Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


On Yule Eve the Potters went to Godric 's Hollow, like usual. It was completely sullen by the time they Apparated to the tunnel, but there was plenty of visible light streaming out of the tall house 's windows. As they walked closer to the shoes, Albus could hear the bellowing of laughter coming from inside.

`` Harry ! '' the door to the Burrow flew open and George stood in the doorway to greet them, a mug of eggnog in his paw. `` How are ya, pair ? ``

`` I 'm great, George VI. I see you 're already drunk, '' Harry grinned at him.

`` A drunkness only Mum 's eggnog can bring, '' George went back into the house and Albus and his family followed.

Albus smiled to himself as he saw the usual bedlam that was Christmastime Eve at his grandparents'sign. His sea of redheaded cousin were milling around eating and laughing with each other. This was what Albus loved about Noel at the Burrow. He grabbed a couple biscuits from the nearby table and went to bump Rose. She was sitting on the trading floor near the open fireplace with Hugo, Victoire, and Teddy.

`` Albus ! '' she shouted over the noise, `` Over here ! ``

Albus pushed his way past Empire State of the South and Gabriella who were laughing at something Fred was saying. `` Hi rose wine ! What 's been going on ? ``

`` Not often. Uncle George V, Uncle Bill, and Uncle Charlie are drunk. My dad 's on his way and so is Aunt Alicia. ``

`` Would n't be Christmas Eve if they were n't, '' Albus laughed.

`` Gran 's been refilling the cooky disc and talking with my mum and aunt Fleur. I think she 's about to put on Celestina Warbeck, '' rose wine gestured to the nearby wireless that mollie, Hermione, and Fleur were looking at. Fleur threw her hands up in the air and glared at mollie. `` Yup, here comes Celestina. ``

`` Mum hates her, '' Victoire shook her head, `` She 'll be heading for the eggnog now. ``

Sure enough, Fleur poured herself a large mug of eggnog as molly settled down to listen to the wireless. She was the only one listening, though. Albus could get word number and objet d'art of a heat Quidditch discussion going on between his Uncle Charlie, Uncle George, aunty Alicia, and heather mixture. Harry was making his way over to them now. It amazed Albus that his uncles and aunt could have a bun in the oven on a fully graspable Quidditch discourse while drunk.

`` How long are you staying, Victoire ? '' Albus asked.

`` Just until after Christmas. I 've got to get back to St. Mungo 's in a couple days. But I 've been here since yesterday when Amy left for Australia. I did n't require to be alone in the apartment, it would 've gotten awfully boring. ``

`` You would n't hold had to be alone, '' shimmy winked, `` And it would n't give been boring. ``

Victoire playfully slapped him. `` teddy bear ! Do n't let Mum hear you say that. ``

`` Oh, Albus, '' Rose began, `` Both John and Amanda can come to my household on the 28th. Well, they can only issue forth over for the day, but that should be enough time. Matt 's still not for certain. He said he wo n't know until after he gets back from Australia. ``

`` Ok. Great, we can play Quidditch ! ``

`` Quidditch ? '' Victor-Marie Hugo snapped his head away from his chocolate frog poster, `` Can I play ? ``

`` Sure, '' Albus replied.

`` The 28th ? '' shift commented, `` I 'll do over, too. I do n't induce to be back at the Ministry until the 29th. I 'm up for some Quidditch. ``

`` Excellent, '' Albus grinned, `` We can get a real game going. I 'll just tell apart my dad I 'm going home with you. '' Albus looked around the room and saw Harry in the midst of a Quidditch discussion. `` Hey, Dad ! ``

`` What is it, Al ? '' Harry got up and squeezed his way through the crowd over to Albus.

`` It 's all right if I go to Rose 's house on the 28th, right ? And stick around a couple days ? ``

`` That would be fine, '' Harry said, `` But we 're actually going to Dudley 's house for New Year 's Eve, so we 'll come get you on the 31st before we leave. ``

`` We 're going to Dudley 's ? '' Albus stared at his dad.

`` Er, yeah, '' Harry gave Albus a one-half smile, `` Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon will be there as well .... ''

`` What ? ! ''

`` Dudley thought it would be a good idea, considering that Kaden is a wizard, '' Harry explained.

`` All right, '' Albus shrugged. He did n't really want to see auntie genus Petunia and Uncle Vernon, but he did n't really stimulate a choice.

`` I 'm sure they 'll be ... civilized, at least, '' Harry gave Albus a hug before leaving to retort his Quidditch discussion.

`` fountainhead, at to the lowest degree I can come over for a few twenty-four hour period, '' Albus said.

`` Yeah, but you 've got to go see the Dursleys, '' Teddy screwed up his face in disgust.

`` It 's definitely going to be an interesting day, '' Albus replied.

`` I 'm sure it 'll be alright, '' rose wine assured him. `` Plus, Kaden will be there. ``

`` That 'll seduce it even more interest, '' Albus grinned.

`` You know, he 'd fit right in with this lot, '' blush wine gestured to the loud and rough Weasley family around them. `` Except without the red haircloth. ``

`` Hey, I have n't got red hair's-breadth ! ''

`` Neither do I, '' Victoire agreed.

`` I do, '' Teddy laughed as he changed his hairsbreadth from its usual blueing to red.

`` You 're not technically a Weasley, '' Rose commented.

`` ending enough. And anyway, who knows what 'll pass in the next few years, '' chemise winked at Victoire, who giggled. teddy threw his arms around Victoire and kissed her.

`` better not let nan see you doing that, '' Rose warned.

`` Always a stickler for the regulation, huh Rosie ? '' shimmy laughed and lengthened his hair's-breadth until it was the consummate reproduction of Rose's.

`` Do n't do that ! '' Rose groaned, `` And I do break rules. Just ask Albus. ``

Teddy shortened his tomentum again and turned to Albus. `` Really ? ``

`` She does, '' Albus confirmed, `` Quite a few times, actually. ``

`` This I 've got to hear. ``

`` Maybe another prison term, '' Albus glanced at rosiness. Albus had n't really adjudicate whether or not to tell Teddy about the new map. Most of Rose 's and Albus 's most recent rule break was done in order to decrypt it. Albus knew he was n't going to tell his cousin-german about it, but he was n't sure about Teddy and Henry James. One piece of him thought they deserved to hump, considering that their father and grandfather were both vulture, but on the other hand he kind of liked keeping it a secret.

`` Aw, come on, distinguish me. ``

`` Another time, '' blush wine said adamantly.

`` Oh, fine, '' Teddy huffed, `` But I will ascertain out. ``

Albus spent the rest of the eve talking and playing games with Rose, teddy bear, and Victoire. He was really enjoying the prison term off from school and getting to spend sentence with his entire family at once. By the sentence he climbed up to the attic chamber that he shared with Saint James and a few of their cousin, he was tired and stuffed from all the cooky.

******

`` Henry James ! Albus ! '' Albus snapped his eye open at the speech sound of his gens the following break of the day. He immediately recognized the interpreter as belonging to Lily. He heard her footstep bounding into the room. `` Albus, Epistle of James ! It 's Christmas ! Wake up ! ``

`` Hi Lily, '' Albus yawned.

`` trade good, you 're up ! James ! Get up ! ``

`` I 'm up, I 'm up ! '' James mumbled.

`` We 've got present, James I ! '' Lily grinned.

`` Right ! '' King James said excitedly and Albus heard him crawling to the end of the top bunk to his big money of presents.

`` I 'm going to open mine ! '' Lily shouted as she ran out of the room.

After Lily 's early wake-up telephone call, everyone in Albus 's room was up. Albus settled down to open his own sight of presents with the other boys. The starting time few boxes were filled with dessert and respective Weasley 's ace Wheezes production. The next was this year 's Weasley jump shot. It had a red quaffle stitched onto the front with a navy blue devil background. `` Opened your jumper yet, James ? ``

`` Sure did, '' James replied, `` Red with a green flying dragon on it. ``

`` Mine 's blueing with a red quaffle. ``

`` Excellent. ``

Albus opened the next few present tense, which consisted of numerous Scripture and early clothing token. He also got a broomstick Servicing Kit, which would be useful since his Firebolt 2000 had a few twigs that needed to be plucked. Albus saved the present from his parents for utmost and was about to spread out it when St. James gave an aroused vociferation from the bed above.

`` Whoa ! ``

`` What is it ? '' Cedric asked and jumped off his bed. Ben followed and the two of them ran over to James River 's bed.

Albus crawled out of his bed and joined his cousin-german. `` What ? '' he asked.

Saint James had a vast grin on his face as he held up a blank composition of parchment. `` see what I got. ``

Albus stared at the parchment. `` You 're kidding ! Dad gave you the Marauder 's Map ? ``

`` He sure did ! '' James shouted.

`` This is perfect ! '' Cedric exclaimed.

`` I ca n't conceive he gave it to you, '' Ben grinned.

`` That 's great, James I, '' Albus smiled, `` But why you and not me ? '' Albus could n't help but feel a slight left out, even though he now had his own Marauder 's Map that would potentially be better than the master. But his dad did n't make love about that, so why did he give the Map to James ?

`` Dunno, '' William James shrugged. `` What did they get you ? ``

`` Have n't opened it yet, '' Albus picked up the packet from his parents and tore off the wrapping.

What he saw made his mouth fall undefendable in shock. This would explain why James got the Map ! Sitting in the middle of the torn wrapping, was the invisibility Cloak. `` He, he gave me the Cloak, '' Albus whispered.

`` Well, that 's why you did n't get the map, '' James replied, `` This is brilliant ! ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, pulling the cloak out of the wrapping. He laughed to himself as he thought of how he and blush wine went through all that hassle of stealing it earlier in the month and now he got it for Christmas. `` Guess this is why Dad wanted the Map back. ``

James laughed, `` We gave it back only for him to give it to me. I think we ought to share them. ``

`` That 's a dependable idea, '' Albus agreed, not mentioning that hopefully he would induce his own map working soon.

`` And share them with us, too, '' Cedric gestured to himself and Ben.

`` Of course we will, '' James assured them. `` We just have to be stealthy about it. We ca n't let all of Hogwarts know we 've got these. ``

`` I 'm going to go Tell Rose, '' Albus wrapped the Cloak around himself and left the room. He had never worn the Cloak at the burrow before and he thought it was really amusing that he passed Eddie on the stairs and Eddie did n't even notice him. He pushed open the door to the way that Rose shared with Victoire, GA, Gabriella, and Heather and waited for the daughter'reactions.

Heather jumped when she heard the doorway candid and saw that no one was there. Victoire and Gabriella laughed and then shrugged. blush wine got up from her bed and walked cautiously over to the door.

`` Boo, '' Albus pulled the Cloak off and grinned.

All five girls shrieked as they saw Albus emerge from the Cloak, then they all started laughing. `` Where did you get that ? '' Rose demanded.

`` Dad gave it to me ! ''

`` He did ? '' Victoire stared in amazement. `` Wow, that is really groovy. ``

`` I just ca n't trust he gave you that, '' Rose grinned, `` I 'll bet James is jealous. ``

`` He got the piranha 's Map, so he 's okay. ``

`` Wow ! '' Rose shouted, `` That 's incredible. And you can share them. ``

`` That 's the architectural plan, '' Albus grinned. `` fountainhead, I 'll see you lot downstairs. '' He wrapped the Cloak around himself once more and left the elbow room. Albus could n't believe that his dad had actually given him the Cloak ! He did n't think Harry would ever give it up. The serious part was that he was now even more like his grandfather had been at Hogwarts. Albus was even more of a piranha now that he had the Cloak.

Albus continued down the stairs and into the kitchen of the Burrow. A few of his cousin, aunts, and uncles were already up and starting to eat breakfast. Harry and Ginny were there as well, along with Lily. His nanna was tending to multiple caldron at once, while simultaneously bringing respective items to the table. Albus watched them all for a few moments before pulling the Cloak off and shouting, `` Happy Christmas ! ``

Bill choked on his umber and spat it across the table at George, who had started laughing. Harry, who had probably been expecting this, grinned and looked at Ginny, who was smiling back. Lily was staring at Albus with her lip wide open. Molly dropped the bowl of burgoo she had been bringing to the table. Everyone else looked at Albus with various looks of cushion and entertainment.

`` Albus ! '' Molly shrieked as she cleaned up the spilled oatmeal with a moving ridge of her wand, `` Do n't do that ! ``

`` You gave him the Cloak ? '' George asked.

`` Yep, '' Harry replied, `` I take it you 're enjoying it, Al ? ``

`` Sure am ! '' Albus went over to where his parents were sitting and gave them each a huge hug, `` thank ! ``

`` You 're welcome, '' Harry smiled, `` I figured you should be able to enjoy it while you 're at Hogwarts, like I did. Although I expect you to use it more responsibly than I did. ``

`` I 'll try, '' Albus said, thinking of when he snuck down to the Whomping willow with it only two weeks ago. `` James and I are going to share it. Same with the Map. ``

`` postponement, you gave him the Marauder 's Map, too ? '' George stared at Harry.

`` No, James got that. ``

`` I did n't think you 'd ever give that away, '' Saint George laughed.

`` Well, I can roam the castle whenever I want and it wo n't matter who 's around, '' Harry explained, `` The boys ca n't. Plus, I did n't require to deny them the fun of it. ``

`` Are you sure that 's prophylactic, Harry ? '' Molly asked anxiously.

`` The castle is perfectly safe, even at night. I 'm not saying I approve of you wandering around at dark, '' Harry gave Albus a stern regard, `` But there are more enchantments than ever protecting it. ``

`` That wo n't protect them from wizards already in the palace ! '' Molly commented, `` Remember that Willinson kid last-place year ? ``

`` How could I forget ? Sometimes, you just have to take risks in order to live a fiddling. I trust the male child enough to bed they wo n't go wandering around late at night very often. And if you see anything shady on the Map, '' Harry turned to Albus, `` Tell me about it right away. ``

Albus nodded. `` certain. '' He took a seat at the table, with the Cloak on his lap, just as James ran into the room holding the Map in his hands.

`` Thanks, Dad ! '' Saint James shouted, `` This is brilliant ! ``

`` I 'll tell you what I told Al. Do n't use that to break too many rules and if you see anything abnormal on it, state me right away. ``

`` Hello, Weasleys ! '' chemise strolled into the room, his whisker half green and half red. He sat down next to Albus and pulled a phonograph record of ballock towards him. `` glad Christmas. ``

`` I know your hair is Yule colored, but those two coloring material just should n't be paired together, '' James shuddered as he noticed Teddy 's haircloth. `` I mean, Gryffindor and Slytherin at the like meter ? ``

`` It 's festive, '' Teddy grinned. `` You want me to beguile yours to be red and green, too ? Just learned some excellent charms for that sort of thing in preparation. Not that I 'll need them. ``

`` No thanks, '' James had a look of disgust on his facial expression. `` I 'll keep on the knit stitch red. ``

`` Is that ... '' shift looked at the parchment Jesse James was holding, `` The Marauder 's Map ? ``

`` Oh, yeah ! trusted is ! '' St. James handed it to Teddy, `` Got it for Christmas ! ``

`` That 's great ! '' teddy bear grinned. `` What did you get Albus ? Do n't conceive Harry could top that. ``

`` I got the Cloak. ``

Teddy turned to Albus, `` Really ? That 's great, too ! compliments I had an invisibility Cloak. ``

`` But you can throw those Disillusionment magic spell, '' Albus pointed out.

`` Not nearly as fun as that Cloak, though, '' Teddy commented.

`` Oh, boys, '' Harry began, `` You 're going to consume to percentage those with Lily once she gets to Hogwarts. ``

`` Aw, amount on, '' Jesse James groaned.

`` If you do n't I 'll just steal them, '' Lily smirked, `` And conceal them in my dormitory, which you two wo n't be capable to get into. ``

`` She 's got a point, '' Ginny grinned.

`` We 'll share, '' Albus assured them. He would n't bear in mind sharing with Lily, just as long as she kept the Cloak closed book. The in conclusion matter they needed was the total palace knowing about it.

`` Good, '' Harry smiled, `` Now who 's up for a petty winter Quidditch ? ``

`` Me ! '' Albus, King James I, Teddy, and mostly everyone else shouted at the same time.

******

Albus spent most of the day playing Quidditch outside with his fellowship. Eventually they all had to occur in because they were too cold to meet any longer. Plus, it started snowing pretty unvoiced and nobody wanted to lose the Snitch. Albus spent the rest of the day with Rose and reading a few of his new record. The Cloak was passed around between his cousins, and most of them were amazed Harry had given it to him, and a little covetous as well. James passed the Map around and everyone had fun watching the few dots that were left in the castle.

Christmas Day dinner came and went in its usual chaotic state. It was loud and funny and Albus enjoyed every mo of it. He went to bed feeling very to the full and very subject. The following day Albus 's aunts, uncles, and cousins all started to leave. Albus and Rose 's menage stayed for a duo more daytime, but they soon had to entrust so Albus 's grandparents could go on holiday for New Year 's. Albus was actually excited to leave because he would be going to Rose 's house and hopefully getting the stag print.

Albus landed in Rose 's living room after Flooing from the tunnel. His Uncle Ron, rose, and Victor-Marie Hugo had already arrived and his aunty Hermione was right behind him. There was an owl waiting next to the window and Hermione ran over to let it in.

`` That 's Matt 's owl, '' Albus announced as he and pink wine went over to retrieve the letter of the alphabet. Albus opened the envelope and scanned the varsity letter, `` He can occur, but only for tomorrow. We 're supposed to gather him at the Leaky Cauldron at eleven. ``

`` Sure, '' Hermione smiled, `` Tell him that will work. ``

Albus found a quill and quickly scribbled a response on the book binding of the letter and sent it off with the owl. He and Rose ran up the stairs and into Rose 's room to tattle about plan for getting the print.

`` I hope you 've got some theme, '' Albus said as he shut rose wine 's door.

`` Of form I do, '' Rose grinned. `` We 'll secernate my parents that we 're going to go exploring in the timberland and we 'll look for a hart while we 're in there. Once we find one, we 'll all try and daze it- ''

`` What about the underage magic jurisprudence ? '' Albus definitely did n't require someone from the Ministry showing up shortly after they stunned a stag. The survive thing he wanted to do was explain why he had done it.

rose laughed, `` Have n't you figured it out yet ? They ca n't tell who 's done the magic, only that magic 's been done. The Ministry has no way to severalize if it was us or my parents who performed the magic. ``

Albus had n't thought of that. All last summer he could have done magic and the Ministry would n't experience found out. `` Really ? ``

`` Yes, really. The Ministry just relies on parents to not let their kids use magic outside schoolhouse. So I would n't suggest doing it a lot. I 'm surely we 'd get in big trouble with our parents. I would n't even be suggesting we do this if there was another way to get the print. ``

Albus nodded. He did n't really desire to break the law either, but what could they do ? There was no way to get a tell on print if the stag was n't stunned. `` I just hope we actually find one tomorrow. ``

`` Me, too. But we do have a couple days. You 'll be here until the 31st, so that 's four days to get it. ``

`` Yeah, but St. John and Matt want to help, too. ``

`` I know and we 'll try. Hey, I 'll bet Amanda 's gotten the dog print by now ! ``

`` Oh, yeah ! '' Albus said excitedly, `` So we 're pretty much halfway there. ``

`` Yup, '' blush wine grinned.

`` Now we 've just got to regain the charm to keep Kaden repose, '' Albus replied.

`` You 're going to tell him everything after I find that spell ? '' Rose asked.

`` I think so. I mean, as long as the magical spell works he ca n't enjoin anyone about it. It 's obvious now that he 's Wormtail, although I 'm sure he 'll be a considerably one. But it 's up to lusterlessness whether he wants to tell Kaden he 's a lycanthrope. ``

`` Is n't it kind of necessary for this ? ``

`` Probably, but I ca n't exactly secern Kaden that. ``

`` Yeah, you definitely ca n't, '' pink wine agreed.

`` Let 's just try and get the hart print first, '' Albus suggested, `` Then we 'll figure out the Kaden thing. ``


A/N : J.K. Rowling did state in an interview that Harry was n't going to give the map and the cloak to St. James & Al, but it fits the plot so I 'm just ignoring that for this serial. Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight. Thanks as well to sinwillys822, Denas, Miguel, Johanne, Luke, Slytherinlover, wolverine83, Moonylupin, XDNLxtlz99, maraudersfan a w, and Jen for the reviews !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Albus, Rose, and Hermione went to the Leaky Cauldron the future day to meet lustrelessness and Amanda, who was also being dropped off there. John Lackland had arrived earlier by Floo and went with them as well. When they got there, both lustrelessness and Amanda were already there.

`` Hi ! '' Albus greeted them as he stepped out of the Floo.

`` Hi Albus, '' Matt grinned, `` How was your Noel ? ''

`` It was brilliant, '' Albus replied, `` Wait boulder clay you see what I got. ``

`` What ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Ca n't show you here, '' Albus whispered. `` I 'll show you when we get back. ``

`` Let 's go now, '' Matt said impatiently.

`` You kids go ahead, '' Hermione told them, `` I 've got a bit of shopping to do. ``

Albus bade goodbye to his aunty and turned back to the Floo. Within seconds he was back in Rose 's living room. A few min later all his friends were back as well.

Matt and Amanda stared around the room. `` Nice business firm, '' Amanda smiled.

`` Yeah, '' matt agreed, `` Kind of facial expression like mine. ``

`` Thanks, '' Rose replied.

`` So, Albus, what did you get for Yuletide ? '' Matt asked.

`` This, '' Albus pulled the invisibility Cloak out of his cloak pocket. He had been carrying it around with him ever since Christmas.

lusterlessness let out a gasp. `` Whoa ! You really got the Cloak ? That 's completely astonishing ! ``

`` I love that cloak, '' Amanda grinned.

`` And to imagine we steal it just a few weeks ago, '' King John snorted.

`` Shush ! '' Albus hissed, `` Uncle Ron and Hugo are here. ``

`` Oh, sorry. ``

`` But this is n't all, '' Albus continued, `` James got the Marauder 's Map. ``

`` He did n't ! '' John shouted.

`` He did. ``

`` You two are so lucky, '' Matt replied.

`` But we 'll have our own Map soon anyway, '' Amanda pointed out as she dug around in the bag she brought. She produced a dented piece of parchment with a paw print on it that was slightly smaller than the werewolf print.

`` You got it ! '' Albus took it from her. `` We 're halfway there now. ``

`` I hope it 'll work. Isaac Newton would n't stay still and the parchment is kind of wrinkled. ``

`` I 'm sure enough it will solve, '' Albus said.

`` in force thing we did n't deliver the prints go directly on the map, '' Matt replied.

`` So today we get the hart photographic print, '' Albus announced. `` Right after luncheon. ''

Everyone agreed and headed into the kitchen to shnorr up some intellectual nourishment. Ron had already created an enormous sandwich and was eating it when Albus and the others walked in. They all liked the mind of making giant sandwiches and were soon eating aboard Ron. Albus thought St. John 's sandwich looked disgusting because it was piled high with turkey, pickles, and peanut butter. Rose shuddered as she saw him bite into it, but he thought it tasted delicious.

`` I ca n't think you ate that intact affair, '' blush wine screwed up her aspect in disgust after John ate the finally sharpness of his lunch.

`` It was adept, '' he shrugged.

`` Hey, Uncle Ron, '' Albus began, `` We 're going to go explore the timber. ``

`` All right. Have fun. But try and be back by three. chemise 's coming over and so are James IV and your dad. We 're all going to play Quidditch. ``

`` Sure, we 'll be back by then, '' Albus was excited about playing Quidditch. It was always better when Teddy was there.

Once they were all done with luncheon, Rose and Albus led the way outside and over to the timberland. The timber was situated future to the large open field that was side by side to the home. Albus and Rose went exploring in it quite a bit and knew their way around it well. The group crunched across the snow load field until they came to the timberland 's edge. pink wine found the course they usually took and lead the group down it. `` keep your optic pealed for a hart, '' she told everyone.

`` This reminds me of the woodland near my old house in Australia, '' Matt commented after a few transactions of walking.

`` How was Australia this year ? '' Albus asked, remembering that his friend just returned to Britain the former day.

`` It was all right. No different than usual. It was boring of course of instruction, and my grandmother kept telling us how we should impose more often. ``

`` You 're not going to, are you ? '' St. John the Apostle asked.

`` Do n't think so. Mum and Dad do n't really want to. Plus they want to go visit my Uncle Jack in New House of York this summer. ``

`` That would be fun, '' Amanda replied.

`` Yeah, I hope we get to go. ``

The group continued walking into the forest until rose wine announced that it would be better if they sat completely still and waited for a stag to take the air by. She said their movement would frighten the animate being away. Albus sat down in the Charles Percy Snow behind a shrub with his acquaintance and watched and listened for animals. After a one-half 60 minutes of waiting, Albus was bored. How long was it going to take for a stag to cross their itinerary ? He would much rather just take the air around to rule one. Rose seemed perfectly contented to sit still, as did lusterlessness. John had made a large peck of snow balls, along with a Snow wizard. Amanda was busy creating a snow witch to go along with his wizard.

`` I 'm bored, '' Saint John sighed as he made yet another snow clump. `` How long is this going to take ? ``

`` I do n't make love, '' Rose shrugged, `` We do n't see stags that often in here, so it might be a while. ``

Albus glanced at his watch, `` Well it 's just after two, so if we do n't observe one soon, we 'll have to go back. '' He stared into the forest and willed a stag to come. Albus was getting frustrated by this stop. They needed that stag print for the map ! There was no plaza else to encounter one. What if they could n't observe a stag before the end of the holiday ? They would birth to wait until the summertime to search again. Albus could n't hold back that long. He wanted the map now.

`` Wait, '' mat stood up and turned around, `` I think I hear something over there. '' He pointed to a cluster of bushes a couple beat away.

`` I do n't hear it, '' John replied.

`` Shush ! '' flatness whispered, `` You know I can get a line things you ca n't. ``

matte started slowly making his way towards the cluster of pubic hair. Albus and the others followed behind, nonentity saying a word. `` Wands fix, '' mat whispered.

Albus pulled out his wand and pointed it towards the bushes, his mind racing with excitement as he went. This was it ! They were going to get the stag print ! Part of Albus 's judgement knew that this was n't necessarily a hart, but he did n't pay attention to that. What else could it be ? Most of the beast in the forest were too small to be rustling the bushes this much. As Albus got closer to it, he could distinctly get word the footmark of the animal, and they were much too loud to be a rabbit or a squirrel. There were n't many large creature in the forest, betray being some of the few. It could be a doe, but Albus hoped it wasn't.

The group was now only a couple feet away from the bushes. Everyone had their wand pointed at them, waiting for the animal to make its appearance. The moment Albus saw the leafage part, he shouted, `` Stupefy ! ``

`` Stupefy ! '' rosiness, John, Matt, and Amanda all shouted at once.

Whatever was in the bushes jumped to the English and missed all five sensational spells. `` Whoa ! What the bloody hellhole do you lot think you 're doing ! ''

It was teddy bear. The noise lusterlessness had heard in the Vannevar Bush was Teddy. Albus lowered his wand and sighed. So very much for finding a stag. Now that teddy bear was with them, they would no longer be able-bodied to look. Albus turned to his champion and saw them all put their wands away.

Teddy fully emerged from the Dubya and walked over to where Albus was with a bewildered flavor on his face. `` Do I even want to screw what you 're up to ? ``

`` Er, '' Albus began, trying to opine up an apology fast.

