 's raining and it 's squashy and I just spent 45 mo flying around. ``

`` I know, '' John grinned.

`` Empire State of the South was n't happy about me leaving too soon, '' Albus told him. `` She 's ruthless. ``

`` I 'll bet, '' privy agreed.

`` Hey, where 's lusterlessness ? '' Albus asked, looking around the plebeian room.

`` Room of essential, '' bathroom replied. `` Been there since rightfield after you left for recitation. ``

`` Oh, right, '' Albus said, remembering that the full moon was the following evening. `` Why are n't you there with him ? ``

`` Wanted to, '' privy sighed, `` Could n't judder Kaden. He 's been with me ever since you left. In fact, I think that 's why Matt left. He could n't get any rest with Kaden around. ``

`` But he 's not here now, '' Albus commented, noticing that Kaden was n't in the common room.

`` He went to put his books in his dorm room, '' john explained, `` I 'm sure he 'll be back at any moment. ``

As if on cue, Kaden came flying out of the room access leading to the hall and made a beeline for Albus and John. `` Ready ? It 's the shoemaker's last Night ! '' Kaden announced.

`` Yes, we know, '' lavatory said, `` You 've been telling us that all day. ``

`` Where 's Matt ? Have n't seen him since dinner. He 'd improve hurry up, wherever he is, '' Kaden peered around the room.

Albus and King John exchanged flavor. `` I 'll find oneself him, '' Albus replied quickly. `` You two go on ahead. ``

This time it was John the Divine 's turning to give Albus a disgusted look. He clearly did n't want to be the one who had to go to hold with Kaden. `` mulct. See you later, rose, Amanda. ``

`` Enjoy yourselves, '' blush wine replied.

`` See you later, '' Amanda waved.

Albus gave Saint John and Kaden a minute 's header commencement before he left the plebeian way and went to the Room of Requirement. He did n't want Kaden to find out where he was going. Once the coast was net, he paced three times in front of the space wall on the one-seventh floor and waited for the room access to seem. It materialized just alike always and Albus went quietly inside. The room was sorry and Albus could hardly see where he was going. He wished there was some faint. Immediately, flashlight lit up along the walls and revealed a four-poster bed in the heart of the small room.

Albus walked quickly over to the bed and wrenched the hangings receptive. Once he saw how exhausted Matt looked, he immediately felt guilty about how he had complained about being too tired from Quidditch practice to do detention. His debilitation was nothing compared to Matt's.

`` C'mon, we 've got custody, '' Albus gently poked his friend.

Matt opened his heart and sat up, wincing. `` Already ? All right. '' He slowly got up out of bed and stretched.

Albus led the way out of the room and to the uranology Tower. Neither of them said anything for virtually of the journey, but Albus knew they were both thinking the same matter. They wished they did n't have to do detention that night.

`` Where are bathroom and Kaden ? '' Matt asked, suddenly realizing that they were n't there.

`` They went on ahead. Did n't require Kaden to lie with about the way. ``

`` Oh, yeah, thanks for that, '' Matt replied.

Albus and Matt slowly climbed the stairs leading to the pillar, and once they reached the top, Albus opened the threshold and the two of them arrived. Luckily, it had stopped raining and the clouds had even dissipated. The almost full moon was shedding easy upon the Tower, enough that Albus and the others would be able to do their detention with only a span flannel mullein. Albus noticed Matt shudder and screw up his eyes as the moonshine hit him. Albus figured it was probably giving him a splitting headache at best.

`` You 're late, '' growled Filch, who gestured to John and Kaden. The two of them were already scrubbing telescopes.

`` Sorry, sir, '' Albus mumbled, not elaborating on why they were late.

`` Another night 's detention, I think, '' Filch replied, `` Tomorrow Nox. You can continue cleaning cauldron. There are still some left wing. ``

Albus glanced at matt who did n't even seem to be paying attention to Filch. He looked too busy trying not to be sick. There was no way that Matt could possibly do detention the following eventide. He would just accept to assure prof Longbottom about it the following day. Albus, however, groaned, as he would be capable of doing detention the next Nox. However, he would have to lack dueling practice. At least Kate was n't uptight about them missing exercise like Georgia was.

`` Well, what are you waiting for ? '' Filch growled at Albus and mat, `` commencement scrubbing ! ``

Albus picked up a rag out of the bucket that was standing nearby and ran quickly to where John and Kaden were scrubbing. He was partway there when he realized Matt was still standing near the doorway. He did n't appeared to have moved since they entered the tower. Filch was glaring at him, looking like he was ready to explode with fury. Albus grabbed lustrelessness by the arm without looking at Filch and led him over to the telescopes.

`` Are you all right ? '' Albus whispered and started to clean the near telescope.

`` F-fine, '' mat stuttered. Albus looked at him and noticed that he was shivering.

