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 finis clip. catsup on the nozzle, pretending it was blood ? No, that one was just stupid. Faking a concern ? Nope, his mum would just turn that around on him and secern him it was his own fault for staying up too late the previous night.

Kaden Dursley sighed and sat up on his bed. He gazed out the window at the cloudiness sky. It was unimaginable to distinguish the fourth dimension of day since the sun was blocked by cloud, but his clock said it was nearly one o'clock. It would probably rain later, which only worsened Kaden 's mood.

Ever since Kaden awoke at noontide, he had been trying to retrieve up a good excuse to skip over going to dinner at his grandparents'house later that day. His grandparents were possibly the most impossible people on the side of the planet, redeem for his Aunt oleomargarine.

Kaden had never liked his grandparents. certain, they 'd showered him with endless giving on his natal day and Christmas, but that was the alone way they showed their affection. well, aside from his grandmother 's bone smashing clinch, which were surprisingly pissed considering her pocket-size form. 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 assure that he had to go to Smelting 's in the fall. Smelting 's was an elite school that his grandfather and his Fatherhood had both attended. Kaden had visited numerous time and hated everything about it. He hated the awful uniforms, the stuck-up professors, and the Kid who constantly argued about whose father had the safe job.

Kaden had told his parents that he did n't want to go. At first, his father was willing to consider letting him see public school with all his friends, but after his grandfather 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 recitation company that his grandfather and father worked for. What a oil production life.

Perhaps if he tried material hard, Kaden would be able to give himself a fever. He 'd done it once, a few long time ago. His parents had wanted him to attend some sort of work related party for his grandfather, and Kaden had been dreading it. half hour before they were supposed to leave, his temperature spiked to five academic degree above normal and he 'd been able to skip the party. The best part was, the fever had been gone within the hour.

He had no melodic theme how he 'd done it, though. Kaden concentrated hard, thinking of hot things such as vent and the Equator, but even after XV minutes of cerebration, he still felt perfectly normal. It must accept been a fluke, the former time. mustiness '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 door, revealing his female parent standing in the door. She was a short woman with straight embrown hair, the same color as his own, that was story with her chin.

"Kaden, salutary, you 're awake,"she smiled."Your granddaddy wants to see you in your Smelting 's undifferentiated tonight. He 's flummox a new digital tv camera and needs to take some icon 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 deal, is it ?"

"Fine,"Kaden muttered.

His mother left and Kaden shut the threshold again. She had always been the peacekeeper in the family. Whether dousing arguments between Kaden and his seven-year-old baby, Bethany, or easing the tension between Kaden and his grandparents, she was always keeping the peace.

Not ten minutes later the room access flare-up undefended and Bethany practically flew into the room. She never knocked, something Kaden would normally yell at her for. However, this time he was too shocked at her appearance to bother shouting.

Bethany was wearing a princess kit, staring with sparkly skid and a crown. She was grinning ear to ear and her long blonde hair's-breadth was curled.

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

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

"Wish he 'd just bring film of you,"Kaden muttered.

"Mummy did my hair. Do you like it ?"Bethany asked.

"Lovely,"Kaden replied.

"I-"Bethany began, but stopped as the doorbell 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 door, and not only because of the reasons virtually parents would n't let their seven-year-old daughters answer the door. A few weeks ago she had purchased over fifty dollar bill 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 figurehead porch wearing an outfit even stranger than Bethany 's. In fact, it variety of looked like Bethany 's. It was a dress. A inkiness robe-like dress. Kaden had to smother his laugh as he opened the door.

"hi,"the man greeted them. He was shorter than Kaden 's Father of the Church, but taller than Kaden. His blonde hair looked windswept and he had a glad grin 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 clothes ?"Bethany giggled.

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

More curious 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 nice enough, still smiling as he stood on the stoup. Kaden assumed he was selling something, perhaps the strange dress-like outfit he was wearing ? If that was the fount, then he 'd have no luck at the Dursley 's family. At least he had n't showed up at Kaden 's grandparents'house, though. He certainly would n't be smiling after that. petunia and Vernon hated anything unnatural and that would certainly admit men wearing dresses.

Bethany returned with their parents following behind her. Dudley was dressed in jeans and a jersey that was stretched over his rather magnanimous belly. His blonde fuzz was neat and tidy, which Kaden was sure was due to the dinner with his grandparents. Normally Dudley did n't niggle around with his fuzz.

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

"Yes,"Dudley said as he furrowed his hilltop."Can I help you ?"

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

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

Kaden held the doorway surface and Neville Longbottom stepped inside. Kaden followed as his parents lead them into the bread and butter way. Christina ran to get beverage while Neville settled himself onto one of the couch. Dudley sat in the hot seat across from him, looking confused and slightly shocked. Bethany was staring at Neville.

Kaden sat down in a beanbag chair on the floor and waited for the adult to get going talking. He was glad his parents had n't kicked him and Bethany out of the room. He hated when they did that. It was rather pointless anyway since Kaden had become very practiced at listening in on his parents'conversations.

Christina returned with drunkenness 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 shock for you,"Neville began."But I am a prof at Hogwarts."

Dudley spat out his soda and started coughing. Christina let out a small gasp and turned to appear at Dudley, who had gone wan Andrew Dickson White. The two shared a smell and then turned back to Neville.

Kaden was more confused than ever. What was Hogwarts ? A school ? Why would a professor from a school he 'd never pick up of show up at his door ? 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 dangerous. This has got to be a laugh !"

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

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

Kaden was fully alarum now. What sort of school was Hogwarts ? And what had he done to earn a place ? He had n't applied to any other school day besides Smelting 's. Of row, if this Hogwarts schooltime really was offering him a station, he wanted to go. Anything was better than Smelting's.

"But what is Hogwarts ?"Kaden asked.

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

Harry ? What did Harry ingest to do with this ? Kaden had met his dad 's cousin, Harry Potter, only a few fourth dimension. All he knew was that Harry had three small fry around his own age and that they lived in London. For whatever ground, 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 crash, 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 founding father, who was looking to a greater extent and more uncomfortable. Had Harry 's parents really not died in a car clangor ? Why would his dad lie about that ?

"fountainhead, you 're going to cause to excuse now,"Neville said."I 'll await. Unless you 'd rather I do it-"

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

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

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

cypher said anything for a few instant. Kaden continued to glare at his forefather. 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."Look, Dudley, we knew this could happen. It runs in the genes ! He 's been making odd matter happen for years. We tried to ignore the signs, but we knew it might take place. And frankly, I 'm happy. You and I both know he would n't bear been happy going to Smelting 's. I also could n't care less about what your parents think. You 're a grown man, Dudley, make decisions regarding your kids based on what you think, not what your parents think."

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

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

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

Dudley looked up and his eye met Kaden 's."Hogwarts is a school. A especial school that Harry attended when we were Thomas Kid. It 's a schooltime of magic, for witches and wizards-"

"hold,"Kaden interrupted."Magic ? Like Abra Kadabra and wizardly wands and stuff ?"

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

Kaden watched skeptically as Neville pointed his wand at his chalk of soda. He muttered something in a unlike language and the crank began to swim. Kaden gaped as he glass floated around the elbow room and then back to Neville. Neville caught it and then pocketed his wand.

"Holy crap,"Kaden gasped."So I 've got thaumaturgy running through my genes ?"

"Apparently so,"Dudley said.

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

"You are n't trained,"Neville said,"but even then you wo n't be able to cook preparation do itself. imagine, Kaden, has anything ever happened to you that you ca n't excuse ?"

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

Neville grinned."Yes, that would be witching. Did that happen to you ?"

"Er, yes,"Kaden said, avoiding his father 's eye."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 you did n't do it on purpose."Neville laughed."things like that happen to a lot of young Wiccan and wizards."

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

"They did n't,"Dudley said."They were murdered by an evil wizard, Maker something or the other-"

"Voldemort,"Neville muttered.

"Right,"Dudley said."Harry was sent to live with my parents and I, who told him his parents died in a car crash. They told him aught about illusion or his parents. They thought if they ignored the magic, they could stamp it out of him. They hate magic. When he turned eleven a man showed up to tell him all about it and tender him a topographic point at Hogwarts."

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

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

Kaden nodded. Quite a few motion 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 skittle alley in London."He rose from his president and pulled a letter out of his robes, handing it to Kaden."Your acceptance missive and lean of supplies."

Kaden took the letter and ripped it open air. It was printed on thicker paper than what he was used to, almost like the variety of paper he imagined people wrote on C ago.

He unfolded it and say it loud to his parents and Bethany. It told him of his acceptance and was signed by the surrogate headmistress, Professor Padma Patil. Then it said that the Hogwarts Express would leave from B. B. King 's Cross place on September first, from a platform 9 3/4.

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

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

"Muggles ?"Kaden repeated.

"the great unwashed who ca n't do deception, such as your parents,"Neville explained.

"Oh,"Kaden replied as he unfolded the list of supply. It was to the full of odd books such as Magical Herbs and Fungi, brass section exfoliation, and even a pewter cauldron. If his male parent had n't take in already known about magic, he would 've thought the whole affair was a joke.

"I can learn you to British capital and depict 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 hag ?"Bethany asked.

"Well, I 'm not certain,"Neville answered."If you get a varsity letter the summertime you 're eleven then you 're a beldame. If not, then you 're not a witch."

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

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

"Thanks,"Dudley said as he shook Neville 's 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 teach ?"Kaden asked.

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

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


The only auditory sensation at dinner was the chink of utensils hitting the Nationalist China plates and the loud burp that Kaden let out after chugging half a glass of soda, earning him a inexorable gaze from his grandmother. It seemed that cypher could think of anything to talk about. Even the usual topic of the weather, sports, and study had been exhausted.

Kaden and Bethany had been given strict edict by their don not to mention anything about Hogwarts, Harry, or wizard whatsoever. Kaden 's grandparents hated witching with a cacoethes, something that kind of divert 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 kid.

Vernon and genus Petunia were still under the effect that Kaden was going to attend Smelting 's and Kaden had just endured an 60 minutes of having his photograph taken by his grandad while wearing his Smelting 's uniform.

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

"I like football,"Kaden muttered while wondering if Hogwarts would take in football. wizard would still meet sports, would n't they ?

"Football ..."Vernon muttered."Better than nothing, I suppose. Smelting 's does have an splendid football team. I 'll give the four-in-hand a pack and let him know you 'll be joining."

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

"You 'll get together a sport, though,"Vernon insisted."male child grow into proper men when they play a sport."

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

"I 've already been to the schoolhouse twice,"Vernon said as he took another magnanimous gulp of brandy."Spoke with all your professors and they 're quite excited to meet you. retentive line of Dursley men who attended Smelting 's, you know."

"Yeah, you 've mentioned it five times,"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 amiss, 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 get to hold lying ?

"Dudley had a terrific clip at Smelting 's,"genus Petunia commented as she refilled Vernon 's brandy glass."Another crank, Dudley ?"

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

"Every vacation, coming home with wonderful taradiddle of your Friend and all you 'd done during the past condition ..."genus Petunia smiled as she reminisced.

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

Not really, Kaden thought. More like he had the ceramicist blood. Or perhaps not. He was n't technically related to the potter slope of the household, just the Sir Arthur John Evans position. So he had Evans blood.

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

"relation 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 ridiculous, 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 talk with you in private, Dudley."

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

Christina and Dudley returned a few minute of arc later, Christina looking triumphant and Dudley looking nervous. They resumed their seats and Christina gave Dudley a knowing look.

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

Vernon dropped his brandy glass and it shattered onto the table. Petunia looked so shocked 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 line and we 're not going to force him."

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

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

"Then where 's he going ?"Vernon asked."Not world school day. You know the issues that exist with them."

"Yes, populace schooling,"Dudley said immediately. Christina turned and glared at him.

"public school ?"Vernon roared.

world school ? Kaden thought. Was his dad really going to flip-flop one lie for another ?

"He wants to continue with his Quaker, 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 kinfolk has gone to Smelting 's !"Vernon exclaimed as he slammed his clenched fist down on the table."You ca n't break that tradition."

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

"It 's outrageous, Petunia. The boy wo n't get a right teaching in world school,"Vernon insisted.

Kaden wished the ground would open up and swallow him hale. Was that the form of thing he could do with conjuration ? It would be very utilitarian for dinners with his grandparents.

"You 'll regret this, Dudley,"Vernon said."Mark my intelligence. Smelting 's is the only suited school out there. He 's going to miss out on a lot."

Kaden glanced up and glared at his grandpa, who luckily did not notice. Why was he so against any school besides Smelting 's ? He knew the reason why Dudley did n't need his grandfather to know he was attending Hogwarts, but would it really be that awful if they told him ? Did he really hate magic that much ? But he, Kaden, was a wizard. A wizard just like Harry, and Vernon hated Harry and all wizards. Did that stand for his own grandfather would hate him, Kaden ? It gave Kaden a sickening feeling in the pit of his stomach and he pushed his shell 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 small bedroom. He knew it had been Harry 's bedroom, although it no longer contained any remnant of his wizard cousin. It was neat as could be, decorated in pastels and flowers. Kaden sat on the bed and stared out the window.

Earlier in the day he 'd mat so excited about finding out that he was a wizard. It explained all the strange things he 'd done in the past. The fever was not the lonesome sentence something inexplicable had happened to him. Once, he had fallen off his bike, landed hard on his wrist, and suffered no more than a scratch. Another fourth dimension he 'd go out a library leger at rest home that he had meant to bring in back to school, only to find that it had appeared in his back pack during lunch.

Why had n't his dad told him about Harry being a hotshot ? Perhaps there was some sort of law preventing wizards telling Muggles about magic ? That would explain why most Muggles did not know about magic. But his mother had known. Dudley had clearly told her. Harry must induce done unknown things as a small fry and Kaden wondered if his own sire had realized what Kaden was when he did strange affair.

There was a knock on the door a few hour later. Christina popped her head into the room and told Kaden they were leaving. She looked tempestuous. Kaden nodded and quickly followed her down the stairs and out the threshold, without even saying goodbye to his grandparents.
***


The next few calendar week were both commove and ungainly. Kaden put up a calendar on his bulwark to count down the 24-hour interval until he got to leave for Hogwarts. Harry had said he would involve them to Diagon alleyway a few weeks before term started and Kaden was very lots looking forward to that.

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

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

The occasion was very placid at first off, with nonentity knowing what to say and the lonesome idiom mentioned being"pass the SALT"or"could I have some more brandy, delight ?"Kaden did not say a single word, which even he knew was rare, since he liked to talk a lot.

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

Dudley and Christina exchanged glances."No, actually, Kaden was never going to attend world school,"Dudley said quietly."He 's been selected to go to a small, individual school 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 trash. Petunia let out what could only be described as a belittled squeak. Vernon 's side then turned the purple colour it did when he got angry.

genus Petunia squeaked again and Vernon slammed his clenched fist down on the table."That position ! That station where the boy went. Where ABNORMAL people go. You ca n't honestly be thinking of sending Kaden there ? ! I wo n't throw 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 feeling about what ?"Petunia asked.

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

Vernon gave Kaden a very foreign look, one that made Kaden feel mildly uncomfortable. It was a weird mix of discombobulation, anger, and the slightest bit of revulsion, as if he could not stand to think that person actually related to him was a wizard. Vernon had surely prided himself on the fact that he was not actually related to Harry.

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

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

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

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

"He 'd be punter 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 well-chosen to hear this."

Kaden could n't handle less about Smelting 's. He was just happy he 'd never have to set 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 grandfather would be a little Thomas More accepting. Kaden may not have particularly liked his grandfather, but he still loved him and hated feeling 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 wish that he 's a wizard, but he 's still your grandson."

Vernon chose to ignore this and continued eating. The table settled into uncomfortable quiet once more and Kaden managed to expire down a few bites of chicken before petunia brought out dessert. She served Kaden a very big 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 visit any farsighted. Vernon and Petunia walked them to the room access, but Vernon beckoned Kaden into the livelihood room before they left.

"Er,"Vernon began."Your granny '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 ... school ... but you 're still my grandson."Vernon gave Kaden an sticky one-armed hug.

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

Kaden lay in bed that night feeling very mental object. His grandparents may not accept been felicitous about his attendance Hogwarts, but they did not seem to detest him for being a wizard, and that was as expert as he expected. Plus, the espouse day he would get to go to Diagon skittle alley with Harry and the remainder of his magical first cousin. It would be his showtime taste of the magical domain and he could not wait.


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

If you enjoyed this, stop 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 bedchamber window and watched as an owl flew closer and tightlipped to Grimmauld stead. The sun was just above the horizon and was already shining brightly into Albus 's way. Albus ran a paw through his messy nigrify hairsbreadth as he waited for the owl. True, he did n't really know if the owl was for him or not, but he was bore to see. He was the only one awake at this hour anyway. His brother Jesse James was surely sleeping in, as he had been doing all summer. Albus slept in for the kickoff few workweek, but after a while the novelty wore off and he started rising at an sooner hour. Albus watched the owl through his green centre as it soared towards his window. Albus leaned over and opened the latch, and the owl landed on his desk.

It was a enceinte chocolate-brown shrieking owl that Albus immediately recognized as his friend, mat Eckerton 's. It stood proudly on top of Albus 's Transfiguration book with its leg sticking out, waiting for Albus to untie its letter of the alphabet. Albus went over to the owl and retrieved the alphabetic character. Once he did so, the owl flapped its flank and flew out the windowpane once more. Albus flopped down onto his bed and ripped open the envelope. It had been hebdomad since he had lastly seen his Friend from Hogwarts and eagerly anticipated their missive. trick Brickston and Matt Eckerton had each written him a duo times. Albus unfolded the letter and silently interpret it.

Albus,

My parents said yes ! I can go to yours and Rose 's natal day party !
I really was n't 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 house a mates twenty-four hour period before
the party, in about three workweek, and I can stay a couple days after,
too. But then I 'll have to go home ; you know why.

We 're going to meet up with you in Diagon back street, since we 're not
on the Floo Network. John tells me he 's visiting some of his
full cousin mightily before your political party, but that he 'll be capable to stay at
your house after.

I ca n't waitress until the company. Things at my house are dreadfully
boring. And my parents have been kinda depressed. Amy
moved out survive week. You probably already knew that since
Victoire went with her. But Mum 's been crying a lot. She 's
talking about how her babe is all grown up.

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

Albus grinned broadly as he set flatness 's letter down next to toilet 's most Holocene one. He was thrilled that both of his best friends would be able-bodied to go to his birthday political party. privy had said yes the right way away, but lusterlessness '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 wait. Albus wondered what Mrs Eckerton would do with herself while her son was at Grimmauld blank space. Albus had only met the woman twice, but he got the impression that she was even more protective of her children than his own grandmother was. He could only imagine what matt 's mum was doing now that her daughter had moved out. Only a calendar week before, Matt 's baby, Amy, and Albus 's cousin, Victoire, had moved into a mat in Greater London. The two of them were beginning their therapist training in September.

Albus heard pace running down the hall that he recognized immediately as his fiddling sister Lily 's. He glanced at the clock and saw that it was nearly nine. His female parent must be up, too. Albus got up from the bed and got dressed. He opened the room access and went down to the kitchen. When he got there, he saw his female parent standing near the fire tending to a cauldron. Lily was sitting at the table in her pajamas, playing with her pet pigmy puff.

Albus sat down next to her and watched her as she fed the minor puppet Wizard O's.

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

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

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

`` sound right, '' Albus said as his stomach growled, `` I got a letter from Matt just now. He can occur to the party and he 's coming a few days early. ``

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

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

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

Albus took the glass of autumn pumpkin juice and grabbed the transcript of the daybreak oracle that was laying nearby. He immediately opened it to the Quidditch section. `` Ha ! '' he laughed when he saw the newspaper headline, `` I wonder if mat 's read this ! ``

Ginny glanced over at Albus 's call and looked at him quizzically. `` The Chudley Cannons just lost another game. Their unexampled seeker tripped over his own broom as he was kicking off from the ground and gave himself a bootleg eye, '' Albus laughed. `` mat supports the Cannons. ``

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

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

James River read the newspaper silently for a few minute of arc and then erupt out laughing. `` They 're hopeless. ``

Albus nodded in accord as he started eating the burgoo that Ginny had served him. He discussed Quidditch with James and his female parent for the next half time of day. All of them agreed that the shank had no opportunity of ever making it to the league Cup. When Albus had finished his oatmeal, Harry came stumbling down the stairs in his pajamas.