`` We 're just taking a walk of life in the woodland and you scared us ! '' Rose announced, `` Sneaking up on us like that, what did you think we 'd do ? ``

`` Shriek, maybe ? '' chemise gave them a lopsided grin, `` But not attack me. ``

`` So you were trying to scare us ? '' Rose said exasperatingly

`` A bit, yeah, '' Teddy laughed. `` Worked, did n't it ? ``

`` I 'll say, '' blush wine muttered. Albus listened to the two of them but did n't add anything. He was forever thankful that his full cousin was a just liar than he was.

`` It 's variety of cold to be going for a hike, '' Teddy commented, `` But Ron said you were here, so I figured I 'd see if I could find you. '' He eyed John 's bundle of snowball and grinned, `` Planning on having a bamboozle musket ball fight ? ``

Teddy did n't look for an answer and picked up a few of Gospel According to John 's Abronia elliptica. He threw one at Albus and the other at blush wine.

`` Watch it ! '' Albus shouted as the sweet sand verbena made link with his face. He spat out the nose candy and bend down to relieve oneself his own snow glob. He aimed it at Teddy but teddy jumped out of the way and it hit Matt instead.

`` Hey ! '' Matt shouted as he picked up one of John 's snowballs and threw it at Albus. It landed square on Albus 's chest.

A few moments later, a huge snowball fight broke out. It was every man for himself for a patch and Albus was getting pummeled by teddy 's snowballs. He tried to get Teddy back, but Teddy was too quick for him. Instead, Albus decided to centre on Matt, who was trying to get Albus back for the snowball that had hit him instead of Teddy. pink wine eventually joined Albus in his attempt to get Matt, while Amanda evened out the odds by joining Matt 's side. King John, who seemed to be the exclusively one with enough acquisition to hit Teddy, was having a one-on-one fighting with the blue haired boy and was actually doing well.

The six of them were completely soaked by the time the conflict ended. matte and Amanda surrendered to Rose and Albus after the cousins decided to make about twenty dollar bill sweet sand verbena and lob them constantly at their two friends. John surrendered to Teddy a few minutes later, once shift decided to becharm a bundle of nose candy to turn itself into snowball, resulting in a never-ending supply of ammo for Teddy. John did n't know that trance and was stuck hand making his coke orb while Teddy continuously sent snowballs at him.

`` Who 's up for Quidditch ? '' teddy bear asked as they were walking back through the woodland to rosebush 's house.

`` M-maybe after I d-dry off, '' Albus shivered. The snowfall had completely penetrated his cloak and was now freezing it into an icicle. His friends nodded in agreement.

`` speech sound good, '' teddy replied, `` Harry and James should be at the menage by now.

A little while later, Albus found himself back at Rose 's sign, where everyone was waiting for the Quidditch catch to start. Albus, along with his friends, ran upstairs to dry off and transfer quickly.

`` fix ? '' slip jumped up from the chairman he was sitting on once Albus and his supporter descended the stairs. `` Who has n't got a broom with them ? ``

`` Me, '' Amanda said. She was the only one. John and Matt, who both had brooms, had brought them knowing they would dally Quidditch.

`` We 've got spares, '' Ron announced, holding a couple broom in his hand.

Once everyone had a broom to use, Teddy started to ask cathexis of creating team. `` All right. Let 's see, we 've got Me, Harry, Ron, James, Albus, trick, flatness, Amanda, Hugo, and rose, are you playing ? ``

`` Sure, why not ? '' rosebush shrugged.

`` good, then we 've got ten players. That 's five per team. So each squad will have a Seeker, a beater, a Keeper, and two pursuer, that 'll work. I 'll be one of the Seekers, '' he turned to Harry and James River, `` Which one of you will be the early ? ``

`` You can, Jesse James, '' Harry offered, `` I 'll do whatever is needed. ``

After a few mo of organizing, the two squad were created. Albus 's team consisted of Teddy as Seeker, Ron as Keeper, Hugo as the only if Beater, and matte and himself as the two Chasers. On the other team, James was Seeker, Amanda was Keeper, St. John was the Beater, and Rose and Harry as Chasers.

The two teams trooped outside into the cold wintertime day. It was just starting to snow a little, but Albus did n't mind. He would keep warm while he was playing anyway. Harry and Ron conjured goal hoops and everyone flew into the air. Hermione released the balls ( only one Bludger, since there were only two beaters ) and threw the Quaffle into the air, then conjured herself a death chair to watch.

The mates was nothing like the ones at Hogwarts. It was much Thomas More informal, and in a way, Albus enjoyed it more. There was only friendly rivalry between the two teams and no one got angry when person dropped the Quaffle, which happened a lot. The two squad were pretty evenly matched in condition of Chasing skills. Albus, who was the alone real Chaser on either team, was easily the respectable. Harry was a becoming pursuer, but it was readable that Seeking was his real skill. Rose was absolutely dreadful and was the maiden to hold it. She was n't a big fan of flying in the inaugural place and did n't like to need her hands off her Calluna vulgaris in monastic order to catch and throw the Quaffle. matt was salutary than Rose, but dropped the Quaffle numerous times. Albus and Matt scored more point than Harry and Rose did.

Ron, of course, was a very good steward and Amanda was as well. Albus was variety of surprised at this, because she never really played Quidditch before. Maybe she could try out for the Gryffindor squad once Peach State left. whoremonger was an amazing Beater and Albus already knew that he 'd be trying out for the team after Bradley and Ryan left. Hugo was also a very adept Beater and it was obvious he had received all the Quidditch factor in his family. Then, of class, there were the Seekers. Both Teddy and James were amazing Seekers and by far the two beneficial instrumentalist on either team.

After about an 60 minutes of playacting, during which Albus was for certain both Teddy and St. James had seen the sneak but ignored it in order to hang back the game on recollective, both Seekers flew directly up into the air. Everyone stopped what they were doing to see. A few instant later, they both came flying back down and James had the Snitch clutched in his hand.

`` I got it ! '' he shouted.

`` That puts your team ahead, '' Hermione announced, `` You won 270 to 210. ``

`` Yes ! '' Henry James exclaimed, landing on the ground. Albus and the remainder of the player landed after him and congratulated him and his team for winning. `` Ha ! I beat you at Quidditch, teddy ! '' Saint James gloated.

`` Yeah, yeah, skilful job, '' Teddy sighed, `` Knew I should n't get trained you that well. ``

`` You 'll be saying otherwise when we win the Cup this twelvemonth ! '' Saint James grinned, `` We already beat Slytherin. ``

`` I know, I was there, '' Teddy laughed, `` Anyway, I 'm just joking. ``

Despite the fact that his squad did n't win, Albus was felicitous. He loved playing Quidditch with his family, even Thomas More than playing on his sign of the zodiac team. It was even better with his admirer there, too. He walked back into the house with his friends and family, frigidity but very content. Hermione had made a collection plate of sandwiches for them, which everyone ate enthusiastically once they had dried off.

After all the food had been eaten, can Flooed back to his house and Albus, Rose, and Hermione went with Matt and Amanda back to the Leaky cauldron to get together their families. It had been a unforesightful visit, but a fun one nonetheless. Albus only wished that they had managed to get the stag print. He and rosebush were planning on trying again the future day, and the next if it was necessary. They had three to a greater extent sidereal day to do it and Albus was determined to succeed.

******

Albus and Rose spent as much metre as they could in the forest looking for stags the side by side day. When they were n't in the forest, they spent their clip in the library in rosiness 's star sign, looking for a magic spell to keep Kaden quiet.

`` There 's record in here that are n't in the school library, '' Rose announced as they walked into the elbow room after a particularly stale expedition in the forest.

`` I 'm still not sure as shooting we should carry a break from looking for a stag, '' Albus replied.

`` It 's too cold out there now. Plus there 's a storm coming and it wo n't do us any good if we get lost out there. '' rosiness went over to a record book shelf and Albus followed. He had been in this room pile of multiplication before, just never to depend for a specific charm.

`` How are we supposed to find one magical spell hidden in all these Quran ? '' Albus sighed, `` We do n't even live what it 's called. ``

`` That 's what this is for, '' Rose slammed a heavy book down on the table nearest to the ledge she pulled it off of.

Albus looked at the book, `` An encyclopedia of Charms by Filius Flitwick. That 's who Mum and Dad had for magical spell, is n't it ? ``

`` Yes, '' rose wine confirmed as she opened the cover version, `` It 's a rather ingenious estimation, really. All I 've got to do is involve my sceptre, point it at the account book, and say'I need a magic spell to keep someone quiet'and it will turn over to the compensate Sir Frederick Handley Page. ``

`` That would certainly accelerate things along, '' Albus replied. `` Try it. ``

`` All right, '' Rose pointed her wand at the rule book, `` I need a charm to hold soul quiet. '' The Christian Bible 's pages immediately started turning until they stopped about a poop of the way into the Christian Bible. Rose peered at it and then shook her head. `` Nope, that 's not it. This one 's just a silencing charm. ``

`` Maybe you 've got to be more specific, '' Albus suggested.

Rose nodded. `` I need a charm to preclude someone from talking about something. '' The Thomas Nelson Page started turning again and stopped a few mo later. Rose sighed after she read the description. `` This one charms a person 's backtalk shut. ``

Albus laughed, `` Well that would definitely keep Kaden from talking about the map ! ``

`` People might notice, though, '' pink wine smirked, `` Although it does sustain it 's advantages. I 'll try something else. ``

`` I think you 'd better state the book exactly what we need the magical spell to do. severalise it that Kaden has to not babble out about a specific thing. ``

`` goodness estimate, '' Rose poised her wand above the book, `` I need to keep on Kaden Durlsey from revealing mystery about Matt Eckerton and about a map. He must only be able to talk about these secrets with five early people and not mention them to anyone else. He should be able to discourse normally about other topics. ``

`` That ought to be specific enough. '' Albus watched as the book hesitated for a few present moment and then deform its Page to one of the last I. Both rose wine and Albus leaned over the Holy Scripture while Rose read aloud.

`` 'The Sileo Altus Charm is the most complex and intricate of the silencing appeal. This charm has the power to keep a person from revealing one specific piece of music of entropy to others, unlike other silencing charms which prevent a person from speaking at all. The charm also has the ability to regard others, which will result in the person the appeal is cast on to be able-bodied to converse about the occult with those specific people. When done correctly, this charm will last forever or until the counter magic spell is performed. The Sileo Altus Charm keeps a mortal 's secluded dependable much like the Fidelius good luck charm keeps a person 's placement secret and is said to be just as safe .'

`` Then there 's a whole bunch of piece that are required, '' rose scanned the residual of the entry. `` There 's a spell that has to be performed on each person who is involved, one on Kaden, one on the secret-keeper- ''

`` There 's a secret keeper ? '' Albus asked.

`` Yeah, I guess so. Then there 's the boilersuit charm, '' Rose continued, `` It sounds complicated. But I 'm up for it. This does n't really tell me how to do it, though. There 's just a list of spells. ``

Albus glanced at the introduction, `` Oh, it says there 's more information in appealingness of Protection by Natalia Journo. ``

`` You 're compensate, I had n't noticed that, '' rose wine leaned over the book again and read the title of the commend book. `` I think we might actually consume that one. '' rosebush jumped up from her seat and ran across the room. Albus sat back and watched her. He had no idea how she could possibly know if she had that book or not. The integral room was filled with ledge and shelf of Scripture. Albus would n't even know where to look to find the account book they needed.

Rose returned a few minute later with a book in her subdivision and a smile on her face. `` We do have it ! This was easygoing than I thought it would be. ``

`` I think doing the actual charm is going to off-set the relaxation of finding it, '' Albus pointed out.

blush wine shrugged, `` I think I can figure it out within a few hebdomad. '' She sat back down and opened the book.

Albus watched as his cousin flipped through the pages of the book until she found the good luck charm they were looking for. He was very felicitous that blush wine was so tidal bore to learn new charms. It certainly helped that she was upright at it, too. Albus had made a lot of progress in magic spell ever since prof Cedonia arrived, but he was still average. rosebush was easily the best in their class. That and her eagerness to learn would certainly help if she was going to get over this charm.

blush wine read in quiet for a few moment and then turned to Albus. `` All right. This explains it pretty well. start, of course of instruction, we 've got to tell Kaden the secret. Then we 've got to pick the underground keeper. I 'm thinking that I 'll receive to be the hidden keeper since the hugger-mugger keeper is the one to perform the spell. ``

Albus nodded, `` I 'm fine with that. We 've just got to get sure enough matt is. What does the cloak-and-dagger keeper do ? ``

`` Just perform the appeal. And the secret keeper is the only one who can execute the parry spell on Kaden. Normally the secret keeper would be the only one the soul could spill about the undercover with as well. But we 'll use another good luck charm to guarantee that Kaden can talk about the arcanum with you, John, Matt, and Amanda as well. ``

`` That sounds good, '' Albus replied. `` What else ? ``

`` fountainhead, the secret custodian performs a appeal on themselves, which turns them into the enigma keeper. Then they perform a charm on Kaden. Then Kaden will recite the secrets in point. After that, the privy custodian performs another appeal on Kaden. Then charms are performed on the rest of the citizenry involved. Then a net waterproofing appeal on everyone, including Kaden and the secret steward, and it 's done. ``

The theme of all those dissimilar spells made Albus 's encephalon hurt. `` Wow, that 's a lot of good luck charm. We 've never done ones that are a combination of multiple magical spell. ``

`` The transference charm is one of those, but it only uses two. This one is five. ``

`` What 's the counter charm involve ? '' Albus asked, thinking that maybe there would be a clock time when Kaden would age and they would n't stimulate to bank on magic to go along him from spilling arcanum to Malfoy.

`` Erm, it seems pretty much like the actual charm, '' blush wine looked back at the book, `` You pretty much go backwards, using different charms. ``

`` Makes horse sense. ``

`` I 'll start practicing as soon as we 're back at school, '' Rose shut the account book and got up. `` I 'll lend the book. Mum 'll never sleep with, she 's got way too many to keep path of. ``

`` All right, '' Albus got up and followed her to the threshold, `` Now we 've just got to witness that stag. ``

`` It 's going to have to wait until tomorrow, Albus, '' Rose pointed to the window. It was White with swirling Snow and the breaking wind was howling. `` Mum and Dad 'll never let us out in that. ``

******

Albus was getting quite fed up with the hart search by the time late good afternoon arrived the adjacent day. He and climb up spent the intact morning in the wood, taking a break for luncheon, and then returning in the afternoon. Albus looked at his spotter and saw that they would have to be starting to return to the planetary house soon. `` We 're never going to find a stag ! '' he groaned.

rosebush, who had brought the charm book they had found the previous day, looked up. `` You 've just got to be affected role. I told you one wo n't total if we 're noisy. ``

`` We 've been quiet down for the past two hours, '' Albus said flatly.

`` You 're not being quiet now, '' rosiness whispered and returned to her book.

Albus sighed and stared out into the wood. So far Albus had seen no less than ten rabbits and four bird of night, but no stags. He was getting very cold seance in the Baron Snow of Leicester and his cloak had long since soaked through. Albus was determined, however, and refused to go back to rose wine 's house until they found a stag.

It had seemed so simple at foremost, to daze a stag in the forest and get its footmark. This was not supposed to be the hardest print to get. Looking back, even the werewolf one seemed easier. certainly, they got locked out of Hogwarts, but they never got in hassle for it. The dog print had been the easy, since Amanda had a dog. The rat would be well-fixed, too, once Saint John the Apostle managed to catch one.

Albus pulled out his verge and started to poke at the snowfall mavin he had constructed earlier. The baton melted holes into the snow wizard until it started to resemble a piece of music of snow Swiss people cheeseflower. Albus was just beginning to do the same to the coke hippogriff that had been formed after the sensation when Rose poked him and hissed, `` Albus, look ! ``

Albus raised his top dog and looked in the counselling Rose was pointing. Directly in front end of them was a majestic looking doe, standing completely still and staring just to the leftfield of where the two full cousin were sitting. `` It 's just a doe, '' Albus whispered back, `` It wo n't work. ``

`` I know, but there 's usually a stag around when there 's a doe. ``

Albus sat completely still with his baton cladding towards the doe. Rose did the same and the two of them did n't move for a good five minutes. The doe inched slowly ahead, walking to the left of Albus and pink wine. Then Albus heard a rustling behind the doe and excitement washed over him as he saw a huge stag appear from behind a cluster of trees. `` This is it, '' he whispered to rose wine. She nodded but did n't say anything. The stag walked towards the doe, who had turned around to count at her teammate. `` On the counting of three. One ... two ... three. Stupefy ! '' Albus shouted.

`` Stupefy ! '' rosiness shouted at the same time.

The doe shot off like a rocket as soon as the cousins shouted the piece. The stag started to follow but was hit by Albus 's sweetheart. rosebush 's spell hit a nearby tree and burned a small pickle into the bark.

`` Excellent shot, Albus ! '' Rose grinned at him as they ran towards the stag.

`` Thanks. ``

`` Let 's haste. We wo n't have much time before he wakes up, '' rose wine reached into her robes and pulled out a piece of sheepskin, a bottle of ink, and a paint brush.

The stag was even bigger up close. Its eyes darted around nervously as rosiness painted the ink onto its presence hoof. Albus quickly pressed the parchment onto the hoof and pulled it away. A perfective leg it mark appeared on the sheepskin. `` This one 's estimable, '' Albus showed it to Rose.

`` Good, '' she put the stopper on her ink and stowed both it and the brush back in her cloak, `` Now let 's go. He wo n't be happy when he wakes up. ``

Albus did n't necessitate telling twice. He blew onto the lambskin a few times to dry the ink and then put it in his cloak. The two cousin-german ran through the tree and back to the house. It only took them a few mo as they were n't very far. Albus was thrilled that they had actually managed to get the print. The simply print left was the rat one and then they would be able to try out the map.


A/N : extra long chapter and an early update ! Just to let everyone know, I 'll be away at a Harry potter convention from tomorrow ( hence the ahead of time update ) until Sunday and although I 'll experience my laptop with me, I might not birth a luck to respond to your review article. I 'll get to them afterwards, though.

Thanks to my Beta, Dancer of Starlight. Thanks as well to Denas, XDNLxtlz99, Luke, sinwillys822, Slytherinlover, maraudersfan a w, Miguel, Moonylupin, and drownzer for the reveiws !


isclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter, Barbie, or Wii.


Albus 's kinsperson came to pick him up from rosebush 's house the succeeding good afternoon. They were all dressed in Muggle clothing, although Harry looked a small uncomfortable in his Muggle causa. Probably due to the tie, Albus thought. He could never understand why Muggles wore those.

`` Ready, Al ? '' Harry asked after a few minutes of visiting with rose 's family.

`` Yeah, '' Albus replied. He had to take on that he was a bit anxious about this dinner, but there was cypher he could do about it now. `` See you at school, Rose. ``

`` Bye, '' Rose smiled.

The rest of the Potters and Weasleys said goodbye to each other and then Albus disapparated with his fellowship. They appeared in a wickedness alleyway near a deserted street. Harry motioned for them to trace him and the family started down the street. They made a few to a greater extent twist until they came upon a vicinity of average sized houses. The houses all looked different, but seemed to be well cared for. It was a very calm neighborhood with few hoi polloi out and about. There were a couple people outside shoveling the newly fallen snow off their driveways, but none of them seemed to mark Albus and his family unit.

Eventually, Harry led them up a private road towards a gray house Albus recognized as Kaden 's. Before they could even contact the room access, it was thrown open and Kaden came running out. `` Albus ! '' he shouted.

`` Hi, Kaden, '' Albus greeted him. `` How are you ? ``

`` Great ! '' Kaden grinned, `` I ca n't severalise you how lots I 've missed schooling. It seems so boring here compared to school. ``

`` I have n't missed it. I like being on holiday, '' Albus said.

`` Yeah, but it 's so dull without, '' Kaden whispered in Albus 's ear, `` Magic. ``

Albus stifled a laugh and followed Kaden into the sign. Kaden led them to the bread and butter room, where Dudley was fidgeting with his tie. Christina was setting out roll of grapeshot and en and Bethany was helping.

`` Get anything effective for Christmas ? '' Kaden asked Albus once they sat down on the couch. `` I got a few new games for my Wii, a new football, a skateboard, and a caboodle of clothes. ``

`` What 's a Wii ? '' Albus asked.

`` Video game system, '' Kaden explained, `` It 's really fun. I 'll render you sometime. ``

`` Oh, '' Albus nodded, `` I got some apparel, books, a load of sweets, stuff and nonsense from my Uncle George II 's shop, and my dad 's invisibleness Cloak. ``

Kaden 's mouth fell subject, `` He gave it to you ? ! ``

`` Yup, '' Albus grinned. He had told Kaden about the Cloak a while ago, although Kaden had never seen it. He pulled it out of his bag and handed it to Kaden.

`` Whoa, that 's brilliant ! '' Kaden threw the cloak around himself, `` bet, I 'm unseeable ! ``

All the grownup looked over at him. `` Albus, you 'd better put that away before Uncle Vernon and Aunt petunia get here, '' Harry warned. Albus nodded and took the cloak back from Kaden. He knew Uncle Vernon would be less than enthusiastic about any sort of magical object.

`` Er, speaking of my parents, '' Dudley shifted uncomfortably, `` They do n't, well, they are n't aware that you 're, er, here tonight. ``

Albus watched as his parents looked at each other and then back at Dudley. `` What do you think of, Dudley ? '' Harry asked nervously.

`` I knew they would n't come if they knew you were here, so I did n't tell them, '' Dudley confessed.

Harry groaned, `` Dudley ... You know this could go horribly wrong. ``

`` fountainhead, I was kind of hoping you would all earn up, '' Dudley mumbled.

Harry shook his head and looked back at Ginny, who looked disquieted. Then the doorbell rang and Harry turned to Dudley. Dudley gave him a little smile and turned to get the door.

Albus gulped and looked at James II. Albus could only ever call up seeing his Uncle Vernon once. Albus was only five or six at the meter and the only thing he remembered was Vernon asking Harry if Albus was'a nut like you are'. Albus had no desire to ever see the man again, and now he had to expend the even with him.

The voices of Dudley greeting his parents started to go louder as they came into the living room. Albus got up from the lounge and stood next to James IV, who was hiding behind Harry. Vernon and Petunia followed Dudley into the room and their faces visibly paled as they saw the Potters.

`` Wha-wha, Dudley ? '' Vernon gaped at Harry and then looked at his son.

Albus watched as pandemonium broke out amongst the grownup. Vernon 's face turned various shadowiness of red and purple as he tried to grok what was happening. Petunia clung to her husband with a unite look of disapproval and fear on her fount.

`` Vernon, Vernon ! Did you know they would be here ? '' Petunia asked shrilly.

Once Vernon regained his ability to speak coherently, he started yelling at Harry, who yelled back.

`` You ! '' Vernon pointed at Harry, `` Why are you here, boy ? ``

Christina stood near the ingress to the kitchen, looking uncomfortable. Bethany clung to her leg and hid her face, clearly afraid of her granddaddy 's shouting. Albus, James, Lily, and Kaden glanced around at the adult, paying rhapsodic attention to the unfolding argument, but not saying a tidings. Ginny pursed her lips and watched her husband with a disapproving look. Albus had to allow that his Uncle Vernon was a bit chilling right now and Albus had no desire to foil route with him. Dudley looked nervous as he tried to make peacefulness between his congenator. His voice was drowned out amongst Vernon and Harry 's yelling, and Petunia 's shrieking.

`` Mum, Dad, '' Dudley stood in front line of his parents, `` I invited them here, so we could all get reacquainted. ``

`` Why would you do that ? '' Vernon demanded.

`` Kaden 's a maven, Dad, so Harry 's a constituent of his life now. You know he 's one of Kaden 's instructor. ``

Vernon 's face turned from ghostly clean to a deep nuance of purple. `` What could he possibly teach ? Abnormalness ? ``

`` thaumaturgy, Dad, it 's called conjuring trick, '' Dudley sighed.

Vernon 's oculus narrowed and he glared at Harry. `` You 're filling his caput with all that junk you learned as a youngster ! Do n't stand for it, Dudley ! He 's got you tricked or something ! Send him to Smeltings ! ``

`` Dad, Harry did n't fox me. Kaden 's a wizard and you 're just going to accept to live with it, '' Dudley replied.

`` Nothing good will descend of this, Dudley ! I assure you of that ! '' Vernon shouted.

`` Vernon, '' genus Petunia put her hand on her husband 's arm, `` Let it go. ``

`` You do realize that this variety of abnormality is what got your sister killed ! ``

`` I 'm fully aware of what happened to my sister, '' Petunia snapped. `` This does n't let anything to do with that. It 's about accepting your grandson for who he is. '' Vernon continued glaring at Harry, but he did n't say anything.

`` Let 's all sit down, '' Dudley suggested.

`` And I 'll get us some drinks ! '' Christina announced eagerly. She rushed into the kitchen and came back with a bottle of brandy, a nursing bottle of wine, and a some glasses, along with fizzy drinks for the tyke.

Vernon and Petunia regained their equanimity and Petunia gave Dudley a bone crunching hug and smothered him with kisses. She then moved on and did the Lapplander with both her grandchildren, making certainly to completely brush off Albus, James, and Lily. Albus sat down on the couch and to his disfavor, Vernon chose to sit next to him. After a few moments of inept silence, Vernon turned to Albus. `` So, '' he began, causing Albus to jump, `` You go to this, school, too ? ``

`` Er, yeah, '' Albus replied quickly, not looking at Vernon.

`` Look at me when I 'm talking to you, '' Vernon spat, `` I see manners are n't high-pitched on their antecedency listing. What classes do you claim there ? ``

Albus forced himself to bet at Vernon. `` I 'm taking metamorphosis, charm, Potions, Herbology, astronomy, History of deception, and Defense Against the Dark nontextual matter, '' he mumbled quietly.

Vernon seemed to flinch at the audio of those name. `` I see. And are you any expert at them ? ``

`` Um, I guess so, '' Albus replied. He was wishing to a greater extent and more that he could accept just stayed at Rose 's house instead of coming here. Why was Vernon questioning him ? Why not St. James the Apostle or Kaden ?

`` What subject does your male parent Blackbeard ? '' Vernon barked.

`` Defense Against the iniquity Arts, '' Albus muttered.

`` And what is that, exactly ? ``

`` defensive patch, dueling, clobber you use to get the better of Dark wizards like Voldemort. ``

`` Yeah, and Professor ceramist defeated Voldemort ! '' Kaden interrupted and for once Albus was grateful for his cousin 's big mouth.

`` So I 've heard, '' Vernon replied.

`` He 's a great teacher, grandad ! I love my new school. It 's much better than Muggle schooltime, '' Kaden grinned. `` I 'll be good back. '' He ran up the stairs and came back a few mo later with his wand. `` Look at this ! ``

Vernon narrowed his centre and gazed at his grandson. `` You 've got one, too. ``

`` Of grade I do ! '' Kaden laughed, `` I wish I could show you some sorcerous, though. I ca n't do it outside school. Hey, Professor Potter can show you ! ``

`` No ! I ruddy hell think not ! '' Vernon shouted.

`` No thanks ! '' genus Petunia shouted at the same time.