Albus turned to look at John who shrugged with mix-up. `` It 's a lot worse than last dark, '' Albus muttered. During the former Nox 's hold, Matt had nodded off a few times, but he had been able of producing a estimable bit of melody. Tonight, Matt appeared to be frozen in place and definitely would n't be getting a lot cleaning done.

`` Well, it is the nighttime before, '' John the Evangelist whispered so quietly that Albus could barely hear him.

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` But he seems sicker than well-nigh Nox before. ``

`` Dunno why, '' bathroom replied, `` We 'd better hide him from Filch, though. Filch will screw he 's not cleaning. '' Albus nodded and moved to the other position of Matt.

`` What 's unseasonable with him ? '' Kaden asked loudly, `` Is he honk again ? ``

Albus and John shot Kaden minatory look and Kaden immediately shut up. `` I was just wondering, '' he muttered a minute later.

`` Remember what I told you last prison term ? '' Albus asked quietly, `` Do n't bestow it up. ``

`` quiesce ! '' Filch shouted loudly.

mat jumped and looked at Albus with a flavor of confusion on his fount. `` What 're we doing ? '' he mumbled.

`` Detention, '' Albus replied, `` Listen, d'you want to go to the infirmary Wing ? ``

`` No, it 's not tonight, it 's tomorrow Nox, '' he said and slouched onto the telescope he was supposed to be cleaning.

`` I said quiet down ! '' Filch yelled and waltzed over to the boys, `` Get to crop thrower and Eckerton. ``

Albus and the others worked in secretiveness for the following half hour. John and Albus worked carefully down the row of telescopes, making indisputable Matt was between them at all time so it would attend like he was cleaning. Kaden worked on Albus 's other side, looking much more cheery than the other three boys did.

`` Suomi, Republic of Finland, Finland ... '' he sung quietly, `` That 's the state for me .... ''

`` What ? '' Albus whispered. Kaden had been humming that Song dynasty for the retiring five proceedings and it was driving Albus mad. He had never heard it before and it sounded quite strange.

Kaden stopped singing and looked at Albus. `` Oh, come on ! You 've never heard of Monty Python ? Spamalot, the Broadway play ? ``

`` Uh, no, '' Albus replied, wondering what that Song could have to do with a python. There had n't been any mention of serpent in it.

Kaden sighed. `` I love the wizarding world, but you lot are really lacking in high quality entertainment. Would it kill you to watch out TV and picture show ? Monty Python is a movie, and a pretty funny one at that. You can follow it at my household sometime. Spamalot is a Broadway play based on it. They turned it into a moving-picture show a few year back. ``

Albus was still a bit confused about the song, but he figured he 'd understand it if he ever watched the movie. He had seen a few Muggle films before, but never Monty Python or Spamalot. His aunt Hermione had a TV, but she did n't let Albus watch it very often. `` You 'll rot your encephalon out ! '' she always told him, `` Now go register a book ! ``

Albus and Kaden went back to their cleanup, and Kaden started humming a new song. Albus assumed it also was from Monty python since it sounded just as confusing as the previous one. It had something to do with fish.

`` full point that goddamned humming ! '' Filch screamed.

`` Sorry, sir ! '' Kaden replied. Filch scowled. Clearly he was angry about Kaden talking to him, but he could n't scold him again since what Kaden had said was polite.

The rest of the hold was spent in almost accomplished silence. Every once and a patch, Kaden would try to take the others in conversation, but it was always stopped by Filch. Luckily, Filch never realized that flatness had n't done an snow leopard of cleaning. He seemed to occupy glaring at Kaden and telling him to keep out up. Albus realized that Filch probably had an eternal grudge against Kaden now, which Kaden seemed unmindful to. It would not surprise Albus if Kaden had a file that rivaled his grandfather 's by the prison term he graduated. By the time the detention was over, matte was leaning against Albus, although he seemed thoroughly unaware of it. Albus had caught Kaden staring at matt a few clip, but as soon as Albus sent him a dirty look, Kaden went back to cleaning.

`` All right, you 're done, '' Filch growled, `` Get out of here or you 'll be out of bed after curfew. Then you 'll get another detention. '' He smirked. Filch picked up the cleaning supplying and ambled down the stairs before Albus and the others.

`` We 're done now, '' Albus gently woke lustrelessness up.

`` Done with what ? '' Matt mumbled without opening his eyes.

`` Detention, where we 've been for the last 60 minutes, '' Albus explained while looking at whoremaster. lav pulled lustrelessness off of Albus, but he stumbled fell against a telescope.

`` Ouch ! '' mat shouted and grabbed his head.

`` We 've got to get back to the plebeian room, and quick, '' Albus said, Sir Thomas More to bathroom than to Matt, `` It 's almost curfew. ``

`` What 're we going to do with him ? '' whoremaster asked. lusterlessness was now leaning on John. `` I wish we could levitate him. ``

`` You ca n't ? '' Kaden asked loudly.