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

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

`` Someday you 'll understand, James, '' Ginny laughed, `` Someday soon, young lady wo n't suffer cooties anymore. ``

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

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

`` No, thank Merlin, '' Harry told her, `` First Sat 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 adjacent twelvemonth ? '' James asked. He and Albus had been asking their father this over and over again for the past times calendar month, but he had yet to make a decision.

Harry sighed, `` I 'm still not sure. Professor Kendrick is looking for another instructor, but he has n't found anyone yet. It would seem as if people think the job 's cursed again. If he does n't detect 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 gladiola you like it. What do you say we have a thaumaturge 's Chess tournament after breakfast ? ``

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

The altogether Potter family played game after game of Bromus secalinus, until St. James the Apostle was declared the booster. By the time dejeuner rolled around, Albus was vomit up of the game. `` Can we go play Quidditch after luncheon ? '' he asked.

`` Maybe, '' Harry said in between collation. Harry often took them to wager Quidditch at rosebush 's business firm. Since the Potters lived in London, they really could n't play Quidditch at their own sign. `` Rose wo n't be there, though. They 're visiting auntie Hermione 's parents. ``

`` That 's all right, '' Albus said, `` Rose does n't really same Quidditch anyway. ``

`` I 'll never understand that, '' Jesse James sighed.

At that import, Albus heard a in high spirits pitched ring coming from the kitchen counter. He looked over and saw the small mobile phone that always sat next on the window sill. The thrower did not have many Muggle device in their business firm, but they did have one telephone in case they had to contact any Muggles. Usually the telephone was just used when Harry talked to his cousin, Dudley. But James and Albus had given the act to their Muggle born friend. 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 call. Harry wordlessly got up from the mesa and answered the phone. `` hello ? '' he said. He went quiet for a few moments while whoever was on the other end told him something. Harry 's optic widened in shock absorber and a grin spread cross his face. `` What ? Are you life-threatening ? Dudley, that 's brilliant ! ``

Dudley ? Albus thought. Normally, Dudley only called around holidays and birthdays. Even then, the conversations tended to be shortstop and not filled with excitement like this one obviously was. Albus was very rum at this point and he glanced at James, who looked just as curious.

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

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

Harry talked for a few more hour and then advert up the sound. 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 state us ! '' Ginny replied.

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

Albus 's lip fell exposed. Harry 's cousin, Dudley, had two Thomas Kyd. The previous one, Kaden, was a fiddling young than Albus. Dudley had never been a fan of magic trick and Albus could only opine what he would think of his own son being a wizard.

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

`` Nope, he got his alphabetic character this aurora, '' 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 married woman about conjuration, but had not gone into great detail and neither of the kids knew anything about it. `` He 's not looking forward to telling Vernon and petunia. ``

`` I would mean not, '' Ginny said, `` Merlin, they 're going to turn over. ``

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

`` Good, '' Ginny agreed, `` I would n't even want to be in the same way as your aunt and uncle the moment they find out about Kaden. ``

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

`` wonder what house he 'll be in, '' Albus said as he tossed around one of King James I 's recitation Snitches.

`` I 'd guess Hufflepuff, '' James commented. Albus had to concord with that. He had met his cousin, Kaden, before and he 'd appear the Hufflepuff variety. Epistle of James had managed to get out quite a few frivolity on him over the old age and he did n't seem to be the acute quill in the box. Albus remembered the last time they 'd seen Kaden. It had been a couple long time ago. Albus and his folk tended to visit the Dursleys every couple of years, but the Dursleys had never been to Grimmauld shoes. Albus guessed it was probably because Kaden and his sister did n't bang about conjuring trick. Well, they did now, Albus thought.

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

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

`` I ca n't wait to see him eat Bertie Bott 's bonce for the first-class honours degree prison term, '' Albus grinned mischievously, `` The for the first time sentence Amanda had one of those, she spat it out in John 's face. ``

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

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

`` Just delay until Kaden asks for his offset broom, '' Saint James the Apostle grinned.

Albus burst out laughing, intellection of the aspect on Dudley 's fount when Kaden announced he was going to wager Quidditch, `` We 'll have to learn him how to flirt Quidditch ! ``

`` Definitely, '' James agreed. `` This is going to be a great class, I can feel it ! ``

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

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

`` summation, 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 end in life history is to turn the next Voldemort. ``

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

`` Or who gives you hold every former day. ``

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

`` What 's so funny story ? '' 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 diddle Quidditch ? ``

`` Yeah ! '' the boys shouted at the same time. James II grabbed his heather off the top of his desk and found a Quaffle, along with a practice Snitch.

Albus ran out of the elbow room and grabbed one of his female parent 's old broom from the nearby cupboard. It was old and started vibrating if you flew too fast, but it worked. He was hoping he would get a new broom if he made it onto the Quidditch team this year. `` set up, '' he said as he rejoined his dad and brother.

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

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

Albus followed his dad and James down the stairs and into the drawing room. Harry grabbed a handful of Floo gunpowder, threw it into the fervency, and shouted, `` Ron and Hermione Weasley 's sign of the zodiac ! '' Epistle of James followed after him, and then Albus.

Albus landed in his Uncle Ron and aunt Hermione 's aliveness way. Their menage was a small, snug place in the center of a field with a woods nearby. It seemed strangely quiet without anyone else in it. Albus, William James, and their dad headed out the door and into the field. Albus watched as Harry pulled out his wand and muttered a few magical spell that would stay fresh the Snitch from roaming too far.

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

Harry and James agreed and mounted their brooms as well. The two of them were up in the air before Albus was, due to their superior broom. Albus saw James release the Snitch and await a few here and now before taking off after it. Harry had the Quaffle in his hired man and once Albus was in the air, he passed it to him. Whipping out his wand, Harry conjured a large 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, Dad, '' Albus told him, `` Otherwise it 's too comfortable for you. ``

Harry laughed and conjured a few more basketball hoop. Albus flew around him for a small while before sending the Quaffle into the left most ring. Harry was too irksome and the Quaffle sailed through.

`` full one ! '' James shouted as he caught the Quaffle on the other side of meat. He tossed it to Harry, who then tossed it back to Albus.

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



A/N : Well, here it is, the outset chapter of the sequel ! I hope everyone enjoyed it. Just a note to any new reader out there, I highly recommend you read Albus potter and the Secrets Within, which can be found on my author page.

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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




`` Can we go now, Dad ? '' Albus asked impatiently. He was supposed to get together flatness at the Leaky cauldron in five mo, but Harry was on the telephone set talking to Dudley.

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

`` Dad ... '' Albus tapped his foot. Harry said he would get hold of Albus to Diagon Alley a one-half hour ago, but then Dudley had called. The two of them had been talking for the past times thirty minutes.

`` Listen, Dudley, '' Harry began, `` I 've got to get hold of Albus to Diagon alleyway. Yes, that 's the place Kaden will go to get his stuff. Ok, I 'll talk to you later. Bye. '' Harry closed the speech sound 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 fireplace and the two of them flooed to the Leaky Cauldron. The pub was very herd since it was a Saturday. Albus tried to peek through the crowd in social club to witness his booster, but he did n't see Matt.

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

Everyone else in the pub looked over at the hearth that Harry and Albus just came through. Harry nodded to the drunken magician as he and Albus walked past the bar. The crowd parted in order to allow them through. Once they made it through the crew, Albus spotted matt and his parents at one of the tabular array in the back. Albus hurried over to him with Harry following closely behind.

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

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

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

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

`` 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.

`` mulct, '' Hannah grinned, `` Just a couple more months and there will be another Baby Longbottom ! So, what can I get you ? ``

The group ordered their nutrient and a short while later it arrived. Albus and Matt spent the whole time telling each other about their hebdomad apart while the adults talked quietly with each other.

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

`` What ? '' Matt asked.

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` Yup, he got his varsity letter a brace weeks ago, '' Albus told him, `` Mad, is n't it ? Of trend, it is n't that surprising. I mean, there 's obviously charming in the home. ``

`` Yeah, '' lustrelessness 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 recently. Dad was on the phone with Dudley trying to convince him to tell Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia. ``

`` We 'd better be getting home, '' Harry stood up, `` See you in a few 24-hour interval, Walter and Julie. ``

Albus, Matt, and his parents stood up as well, `` See you then, '' Mr. Ecketon replied and turned to Matt, `` Have fun, and do n't make too much problem. ``

Mrs. Eckerton hugged matt tightly, `` I love you, Matthew. Do n't pause to owl if you need us. ``

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

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

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

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

`` You 'll be o.k., '' Harry told him, `` Just throw the powder in and say 'Number 12 Grimmauld stead .'''

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

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

Albus threw it into the flak and shouted, `` figure 12 Grimmuald lieu ! '' He was whisked away in a swirl of green flaming and came out in the draft room of his house. He quickly stepped away and waited for flatness and his dad to appear.

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

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

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

`` Yeah, I think so, '' mat coughed, `` But I think I prefer specter. ``

`` You get used to it, '' Albus told him, `` cum on, you can send away your stuff in my room. ``

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

`` Yeah, it used to be Sirius 's mansion, '' Albus told him, `` It was a lot different then. It had a lot of creepy and shadow stuff in it. The Black family was pretty involved in the night arts. Except for Sirius, and his brother genus Regulus changed his views at the end of his living and tried to destroy a Horcrux. Anyway, my dad managed to get about of the shadow stuff out. ``

`` fountainhead, that 's upright, '' flatness said as they entered the succeeding level.

`` My room 's the last one on the right wing, but first base I 've got to evidence you something, '' Albus led Matt into one of the other elbow room, `` This is James 's room. But it used to be Sirius 's. ``

`` Your brother 's not very neat, is he ? '' Matt asked as he stepped over a nap of grime school gown and books.

`` Nope, he 's not, '' Albus said and walked over to one of the bulwark, `` Here 's what I wanted to demo you, '' he pointed to a moving picture of four boys, `` Sirius put a gang of pictures 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 's dad, and Peter Pettigrew. ``

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

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

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

`` Well, do you want to go to my way ? '' Albus asked after a few minutes.

`` Sure, '' matte replied, turning away from the picture. `` Let 's go. ``

******

A few days later, John arrived at Grimmauld Place. The boys spent their clock time playing plot and talking. john was just as shocked as Matt was that Kaden was a sorcerer. Harry took them to Rose 's family to play Quidditch a few clock time. Amanda was there and the five of them managed to do a bit of homework after Rose prodded them a few times.

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

`` I dunno, '' mat threw the Quaffle to Albus, `` What do you want to do ? ``

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

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

`` All variety 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 booster down the hallway and towards the stairs. They climbed all the way up to the top and opened the door. The noggin of Number 12 Grimmauld spot was a very large room, filled with old boxes and furniture. It was dark, cramped, and dusty and operose to move around in. `` Here we are, '' Albus announced and walked into the room.

`` Whoa, '' King John exclaimed, `` What is all this clobber ? ``

`` Mostly old Black syndicate heirlooms and other stuff that belonged to the total darkness 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 attic, '' Albus explained.

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` Why not ? '' matt asked curiously.

`` There 's a portrait of Sirius 's mum in there, '' Albus told them, `` She 's ugly. The portraiture used to be in the hallway downstairs, but my dad managed to use a resettlement magical spell to get it up here. He could n't relegate it from the theater, though. There 's some sort of spell on it that keeps it in the house. ``

`` What did she do to make you keep her up here ? '' Saint John asked.

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

`` She sounds horrible, '' matte agreed.

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

`` reckon at all this ! '' Gospel According to John grinned, `` The completely box is filled with take to stuff and nonsense. goblet, silverware. '' St. John pulled out a very large candelabra and examined it. `` Are those, snakes ? '' he pointed to the parts of the candelabra that would hold standard candle. Each of them was a Snake River 's point, and the candle 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 mention the fact that it 's very Slytherin, '' John commented. Albus and John bent down and continued to reckon through the box, while Matt watched them. `` Funny, '' John announced as he picked up yet another silver particular. It was an old teapot that looked like it went with the tray, `` There 's not much gold up here. If the Black were so fertile, why did n't they have any gold ? ``

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

`` True, '' St. John the Apostle replied. He examined the teapot more closely. `` Hey, matte, could you hand me that tray ? '' He pointed to the tea tray that he had set on the floor earlier.

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

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

`` Uh, yeah, all werewolves are, '' lustrelessness explained.

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

`` How did we go a hale year without knowing that ? '' Albus asked.

`` wellspring, '' lusterlessness grinned, `` There 's not much silver in the Gryffindor vulgar elbow room. It 's too Slytherin. '' The boys all laughed.

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

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

John agreed and put down the tray and teapot. lustrelessness looked very thankful as they started wandering around the attic. Albus and John peered into the corner, looking for one that did n't have any silver in it.

`` Are there any without flatware ? '' John asked after they 'd looked at at to the lowest degree ten unlike boxes.

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

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

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

`` And this, '' privy pulled out an old transcript of 1000 Magical herb and Fungi. `` Bet it has n't changed in the least. ``

`` Broken Snitch, '' Matt announced, `` Broken Sneakoscope, a few dungbombs, relegate quills, nothing too exciting. ``

`` Wait, what 's that ? '' Albus pointed to a minor, worn out leather book at the bottom. It did n't look much like a textbook Scripture. Albus reached into the box and pulled it out. He opened it up in silence, while John and lustrelessness looked over his shoulder. On the outset page was a picture of four male child. `` It 's picture album, '' he murmured. He flipped through the next few Thomas Nelson Page, noticing that the pictures were always of the same 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 film of a messy haired boy with glasses, `` Because that is definitely my grandfather. ``

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

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

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

`` Dunno, '' Albus replied. He continued to turn the Sir Frederick Handley Page, looking at each picture. It was a bit unknown looking at all these film and seeing the Marauders at Hogwarts. There were pictures of them in their dormitory, in the common way, on the grounds, in Hogsmeade. There was even one of them with the Whomping Willow in the background. There were also a duo of St. James the Apostle playing Quidditch. In all the pictures, all four boy waved wildly at Albus, John, and matt. They all looked so happy. It felt Weird to get it on that only a few yr after these impression had been taken, St. Peter the Apostle would betray James and Lily. The Marauders had trusted each former with their lives, literally. Kind of like how Albus trusted his friends. But they would never deceive each other. Albus knew that. None of them were rats like Pettigrew was.

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

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

`` My grandmother, '' Albus explained. `` I think this has all their yr of Hogwarts in it. '' Albus flipped to the very last page and saw that the finally motion picture was of all the Marauders, plus Lily, standing in front of the lake in their school gown, holding diplomas. They all wore Brobdingnagian grins on their faces.

`` graduation exercise, '' John commented.

`` Yup, '' Albus replied, `` They look very happy there. ''

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

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

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

Albus took it from him, unfolded it, and examined it. It was almost space. In one of the corners were four very little paw prints. `` No it 's not. wait, '' Albus pointed to the recess.

lav and Matt peered at the parchment 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 masher, dog, stag, and rat mark. ``

`` It 's blank, though, '' John commented, `` I mean besides that. Why would Sirius sustain an old piece of sheepskin ? ``

`` Dunno, '' Albus shrugged. But in his gut, he had a smell that it was n't a meaningless piece of parchment. After all, to the average mortal, the Marauder 's Map was just a meaningless piece of parchment. Albus shoved the parchment back in the album, which he then shoved at the keister of his tree trunk once the boys returned to Albus 's room.

******

`` Are you kids gear up to give ? '' Harry shouted up the steps, the day of Albus and Rose 's birthday party.

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

`` Good, '' Harry replied, `` Have you got everything, Ginny ? ``

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

`` Like my gift ? '' Albus hinted.

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

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

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

Harry was right. This time, matte did not inhale nearly as much smoke and managed to not hang over as he arrived at the Burrow. When they got there, the sign of the zodiac was already crowded with people.

`` Albus ! '' Molly Weasley came running over to them and gave Albus a big hug, `` Happy Birthday ! ``

`` Thanks, Grandmum, '' Albus replied.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` Pretty much, '' Albus laughed, `` If they 've got red whisker, fortune are they 're related. ``

`` Wow, I ca n't imagine having this many cousin-german, '' lustrelessness 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 broom and a few others were playing with the dwarf in the garden. Albus spotted Rose and Amanda at a nearby table.

`` Rose ! '' Albus ran over to them, `` Amanda ! ``

`` Hello, '' 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 told them.

`` Us, too. ``

`` I hate flooing, '' Amanda groaned, `` convey me fifteen minutes to bar cough. ``

`` It gets better, '' Matt assured her, `` I had n't done it in years, but I did it to get to Albus 's house. Took me forever to halt coughing. But then when we came here, I was fine. ``

`` Did Kaden total with you ? '' Rose peered around at the yard 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 Aunt Petunia, '' Albus explained.

`` Did Dudley tell them ? '' Rose 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 house. But aunt petunia got him to stop. She 's actually ok with it. ``

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

`` Me, neither, '' Albus laughed.

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

`` Brilliant ! '' Albus grinned.

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

shift, who had turned his hair orange red and Au for the social occasion, came running over to the tabular array. `` sure enough ! We doing it in the midriff of the yard ? ``

`` That would probably be best, '' beak 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 hang it on ? ``

`` Hang it on ? '' Albus asked.

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

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

`` Whoever wants to do the pinata can get over here now ! '' Teddy shouted. All at once, all of Albus 's cousin ran over to Teddy. Albus, Rose, and their protagonist managed to push their way through the crowd to the social movement.

`` All right ! '' throwaway shouted, `` Albus and Rose first, then immature to oldest. ``

Rose went first. Bill put a blind-fold magic spell over her eyes and handed her an old heather. slip levitated the pinata and flung it around rosiness. After a few poorly aimed hits, her bout was over. Albus was up next. He took the heather from pink wine and was blind-folded. He loved this voice of his birthday company, but he was never very expert at it.

`` To the right field ! '' someone shouted. Albus swung the ling around to his rightfield, but did n't make contact with anything. slip always made it difficult.

`` I bet you anything that Thomas Bradley 's going to burst it exposed, '' Albus said once his turning was over. `` He does at everyone 's parties. ``

`` Well, this is the kind of thing a beater would be good at, '' Rose pointed out.

`` I know, '' Albus replied. The pinata bashing continued for a while and no one had managed to even touch it. teddy bear was laughing hysterically as everyone flung the broom around. Soon, all the little Kyd had finished and Albus 's champion were up. Amanda was the first one to actually touch the pinata with the Scots heather, but she did n't make any procession in smashing it spread. Matt actually managed to hit himself in the head with the broom, instead of the tumid Gryffindor lion.

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

John the Evangelist was up next and he hit the pinata with a aloud crunch that sounded like it should have smashed the whole thing. `` Yes ! '' he shouted.

`` Sorry, it 's a magically reinforced pinata since there 's so many of us, '' shimmy grinned, `` It 'll take a few more of those. ``

As usual, Omar Nelson Bradley was the one to render the final reverse to the pinata. Everyone rushed forward to catch the dessert that had fallen out of it. Albus and his supporter each got a large bag of sweets.

`` Time for present ! '' Molly shouted over the crowd. Albus and Rose sat down at one one of the tabular array next to two vauntingly piles of presents. They alternated opening them, each receiving a lot of books, sweets, Weasley Wizard Wheezes Cartesian product, and versatile clothing detail. Soon, there was just one present left.

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

Albus took the box and displume the wrap off. inflammation washed over him as he saw what it was. `` A Firebolt 2000 ! '' he shouted, `` Wow ! This is bloody smart as a whip ! Just like Georgia 's ! Thanks Mum and Dad ! ``

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

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

`` You will, '' William James assured him.

`` I 'm going to try it out now ! '' Albus grinned. He ran to the middle of the 1000 with his friends and cousins following. He mounted the Calluna vulgaris and took off into the air. The eve breeze felt cool as he soared higher and gamey. It flew just like Georgia 's did. The speedup was wonderful and it turned at the slightest ghost. Albus flew around the G for a few mo, enjoying the kick that only flying could land. Albus had loved flying and Quidditch for as long as he could commemorate. He had received his first toy broom on his first birthday. He promptly crashed into a Tree the succeeding day and broke it. Albus had gotten a lot better at flying since then, but he still was n't nearly as good as James was. After a few Sir Thomas More second, Albus descended and landed on the ground.

`` How is it ? '' bathroom asked.

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

`` Of course ! '' John took the heather and flew off into the sky. Albus spent the next half minute lending his heather to his cousin-german and friends. They all agreed that it was a superb Calluna vulgaris and that Albus was sure to pass water pursuer on the Gryffindor Quidditch squad.