Kaden looked foiled. `` Sorry, Kaden, '' Harry with an apologetic look, `` Maybe another day. ``

`` Or never, '' Vernon muttered.

nobody said much after that. Albus preferred it that way. He was very felicitous that Uncle Vernon appeared to birth given up his interrogative sentence and answer seance. Christina announced that dinner was quick a few minutes later, and everyone eagerly went into the dining way. Albus made certainly that he was n't sitting next to Vernon and relaxed a small as he began to eat.

The Dursleys dominated near of the dinner party conversation, with Vernon and Petunia asking Dudley and Christina about what was new in their life sentence. They wanted to know every last point, down to what grade Bethany had gotten on her previous leger report in school. Eventually they had exhausted this topic and the table descended into an inept silence before Vernon started drilling Harry about his life.

`` So, boy, what exactly do you do for a living ? '' Vernon barked.

`` I 'm the Head of the Auror Department at the Ministry of conjuring trick, '' Harry smiled.

`` Auror ? '' Vernon repeated, `` What would that be ? ``

`` A Dark whiz backstop, '' Harry explained.

`` Oh, like a policeman. Would n't let guessed you 'd be in law enforcement, what with all the trouble you caused as a child. ``

Harry sighed, `` You know most of that was n't my flaw. ``

`` Like snake pit it was n't. It was all due to your freakishness, '' Vernon replied.

`` Dad, ca n't you just discharge it ? '' Dudley asked.

`` No, Duddy, I wo n't ! Vernon slammed his fist on the tabular array, `` He 's obviously done something to Kaden to arrive at him abnormal ! ``

That had to be the most ridiculous thing Albus had ever heard. A wizard could not turn a Muggle into a wizard. If they could, there would n't be any Squibs in the world, and there would certainly be Thomas More wizards.

`` Oh come off it, Dad ! '' Dudley shouted. `` Harry did n't do this ! Kaden was born a ace ! ``

`` No he was n't ! '' Vernon yelled, his expression turning purple again. `` And I want the boy to commute him back ! ``

`` Uncle Vernon, listen to me, '' Harry announced, `` You ca n't turn someone into a wiz, it just does n't shape. Kaden was born a whiz, which does n't surprise me at all. There is magic trick in his bloodline, the same illusion that was in my mother 's and is in mine. ``

`` Wonderful, '' Vernon spat, `` And I suppose you 're going to tell me that Bethany will be unnatural, too ? ``

`` There 's a chance she 'll be a hag, yes, '' Harry told him.

`` I am not going to stomach for anymore abonormalness in this family ! '' Vernon roared.

`` Vernon, there 's nix we can do ! '' petunia shrieked, `` I do n't like it either, but the boy did not do this ! ``

`` How do you know ? ``

`` Because my freak of a sister told me it 's not possible, that 's how ! ``

`` Do n't promise her a freak ! '' Harry glared at both of them.

petunia ignored him. `` I asked her, when I was an arrogant child. I asked her if somebody could change state me into a enchantress before I knew any better. She said no. There is not one thing we can do to alter Kaden. We just have to hope that he 's going to be smarter than my sister was and not get killed just out of school. ``

`` mulct, '' Vernon snapped, `` But I do n't like it. I do n't like it one bit. ``

`` Neither do I, neither do I, '' Petunia agree.

Albus glanced nervously from one adult to the following, hoping that the fight was over. He realized now how practically Uncle Vernon and aunt petunia hated magic now. The two of them were still going on about how Albus 's grannie had been killed, thirty-some years later. Albus was still amazed that Vernon had actually blamed Harry for Kaden being a star. Albus knew Vernon disliked Harry, but he did n't remember Vernon would still blame Harry for thing he did n't care, this many years later.

`` You 'd be unspoiled off just keeping him out of that school, '' Vernon announced after a few minutes of secrecy. `` There 's no law requiring him to go, is there ? ``

`` No, '' Dudley replied. `` But he likes it there, so he 's staying. ``

`` This is utterly cockeyed, '' Vernon muttered, `` Wait cashbox Marge hears about it. ``

`` I hate Aunt marge, '' Kaden said loudly, causing Albus to huff into his juice. `` All she talks about is breeding hot dog. ``

`` Do n't say that about your auntie, '' Vernon scolded.

`` What ? '' Kaden shrugged, `` prof Potter must not like her either. ``

Harry, who had been laughing behind his looking glass, immediately stopped and looked at Kaden. `` Really, Kaden, it 's not decent to say you hate people. '' He turned to Vernon, `` You have n't told her ? ``

`` Of trend I have n't ! '' Vernon raised his voice, `` Can you conceive of what she is going to cogitate ? That individual, like, like you is actually connect to her ? She takes comforter in the fact that you are n't actually related to her ! But to accept Kaden be one of your lot, she 'll be horrified ! And I should think so after you blew her up long time ago ! ``

`` What ? ! '' Kaden and Bethany shouted at the same time. Kaden spat his juice out and started choking. Albus slapped him on the rear, trying to control his own laugh. Harry told them this story a long clip ago and just thinking about it made Albus laugh.

`` That was n't his fault ! '' Ginny came to Harry 's defense, `` He could n't manipulate it ! What your sister said about his parents was absolutely rotten and you know it ! ``

`` It was the truth ! '' Vernon shouted, rising to his feet.

`` No it was n't ! '' Ginny stood up as well.

`` What do you mean, gasconade her up ? '' Kaden asked.

`` His parents were idiots and that 's why they were killed ! '' Vernon continued.

`` No they were n't ! '' Harry stood and stared at his uncle. Albus had rarely ever seen his father so wild before. `` They were working against Voldemort. ``

`` Another one of your lot who went on a putting to death rampage ! '' Vernon yelled.

`` They should cause just ignored him and minded their own business concern, '' Petunia announced. Albus did n't really reckon she should be telling someone to mind their own business, when she thrived off of gossip.

`` You could n't ignore Voldemort ! '' Harry and Ginny said at the same time.

`` Can somebody please state me how Aunt Marge got blown up ? ! '' Kaden shouted again.

`` Dad, just forget about it, all right ? Harry 's parents were n't slothful, '' Dudley pleaded.

`` Leave this to me, Dudley. You 're obviously under a bad influence right now. ``

Dudley heaved a huge sigh, `` Dad ... You 're forgetting that Harry saved my lifetime once ! ``

`` Oh, from those dementy matter ? They would n't possess even been around if it were n't for the boy ! ``

`` The power point is that they were ! And Harry saved me from them ! He also kept us all safe while he was hunting down that Voldemort bloke. He did n't possess to do that, you know. ``

`` What 's a dementy thing ? '' Kaden asked loudly.

`` Dementors, '' Albus corrected, `` They 're these dissemble creatures that suck out your soul. ``

Kaden stared at Albus, `` They what ? ``

`` Suck out your soul, '' Albus repeated, `` They feed on well-chosen thought, until you 're only give with the sad ace. ``

Kaden shuddered, `` They sound damn horrible. Professor Potter saved Dad from one ? ``

`` Yeah, when they were 15. There 's a spell, the Patronus Charm, that drives them away. It 's really come on magic not taught until seventh class, but Dad learned in his one-third year. ``

`` Wow, your dad 's brilliant, '' Kaden grinned. `` But I do n't fancy running into one of those dementors. Have you ever seen one ? ``

`` No and I hope never to, '' Albus replied.

`` We would have been fine without those loony 'protecting'us ! '' Vernon raged.

`` No we would n't ! We 'd all be dead ! '' Dudley insisted.

`` What would that Voldemort bloke have wanted with us anyway ? '' Vernon bellowed, `` It 's not like we 're weirdos like him. ``

`` Do n't you get it ? '' Harry sighed, `` He did n't care about anyone ! He would 've killed anyone to get to me, including you. ``

`` Everybody, just shut out it ! '' The five adults who were arguing turned to the source of the new voice that rang out louder than theirs. It was Christina. Everyone stopped arguing and stared at her. `` Thank you. Now I only understand parts of this row, but everything you 're rowing about has happened in the past. Ca n't you just put it behind you and try to get along ? Look at you, you 're standing there arguing about material you ca n't change, in front of your baby. What kind of example are you setting ? Put aside your differences, if not for yourselves, do it for the nipper. ``

The adults said zero for a few moments while Christina glared at every one of them. Eventually, Harry spoke, `` She 's veracious. We should just try and get along. '' Ginny nodded in agreement.

`` That 's what I was trying to secern you, '' Dudley commented.

`` Fine, '' Vernon spat, `` I 'll digest the boy. But you are making a grave misunderstanding with Kaden, Dudley. ``

`` commodity, '' Christina replied and stood up. `` I 'll go get the pud. ``

The respite of the dinner was much more enjoyable. Harry quickly told the story of when he blew up oleomargarine to duck Kaden and Bethany 's oddity, but there was no Sir Thomas More cite of magic throughout the residual of the meal. The conversation centered on topics that could be equally relative to Muggles and ace, such as the conditions. Albus did n't say anything, choosing instead to quietly eat his pudding while listening to the adults'strained conversations. He was just glad that they were no longer arguing with each other.

After dinner, Albus, James, and Kaden escaped to Kaden 's sleeping room, which he was eager to show off. The entire matter was decorated with various football paraphernalia, with a lot of accent on Manchester United. Saint James found this highly hold and spent quite a few minutes laughing at the bill sticker, in which the player remained completely still. Kaden spent a while showing off his Yuletide present to Albus and James I and soon wanted to indicate them how to run his Wii.

Kaden led Albus and James back downstairs, where the grownup were discussing car over umber. Albus was very happy that he did not have to sit through that discussion. Albus followed as Kaden went down another trajectory of stairs and they descended into the basement. The basement was clearly the playroom of the house, as it was cluttered with all sorting of Muggle toy. Lily and Bethany were playing with Bethany 's Barbies in one corner and neither of them paid much attention as the boys entered the room.

The Wii was set up in the middle of the room and attached to a television that was against the bulwark. Albus had never played a Wii before and was sort of curious about it. James was as well, although he got sidetracked by a removed control car. He drove it all over the room, completely amazed at how the car seemed to move by magic.

`` The things Muggles come up with, '' James grinned as he joined Albus and Kaden in front of the television.

Kaden spent the next time of day teaching Henry James and Albus how to wreak the Wii. They started with Kaden 's new racing game, which was actually pretty complicated. It took Albus the better part of an time of day to figure out how to take on it. James caught on a bit faster, but neither of them could top Kaden in skill. Albus found that the plot was incredibly fun and almost wished he had one at his house. Once they successfully learned the racing game, Kaden went on to teach them how to toy a couple more game. Lily eventually wandered over and wanted to learn, too. By the time midnight came around, all five of them were taking turns playing plot and Albus was having a great time.

Albus was kind of disappointed when his dad called them back on a higher floor to look down to the new year and hoped that everyone was still acting civilly. They were, as Albus found when he entered the aliveness elbow room. It did n't really attend like the adult were enjoying themselves, but they were at least acting polite, which was good enough for Albus.

Shortly after they rang in the new year, Albus 's parents decided it was time to leave. Albus had no controversy against this because he was tired and did n't really want to spend anymore time in the same family as Uncle Vernon. Harry politely shook men with Vernon, said adios to Petunia, and told Dudley he would owl him soon. Vernon kind of flinched at the reference of the word 'owl .'Albus completely ignored Vernon and genus Petunia, and told Kaden he would see him on the train ride back to school. Once the obligatory goodbyes were said, Albus and his kinsfolk left the house, only to Apparate back to Grimmauld Place a few streets away.


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


isclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Albus had to admit that he was felicitous to be going back to Hogwarts. After the nearly disastrous dinner with the Dursleys, Albus spent his fourth dimension working on homework or goofing off with Saint James and Lily. By the end of the holiday he was actually sort of tire and happy to be seeing his ally again. Plus, the Sooner he got back to school, the sooner he could try out the new map.

The Potters met the Weasleys and the Dursleys at mogul 's Cross and entered political platform 9 3/4 together. Both families were running late again and Albus, rosiness, James, and Kaden only just made it onto the train before it left. James River immediately left to get hold his friends while Albus, rose wine, and Kaden wandered around trying to find their friends.

john and Amanda were sitting in one of the compartments in the middle of the gear. Albus opened the room access and walked in, followed by rose wine and Kaden.

`` Hey ! '' John greeted them.

`` There you are, '' Amanda smirked, `` Almost miss the train again ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus laughed and sat down adjacent to her. He wished more than anything that Kaden would leave so he could distinguish John and Amanda that he and turn out managed to get the stag print. All the prints were currently residing in Albus 's bag, just waiting to be transferred onto the map.

`` So how was your menage dinner party ? '' John grinned and looked from Albus to Kaden.

Albus and Kaden exchanged glances. Rose stifled a laugh. She had already heard about the dinner shortly after it happened.

`` It was ... eventful, '' Albus said. `` Not something I want to do again. ``

`` What happened ? '' can asked eagerly.

`` My grandpa went mad, '' Kaden shook his head. `` And my grandma sorting of did. ``

`` What did they do ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Well, they kind of did n't be intimate we were coming, '' Albus began, `` So they started off by yelling about that. ``

`` Then they started shouting about how my dad should n't let me go to schooling here, '' Kaden continued.

`` And Uncle Vernon wound up claiming that Dad had somehow used a charm to turn Kaden into a sensation, '' Albus explained.

John the Evangelist and Amanda burst out laughing. `` You 're kidding ! '' John exclaimed. `` He actually thought that ? ! ``

`` Sure did, '' Albus grinned. Now that the dinner was behind him, he was able to express mirth about it. Looking back, his Uncle Vernon did seem mad, and not nearly as chilling as Albus first thought.

`` And my grandma of all people told him it was n't possible, '' Kaden laughed. `` Apparently she wanted to be a witch when she was a kid. But the full persona was when gramps brought up aunty oleo. ``

`` Who 's that ? '' Amanda asked.

`` My grandpa 's sis, '' Kaden explained, `` I ca n't stand her. But apparently Professor ceramist blew her up when he was 13 ! ``

toilet and Amanda started howling with laugh. `` That is absolutely brilliant ! '' lavatory shouted.

`` This I 've got to take heed ! '' Amanda grinned.

Albus smiled at them and told the account of his auntie oleo. lavatory and Amanda laughed even harder when they had heard the unharmed thing.

`` What happened next ? '' John asked once he had calmed down.

`` fountainhead, we went down to the basement and played with Kaden 's Muggle video games, which was a lot of fun. ``

`` And the grownup stayed upstairs, '' Kaden added. `` Which was probably bloody awkward. ``

`` Then we left shortly after midnight, '' Albus told them. `` Hey, Kaden, what happened after we left ? ``

`` Oh, yeah. Grandpa tried to win over Dad to not let me go back to Hogwarts. He thought Dad would be more likely to agree without you lot there. Dad told him to hold back and eventually he gave up and left. ``

`` You going to do that again anytime soon ? '' John asked.

`` Hopefully not, '' Albus replied.

`` Let 's do it at your star sign side by side, '' Kaden grinned, `` I want to see a hotshot house. ``

`` I doubt Dad will let Uncle Vernon and auntie Petunia in the house, '' Albus told him, `` But you 're welcome to amount. ``

`` Over the summer, then, '' Kaden said.

`` We 'll come, too, '' Rose announced. whoremonger and Amanda nodded. `` And Matt. ``

Kaden looked around the compartment and then back at Albus. `` Where is he, anyway ? ``

`` Er, he had some, er, healer appointee, '' Albus said quickly. Hopefully that would fulfill Kaden 's curiosity.

`` Oh, for that disease he 's got ? ``

`` Yeah, the one you ca n't say a matter about to anybody, '' Albus glared at him, `` And that includes this. Do n't tell anyone where he is. ``

Kaden nodded. `` I wo n't. I 'll keep away from Malfoy and Willinson. ``

`` Good, '' Albus said.

******

Over the next few days, Albus kept trying to find some time to tell John and Amanda about the stag photographic print, but it was severely to escape from Kaden off. It seemed the only metre they were away from him was when they were in class or in their dormitory at nighttime. Neither were good chance to speak about the map.

In the meantime, Malfoy was trying to figure out why Matt was n't in school. The fully moon was n't until the following workweek, so Albus was going to have to endure Malfoy 's questioning for a while longer. cypher seemed to satisfy him. Albus was also preoccupied with what was going to happen this total lunation. He was kind of worried about flatness taking the new wolfsbane potion.

All the students and teachers seemed to be falling into their usual routine. Dueling and Quidditch exercise started up again. Both Kate and Empire State of the South were working their squad hard and Albus was feeling the effects. Between that and the increased amount of homework the instructor were intent on assigning, he had hardly any metre for anything else.

A distich days into the terminal figure, Kaden finally had one of his tutoring sessions. Albus and his acquaintance seized the opportunity and ran to the Room of Requirement as soon as Kaden left the common room.

`` Finally ! '' John exclaimed as he threw himself onto one of the couches in the way. `` I thought I was going to die of curio ! ``

`` I never thought we 'd get away from him ! '' Amanda said as she sat down next to him.

`` It 'll be easier once pink wine figures out the charm to keep him quiet, '' Albus replied.

`` You found one ! '' John sat up and stared at Rose.

`` Sure did, '' Rose grinned and pulled the book of appeal from her house out of her bag. She opened it to the right varlet and handed it to toilet and Amanda.

The two of them read it for a few proceedings. `` This is unbelievable, '' Amanda smiled, `` You think you can do it ? ``

`` Given a bit of drill, indisputable, '' Rose replied. `` We just have to pass water certainly matte agrees to it. ``

`` I 'm sure he will, '' privy said, `` I mean, this magical spell will definitely keep on Kaden from telling anyone. ``

`` I 'll get going working on it now, '' rosiness took the book back, `` I have n't started yet because I do n't want anyone to ask why I 'm trying to learn it. ``

`` So, did you get the hart mark ? '' John asked eagerly.

`` Sure did ! '' Albus reached into his bag and pulled out the three prints. `` We just necessitate the rat now. ``

John picked them up and looked at him. `` excellent ! I 'll try and get the rat soon. Then we can transfer them. ``

`` We should wait for lustrelessness, '' Albus told him, `` He 's a part of this as much as we are. ``

`` Oh, yeah, that 's a trade good idea, '' John set the mark down on a nearby tabular array. `` You know, I think this is the first-class honours degree metre we 've been in here without him. ``

`` I think you 're right, '' Albus commented. It was form of strange, really. All the other sentence they had been in the way, Matt had been the one to ask for it. nobody said anything for a few minutes. Albus could secernate that everyone was thinking the same thing he was, what would happen with Matt 's new potion.

`` Well, he 'll be back soon, '' John said after a while.

`` As long as nothing goes incorrectly, '' Albus said quietly.

`` Yeah, but just call up if this potion works. That would be great, would n't it ? ``

`` Definitely, '' Albus agreed, but he could n't help but think the new potion would n't put to work any improve than the old one. Why should it ? If Matt was insubordinate to Wolfsbane potion, why should a dissimilar variety of it put to work ?

The four of them spent the rest of the even in the Room. rose worked steadily on figuring out the charm, but did n't really get anywhere. It was an extremely difficult charm, after all. Albus, John, and Amanda worked on their homework and talked about what they thought the new map would have on it.

******

Albus became more and more anxious as the fully synodic month approached. His Friend seemed to as well, and St. John the Apostle especially developed a very shortly fuze. Kaden seemed to get the brunt of this but he took it in stride. The Nox of the actual full moon, Albus had Quidditch praxis. He became so distracted during it that Georgia called for a break during practice and demanded to screw why Albus was dropping so many Quaffles. He lied and told her he was worried about a metamorphosis exam the next day. Luckily she seemed to accept this and wished him luck on his test. Albus tried extra hard during the second base one-half of pattern but still missed a lot of easy passes.

Albus entered the common room after practice touch incredibly sore but not at all tired. He had been hit with legion bludgers due to his lack of assiduousness. Normally Albus would have been exhausted after such a practice but he was too anxious to be tired tonight.

His Friend were sitting at their usual mesa which was covered in preparation. Not that much of it was being done. Kaden was the only one feverishly working away at an essay. can, Amanda, and even rose wine were staring off into nothing with their untouched preparation in straw man of them. Albus quickly stowed his ling in his dorm room and joined his friends at the table.

`` Hey, '' Albus said as he sat down next to Rose.

`` Hi, '' Rose mumbled. John and Amanda gave equally unenthusiastic greetings.

`` Hi Albus ! '' Kaden looked up, `` I 'm gladiola you 're back. This lot has been incredibly tone down. ``

Even at a metre like this, Albus could n't assist but laugh at Kaden 's cluelessness. `` Hi, Kaden. ``

`` How was practice ? '' Kaden asked.

`` Not that great. I got hit with a couple bludgers. ``

`` Ouch, '' Kaden winced.

`` Yeah, my arm hurts pretty bad, '' Albus commented.

`` Just go see dame Pomfrey, '' rosiness suggested, `` Your arm looks nasty. ``

Albus glanced at his arm. It had turned a pin-up purplish blue colouring in the prison term since he had received the snow. `` All right, '' he stood up. `` I 'll see you in a bit. ``

Kaden stood up as well. `` I 'll come with you. ``

Albus did n't feel like telling Kaden not to chafe, so he nodded and Kaden followed him out of the common room. Albus did n't talk much on the way to the infirmary wing, but Kaden kept up a streaming commentary about what went on in his classes that day. Kaden must birth felt the need to share it even though nothing particularly exciting had happened that day. The corridors were utterly deserted and Kaden 's vocalism seemed awfully tawdry. Albus glanced at his watch and saw that it was almost curfew. He wished he had brought his invisibility Cloak. Of course, none of the teachers could give him detention for being out of his rough-cut way in order to go see lady Pomfrey, could they ?

Albus pushed the doorway to the infirmary wing unfastened slowly and saw that Madam Pomfrey was sitting at her desk, writing something, and glancing out the window every few seconds. The moonlight was streaming through and illuminating one of the beds. There were n't any patient in the Montgomery Ward, which Albus thought was sort of strange. Albus rarely ever saw the place empty. He walked quietly up to brothel keeper Pomfrey and Kaden followed. The nurse did n't even seem to have noticed them do in.

`` Er, excuse me, Madam Pomfrey ? '' Albus said once he was a pair off pes in front of the desk.

The nurse jumped and looked up, clutching her heart. `` Oh, Albus ! You scared me. What are you doing here ? ``

It suddenly occurred to Albus that Madam Pomfrey was probably thinking about Matt as well, since she usually took care of him after the replete lunation. `` I got hit with a mates bludgers at practice tonight. I was, er, sort of distracted. ``

Madam Pomfrey stood up and gave him a sympathetic look. `` I understand. Let me see. ``

Albus held out his arm and dame Pomfrey clucked her knife as she inspected it. She pulled out her baton and touched it to his arm, muttering a patch as she did so. Albus 's arm felt ardent and tingly, and then normal again. The pain was gone.

`` Thanks, '' Albus replied.

`` No problem. Anywhere else ? ``

`` I got hit on my binding too and it sort of distress. I 've got no thought if it 's bruised or not. ``

brothel keeper Pomfrey looked at Albus 's back and performed the Saame healing charm. It felt immensely better.

`` I think that 's it, '' Albus said once she was done.

`` You 'd better be off to bed, then, '' she said. `` I 'm for certain I 'll be seeing you soon. ``

Albus nodded and turned to leave. He and Kaden were soon back in the empty corridor.

`` Why were you distracted during recitation ? '' Kaden asked loudly.

`` Shush, '' Albus hissed, `` Transfiguration exam tomorrow. ``

`` Oh, that 's probably why St. John the Apostle, Rose, and Amanda were so quiet. ``

`` Yeah, that was it. ``

The two of them continued their trek to the common room until they practically bumped into two early the great unwashed as they turned a corner.

`` watch out it ! '' a cold voice shouted and shoved Albus aside.

Albus pulled out his wand and lit it, shoving the visible radiation in the faces of the two strangers. They were Malfoy and Willinson. `` You watch it, '' Albus muttered.

`` Get your verge out of my face, '' Malfoy seethed. `` What are you doing here anyway ? ``

`` What are you doing here ? '' Albus asked.

`` None of your business. ``

`` You just answered your own interrogative, then. ``

Malfoy turned to Kaden. `` Ah, it 's the Mudblood cousin. ``

`` Do n't telephone him that ! '' Albus shouted.

Malfoy ignored him and continued to glare at Kaden. `` Maybe you know where Eckerton is these days ? ``

Kaden glanced nervously at Albus before answering. `` Uh, no, I do n't. ``

`` amercement, '' Malfoy snapped. `` I know you wo n't say anything with ceramist around anyway. I 'll just wait until you 're alone. C'mon, Willinson, we 're leaving. ``

`` You 'll do no such matter, Mr. Malfoy, '' someone said from behind Albus.

Albus jumped in fright and turned around to see Professor Patil. Great, he thought, now they were going to wreathe up in detention. Why did they always wind up in detainment with Malfoy ?

`` What are you four doing out of bed ? '' Patil asked briskly, `` You know you 're not allowed to be wandering around after hours. ``

`` Uh, '' Malfoy stammered, `` We were, er, uh, well we just wanted to, um- ''

`` Do n't bother, Mr. Maloy, '' Patil cut him off. `` Whatever lie you come up with is not going to convince me. '' She turned to Albus and Kaden, `` I 'm assuming you were not out for a stroll with Mr. Malfoy and Mr. Willinson ? ``

`` No, '' Albus confirmed, `` I was actually just in the hospital wing. I got hurt at Quidditch praxis. Kaden was with me. ``

Patil looked at Kaden. `` Is that straight, Mr. Dursley ? ``

`` Yes, gentlewoman, '' Kaden replied quietly.

`` We were there, too, Professor ! '' Malfoy shouted out, `` Willinson stabbed himself with his quill while we were doing homework. ``

Patil glanced at him skeptically. `` Well, we 'll just go see Madam Pomfrey and substantiate all your level. ``

Any color that had been in Malfoy 's font drained. The four boys quietly followed professor Patil to the infirmary wing. Albus was very assuage. Madam Pomfrey would tell Patil that he and Kaden had been there, and then she would n't give them detention.

Patil opened the room access to the hospital wing, but madam Pomfrey was no longer there. Patil motioned for the boys to detain there and she strode over to the nurse 's situation. She knocked lightly and waited for Madam Pomfrey to appear.

`` I hope I 'm not bothering you, '' Patil said once dame Pomfrey came out.

`` Not at all, Padma, '' dame Pomfrey smiled, `` I was n't asleep. Is there something you need ? ``

`` I was wondering if any of these four male child, '' she gestured to Albus, Kaden, and the two Slytherins, `` Were here recently ? I caught them all out of bed and all of them insist they were here. ``

Madam Pomfrey gazed at the boys. `` Well, Albus and Kaden were here about fifteen minutes ago, but I have n't seen the other two in quite a while. ``

`` That 's what I thought, '' Patil nodded, `` Thank you. ``

`` Not a problem, '' the nurse replied.

`` I 'll take you two back to your common room, '' Patil said to Albus and Kaden. `` As for you, '' she glared at Malfoy and Willinson, `` You will add up back to my office and we shall arrange for custody. ``

Malfoy and Willinson sulked and muttered under their breath as the five of them exited the ward. Albus laughed to himself on their way back to Gryffindor towboat. Malfoy and Willinson were glaring daggers at Albus and Kaden the whole way back, but Albus just smirked at them. They could n't do anything now anyway, not with Patil around. But surely they would blame Albus and Kaden for their detention and Albus would experience to watch out the next few days.