`` No, that 's much more boost than we 're able to do, '' Albus explained, `` And small your vox. ``

`` Let 's just each get on one face of him, '' John threw one of matte 's blazonry over his shoulder and gestured for Albus to do the same.

Albus followed toilet 's lead and told Kaden to get the door. Albus, whoremaster, and lusterlessness hobbled awkwardly down the stair and back into the main role of the castling. It was slow going and they 'd already missed curfew.

`` Good affair he 's short, '' Albus commented.

`` Yeah, '' john agreed.

`` Ugh, '' flatness winced and opened his eyes, `` I think I 'm going to be unbalanced. ``

Albus and John looked at each other for a split instant before flatness retched onto the base in forepart of them.

`` Ew, perfect ! '' lavatory exclaimed.

`` Told you he was pale, '' Kaden said. He had been walking a few footstep ahead of them and kept looking back, wanting to say something but afraid to.

`` We knew that, '' Albus snapped.

matt retched a arcsecond time and Albus felt him crash onto the floor. Albus and John both grabbed his weapon as he went down and slowed the fall. Now what were they going to do ?

`` Matt ? '' Albus gently shook him and tried to get him to wake up, but it was no use.

`` What happened to him ? '' Kaden stared as Albus tried to awake Matt up.

`` Passed out, '' Albus said shortly. He was a bit annoyed that Kaden asked that. Was n't it obvious ?

`` I know that, '' Kaden replied, `` But why ? ``

`` How should I cognise ? '' Albus snapped.

`` Will you two stop arguing ? '' lav interrupted. `` What are we going to do ? ``

Albus shrugged and thought. What were they going to do ? Panic overtook him as he assessed the site. They were out of bed after curfew and Matt was passed out on the floor. It could n't get worsened than this. There was no way for them to get Matt to the common room or the hospital wing without levitating him. And none of them could levitate a individual. Albus looked at Matt and noticed he had begun shivering again. Albus took off his cloak and laid it over his friend. `` Kaden, '' Albus began, `` Go get Madam Pomfrey. ``

`` Why me ? '' Kaden asked nervously. He looked around at the iniquity corridor, clearly worried about walking through them alone.

`` Just do it ! '' Albus shouted.

Kaden looked taken aback at Albus 's trashy tone. `` Ok, ok ! '' he replied and took off down the corridor, towards the stairs.

`` He 's going to be ok, right ? '' Albus asked quietly once Kaden was out of sight.

`` I dunno, '' John whispered back. `` But it 's been bad before and he 's always recovered amercement. ``

The male child sat in secrecy for the next distich proceedings, watching for augury of consciousness in their friend. However, Matt remained unresponsive and very pale. Though he was still shivering, his forehead glistened with sudor in the Moon that was streaming in through a nearby window.

`` What 's that ? '' whoremaster asked, pointing down the corridor.

Albus looked where John was pointing and saw a figure floating towards him. He stood up and drew his wand and privy did the Sami. The figure came closer and closer, and soon Albus was able to get to it out. It was Peeves. Albus groaned inwardly. This was the last thing they needed, Peeves announcing their presence to the entirely castle.

`` Students out of bed ! '' Peeves shouted gleefully as he noticed the boys.

`` Shut up, Peeves ! '' Albus replied, very roiled at Peeves 's felicitous tone.

Peeves peered down at matte and then looked at St. John the Apostle and Albus. `` Dueling, have we ? It seems that you two have won. But Mr. Filch wo n't wish this ! No he wo n't ! Students out of bed and dueling, too ! ``

`` We have n't been dueling ! '' Saint John the Apostle insisted, `` Now get out of here ! ``

`` sunk fence ! '' Peeves laughed, `` Peeves does n't listen to students, no he does n't ! Peeves suit trouble when scholarly person are around ! ``

`` No, quiet ! '' Albus whispered.

Peeves cackled even louder and zoomed up and down the corridor. `` Students out of bed ! scholarly person out of bed ! ``

Albus and trick gave each other panicked looks. Albus had no idea what to do to hush the poltergeist. But if he did n't stop shouting, someone would surely recover out that they were there. Albus 's fears were soon realized as he heard hurried footsteps coming down the corridor. Albus wished he had his Father-God 's invisibility cloak.

Peeves apparently heard them too, because he flew down towards them shouting, `` They 're over here ! Over here ! student out of bed ! ``

`` Go away, Peeves ! '' a tacky derriere vocalization shouted, `` Or I 'll get the Bloody baron ! ``

`` Yes, Madam nanny, mam ! '' Peeves saluted and sped down the corridor, cackling madly.

Albus breathed a sigh of moderation. It was just gentlewoman Pomfrey. Albus watched as the nurse ran the remainder of the way down the corridor. She was surprisingly fast for soul her age. Kaden was panting behind her, trying to keep up.

Madam Pomfrey rushed over to Albus, John, and matt, and immediately bent down and put her script on matte 's forehead. `` What 's happened ? '' she asked briskly.

