Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Albus spent most of the days preceding Christmas at rosiness 's business firm. James was determined to use all of his spare time for Quidditch recitation, and he had to go to rose 's business firm for that. Albus usually went with him and he and Hugo would assist St. James practice while pink wine read.

Harry had to practically secernate James from his broom by magic on Christmas Eve so they could go to Godric 's holler. James wanted to last out at pink wine 's star sign and keep practicing, but Harry refused to let him. The slip was quietly since St. James the Apostle was rather sullen the intact time.

"Professor Patil says I 'm a natural at August 6,"Lily bragged to Albus as they walked towards the burrow afterwards.

"That 's effective,"Albus replied.

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

"You do n't get to choose what sort of fauna you transform into,"Albus told her.

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

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

Everyone else was already at the burrow and Albus felt an quick passion come over him as he stepped inside. It had nada to do with the fact that it was so frigidness and snow-covered outside, either. There was something so comforting about being at the tunnel surrounded by all his family line. He was capable to forget all the issues with the Quidditch tournament and professor Killigan. All he could think about was how ravenous he was and how good some of his grandmother 's cooking would be right about then.

Rose sat down future to Albus as he tucked into a large roll of Allium cepa soup with a position of homemade bread.

"Uncle Charlie and aunt Katherine are going back to Rumania this summer,"Rose announced.

"To cultivate Thomas More flying lizard ?"Albus asked. His uncle and aunt had n't done that since Stanley started Hogwarts, but they often talked about how they wanted to go back.

"Yeah,"rosiness nodded,"They might appease even after the summertime 's over, but broom and sign will hail back to go to Hogwarts."

"They get to go, too ?"

"Yup. John Rowlands and Eddie are going, too. Stanley 's quitting his job for it. He 's definitely staying in Roumania after the summertime 's over. He wants to get into firedrake training."

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

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

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

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

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

"Christmas Quidditch tomorrow ?"shift asked as he sat down next to Rose.

"Definitely,"Albus grinned.

"I would n't depend on it, chemise,"Molly said as she handed Albus another hunk of bread,"We 're supposed to get the snowstorm of the tenner tomorrow. The Muggle electricity is already out in town."

"Is it really ?"Arthur popped his head into the room,"Fascinating ! I may ingest to go see it tomorrow !"

"You 'll do no such thing !"Molly shouted,"It 's penny-pinching impossible to Appparate during such a storm. Not to mention the fact that it 's Christmas and you should be here."

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

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

Albus finished his soup and he and Rose went into the den, where they were greeted by a loud chorus of 'Odo the Heron', sung by George III, Alicia, Charlie, and Ron. beak and Fleur were laughing while Hermione shook her fountainhead. Albus had a feeling the lone reasonableness why Fleur approved was because the singing was drowning out Celestina Warbeck.

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

Albus stifled a joke. His Uncle Percy had been talking about running for minister for the past ten long time, but still had n't done it. Most of his uncles and auntie got unbalanced of hearing him verbalise about what he would and would not vary.

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

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

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

"You have until September,"Albus shrugged. It seemed like a tenacious time to him.

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

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

"Thanks, Teddy,"Victoire smiled,"I 'm thinking either the Maternity ward or Spell Damage."

"There 's a busy Montgomery Ward,"teddy bear grinned,"Spell wrong. You 'll get all the funny injuries there."

"That 's not a good rationality to blame a differentiation,"Victoire groaned.

"Good a reason as any,"Teddy shrugged.

The sentence grew later and after Albus played numerous bout of Exploding gingersnap with his first cousin, his grannie announced that it was time for bed. Everyone argued, but there was really no point. Everyone, including the former adult, knew that arguing with mollie Weasley was useless.

Albus trudged up the stairs to the highest bedroom that he shared with James, Ben, and Cedric. He climbed into bed and then realized just how big this impend snowstorm was. The breaking wind was howling louder than he 'd ever heard before.

The wind was so powerful that Albus could feel it through the disruption in the window. Every once in a while, the mansion would skreak and shake. Albus sighed and put his pillow over his auricle to try and drown out the howling.

Albus did n't manage to drift off to sleep until after Cedric got out of bed, swore loudly, and disregarded the no magic outside of school dominion to put a silencing appeal on the room.

******

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

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

"Falco columbarius !"James jumped off the top guff and looked out the windowpane,"There is ! And it 's still coming !"

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

"We could build the world 's biggest snow maven later,"Ben suggested.

"We could establish an stallion Charles Percy Snow wizard army,"Albus said.

"present first,"James IV said as he located his pile of presents.

Albus descended upon his own pile of present and began opening them. There were the common Sweet and Weasleys'intersection from his aunty and uncles. Another Weasley sweater, this one scarlet and gold striped. He pulled it on over his pajamas and opened the rest of the presents from his aunty and uncles. His aunt Hermione had gotten him a few books he 'd probably never read, including one about the history of house elves at Hogwarts.

Albus saved his parents'present for hold out, although he doubted they could top last twelvemonth 's. There really was n't anything in the world that was better than the invisibility Cloak.

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

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

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

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

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

"I did n't even recognize they were on sale this early !"King James I said.

"You two get the secure presents,"Cedric said.

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

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

Albus suddenly realized he had the same trouble. Two tickets. Five friends he would want to take. Who was he going to take ? Not Rose. They may possess been acquaintance since they were babies, but she just did n't have a heat for Quidditch. Neither did Kaden. He was another to cross off the list. John and Matt were the Quidditch fans. He 'd have to opt between them. Amanda liked Quidditch well enough, but she did n't follow a team or anything.

"Those are restrain edition just the ticket,"Ben said,"They do n't fuck who 's playing yet, so they do n't sell very many just the ticket ahead of time."

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

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

"Yeah,"Albus and James said at the Saami time.

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

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

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

"They were a gift from the curate,"Harry replied,"The Cup is in Canada this yr and he 's unspoiled supporter with their minister. Got him a lot of free tickets."

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

Rose came downstairs a little while later and was impressed with the ticket. She had no desire to go to the Cup and had no suggestion on how Albus was going to choose between John and Matt.

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

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

"Maybe after lunch, then,"Teddy shrugged.

Molly shook her head and sighed as she set a few to a greater extent phonograph record of nut and toast onto the table.

There was a knock on the door that could only just be heard over the howling wind. Molly glanced at President Arthur, who shrugged and got up to see who it was. Albus followed, very odd to see who would inflict on Christmastide daybreak in the heart of a huge blizzard.

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

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

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

"Good, but if you feel it 's too rickety, just let me have intercourse and I 'll go get some of my Jutispy Plants. The leaves do wonders on old building. Makes them like new. I just put a lot into my post and it 's a goodness thing, too. Of course, they tend to attract Nargles ..."Xenophilius 's voice trailed off.

"I 'll keep that in mind,"Chester Alan Arthur smiled,"Are you spending the holiday alone ?"

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

"Then you must stay here a while. Molly 's cooked far too much food, like common,"President Arthur leading Xeno into the kitchen.

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

Molly was more than happy to cater Xenophilius with a heavy platter of breakfast and he settled down to discuss the violent storm with the adults.

Albus spent nigh of the dayspring playacting Exploding duck soup, Wizard 's cheat, and Gobstones with his cousins. They tried to diddle hide and go seek, but the menage was too crowded to play it properly.

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

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

Teddy went upstairs after lunch and came back decked out in three jumpers, a thickset cloak, and a pair of boots. Under one arm was his broom and under the other was a box of Quidditch balls. Epistle of James was right-hand behind him, dressed the same.

"Theodore Remus Lupin !"Molly shouted,"I suppose I ca n't barricade you from going out there and catching dying of a cold, but I will not let you embroil James with you !"

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

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

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

"Excellent,"teddy bear grinned,"Anyone caution to link us ?"

Sakartvelo, Fred, and Heather suited up in warm clothes and joined chemise and King James. Albus decided against it. Quidditch was fun, but he did n't want to freeze when he could quell inside and be warm.

The Christmas Quidditch lasted a half an hour. Teddy, James, Georgia, Heather, and Fred all stumbled back into the mansion shivering with their faces red and covered in snow and ice. Molly immediately descended upon them with kisser of hot chocolate and dry clothes.

"Told you, Molly,"Harry grinned.

"C-ca n't come up the Sn-Snitch,"shift muttered.

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

"Y-yeah,"teddy bear replied.

Xmas dinner came and went in its usual chaos. Xenophilius stayed for it and St. James the Apostle snuck sneezing powder into his soup, which he found incredibly funny. mollie was not as instill and gave James quite the objurgation. How she found out it was James was beyond Albus.

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

******

nobody left the Burrow until two days after Christmas. That was when the snow finally let up. It topped out at around four and a one-half substructure, which was a new disc for Albus 's lifespan. The burrow 's yard had been decorated by dozens of bamboozle hag and wizards, along with hippogriffs, owls, and a variety of other charming fauna.

When Albus found out what his kinsfolk was doing after they left the burrow, he wished the snow would have kept coming. They were going shopping for dress robes for the New Year 's party.

"Why ca n't I just wear my old dress gown ?"James II whined as they walked down Diagon back street towards Madam Malkin's.

"Because they 're five in too short,"Ginny replied,"They 're even too low for Al."

"Yeah, Hugo 's the prosperous one,"James muttered. Hugo was wearing James 's old clothes robes to the party and therefore did not have to go shopping.

"Mummy, I want purpleness robes,"Lily announced.

"If they have any,"Ginny replied.

Albus wanted to buy the world-class pair of dress robes he found, so long as they were n't ping or purple. The sooner they were done robes shopping the better.

pink wine and Lily made a beeline for the girls wearing apparel robes as soon as they walked in the door. Albus stood awkwardly succeeding to James while their mother found various gown for them.

"Here, try these on, Al,"Ginny handed him a twain of emerald special K robes.

"Very Slytherin,"Saint James the Apostle snickered.

"Shut it, King James I,"Albus muttered.

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

Albus reluctantly tried on the Slytherin colored robes and then left the bandaging room for his female parent to see.

"Too unretentive,"she announced,"But the color is perfect. I 'll observe a adult size."

James wound up with a navy blue blue pair of robes, which Albus would bear preferred. Lily found her purplish gown and blush wine got a sky blue pair.

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

"No I wo n't. I do n't give green eyes,"King James I grinned.

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

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


A/N : Thanks to my genus Beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as all the awesome people who have read and reviewed this ! Also, for anyone who read In moonshine 's shadow, the first chapter of the subsequence, Beyond the tail, is now up !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


The party was at the Minister 's residence, the house where all the diplomatic minister of conjuration had lived. Albus had been there a few times before, but not in a couple years. Usually all the parties the Minister held were while Albus was at Hogwarts.

A few hours before the party, Ginny made Albus, Epistle of James, and Lily all take showers and comb their fuzz properly. She spent a good fifteen minutes trying to get James 's haircloth to lie flat and another fifteen minute of arc putting Lily 's up in some form of rarify bun character thing. Albus was very happy his own hair was far too short for that sort of thing.

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

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

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

"Do n't worry,"James said,"I know when mischief is n't appropriate."

"Let 's hope so,"Ginny sighed.

Albus and his category Apparated to the minister of religion 's menage, which meant side-along phantasm for Albus. He hated side-along specter. It felt like he could n't breath. It was worse when the person who was Apparating him was also Apparating another somebody, which was always the fount in his class. It was the whammy of being the center youngster. He was either with Jesse James or Lily. This time it was with Lily and Harry was Apparating them.

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

A long and winding pavement, framed with bushes and spark on either side, lead up to the front door. Albus 's parents started walking up and Albus followed.

The hall seemed to get bigger as they got closer. It was painted brown with a black ceiling and reminded Albus of a castle. It was n't nearly as big as Hogwarts, of course, but it was still huge.

Harry rang the Vanessa Bell when they arrived at the doorway and it was answered by the Minister himself."Harry !"he shouted,"semen in !"

diplomatic minister Langston Hartwell was the third parson since the fall of Jehovah Voldemort. He was a tall, rotund man with very lilliputian haircloth left on his head. He did skylark a rather gravid mustache, which caused Albus to think of him as a much improbable variant of Professor Slughorn.

Hartwell was one of those very educate virtuoso who spoke using very large words that Albus could n't really understand. He was long-winded and virtually of his speeches could be condensed down into a few time, according to Harry, that is. He was a very Nice man, though.

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

Hartwell lead them through the house, which was just as impeccable as Albus remembered, and into what could only be described as a terrific ballroom. It was the Lapplander ballroom all the company Albus had been to were held.

The elbow room was decorated with ash gray and dim and was already filling up with masses. Albus spotted rosiness and matte in the back of the room and left his family in the threshold to go see them.

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

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

Albus rolled his eyes."Shut it."

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

"Slytherin,"lustrelessness said immediately.

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

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

"Yeah,"Albus replied.

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

"Bet that 's fun,"Albus laughed,"Do you know nearly of these people ?"

"Some,"Matt said,"That 's the bloke Dad 's taking over for,"he gestured to a very prominent wizard,"McVicar."

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

"Dad never thought he would either,"Matt laughed,"Then we 've got your Uncle Percy, I think you probably know him. Those people are a few of Dad 's colleagues,"matt gestured to a few more than witches and virtuoso,"Then there 's a bunch of masses from other section, but I do n't commemorate any of their names."

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

"Oh, it will be,"flatness grinned,"When I was really little, we went to party like this a few times a calendar month. You make your own fun."

"Like what ?"Albus asked.

"Charming alcohol out of the wine and champagne. It 'll still smack exactly the same,"Matt grinned mischievously,"By the time midnight whorl around, everyone will be wondering why they 're not toast. It 'll be funny."

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

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

"I have to admit, that 's really creative,"pink wine giggled,"What else ?"

"Mostly stuff with the solid food. beguile the chocolates to taste like vanilla, charm the service of process utensils to move every sentence you go to piece them up, that form of stuff,"matte explained.

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

"My parents never say that poppycock to me,"Matt laughed,"They never suspect me of anything. The instant they find out the intoxicant 's been charmed out of the potable, they 'll find Amy."

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

"It was my musical theme, though. She was n't originally going to do it at this party,"Matt explained.

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

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

"Oh, it 's great,"Amy grinned,"First, only a couple people notice and they make a very hush mention to another soul and then that person agrees that there 's something incorrectly with the drinks. Then it just snowballs from there until it 's all they 're talking about. Then somebody will test the drunkenness, light upon the alcoholic drink 's been charmed away, supersede it, and then everyone will cheer. But some of them will act drunk because they think there 's alcoholic beverage in the drinks."

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

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

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

"You never know,"matt shrugged.

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

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

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

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

"I would n't bet against that,"Albus said,"And Samantha and lindy will sneak out of the way the next time aunty Corrine looks away."

Albus 's aunt Corrine was talking with two witches Albus did n't fuck and his twin cousins were chasing each other around the room.

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

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

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

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

"There go Samantha and Lindy,"rose said as they waited. The Twins ran out one of the doors and Corrine quickly followed.

The queue moved quickly and soon Albus was in front. He grabbed a dental plate and piled it highschool with just about everything. There was always the best nutrient at this sorting of party.

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

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

More and Thomas More people arrived as Albus ate his dinner. He recognized a few of them, but did n't commend any name calling. He also noticed that nobody was acting strangely due to Amy 's good luck charm. They were all acting perfectly normal for grownup who had had a few drinks.

Albus, Matt, and Rose wandered around the elbow room once they finished their food. A few adults stopped to proclaim how big they 'd arrest and to inquire what year they were at Hogwarts. Lily joined them because she did n't want to be associated with Saint James the Apostle and Cedric 's mischief.

"Hello, everyone !"curate Hartwell shouted from the rostrum at the front end of the room.

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

"Thank you,"he smiled,"I assume you all know why I 've thrown this party, and it 's not just to put down the large sum of money of wine I was given for Noel !"

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

"Yes, yes, well, this party is in laurels of none other than Walter Eckerton, whom I have appointed to the position of question of the section of regularization and Control of Magical Creatures. There is no one else whom I would trust with such a job ...."

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

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

"Thank you, minister of religion,"McVicar began,"That was quite an concern speech. I, too, would like to congratulate Walter Eckerton on his promotion.

"I am sure at least half of you were quite surprised to hear that I was retiring. I myself was surprised. In fact, I probably would n't have done it if it were n't for the fact that my wife has been begging me to for the past ten years.

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

"A little over five years ago, a man came into the Ministry looking for a job in the Department of the rule and Control of Magical Creatures. He applied for a job in werewolf documentation Services, a position that had been open for well over a class. I was gear up to hire anyone who walked through the room access at that point, but I had no approximation what was to make out when I hired Walter Eckerton.

"Some of you may know that Walter has experience in this field. He was the head word of the Department of Regulation and command of Magical Creatures in Australia for three years before leaving the position in order to move to England.

"Walter revolutionized wolfman Support military service as soon as he started. The ideas he had were ones that even I had n't thought of. In five unawares days, he has bettered life history for those plagued with lycanthropy more than anyone else in the department have in their entire careers.

"It took only six month for me to realize that I wanted Walter to make over for me when I retired. Not only does he have the experience and intelligence operation for the job, but he also has dedication that I have never seen before. I even have to admit that his commitment surpasses my own. I have never seen anyone fight as tough for wolfman right wing as he has.

"The only matter left for me to do was convert myself it was time to retire,"McVicar chuckled,"And yes, it did take the better contribution of five years to do that. But now, I feel very positive as I hand the reins over to Walter."

Everyone clapped as McVicar stepped away and flatness 's dad took the podium."That was quite the actor's line,"Albus muttered to Matt.

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

"Well,"matte 's dad began,"Thanks for your ballot of confidence, Rob. I certainly hope I can live up to your expectations.

"I have to begin by saying how unexpected this was. I really had no aim of becoming the capitulum of the integral department again, no topic which country I was living in. werewolf Support Services has been such a great office to work out these past few twelvemonth. It truly is my passion.

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

"Of form, I could not stimulate gotten to this place without the avail of my married woman, Julie,"he gestured to Matt 's mum, who was standing near the podium,"And my daughter, Amy, and my son, matt.

"I 'm not one for long speeches, so I 'll just say that I look forward to starting the job and I truly hope I can be at to the lowest degree half of the head of the department Rob has been."

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

"They 're too sot to call back much on it,"Rose smirked.

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

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

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

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

Amy was standing nearby, so Albus, Matt, and Rose squeezed their way through the crowd to get to her.

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

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

James and Cedric were also standing near the drinkable table, looking nearly as confused as Albus felt about this charm. That was form of strange.

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

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

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

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

"What did you do ?"Albus groaned.

"Cedric and I added some spear carrier alcohol to that vino,"St. James whispered.

Albus, Rose, flatness, and Amy burst out laughing. Albus could not believe it. All of their antic had backfired. The wine was now perfectly normal.

"What 's so funny ?"Cedric asked.

"Amy pulled a put-on, too,"Albus said.

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

"So much for that prank,"James groaned.

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

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

"What do you want to do now ?"Albus asked as James, Cedric, and Amy left.

"Want to explore the curate 's Mansion ?"Matt suggested.

"Is that allowed ?"rosebush asked skeptically.

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

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

It was a good deal quieter in the rest of the house. They started wandering through any room that had open doors.

"This property is so blinking partiality,"Albus said.

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

"Their theater is this big ?"rosebush asked.

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

The three friends wound up in a very large sustenance way filled with age-old furniture. There was an oriental carpet on the ground and oak table and bookshelves around the circumference. Atop the tables were fancy vas of flower and watch crystal sculptures.

"We 'd better be deliberate in here,"rosiness said as she walked into the way,"If we break any of this stuff, our parents would slay us."

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

"Do n't touch it !"rose wine hissed.

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

"smell at all these Christian Bible,"Albus gazed up at one of the bookcases,"ma'am Pince would love to get her mitt on these."

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

"Mum would like them,"pink wine said

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

"Probably aged than Aberforth Dumbledore,"Albus replied.

"Hey, Albus, Matt, descend here,"blush wine said as she looked out the window.

Albus and Matt walked over to the window and leaned over the mesa that was in figurehead of it.

"What is it ?"Albus asked.

"smell, there's-"

Matt leaned farther over the table and knocked one of the crystal sculpture off. rosebush gasped and managed to catch it before it crashed onto the floor.

"Merlin,"rosebush whispered as she set it back on the mesa,"Be careful."

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

"There 's soul sneaking around out there,"rose wine said.

Albus peered out the window into the darkness. He could just barely make out a dark lurking around the bushes. It did n't search like the mortal was walking up towards the sign of the zodiac to go to the political party. Plus, why would he read up three hr late ?

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

"Let 's go find out who it is,"Albus said. He did n't have a clue as to who it was, but he wanted to find out. There was no reasonableness for someone to be sneaking around the Minister 's Mansion at this time of night.

"Albus Severus Potter, are you flaming insane ?"Rose exclaimed,"I think you are !"

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

"That 's a estimable point,"Matt replied,"Why would person sneak around a house that 's wide of Ministry functionary, especially when the two top Aurors are inside ?"

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

blush wine reluctantly agreed and followed Albus and lusterlessness, muttering under her breath. They found the near threshold and went out into the dusty night, drawing their wands as they did so.

"If we are n't killed, we 'll stop dead to death,"rose wine muttered.

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

"Do you get wind anything ?"he whispered to Matt.

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

"Good,"rose wine muttered,"Now let 's go back inside."

"They could 've just moved,"Albus pointed out,"Let 's hold open going."

Albus continued creeping around the menage, with his wand out in straw man of him. His sum was beating fast and his handwriting were sweaty despite the cold. He did n't want to stop, though. Figuring out who this bloke was was exciting and nerve wracking at the same time.

"Do n't move !"mortal shouted and all of a sudden there was a bright Christ Within in Albus 's eyes. wand light.

rose wine screamed and grabbed clutch of Albus 's arm. Albus held up his own wand, his deal shaking.

"Who are you ?"the person shouted.

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

"He sounds conversant,"lustrelessness whispered,"Hang on. Bloody hell, that 's Professor Balladanis !"

Albus thought for a second and the voice did voice a lot like Balladanis. But why would he be sneaking around the pastor 's planetary house ?

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

"Er, yes,"Albus replied.

The verge light lowered and Albus heard the man stair through the snowfall towards him. Albus saw that he was indeed Professor Balladanis. He breathed a sigh of rilievo as Rose let go of his arm.

"Mr. Potter,"Balladanis said and then waved his wand around,"And Miss Weasley, Mr. Eckerton. Oh, I suppose this party is for your don, Mr. Eckerton ?"

"Y-yes, sir,"Matt replied.

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

"Told you,"Rose whispered to Albus.

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

"And you 're lucky it was me,"Balladanis barked,"The three of you could take in been drained if that someone had been a grim sorcerer. Now, I 'm taking all three of you back inside."

Albus nodded and followed Balladanis through the snow and towards the door."Sir,"Albus said,"If you do n't listen my asking, what were you doing external ?"

"If you must know, the pastor asked me to check out the grounds in order to wee certainly nobody was lurking around,"Balladanis replied.

That did nothing but electric discharge Albus 's peculiarity even more. He knew better than to press further, though. Balladanis was not one to explain his motives.


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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


It was nearing midnight when Albus, flatness, and pink wine re-entered the building, escorted by Professor Balladanis. Albus had been hoping the professor would just see them to the door and then continue his hunting of the circumference, but instead he went back to the ballroom with them and marched them right up to Harry.

"Potter,"Balladanis interrupted the conversation Harry had been having with some wizard Albus did n't recognize,"I found your son, your niece, and their friend wandering around outside."

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

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

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

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

"fear to explain ?"Harry raised an eyebrow.

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

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

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

Harry went back to his conversation and Albus lead his champion back to the snack counter.

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

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

"10 !"soul shouted.

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

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

The crowd began to thin out a little while later. near of the people Albus did n't have intercourse left, along with his Uncle Percy, Aunt Corrine, and his cousins. Albus 's parents did n't look like they were in any hastiness to go away, so he got a dental plate of the leftover desserts and at them with his friends.

Rose 's family and Amy left, and then it was just the thrower, Matt, his parents, the Minister, and his wife left. All the adult were talking, James was teasing Lily about something, and Albus and Matt were finishing off the last of the desserts.

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

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

"Maybe that 'll find,"mat said,"You never know."

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

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

"Yeah, see you on the wagon train,"lusterlessness said.

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

******

The residuum of the Dec 25 holiday went by very irksome for Albus. He did all his homework, which was quite boring, and there was zilch to do after that. rosebush was visiting her other grandparents and Saint James was at Nathan 's theater. Even Kaden was busy visiting his grandparents ( Vernon and Petunia ). He sent Albus a letter complaining about it, since the visit was also with aunt Marge. Albus was very grateful that he did n't have to go. Neither of his parents had mentioned anything about visiting with Vernon and Petunia again.

Finally the day to deliver to school arrived and the ceramicist made it to Platform 9 ¾ just in time. Albus found all his acquaintance in one of the compartments and once they kicked Lily, Ashtyn, and Victor Hugo out, they told each other about their holidays.

"aunty Marge has got to be the most horrible aunt in the intact macrocosm,"Kaden fumed,"My dad told her about thaumaturgy a few calendar month ago and she 's been nasty ever since. I mean, she was always kind of horrible, but now she 's worse. She just hates magic so much. She 's worse than my grandparents."

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

"Consider yourself favorable,"Kaden muttered,"I 'm guessing you lot had better holidays ?"

"We found Professor Balladanis lurking around the Minister 's sign,"Albus announced.

"What ?"lavatory, Kaden, and Amanda shouted at the same time.

"I saw individual sneaking around outside and Albus insisted we go inquire,"blush wine said,"Turns out it was Balladanis and the diplomatic minister had apparently asked him to mark off the grounds for trouble."

"Did he find out you ?"trick asked.

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

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

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

"Weird though,"Saint John the Apostle said,"Why would the government minister think person would be hiding around his house ?"

"Does n't he throw guards around anyway ?"Amanda asked,"The Muggle Minister does."

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

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

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

"Again, Weird,"John said.

"Yeah, there were a clustering of Aurors at the party, not to cite Albus 's dad,"flatness pointed out.

"That settles it,"lavatory announced,"Albus, you 've got to notice out what he did before he started teaching Defense ?"

"Why me ?"Albus asked.

"Because you 've got those exceptional dueling lessons with him. He likes you for some reasonableness. Of course, he also likes Malfoy. But that 's probably just because Malfoy 's a good duellist, too,"John explained.

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

"You never know,"John said.

******

"tranquillity, quiet !"Balladanis shouted the following Tuesday, their initiative day of vindication after the holiday.

Albus immediately stopped talking to Matt and John and turned to confront Balladanis. He was really hoping that the professor would say nothing about what happened at the political party and so far Balladanis was showing no remembrance of it.

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

"First, I 'll say that there is no time to not be thinking about defensive magic, as the dark arts do not take happy chance for trivial affair such as holidays.

"Second, in this full term we will start to explore creature far more dangerous than hinkypunks and kappas. In this term we shall learn about those terrifying creatures such as acromantulas, basilisks, lycanthrope, dragons, and vampires."

Albus could n't help but glint at Linda when Balladanis said lamia. Balladanis had glanced at her as well, and he also glanced at Matt when he said werewolf. Of course, he had looked at Albus when he said basilisks, so it did n't necessarily think of anything, but Albus had a feel it did.

"As the headmaster would discover it highly inappropriate for a Draco to manifest itself in this schoolroom, we shall not be using the anamatek as often this term,"Balladanis continued,"But we will be using it a few time. You will find that there are more speech in this full term, much to my dislike. There is nothing I would wish serious than to teach you about acromantulas and wolfman with virtual lessons, but there are both police and school rules that prevent such lessons."

Albus and Matt glanced at each other. It was official. Professor Balladanis was insane. What sort of instructor would require to teach about dragons with live flying lizard ? fountainhead, Hagrid would, but he was n't the Lapplander as Balladanis.

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

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

"Divination is such a caper,"John said as he tossed his bag onto the level and collapsed onto a lounge,"We started quartz glass testicle gazing today. All I saw was a encumbrance of fog."

"I told you not to direct it,"rosiness said as she pulled a stack of Scripture out of her own bag.

"I did n't guess it would be this bad,"Gospel According to John groaned,"There is no way anyone could see anything in a crystal ball."

"chiromancy was better,"Amanda said,"And Trelawney makes the hale thing worse."

"Trelawney could make Defense bad,"Albus replied.

"Balladanis told us that he wished he could teach us about iniquity tool using the anamatek,"blush wine said,"Seriously, he wanted a basilisk to come along in the center of the classroom."

"That would be stupid,"Kaden said as he unwrapped a Chocolate Frog,"Those can wipe out you with their eyes."

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

"Do you think that anamatek could turn into a werewolf if the moon was n't broad ?"whoremonger asked.

"Probably not,"Matt answered,"It would just be a wolf. I think it would just be a skirt chaser any former time of the month, too, because there 's no way it could turn individual into a werewolf by biting them."

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

"No demand,"John the Evangelist laughed,"We 've got Linda."

"If you think of it that way, there 's no point in time to have it turn into a fake werewolf either,"blush wine pointed out.

"trade good period, I guess,"John muttered.

******

The ease of the workweek went by quickly. Albus had Quidditch practice Thursday evening, and forest informed the whole team that they 'd go rusty over the vacation. He also told them that the side by side mates was in two week and they 'd be playing New York. If they won, they 'd be in irregular property.

Albus had a dueling object lesson with Balladanis the following evening and he had absolutely no idea how he was going to ask what Balladanis 's late job had been.

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

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

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

"Mr. Malfoy,"Balladanis said as Malfoy walked into the way,"Now we may start out. I have decided that your sympathy of the Protego charm is acceptable so we are going to move on to something else.

"This particular charm, when performed correctly, manages to disarm and disorientate a person at the same clip. The sensory faculty is often described as dizziness. Can either of you tell me what why this charm would be more utilitarian than a standard disarming spell ?"

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

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

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

"Another soundly grounds, but not the one I was thinking of,"Balladanis began to take the air slowly around the room,"Wizards who are expecting to consume to duel other ace often keep multiple wand on their soul. There are go that can be performed on these baton to keep them attached to your robes or your actual soundbox, spells that Expelliarmus wo n't overcome easily. However, these spells require constant density.

"If a necromancer is hit with the charm I am about to teach you, they will fall behind the compactness necessary to keep their extra wand affixed. Then, you can use Expelliarmus to get the extra wands."

"Can you teach us that charm to keep spare sceptre in our robes ?"Malfoy asked.

"Perhaps towards the end of the year. It takes immense concentration and wizardly zip to simultaneously perform that charm while dueling person,"Balladanis explained,"For now, you will learn the spell to unarm and disorientate a person at the same time.

"The incantation is 'Confundo-Expelliarmus'. A combining of Confundus and Expelliarmus. Mr. Malfoy, you will go first. When I say so, do the spell against Mr. thrower. Mr. Potter, you may try and stop him using the Protego charm I taught you earlier."

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

"Now, Mr. Malfoy,"Balladanis muttered.

"Confundo-Expelliarmus !"Malfoy shouted.

Albus felt the charm hit his buckler, but it did n't break through. He gripped his wand harder and stared at Malfoy.

"Keep going,"Balladanis said to Malfoy.

"Confundo-Expelliarmus !"Malfoy shouted again.

The charm hit Albus 's shield a fiddling harder this time. Albus could feel beading of travail forming on his frontal bone.

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

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

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

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

"No, sir,"Albus shook his head.

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

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

Balladanis gave Malfoy a few second gear to get his cuticle up and then nodded at Albus to perform the charm.

"Confundo-Expelliarmus !"Albus shouted. As he expected, the charm did not recrudesce Malfoy 's shield.

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

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

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

"That was weird,"Malfoy muttered.

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

Balladanis kept them at it for the honest section of an 60 minutes, past when Albus would have liked to step down. It was exhausting to be hit with that spell time after meter while trying to hold up a shield charm. Malfoy did n't look to be faring much better and Albus thought he was even going to ask Balladanis to hold on after a one-half hour, but Malfoy closed his mouth, obviously thinking intimately of it.

The practice session was n't for aught, though. Albus managed to guard Malfoy off foresighted and longer each time and although Malfoy was getting practiced at the shield appealingness as well, Albus broke through it a few more times.

"That 's sufficiency for tonight,"Balladanis finally said after he performed the countercurse on Albus for what must suffer been the tenth sentence that night,"I 'll see you in stratum on Tuesday."

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

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

Balladanis gave Albus the strangest face he had ever seen. It was a mixture of anger, gloominess, and even regret. For a moment, Albus wished he had n't asked. It was too personal. He should make just told John they would n't be capable to determine out.

"Now is not the clock time,"Balladanis said quietly,"All in estimable time, I will state you."

Albus was taken aback. That was more than than he had expected. He had thought Balladanis would let told him to take care his own commercial enterprise and get back to Gryffindor column before curfew. Albus was going to find out, he was just going to possess to be patient.

Albus left the room as quickly as he could in his consume state, before Balladanis could change his mind about eventually telling Albus about his previous career. The walk back to Gryffindor Tower seemed longer than common and all Albus wanted to do was flop into bed when he finally got there.

Instead, he was ambushed by all of his acquaintance. All five of them looked shocked and Amanda looked like she was going to be regorge. He looked around the common elbow room and saw that most people looked shocked and everyone was subdued. There was no joking around going on. Even James was quietly sitting at one of the tables.

"What happened ?"Albus whispered as he followed them back to their usual tabular array.

Rose opened her lip to verbalise and then closed her eye, unable to do so. Albus turned to John and raised his eyebrows.

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

Albus nodded, having seen the man on legion social function when he was in Hogsmeade. He was slightly older than Albus 's parents, with greying whisker and a very intense personality. He never hesitated to take his opinions known

"Someone killed him,"John said in barely more than a whisper.

"Wh-what ?"Albus turned to attend at all his admirer in turn. lusterlessness nodded ever so slightly and then put his head on his hands.

"moldiness 've just happened,"John said,"They just found him. Madam Rosmerta heard a kerfuffle and Flooed here, to get the Auror on duty. By the time they got back, his shop class was a complete mess inside and he was laying dead on the level. Avada Kedavra. They 're searching Hogsmeade, the forest, the land, and the school. nonentity 's allowed out of their common rooms and dormitories."

"We thought Balladanis would work you back here when it happened,"Rose said.

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

People were n't just randomly killed in Hogsmeade. That sort of thing just did n't bechance anymore. Not since Voldemort had been defeated. Well, professor Torro had been killed back before his first year and then that one witch from the Ministry had been killed over Christmas, but their slayer had never been found and goose egg had happened since.

"Why would anyone pop him ?"matte wondered aloud.