******

Albus did n't slumber very well that night, despite his fatigue from Quidditch practice. He fell asleep in the wee 60 minutes of the morning and woke up only a few hours later. Gospel According to John was just as exhausted and the two of them stumbled down into the common room, only to retrieve Rose slumped over a book at their usual table.

`` Rose ! '' Albus shook his cousin 's shoulder joint, `` inflame up ! ``

Rose slowly lifted her head and then jumped at the batch of Albus and John. `` Wha-what are you two doing ? ``

`` Uh, it 's morning, Rose, '' Albus explained, `` We 've got to get to Transfiguration in an hour. ``

`` Oh ! '' Rose jumped up and pushed her bushy hair out of her face.

`` What were you doing down here ? Did you ever go to bed ? '' Albus asked.

`` No, could n't catch some Z's, '' Rose shrugged, `` So I came back down and worked on the Sileo Altus Charm. I just ca n't forecast it out. It 's driving me mad ! ``

`` That 's a really high level spell, pink wine. You know it 's going to take you a patch, '' Albus reminded her.

`` I know, I know. I 'll get it eventually, '' rosiness sighed, `` I guess I 'll go change and come up Amanda. Then we can go down to breakfast. ``

A few minutes later, Albus and his friends walked to the Great vestibule. Albus noticed Malfoy and Willinson at the Slytherin table as they walked by and both of the Slytherins were shooting daggers at Albus.

Kaden was already at the Gryffindor tabular array and immediately hailed Albus and the others to sit near him.

`` Did you see Malfoy this morning ? '' Kaden asked once Albus had sat down.

`` Yeah, he 's not too happy. ``

`` Wonder when his detention is ? '' Kaden asked.

`` Who knows, '' Albus shrugged. He did n't particularly handle when Malfoy and Willinson were going to do detention.

Kaden began to tattle about some potion he was going to be brewing that day, but Albus tuned him out. All Albus seemed to be able to reckon about at the moment was whether the new potion flatness had taken worked.

As if on cue, a large brown owl flew down and landed neatly next to Albus 's plate.

`` You 've got a letter ! '' Kaden shouted eagerly.

`` I know, '' Albus rolled his eyes and pulled the letter off the owl 's leg. He gave the owl a few bite of toast and the large dame flew off.

Rose, who was on Albus 's other side, looked over his shoulder as he looked at the envelope. John and Amanda were leaning over the table and Kaden was leaning over Albus 's early shoulder.

`` Wonder who it 's from, '' Kaden said.

`` It 's from matt, '' Albus told him. `` That was his owl. ``

`` Maybe he 's telling you when he 's coming back ! '' Kaden shouted.

`` Shush ! '' Albus, John, Rose, and Amanda said at once.

`` Well, we 'd better be off to Transfiguration, '' Albus said and gave Rose a significant glance.

`` Yes, we 'd better, '' Rose stood up.

`` Are n't you going to open up it ? '' Kaden asked.

`` On the way, '' Albus told him.

`` I 'll come, too ! ``

Albus sighed and got up from the table. He could n't unfold that letter in nominal head of Kaden. pink wine, John, and Amanda got up as well and followed Albus out of the Great hall. Kaden was right behind him, but Albus did n't presume open it yet. Kaden stalled in the ingress Hall, but eventually gave up and headed down to the dungeons for Potions.

`` Well, now we have n't got time to read it, '' Albus groaned and glanced at his watch. `` Why could n't he ingest left preferably ? ``

`` 'Cause he 's Kaden, '' toilet shook his head.

`` We 'll just read it after History of illusion, '' blush wine said as they climbed the stairs, `` We 've got the whole afternoon off. ``

The morning dragged by at an extremely slow tempo, in Albus 's belief. Transfiguration Day was n't too bad, since it was a hard-nosed lesson. Malfoy descended upon Albus and the others after the socio-economic class was over, wanting to know where flatness was. Albus lied and told him Matt was having a late vacation with his grandparents and then took off for History of illusion, ignoring Malfoy 's complaints about detention that followed.

History of Magic was as drill as usual. Albus thought he saw the clock 's hands go backwards at one peak. He passed greenback with John and Amanda while rosiness took notes. She seemed to have inherited her mother 's ability to continue awake during that form. John nodded off at one point and Albus had to incite him awake with his shaft. professor Binns did n't even appear to notice.

After History of illusion finally ended, Albus and his booster went to the Great student residence to grab a quick dejeuner. Kaden was there when they arrived and immediately launched into an explanation of the potion he had just brewed. Apparently it was so impressive that Slughorn gave him a bar of Honeyduke 's hot chocolate and an invitation to the future Slug society meeting.

`` What ? ! '' Albus choked on his pumpkin vine juice.

`` Yup, '' Kaden grinned. `` The next get together is this Saturday. He told me that a lot of your cousin go. ``

`` Er, yeah, they do, '' Albus coughed. He had not been expecting Kaden to get invited to any poke nightclub meetings. Albus had n't even gone to any since the old yr. He just told Slughorn he had Quidditch recitation or too a good deal prep to go. Slughorn had n't even had his Christmas party this year. Albus was n't sure as shooting why, but he was guessing it was because he had n't been able-bodied to find anyone famous to attend.

`` But he said you 're always too meddling to go, '' Kaden said, `` Will you go to this one ? ``

Albus groaned inwardly, `` Oh, I do n't eff .... ''

`` Please ? '' Kaden pleaded.

`` fine, '' Albus sighed. It could n't be that bad now that Quinton Willinson was gone. And it was just one meeting. `` But just this once. And if Sakartvelo calls for Quidditch recitation, I wo n't go to the encounter. ``

`` Yay ! '' Kaden shouted.

Once Kaden left for his future class, Albus and his booster went straight for the elbow room of demand. Albus and Rose sat on one of the lounge while John and Amanda sat on the opposite one. Albus reached into his bag and found the letter.

`` Here it goes, '' Albus whispered.

`` That potion better have worked, '' John said.

Albus tore open the envelope and unfolded the alphabetic character. He read it aloud.

Dear Albus, Rose, John, and Amanda,

hold out night lusterlessness told me to pen you
and recite you what happened if he couldn't.
Since he ca n't, you have probably guessed
that the potion did not work.

`` Damn ! '' John shouted.

matt will explain more when he gets back to
Hogwarts. I 'll just say that it 's not uncollectible
than common. He 's at St. Mungo 's rightfulness now so
the Healers can watch over the after affects of
the potion and the transformation.

He only has to stay in St. Mungo 's all-night
and then tomorrow he 'll be back at home. I 'm
pretty sure he 'll be back at Hogwarts on
Billy Sunday, but we 're not exactly sure.

Hope you are all doing well. I 'll see you
soon, maybe at the next Gryffindor
Quidditch match.

From,
Amy

Albus folded up the letter and looked at his friends. `` wellspring, I guess that 's it, then. ``

`` At least it was n't any worse, '' Amanda said quietly.

`` Yeah, '' Rose agreed.

nobody said anything for a few minutes. Albus felt very discomfited that the potion had n't worked, but he was for certain it did n't even get close to what mat was feeling.

`` Maybe he 'll let us go Animagi now, '' John the Evangelist suggested.

Rose glared at him, `` He wo n't. He 's still in that subject field, which means he 's still got to conduct that potion for the succeeding two years or so. Then there 'll probably be another one for him to test. And maybe that one will work. ``

`` Well, it would still be coolheaded to become an Animagus. ``

`` Then you can do it when you 're older, '' blush wine said, `` You could n't do it now anyway, it 's too advanced. ``

`` Albus 's grandad did it. ``

`` When he was in one-fifth class, '' rosebush reminded him.

`` Fine, three more age then, '' John Lackland shrugged.

pink wine sighed, `` flatness wo n't let you fall in him on the wax moon, though. And I would n't intimate doing it behind his back. ``

`` I wo n't, '' John assured her, `` I just think it would be a fun affair to do, be an Animagus. ``

`` Definitely, '' Rose agreed.

Albus and his acquaintance spent the in effect function of the following hour talking about what they would do if they could translate into fauna. They all agreed that listening in on masses 's conversations and sneaking up on citizenry like Malfoy would be top on the list of poppycock to do. Eventually, rose insisted that they all start their preparation, which took them most of the eventide to complete.


A/N : Thanks to my Beta, Dancer of Starlight. Thanks as well to sinwillys822, XDNLxtlz99, Luke, Denas, Moonylupin, phoenixy friend, drownzer, and potterfan296 for their follow-up !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Despite the fact that Quinton Willinson was no longer at Hogwarts, Albus still dreaded the Slug Club encounter on Saturday. His rational number side told him that it would n't be nearly as bad with Willinson gone, but Albus still was n't looking forward to it.

Kaden, on the former hand, spent the days leading up to Saturday talking non-stop about the clout Club confluence. Albus had already explained in contingent what they involved, but that did n't block Kaden from constantly wondering aloud about what the meeting would be like.

Saturday arrived quickly and Albus was still without an excuse to not attend the meeting. Georgia had not called for Quidditch practice that day, mainly due to the fact that the Ravenclaws booked the pitch all morning and the Slytherins had it all afternoon. The two houses were scheduled to play each other the following Saturday.

`` It 's time for the sluggard Club encounter, Albus ! '' Kaden shouted excitedly a few arcminute before eleven.

Albus sighed and got up out of his chairperson in the common room. `` See you lot in a piddling while, '' he said to lav and Amanda.

`` rich person scores of fun ! '' bathroom laughed.

`` See you later, '' Amanda grinned.

Albus, Kaden, and rosiness, who had also decided to go, set off for the dungeons. Albus hoped he would only throw to stay for a little while, maybe an hour at well-nigh. Just long enough for Kaden to see what the get together were like.

The meeting was held in the Potions classroom and a few bookman were milling about when Albus, Rose, and Kaden walked into the elbow room. Albus recognized to the highest degree of them from last year 's meetings. A few of his first cousin were there as well, but not all of them. James was n't there, but Albus knew he had dueling practice that day. Albus was also glad to observe that Felix Willinson was not there. Of course, after what happened with Quinton and his father, Albus guessed he should n't be surprised that Quinton 's cousin would n't be invited to the type slug Club.

There was a table full of solid food along one of the side walls and well-nigh everyone was crowding around it trying to get some lunch. Slughorn had a photographic plate of food in strawman of him and was sitting at a large table in the figurehead of the room.

Albus led rosebush and Kaden over to the table and picked up a home.

`` What is this material ? '' Kaden pointed to a platter of some sort of meat.

`` Pheasant, '' Albus replied. Slughorn always served pheasant at his meetings. Albus tried it last year and hated it.

Kaden shrugged and piled the pheasant onto his plate. Once Albus and his Quaker had gotten enough food, they sat down at the tabular array across from Slughorn. Shortly after, everyone else had sat down at the table as well.

`` Good to see you all again ! '' Slughorn greeted them and then turned to Albus. `` And Albus and Rose ! I 'm very happy that you two decided to come ! How have classes been going ? ``

`` Good, '' Albus replied.

`` Excellent, excellent, '' Slughorn nodded, `` We also have someone new here today. This is Kaden Dursley, '' Slughorn gestured to Kaden. `` He 's Albus 's cousin-german and is turning out to be quite the Potions brewer ! Lily 's genes must be coming out in you ! ``

Kaden grinned, `` Potions is fun. Loads better than Transfiguration. ``

Slughorn laughed, `` Do n't let Professor Patil hear you say that. But I daresay I agree with you. ``

Kaden laughed as well and then took a large bit of pheasant. Albus watched him as he did so, wondering if he 'd care it. Kaden chewed for a few instant before a big smile appeared on his face.

`` This material is splendid ! ``

`` I 'm glad you like it ! '' Slughorn said.

Albus chuckled to himself. Of grade Kaden liked the pheasant. If there was one matter Albus had learned about his cousin over the past six months, it was that he 'd eat pretty much anything. This was obviously something he had inherited from his father.

Slughorn soon launched into a lengthy explanation of what he did over his holiday and who he had spent clock time with. ( `` Barry Ryan used to play for Ireland, you know. '' ) Albus found the whole matter rather boring but he noticed that Kaden seemed to hang on Slughorn 's every word. rosiness seemed to be paying aid as well, but probably only out of courtesy.

Albus let his creative thinker wander as Slughorn continued talking about his dinner party with Barry Ryan. Matt was supposed to return to Hogwarts the next day, which meant that in as little as XXIV hours, they could be having the map working. well, if they could mouse away to the room of Requirement, that is. Albus hoped Rose would possess that charm working soon. Then they could just do all of this with Kaden. It would throw it a all lot light. Of course, mat still had n't said that he agreed to tell Kaden even with the charm. Albus kept forgetting about that component. But why would n't he agree ? The appealingness seemed like it would solve well.

Albus, Kaden, and Rose wound up staying until the end of the encounter. Kaden was enthralled by the integral matter and Albus knew he would reject to depart too soon. Albus was incredibly bored by the clip the thing was over and rosebush looked as bored as Albus felt. Once the meeting was finally over, the three of them said goodbye to Slughorn and left the dungeons.

`` That was so cool, '' Kaden grinned.

`` Boring 's to a greater extent like it, '' Albus replied.

`` How can you call back it was boring ? '' Kaden stared at Albus, `` Slughorn knows so many far-famed citizenry. ``

`` trust me, it gets old after a while, '' Albus said.

`` Well, are you two going to the next one ? ''

Albus looked at Rose. She did n't look like she wanted to go to the next one either. `` Er, well, I might accept Quidditch praxis. ``

`` And I 'll probably experience too much preparation, '' Rose explained.

`` I 'd go even if I did have got too a good deal preparation, '' Kaden told them.

`` That really is n't a just idea, '' Rose warned him. `` You 'll get behind. ``

Albus laughed as blush wine launched into a discussion about how important clip management is and how prep should always come first. The three of them were nearly to the park way by the time pink wine finished and Kaden was wearing a clean flavor on his face, much like the one Albus had worn during the Slug Club meeting.

******

`` Got any idea what time he 's coming back ? '' John Lackland asked shortly after lunch the adjacent day in the green room.

`` No idea, '' Albus shrugged.

Albus, trick, Kaden, Rose, and Amanda were all sitting around their common table in the green way. blush wine and Kaden were playing chess and it was apparent that rosiness was going easy on Kaden. The two of them had been playing the Lapplander secret plan for 15 bit. If Rose wanted to, she probably could have beat Kaden in five minutes. Saint John the Apostle and Amanda were both working on the Transfiguration essay that was due the following day. Albus had already finished that particular essay and was watching Rose and Kaden 's chess match.

`` king to D3, '' Kaden said. The queen gave Kaden a menacing glower and then reluctantly moved to the square.

`` Bishop to D3. '' Rose 's bishop smashed Kaden 's queen to pieces. `` Checkmate, '' Rose grinned.

`` Crap, '' Kaden muttered as his king dropped its sword in defeat.

`` You 're getting a bit better, '' Rose said as she repaired all the pieces with a wafture of her wand.

`` Do you have Quidditch practice today, Albus ? '' lavatory asked.

`` Yeah. Georgia managed to book the pitch for an hour after dinner. The Hufflepuffs were n't too happy, but Georgia got it first. ``

`` I hope lustrelessness gets back before you leave, '' Amanda said.

`` Me, too, '' Albus agreed. `` But Amy did n't say when he 'd be coming back. ``

`` He 's going to have a load of homework to make up, '' Kaden announced.

`` That sounds like something you 'd say, Rose, '' John laughed.

`` How 's your essay coming, whoremaster ? '' Rose smirked.

`` Yeah, yeah. I 've got the first paragraph done, '' Saint John the Apostle grumbled.

`` I 've only got one more to go, '' Amanda said.

`` Want to fiddle again, Rose ? '' Kaden asked.

Rose shrugged. `` trusted, why not. ``

rosebush and Kaden set up their spell and started to play again. Albus watched them. It was pretty funny to watch the two of them play chess game. Kaden would sit there forever figuring out what movement to make and once he made it, blush wine would smile and move one of her own pieces within mo. rose 's motion usually involved killing one of Kaden 's pieces.

The portrait hole to the mutual room opened a few minute later and Albus looked up. lustrelessness was just climbing through and headed heterosexual person for Albus 's tabular array once he noticed them.

`` Hey, matte ! '' Albus grinned, `` Welcome back ! ``

`` Hi Albus, '' Matt grinned back. He looked tired, but felicitous. There was still a yellowish contusion on his forehead, but former than that he looked fine.

St. John, Rose, Amanda, and Kaden all looked up from what they were doing and greeted flatness as well. lustrelessness grabbed a chairwoman from a nearby table and sat down side by side to Albus.

`` How are you ? '' Albus asked.

`` All right, '' Matt shrugged.

`` Er, Kaden, '' Albus began, `` You know how you said mat 's got a lot of homework to make up ? ``

`` Uh-huh, '' Kaden nodded as rose declared mate once again, `` Crap ! ``

`` well, it would probably be a adept idea for him to go see all the teacher now about it. So, we 'll all go with him to do that, since we 're in his division. We 'll help. You can abide here since you 'd probably be bored. ``

`` Ok, I 've got my own homework to get going on anyway. ``

`` trade good, '' Albus replied, `` John ? Amanda, Rose ? You can number with us. ``

`` Sure, anything to put off finishing this essay, '' John closed his record and stood up.

Once they were out of the common room and into the corridor, Matt turned around and looked at Albus. `` You 're not really making me go collect all my homework are you ? ``

Albus laughed, `` No. Just had to think of an excuse for Kaden to stay there while we went to the Room. ``

`` good, '' St. John the Apostle said, `` I do n't really want to go accumulate your homework with you. ``

`` You wo n't have to. I 've already gotten it. They owled it to me over the holiday. I 've already finished it all, '' Matt explained.

`` You 're farther along than King John, then, '' Rose laughed.

`` Shut it, Rose, '' John said.

The five friends continued their walk to the Room of Requirement, which manifested itself in its usual figure for them. They walked into the room and settled onto the usual scarlet and gold furniture.

`` So, '' Albus began, `` What happened with this new potion ? ``

`` Well, it did n't knead the way it was supposed to, but Amy already told you that, '' Matt said.

`` Did it help oneself at all ? '' Rose asked.

`` Nope. ``

`` And you 'll still have to restrain taking it ? '' lavatory asked.

`` Yeah, that 's what stinks, '' matt sighed. `` It did n't function the way it was supposed to, but it did other stuff. ``

`` I thought it was n't going to possess any bad outcome, '' Albus said.

`` They were n't really serious incline force. It just made me really tired. ``

`` But you 're always tired before the full moon, '' St. John the Apostle pointed out.

`` I know, but the potion made it tough. Usually I can at least go to morning classes on the day of the full Sun Myung Moon but with the new potion I 'll just log Z's right through them. It makes me tired as soon as I start taking it, which is a week before the total moonlight, just like the even Wolfsbane was. ``

`` So you 'll be tired for an entire week ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Dunno, '' flatness shrugged, `` The Healers are trying to find a potion to weaken the weariness, but I doubt they 'll birth one in time for following calendar month. ``

`` I do n't get why you have to stay fresh taking it if it does n't even turn, '' John shook his head.

`` Because they have to make sure enough it was n't just a fluke or something. That 's the matter about these field, they have to do multiple trials to analyze the effects and stuff. ``

`` There 's a prospect it might ferment side by side month ? '' Amanda asked confusedly.

`` I suppose, but I doubt it. ``

`` You do n't seem that upset or anything, '' Rose commented.

`` I honestly did n't think it was going to act upon. My parents told me not to get my hopes up about any of these experimental potions. Plus, this was only the first one I 've tried. They 'll come up with others. ``

`` I just hope one of them actually works, '' St. John the Apostle replied.

`` Me, too, '' Matt agreed, `` You 've got no idea how much I wish that.

`` Let 's not talk about it anymore now, though. You 've got to tell apart me if you got the stag print ! It 's been driving me mad for weeks now. ``

`` Oh, yeah ! '' Albus grinned. He had almost forgotten about that. Almost being the key word. The new map was always on Albus 's head now. `` We got it. blush wine and I did. ``

`` Brilliant ! '' mat exclaimed.

`` And I 've got the transfer charm all worked out, '' rosiness told him.

`` lavatory 's just got to get the rat print, '' Albus said.

`` I 'm working on it ! '' John the Divine replied, `` It 's harder than you 'd think to spot a rat during Potions. ``

`` fountainhead, we 've got two-bagger Potions tomorrow, so try then. Slughorn 'll be having us brew the unharmed year probably, so just keep your eye out, '' Albus told him.

`` I will. I 'll pay Sir Thomas More attention to electric potential blabber than to my potion, '' John grinned.

`` I would n't suggest that, '' Rose smirked. `` It 'll set off or something, since you 've got Goyle as a better half. ``

`` Eh, I 'll take one failing grade if I can get the rat print, '' bathroom shrugged.

`` Well, try to get the rat without destroying your potion, '' blush wine sighed.

`` Just think, this time tomorrow, we may birth the map workings, '' Matt commented, `` That would be awesome. ``

`` We 'll have got to get away from Kaden first, '' Amanda pointed out.

`` And I 'm not entirely sure the map will work after we do this, '' Albus said, `` It almost seems too unproblematic. ``

Albus had been thinking this for a few 24-hour interval now. They had had an incredibly easy clock time getting the photographic print. Almost too easy a fourth dimension. detent, stag, and rats were quite common and anyone who could wander a simpleton Petrificus Totalus appealingness could get those prints. The exclusively one that would be difficult for the mediocre sorcerer to get was the loup-garou print. Even so, Albus did n't cerebrate the vulture would get to it this loose to access the map.

`` I 've been thinking the like thing, '' rosebush agreed.

John the Evangelist groaned, `` That would suck in. ``

`` We 'll get it eventually, '' Albus assured him. `` Plus, the map said we had to be like the Marauders. We have n't done anything that only the Marauders could own done so far. We got a cluster of paw prints. Anyone can do that. ``

`` Not anyone could get a werewolf print, '' John pointed out.

`` I know. But it 's not something only the marauder could throw done, '' Albus told him.

`` Speaking of the vulture, '' John turned to rose wine, `` How 's the Sileo Altus charm coming ? ``

`` The what ? '' mat asked.

`` Oh, yeah, we 've got to secern you about that, '' trick said. `` Want to explain it, Rose ? ``

`` Sure, '' rosiness shrugged, `` It 's a charm I found in a Quran at my house. It 's a way to realise sure someone keeps something a hole-and-corner. kind of like the Fidelius magic spell, only it 's for verbal enigma, not places. Whomever performs the good luck charm is the Secret Keeper and only that soul can undo the charm. After the charm is performed, the soul ca n't speak about the arcanum with anyone except the Secret custodian and anyone else who was involved in the charm performing. It 's a way to observe Kaden from telling anyone that you 're a lycanthrope. ``

Albus held his breath as pink wine explained and hoped that Matt would cogitate it was a good estimate. Albus watched as matte thought about what pink wine had said. Albus could n't really differentiate what he thought. Matt looked a bit surprised, almost like he did n't think rose wine would have ever found a charm to do that.

`` well, what do you think ? '' Albus asked after a few moments silence.

`` I 'm not sure, '' lustrelessness said quietly, `` leave it really act ? ``

`` I 'm middling sure it will, '' rose wine said, `` The only thing that will subdue it is Veritaserum. ``

`` And what if Kaden drinks Veritaserum ? '' Matt asked.

`` When would he toast that ? '' John raised his eyebrows.

`` I do n't know, '' Matt sighed, `` But he could. ``

`` I really do n't opine he would. ``

`` What if he did ? What if he spewed all about me in the middle of the Great residence or something ? ``

`` I doubt he 's ever going to drink in any Veritaserum, '' Rose said,"And even if he did, someone would have to ask him if you were a loup-garou. He would n't just randomly head start telling people."

`` Is there even any of that in the rook ? '' Amanda asked.

`` There 's some in Slughorn 's private Potions cupboard, but that 's it, '' Albus answered, `` But that 's locked anyway. ``

`` See ? Hardly any hazard of Kaden imbibition any, '' John said.

`` Yeah, but still ... I do n't know ... '' Matt groaned, `` I just do n't really desire to tell him. ``

`` I know. Just think about it, ok ? '' Albus gave lusterlessness a half smile.

`` All right, '' Matt sighed, `` We do n't demand Kaden yet, do we ? ``

`` No, '' Albus replied, `` I 'm not sure when we 'll ask him. The map just said we had to be like the predator, which means we 'll demand someone to be Wormtail at some point. ``

`` And I want to test that charm out before we use it on Kaden, '' Matt said.

`` We will, '' rosebush assured him, `` I 've got to practice it anyway. ``

`` So, anyone got any secrets we can drill with ? '' King John grinned mischievously.

******

`` settle down, adjudicate down, '' Slughorn barked at his class.

Albus turned around in his seat. He had been talking to St. John the Apostle, who was sitting behind him next to Goyle. Albus was sitting next to Limbert and Matt was looking thoroughly miserable following to Maloy in the next row over at the front. Slughorn was still plowing forward with his inter-house partners in class, but Albus did n't think it was helping to fall the enmity between Gryffindor and Slytherin. So far, the expert that had happened was dumb execration during virtual lesson and jinxing and hexing at bad. Based on the petty duel between Ethan and Garth Octavius the previous week, it was only a subject of meter before matter really got out of hand.

`` Thank you, '' Slughorn said once everyone was paying tending, `` Today you 'll be brewing the Confusion Potion I taught you about on Friday. He waved his scepter at the blackboard, `` Directions are on the board. You have the entire grade. ``

`` Light the attack, '' Limbert grunted as he got up from his chair.

Albus nodded and pulled out his verge. Albus and Limbert had come to an unspoken agreement with brewing potions. Limbert would collect ingredients while Albus lit the flack and unpacked all the various musical scale and knives. Then, Albus would prepare the ingredient while Limbert added them and stirred the cauldron. Albus was fine with this since Limbert was a better Potions beer maker than he was.

Limbert returned with the ingredients and Albus started chopping them. He never said anything to Limbert while they worked and Limbert never said anything to Albus besides the episodic 'pass the asphodel'or something of the like.

Albus listened to everyone else in the class as he chopped up ingredients. He thought it was especially amusing to heed to john and Goyle.

`` No, that 's not clockwise, '' John groaned, `` You 're stirring counter-clockwise. ``

`` Oh. ``

`` Stir it the early way ! '' Gospel According to John shouted.

Albus stifled a jest and glanced to his left field, where Rose and Vivien Leigh Montague were having a similar conversation.

`` They 've got to be chopped finer than that. It says minced, not diced, '' Rose instructed.

`` They look hunky-dory to me, '' Leigh snapped.

`` No, they wo n't work like that. Let me do it, '' pink wine grabbed a knife and started mincing the shrivelfig.

`` Fine. You do the unanimous thing if you 're so smart, '' Leigh huffed.

`` You can shake the cauldron. Clockwise, '' Rose replied.

Albus was n't close enough to either Amanda or flatness to hear what was going on at their tables. It looked like Amanda and Dalila Avish were working much the Saame way Albus and Limbert were, since neither of their mouths were moving. Malfoy appeared to be yelling at mat for something, but Albus could n't quite stool out what it was. Matt got up from the board with a stadium to the full of something and then emptied it in the bin. When he returned to his table, he started carefully chopping something up. Albus was guessing it was more of whatever he had thrown away.