`` He collapsed, '' Albus told her.

The nurse clicked her tongue and conjured a stretcher. She waved her sceptre and lusterlessness landed on top of it. `` Well, you can excuse more once we get to the hospital wing. Quickly now. ``

Albus, privy, and Kaden ran behind Madam Pomfrey all the way to the hospital wing. None of them said a word, although it looked to Albus like Kaden was trying to keep himself from asking Thomas More questions. second later, the group arrived at the hospital wing. Madam Pomfrey barged through the doorway and immediately deposited matte onto a bed. She bustled around the hospital ward, gathering potions while asking the son more questions.

`` Why were you out of your rough-cut way ? '' she asked.

`` Detention, '' Albus responded.

`` Where and with whom ? ``

`` Filch had us cleaning the entire astronomy Tower, '' John replied with a fed up tone.

brothel keeper Pomfrey stopped rifling through her potion cabinet and turned to face at John. `` Astronomy tug ? ``

`` Er, yeah, '' John answered with a aspect of confusion on his face.

`` Filch ! '' Madam Pomfrey shouted as she ran back to lustrelessness 's bed, `` I 'll give him for this ! I thought I made it clear to him hold out year when he had you scrubbing the bathroom ... I 'll hex him into next year ! Falco columbarius 's whiskers, the Astronomy Tower ! And tonight of all night ! '' The nursemaid continued to run back and forth from her agency, potion locker, and Matt 's bed while muttering about Filch.

`` What 's she going on about ? '' Kaden whispered. Albus jumped. He 'd leave Kaden was there. `` What 's Filch got anything to do with him being sick ? '' Kaden asked.

`` I 'll get him for this ! '' gentlewoman Pomfrey shouted as she waved her wand over Matt. `` I swear I will .... ''

Albus looked at ma'am Pomfrey and then back at Kaden. He chose to brush aside Kaden 's question. The nurse was getting dangerously close to cluing Kaden into why mat was there. If she was n't careful, she 'd chip in away everything.

`` I thought I 'd made it well-defined to him ! '' the nurse repeated while she poured a disgusting looking Orange potion down Matt 's throat. `` No detention on these nighttime and certainly not on the astronomy pillar ! If he 'd been out there any longer ... fountainhead, I 'm not exactly sure as shooting what would ingest happened ! ``

Kaden looked throughly confused. `` What 's the Astronomy Tower got to do with this ? ``

`` Of all the nights of the month- ''

`` gentlewoman Pomfrey ! '' Albus shouted, suddenly deciding that he had to get the nursemaid to stop rant. gentlewoman Pomfrey looked up from what she was doing and glared at Albus. It generally was not a good idea to cut off her while she was working, but Albus had no pick. He ran over to where the nurse was standing. `` Sorry, lady, '' he whispered, `` It 's just, there are certain, er, things, that Kaden does n't know. '' Albus gestured to where his full cousin was standing. `` And I know lustrelessness would favor it if he did n't screw, '' Albus gave her a meaning look that he hoped would bring his thoughts.

gentlewoman Pomfrey stared at him for a few seconds and then realization came over her. `` Oh ! Oh, my ! '' she whispered back, `` I ca n't trust I, well, right. So sad about that. I 'll be a bit quieter. ``

Albus went back over to where Kaden and John were standing. St. John the Apostle gave him a relieved look, but Kaden looked even more put off. `` What was that about ? '' Kaden asked.

`` zip, '' Albus gave Kaden another one of his 'shut up now'expression. Kaden immediately closed his oral fissure. Albus was getting serious at conveying those expression now and Kaden seemed to obey mightily away, which was good.

`` All right, '' Madam Pomfrey walked back to the three boys after a few more transactions, `` He 's going to be o.k.. He 'll just take to quell here for a partner off days. '' She looked at Albus and John when she said this, and Albus knew she meant that he would be staying until after the full moon.

`` Ok, '' Albus nodded. `` We can visit him, right ? ``

`` Of path, good, '' Madam Pomfrey 's expression softened. `` You know what sentence are skillful. Now, you three honest be off to your dormitories. It 's very late. If anyone full point you, just recite them you were with me. And do n't worry about seeing Filch. I 'm off to notice him now, and he 's going to be busy for quite a while. ``

Albus nodded and had to stifle a jape. He knew the nanny would be seeking out the caretaker and would be giving him a prospicient and loud scolding at best.



A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight ! extra thanks to my former sister and my brother for aid with the Monty python material. Speaking of Monty python and Spamalot, I took some liberties in deciding that Spamalot was turned into a movie sometime during the gift and 2017, when this takes place. Otherwise, Kaden could not stimulate seen it as it sadly closed on Great White Way last calendar month ( before I got to see it, unfortunately ).