"Why would anyone kill anyone ?"Rose replied.

The portraiture maw opened and all the whispering stopped. Everyone looked to see who came in. It was prof Longbottom, looking worse for the wear. His robe were disheveled and his tie was askew.

"Aurors are still searching the castle and the grounds,"he told them,"I suggest you all try and get some sleep. The hunt will be long over by morning, so you will be free to leave the unwashed way then."

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


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as all the awesome readers and referee !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Lunch was very subdued the next day. Most people had slept quite late since it was a Saturday. Every scholar of Hogwarts had their nose in a transcript of the Prophet, be it their own or a booster 's. The faculty tabular array looked the like, with every professor either reading the prophesier or whispering with another professor, no dubiousness about what they 'd understand.

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

HOGSMEADE shopkeeper MURDERED

A disturbance in Dervish and Banges late
yesterday evening that sent one Hogsmeade
resident to Hogwarts to discover the Auror on
responsibility lead to the discovery of the death
of a tradesman.

Leroy Wisander, 42, the ten-year owner of
Dervish and Banges was pronounced dead
on the picture by Ministry Aurors yesterday
even. His shop class had been broken into
and it showed signaling of a conflict.
Wisander was discovered in the middle of
destroyed product with his sceptre
laying a few feet away. Aurors confirmed
that he was killed with the killing curse.

An extensive search of Hogsmeade, the
forest, Hogwarts, and its flat coat turned
up nothing despite the hour Aurors spent
searching. No fingermark were found on
the scene.

Aurors will be devoting metre to finding
Wisander 's killer and a possible motive.

Leroy Wisander had owned Dervish and Banges
for a piffling over ten years, when he
purchased the store from its previous owners
who retired. However, Wisander is more
known for the scathing editorials he writes
for this very newspaper.

Anyone who knew Wisander knew he was a man
of very strong belief and did not hesitate
to let others experience his opinions. His most
late newspaper column have explored the subject
of werewolf, lamia, and former so called
'half-breeds'rights. Aurors have declined
gossip on whether they believe Wisander 's
editorial are a possible motive for his
slaying. Wisander 's necrology can be found
on Sir Frederick Handley Page five.

Albus set the paper down and his ally all resumed their backside. Nobody said a word of honor for a few instant. Albus did n't bang what to intend. The clause certainly made it seem like Wisander was killed because of his beliefs. However, it did n't exactly say what his feeling were. Albus had n't ever study any of his editorials, so he could n't say either.

"What sort of editorial did he save ?"Matt asked quietly.

"I have no idea,"Albus replied, looking at his friend whose aspect was quite wan,"Want to go to the way ?"

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

Albus got up and was followed by all of his friends. John and Kaden each grabbed a stack of toast before leaving. Even pink wine and Amanda went with them instead of going off to examine with Linda.

"Have any of you read his editorials ?"Matt asked as soon as they were in the Marauder 's Den.

Nobody had read them. Not even Rose. mat sighed and collapsed onto one of the couches."I 've got to find out what they were about. I do n't even know which would be upright, him being for or against wolfman rights. If he 's for them, that means some cuss is on the release killing people for wanting wolfman rights."

lustrelessness did n't even make to uphold for Albus to have a go at it why that worried him. matte 's dad was possibly the giving exponent of werewolf right field in all of Great Britain and everyone knew it. If mortal had been killed just for writing about werewolf right hand, what would happen to individual who was actually passing laws for them ?

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

"Why else would someone have killed him ?"lustrelessness asked,"He was just a shop owner in Hogsmeade."

"Why did someone killing professor Torro ?"Gospel According to John replied,"He was n't even writing any newspaper column or anything."

"To scare the great unwashed,"Albus said quietly,"The vindication teacher position used to be cursed, back when our parents were in school."

"fountainhead, I do n't think you should interest until you find out what the editorials are about,"rose said to Matt.

"The other selection is n't much amend,"Matt muttered,"If he did n't write column for werewolf right field, then he wrote them against them."

Albus thought Matt had a level, but he kept his mouth shut. Any way you looked at it, this murder pointed to the fact that things were changing. Aurors had been patrolling Hogwarts for calendar month, but Albus had quickly adjusted to that and did n't really think much about it, but maybe there was more fall out outside of Hogwarts than Albus was aware of.

"Let 's go to the library,"Rose said as she stood up,"They 'll consume old copies of the prophesier there."

Everyone agreed with this and they set off to the depository library. When they arrived, they were surprised to detect how crowded it was. Usually Sabbatum were the solar day everyone put off their preparation and then Sun were spent in the library.

Once they stepped inside, Albus saw that everyone was looking through old transcript of the prophesier. Nearly every board had a few newspaper publisher on it and a few students poring over them. brothel keeper Pince was bustling about, no doubt worrying about whether the scholar would rip her preciously newspapers.

"Might not be any left,"bathroom muttered.

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

can was almost right. There was a very small batch of newsprint left. Albus grabbed them all and then they went to a secluded table towards the dorsum of the library. Albus, Matt, and Rose each took a newspaper while john, Kaden, and Amanda played tic-tac-toe on a spare part bit of parchment.

Albus leafed through his newsprint, which was about two days old, until he got to the column discussion section. In the very mediate, in the expectant font, was an editorial by Leroy Wisander.

HEALERS, BREWERS TO incrimination, NOT MINISTRY functionary

As I was locking up my shop last nighttime,
I noticed that it was a full-of-the-moon moon. I
could not help but cogitate of the wretched
people plagued with lycanthropy
currently shut up while attacking
themselves.

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

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

And what sort of task are lycanthropes
often stuck with ? Menial, low-paying
ones. The jobs where they make hardly
plenty money to pay the rent and buy
food for thought, let unequaled buy a potion that
could alter their biography for the better.

I am absolutely dismayed that therapist
and potion brewers charge for this
important potion. They must be making
a skillful net. They can use the earnings
to contract spendthrift vacation while the
poor witch and wizards who buy it
conflict to afford it.

There is only so very much Ministry officials
can do. Head of werewolf backup services,
Walter Eckerton, says he would love to
give away justify wolfbane, but there just
is n't room for it in the budget.

What do I pop the question ? I propose that healer
and potion brewers give it away for free.
They have the ability to brew it, not
the Ministry. nearly Healers claim to love
helping mass, but often it is those who
need it most, such as those with lycanthropy,
are often forced to go without, all because
those with the power to brew it like
to receive a small extra spending money.

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

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

"Read this,"Albus handed matt his report,"Wisander even mentions your dad."

Matt took the newspaper publisher and he and pink wine began to read it. John Lackland, Amanda, and Kaden peered over as well. Albus sat and waited while they read.

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

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

"Bloody perdition, that bloke must have had so many opposition !"John the Divine shouted as soon as they were back.

"I know,"Albus agreed,"And that one 's from two yr ago. Imagine what he 's written recently."

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

"He was just trying to stir something up,"Rose replied,"And expect where it got him."

"therapist are n't like that. nearly of the ones I 've met would render away free Wolfsbane, but it 's more rarify that that. The ingredients are expensive and it takes forever to brew. Not to mention how difficult it is. There are n't many healer who can brew it and even almost beer maker ca n't brew it,"flatness explained.

"That bloke did n't get laid the one-half of it,"John agreed,"My dad 's a Healer and he 'd love to present away liberal potions. It just does n't puzzle out that way."

"My dad 's linked with that bloke,"mat said quietly,"And now that he 's school principal of the entire department, he 'll be passing Sir Thomas More laws. Whoever killed Wisander 's not going to be happy."

"Your dad 's a really proficient wizard, though,"Albus pointed out to his worried protagonist,"Plus he works at the Ministry, where there are loads of Aurors milling about. And your menage is more protect than any other house I 've seen, well, except the Minister 's Mansion."

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

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

******

Albus and his friends scoured the Daily Prophet every morning the following week. Every day there was an article about Wisander, the probe, or both. So far the investigation had turned up nothing. The Aurors had questioned quite a few mass, namely those very outspoken against lycanthrope and vampire rights, but the hunting had proved fruitless.

The article about Wisander were far more interesting. It seemed that his editorial about Wolfsbane Potion was one of the tamer ones. Each day petty pieces of his various editorials were being published. In one, he stated the cause why werewolves should n't be locked up on full moons. The reasons were quite idiotic, but the prophet had printed it anyway. Another editorial talked about why vampire should be allowed accession to human race to bite. He suggested using prisoners and allowing vampires to suck them dry. Thus helping vampires and reducing prison costs at the Lapp time.

"I reckon this bloke was off his rocker,"John announced at breakfast the follow Sunday. He had just finished reading an clause about how Wisander spent a twelvemonth livelihood with a vampire kindred in Turkey when he was unseasoned. They were some of the few masses actually up at an former minute, as Albus had Quidditch practice and John had a break of day detention with Filch for putting dungbombs in the throne in Moaning Vinca minor 's bathroom the previous day.

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

"What are you doing after Quidditch recitation ?"Gospel According to John asked.

"After Quidditch ?"Albus laughed,"You mean, I 'm going to get to leave eventually ? Mrs. Henry Wood wo n't make us practice for the next week ? I thought he was going to maintain going until the actual mates on Saturday."

"He 's got to let you out for class,"St. John the Apostle grinned.

"What a disgrace,"Albus rolled his heart,"Anyway, I 'll probably birth to do homework, since practice will go until late. How about you ? Any plans for after detention ?"

"Thought I might earn another detention,"John grinned,"But Kaden 's occupy with chess nine this afternoon-"

"delay,"Albus nearly choked on his succus,"Kaden joined the chess golf club ? Kaden ? Kaden Dursley ?"

"Know any former Kadens ?"John laughed,"rose said they want to learn him how to play properly, you know, like a challenge of sorts."

"I 'll severalize pink wine good luck with that,"Albus said.

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

"Right,"Albus said, remembering that the full lunar month was that nighttime,"But you did the dungbombs on your own."

"But it 's not as fun,"whoremonger sighed,"I guess I 'll just hang around the den with Matt. I can hold a nice one-sided conversation."

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

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

"wellspring, have fun in your hold. I 've got to get to praxis,"Albus said as he got up.

There were a few choice words Albus had for recitation that day. Long, grueling, and intense. Wood was in his ok course as he ordered the squad to do exercise time of day after hr. He seemed to get more and more stressed as the day wore on.

King James I did a lot of one-on-one training with Teddy and Albus was more than a little envious. Teddy was a much more patient captain than woodwind was and yelled a completely lot less. Tyler superhighway mostly helped Wood.

forest let them give a short good luck for luncheon, making sure they knew to come back afterwards. Albus heard the Slytherins on the team talking about skipping out of the residue of practice, but they were back on the rake at the meter Wood told them to be.

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

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

"Remember, practice session Tues evening !"forest shouted as the whole team rushed to get off the pitch.

Albus trudged back to the castle tired and shivering. He went straight to Gryffindor Tower and took a very long, hot shower bath and then set off to rule his Quaker.

blush wine, Amanda, and Linda were in the mutual room, but the male child were n't. Albus figured they were in the piranha 's Den and set off to look for them after saying a quick hello to the girls.

Saint John the Apostle and Kaden were in the center of a heat up game of Exploding Snap when Albus walked into the marauder 's Den a few minutes later. John 's facial expression was wide of ash, but Kaden 's was quite clean. There was also a big grin on his face which contrasted the scowl on trick 's face. lustrelessness was laying on the couch facing them, like he had been watching the plot, but he was sound asleep.

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

"Grueling. forest 's ten prison term worse than Georgia. Five hours we were out there. Five bloody 60 minutes in the coldness !"Albus groaned as he collapsed onto the former couch.

"Better than scrubbing Moaning Myrtle 's toilet with a toothbrush,"John muttered,"I do n't bed what was worse, the scrubbing or listening to Myrtle."

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

"Can you blame us ?"Albus muttered.

"No, not really,"Kaden shrugged.

"How was chess ?"Albus asked.

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

"Albus,"St. John the Apostle said as the bill of fare blew up in his fount again,"Have you done that defensive structure examine ?

"No,"Albus groaned.

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

Albus groaned again and fished around in his own bag for his Defense Good Book. Balladanis wanted a foot long essay about basilisks, which were the current blue beast of the week.

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

"Do you hatch the poulet egg under a frog or a toad ?"John Lackland asked.

"Toad,"Albus mumbled.

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

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

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

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

"Really ?"Kaden sounded surprised,"Why ?"

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

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

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

A few hour later both Albus and John had their essays completed. Kaden was still scribbling furiously on whatever preparation he was working on.

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

John the Divine got up and began to prod lusterlessness 's arm. It took a unspoilt two minute of arc for Matt to open his eyes.

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

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

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

"I 'll go with you to the infirmary annex,"John said and matt did not object. Albus assured him they 'd see him the next day and then they left, leaving Albus and Kaden alone in the room.

toilet returned a minuscule while later and the three of them went down to dinner. They returned to the piranha 's Den afterwards and lav and Kaden continued working on their preparation while Albus slept on the couch.

******

"Albus, get up !"

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

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

Albus opened his eye and saw Teddy standing over his bed. A glance at the clock told him that, yes, it was far too early to fire up up. It was six in the morning. On a Sabbatum. Yes, it was the day of the Quidditch match against New House of York, but that was n't until one o'clock and Albus was only a reserve actor anyway.

"Albus, you 'd better get up now. Wood 's in the unwashed room,"Teddy whispered.

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

"fielding 's sick,"teddy bear told him,"You 're playing today."

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

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

Albus took that to think that Teddy thought they were snogging and one got the early sick.

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

slip nodded and left. Albus threw on a tee shirt and a pair of jean before running down to the common room, where he found Oliver Natalie Wood tempo in front of the evacuate fire.

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

Albus nodded and sat down for what was sure to be a very retentive talking to. Wood paused and then launched into an explanation of maneuver, which Albus had already heard during recitation that week. He could n't envision out why he had to be woken up at six to be told he was playing. Wood could have accomplished the same thing at ten.

woods and Teddy left after Natalie Wood finished lecturing Albus and Albus considered going back to bed, but as he was blanket awake, it would be pointless.

Part of Wood 's lecture had been on the weather, which was frigidity and slightly snowy. Could be worse, Albus thought. At to the lowest degree there was n't a blizzard. The conditions were very similar to those they had been practicing in all week.

Albus sat in the plebeian room reading a script he found laying around until his friends got up around ten.

"There you are,"lustrelessness, who was looking significantly better than he had a few days ago, said,"What time did you get up ?"

"Six,"Albus muttered,"chemise got me up. Wood had to assure me I 'm playing Chaser today."

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

"This is not bad, Albus !"John grinned,"But why ?"

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

Albus went to the Great vestibule to eat tiffin with his Quaker, but he was n't really hungry. He did n't cerebrate he had ever been more anxious for a Quidditch mate. This was a really of import match, as Sir Henry Wood had pointed out numerous times. If they won by a wide enough margin, they 'd be in second gear place.

Logos had gotten around that Albus was playing in the catch and numerous masses came over to the Gryffindor tabular array to wish Albus portion.

"Al,"Harry sat down next to Albus.

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

"I 'll be watching the whole time. I 'm certainly you 're going to do corking. Just think of it as a compeer against another house. Ravenclaw, I guess, since their robes are blue,"Harry grinned,"Good luck."

"Thanks,"Albus replied.

Albus left with the remainder of the Hogwarts squad a few minute later. All his friends wished him good luck as he left the Hall.

nonentity talked much as they changed into their robes. Everyone sat down afterwards, ready for Sir Henry Joseph Wood 's pre-match speech.

However, Wood seemed to be all speeched out. He merely said that they 'd trained well and to hand it their all. Albus was a little shocked by the shortness of the speech, but quickly got over it as he walked out onto the slant.


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

Also, I wrote a new Sung dynasty fic ! It 's from Snape 's point of view, as I wanted to try something different. It 's on my Author Thomas Nelson Page if you want to ascertain it out !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Ten minutes into the mates, Albus decided there were four types of Quidditch in the world. daily Quidditch, like what he played with his cousin ; school Quidditch ; professional person Quidditch ; and then there was the character of Quidditch he was playing now.

It was a combination of school Quidditch and professional Quidditch. The bunch was louder, the players more determined, and the interest were higher than a normal school day Quidditch match.

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

Albus pushed his broom to fly faster and held the Quaffle tighter to his breast. Then he plunged down to the ground, where cypher else was flying. He was back up senior high two hour later when he had reached the New York goal mail service. After dodging a Bludger, he threw the Quaffle into the left destination position. The Keeper was too slow and the Quaffle soared through.

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

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

The Quaffle continued to switch hands quickly as the mates went on. An hour later there was still no sign of the Snitch and both teams were neck in neck as far as full stop went. New York was up by ten.

Albus scored a few More goals and he began to relax a lilliputian. The match began to palpate more like a school match and less like a professional mate, even though the bet were still gamey.

Wood had repeated over and over again that they had to be up by at least fifty points when King James I caught the Snitch, or they would n't be able to overcome New House of York as far as overall pointedness went.

"New York 's quester has seen the canary !"Julia Evelina Smith announced.

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

Henry James noticed as well and flew straight at the ring. He had been significantly closer than New York 's Seeker and flew away from the wicket with the struggling Snitch in his hand.

The bunch roared and James held the fink high above his promontory. Both teams flew to the basis and Albus saw the pained feel on Wood 's fount. They had n't won by enough to be in second berth overall.

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

Grant Wood nodded in agreement, but he still looked defeated. Albus chose to discount this and helped the rest of the team to lift Saint James the Apostle onto all of their shoulders.

"To update everyone on the points, the Australian schooltime of black art is in first place. New York and Hogwarts are currently tied for second base. The next lucifer will take stead at the end of February !"Smith told the crowd.

Albus did n't meet up with his friends until they were back in the common room. shift had gone to Hogsmeade and a party was currently underway in the Gryffindor plebeian way. chemise informed everyone that the three other star sign were hosting parties as well. The scholarly person from New York who had been sorted into Gryffindor, including their seeker, were sulking in a corner.

"I think that was your safe equal yet,"bathroom said to Albus as they settled down at their usual table.

"I think so, too,"Albus agreed,"I kind of wish I could trifle in the next match."

"Maybe Fielding will still be nauseous,"John said.

"doubtfulness it,"Albus replied,"addition, I 'm sure as shooting O'delle will get outset dibs on the next match if any of the early chaser get sick."

"At to the lowest degree you got to play in one equal,"blush wine pointed out.

"Anyway, the side by side match you 'll probably be playing Commonwealth of Australia,"lustrelessness said.

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

The party continued until dinner time, when hoi polloi began to leave as nonentity had snuck down to the kitchens to get solid food. Harry came in to congratulate Albus and James shortly before Albus and his friends left for dinner. He was also scheduled to patrol the school for the difference of the weekend and wanted to let his kids know.

******

liveliness at Hogwarts returned to pattern shortly after the Quidditch equal. The Prophet printed fewer and few articles about Wisander until there were none at all. Everyone seemed to forget about his dying. Everyone except Matt, that is, who was still worried about his dad.

However, the scholarly person at Hogwarts were reminded again of the unsolved slaying when the next Hogsmeade trip arrived two Clarence Shepard Day Jr. after Valentine 's Day. A fortune of the students were too lovesick to notice the boarded up shop of Dervish and Banges as they made their way to Madam Puddifoot's.

Neither Albus, John, or Matt were too preoccupied to notice the abandoned building, though. The three of them stopped to appear at it for a while despite the biting nothingness. Rose and Amanda were spending the day with Linda.

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

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

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

Albus did n't intend it was a ripe time to cue lustrelessness that Severus Snape had been murdered inside of the Shrieking Shack.

"Good stop,"Albus said,"But so far they have n't found anything."

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

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

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

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

"Albus,"they said again.

Albus turned around, but no one was there. The vocalisation sounded conversant, though. Albus slowly reached his paw out and it touched something whole, but it looked like no one was there.

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

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

Albus immediately stood up and motioned for Matt and John, who were both looking confused, to accompany him. He assumed Kaden would postdate as well. Albus lead them up High Street until they reached the screech Shack. nonentity was hanging around it that day.

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

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

"Bloody perdition !"John shouted.

"You stole the cloak ?"lusterlessness asked.

"Kaden, you idiot !"Albus shouted,"I know I first told you this would be a good time, but there was a reason I changed my psyche and told you not to sneak in today. Most of the teacher come to Hogsmeade for the February trip. My first cousin told me. They want to make surely no one does anything dolt because they 're in love or whatever."

"Er,"Kaden muttered.

"How did you get in ?"Matt asked.

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

"Kaden, do you have intercourse how difficult it 's going to be to get you back unnoticed ?"

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

"Quite hard, I 'd have a bun in the oven,"Balladanis replied,"Come with me, all of you."

Albus groaned inwardly as he followed Balladanis down the street. They had gone all yr without Kaden getting them into trouble, but Albus should stimulate known better than to call up they could go the wholly year.

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

"Explain,"Balladanis said.

"They had nix to do with it,"Kaden said quickly,"Albus was just telling me how poor fish I was."

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

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

"Very well,"Balladanis said,"Mr. ceramicist, Mr. Eckerton, and Mr. Brickston, you may fall to your common room. Mr. Dursley will link up you after I arrange his detention."

Albus, Matt, and lavatory could not get out of there quick enough. They walked straight back to the coarse way, talking about how prosperous they had been. It must get looked like all three of them had helped Kaden sneak into Hogsmeade. Good matter Balladanis believed Kaden.

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

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

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

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

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

******

Kaden discovered what his hold was that night. Balladanis decided to stimulate him alphabetize his common soldier library, which was quite extensive. Kaden returned to the piranha 's Den rant about the measure of books Balladanis had.

"He 's got more books on dark animate being than your dad 's got,"Kaden said to Matt.

"That 's impressive,"Matt replied.

"Wish he had less,"Kaden muttered.

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

The next wide-cut moonlight came and went, as did the next Quidditch mate. Albus was beginning to suspect that the full moons were becoming worse for lustrelessness, although he did n't fuck why.

New York lost miserably to Australia in the Quidditch match. They had been doing pretty well until Linda caught the stool pigeon a one-half hour in. Wood insisted that this was a commodity matter, though. It meant that if Hogwarts managed to make a good amount of goals before Linda caught the stoolie in their succeeding match, they would make more overall percentage point than New York. Wood seemed to have lost any hope that Jesse James could beat Linda in seeking, something James fumed about on a cheeseparing daily basis.

march arrived and with it a three day rain storm that left the grounds completely flooded. Both Herbology and charge of Magical Creatures had to take place inside, which resulted in incredibly boring object lesson. Wood continued to hold Quiditch practice and Albus returned to the castling completely soaked and covered in mud after each one.

All of the teacher were piling on the homework and Professor Patil had even gone so far as to mention the O.W.L.s even though they were a whole two years away. The entirely teacher who was n't talking about the end of term exams was Professor Balladanis.

Balladanis conducted his example as if end of term exams did not exist. He changed aught about his lesson except the sour puppet they were learning about.

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

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

"So,"trick said as he flipped through his vindication Bible the following eve. Albus, matt, John, and Kaden were in the Marauder 's Den and john was just finishing the chapter on lamia."looking at what 's after vampires.

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

"Yeah,"lustrelessness muttered,"It was bound to happen eventually."

"I wonder if Balladanis is going to have you go in for extra help during that unit,"John grinned,"I 'm sure you 'll need loads of extra help in identifying werewolves."

Matt rolled his eyes."He honorable. It 'll look suspicious if I do n't go in for extra help. Speaking of extra aid, we 're due to go in for it in fifteen minutes."

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

Albus managed to finish his Herbology homework while John and lusterlessness were gone. Then it was sentence for him to go in for his dueling lessons.

The desks were n't pushed to the sides of the schoolroom when Albus entered. Balladanis was seated behind his desk and there was a stone basin sitting on it. Balladanis was pulling silverish strings of something out of his head and placing them in the basin.

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

"Sir ?"Albus asked hesitantly.

"Mr. Potter,"Balladanis said quietly,"Come in."

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

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

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

"This is a pensieve,"Balladanis said,"It is used to search memory. That is exactly what we 're going to do. Albus, lean forward and put your head into the pensieve. Your body will surveil. Scorpio, you will succeed. I will come after you."

Albus 's heartbeat sped up a little bit as he leaned over the pensieve. Was this a stupid approximation ? He did n't even know what he was getting into. But it was just a memory. Nothing could offend him in a memory, right ?

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

It was dusk and very quiet. There was a small house in the space, atop of a stony mound. In fact, the completely area was mostly rocky. Albus had landed on the one lone piece of supergrass in the whole place. It did n't search like any shoes in Britain.

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

"Follow me,"Balladanis said quietly.

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

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

"Hellenic Republic,"Balladanis replied.

This did zero but increase Albus 's curiosity. Why were they in Greece of all billet ? But he did n't ask. It did n't look like Balladanis was in an explaining mood, judging by his short, one Bible answer to Malfoy.

They walked quietly towards the lowly house. The simply racket was their stride. There were n't even any owl hooting or hound barking. It struck Albus as very odd.

The household must have been their name and address. Balladanis stopped when they arrived at the demote down wooden fencing surrounding it. The business firm reminded Albus of the Shrieking Shack, only smaller. It was kind of get out dispirited and did n't look like a piazza that would be good to live in.

someone lived there, though. A luminosity was on upstairs. It remained on for a few More minutes and then soul turned it off.

Balladanis made no motion towards the firm. Instead, he seemed focused on the woodland that lay just beyond it. Albus decided the forest was as good a space as any to watch.

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

All was quiet for two minutes. The frame entered the house, but did not plow on any brightness level. Then the screams started. Albus jumped at the phone of the first one.

They were agonizing, tenacious belly laugh. Albus wanted nothing more than to go in and help whoever was screaming, but he knew he could n't. It was nothing more than a retention. Instead, he looked again at Balladanis.

His prof 's face showed zero. Nothing but the same set flavour he had seen on it so many times. Malfoy on the other hand, looked horrified. He looked exactly how Albus felt.

The screaming was coming from two different people. There was a high-pitched one that must have been coming from a woman, and a low-pitched one that must deliver been coming from a man.

Then, they stopped. First the cleaning lady, then the man. The hooded figure left the mansion as quickly as they had entered and returned to the forest.

Balladanis, however, made no move to allow. Instead he stared at the business firm. Two instant later, person fled from it.

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

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


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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


prof Balladanis did n't say anything for a tenacious sentence after he, Albus, and Malfoy returned to the Defense classroom. Albus landed future to Malfoy, still confused as to how he managed to get out of the pensieve, in front of Balladanis 's desk. Balladanis landed behind his desk, facing the bulwark, and did n't plough around for a few minutes.

Albus glanced nervously at his professor as he thought of questions he was just burning to ask. In fact, there was null about the scene he had just witnessed that did n't ca-ca Albus curious. Everything about it had been confusing.

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

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

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

"Sit down,"Balladanis said.

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

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

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

"There is a ground why I am telling you this now. Why I am not explaining to all of my family what I did before teaching. The reason is that you two are incredible duelers. Both of you have skill beyond your years that I have never seen before, and trust me, I have seen flock of exceptional duelist in my time. This may be a soundly clock time to distinguish you how rare it is to make two such skilled dueler in the Saami year at Hogwarts."

Albus turned to depend at Malfoy. What was Balladanis getting at ? It sounded like the get-go of some variety of house single delivery or something.

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

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

"Back to what I was going to tell you,"Balladanis said,"That scene that I just showed you, in case you have not figured it out yet, took place while I was a boy of only thirteen. It was the summertime before my 3rd yr at school.

"I grew up in Greece, in that very house we just saw. My parents, although they loved me deeply, were very poor people and could barely afford to put intellectual nourishment on the table. I think they were grateful when I went away to school day, the only cause being that they would n't make to worry about me getting enough to eat.

"I had two blissfully devoid and fun class at the Grecian School of legerdemain. I returned rest home during summertime broad of account about my friends and all the mischief we 'd gotten into."

Albus found it difficult to imagine Balladanis getting into problem at school or doing anything fun in general.

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

Balladanis stopped talking and Albus sat in accomplished shock. Balladanis 's parents had been murdered by vampire ? That was one thing that had never crossed Albus 's nous.

"I returned to school that Sep hardened. goose egg was fun anymore. zippo was risible. It was then that I decided to dedicate my sprightliness to ridding the world of such evils. Vampires, colored wiz, werewolf, anyone and anything that murder viciously."

Albus could n't help but glare at Balladanis when he mentioned werewolves. Balladanis seemed to detect this and gave Albus the slightest of smiles.

"However, I did realize that not all vampires, werewolves, hulk, and other being are inherently evil. Not all of them want to toss off. It was for this reasonableness that I did not wish to be employed by the Greek Ministry. The Hellenic Ministry prefers to treat with charming brute as a whole and not distinguish between them. Perhaps this is because Greece has a very with child universe of vampires.

"Thus, becoming an Auror was out of the doubtfulness. Instead, I chose to enter a more secretive professing. One that you will not find pamphlets on when you get calling advice from your heads of house. One that no one except me is going to suggest to you. Yet it is one that I believe the two of you are quite suited for."

Albus 's meat sped up at this. Balladanis was going to give way them career advice ? They were only XIII. But at the like time, Albus felt excited. Balladanis thought he was a good enough dueller for this career, whatever it was.

"I am a Presuler,"Balladanis said,"I am sure neither of you have heard of one. A Presuler is somewhat like an Auror, in that we seek out dark wiz and drab thaumaturgy. However, we not only seek out black mavin and dark magic, we seek out dark and severe fauna as well.

"The freehanded divergence is that Presulers are not employed by the Ministry. There are very few Presulers in the world and we are often sought out by respective Ministries and hired on an as-needed footing. We travel from state to nation, whenever we are needed. It is quite secretive. I suppose Presulers are a combining of Aurors and private investigators."

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

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

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

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

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

"Are you coming back next twelvemonth ?"Malfoy asked.

"As of right now, I have no estimation,"Balladanis answered,"It is getting late. I 've kept you here much farseeing than normal. If you think of anymore questions, do not waver to see me. I 'll walk you back to your common rooms."

Albus walked alongside Balladanis in quiet on his way back to the Gryffindor pillar. His head was racing with what he just learned. He did n't know what to make of it. It was just so a great deal information at once.

The plebeian room was nearly empty-bellied when Albus climbed through the portrait hole. It must consume been really recent, since it was Friday dark. Albus really did n't jazz what time it was.

"There you are !"Rose shouted,"pigeon hawk, you 've been gone for hours !"

"What did he have you doing ?"matte asked.

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

Albus was vaguely aware of his champion sighs of disappointment as he went up to his hall, but he did n't finger like talking about it right then. He was tired and his psyche was racing at the Sami fourth dimension.

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

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

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

******

"Merlin, Albus, get up !"

Albus rolled over in his bed and put his pillow over his head. After waking up drenched in sweat at four in the break of day after a nightmare in which his whole family unit had been killed by vampire, he had finally drifted off into a somewhat decently sleep. One that he wished he was still in.

"It 's nearly one o'clock."

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

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

"Yeah, we want to know what happened last night."

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

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

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

The girls and Kaden met them in the piranha 's Den after Albus, John Lackland, and Matt had tiffin. John kept pestering Albus all through tiffin, wanting to fuck why Linda could n't hear about it, but Albus said cipher. He was n't even sure if he was allowed to recount his friends about this, but Balladanis had n't really proscribe him.

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

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

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

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

"Sorry,"John muttered.

"Balladanis took us into a pensieve last Nox,"Albus began.

"Really ?"rosiness looked strike,"What was that like ?"

"Not that smashing, to be honest,"Albus said,"Probably would sustain been substantially if it was a better retention.

"Anyway, he took us without any explanation of what we were going to see. He took us to this really old broken down sign of the zodiac in Greece. Kind of looked like a smaller more run-down version of the Shrieking Shack."

"In Greece ?"Kaden asked.

"Yeah,"Albus nodded,"We watched the planetary house for what seemed like hours and then these figures broke into it and we heard this awe-inspiring screaming. Then the anatomy left. Then this bloke who was about our age came running out with this horrible scared feeling on his facial expression. Then we left."

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

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

Nobody said anything for a farsighted time. Albus looked at his Friend and they all wore equal looks of shock.

"And you watched it ?"lusterlessness asked.

"From a distance,"Albus replied.

"merlin, no wonder Balladanis is so damn insane,"John let out a low whistle.

"He decided to commit his life-time to ridding the world of immorality, whether it be vampires, dark wizards, or other dark creatures,"Albus continued.

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

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

"What is that ?"Kaden asked.

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

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

"Me, too,"matt agreed,"Instead he just hunts down lamia. And, werewolves."

"Only ones that kill masses,"Albus assured his lycanthropic friend.

"All werewolves have the capability of killing people, Albus,"Matt said quietly.

"So does everyone,"Albus replied.

"Whatever his sentiment on vampires and werewolf truly is, it 's going to be concern to see how he teaches us about them,"rose wine mused.

"conjecture this is why you did n't want Linda to find out about this,"whoremonger said.

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

"Who knows ?"rose shrugged,"I doubt we 'll ever come up out."

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

"Seriously ?"Matt asked.

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

"You do n't give birth to know. You 're only thirteen. And Albus, do n't decide anything until you 've read about this. Do n't just go on what Balladanis is saying. I think we 've finally discovered why he 's so passionate about fighting the iniquity artistry, but it might mottle his sound judgment sometimes,"rose wine warned.

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

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

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

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

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

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

******

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

A lot of what Balladanis taught about vampires was thrust Albus already knew due to what Matt had told them earlier in the school yr. It was still fairly interesting, though. Albus found that the more dangerous the animal they were learning about, the more interesting it was. Not to advert the fact that they did n't use the anamatek anymore, a fact that nearly every student was grateful for.

However, partway through their second calendar week devoted to vampires, the anamatek 's trunk reappeared in the defending team classroom. There was an audible moan from every bookman who stepped into the room.

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

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

"That would n't be any better. We 're doing loup-garou next,"John reminded him,"And matt said that affair could n't turn over into an real wolfman. oral presentation of mat, he 's lucky he 's missing this."

"I think he 'd say otherwise,"Albus replied. The full moon had been the previous night.

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

"He 's mental,"John muttered.

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

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

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

"They 're agile,"Balladanis continued,"They 're beneficial looking. They attract you in. Then they kill, they suck you dry until you are dead. The alternative is not nifty, either. From the instant their dentition better your hide, you begin to transmute into a lamia as well. You will become one if they do not give suck you dry. There is no way to stop it, no potion to weaken it.

"Vampires hunt at night when their vision is still excellent, but when man vision is compromised. However, that is not the only reason. Does anyone cognize the early ?"