Molly served dinner shortly after everyone had tried out Albus 's new broom. The discussion centered mainly around Quidditch, like it often did when all the Weasleys got together. With such a boastfully number of people, there was always a good bit of variance about which team were the Charles Herbert Best. Matt 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 evening ended with a magnificent Gryffindor Leo the Lion shaped coat that molly had made. Hermione had enchanted it to wail realistically when it was first cut. Shortly after everyone finished their bar, they started going home. Albus 's family unit were some of the go to leave.

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

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

Albus stepped out of the fireplace at Grimmauld Place and waited for John and lustrelessness. They appeared a few minutes later, and the three of them went up to Albus 's room.

`` That was really fun, Albus, '' lustrelessness yawned as they lay down to go to sleep, `` Your kinsperson is fun. shuffling me wish I had some cousins. ``

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

`` Mine, too, '' whoremaster agreed, `` If you think Albus 's family is nuts, you should get together mine. You 'll foregather one of my cousin this twelvemonth. It 's her commencement year at Hogwarts. All my cousin are younger than me. ``

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

`` fountainhead, one-half of Gryffindor is your cousins, Albus, '' bathroom laughed, `` And if you make the Quidditch team, Ryan will be the sole non-Weasley and non-Potter on the squad. ``

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

`` Night, '' John replied.

`` Night, '' matte said.



A/N : Thanks to my sister and genus Beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as my early sister and my brother. Thanks also to XDNLxtlz99, teddysxxgirl, Moonylupin, smirkyhaha, and ginnyweasleypotter87 for their revaluation !


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 Rose 's birthday party and Matt was meeting his parents to go home in a couple hours. Harry had agreed to take them a few hour early so they could buy their new Good Book. Harry also decided that it would be a good prison term to take Dudley and Kaden shopping for Kaden 's supplies.

A few minutes later a blue sedan chair pulled up to the AMEX. A rather declamatory blond-haired man stepped out, along with a short circuit brunet char, and two kids. Albus recognized the boy as Kaden. He was short, only an in or so taller than matt, and a bit on the plump side. His hair was brown and looked in need of a cut. Kaden 's younger sister, Bethany, had inherited her founder 's blond hair's-breadth and was about a head shorter than Kaden. Albus thought she was seven, but he was n't certain.

`` hullo, Dudley, '' Harry extended his hired man to his first cousin.

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

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

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

`` Sure is, '' Harry grinned, `` The first-class honours degree thing you 'll desire to do is set up an account at Gringotts. '' He pointed to the large White River building at the end of the street. `` Pounds wo n't buy much here. You have to use wizard money, Galleons, Sickles, and Canute. ``

Albus really did n't want to go to Gringotts and wait while the Durlseys learned about magic money. `` Dad, can me, John, and Matt go look at the store by ourselves ? ``

`` I suppose so, '' Harry said after he thought for a moment, `` I 'll adopt Dudley and Christina to Gringotts and show them around. Why do n't you take Kaden with you ? '' he suggested. `` We can meet you at brandish and Blotts in an 60 minutes. ``

`` Sure, '' Albus said, glad to not let to go to Gringotts, `` Let 's go. '' The boys set off down the street, none of them really sure where to go first. Kaden seemed to be gazing in awe at everything he saw. Albus led them to a bench outside quality Quidditch Supplies. `` Ok, Kaden, these are my friends, John and matte. ``

`` Are your parents witches and wizards, too ? '' Kaden asked.

`` Yeah, '' King John replied. lustrelessness nodded.

`` Oh, '' Kaden said, `` Are there a lot of kids whose parents are n't witch and thaumaturge ? ``

`` A fair 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 interest, you 'll catch up fast. Muggles are the great unwashed 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 class, `` Whoa ! There 's heather in here ! Are we going to be clean something ? '' he asked skeptically.

whoremaster burst out laughing, `` cleanse with Scots heather ? No way. We fly on them ! ``

Kaden 's mouth fell open, `` Like crone 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 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 sportsman Muggles gambol. Football or something ? ``

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

`` Well, there 's no football at Hogwarts, '' John told him, `` It 's Quidditch or nothing. Just hold until you first fly a ling, you 'll change your mind about football. ``

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

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

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

`` Yup. I hope I make it. Saint James the Apostle is already on the team. He 's the searcher. One of the expert 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 head. `` Gryffindor is one of the firm at Hogwarts. You get sorted on your low gear day into one of the four houses. Gryffindor is usually where you go if you 're brave, Ravenclaw if you 're smartness, Hufflepuff if you 're loyal, and Slytherin if you 're evil. ``

`` What ? ! ''

`` fountainhead, technically Slytherins are cunning, but most of the evilness witches and maven were in Slytherin. ``

`` How do you get sorted ? ``

`` Ca n't recite 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 Wizard Wheezes, '' St. John suggested. Although he looked a little taken aback that Kaden did n't want to depend at broom anymore.

The boys left the shop and made their way to Weasley 's Wizard Wheezes. Kaden kept up a constant stream of inquiry the unanimous way there. By the time they made it to the shop, Albus was getting a bit tired of answering them. Albus had remembered Kaden as being rather tranquilize, but now he seemed to be very hyper. Maybe the excitement of finding out he was a wizard had caused him to be more outgoing.

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

`` laugh shop, '' Gospel According to John told him, `` safe store in Diagon Alley. ``

`` Why thank you, St. John the Apostle ! '' George greeted them. `` Hello, Albus ! Hi, Matt ! ``

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

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

Kaden nodded and stared at George. After a few moments, he asked, `` What on earth 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 paragon ! ``

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

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

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

`` Bye, '' Albus said as George II went back behind the counter. Albus started looking around the store with bathroom and matte while Kaden bounced from one display to the succeeding, announcing how brilliant everything was and asking the other boys more questions.

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

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

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

`` To get out of boring classes, '' lustrelessness explained, `` Once you 've sat through one of Binns 's stratum, you 'll understand. ``

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

`` Extendable Ears, '' Albus told him, remembering when he used them last Christmas only to take in his dad talking about the Hallows. `` You use them to listen in on conversations people are having. ``

`` compliments 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, `` Speaking of which, we should probably head back to Flourish and Blotts. ``

The boys waved au revoir to George V and left the shop. Albus, flatness, and lavatory listened as Kaden commented on everything they passed on their way to the book store. Albus hoped that his cousin would calm down once he was more victimised to the Wizarding World. They continued their walk to flourish and Blotts while explaining about magic flesh of transportation to Kaden. He was amazed that hotshot could come along and melt 'just like 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 fantasm and Flooing and all sorts of wizardly practical joke items, '' Kaden grinned.

`` wellspring, let 's go get your book of account now, '' Harry said as the mathematical group walked into the shop. fanfare and Blotts was quite empty today. There were only a few early mass inside, none of whom Albus recognized. Harry and the Dursleys took the male child'listing to a sales somebody while the boys started looking around.

Albus, John, and Matt had been to this book store numerous prison term and did n't chance anything exciting about it. The three of them would rather have been in Quality Quidditch supplying. Kaden, on the other mitt, seemed as stir there as he had been in George 's shop. He ran all over the shop, picking up random volume and bringing them back to record the former boys.

`` Look at this ! '' he panted, running back to Albus for what must ingest 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 answer in response to questions about charm, Transfiguration, and defensive attitude spells.

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

Albus turned to his Friend and groaned. `` I do n't think he 'll ever run out of inflammation. ``

John stifled a laugh, `` Just wait until he gets his start 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 Word of God entitled, Dark fauna : How to Protect Yourself. `` It 's got stuff about vampire and lycanthrope in it ! I did n't get it on those were real ! ``

Albus felt lusterlessness stiffen following to him. Albus glanced at him and saw the look of panic on his case. Albus immediately took the book from Kaden, `` Yeah, they 're real. But they 're nothing like the ones in Muggle pouf tales. And you do n't want to register this book. It 's too advanced. You 've got to initiate out with the basic. '' Albus quickly stuffed the record book onto a nearby shelf. He did not want Kaden to understand about the bias wizards had about werewolves.

Kaden took off into another part of the stock and matt relaxed. `` That was close, '' he whispered.

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

`` Thanks. ``

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

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

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

Harry, Kaden, and the residue of the Dursleys walked ahead of Albus and his champion on their way to Ollivander 's. Kaden was practically skipping up the street in his excitement about his wand. In contrast, Matt was starting to play out out due to the upcoming full lunation. By the time Albus, privy, and Matt got to Ollivander 's, Kaden was already trying out his first baton. He gave it a wave and one of the empty-bellied wand box on Ollivander 's desk exploded. Kaden thought that the explosion was neat, but Ollivander disagreed. Kaden tried out baton for the following fifteen minutes before finding one that created Au sparks when he waved it. Dudley paid for the baton and the mathematical group left the shop. The following stop was the Apothecary and then Madam Malkin 's. An hour later, Kaden was all set for his first year at Hogwarts.

Once they were done shopping, the group met Matt '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 table while the adults and Bethany sat at the other.

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

`` I 'm going to inspect some More of my full cousin after I go home, '' Gospel According to John told them.

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

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

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

`` Wizard infirmary, '' Albus replied, hoping that Kaden would n't press for more information. Luckily, at that moment, a waitress came walking by while levitating two phonograph record of food for thought. 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 closer to lusterlessness. privy leaned over as well.

`` I 'll explain sometime else, when we 're alone, '' he gave a meaningful glimpse at Kaden, `` Maybe on the gearing. But do n't care about it, I 'm fine. ``

Albus was n't very reassured by this. He did n't think people went to St. Mungo 's when they were fine. But he did n't press for more information, he knew Matt disliked discussing his shape, 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 worried smell at her son. matte was resting his headland on his deal 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 train, Albus, John. Nice to meet you, Kaden. ``

Harry and the Dursleys got up and said their goodbyes to matte 's parents. Mr. Eckerton drew Matt into a squiffy hug, and the three of them Disapparated.

Kaden gawked at the place that mat and his parents had been just import before, `` That was brilliant. I want to do that. ``

`` You 'll get to, '' Albus told him, `` When you 're in your 6th yr, you can take lessons. And then when you 're seventeen, you take a test to get your license. ``

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

`` He just did side-along fantasm. Someone who 's got their shadow license can pick out other the great unwashed with them while they do it. ``

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

`` Yeah, but I prefer Flooing. ``

`` So do I, '' King John told him, `` But Matt likes side-along spectre wagerer. ``

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

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

Albus waved goodbye as the Dursleys left the pub to go back into the Muggle macrocosm. Albus was n't certain what to think about Kaden. He had n't seen him in years, but he 'd be seeing a lot of him now. Kaden was definitely a ball of DOE, that was for sure. Kaden seemed to mean that everything in the wizarding creation was great. He was going to be in for a rude awakening when he learned about Voldemort and former vicious wizards.



Wealsey-Potter-Dursley Family Tree

Bill-Fleur Charlie-Katherine ( witch ) Percy-Corrine ( Muggle )
Victoire, 18 John Rowlands, 7th class Sakartvelo, 6th year
Gabriella, 6th year Scots heather, 5th year Bradley, 4th class
Ben, 3rd year Deutsche Mark, 4th year Cedric, 3rd year
Eddie, 6 old age old Samantha & Lindy ( twins ), 7 years old

George-Alicia Spinnet Ron-Hermione Ginny-Harry
Fred, 5th year blush wine, 2nd yr James, 3rd year
Angie, 9 days old Hugo, 10 years old Albus, 2nd year
Lily, 10 geezerhood old

Dudley-Christina ( Muggle )
Kaden- 1st yr
Bethany- 7 years old

*all in Gryffindor*



A/N : Thanks to my baby and beta, Dancer of Starlight. Thanks as well to my early sister and my sidekick. And thanks to ginnyweasley98, smirkyhaha, sinwillys822, Moonylupin, and ladymblack for their reviews !

I also want to ask round everyone to check out my sports meeting the writer page on the forums. There 's a data link to it in my profile. spirit free to ask about my chronicle or writiing in general there.


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


`` Hurry up ! '' Ginny called back to Henry James and Albus, `` It 's already tail to eleven ! ``

Albus sped up as he pushed his streetcar through the crowded King 's Cross station. James was right next 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 Potters were running late, very late. It was September 1st and the Hogwart 's limited would be leaving in exactly 15 minutes. The whole dawn had been very stimulate. Albus woke up late and James IV woke up even later. Albus had stayed up until midnight the nighttime before working on his Transfiguration essay, and King James always woke up late. Then, James could n't find his practice session snitch and refused to leave before he found it. Lily finally found it in a caldron that was in the kitchen. No one was really sure how it got there.

But because of all this, the thrower family was now practically running through King 's crown of thorns, trying to get to Platform 9 3/4 on time. This was earning them many foreign looks from the Muggles, especially due to the fact that they had two nark bird of night on their trolleys.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` I 'll load your trunks, '' Ron appeared and took James and Albus 's tramcar to the train.

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

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

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

Ginny gave them a severe spirit, `` I do n't want any owls from professor Kendrick. ``

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

`` Five hour until the caravan leaves ! '' Hermione told them.

`` Kaden better rushing up, '' Albus replied.

At that bit, Kaden flare-up through the barrier with a huge grinning on his fount. Harry was behind him, pushing another trolley. Ron grabbed it and ran it over to the train.

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

`` You 've got to get on the power train now ! '' Ginny shouted as she herded everyone over to one of the train doors. She gave James and Albus a quick hug and kiss. `` Bye, tyke ! Be thoroughly, 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 power train. Kaden and Rose got on after him. King James jumped on just as the train was starting to incite.

`` That was close, '' rosiness sighed as the gearing left the station.

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

`` C'mon, Rose, '' Albus started to take the air down the corridor, `` Let 's go find John the Evangelist, flatness, and Amanda. ``

`` How does that work ? '' Kaden asked while he followed Albus and Rose, `` I mean, how on earth can you go through a self-colored brick wall ? ``

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

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

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

`` There they are, '' rosebush announced when they were halfway down the train. Rose pulled open the door and they walked inside. John, matt, Amanda, and a young woman with long, bootleg, curly hair Albus had never seen before were sitting inside.

`` I was wondering when you two would show up, '' lav grinned.

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

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

`` Hey ! It was n't my geological fault. Epistle of James would n't pass on until he found his practice sneaker. ``

`` fountainhead, you made it, that 's all that thing, '' Amanda said.

`` Yeah, well thing you did n't miss the train. I suppose you could 've just Flooed, but the power train is better, '' privy told them. `` By the way, this is my cousin, Isabelle, '' he gestured to the lady friend Albus had n't recognized. `` She 's just starting this year. ``

`` Hi, '' Isabelle said quietly.

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

Isabelle 's eyes opened wide of the mark and she stared at him. `` Really ? ``

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

`` Wow, '' Isabelle replied.

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

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

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

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

`` Yeah. ``

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

`` I suppose. It was kind of scary at foremost, but it does n't vex me much now. ``

`` He 's been going on about the barrier for the by ten minute, '' Albus whispered to Saint John and Matt.

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

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

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

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

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

`` Mine was good, '' John Lackland said, `` Visited Isabelle 's family and we all went to Diagon back street together. naught too energise. ``

`` I love Diagon Alley ! '' Kaden shouted, `` I ca n't wait to go back there ! ``

`` Yeah, it 's a pretty swell situation, '' Albus agreed, `` Went back there with St. James the Apostle after you left, John Lackland. other than that I spent the remainder of my holiday doing homework and playacting Quidditch. ``

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

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

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

`` Dunno, '' Albus shrugged, `` Anyone will be considerably 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 assist him reach Voldemort 's ideals. And he started a duel with me, John, Amanda, flatness, and Rose. One of his friends 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 hanker head trip. Albus turned to Kaden and explained all about Voldemort. He left out the part about the Hallows, though, as he was n't sure as shooting if his dad would want him to tell Kaden. `` So you see, not all wizards are serious, '' Albus finished.

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

`` Er, yeah, '' Albus replied.

The group spent much of the rest of the journey talking about who the side by side Charms teacher would be, Quidditch, the Dueling nightspot ( which they 'd be allowed to join this year, as secondment years ), and a great pot of other stuff. Around dejeuner sentence, the Wiccan came around with the trolley and everyone bought turgid amounts of food. Everyone had a lot of fun watching Kaden try all the wizard Henry Sweet. Kaden announced that he liked Bertie Botts Every Flavor dome best, despite the fact that the 1st one he tried was a vomit flavor. When he opened his first Chocolate Frog, he was shocked that it could hop and even more shocked when he saw the motion-picture show of Rowena Ravenclaw disappear from the card that came with it.

After they polished off the residual of the dessert, the conversation turned to which mansion Kaden and Isabelle wanted to be in. Apparently John the Evangelist and Isabelle 's family consisted of an equalize number 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 need to be in Slytherin. She decided that Ravenclaw would n't be bad, but she wanted to be some place where her menage had been. Kaden on the other hand, definitely wanted to be in Gryffindor. Albus was n't too sure he 'd scent up there, still thinking that his cousin was Sir Thomas More of a Hufflepuff, but he did n't tell Kaden this.

Soon the railroad train made it to Hogsmeade station and it was time for everyone to get off. Albus and his friends joined the large crowd of students exiting onto the platform.

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

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

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

`` My cousin Kaden 's starting this year, and John 's cousin-german, Isabelle, '' Albus gestured to the two first gear eld 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 wait to learn 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 friend to the pushchair, `` I thought he 'd never leave us alone. '' Albus liked Kaden, but found his constant company to be taxing.

`` I kinda like him, '' lav laughed, `` He 's got heart. ``

`` Well, you 're kind of like him, Saint John, '' Albus laughed and climbed into the closest empty carriage. `` Although you 're a bit less annoying, '' Albus turned around and grinned at his friend.

`` Gee, thanks, '' privy laughed and sat down next to Albus. rosiness, Amanda, and Matt followed after, and sat down on the keister across from them.

`` So, matt, you were awfully quieten on the train, '' Albus began, `` Something happen during the concluding office of the summer ? ``

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

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

`` I 'm OK, honestly. It 's just, call up over the summertime 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 year where matt had briefly explained about a sketch as to why Aconitum lycoctonum Potion had no result on him and other werewolves.

`` I know I did n't narrate you a unharmed lot about it, but it 's the reasonableness I was at St. Mungo 's. person has to keep an eye on me after every shift. Usually Madam Pomfrey or my parents do it, but the therapist like to do it at least twice a year. ``

`` Oh, '' Albus replied, relieved that Matt 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 secern you a bit more about the study. It started when I was 8. For the maiden 2 years, I did n't get any Aconitum lycoctonum potion. The next 2 years, I got steady Wolfsbane. Not that it made much of a difference. ``

`` I wonder why, '' Albus said. He had been curious about this study ever since mat 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, '' Matt told them, `` But anyway, the Healers and Potion brewer that are working on the Aconitum lycoctonum have come up with anther mixed bag and I 'm going to come out trying it out. ``

`` When ? '' John asked.

`` I think in January, because I 'll be home on Christmastime break. I 've got to take it a couple solar day beforehand and it 'll be better if someone can watch closely, '' Matt told them.

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

`` No, '' matt said quietly. `` That 's the point of the subject area, to test the potions. ``

Albus glanced at flatness. He looked a bit scare off at the prospect of taking an untested potion. No curiosity he had been quiet on the train. Albus was n't sure if he would want to convey an untested potion. Of course, if the potion worked, flatness 's life would drastically interchange for the better. But what if it did n't work out, what if it had ugly incline core ?

`` But they 've been researching it, right ? '' Rose asked, `` I mean, they 're reasonably sure as shooting it wo n't do anything bad ? ``

`` Oh, yeah, they do n't think it 'll hurt me. They 're just not sure if it will have the essence it 's supposed to, '' flatness assured them, `` But it is a bit scary. ``

`` Yeah, '' pink wine agreed, `` I 'd say so. ``

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

******

`` Brings back memory, does n't it ? '' Saint John the Apostle said as the first age filed into the Great Hall.

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, remembering how fearful he 'd been of being in Slytherin the premature year. He still had n't told his protagonist that the sorting Hat had considered it, and he was n't sure if he ever would.

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

`` And Isabelle 's right behind him, '' trick told them.

Professor Patil motioned for the room to be subdued and the categorization Hat burst out in birdsong. Albus had to strangle a laugh as he saw Kaden 's mouth open in impact. 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 inaugural two scholar were both sorted into Ravenclaw.

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

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

`` well, you said there are a lot of Hufflepuffs in your family, '' rosiness pointed out.

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

`` Dursley, Kaden, '' Patil announced. Kaden ran forward immediately and sat down on the stool, with a big smile on his facial expression.