Albus continued mincing his shrivelfig and listened mostly to John and Goyle. Limbert kept smirking every so often, which gave Albus the impression he was listening to John and Goyle, too.

`` Keep stirring CLOCKWISE for another second, '' John said slowly and clearly, `` Then switch to COUNTERCLOCKWISE. I 've got to go get something. Do n't do anything besides the inspiration. ``

Goyle grunted and Albus heard John get up. Albus felt a prod in his slope and looked up to see Saint John standing succeeding to him. `` What ? '' Albus whispered.

lav pointed to a corner of the elbow room, near the cupboard of ingredients. There was a large rat sitting there. Albus shuddered and looked back at John.

`` I 'll be back, '' St. John the Apostle winked at him.

Albus tried to concentrate on his shrivelfig, but he could n't lay off glancing up at whoremonger. He was almost to the cupboard now, and the rat still had n't moved. Albus watched as Saint John pointed his verge at the rat, but he could n't hear what spell bathroom was using due to the noise in the room. Luckily everyone was concentrating on their potions and not paying an ounce of attention to John Lackland. Albus grimaced as whoremonger picked up the rat and shoved it inside his robe. Albus was incredibly well-chosen that John was willing to do the rat print. The thought process of putting a rat in his robes creeped Albus out.

John the Evangelist went into the cupboard for a few moments and came back out carrying a jar of something. Probably a cover charge report, Albus thought.

`` Got it, '' John whispered to Albus on his way back to his desk.

`` Excellent, '' Albus said.

Suddenly there was a loud explosion from somewhere behind Albus and he felt a hot liquid land on his head and drip down the binding of his robes.

`` Ouch ! '' he and Limbert shouted at the like time.

`` Boody Hades ! '' John exclaimed as the orange potion landed on the front of his robes.

chaos erupted in the classroom. Everyone stopped what they were doing and turned to stare at the explode potion. Albus turned around and saw that the explosion had come from John and Goyle 's cauldron. Goyle was wearing a stupefied verbal expression on his face and was staring into space while holding his ladle in the air. His face was covered with potion as well as his robes. His fuzz was singed and there was a modest ardor on his table.

Albus could feel the potion burning down his spinal column and it hurt like the pits. It felt like his peel was on fire. He got up from his hot seat and felt his backbone. His robes were burned-out straight through. John 's and Limbert 's were as well.

`` What did you do ? '' Slughorn asked as he strode to John the Evangelist and Goyle 's table.

`` Uh ..., '' Goyle stared up at the ceiling.

`` You must 've gotten potion in your mouth, '' Slughorn shook his head. `` Hospital flank. Who else got hit ? ``

`` I did, '' Albus, John, Limbert, as well as Karina and Celeste Yeardly ( who had been sitting behind John the Divine and Goyle ) said at the same time.

`` Hospital fender, all of you, '' Slughorn replied, `` If one of you could delight work indisputable Mr. Goyle arrives there, that would be appreciated. ``

Limbert immediately dragged Goyle out of the room with Celeste following. Albus and John walked a little means behind them and Karina behind them.

`` cretin, '' John muttered as they climbed the steps out of the dungeons.

`` What did he do ? '' Albus asked.

`` Not a clue, '' John shrugged, `` Not what I told him to do. ``

`` I heard you talking to him. It seemed pretty straightforward. ``

`` Well, he 's dumber than a troll, '' John groaned, `` Merlin this stuff burns. ``

`` At least we did n't eat any of it, '' Albus pointed to Goyle, who was stumbling down the corridor like he was drunk.

`` True, '' john laughed and then lowered his voice, `` Hey, it was worth it since I got the rat. ``

`` That affair 's not still in your robe, is it ? '' Albus glanced warily at John.

`` Er, yeah, have n't had a chance to take it out. ``

`` I just hope it stays stunned. ``

`` It should, '' John said as they followed Goyle and Limbert into the hospital Wing.

Madam Pomfrey was already busybodied taking care of a girl who had gotten bitten by something in forethought of Magical puppet and told them they would have to wait. Once she had finished healing the girl, she moved on to Goyle, since he was n't able to sit still and was wandering around the room tripping over things. She took care of Limbert, Celeste, and Karina, and then moved on to the bed Albus and St. John were sitting on.

`` You lot again ? '' she sighed, `` I 'm surprised it 's only the two of you. ``

`` Well, Matt, pink wine, and Amanda were all too far away to be hit by the potion, '' Albus explained.

`` I swear the lot of you are exactly like your granddaddy and his acquaintance, '' Madam Pomfrey shook her oral sex as she handed Albus a potion.

John the Divine, who had just started drinking his own potion, choked and coughed the potion up onto the bed. He turned and grinned at Albus, who grinned back. fountainhead, Albus thought, that was the general idea of the map.

Madam Pomfrey sighed and with a wave of her scepter the potion was cleaned up. `` Drink the residue of it, '' she instructed them.

lady Pomfrey applied some sort of salve to their Robert Burns and a few minute later they were allowed to depart. The nurse told them to go directly to their dormitory to get new robe and that she did n't want to see them in the infirmary Wing for the next few weeks.

`` Fat prospect that 'll find, '' Saint John smirked as they started back to Gryffindor Tower.

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed. It seemed like one of them was always winding up in the Hospital Wing. Albus himself had already been there twice since returning to schooling after the Christmas Day holiday.

`` Next Quidditch match is what, in three weeks ? '' John asked.

`` Just about, '' Albus said.

`` Then you might be back there soon, '' John joked.

`` Shut it, '' Albus replied, `` I did n't bring myself there last match. ``


A/N : spear carrier long chapter ! Thanks to my Beta, Dancer of Starlight. Thanks as well to Moonylupin, Denas, Miguel, invisiblecloak, potterfan296, Luke, and drownzer for the brushup !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter or Frank Sinatra.


Albus and John were immediately bombarded by Kaden when they entered the common way. Rose, Amanda, and Matt were standing just behind Kaden with smirks on their faces.

`` Did your cauldron really burst ? '' Kaden asked excitedly.

`` The potion did, '' bathroom replied, `` And it was completely Goyle 's fault, really. I gave him focussing as to what to do and he screwed it up. ``

`` You know, '' Rose said, `` You 're not exactly the best potion beer maker either, John. ``

`` Are you two all right ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Oh, yeah. Madam Pomfrey sorted everything out, '' Albus assured her.

`` So what are you doing this night, Albus ? '' Kaden asked excitedly as he followed Albus and whoremonger to the dormitory door.

Albus groaned inwardly. He had been planning on grabbing a quick dinner with his supporter after he changed gown, and then head teacher to the Room to try out the new map. They had all the paw prints ( John had gone up to the dormitory ahead of Albus with the rat and got the print from it. Albus did n't want to know what happened to the rat afterwards ) now, so Albus was impatient to try it out. But they would n't be able to if Kaden was around.

`` Dunno, '' Albus shrugged.

Kaden spent the entire evening with Albus and his friends. Normally, this really would n't have bothered Albus, but that Nox his full cousin was driving him mad. All Albus wanted to do was try out the map, but he could n't think up a dependable excuse for them to go somewhere and not let Kaden follow. So they spent the evening in the common room, working on homework.

Albus and his friends were far too busy the next few days to try out the new map. Albus had Quidditch recitation on Tuesday and Th and dueling pattern on Wednesday. rose wine had dueling practice on Fri. John normally had his practice session on Sabbatum, but due to the Quidditch match, it had been rescheduled for Lord's Day. Any bit of fourth dimension where neither Albus or his booster had any practices, Kaden was around. It was n't until Sat, following Slytherin 's salient exit to Ravenclaw, that they were finally capable to try out the map. Kaden had been recruited to tutor a fellow first year in Potions and was going to be spending a few hours in the dungeons after the Quidditch match.

`` Come on, let 's go try it now, '' Albus whispered to his friends after Kaden left the rough-cut room.

`` Got the prints ? '' lustrelessness asked.

Albus nodded and grabbed his bag. They quickly left the green room and ran for the way of Requirement. They almost bumped into a Ravenclaw prefect, but luckily he was feeling generous ( most likely due to the Quidditch win ) and did n't call on the carpet them for running in the corridors.

Matt paced three times in front of the evacuate bulwark and as soon as the door appeared, the five ally ran inside. Albus set his bag down on the mesa and everyone crowded around it. Albus pulled out all four print and the map.

`` All right, '' Albus unfolded the map, `` pink wine, you 're adept with the charm, right ? ``

Rose nodded, `` I 've practiced it and it works every metre. ``

`` Good, '' Albus stared at the map, unsure of how to begin, `` Er, maybe I should do what I did last meter to get it to tell us we 've got to show we know the piranha ? ``

`` Probably, '' Rose agreed.

`` Wait ! '' can shouted, `` Can I do it this sentence ? ``

`` Sure, '' Albus shrugged and handed Saint John the Apostle the map.

`` Excellent, '' John Lackland grinned and pointed his wand at the map, `` I solemnly swear that I am Messr Padfoot. ``

Ink appeared on the map, but not nearly as a great deal as when Albus had done it earlier in the year.

'No, you 're not .'

The ink disappeared as quickly as it had appeared.

`` What ? '' Gospel According to John shouted, `` But it worked last time ! ``

Albus 's Hope plummeted. Why was n't it working now ? Was it on some sort of a timer ? Like it could only work on a sealed day of the month ? He had been so stir about getting the new map to mold, and now it would n't even differentiate them to prove they knew the Marauders.

`` Let me try, '' Matt grabbed the lambskin and pointed his wand at it, `` I solemnly swear that I am Messr Moony. ``

'No, you 're not .'The map said once again.

`` This sucks, '' John muttered, `` It worked last clock time. ``

`` Maybe it 's got to be Albus, '' Rose suggested.

Albus wordlessly grabbed the map and pointed his own wand at it, `` I solemnly swear that I am Messr Prongs. ``

The ink he had been expecting to seem rose to the airfoil of the parchment and formed the familiar words.

'Messrs Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot, and Prongs welcome you to the Marauder 's Map, Second variation .'

`` Ha ! '' Albus grinned in turmoil, `` There it is ! ``

`` But why did n't it work for us ? '' whoremaster asked dejectedly. `` Does that mean we ca n't be Padfoot and Moony ? ``

`` Dunno, '' Albus sighed. He really hoped his friends would be able to be Padfoot and Moony. Who else could be Padfoot and Moony ? The map would n't even work without individual to be Padfoot, Moony, and Wormtail. Albus could n't do it alone.

'Mr. Prongs disagrees with you and insists that you are not Prongs. However, you could be the second Prongs .'

`` See ? Why did n't it say 'However, you could be the second Padfoot'when I did it ? ``

'When four boys, who are Gryffindors, are linked together through friendly relationship and roguery, they may present themselves as the next generation of predator. These four friends must each defend one of the Marauders, for if even one is missing, this map will not work. Before this goes any further, you must prove that you know the enigma of the marauder. testify that you know, and you may go on along the path of discovery .'

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

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

'Then I pay my compliments on the choice of words to Mr. Moony .'

'Mr. Moony advises that whomever is reading this ignore Mr. Prongs and Mr. Padfoot and embark on proving that they know the predator .'

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

'The Marauders wish you good luck .'

`` Well, now what ? '' john asked.

`` I guess we 've just got to shift the paw photographic print, '' Albus said tentatively.

Rose picked up the paw photographic print and the map, setting them down in front of her. She pulled out her verge and muttered an incantation at the loup-garou print. Then she muttered another conjuration at the map. The wolfman print appeared on the map, just as it had been on the early piece of parchment.

`` That, was bloody amazing, '' John said in awe.

Albus agreed. He was forever grateful that his cousin was so vivid. Albus did n't think he 'd ever be able to pull out off something like that. At least not until he was at least in one-fifth year.

Rose repeated the function with the dog, hart, and rat photographic print, positioning them in the take same way that the lilliputian mark that the Marauders had put on the map.

`` There, '' she said once she was done.

The five champion stared at the map for a few second gear, waiting for something to happen. The paw prints were n't doing anything and neither was the map. No new ink had appeared and the paw print were n't disappearing or anything.

`` Er, '' Albus began, `` Maybe I 've got to secern the map that we know the Marauders ? ``

`` Worth a pellet, '' King John shrugged.

Albus pulled the map over to him and tapped his wand to it, `` I, Albus Severus thrower, the bit Prongs, know the Marauders. ``

The paw prints quickly faded until there was null left field but a blank lambskin. Albus glanced up and looked at his friends before returning his gaze to the new map.

'Prongs agrees that you do bang the Marauders, and is especially impressed that you managed to get a werewolf paw mark .'

`` It worked ! '' Albus shouted happily.

'Due to your obvious knowledge of the predator'secrets, we shall now tell you more about this map. When the Marauders were 7th year, they realized that within a few forgetful months, they would be gone from Hogwarts, and the school would be left without their chief devilry makers.

'Prongs suggested-'

'Do you always talk about yourself in the tierce person, Prongs ?'

'Only when I have a stroke of splendor, Padfoot .'

'Not too often then, right ?'

'Oh, get on with the account, Prongs .'

'Calm yourself, Moony. You 're letting your furry self show .'

'Shut it, Prongs .'

'All right hand. Anyway, I ( glad now, Padfoot ? ) had a stroke of magnificence that the predator could find a way to ensure that they would never be gone from Hogwarts .'

`` I knew it ! '' pink wine shouted in glee, `` I knew that was what this was about ! ``

'The vulture decided to produce another map. The first map was only the outset. The marauder wanted to regain a way to put themselves into a map, in order to help oneself the next genesis of deviltry Divine. That is what this map is about.

'However, not just anyone would be able to have admittance to the map .'

'Yeah, we would n't want any old dunderheads stumbling upon it .'

'Right, Padfoot. Or even worse, having Slytherins get their slimy paws on it .'

'I shudder at that thought, Moony. Anyway, the Marauders had to calculate out a way to see to it that only those worthy would be able-bodied to access this map. The predator 's Map is actually quite dewy-eyed to estimate out, compared to this one. All you have to do to afford that is say a sure phrase. For this map, you have to be a sealed soul to spread it.

'You may or may not possess figured out that in gild to get the first bit of information out of this map, you have to be a rake congener of one of the vulture. However, not everyone representing the Marauders must be related. Because, you know, we might not all have child .'

'Yeah, you would n't want to be passing along any genes, Prongs .'

'Better mine than yours, Padfoot .'

`` That 's why only Albus could do it ! '' bathroom shouted.

Albus felt immense relief from this. privy and Matt would be able to represent Padfoot and Moony.

`` So really, only James, Lily, shimmy, my dad, and I could get it undecided, '' Albus said.

'The rest of you must be Gryffindor boys, because we want you to be like us .'

'Lily wo n't wish that, Prongs .'

'I know, Moony, but Lily does n't know about this. I do n't plan on telling her, either .'

`` guesswork that counts out my babe, '' Albus commented.

'So, now you 've proven that you know the predator. Your future tone is to turn out that you are the adjacent Marauders .'

The ink slowly faded once again until the sheepskin was as blank as before.

Albus stared at it for a few moment, thinking about what he had just found out. The map was n't going to work yet. He had been so sure as shooting that all they 'd have to do was rise they knew the Marauders. But now they had yet another matter to do. They had to prove that they were the future marauder. How were they going to do that ?

`` That was Weird, '' John said.

`` I 'll say, '' flatness agreed, `` They did n't even really tell us what it was a map of. ``

`` Yeah, they just said they wanted to defecate sure they 'd never pull up stakes Hogwarts. Like the map is a function of them, '' John replied.

`` To be honest, it sounds a bit like a Horcrux, '' rosiness commented.

`` Yeah, but it 's not like they put their souls in there, rosiness, '' Albus pointed out. `` It 's like the predator 's Map. It 's just enchanted. ``

`` I still wish we knew what it was a map of, '' John muttered, `` I mean, this is n't reasonable ! We spend weeks getting those paw prints and we still have n't figured the map out. ``

`` I knew you 'd have to do something like this, '' blush wine said, `` Otherwise it would n't matter if there were four of you to represent the predator. If it was just this, Albus could have done the unscathed thing himself. ``

She made a thoroughly point in time. Albus had n't really thought about that, but it was true. They had to do something that required each of them to represent one of the Marauders.

`` I guess we 've got to try out we are the predator, then, '' Albus said, `` marvel what that involves. ``

`` Maybe we 've got to do something the Marauders would have done, '' mat suggested.

`` Like become illegal Animagi ? '' John grinned mischievously.

`` No ! '' matte sighed, `` I told you, you 're not doing that ! ``

`` I do n't think that 's it, '' Rose began, `` How would you go about proving to a piece of music of newspaper publisher that you 're illegal Animagi ? ``

`` Maybe we 've got to pull up a huge prank or something, '' Albus said.

`` Again, how would you evidence that to the map ? '' Rose asked.

`` Well, does anyone have any other idea ? '' Albus asked.

`` We 'll think of something, '' Amanda said, `` I mean, there 's got to be a way. ``

`` Of class their is ! '' pink wine said, `` We 've just got to go to the library and see if we can find out anything there. ``

`` We ca n't do anything anyway until you 've got that Sileo Altus charm down, Rose, '' Albus pointed out.

`` right wing, '' rose replied, `` It 's coming along well. I just need to get some practice. Anyone want to be my quizzer ? ``

`` I will ! '' St. John shouted and jumped up out of his chair.

`` Ok, come here, '' Rose got up and went to the other position of the room.

Albus watched as the two of them worked. first base, they had to call back up a secret, which took a undecomposed bit of fourth dimension. John finally suggested that the orphic be 'Filch likes to dance in the moonlight with a long handle mop with Frank Sinatra euphony playing in the background .'

Albus burst out laughing at that. `` Filch ? Dancing ? ``

`` Yes, '' john said in a severe musical note, `` I saw him once. He was rubbing the mop head to his face and had on a look of pure joy. ``

`` And soon you wo n't be able-bodied to assure anyone about it, '' Amanda grinned. `` What a ignominy. ``

`` Yes, it is, is n't it ? '' St. John the Apostle laughed. `` You lot can still spread it around, though. ``

`` Ok, King John, let 's try it, '' blush wine said.

rose pointed her baton at herself and recited the magical spell that would relieve oneself her the secret custodian. Then, she pointed her verge at John and said a slightly different charm.

`` Now you say the orphic, Gospel According to John. ``

`` Filch likes to dance in the moonlight with a long handle mop with Frank Francis Albert Sinatra music playing in the background, '' John smirked.

`` good, '' Rose replied and then performed another appeal on whoremaster. `` I 'm not prepare to try including other people yet, so lav will only be able to talk about Filch 's slight habit to me. ``

Rose waved her wand around in an intricate pattern and then said one last conjuration. She lowered her wand and stared at John. Then she turned to face Albus.

`` There. Now you can try asking him about it, Albus. ``

Albus grinned, `` All rightfulness. So, John, heard anything interesting about Filch lately ? ``

`` Yeah ! '' St. John the Apostle shouted, `` Actually, just the early nighttime I saw him and he was- '' Saint John 's mouth continued moving but no phone was coming out of it.

Albus and Amanda burst out laughing. John looked like a Pisces the Fishes out of water supply. `` I think it worked ! '' Albus shouted.

blush wine was staring at John with a slight tone of disappointment. `` Not quite. He was n't even supposed to be able to move his backtalk. You know, in font multitude can read lips. I guess it 's a start, though. ``

`` Definitely. I mean, this is a really kick upstairs charm. You ca n't have expected to get it on the first try, '' Albus pointed out. Although, he did kind of think rose expected to get it on the commencement try.

`` I suppose, '' rosebush sighed, `` I 'll just loosen it. ``

rosiness waved her wand around and muttered some more incantation. `` Ok, he should be able to talk about it now. ``

`` Heard anything funny about Filch recently ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Yeah, he likes to dance with a long handle mop by moonshine while Frank Sinatra plays in the background, '' can told her.

`` Looks like the countercharm worked, '' Albus said.

`` But that 's not even what we 'll need, '' Rose pointed out, `` We 're not going to execute the countercharm on Kaden. Not for another few old age at least. ``

`` Yeah, but it 's favorable for trick that it worked, '' Albus grinned, `` Otherwise he would n't be capable to share Filch 's underground joys of biography. ``

******

Over the next few days, John actually did percentage that Filch liked to trip the light fantastic toe with a tenacious grip mop by the moonlight with hotdog Sinatra playing in the scope. All he had to do was mention it to a few former Gryffindors at meal times and the bit of gossip was soon spreading throughout the school. The reaction from student ranged from hysterical laughter to raised supercilium to exclamation of 'Who the hell is frank Sinatra ?'Albus could n't help but simper every metre he heard his fellow students mentioning the story.

Filch, on the former handwriting, was actively trying to find the culprit. There was n't really any item, since he would n't be able to find out who started it, but he tried. He spent the years prowling the halls and listening in on pupil'conversations, trying to find out any sort of information regarding the false story. Whenever the students noticed him, they would burst out laughing, which would do Filch to start out muttering about 'rotten educatee'and 'ought to whip them all'.

Filch 's briny suspect was Kaden, which Albus found kind of funny. Kaden of course had laughed the loudest when he heard the story. Since Filch had developed an vivid dislike for Kaden since their custody months ago, he gave Kaden forbidding stares every clip Kaden passed him in the corridors. Kaden just found this funny, since he knew John had invented the story.

The account about Filch provided a Nice fracture from the intense perusal that all the pupil were occupied with. Like usual, the teachers had increased the homework after the holidays. Albus was happy it was n't yet his O.W.L. class and he could n't imagine how he would manage to cope with that in three short eld. Along with homework, Albus also had Quidditch and dueling practice. Both Georgia and Kate had increased recitation times in order to train for the approaching catch and tournament. The third dueling tournament was to have piazza the commencement weekend of February and Quidditch on the following weekend. Albus now had Quidditch practice on Mondays, Tuesday, Thursdays, and Sat. Dueling practices were as usual, not mandatory, but were now not only on Wednesdays, but on Friday as well. The merely day Albus had off was Lord's Day, which did n't impart a great deal time for him to try and fancy out how to prove he was like the Marauders to the new map.

The aurora of the Dueling Tournament was insensate, snowy, and blustery. Albus was very happy the Quidditch match was n't that day. He got up a few 60 minutes before the tourney started and went down to breakfast with his friends.

`` I ca n't wait until I can duel next class, '' Kaden said in between bites of egg.

`` It 's not really as poise as it 's made out to be, '' Saint John the Apostle commented, `` A lot of waiting around sentence during tournament. ``

`` That 's because there 's so many of us, '' Rose explained, `` In the veritable Dueling social club, the one that you can only be in if you 're one-fifth twelvemonth or above, not everyone gets on the teams. It 's like Quidditch and you have to try out. ``

`` That sounds better, '' john said, `` But I do n't know if I 'd make the team. ``

`` I know I would n't, '' Amanda replied.

`` You 're getting honest, '' Albus assured her, `` You might make it by the clip you 're a 5th year. ``

`` Yeah, that 's the point of the junior 's cabaret, '' Rose said, `` So you can get in effect. They do n't expect us all to be expert duelers. ``

`` Albus is, '' Amanda grinned, `` He 's splendid. ``

Albus felt his case good turn red, `` Well, I 'm not that great ... I mean, there are loads of the great unwashed who are better than me. ``

`` Not on our team, '' Amanda continued, `` He 's meter almost everyone on the team. ``

`` Yeah, everyone except Malfoy, '' Albus muttered. He still had n't managed to outsmart Malfoy during their pattern duels.

`` That 's good, though ! '' blush wine sighed, `` You 're both fantabulous dueler, so you 've got a honest team ! ``

Albus shrugged. He sort of would rather just be able to beat Malfoy than beat the other teams, but he did n't mention anything about it.

Albus and his acquaintance continued their talk about dueling throughout breakfast and as they sat around the coarse room afterwards. Soon, it was time for them to go down to the dueling sleeping accommodation for the tournament.

They passed Filch on their way down the stairs, and he was muttering to himself as usual.

`` Damn kids ... better when Umbridge was around ... admiration if she 'll come up back ... she 'd let me mop up them ... ''

`` I swear he 's gotten Sir Thomas More mad over the year, '' can muttered to Albus as they passed him.

`` Dad says he 's getting senile, '' Albus whispered back.

The dueling bedchamber was packed with bookman, just like the past two tournaments. Albus and Amanda squeezed their way through the crew to their usual tabular array, where their team was sitting.

`` Hi Albus, Amanda, '' Kate greeted them. `` prepare to win ? ``

`` Definitely, '' Albus grinned.

The tournament got under way a few minutes later. It was much like the by two tournament, with a lot of sitting around metre. Albus was felicitous that he and Amanda were on the same team so they were able-bodied to talk to each former in between affaire d'honneur.

Albus won both of his duels, just like the finish two tourney. So did Malfoy and once again, Albus found that he was kind of well-chosen and kind of angry about that. Amanda won one of her duel, which Albus was very felicitous about. He knew half her dueling upshot were from cheek and the fact that she thought she would n't do well.

Rose, John, and Matt each won one of their duel as well. Albus clapped for them even though they were on other teams, which earned him glare from Malfoy. Albus did n't care, though. Malfoy could sulk as long as he wanted, it was n't going to stop Albus from cheering for his friends.

The points were tallied after the last duel and toilet 's squad was declared the winner. Albus was slightly foiled, but there were still three More tournaments before the net. Harry announced the degree totals for the entire year and rose wine 's team was in first place so far. In secondment was the team led by Hufflepuff Paul Galivant and in thirdly was John 's squad, led by Albus 's cousin-german Bradley.

Albus did n't think that the inter-house dueling was decreasing the competition between star sign. Albus was n't anymore fond of the Slytherins than he had been in the showtime of the yr. None of the Slytherins really got along with the Gryffindors on his team, and frailty versa. He was n't exactly certainly how it was working with the fixture dueling cabaret, but he had overheard Stanley complaining about how uncooperative the Slytherins on his team were. But that was months ago and he did n't know what had been going on with it recently.


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight. Thanks as well to Moonylupin, Denas, XDNLxtlz99, potterfan296, Miguel, Gospel of Luke, and mischiefmaker09 for their brushup !

I wrote my foremost vulture Era story, face impression May Include Gratitude and smell of wellspring beingness, which is a one-shot from lady Pomfrey 's point of scene. It 's on my author Sir Frederick Handley Page, if you 're interested. I 'd love it if you read and reviewed it !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


lustrelessness 's natal day was a few days after the Dueling Tournament. Albus and his friends did n't thrust him a political party like they had last twelvemonth. That had mostly been done to jolly along him up since he had been in the infirmary annexe at the prison term. This twelvemonth they went down to the kitchens and got a cake, and then ate it in their dormitory. Kaden went with him and was amazed by the kitchens, with all the house-elves around. His reaction was risible to watch than Amanda 's the previous year. He stood there with his mouth half capable and then ran around grabbing as much food as possible.

By the metre the Quidditch equal arrived the following Sat, Albus was utterly exhausted. Between Quidditch practice and preparation, he hardly had anytime to sleep. Throw in a trip down to the kitchens for flatness 's birthday after Quidditch exercise the other night, and Albus was make to sleep through an entire day.

Albus yawned, got out of bed, and looked out the window. He had been hoping that the raging blizzard would have let up, but it had n't. marvelous, he thought, St. James would n't be catching the Snitch quickly in this weather.