Rose raised her hand. Linda did not.

"Yes, Miss Weasley ?"Balladanis said.

"vampire are in essence allergic to the sun,"Rose explained,"When the sunlight hits them, it hurts them. The sun gives them headaches and makes them palpate sick."

"Precisely,"Balladanis gave her a rare smile,"There is no potion to counteract the force of the sun on vampire. Therefore they tend to dwell areas that see to a lesser extent sun and area of dense forest, such as the Northwestern and Northeastern United States, voice of Canada, and function of Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. However there is also a significant vampire population in Greece."

Balladanis pointed his wand at the vampire again and it retreated back into the bole. Everyone breathed a collective suspiration of substitute. The lesson continued until the bell shape rang. Balladanis made no mention of moving onto the next unit, nor had he assigned the usual end of the unit essay.

Albus and his Friend went to visit matte late that Nox after Albus got out of Quidditch practice. They only had a half hour or so until curfew, but they had n't visited at all yet.

"You missed an excellent defence force deterrent example today,"John said once madam Pomfrey had gone back into her study after leaving to see who had entered her ward.

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

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

"He what ?"Matt shouted, although since his voice was hoarse it was n't very loud,"We 're still doing vampires, are n't we ?"

"Yeah, he had it turn into a lamia,"toilet said,"We did n't have to push it. He just used it to present how degenerate vampires were and what they looked like."

"That is weird,"Matt replied,"He assign the vampire essay yet ?"

"Nope,"King John shook his head,"I think we 're in for a few Thomas More mean solar day of vampires."

"Well, the longer we spend on vampires, the Sir Thomas More time we have before we start wolfman,"lusterlessness said quietly,"I really hope he does n't spend as a good deal time on them as he has on vampires."

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

"Thank Merlin for that,"lusterlessness yawned.

"You 're tired,"Rose said,"We should leave."

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

"'Night,"Matt said.

They left the Montgomery Ward just as brothel keeper Pomfrey was coming out of her field, presumably to tell them to go forth and gift flatness more than potions. Albus and his friends headed straight for the common room, where they got started on all the homework that had been piled on them that day.


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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.



A few of Albus 's full cousin had begun to take up stakes on how recollective Balladanis was going to expend teaching the one-third years about vampires. Fred was trusted he 'd drop the remnant of term, but Bradley was convinced he 'd move onto the next unit of measurement partway through Apr. None of the third years were actually participating in these bets because they were all afraid Balladanis would bump out.

The vampire whole was still well underway when the next Quidditch match came along. This one was the second Hogwarts versus Aussie schoolhouse of Sorcery match, which meant Wood was in his prime when it came to pattern. Albus considered just moving his bed to the changing elbow room since he spent more of his fourth dimension on the Quidditch Pitch than in the Gryffindor common room.

Albus awoke the day of the match to bathroom 's meretricious swearing instead of slip, which told him that he did not have to play during that match. He could n't facilitate but feel slightly disappointed. Figuring there was no gunpoint in going back to sleep, he got up and asked John the Evangelist what happened.

"Tripped over lustrelessness 's bloody caldron,"John muttered, holding onto his right foot,"Why ca n't he just put that stupid thing away ?"

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

bathroom muttered something identical and shoved his cauldron under his bed. He went into the privy while Albus woke lusterlessness up. The three of them met Kaden in the common room a short while later and then went down to the Great Granville Stanley Hall to get something to eat.

A few hours later the boys were in the Quidditch stands, waiting for the match to begin. Rose and Amanda were with them.

"Wonder how foresighted it 'll take Linda to find the Snitch this time,"Albus mused.

"I 'm betting on ten moment,"whoremonger said,"Hey, call up that metre we eavesdropped on Killigan ?"

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

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

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

"Definitely not,"Albus sighed.

lustrelessness 's foretelling proved correct. Linda did not slack down in the slightest. She flew at her usual abnormally fast speed, beating James to the sneaker by a few yards. Luckily for Hogwarts, they had been ahead of Australia at that spot and only wound up losing by forty peak.

This put Hogwarts quite a bit ahead of New House of York as far as Quidditch peak went. Commonwealth of Australia was still in the booster cable, but they were not faring so well in the dueling tournament. As of the most recent tournament, Hogwarts was winning. Australia was in end situation and New House of York was somewhere in between. Albus was pretty sure that if the Quidditch and dueling tournament points were added up, Hogwarts and Australia would be neck in neck opening. Whatever the effect of the remaining pass tourney and mate, the finals for both were going to determine the success of the competition. The points were just too close.

Although there was obviously no solemnization in the Gryffindor coarse room after the match, nobody was particularly get down either. Albus figured this was because nonentity had really expected Hogwarts to win anyway.

******

Two calendar week into April, Bradley along with quite a few former honest-to-goodness Gryffindors, were able to cash in on their stakes about Balladanis. Fred and a few others grumbled loudly about it as they handed over Galleons to the winners.

Balladanis had assigned the long awaited essay on lamia on Thursday, officially making the vampire social unit the longest building block they had done. They had spent an entire month and a one-half on it. The essay seemed to mate this length, as Balladanis wanted it to be two and a half feet.

Albus, Matt, and John saved their essays for the finally possible minute, settling down to work on them the day before they were due. It was n't a particularly hard essay because Balladanis had given them so a great deal information on the subject. It was just a very long essay to write. Rose and Amanda had done theirs over the weekend, presumably with Linda. Albus could n't avail but be slightly jealous of them because doing the essay with an literal vampire would make up it the easiest essay ever.

"Bet Linda 's gladiolus this unit of measurement 's over,"Albus said as they worked on their essays in the predator 's Den Monday evening.

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

"How long is your essay, rose wine ?"St. John the Apostle asked as he measured his own essay.

"deuce-ace invertebrate foot,"rosebush answered.

trick groaned."Do you think Balladanis will mark if mine 's three inches short ?"

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

"Maybe if we do n't stop it we can just decamp socio-economic class tomorrow,"Matt muttered,"After all, I would n't want to evince up in form without the essay done."

"But it 'll be worse when you finally do go to socio-economic class,"Rose pointed out.

"I still do n't particularly want to go to course of instruction tomorrow,"Matt said,"Whether I 've finished the essay or not."

"You 're going to finish it,"rosiness told him,"You 've got two inches left."

"Finished,"Albus announced.

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

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

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

"aspect on the hopeful side,"Kaden put in,"When you get assigned the werewolf essay, you 're sure to get a 100."

"I do n't really manage about the essay,"Matt said flatly.

Both Matt and trick managed to finish their essays before curfew and they returned to Gryffindor tower, and they soon went to bed. Albus did n't think Matt slept much, though. He heard him tossing and turning all night.

Albus, lusterlessness, and John got a late starting signal since toilet had misplaced his vampire essay. After finding it under his bed ( no one was trusted how it go there ), the three son rushed down to the Great Hall to grab part of toast before running to Defense.

They walked into the room right on clock time and barely had a luck to catch their intimation before Balladanis asked for everyone to helping hand in their vampire essays. Albus passed his essay up and pulled out parchment and a quill.

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

Balladanis began his usual pacing in front of the classroom. He stopped in front of pink wine and Linda 's board and then stared out at the class.

"I thought I would begin with wolfman story,"he announced,"Nobody is sure when the first-class honours degree werewolf came about, but they have existed in nearly every wizarding civilization. Not only that, but even ancient Muggle culture have lycanthropy in their histories.

"one C of twelvemonth ago, before the Muggle field of psychology came about and long before Muggles had any understanding of the human intellect, they tried to make sense of people whom they deemed 'insane'.

"One way they did this was to assign the insanity to the lunar month. Over the years, the myth of werewolves came about. Thus, lycanthrope have had a significant persona in Muggle stories. In realness, the people Muggles accused of having lycanthropy were merely suffering from schizophrenia or tear of insanity."

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

"Muggles of course know nothing about actual werewolves,"Balladanis continued,"And their Hollywood created werewolves have little in mutual with the rattling thing.

"loup-garou are plagued with the illness lycanthropy. Does anyone bang what that means ?"

Rose was the only one who raised her script. Balladanis nodded to her."It comes from the Greek Good Book 'lykos'and 'anthropos',"rose explained,"Lykos means wolf and anthropos agency man."

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

"lycanthrope have been shunned by wizarding beau monde for as long as account has told us about them. In recent years, there has been much speculation about whether this is necessary or even a dear idea. However, it is hard to change the mind of the legal age when we have been taught to avoid lycanthropes and shun them from wizarding society for so long.

"It has not been for no reason that this superior general prejudice has came about. When in wolf grade, werewolves can not control their activity and thus attack helpless people. This has long been construed as lycanthropes wanting to lash out citizenry, wanting to infect them with the horrible disease.

"This can not be farther from the case when it comes to most lycanthrope. Most do not wish to snipe others. Within the past hundred yr, werewolf have begun locking themselves up on the wide-cut lunation in order to avoid attacking others. However, there is one significant drawback to this for the wolfman. Does anyone acknowledge this ?"Balladanis 's eyes rested on Matt, but he continued staring down at his empty parchment.

Rose and Linda raised their bridge player. This fourth dimension Balladanis called on Linda."When wolfman do n't have anybody to round, they attack themselves,"Linda said,"They do n't have a selection and they often wind up really injure because of it."

Balladanis took Linda 's sentiment further, but Albus did n't hear what he said because lustrelessness had knocked over Albus 's ink. He looked incredibly nervous and Albus was happy that the form was almost over. He quickly cleaned up the ink and tried to pay attention to the rest period of the lecture.

"We 'll pick up following class with what happens before, during, and after full Moon for a person with lycanthropy,"Balladanis announced shortly before the buzzer rang,"If you have not record the werewolf chapter, please do so for next metre. Mr. Eckerton, if you could please come see me."

lustrelessness looked, if it was possible, even more spooky at this panorama. The eternal rest of the class left and Albus tried to put away his things as slowly as possible, but Balladanis shooed him, along with John, out of the room.

Malfoy was standing outside the schoolroom when Albus and John left. He had a cold-shoulder smirk on his face.

"Interesting object lesson, thrower,"Malfoy said quietly,"Very interest indeed."

"What do you need, Malfoy ?"Albus asked, knowing perfectly well what he wanted.

"Oh, cipher. Just a very elucidate lesson. I 've learned so much,"Malfoy replied and then sauntered off down the corridor.

"Falco columbarius,"bathroom muttered,"He knows."

"If he does n't yet, he 'll fuck after next lesson. He 's onto it, that 's for sure,"Albus said.

"Onto it ?"toilet replied,"That 's a gracious way of putting it. The wholly school 's going to know in two days, after the next class."

"What are we going to do ?"Albus groaned,"If we tell him what Malfoy said, he 's going to be too scared to do anything. I mean, did you see him during this lesson ?"

"Yeah,"lav nodded,"We ca n't separate him. Whatever Malfoy 's going to do, he 's going to do it whether mat knows about it or not."

"I agree,"Albus nodded,"We wo n't tell."

"What are you two talking about ?"Matt appeared behind them, looking no better than he had before.

"Nothing,"john said,"What did Balladanis want ?"

"Told me I did n't take in to go to the duplicate assist during this social unit unless I wanted to,"matte told them.

"What are you going to do ?"John Lackland asked.

"I do n't know,"Matt said as they began walking to Herbology,"I know it 'll wait mistrustful if I do n't, but I really ca n't have many Sir Thomas More lessons like that. Merlin, Th 's lesson is going to be awful."

Albus saw no stop in denying that. Matt did n't take a clue as to how fearsome it would be. They said null more about it the all way to Herbology.

******

Albus had never been so happy about having ridiculously long Quidditch practices as he was Tuesday and Wednesday evenings. He was perfectly happy to spend all his free time on the Quidditch pitch and then be too tired to do much of anything else afterwards.

It was just so hard for him to keep what Malfoy said away from matt. He wanted nil more than to warn his friend about it, even though he knew that would execute nothing. All it would do was make matte worry even more and then act even more anxious during Defense.

Quidditch also kept Albus 's nous off of what would happen after Malfoy 's suspicions were confirmed. It would n't be anything like when Albus found out or even when Kaden found out. No, Malfoy was going to use this to his advantage. Albus was nearly one hundred percent sure enough Malfoy would announce it to all of Slytherin. Then, Book would scatter and the total school day would find out. merlin only knew what would encounter when pupil'parents found out.

Albus knew that werewolf rights had come a long way since shimmy 's dad was in schooltime, but he also knew that most mass would not be happy if their child were going to school with a werewolf, especially one that did not read wolfsbane. Not to mention the field day the press would sustain with it. Matt 's dad had just become Head of the department for the regularisation and ascendancy of Magical puppet for Merlin 's sake. It would be a repetition of what had happened when matt and his family unit had lived in Australia.

Not to advert what it would do to Matt himself. Albus remembered when there had been a rebuff chance that Malfoy found out about the passage under the Whomping Willow. He had nearly had a terror attack. What would pass if Malfoy found out he was a lycanthrope ?

It did not help that the full moon was that Friday. matte barely spoke during the legal brief times that Albus was not occupied on the Quidditch tar. He sat in the Marauder 's Den with everyone else, but he stared off into infinite or slept.

Yes, Natalie Wood 's long Quidditch praxis took Albus 's head off of all of that, but they did not stop Thursday from arriving and sooner than Albus would have liked he found himself sitting in Balladanis 's classroom.

Albus and John exchanged nervous coup d'oeil as Malfoy walked in with a very smug look on his typeface. Albus was so sharpen on Malfoy that he nearly missed the fact that the anamatek 's trunk was back in front of Balladanis 's desk. Once he noticed it, he poked John in the side.

"What ?"trick seethed. Albus gestured to the trunk."Merlin 's whiskers,"John exclaimed,"I do n't even desire to know what he 's going to do with that."

"Quiet down,"Balladanis said,"We 'll continue our werewolf discussion today by talking about what happens to a wolfman when the Sun Myung Moon waxes.

"lycanthrope, in a similar way to lamia, are somewhat supersensitive to the moonlight when the moonshine waxes. For the few nights before the actual full moon, when exposed to moonlight lycanthropes will feel ill. The moonshine gives them headaches and when exposed long enough, causes them to lose consciousness."

Albus did n't bother writing any of this land, as he knew low gear hand what happened when a werewolf was exposed to too lots moonlight shortly before the full phase of the moon moon. Instead he stole quick glance at Malfoy and Matt. Malfoy was furiously writing down everything Balladanis said and stealing flying glances at mat himself. Matt was staring down at his parchment and Albus was sure he was trying to ignore everything Balladanis said. He was pale and ill, but Albus was n't sure if that was because of the example or because the total Moon was the next day.

"Lycanthropes are often too ill to go about their daily natural action the day of the fully moon and occasionally the day before as well. Before I describe the real transmutation, I wish to shew you what a person with lycanthropy looks like the day of the wide-cut moon."

For a brief second, Albus thought Balladanis was going to shout mat to the front of the room, but then realized that as a prof, Balladanis must have promised Kendrick that he would n't do anything like that.

Balladanis pointed his wand at the trunk and a small man stepped out of it. His pallor looked exactly like flatness 's and he looked just as ill. In fact, the two of them looked incredibly alike. Both of their faces bore scrape and had a seedy feel to them.

Balladanis began to verbalise about what the anamatek looked like, but Albus paid no attention. Instead he looked to Malfoy. Malfoy stared at the anamatek for a instant or so with shock absorber and then he glanced at Matt. Finally, he met Albus 's gaze and Albus saw the bighearted smirk he had ever seen on the Slytherin 's typeface. That was it. Albus knew it. Malfoy had made the connection.

The remainder of the moral passed by in a sort of fog for Albus. He and bathroom had exchanged glance and the look on John 's boldness told him he had noticed Malfoy 's actualization as well. Albus heard Balladanis 's lecture, but he did n't process it.

The object lesson seemed to hang back on and speed by at the Sami meter. Albus wanted it to be over so he could get out of there, but at the Sami time he did not require to sleep with what was going to bump after.

"Next lesson will sharpen on wolfsbane Potion and the effects it has had on werewolf right,"Balladanis announced at the end of the object lesson,"stratum dismissed."

Albus and John looked at each other. Albus did n't bed what to do. Should he confront Malfoy ? Or should he tell matte what happened ? flatness seemed oblivious to the whole thing.

They silently decided just to lead the classroom and decide what to do after. Rose and Amanda had left with Linda with absolutely no idea what had happened.

Malfoy was waiting for them outside the way and Albus was not sure if this was a in force or a bad matter. He had the sudden urge just to hex Malfoy justly then and there.

"Another enlightening example,"Malfoy smirked,"Oh, Eckerton, feeling a bit ill ?"

"None of your patronage,"Matt muttered. Albus and trick both stepped a bit closer to him and Albus clenched his paw around his wand.

"Bet you 'll be feeling even high-risk tomorrow,"Malfoy replied,"It 's about that time of the month, is n't it ? Tomorrow dark ?"

That got Matt 's attention. His head snapped up and he glared at Malfoy. Then he turned around and looked from Albus to John Lackland with the most panicked look on his human face Albus had ever seen.

"It 's going to be a fun wax moon, is n't it ?"Malfoy whispered, just tatty enough for lustrelessness, Albus and lavatory to hear.

Matt did n't say anything. He shook his head and then ran. He pushed through the crowd, much to the disfavour of the educatee who were trying to get to grade, and disappeared in a matter of seconds.

Albus suddenly felt more hatred for Malfoy than ever. Not only had he worked out flatness 's secret, but he had used it to scare him. In essence, Malfoy had threatened him with it. That was one of the unsound matter he could experience done.

Ignoring all the other students who were going to course of instruction, Albus pulled out his wand and had it against Malfoy 's bureau in two seconds.

"If you tell anyone,"Albus growled,"I will personally make sure you 're so indistinguishable that even your own parents wo n't recognize you."

"Is that a menace, Potter ?"Malfoy pulled out his own wand.

"You need me to spell it out for you ?"Albus asked,"I think we 're about to find out just how a good deal intimately I am at dueling than you are."

"Rictumsempra !"Malfoy shouted.

"Protego !"Albus shouted at the Sami time.

"Expelliarmus !"john shouted.

The crowd moved away so that there was a Mexican valium of onlookers surrounding the affaire d'honneur. Albus ignored them. It was just him, John the Divine, and Malfoy. And Malfoy was outnumbered.

Malfoy deflected John 's disarmament spell and dig another magic spell at Albus. It bounced off Albus 's shield and hit a nearby portrait. The portrait 's occupant shouted in disgust and moved into her neighbor 's frame.

Albus concentrated on his buckler charm and glared at Malfoy."Petrificus Totalus !"he shouted through his shield.

Grateful for Balladanis 's dueling deterrent example, Albus watched as his shield held up while the hex shot at Malfoy. Unfortunately, Malfoy dodged it and sent a tickling whammy at John.

This one hit whoremonger and he collapsed onto the storey in a fit of giggles. Albus snap another hex at Malfoy and this one collided with his human face. Malfoy 's nose started bleeding and he rounded on Albus.

"What is going on out here ?"Balladanis shouted.

Albus did n't lower his wand and neither did Malfoy, but they did n't dismiss off anymore hex either. Albus let his carapace down and noticed that the bunch had dispersed. John was still rolling around on the ground.

Balladanis pointed his wand at John and St. John the Apostle immediately stopped giggling and stood up.

"Follow me,"Balladanis growled.

All three boys followed Balladanis into his study. Albus looked nervously at John. Of all the professors to catch them dueling, it had to be Balladanis. Of course, the one good thing about this was that Malfoy could n't announce mat 's lycanthropy to the total school while Balladanis was lecturing them.


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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Albus and John sat as far away as possible from Malfoy in Balladanis 's study. Balladanis just stared at them before speaking.

"I can not begin to tell you how disappoint I am in all of you,"Balladanis began,"Especially you, Mr. thrower and Mr. Malfoy. I am sure I taught you intimately than this. The two of you especially should have it away how uncalled for that was. You are well aware of your dueling skills and what kind of responsibility lies with them. I have half a creative thinker to lay off our education school term. However, I am willing to hear all sides of this storey before laying out any sort of penalization. You may go first, Mr. Malfoy."

"I was just walking to class and ceramicist pulled out his wand and attacked me. Then Brickston joined in. I was outnumbered, sir. I had to defend myself,"Malfoy said.

Albus had to try hard not to snort. He and John looked at each early and John rolled his eyes.

"Very well,"Balladanis said,"Mr. ceramist, if you please."

Albus took a deep hint. He was going to tell the story. The altogether report."Malfoy was threatening Matt, sir,"Albus began.

"Mr. Eckerton ?"Balladanis asked,"I did not see him anywhere."

"He left after Malfoy threatened him,"Albus continued,"You see, Malfoy has figured something out about Matt, after listening to your public lecture on werewolves."

Balladanis 's eyes widened and he looked at Malfoy."Is that genuine, Mr. Malfoy ?"

"Yes,"Malfoy muttered,"And I was n't threatening him. I was asking him about it. I think I have the right field to know if I 'm in schooling with a werewolf."

Malfoy said 'werewolf'with disgust and it made Albus want to hex him once more.

"Mr. Eckerton has the right to hold open his medical military issue to himself,"Balladanis replied,"His health is none of your business concern whatsoever. Please continue, Mr. Potter."

"After lusterlessness left, I wanted to be sure Malfoy was n't going to go tell the hale schoolhouse about lustrelessness 's lycanthropy,"Albus explained,"And I guess we just wound up dueling."

"Just hurt up dueling ?"Malfoy scoffed,"You had your wand on me."

"You sent the first hex,"Albus muttered.

"Do you have anything to add, Mr. Brickston ?"Balladanis asked.

"No,"lavatory replied,"Albus is telling the truth."

"Very well,"Balladanis replied,"I see this matter goes much boost than a affaire d'honneur. All three of you will take in four nights'detention starting tonight at eight. Each of you have lost ten points from your several houses.

"However, I am taking all three of you to see the headmaster. There are matter more important to discourse than custody,"Balladanis said as he stood up.

Albus knew replete well what Balladanis was insinuating. He and St. John the Apostle said zero as they followed Balladanis to Kendrick 's discipline. Malfoy walked a few feet behind them.

Albus had n't been to Kendrick 's work since his first twelvemonth, when he went to talk to Dumbledore 's portraiture. The position had n't changed in the slim. Everything seemed to be in the claim like place. Both Dumbledore and Snape were awake and in their portraits.

Kendrick was behind his desk writing something when they entered. He looked up curiously at them. Albus, privy, and Malfoy stood near the door while Balladanis strode forward.

"We have a problem,"Balladanis said,"These three have been dueling."

"I trust you to hand out detainment, Aplysia,"Kendrick replied,"I am busy at the moment."

"It 's not the dueling,"Balladanis said,"It 's what they were dueling about."

"And what would that be ?"Kendrick asked.

"Mr. Malfoy has discovered that Matt Eckerton is a wolfman,"Balladanis answered,"And I believe Mr. ceramist and Mr. Brickston have known for quite some time."

Kendrick dropped his quill and looked up."I 'll take this from here. I believe you have a lesson to teach."

"I believe I do,"Balladanis replied and left the room.

Kendrick conjured a few death chair and gestured for the three boy to join him at his desk. Albus sat down in the halfway chair and waited for Kendrick to start. He noticed that both Dumbledore and Snape were paying rapt attention.

"well, well,"Snape said,"Deja vu."

"Not now, Severus,"Kendrick said,"Mr. potter, perhaps you can narrate me if anyone else knows about Matt 's lycanthropy ?"

"Er, yes,"Albus replied,"rosebush Weasley, Amanda Tagger, and Kaden Dursley."

"I knew that Dursley kid knew something,"Malfoy muttered.

"Not now, Mr. Malfoy,"Kendrick said,"I 'll take to speak with them, as well as Matt. I imagine they 're all in class."

"Sir,"Albus interrupted,"I do n't call up Matt 's in class."

"You may be right,"Kendrick sighed,"Do you have any idea where he might be ?"

"Yes,"Albus answered.

"Very well. Please go find him,"Kendrick said,"And Mr. Brickston, please go find the others."

Albus nodded and he and John the Divine left the study. Albus went straight to the Marauder 's Den while bathroom went to the dungeon as Rose and Amanda would be in potions.

Matt was sitting on his bed in the piranha 's Den, staring at the wall and not moving a muscle.

"I suppose Malfoy 's told everyone,"Matt said without turning to look at Albus. His phonation was hollow.

"No,"Albus replied,"He has n't had the chance. John and I dueled him after you left. Balladanis gave us all four nights of detention and took pointedness away."

"He 'll tell everyone soon,"mat replied,"I should probably go pack. You know, I really thought I 'd get to complete schooling. That 's not even the regretful part. It 's going to be all over the Prophet. My dad 's going to lose his job again. We 'll probably experience to move to New York."

He finally turned around and looked at Albus. He no longer looked nervous. He looked absolutely terrified, yet sad at the Saami time.

"Why did Balladanis get to be such a good teacher ?"Matt groaned and laid back on the bed,"If he had been some variety of awful teacher then maybe Malfoy would n't have found out. He 's just so thorough ! He left zip out ! Even the way he described the transformation. It was so, it was just so, realistic.

"And that pudden-head anamatek !"Matt sat up and looked at Albus,"That thing looked just like me, only older. No wonder Malfoy found out."

"You 're not going to get kicked out,"Albus assured him.

"How do you roll in the hay ?"flatness shouted,"How do you really know ? I know teddy bear 's dad got to detain after Snape found out, but this is different. That was when Dumbledore was here ! Everyone says Dumbledore was barking mad. Kendrick is n't. Kendrick 's perfectly sane and he 's not going to want to deal out with this."

Albus did n't really recognise what to say to that. Everything matt said was true. Kendrick was not Dumbledore. Nobody could equate to Dumbledore.

"Kendrick wants to see you,"Albus said,"He 's got Malfoy up in his study. He wants to let the cat out of the bag to all of us. Me, John, rose, Amanda, and Kaden."

"I do n't desire to go up there,"flatness said,"I never want to see Malfoy again. I just want to stay here. Merlin, my mind is killing me."

"I think you have to go,"Albus said quietly.

"I know,"Matt groaned and got up off the bed,"This just is n't honest. I hate it. I hate this wholly matter. I do n't want to be a bloody wolfman anymore."

"I know,"Albus said, knowing just how hapless Matt was at that instant. Albus had never once heard him complain about being a loup-garou. Not when he was too tired to do anything because of the full moon or when he was laid up in the infirmary extension for days afterwards.

They walked quietly back to Kendrick 's study. Albus muttered the watchword, that he had overheard Balladanis say, to the gargoyle and they ascended into the study.

Everyone else was already there and they all turned to Albus and mat when they walked in. lustrelessness froze in home and Albus stopped and looked at him. He was staring directly at Malfoy.

"lease a seat,"Kendrick gestured to the two abandon chairs, one of which was succeeding to Malfoy's.

Albus took the seat next to Malfoy 's, but did n't look at him. Matt took the other one.

"first, I want to control you that you do not bear to pull up stakes Hogwarts,"Kendrick said to Matt,"cypher else will be finding out about your lycanthropy."

Matt did n't seem reassured by this. Malfoy looked mutinous.

"My father wo n't agree with that,"Malfoy muttered.

"Your father has no say whatsoever in which educatee I admit to this school day,"Kendrick replied,"He works in the Ministry, and may I level out that his perspective is not very high."

"matte,"Kendrick turned away from Malfoy,"Energy Department anyone else know ?"Matt shook his head."And did you tell the others, besides Mr. Malfoy, willingly ?"Kendrick continued. lusterlessness nodded.

"Very well,"Kendrick said,"And how long have they known ?"

lusterlessness seemed unable to speak. After a few moment of muteness, Kendrick turned to Albus."How long have you known, Mr. thrower ?"

"Two years,"Albus answered.

Kendrick repeated this enquiry with Rose, whoremaster, and Amanda, who all gave the Sami response as Albus. Then he moved onto Kaden and Albus suddenly remembered the Sileo Altus spell. He shared one horrified coup d'oeil with rose wine and waited for Kaden 's reply.

Kaden looked at Kendrick and then turned to Albus. His mouth was agape and he looked a little panicked.

"Are you all right, Mr. Dursley ?"Kendrick asked.

"amercement,"Kaden answered,"It 's just, well ...."

"Professor, Sir,"Rose began,"We sort of put this charm on Kaden, so he would n't severalize anyone. He can only talk about it with us. He wo n't be able-bodied to say a thing about it around you or Malfoy."

Albus braced himself for Kendrick 's response, but before the headmaster could say a word of honor, Dumbledore chuckled in his frame.

"The Sileo Altus charm,"Dumbledore smiled,"Ingenious. Who performed it ?"

"I did,"Rose answered.

"Remarkable,"Dumbledore said,"You must be an incredible hag, Miss Weasley."

"Too smart for her own good, more like it,"Snape muttered.

"That is indeed quite the amazing feat, Miss Weasley,"Kendrick said,"Can you tell apart me how long Mr. Dursley has known ?"

"About a twelvemonth,"rose wine said.

"Thank you,"Kendrick replied,"Now I have some thing to hash out with Mr. Malfoy and Mr. Eckerton in private. The rest of you may go to the Great Hall. I believe there is still a half hour or so pull up stakes of lunch."

Albus did n't really desire to leave without finding out what was going to happen to Malfoy, but he knew lustrelessness would tell him.

Matt never showed up in the Great Hall for lunch, nor did he go to Ancient rune or Charms. Albus could not concentrate on either of those course and was very happy when magical spell was over and he was capable to leave.

Wood was not very felicitous that Albus had acquired four detentions. In fact, he was livid. He spent twenty dollar bill mo telling Albus how he should n't be picking fighting with other students so close to the future Quidditch equal, especially in front of instructor'classroom. The lecture had only ended when Albus told him he was recent for Charms. Albus had run into woods in in between Ancient rune and Charms.

"What do you suppose Balladanis is going to make us do ?"can asked as they walked towards the predator 's Den.

"Have n't a clew,"Albus replied,"But whatever it is, it 's going to be bad since we have to do it with Malfoy."

"True,"trick agreed.

Rose, Kaden, and Amanda were with them. Albus wanted to go find flatness before they went to dinner. They had to wait a while for the corridor to clear out before they were actually able-bodied to get into the room, though.

mat was fast asleep on the lounge when they entered."Good thing he does n't bear detention tonight,"John Lackland pointed out.

"Yeah,"Albus agreed.

John gently shook Matt 's shoulder until he cracked his centre open."Wake up,"John said,"Or you 'll drop dinner."

"I 'm not thirsty,"Matt muttered.

"What 's Kendrick doing about Malfoy ?"Albus asked as he sat down on the other end of the couch.

"He should put that charm on him,"Kaden announced,"The one you lot put on me."

"I wish he would,"lustrelessness sighed,"All he did was secernate Malfoy how authoritative it was not to mention anything. He said telling his father would do nothing. Then he told him that if he ever did tell anyone, he would face forcing out for revealing another bookman 's medical information. But that 's it ! I mean, Malfoy did promise he would n't say anything, but who really knows ? sure, if he tells, he 'll be expelled, but that wo n't remove it back. I 'd still suffer to leave."

"As much as a git as he is,"Albus began,"I do n't think he 's going to secernate anyone if it meant he 'd be expelled. That would be the ultimate shame in the Malfoy family, besides being a Squib or marrying a Muggle or something, getting expelled and not being a fully qualified wizard. Malfoy wo n't want that."

"I guess you 're right wing,"lusterlessness sighed,"It 's just so unusual, knowing that he knows."

"I know,"Albus said,"Do you require to go eat dinner ?"

"No,"Matt shook his head,"You guys go on ahead. I 've got to place an owl to my parents, let them bonk about this."

Albus nodded."We 'll see you later, then. John and I have got detention tonight."

"Oh, right. in force luck with that,"flatness replied.

******

Balladanis 's custody was a bit anticlimactic. Albus had been expecting him to think up some really creative and taxing detainment, but instead he assigned them lines. Lines were possibly the most boring detention ever thought up, but they were preferable to cleaning the lavatory or something.

"Potter, Malfoy,"Balladanis said after they 'd been writing for ten min,"Your dueling lesson is canceled for tomorrow night due to your detention. Detention will be at nine, after my redundant assistance session, something I 'll await you to be attending, Brickston."

Balladanis said nothing more and began grading essays at his desk. He completely ignored the three boys, which Albus did n't really mind. He just wanted to get his lines done and get out of there.

"Where does he go ?"Malfoy hissed at Albus.

"What ?"Albus whispered.

"You know, on full moonlight, where does he go ?"Malfoy elaborated.

"I 'm not telling you that,"Albus muttered.

"My dad said a loup-garou used to teach here, and he got fired when everyone found out,"Malfoy drawled.

"He quit,"Albus corrected him,"He was n't fired. He was the best Defense teacher any of our parents ever had."

"Quiet !"Balladanis shouted,"I did n't say you could talk."

Albus was grateful for Balladanis 's scolding. Malfoy stopped asking questions and went back to his furrow. Albus sighed and went back to his own. How far was Malfoy going to go ? Why could n't he just be satisfied with having worked out lusterlessness 's secret ?

A half hour into their demarcation composition, when Albus was contemplating switching hands despite the fact that he wrote horribly with his right script, there was a knocking on the door. Albus looked up and saw Professor Kendrick standing in the doorway, along with none other than flatness 's dad. Albus set down his quill and turned to John. lav had set down his own quill.

"Who 's that ?"Malfoy asked.

"Shush !"Albus hissed. The last thing they needed was for Balladanis to remember they were there and order them to get out so he could have whatever conversation he was about to have in private.

"genus Tethus,"Kendrick said quietly,"This is Walter Eckerton."

"We 've met,"Balladanis muttered.

Albus turned again to privy. Matt 's dad knew Balladanis ? How ? flatness had never mentioned that before.

"That 's his dad ?"Malfoy whispered.

"Shush !"Albus said again.

"I wish to mouth to you about what happened earlier today,"Matt 's dad said quietly.

"What about it, Eckerton ?"Balladanis asked.

"My son told me about your object lesson,"Mr. Eckerton said,"How, informative they are."

"I teach my scholarly person what they 'll need to know in parliamentary law to defend themselves,"Balladanis replied.

"I think you go too far with that,"Mr. Eckerton disagreed,"Falco columbarius, showing them exactly what a werewolf looks like before a transmutation with an anamatek ? Do you pull in how dangerous those are ?"

"Of course,"Balladanis said, raising his spokesperson a bit,"You 're not the only expert on witching tool. I have perfect ascendancy over my anamatek."

"Nobody has complete controller over an anamatek !"Mr. Eckerton said.