Patil put the hat on his head and after a few minutes, it opened its rim wide-cut and announced, `` Gryffindor ! ``

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

`` well, the hat did train an awfully long metre to decide, '' Rose pointed out. `` Maybe he 's got prospect of all the household. ``

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

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

`` Wo n't be the weirdest thing you 'll see here, '' Albus told him, thinking of Nearly Headless Nick, the portraits on the walls ( Sir Cadogan in particular ), the Whomping Willow, Moaning myrtle, and numerous other facet of the castling that Kaden would make never seen before.

The sorting bear on and the chemical group of first twelvemonth dwindled until there were only a distich students left. Albus had n't recognized any of the early starting time year, besides Kaden and Isabelle. He thought this must have been the first year in a long clock time that a Weasley had n't been sorted.

`` Willinson, Felix, '' Patil announced. One of the two remaining boy walked sullenly to the faeces and waited for the hat to sort him. A few seconds later, the hat shouted, `` Slytherin ! ``

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

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

`` Maybe a cousin ? '' Rose suggested, `` I remember Slughorn mentioning that Willinson was an only small fry at one of the poke Club meetings finis year. ``

`` Great, '' Albus sighed, `` I thought we 'd be done with Willinson after last yr, but now we 'll throw to portion out with his cousin-german. ``

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

`` But he 's in Slytherin, '' privy said adamantly.

`` May I have your attention, please ! '' Albus and his friends stopped talking and looked up to see that Kendrick had stood up. `` Thank you. I do have a few start of term announcement, but I think they can expect until after the feast. Enjoy. '' Kendrick waved his munition and food appeared on the fortunate platters.

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

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

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

`` Told you he was like you, '' Albus whispered to St. John as whoremaster filled his own home plate with as much solid food as he possibly could.

`` Wut, is'goob foob, '' Saint John replied with his mouth full phase of the moon of potatoes.

`` That 's disgusting, privy, '' Rose screwed up her font in disgust.

`` Wut were you wis'ring abo befo ? '' Kaden asked with part of a roller 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. ``

flatness glanced at Albus, clearly unsure about what to tell Kaden. Albus glanced at his former friends, who all shrugged. `` Er, '' Albus began, `` commemorate what I said about the Charms teacher on the railroad train ? '' Kaden nodded, while stuffing his aspect with the eternal rest of his roll.

`` fountainhead, professor Washburn was n't the lonesome one in on that affaire d'honneur. Some superstar named Jarett Willinson was fighting alongside Washburn ; we think he 's the one who was in charge. He has a son, Quinton, who was a one-seventh year cobbler's last 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 have any siblings. ``

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

Throughout the rest of the feast, Albus talked to his ally about Felix Willinson and whether or not he was anything like Quinton. Rose wanted to pay him the benefit of the uncertainty and wait and see if he shared the like eyeshot as Quinton. can, on the other helping hand, was set up to hex him as soon as the feast was over. He figured that Felix must fit in with Quinton, since he was in Slytherin. flatness and Amanda both agreed that Felix probably did agree with his full cousin, but did n't opine they should part hexing him before they really met him. Albus was n't sure what to think, and he just thought they should void Felix, not trying to be friendly with him or hex him.

Kaden received a gracious shock when Nearly-Headless gouge decided it would be his plateful he would come along out of during the fiesta. Kaden dropped his roll in surprise, but another one of his huge grins appeared on his face shortly after. He gazed around in amazement and watched all the wraith circling the elbow room. Albus laughed and told him that they even had a wraith teacher. Kaden was amazed by this and said he could n't wait for that class.

`` It 's just history of Magic, '' matte told him, `` Boringest class in the shoal. Best one for sleeping, though. ``

`` You 'd screw, would n't you ? '' whoremaster joked.

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

Kaden looked a bit defeated at this, `` Really ? How can a stratum be boring if it 's taught by a ghost ? ``

`` Trust me, the kick wears off after the first day, '' Matt said.

A few second later the solid food disappeared and comeuppance appeared just moments later. Kaden and St. John immediately piled their home with every pudding there was. Albus and his friends 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 staff mesa and assumed she was the new Charms instructor. She was an old witch, with her gray pilus pulled back in a tight bun. She was very underweight and Albus was guessing she was quite grandiloquent, but it was strong to distinguish 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 trade good summertime and are ready to get back to studying. I have a few start-of-term announcements, as well as one rather big announcement. ''

Whispering immediately erupted in the room, as to what this big proclamation could be. Kendrick waited a few moments before continuing, `` Anyway, first I 'd wish to introduce you to our new Charms teacher, Professor Cedonia. '' The old Wiccan stood up and Albus noticed that she was, indeed, very magniloquent. She gave a little wave and sat back down again. `` I also need to remind you that the Forbidden woods is, as always, out of leap, as is the Whomping Willow. ``

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

`` Mr. Filch has asked me to cue you that dueling in the corridors is veto. Also, that the tilt of foreclose objects now includes the new 'Extra-Strength Dung Bombs'that have just been released at Weasleys'Wizard Wheezes. All former products usable for purchase there are also forbidden and educatee may inspect the good list on Mr. Filch 's room access. ``

Albus, who had experienced the effects of one of his uncle 's new dung bomb calorimeter, could see why they were banned, but knew the ban would n't stop multitude from using them. He laughed to himself as he remembered the face on his grandmother 's facial expression when Uncle George brought one of the droppings bomb calorimeter to the end of summer get together at the Burrow.

`` If you want to try out for your house 's Quidditch squad, please devote your name to your headland of house. I think those are all the usual promulgation. Now, onto the more stir announcement, '' Kendrick paused and none of the students said a watchword, `` It has come to my attention that the tensions between the house have been increasing over the past tense few years. I know that certain houses have always had rivalries, '' Kendrick turned to appear at the Gryffindor and Slytherin tables before continuing, `` But I think the rivalry has gotten too magnanimous. I believe we need more unity. A great Muggle man once said'A house divided against itself can not stand-'''

`` But our theater 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 whole. I, along with the other prof, believe that their is too much House rivalry. Therefore, we will be taking steps this year to assuage it. ``

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

`` We have decided to change the Dueling ball club, '' Kendrick continued, `` This year, unlike past years, we will have inter house squad. ``

`` What ! ? '' Most of the Great residence hall erupted into call 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 ! ``

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

`` Thank you for proving my degree, '' Kendrick shouted over the noise. The way quieted down immediately, `` As I said, there is too much rivalry. I believe this will aid palliate it. You will have to work out together with members of other houses in order to win the dueling title. There will be more detail to surveil during the first meeting of the Dueling night club. As always, the ball club is undefendable to 2d old age and above. ``

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

`` No, '' Albus told him, `` Sorry. First years do n't know enough spells to link up. But you can join next yr. '' Kaden scowled and turned back to the headmaster.

`` What about Quidditch ? '' James asked, `` That 's not inter menage, 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 firm Quidditch. ``

`` He probably would, '' Albus replied quietly, so only his champion could hear him.

`` I think those are all the announcements I have for now. I suggest you all get a trade good night 's rest for form tomorrow morning. first gear years, please follow a Prefect to your rough-cut room. undecomposed night, everyone, '' Kendrick sat back down.

`` Blimey, '' John sighed and shook his head as he stood up, `` Inter house dueling. ``

`` Yeah, this could get mussy, '' Matt agreed, `` I 'm not sure it 's going to have the force Kendrick wants. ``

`` Oh, I do n't know, '' rosiness shrugged, `` I kind of think it 's a good approximation. ``

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

`` zip could do that, '' John said.

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

`` Definitely, '' Albus replied. John Lackland, rosebush, and Amanda all nodded their heads.

`` trade good, me too, '' Matt told them, `` Just have 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 tug, and the conversation turned to the new magical spell instructor. None of them could guess what Professor Cedonia was like, but they all assumed she was strict. She had a very exacting look about her all during the feast. When they got to the common way, they all decided to use up Kendrick up on his advice and turn in early. They were all tired from the journey to Hogwarts. Albus got into his ardent four-poster bed, and realized that with Professor Washburn gone, he would n't have anymore of those Legilimency pipe dream he had in conclusion yr. With that happy mentation in his chief, 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 brother. Thanks also to sinwillys822, Moonylupin, TheAlbusPotterCritic, XDNLxtlz99, potterfan89, and Draco ginger for their reviews !

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

I 've also written a new one-shot, That Night, which is about the night Matt got bitten. If you want to curb it out, the link is in my profile.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




`` What have we got next ? '' John asked at tiffin the next day. The Gryffindor second long time had just gotten back from a particularly wearisome chronicle of conjuration family. Before that, they had Transfiguration, which was almost as tedious as History of Magic.

Albus looked at his schedule, `` Double Potions. I hope we 're not with the Slytherins this year. ``

`` Yeah, we 're already with them for Transfiguration, '' lustrelessness groaned.

`` Hi, everyone ! '' Kaden threw himself onto the terrace next to Albus and started piling his denture with food, `` The stratum are brilliant here ! There is n't any math or side course ! ``

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

`` Muggles take side year in school, Saint John the Apostle, '' Amanda sighed, `` They learn grammar and punctuation mark and register lit. ``

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

`` It is, '' Kaden announced, `` Anyway, I had Uncle Harry for Defense first this sunrise ; it was so tasteful. ``

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Albus and his protagonist walked out of the Great manor hall and towards the stair that lead to the dungeon.

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

`` I do n't think so, '' Albus laughed, `` We 'll see what he 's like when examination fourth dimension comes. ``

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

`` Of all the classes to have with them, '' Albus muttered.

The scholarly person stood outside the dungeon, in separate groups of Gryffindors and Slytherins, waiting for Slughorn to make it. He arrived a few minutes later and unlocked the door. Albus went inside with everyone else and sat down at one of the desks, next to matte.

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

`` Now, seeing as we have a replicate class today, I thought a little contest would be set aside ! Let 's see how much you remember from endure year. The partners that brew the adept Forgetfullness Potion will each get a large slab of Honeyduke 's chocolate ! '' Slughorn glanced around at his students. The Gryffindors were on one side of the room, Slytherins on the early, much like it had been in the previous twelvemonth.

`` I 'm certainly you all heard prof Kendrick 's speech final stage nighttime, about the fact that the shoal needs to be more incorporated, '' Slughorn continued in an uncharacteristically unplayful tone, `` Therefore, I have decided that it would be a serious idea to have inter-house spouse this twelvemonth. ``

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

Once the class stopped groaning, Slughorn continued, `` I, for one, agree with the headmaster in that there needs to be less tension between the star sign. So, delight end moaning. I 'm sure you 'll find that you can work together for the afternoon. I will register off the pairs and then you may move. ``

Slughorn picked up another while of lambskin and started reading off it, `` Dalila Avish is with Amanda tagger, John Brickston is with Xavier Goyle, Janie Creevey is with Nessa Vaisey, lusterlessness Eckerton is with Scorpius Malfoy. ``

Albus glanced at flatness who had a look of arrant horror on his nerve. He was shaking his caput and mouthing the watchword 'no'. Albus knew that Matt would feature rather worked with any Slytherin other than Scorpius. Albus turned his head slightly and saw that Scorpio had a smug look on his face. He probably thought he 'd get hold out matte 's secret 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, Michael Joe Jackson Limbert is with Albus Potter. ``

Could be worse, Albus thought. He did n't really know Thomas Jonathan Jackson, although he did do it that Jesse Louis Jackson was an first-class Potions brewer. Albus was decent with Potions, but not nearly as goodness as Jackson.

`` Bilius Mansfield is with St. Patrick Parlan and Leigh Montague is with rose wine Weasley, '' Slughorn looked up from his parchment and tapped his baton on the Joseph Black control panel. command appeared on it. `` There you go ! ``

Albus gave Matt a half-hearted grinning that flatness did not return, and Albus got up to get together Jackson Limbert at his desk. Scorpius Malfoy got up and took Albus 's overturn place. `` Limbert, '' Albus nodded as he set his cauldron down on the desk.

`` ceramicist, '' Limbert nodded back. `` I 'll get the ingredient, you light a fervor. ``

Albus nodded and lit a firing beneath his cauldron as Limbert joined the queue of students getting fixings from the cupboard. Limbert returned a few instant later and he and Albus started to prepare the ingredients. They worked in secrecy the whole time. Albus did n't roll in the hay what Slughorn was thinking. The full he could probably go for for was what Albus and Limbert were doing ; working civilly with each other, but not talking. Albus dropped a few beetle into the cauldron 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 mat was trying hard to brush off. rose wine was telling Leigh something and Leigh looked like she was cook to hex Rose. toilet was correcting Goyle, who was stirring his caldron in the wrong commission, and John looked like he wanted to hollo. Amanda and Delila seemed to be getting along all right, but like Albus and Limbert, were n't talking.

`` clock time 's up ! '' Slughorn announced a while later. Albus stepped back from his caldron as Slughorn started to study the potions. He inspected each one, telling its owner what they could have done to make it better. Slughorn was impressed with rosebush 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 winner ! '' Slughorn produced two bars of burnt umber and gave them to Albus and Limbert. `` Please read chapter one of your book and spell a six inch sum-up of it for next class. ``

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

Matt, John, and Rose all stared at him with looks of disgust on their faces. `` Speak for yourself, '' Matt muttered. John Lackland and Rose both nodded.

`` I think Goyle 's actually dumber than a troll, '' John commented, `` Does n't know the dispute between clockwise and counter-clockwise. ``

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

`` At least you were n't with Malfoy, '' matt said, `` He spent the completely time asking me I would be visiting my nanna this year. ``

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

`` That I would be, '' lustrelessness 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 know what Slughorn was thinking, '' Amanda sighed, `` We 're never going to all get along. I 'm just beaming I was with Dalila. She 's not that bad. She 's very tranquillize, so we just ignored each early. ``

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

`` Worked out good, '' John said, `` You got the cocoa. ``

******

The future morning, after breakfast, the Gryffindor and Ravenclaw sec years found themselves waiting outside the appeal classroom. None of them had met the new teacher and they were all aegir to see what she was like. Albus did n't care what she was like, as long as she was nicer than Washburn. Shortly after the bell rang, professor Cedonia came ambling up the corridor. She did n't say a tidings to her educatee as she unlocked the door. Albus filed inside with the others and sat down at a tabular array with St. John the Apostle and Matt.

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

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

`` Quiet, please, '' prof Cedonia said in a quiet, but forceful, voice. `` Thank you. I 'll just run through the attendance. '' Cedonia called out all their names and when she was satisfied that everyone was there, she walked out from behind her desk. `` Now, I know your last year of instruction in this discipline was less than satisfactory, and I hope to exchange that for this yr. I know some of you, '' her center fell upon Albus 's table, `` Spent more clip in hold with prof Washburn than in class with him. I do not believe that that is a skillful way of teaching. Now, do n't get me legal injury, if there is any misbehavior, I will founder detentions, but I do not hand them out lightly. I would much rather regain out why a scholarly person is misbehaving and work to fix it, than just give out detentions like they 're free samples. ``

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

`` For example, some bookman cause chaos because they are bored with course. I do not desire you to be bored in my classroom. If you are, please find free to let me know before you start causing any pandemonium.

`` Now, with that in idea, I 'd like to start off with a review of end year. Please take out your lambskin and quills. ``

The repose of the social class was rather enjoyable, Albus thought. They spent one-half of it taking greenback, which Cedonia actually made pretty fun. She kept everyone engaged, but did n't force you to respond a question you did n't know, like Washburn had done. The other half was spent practicing charms they had learned last year. Albus found that he was much better at Charms when he was n't being watched by a teacher who hated him. He actually managed to levitate his textbook a couple feet in the air and he did n't set anything or anyone on fire.

`` I 'm going to like charm this yr, '' John announced as they walked out of the room.

`` Me, too, '' matte agreed, `` I wish we 'd had her last year. ``

`` I like her style, too, '' Rose commented, `` She is n't going to be giving out a lot of detention. I like that. ``

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

`` You 'll just have to do early things to earn detentions, '' John laughed, `` Like pull joke on the Slytherins. ``

`` It 'd be better just to beat them at the Dueling gild, '' rosiness said, `` You could n't get in bother for that. ``

`` Yeah, but they might be on our squad, '' 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 want 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 meeting, anyway ? '' Matt asked.

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

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

`` goodness, '' Albus said, relieved that Matt would not be missing the initiative Dueling Club meeting.

******

The rest of the week passed by quickly. Albus and his ally fell right back into their usual Hogwarts routine. They spent their evenings in the common room either doing homework or just talking and playing plot. Kaden usually spent the evening with him. Kaden seemed to spend sentence with Albus 's chemical group rather than the other Gryffindor for the first time years. Albus was not for certain why, and was starting to become a bit annoyed at the fact that Kaden was always around. The only time Albus seemed to get away from Kaden was during classes. Classes were going well so far. Albus was doing much better in good luck charm with prof Cedonia, and was doing about the same as the late twelvemonth in the ease of his classes.

When Sat arrived, everyone was talking about the Dueling Club. The number 1 meeting was taking place that afternoon, after lunch. Albus and his friends went immediately to the Dueling way after they finished eating. When they got there, it seemed like everyone in the unhurt school was joining. Well, everyone except the first years.

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

`` Probably, '' Rose replied, `` There are n't many people who do n't join. ``

`` Quiet, please ! '' Harry shouted out over the crowd. Everyone stopped talking and turned to look at him. `` Thanks. Now, like past tense age, we 're having Junior Dueling as well as the habitue Dueling nightspot. If you 're arcsecond, third, or fourth year, you have to join the Junior nightspot. If you 're in 5th yr or above, please follow Professor Longbottom to the adjacent elbow room where you will have your group meeting. ``

`` Well that 's a relief, '' Matt commented as the older scholar left the room, `` I did n't fancy dueling with seventh days. ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` My cousin Francis Edgar Stanley is a smart as a whip duelist. I would n't desire to be paired up against him. ``

`` Oh, I do n't know, '' John grinned and pulled out his wand, `` I bet I could get on a one-seventh year. ``

`` Yeah, sure, '' Rose rolled her eyes.

`` Wands away ! '' Harry shouted, and King John quickly stowed his wand. `` Now, as you know, prof Kendrick has decided that we will not have house teams this year. There will be eight teams, just like finish year, but they will take extremity from each house on them. ``

There was a collective groan from the crowd. Everyone was standing in group consisting of students of their own house. Albus sighed, he had sort of hoped that professor Kendrick would change his intellect, but it did n't come out that way.

`` Yes, I know none of you are happy about it. And frankly, I 'm not surely if it will cause less tension between the houses, but it 's worth a try. Now, once we get everything organized, this will work much like Quidditch. Each team captain will set up practice session times, and there will be competitions throughout the year. Unlike Quidditch, there is no trying out ; everyone gets on a team.

`` number one, I 'll tell you who the captain will be. prof Longbottom and I picked them at the end of last year, based on your carrying into action. All the headwaiter are 4th years. There are two from each house.

`` They are Bradley Weasley, Tasha Kasey, Kate Waverly, Leo Davy, April Finch-Fletchley, Paul Galivant, Nadine Neal, and Barty Heath. ``

There was a large amount of cheering and groaning at the announcement of the skipper. Albus did n't know any of the captains besides his cousin, Bradley. He hoped he was on Bradley 's team.

The relief of the meeting consisted of Harry putting everyone onto a squad. Albus found it rather boring and spent the whole time talking to his friends. Eventually, he was put on a squad. He was on Kate Waverly 's team, along with Amanda. They were the only two Gryffindor first days on that team. Epistle of James was n't on it either. Albus was happy he was on Kate 's team. She was a Ravenclaw and on the Quidditch team. Albus was very still that his sea captain was not a Slytherin. However, shortly after Harry told Albus he was on Kate 's squad, he found out that Scorpius Malfoy was on his team. He was not looking forward to having to cooperate with Malfoy. He had hoped he would be capable to duel Malfoy, but it did n't look like that would be happening.

`` I 'm so glad I 'm not on Malfoy 's squad, '' Matt said, as they entered the coarse 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 mate, '' Matt pointed out, `` I 'd go mad if I had to be on his dueling team, too. ``

`` Good point, '' Albus sighed, `` But you really lucked out. You have my cousin-german for your skipper. ``

`` At least you have n't got a Slytherin for your captain ! '' John shouted. blush wine nodded. She and John both had Slytherin police captain, but not the same ones. John 's captain was Nadine Neal and Rose 's was Barty Heath.

`` Oh, you 'll survive, '' Amanda laughed.

`` Easy for you to say, with your Ravenclaw master, '' John muttered.

