Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


On Christmas Eve the Potters went to Godric 's Hollow, like usual. It was completely sullen by the meter they Apparated to the Burrow, but there was plenty of light streaming out of the magniloquent sign of the zodiac 's Windows. As they walked closer to the post, Albus could discover the roars of laugh coming from inside.

`` Harry ! '' the door to the tunnel flew open and George I stood in the doorway to greet them, a mug of eggnog in his manus. `` How are ya, mate ? ``

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

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

Albus smiled to himself as he saw the usual chaos that was Christmas Day Eve at his grandparents'planetary house. His sea of redheaded cousins were milling around eating and laughing with each other. This was what Albus loved about Christmas at the burrow. He grabbed a couple cooky from the nearby table and went to find out rosiness. She was sitting on the story near the hearth with Victor Hugo, Victoire, and Teddy.

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

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

`` Not practically. Uncle George IV, Uncle peak, and Uncle Charlie are drunk. My dad 's on his way and so is Aunt Alicia. ``

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

`` Gran 's been refilling the biscuit record and talking with my mum and aunty Fleur. I think she 's about to put on Celestina Warbeck, '' Rose gestured to the nearby radio receiver that molly, Hermione, and Fleur were looking at. Fleur threw her work force up in the air and glared at molly. `` Yup, here comes Celestina. ``

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

Sure enough, Fleur poured herself a prominent mug of eggnog as molly settled down to listen to the tuner. She was the solely one listening, though. Albus could hear bits and pieces of a heated up Quidditch discourse going on between his Uncle Charlie, Uncle George V, Aunt Alicia, and Scots heather. Harry was making his way over to them now. It amazed Albus that his uncles and auntie could hold on a fully understandable Quidditch discussion while drunk.

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

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

`` You would n't make had to be alone, '' slip winked, `` And it would n't have been boring. ``

Victoire playfully slapped him. `` Teddy ! Do n't let Mum learn you say that. ``

`` Oh, Albus, '' Rose began, `` Both Saint John the Apostle and Amanda can get to my theater on the 28th. Well, they can only add up over for the day, but that should be enough clip. Matt 's still not sure. He said he wo n't sleep with until after he gets back from Australia. ``

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

`` Quidditch ? '' Victor-Marie Hugo snapped his straits away from his deep brown frog circuit board, `` Can I play ? ``

`` Sure, '' Albus replied.

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

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

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

`` It 's all correctly if I go to Rose 's theater on the 28th, right ? And rest a twain twenty-four hours ? ``

`` That would be fine, '' Harry said, `` But we 're actually going to Dudley 's sign of the zodiac for New year 's Eve, so we 'll occur get you on the 31st before we leave. ``

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

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

`` What ? ! ''

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

`` All rightfield, '' Albus shrugged. He did n't really want to see aunty Petunia and Uncle Vernon, but he did n't really have a choice.

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

`` Well, at least I can get over for a few days, '' Albus said.

`` Yeah, but you 've got to go see the Dursleys, '' teddy bear screwed up his font in disgust.

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

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

`` That 'll make it even more occupy, '' Albus grinned.

`` You know, he 'd fit right in with this lot, '' Rose gestured to the loud and boisterous Weasley fellowship around them. `` Except without the red pilus. ``

`` Hey, I have n't got red fuzz ! ''

`` Neither do I, '' Victoire agreed.

`` I do, '' slip laughed as he changed his tomentum from its usual amobarbital sodium to red.

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

`` Close enough. And anyway, who knows what 'll happen in the next few twelvemonth, '' Teddy winked at Victoire, who giggled. slip threw his arm around Victoire and kissed her.

`` wagerer not let Gran see you doing that, '' rose wine warned.

`` Always a stickler for the prescript, huh Rosie ? '' Teddy laughed and lengthened his hair until it was the sodding replica of Rose's.

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

chemise shortened his hair again and turned to Albus. `` Really ? ``

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

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

`` Maybe another fourth dimension, '' Albus glanced at Rose. Albus had n't really decided whether or not to tell slip about the new map. almost of pink wine 's and Albus 's most recent regulation breaking was done in order to decipher it. Albus knew he was n't going to assure his cousins about it, but he was n't sure about chemise and James II. One parting of him thought they deserved to sleep with, considering that their father and grandfather were both marauder, but on the other hired hand he form of care keeping it a secret.