Thanks as well to XDNLxtlz99, Saint Luke, Moonylupin, and potterfan89 for their review article !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter or Spamalot



Albus and John the Divine did n't birth a opportunity to tell rose wine and Amanda about the custody until after lunch the future day. It was their good afternoon off and they were relaxing in the Room of requirement for a few moment before they went to claver flatness. It was the first time since the hold that Kaden was n't around. Kaden had classes all good afternoon, so it was an ideal prison term to peach about what had happened the old night. No one, not even Rose, seemed to have any idea why Matt seemed so much sicker that night than the other nights before replete moonlight. Their entirely guessing was that he was already worn out from the detentions on the previous two nights. Eventually, they just decided to go to the infirmary fender and ask Matt. Albus was sure he would say them. After all, he told them all about that study he was in.

However, when they arrived at the Hospital Wing, mat was wakeless asleep. dame Pomfrey informed them that he had woken up for a short while early that morning time, but had fallen asleep soon after. He had been asleep ever since, and the lactate matt out refused to let them fire up him up. She insisted that he needed all the quietus he could get before nightfall and that they could chew the fat him the following afternoon.

Albus and his acquaintance were very subdued that evening. Albus had just returned to the coarse way after fulfilling his superfluous detainment with Filch. It was just as piteous as the first gear cauldron-cleaning detention had been. When he got back to the coarse way, all his Friend were doing homework and not saying much. Amanda was already back from dueling practice. Albus was worried about Matt and he could assure the others were as well. It sort of reminded him of that night of the full moon they stayed up waiting for forenoon to come after Astronomy class the previous class. Only this year, they had Kaden to replete in the quietness that surrounded them.

`` And then Slughorn had to give the all class antidote ! '' Kaden laughed as he relayed his most Recent epoch potions course. One of the other first off long time had heated her caldron too much and caused the potion to explode all over the intact social class. Albus and the others nodded their heads, like they had been doing for the retiring half minute, and continued working on their several homework.

`` Is n't it funny ? '' Kaden sighed, `` What 's amiss with you lot ? You 've been sitting there not saying anything for the preceding hour ! I thought you 'd at to the lowest degree laugh at the idea of everyone in my potions class having various parts of their trunk become undimmed pink. ``

`` We 're just worried about matte, '' Rose explained, not looking up from her charm book.

`` dame Pomfrey said he 'd be fine, '' Kaden reminded her.

`` She does n't know that, '' Rose replied.

`` certainly she does. She 's the nanny, '' Kaden grinned, `` And she can fix anything. ``

Albus sighed loudly, `` Not this again ! Listen, you just do n't understand. She ca n't be intimate for sure enough that he 'll be ok. ''

This sentence it was Kaden 's turn to suspire, `` Well, I 'm not going to read unless you tell me what 's wrong with him. ``

`` Not going to happen, '' Albus muttered as he jotted down something on his parchment.

`` Someday I 'll weasel it out of you, '' Kaden said. A few second gear later he started to laugh. `` Weasel. Get it ? Weasley, weasel ! And you 're half Weasley ! ``

`` Very amuse, '' Albus murmured.

`` Oh, you 're no fun, '' Kaden said, still grinning at his own joke.

******

The following day after Herbology, Albus and his ally hurried up to their dormitories to deposit their bags. Then they rushed to the infirmary backstage to see how Matt was. Luckily, Kaden was still in division. When they arrived at the hospital wing, Albus saw flatness 's common bed with the drape pulled around it and made a beeline for it. He was halfway there when Madam Pomfrey came out from behind the mantle and jumped as she saw Albus and the others.

`` Oh ! '' she clutched her chest, `` You scared me ! I was n't expecting you until later. ``

`` Sorry, '' Albus replied, `` We decided to occur now since I 've got Quidditch practice after dinner party. ``

`` Is that all right hand ? '' Rose asked.

`` Yes, that 's fine. Just for a few arcminute, '' the nursemaid regained her composure and bustled into her office.

Albus ran the rest of the way to the bed and wrenched the curtain undetermined. Matt was awake and propped up on his pillows. He looked tired and was covered in assorted cacography and bites, that looked a bit risky than common. `` Hey ! How are you ? '' Albus asked.

`` I 've been better, '' Matt said tiredly. `` It was bad. ``

`` It looks it, '' John commented.

`` John ! '' rose wine scolded.

`` What ? '' john shrugged.

`` It 's not that bad, '' rosiness said to Matt.

`` It 's fine, really, '' Matt assured John.

`` So, '' Albus began, `` What happened during detainment ? ``

`` Honestly, I 'm not even sure, '' Matt sighed, `` I do n't really commend it. ``

`` Really ? '' Rose raised her eyebrow, `` That 's odd. ``

`` Why do n't you two tell me what happened ? '' mat laughed.

`` All right, '' Albus said, `` You kind of froze when we got up to the uranology column and you would n't move. Filch yelled at us for being late and assigned us another detention for finally night- ''

`` L-last night ? '' Matt interrupted.