`` Albus ! '' Kaden came running out of the door leading to the boy'residence hall, `` How was dueling ? Was it fun ? Did you win ? Was the early guy unconscious for a patch ? Is he still unconscious ? '' Kaden sat down excitedly in the chair next to Albus's.

Albus sighed ; he had yet to see his cousin without his endless amount of energy. Albus was beginning to wonder if Kaden could finalise down enough to sleep. `` Er, we did n't really duel today, Kaden. It was just an informational group meeting. We got assigned team, though. ``

`` Neat ! Who 's on your team ? ``

`` Me, Amanda, Cedric, and a bunch of Hufflepuffs, Ravenclaws, and Slytherins that I do n't love. Our captain is Kate Waverly, she 's a Ravenclaw. ``

Kaden grinned, `` I ca n't await to link the Dueling Club next yr. I 'll perplex everyone ! '' He pulled out his wand and waved it around. It produced a drip of water that landed on Albus 's head.

`` see it ! '' Albus shouted and shook the water out of his center, `` 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 come, please ? Flying lessons start next week. I ca n't hold off ! Can I try out your Scots heather ? '' Kaden begged.

Albus did not desire Kaden on his new broom. Kaden had never flown before and Albus was certainly he would crash it. `` You can come watch, I guess. But sorry, you ca n't try out my broom. ``

Kaden 's face fell a bit, but he still looked arouse, `` All right, let 's go ! At least I can watch out you play Quidditch. I still do n't see how it can be better than football. ``

`` It is, '' Albus replied adamantly. He stood up and turned to his friends, `` You lot want to come ? ``

`` Yeah, definitely ! '' John stood up. `` I 'll impart my broom and aid 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. '' Rose gave Amanda a look.

`` Sure, '' Amanda said, `` See you later, Albus. ``

Albus and John grabbed their brooms from their dormitory and the four male child left the common room.

`` pink wine and Amanda are probably having girl talk of the town, '' John grinned.

`` Yeah, they 're probably talking about us, '' Albus laughed.

Albus, St. John the Apostle, lusterlessness, and Kaden spent the rest of the good afternoon playacting Quidditch. Kaden watched the wholly time, amazed that brooms could enable multitude to fly. He still thought football game was better, but Albus assured him that after he saw a friction match, he would change his intellect. John let matt fly his broom for a niggling spell and Albus practiced his Chaser skills with both of them. By the time night fell, and Albus was exhausted, John and mat were sure he would get on the team.



A/N : Thanks to my Sister and beta, Dancer of Starlight ! Thanks as well to my other sis and my brother. Thanks to ginnyweasley98, XDNLxtlz99, sinwillys822, potterfan89, Moonylupin, and ladymblack for their reviews !

Just to let everyone screw, the next chapter might not be up until Friday of next week instead of Thursday. I might have got to switch over my update day to Friday instead of Thursday from now on, since shoal is starting and my Thursdays are going to be quite busy.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




Albus woke up the side by side day feeling very nervous. The Quidditch try-outs were n't until the afternoon, but Albus did n't eat a great deal breakfast anyway. He spent most of the morning in the mutual way with his supporter, trying to get some homework done, but found that he could n't reduce. Eventually he gave up and played a few stave of Exploding child's play with John, who was putting off his homework until the death minute.

Harry stopped by the Gryffindor table during lunch and wished Albus honorable fortune. Shortly after lunch, Albus headed down to the Quidditch lurch with his new broom over his shoulder. Rose, whoremonger, Matt, and Amanda went with him.

`` Albus, hey, Albus ! '' Albus turned around as he was leaving the castle to see Kaden running out of the Great Hall.

`` What ? '' Albus asked impatiently. He was anxious to get down to the pitch and see how many other masses were trying out. He did n't want 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 rook. The radical continued their walk to the pitch, listening to Kaden lecture animatedly about his first week at Hogwarts. Albus did n't consider Kaden would ever run out of things to say, and found his constant jabbering a bit irritating. Albus was n't in the mood to pick up about how professor Patil had yelled at half of Kaden 's transfiguration division the previous day. Soon, Albus just adopted the policy of smiling and nodding when Kaden paused, like he did with his former younger cousins. Right now, all Albus wanted to do was concentrate on his try-out.

John, Matt, blush wine, Amanda, and Kaden went to go sit in the stands while Albus went down to the declamatory crowd of Gryffindors trying out. Albus turned his attention to the other chaser hopefuls gathered around him. There was a 7th year boy who Albus vaguely recognized as one of Henry M. Stanley 's champion, two burly looking sixth year male child who looked like they 'd realise better Beaters than Chasers, a couple fifth year fille, quite a few fourth and third years, and even a bunch of first years. After a few more minutes of waiting, the Gryffindor team emerged from the footlocker room, take by Albus 's full cousin, GA. Empire State of the South had become the new police chief over the summer. Albus distinctly remembered the morning she got the varsity letter informing her of her captainship. Her drumhead had appeared in the hearth at Grimmauld post, where she shouted the news so loudly, Ginny had dropped the lade she was stirring porridge with.

`` tending, please ! '' Empire State of the South shouted over the gang. She had a very loud vocalisation and everyone was restrained immediately. `` Thanks. Now, there 's only one uncommitted spot this class, for Chaser. And I 'm not kicking any of last twelvemonth 's players off, so if any of you are seeking a position other than Chaser, clear off now. ``

There were a few groan from the crowd, and the two one-sixth year boy stalked off the field. One of the twenty-five percent old age left as well.

`` Also, I 'm drear but the dominion have not changed since last year, 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 group of first base days scowled and left the pitch shot in a huff.

`` wellspring, now that that 's taken upkeep of, '' Georgia pulled out a magazine control board, `` First, I 'll need to see you all fly around the rake. Fifth through one-seventh years first. ``

Albus watched as the sr. students flew around the pitch a few times. Georgia watched them carefully and wrote banknote on her cartridge holder plank. Albus thought they all flew remarkably well except for one of the twenty percent twelvemonth girls. She kept lurching downwards every sentence she accelerated, almost falling off her broom. After a few turn around the pitch, the older scholar landed next to Georgia.

`` commodity. But I 'm pitiful, 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 girlfriend shrugged and went to sit in the stands. She did n't seem too foiled and Albus suspected the lone rationality she tried out was because the former fifth year girl did n't need to do it alone.

Next, it was Albus 's turn to fly around the pitching. He took off along with the third and fourth years. Once in the air, he started feeling better about the try-out. He could do this, he was a good circular. He sped around the delivery, going faster than the other students. Albus noticed that they were keen circular as well, even better than the seventh and fifth part years who had flown earlier.

`` Excellent, '' Peach State grinned as Albus landed in front of her. The others landed shortly after. `` Now I just have to see how well you work with Quaffles and the rest of the team. ``

During the next function of the try-outs, all the chaser hopefuls went up into the air along with the rest of the squad and passed the Quaffle back and Forth River. Albus only dropped it once. The same could n't be said for everyone else. Everyone else dropped it at to the lowest degree once. The only other person who only dropped it once was one of the fourth years, Gabe Bourne.

`` You all did great, '' GA smiled after they finished tossing the Quaffle around, `` But I have narrowed it down to Gabe bourne and Albus Potter. '' The former hopefuls sighed and left the pitch shot.

After this, Georgia simulated a real couple, in decree to chance out who fit best with the team. Albus, who had played Chaser with his cousin numerous times, worked quite well with Heather and Fred. Albus already knew the way they played and found that it was very well-situated to convey with them while he was flying.

`` All right, '' Georgia announced once everyone had landed, `` I 've decided on Albus Potter. I 'm sorry, Gabe, sense free to try-out again another clip. ``

`` Yes ! '' Albus grinned. The rest of the team clapped him on the shoulder and congratulated him.

`` I knew you 'd get it, Albus, '' James grinned.

`` Figures, '' Gabe muttered as he left the delivery, `` Had to pick your first cousin. Are n't there enough of them on the team ? ``

`` He 's just jealous, '' James commented. `` You obviously worked better with ling and Fred. ``

`` Thanks, James IV, '' Albus grinned. He did n't give care what Gabe bourne thought. He was on the team !

`` Great job, Albus ! '' whoremaster shouted as he ran onto the pitch. `` I knew you 'd get it. ``

`` Yeah, congratulations ! '' matt agreed. Rose and Amanda grinned.

`` Brilliant ! '' Kaden shouted, `` Maybe I 'll get to be on the team someday. ``

`` I thought you liked football, '' Albus laughed.

`` I do, football 's still better than Quidditch, '' Kaden assured him, `` But flying is splendid. ``

`` Quidditch is better, '' Albus replied adamantly, `` But I 'll see you lot up in the castle. We 're going to stay and practice a bit. ``

Albus and the rest of the squad spent the whole good afternoon practicing. Albus loved every bit of it. Georgia was very happy that Albus worked so well with Heather and Fred. Usually, when a team got a new Chaser it took a yoke weeks for the new pursuer to get used to the team, but Albus fit powerful in. Georgia was sure they would be make for the first match, and they might even be able to win the Quidditch Cup again.

******

Albus climbed through the portrayal hole the following Thursday feeling thoroughly worn out. The Quidditch squad had just practiced for two hours and Albus just got back from snagging a late supper afterwards. The team was only practicing a dyad 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 dark of the calendar week.

Albus immediately spotted John and mat sitting at their common table in the back. He looked longingly at the threshold leading to the dormitory room. All he wanted to do was slumber, but they had Astronomy at midnight that night. Albus ran up to the dormitory for a few minutes to wedge his ling and get his shoal bag, wishing all the while that he could just collapse into bed.

`` Hi, cat, '' Albus said as he sunk into a chair at the table his friends were at.

`` Hi, Albus, '' John Lackland greeted him, `` You look almost as bad as Matt does. ``

`` Thanks, '' Albus replied flatly, but he knew he looked exhausted. Although not nearly as tucker as matt did. The full Sun Myung Moon was that nighttime matt was sleeping with his head on his Transfiguration book.

`` How was practice session ? '' whoremonger asked, without looking up from her account of Magic notes.

`` Exhausting, '' Albus replied, `` And I got hit with two Bludgers. ``

`` Ouch, '' John said.

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, massaging his leftfield arm where both Bludgers had made touch. He heard the portrait 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 amiss ? '' Albus asked. He was n't used to seeing Kaden so quiet.

`` Patil assigned another essay today. A fundament long ! '' Kaden shouted so loudly that matt woke up. `` A unhurt foot ! ``

Albus looked at John and both of them burst out laughing.

`` What 's so funny ? '' Kaden asked loudly, his voice returning to its usual tone.

`` It 's just, '' Albus grinned, `` that you seemed so in love with everything sorcerous and it did n't seem like you thought anything was bad in the charming humans and here at Hogwarts. You loved every I class and did n't have a ailment. I knew that would deepen once you 'd been assigned a foresighted essay. ``

`` Haha, '' Kaden replied flatly, `` But still ! I mean, come on, how can I pen a foot long essay about transfiguring matchsticks into acerate leaf ? 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 mean Patil would like it if I wrote like a seven-year-old. ``

`` A foot is nothing, '' Albus told him, `` Eventually, you 'll be doing essays that are two rolls of parchment. ``

`` Two scroll ! '' Kaden shouted, `` How is that possible ? It 's not ! I give up ! ``

`` Could you talk subdued ? '' Matt whispered.

Kaden paused long enough to see at Matt. `` You look frightening. You should go see Madam Pomfrey. You know charming kettle of fish everything ! It 's amazing. I had a cold the other day and she gave me a potion and it was gone in an heartbeat ! ``

`` She ca n't fix this, '' lusterlessness muttered.

`` Sure she can. I saw her fix this blighter 's off-white with her wand. It was splendid. She 'll stimulate you better in no time, '' Kaden assured him.

`` No she wo n't, '' Matt said quietly.

Albus and John the Evangelist shot Kaden warning looks. Albus willed his cousin to finish talking now. Kaden had absolutely no idea what matte went through every month. Albus was getting fed up with Kaden 's belief that everything about the wizarding reality 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 lavatory, `` I have to go now. I 'll see you tomorrow, right ? ``

`` Of course, '' Albus assured him.

`` Yeah, we 'll see you then, '' John said, `` Want me to come ? ``

`` No, I 'm fine, '' Matt replied and left the plebeian room.

`` Is he going to see Madam Pomfrey ? '' Kaden asked, `` I do n't know why he did n't go right when he got regorge. Seems stupid 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 eye. `` Kaden, just exclude it ! '' he shouted. `` Do n't call him stupefied ! You 've got no idea what illness he 's got, '' Albus whispered so that only Kaden and whoremaster could take heed him, but his voice was every bit as emphatic as it had been when he was shouting. `` And get it through your head that legerdemain does not fix everything ! There are some things that dame Pomfrey ca n't fix with potions. Do n't ever tell apart him to just go see Madam Pomfrey so she can constitute it all better. Because she ca n't. ``

Kaden stared at Albus and did n't say a word. His usual cheery smiling faded away and was replaced by a look of shock and distress. `` Sorry, '' he mumbled and got up from the table. He ran over to the dormitories and went up the stairs without so often as a glance back to Albus.

Albus looked at John, who was wearing a look of shock on his side as well. `` I do n't think I 've ever heard you yell at anyone like that. Besides me, of form, when we were fighting over whether to secern Matt we knew he was a werewolf, '' John said quietly.

`` Yeah, well, he was really starting to get on my face, '' Albus replied, `` And this was it. He should n't suffer done that. He should birth stopped talking when Matt said Madam Pomfrey could n't help him. ``

`` But how was he supposed to know ? '' John asked, `` Do n't you imagine you were a bit harsh ? ``

`` No, '' Albus answered, `` Not when it comes to this. He 's got to learn not to butt into Matt 's illness, especially if he 's going to be around us all the clip. ``

`` I 'm not trusted he will anymore, '' Saint John 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 induce just told Kaden not to bother matte. But Kaden had practically called Matt stupid, had n't he ? That was uncalled for. Could what Albus said really been enough to dissuade Kaden from spending time with Albus and the others ? Albus was n't sure. He was n't even sure if he wanted Kaden to intercept outlay fourth dimension with him. As much as Kaden annoyed him, he had grown used to his younger cousin being around.

`` You 're awfully tranquilize over here, '' pink wine said as she and Amanda sat down at the mesa. `` Oh, did matte leave ? ``

Albus nodded. `` How is he ? '' Rose asked.

`` He 'd have been unspoiled if it was n't for Kaden, '' lav pointed out.

rose groaned, `` What did he do ? ``

`` I was wondering why Kaden was n't here, '' Amanda said, `` It 's variety of odd seeing you without him around, Albus. ``

`` Kaden insisted that lustrelessness go get a potion from gentlewoman Pomfrey because he looked sick, '' Saint John the Apostle told the young lady. Albus was perfectly willing to let John tell the news report. `` And of course he looked gruesome, considering what tonight is. But Kaden did n't recognize that, of course, and he would n't stop telling lusterlessness how magic can fix everything. ``

`` Oh, did he really ? '' rosebush sighed, `` Then what happened ? ``

`` matt left. I think he really did cause to go away then, but I 'm sure as shooting he was pretty irritated by Kaden, '' bathroom continued.

`` I 'll bet, '' Amanda said quietly, `` Your cousin does n't always know the upright thing to say, Albus. ``

`` That 's why Albus yelled at him, '' trick announced.

`` What ? ! '' both girls shouted at the same time.

`` Yup, '' John replied, `` Probably would possess turned into a big row if Kaden had n't receive just left. He 's in his dormitory right now. ``

`` Oh, Albus, you did n't, '' rose wine sighed.

`` I did, '' Albus said, a footling annoyed that rose wine seemed defeated, `` And you would have to if you 'd been there. I just told him I was tired of him talking about how magic reparation everything. I told him that there are some things that Madam Pomfrey 's potions wo n't fix and not to name them around flatness. I also yelled at him because he practically called matte dolt. Kaden said Matt was stupid for not getting a potion when he first got sick. ``

`` I see your point, '' Rose replied, `` But honestly, Albus, you could have said it without yelling. I think Kaden 's having a fierce time adjusting and making admirer. Having you angry with him is n't going to help thing. ``

`` Maybe if he learned to be quiet once and a while, he 'd arrive at admirer, '' Albus muttered.

`` Well, you can rationalize in the morning, '' Rose told him, while taking out her homework.

`` Apologize ? He 's the one who 's got to apologize to Matt, '' Albus said adamantly.

`` He does n't even know why that upset lustrelessness, '' Rose insisted, `` And unless you plan on telling him, he 's probably not going to excuse. ``

Albus had n't thought of that. There was no way he was going to tell Kaden that Matt was a werewolf. `` All right wing, fine. I 'll apologize. 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.

`` son, '' Rose muttered to Amanda, who nodded.

******

Albus was extremely pall when he trudged down to breakfast with his friends the next sunup. Due to Astronomy, he had n't gotten to bed until 1:30 am, and had had about six minute of sleep. Albus had n't seen Kaden at all that forenoon, which was strange because Kaden usually waited for Albus in the common room before breakfast. Albus figured he was probably still upset about the previous night. Albus really did n't want to apologize, but he supposed he would have to.

Albus sat down and poured himself a glass of orange juice. He was happy that it was a relatively easy day. two-bagger Herbology in the morn and then a single stratum of Potions after lunch. Following Potions, Albus and his friends would go visit flatness in the hospital annexe. Albus felt like he would rather spend the day in the infirmary Wing sleeping instead of going to category, but he knew that would n't happen.

The post owls flew into the room and Albus noticed his mother 's owl flying towards him. The owl landed next to Albus, Albus took the alphabetic character, and the owl was off again.

`` Letter from aunty Ginny ? '' rose asked.

`` Yeah, '' Albus told her and opened the letter.

Dear Al,

How are you ? I hope your first two weeks have gone well.
I 'm happy the new spell teacher is overnice, and I do hope
you 'll behave yourself in her class.

kudos on making the Quidditch squad ! I 'm so
proud of you. Lily is very energize as well and is
telling me that she is going to go the new
Keeper after Sakartvelo graduates. We 'll see about that.

Dudley called last night and told me about the row
you had with Kaden last nighttime. I realize that Kaden
may have been less than appealing with Matt, but
please excuse to him. Kaden is having a rough
time adjusting to Hogwarts. I know it seems like
he loves everything witching, but he has not made a
altogether lot of supporter. 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 apologize to Kaden. Did n't anyone empathize that Kaden had been out of line hold out night ? John seemed to retrieve so, but thought Albus should deliver been nicer about it.

`` aunt Ginny agrees with me, '' rosiness commented.

`` Her and everyone else, '' Albus muttered. He still did n't really need to rationalize to Kaden.

`` Well, looks like you 'll possess to apologize later, '' rose wine announced and stood up, `` We 've got to get to Herbology. ``

Relieved that he had an alibi not to rationalise now, Albus made his way to the greenhouse with his acquaintance. Neville spent the lesson teaching about mandrake root and helping the class to re-pot them. Albus found rather easy, but not everyone in the class did. One of the mandrake 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 suffer clip to go determine him before Potions, not that he minded. He was still mad at Kaden and did not want to apologize. Potions was pretty boring because all Slughorn did was lecturing. Albus felt himself nodding off a few times, 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 sister and my brother. Thanks as well to XDNLxtlz99, potterfan89, ginnyweasley98, and Moonylupin for their reviews !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




After Potions, Albus and his friends went to natter mat like they usually did after a good moon. Albus was relieved that they did n't run into Kaden on the way there. He was n't indisputable what he would say in edict to agitate off his cousin if Kaden decided to try and visit matt with them.

`` hi, youngster, '' Madam Pomfrey greeted them as they entered the ward. 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 flatness usually stayed in and pulled back the curtains. matte was sporting numerous cuts all over his grimace and implements of war, a Black person eye, and bruises all along his arms. He was also asleep.

`` Aww, he 's quiescence, '' can grinned mischievously as he shut the curtains behind them.

`` Well, that 's not really surprising, '' Rose commented, `` Maybe we should amount back later. ``

`` No, I 'm awake, '' Matt mumbled hoarsely and opened his eyes a bit. `` Is Kaden here ? ``

`` Nope, have n't seen him since last nighttime, '' Albus told him.

matt breathed a sigh of relief, `` goodness. I was trying to come up with a something to tell him as to why I 'm here, but now I do n't throw to. ``

`` I do n't opine you 're going to have to worry about that, '' John 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 vexation. ``

`` Albus had a go at him, '' trick told him, and proceeded to say lusterlessness what had happened after he left.

`` Wow, Albus, '' lusterlessness said quietly when John had finished, `` Thanks, I guess. ``

`` No problem. I 'm not going to let him butt into why you 're sick 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 apologise to him. I do n't really want to, though, '' Albus answered.