A few hr later, Albus bade his friends goodbye and headed down to the changing rooms at the Quidditch delivery. His protagonist had bundled themselves up in as much scarlet and gold clothing as they owned and were ready to huddle against the howling wind for a few time of day of Quidditch. John, Matt, and Amanda did n't seem to mind the weather at all and were excited about the match. Rose, on the other hand, clearly would have rather spent the afternoon in the castle studying. Kaden still liked football better than Quidditch and Albus had a feeling he would n't make minded the violent storm if he was watching a football game.

`` Ok ! '' Georgia shouted a few minutes after Albus entered the changing rooms, `` Everyone ejaculate over here ! ``

`` I know the weather is n't ideal, '' Georgia began once everyone was gathered around her, `` But we 've played in risky than this ! ``

`` Yeah, if you count that rising tide we played in during 3rd year, '' Fred muttered, `` But other than that .... ''

Georgia glared at Fred, `` Anyway, we 're playing Hufflepuff, so we 'll win. Harper 's still captain, but it 's her last year, so she 'll be dead set on getting the Cup. That means she 'll hold trained her squad even harder. They 've got a new steward, though. Someone named tanner Royce. He 's a fifth part year. Other than him, the team 's the same as last year. So, with that, get out there and kick some badger ass ! ``

Albus grinned to himself as he picked up his broom and started to take the air to the room access. Peach State was a expectant captain, but was n't much for long thread words.

`` Albus, '' Georgia whispered and put her manus on his shoulder.

`` Yeah ? ``

`` You 're, er, less nervous this match, right ? ``

`` Oh, yeah, '' Albus smiled, remembering how he had told her he was extremely neural the last peer. In reality, he 'd been too preoccupied with the new map. for certain, he 'd been a piffling queasy, but not as much as Georgia thought he had been. This match, however, he was n't nearly as distracted, although he still was a bit nervous. `` I 'm a bit nervous, but not as much. ``

`` Good, '' GA grinned and walked out the door and onto the pitch.

Albus followed his cousin onto the pitch and was immediately hit by the forceful fart that were prevailing.

`` Welcome to the Gryffindor versus Hufflepuff match ! '' Lord Todd Kate Smith 's voice sounded over the pitch shot. It sounded faint and variety of far away in the wind. `` It 's bloody cold out here so let 's take a leak it quick !

`` Here are the Gryffindors ! chieftain Georgia Weasley, followed by Ryan O'Malley, Albus thrower, Epistle of James potter, Bradley Weasley, Fred Weasley, and heather mixture Weasley !

`` And the Hufflepuffs ! sea captain Jessica harpist, followed by Shawn Ames, Lisa Galivant, Andy Kaper, Stacey Manson, Anna Reilly, and tanner Royce ! ``

Professor Oteski motioned for Georgia and harpist to stir hands and as soon as they did so, Albus and the relief of the players rose into the air. Oteski released the bollock and Calluna vulgaris immediately took possession of the Quaffle.

`` And Calluna vulgaris 's got the Quaffle ! She passes to Fred, then back to Heather, and to Albus. ``

Albus caught the Quaffle and started flying towards the Hufflepuff goals. He was amazed that he had actually caught it since the weather was so awful. He could hardly see two metrical unit in front end of him. His robe were already soaked with snow and ice and he was frigidly stale. Nevertheless, he kept flying towards the goal until he had to stop short and toss the Quaffle back to Heather, since he almost flew directly into an oncoming Hufflepuff chaser.

ling caught the Quaffle and flew it the eternal sleep of the way to the finish. She threw it in and it easily went past Hufflepuff 's new Keeper.

`` Goal ! Ten-zero Gryffindor ! Now hurry up and catch that Snitch, James II ! I 'm freezing my bloody- ''

`` Adam Smith ! '' Patil shouted, `` see your language ! ``

`` Sorry, Professor. ``

The Quaffle was now back in period of play and was in Hufflepuff possession. Albus was n't even sure which pursuer had it, but he knew it was a Hufflepuff. Whichever Hufflepuff had the Quaffle managed to call for it to the Gryffindor destination, but Sakartvelo saved it.

Fred took the Quaffle and flew it back to the other end of the pitch, scoring another end for Gryffindor.

The game continued this way for the next half hour. Hufflepuff managed to score two goals, but Gryffindor scored about eight. Albus currently had the Quaffle and was flying straight at the Hufflepuff goals.

He narrowly avoided a bludger and both Hufflepuff beaters, but soon he was within throwing distance of the goal. He faked to the right and then threw the Quaffle at the left wicket. Royce tried to save it, but he was n't straightaway enough.

`` destination ! Albus Potter has scored against Hufflepuff ! The score is now 90-20 Gryffindor ! ``

Albus was rapturous. That was the first goal he had ever scored in a Quidditch catch. Up until now, all he 'd done were assists. Albus took a triumph lap around the pitch and then caught the Quaffle from Calluna vulgaris.

Albus managed to score another finish and Calluna vulgaris scored two more in the next half hr of the match. Hufflepuff scored a few more goals, but were still far behind. By now, Albus was sure he had turned into an icicle and was getting a bit sick of flying around in the cold. He was even getting a bit of a headache from it. Albus was n't even sure if he 'd recognise if James River or Galivant caught the Snitch, due to the increasingly bad visibility and snowfall. The snowstorm seemed to be getting risky by the minute. If Hogwarts actually called off Quidditch, they would have called it off a patch ago.

A few second later, cheers broke out in the outdoor stage and Albus was trusted someone must sustain caught the Snitch. He was very happy to put down his Calluna vulgaris and knew he 'd be even happier when he finally got into the warmly common room.

The rest of his team was shouting in gloating and were surrounding James. He must bear caught the Snitch, Albus thought. The rest of the Gryffindors were swarming the pitch and soon James was lifted onto a few mass 's shoulders. Albus joined the concourse of his sign of the zodiac and started his way back to the castle.

On his way back to the unwashed way, numerous people stopped him in order to congratulate him on the win. Albus was thrilled that they had won, but all he really wanted to do was find oneself his friends and get into some fond gown. James loved the tending he got after winning a Quidditch lucifer, but Albus could exact it or depart it. Right now, he could entrust it since his headache was getting worse.

The company in the common room was just getting started when Albus entered a few bit later. Someone must birth snuck down to the kitchens because there was an entire table filled with food. someone else had obviously gotten into Hogsmeade because just about everyone had a butterbeer in their hand.

individual shoved a butterbeer into Albus 's hand as he made his way through the crowd. Epistle of James was in the thick of it as usual and was rehashing how he caught the Snitch.

`` And I saw it lurking near one of the goal posts. Galivant was on the other end of the pitch, so I knew she had no Hope ... '' St. James the Apostle was saying to a duad of giggling girls.

The rest of the team was nearby and were digging into the nutrient that was on one of the tables.

`` Great job, Albus ! '' Georgia shouted as he passed, `` I knew you could get over those mettle ! ``

`` Thanks, '' Albus smiled as he went up the stairs to his dormitory.

Albus quickly changed out of his cold, wet robe and felt a bit better afterwards. He went back down to the common room and it was even full than before. It looked like all the Gryffindors had returned from the pitch and the party was in wax swing.

Albus found his friend sitting at their usual table and they all seemed to be enjoying the party.

`` Albus ! '' John shouted as Albus sat down, `` Brilliant playing ! ``

`` Definitely, '' Matt agreed.

`` You 're quite a right Chaser, Albus, '' Rose said, `` Although I honestly do n't know why they did n't cancel the mate with this snowstorm ... ''

`` natural the match ? '' John stared at her, `` Never ! ``

`` If it was football game, it would 've been canceled, '' Kaden commented.

`` Yeah, because you would n't be able to run around in two feet of snow, '' John laughed, `` But Quidditch is in the air, so it does n't count. ``

`` will you two just leave office arguing about football ? '' Rose sighed.

`` Just trying to turn Kaden into a right wizard, '' bathroom shrugged.

`` Quidditch is hardly the definition of a proper mavin, '' blush wine said, `` I believe potion brewing is a bit more important and I 'm sure enough Kaden could teach you a affair about it, Mr. Exploding Potions. ``

`` That was Goyle 's fault, '' John muttered.

`` Why do n't all three of you just fall by the wayside arguing ? '' Albus snapped. His head was pounding and listening to his friends'arguing was not helping.

`` What 's with you ? '' John asked, `` We 're not fighting anymore than normal. ``

`` Maybe it 's got to do that he 's been flying around in a blizzard for the yesteryear two minute ? '' rosiness suggested, `` If they 'd just induce canceled the match- ''

`` They do n't cancel Quidditch ! '' lavatory shouted and then turned to Matt, `` You understand this, do n't you ? ``

`` It 's reliable, '' Matt agreed, `` Quidditch is n't ever canceled for little affair like snowstorm. ``

`` I think the weather just makes it more interesting, '' Amanda commented.

`` Not you too ! '' rose groaned.

`` football game 's only played in the warm calendar month anyway, '' Kaden said, `` They would n't even schedule an outdoor football match in the winter. ``

`` well that 's boring, '' John the Evangelist replied.

Albus leaned his foreland on his hand and closed his eyes while trying to submerge out his supporter conversation. trick, rose wine, and Kaden continued to argue about the meritoriousness of Quidditch and football. lusterlessness and Amanda stayed out of it for the most division and seemed kind of amused with the entire affair. Albus was n't, though. He wished they 'd just exclude up. Albus 's brain was steadily feeling worsened, like he was being hit with a bludger over and over again. Besides that, he still had n't completely warmed up from the lucifer and was shivering, despite his dry robes.

`` I think football game would be a decent sport if it were played on brooms, '' John said.

`` Oh ejaculate on, whoremaster ! '' Rose sighed, `` Be life-threatening ! You ca n't play football game on broom. How would you kick the ball ? ``

`` Not to mention that Muggles fiddle football ! '' Kaden shouted, `` Muggles ca n't fly ! ``

`` I 'm not saying that Muggles should play football on Calluna vulgaris. I meant if football were ever played by mavin, it should be done on brooms. ``

football game on brooms, Albus thought, what an insane mind. His Friend were now trying to coalesce football game and Quidditch.

`` Albus, are you all right ? '' Matt asked.

Albus opened his centre and lifted his head word off his hand. `` I dunno. ``

`` You do n't look that dandy, '' Matt said concernedly.

King John, Rose, and Kaden stopped arguing and looked at Albus.

`` Yeah, you look worse than Matt does when he gets upchuck, '' Kaden said loudly.

`` Thanks, '' Matt muttered.

`` Matt 's right, '' Rose said, `` You do face awful, Albus. ``

`` I 've got a headache, '' Albus mumbled.

`` You should go see Madam Pomfrey, '' Kaden told him.

`` I think I 'll just go to bed, '' Albus got up from his chairman, `` I have n't really slept much the past few nights. I 'm probably just tired. ``

Albus stumbled over to the student residence door, feeling worse than he had a few min ago. He collapsed into his bed and fell asleep minutes later.

******

Albus awoke with a start and he was n't for sure how much time had passed since he went to sleep. He still felt extremely tired and his forefront still hurt. He groaned and closed his eyes again, wanting only to sleep for a few days straight.

Right when he was about to drift off again, individual threw the curtains back and Albus 's bed was flooded in light.

`` Ugh, '' Albus groaned and covered his eyes with his work force. `` What was that for ? ``

`` You 've slept almost an entire day, '' someone said.

Albus moved his hands and slowly opened his eyes. John was standing over his bed with a look of concern on his expression.

`` And I 'd wish to kip a bit more if you do n't listen, '' Albus mumbled.

`` You slept through dinner net night, and breakfast and luncheon today. Are n't you hungry ? ``

`` Not really. ``

`` Are you sure you 're ok ? '' John asked, `` pink wine sent me up here to check on you. ``

Honestly, Albus was n't trusted he was ok. He could n't remember the lastly time he had slept an entire day. But right now all he wanted was for John to go away so he could kip some more.

`` I 'll be very well once I sleep some more, '' Albus replied and rolled over away from John the Evangelist.

`` If you 're sure, '' John said quietly and closed the curtains.

It did n't assume Albus long to fall back asleep. He had some foreign ambition that involved slip telling him his broom broke and he 'd hold to play Quidditch without it by running around on the ground. Then, instead of a Quaffle, the match was played with a football.

Albus woke up briefly after one of these dreams, only to detect that the dormitory was dark. He could pick up Ethan 's softened snoring and an owl hooting outside. Unfortunately, he did n't finger any ripe than he had when can woke him up. In fact, he now felt worse. Every one of his muscles were aching, like he had fallen from his Scots heather during the match. But Albus could n't retrieve falling from his broom. When had the match been anyway ? Yesterday or the day before ? Albus could n't even remember and he did n't even eff what day it was currently.

`` Albus ! '' Someone shouted. Albus was dreaming about Quidditch again and soul was hitting him with their beater 's bat.

`` Quit it, '' Albus mumbled.

`` Albus, are you all right ? ``

`` Go away, '' Albus said, `` And stop smacking me with that beater 's bat. ``

`` Beater 's bat ? '' they repeated, `` That 's it, I 'm getting prof Potter. ``

`` I 'll go, '' someone else said, `` You stay here with him. ``

Whoever had been hitting Albus with the bat had stopped, and he was thankful. Empire State of the South had taken the bat away and was now yelling at its owner. Then she announced that they would be playing football instead of Quidditch. James complained loudly, since there were n't any seeker in football.

`` Albus, wake up ! ``

`` I think Kaden said you 'll cause to play defense, James I, '' Albus mumbled in his slumber. `` There is n't a stool pigeon in football. ``

`` Hang on, Albus, John 's getting your dad. ``

`` My dad ? He 'll have to encounter defense, too. ``

`` What 's improper ? '' soul new shouted.

`` He 's been sleeping since after the match, professor ceramicist. I think he 's sick. ``

`` Since after the match ? ``

`` Er, yeah. We thought he was just tired, but he 's been sleeping for two mean solar day. ``

`` The match ? '' Albus muttered, `` Did we beat Slytherpuff yet ? ``

Albus felt himself being lifted out of his bed and into mortal 's sleeve. He rested his chief on their berm and shivered as his blanket fell back onto the bed. Albus fell back into a rich nap and next woke up as he was being laid down on another bed.

Albus heard people talking all around him, but he could n't give out what they were saying. Someone poured a few disgusting potions down his pharynx and forced him to swallow them. There was more gnarl around him, but Albus soon drifted off to sleep again.

The room was quieter when Albus next woke up. He opened his middle and looked around. Where was he ? Albus was sealed he had fallen asleep in his dormitory, but now it looked as if he was in the hospital fender. The station was nearly deserted, economize for ma'am Pomfrey sitting at her desk. Albus yawned and tried to sit up, but he was still dizzy. The good matter was that his head felt much better. However, his body still ached.

Madam Pomfrey looked up from her desk and got up once she saw that Albus was awake. She grabbed a few bottle and put them on a tray, which she then carried over to Albus 's bed and set it on the bedside table.

`` good, you 're up, '' Madam Pomfrey said as she poured one of the potions into a cup, `` You gave us all quite a fright. ``

`` What time is it ? '' Albus asked, still confused about what he was doing there.

`` Just after six o'clock. ``

`` Er, and what day ? ``

`` Monday, '' the nurse said as she thrust the cup under Albus 's nose, `` Drink that. ``

Albus downed the potion quickly, `` Yuck. It 's really Monday ? I 've missed classes ? ``

`` I 'd say so. ``

`` Er, what exactly happened ? I mean, I went to bed in my dorm and now I 'm here ... ''

`` You 're ill, '' Madam Pomfrey said, `` You 've caught the flu. Your ally told me you slept for almost two daytime and then they went to get your father since you were n't getting any better and had started becoming delirious. You 've been here since around dejeuner metre. ``

`` Oh. Well, how retentive do I have to stay ? ``

`` Another two days, probably, '' gentlewoman Pomfrey told him. `` Now I want you to drink these other two potions and eat that arena of soup. ``

Albus nodded and ma'am Pomfrey strode back over to her desk. Albus thought back and could vaguely remember being taken out of his dorm room, but it was only a foggy memory. The go affair he could really remember well was the Quidditch compeer. He was very glad he had n't fallen ill before the match.

No Oklahoman had Albus drank the maiden potion that the room access to the infirmary Wing swung undecided and Saint John, lusterlessness, rose wine, and Amanda came bursting through. ma'am Pomfrey got up quickly from her desk and met them halfway.

`` Is Albus awake ? '' rose asked.

`` Yes, he 's only just woken up. I suppose you can call in him for a few minutes. But calmly ! He needs to catch one's breath ! ``

`` Albus ! '' rosebush shrieked when she ran over to his bed, `` Thank Falco columbarius you 're all rightfulness ! ``

`` How are you ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Doing respectable ? '' can asked.

`` fountainhead, '' flatness said with a one-half smile on his pale case, `` This is a switching. ``

Albus grinned at him, `` Yeah, ca n't really retrieve a time where it was you visiting me here. ``

`` What exactly have you got anyway ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Flu, '' Albus answered, `` But I 'm getting better. Not nearly as tired as before. ``

`` I would hope so, '' John smirked, `` You slept two days. ``

`` I 'll probably kip another two, '' Albus said, `` Pomfrey said I 've got to stay another two days. ``

`` We 'll be here together, then, '' Matt replied.

Albus looked at his admirer, who was looking a bit exhausted himself. `` When 's the full phase of the moon moonlight again ? ``

`` Tomorrow, '' lustrelessness sighed.

`` Did you take that new potion ? '' Albus asked.

Matt nodded, `` Yeah, and I 'm more knackered than usual. ``

`` He fell asleep in History of Magic and almost fell asleep in Potions, '' John said.

`` wellspring, you did n't sleep through two unit days like I did, '' Albus pointed out.

`` I 've done it before. I 've slept through more than two twenty-four hours actually. I think four is my platter. ``

`` All right ! '' Madam Pomfrey announced, `` time for you lot to be off to bed, especially you, matt. And Albus needs to rest. ``

`` See you tomorrow, '' Albus said as his friend left the room.

`` Sure will, '' lusterlessness replied.

Albus slept on and off throughout the night and the succeeding good morning. He was still tired, but felt much better when he woke up late the side by side morn. His dad had stopped by earlier before course of instruction, but Albus fell back asleep after he left.

Madam Pomfrey was fussing over him and giving him numerous potions to drink in. Albus was the entirely affected role in the intact ward, so the nurse 's fussing was all focused on him.

The nurse had been giving Albus what must cause been his tenth part glass of water that daybreak when the doors to the ward opened. matt stumbled inside and walked shakily over to the bed next to Albus 's. He collapsed onto it and winced in pain.

Madam Pomfrey immediately put down the water pitcher and descended upon Matt.

`` You 're here to begin with than usual, '' she said as she felt his head, `` And you 're burning up. ``

`` Why are you here earlier ? '' Albus asked once dame Pomfrey had gone to get another potion.

`` Tired, '' Matt mumbled, `` Fell asleep in Defense and your dad told me to come here. ``

`` Is it the new potion ? ``

`` Yeah, it does n't exactly serve much, does it ? ``

`` I thought you said they were going to regain something to counterbalance the part of it that makes you tired, '' Albus said.

`` They are, they just have n't found it yet. ``

`` Oh. ``

Madam Pomfrey returned a second later and gave Matt a few potions. He drank them and was asleep minutes later. Albus was n't really old-hat, but he fell asleep anyway out of lack of anything else to do.

whoremaster, rose, and Amanda stopped by after dinner to see Albus and Matt, but gentlewoman Pomfrey did n't let them stick long. lusterlessness had been asleep anyway. Shortly after their friends left, ma'am Pomfrey woke lusterlessness up and took him down to the Whomping Wilow.


A/N : Thanks to my Beta, Dancer of Starlight ! Thanks as well to Moonylupin, potterfan296, Miguel, Gospel of Luke, and Denas for their reviews !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


When Albus awoke the next dawning, he felt much meliorate. In fact, he felt mostly formula. He was n't achy anymore and his head felt better as well. He hungrily ate all the breakfast lady Pomfrey provided.

The Saame could n't be said for Matt, who was looking much worsened than the premature day. He was either gone or unconscious, Albus was betting on the latter, and he had numerous cuts and scrapes on his boldness. His right arm and brow were covered in a large bandages.

`` So when can I leave ? '' Albus asked as Madam Pomfrey performed some sort of while on Matt.

`` Later today, most likely, '' she said after she 'd finished her incantation.

Albus sighed. He had been hoping he 'd be capable to leave that morning. He was starting to feel incredibly bored with the infirmary Wing, although not bored enough to originate the preparation rosebush had brought the previous evening.

Albus spent the remainder of the morning drifting in and out of sleep out of lack of anything else to do. Madam Pomfrey gave him a few to a greater extent nasty savoring potions and lunch, which Albus ate ravenously. After going two Day without food for thought, he was starving.

The doorway to the Hospital extension opened just as Albus was finishing his luncheon. can, Rose, and Amanda walked inside and immediately headed for Albus 's bed. Madam Pomfrey was in her role and did n't seem to point out the visitors.

`` Hey, how are you ? '' rosiness asked.

`` Bored, '' Albus replied.

`` That 's good, '' rosebush grinned.

`` Are you better now ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Pretty very much. Madam Pomfrey wo n't let me allow until later, though. wishing she 'd let me exit now. ``

`` She just wants to make certain you 're completely better, '' blush wine said, `` And it 's not like you 're missing course of instruction since this is our afternoon off. ``

`` Exactly ! '' John sighed, `` He could be doing much better stuff on his afternoon off if he was n't here. ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` Like figuring out the new map. ``

`` How are we going to do that anyway ? '' John the Evangelist asked.

`` Go to the library, '' Albus replied, `` We 've got to bet for way of life of proving who we are. ``

john groaned, `` And I doubt there will just be a book titled Prove Who You Are to a bit of parchment. ``

`` Probably not, '' Rose laughed. `` But we 'll find out somehow. ``

`` making anymore forward motion on the appealingness for Kaden ? '' Albus asked.

`` A bit, yeah. I tried it again cobbler's last night on Saint John the Apostle and this sentence he could n't even impress his backtalk like last time. Now I 've just got to figure out how to involve other people in the secret. ``

`` And then all we 've got to do is convert lustrelessness that the charm is foolproof, '' John said.

Everyone glanced over at lusterlessness 's bed, where he was still sleeping.

`` He been asleep all day ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Yeah, '' Albus said, `` Ever since I 've been awake. ``

Matt groaned and opened his eyes, `` You lot here ? ``

`` Yeah, '' lav replied, `` How are you ? ``

`` Horrible, '' Matt said flatly, `` My top dog is killing me. Were you talking about me ? ``

`` A bit, '' John said, `` Just about that charm for Kaden. We 're going to get working on the map once you two are out of here. Got to detect some way to prove to it that we 're like the vulture. ``

`` sound good, '' lusterlessness yawned.

`` When do you get to get out ? '' Amanda asked, `` Albus is leaving later today. ``

`` No idea, '' Matt said, `` Not until at to the lowest degree tomorrow night. Might be out in time for Astronomy. ``

`` Ca n't you not be outside when the moonshine is close to to the full ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Only when it 's waxing. When it 's waning I 'm fine. ``

`` So, we 'll contrive on working on the map this weekend, then, '' Albus said. `` Unless any of you catch what I had. ``

`` Hope not, '' John said. `` Maybe Malfoy will catch it, '' he added gleefully.

`` King John, that 's not shady, '' Rose scolded, `` He 'd be really sick. ``

`` He 'd get better. Albus is all right now. ``

Albus heard a door candid and Madam Pomfrey came strolling out of her spot. She looked up and saw the crowd around Albus and Matt 's beds and made a beeline for them.

`` What are you lot doing here ? '' she demanded.

`` Visiting Albus and lusterlessness, '' Rose answered.

`` Oh, you 're awake ! '' the nurse exclaimed and went over to matt 's bed, apparently forgetting that blush wine, John, and Amanda had burst in without her permission. `` How do you feel ? ``

`` Awful, '' matt replied. `` My head hurts and so does pretty often everything else. ``

`` You must have hit your promontory much worse than usual close night, '' madam Pomfrey sighed, `` You had quite the concussion earlier. I 'll go get some pain potions. ``

She returned a hour later with a potion for lusterlessness, who drank it in one gulp.

`` Now, you three have to leave, '' madam Pomfrey said to Rose, John, and flatness, `` Albus will be out later and you can see him then. ``

boredom set in for Albus shortly after his friends left. lusterlessness had fallen back asleep quickly after he took his bother potion. Albus could n't even sleep anymore because he had already slept so practically that day.

******

`` What are we supposed to be looking for anyway ? '' whoremonger sighed as he slammed a book of account shut.

Albus, John, Matt, blush wine, and Amanda were all crowded around a withdraw mesa in the library. It was covered in Word that covered all sort of matter. The five of them had spent the last time of day searching for ways to try to the new map that they were like the Marauders. So far, nobody had found anything utilitarian.

`` I do n't roll in the hay, '' Albus replied, `` Anything that might test that we 're like the Marauders. ``

`` That 's not very particular, '' John muttered, `` I really do n't want to spend an entire Saturday here. ``

`` It 'll do you some skillful, '' pink wine said.

`` wishing we could just use that book that you used to find the early charm, '' Albus said to Rose, thinking of Flitwick 's book.

`` Me too, but it 's in the Restricted Section, '' Rose said.

`` Why ca n't we just get Professor Potter to give us a note ? Bet he would, '' John said.

`` Bet he would n't, '' Albus disagreed, `` He 'd know we 're up to something. ``

`` Besides, '' blush wine interjected, `` It might not be a Charm we 're looking for. ``

`` We 're just going to take in to continue looking, '' Albus said as he opened another account book. `` But I 've got Quidditch practice in a half hr. ``

`` We 'll just look every time we can get away from Kaden, '' lustrelessness suggested.

`` Where is he anyway ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Dunno, '' Albus shrugged. come to think of it, he had n't seen Kaden since breakfast. It was kind of strange since Kaden spent every waking mo of his day ( when he was n't in social class ) no less than four human foot away from Albus.

`` There he is, '' matte pointed to somewhere behind Albus.

Albus turned around and saw his full cousin running through the library with a clipboard in his hand.

`` Albus ! '' he shouted.

`` muted ! '' Madam Pince shouted even tawdry, `` Or I 'll throw you all out ! ``

`` Albus, '' Kaden said more quietly as he sat down in an empty professorship at their table.

Albus eyed Kaden 's clipboard but he could n't translate what it said. `` Hi Kaden. ``

`` Hi, '' Kaden replied, `` Will you sign my petition ? ``

`` Petition ? '' Albus asked, `` What in the gens of merlin are you petitioning for ? ``

`` TVs in the common suite, '' Kaden grinned.

`` What ? ! '' john and mat shouted.

`` Quiet ! '' ma'am Pince screeched.

Rose laughed, `` What on Earth for ? ``

`` I would n't mind having a TV in the common elbow room, '' Amanda commented.

`` Exactly, '' Kaden said, `` It 's arduous enough for us Muggle-borns to adjust to Hogwarts and if we had TVs, it would do it easier. ``

`` You 're kidding, right ? '' can laughed.

`` Nope, not kidding, '' Kaden said, `` I 've got loads of signatures already. I 'm not really sure how many I 'll need, though. I figure I 'll try and get as many as I can in a few Clarence Shepard Day Jr. and then give it to Professor Longbottom. ``

Albus tried to oppress his grin, but he could n't. The estimate of Kaden trying to get video put into the common elbow room was just too funny. There would be no way any of the teachers would agree to it even if everyone in Hogwarts signed the petition.