`` Yeah, scrubbing More cauldrons, '' Albus explained. `` I kinda figured something was wrong when you did n't object to it. ''

Matt groaned, `` I do n't even remember him saying that. Great, now I 've got another hold once I get out of here. Probably two since I missed it finis night. ``

`` Oh, I do n't think you 'll birth to do any detention, '' Albus assured him, `` Filch did n't mention anything about you doing hold the whole time I was scrubbing cauldrons terminal night. You see, madam Pomfrey was white when we told her what we had been doing for detention. ``

`` Yeah, '' John laughed, `` I 've never seen her so furious. She was storming around here, muttering and shouting and cursing Filch. It was kind of funny remark, really. ``

`` Anyway, she said she was going to talk to Filch after we left the former Night, '' Albus continued, `` I imagine she yelled at him quite a bit. I 'm sure she insisted that you not do anymore detention. ``

`` That 's a relief, '' lustrelessness replied, `` So, what happened after Filch gave us another detainment ? ``

`` I pulled you over to where John and Kaden were cleaning telescope and john and I stood on either incline of you, so it seemed like you were cleaning too. It was almost like you were in a kind of trance. You did n't appear to know what was going on. So I asked if you wanted to go to the infirmary extension and you said no. Then whoremaster, Kaden, and I cleaned for about an hour and a half. No one talked much except for Kaden. He kept humming random songs and Filch yelled at him. Then he told me what the songs were from. They were from a film called Spamalot. Kaden insisted that I watch it sometime, '' Albus explained.

lusterlessness laughed, `` You should, it 's a really suspect movie. ``

`` You 've seen it ? '' toilet asked.

`` Yeah. We 've got a TV at home, since my mum is Muggle-born and she did n't want to throw up TV, '' Matt replied.

`` I 've never seen it, '' Amanda commented, `` I 've heard of it, though. We should all watch it sometime. ``

`` That would be fun, '' Albus agreed. `` Anyway, once we left the astronomy tower, we tried to get back to the commons room, but you got sick partway there and passed out. I told Kaden to get ma'am Pomfrey, and well, that was it. ``

`` And I do n't remember any of that, '' Matt groaned and stared down at the bed.

`` It 's all right hand, '' Albus said quietly, `` You were n't really yourself. ``

`` Why 'd it bump, though ? '' can asked after a few bit, `` I mean, you 're usually tired the night before, but why was it that bad ? ``

`` Because I was in aim moonshine, '' matt whispered, `` The reason I get pall and sick beforehand is because the synodic month is getting fuller. The nighttime we did detainment, it was practically full. And I was outside in the moonshine for over an hour. ``

`` That would explain why lady Pomfrey got so wild, '' John said.

`` Yeah, '' Matt replied, `` Makes the transformation worse, too. Because I 'm already worn out from being in the moonlight so long the Nox before. ``

`` I do n't get it, though, '' rosiness said, `` Why did n't you just secern Filch you could n't do hold that night ? ``

`` I do n't know, '' Matt sighed, `` I guess I just did n't require any sorting of special intervention anymore. It makes people leery. I do n't want anyone to question why I can pick my detention Night. Plus, I did n't really know that would happen anyway. I knew I 'd be tired, but I did n't really fuck I 'd go into a trance like that. It had never happened before. My parents always made sure not to let me go outside the night before. ``

`` wellspring, even so, you should n't do anymore detention like that the night before, '' Rose insisted, `` It 'll take a crap you nauseated. ``

`` I know, blush wine, '' Matt assured her, `` And brothel keeper Pomfrey talked to Filch and he 's not going to gift me anymore detainment at bad times. ``

`` You mean, she told Filch ? '' Albus asked. He knew Filch did n't know about Matt 's stipulation, but he did n't think dame Pomfrey would actually secern him.

`` Oh, no, he does n't know. ma'am Pomfrey just said that he needed to discipline with her before assigning me detentions due to 'health issues that will remain private'. And she made him rely not to order anyone that he was checking custody with her, or else she 'd progress to sure enough Kendrick kicked him out. ``

John let out a low whistle, `` Wow, cue me not to get on brothel keeper Pomfrey 's bad side. ``

`` She 's definitely emphatic, '' Matt yawned and closed his eyes.

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

`` Umm-hmm, '' lustrelessness mumbled, `` I 've just got a headache. ``

At that consequence, the curtains opened and madam Pomfrey appeared with another potion. This one was a recondite blue and Albus thought it looked disgusting. The suck took one look at Matt, shook her mind, and turned to Albus and the others. `` Time for you lot to leave. You 're welcome to chaffer again tomorrow. ``

Albus and his friends said goodbye to Matt and left the hospital wing. Albus had just enough time to grab dinner before he had to be at the Quidditch pitch for practice. Georgia thought the team was doing wonderfully and was indisputable they would beat Slytherin in the fist friction match in Nov.