"The schoolmaster has already told me I 'm not allowed to use it anymore, so you really do n't necessitate to be lecturing me about this,"Balladanis seethed.

"Oh, it 's not only that,"Mr. Eckerton stepped a bit closer to Balladanis,"It 's how lots you taught the third days about werewolves. The item about their shift, how to foot one out of the full general population, what happens before, during, and after transformations. Your lesson was far more detailed than a third year textbook book."

"You 'd find that all my lessons are like that,"Balladanis replied,"Text books do not sacrifice enough details."

"I think giving enough details about identifying a loup-garou so that a thirdly year would be able to work out that someone not even in their same house is one is going too far,"Mr. Eckerton seethed,"You knew about my son. You should have got been a bit more cautious with your lesson."

"withholding entropy from an entire class because of one educatee is not a good method of teaching,"Balladanis countered.

"It is when it could be dangerous for that one student,"Mr. Eckerton said,"Fan of the greatest trade good for the greatest figure, are we ?"

"There are clip when that is a upright philosophical system,"Balladanis replied.

"We 'll agree to discord, then,"Mr. Eckerton said,"But if I find that your deterrent example are putting my son in danger anymore, you may find that the Ministry is inquiring into your teaching practices."

"I 'll teach however I like,"Balladanis muttered.

Mr. Eckerton ignored this and turned to the three boys, none of whom were writing personal credit line any longer."Is that him ?"he asked.

"The one who found out ?"Kendrick replied,"Yes."

Mr. Eckerton strode over to the table Albus, John, and Malfoy were working at. He nodded hi to Albus and lav before turning to Malfoy.

"I realize the master has already gone over this with you,"Mr. Eckerton began,"But I feel the need to retell that there will be consequences if you make public my son 's condition."

Malfoy nodded."I know,"he muttered.

"Good,"Mr. Eckerton replied and returned to where Kendrick was standing. He turned once again to Balladanis."I 'll be returning to the castle tomorrow to research your study and classroom for the anamatek. If it is still here, I will demand it into custody."

Balladanis muttered something under his breath as Matt 's dad left the room with professor Kendrick. Albus exchanged a glimpse with John. He wanted cipher more than to leave, so he could let the cat out of the bag about what had just happened.

"That 's enough for tonight,"Balladanis barked,"Get out. Be back here tomorrow nighttime at nine."

Albus nearly spilled his ink in his haste to get up. He ran out of the room as fast as he could with privy following. Malfoy made no movement to try and tattle to them again, so they headed straight to the piranha 's Den.


A/N : Thanks to my genus Beta, Dancer of Starlight as well as all of the adorable people who have read and reviewed this ! You guys are awesome !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Albus and John burst into the predator 's Den a little while later to find that Matt and Kaden were the only when I there. matt 's boldness was covered in ash and Kaden was grinning. They were in the middle of a game of Exploding Snap.

"And that makes four win for me and none for you,"Kaden announced as he collected the lineup,"Oh, Albus, John the Evangelist ! How was your custody ? Want to act as ?"

"Not now,"Albus said hurriedly as he sat down adjacent to Matt,"Matt, did you know your dad was just here ?"

"Yeah,"Matt nodded,"When he got my owl, he wanted to go talk to Kendrick. I went with him."

"fountainhead, do you know where he went after ?"King John asked.

"Home, I guess,"mat shrugged,"Why ?"

"He and Kendrick turned up in our custody,"John said.

"He what ?"Matt replied.

"Yeah, it was really odd,"Albus said,"He came in with Kendrick and Kendrick introduced him to Balladanis. Only Balladanis said 'we 've met'. You never told us your dad knew Balladanis."

"I never knew,"Matt shrugged,"Then what happened ?"

"Your dad was really angry,"Albus continued,"He thinks Balladanis taught us too much about how to figure out if individual 's a lycanthrope and that 's why Malfoy found out. Then he told him how dangerous it was for him to use that anamatek in class-"

"Oh, yeah,"Matt said,"I told my dad about the anamatek and that 's one of the rationality he came here, to tell Kendrick about it. Kendrick 's making him get rid of it."

"Yeah, that 's what your dad said,"Albus replied,"He 's coming back to visit Balladanis 's elbow room tomorrow to make sure he got rid of it. He also said that if any of Balladanis 's teaching puts you in danger again, the Ministry 's going to enquire him."

"It 's really not a good idea to get on my dad 's bad side,"mat said,"What did Balladanis do during this ?"

"He kept saying that he was going to learn however he wanted,"Albus explained,"Honestly, he did not see happy that your dad was there. I think something happened between the two of them."

"But what ?"Matt asked,"Dad 's never mentioned him before."

"Think he 'd tell you if you asked ?"privy wondered.

"Probably,"Matt said,"I 'll owl him about it."

"Oh, and then your dad told Malfoy he 'd better not separate anyone you 're a werewolf,"John said,"He looked pretty scary, too. I do n't recall Malfoy 's going to severalise anyone."

******

It did not take very long for word to spread that Balladanis had gotten in trouble for having an anamatek. Galleons exchanged hands the next good morning at breakfast, as a few quondam scholar had bet on how long he would have it. Somehow everyone knew that Matt 's dad had showed up at Hogwarts the previous nighttime and informed Kendrick about it.

Kaden had Defense that morning and reported to Albus at lunch that Balladanis was even stricter than usual and seemed incredibly angry. That did not bode well for Albus 's custody that evening.

"He 's downright scary,"Kaden said as he piled steak and kidney pie onto his crustal plate,"Yelled at one of the Ravenclaws in my class for spilling her ink. She was nearly in weeping. But I 'd hate to be in your class, Albus, he 's going to be brutal. I mean, it 's pretty much because of matte that he got in trouble."

lusterlessness had gone up to the piranha 's Den after they got out of Herbology since he felt ill and was n't in lunch. Albus knew that Kaden was mighty. Balladanis was going to take this out on lustrelessness, and possibly Malfoy as well.

"I do n't know why he cares so practically,"John shrugged,"I mean, the Ministry could get just taken that thing away. He 's prosperous he just had to claim it back to his theatre or whatever."

"I do n't think he likes the political science,"Albus said,"That 's the feeling I got after listening to him talk about what he did before teaching here. I think that 's why he did that, instead of becoming an Auror."

"fountainhead, I think it 's a good idea for the Ministry to make up him take that affair home,"John said.

"Me, too,"Albus agreed,"I mean, he could 've turned it into a manticora next."

Kaden went to class after lunch while Albus and lav went up to the vulture 's Den with Rose and Amanda.

"Think he 's owled his dad yet ?"bathroom asked as he gestured to Matt, who was asleep in his bed.

"incertitude it,"Albus said,"He 's probably been asleep since he got up here."

"Merlin, I just want to experience what happened between his dad and Balladanis,"John groaned.

"You 're so impatient,"Rose commented,"Just let him sleep."

"I was n't going to inflame him up,"John muttered.

The remainder of the good afternoon passed by quickly. Albus was dreading his detention later and John complained loudly about how he had to go to the duplicate help sitting about wolfman when he already knew so lots about them.

Albus woke Matt up shortly before dinner party and he looked much worse than he usually did the day of full lunation. They all escorted him to the hospital annex, where madam Pomfrey rushed him into bed.

Just as they were about to get out the hospital annexe, the door opened and in take the air Matt 's dad. Albus assumed he was there to check if Balladanis had gotten rid of his anamatek.

Saint John nudged Albus."We should ask him about Balladanis,"bathroom whispered.

"He 's not going to recount us now,"Albus muttered back,"Look at him."

Mr. Eckerton looked tired out and incredibly worried. He nodded to Albus and the others before rushing over to Matt 's bed and talking to Madam Pomfrey in hushed whispers.

As it turned out, Albus had been worrying about the custody for naught. He entered the room before Malfoy and lav was already doing his lines. Balladanis said absolutely nothing to Albus as he handed him parchment. Malfoy arrived a niggling while later and still Balladanis said nothing.

Malfoy did not sing either. He did not ask anything about flatness and did n't even comment that the total moon was that night.

Balladanis let them leave at half past ten. Albus and john found Kaden in the Marauder 's Den and spent the remaining clock time left until Astronomy playing Exploding Snap and ace 's Chess.

"Why, why do we have to have this class with the Slytherins ?"John groaned as they made their way to the Astronomy column,"If Malfoy does n't make a unity remark about the full moon, I 'll eat an entire cauldron."

"I 'm going to harbour you to that,"Albus laughed,"But I do n't think you 'll make to."

Malfoy went so far as to actually set his scope up next to Albus 's. Professor Polo spent ten minute of arc telling them that they were to diagram the posture of Mars, Venus, the lunar month, and a handful of star before turning them turn a loss to actually do so.

"The moon is so bright,"Malfoy whispered,"And big and ... full-of-the-moon ...."

Albus looked at can."Looks like I wo n't be eating my cauldron tonight,"John muttered.

"Just shut it, Malfoy,"Albus said.

"Is n't his dad the Head of the section for the regularisation and ascendancy of Magical Creatures ? Yeah, he must be, because he 's the one who made Balladanis get rid of the anamatek. Ca n't say I 'm really upset about that,"Malfoy said quietly,"But how ironic."

"Just stop talking about it,"Albus muttered.

"Oh, arrive on, ceramicist. Even you have to appreciate the sarcasm,"Malfoy said.

"Will you just keep out up,"Albus seethed.

"tranquillity over there,"Polo said.

Malfoy smirked at Albus one more prison term before going back to his telescope. The ease of the lesson passed without anymore commentary from Malfoy and Albus was quite felicitous when he was able to repay to his dormitory.

******

"It 's like back in initiatory year,"Albus sighed,"Remember when lady Pomfrey locked the hospital annexe ?"

"That 's why this is bad !"Rose said.

"Well, she did n't lock us out this time,"John pointed out.

"She did n't exactly let us in either,"Kaden said.

Albus and his friends had slept late on Saturday morning and after grabbing a quick bite to eat, had gone to visit lusterlessness in the hospital wing. Madam Pomfrey had n't let them in. They were currently in the Marauder 's Den, trying to figure out why.

"She always lets us in,"whoremaster groaned.

"He obviously had a really bad night,"Albus said quietly.

"Yeah, but why ?"rose wine wondered.

"Have n't you noticed that the full moons have been worse the past few months ?"Albus asked,"He 's been taking longer to recover."

"I wish he 'd just let us suit Animagi,"John muttered.

"whoremonger, I honestly do n't call up you could suit an Animagus,"blush wine replied,"You 'd curve up with a permanent fag end affixed to your arse."

"That would n't be that bad,"John grinned,"Always thought it would be cool to have a tail."

"You 're not helping,"Albus sighed,"What are we going to do ?"

"I think all we can do is just keep going back to the infirmary fender,"St. John the Apostle shrugged,"Until Madam Pomfrey lets us in."

Their effort proved fruitless, though. They went to the infirmary wing twice that afternoon and then powerful before Albus and John had to go to detention. Madam Pomfrey told them 'no'each time.

William Ashley Sunday, the live on day of Albus and can 's detainment, was the same. brothel keeper Pomfrey was quite livid when they showed up for the third time that day.

"cipher 's changed !"she shouted,"Come back tomorrow eventide ! I 'll give the lot of you detention if you come back any in the first place than that !"

With that, she strode back into the Aaron Montgomery Ward and slammed the doorway."Can she even give detention ?"Kaden asked.

"I dunno,"Albus shrugged,"I would n't put it past her."

Albus and lav broke away from the group to dispatch their finis detention. Balladanis gave them lines, just like he had the past three nights. Albus sat quietly completing them, very grateful for the fact that Malfoy had n't said two words to him since Astronomy.

"You may stop,"Balladanis said quietly after they 'd been writing for about an hour and a half.

Albus threw his quill down and leaned back in his chair. Finally, it was over.

"I hope you learned something,"Balladanis said, which shocked Albus. He had been expecting Balladanis to extend his silence."If I catch any of you dueling in the corridors again, the consequences will be much more severe than hold and lost points.

"Mr. Potter and Mr. Malfoy, I have given groovy thought to whether I should go forward giving you extra lesson. I have decided to make you one to a greater extent chance. deterrent example will continue this Fri at their convention time. However, if either of you disregard my regulation again, I will no longer moderate them. You may go. I 'll see all three of you in course of instruction on Tuesday."

"Merlin, I 'm beaming that 's over,"Saint John the Apostle muttered to Albus once they were on their way to Gryffindor Tower.

"Me too,"Albus agreed,"He 's going to be awful in class, though."

"Yeah, ca n't say I 'm looking forward to that,"John said.

Albus could n't concentrate at all in his socio-economic class the next day. All he wanted to do was go to the hospital extension and find out out how Matt was, but ma'am Pomfrey insisted that they wait until evening.

rose and Amanda ate dinner with Linda, but they met Albus, John, and Kaden near the infirmary annex afterwards. They had all eaten a very rush along dinner party due to Albus 's Quidditch practice at seven.

Albus cautiously opened the room access to the infirmary annexe, half expecting Madam Pomfrey to yell at them again. He walked quietly inside, followed the the others. Madam Pomfrey was sitting at her desk and she visibly sighed when she noticed them.

"Go ahead,"she gestured to the only absorb bed, which had the curtains pulled around it.

Albus rushed over to the bed and yanked the drape back. Matt looked eat up and there was a rather large bandage wrapped around his head.

"I was wondering when you 'd derive visit me,"Matt gave them a half smile.

"We 've been trying !"John said,"madam Pomfrey has n't let us !"

"I know,"flatness smirked,"I 've heard her call at you. It 's kind of amusing."

"Well, we 're here now,"Albus said,"How are you ? Why did n't Madam Pomfrey let us follow visit ?"

"Because I did n't awake up until yesterday good afternoon,"Matt answered.

"But that was-"John began.

"Nearly two twenty-four hours later ?"Matt cut him off,"I know."

"But why ?"rose wine asked.

"A bunch of things, really,"lusterlessness sighed,"first, I was worried about Malfoy telling everyone and it 's always worse when I 'm care about something. Second, I hit my head really hard at some point that Nox. It still hurts. third, the transformations in full general are getting worse, because I 'm getting older."

That thought certainly had n't crossed Albus 's idea. Albus and all his friends were obviously getting honest-to-god and that brought plenty of variety, but he had n't even thought about how the wolf would shift when mat got older.

"So, are all of the full-of-the-moon moons going to be this bad now ?"Kaden asked.

"No,"Matt shook his school principal and then winced,"I mean, I do n't really know what 'll occur in the future, but this one was just a combination of bad things."

"That 's respectable, I guess,"Albus shrugged,"When do you get to will ?"

"Tomorrow dark at the other,"lustrelessness sighed,"Although that means I 'll miss Defense."

"regard I could overleap Defense,"whoremaster muttered,"Speaking of Defense, did you owl your dad yet ?"

"toilet, he just woke up yesterday,"pink wine pointed out.

"I did n't owl him,"Matt said,"But he came to see me earliest and I asked him."

"Brilliant,"John grinned,"And ?"

"And,"Matt said,"He told me all about it. He told me Balladanis was a Presuler and was really surprised that I already knew.

"Apparently, back when my dad had just been appointed Head of the section for the Regulation and Control of Magical fauna in Commonwealth of Australia, he hired Balladanis to catch a band of vampires who were attacking Muggles on the outback. Balladanis caught them, but he thought Dad went too well-situated on them."

"What did he do to them ?"John asked.

"Sent them to prison. I think they got 20 years. Balladanis thought they should get gotten spirit condemnation. Dad and Balladanis got into this immense argument at the Ministry about it and Balladanis stormed out. The Australian Ministry did n't lease him after that,"flatness explained,"Although, I 'll bet Balladanis and Lubar would consort on punishments. I wonder if he 's hired Balladanis."

"That explains a lot,"Albus said,"Did your dad say anything else about him ?"

"No, not really,"matte replied,"Just that he 's got a lot of topic. Oh, and he wanted me to monish you not to listen to everything Balladanis says during those dueling example you 've got."

"I 'm not going to,"Albus assured him,"I think we 've all seen a different side of Balladanis during the preceding week."

******

Tues morning dawned quickly and Albus trudged to Defense with privy. Neither of them really knew what class would be like, but judging from what he heard about recent Defense family in the common room, it would n't be fun.

Malfoy was back to his smug self now that detention was over. He sat next to Goyle wearing a smirk on his nerve. Albus ignored him and went to his usual table.

Balladanis stormed into the room a few minutes later. He waved his wand at the door and it slammed shut with a bang loud enough that it caused the Jordan-Bell twins, who had been sitting closemouthed to it, to jump.

"passport your homework questions forward,"he growled.

Albus handed his preparation to the table in straw man of him and waited for Balladanis to collect it. He paused in nominal head of the table in front of Albus's.

"Potter,"he began,"You can tell Eckerton that his preparation is late and therefore I will not swallow it. If he wished to get citation for it, he could have graced us with his presence."

Malfoy snorted at this, earning him public eye from both Albus and Balladanis. Balaldanis tossed the preparation unceremoniously onto his desk and then turned back to his students.

"wolfbane potion,"he barked,"Was created by a man by the name of King Oliver Belby. He finished the creation in 1991. For most werewolves, the potion was a lifesaver. Who can explain what it does ?"

nonentity, not even Rose and Linda, raised their hands. Albus stared down at his desk, hoping that Balladanis would n't call on him.

"cipher ?"he said,"Pity. Wolfsbane potion renders a lycanthrope harmless during wax moons. The loup-garou turns into a wolf, but a harmless one. One that will just sleep until the moon sets and will not accept the urge to seize with teeth and kill.

"The potion is a life ring to those plagued with lycanthropy. I had been hoping to indicate you what a werewolf would await like on Wolfsbane potion, but my anamatek has been banned from the castle,"Balladanis said with spite,"Therefore you will have to go without the visual. It seems that certain parents, Ministry officials, and the master do not approve of my method of teaching. Unfortunately, it is all of you who are suffering for it."

"I would n't name it suffering,"King John muttered.

"Quiet, Brickston !"Balladanis shouted,"Unless you have something to add to the class."

"No, sir,"John replied.

"good,"Balladanis muttered,"Anyway, the anamatek will not be making anymore coming into court in this classroom and your didactics is going to suffer for it. nothing, and I repeat nothing can replace helping hand on training."

Albus usually agreed with that, but he drew the line at having what was in marrow a live mantiger in front of him. There were some times when reading sufficed.

The lesson continued with Balladanis talking about Aconitum lycoctonum. He spoke about how the potion does n't go for all lycanthrope and Albus found his intellect drifting. All in all, the lesson had n't been as bad as he 'd been expecting. Besides his brief rant about his anamatek being banned from the castle, he had been pretty normal. Normal for Balladanis, that is.

"Next lesson will be the death on werewolf,"Balladanis announced at the end of class,"We will watch about lycanthropy 's effect on children."

Albus groaned inwardly. flatness would be out of the infirmary backstage by then. Why could n't Balladanis just finish the werewolf unit of measurement already ?

"He wo n't be back adjacent year,"John muttered as they walked to Herbology.

"I do n't doubt that,"Albus replied,"I just wonder who we 're going to get instead."


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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


"Place your stakes here !"Fred shouted the next day as he walked around the mutual room.

Albus had just climbed through the portrait jam with Georgia and James after a particularly unmanageable Quidditch praxis. Wood was getting them prepared for the match against New York, which was to admit place in a footling over a week.

"Peach State, Henry James, Albus !"Fred greeted them,"Care to place a bet ?"

"What are you taking stakes about ?"Empire State of the South asked tiredly,"And if you keep betting on clobber, your mum is bound to retrieve out."

"She wo n't care,"Fred shrugged. He was probably mightily. Albus 's aunty Alicia was the to the lowest degree strict out of all of his aunts. She 'd probably place a bet with Fred.

"You 'd just improve hope Grandma does n't notice out,"GA smirked.

Fred looked momentarily horrorstruck and Albus could n't fault him. mollie Weasley would probably send him a howler if she knew he was gambling.

"She wo n't unless you tell her,"Fred muttered,"And Heather and I are taking stakes on how much foresightful Balladanis is going to final. Care to hold a guess ?"

"I suppose,"Georgia said as she pulled out some gold,"Two Galleons says he 's gone in a week. I heard he had three number 1 days in bust today."

"He nearly had half of my stratum in crying,"Fred said as he took Empire State of the South 's amber,"King James, Al ?"

"trio Galleons says he 's gone in two weeks,"St. James the Apostle said as he tossed Fred some atomic number 79 and then left to go feel his friends.

"Nope,"Albus shook his head.

"wooing yourself,"Fred shrugged and continued his walk around the common room,"bet here, place your stake !"

Albus found his champion crowded around their common table in the coarse room. Linda was with them. All three missy were working on homework. whoremaster and Kaden were trading Chocolate Frog cards.

"Fred 's going to get himself in trouble,"rosebush muttered as Albus sat down,"You did n't bet anything, did you ?"

"No,"Albus shook his headway,"How about you lot ?"

"I bet ten Sickles he wo n't last the yr,"John said.

"You should know exactly when he 'll leave, what with your taking Divination,"Rose smirked.

"Divination 's a joke,"whoremonger muttered,"I ca n't wait to drop it after fifth year."

"Told you so,"blush wine grinned,"Sick of making up hooey ?"

"It 's just so pointless,"King John groaned,"We 're still doing crystal balls. I just recount her that I see myself dying anytime she asks and it keeps her happy."

"That 's why I 'm not taking fortune telling,"Kaden announced,"Bloody waste of a class."

Kaden had chosen his course of study for next class a few day prior. He decided on caution of Magical Creatures, Ancient Runes, and Arithmancy.

"Easy homework, though,"john sighed,"I just keep reminding myself about that."

"What 's got easy prep ?"matte asked as he sat down in the professorship adjacent to John Lackland 's. He looked a bit better than he had the old day, but still fall apart out.

"Pomfrey finally let you out ?"privy asked,"And we 're talking about Divination."

"Yeah, just in time for defense reaction tomorrow,"Matt groaned,"I 'm tempt to use a Fainting Fancy to get out of it."

"I think half the first twelvemonth are going to do that on Friday,"Kaden said,"I overheard them talking. Apparently Balladanis completely flipped out on one of them today, all over one incomplete prep question. Made her cry."

"That 's what Georgia was saying,"Albus replied,"brand me want to use a Fainting Fancy. Two workweek. I know I did n't bet on it, but that 's really all I 'd return him."

******

John filled his scoop with vomit Pastilles before he set off to Defense the future break of day. Albus did n't bother. His curiosity always trumped his dislike for certain division. He 'd rather be there and fuck exactly what Balladanis was doing.

"loup-garou,"Balladanis said as soon as the Alexander Bell rang,"When the full term is used, most people conjure up images of lonely adult, condemned to a miserable life that revolves around the moon.

"However, there is a whole grouping of werewolves that are mostly overlooked. Children. Ah, yes, children do get attacked by lycanthrope. Very few survive. Found by their parents when it is too tardily. Even fewer survive the initial transformation. Werewolf translation, as you have learned, are incredibly taxing, both physically and emotionally. Very few kid are strong enough to make up it through."

Balladanis paused and began to pace the room."Parents are faced with a decision after their tyke is bitten. They have three pick. issue one, they can carry on with it. Deal with the monthly transformations and try and nominate life as rule as possible for the child. act two, they can empty their nestling. military unit them to hold out with a wild ingroup of werewolves, to grow up to kill. However, there is a third base option. Does anyone care to hazard as to what it is ?"

Nobody raised their helping hand. Balladanis looked at his class until his center rested on matt. A very creepy smirk appeared on his face.

"Mr. Eckerton, care to tell us ?"Balladanis asked.

Albus, who had been trying hard not to look at Matt throughout the lesson, stole a quick glimpse at him. He was staring at the desk, quill feather in hand, shaking slightly.

"N-no,"mat stuttered.

"Very well,"Balladanis smirked,"The third pick is to put the child down. Not a pleasant option, but one that a few parents select anyway. This selection used to be readily suggested by Healers, but has now become quite controversial. It is not suggested very often anymore.

"Parents who choose the first option, to bear on to raise their tiddler, are in for a very ruffianly life. Werewolf small fry are unmanageable to raise. It is a huge registration for parents and sibling if there are any. The bite affects the unanimous syndicate. It changes life history, it can rip families apart."

Balladanis continued droning on and on about how lycanthropy affects children and Albus looked again at Matt. His hand was shaking even harder and his face was as albumen as it had been when he had dressed up as a ghost.

Albus shared a look with John and john reached into his pouch. He slid a disgorgement pastil across the mesa towards Albus and then slid one to Matt. Albus quietly unwrapped it and then waited until Balladanis had looked away to shove it into his mouth. John and Matt did the same. Albus clutched his abdomen as the sweet began to take affect.

"Lycanthropic minor rarely, if ever, get to look school,"Balladanis droned.

"Sir !"John shouted,"I do n't find so well. May I go to the infirmary Wing ?"

"I do n't feel too well either,"Albus added.

"Shut it, you two,"Balladanis shouted,"And no you may not go to the-"

Balladanis was cut off by the speech sound of all three boys vomiting at the like time. Albus leaned over his table and vomited right onto the floor. The social class erupted into vociferation and Balladanis tried to keep order.

"Fine !"he seethed,"Get to the Hospital annexe, all three of you !"

Albus resisted the urge to cat again as he ran for the threshold. lustrelessness and John followed. All three of them shoved the orange end of the sweets into their oral fissure as soon as they shut the door behind them. The affect was instantaneous. Albus immediately felt better.

"The man 's wickedness !"Saint John shouted,"How could he teach that ?"

"Not here,"Matt muttered and took off down the corridor.

None of them said anything else until they reached the Marauder 's Den."As I was saying,"John began,"What is wrong with that chap ?"

"I think a lot of things,"Albus muttered,"He 's a raving lunatic."

"He 's only doing it because you 're in the class,"John said to matte as he paced around the elbow room,"None of what he said today is actually in the book. I mean, did you scan the book ? There 's not often in there that Balladanis has actually taught !"

"He hates me because my dad made him get rid of his stupid anamatek,"Matt muttered.

"But it started before that,"Albus pointed out,"He wants to progress to you miserable because of what your dad did with those vampire year ago."

"It 's just not average,"lustrelessness groaned,"I mean, did you listen to what he was talking about ?"

"It was hard not to,"Albus sighed,"Is it true ?"

"Yes,"Matt said quietly,"And before you ask, one of the healer did suggest that to my parents."

Albus suddenly felt more sick than he had when he ate the Puking pastil. How could a therapist, someone whose job it was to piss people intelligent, actually suggest that to a child 's parents ?

"Seriously ?"John asked,"What happened after they asked ?"

"My dad and my Uncle Jack hexed him at the Saami clock time,"mat gave them a half-smile,"Put him in his own hospital bed for two days."

"You know, I 'd really like to meet your Uncle Jack,"John grinned,"He sounds like a great bloke."

"He is,"flatness smiled,"He would 've hexed Balladanis quite a piece ago if he were here."

"But he 's not,"John sighed,"So what are we going to do about this ?"

"I 'm sending an owl to my dad,"matt said as he stood up,"You two are n't going to induce to do anything."

"Three days,"trick said after lusterlessness left,"I give Balladanis three more days."

******

"Your dad certainly does n't waste any fourth dimension,"Rose said to mat as she unfolded her transcript of the prophesier the side by side morn at breakfast.

Albus leaned over and read the paper over Rose 's shoulder.

HOGWARTS professor TO BE INVESTIGATED BY MINISTRY
The Department of Magical Education received an inquiry
late yesterday afternoon, requesting an investigating
of Hogwarts defense mechanism Against the shadow artistic creation professor,
Tethys Balladanis. The query was submitted by none
other than the newly appointed caput of the Department
for the ordinance and Control of Magical animal,
Walter Eckerton, whose fourteen-year-old son currently
attends Hogwarts.

Professor Aplysia Balladanis has been teaching United States Department of Defense at
the schooltime since Sep, when he replaced read/write head Auror
Harry Potter. Potter had taught the discipline for two
days and wished to focus solely on his Auror vocation,
resulting in his resignation at the end of live school
year.

The impending investigating comes as hardly a surprise.
Earlier this week Walter Eckerton visited Hogwarts
after receiving a tip that Balladanis was holding an
anamatek in his classroom. This proved to be true and
Eckerton ordered him to remove it. The anamatek was
legally in Balladanis 's possession, so all he had to
do was remove it from schooltime premises. Eckerton told
newsman that Balladanis complied.

However, Eckerton has claimed that the professor
repeatedly put scholar in danger and humiliated them
in front of their classmates.

'It 's not just the anamatek ,'Eckerton told reporters,
'I 'm filing this research as a parent, not as a Ministry
functionary. First and foremost, I wish to protect my son .'

The investigation will begin today and be carried out
by official from the section of Magical breeding,
a department that was set up for this function after
the downfall of Maker Voldemort. official will visit
the school and interview both scholar and staff as
a parting of their investigation.

Tethys Balladanis will stay to teach defensive measure Against
the night artistic production during this time.

"He 's still going to teach ?"John said incredulously after he finished reading the article.

"I 'm not going to Department of Defense anymore,"matte said,"Not until he 's gone."

"They ca n't barricade him from teaching until they do the investigating,"Rose explained,"Only Kendrick can discontinue him from teaching at the moment."

"Then why does n't Kendrick do that ?"Albus asked as he looked up at the staff table.

Kendrick was talking with Neville and there was a written matter of the Prophet laying between them. Balladanis was not present.

"I do n't sleep with,"rose said quietly,"But defensive structure is just going to get worse."

"Which is why I 'm not going,"Matt said adamantly.

For once, Rose did not chastise him about skipping family. Albus could n't blame him. He himself was half tempted to skip over, but he knew his curiosity would get the comfortably of him.

"Somehow, I do n't think you 'll own the fortune to skip,"Rose muttered,"We do n't accept Defense until Tuesday."

"Excellent,"John Lackland grinned,"Now I wo n't possess to do that werewolf essay."

"I never said that,"rosebush replied,"You still ought to do it, just in case."

"facial expression, Kendrick 's getting up,"Kaden pointed to the staff table.

"May I have your attention !"Kendrick shouted and the chatter in the hall immediately ceased,"Thank you. I trust by now that you 've all either read or take heed about the article on the face Thomas Nelson Page of the Prophet.

"Ministry officials will be visiting the school today and tomorrow to conduct their investigation. They will be selecting students to consultation. If you are selected, I advise you to answer their questions truthfully.

"As of right hand now, Professor Balladanis is still your teacher, therefore you need to handle him with deference and see his classes. This is, at the instant, an investigation and nothing more. Now, you 'd best be off to class."

"Albus,"Rose whispered as they made their way out of the Great dorm to History of Magic,"You 're not going to that dueling moral tonight, are you ?"

"I dunno,"Albus shrugged. He had n't really thought about it until then.

"I do n't guess you should,"rose wine told him.

Albus nodded. He did n't desire to go, but he also did n't want to find out what Balladanis would do when Albus did n't show up up that evening.

nobody fell asleep during history of illusion. It must take been a new record, one that was previously set back when Binns was still awake. However, the lack of fatigue was not due to Binns 's lecture. No, that was just as boring as common. The educatee remained awake because they were talking about Balladanis. The classroom was filled with the hushed whispers of the Gryffindor and Ravenclaw third base age and Binns droned on without seeming to notice.

There were only six students in the castle who knew the specific reason why matt 's dad had submitted that inquiry. Albus, Rose, John, Amanda, Kaden, and Matt himself. Seven, if you counted Malfoy, but even Malfoy did not jazz that it had been Balladanis 's lecture on lycanthropic children that pushed Mr. Eckerton to submit the inquiry.

Everyone else speculated. About half the school day put the blame on the anamatek, even though Matt 's dad had come out and said that was n't the real grounds. The prophet had only glazed over the reasonableness, not getting into specifics. The Hogwarts students wanted specifics. They wanted to know what had pushed Matt 's dad to relegate an inquiry when none of their parents seemed fazed.

The intellect the scholarly person fabricated ranged from plausible to unconscionable. A few one-seventh yr, mainly Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws, speculated that Balladanis had gotten a bit overenthusiastic with his redundant help Roger Huntington Sessions and perhaps used Matt as an example of somebody who did not have the skills to defeat dingy wizards. coalesce that with an overprotective parent ( what the 7th long time claimed lusterlessness 's dad to be, which was not actually an overstatement ), and the investigation was born. They believed that the investigation would blow over and within two weeks everything would be back to normal, with Balladanis still teaching.

A few overexcited first years were the on the opposite slope of the spectrum. They believed that Balladanis had let a chimaera loose in his classroom while teaching the Gryffindor and Slytherin thirdly old age. Apparently they overlooked the fact that nobody had turned up spite after class and the fact that Balladanis would have been sacked immediately if that had actually been the case.

Matt had become somewhat of a famous person inside the Hogwarts bulwark. There was n't a unmarried soul, living, ghost, or portraiture, who did n't know it was his dad who launched the inquiry. He was stopped no lupus erythematosus than six times on the way from History of legerdemain to Herbology by people wanting to screw the details of the inquiry. It was something Albus could tell lustrelessness was extremely uncomfortable with.

"Merlin, when will they ascertain that I do n't desire to spill about it !"lustrelessness groaned as they made their way back to the castling after Herbology. Two Ravenclaw mo years had just run up to lusterlessness, demanding to live why his dad wanted to get Balladanis sacked. Apparently they actually liked him.

"You should just resist up on the Gryffindor table and make an announcement during tiffin,"John suggested.

"Definitely not,"flatness said,"I 'm just glad we do n't get social class this afternoon."

"Me, too,"Albus agreed,"Hey, look, I bet those are the investigators."Albus pointed to three official looking people striding up towards the castle. There were two enchantress and a wizard.

"Probably,"John said,"I wonder who they 're going to interview ?"

"Ten Galleons says they interview me,"Matt replied,"And probably Albus since he 's had all those common soldier lessons."

"Let 's just hope they do n't interview those two Ravenclaws,"John said.

Albus, Matt, and John continued their trek to the Great Hall, where they ate a very profligate tiffin. None of them wanted to stay very long since everyone was still asking matt about the inquiry. After they finished, the boys went to Gryffindor column to deposit their bags before going to the vulture 's Den to put off their homework.

The common room was mostly discharge when they arrived, but Albus spotted Lily, Victor Hugo, and Ashtyn sitting around one of the tabular array.

"Do n't you three have social class now ?"Albus asked, feeling very much like Rose.

"Yes,"Lily muttered,"We 've got DoD and we 're skipping. Do n't say anything about it. There 's nada you can do to make me go, so do n't even try."

"I was n't going to,"Albus assured her,"Was n't it your category where Balladanis made someone cry ?"