`` Well, you probably should. He is your cousin, after all. But I ca n't say I 'd take care if he did n't pass as much time with us, '' Matt told him.

`` I know, me too, '' Albus responded. `` Anyway, how are you ? ``

`` Been better, been big, '' Matt replied, `` Got a few fall apart ribs, but madam Pomfrey fixed them. I 'm just a bit sore. And tired, of course. ``

`` When do you get to allow ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Probably Sunday, '' Matt yawned.

`` Do you require us to allow so you can sleep ? '' Rose asked.

`` No, I 've got all Nox to sleep. recount me what I missed in stratum. ``

`` Well, a mandrake attached itself to Karina 's fuzz in Herbology, '' Albus told him.

`` Bet she loved that, '' Matt stifled a laugh.

`` And Albus fell asleep in Potions, '' rosebush announced, `` I had to stir up him up a few multiplication. ``

`` I was n't asleep. I was just closing my middle for a bit, '' Albus insisted. `` Slughorn was just talking and it was boring. I had Quidditch practice yesterday and Astronomy. I 'm wear down. ``

`` What did I miss in Astronomy ? ``

`` Not much. Just review, mostly. Phases of the moon, that form of matter, '' Albus replied.

`` I think I 've got those down pretty well, '' matt laughed. Everyone else started laughing, too. Albus was happy that Matt was getting to be more comfortable about talking and joking about his condition with them.

Albus and the others spent the remainder of the time until dinner party in the Hospital fender with Matt. Once dinner time came, madam Pomfrey chased them out. Albus knew he 'd have to talk to Kaden soon, but he did n't get the opportunity to during dinner party. After they finished eating, Albus and his ally went up to the common way to get started on their growing wad of homework.

`` You should go public lecture to Kaden now, '' rosebush 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 writing, but he 'd rather compose it than talking to Kaden. `` I do n't even see him in here, Rose. ``

`` He 's over there, sitting by himself, '' blush wine pointed behind Albus.

`` Just get it over with, Albus, '' John told him as he twirled his shaft around his fingers, `` You 've got to do it sometime. Just rationalise and say him not to inconvenience oneself lusterlessness anymore. clear certain he knows that, because if he does that again I 'll yell at him, too. And I 'm much loud than you, '' John grinned.

`` He 's your full cousin, Albus, you 've got to at least be polite to him, '' Amanda said, `` Even if you 're not best Friend. ``

`` That 'll never happen, '' Albus rolled his oculus. `` Oh, fine, I 'll go talk to him. ``

Albus got up from the table and squeezed his way through the herd common elbow room to the chair Kaden was sitting in. Kaden was leafing through his potions text book of account and writing the occasional note of hand down on a piece of parchment. `` Er, hi Kaden, '' Albus said and sat down in the chair opposite his 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 blab out to you about. ``

`` Oh, well, go ahead, '' Kaden closed his potions book.

`` I guess I just want to say I 'm good-for-naught for yelling at you last nighttime, '' Albus said as he picked at a liberal thread on the chair. `` I did n't really mean to turn over you. I just wanted you to stop telling Matt to go to the Hospital Wing. He told you to stop and you did n't. ``

`` Well, I thought lady Pomfrey could just give him a potion and he 'd be all right, you know, like magic, '' Kaden gave a half-hearted 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 understand that trick did n't fix everything. `` Kaden, you 've got to understand that magic ca n't fix everything. I do n't call back you get that yet. I know it 's firmly to come into the magical humans after living in the Muggle one for eleven years. Well, actually, I guess I do n't know that. You 'd be honest off talking to Amanda about that, or my dad, or my aunty Hermione- ''

`` I think magical is bloody brilliant ! '' Kaden interrupted.

`` That 's the affair ! '' Albus stared his cousin in the eye, `` Not all conjuring trick 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 cognise about thaumaturgy. Most of them think illusion can fix all their problems, just like you do, '' Albus explained, `` But it ca n't. And I guess you 'll just deliver to learn that for yourself, if you do n't believe me. ``

`` I think I do think you, Albus, '' Kaden replied, `` And I already know that not all legerdemain is safe. I remember what you told me about Voldemort. ``

`` Yeah, I think you do know that, '' Albus agreed, `` But back to the former thing. You 've got to see that there are some, er, '' Albus chose his words carefully so as not to feed away Matt 's secret, `` illnesses, that ca n't be fixed by magic. They 're worse than your average cold or flu, and the therapist, those are wizard doctors, have n't found cures yet. ``

`` Oh, '' Kaden said. Albus could recite he was giving this a good bit of thought. `` But why ca n't you just flourish your wand and make it better ? ``

Albus sighed. This was knockout than he thought. He tried to think of a way of putting this in a Muggle view. Amanda would be in effect at this, he thought. Or even blush wine. `` I 'm not certain exactly why. It just wo n't work. I suppose magical healing is n't that different than Muggle medicine. Healers try to find cures just like doctors do. doctor ca n't fix everything either, like Cancer, '' Albus remembered a Muggle disease he heard his dad talking about once, one that was very hard to bring around. `` Doctor of the Church try to fix it and sometimes they do, but there 's no curative. ``

Kaden 's eyes opened panoptic and he whispered, `` flatness 's got genus Cancer ? ``

`` Oh, no ! '' Albus exclaimed, `` Wizards do n't get that ; it 's a Muggle disease. And what he 's got is n't the wizard version of it. He 's not going to die from it. He just gets sick every once and a spell. What you 've got to interpret is that dame Pomfrey ca n't fix it with potions. So, you should n't tell him to go get some. Just do n't mention anything like that. And definitely do n't call him stupe for not going to see ma'am Pomfrey, '' Albus said sternly.

Kaden nodded his question 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 tell you. That 's for him to tell you, if he wants to. And honestly, I do n't call up he will. So do n't ask him, ever. ``

`` You know what it is, right Albus ? '' Kaden asked.

`` Yeah, I do, '' Albus replied. `` Oh, and do n't verbalize about this with anyone else, besides me. Not any of the other first years, or anyone. Do n't bring up that you know anything whatsoever about him getting regorge. anticipate me you wo n't. ``

Kaden looked questioningly at his full cousin. `` I wo n't. But why is it so closelipped ? ``

`` It 's all piece 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 fetch up an essay. You want to come sit with us ? '' Albus was n't sure enough what his friends would think 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 rightfield thing to do.

A huge grinning appeared on Kaden 's look and he stood up. `` Yeah, of course ! ``

Albus walked back to his friends, Kaden following like a pup, and he knew things 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 mouthful of eggs.

`` Listen, I 've been trying to observe a metre for dueling practice, '' she began, `` It 's been intemperate than I thought it 'd be. I obviously ca n't do it during Quidditch practice. I do n't call up the entirely team will be able to meet at the same time ; it just wo n't work. But that 's all right. The team I was on close year rarely ever met at the Saame meter. I 've been talking to everyone and it looks like Wednesday evening will act for a lot of people. Can you stool it ? ``

Albus thought for a moment. He had been wondering when the first dueling drill would take blank space. John and Rose had already been to their 1st drill. Matt missed his because it took place while he was in the hospital wing. `` I should be able-bodied to ready 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 get together will be in the dueling room, seven in the even. I 've already talked to prof ceramicist and he said it 's unfreeze. I 've got to go talk to the Slytherins now. I 've been saving them for finale, '' she groaned and walked over to the Slytherin table.

`` Finally, we 're having a get together ! '' 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 mates people. ``

`` I disarmed a couple third years at my meeting, '' rosiness announced. `` I 'm stimulate about learning new spells, though. ``

`` Wish I had n't missed mine, '' flatness muttered.

`` You 'll make it to the next one, '' Albus assured him, `` You heard Kate, not everyone makes it to every meeting. ``

`` Can I go with you to the confluence, Albus ? Please ? '' Kaden begged.

`` I do n't think you can, sorry, '' Albus told him, `` commencement yr are n't allowed. ``

Kaden mumbled something that sounded like 'stupid normal'and left to go to his first class.

`` We ought to go, too, '' blush wine announced. Albus and his supporter left the Great Hall and made their way to Transfiguration.

The side by side few days seemed to sweep up on for an eternity. Albus was very unrestrained about the dueling practice and he did not feel like concentrating on anything else. He momentarily forgot about it during Quidditch practice session on Tuesday, but once that was finished, he was back to waiting impatiently for dueling.

After dinner on Wed, Albus and Amanda said goodbye to their ally and made their way to the dueling way. When they got there, they saw 7 or 8 early students, 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 couple more students ran into the room as Albus and Amanda went over to the radical of non-Slytherins. Harry walked in a instant later, and stood succeeding to Kate in the figurehead of the room.

Kate looked at the clock and then back at the team. `` All right, I think almost of us are here. I 'm Kate Waverly, 4th year Ravenclaw, as most of you know. I know a lot of you are n't glad about the inter-house squad this year, but we 'll have to deal with it. It 's not easy for me, either. shoemaker's last twelvemonth, captains only had to suit one Quidditch team, this class we have to conciliate four.

`` Professor Potter, professor Longbottom, or one of the other professors will supervise the recitation, at least for the first few. But if you have an government issue, please fall to me first because I 'm the captain. Now, for our first meeting, I 'd just like to assess what dueling acquirement you 've got. So pair off off and disarm each other. Disarm only. ``

Albus and Amanda stepped a few feet apart and faced each early. `` fix ? '' Amanda asked.

Albus grinned, `` You know, if this was a real duel, you would n't ask me if I 'm ready. ``

`` I know, '' Amanda laughed, `` I 'm just used to it. ``

`` It 's all right wing. ``

A few seconds later, Amanda shouted out, `` Expelliarmus ! ``

Albus felt his wand quiver in his hand, but it stayed there. `` That was a undecomposed try, '' he said.

`` I 've done it in form, '' Amanda told him.

`` I know. I 've seen you. ``

`` You try now. ``

`` Ok, '' Albus pointed his wand at Amanda and shouted, `` Exeplliarmus ! '' Amanda 's wand flew out of her hand 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 early for the succeeding fifteen minute of arc. Amanda managed to disarm Albus a twain times, but she was n't nearly as good at it as Albus was.

`` All right ! '' Kate shouted, `` replacement partners, everyone ! Preferably soul who 's not in your star sign. ``

`` Potter, '' Malfoy appeared next to Albus, smirking at him, `` Let me show everyone how much of a better duelist 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 team, '' Malfoy commented, `` Then I could pass over the floor with you in a real duel. Oh, well, this 'll have to do. ``

`` Bit wide-cut of yourself, are n't you ? '' Albus muttered, raising his wand.

`` Expelliarmus ! '' Malfoy shouted. Albus 's sceptre flew out of his hand and landed a couple feet away. `` Told you, '' he laughed. `` I am a better duelist than you. ``

`` I have n't tried disarming you yet, Malfoy, '' Albus replied, `` Do n't weigh your Snidgets before they hatch. ``

`` Give me your defective, Potter, '' Malfoy smirked.

`` Expelliarmus ! '' Albus shouted with all the force he could muster. Malfoy 's wand left his hired man and landed a couple feet away, just as Albus 's had done. `` There, we 're even. ``

`` We 'll never be even, ceramist, '' Malfoy replied haughtily.

`` Great job, everyone ! '' Kate announced, `` That 's plenty for now. I see we have some great duelers in here. With a little drill, I 'm indisputable we 'll beat the early teams. I think for simplicity, I 'll hold practice session every calendar week this same day and clip. It might be in a different room occasionally, and I 'll let you eff if it is. Do n't worry if you ca n't shit all the meetings. Just try and make as many as you can. I 'll see everyone succeeding week. ``

`` That was pretty fun, '' Amanda said as they were getting quick 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 common way. ``

`` All right hand, '' Amanda left the room.

`` I have n't had a chance to let the cat out of the bag to you much, '' Harry said once the room was empty. He walked over to a couple chairs 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 happy you made the team, although I heard some of the other Gryffindors were n't too happy. ``

`` Yeah, a couple persuasion I just got on the team because GA 's captain. And Ryan 's the entirely one who 's not a Weasley or a ceramicist on the team now, '' Albus explained.

`` I 'm certainly that 's not why you made the squad, '' Harry assured him. `` You 're a outstanding pursuer. ``

`` And I 'm already used to working with Heather and Fred. ``

`` Exactly, you were the right one, '' Harry agreed, `` How have classes been ? ``

`` amercement. magical spell is much better than terminal year. I like Professor Cedonia. ``

`` She 's very courteous. She 's definitely not the common variety 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 classes under control. I think the former instructor could larn a lot from her. ``

`` I 'd bang it if cypher gave out detention anymore, '' Albus grinned.

`` That 's not really what I meant, but anyway, '' Harry continued, `` I heard you had some trouble with Kaden recently. Mum sent me an owl about it. ``

Albus felt his cheek turn red. `` Er, yeah, but it 's all worked out now. I 'm not mad at him anymore. ``

`` glad to learn it, '' Harry smiled, `` If you have anymore problems, sense free to come 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 know when to quit sometimes. ``

`` Some masses 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 ceramicist. Nor do I own 'Bothering Snape'or anything else related to Potter creature Pals.




The indorsement one-half of September passed the Same way the first half had. Albus 's days were filled with division, prep, Quidditch practice session, and dueling exercise. Albus was really enjoying both Quidditch and dueling, although he liked Quidditch better. Kate had begun teaching them new magic spell in dueling, and it was fun, but Malfoy kept trying to pardner up with Albus during pattern. Albus suspected that Malfoy was trying to beat Albus in one of the practice duels, but he had yet to bring home the bacon. The first gear dueling meet was n't until the end of October and Kate felt that the team would be fully prepared by then.

Kaden was quickly becoming a permanent fixture in Albus 's radical of acquaintance. After Albus apologized and invited Kaden to sit with them in the coarse elbow room, he just never left. He was always with them whenever they were n't in class and because of this, Albus and his friend were spending much less time in the room of necessity than they had the second half of their get-go twelvemonth. They seemed to have come to an unsaid agreement not to express Kaden the 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 second gear Billy Sunday of October, Albus found himself looking for his friends after a particularly long Quidditch exercise. He shouldered his broom, feeling very worn-out, and headed back to the castle. It was a warm fall day, not a cloud in the sky, and a cool breeze was blowing. It had been the pure day for Quidditch drill. Albus had gotten his for the first time gustatory modality of Quidditch practice in the rainfall a span weeks back and he had n't enjoyed it in the slightest.

On his way back to the rook, Albus noticed St. John and mat sitting a couple chiliad away from the Whomping willow, beneath another Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree. Kaden was wandering around nearby, playing with what appeared to be a round musical composition of plastic attached to a long chain. Albus went over to whoremaster and mat and sat down succeeding to them.

`` How was recitation ? '' Matt asked.

`` Exhausting, '' Albus replied, `` What have you been up to ? ``

`` Sitting around, putting off doing our homework, '' whoremonger grinned.

`` And watching Kaden child's play with that Muggle toy, '' matt laughed.

`` What is that thing ? '' Albus stared at the while of plastic 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 little, '' Matt commented, `` But I must give 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 have the attention span to play with that toy.

`` About 15 minute, '' 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 praxis ? ``

`` Good, '' Albus told him, `` Tiring, but proficient. ``

`` I was watching. I think I 'd like to be a Beater, it looks like fun to whop those Bludgers around, '' Kaden grinned.

Albus, who personally thought Kaden should not be allowed near a Beater 's bat after he nearly put soul 's eye out with his scepter a twosome times, laughed. `` Well, we wo n't be needing a new Beater for a while, '' he turned to John and matte, `` Where are Rose and Amanda ? ``

`` Up in the castling, doing homework, probably, '' John replied, `` They did n't want to come outside. ``

Kaden stood up and stared at the Whomping Willow. `` D'you think that tree could shoot down someone ? ``

`` Probably, '' Albus said.

`` marvel why they planted it, then, '' Kaden started to walk a little closer to the tree.

Albus glanced at his friends and saw a spirit of terror appear in matte 's centre. Why was it that Kaden always seemed to question the things that had to do with matt 's being a werewolf ?

`` Er, Dumbledore probably thought it was funny remark, '' Albus lied.

`` He was mad, then, '' Kaden inched even closer to the Tree, whose thrashing outgrowth were now just a couple feet away from him.

`` A bit, yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` But he was brilliant, too. ``

`` It 's so unknown, though. I 've never seen a tree like this, '' Kaden started to encircle the tree.

`` That 's because it 's magic, '' Albus told him.

`` You should probably step back, Kaden, '' mat warned him.

`` I 'll be thrifty, '' Kaden took a few Thomas More stone's throw towards the tree. He was now within reach of its outgrowth. `` mustiness be a unassailable tree diagram. '' He started to try and rival one of the ramification, but the tree got there first and hit him on the leg with one of its branches. `` Ouch ! '' Kaden shrieked.

Albus, flatness, and John the Divine 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 the skin. I 'm fine, '' Kaden assured him and went back to inspecting the tree diagram. But the tree diagram did n't like Kaden around it and started to hit him more forcefully. `` Ow ! ``

Albus rushed forward, dodging branches as he went. `` Kaden, move ! ``

But Kaden did n't move away from the tree. A branch hit him in the nous and knocked him over. He stood up a petty and peered airless at the tree 's base.

`` Kaden, get away from there ! '' matte screamed in a very precarious tone. `` I 'm serious, motivate ! ``

`` I think there 's a yap down there ! '' Kaden shouted excitedly.

Albus saw all the color drainage from Matt 's facial expression, and he knew that Kaden had just found out how to get into the secret passageway that led to the Shrieking shanty. Albus was about to go snaffle Kaden away from the tree, when he disappeared from sight.

`` Oh, no, oh, no ! '' Matt shrieked, shaking his psyche back and forth.

Albus rushed forward towards the tree. It hit him on his berm and his head as he tried to skirt the offshoot. He crept closer, still getting hit, and saw the hole 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 idea how Kaden had done it.

matt ran forward and grabbed a long branch that was on the dry land. He wordlessly shoved it into the foot of the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree, and the subdivision stopped. Albus turned to look at him, but he said nothing. Albus quickly jumped into the cakehole and found Kaden crouching in the entrance of a farsighted tunnel.

`` This is amazing ! '' Kaden grinned, `` I 've found a secret passageway ! ``

`` Listen, Kaden, we 've got to get out of here, '' Albus said urgently.

`` Aw, descend on, Albus. Let 's follow it ! ``

`` No, Kaden, we ca n't, '' Albus insisted.

`` You do n't seem very charge up, '' Kaden commented and he stared at Albus for a few moment. `` 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 good lier, `` mulct, I do already know about it. My dad told me about it. But I have n't been in it. bookman are n't supposed to go in it. That 's why we 've got to leave, we 'll be in immense trouble. ``

`` Do you know where it leads ? '' Kaden asked.

`` No, '' Albus lied. He figured he 'd be able to pull that lie off, and he did n't desire to tell Kaden where the passage led to. `` Now let 's go. ``

Kaden sighed, `` Fine. But you 're ruining the fun. ``

Albus did n't say another word. He quickly climbed out of the hole, hoping that whatever lustrelessness had done to block off the branches was still working. Luckily, it was, and Albus was able to climb out without receiving anymore harm. Kaden climbed out behind him, the vast grin still on his face.

John and matte were standing nearby, but not near enough to be hit with ramification. Matt was looking clean as a specter, clearly worried that Kaden had found the screech shanty. Albus was just about to differentiate 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 rules. ``

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, delinquent. ``

Albus turned to look at bathroom and lustrelessness. John was looking pretty calm, but mat was still as wan as Nearly Headless nick. Kaden also looked a bit worried, but not nearly as much as Matt. Albus was a piddling nervous as well. He had never gotten in problem with the caretaker before. He had heard horror stories about Filch and was n't sure which ace were true.

Albus followed Filch up to the castle in between John and Matt. Kaden was walking a little shipway behind them. None of them said a word. Filch was muttering to himself as he slowly lead the group up to the castle. They continued following Filch through the castle while former students stared at them. The former students were whispering amongst themselves as Albus and the others passed. Albus stared at the soil and tried to ignore them. Why was his trouble making always so publicized ? Of line, this was n't even his fault, Albus thought bitterly. It was all Kaden 's flaw. Why did he induce to continue messing with the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree ? He never seemed to want to let anything go. When he got an mind into his capitulum, he never seemed to let go of it until Albus either yelled at him or physically stopped him.