`` So will you sign up it ? '' Kaden asked, `` If this goes through, I 'll try for computing machine next. ``

`` Computers, '' lusterlessness laughed, `` You 're mad. ``

`` I 'll sign on, '' Amanda grabbed the clipboard and quill.

`` Sure, why not ? '' Albus shrugged. It could n't ache to sign the thing, and he was sure Kaden would n't break off bugging them unless they did.

John and flatness signed as well, although they were laughing the altogether time. Rose signed a bit reluctantly, but she eventually gave in.

`` So what are you doing ? '' Kaden asked after rosebush finished signing.

`` Homework, '' Albus replied automatically.

Kaden stared at the large sight of books, `` Second year must be blinking insane. ``

`` Oh, it is, '' toilet said, `` You wo n't have any sentence to determine any TV. ``

`` I 'll make time, '' Kaden said as he stood up, `` Well, I 'm going to get more signature. ``

Albus watched as his cousin went from mesa to table trying to get people to ratify. Some of them liked the theme and signed willingly. Others laughed until Kaden gave up and others looked at him like he was dotty. Eventually, Madam Pince found out what he was doing and threw him out of the library.

`` Your full cousin is the unearthly blighter I 've ever met, '' lavatory said after Kaden was kicked out.

`` Yeah, he is a bit strange, '' Albus agreed and closed the book he was reading, `` Well, I 'm off to practice. I 'll see you lot later. ``

After practice, Albus went to the common room and found his friends sitting around their usual board doing preparation. Unfortunately, none of them had found anything that would avail them to turn out that they were like the Marauders. Albus was beginning to inquire if they 'd ever get that map working. Even if they did find out a way to prove they were like the predator, what would they have to do next ? How many matter would they have got to do before they would actually be able to see the map ? Albus had no melodic theme, but he knew the marauder were n't going to make this easy.

******

The balance of February passed quickly. Albus and his friends continued to scrub the subroutine library for any sort of magic spell, spell, or potion that would help them in their bespeak to reveal the map. None of them found anything. Kaden thought they were all doing homework as they searched the playscript every weekend. Rose was making progression with the Sileo Altus magic spell, but it was n't quite perfected enough to use yet. rosebush was sure she 'd possess it learned by the end of the month. Matt never said much when the charm was brought up and Albus was hoping he would still harmonise to say Kaden once pink wine perfected the spell.

Kaden 's petition to have television receiver put into the common room was rejected shortly after he gave it to Neville. Kaden did n't look in the least bit deter by this. He insisted it was rejected due to lack of convincing evidence as to how the tv set would gain the educatee. He was planning on resubmitting it along with a detailed essay on the subject later on in the term.

`` You know, Kaden, '' blush wine said at dinner party one nighttime, `` Even if the teachers accepted your petition, the televisions would n't even work here. There 's too much deception. ``

`` Oh, I 'm surely there 's a charm that would counteract that, '' Kaden said.

`` It wo n't work, '' Matt said, `` Magic just does n't concord with electronics. This one time when we were visiting my Uncle Jack in the United States, Amy accidentally broke one of the metal detectors at the airport. It was n't her error or anything, the magic just interrupted it or something. The matter started beeping and would n't hold on until they turned it off. ``

John laughed, `` That would 've been hilarious to see. ``

`` Amy did n't conceive so. She was mortified, '' Matt said, `` It was a piece ago, before we even moved here. I think she was xiv. ``

`` Well, I still say they could find a way, '' Kaden said.

`` Hey, spirit, '' Albus pointed to the headland tabular array. prof Kendrick was standing up.

`` Wonder what he 's got to say ? '' John asked.

`` Hope it 's nothing bad, '' rosebush said.

`` He looks felicitous enough, '' Amanda commented.

`` May I have your attention ! '' Kendrick announced. The room fell still. `` Thank you. Do n't worry, I 'm not giving out bad news. In fact, I think you 'll find this annunciation most sex. ``

There was a ecumenical murmur of excitement throughout the Great Marguerite Radclyffe Hall at this. Kendrick waited for everyone to intercept talking before he continued.

`` If you 'll remember at the beginning of the yr, when I announced the changes for the Dueling night club, that that would only be one part of the House unity effort. I am announcing today that the other prof and I have organized another 1 issue. It will be a scavenger hunt, with inter-house squad, of class. ``

Albus groaned. A magpie James Henry Leigh Hunt would be fun, but not if he had to do it with Slytherins. Everyone else seemed to be in agreement, because there was a general groaning throughout.

`` I know you do n't like it, but the school needs to be unified. Now, I will explain the event. It will not be like a unconstipated scavenger James Henry Leigh Hunt. It will deal place on the next three Sabbatum. This Saturday will be for the first base and second years. The following will be for third and fourth age. The hold out will be for fifth, sixth, and seventh years.

`` The early prof and I will be organizing the teams, which will lie of member of former years and other theatre. Each team will have about ten penis. You will hold one hour to complete the labor given.

`` You will invite a list of detail to obtain before this hour is up. There are rules, of course. Some of these item will be required to get without trick. We will be performing charms on these token and if we find that any of them were spelled, transfigured, conjured, charmed, etc. within the hour they will be disqualified.

`` However, the pack rat hunt will not only include a list of detail to happen. You will also experience multiple trivia tack. These will include both wizard and Muggle trifle.

`` Finally, each squad will welcome a riddle, which if they deceiver correctly, will lead them on a pursuance throughout the castling and background. When you reach the end, there will be a bit of selective information that must be returned to me. If you are successful, you 'll get a 100 peak bonus. However, there is also a false trail that will lead you to worthless information. If that is brought back, you 'll invite no bonus.

`` I will give you a more detailed inclination of normal on the day of the event. Until then, keep your brains sharp and do n't get rid of anything you would otherwise deem useless, '' Kendrick smiled and returned to his seat.

Albus turned to his supporter, `` This sounds, er, interesting. ``

`` It 's really an splendid idea, '' Rose grinned, `` I mean, there 's no way a bingle person would be able to achieve all of it alone. It 's a great idea for House unity. ``

`` It 'd be better if we did n't have to team up with Slytherins, '' John muttered.

`` But what if there 's something on that list that 's in the Slytherin green room or something ? '' Rose pointed out.

John groaned, `` I guess you 're mightily. ``

`` Sounds fun, though, '' Amanda said.

`` Yeah. Wonder what we get if we win ? '' mat asked.

`` Hopefully some coupons to get out of homework or something, '' Saint John the Apostle said.

`` Since when have they given away those ? '' Albus laughed.

`` Now 's the perfect time for them to start, '' can replied.

`` I hope I 'm on your team, Albus, '' Kaden piped up.

`` That would be nifty, '' Albus smiled, and he actually meant it. It sounded like there was going to be a lot of random stuff on that list and if there was anyone in the schoolhouse that had oodles of random stuff, it was Kaden.

******

The next few daytime seemed to drag on forever for Albus and the rest of the first and secondly geezerhood. Everyone was getting excited about the scavenger hunt and the teacher were getting a bit annoyed that nobody was paying aid in class.

Soon enough, Saturday arrived and Kendrick announced at lunch for all the first and second days to remain sit down after they were done eating. Once all the erstwhile students left, Kendrick got to his infantry once more.

`` Now, the import you 've all been waiting for, '' Kendrick said, `` The pack rat Hunt will begin shortly. First, I have a few more rule to go over.

`` As I said earlier in the week, there are detail on this inclination that are not allowed to be created using legerdemain. You may not arouse, transfigure, enchantment, or charm any of those items. Asking an older scholarly person to do so is also against the rules. We have spells that will detect if any item was magicked during the hour of the pack rat hunt.

`` The item must be found within the school and primer coat. Hogsmeade, the Forbidden timber, the Whomping willow, and Hagrid 's hut are all out of bounds and you may not search for token in or around them. You may not ask older educatee or teacher for avail, nor may you owl house members or other masses. However, you may ask previous student if they have any of the items on the list. It is up to them if they let you take over them or not. Do not slip anything from anyone or there will be penalization. You are permitted to use the library for avail with the trivia. ``

Rose 's face lit up at that and Albus knew she would be the functionary library researcher for her team.

`` There are going to be eight teams of approximately ten bookman each. Your mansion prefects have your squad grant. Teams one and two are to gather at the Hufflepuff board, one at each end. Teams three and four at the Gryffindor table, five and six at Ravenclaw, and seven and eight at Slytherin. You will be given a few moment to get organized in your teams and then the other professor will hand out the capture material. Each team is given one set of textile, no more. If you lose it, hard luck. Now delight see your prefects. ``

Albus got up from the table and looked around until he spotted Georgia. He and his friends wound their way through the bunch until they managed to get to her.

`` Hey, Albus ! '' GA grinned and looked at her clipboard, `` Ready ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus smiled, `` I 'm on a commodity squad, right ? ``

`` Well, there are Slytherins on all the squad, if that 's what you mean, '' Georgia laughed, `` Anyway, you 're on Team Two. ``

Albus nodded and waited for his friends to get their team assignments.

Georgia scanned her clipboard again, `` Let 's see, Rose is on squad One, toilet is on team Four, Matt 's on team Two ... ''

Albus grinned at lusterlessness. He was relieved that one of his friends was on his team. Now all he had to do was hope Malfoy was n't on his team.

`` Amanda 's on squad four, and Kaden 's on Team Six, '' Sakartvelo looked up at them, `` Have fun. ``

`` Thanks, '' Albus said and then turned to his friends, `` speculation we 'll see you after. Good fate. ``

Albus and Matt worked their way through the crowds to the Hufflepuff table along with Rose. Albus was a bit disappointed that Kaden was n't on his team, but there was n't anything he could do about that. The probability were n't outstanding that he would ingest two of his friends on his same team. He was just golden he had one of his friends on the Lapplander team.

The Hufflepuff table was already filling with people from team one and two. Team Two was gathering at the half closest to the faculty board, so Albus and Matt made their way there.

There seemed to be a fairly even identification number of each house at the table. Besides Albus and matt, there was one other Gryffindor, a beginning year girl Albus had seen but did n't know her name. There were also two Ravenclaws Albus did n't know, three Hufflepuffs, and two Slytherins. Albus groaned when he saw who the Slytherins were, Felix Willinson and Leigh Montague. Leigh was Rose 's potions partner and not the sharpest quill in the box.

Felix Willinson narrowed his eyes when he saw Albus and Matt coming over. Albus found keister far away from him and sat down, waiting for the scavenger hunt club to begin.

One of the Ravenclaws stood up a few moment later, `` Hi, I 'm Rachel Underwood and I 've been assigned as team captain. ``

Everyone muttered hello to her and Rachel had everyone introduce themselves. So far, Willinson and Montague did n't seem enthused about their team, but Rachel did n't pay any attention to their animosity.

professor Patil came over a little while later with a handful of parchment. Albus assumed they were the lists of poppycock to look for and the trivia.

`` The Richard Morris Hunt will get going in one minute ! '' Kendrick announced, `` The professor will give you your lists as soon as I say go. You 'll deliver one hour to be back here with as very much stuff you can possibly get. ``

A minute later, Kendrick shot out a exhibitioner of blue sparks from his wand and Patil handed the mint of sheepskin to Rachel.

`` All rightfulness ! '' Rachel shouted as she leafed through the parchment, `` We need someone to decipher the riddle and run around to get the bonus percentage point. ``

`` I 'll do it, '' the other Ravenclaw volunteered. Rachel nodded and handed him the lambskin. He ran out of the Great Hall while reading the riddle.

`` Ok, here 's the trifle, '' Rachel continued, `` We 've got Famous Witches and Wizards, Famous Muggles, What Not To Do While Interacting With Muggles, What Do You Know About Quidditch, and What Do You Know About Football. ``

Albus turned to matt and laughed. Kaden would surely jazz the football one.

Rachel handed out the trivia to the people who thought they 'd be able-bodied to do it. Willinson had n't taken any of the trivia sheets, but Montague took the Quidditch one. Albus hoped she actually knew something about Quidditch.

`` Now we 've just got the listing of token to find out, '' Rachel announced to the remaining team member, which were Albus, Matt, Willinson, and one of the Hufflepuffs. `` You four get started while I work on the trivium. Oh, but I 'll ask caution of the costumes. You 'll just have to wear them. ``

Albus nodded and took the parchment from her. Costumes ? He hoped he would n't have to jade anything too humiliating. He set it down on the table and began to read it, with everyone else looking over his shoulder.

Items Are To Be Gathered Without conjuration

-holly wand
-five barf flavored Bertie Botts Beans
-Slytherin wearing Gryffindor robe
-Gryffindor wearing Slytherin gown
-light saber
-Dumbledore cocoa frog card
-twenty shoelaces tied together
-Quaffle signed by Oliver Sir Henry Joseph Wood
-Shooting Star broom handle
-Muggle pen
-copy of The Hobbit, by J.R.R. Tolkein
-a Nintendo DS
-girl dressed up as Godric Gryffindor
-boy dressed up as Helga Hufflepuff
-color changing ink
-beater bat
-drum stick
-silver goblet
-Chudley Cannons tee shirt
-six Extendable Ears
-Muggle playing cards
-receipt from Madam Malkins
-Argus Filch 's autograph
-the epithet of five Hogwarts star sign Elves
-rubber duck
-copy of Hogwarts, A history
-sneakoscope
-foe glass
-tea cozy
-Hogwarts graduation moving-picture show
-band aids
-green empty potions bottle
-Beatles CD
-purple gloves
-Hershey 's chocolate bar
-My Little Hippogriff
-pet toad frog
-purple parchment
-two batteries
-tortilla chips

Albus looked up from the list and waited for everyone else to cease reading.

`` What the bloody pit is a CD ? '' Willinson asked.

`` Muggle way of listening to music, '' Albus explained, `` One of my first cousin might have one. ``

`` I 've got one, '' the Hufflepuff, who Albus now knew to be Nelson Rodner, said.

`` goodness, '' Albus replied, `` Anyone else know they 've got some of this material ? ``

Everyone nodded.

`` Let 's go get the clobber we know we 've got and then foregather back here, '' Albus said as he got up. `` Then we can work on the stuff and nonsense we do n't. ``

The early three boys agreed and Albus ran out of the Great dormitory with matt. The two of them ran as fast as they could up to Gryffindor Tower.


A/N : I ca n't withdraw mention for the scavenger hunting idea. There is a resort in Pennsylvania called Woodloch pine tree that I go to every summer and they have pack rat Holman Hunt like the one in this chapter. consummate with costumes, trivia, and the conundrum. It 's a lot of fun.

Thanks to my genus Beta, Dancer of Starlight ! Thanks as well to St. Luke, Moonylupin, EvilChaos, potterfan296, XDNLxtlz99, drownzer, Miguel, Denas, and phoenixy friend for their reviews !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter or the theme for the scavenger hunt.


`` Willinson is acting civil, '' Albus commented as they were running up a flight of steps of stairs.

`` Yeah, '' mat agreed, `` variety of surprising. Either he really wants to win or he 's not as confident without Malfoy. ``

`` Probably both, '' Albus said, `` Whatever the understanding, we lucked out. ``

Everyone stared as Albus and lusterlessness ran into the common room completely out of breath. `` Scavenger search, '' Albus muttered to his cousin Ben and Cedric as he ran by.

`` Excellent, '' Ben grinned, `` Ca n't wait until our routine next Sabbatum. ``

Bilius was also in their hall collecting particular when Albus and mat entered. They nodded to each other, but did n't say anything.

Albus wrenched afford his bole and started rifling through it. He found a bag of Bertie Botts noodle, a Dumbledore deep brown anuran card, his written matter of Hogwarts, A History, one extendable Ear, and the picture record album he found in the attic of his home. The graduation exercise picture in the dorsum would work for the Hogwarts commencement ceremony picture.

`` What have you got ? '' he asked lustrelessness once he emerged from his trunk.

`` My baton 's holly, a muggle pen, band financial aid, Chudley carom jersey, and a Nintendo DS, although I 'm not certain why I still bother to bring it since it does n't work here. ``

`` Excellent, '' Albus grinned, `` Let 's get back to the Great Hall. ``

When Albus and matt got back to the Hufflepuff table, Willinson and Rodner had already returned. There was a pile of stuff on the table between them. Albus looked through it and saw that they now had a copy of The Hobbit, colouring changing ink, a beater 's bat, Muggle playing notice, and a sneakoscope.

`` All right, we 've got a good starting, '' Albus said as he added his and matt 's stuff to the voltaic pile. `` I guess we 'll have to ask the aged educatee to borrow the rest.

`` Rodner, '' Albus began, `` You see if you can get a light saber, a Quaffle signed by Oliver Wood, a shooting ace broomstick, brake drum sticks, a receipt from Madam Malkin 's, foe trash, and a Beatles CD. ``

`` Sure, '' Rodner said and took off out of the room.

`` Willinson, '' Albus turned to the Slytherin, `` Go down to the kitchens and see if you can get a silvern goblet, tortilla scrap, a tea cozy, the gens of five business firm Elves, and a Hershey bar. ``

`` Why should I ? '' Willinson grumbled, `` Who put you in charge ? ``

`` Someone 's got to do it, '' Albus told him.

`` make Eckerton do it. ``

`` Him and I are getting the rest, '' Albus replied, `` If you want to win, you 'll get the stuff. ``

`` Fine, '' Willinson muttered and left the Great Hall.

`` Ok, that leaves the shoe laces, empty-bellied super acid potions bottle, purple gloves, a My Little Hippogriff, a toad, purple parchment, a caoutchouc duck, two barrage, and five to a greater extent Extendable Ears. Oh, and Filch 's John Hancock. ``

`` We 'll do that one finish, '' matte shuddered. `` We can probably just go back to the commons way and ask if anyone 's got this clobber. ``

`` Good idea, '' Albus agreed.

The two boy set off at a run back to their common way. Luckily it was still packed with pupil and some of them grinned as Albus and lusterlessness entered.

`` How 's it going ? '' Ben asked.

`` Good, '' Albus grinned back, `` But we 've got a bunch of stuff and nonsense to come up. listen up everyone ! '' he shouted.

The full common room quieted and turned to Albus. Albus was momentarily shocked that everyone actually stopped what they were doing to pay attention to him.

`` Er, we 're doing the scavenger hunt and need some stuff. Has anyone got a My Little Hippogriff, purple baseball mitt, a toad, purple parchment, a rubber duck's egg, barrage fire, or Extandable Ears ? Also, we need twenty horseshoe lace. I promise we 'll refund it all once we 're done. ``

About half the bookman got up and went up to their dormitories. A few minutes later they came back down with various item for Albus. He managed to adopt a rubber eraser duck's egg, empurpled parchment, and a few Extendable Ears. Plus he got at to the lowest degree twenty shoe laces.

`` That worked well, '' Albus said as he and Matt left the room.

`` I 'd say so, '' Matt agreed, `` Now Filch 's John Hancock. This ought to be fun. ``

Albus smacked his hand to his brow, `` I should feature grabbed the map ! ``

Albus groaned and ran back to the common room. Everyone laughed as he ran up to his dormitory and back down to the mutual elbow room. Albus ignored them and pointed his sceptre to the map. A few second later he saw that Filch was lurking near the library.

Albus and matte took off for the library and spotted Filch a few yard away from the door.

`` How are we supposed to ask him ? '' Albus whispered.

`` No idea, '' mat said back.

Albus 's heart sped up as he got closer to the old caretaker. `` Er, Mr. Filch ? '' he asked.

Filch startled and turned around. He saw Albus and smirked. `` Potter. Up to no good again ? In pauperization of another detention, perhaps ? ``

`` Uh, no, '' Albus replied, `` Actually, I was just, er, well, we 're doing this scavenger hunt. Maybe Kendrick told you about it. It 's to encourage Inter House Unity and we have to get all this material throughout the castle and- ''

`` We need your autograph, '' Matt interrupted, holding a art object of parchment and the Muggle pen in his outstretched hand.

Filch stared at them and then started muttering to himself. `` Do n't see why I should inconvenience oneself ... bookman never do anything for me ... ''

Nevertheless, Filch took the pen and scribbled his gens onto the majestic parchment. He thrust it wordlessly back into Matt 's handwriting and shuffled off down the corridor.

`` That went comfortably than expected, '' lusterlessness said.

`` Yeah, thanks. I could n't really figure out how to ask him. ``

`` I figured, '' flatness grinned, `` Anyway, we still need a few things. Hey, Kendrick never mentioned anything about the elbow room. Do you think we could just ask it for the rest of this ? ``

Albus wondered why he had n't thought of that. It almost seemed like cheat, but Kendrick never said anything. `` That 's brilliant ! ``

The two of them set off for the room, but when they got there, there was a Hufflepuff prefect milling around right in front of the room. Albus slowly walked back and forth in front line of it, keeping an eye on the prefect.

He was about to puddle his one-third pass, when the prefect stopped him. `` Sorry, '' he said, `` You ca n't go in there if you 're in the pack rat hunt. Kendrick 's regulation. ``

Albus sighed, `` All right. ``

`` Of course of instruction, '' Matt muttered as they left, `` Kendrick could n't announce that prescript because then everyone would see out about the way. Oh, well. What have we got left ? ``

Albus handed matte the listing and he looked it over for a few irregular. `` Hey, I know Madam Pomfrey 's got dark-green potions bottleful. ``

`` Let 's go, '' Albus said, `` We 'd better rush, there 's only XV bit left. ``

They made it to the Hospital Wing in track record time. Albus pushed the threshold open and walked in, followed by Matt.

`` I 've got patients to lean to ! '' gentlewoman Pomfrey was shouting at a Ravenclaw first base year, `` I have n't got time for this magpie hunt nonsense ! You 're the fifth person I 've had come in here looking for potions bottles and band aids ! I have n't got any ! ``

The girl nodded and ran quickly out of the room, completely ignoring Albus and Matt as she went.

`` Er, she says she has n't got any, '' Albus whispered.

`` I know she does, '' Matt whispered back, `` Let me just ask her. ``

Albus shrugged and followed lusterlessness over to the nursemaid, who was bent over one of the beds.

`` hi, Madam Pomfrey, '' Matt greeted her.

Madam Pomfrey turned around and her irritated face softened immediately when she saw Matt.

`` Hello, matte, dear. Are you all right ? You look a bit blush, '' Madam Pomfrey said and put her hand to his forehead.

`` I 'm delicately, '' Matt assured her, `` I 've just been running around working on the scavenger hunt. ``

`` Not you, too, '' lady Pomfrey sighed and then noticed Albus, `` Oh and Albus as well. ``

`` Yeah, '' Matt said, `` We were just wondering if you might have an empty green potions bottle. ``

The nursemaid sighed and walked over to her potions cabinet. `` I suppose. Just be sure to return it. ``

Albus watched in shock as she returned with the accurate item they were looking for. lusterlessness grinned at Albus and took the bottle.

`` Thanks, '' Matt smiled.

Madam Pomfrey shook her oral sex, `` No problem. Have fun, boys. ``

`` We will, '' Matt said as he turned to leave the room.

Albus followed him out the room access, still in electrical shock that the nursemaid had actually given them the nursing bottle when she had yelled at that foremost yr only minutes ago.

`` You 're certainly on her estimable side, '' Albus muttered after they left the room.

`` One of the few perks of being there once a month, '' matt said dryly.

`` We 'd better get back to the Great Hall, '' Albus said as he looked at his watch.

Albus and flatness ran as fast as they could back to where their team was. The rest period of the squad was working hard to finish the remaining trifle. Rachel herself was dressed up as Godric Gryffindor, complete with a fraud beard. Rodner was dressed up as Helga Hufflepuff.

However, neither was as laughable as what Willinson was wearing. He was decked out in Gryffindor okay, with robes, a scarf, and a 'Loyal Gryffindor'hat. Albus could hardly stifle his laughter.

`` Do n't say a intelligence, thrower, '' Willinson growled.

`` Albus ! '' Rachel shouted, `` You 've got to dress up as a Slytherin ! The robes I 've got are too big for matt and Abby. '' Rachel pointed to the other Gryffindor on the team.

Albus groaned and Willinson burst out laughing. Albus reluctantly put on the Slytherin robe, scarf, and 'Slytherins Are Best'hat. It would only be for a few minutes and if it helped them win ....

Albus did feel a bit strange in the Slytherin gown. He could n't help but think back to his sorting and how the hat had wanted to put him in Slytherin at first. If it had, he would be wearing these gown all the fourth dimension. He might cause even been Sir Thomas More friendly with Malfoy at first. He probably would n't accept really befriended toilet, Matt, or Amanda if he 'd been in Slytherin. Albus shook the thought from his head and concentrated on the fact that he was just wearing the robes to help his team win.

Rachel took stock of the point on the list as Matt tied all the shoe lace together. It turns out that the only thing they were missing were the light sabre, Quaffle signed by Oliver Wood, Shooting asterisk broom handle, foe glass, Hershey 's bar, toad, and one stamp battery. Rachel thought that was pretty good.

The other Ravenclaw returned a minute later and told everyone that he had finished the riddle pursuance and had managed to get the bonus points.

`` Time is up ! '' Kendrick announced, `` The prof will be around soon to check your inclination. They will also collect your small beer sheets which will be marked later today. The succeeder will be announced at dinner tonight. ``

Patil came over to Albus 's team a few bit later and looked over their list. She took a painting of the four citizenry who were dressed up, much to Albus 's dismay. Now there would be permanent evidence of his Slytherin moment. As soon as the picture was taken, Albus took off the robes and he noticed Willinson doing the same.

`` Ok, '' Patil announced as she gathered up the pieces of parchment, `` You can leave. Please regress anything you borrowed. ``

Albus and matte gathered up their stuff as well as everything they 'd borrowed from various Gryffindors. They stopped by the Hospital wing to return the bottle and then headed back to their common room.

The two of them passed out everyone 's hooey and then went to sit down at their usual table. blush wine, John, Amanda, and Kaden joined them shortly.

`` That was fun, '' Rose said as she sat down.

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` Even though we were with Slytherins. Willinson was n't too bad. ``

`` That 's honest, '' John said, `` I caught a glance of him in the Gryffindor robe. Priceless. ``

`` Yeah, I thought so. Until I had to put on the Slytherin single, '' Albus replied.

john burst out laughing, `` I wish I 'd seen that ! ``

`` You 'll be able to, '' Albus told him, `` Patil took a picture. ``

`` Excellent. ``

`` Did n't any of you lot have to dress up ? '' Albus asked.

`` I was Helga Hufflepuff, '' John said.

`` And I was Godric Gryffindor, '' Amanda added.

`` How did everyone do on the list of clobber to find ? '' Matt asked.

`` I 'm pretty surely my team was the alone one with a light sabre ! '' Kaden said excitedly, `` I 'm so beaming I decided to bring it. ``

`` We did all right, '' rose shrugged, `` Missed a lot of poppycock, but I think we did well in the trivia. ``

`` Of course of study you did, '' can grinned. `` Hey, did anyone manage to come up the potions bottle ? Slughorn did n't have any putting surface ones and gentlewoman Pomfrey looked cook to hex me when I asked her. It 's not really mediocre that Kendrick put something on there that was unimaginable to get. ``

Albus grinned at Matt, who grinned back.

`` What ? '' John asked.

`` We got it, '' mat told him.