******

`` So, where is my brainy potions partner today ? '' Malfoy asked sarcastically as the Gryffindors and Slytherins left Slughorn 's donjon the following afternoon.

`` Visiting his sick nanna, like usual, '' John replied shortly while glaring at Malfoy. `` Have n't you figured that out by now ? Whenever you ask where he is, he 's always visiting his grandmother. ``

`` good story, that 's not what Potter 's cousin said, '' Malfoy smirked. Jackson Limbert and Xavier Goyle nodded on either side of him.

`` What ? '' Albus shouted. His cousins, except for Rose, probably did n't even roll in the hay Matt left every month, let alone where he went. And pink wine obviously would n't tell Malfoy anything. `` Which first cousin ? ``

`` The mud-blood, '' Malfoy said simply.

Kaden, Albus thought. Of course ! Albus had told Kaden that Matt got chuck every so often, he just had n't told him what the sickness was. But why on earth was Kaden talking to Malfoy ?

`` Do n't call him that ! '' rosiness shouted, drawing her wand.

`` calm air down, '' Malfoy replied, drawing his own wand. `` I mean it in the nicest way. ``

`` You do not ! '' John shouted as he drew his wand.

`` delay ! '' Albus stood in between them and stared at Malfoy. `` Before anyone jinx anyone, I 've got to find out what this is about. What did Kaden say ? ``

`` He mentioned that Eckerton is vomit up all the time. Apparently he 's got some disease that Pomfrey ca n't cure and you wo n't tell him what it is, '' Malfoy replied smugly.

Albus felt the color drain from his face. He told Kaden not to tell apart anyone about this ! And what had Kaden done ? He told Malfoy of all people ! Malfoy, the one someone mat did not want knowing where he went every month. Albus groaned. Malfoy now had a few more clue as to what was wrong with lustrelessness. With just a bit of research he was sure to witness out. `` When did he tell you this ? '' Albus growled. Rage and choler were building up inside of him, and not only towards Malfoy. If Kaden was anywhere near Albus right now, he was sure he 'd hex him.

`` death night, '' Malfoy answered, `` Very interest bit of information, if you ask me. ``

Albus did n't say another word to Malfoy. He turned and ran towards the stairs and out of the dungeon. The footsteps behind him told him that his admirer were following. Albus did n't stop over to let them fascinate up. All he cared about now was finding Kaden. He was angrier than he was the nighttime he yelled at Kaden. Albus knew if he found Kaden now, he 'd do to a greater extent than just yell. He 'd hex him into the next hundred. What in the epithet of pigeon hawk had possessed Kaden to assure Malfoy that Matt got cat ? Why Malfoy of all people ? Albus knew Kaden was aware of the Gryffindor/Slytherin competition. Heck, Albus knew that Kaden himself did n't alike Slytherins. Felix Willinson had made Kaden well aware of the bias many Slytherins felt. Yet, Kaden was obviously talking with Slytherins, and telling them affair they should n't know.

`` Albus, where are you going ? '' pink wine shouted, as Albus ran up a flight of stairs.

`` To find Kaden, '' Albus growled.

`` I 'm going with you, '' john said. He sounded, if it was possible, even angrier than Albus felt. He sped up and fell into place beside Albus. `` I told you before that if he did this again, I 'd hex him. I 'm keeping my Good Book. ``

`` time lag, Albus, John ! '' rose wine shouted again.

But Albus did n't wait. He continued up flights of stairs towards the Gryffindor common way. Students stared at them as they passed, but Albus did n't handle. Rose kept shouting after them, but both Albus and can ignored her. Amanda gave a few half-hearted shouts after them, but Albus could enjoin she did n't really wish if they tried to hex Kaden or not. Eventually, Albus and bathroom made it to the common room. They gave the Fat Lady the password and ran into the room. Albus immediately spotted Kaden sitting in a president, playing with what looked to be another Muggle toy. It was a cube with numerous color squares all over it. It looked vaguely familiar. Albus thought he may have seen Rose with one once. Albus ran over to Kaden and grabbed his arm, pulling him towards the dormitories while glaring at him.

`` Hey, what are you doing ? '' Kaden asked. He dropped his cube in surprise. `` What 's gotten into you, Albus ? ``

Albus said zippo as he dragged Kaden to his dormitory. John followed without saying a word, and shut the doorway behind them when they reached the dormitory. Albus let go of Kaden and glared at him for a few moments.

`` What is wrong with you, Albus ? '' Kaden asked, glancing from Albus to John.

`` I should be asking you that, Kaden, '' Albus replied in a low voice. `` What were you doing talking to Scorpius Malfoy for ? ``

`` Scorpius Malfoy ? '' Kaden repeated as if trying to think of who that was. Then a face of realization appeared on his face. `` Oh. ``

`` Yeah, 'oh ,''' Albus said, `` You were talking to him terminal Nox ! ``

`` Uh ... '' Kaden shifted uneasily on his feet.