Filch led them into a small, cramped, sullen office filled with various Muggle cleaning implements. There were only 3 chairperson in the elbow room, one of which was behind Filch 's desk and he sat in it immediately. matt took one of the other death chair, as he appeared so flighty that he might faint. Kaden immediately started snooping around the billet, while Albus and St. 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 house elves, bothering wizard puppet, bothering Snape, bothering early students, ah, here it is ! Bothering the Whomping Willow. '' Filch grinned and pulled out a piece of music of parchment. He set it down on his desk and looked up at Albus and the others.

Albus glanced at John Lackland, who shrugged. None of them had ever been in Filch 's position before and had no thought what to expect. Albus was prepared for the worse, including being shackled to the wall, as his full cousin Fred told him Filch had done.

`` Quite the mathematical group of trouble manufacturing business you are, '' Filch muttered, `` I 've got the configuration right here, already made. Had quite a few others torment that tree diagram in the past, especially after it was first planted. ``

Albus had his question as to whether Filch actually knew why the Tree was planted. matt seemed to be getting more skittish with every mention of the Whomping Willow, and Albus could n't blame him.

Filch opened his mouth and was about to say something when there was a collapse behind Albus. Albus turned around and saw Kaden standing with a few 12 Fanged Frisbees at his base. He was holding one in his manus 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 hand and picked up the others. He shoved the box back on the shelf and went back behind his desk.

`` Sorry, '' Kaden mumbled. Filch ignored him.

`` Back to your penalisation, '' Filch continued, picking up a quill. `` Full names ? ``

For a divide second, Albus considered giving Filch a faker epithet, but figured it would do no good with his dad as a teacher. `` Albus Severus Potter. ``

Filch wrote his name down and a smile spread across his font. `` Following in your Father 's stride ? And your grandfather 's ? Yes, yes, I have an entire drawer in my filing cabinet dedicated to your grandfather and his juvenile delinquent friend. I do believe he once bothered the Whomping willow tree as well. ``

Albus ignored Filch 's reminiscing. He had not been bothering that Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree. He had been saving Kaden from it. Although what Filch said had sparked his peculiarity. Why had his grandfather messed with the tree diagram ? He knew his grandfather loved to throw trouble, but that tree concealed one of his best friend 's mystery. Maybe it had happened before he knew about it, Albus thought.

`` What about the rest of you delinquents ? '' Filch growled.

`` John Malcolm Brickston, '' St. John the Apostle 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 pecker Dursley, '' Kaden announced.

`` right hand, '' Filch finished filling out the form and put it into his very large filing storage locker. `` Your punishment. Three nights'hold. Tonight you 'll be scrubbing cauldrons, Muggle flair of grade, in the Potions room. Tomorrow you can do lines. And Mon you 'll cleanse the Astronomy towboat, without magic as well. Meet me in the dungeons 8pm acute tonight. Now get out of here. ``

Albus wrenched the room access open and ran out of the office as fast as he could. Three nights of detention ! Two of which would be spent doing Muggle cleaning ! That was rough. Albus was tempestuous now. Why did Kaden have to go near that tree ? None of them would be in this heap if he had n't. Albus stalked all the way up to Gryffindor Tower, with St. John the Apostle and matte following to him, nobody saying a word. Kaden ran along aside them, trying to get them to talk to him. Albus knew what they had to do now. They had to make sure Kaden did not separate anyone about that tunnel.

When they climbed through the portraiture hole, Albus was relieved to see that both Bilius and Ethan were in the usual way. That meant the dormitory was free and Albus could talk to Kaden up there. He wordlessly led the group to the dormitory and shut the door behind them.

`` Ok, what is wrong with you lot ? '' Kaden asked loudly, `` Why are you so calm down ? ``

`` We just got in trouble because of you ! '' Albus shouted.

`` fountainhead, sorry ! '' Kaden responded, `` But it 's not that bad, it 's just cleaning. ``

`` Three nights worth ! '' lusterlessness groaned, `` And I did n't even do anything. Neither did John or Albus. ``

`` Albus was in that burrow with me, '' Kaden pointed out.

`` Only to get you out ! '' Albus reminded him, `` And if you remember, we told you numerous times to leave that tree alone. This is what I was talking about survive month, Kaden. You never stop when people ask you to. And I 've been in Hogwarts longer than you have, if I tell you to finish doing something, hazard are there 's a dear grounds for it ! And this one just seemed like common sensory faculty to me ! 'Do n't go near the tree that could down you .'Why on worldly concern would n't you listen to that ? ``

`` Jeesh, Albus, '' Kaden replied, a little quieter, `` I was just curious about it. ``

`` Curiosity killed the kneazle, '' John muttered.

`` What ? '' Kaden stared at him.

`` Kneazle, it 's a magical animal, '' Saint John the Apostle explained.

`` Oh, well, Muggles just say curio killed the cat. ``

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

`` Anyway, '' Albus continued, `` You ca n't severalize anyone about that tunnel and I mean anyone. Not your mum, not your dad, not your sister, not any of the other starting time years, no Muggles or star, young or old, '' Albus turned to John and Matt, `` Have I left anything out ? ``

`` Do n't tell any brute either, '' whoremaster added, `` Or what appear to be nonliving objective either, you never know in this place. ``

Kaden stared at them with a baffled look on his typeface. `` Why not ? It looks to be a secret passageway ! ``

If it was possible, lusterlessness seemed to turn even whiter. `` Do n't assure anyone, '' he said forcefully. `` And do n't go back into it. Ever. ``

Kaden sighed. `` You lot direct 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 keep the lie straight. Now what was he going to say ? `` Oh, er, well, I kind of do know. But trust me, it 's nothing good. It 's not even that exciting, pretty boring really. ``

`` And you 're not going to say me what it is, are you ? '' Kaden looked at all of them.

`` Nope, '' King John 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 particular mystery only people with star parents can know ? '' Kaden asked darkly.

Albus was shocked. Where had his cousin come up with something like that ? `` No ! Of course not ! Why in the public figure of Merlin 's beard would you think that ? ``

`` Certain people here seem to think Muggle-borns should n't be teach magic, '' Kaden explained.

Albus knew this, of course of instruction. 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 former scholarly person. `` Just stay on away from him. And if he bothers you again, just tell me. I 'll get my first cousin to set him straight. ``

`` All right, '' Kaden replied, `` And I really am regretful about the Whomping Willow matter. ``

`` It 's ok, '' Albus assured him. `` We 'll just induce you do almost of the cleaning these future few nights, '' he grinned.



A/N : Thanks to my genus Beta and baby, Dancer of Starlight, as well as my early sister and my comrade. Thanks as well to sinwillys822, Niki Lily, drownzer, XDNLxtlz99, Moonylupin, and potterfan89 for their limited review !


Diclaimer- I do n't own Harry potter. Nor do I own Monty Python, Spamalot, or any of their pertain material.




Albus never thought he would consume a worse detention than the one he had cleaning the trophy room the late twelvemonth. He thought Washburn had been the worst soul to have detention with, but he was damage. Albus went through his whole first year without getting in trouble with Filch, and he was very well-chosen about that. By the prison term he finished his second base detention on Monday night, he was beginning to wish he was doing hold with Washburn instead. At to the lowest degree Washburn had n't breathed down his cervix the full time. Filch spent all of William Ashley Sunday dark staring at them while they scrubbed cauldron, and all of the premature night staring at them as they churned out ancestry after personal credit line. Filch seemed to take joy in watching the students rub their hands raw while scrubbing the cauldrons. Of track, the business line could give been considered a overnice happy chance in between the two cleanup events.

By the clip Albus trudged into the common room on Tues eve after Quidditch practice, he was ready to be done with detention. But no such luck ; it was their final night and Filch was sure to relish every minute of it. Albus quickly dropped his Calluna vulgaris off in his dormitory and went back to the common elbow room to spend the ten minutes they had before they had to leave for detention.

`` The death thing I want to do is go fair something, '' Albus groaned.

`` expression like you need to scavenge your apparel, '' St. John the Apostle laughed.

Albus shot him a dirty look. `` What do you expect ? It 's raining and it 's murky and I just spent 45 mo flying around. ``

`` I know, '' John grinned.

`` Georgia was n't happy about me leaving former, '' Albus told him. `` She 's ruthless. ``

`` I 'll bet, '' John agreed.

`` Hey, where 's Matt ? '' Albus asked, looking around the common room.

`` Room of Requirement, '' toilet replied. `` Been there since right after you left for pattern. ``

`` Oh, right, '' Albus said, remembering that the full lunar month was the following evening. `` Why are n't you there with him ? ``

`` Wanted to, '' Saint John sighed, `` Could n't escape from Kaden. He 's been with me ever since you left. In fact, I think that 's why lusterlessness 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 coarse room.

`` He went to put his Good Book in his dormitory, '' John explained, `` I 'm sure he 'll be back at any moment. ``

As if on cue, Kaden came flying out of the door leading to the dormitories and made a beeline for Albus and lav. `` fix ? It 's the last-place Nox ! '' Kaden announced.

`` Yes, we know, '' St. John said, `` You 've been telling us that all day. ``

`` Where 's flatness ? Have n't seen him since dinner. He 'd better hurry up, wherever he is, '' Kaden peered around the room.

Albus and John exchanged looking at. `` I 'll happen him, '' Albus replied quickly. `` You two go on ahead. ``

This time it was John 's go to give Albus a disgusted flavour. He clearly did n't desire to be the one who had to go to detention with Kaden. `` amercement. See you later, blush wine, Amanda. ``

`` Enjoy yourselves, '' rose wine replied.

`` See you later, '' Amanda waved.

Albus gave John and Kaden a second 's head start before he left the coarse room and went to the elbow room of Requirement. He did n't want Kaden to find out where he was going. Once the glide was clear, he paced three metre in front line of the blank wall on the seventh storey and waited for the door to look. It materialized just same always and Albus went quietly inside. The room was obscure and Albus could hardly see where he was going. He wished there was some wakeful. Immediately, flashlight lit up along the walls and revealed a four-poster bed in the middle of the belittled room.

Albus walked quickly over to the bed and wrenched the wall hanging open. Once he saw how eject Matt looked, he immediately felt guilty about how he had complained about being too tired from Quidditch practice to do detention. His exhaustion was null compared to Matt's.

`` C'mon, we 've got detention, '' Albus gently poked his friend.

Matt opened his middle 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 astronomy Tower. Neither of them said anything for most of the journeying, but Albus knew they were both thinking the same thing. They wished they did n't have to do custody that night.

`` Where are John and Kaden ? '' Matt asked, suddenly realizing that they were n't there.

`` They went on ahead. Did n't want Kaden to live about the elbow room. ``

`` Oh, yeah, thanks for that, '' Matt replied.

Albus and Matt slowly climbed the stairs leading to the Tower, and once they reached the top, Albus opened the door and the two of them arrived. Luckily, it had stopped raining and the swarm had even dissipated. The almost full moon was shedding low-cal upon the pillar, enough that Albus and the others would be able-bodied to do their detention with only a distich torches. Albus noticed Matt shudder and screw up his oculus as the moonlight 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 Night. You can continue cleaning cauldron. There are still some left. ``

Albus glanced at flatness who did n't even appear to be paying care to Filch. He looked too officious trying not to be sick. There was no way that Matt could possibly do detention the comply evening. He would just give birth to state professor Longbottom about it the next day. Albus, however, groaned, as he would be equal to of doing detention the following night. However, he would feature to pretermit dueling practice. At least Kate was n't highly strung about them missing practice like Georgia was.

`` fountainhead, what are you waiting for ? '' Filch growled at Albus and matte, `` Start scrub ! ``

Albus picked up a rag out of the pail that was standing nearby and ran quickly to where trick and Kaden were scrubbing. He was partway there when he realized Matt was still standing near the door. 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 Matt by the arm without looking at Filch and led him over to the telescopes.

`` Are you all right ? '' Albus whispered and started to clean house the nighest telescope.

`` F-fine, '' Matt stuttered. Albus looked at him and noticed that he was shivering.

Albus turned to look at lav who shrugged with confusion. `` It 's a lot high-risk than last night, '' Albus muttered. During the late nighttime 's detention, Matt had nodded off a few times, but he had been subject of producing a good bit of lines. Tonight, lusterlessness appeared to be frozen in situation and definitely would n't be getting much cleanup done.

`` Well, it is the dark before, '' whoremaster whispered so quietly that Albus could barely find out him.

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` But he seems sicker than almost nights before. ``

`` Dunno why, '' John replied, `` We 'd meliorate obliterate him from Filch, though. Filch will know he 's not clean. '' Albus nodded and moved to the other English of Matt.

`` What 's wrong with him ? '' Kaden asked loudly, `` Is he sick again ? ``

Albus and lav scene Kaden ominous tone and Kaden immediately shut up. `` I was just wondering, '' he muttered a minute later.

`` Remember what I told you in conclusion time ? '' Albus asked quietly, `` Do n't fetch it up. ``

`` Quiet ! '' Filch shouted loudly.

mat jumped and looked at Albus with a flavour of disarray on his face. `` What 're we doing ? '' he mumbled.

`` custody, '' Albus replied, `` Listen, d'you want to go to the hospital annexe ? ``

`` No, it 's not this evening, it 's tomorrow night, '' he said and slouched onto the scope he was supposed to be cleaning.

`` I said smooth ! '' Filch yelled and waltzed over to the boys, `` Get to cultivate Potter and Eckerton. ``

Albus and the others worked in muteness for the next half hour. John and Albus worked carefully down the row of telescopes, making sure Matt was between them at all times so it would look like he was cleaning. Kaden worked on Albus 's early side, looking much more cheery than the former three boy did.

`` Finland, Finland, Finland ... '' he sung quietly, `` That 's the body politic for me .... ''

`` What ? '' Albus whispered. Kaden had been humming that call for the by five minutes 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, add up on ! You 've never heard of Monty Python ? Spamalot, the Broadway play ? ``

`` Uh, no, '' Albus replied, wondering what that song could deliver to do with a python. There had n't been any citation of Hydra in it.

Kaden sighed. `` I love the wizarding world, but you lot are really lacking in luxuriously quality amusement. Would it kill you to find out TV and moving picture ? Monty Python is a moving-picture show, and a pretty singular one at that. You can watch it at my star sign sometime. Spamalot is a Broadway gaming based on it. They turned it into a movie a few years back. ``

Albus was still a bit unconnected about the Song dynasty, 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 follow it very often. `` You 'll rot your wit out ! '' she always told him, `` Now go interpret a book ! ``

Albus and Kaden went back to their cleaning, and Kaden started humming a new Sung. 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.

`` Stop that blame 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 remainder of the detention was spent in almost dispatch silence. Every once and a while, Kaden would try to engage the others in conversation, but it was always stopped by Filch. Luckily, Filch never realized that mat had n't done an ounce of cleaning. He seemed to busy glaring at Kaden and telling him to shut out up. Albus realized that Filch probably had an endless grudge against Kaden now, which Kaden seemed oblivious to. It would not surprise Albus if Kaden had a file cabinet that rivaled his grandfather 's by the clock time he graduated. By the time the detention was over, Matt was leaning against Albus, although he seemed thoroughly unaware of it. Albus had caught Kaden staring at mat a few clip, but as soon as Albus sent him a dirty spirit, 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 steps before Albus and the others.

`` We 're done now, '' Albus gently woke Matt up.

`` Done with what ? '' matte mumbled without opening his eyes.

`` custody, where we 've been for the last time of day, '' Albus explained while looking at John. trick pulled Matt off of Albus, but he stumbled fell against a telescope.

`` Ouch ! '' Matt shouted and grabbed his head.

`` We 've got to get back to the common elbow room, and quick, '' Albus said, more to John than to Matt, `` It 's almost curfew. ``

`` What 're we going to do with him ? '' John asked. lustrelessness was now leaning on whoremaster. `` I wish we could levitate him. ``

`` You ca n't ? '' Kaden asked loudly.

`` No, that 's much more advanced than we 're able to do, '' Albus explained, `` And low-toned your voice. ``

`` Let 's just each get on one English of him, '' John threw one of matt 's arms over his shoulder and gestured for Albus to do the same.

Albus followed Saint John the Apostle 's lead and told Kaden to get the door. Albus, King John, and matt hobbled awkwardly down the step and back into the primary part of the castle. It was slow going and they 'd already missed curfew.

`` skilful thing he 's light, '' Albus commented.

`` Yeah, '' John agreed.

`` Ugh, '' matt winced and opened his eyes, `` I think I 'm going to be sick. ``

Albus and Saint John looked at each other for a split second before Matt retched onto the floor in front of them.

`` Ew, gross ! '' John exclaimed.

`` Told you he was upchuck, '' Kaden said. He had been walking a few tempo ahead of them and kept looking back, wanting to say something but afraid to.

`` We knew that, '' Albus snapped.

lustrelessness retched a second time and Albus felt him collapse onto the floor. Albus and John both grabbed his arms as he went down and slowed the downfall. Now what were they going to do ?

`` mat ? '' 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 wake 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 eff ? '' Albus snapped.

`` will you two bar arguing ? '' John interrupted. `` What are we going to do ? ``

Albus shrugged and thought. What were they going to do ? panic overtook him as he assessed the situation. They were out of bed after curfew and Matt was passed out on the floor. It could n't get speculative than this. There was no way for them to get matte to the mutual elbow room or the hospital wing without levitating him. And none of them could hover a person. Albus looked at Matt and noticed he had begun shivering again. Albus took off his cloak and laid it over his protagonist. `` Kaden, '' Albus began, `` Go get madam Pomfrey. ``

`` Why me ? '' Kaden asked nervously. He looked around at the dark corridor, clearly worried about walking through them alone.

`` Just do it ! '' Albus shouted.

Kaden looked taken aback at Albus 's meretricious musical note. `` 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 ticket. ``

The boy sat in silence for the next distich minutes, watching for foretoken of consciousness in their friend. However, Matt remained unresponsive and very pale. Though he was still shivering, his forehead glistened with sweat in the moonlight that was streaming in through a nearby window.

`` What 's that ? '' John asked, pointing down the corridor.

Albus looked where lav was pointing and saw a physical body floating towards him. He stood up and drew his wand and John did the Sami. The human body came faithful and closer, and soon Albus was able-bodied to make it out. It was Peeves. Albus groaned inwardly. This was the last thing they needed, Peeves announcing their presence to the whole castle.

`` Students out of bed ! '' Peeves shouted gleefully as he noticed the boys.

`` Shut up, Peeves ! '' Albus replied, very irritated at Peeves 's happy tone.

Peeves peered down at Matt and then looked at whoremaster and Albus. `` Dueling, have we ? It seems that you two have won. But Mr. Filch wo n't like this ! No he wo n't ! educatee out of bed and dueling, too ! ``

`` We have n't been dueling ! '' lav insisted, `` Now get out of here ! ``

`` hee-haw ! '' Peeves laughed, `` Peeves does n't mind to scholarly person, no he does n't ! Peeves movement hassle when students are around ! ``

`` No, tranquillize ! '' Albus whispered.

Peeves cackled even louder and zoomed up and down the corridor. `` Students out of bed ! Students out of bed ! ``

Albus and trick gave each other panicked looks. Albus had no mind what to do to quieten the poltergeist. But if he did n't stop shouting, someone would surely bump out that they were there. Albus 's care were soon realized as he heard hurry stride coming down the corridor. Albus wished he had his male parent 's invisibleness cloak.

Peeves apparently heard them too, because he flew down towards them shouting, `` They 're over here ! Over here ! Students out of bed ! ``

`` Go away, Peeves ! '' a loud relentless voice shouted, `` Or I 'll get the Bloody king ! ``

`` Yes, brothel keeper Nurse, mam ! '' Peeves saluted and sped down the corridor, cackling madly.

Albus breathed a suspiration of relief. It was just Madam Pomfrey. Albus watched as the nurse ran the rest of the way down the corridor. She was surprisingly fast for mortal her age. Kaden was panting behind her, trying to save up.

dame Pomfrey rushed over to Albus, John, and Matt, and immediately bend down and put her bridge player on Matt 's forehead. `` What 's happened ? '' she asked briskly.

`` He collapsed, '' Albus told her.

The nurse clicked her tongue and conjured a coping stone. She waved her wand and Matt landed on top of it. `` Well, you can explain more once we get to the hospital offstage. Quickly now. ``

Albus, John, 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 continue himself from asking more questions. Minutes later, the group arrived at the hospital wing. madam Pomfrey barged through the door and immediately deposited mat onto a bed. She bustled around the ward, gathering potions while asking the boys more questions.

`` Why were you out of your common way ? '' she asked.

`` Detention, '' Albus responded.