`` How ? '' Kaden asked, `` Madam Pomfrey was downright chilling when I asked her. May have been because she was engaged fixing mortal 's broken arm, but still .... ''

`` mat asked her and she gave him one, '' Albus explained.

lustrelessness shrugged, `` simple, really. ``

John sighed, `` Well, you 're probably the only one in the schoolhouse who could get it. She 'd probably give you whatever you asked for. ``

`` Why ? '' Kaden asked curiously.

`` Sorry, not telling, '' john replied.

Kaden sighed, `` Oh, part of that whole secret I ca n't know about ? ``

`` Yeah, '' John said and then changed the subject, `` Hey, did any of you do the brain-teaser thing ? ``

`` I did, '' Rose said, `` Want to hear it ? ``

`` Of course, '' John said.

`` Ok, I 'll see if you can get it. I thought it was a bit simple, really, '' Rose said. She pulled a objet d'art of parchment out of her robes and learn off of it.

'' 'In an event known by wizards worldwide
Where safe and evil are forced to collide
A terrible personnel can now no longer lodge in.
A place where just one part of Voldemort died .'''

Albus looked at John the Evangelist, Matt, and Amanda and shrugged. He did n't guess it was mere, but Rose was good at those form of things.

`` No idea, '' John announced.

`` Dunno, '' Matt shrugged.

`` Hmm, '' Amanda muttered.

`` Do n't take care at me, '' Kaden said.

`` The Great manor hall ? '' Albus asked, thinking of the plaza where Voldemort died.

`` Nope, '' Rose grinned, `` That was the antic part. It 's actually that repository outside, where Professor Longbottom killed Voldemort 's Snake. ``

`` Oh, '' Albus groaned, `` Of course ! Did n't even retrieve of that. ``

`` How long did it guide you to figure it out ? '' Matt asked.

`` Not long, '' Rose smiled, `` But then I had to trace the clues to find the bit of information to give professor Kendrick. ``

`` And where was that ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Library, '' rosiness grinned, `` Herbology department. ``

`` wonderment how many teams got it, '' Albus thought aloud.

`` Well, my team did, obviously, '' rose said, `` And you said your team did, Albus. What about you two ? ``

`` We did n't, '' John sighed and Amanda shook her head.

`` We did, '' Kaden put in.

`` Guess we 'll detect out this evening how everyone did, '' Albus said.

`` Yeah, '' Rose agreed, `` But I 'm not going to think about it now. Might as well get some homework done. ``

Albus managed to get half an essay done before dinner party. Rose wrote an integral essay and did a set of homework questions. lustrelessness helped Amanda with her astronomy and still got his Herbology done. John the Divine and Kaden on the other paw, spent he balance of the afternoon goofing off and playing chess.

The excitement was running gamy in the Great G. Stanley Hall during dinner that evening. Everyone was comparing what they managed to discover during the Scavenger James Henry Leigh Hunt. Albus kept glancing up to the faculty mesa to see when Kendrick would make the promulgation, but he seemed to be waiting until the last min to do so.

After what seemed comparable forever, Kendrick got to his groundwork. `` unspoilt evening, everyone. I hope all the first and endorsement years enjoyed the Scavenger William Holman Hunt. It was certainly a success and I 'm surely the older pupil will wait forward to their turns.

`` And, without any far wait, I shall announce the results. The maiden, endorsement, and third home squad will all be awarded medals.

`` In 3rd place, with 572 points, Team Two ! '' Kendrick announced, `` Will the members of squad Two please total up here. ``

`` Yes ! '' Albus shouted and jumped up, `` Third station, that 's not bad ! ``

`` Yeah, I 'd say that 's pretty good, '' Matt grinned and followed Albus up to the staff table.

Albus and Matt joined the balance of their squad in battlefront of the stave table. Kendrick put a bronze medal over each of their necks and pulled out a television camera. He took a few delineation and then told them to take back to their seats.

Rose, Amanda, John, and Kaden congratulated Albus and Matt as they sat back down. A few of Albus 's cousin-german patted him on the back and told him ripe job.

`` Excellent, Albus, '' James grinned, `` But my team will get first lieu future week. ``

`` I 'll believe it when I see it, '' Albus rolled his eyes.

`` And in second place, with 580 points, is squad Seven ! '' Kendrick announced.

The fellow member of Team Seven ran up to the staff tabular array to get their ash grey decoration and have their photo taken.

`` And in first property, with 673 tip, is team Six ! '' Kendrick shouted. `` Congratulations to the winning squad ! ``

`` Woohoo ! '' Kaden stood up and started jumping up and down as he ran up to the staff board, `` Yes ! ``

`` Wow, who would 've thought that, '' pink wine grinned, `` Kaden 's team won. ``

`` Well, he does cause a very large quantity of random material in his dormitory, '' Albus commented.

`` I 'll bet it was the lightly saber that put his squad over the edge, '' John shook his head, `` I mean, I think his team was the solely one to get it. ``

`` Probably, '' Albus shrugged.

`` I ca n't believe I won ! '' Kaden shouted as he sat back down with his big amber medal a few second later.

`` Congratulations, '' Albus grinned, `` At least one of us got number one office. ``

`` We were so close to mo, '' Matt groaned, `` octonary measly points ! ``

`` well, third 's undecomposed, '' bathroom muttered, `` secure than not getting a ribbon at all. ``

`` Oh, John, it 's just a game, '' Amanda said, `` The gunpoint is that we all had fun. ``

`` praise to our winning teams and everyone else that participated, '' Kendrick said, `` I will be looking forward to the future beat, third and fourth year, a week from today ! ``

Albus hung his bronze medal from his bed billet before he went to bed that night. He crawled beneath the screen feeling very content with 3rd place. He had n't really been expecting to win at all. The Scavenger Richard Morris Hunt had been a lot of fun, and Albus hoped Kendrick would obligate it again sometime. It had been so much fun, that Albus had n't even thought about the new map the full day. He made a mental note to ask blush wine about the Sileo Altus charm the future day. They would get to recount Kaden about everything soon if they wanted to make believe anymore progress on the map. Plus, they 'd make to research more about how to prove to the map that they really were like the Marauders.


A/N : Bit of a shorter chapter, but the previous one was longer, so it evens out. Kaden has proved that it never hurts to possess a sluttish cavalry sword, a lesson that my sidekick agrees with since he brought his light saber to LeakyCon and quite a few the great unwashed told him they wished they 'd brought theirs.

I have created a website for my fan fic, where you can find character profiles and a blog about news and updates about my authorship. The connexion is on my profile page here. I 'd love for you to check off it out and leave gossip in the News and Update section.

Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight, who had to dress up as the Tin Man in last summer 's scavenger hunt. Big thanks to my friend, rose, for coming up with the riddle. Thanks as well to EvilChaos, XDNLxtlz99, Luke, mischiefmaker92, drownzer, Moonylupin, Miguel, Denas, and Tonks for their revaluation !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Throughout the residuum of the month, blush wine continued to make advance on the Sileo Altus charm, and by the prison term April rolled around, she was surefooted in her power to perform it. Albus wished the same could be said for the progress with finding out how to try to the map that he and his Friend were like the predator. Albus spent every waking moment that he was n't doing homework, attending Quidditch exercise, or dueling practice session, in the library trying to discover out a enchantment or spell that would work. His efforts were vain, though, because he still had n't found anything promising.

Albus also had another successful dueling tournament. He won both of his duels as did Malfoy, but their team still had n't won. Albus was beginning to doubt whether they 'd ever win.

Albus 's next Quidditch match was the number 1 Saturday in April. He found himself distracted by the map even before he entered the changing room. They were playing Ravenclaw, and it was hard to assure who had the better squad, Gryffindor or Ravenclaw. Albus pushed cerebration of the map from his forefront as he walked into the changing way.

Georgia gave the team the usual pep talk, which this time included telling them that if they won this match, they 'd be in the final. If Ravenclaw got less than 180 points, then Ravenclaw might not nominate it to the final. Sakartvelo did n't particularly handle who they played in the final, just so long as they won.

The match went smoothly, in Albus 's persuasion. Much better than the late match, in which Albus got barf partway through. The weather was honest for this match as well. Albus managed to keep from thinking about the map, which was good since it was a very high-scoring match for both side and Albus was constantly being thrown the Quaffle. After only an 60 minutes of gambling, James went into a plunk and caught the Snitch, right out from under one of the Ravenclaw beater 's broom.

The usual political party in the common room ensued after the scholarly person returned to the rook, but Albus was n't really interested in it. Now that the couple was over, all he could think about was trying out the Sileo Altus charm on Kaden. Albus figured the best clock time to do it would be in the evening and the intimately plaza would be the Room.

Shortly after Rose had succeeded in performing the spell on Saint John the Apostle, flatness had reluctantly given into trying it with Kaden. His only condition was first trying it with a harmless secret, and if that worked, to incite onto the magnanimous one.

`` Are we doing it tonight ? '' John the Divine asked as he sipped his butterbeer.

`` Yeah, '' Albus whispered back, `` After dinner. ``

The rest of the afternoon and dinner seemed to go by at an alarmingly easy rate. sentence seemed to go by much like it did in story of Magic.

`` Kaden, '' Albus said after they had finished eating, `` We 're not going to the common way now. We 're going to show you a different way in the castle, one you 've never seen. ``

`` Excellent, '' Kaden grinned, `` What kind of elbow room ? ``

`` You 'll see when we get there, '' Albus replied. `` Let 's go. ``

Kaden followed Albus and his Quaker through the rook, with a invariant stream of interrogative sentence that Albus ignored.

`` Are you sure this is going to figure out ? '' lusterlessness whispered nervously as they stopped in front of the white space of wall where the Room of requisite was.

`` Yes, '' rose assured him, `` It will make. ``

lustrelessness nodded and started pacing in front line of the wall.

`` Why did we turn back ? '' Kaden asked, and then his eyes popped out of his question as he saw the door appear from nowhere. `` Wicked. ``

`` C'mon, '' Albus said as he opened the door.

`` What is this home ? '' Kaden asked in awe.

`` way of essential, '' Albus told him, `` way that gives you what you need. ``

`` I ca n't think you did n't prove me this yet ! ''

`` Well, it 's not something we want you to secern anyone about. ``

`` I wo n't, '' Kaden said, `` So it 'll pass on me anything I ask it for ? I think I want an entire bar .... ''

`` It does n't do nutrient, '' Rose explained.

`` Oh, well, it 's still brilliant. ``

`` Kaden, come sit down, '' Albus told his full cousin.

`` You 're all so quiet, '' Kaden said as he took a seat on the couch side by side to Albus, `` What 's going on ? ``

`` Well, '' Albus began, `` We 're going to test something. rosiness found a charm that 's supposed to make mortal not be able to tell former citizenry 's enigma. If it works, we 're going to tell you a bunch of poppycock and you wo n't be capable to tell anyone. ``

`` What are you going to say me ? '' Kaden asked excitedly.

`` We have to induce sure the magic spell works first, '' Albus sighed, `` Which is why we 're here. rose wine is going to perform the charm, using your knowledge of this elbow room as the secret. If you have n't told anyone by adjacent Sat, we 'll tell you the relief of it. ``

`` Fine, '' Kaden sighed, `` I ca n't conceive you wo n't tell me without this charm. ``

`` Um, Kaden, you 've told Malfoy stuff I told you not to enjoin anyone, '' Albus reminded him.

`` That was n't my fault ! ``

`` I know, but we 're not risking this. If you want to get laid the secret, you 'll have to own Rose do the good luck charm. ``

`` Ok, ok, I 'll do it, '' Kaden said.

`` Good, '' Rose smiled, `` Now let 's get started. ``

It took blush wine about ten minute to perform the charm. Kaden was thoroughly amazed by the good luck charm and pink wine 's ability to perform it.

`` Let 's test it, '' Rose decided once they left the room. She pointed to a girl who was walking towards them. `` Go secern her about the Room. ``

Kaden shrugged and ran up to the girl, who looked to be around Kaden 's age and was in Hufflepuff.

`` Er, '' Kaden began, `` So there 's this place- '' Kaden turned around and looked confusedly at Albus, then turned back to the young woman. `` Anyway, at this piazza, you can- ''

`` What 's untimely with you ? '' the girl asked, trying to cover up her giggling. `` Are you ok ? ``

`` Fine, fine, '' Kaden muttered, `` Never creative thinker. ``

Kaden ran back to Albus and the others, blushing furiously. `` It worked, but now everyone 's going to think I 'm an idiot. ``

Albus laughed, `` No they wo n't. But that 's good that it worked. ``

`` Yeah, '' Kaden grinned, `` Definitely Worth it. ``

******

Albus kept a finale eye on Kaden throughout the next week. As far as he could distinguish, his cousin did n't differentiate anyone about the Room of essential. They tested the spell a few more multiplication, telling Kaden to tell someone about it, but Kaden was never able to. Albus was fully convinced that the Sileo Altus charm was a succeeder.

Kaden was positively beaming by the clock time Saturday arrived. Albus was kind of excited as well, because they would officially have Wormtail in their chemical group of new Marauders. privy, Rose, and Amanda were excited as well. The exclusively matter left to do after this would be to find a way to prove to the map that they were like the Marauders. mat did n't seem excited at all. He was clearly nervous about telling Kaden that he was a lycanthrope. It probably did n't assist that the to the full moon was only a few days away. Albus could n't really pick Matt for his mettle, but Albus was sure as shooting the charm would stay on to work.

After dinner party, Albus led his friends back to the room of necessity, with the new Map in his robes.

`` Ok, what 's the undercover ? '' Kaden said as he bounced around the Room once they were inside.

`` You 've got to sit down first, '' Albus told him. `` And Matt 's going to secernate you the first one. ``

`` Oh ! '' A look of comprehension appeared on Kaden 's side. `` Is this about how you get spue every month ? ``

`` Yes, '' matt sighed.

`` And this is what you do n't want Malfoy to know about ? ``

`` Yes, '' Matt said shortly, `` Now just let me secernate you what it is. ``

`` Sorry, '' Kaden muttered.

`` It 's ok, '' Matt said, `` First, you ca n't tell anyone this. I mean, do n't even try to test the spell like we 've been doing all week. You ca n't even try to tell anyone this. Never reference it to anyone except us. ``

`` I wo n't, '' Kaden said.

`` Good. Now, you know that lycanthrope are real, right ? ``

Kaden nodded, `` What does that hold to do with you getting chuck ? ``

`` Everything, '' lusterlessness said quietly, `` I am a werewolf. ``

`` What ? ! '' Kaden shouted, `` That is the coolheaded thing ever ! ``

`` No it 's not, '' flatness sighed, `` You do n't even really know what happens when I turn into a werewolf. ``

Kaden shrugged, `` I 've seen movies. ``

`` It 's not like that, '' lusterlessness told him, `` I get pale a few days before the full moon, and then the night of the full phase of the moon synodic month, I turn into a wolf and sting myself because there 's nothing else for me to sting. ``

`` Oh, '' Kaden deflated, `` So where do you go when you turn into a wolf ? ``

`` A hovel in Hogsmeade. ``

`` The Shrieking Shack ? ``

`` Yes, that, '' Matt replied, `` I 'm the one who does the shriek. ``

`` Now that is sang-froid, '' Kaden grinned. `` How long have you been a wolfman ? ``

`` Since I was five. ``

`` That 's a long meter, '' Kaden said.

`` Most of my life sentence, '' Matt explained, `` It 's frightful, really. ``

`` And that 's the big secret ? '' Kaden asked, `` Why ca n't anyone know that ? ``

`` Because almost ace do n't like loup-garou, '' Matt explained.

`` well that 's stupid. ``

`` Yeah, it is, but it 's reality. ``

`` But why is n't there a spell to make you not a loup-garou anymore ? Or a potion ? ``

`` Magic does n't fix everything, '' Matt sighed.

`` Yeah, that 's what I 've been trying tell you for the whole year, '' Albus pointed out.

`` But why ? ``

`` Dunno, '' mat shrugged, `` But there is a potion, called the wolf's bane Potion, that 's supposed to bring in it so you keep your human being mind when you turn into a Wolf. So you do n't desire to assail anyone or yourself. ``

`` Why do n't you take on that ? '' Kaden asked.

`` I do, '' lusterlessness told him, `` Actually, I take a different kind than most werewolves take. For some reason, wolfsbane does n't crop for me. I 'm in this study at St. Mungo 's to figure out why and right now they 've got me taking a new sort of Wolfsbane. ``

`` doe it ferment ? ``

`` Uh, no, '' matte replied, `` That 's kind of why I still bite myself every wide moon. ``

`` Oh, '' Kaden said. `` So someday they might find a potion that will work out ? ``

Matt shrugged, `` Maybe. But I 'm not getting my hopes up. ``

`` So I 'll be charmed not to say anything about this ? '' Kaden asked after a few bit of silence.

`` Yes, '' Albus replied, pulling the new map out of his gown, `` And about this. ``

Albus spent the adjacent half minute showing Kaden the new map. Kaden thought it was the best thing he had seen yet at Hogwarts and could n't wait for it to completely work.

`` So we need you to represent Peter Pettigrew, '' Albus said after he 'd finished explaining about the map.

`` Simon Peter Pettigrew ? '' Kaden raised his brow, `` That evil fella who betrayed your grandparents ? ``

`` Er, yes, '' Albus sighed.

`` You know my mum wanted to name me putz, but Dad said no because he did n't need me to have the same name as that cretin, '' Kaden commented, `` So it 's my in-between name. ``

`` Perfect, '' John grinned, `` You even sort of parcel his figure. ``

`` testament you do it ? '' Albus asked.

`` I guess so, '' Kaden said slowly, `` I mean, it 's not like I 'm going to be like Pettigrew now. ``

`` No, '' Albus agreed, `` But you have to be sort of like him for it to run. And you are because you 've sort of got the Lapplander name. ``

Kaden shrugged, `` I guess. Anyway, when are you going to get the map to work ? ``

`` Whenever we figure out how to examine to it that we 're like the vulture. Somehow we 've got to record the map that we are similar to the Marauders, '' Albus explained, `` Which is taking forever. ``

`` Oh, you mean like a digit mark ? '' Kaden asked.

`` What ? '' Albus asked.

`` You know, a digit print. Everyone 's is different, but your finger's breadth mark is alike to your relation. It 's how Muggle cops find people and stuff when they 're missing. And how they identify bodies. ``

`` A digit mark ! '' Rose exclaimed, `` That 's it ! I ca n't believe I did n't suppose of it ! ``

`` What are you talking about ? '' St. John the Apostle asked. `` Kaden just said everyone 's is different. So how will ours be like the vulture'? ``

`` Not Muggle finger's breadth mark, '' Rose said, `` Wizard unity. There 's a while to get your virtuoso 's finger's breadth Print. It reveals your name, relatives, even your personality. ``

`` That 's variety of shuddery, '' Albus said, `` Anyone can determine that stuff and nonsense out if they 've got your finger photographic print ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Rose shrugged, `` But I think it will ferment for this. ``

`` Hope so, '' Albus grinned. He could n't believe that Kaden had actually given Rose an approximation about the map. Kaden had helped with it. If this finger's breadth print matter worked, they could have the map figured out in no time.

`` We 'll look for it tomorrow, '' Rose stood up and drew her baton, `` Now let 's do the charm. ``

Albus nodded, feeling more excited than he had in months. They were so close, he could just find it. The map would be working soon. Of course, there was a nagging doubt in Albus 's gut that was telling him that there would be something to visualize out even after the finger's breadth photographic print thing.

******

`` What are you going to sign up for ? '' John asked as he glanced over the parchment all the irregular years had received just a instant earlier.

`` Dunno, '' Albus shrugged, `` What about you, matt ? ``

`` precaution of Magical animate being, '' Matt replied, `` Not sure what else. ``

`` I 'll do that one, too, '' Albus decided and wrote it down on his parchment. `` Hagrid teaches it, so it 'll be fun. ``

`` signboard me up, '' John said, `` I could use with a fun category. ``

`` You ought to think about what will be useful in your future careers, '' rosiness told them.

`` But I 've got no melodic theme what I want to do, '' John said.

Albus had no idea either. He had n't really thought about it. He thought being an Auror would be a good job, but he was n't trusted that that was what he wanted to do. He still had five years at Hogwarts anyway, why decide now ?

`` Me either, '' Amanda agreed, `` I think I 'll do aid of Magical Creatures, too. ``

`` I 'm taking Muggle discipline, '' Rose announced, `` Plus Arithmancy and Ancient Runes. ``

`` All three ? '' John asked, `` But we only have to contract two. ``

`` Yeah, but I want to drive all of them. I 'd really wish to take care of Magical brute, too, but there 's not enough time. ``

`` Maybe I 'll do Divination, '' John shrugged.

rosebush snorted, `` Divination ? Mum says that should n't even be a guinea pig. There 's no substantial erudition involved. ``

`` But is it easy ? '' bathroom asked.

`` Uncle Ron said all you 've got to do is bring in up predictions about your death if you 've got Trelawney, '' Albus explained.

`` Excellent, '' John scribbled onto his parchment, `` I 'll get hold of that and hope I 've got Trelawney. ``

`` I 'm taking that, too, '' Amanda said, `` It actually sounds interesting. ``

`` mulct, '' Rose sighed, `` But I still say it 's not really a subject. ``

`` Maybe I 'll do antediluvian Runes, '' Albus thought aloud, `` I think it 's well-to-do than Arithmancy. What about you, Matt ? What else do you remember you 'll bring ? ``

`` ancient Runes sounds good, '' flatness yawned, `` I guess I 'll take that. Amy took it. She hated it in Australia, but she said it 's secure here. ``

`` I 'd occupy everything, '' Kaden announced, `` I could n't decide. ``

`` You ca n't take everything, '' Rose laughed, `` You 'd have to be in two topographic point at once. ``

`` Oh, well I 'm somewhat sure that 's impossible, '' Kaden sighed.

Albus turned and grinned at rosebush, who grinned back. Albus could only ideate Kaden 's response to a time-turner.

`` Yeah, the most grade you can direct is three, '' rose wine explained.

`` Then I 'll look at three, '' Kaden decided.

`` Are you lot done choosing social class ? '' rose wine asked as she stood up, `` We 'd better get to Transfiguration. ``

Albus spent the entire metamorphosis class trying to turn his plate into a bowl, and had almost managed to do it by the time the class was over. pink wine, of track, did it within ten minutes and spent the remainder of the class helping Albus and the rest of their friends.

chronicle of trick was as tire as ever. Matt slept the integral socio-economic class, and Albus felt himself nod off a few sentence. Matt had seemed very tired in Transfiguration and probably would have fallen asleep in that year if it were n't for the fact that it was a practical lesson. This was n't surprising considering the fact that the wide Sun Myung Moon was the next day. The therapist still had n't found something to counteract the side effect of uttermost weariness of the new wolfbane that matt was on.

Double Potions was after lunch, and Albus felt drowsy as soon as he walked into the room. This was odd since he had felt fine a here and now before. He did n't seem to be the only one who felt this either. Both John and Amanda yawned as soon as they sat down, and even pink wine 's eyes drooped a bit as she pulled out her parchment. Matt laid his head down on the desk and fell asleep immediately.

`` trade good afternoon, everyone ! '' Slughorn said, `` Now, I 'm sure you 're all feeling a bit sap, which is perfectly normal.

`` This, '' Slughorn gestured to a smoking cauldron on his desk, `` Is drowsiness Potion. All it takes is one whiff of this potion to put you into a state of tiredness. If you drink it, you 'll fall into an almost sleep-like res publica for about a half hour. Of row, you 'd know this if you did the reading material that was due today. ``

Albus remembered being assigned the reading, but he had n't done it. He had just been too fussy with Quidditch praxis, dueling practice session, and all his other preparation.

`` You will be trying to brew this today, but you will only do one-half of it, '' Slughorn announced, `` It needs to simmer for about a workweek before you can complete it. Instructions are on the board. Work with your usual partner. ``

Albus yawned and got up from his board. He joined Limbert at his table and lit the fire under the cauldron while Limbert collected ingredients.

The intact course was moving at a slower footstep than usual, and everyone was yawning every few moment. It was kind of strange. Nobody was arguing with their spouse either. Albus wondered if Slughorn had picked this especial potion for a reason. The retiring calendar week, a duel had broken out between john and Goyle, resulting in both of them being sent to the infirmary Wing for burns and then being assigned a calendar week 's Charles Frederick Worth of detention.

Limbert returned wit the ingredients and he and Albus started to prepare them, without exchanging any conversation. No unlike than usual.

Albus dumped some ingredient into the cauldron and began to invoke it. He watched flatness and Malfoy as he did so. Malfoy had returned with ingredient and was prodding Matt with his wand to get him to wake up.

`` What are you doing ? '' Albus whispered to Malfoy.

`` Waking him up, '' Malfoy said.

`` Wha-what 's going on ? '' matt lifted up his head.

`` Chop up those cherry-red roots, '' Malfoy instructed. Albus was surprised with how quieten Malfoy seemed.

Matt nodded and picked up his tongue. Albus went back to stirring his potion.

`` Professor ! '' Malfoy said after a few transactions. `` He keeps falling asleep. ``

Albus looked up from the beetle eyes he was mincing. lusterlessness was once again asleep on the table.

`` Ah, '' Slughorn waddled over to Matt and Malfoy 's mesa, `` The Drowsiness Potion affects everyone differently. '' Slughorn shook Matt 's shoulder. `` Dear boy, you might need to go to the hospital Wing. I do n't cogitate the fumes from this potion are agreeing with you. They 're not supposed to put you into a deep sleep. ``

Matt nodded and stood up. He stumbled and leaned back onto the desk.

`` Albus, '' Slughorn turned to Albus, `` Perhaps you could escort him. I 'm sure Mr. Limbert can handle your potion. ``

`` All right, '' Albus laid down his knife and went over to where mat was standing.

Albus grabbed his arm and led him out of the way. Albus felt immediately better as soon as they shut the threshold. The somnolence went away completely.

`` I 've got to sit down, '' Matt mumbled and sat down on the floor.

`` Are you all right ? '' Albus asked, sitting down future to him.

`` I dunno, '' Matt shrugged, `` I 'm guessing that that potion just made me even more wear than I already am. ``

`` Do you palpate better now ? '' Albus asked.

`` Not really, '' Matt replied.

`` Then you 'd ameliorate get to the Hospital Wing. ``

`` Yeah, I suppose. ``

brothel keeper Pomfrey wanted Matt to stay for the relaxation of the afternoon. Albus was n't even certainly if she 'd let him go away at all before the to the full moon. Knowing the nurse, she probably wouldn't.

Matt never came back from the hospital wing that night, so Albus assumed lady Pomfrey was keeping him there until after the full moon. Albus and the rest of his friends decided that as soon as Matt was out of the infirmary extension, they would initiate looking for the star 's finger Print good luck charm. Rose was pretty certain she had seen it in the program library somewhere, but she could n't think of where. That meant that they would pass time of day scouring the entire program library for it. This was in add-on to all the extra studying they had to do now that the end of full term exam were less than two month away. Albus just hoped they 'd be able-bodied to count on out the map before school was over. It would be pointless to work out it out during the summertime, when they would n't even be able to use it.


A/N : I hope everyone has enjoyed Half-Blood Prince or do enjoy it if you have n't seen it yet ! Thanks to my Beta, Dancer of Starlight. Thanks as well to Moonylupin, EvilChaos, phoenixy friend, XDNLxtlz99, Tears of a Phoenix, Denas, Miguel, Gospel of Luke, and tranc3rooney for their critique !