"That 's why we 're not going,"Ashtyn replied,"And we do n't care if we get custody either. Oh, and trick, you 'd better not separate Mum."

"I wo n't,"John said,"The three of us used Puking Pastilles to get out of defense lawyers yesterday."

"You should have just skipped from the first,"Ashtyn told them.

"Well, you three enjoy your skipping,"Albus said as he continued to his dormitory.

"Oh, conceive me, we will,"Lily grinned.

The boys quickly stowed their old bag in their dormitory and set off for the Maruader 's Den. Albus climbed out of the portraiture hole and ran straight into Gabriella.

"There you are, Al !"Gabriella exclaimed,"I 've been looking for you. Kendrick wants to see you in his field of study. Oh, cling on."Gabriella consulted the piece of music of parchment she was holding."He wants to see Matt, too."

"Looks like you two are getting interviewed,"lavatory said as Gabriella went into the common room.

"supposition so,"Albus shrugged. He really was n't surprised. Even if he had n't been receiving common soldier lessons with Balladanis, he probably would have got been interviewed. It was one of those things that happened when your father was the most famous wizard in Britain.

"I 'll see you two later, then,"John Lackland replied,"Have fun."

"Oh, yeah,"Albus rolled his eyes,"Loads."

Albus and Matt left for Kendrick 's study while John continued towards the Marauder 's Den. Albus had no idea what he was going to do while they were gone, but he would bet that John would be bored within fifteen minutes.


A/N : I hope you all enjoyed HPFF 's April mark 's Day Prank ! The faculty really outdid themselves this year. Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight, and everyone who has read and reviewed this account !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


There was another Prefect standing following to the gargoyle that concealed the entrance to Kendrick 's study. It was apparently his job to mutter the watchword to the gargoyle to allow all the students being interviewed in. He looked incredibly bored.

Albus and flatness ascended into the written report and found three early scholarly person waiting in front of Kendrick 's fill up threshold. A very bored looking Hufflepuff, who was probably in sixth or seventh twelvemonth, Scorpio Malfoy, and much to Albus 's dismay, one of those Ravenclaws they had encountered on the evidence earlier.

Albus was not at all storm to see Scorpius Malfoy there. After all, he had common soldier lessons with Balladanis as well. However, he chose to disregard Malfoy 's comportment and leaned against the wall to begin the foresighted wait.

What had been the point in sending them all to Kendrick 's subject area at the like time ? They were obviously only interviewing one individual at a sentence. Why could n't they have just summoned Albus later, when there were to a lesser extent masses waiting ?

Kendrick 's threshold opened and a pale-faced Gryffindor first twelvemonth walked out. She hurried out of the study and one of the Ministry functionary motioned for the Ravenclaw to enter.

The Ravenclaw was in Kendrick 's bailiwick for about fifteen proceedings. Then it was Malfoy 's turn. He took a bit to a greater extent clock time, but finally came out and left without so much as a coup d'oeil towards Albus and Matt.

In the tight meter, two Thomas More scholar had entered. One Albus recognized as Peyton Haines, one of the Chasers from the Slytherin Quidditch team. The other was a young Hufflepuff Albus did n't recognize.

Finally, after what must have been at to the lowest degree an hour, Albus was finally called into the room.

Kendrick was not in his study. Only the three researcher were. Albus was now able to see them up close. The one who had called him into the room was quite tall and wore a menacing glare. Her robe were perfectly pressed, without a single wrinkle, and her hair was pulled into a miserly bun. She reminded Albus of Minerva McGonagall.

The other witch was the complete opposite word. She was suddenly and quite a bit adiposis. Her frizzy brownness hair stuck up at all kind of odd Angle and she had a small pair of glasses perched on her nose.

The remaining researcher was a wizard and he was seated behind Kendrick 's desk, a quill in hand. He looked a bit bored by the intact affair. He was gazing about the room and had the look of mortal who was n't quite paying attention.

Two hoi polloi who were paying rapt attention, or should he say portraits, were Dumbledore and Snape. Both were sitting straight up and looking straight at the investigators.

The tall witch gestured for Albus to take a seat in front of the desk. Albus did so.

"My name is Katherine Torenzo and this is Lorraine Smyth,"the marvelous witch gestured to the dead enchantress,"And that is Herb Cletus. He 'll be transcribing our interview."

No admiration he was so drill, Albus thought. He did n't even get to ask any of the questions.

"Please United States Department of State your full epithet, age, year, and theatre for the record,"Torenzo said briskly.

Albus raised his brow. Would n't they already know all of that data ?

"It 's protocol, dear,"Smyth told him.

"Albus Severus Potter, thirteen, third yr, Gryffindor,"Albus answered.

"Excellent,"Torenzo replied,"Now, perhaps you can tell us what goes on in an middling deterrent example with prof Balladanis, in your own words."

"Er, all right,"Albus said,"fountainhead, he comes in and tells us all to end talking. Then he 'll hoard the homework. Oh, and you have to get the homework in on time, no matter what. He does n't take late work, even if you 've got a dependable self-justification. You could be sick in the hospital flank and he would n't require previous homework.

"Then he 'll teach us a new trance or about some new creature. Then we 'll have to perform the spell."

"What happens if you do n't do it properly ?"Smyth asked.

"He makes you do it again, and again, until you get it,"Albus answered,"If you do n't get it, he makes you go to extra avail sessions."

"Has this caused distress to any of the students in your course of instruction ?"Smyth asked.

"Not in my class, but I 've heard of early scholarly person crying because of it,"Albus answered.

"have you attended any special aid sessions ?"Torenzo asked.

"No,"Albus shook his head,"prof Balladanis has never told me I had to."

"I understand you have been given dueling lessons by him, however,"Torenzo said,"Can you tell us a bit about them ? What do they dwell of ?"

"Most times he just teaches me new while, spells that are harder than the 1 we learn in class. Scorpius Malfoy is there, too, and we duel each other with the turn,"Albus explained.

"You said 'most'times,"Smyth said,"What else does he experience you do ?"

"Er,"Albus shifted uncomfortably in his hot seat,"One prison term he had us go into his pensieve."

"Did he,"Torenzo muttered,"Please elaborate."

"We watched his parents be murdered by vampires,"Albus said after a abbreviated hesitation. He doubted Balladanis would be felicitous about this, but Kendrick had said to be truthful.

Both Torenzo and Smyth looked horrified. Cletus was writing away furiously on the parchment. Snape was smirking and Dumbledore 's facial expression had seemed to harden.

"We did n't actually see it,"Albus said quickly,"We stood outside the house as it happened. Balladanis 's parents were in the theater. Then we watched Balladanis, in the memory, run away from the firm. He was thirteen."

"And then what ?"Torenzo prodded.

"We left the pensieve. Balladanis explained what we had seen-"

"He did n't tell you ahead of time ?"Smyth asked.

"No,"Albus shook his fountainhead,"He just told us to go in the pensieve."

"Did he explain why he wanted you to see this ?"Torenzo asked.

"Yeah. He wanted to designate us why he became a Presuler,"Albus said.

"He told you he 's a Presuler ?"Torenzo raised her eyebrow.

"Yes, he thinks me and Malfoy should get Presulers,"Albus explained.

"Very well,"Torenzo said as she walked towards Albus,"I have one final doubtfulness. Would you feel comfortable if Professor Balladanis continued to learn here ?"

Albus thought about it for a present moment. Balladanis was certainly a motivated teacher and one Albus could learn a lot from. But on the other hand, he was n't the kind of star Albus felt comfy around.

"No,"Albus said quietly,"I guess not."

Torenzo nodded."Please recurrence to your green room. You are not to speak of this interview to anyone until after the investigation is completed."

Albus got up from the chair and Torenzo followed him out of the room. She called Matt in as Albus left. Albus muttered a quiet 'good luck'to him before descending from the room.

******

"Why ca n't you just separate us ?"lav lamented as the male child sat around the Marauder 's Den after dinner. Rose and Amanda were currently in the girls'residence hall with Linda, who had recently been interviewed.

"I 've told you a million time,"Albus said,"The Ministry witches said we could n't spill about the interview."

"But how would they know ?"toilet asked,"It 's not like I 'm going to go telling the whole school day about it."

"Neither will I,"Kaden added.

Albus snorted."I 'll tell you about it after Balladanis is sacked, or is n't sacked. I do n't guess it 's going to take long for them to decide."

"He 's going to be sacked,"Matt said adamantly and then turned to John the Evangelist,"You 're not going to his extra assistant session tonight, are you ?"

"Not if I was paid 20 Galleons,"John replied,"Well, ok, maybe if I was paid twenty Galleons, but not for less than ten. What about you, Albus ? Going to go to your dueling lesson ?"

Albus shrugged. He still had n't decided. What he really wanted to know was whether Malfoy was going, but he could n't very well waltz down to the dungeons, barge into the Slytherin vernacular room, and ask.

"No idea,"Albus sighed.

"Do n't go,"mat said,"If you go, I 'm going to start worrying about your sanity."

"Why would you want to go ?"Gospel According to John gave Albus a strange look.

"I might observe out something about how the investigation is going, or something,"Albus muttered.

privy opened his mouth to respond, but instead turned to the door. A loud squawking dissonance had seemed to emit from it.

"Did you hear that ?"John asked.

Albus nodded and got up from his bum. He walked over to the doorway and paused following to it. The squawking noise was repeated.

One affair Albus loved about the Marauder 's Den was that it was always very hushed. No noise could be heard from the corridor while he was inside. Albus rarely ever heard noises from the corridor, let alone squawking noises.

Albus cautiously opened the door and instead of the bizarre bird he had expected to see, rosebush was standing there with her baton out.

"Finally !"she groaned,"I thought you 'd never come to the door."

"rose wine ?"Albus asked,"What is it ? Was that squawking you ?"

"Yes,"rosiness said hurriedly,"I had to get you to come out of there. Uncle Harry 's looking for you. He 's waiting in the common room. I told him I 'd get you."

Albus turned around and told flatness, John, and Kaden, all of whom had followed him out of the way, that he would be back soon. He had no theme what his dad wanted, but it must ingest been important for him to go to the castle on a day he did n't ingest to patrol it.

Harry was sitting in one of the squashy armchairs in front line of the fire when Albus arrived. Georgia and Fred were both talking with him, most likely about Quidditch judging by their excessive use of hand gestures, but stopped abruptly when Albus entered. Harry got up and met Albus near the portraiture hole.

"Let 's lecture outside,"Harry said. Albus followed him out of the portrait maw and down the corridor a little ways.

"What were you up to just now ?"Harry asked, grinning a bit.

"zippo,"Albus shrugged truthfully.

"Well, I 'm no longer a teacher here, so I wo n't say a watchword about you causing worry, if that 's what you were doing,"Harry told him,"But anyway, what I wanted to ask you is whether you were planning on going to Professor Balladanis 's dueling moral tonight ?"

That seemed to be the question of the eve, Albus thought."I dunno,"Albus shrugged.

"I realize that the decision is completely up to you,"Harry said quietly,"But I would advise you not to go. Professor Balladanis is under a considerable sum of money of stress, of which you do n't eff the one-half of. I 'd say the chances are gamy that he may accept out this emphasis on you and Scorpius."

"Do you recognise if Malfoy 's going ?"Albus asked.

"I really have no idea,"Harry answered,"But I tend to believe he won't."

"I do n't suppose I will either,"Albus said.

"A wise decision,"Harry smiled.

Harry said good Night to Albus and then Albus went back to the Marauder 's Den. Kaden was in the heart of showing Matt and John how to make a proper paper airplane.

"What did your dad want ?"lavatory asked without looking up from the parchment he was folding.

"To tell me it was n't a ripe estimation to go to Balladanis 's lesson tonight,"Albus said as he flopped down onto the hollow couch.

"And ?"Matt asked.

"I 'm not going,"Albus answered.

"Good,"flatness replied.

"You know what was uncanny, though ?"Albus began,"My dad said Balladanis was under a lot of stress, most of which I do n't get it on about. So I 'm guessing it 's not only the investigation."

"Weird,"Kaden shook his headland,"I 'll be happy when he 's sacked."

"We do n't be intimate for sure as shooting that he 'll be sacked,"Albus pointed out,"I just like I knew what else he was stressed about."

"Maybe he 's got to battle a beautiful womanhood,"whoremaster smirked,"Remember his boggart ?"

"His boggart !"Albus shouted,"I ca n't believe I did n't put that together sooner. It was n't a beautiful woman ; it was a lamia. It 's so obvious now that we know what happened to his parents, too."

"Yeah, that does look fairly obvious,"Matt agreed,"But what 's that got to do with his stress ?"

"Probably nothing,"Albus shrugged,"I just realized it."

"You know,"John began,"This is the outset Friday we 've had to ourselves."

"You 're right,"Albus said,"What should we do ?"

"Let 's go down to the kitchens,"Kaden said.

"And spend the Night here,"Matt added,"We hardly ever do that."

They did just that. The boy snuck down to the kitchens and were given as many sweets and pud as they could channel by the star sign elves. Then they stayed up recent eating all of it and playing diverse game. Albus was even able to forget about Balladanis for a spell, something that had not happened in quite a while.

******

The Ministry officials remained a permanent fixture at Hogwarts throughout the balance of the weekend. Albus overheard a lot of students mentioning that they 'd been interviewed, including whoremonger 's first cousin Isabelle, one of the Chasers on the Ravenclaw Quidditch team, and Gabriella.

Professor Balladanis did not show up at a unity meal. In fact, he was n't seen at all throughout the weekend. Nobody saw him, which raised the question of whether he was even still in the palace.

Albus was hoping he ran for it. Got out before the Ministry had a prospect to make their decision. Albus was to a greater extent than a little anxious about going to Defense on Tuesday and hearing what Balladanis had to say about Albus 's absence from their dueling lesson.

It was on Monday morning that all the Hogwarts students knew a verdict had been reached. Professor Kendrick rose partway through the meal, something that only happened when something important happened. He was flanked by the two witches from the Ministry. The wizard was no longer there.

The Hall immediately quieted, without Kendrick even having to ask. Albus was slightly taken aback by Kendrick 's impendent declaration, since there had not been a unmarried mention of Balladanis in that morn 's Prophet.

"A determination has been reached about professor Balladanis,"Kendrick announced,"Madam Torenzo will inform you of it. The oracle has kindly agreed not to print the article about it just yet, as I wished to inform you of it first."

"He 's sacked,"John the Divine muttered,"Otherwise he 'd be at breakfast."

"Good point in time,"Albus said.

Torenzo stood up and gazed out at the educatee with a neutral look on her side."Upon wide probe of professor Balladanis 's teaching method acting and thorough interviews of take students, the Ministry has seen it fit to get rid of him from his teaching position here at Hogwarts schooling of witchcraft and wizardry. prof Balladanis packed his things late last nighttime and no longer resides in the castle. prof Kendrick will inform you about what will pass off with Defense classes for the remainder of the year. I would like to give thanks all of you for your cooperation during this time."

Torenzo sat back down and persist in eating her breakfast like nothing had happened. The Great residence hall immediately erupted into whispers, but they were quickly stopped by Kendrick.

"Defense Against the dark artistic production classes will not take plaza until farther notice. I will try and procure a suitable replacement for Professor Balladanis as quickly as possible. Until then, delight use the sentence to take for your upcoming test,"Kendrick said and then resumed his seat. He began to lecture with Torenzo and the students voices rose in the Hall.

"I knew it !"Matt exclaimed,"Charles Herbert Best news I 've heard this calendar month !"

"Yes !"Georgia shouted and then turned to Fred,"Pay up !"

"Merlin !"James groaned,"Why 'd they have to do that investigation so quickly ?"

Money began to exchange mitt throughout the Gryffindor tabular array as Fred collected and handed out Galleons.

"Do you think Kendrick 'll get hold a renewal ?"privy asked.

"Dunno,"Albus shrugged,"No one really wanted that job to get with."

"Glad I did n't do that werewolf essay,"John grinned.

"Maybe Kendrick wo n't feel a renewal,"Kaden said,"Then we 'd have one less exam."

"That would be brilliant,"John replied.

The aura in the castle for the rest of the day was incredibly pollyannaish. Hardly anyone seemed at all sad that Balladanis had left. Quite a few scholarly person asked Matt to give thanks his dad for them. It seemed that the only students upset by it were those who had lost bet because of it.

Argus Filch was another who was infelicitous. The general exhilaration of the castle caused him more work. Peeves destroyed the Department of Defense classroom in celebration ( Balladanis never liked Peeves ), James and his friends set off a few Weasley fireworks, and then there was the general mess that was associated with pupil celebrating by playing outside in the muddy grass. Plus, Moaning Myrtle flooded her bathroom when a few educatee told her that even she ought to be excited about it. Apparently she did not agree. For some odd grounds it reminded her of her death.

One someone who seemed incredibly excited was Linda. Linda who rarely showed any emotion whatsoever walked around the castle with a big smile on her cheek. Albus could only ascribe this to the fact that Balladanis had taught so extensively about vampire. But he never taunted her the way he 'd taunted Matt. Perhaps that was because his biggest fear was vampires.

There was even a political party in the Gryffindor common room that night. rosebush thought it was a little ridiculous, to celebrate the sacking of a teacher, but everyone else, including Linda, thought it was an excellent matter to celebrate.

"Just think,"St. John said,"We do n't ever have to listen to him go on and on about how bad the dark artwork are. I mean, we all know they 're bad. We all know about Voldemort and what he did."

"And that bloody anamatek,"matt added,"I could 've gone my whole lifetime without seeing one of those."

"What do you think he 's doing now ?"Rose mused.

"Maybe some Ministry hired him,"Albus said quietly,"I hope it 's some place far, like Republic of Madagascar or somewhere."

"Yeah,"flatness agreed,"I bet he 's not even in United Kingdom anymore."

"I do n't see why he 'd annoy to deposit around,"Albus replied,"I mean, he snuck out in the Night to avoid anyone seeing him."

"wishing we could 've seen him leave,"John the Divine grinned mischievously,"Would 've been nice to present him a proper send off."

"I 'm just glad it 's over,"Rose muttered,"Maybe now you lot can concentrate on exams. And maybe the castle will get back to normal."

"rule ?"Albus raised his eyebrows,"This place will never be rule. Plus, we 've got Quidditch on Saturday. It 's the lowest match before the final."

"When 's the final ?"Rose asked.

"Beginning of June, I think,"Albus answered,"Australia 's already so far ahead that they 'll be in it."

Albus, John, Matt, and Kaden all sent scathing looks at Linda, who looked down at the table.

"But if we beat New York in this match,"Albus continued,"We 'll be in it, too. So Wood is in full form this workweek. I 'm practicing every night starting tomorrow."

"Oliver Sir Henry Joseph Wood is mad,"rose wine muttered.

"Insane, but brilliant on the Quidditch delivery,"John grinned,"I would get laid to get yelled at by him during a Quidditch practice."

"Excellent,"Albus said,"You can take my place."


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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Despite the fact that he did not hold Defense Against the darkness humanistic discipline the adjacent morning, Albus was down in the Great hallway bright and early because he wanted to say Rose 's Daily oracle. Having Kendrick announce Balladanis 's discharge was one thing, reading it in the seer was entirely different.

blush wine was already there when Albus, matt, and John sat down at the Gryffindor table. Amanda and Linda were on either side of her and all three girls were reading the article. Albus drummed his fingers impatiently on the board while he waited for them to be finished. Finally, pink wine handed him the newspaper without saying a give-and-take and Albus read it, with matt and whoremonger looking over his shoulder.

HOGWARATS TEACHER REMOVED FROM spot BY MINISTRY

In an outcome that causes much of the wizarding world to recollect
back to Voldemort 's reign, Hogwarts Defense Against the night
artistry teacher, Tethys Balladanis, has been removed from his
positioning by the Ministry of illusion 's department of Magical
Education.

During Voldemort 's reign, defence reaction instructor rarely lasted more
than a year at the school, a mystery that abruptly ended when
Voldemort was defeated on May 2, 1998. Up until two years
ago, Hogwarts had had only one demurrer teacher since that
fateful May day.

Professor Torro taught at Hogwarts for twelvemonth until he was
mysteriously murdered nearly three years ago. He was
replaced by fountainhead Auror, Harry ceramicist, who is rumored to
have only taken the position after cypher else agreed to
fill it.

Harry ceramicist left the position this past fall and it was filled
by Balladanis.

Balladanis taught until two 24-hour interval ago, when he was removed
from his spatial relation. Approximately a week and a half ago, a
ill was lodged by head teacher of the Department for the
Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures, Walter Eckerton,
whose fourteen-year-old son currently attends Hogwarts.

The complaint included harsh teaching methods, the use of an
anamatek as a didactics cock, singling students out for deficiency of
skill, and embarrassing educatee in front of their peers.

An investigation by Ministry officials ensued and included
the interviewing of select students and faculty. The department
concluded their investigating late Billy Sunday evening and inform
both Balladanis and Headmaster Fabius Kendrick of their decision.
Balladanis left the castle willingly and will not be appealing the
decision. When asked for a command on the issuing, both Kendrick
and Balladanis declined.

Upon hearing the news, Bruno Walter Eckerton said ,'I am very glad
with the determination and that the investigation was concluded in
a well-timed way. I am not happy that it came to this, but I
feel that aught should be put ahead of children 's refuge .'

Hogwarts students will not attend Defense course of study until a replacement
is found. As of rightfield now, one has not been found.

"I knew they 'd stick your dad in there somehow,"John Lackland announced once they 'd finished reading.

"There was n't anything in there that we did n't already recognise,"Albus muttered,"I was hoping Balladanis would 've said something or we 'd find out what happened when he left the castle."

"Maybe he really did go quietly,"lusterlessness shrugged,"Maybe he wanted to get back to his anamatek."

"I wonder where he lives,"Amanda mused,"Think he lives in England ?"

"doubt it,"Rose answered,"Even if he did before I doubt he does now."

******

biography soon returned to normal for the Hogwarts students, as it often does after something turn on happens. Everyone talked about Balladanis the day the article was published, but soon there was zero left to say and the scholarly person focused on the approaching Quidditch friction match, which was mere days away.

Albus had an easy sentence forgetting about Balladanis due to Quidditch practice. He was out on the pitch every evening and was soon hearing Wood 's statement in his head as he fell asleep, which was something that certainly could n't be deemed normal. Albus was almost glad that the year was drawing to an end because once the tourney was over, he would n't have to dole out with Sir Henry Wood anymore. Thinking about that made Albus make that Gryffindor would have a new skipper the succeeding class since Georgia was graduating. Albus was indisputable it would be either Fred or heather, but he was n't certain which.

Albus trudged into the Great vestibule on Thursday morning sorely wishing that John had n't woken him up. They did n't have a course maiden thing, so why 'd he bother doing that ? Albus was already running on little sleep.

"I 'm going to fire up you up at five in the dawning this Saturday,"Albus muttered to John as he poured himself some pumpkin juice.

"No you wo n't, you 'll still be asleep,"bathroom grinned,"I need you to help me finish that Herbology essay that 's due today."

"That 's the reason for you waking me up ?"Albus groaned,"Why ca n't originate help you ?"

"She 's a bit sore with me right now,"John muttered.

"What did you do ?"Albus asked.

"I may or may not have accidentally set blast to her Potions tone last Night,"John said.

"And I should have to suffer because of that ?"Albus replied,"How did you carry off that anyway ?"

"It was n't an accident,"Matt put in,"Gospel According to John and Kaden were tinkering with those super strong suit dung dud last dark in the predator 's Den. They stupidly decided to do this at the table right where Rose 's distinction were. The muck bombs exploded and rose 's distinction caught fire."

"See, an accident !"John exclaimed.

"No, betise,"lusterlessness said,"You should 've done it somewhere else. Oh, Albus, I would n't suggest going in the Marauder 's Den anytime soon. It smells."

"I would n't give metre to anyway,"Albus muttered,"Quidditch practice again tonight."

"Oi, Albus !"William James shouted.

"What ?"Albus said.

"Is Dad patrolling here this week ?"Saint James asked.

"I do n't sleep together, why ?"Albus replied.

"He 's here,"St. James the Apostle pointed to the staff table.

Albus looked up and saw that his dad was talking with Neville. Except he was n't wearing his Auror robes, he was just wearing normal robe. Albus glanced back at Saint James the Apostle who shrugged.

"May I have your care ?"Kendrick announced,"Thank you. I just wish to inform you all that Harry ceramicist has kindly agreed to involve over defence reaction division for the remainder of term. Because of this, defensive measure socio-economic class will restart today."

"good thing I woke you up,"John grinned.

"conjecture you wo n't be able-bodied to finish up that essay,"Albus shot back.

"Merlin,"John muttered.

Albus was n't that surprise, nor did he care that much. He 'd already had his dad teach for two years and it had n't been bad at all. Plus, his dad was a far better teacher than Balladanis.

Albus walked with Matt and St. John to denial. rose wine was still not speaking to lav and she walked with Amanda and Linda a petty ways ahead. Albus seriously hoped that this would n't turn into what happened earlier in the year.

The intact stratum erupted in hand clapping as soon as Harry entered the elbow room and Albus noticed that this caused him to blush. Even Malfoy was clapping, albeit half-heartedly, but he was clapping nonetheless.

"Thanks,"Harry muttered,"fountainhead, I did not conceive I 'd be back here. I do have to continue with the curriculum, so I must ask that you complete the werewolf essay for succeeding Th. However, it only has to be one foot of parchment."

There was a collective groan from the total grade."Great,"Gospel According to John muttered,"I was hoping to get out of it."

"It wo n't be that hard,"matte rolled his eyes.

"But it 'll be time consuming,"John replied.

"I know, I know,"Harry smirked,"But there is a month and a half of term left and I ca n't just let you have this time to mess around."

The stratum was the most enjoyable defensive measure course the third years had had in quite a piece. Harry lectured for the entireness of the class, but it was n't wearisome. Albus did not take care in the slightest that his dad was going to be finishing out the term.

******

By the time Saturday arrived, virtually no one in the castling was talking about Professor Balladanis. Quidditch was on the forefront of everybody 's minds and the tensions ran gamy than they had all year. The resultant of this match would see who played Australia in the final.

Albus himself was not particularly worry. Hogwarts had already beaten New York once and they could easily do it again. The full team was in good health and none of the surrogate were needed. Albus was perfectly content to sit in the bandstand with his friends and just watch the match, rather than experience to play in it.

It was a warm saltation day with a slight wind and swarm cover, perfect acting conditions. Wood had spoke of the weather during the previous night 's pattern, telling the team that a great tempest had been predicted for that day. Luckily it had not appeared yet.

The match commenced with a lot of shouting and cheering from the bunch. Hogwarts scored five destination within the first fifteen minutes of the match and New York scored two. The teams remained neck in neck for the residual of the match, until James I pulled out of a dive clutching the golden snitch in his left hand.

The crowd erupted into cheerfulness and James I was soon hoisted onto the shoulders of some of the older students.

"I have an declaration to make !"Professor Kendrick shouted over the crowd,"Due to Hogwarts 's win, they will be competing against Australia in the net Quidditch match, scheduled to take place on the showtime of June !"

The usual after Quidditch party ensued in the common way and everyone rehashed their favorite region of the match. No one talked about the final match, although Albus was sure it was in the backs of everyone 's thinker. Australia seemed impossible to beat.

Once the excitement from another Quidditch win abated, the Hogwarts scholarly person seemed to realize that exams were quite near. The depository library soon became a democratic lieu to be and fifth and seventh years in particular could be seen there all hours of the day.

As the midsection of May arrived, Gabriella demanded a quiet common room in the evenings, much like her sister had two years prior. Albus and his friends spent more time in the vulture 's Den after that, usually without pink wine, Amanda, and Linda. The three girls seemed to like the quietness of the green room.

rosiness did forgive whoremaster for messing up her promissory note, but she became more strain and snappy as exams drew nearer. It was n't something that surprised Albus or anyone else because it had become a sorting of end of term tradition with Rose.

defence force lessons took a drastic turning for the near. Albus and all of his ally got perfect marks on their loup-garou essays, to the surprise of no one. After that, the classes bared no resemblance to Balladanis 's.

"Aw, Merlin !"St. John the Apostle shouted at breakfast one Friday in the eye of May. He had been reading the Prophet.

"What is it ?"Albus asked, thinking Balladanis had been reinstated as demurrer teacher or something.

"England did n't relieve oneself it into the humans Cup net,"Saint John the Apostle sighed,"They were so close."

"Who did give it ?"Albus grabbed the paper from John, suddenly remembering the tickets he 'd gotten for Christmas. He had n't picked who he was going to invite to go with him. Actually, he had n't even secernate his friends about the tickets.

"Portugal and Soviet Union,"John groaned,"Russian Federation ! They 've got a rubbish Quidditch team !"

"Obviously not,"Rose smirked,"Albus, did you break up who you 're going to admit when you go to the Cup ?"

"Wait, what ?"John gaped at Albus,"You got tag ?"

"Er, yeah, for Noel,"Albus said.

"And you did n't tell me !"John the Evangelist exclaimed.

"fountainhead, I only got one extra and I did n't experience how to pluck. I had it narrowed down to you and matte. judgment you, if you hate Russia, I 'll just peck flatness,"Albus smirked.

"No, no, I did n't say I hate Russia,"lav said quickly,"They 've just got a bad team."

"How am I supposed to pick then ?"Albus asked.

"You do n't suffer to,"lustrelessness said as he sat down side by side to Albus.

"Nice to see you wake up,"Saint John the Apostle grinned. Albus and toilet had attempted to wake Matt up before they went down to the Great residence and had no luck. The full moon was the following day, so Albus had n't even been sure if matte was going to go to class.

"Why, is the Cup a bad time of the month ?"Albus whispered.

"No,"Matt shook his header,"It 's just that my dad got tickets, so you can just commit your surplus one to John."

"Oh,"Albus grinned,"That makes things easy."

"Where is the Cup ?"Amanda asked.

"Canada,"rosiness replied.

"How are we getting there, Albus ?"John asked,"Are we going to take a Muggle airplane ?"john looked excited at that prospect.

"No mind,"Albus shrugged,"Dad might get a Portkey."

"That 's drilling,"John said.

"Wish I could go,"Kaden sighed.

"Why, do n't you not like Quidditch ?"John asked.

"It 's ok,"Kaden shrugged,"I just want to try out a Portkey."

"You 're uncanny, Kaden,"John laughed.

"So are you. plane are boring,"Kaden argued.

"I 'm with Kaden on this one,"flatness said,"I 'd take a Portkey any day."

******

Between studying for exams and Quidditch drill, Albus had no clip for anything else. He managed to shove in time to visit matte in the infirmary wing on Sunday, but only briefly before he went to Wood 's day long Quidditch practice.

The following weekend was the final match of the junior 's Dueling lodge, something Albus had been forced to leave out due to Quidditch practice. After begging Wood and a bit of service from Teddy, Albus was able to attend the final. Albus 's team won, lots to the delight of both Albus and Malfoy.

Albus had not spoken to Malfoy since the incident with Professor Balladanis. Nor had Malfoy said a word to Albus, or any of his friends. Malfoy remained mysteriously silence around the full-of-the-moon moon, not saying anything about it to either Albus or Matt. It was strange, but not something any of the son were going to complain about it.

Three days before the Quidditch final examination, the Great dorm was filled with whispering voices that reminded Albus of the day Balladanis had been sacked. transcript of the Prophet were being passed back and Forth and quite a few student looked extremely scared.

"What 's happened ?"Albus asked Rose as he sat down.

"Willinson has broken out of Azkaban,"Rose whispered, her face completely white.

"What ? !"Albus shouted as he grabbed the skinny written matter of the Prophet. flatness and John crowded around him as he read it.

AZKABAN breakout

Officials have reported that three prisoner
broke out of Azkaban late finish nighttime. It is
still unknown how it happened. Azkaban precaution
have refused to speak with newsman, and the
Ministry does not wish to unwrap data
at this time.

The names of the escaped prisoner have been
released and anyone with info reguarding
any of them are asked to contact the Ministry.

The Prophet then gave detailed data about all three of the escaped prisoners. Albus only recognized Willinson. The other two had been imprisoned for Sir Thomas More petty crimes.

"How did he get out ?"Albus wondered,"He 's an idiot !"

"I think everyone 's confused about that,"Rose said.

Any Bob Hope Albus had of getting homework done that week was gone. He was lucky he was able to concentrate on Quidditch practice. Willinson was out of Azkaban. He was galavanting about England, doing whatever he pleased. That in itself was not necessarily that bad, due to Willinson 's stupidity. If he somehow met up with his founder and Washburn, then it could be quite bad.

What worried Albus the most was the fact that he would be after the Hallows, all of which still resided somewhere in or around Hogwarts. Willinson was bound to come back, especially now that he was out of prison.

******

Before Albus knew it, the night before the Quidditch net arrived and woodwind called the team into the changing room after ending practice.

"It has been incredibly rewarding to pull off this team,"Wood said as he began to pace in front of them,"There were trouble in the source,"he paused and looked at the two Slytherins on the squad,"But I am proud to say that you came together as a squad wonderfully.

"It still amazes me that a group of educatee from all four menage can come together and play together on the same team. I am not sure this could have been done when I was in Hogwarts.

"You have all come a longsighted way over the year. You 've all made vast improvements in your skill. Quite a few of you are seventh years and I am very happy to enjoin you that there will be scouts from a couple Quidditch teams watching tomorrow 's match. I have high Hope for the lot of you, when it comes to Quidditch.

"I can not say whether we will win tomorrow. Australia is good, there is no denying that. However, I have faith in all of you. Tomorrow, go out there and collapse it your best. Now, I think you should all ferment in other and eat a right breakfast tomorrow before the peer. shift, Tyler, anything to add ?"Grant Wood turned to the boys.

Teddy and Tyler both shook their heads and woodwind instrument turned back to the team."I 'll see you all down here tomorrow. soundly night."

Wood, Teddy, and Tyler stayed behind to discuss maneuver while the team left. Albus and James were the hold up two to pull up stakes. Georgia had left with the other seventh years, excitedly discussing the prospect of scouts.

"You think Georgia 's going to sign with one of the pro team ?"Albus asked James River as they walked back to the castle.

"I 'd be surprised if she did n't,"James IV said,"I just hope it does n't hurt her chances when we lose."

"We might not recede,"Albus pointed out.

"We 're going to lose,"James muttered,"Linda 's too unspoilt of a Seeker."

Albus said nix. He wished he could just secern Henry James that Linda was a vampire. It would be so much easier.

They kept walking, each lost in their own mentation. Albus stopped abruptly when he heard a loud crack in the forest.

"What was that ?"he asked anxiously.