`` Where and with whom ? ``

`` Filch had us cleaning the entire Astronomy Tower, '' John the Divine replied with a disgusted tone.

Madam Pomfrey stopped rifling through her potion cabinet and turned to look at lav. `` Astronomy tug ? ``

`` Er, yeah, '' Saint John answered with a aspect of confusion on his face.

`` Filch ! '' ma'am Pomfrey shouted as she ran back to matte 's bed, `` I 'll consume him for this ! I thought I made it unclutter to him lowest class when he had you scrubbing the john ... I 'll hex him into next class ! Merlin 's beard, the uranology Tower ! And tonight of all Nox ! '' The nurse continued to run back and Forth from her office, potion cabinet, and Matt 's bed while muttering about Filch.

`` What 's she going on about ? '' Kaden whispered. Albus jumped. He 'd bury Kaden was there. `` What 's Filch got anything to do with him being sick ? '' Kaden asked.

`` I 'll get him for this ! '' madam Pomfrey shouted as she waved her wand over Matt. `` I swear I will .... ''

Albus looked at Madam Pomfrey and then back at Kaden. He chose to ignore Kaden 's inquiry. The nurse was getting dangerously close to cluing Kaden into why Matt was there. If she was n't measured, she 'd render away everything.

`` I thought I 'd lay down it sack to him ! '' the nurse repeated while she poured a disgusting looking orange potion down Matt 's pharynx. `` No detention on these Nox and certainly not on the uranology Tower ! If he 'd been out there any longer ... Well, I 'm not exactly certainly what would have happened ! ``

Kaden looked throughly confused. `` What 's the Astronomy Tower got to do with this ? ``

`` Of all the Nox of the month- ''

`` Madam Pomfrey ! '' Albus shouted, suddenly deciding that he had to get the nanny to halt ranting. lady Pomfrey looked up from what she was doing and glared at Albus. It generally was not a practiced idea to interrupt her while she was working, but Albus had no choice. He ran over to where the nurse was standing. `` Sorry, ma'am, '' he whispered, `` It 's just, there are sure, er, matter, that Kaden does n't hump. '' Albus gestured to where his cousin was standing. `` And I know Matt would favour it if he did n't know, '' Albus gave her a significant tone that he hoped would convey his thoughts.

dame Pomfrey stared at him for a few irregular and then recognition came over her. `` Oh ! Oh, my ! '' she whispered back, `` I ca n't think I, well, right. So sorry about that. I 'll be a bit quieter. ``

Albus went back over to where Kaden and privy were standing. John the Evangelist gave him a relieved look, but Kaden looked even more fox. `` What was that about ? '' Kaden asked.

`` aught, '' Albus gave Kaden another one of his 'shut up now'look. Kaden immediately closed his mouth. Albus was getting salutary at conveying those spirit now and Kaden seemed to obey justly away, which was good.

`` All right hand, '' Madam Pomfrey walked back to the three boys after a few more instant, `` He 's going to be fine. He 'll just need to persist here for a duad years. '' 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 course of study, good, '' lady Pomfrey 's formula softened. `` You know what multiplication are safe. Now, you three best be off to your dormitories. It 's very late. If anyone stops you, just tell apart them you were with me. And do n't concern about seeing Filch. I 'm off to find him now, and he 's going to be busy for quite a while. ``

Albus nodded and had to strangle a laugh. He knew the nurse would be seeking out the caretaker and would be giving him a long and loudly objurgation at best.



A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight ! Special thanks to my other sister and my chum for help with the Monty Python stuff. Speaking of Monty Python and Spamalot, I took some liberties in deciding that Spamalot was turned into a motion picture sometime during the salute and 2017, when this takes place. Otherwise, Kaden could not induce seen it as it sadly closed on Broadway last calendar month ( before I got to see it, unfortunately ).

Thanks as well to XDNLxtlz99, St. Luke, Moonylupin, and potterfan89 for their reappraisal !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry potter or Spamalot



Albus and John did n't take a chance to tell Rose and Amanda about the hold until after lunch the future day. It was their afternoon off and they were relaxing in the elbow room of essential for a few minutes before they went to chit-chat Matt. It was the first clock time since the detention that Kaden was n't around. Kaden had classes all afternoon, so it was an ideal sentence to talk about what had happened the previous nighttime. No one, not even Rose, seemed to have any estimation why matt seemed so lots sicker that Nox than the other Night before wide moons. Their only guess was that he was already worn out from the detentions on the previous two Night. Eventually, they just decided to go to the hospital Wing and ask matte. Albus was sure enough he would tell them. After all, he told them all about that study he was in.

However, when they arrived at the Hospital Wing, Matt was sound asleep. brothel keeper Pomfrey informed them that he had woken up for a curtly while former that morning, but had fallen asleep soon after. He had been asleep ever since, and the nurse apartment out refused to let them heat him up. She insisted that he needed all the relaxation he could get before nightfall and that they could chat him the following afternoon.

Albus and his supporter were very subdued that evening. Albus had just returned to the vulgar room after fulfilling his excess hold with Filch. It was just as miserable as the number 1 cauldron-cleaning detention had been. When he got back to the plebeian room, all his supporter were doing prep and not saying much. Amanda was already back from dueling practice session. Albus was worried about matte and he could tell the others were as well. It variety of reminded him of that dark of the entire lunation they stayed up waiting for forenoon to come after astronomy family the former year. Only this year, they had Kaden to fill in the quietness that surrounded them.

`` And then Slughorn had to give the unanimous stratum antidote ! '' Kaden laughed as he relayed his most recent potions class. One of the early first old age had heated her cauldron too a great deal and caused the potion to blow up all over the total class. Albus and the others nodded their heads, like they had been doing for the preceding half hr, and continued working on their respective homework.

`` Is n't it funny ? '' Kaden sighed, `` What 's haywire with you lot ? You 've been sitting there not saying anything for the yesteryear hour ! I thought you 'd at least laugh at the idea of everyone in my potions social class having various piece of their physical structure release bright pink. ``

`` We 're just worried about Matt, '' rose wine explained, not looking up from her Charms book.

`` brothel keeper Pomfrey said he 'd be fine, '' Kaden reminded her.

`` She does n't have it off that, '' rose replied.

`` Sure she does. She 's the nurse, '' Kaden grinned, `` And she can fix anything. ``

Albus sighed loudly, `` Not this again ! Listen, you just do n't understand. She ca n't know for sure that he 'll be ok. ''

This time it was Kaden 's bend to sigh, `` Well, I 'm not going to interpret unless you tell me what 's legal injury 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 seconds later he started to laugh. `` Weasel. Get it ? Weasley, weasel ! And you 're half Weasley ! ``

`` Very divert, '' Albus murmured.

`` Oh, you 're no fun, '' Kaden said, still grinning at his own joke.

******

The next day after Herbology, Albus and his friends hurried up to their dormitories to deposit their bags. Then they rushed to the Hospital Wing to see how Matt was. Luckily, Kaden was still in class. When they arrived at the hospital wing, Albus saw lustrelessness 's usual bed with the pall pulled around it and made a beeline for it. He was halfway there when brothel keeper Pomfrey came out from behind the drape 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 get along now since I 've got Quidditch practice after dinner. ``

`` Is that all rightfulness ? '' Rose asked.

`` Yes, that 's hunky-dory. Just for a few transactions, '' the nurse regained her calmness and bustled into her office.

Albus ran the rest of the way to the bed and wrenched the curtain open. Matt was awake and propped up on his pillows. He looked tired and was covered in various clams and pungency, that looked a bit forged than usual. `` Hey ! How are you ? '' Albus asked.

`` I 've been better, '' Matt said tiredly. `` It was bad. ``

`` It looks it, '' lavatory commented.

`` John ! '' Rose scolded.

`` What ? '' John shrugged.

`` It 's not that bad, '' pink wine said to Matt.

`` It 's fine, really, '' flatness assured John.

`` So, '' Albus began, `` What happened during detention ? ``

`` Honestly, I 'm not even trusted, '' lusterlessness sighed, `` I do n't really remember it. ``

`` Really ? '' Rose raised her brow, `` That 's odd. ``

`` Why do n't you two secernate me what happened ? '' Matt laughed.

`` All right, '' Albus said, `` You kind of froze when we got up to the Astronomy tugboat and you would n't move. Filch yelled at us for being late and assigned us another detention for last night- ''

`` L-last dark ? '' matte interrupted.

`` Yeah, scrubbing to a greater extent caldron, '' Albus explained. `` I kinda figured something was untimely when you did n't object to it. ''

matt groaned, `` I do n't even think of him saying that. Great, now I 've got another hold once I get out of here. Probably two since I missed it stopping point night. ``

`` Oh, I do n't imagine you 'll stimulate to do any detention, '' Albus assured him, `` Filch did n't mention anything about you doing detainment the whole time I was scrubbing cauldrons endure night. You see, Madam Pomfrey was livid when we told her what we had been doing for detention. ``

`` Yeah, '' John laughed, `` I 've never seen her so wild. She was storming around here, muttering and shouting and cursing Filch. It was sort of funny, really. ``

`` Anyway, she said she was going to talk to Filch after we left the other night, '' Albus continued, `` I imagine she yelled at him quite a bit. I 'm surely she insisted that you not do anymore custody. ``

`` That 's a relief, '' Matt replied, `` So, what happened after Filch gave us another detention ? ``

`` I pulled you over to where John and Kaden were cleaning telescopes and trick and I stood on either position of you, so it seemed like you were cleaning too. It was almost like you were in a kind of enchantment. You did n't seem to know what was going on. So I asked if you wanted to go to the hospital annex and you said no. Then John, Kaden, and I cleaned for about an hour and a half. No one talked a great deal except for Kaden. He kept humming random Sung dynasty and Filch yelled at him. Then he told me what the song were from. They were from a motion-picture show called Spamalot. Kaden insisted that I watch it sometime, '' Albus explained.

matte laughed, `` You should, it 's a really suspicious movie. ``

`` You 've seen it ? '' John asked.

`` Yeah. We 've got a TV at home, since my mum is Muggle-born and she did n't desire to give way up TV, '' flatness 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 uranology Tower, we tried to get back to the green room, but you got tired of partway there and passed out. I told Kaden to get gentlewoman 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, '' Albus said quietly, `` You were n't really yourself. ``

`` Why 'd it come about, though ? '' John asked after a few seconds, `` I mean, you 're usually tired the night before, but why was it that bad ? ``

`` Because I was in direct moonlight, '' flatness whispered, `` The reason I get exhaust and sickish beforehand is because the moonshine is getting fuller. The Night we did detention, it was practically full. And I was outside in the moonlight for over an hr. ``

`` That would explicate why Madam Pomfrey got so angry, '' John said.

`` Yeah, '' Matt replied, `` Makes the translation worse, too. Because I 'm already worn out from being in the Moon so long the night before. ``

`` I do n't get it, though, '' Rose said, `` Why did n't you just secernate Filch you could n't do detention that Nox ? ``

`` I do n't have it off, '' flatness sighed, `` I guess I just did n't want any sorting of exceptional handling anymore. It makes the great unwashed suspicious. I do n't want anyone to wonder why I can pick my detainment dark. Plus, I did n't really bonk that would happen anyway. I knew I 'd be tired, but I did n't really bang I 'd go into a trance like that. It had never happened before. My parents always made surely not to let me go outside the night before. ``

`` wellspring, even so, you should n't do anymore detention like that the night before, '' rosebush insisted, `` It 'll cause you mad. ``

`` I know, Rose, '' lustrelessness assured her, `` And Madam Pomfrey talked to Filch and he 's not going to sacrifice me anymore custody at bad sentence. ``

`` You mean, she told Filch ? '' Albus asked. He knew Filch did n't know about flatness 's condition, but he did n't think Madam Pomfrey would actually distinguish him.

`` Oh, no, he does n't lie with. Madam Pomfrey just said that he needed to tally with her before assigning me detentions due to 'health issues that will remain buck private'. And she made him swear not to tell anyone that he was checking custody with her, or else she 'd make sure Kendrick kicked him out. ``

John let out a low whistle, `` Wow, prompt me not to get on Madam Pomfrey 's bad side. ``

`` She 's definitely emphatic, '' Matt yawned and closed his eyes.

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

`` Umm-hmm, '' flatness mumbled, `` I 've just got a headache. ``

At that second, the curtains opened and Madam Pomfrey appeared with another potion. This one was a deep blue and Albus thought it looked disgusting. The suckle took one expression at Matt, shook her head, and turned to Albus and the others. `` fourth dimension for you lot to leave behind. You 're welcome to natter again tomorrow. ``

Albus and his friends said good day to Matt and left the infirmary flank. Albus had just sufficiency time to take hold of dinner before he had to be at the Quidditch sales pitch for recitation. Empire State of the South thought the team was doing wonderfully and was certainly they would beat Slytherin in the fist match in Nov.

******

`` So, where is my brilliant potions pardner today ? '' Malfoy asked sarcastically as the Gryffindors and Slytherins left Slughorn 's dungeon the following afternoon.

`` Visiting his sick gran, 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 gran. ``

`` funny story, that 's not what potter 's cousin said, '' Malfoy smirked. capital of Mississippi Limbert and Xavier Goyle nodded on either side of him.

`` What ? '' Albus shouted. His cousins, except for Rose, probably did n't even acknowledge Matt left every month, let alone where he went. And blush wine obviously would n't tell Malfoy anything. `` Which cousin ? ``

`` The mud-blood, '' Malfoy said simply.

Kaden, Albus thought. Of course ! Albus had told Kaden that Matt got upchuck every so often, he just had n't told him what the malady was. But why on solid ground was Kaden talking to Malfoy ?

`` Do n't prognosticate him that ! '' Rose shouted, drawing her wand.

`` Calm down, '' Malfoy replied, drawing his own wand. `` I mean it in the prissy way. ``

`` You do not ! '' whoremonger shouted as he drew his wand.

`` Wait ! '' Albus stood in between them and stared at Malfoy. `` Before anyone hexes anyone, I 've got to detect out what this is about. What did Kaden say ? ``

`` He mentioned that Eckerton is sick all the metre. Apparently he 's got some disease that Pomfrey ca n't bring around and you wo n't differentiate him what it is, '' Malfoy replied smugly.

Albus felt the color drain from his face. He told Kaden not to narrate anyone about this ! And what had Kaden done ? He told Malfoy of all citizenry ! Malfoy, the one individual Matt did not want knowing where he went every month. Albus groaned. Malfoy now had a few more than hint as to what was wrong with matt. With just a bit of research he was surely to find out. `` When did he tell apart you this ? '' Albus growled. furore and angriness 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.

`` Last night, '' Malfoy answered, `` Very interest bit of data, if you ask me. ``

Albus did n't say another word to Malfoy. He turned and ran towards the stair and out of the donjon. The footsteps behind him told him that his friends were following. Albus did n't turn back to let them catch up. All he cared about now was finding Kaden. He was angrier than he was the dark he yelled at Kaden. Albus knew if he found Kaden now, he 'd do more than just yell. He 'd hex him into the next century. What in the figure of Merlin had possessed Kaden to tell Malfoy that Matt got demented ? Why Malfoy of all masses ? Albus knew Kaden was cognizant of the Gryffindor/Slytherin rivalry. Heck, Albus knew that Kaden himself did n't like Slytherins. Felix Willinson had made Kaden well aware of the prejudices many Slytherins felt. Yet, Kaden was obviously talking with Slytherins, and telling them things they should n't know.

`` Albus, where are you going ? '' rosebush 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 word. ``

`` hold, Albus, John ! '' blush wine shouted again.

But Albus did n't await. He continued up trajectory of stairs towards the Gryffindor common room. pupil stared at them as they passed, but Albus did n't care. rosiness kept shouting after them, but both Albus and bathroom ignored her. Amanda gave a few half-hearted vociferation after them, but Albus could severalise she did n't really care if they tried to hex Kaden or not. Eventually, Albus and John made it to the plebeian room. They gave the Fat ma'am the password and ran into the room. Albus immediately spotted Kaden sitting in a chair, playing with what looked to be another Muggle toy. It was a cube with numerous colored square all over it. It looked vaguely intimate. Albus thought he may have seen rose wine 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 third power in surprise. `` What 's gotten into you, Albus ? ``

Albus said goose egg as he dragged Kaden to his dormitory. can followed without saying a word, and shut the door behind them when they reached the residence hall. 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 ? ``

`` Scorpio Malfoy ? '' Kaden repeated as if trying to conceive of who that was. Then a look of realization appeared on his human face. `` Oh. ``

`` Yeah, 'oh ,''' Albus said, `` You were talking to him finis Nox ! ``

`` Uh ... '' Kaden shifted uneasily on his feet.

`` I told you not to tell anyone about Matt getting sick ! '' Albus erupted. `` You promised you would n't tell ! This is exactly why I did n't desire to tell you in the first place ! You just ca n't celebrate your rima oris shut ! And Malfoy ! He 's been trying to incur out about Matt since the source of first off twelvemonth, and let me tell you nothing good will bump when he does find out. And you know what you 've done ? '' Albus paused for effect, but Kaden did n't say anything. `` YOU MADE IT EASIER FOR HIM TO FIND OUT ! ``

`` I did n't signify to- '' Kaden 's vox cracked.

`` I do n't care, '' Albus interrupted, `` The point is, you did ! How can you not mean to recount mortal something ? Especially someone you never talk to in the fist place ! ``

`` I- ''

`` Shut up, Kaden ! '' Albus shouted and drew his wand. 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 door burst candid and Rose and Amanda appeared, both of them clutching stitches in their sides and heaving. `` Expelliarmus ! '' rose wine shouted. Albus 's scepter left his hand and landed on the floor near Rose. rose disarmed John and then gathered both wands.

`` Give it to me, Rose, '' Albus growled.

`` No, '' Rose replied, `` I 'm not going to let you hex your own cousin-german. ``

`` You heard what he did ! '' Albus shouted.

`` I know, and I 'm not happy about it either, '' Rose replied, `` But hexing him is n't going to fix it. You 'll just get detention. ``

On some layer, 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 clues together. That, and never trust Kaden to keep a secluded 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 doorway. 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 blame you, '' bathroom sighed, `` Why 'd he stimulate to evidence Malfoy anyway ? ``

`` I have n't got a clew, '' Albus replied, `` All I know is that this sentence, I 'm not forgiving him as easily. ``

`` I- '' rosebush started.

`` Do n't bother, rose wine, '' Albus interrupted, `` Nothing you say is going to make me rationalize 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 deserve to be Quaker with you if he 's going to go telling half the schooltime thing you told him in secret. You told him not to tell, right ? ``

`` Of trend I did ! '' Albus said, `` I all but told him I 'd hex him if he told anyone. ``

`` Exactly, '' rose wine replied, `` What if he tells Malfoy about the Whomping Willow ? ``

`` Falco columbarius ! '' 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 tried. ``

`` And he 'll try again, '' Albus replied, `` I know, I 'll check the map a lot. '' Albus got up from his bed and went to his trunk. He rummaged around in it until he found the vulture 's Map. He took out his scepter and tapped it, `` I solemnly swear that I am up to no beneficial. ``

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 common way, '' Albus pointed to Malfoy 's dot in the dungeons. `` I 'll just check it every once and a while. ``

`` commodity idea, '' Saint John the Apostle said.

`` What are we going to recite lusterlessness ? '' Rose asked quietly. `` We 've got to tell him about this. ``

In all the chaos of finding Kaden and trying to hex him, Albus had n't thought about what they were going to tell Matt. `` We 'll just have to tell him what happened, that 's all. I 'm not going to hide that Kaden was the one who told Malfoy. If lustrelessness wants to hex him, he can go decently ahead. ``

`` We 're not going to let him hex Kaden ! '' rosiness insisted, `` He does n't need anymore detention. ``

`` dear point, '' Amanda agreed. `` We 'll recount him it was Kaden, but we wo n't let him hex him. ``

`` matte will just have to avoid Malfoy, '' lavatory commented, `` I mean, there 's nothing we can do now. What 's done is done. We 'll all nullify Malfoy. ``

`` That 'll be hard, '' Albus announced, `` Malfoy is mat 's potions married person. And he 's on mine and Amanda 's dueling team. ``

`` We 'll just have to try, '' Gospel According to John sighed, `` Besides that, there 's not much we can do. That, and never confide Kaden with another enigma. ``





A/N : Thanks to my genus Beta, Dancer of Starlight ! Thanks as well to XDNLxtlz99, sinwillys822, potterfan89, Saint Luke, Niki Lily, Moonylupin, Denas, and drownzer for their follow-up !