`` Aw, make out on, distinguish me. ``

`` Another time, '' rose said adamantly.

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

Albus spent the residual of the even talking and playing games with pink wine, Teddy, and Victoire. He was really enjoying the clock time off from school and getting to drop meter with his entire household at once. By the time he climbed up to the Ionic dialect bedroom that he shared with James and a few of their full cousin, he was tired and stuffed from all the biscuits.

******

`` King James I ! Albus ! '' Albus snapped his center open at the audio of his public figure the next morning. He immediately recognized the voice as belonging to Lily. He heard her footsteps bounding into the elbow room. `` Albus, James ! It 's Noel ! Wake up ! ``

`` Hi Lily, '' Albus yawned.

`` Good, you 're up ! James ! Get up ! ``

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

`` We 've got nowadays, James ! '' Lily grinned.

`` Right ! '' William James said excitedly and Albus heard him crawling to the end of the top hokum to his big bucks of presents.

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

After Lily 's former wake-up call, everyone in Albus 's room was up. Albus settled down to open up his own pile of presents with the other boys. The showtime few boxes were filled with Sweet and several Weasley 's mavin Wheezes products. The next was this year 's Weasley jump shot. It had a red quaffle stitched onto the front with a navy blue amobarbital sodium background. `` Opened your jumper yet, James II ? ``

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

`` Mine 's amobarbital sodium with a red quaffle. ``

`` Excellent. ``

Albus opened the future few nowadays, which consisted of legion Scripture and early clothing items. He also got a Broomstick Servicing Kit, which would be useful since his Firebolt 2000 had a few twigs that needed to be plucked. Albus saved the present from his parents for last and was about to spread out it when James gave an excited shout from the bed above.

`` Whoa ! ``

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

Albus crawled out of his bed and joined his cousins. `` What ? '' he asked.

James had a huge grin on his face as he held up a blank piece of parchment. `` Look what I got. ``

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

`` He sure did ! '' James shouted.

`` This is arrant ! '' Cedric exclaimed.

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

`` That 's neat, James, '' Albus smiled, `` But why you and not me ? '' Albus could n't help but feel a little left field out, even though he now had his own predator 's Map that would potentially be better than the master. But his dad did n't know about that, so why did he turn over the Map to James ?

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

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

What he saw made his lip descent open up in cushion. This would explain why James got the Map ! Sitting in the middle of the shoot swathe, was the invisibility Cloak. `` He, he gave me the Cloak, '' Albus whispered.

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

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, pulling the cloak out of the wrap. He laughed to himself as he thought of how he and rose went through all that trouble of stealing it earlier in the month and now he got it for Noel. `` dead reckoning this is why Dad wanted the Map back. ``

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

`` That 's a good thought, '' Albus agreed, not mentioning that hopefully he would have his own map working soon.

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

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

`` I 'm going to go Tell pink wine, '' Albus wrapped the Cloak around himself and left the room. He had never worn the Cloak at the Burrow before and he thought it was really funny that he passed Eddie on the stairs and Eddie did n't even remark him. He pushed open the room access to the room that blush wine shared with Victoire, Empire State of the South, Gabriella, and Heather and waited for the girls'reactions.

Scots heather jumped when she heard the room access outdoors and saw that no one was there. Victoire and Gabriella laughed and then shrugged. Rose got up from her bed and walked cautiously over to the door.

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

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

`` Dad gave it to me ! ''

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

`` I just ca n't believe he gave you that, '' rose wine grinned, `` I 'll bet James is jealous. ``

`` He got the Marauder 's Map, so he 's all right. ``

`` Wow ! '' rose wine shouted, `` That 's unbelievable. And you can share them. ``

`` That 's the plan, '' Albus grinned. `` Well, I 'll see you lot downstairs. '' He wrapped the Cloak around himself once more and left the room. Albus could n't think that his dad had actually given him the Cloak ! He did n't think Harry would ever turn over it up. The expert region was that he was now even more like his grandad had been at Hogwarts. Albus was even more of a marauder now that he had the Cloak.