"Probably just a branch breaking,"James River answered.

"It was too loud,"Albus said as he looked into the forest,"It sounded like somebody Apparating in there."

"I do n't guess you can Apparate in the forest,"Epistle of James pointed out,"And it did n't vocalize that loud. You 're just tired from all the Quidditch practice."

"I guess,"Albus said as he and St. James the Apostle kept walking,"But what if it was somebody Apparating ? What if it was Willinson ?"

"You worry too lots, Al,"James groaned,"This place is filled with Aurors and Dad 's here full clip now. You 'd have to be mad to Apparate here if you 're wanted by the Ministry."

"But Willinson is stupid person enough to do that,"Albus replied.

"That 's just it,"James IV laughed,"If he 's stupid enough to do that, he 's going to get catch up with and sent back to Azkaban."

Albus nodded but he was n't reassured. Willinson may be pudden-head, but he did manage to abduct Kaden the late fountain, and he had been on the run for a year prior to that. He may be a rubbish dueler, but he was certainly practiced at not getting caught for the most part.


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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


The atm in the Great anteroom the side by side morning was unlike anything Albus had seen before. The Hogwarts team was sitting together at the Ravenclaw table, surrounded by students from all four houses. Teddy and Tyler seemed to be in the thick of it and were loudly discussing tactic.

The Aboriginal Australian squad was sitting together at the Hufflepuff tabular array, with a large distance between them and the Hufflepuffs. A little crowd of Aussie had congregated around them.

Albus decided not to join the relaxation of the Hogwarts team at the Ravenclaw mesa. Nobody was unable to wager that day, so Albus 's day on the team were pretty much over. To be honest, he was kind of relieved. There was just so a great deal pressure.

"I think this tournament has been good for Hogwarts,"rosiness mused,"Look at everyone. nonentity seems to care who 's in what house."

"It 'll all go back to rule once the match is over,"Albus pointed out.

"Maybe not,"Rose shrugged,"You never know."

"I do n't recognize, Rose,"lusterlessness said,"I do n't think one year can change centuries of tradition."

"It 's worth a try,"blush wine said,"I think we should all try and get along."

"I do n't cogitate this has helped international witching cooperation,"John gestured to the Australian squad. The Hufflepuffs sitting nearby were glaring at them.

"rival rarely does that,"blush wine muttered.

"Well, they 'll all be going home soon,"matt said cheerfully.

blush wine shot him a dirty flavor and then looked up at the stave table. Albus 's gaze followed. The staff table was quite overcrowded that forenoon. There were lookout man from Quidditch teams, Ministry functionary including Albus 's Uncle Harry Hotspur, and a potpourri of people from Australia and New York.

"Look at that witch,"can pointed to a very tall, beautiful witch with pale white skin and prospicient nighttime hair.

"She 's Linda 's mother,"rosebush told them.

"Is she-"Gospel According to John began.

"Yes,"Rose whispered,"She 's one, too."

"I thought so,"John said without taking his eyes off the witch.

There was a tacky cheer from the Ravenclaw tabular array and the Hogwarts team began to leave the Hall. Their entourage followed until they reached the room access and then they went to sit back down at various tables.

The Aussie team followed shortly. The excitement only seemed to increase now that the team had gone down to the changing rooms.

A few second later people began to pass on for the pitch. The crowd at the stave table left first and the bookman followed.

"Albus,"John said as they got up from the tabular array,"I 've got a few pairs of omnioculars in my tree trunk. I want to see it up close when Linda catches that Snitch."

"Let 's go get them, then,"Albus replied.

Rose rolled her optic."meet us down at the pitch."She and Amanda turned towards the door as the son ran up the lofty staircase.

"Why did n't you just bring them to breakfast ?"matt asked.

"Forgot,"John said.

The castle was absolutely deserted as they made their way back to Gryffindor Tower. Albus had n't seen it that empty during the day. It was almost disconcerting.

John had to empty out his entire automobile trunk in social club to find oneself the omnioculars. He had four duet and handed one to each of the boys.

"Let 's go,"Albus said,"We 're going to overlook the scratch of the match."

Albus completely ignored the no running in the corridors rule as he made his way through the castle. There was n't anyone to scold him anyway. The footsteps behind him told him his friends were n't far behind.

Albus turned a recess and ran scag into something. He fell down onto his book binding and looked up, only to see that it was someone. Not just anyone either. Albus had collided with Matt 's boggart.

Only, it could n't be a boggart because if it had been a boggart, it would accept manifested itself into what Albus was virtually afraid of. At that moment, it probably would stimulate been Willinson.

The man sneered down at Albus and then smiled creepily. Albus scrambled up and turned back to reckon at his friends.

matte had turned bloodless and looked far more than afraid than Albus had ever seen him before, including when he had faced the boggart and when Malfoy had found out about his lycanthropy. Gospel According to John was looking from Matt to the man, an obvious horror on his grimace. Kaden was looking extremely confused.

Albus turned and grabbed all three of his friends, pulling them into the nearest classroom. He slammed the doorway and pulled out his wand, putting every lockup charm he knew onto the knob.

Matt collapsed onto the nearest chair and put his caput in his workforce."Th-th-that's-"

"We know,"Albus whispered.

"What the pit is he doing here ?"John ranted,"He 's got no business here !"

"Why 's he in the castle anyway ?"Albus began to stride around the elbow room,"If he 's here to take in the Quidditch match, then why is n't he down there ?"

"What if he 's not here to watch the Quidditch ?"John said darkly.

"Who the bloody Inferno is he ?"Kaden asked loudly.

Albus glanced at matte before looking at Kaden. lusterlessness did n't seem to have heard Kaden 's question.

"His name 's Lubar. He 's the head word of the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical puppet in Australia,"Albus explained,"He 's the reason why Matt had to affect here, amongst early things."

"He 's a crazy and wrick immorality git,"John muttered,"What are we going to do ?"

Albus walked over to the threshold and peered out the small window at the top. Lubar was no longer in sight.

"I 've g-got to go to the Ministry,"Matt said,"I 've got to t-tell my dad. L-Lubar, he ca n't be here."

Albus paced back and forth in front of the door. The Ministry. How would they get there ? Calluna vulgaris ? No, that would take too long. They 'd let to use the Floo meshwork, but none of the fireplace at Hogwarts were hooked up, as far as Albus knew.

"We 're going to give to get to Hogsmeade,"Albus said,"You wait here. I 'll get my Cloak and the map. Then we 'll sneak into Hogsmeade and Floo to the Ministry."

Matt nodded."You guy rope do n't have to come. You can go to the match."

"Are you mental ?"John exclaimed,"That bloke out there is probably risky than Willinson. We 're not letting you do this alone."

Albus nodded in agreement before waving his scepter and undoing the lockup charms. He cautiously looked out into the corridor before leaving. It was empty.

Much to Albus 's relief, both the Cloak and the map were right where he 'd left them. He shoved them into his robes and ran back to the classroom. Matt, John, and Kaden were all talking quietly. lusterlessness did n't front any less scared, but at least he did n't look to be in shock anymore.

"We 're not all going to fit underneath it,"Albus said as he unfolded the cloak.

"You three get under it,"John said immediately,"I 'm tallest so I 'll take up the most elbow room anyway. Plus, if we meet up with Lubar again, I 'm the advantageously liar."

Albus could n't reason there. Both he and Matt were atrocious prevaricator and Kaden still had n't gotten over his inability to keep secrets.

"You take the map, then,"Albus handed the map to John,"We 've got to get to the one-eyed witch statue on the third base floor.

Albus threw the Cloak over himself, matte, and Kaden, and the three of them followed St. John the Apostle out of the way. The corridor was still empty, a good deal to Albus 's relief.

John set a very profligate tread and he was soon quite a bit ahead of Albus and the others. Albus could n't say anything, though, as it would make away his mien. Instead he tried to run as fast as he could while making the least sum of noise possible.

The boys made it down the two flights of stairs necessary to get to the third level and arrived at the statue without seeing anyone. Albus pulled the Cloak off of them and stuffed it into his pocket. With a quick tap of his wand, he statue 's prominence opened and the male child climbed inside.

Albus lit his scepter and took off down the small passageway. Matt, John, and Kaden followed suit.

"Why did Kendrick let him in ?"whoremaster asked as they ran,"Does n't he sleep with what he did ?"

"Yes,"matte answered,"I do n't recollect Kendrick knows he 's here."

"What did he do ?"Kaden asked.

"You do n't guess he came here to see you ?"Albus asked lustrelessness,"I mean, remember when Killigan saw us that one time and he seemed so worry in finding you ?"

"Of row I do,"Matt muttered,"And it really would n't surprise me if that 's why he 's here. But I 'm betting there 's another reason."

"What did he do ?"Kaden repeated, a bit louder.

"Why else would he be here ?"Albus asked,"The match ?"

"Maybe, but I 'm betting it 's got something to do with Linda,"mat replied,"I do n't lie with for indisputable, but it seems too coincidental for him to be here just to see me."

"What did he do ?"Kaden shouted,"Why would he need to see you ?"

matte stopped running and wheeled around to look at Kaden."It 's a prospicient chronicle. Lubar 's got a grudge against my dad, one that he obviously still has even though we have n't lived in Commonwealth of Australia for six years,"lustrelessness paused,"He passed a bunch of laws against loup-garou and I wound up having to metamorphose with a cluster of other werewolves. It was bad."

Matt resumed walking and did n't expatiate on the depicted object. Kaden did n't ask him to.

"What 's your dad going to do about it ?"Kaden asked.

"I dunno,"Matt shrugged,"Maybe talk to Kendrick or something."

There was no doubt in Albus 's thinker that matte 's dad would be able to get Lubar to leave Hogwarts, possibly even leave the country. Albus had known little about Mr. Eckerton prior to this class, but now he knew that you did not want to be on his bad side. When it came down to it, Mr. Eckerton was the one who had Balladanis sacked.

The passage finally began to move up until it came to an abrupt plosive at a knotty wooden door. Albus pressed his ear to the door, but heard nothing. He carefully pushed it open, wincing as it creaked.

Seeing nonentity in the storage room beyond, Albus beckoned his ally forward. The room was dimly lit, enough for Albus to see a huge amount of boxwood littering the storey. On the far wall he could see a fireplace.

The son climbed over the versatile boxes and stood in front of the hearth. Albus located a small sack of Floo pulverisation and then lit a fire. He turned to his friends.

"You ca n't Floo directly into soul 's bailiwick at the Ministry. We 're going to take to go to the Atrium,"Albus told them,"I 'll go first, you follow."Albus took a handful of pulverization and then handed the bag to Matt.

He tossed the pulverization into the flack and stepped inside, shouting"The Ministry of Magic !"

Albus stumbled out of a unlike open fireplace irregular later. The Atrium was nearly deserted, pull through for a few wiz striding towards the lifts, clearly too busy to notice Albus.

Matt landed rather ungracefully on the storey. He picked himself up, brushing stray ash off his robes.

"berth is deserted,"matt said as he looked around.

"It 's a Saturday,"Albus pointed out,"DOE your dad body of work Saturday ?"

"Yeah,"flatness nodded,"At to the lowest degree mornings."

St. John was next to step out of the firing, doing so more elegantly than flatness had. He stood in front of the fire, staring around at the Atrium. His eyes rested on the fountain of Magical Brethren.

"This is more fancy than I imagined,"whoremaster said.

"Bloody Inferno !"Kaden shouted as he fell out of the fire,"This is the Ministry ?"

"Yes,"Matt said quickly,"But we have n't got clock time to explore. Let 's go."

Albus followed mat towards the desk in the straw man of the Atrium. There was an old wizard leafing through a copy of the Quibbler, oblivious to his environment. Albus almost thought they 'd be able to sneak around him, but he looked up just as they were about to pass.

"Where do you remember you 're going ?"he asked and then his eyes rested on Albus,"Albus Severus Potter. Why are n't you in school ?"

"Er,"Albus began, a slight faze that the man knew who he was.

Matt stepped in battlefront of Albus."We need to go see my dad. He 's the Head of the Department for the Regulation and ascendancy of Magical fauna. It 's sort of an emergency."

"Very well,"the man looked at them oddly,"Put your wands up here."

Albus did as he was told and the others followed courting. They waited impatiently as the old genius tested their wands and then handed them back. He waved them on towards the lifts.

"What 's the distributor point of that ?"Kaden asked as they waited for a lift.

"So if you murder anyone, they can assure whose baton did it,"Albus said bluntly.

"That 's cheerful,"Kaden replied.

Once the cosmetic surgery arrived, the male child piled in and Matt pushed the number four. cipher said anything as the lift creaked its way to the fourth floor.

flatness took off at a run down the corridor after they left the lift. Albus had never been to this particular floor. It looked rather similar to the Magical Law Enforcement 's level, with nondescript sets of threefold doors on one side.

Matt skidded to a halt in front end of the entirely door that was single and banged his hand loudly on it. When there was no response after a few endorsement, he banged again.

"handle your hippogriffs !"called a voice from the interior,"I 'm coming, I'm-"lustrelessness 's dad said as he opened the door.

Mr. Eckerton seemed to freeze at the vision of his son and the other three boys. He gaped at them for a second before shaking his head.

"Matt ?"he asked and rubbed his eyes, as if he thought he was seeing a hallucination,"But, why are n't you in schooling ? How did you get here ? Why are you here ? Albus ? What are you- and whoremaster, Kaden ?"

His oculus rested on mat again."matte ? What 's wrong ?"

Mr. Eckerton stepped aside and let the boys into his written report. He shut the threshold quietly behind them.

The study reminded Albus of his dad 's. There were large windows on the side opposite the door, although the aspect outside was not real, nor was the gentle rain that was pattering onto it.

There was a large leather covered chair behind the huge oak desk and a few smaller chairs in front of it. Along the other two bulwark were shelf with cargo of books. Most of them were about various magical creatures.

Albus, lustrelessness, and John took the seats that were in front of the desk while Kaden wandered around the survey looking at things. Mr. Eckerton leaned against the front of his desk and looked at his son.

"What 's happened ?"he asked quietly.

"L-Lubar,"mat said in barely to a greater extent than a whisper,"He-he 's at Hogwarts."

"What ? !"Mr. Eckerton exclaimed.

"We were on our way to the Quidditch final examination,"lusterlessness said,"A-and we saw him."

"Bloody Inferno !"Mr. Eckerton stood up and slammed his fist loudly against his desk,"Did prof Kendrick allow this ?"

"I do n't roll in the hay,"Matt replied,"B-but everyone else was at the lucifer and he was just lurking about the castle."

Mr. Eckerton 's face hardened. He looked just like he had when he talked with Professor Balladanis earlier in the condition."Let 's go, boys,"he said darkly,"I 've got to have a word with Professor Kendrick."

Albus followed Mr. Eckerton out of his study and down towards the lifts. John 's walking speed was nothing compared to Matt 's dad 's. The son had to run to keep up.

"Where did you Floo from ?"Mr. Eckerton asked once they were in the lift.

"Honeyduke 's,"Albus answered.

"We 'll Floo there now,"Mr. Eckerton replied.

The wizard at the receive desk looked at them curiously as they rushed towards the fireplaces, but did n't say anything.

Mr. Eckerton handed Albus a bit of Floo gunpowder and gestured for him to go first. Albus stepped into the ardor and shouted,"Honeyduke 's !"

Albus began to spin faster and faster. He saw glimpse of mass 's houses, shops in Diagon Alley, and a multifariousness of other seat he did not pick out. Then, out of one of the fireplaces, came a manus. Everything seemed to slow down, but Albus was n't sure if it actually did or not.

The hand grabbed him. Albus fought against it, but it was too strong. All of a sudden he was laying on a dusty wooden storey, one that was not at all like the one in Honeyduke's.

Albus coughed and stood up. His center was beating fast. What had happened ? Why was n't he in Honeyduke 's ? Where was he ? Whose helping hand was that ?

Albus grappled for his baton and shakily held it up. He lit it and looked around the room, seeing no one.

"Nice to see you, Potter,"a cold vox said from behind him.

Albus jumped and turned around. There, crouching next to the open fireplace with his hand inside of it, was Lubar. He looked even more creepy in the dank way than he did in Hogwarts.

The fireplace glowed viridity and Lubar yanked his arm out of it. bathroom came tumbling out of the fire and scrambled too his feet, looking about.

Lubar muttered something underneath his breath and stuck his mitt in the ardour again.

"What the ?"John whispered to Albus,"Where are we ? Is that ? Bloody netherworld !"

"Shut up !"Lubar shouted.

Albus gazed around the way. It looked vaguely familiar, but Albus could n't put his finger's breadth on it. The Windows were boarded up, but it was definitely not the Shrieking hutch. Albus doubted that was connected to the Floo electronic network anyway.

The fireplace glowed unripe yet again, this time sending Kaden onto the trading floor. This earned another shout from Lubar, who stuck his hand in the attack again.

Kaden gaped and then got to his feet and stood next to Albus. He looked absolutely terrified, even before he laid eyes on Lubar.

Albus wanted nothing more than to run from the elbow room, but he did not recognize where the building was even located. Plus, Lubar would probably sandbag him or something.

putting green light filled the room as the open fireplace glowed once more. Albus knew even before it happened that lustrelessness would be the one to next fall out of the flames. Mere seconds later, that suspicion was confirmed.

lustrelessness coughed and scrambled to his feet. He gasped when he saw Lubar and ran over to Albus.

Lubar, finally satisfied, doused the fire and lit his wand, which illuminated his sinister nerve. He began to pace slowly in strawman of them.

"fountainhead, well, you went crying to pappa just as I expected,"Lubar grinned manically,"I do sleep with when things work out the way I expect them to."

Albus could feel lusterlessness shaking next to him. He gripped his wand hard, debating whether to try and demilitarise Lubar.

"Any idea where you are ?"Lubar asked,"Dervish and Banges. Lovely shop, shame about the proprietor. Yes, a real shame."

Lubar did n't look at all discomfit about what happened to the shop possessor. Albus looked around the shop again and now he recognized it.

"Well, let 's not rot our time here,"Lubar said,"There 's a few masses who 've been dying to see you."Lubar snapped his finger three multiplication and Albus heard step on the stairs.

III mavin descended the stairs and strode into the room. They lit their wands at the same metre and Albus gasped when the light source showed their faces. Jarrett and Quinton Willinson, along with Washburn. Three people Albus hoped never to see again.

Albus swallowed hard. He could see no way out of this. As good a dueler he was, he was up against four fully qualified wizards. Three of them did not have the skill to duel, but Albus had no idea what Lubar was capable of.

"Ah, yes,"Lubar smirked,"What a lovely reunion. Unfortunately we have n't got time to chat."

Before Albus knew it, Washburn had him in a headlock with his baton pointed at his cervix. Quinton Willinson had Kaden and his father had John. matt, seeing his friends restrained, made a run for the nearest window.

"Not so fast, Young werewolf,"Lubar caught him by the back of his robes and wrapped one of his coat of arms around his middle.

Lubar reached into his robes with his exempt hand and pulled out an old tea tympanum. He held it out to the other three men and each one put a free hand on it. Albus knew what was going to encounter right before it did. He shared a frightened glimpse with mat before feeling a jerk behind his belly button.


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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.
A/N : I decided to do part of this chapter from Harry 's detail of horizon. It begins in his period of view and then switches back to Albus 's. asterisk indicate where the detail of position switches.


"Spectacular save by Georgia Weasley !"the reviewer shouted.

Harry grinned as his niece threw the Quaffle back into swordplay. It was immediately taken into possession by Hogwarts, and all three Chasers threw it back and forth as they flew to the Australian end of the pitch.

"sexual conquest ! Hogwarts has scored against Commonwealth of Australia, bringing the total to 50-20 Hogwarts !"

Harry stood up and shouted as loud as the students. One matter he loved about the Quidditch tournament was that he did n't suffer to try and conceal his inflammation when Hogwarts scored. During sign matches, he had to try and hazard he was impersonal, even though he obviously supported Gryffindor.

As happy as Harry was about the Hogwarts Chasers being very skilled, he did not have hope that Hogwarts would actually win. Australia 's Seeker, Linda esprit de corps, was the best seeker Harry had ever seen outside of professional person Quidditch. He knew that his son, Jesse James, was just, but he was n't delusional. Linda was brilliant.

There was something odd about her, though, and Harry could n't put his finger on it. Her f number on a ling just did n't seem natural. master Quidditch players would kill for her speed.

"I 'm surprised she has n't found the stoolie yet,"Neville muttered to Harry.

"Yeah,"Harry nodded as he watched Linda slowly circling above the pitch. James was doing the like,"It 'll be soon, though."

Harry turned his gaze to the rest of the staff who were sitting around him. Most of them were quite reserved. nonentity seemed to be showing the enthusiasm Harry was. He did n't care. Harry did n't share their belief that instructor could n't get overly excited about Quidditch.

A few prof stood up and then sat back down again as someone squeezed their way past them. Harry craned his caput and was surprised to see Walter Eckerton.

Harry did n't make love the man well. They 'd met on occasion at the Ministry, although Harry had a look he 'd be seeing more of him now that he was headland of the Department for the rule and Control of Magical Creatures.

What Harry mostly knew about Walter Eckerton was more on a personal than professional person level. Harry had never met a Padre who was more protective of his son than Walter Eckerton, although he did have near rationality. Never a more commit male parent, either.

Walter continued his way past the other prof until he stopped in strawman of Harry. Harry was even more aghast to see the reflection on his face. Worry was etched in every part of his fount, bringing out the wrinkles, but there was anger in his eyes.

"Bruno Walter,"Harry shook his hand as he stood up,"What 's going on ?"

"Not here,"Walter muttered,"I need a Bible in private."

Harry told Neville he 'd be right back and he followed Walter out of the tie-up. They continued walking until they were a short aloofness away from the pitch and then Walter stopped.

"The son have just been to see me at the Ministry,"Walter said as soon as he 'd stopped.

"Wait, what ?"Harry asked,"You mean Albus and Matt ?"

"Yes, and the other two as well,"Bruno Walter said quickly,"You 've heard of Ralph Lubar, the Head of the Department for the regulating and controller of Magical Creatures in Australia ?"

Harry nodded, slightly confused at the change of subject."Yes, not a very tolerant feller, is he ?"

Walter 's human face hardened."That 's a skillful way of putting it. The bloke is vomit up and twisted and he 's got a grudge against me. Very long story and I have n't got time to recite it. brusk version is that when Matt was eight, Lubar passed a law that required him to transform in a building with other werewolf, older werewolves. Nearly killed him. It was veracious before we moved. For whatever rationality, Lubar decided to confab Hogwarts today, possibly under the pretense of attending the Quidditch match.

"The boy saw him and Flooed to the Ministry from Honeyduke 's. flatness 's absolutely terrified of him, which is why they came to me. I came back with them. They Flooed before I did, but when I arrived at Honeyduke 's they were n't there. I 've already spoken with the owners of the store as well as a few other Hogsmeade resident. No one 's seen them. We 've got to find them."

Harry 's marrow sank."You do n't think Lubar 's got them, do you ? He 's not dangerous, is he ?"

"To Matt, yes, but I have n't the thin thought as to why he 'd require the former boys,"Bruno Walter said.

"Even if he did only want Matt, he 'd have to get Albus as well because I know Albus would n't let him necessitate Matt sitting down,"Harry replied, and started walking briskly towards Hogsmeade,"Let 's go. I 'll get every available Auror on this."

******

Albus tried as hard as he could to bump himself from Washburn 's reach as he was Portkeying to who knows where. All Albus knew about the location was that it must be far away. Portkeying is usually mostly instant, but this time there was a significant lag. Albus had sentence to try and get away, not that it did anything.

The second clue that their destination was far away was the fact that it was very dark when Albus finally landed on the ground. Not drab like an impending storm either. Dark as in night.

Washburn had let go of Albus as they landed and Albus hastened to get to his foot. Loud clunk around him told him that his supporter had landed as well.

The primer coat was damp and tough and the foliation around them was dense. Albus assumed they were in some form of woods. He gazed around and saw a lot of unfamiliar tree diagram that seemed to stretch towards the starry sky.

There was no moonlight to clear up the forest. Lubar, the Willinsons, and Washburn had walked a few yards away from the male child and were whispering to each former. All four had lit their wands, but it was n't decent baton light to give Albus a undecomposed scene of his surroundings.

Matt, Saint John, and Kaden had all scrambled over to where Albus was and were standing quite close to him, their wands out. Albus pulled his own out as well, but did n't dare light it.

"Why is it Night ?"Kaden whispered.

"Where the Scheol are we ?"trick asked.

"We 're in Australia,"Matt said in awe, as if he was just coming to terms with that fact.

"We Portkeyed across an ocean ?"Kaden gasped.

When Albus thought about it, it made mother wit. Lubar was from Australia, so why should n't he drive them there ? It was quite far away from anyone who would be looking for them.

What did n't form sense was why Lubar was with Washburn and the Willinsons. As far as he could tell, the four wizards seemed to be working together, but why ? Lubar lived halfway across the humankind. How had he met the Willinsons ?

"Is this anywhere near your old house ?"Saint John asked.

"How should I know ?"mat snapped,"Australia 's a Brobdingnagian country !"

"I just thought if we were near it, we could hide there,"Saint John muttered.

"You would n't want to,"flatness said,"My stupid full cousin owns it now."

"You have a cousin ?"Albus asked.

"Not significant,"flatness said quickly.

Albus nodded."How are we going to get out of this ?"

"They 're not paying attention,"St. John whispered, gesturing to where the four wizards stood huddled in a circle,"Maybe if we run for it."

"The Portkey 's right hand there,"matte pointed to the tea tympani, which was a few feet away,"If we can just get to it."

"All right,"Albus whispered,"On the count of three. One ... two ... three."

Albus ran as quietly as he could towards the Porkey. He was about to pick it up when it soared up into the air. Albus looked up and saw Lubar sneering at him, with the Portkey in his hand.

"That wo n't do,"Lubar said as he stowed the Porkey in his cloak. He turned to the other three men."They 're trying to get away."

"What do you look ?"Jarrett said rudely,"There 's four of them ! Do you realize how often more difficult this is going to be now ? We only needed thrower ! But no, you had to go and insist on bringing that werewolf kid as well."

"You would n't even have managed this if it were n't for me !"Lubar growled,"So do n't go telling me what I should and should n't stimulate done."

"Well, now we 've wound up with two extra ones as well,"Jarret muttered.

"They 're kidskin, how a lot trouble can they be ?"Lubar smirked.

"You do n't know this lot,"Washburn replied,"They 're the reason we have n't had luck before."

"I thought that was because of your unbelievable stupidity,"Lubar said.

Albus was very intrigued. Lubar was arguing with them as if he knew them well. Had Lubar really been working with them all along ?

What did they need him for anyway ? What had Willinson meant when he said 'we only needed Potter'?

"Shut it, Lubar,"Jarrett said.

"I 'll say what I like,"Lubar replied,"This is my shrub, not yours."

"You own the wood now ?"Jarrett asked.

"As a matter of fact, I do,"Lubar snapped.

"Ministry must be paying you well."

"Indeed they are,"Lubar said and turned to Matt,"So many years have passed. secern me, what is it like pretending to be something you 're not ?"

To Albus 's surprise, it was John and not flatness who went flying at Lubar. Lubar disarmed Gospel According to John with a otiose wave of his baton, leaving Saint John the Apostle stunned in front of him. It appeared that Lubar was a significantly better dueler than either of the Willinsons or Washburn.

Pocketing John 's wand, Lubar turned back to Matt, who was shakily holding his baton up.

"It does n't count what country you 're in,"Lubar seethed,"You 're the Saami thing no matter where you live. The police force do n't exchange what you are. dissemble as much as you like, but it wo n't transfer a thing."

Now Albus wanted to go after Lubar. The anger was boiling up inside of him and he did n't mean he had ever felt more angry in his entire life, and that included every encounter he had had with Scorpius Malfoy. Malfoy was like a fluffy kitty compared to Lubar.

However, Albus held himself back. John was already wandless. It would do them no safe if Albus got disarmed as well. Something told him to hold back, to expect until he could arrest them off guard.

"What about your Church Father ? I hear he 's the head of the section in Britain now,"Lubar smirked,"surmise it 's just a issue of fourth dimension until the Sami thing happens. You 'll have to fly again."

matte was visibly trembling now. Albus wracked his mastermind, trying to image out what to do. What could they do ?

"Oh, for Merlin 's interest !"Jarrett strode forward,"How is this helping things ? Did we really risk Portkeying a clustering of kids to Australia just to waste time taunting one of them ?"

"tranquility !"Lubar shouted,"I 'll do what I like !"

"Excuse me !"Kaden said loudly, turning to Lubar,"But how in the name of pigeon hawk do you know them ?"He gestured to the Willinsons and Washburn.

Albus held his breath, waiting for Lubar to put some sort of hex or curse word on Kaden. Sometimes his cousin was quite obtuse. It seemed obvious to Albus that this was a time not to ask questions.

To Albus 's surprise, Lubar smiled. It was a squirm variety of grin, but a smile nonetheless.

"I think that 's a fair enquiry,"Lubar said."My cousin married this changeling,"Lubar pointed at Jarrett.

"You 're married ?"Kaden gaped at Jarrett, causing Albus to groan. Why would n't Kaden just shut up ?

"Not for much longer,"Jarrett muttered,"Can we delight just get on with this ?"

"Patience, cousin,"Lubar said as he began to walk slowly around the other three,"We mus n't do this hastily. hurry is the reason you three have failed prior to tonight."

Fail at what ? What were they going to do ? The only thing Albus could think of was getting the Hallows, but all three Hallows were in England. If that was their program, they would n't have taken them to Australia.

Albus glanced nervously at flatness, who still looked scared out of his psyche. Something was still telling Albus not to try and duel the men. Lubar seemed voguish, much smarter than the former three, and that scared Albus more than anything else. There was a big departure between dueling someone who was smart and dueling somebody who was an idiot.

******

The Ministry seemed deserted when Harry and Walter Flooed there a short while later. Harry had briefly questioned the owners of Honeyduke 's, but they had not seen any of the boys.

Harry and Bruno Walter ran towards the airlift at top hurrying, not pausing to answering the questioning stare of the bloke at the welcome desk. The rhytidoplasty could not go fast enough for the two men. Harry nearly pulled the room access open when they finally arrived at Magical Law Enforcement 's floor.

The Auror part was slightly more lively than the rest of the Ministry, but not much. Three Aurors were inside, two of whom hastily shoved away a pile of Exploding Snap cards and stood up upon seeing Harry arrive. The other Auror, a rather shortsighted but thickset enchantress, shoved the book she was reading in the draftsman, and joined the other two.

"ceramicist, sir !"the beldame said,"We thought you were at Hogwarts today !"

"I was,"Harry said darkly and explained the situation.

The three Aurors looked drab as they waited for Harry to establish them education.

"Dabney,"Harry turned to the taller of the wizards,"Brighton,"he looked at the beldame,"Get started with an all-inclusive lookup of Hogsmeade. I 'm calling in everyone who is n't busy with anything else. Tiburon and Oswald are on duty in Hogsmeade today, inform them of the situation."

Dabney and Brighton nodded before dashing out of the room. Harry turned to the remaining Auror."Lewster, you will be searching the Forbidden Forest as soon as someone else arrives."

Harry pulled out his wand and muttered a spell. An tremendous silvery stag flew out of his wand and Harry whispered to it. The Patronus glided out of the room and Harry leaned against the nearest desk.

It was n't long before Harry heard footfall in the corridor. He looked up at the door just as Ron was running through, followed by half a XII other Aurors.

"Harry, what 's going on ?"Ron said in a worried tone.

Harry rehashed the total berth again. Ron 's face paled."What about rose, was she with them ?"

"No,"Walter shook his question,"It was just the boys."

"Thank pigeon hawk,"Ron whispered,"But Harry, what about Willinson ? D'you think he 's got anything to do with this ?"

"It 's crossed my mind,"Harry muttered,"But I have n't got a clew as to how Lubar would know him."

"With dark-skinned wizards, you just never know,"Ron pointed out.

"I know,"Harry nodded,"Ron, lead the search of the Forbidden Forest. Lewster 's going with you. And take Daniels and David Roland Smith with you."

Ron nodded and left the room, followed by Lewster and two other wizards. The remaining four Aurors looked to Harry.

"The rest period of you can search the castle and priming coat. Be discrete. I do not wish to interrupt the Quidditch match unless it is absolutely necessary,"Harry instructed.

The Aurors left the elbow room and Harry turned to Walter. He slowly shook his caput. Why was it always Albus ? This was the tierce year he had gotten into hassle. Albus 's year at Hogwarts were reminding Harry dangerously of his own.

"I 'd better go Floo home and tell Julie what 's going on,"Walter sighed,"She 's going to strike apart."

Harry nodded as Walter left the room. Ginny. Harry snapped his head up. She was going to be watching the match, but was going to be late. She 's probably there now, Harry thought. She 'd be looking for him.

Harry slowly left the room. How was he going to enjoin his wife that Albus had been kidnapped and he did n't have a clue as to where he was ?

******

"You 're just too afraid to do it !"Jarrett shouted at Lubar,"What could possibly go incorrect ? We 're halfway across the world from the Aurors that are looking for this lot !"

"Once again you have proved your foolishness,"Lubar replied,"Do you realize who we 've taken halfway across the world ? Harry ceramicist 's son ! You have n't a cue as to how things work in the Ministry !

"I can ensure you that at this very bit, the entire Auror department is looking for them. Harry Potter 's probably got every Auror on this case. It wo n't convey them long to recognize that we 're not in England.

"And this one,"Lubar gestured to matt,"He 's got the most busy parents in the humanity. They 'd sooner shoot down everyone in the macrocosm before letting something materialise to him. Very irritating. They wo n't rest until they find him. Not to mention the fact that he 's the son of a Ministry official. We 've got two kids of two of the most prominent Ministry official of United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Think, Jarrett, think ! We 've got to be careful !"

"fountainhead, you 're the one who wanted to take the werewolf, too,"Jarrett growled.

"And you 're the one who insisted we take Potter 's son !"Lubar shouted,"Why do we even need him ?"

"We just do !"Jarrett shouted back.

"If both of you moron had n't wanted to bring the youngster, we could 've done this unhurt thing without the Ministry finding out,"Washburn cut in.

"Shut up !"Lubar and Jarrett said at the same time.

Maybe if they kept arguing, they would n't give birth a opportunity to do whatever it was they wanted to do before the Aurors found them, Albus thought. He could only go for that the wizards would have enough to contend about.

"Are we going to do it here ?"Jarrett asked,"Or go to the house ?"