`` I told you not to secern anyone about Matt getting sick ! '' Albus erupted. `` You promised you would n't tell ! This is exactly why I did n't want to say you in the first gear place ! You just ca n't observe your mouth shut ! And Malfoy ! He 's been trying to discover out about lusterlessness since the beginning of first year, and let me secern you zilch near will fall out when he does notice out. And you know what you 've done ? '' Albus paused for burden, but Kaden did n't say anything. `` YOU MADE IT EASIER FOR HIM TO FIND OUT ! ``

`` I did n't signify to- '' Kaden 's voice cracked.

`` I do n't wish, '' Albus interrupted, `` The head is, you did ! How can you not mean to tell someone something ? Especially someone you never talk to in the fist topographic point ! ``

`` I- ''

`` Shut up, Kaden ! '' Albus shouted and drew his scepter. Saint John, who had been letting Albus take the lead, drew his as well.

`` Wha-what 're you g-going to do ? '' Kaden shakily drew his own wand.

Suddenly, the doorway burst exposed and blush wine and Amanda appeared, both of them clutching stitches in their face and panting. `` Expelliarmus ! '' Rose shouted. Albus 's wand left his hand and landed on the flooring near Rose. pink wine disarmed privy and then gathered both wands.

`` leave it to me, Rose, '' Albus growled.

`` No, '' rose wine replied, `` I 'm not going to let you hex your own first cousin. ``

`` You heard what he did ! '' Albus shouted.

`` I know, and I 'm not happy about it either, '' pink wine replied, `` But hexing him is n't going to fix it. You 'll just get detention. ``

On some level, Albus knew Rose was right, but he still wanted to hex Kaden. Albus sighed. There was n't anything he could do now. All he could do is hope that Malfoy did n't put the hint together. That, and never trust Kaden to maintain a mysterious again. `` Just get out of here, Kaden. ``

`` But- ''

`` I said, get out of here, '' Albus growled, `` Or I 'll fall back to Muggle dueling. ``

Kaden bit his lip and turned towards the threshold. He looked back at Albus once before running out of the dormitory.

Albus threw himself down onto his bed after Kaden left. `` I 'm never telling him anything again. ``

`` I do n't fault you, '' John sighed, `` Why 'd he consume to say Malfoy anyway ? ``

`` I have n't got a hint, '' Albus replied, `` All I know is that this metre, I 'm not forgiving him as easily. ``

`` I- '' Rose started.

`` Do n't bother, Rose, '' Albus interrupted, `` Nothing you say is going to constitute me apologize to him. ``

`` I was n't going to say that ! '' Rose shouted, `` I was going to say that I agree with you. I mean, he does n't merit to be friends with you if he 's going to go telling half the school things you told him in mystery. You told him not to tell, right ? ``

`` Of course I did ! '' Albus said, `` I all but told him I 'd hex him if he told anyone. ``

`` Exactly, '' blush wine replied, `` What if he tells Malfoy about the Whomping Willow ? ``

`` merlin ! '' Albus suddenly sat up, `` I had n't thought of that ! ``

`` What if he already told Malfoy ? '' John said darkly.

`` Then he 's already investigated it, '' Amanda said quietly, `` Or at to the lowest degree seek. ``

`` And he 'll try again, '' Albus replied, `` I know, I 'll learn the map a lot. '' Albus got up from his bed and went to his trunk. He rummaged around in it until he found the Marauder 's Map. He took out his baton and tapped it, `` I solemnly swear that I am up to no ripe. ``

Ink appeared all over the map as Albus and the others crowded around it. Albus scanned it quickly for Malfoy. `` He 's in the Slytherin usual way, '' Albus pointed to Malfoy 's dot in the dungeons. `` I 'll just check it every once and a spell. ``

`` goodness idea, '' John the Evangelist said.

`` What are we going to distinguish Matt ? '' rose asked quietly. `` We 've got to state him about this. ``

In all the bedlam of finding Kaden and trying to hex him, Albus had n't thought about what they were going to severalize Matt. `` We 'll just accept to distinguish him what happened, that 's all. I 'm not going to hide that Kaden was the one who told Malfoy. If Matt wants to hex him, he can go right ahead. ``

`` We 're not going to let him hex Kaden ! '' blush wine insisted, `` He does n't postulate anymore custody. ``

`` Good point, '' Amanda agreed. `` We 'll tell him it was Kaden, but we wo n't let him hex him. ``

`` Matt will just have to avoid Malfoy, '' John commented, `` I mean, there 's nothing we can do now. What 's done is done. We 'll all avoid Malfoy. ``

`` That 'll be arduous, '' Albus announced, `` Malfoy is lusterlessness 's potions partner. And he 's on mine and Amanda 's dueling team. ``

`` We 'll just have to try, '' King John sighed, `` Besides that, there 's not very much we can do. That, and never commit Kaden with another arcanum. ``





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