Albus continued down the stairs and into the kitchen of the burrow. A few of his cousins, aunts, and uncles were already up and starting to eat breakfast. Harry and Ginny were there as well, along with Lily. His grandmother was tending to multiple cauldrons at once, while simultaneously bringing various items to the table. Albus watched them all for a few moments before pulling the Cloak off and shouting, `` felicitous Christmastime ! ``

Bill choked on his coffee and spatter it across the table at George II, who had started laughing. Harry, who had probably been expecting this, grinned and looked at Ginny, who was smiling back. Lily was staring at Albus with her backtalk all-embracing open. Molly dropped the bowling ball of oatmeal she had been bringing to the table. Everyone else looked at Albus with various looks of jar and amusement.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` No, James River got that. ``

`` I did n't guess you 'd ever generate that away, '' George VI laughed.

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

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

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

`` That wo n't protect them from sorcerer already in the castle ! '' Molly commented, `` Remember that Willinson kid endure year ? ``

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

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

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

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

`` Hello, Weasleys ! '' Teddy strolled into the room, his pilus half green and one-half red. He sat down next to Albus and pulled a platter of eggs towards him. `` happy Christmas. ``

`` I know your tomentum is Christmas color, but those two vividness just should n't be paired together, '' James IV shuddered as he noticed teddy 's hair. `` I mean, Gryffindor and Slytherin at the same time ? ``

`` It 's merry, '' shift grinned. `` You want me to charm yours to be red and green, too ? Just learned some excellent appealingness for that sort of thing in training. Not that I 'll need them. ``

`` No thanks, '' Jesse James had a look of disgust on his aspect. `` I 'll maintain the plain red. ``

`` Is that ... '' shimmy looked at the parchment James II was holding, `` The marauder 's Map ? ``

`` Oh, yeah ! Sure is ! '' James handed it to teddy bear, `` Got it for Christmas ! ``

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

`` I got the Cloak. ``

shift turned to Albus, `` Really ? That 's great, too ! regard I had an invisibleness Cloak. ``

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

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

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

`` Aw, come on, '' King James groaned.

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

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

`` We 'll contribution, '' Albus assured them. He would n't take care sharing with Lily, just as long as she kept the Cloak arcanum. The utmost thing they needed was the entire rook knowing about it.

`` trade good, '' Harry smiled, `` Now who 's up for a little winter Quidditch ? ``

`` Me ! '' Albus, King James, teddy, and mostly everyone else shouted at the Same time.

******

Albus spent virtually of the day playing Quidditch outside with his kinfolk. Eventually they all had to come in because they were too coldness to make for any longer. Plus, it started snowing pretty operose and nobody wanted to miss the Snitch. Albus spent the remainder of the day with Rose and reading a few of his new Holy Scripture. The Cloak was passed around between his cousin, and most of them were amazed Harry had given it to him, and a little covetous as well. James River passed the Map around and everyone had fun watching the few Department of Transportation that were left in the castle.

Christmas dinner came and went in its usual chaotic DoS. It was flash and funny and Albus enjoyed every minute of it. He went to bed find very wide and very content. The next day Albus 's aunts, uncles, and cousins all started to exit. Albus and Rose 's house stayed for a couple more days, but they soon had to leave so Albus 's grandparents could go on vacation for New class 's. Albus was actually excited to leave because he would be going to rosebush 's home and hopefully getting the stag print.

Albus landed in Rose 's living way after Flooing from the burrow. His Uncle Ron, Rose, and Hugo had already arrived and his auntie Hermione was right behind him. There was an owl waiting succeeding to the window and Hermione ran over to let it in.

`` That 's Matt 's owl, '' Albus announced as he and rosiness went over to retrieve the letter. Albus opened the envelope and scanned the missive, `` He can come, but only for tomorrow. We 're supposed to meet him at the Leaky cauldron at eleven. ``

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

Albus found a flight feather and quickly scribbled a answer on the vertebral column of the alphabetic character and sent it off with the owl. He and Rose ran up the stairs and into rose wine 's room to lecture about plans for getting the print.

`` I hope you 've got some approximation, '' Albus said as he shut Rose 's door.

`` Of course of instruction I do, '' rosiness grinned. `` We 'll recount my parents that we 're going to go exploring in the forest and we 'll look for a hart while we 're in there. Once we find one, we 'll all try and stun it- ''

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` Yeah, but John and flatness want to help, too. ``

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

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

`` Yup, '' rosebush grinned.

`` Now we 've just got to line up the charm to hold on Kaden quiet, '' Albus replied.