"rich person you learned nothing ?"Lubar shouted,"When they find out that we 're here, the first place they 'll look is the house."

"Got any better estimation ?"Jarrett seethed,"Have you got a secluded little shack somewhere in this country ?"

"No,"Lubar snapped,"We 're taking them to the outback. Plenty of seat to obliterate, not very inhabited. Perfect place."

Before Albus could even think over running away, Jarrett had his arm in a vice handgrip again. Matt was once again in the clutch of Lubar, and whoremonger and Kaden were both caught by the Willinsons.

Albus knew very little about the Aboriginal Australian outback, just that it was n't suitable for much man inhabitation. However, the one piece of information he did know about it was that it was where nearly of the dementors that used to guard Azkaban had gone. That, and it was a somewhat popular seat for vampires.

Lubar and Jarrett had stopped bickering. Albus had two instant to understand what was happening before he felt the familiar but unpleasant sense impression of side-along Apparition.


A/N : Thanks to my genus Beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as all of the awe-inspiring people who have read and reviewed this !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.
A/N : Like the previous chapter, this one goes back and forth between Albus 's and Harry 's perspectives.


Albus stumbled as he landed, breaking dislodge of Jarrett 's clutch. He tripped over a rock and landed brass first in the Baroness Dudevant. Spitting the grittiness out of his lip, he stood up and glanced around.

It was still far too dark to see anything but the outlines of plenty in the space. The outback seemed very empty and very quiet. There was a very little clump of bushes and trees nearby, but besides that, Albus did not see much else in the way of plant liveliness.

Albus immediately knew why Lubar had taken them there. He had never been in such a deserted berth in his life. There was absolutely zip around them. Even if Albus had decided to run away, he would n't have gotten very far. As serious as staying with Lubar was, Albus knew he would have no chance of surviving if he ran off into the outback.

Lubar seemed to acknowledge that Albus and the others would n't run away. He neglected to use any sort of ropes to tie them up or put any piece around them. Instead, he walked a short distance in the direction of the stack and gestured for the Willinsons and Washburn to follow them.

"What are we going to do ?"John seethed,"Has anyone got any idea where we are ?"

"The outback 's huge,"matte replied,"I bet we 're proper in the eye of it. The nigh civilization 's probably sea mile away."

"So we 're done for,"privy groaned,"What do they even want with us anyway ?"

"No idea,"Albus said,"But if they keep arguing, we might not have to find out."

"Do you really recollect your dads are going to be capable to find us ?"Gospel According to John asked skeptically.

"Lubar 's right,"Albus said,"The whole Ministry 's going to be looking. I think they 'll chance us."

"Does stuff like this happen every twelvemonth ?"Kaden asked,"I mean, survive year I got kidnapped by Willinson and now we all were. What 'll happen next year ?"

"Hopefully zilch,"Albus said.

"If there is a future year,"John muttered.

"Shut up over there !"Lubar shouted as he walked back over to the boys,"I did n't tell you to peach !"

"Lubar !"Jarrett seethed as he pointed to someplace in the distance,"There 's people gathering over there ! We 've got to go somewhere else !"

Albus looked towards where Jarrett was pointing and his heart leapt a bit. There was a small gathering of trope a few yards away. Could his dad have found them already ?

"Calm down,"Lubar said,"They 're just vampires. They wo n't bother us. I know that coven. They know right than to mess up with me. I 'll make life pretty pathetic for them if they do."

"Cutting peck with vampire now ?"Jarrett asked.

"Proving to be helpful, is n't it ?"Lubar answered.

Albus 's promise sank once again. Lubar seemed more disconcert than ever. He cut mess for vampires but passed restrictive Torah on loup-garou ? It did n't make sense.

The men lowered their phonation again and Albus wished he had a few extendable auricle with him. He did n't make bold lecture to his friends, just sent them anxious glances every now and then.

A stale nothingness blew over them and Albus shivered. It was the kind of cold that chilled him to the bone. Hoping that it was n't going to rain, or snow ( was n't it winter in Australia ? ), he looked to the sky. There were no cloud, but what Albus saw was much worse than clouds.

Five or six draped figures were slowly circling above them. Although he had never before seen one, Albus recognized them as dementors immediately. Despite the dark, Albus could clearly make out their material body. As they got closer, he could even hear their rattle breath.

The world in front of him began to swim. He felt like he was going to pass out, but he knew it was just the dementors sucking all the felicity out of him. Albus was left with all his distressed thoughts.

His dad was n't going to get hold them. They would be stuck on the Australian outback until Lubar and the others did what they were going to do. Then who knew what would go on ?

"No, no, no !"Matt shouted.

Albus squeezed his eyes shut and then opened them, forcing himself to look towards his friend. Matt was kneeling on the ground, shaking violently. Both privy and Kaden were looking at him anxiously, neither seeming to be that affected by the dementors.

Of course the dementors would bear upon flatness the worst. He had gone through things that Albus, whoremonger, and Kaden could n't even reckon. It probably did n't avail that Lubar was actually present, either.

Without even thinking, Albus pulled his sceptre out of his gown. He 'd hear the conjuration for the Patronus appealingness before and figured it was Worth a scene. What else could he do besides try ?

"Expecto Patronum !"Albus shouted, pointing his wand at the sky. null happened.

A happy thought ! How could he feature forgotten that ? It was unmanageable to imagine of one with dementors flying over heard and listening to Matt shouting on the ground.

When the classification Hat put him in Gryffindor ! Albus pointed his wand to the sky again."Expecto Patronum ! Expecto Patronum !"

Albus kept shouting the incantation while using respective happy memories. Nothing was happening, but matt 's shouting was decreasing. Then it stopped. Albus stopped and looked towards the ground. It looked like matt had passed out.

Thinking of the day Balladanis had been sacked, Albus pointed his wand at the dementors once again."Expecto Patronum !"he shouted.

A silvery blob exploded from his wand and went after the dementors. Albus stood shocked for a few seconds. He had sort of done a Patronus charm !

"Bloody hell,"John whispered.

"Expecto Patronum !"person shouted from the distance.

Albus looked up and saw Lubar running at them with his baton pointed at the dementors. A silvery squirrel was floating ahead of him and the dementors scattered as it reached them.

Albus 's fogged Einstein immediately cleared and the happiness returned. He quickly stowed his scepter in his robe before Lubar thought to disarm him.

"leave him,"Lubar growled at John the Evangelist and Kaden, who were bent to the background trying to get matt to waken up.

"Dementors !"Washburn shouted sarcastically,"This was a bloody brilliant home to come."

Lubar paid no attention to Washburn 's comment. His eyes were focused on Albus and he was giving him a very peculiar feel. Albus took a uneasy step back, but Lubar did not avert his gaze. Albus immediately closed his mind.

******

"Potter, sir !"

Harry, who had been walking up highschool Street in Hogsmeade with Ginny, turned around and saw Lewster striding towards him. Harry stopped, hoping he had some ripe news.

"What is it, Lewster ?"Harry asked.

"Just talked to a few of the centaurs,"Lewster said,"They saw three wizards in the forest a few hours ago. They recognized one of them as Washburn."

"I 'd bet my final stage Galleon the early two were the Willinsons,"Harry replied,"Did the centaurs know anything else ?"

"Just that Washburn and the others were looking for something. Apparently they were scouring the forest floor for something,"Lewster answered.

Harry nodded. That did n't storm him. The Resurrection Stone was someplace in the forest."Did you see anything ?"

"No,"Lewster shook his head,"And the centaur are pretty sure they 've left."

"Very well,"Harry said,"See what else you can find out."

Lewster left and Harry turned to Ginny, who looked afraid.

"Harry, you do n't recollect that Washburn is with Lubar, do you ?"Ginny asked.

"There 's no doubt in my mind,"Harry answered,"It 's just a matter of finding them. Listen, I 've got to go search Dervish and Banges. I 've got this suspicion about the stead. Seems like the pure place for Washburn to take them."

Ginny nodded."I 'll go catch the end of the match. I wo n't bring up anything to James and Lily yet."

"good,"Harry said,"I 'll be in tactile sensation soon."He kissed her lightly on the forehead."We 're going to get him."

"I know,"Ginny replied softly,"Stay safe."

Ginny turned around to walk back to the Hogwarts grounds while Harry picked up the pace and walked the unforesightful length to Dervish and Banges.

The building looked utterly abandoned. The windows were still boarded up, the grass overgrown around it. It certainly did n't look like anyone was hiding inside, but Harry had to check.

Pulling out his wand, he crept cautiously to the door. He carefully pulled the circuit card off of it and quietly wrenched the door open. Without lighting his wand, he walked inside.

The place had the smell of a late fire in the fireplace. person had been there. However, there was not a sound from anywhere in the building. Harry lit his wand and saw that it was deserted.

After a thorough check of the full edifice, in which Harry found no living beast, he returned to the chief room. The hearth was filled with nearly dead ember and there was a small hatful of Floo powder spilled out onto the floor.

The Floo had been used recently. Harry bent down and muttered an conjuration that would tell him where the last person to use the hearth had Flooed from. He waited for the incantation to process, his kernel throbbing.

Soft red smoke emitted from his wand, curling together to form the words 'Ministry of magic .'Harry breathed a suspiration of succour. He was getting somewhere. Without hardly a uncertainty, Harry knew that Albus and the other boys had wound up in Dervish and Banges after going to the Ministry. The lonesome question was, where had they gone after that ?

******

"How old are you, Potter ?"Lubar asked.

"Thirteen,"Albus replied, still a bit nervous as to why Lubar was looking at him like that. It reminded him of how Balladanis had looked at him during the minute dueling tournament.

"And they teach the Patronus appeal to thirteen-year-olds at Hogwarts ?"Lubar replied.

"No,"Albus shook his foreland, although when he thought about it, Balladanis may have taught him and Malfoy Patronuses if he had n't gotten sacked."That was the first time I 'd tried it."

"Very intriguing,"Lubar said as he turned to the early three men,"This lot did n't assure me you were skilled at Defensive magic."

"You never asked,"Jarrett muttered,"But is Potter 's aptitude for Patronuses really relevant to what we 're doing ?"

"It matters if they decide to try and hex us !"Lubar snapped,"I think it might be unspoilt if they 're all wandless."

Albus gulped and clenched his wand harder. He glanced at matt, who was still unconscious mind. privy did n't get his wand. Kaden was n't very salutary at dueling. It would be up to him, to Albus, if this came to a duel.

"The only one who 's got any acquirement is Potter,"Jarrett said,"The other three are n't going to be difficult."

"Fine,"Lubar muttered,"We 'll get started, but I need to talk to you three away from them first."

Jarrett nodded and the men walked a few yards away and began whispering too quietly for Albus to hear.

Albus bent down to where Matt had collapsed, wishing he knew a healing spell or two."Matt, matt,"he whispered,"Wake up."

After a bit or two, Matt 's eyes fluttered open and he sat up."What happened ?"he asked, looking around confusedly.

"You passed out,"Albus told him,"When the dementors were here."

"But Albus cast a Patronus !"John said excitedly.

"You what ?"Matt gaped at him.

"It was just silverish mist,"Albus told him,"Lubar 's actually the one who got rid of them."

"Probably just for his sake,"lusterlessness shuddered,"Did anyone else pass out ?"The other three son shook their heads."physical body,"Matt muttered.

"You need some chocolate or something,"Albus said,"Anyone got some ?"

"Might,"Kaden began fishing around in his sack. He produced a hot chocolate frog and handed it to Matt, who took it without saying a word.

"Listen,"Albus said,"Whatever it is that they want to do here, they 're doing it soon. Do you think you can get up ?"

flatness nodded and Albus helped him to his ft. Lubar and the others were walking towards them again. Albus slowly pulled his wand out of his robe and held it to his side, hiding it partially behind his back.

Lubar conjured a pile of wood and set fire to it, illuminating himself, Washburn, the Willinsons, and the boy. Albus was now clearly able to see the twisted expression on Lubar 's face.

"Are you mad ?"Jarrett seethed,"ardor 's going to attract attention !"

Lubar laughed."Fire 's going to ensure that those vampires stay away and we 've got to see what we 're doing !"

Albus glanced towards where the vampires had been congregating. They were currently walking farther away from Albus and the others. Thinking back to Linda 's boggart, he remembered that lamia are destroyed by flack. Albus turned back to the men.

Jarrett was holding something out in his bridge player, but Albus could n't make out what it was. Jarrett, along with Quinton and Washburn, looked quite excited. Lubar looked mildly annoyed and impatient.

"Do you get laid what this is, Potter ?"Jarrett asked gleefully.

"No,"Albus said, trying not to sound too nervous.

"It 's the Resurrection Stone,"Jarrett answered.

Albus could hardly hold in his gasp as he peered close at Jarrett 's outstretched hand. There was a very small stone sitting in it. The Resurrection of Christ Stone. One of the Deathly Hallows. Jarrett had finally succeeded in getting one of the three object he had been after for yr. But how ?

"How ?"Albus asked, trying to go confident.

"Ancient magic is a beautiful thing, Potter,"Jarrett answered,"There are long block turn, spells that work very nicely with long forgotten magical objects such as this Stone. It was merely a subject of finding the correct tour, getting to the Forbidden wood, and putting it to use. Quite simple now that I look back on it."

"Only because you did n't do any of the study,"Lubar muttered,"It was I who found the piece !"

"The other Hallows will prove to be easy to obtain with the help of this,"Jarrett went on, ignoring Lubar 's mutterings.

Albus did not like the sound of that. The Edward Durell Stone itself did one matter and that was bring back the spirits of citizenry who had passed on. How would that facilitate Jarrett get the other Hallows ?

The invisibility Cloak. Albus 's tummy plummeted. It was still in his robe. He really hoped Jarrett would n't realize that.

"Another matter that I thought of !"Lubar seethed.

"You think this lot aid who did what ?"Jarrett laughed.

"Oh, just get on with it,"Washburn rolled his eyes.

Jarrett sidestepped past the fire and strode tight to Albus. Albus took a step back as his heart started beating faster. He had a very bad feeling about what Jarrett was going to do with that Stone.

"Ah, yes, Potter. You should be afraid,"Jarrett 's regard swept over all four male child,"You should all be afraid."

"Quit taunting them and just do it,"Washburn said impatiently.

"With this stone,"Jarrett said a bit louder,"I will bring back Lord Voldemort."

******

Harry burst out of Dervish and Banges, not caring that he had blasted the door completely off its hinge as he did so. He had to retrieve Walter. He had to find Walter and then go to the Ministry. The hearth did not evidence signal that it had been used to Floo away from the abandoned shop. That left either shadow or a Portkey, both of which would have left traces that he 'd call for the department of Magical Transportation for.

Harry rounded a corner as he ran towards Honeyduke 's and nearly ran headlong into a beldame. He stepped back and saw it was Ginny. She wore a foreign look of disarray and shock, mixed with commix fear.

"Ginny,"Harry said,"Sorry."

"Not a problem,"she said quickly,"Have you found anything ?"

"Yes,"Harry answered,"Is the lucifer over ? How badly did we recede by ?"

"Only a C points,"Ginny said,"But we might not have actually lost. Listen, did you know Australia 's Seeker is a vampire ?"

"time lag, what ?"Harry gaped at her, trying to wrap his idea around that fact while still focusing his nous on Albus.

"I 'll explain after we 've found Albus,"Ginny said.

"Right,"Harry agreed,"I 've got a pencil lead. Someone was in Dervish and Banges. They Flooed there from the Ministry ; I 'm sure it was Al and the others. I 've got to find Walter and go to the Ministry. I 'm not sure where that will run us, but I might not be back for a while."

"Just be careful,"Ginny said as she gave him a buss,"And lend him back."

"I will,"Harry said as he kissed her back,"I 'll see you soon."

"Harry !"

Harry turned and saw Bruno Walter striding out of Honeyduke 's. With one finally look at Ginny, Harry met Bruno Walter half-way.

"We 've got to get to the Ministry,"Harry said immediately, and explained about what he had found at Dervish and Banges and what Lewster had learned from the centaurs.

Walter nodded and the two men Disapparated on the spot. They reappeared a lilliputian while later in a minuscule Apparition chamber in the Ministry.

Passing the gravel looking security safety for the third time that day, Harry and Walter ran to the lifts. Neither of them said a Book as the lift clattered to the section of Magical Transportation.

The section was nearly deserted, economise for one very bored looking beldam sitting at a desk.

"Mr. Potter, Mr. Eckerton !"she exclaimed as she took her animal foot off the desk,"Something I can do for you ?"

"Yes,"Harry answered,"I need to live if anyone 's Disapparated from Dervish and Banges in Hogsmeade. Or used a Portkey from that same location. And if you 're able-bodied to, I need to know where they went."

"Of course, Mr. Potter, of course,"the crone said as she got up. She disappeared into another room, shutting the door behind her.

Harry sighed and sat down on the nearest president. Walter sat down in the adjacent one, looking thoroughly miserable.

"We 'll find them,"Harry said quietly.

"I do n't doubt that,"Walter replied,"However, that is not the just affair I am disquieted about. The last clip Matt had an fracas with Ralph Lubar, he wound up in therapy for months afterwards."

Harry was not expecting that. He did not know much about therapy, except that wizards did not normally use it. Whatever had happened, it must birth been bad.

"Do you mind if I ask what happened ?"Harry asked, not sure enough if he was overstepping some sort of boundary.

Bruno Walter did not verbalize for several seconds."It 's ok,"Harry said,"You do n't have to explain."

"I will,"Walter said quietly,"Shortly after Matt was bitten, I became the promontory of the section for the Regulation and restraint of Magical Creatures in Australia. Nobody outside of the section knew about his shape, of course. Ralph Lubar was given my old placement of Head of the Werewolf controller Unit, and was quite overjealous that I was given the headland berth. He could not get over the fact that I was given it, even when my own son had lycanthropy.

"It was a grudge he held against me for many geezerhood, until the day finally came when he cracked and let it slip that flatness was a werewolf. A bit of statute law had been passed that required all topographic point of transformation be inspected by the Ministry. Lubar inspected Matt 's and it failed on a triviality. Ministry centers were set up for werewolves to transubstantiate in, together. flatness was required by law to transmute there since his safe room did not pass. I refused to consume him transform there. The newspaper were all over it. I lost my job. Lubar was appointed to the Head position.

"Thomas More statute law was passed. A law that stated that Ministry officials could physically force lycanthrope into the transformation centers. On the day of the wide-cut moon, Lubar Flooed into our house and took matte to the center. By the clip I figured out which gist it was, the moon had risen. It was too late.

"matt spent week in St. Mungo 's. By that prison term we were nearly cook to propel here. He was so traumatized, it took months for him to get over it. To be true, I do n't recollect he 's fully over it.

"The only reason Lubar did it was to try and get to me. That 's why he 's so sick and worm,"Walter finished as he put his head in his workforce,"I swore I 'd never let him near Matt again. Swore I 'd down him if he went near Matt again.

Bruno Walter gave an odd variety of laugh."Listen to me, I 'm telling the Head of the Auror department that I 'd place murder."

"Just so long as you do n't actually do it when we go save the boy,"Harry said, still processing what Bruno Walter had told him. It certainly explained a lot- why they were so loth to let flatness out of their wad, why they were n't on the Floo Network.

One thing that Harry could tell was that Walter blamed himself for everything that had happened. Honestly, Harry was n't surprised. If something like that had happened to James, Albus, or Lily, he would 've blamed himself, too.

"That was n't your fault,"Harry said quietly,"And this is n't either."

"If I had just Flooed ahead of the boys-"

"It would n't have mattered,"Harry interrupted,"And it 'll do no near to dwell on it now. It 's in the past."

"That 's exactly what my brother said when matt was in St. Mungo 's,"Walter said wryly.

"Mr. Potter !"the witch came bustling out of the room she had gone into, brandishing a small-arm of parchment, which she handed to Harry.

Harry stood up as she handed them the parchment. His eyes scanned the parchment. Portkeys. Four Portkeys had left Dervish and Banges a few short hours ago. That in itself did not blow out of the water Harry, especially compared to where the Portkeys had gone.

"Australia,"Harry read as he turned to Walter, who had visibly paled at the word,"They 're in Australia."


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight as well as all of the awe-inspiring people who have read and left such lovely reviews !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.
A/N : Like the previous chapters, this one is also split between Albus and Harry 's perspectives.


Never had Albus wished so hard that he could Apparate. Why did you induce to be XVII to get your Apparition permit anyway ? If he ever worked in the Department of Magical conveyance, he would change that law. specter would 've enabled him to get out of Australia, away from Jarrett Willinson, who was trying to bring back Lord Voldemort with the Resurrection Stone.

Albus could not call back being to a greater extent scared in his spirit. This was far regretful than when he had dueled Washburn on the Hogwarts grounds two years ago, far worse than when Quinton kidnapped Kaden the old year. nobleman Voldemort was far shuddery than Lubar, Washburn, and the Willinsons combined.

What would Voldemort look like when Jarrett brought him back ? Harry had said the Stone could n't actually bring people back to lifetime. Albus guessed he 'd be more like a specter. But would he be able to do magic, to perform the swearword and hexes he did when he was alive ?

Albus held his breath as he watched Jarrett become the stone over in his hands. Albus had no idea how it worked, but judging by how quietly all of the adults were, Jarrett was trying to use it.

Over and over again Jarrett turned the gem. He did it for so longsighted that Albus had to let out his breather. The excited gleam on Jarrett 's face slowly dissipated until it was replaced by frustration.

"Why wo n't it work ?"Jarrett shouted,"Are you positive this is the mighty gemstone ?"

"Of course of study I am !"Lubar shouted as he grabbed the Stone,"The spell said it was !"

"well, it 's not working now, is it ?"Jarrett mocked.

Albus breathed a sigh of succour. Either they had the wrong Oliver Stone or for whatever intellect, Voldemort could n't be brought back with it. Albus was hoping for the former.

Lubar turned the stone over in his hands. On the third routine, a unusual sort of mist appeared in front of him. Albus 's heart sped up. It had worked.

The mist began to all the way and a figure was standing in front of Lubar. The bod was not Lord Voldemort, though. Albus had no theme who had been resurrected, but it certainly was not Voldemort. This person was a woman, and a poor one at that.

Washburn and the Willinsons were exchanging curious glances. Lubar, however, was staring directly at the figure, his face contorted with something Albus could only assume was sadness.

"M-mother ?"Lubar said as he stepped closer to the woman.

"You idiot !"Jarrett shouted,"That 's not Voldemort !"

"I know that !"Lubar snapped and the looked back to the charwoman, who was apparently his female parent,"Mum."

"Ralphy,"the adult female replied.

"I-it 's been so long,"Lubar whispered.

Albus turned to his ally, who were all staring in confusion at Lubar. mat in particular was giving Lubar a very unknown look. Apparently the stone was the Resurrection Stone and it did indeed work, just not in the way Jarrett had been planning.

"Very long,"Lubar 's female parent agreed,"But you 've done well. I 'm very proud of you, son."

Albus had to cover his mouth to hold in his raspberry. What form of mother could be lofty of what Lubar had done ?

"I 've tried,"Lubar said,"I swore I would after, after what happened."

"You have,"Lubar 's mum replied,"You 've done me proud."

"Oh for Merlin 's interest !"Jarrett shouted as he ran towards Lubar.

Lubar seemed to feature forgotten that there were other people around. He jumped as Jarrett advanced and Jarrett grabbed the Stone out of his hand.

Lubar 's mother began to fade as soon as Jarrett took the Edward Durell Stone. Running towards her, Lubar held out his hands trying to keep her there.

"No !"he shouted,"Mum !"

Mere seconds after Lubar 's mother completely disappeared, Lubar had his wand out and was holding it up at Jarrett. Jarrett had taken out his own wand, but neither man was hurling whammy. Washburn and Quinton had taken a few stride back.

"You arse !"Lubar shouted,"That was my female parent !"

"I know !"Jarrett replied,"That 's why I did it ! We 're trying to bring back Voldemort here, not your messed up mum !"

"Do not insult my mother,"Lubar seethed and flicked his wand.

Jarrett fell to the footing, completely ineffective to strike. Lubar stood over him with his scepter directed at his chest.

"My female parent was a lovely soul,"Lubar growled,"You 're sick to be speaking ill of the dead like that."

Albus did n't really recollect Lubar should be talking about who is be sick and who is n't. Nor did he call back his mother was particularly lovely. Never before had Albus thought he 'd agree with Jarrett Willinson on anything, but when it came to Lubar 's mother, he did.

"punter they hex each early than us, right ?"John Lackland muttered.

"good breaker point,"Albus replied.

"Can we please just get back to bringing back Voldemort ?"Washburn drawled loudly,"I was under the impression that that 's what we were here for, not to insult each other 's mothers."

Lubar turned his wand on Washburn."Have you anything to say about my female parent ? Well, do you ?"

Washburn hastily pulled out his own wand."Er, no, she seemed quite lovely."

"Good,"Lubar said manically,"Keep it that way, or you 'll end up like him."Lubar gestured to Jarrett, who was still laying paralyzed on the ground, his eyes darting about nervously.

******

"Commonwealth of Australia,"Walter said weakly,"Bloody hell."

"I 'll require you to replicate that Portkey,"Harry said to the witch, who nodded and left the room again.

"Walter,"Harry began,"I am nearly one hundred percent sure that Jarrett and Quinton Willinson, as well as Jameson Washburn are working with Lubar. I am nearly positive degree that they are with the boys in Australia."

"right hand,"Walter agreed,"The grounds surely points that way."

"There is something about that investigation that hardly anyone in the Ministry knows,"Harry lowered his vox,"Nearly a twelvemonth ago, after Quinton was sent to Azkaban, the Ministry decided that the Auror section needed some supporter with capturing the former two. The Minister hired a Presuler."

Walter let out a low whistle and then realization dawned on his face."Wait, you do n't mean-"

"Tethys Balladanis,"Harry said quietly,"Yes, he was the Presuler the Ministry hired. Stationed at Hogwarts under the pretense of teaching defense lawyers Against the nighttime Arts."

"Bad idea on the Minister 's section,"Bruno Walter muttered.

"It was my estimate to station him at Hogwarts,"Harry replied,"But I did not know that he would be such an awful teacher."

"I wo n't hold it against you,"Walter said.

"I appreciate that,"Harry said,"However, since Balladanis is a part of this investigation, I have to contact him and he will let to go with us to Commonwealth of Australia. I understand that you have had your differences, but-"

"If he helps to find flatness, I will forgive him for everything he 's done,"Walter interrupted.

"Here you are, Mr. ceramist, Mr. Eckerton,"the witch returned holding a ill-shapen credit card container, which she handed to Harry."If I can be of anymore aid, let me know."

"That 's it for now,"Harry said as he took the container,"Thanks."

******

Albus stood glacial as the four men dueled each other. wholly unsure of what to do, yet very happy that they seemed to own momentarily forgotten about the boys, Albus just stood there watching. matte, John, and Kaden did the same, although lavatory looked more than a bit discerning, nigh likely due to his want of a wand.

Washburn had attempted to deal the Stone from Lubar, who had taken it back from Jarrett, shortly after Lubar had stunned Jarrett. Apparently Lubar did not take kindly to this and jinx Washburn. In the mean clock time, the Stunner had worn off Jarrett and he attempted to hex Lubar.

All four men were running around, throwing hexes at each other while dodging the flame. Albus was sort of hoping one of them would misstep and burn down their implements of war or something. Or even improve, maybe one or more of them would drop their wand into the fire.

Washburn and the Willinsons were definitely worse for wear. All three of them were sporting injuries. Both Willinsons were limping and Washburn 's lead arm was being held at an odd slant.

Lubar seemed fine and even though it appeared that the other three were siding against him, he was coming off better. Albus had to admit that he was very skilled at dueling.

Lubar shot a jet of red light at Washburn, who went flying over the flak and landed with a sickening thud in front of the boys. He did not move. Albus looked down and saw a humble stone future to Washburn 's head. He bent and picked it up. It was the resurrection Stone.

Albus stood up and jumped back. Lubar, Jarrett, and Quinton had all bring forward towards him. Three wands were pointed at his chest, being held by three masses with maniac gleams in their eyes.

Albus gulped and held up his own sceptre, his arm shaking slightly. Matt and Kaden had done the same. John tried to hide behind Matt, but was unsuccessful since he was a good head taller than him.

"Hand it over, Potter,"Lubar growled.

With a defiant look at Lubar, Albus hastily shoved the gem into the pocket of his robe and held his wand up higher.

******

"Balladanis."

"Eckerton."

Harry watched as the two men stared at each early. Balladanis had Flooed to the Ministry shortly after receiving Harry 's Patronus. Harry had filled him in on what was going on, but the man had n't taken his eyes off of Bruno Walter the entire sentence.

"We have n't got time for this,"Harry muttered and held out the plastic container,"Let 's just go."

Walter agreed immediately and laid his hand on the Portkey. Balladanis did so as well, with a minuscule hesitation.

With a familiar jerking behind his naval, Harry disappeared from the Ministry. The Portkey slip was a bit longer than ones Harry was used to, but it did n't surprise him since he knew they were going to Australia.

Harry landed softly on his feet and held out his wand as he adjusted to the surroundings. It was pitch black-market and after he lit his sceptre, Harry knew they were in the middle of a forest.

The forest was disappointingly quiet. The only strait were those of animals and the occasional rustle of Tree, brought about by the wind. Not a single sound caused Harry to think that there were people about, let alone his son.

"bedcover out and lookup,"Harry announced. The place may seem deserted, but Albus and the others had been there at some point. They had Portkeyed there.

None of the wizards said a word as they combed the area. Harry left no stone unturned as he looked for the smallest trace of evidence of where his son had gone. If only it was n't night. Wands did n't provide nearly enough light.

There seemed to be not a trace of anything that showed anyone had been in that area of the timberland, let alone where they had gone afterwards. Ralph Lubar was adept at this, that was for for certain. Harry swore as he returned to the Sami space he had started from.

Walter returned a few arcminute later, looking even more anxious than he did before."zip,"he muttered,"Not a ripped piece of cloak or a unmarried Knut. They did n't rest here long."

Harry groaned and scuffed the ground with his brake shoe. He and Walter stood quietly as they waited for Balladanis to return.

Balladanis came running towards Harry holding a small-scale metal legal instrument in his manus and an strange sort of aroused smirk on his face. He skidded to a halt in front of Harry, holding out the pawn. Harry recognized it as an apparition sensor. They were quite rare. The Brits Ministry only owned one, for the entire Ministry.

"They 've Disapparated,"Balladanis said hurriedly.

"Obviously,"Bruno Walter muttered,"Any melodic theme where ?"

"A oecumenical idea, yes,"Balladanis replied, ignoring Walter 's sarcastic tone,"They 're on the outback."

"The outback ?"Walter gasped,"Dammit, there 's dementors out there !"

"I am aware,"Balladanis said.

"Let 's go, then,"Harry said, placing one of his work force on the metal musical instrument. It would be able to steer them to the relative area they needed to go.

Walter put his hand on the instrument as well and with an exceptionally forte crevice, all three men Disapparated.

They landed on terrain that was very unfamiliar to Harry. The land was dusty and sandy and there was hardly any industrial plant life in sight. In the space there were tall mountains and cloaked figure of speech floated above them. Harry suppressed a shudder and gripped his verge tighter. Dementors.

What looked like a hollo balefire blazed in the distance. Harry glanced at it suspiciously and then looked back to Walter and Balladanis, both of whom were more familiar with the area.

"Only vampires and dementors ever venture out here,"Balladanis said quietly,"Neither of whom would set a fire."

"Let 's go, then,"Harry said and began to lead the small mathematical group towards the flickering lights in the distance.

******

"Hand it over, ceramist,"Lubar repeated.

Albus gulped and tried to hold his wand more unbendable. His sceptre arm was shaking uncontrollably and Albus did n't seem to be able to arrest it brace. His bosom was thumping hard in his chest. Albus was sure everyone was able-bodied to take heed it. However, he did not want to open up the endocarp. That was one thing he was for sure of. The only way Lubar would be getting it is if he killed Albus first. Which actually, was n't something Albus would put past him.

"Maybe you should just open it to him,"can whispered,"I mean, it did n't work to get Voldemort back."

"No,"Albus seethed, surprised that John had suggested it. He probably would n't take in if he still had his wand.

"Do you really want to ingest to duel me, thrower ?"Lubar stepped a bit closer,"There 's three of us and four of you, one of which does n't have a wand. Not salutary odds, if you ask me."

"And do you realize that those two are frightful dueler ?"Albus replied.

"I have noticed,"Lubar smirked,"But they 're fully qualified ; you are not. I 'm going to get that Stone, one way or another."

Lubar flicked his wand and sent a jet of orange lighting at Albus. Albus jumped back and threw up a shield charm, concentrating on making it big enough to shield him and his admirer. It worked and the orangeness light bounced harmlessly off the carapace and hit the ground.

"Stay behind me, John,"Albus muttered,"Matt and Kaden, spread out and hit them with whatever spells you know."

Albus concentrated on keeping his shell up while casting other enchantment, like he had done in Balladanis 's dueling lesson. So far it was working, but Albus never managed to hold back the carapace up very long.

Lubar was momentarily stunned when he saw Albus 's shield, but he quickly recovered and began sending hex after hex, nonverbally, at Albus and St. John the Apostle. Concentrating strong, Albus sent a Stunner at Lubar, but he flicked his verge and it shot off into the distance, hitting one of the lone bushes, which promptly caught fire.

Albus chanced a glance at lusterlessness and Kaden. flatness was dueling with Jarrett and it looked like they were pretty equally matched, which was kind of pathetic as far as Jarrett was concerned. It made Albus palpate better though. Quinton and Kaden just seemed to be sending Expelliarmus magic spell at each former and missing every time.

The shield emitting from Albus 's wand faltered and faded a bit. Albus renewed his tightness, but the shield was still frail than it had been before. There was no way he 'd be able to send any while through the buckler now.

"Your shield is weakening, potter,"Lubar smirked as he sent another beauty at Albus, which shook the shield.

"Merlin !"Quinton shouted to the right wing of them. He was hopping on one substructure and Kaden was laughing hysterically. Albus grinned. Kaden had actually managed to do some sort of hex, although Albus was n't sure what one it was.

Lubar turned to Quinton and flicked his wand at Kaden. Kaden promptly froze and fell to the ground. Albus gasped and his carapace disappeared.

"Albus !"trick shouted.

Albus turned back to Lubar, but did n't get the carapace back up before Lubar shot a hex at whoremaster, who fell to the land like Kaden had.

"Would n't it be easier just to grant me the Harlan F. Stone ?"Lubar asked as he sent a looker at Albus.

Albus deflected it."Not really."

Jarrett and Matt were still dueling. Both were sporting a few wound, but nothing too serious. Neither seemed to accept noticed that John and Kaden were Stunned.

Albus managed to hit Lubar with a trip jinx, which gave him a few seconds to see his breath while Lubar righted himself. Unfortunately this only angered him and he was now sporting a gash across his leftover cheek.

"Expelliarmus !"Lubar shouted.

Albus jumped to the side and the charm hit a nearby rock. Lubar resumed his nonverbal spells and Albus continued deflecting them and dodging them, too exhausted to try and hit Lubar with any former jinxes.

"You ca n't go along dodging them forever, ceramist !"Lubar grinned manically.

"ticker me,"Albus said defiantly.

Albus of line knew that Lubar was right. The odds had not really changed. John and Kaden were both out of the battle and while John was easily the beneficial dueler after Albus, his absence did not put Albus greatly behind. Washburn was out as well and both Willinsons were injured. Quinton was currently on his genu panting, not in any SHAPE to continue dueling. Matt was holding his own against Jarrett, something Albus was both astounded and enchant by.

No, Albus was not trying to get the better of Lubar. He knew that would n't be potential. Albus was merely biding for meter. He tried to picture out how long they 'd been gone as he dodged spells. It must have been at to the lowest degree three or four hours, although the dark Australian sky had not changed a bit. Albus wished the Sun Myung Moon had been out so he could feature monitored its trip across the sky.

How long would it take his dad to determine them ? Longer than convention, Albus thought. They were in the middle of a alien state, nowhere near anyplace Harry would be looking.

"I 'm getting annoyed, Potter, and you do n't require to see me when I 'm annoyed !"Lubar shouted, sending another jet of red visible light at Albus.

Before Albus even had sentence to file what form of hex it was, Matt gave a shriek of nuisance to Albus 's right and collapsed to the footing. Jarrett wasted no time and pointed his sceptre at Albus.

Albus took a fraction of a sec to endure the fact that he was now perfectly alone, facing two fully grown star. The two wizards jibe identical jets of Amytal light at Albus and he managed to commit up a rickety shield.

The military group hit him like a dozen Bludgers to the breadbasket. He lost his footing and landed flat on his spinal column, his mind hitting a particularly sharp rock'n'roll.

"I told you not to fight, Potter,"Lubar sneered as he loomed over Albus.

"You 're not getting the Harlan Stone,"Albus said, forcing away the dizziness. He reached into his robe and pulled out the Stone.

"I disagree,"Lubar said as he made to seize the Stone.

With all the force Albus could come up, he threw the Stone as far as he could to the rightfulness. In the darkness, it disappeared in a cleave second and Albus did n't even hear it land.

"No !"Lubar shouted,"You 'll pay for that !"

"Wands where I can see them !"someone shouted from behind Lubar.

Lubar and Jarrett whipped around as fast as they could. Albus lifted his headway slightly and caught a glimpse of his dad, along with a few other wizards. He breathed a sigh of stand-in. They were saved.


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight as well as all of the pin-up hoi polloi who have read and reviewed this !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Albus managed to sit up right wing before the hexes started flying. Realizing that he dropped his wand when Lubar and Jarrett hexed him, he groped about for it on the ground. Not finding it, he crawled behind a nearby bush and watched.

Jarrett did n't baffle around long. He sent one pathetic lulu at Harry, who easily deflected it, and disappeared on the position. Harry immediately disarmed Lubar before he could do the same.

Once Lubar was defenseless, Albus left the safety of the Vannevar Bush and shakily stood up. He reached the fire and was able to see who the early two whizz next to Harry were. What he saw made him dizzy with shock all over again.

The shorter of the two was matte 's dad. He was staring stony faced at Lubar. Albus had never seen anyone spotlight at anyone else with such hatred and loathing as Matt 's dad glared at Lubar. And that included when his Uncle Ron talked about the Malfoys, or his mum when mortal mentioned Vernon and Petunia Dursley.

It was the former ace that nearly caused Albus to pass out in shock. He was none other than professor Balladanis. What in the name of Merlin was he doing there ? It looked like he was actually with Harry and lusterlessness 's dad. But why ? Did n't Matt 's dad hate Balladanis ?

"Eckerton, what a pleasant surprisal,"Lubar smirked.

"Lubar, if we were n't in the bearing of an Auror and a Presuler I 'd rip you limb from limb, Muggle manner,"Mr. Eckerton growled.

Albus was slightly stunned by Mr. Eckerton 's alternative of words, but remembering what Matt had told him at the kickoff of the year, all surprisal left him.

"Lucky for me Potter and Balladanis are here, then,"Lubar replied and snatched Washburn 's scepter off the ground.

Harry, Mr. Eckerton, and Balladanis all sent dissimilar spells at Lubar at the same time, but it was too late. He was already gone. Mr. Eckerton swore loudly.

"Two ai n't bad,"Balladanis muttered as he gestured to Washburn and Quinton, the latter of whom was still conscious but not completely cognisant of his surroundings.

"That 's the glaring divergence between you and I,"Mr. Eckerton muttered as he moved swiftly past Quinton and Washburn to give Matt.

"Dad !"Albus shouted.

Harry looked up from Kaden 's unconscious mind flesh and raced towards Albus. Albus threw his weapon system around his dad and the two of them hugged each other tightly.

"Al, thank Merlin,"Harry said.

"Dad, what 's Balladanis doing here ?"Albus asked immediately,"And Lubar, what 's going to happen to him ? And Willinson ?"

"I 'll explain it all once we get you back to Hogwarts,"Harry assured him.

Balladanis had a firm delay on both Washburn and Quinton and was fiddling with a fall in plastic cup. A few bit later, all three of them disappeared.

Harry turned to Mr. Eckerton, who was standing up with Matt in his weaponry."Can you take trick, too ? I 'll get Kaden and Al will come up with me."

Mr. Eckerton nodded and grabbed hold of bathroom 's arm before pulling his own split up charge plate cup out of his pocket. They disappeared.

Harry pulled Kaden up and took Albus 's arm. Albus was still thoroughly confused, but did not have time to ask his dad anymore query before feeling the familiar jerk behind his naval that signified he was traveling by Portkey.

Albus landed with a thud in the middle of the infirmary fender. The question of how they managed to Portkey inside the Hogwarts earth was the least adjure question on his mind.

Looking around, Albus saw that the others had arrived as well. Mr. Eckerton was laying both lustrelessness and lavatory on the nearest beds while Madam Pomfrey was shouting and gathering potions.

"expression at the res publica of them !"the nurse exclaimed,"Always this lot, too ! You 're a bad influence on them, Harry, I swear !"

Harry looked slightly sheepish as he set Kaden down on the bed next to Matt 's and then turned to Albus.

"I 've got to talk with prof Kendrick and go to the Ministry-"he began.

"But Dad !"Albus interrupted,"What was Balladanis doing there ?"

"I promise I 'll tell you all of that and more,"Harry replied,"But I need to tell everyone you and the others are ok. When I get back, I 'm going to need you to order me everything that happened."

"But-"

"No buts !"brothel keeper Pomfrey cut in,"Bed, Albus, bed ! You need rest !"

Albus, who had barely registered the fact that his head was bleeding and he was still quite dizzy, felt that the last affair he needed was rest. He needed to know what was going on.

"I 'll explain once you 've gotten some sleep,"Harry assured him.

Albus muttered under his breathing space and got into bed. Once madam Pomfrey had given him a Sleeping drawing, Harry left, leaving Albus to unsuccessfully try to fight off the eternal sleep he knew was coming.

******

The Montgomery Ward was lull when Albus woke up. It was completely darkness outside, although Albus did n't accept the slightest cue as to what day it was. John the Divine, Matt, and Kaden were either still unconscious mind or sound asleep. Albus was betting on the latter since Madam Pomfrey was no where to be seen.

Mr. Eckerton was still there and he had been joined by his wife. Both of them were nodding off in chairs next to Matt 's bed. It did n't front like Mr. Eckerton had even left. He was wearing the same Ministry robes he had been wearing before.

Albus sat up and put his hired man to his school principal. There was a bandage on the binding of it. Another bandage was wrapped around his right arm, although he could n't recall when he had injured it. Besides that, he just felt tucker out.

The room access to the ward opened, letting in a small flood of light from the corridor. A figure stepped inside and began walking towards Albus 's bed.

"Hey, Al,"they said.

"Dad,"Albus replied, recognizing his father,"Are you going to severalise me about Balladanis now ?"

"Yes,"Harry chuckled,"Perhaps we ought to go to the elbow room of Requirement."

Albus shook his head, remembering something he had been debating for the past twelvemonth. He had waited long enough. It was time.

"No,"Albus said,"I know someplace better."

Without saying a word, Albus got out of bed and guide his dad out the door and up to the fifth floor corridor. Harry did not ask a ace enquiry as Albus pulled the arm down on the seize knight and turned to face the opposite word wall.

Albus located the paw photographic print and touched his hand to them, turning it into a doorknob. He opened the door and stepped inside. Harry followed, letting out a pant as he did.

"Remember that map from last year ?"Albus asked as he shut the door.

Harry nodded, apparently at a loss for words.

"There was more to it. Instructions on how to get into this way. It was theirs, the Marauders'. Their mysterious common elbow room,"Albus said quietly.

Harry did n't respond. Instead he walked slowly around the room. Albus stood near the door and waited. He was n't certain how long he stood there, watching as his dad investigated the room that had once belonged to his grandfather.

"This,"Harry began,"This is just incredible, Al. How long have you known about it ?"

"About a year,"Albus said quietly.

"And you spend clock time here ?"Harry asked.

"Probably more than we do in the vulgar room,"Albus answered.

"Then it is the perfect place to babble,"Harry said as he sat down on one of the couches.

Albus sat down next to him."So why was Balladanis there ?"

"I 'll tell you that,"Harry said,"But first I want you to explicate to me what happened."

Albus took a deep breath and told his dad everything. Starting with when they saw Lubar in the castle and ending with throwing the Resurrection Oliver Stone into the Outback. He explained how they had first gone to a forest in Australia, how they had Portkeyed to the Outback, the dementors, the almost Patronus he had managed to attain, the duel, the fact that the Resurrection Stone did n't work to make for Voldemort back.

"Why did n't it ferment ?"Albus asked,"I mean, I 'm gladiolus it did n't, but why ?"

Harry thought for a few minutes and then looked at Albus."There are a few cause that might explain it. The Resurrection Stone brings back people we love, but it does not make for them back completely. It 's almost as if their soul is coming back."

"Like a ghostwriter ?"

"Not exactly,"Harry said,"But similar. It 's possible that since Voldemort split his soul so many times, he ca n't be brought back with the gem. The I. F. Stone may need the soulfulness to be intact to work."

Albus nodded."That makes sense."

"It could also be that only loved ones can be brought back with the Isidor Feinstein Stone. Washburn and the Willinsons did not eff Voldemort ; they did not know him. They wanted to bring him back for their own order of business,"Harry explained.

"Is there any way to discover out which it is ?"Albus asked.

"No, I do n't think so,"Harry said,"Especially now that the Stone is once again gone. Which is something I 'm very grateful that you did."

"Well, I figured you left it out in the Forbidden Forest for a grounds,"Albus shrugged.

"Yes, yes I did,"Harry replied,"I think it beneficial if cipher had that Stone."

Albus nodded."Yeah, that makes sense. But what was Balladanis doing there ?"

Harry laughed."You 're not going to let that go, are you ?"

"Nope, you said you 'd separate me,"Albus said.

"I will,"Harry replied,"Albus, do you know what a Presuler is ?"

"Yes,"Albus nodded,"And I know that Balladanis is one."

"You do ?"Harry looked impressed.

"He told me during one of those dueling lessons he gave me,"Albus explained.

"well, that makes my explanation easier,"Harry said,"A little over a year ago, shortly after Quinton kidnapped Kaden, the Ministry decided to charter a Presuler to help oneself feel Washburn and Jarrett Willinson."

"Seriously ?"Albus gaped at him.

"Yes,"Harry muttered,"The government minister believed the Aurors needed some help."

Albus thought he heard bit of disrespect in his dad 's voice.

"When I realized that Washburn and the Willinsons were most likely working with Ralph Lubar, I had to contact Balladanis and let him know. He came with us, and I have to admit that he was very helpful. We would not have found you as fast if he was n't there,"Harry explained.

"But why was he teaching here ?"Albus asked.

"The Minister, Professor Kendrick, and I believed it would be beneficial scheme to hold him stationed at Hogwarts, where we all believed Washburn and the Willinsons would give to. Balladanis agreed,"Harry said,"Of track, none of us realized that Balladanis would not be able to handle teaching.

"This is all quite secretive, Al. I 'd favour you did n't tell anyone. I will be telling Matt, bathroom, and Kaden, because I feel they have the right to cognise, but I do n't want anyone else knowing about it."

"What about Rose and Amanda ?"Albus asked.

"I suppose I 'll secern them as well, otherwise Kaden is sure to tell them,"Harry said.

"What 's going to occur to Lubar ?"Albus asked,"Is Balladanis going to be after him now ?"

"No,"Harry shook his principal,"That 's going to be foxy situation. Lubar is n't a British citizen. We ca n't do a thing while he 's in Australia. It 's up to the Australian Ministry to either put him on trial or give him to us to put on run. And since he 's one of their functionary, we 're not sure they 'll do either."

"But that 's not just !"Albus stood up angrily,"Look what he did ! Look what he 's done !"

"I know,"Harry sighed,"I 'd like nada more than than to apply him a life-long Erolia minutilla in Azkaban, but unfortunately the laws do n't work out that way."

"He and Balladanis get along anyway,"Albus said,"Balladanis probably would n't need to go after him."

"I do n't know about that,"Harry said,"Balladanis likes masses to pay for what they 've done. However, being a Presuler and having no Ministry affiliation, he does not take to take a case if he 's offered it."

"He told me I 'd shit a good Presuler,"Albus said quietly as I sat back down,"Malfoy, too."

Harry sighed."What do you think about that ?"

"I do n't know,"Albus shrugged,"I mean, I like dueling, but I do n't really want to resolve what I want to do right now."

"You do n't throw to,"Harry replied,"And I do n't want to order you what to do, but I am going to tell you something.

"Being a Presuler is a voiceless job and often a lonely one. You have no coworkers. You work with various Ministries, but rarely get to know anyone. You travel a lot, which can relieve oneself it unmanageable to have a family line. It 's not an promiscuous path to go down. Not one I 'd choose for myself."

Albus had n't even thought about that. He did n't cogitate he 'd need to rarely ever see his friends and family.

"There 's plenty of former affair you could do that would put your dueling skills to use,"Harry told him,"And you 're only 13 so no need to settle now."

"I know, I do n't be after to,"Albus replied.

"fountainhead, you should probably get back to the Hospital Wing before brothel keeper Pomfrey notices you 're gone,"Harry smirked,"And thanks again for showing me the room."

Harry stood up and gave his son a hug. They left the elbow room and walked back to the Hospital fender, both lost in their thoughts.

******

As it turned out, brothel keeper Pomfrey had already noticed that Albus was missing. When he returned to the infirmary Wing with his dad, she was running about the Barbara Ward shouting at the top of her lungs. Matt, trick, and Kaden were all awake, staring at her.

"There you are !"she shrieked,"Where have you been ?"

"Er,"Albus began.

"I had to talk to him in secret,"Harry answered for him.

"You should have asked me first !"Madam Pomfrey exclaimed as she ushered Albus back into bed,"He needs sleep !"

"I 'm his Fatherhood,"Harry said incredulously.

"I do n't care if you 're the Minister of legerdemain !"brothel keeper Pomfrey replied,"I 'm the one with the nursing academic degree !"

"How long has she been shouting ?"Albus whispered to lustrelessness as he got back in bed.

"fifteen transactions or so,"Matt answered.

madam Pomfrey returned to her desk and Harry strode over to where the Eckertons were sitting.

"Could I have a word in private ?"Harry asked Mr. Eckerton and then turned to Madam Pomfrey."Do I require your permission for that ?"he grinned.

"Very amusing,"brothel keeper Pomfrey muttered.

Albus drifted back to log Z's a piffling while later and when he next woke up it was light out and Madam Pomfrey was bringing them all breakfast trays.

"Er, what day is it ?"Albus asked as madam Pomfrey set his tray down.

"It 's Sunday, honey, but it 's afternoon,"lady Pomfrey replied,"I figured you 'd prefer to hold breakfast."

"Only Sunday ?"Albus asked. It felt like it had been far more than two dozen hours since he had met up with Lubar before the Quidditch match.

"fourth dimension zona alteration are difficult to adjust to,"Madam Pomfrey explained,"Commonwealth of Australia 's quite a few hours ahead of us."

Albus nodded and dug into his breakfast. Suddenly he was edacious. When he thought about it, it must birth been at least a day since he 'd wipe out anything.

"I wonder how the Quidditch compeer went,"Kaden mused as he shoved toast in his mouth.

Albus choked on his nut. He 'd forget about the match !"I doubt we won,"he sighed.

"Is your dad going to narrate us why Balladanis was with him when he came to relieve us ?"privy asked,"I mean, he 's had slew of time."

"He will,"Albus said,"He already told me. You lot were asleep."

The doors to the Hospital Wing banged open and Rose and Amanda came running in. ma'am Pomfrey made a movement to get up from her desk, but then sat back down, shaking her head.

"Tell us what happened !"Rose demanded as she skidded to a hitch in front of Albus 's bed,"When did you get back ? Where did you go ?"

"Who won the Quidditch catch ?"Albus asked.

"Quidditch ? Quidditch ?"rosiness groaned,"I 'm not saying a Holy Scripture about Quidditch until the four of you tell me what in the public figure of Merlin 's saggy left-"

"Miss Weasley !"Madam Pomfrey shouted,"If you do n't lower your voice, you 'll have to leave !"

"Sorry,"blush wine turned back to Albus,"But you lot have got to tell us what happened !"

Albus launched into the entire tale, which took the better region of a half hour to tell. Neither rosebush or Amanda interrupted once during the whole affair. Both of them looked absolutely shocked by the time Albus concluded.

"But, but why was Balladanis there ?"Rose asked.

"My dad 's going to tell you,"Albus said,"He 's already told me. He 'll probably separate the rest of you today."

"Merlin, Albus,"pink wine sighed,"How much problem can you get into ?"

"It 's not my fault,"Albus shrugged,"Now can you separate us about the match ?"

rosiness exchanged glances with Amanda, who sighed."It was quite the lucifer, let me say you,"Amanda said.

"Nobody won, Al,"pink wine said.

"What ?"lavatory interrupted,"How can nobody win ?"

"About xlv second into the peer, Fred and Calluna vulgaris ran onto the pitch-"

"The match lasted that long ?"Matt asked.

"Yes,"Rose said,"I do n't bonk why. Anyway, Fred and heather ran right up to Ludo Bagman and started talking to him. cipher could get wind what they were saying. Then roadman blew his whistle and they went into a time-out.

"commercial traveler left the pitch and had a really long public lecture with all the schoolmaster and captains. Then Kendrick announced that the match was called off and told everyone to return to their common rooms.

"Everyone was really tempestuous of course of instruction. Amanda and I were already worried because you lot had n't shown up yet. We thought something bad had happened and that was why they called it off."

"Why did they scream it off ?"John asked.

"I 'm getting to that,"Rose said,"We got back up to Gryffindor and everyone was gathered around Fred and Heather. Linda was n't there, and neither were any of her mate who were Gryffindors.

"We pushed our way to the battlefront of the bunch and listen what Fred and Heather were talking about. They were claiming that Australia had been cheating the whole time-"

"Well, they were,"mat muttered.

"I know,"rose wine agreed,"And apparently so did Fred and Heather. I 'm trusted they figured it out just recently or else they would 've told someone Sooner. They found out Linda 's a vampire and now the entire shoal knows."

"How did they estimate it out ?"Albus asked, completely shocked. Linda hid her surreptitious quite well. Fred and Scots heather were 6th age, they would n't possess heard Balladanis 's vampire lecture."

"They 've been trying to figure it out all class,"Rose explained,"And since they 're smart, they figured it out."

"But what about the mate ?"Albus asked.

"I think they 're going to cancel the tourney, Albus,"Rose said quietly.

"natural the tourney ?"Albus gasped,"natural the tourney ? ! They ca n't do that ! We 've spent the all year on that tournament ! Do you know how often time I 've spent on the Quidditch pitch this year ? More time than I 've spent in class, probably ! And now they 're going to cancel the bloody tourney ?"

"I do n't recognise, Al,"pink wine said shortly,"And if they do it 's not my fault."

"Sorry,"Albus mumbled,"It 's just a piddling aggravating."

"I know,"rosebush replied.

"Where 's Linda ?"matte asked.

"Gone,"Rose sighed,"Without a word. I have n't seen her or any of the Australian since the catch. Killigan 's gone, too."

"Wow,"matte replied,"Ca n't say I blame her, though."

"I guess,"Rose said,"Anyway, they 'll probably make an annunciation about the tournament at dinner."


A/N : Thanks to my Beta, Dancer of Starlight as well as all of the awe-inspiring people who have read and reviewed this ! There is only one to a greater extent chapter left !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Harry returned to tell everyone else about Balladanis later on in the afternoon. Madam Pomfrey flat out refused to let any of them leave the Hospital flank, so she agreed to lock the door and go to her report while Harry explained. Matt 's dad was there as well.

Harry told them everything he had told Albus, although he left out the component about why it was not all that advisable to get a Presuler. Everyone was completely shocked to learn that Balladanis had been hired to help capture Washburn and the Willinsons.

Unfortunately, Harry also brought newsworthiness of Lubar. News that was not all that welcome.

"As of right now, he 's completely disembarrass and in the readable,"Harry sighed,"The Australian Ministry refuses to extradite him, and they wo n't prosecute him in Australia either. To them, it 's like nothing 's happened."

Albus noticed that Mr. Eckerton looked positively furious with this. Harry looked quite raging as well, but it did not come close to how Mr. Eckerton looked.

"We 're not going to afford up,"Harry said,"We 'll keep negotiating with them."

Mr. Eckerton had also apparently been told about the Hallows. When Harry had spoken with him the former night, it had been about the Hallows. Albus remembered back to his first yr, when Matt had told them about his dad 's Edward Young adult aspiration of locating the Hallows. Harry must 've trusted him now.

Albus reached over to his bedside board, where Madam Pomfrey had placed the Invisibility Cloak the old night. He wordlessly handed it to Mr. Eckerton, who carefully took it with a face of awe on his face.

"Merlin 's beard,"he muttered,"It 's the Cloak."

"That it is,"Harry said quietly.

"Unbelievable,"Mr. Eckerton whispered as he fingered it.

He spent a few minute trying the Cloak on before handing it back to Albus."I can not believe I 've finally solved the case of the Hallows,"he said to Harry,"This is amazing. I would jazz to share the tale with my brother. Perhaps I could introduce you to him at the creation Cup this summer."

Harry nodded."That would be fine. Perhaps I will eventually say him as well."

******

Albus wanted cipher more than to be allowed out of the hospital Wing in time to go to dinner that night. He was sure Professor Kendrick would pee some form of annunciation about the tourney and he did not want to miss it.

After a entire ten minutes of begging on his office ( helped out by matt, St. John the Apostle, and Kaden ), Madam Pomfrey told him he was in no fit United States Department of State to lead the ward. Albus thought this was absurd because he felt fine. So what if his arm was still bandaged and in a sling ? That should n't stop him from eating dinner with the rest of the school.

Instead, Albus was forced to eat a quiet meal in the Hospital Wing and wait anxiously for Rose and Amanda to tell him what Kendrick said.

The young lady showed up right after dinner ended. Albus immediately asked them what Kendrick had said.

"tourney 's canceled,"rose wine sighed as she sat down on the end of Albus 's bed,"The kids from New House of York are staying to complete out the year, but the tournament 's canceled. I expect it 'll be in the Prophet tomorrow."

"Falco columbarius !"Albus shouted,"Why 'd they have to scrub it ? Could n't they just unfit Commonwealth of Australia ?"

"No,"Rose shook her head,"To do that Hogwarts would have to play New York in another final."

"Why do n't they do that ?"john asked.

"Too close to exams,"Rose shrugged,"It 'll mess up everyone 's studying."

"That 's stupe,"Albus fumed.

"If it makes you find better, I 'm pretty sure Hogwarts would 've won if Australia had n't make been here,"rose wine pointed out,"And Kendrick gave one hundred house detail to everyone who was on the Quidditch and dueling teams."

"Yeah, well, all the houses had masses on the teams, so that does n't really help,"Albus muttered.

"Well,"Rose grinned,"I know one affair that 'll inspire you up."

"What ?"Albus asked, even though there was nothing that could cheer him up.

"There were Quidditch scouts at that lucifer,"blush wine told him,"And even though the catch was disastrous, they did find someone they wanted to draft."

"Who ?"Albus asked, slightly intrigued.

"Georgia !"Rose exclaimed,"She 's been drafted to play for Kenmare Kestrals as soon as she graduates !"

"That 's brilliant !"Albus replied. rosebush had been right, that did cheer him up. There was no one he thought who belonged on a professional Quidditch squad more than than Georgia.

"Yup, she 's their newest reserve Keeper,"Rose said,"She says Uncle Percy 's not impressed. He wanted her to work at the Ministry. She does n't care what he thinks, though."

"Uncle Hotspur 's got heap of other kids to work at the Ministry,"Albus shrugged. He could never see Georgia working in government.

"Kenmare ?"John said incredulously.

"Yeah, seriously ?"Matt grimaced.

"They 're nearly as bad as the Cannons,"St. John the Apostle groaned.

"She 's just well-chosen to be on a squad,"Rose shrugged,"She 's always supported Puddlemere, but she thinks if she 's on any team, she 'll be able to work her way up to a break one."

"Merlin, I hope so,"john shrugged.

"Is she the lone one who got drafted ?"Albus asked.

"Only one I know for trusted of,"Rose said,"I heard a rumor that Anna Reilly got taken on by the Balycastle at-bat, but I do n't make out for sure."

Albus nodded, feeling slightly better about the tournament. It was n't pointless now that he knew his cousin had been taken on by a professional Quidditch team because of it. However, that did n't subscribe all the dashing hopes away.

******

lady Pomfrey reluctantly let the boys leave the future day after breakfast. She did n't really have a pick since examination began that day. Albus felt perfectly delicately and was quite glad to leave the blank space.

Rose handed him a copy of the Prophet as soon as he and the former boys reached the plebeian elbow room. Albus took it, happy that he had a few mo before his world-class exam to read the article that was inevitably there.

AUSTRALIAN schooling CHEATS- tournament CANCELED

After a jump uncovering made by two Hogwarts
students, the Quidditch and Dueling tournament
involving Hogwarts, the Adirondack honorary society of
Magic, and the Australian School of sorcery
has been canceled.

The tournament 's final Quidditch match was
interrupted this past Saturday by two Hogwarts
one-sixth class, Fred Weasley and Heather Weasley,
both 17, who claimed that the Australian team
had been cheating throughout the integral
tournament.

A few months ago, allegations were brought upon
the Australian team after their Seeker, Linda
Morales, 14, flew at an exceptionally fast speed.
An investigation found nothing. The tournament
continued.

Fred and Heather Weasley accused Linda Morales
of being a lamia. lamia are outlawed
from playing on professional Quidditch squad due
to the unfair advantage they have.

The mates was immediately stopped while all three
schoolmaster questioned the Weasleys and Morales.

Headmaster Addiar Killigan of the Australian
shoal of Sorcery admitted to allowing esprit de corps
to be the seeker of his team in order to win the
tournament. The Aboriginal Australian team was immediately
disqualified from the tournament.

Killigan, Morales, and the rest of the Aboriginal Australian
participating in the tournament left Hogwarts late
on Sat, declining to speak with any of our
reporters.

tourney functionary as well as the early two
schoolmaster have decided to invalidate the tournament,
and not declaring a winner.

'It is too bad that the tournament turned out
this way ,'Fabius Kendrick told reporters, 'Perhaps
we can try it again in a few yr .'

"Killigan is an idiot,"Albus said.

"Look at the future article,"Rose replied.

QUINTON WILLINSON rear IN AZKABAN, JOINED BY WASHBURN

While the final examination Quidditch match was ending in disaster
at Hogwarts School of witchery and Wizardry, Harry
ceramicist 's middle nestling, Albus, 13, was dealing with his
own battle.

Albus ceramist, as well as cousin Kaden Dursley, 12, and
friends St. Matthew the Apostle Eckerton and whoremaster Brickston, both 14,
were kidnapped by Quinton and Jarrett Willinson, and
Jameson Washburn. The three convicts were helped by
Ralph Lubar, nous of the Department of the regulating
and Control of Magical Creatures in Australia.

The four Hogwarts students were taken to Australia
where Harry ceramicist and Walter Eckerton found them.
It is undecipherable what the convicts were after, as well as
why Lubar was involved.

Quinton Willinson and Jameson Washburn were caught and
sent to Azkaban. Lubar and Jarrett Willinson escaped.
Aurors are currently looking for Willinson and the
Ministry is negotiating with the Australian Ministry
about what to do with Lubar.

All four boys have recovered from the ordeal and are
currently taking their end of the twelvemonth scrutiny
at Hogwarts. Harry Potter has declined comment.

"fountainhead, that 's not a very informative article,"Albus said as he tossed the paper onto a nearby table.

"I do n't recall they can describe much,"pink wine said,"The Aboriginal Australian Ministry may be asking them to keep calm down about Lubar in return for giving him some variety of punishment.

"It wo n't matter,"Matt said,"They 're not going to do anything to him."

Albus was forced to push Lubar into the back of his psyche as exams began. They were all significantly harder than the previous year 's had been, but he was sure he at least passed all of them.

There were short articles in the vaticinator about Lubar everyday, but they all said the same thing. Australia refused to extradite him. Matt was not at all surprised by this, but it infuriated Albus to no end.

The calendar week after test was a strange one for Albus. There was nothing left for them to do. No studying, no homework, no Quidditch. Rose and Amanda went back to spending all their clock time with the son, like it had been before Linda had arrived.

Things were different, though. Both Rose and Amanda were a lot still than they used to be. Albus was for sure they missed Linda, and he had no melodic theme whether she had said good-bye to them, or even if she 'd had the opportunity.

Matt was lost in his own thoughts most of the time, rendering him quieter than ever. He often went entire evenings without saying two words to anyone, something that usually only happened around full synodic month. However, the next full Sun Myung Moon was n't until after they left Hogwarts.

Albus was sure this was because of what had happened in Australia. He never talked about it, but Albus knew that getting kidnapped by Lubar again had scared the daytime out of him.

John and Kaden remained as knockabout as ever and did not seem to be fazed by what had happened in Commonwealth of Australia. They spent their calendar week pulling buffoonery and playing endless secret plan of Exploding catch that Albus occasionally joined in on.

Albus himself was quieter. His mind was racing with sentiment of Lubar and Balladanis. None of the clause ever mentioned Balladanis, but he knew that was because Balladanis 's job had to stay on a secret. He wished more than anything that Lubar would get thrown in prison, whether it was Azkaban or Commonwealth of Australia 's prison.

******

The string ride back to Greater London was subdued, the only when racket being toilet and Kaden 's Exploding Snap cards. Albus and Matt both gazed out the windowpane, mesmerized by the passage landscape.

"Linda sent me a letter live on Night,"rosiness said, breaking the silence.

Albus lifted his head up and looked at her."What about ?"

"She told us she was sorry, and wanted me to tell you that she was sorry about the tournament,"Rose told him,"She 's on the run with her mum now. They 're thinking of moving to a different country."

"To go to schoolhouse ?"Albus asked.

"No,"rose wine shook her nous,"She 's been through school a couple times already. She was n't even a scholarly person at the Aboriginal Australian schooling. Killigan pretty much forced her into playing searcher for them. He 's a really awful bloke. They have to get out now, though, because everyone knows."

"Where will they go ?"Albus asked, surprised that he was actually tactual sensation sorry for Linda.

"No theme,"Rose shrugged,"She said she 'd owl me when they find out."

"This whole twelvemonth has been so messed up,"John sighed,"I hope next year 's better."

"Me, too,"mat agreed.

"We 've got the cosmos Cup to seem forward to, though,"Albus smiled.

"Oh, yeah !"John the Evangelist grinned,"Owl me as soon as you find out when we 're leaving for it."

"Definitely,"Albus said,"Your sister 's going, too. Lily told me she 'd invited her. Victor-Marie Hugo 's not really happy about that."

"Neither am I,"toilet muttered,"I do n't want Ashtyn going."

"Well, I 'd favour Lily not go, but it 's the Cup ! nothing can really deflower it,"Albus said.

"Good power point,"John agreed.

"Let me bed when the Cup is,"Kaden said.

"Why ? So you can convert your parents to use up you ?"John smirked.

"No,"Kaden laughed,"So I can jazz when to ask for you lot to my house. My dad said he 'd ingest us camping."

"Excellent !"John grinned,"encampment like Muggles ?"

"Yep,"Kaden replied,"aliveness in collapsible shelter, no electricity, no magic either since we 're all underage."

"There is no way my parents will let me go,"matt said quietly.

"Why not ?"Kaden asked.

"I went camping when I was five,"Matt answered,"That was the clip I got bitten."

"Oh,"Kaden looked a little taken aback,"Sorry."

"It 's ok,"Matt shrugged,"Just do n't go during a full moon. I do n't need any of you having to get together me in the Shrieking Shack next year."

"I 'll go,"Albus said. He 'd never been camping before, let alone camping like a Muggle. He did experience bad that Matt would n't get to go, but he kind of thought matte would n't want to go anyway.

The difference of the trip was spent arguing about Quidditch and Albus felt like things were sorting of returning to pattern. It was almost nice to hear John and Matt arguing about the carom again and Kaden arguing about football.

The train arrived in London and Albus found his parents waiting for him on the platform. After saying goodby to his friends, Albus left the post with his family feeling that just maybe life would be convention from then on. fountainhead, maybe the summertime would be at least be normal. Albus could n't get his hopes up too high.


A/N : Hard to conceive it 's finished ! Thanks to Dancer of Starlight for betaing and thanks to all of the awful mass who have read and reviewed this ! You guy cable are so lovely and amazing !

I am working on the fourth story but it 'll be a while before the first chapter is up. I 'm thinking I 'll update every early workweek at first, jump hebdomad with Beyond the Shadow. In the mingy time, if you want something new to record, I suggest checking out Remember the shank, which is a collab I worked on final year and is now currently being updated. It 's all about the Chudley Cannons and their downfall. It 's under the username The Golden stool pigeon and is also in my favorite floor so you can find it that way.