`` You 're going to recount him everything after I find that charm ? '' rose wine asked.

`` I think so. I mean, as long as the charm works he ca n't tell anyone about it. It 's obvious now that he 's Wormtail, although I 'm sure he 'll be a bettor one. But it 's up to matt whether he wants to tell Kaden he 's a werewolf. ``

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

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

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

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


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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry potter.


Albus, rosiness, and Hermione went to the Leaky Cauldron the next day to gather flatness and Amanda, who was also being dropped off there. John had arrived earlier by Floo and went with them as well. When they got there, both Matt and Amanda were already there.

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

`` Hi Albus, '' flatness grinned, `` How was your Christmas Day ? ''

`` It was glorious, '' Albus replied, `` hold trough you see what I got. ``

`` What ? '' Amanda asked.

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

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

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

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

lusterlessness and Amanda stared around the room. `` Nice menage, '' Amanda smiled.

`` Yeah, '' mat agreed, `` Kind of feeling like mine. ``

`` Thanks, '' blush wine replied.

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

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

Matt let out a pant. `` Whoa ! You really got the Cloak ? That 's completely amazing ! ``

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

`` And to reckon we steal it just a few weeks ago, '' Saint John the Apostle snorted.

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

`` Oh, sorry. ``

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

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

`` He did. ``

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

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

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

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

`` I 'm sure it will work, '' Albus said.

`` dear thing we did n't throw the prints go directly on the map, '' Matt replied.

`` So today we get the stag print, '' Albus announced. `` Right after lunch. ''

Everyone agreed and headed into the kitchen to scrounge up some food. Ron had already created an tremendous sandwich and was eating it when Albus and the others walked in. They all liked the theme of making goliath sandwiches and were soon eating aboard Ron. Albus thought Saint John 's sandwich looked disgusting because it was piled gamey with turkey, pickles, and peanut butter. Rose shuddered as she saw him bite into it, but he thought it tasted delicious.

`` I ca n't believe you ate that full affair, '' blush wine screwed up her face in disgust after St. John ate the net bite of his lunch.

`` It was salutary, '' he shrugged.

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

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

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

Once they were all done with luncheon, blush wine and Albus led the way outside and over to the forest. The woods was situated future to the large open arena that was adjacent to the sign of the zodiac. Albus and rosiness went exploring in it quite a bit and knew their way around it well. The group crunched across the snow laden field until they came to the wood 's edge. Rose found the course they usually took and lead the group down it. `` restrain your centre pealed for a stag, '' she told everyone.

`` This reminds me of the forest near my old house in Australia, '' matt commented after a few minutes of walking.

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

`` It was all right. No dissimilar than usual. It was boring of class, and my gran kept telling us how we should call more often. ``

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

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

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

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

The mathematical group continued walking into the timberland until rose announced that it would be adept if they sat completely still and waited for a hart to walk by. She said their bm would affright the creatures away. Albus sat down in the C. P. Snow behind a shrub with his friends and watched and listened for creature. After a one-half minute of waiting, Albus was bored. How long was it going to take for a stag to get across their itinerary ? He would much rather just walk around to find one. rose wine seemed perfectly content to sit still, as did matt. John had made a big pile of snow balls, along with a C. P. Snow adept. Amanda was busy creating a Baron Snow of Leicester witch to go along with his wizard.

`` I 'm bored, '' St. John the Apostle sighed as he made yet another snow ball. `` How long is this going to fill ? ``

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

Albus glanced at his picket, `` Well it 's just after two, so if we do n't witness one soon, we 'll have to go back. '' He stared into the forest and willed a hart to come. Albus was getting frustrated by this power point. They needed that shop print for the map ! There was no place else to find one. What if they could n't find a hart before the end of the holiday ? They would have to expect until the summer to research again. Albus could n't await that long. He wanted the map now.

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

`` I do n't learn it, '' privy replied.

`` Shush ! '' lustrelessness whispered, `` You know I can try things you ca n't. ``

lustrelessness started slowly making his way towards the cluster of Dubyuh. Albus and the others followed behind, cypher saying a word. `` sceptre ready, '' mat whispered.

Albus pulled out his verge and pointed it towards the George Walker Bush, his brain racing with agitation as he went. This was it ! They were going to get the stag print ! Part of Albus 's intellect knew that this was n't necessarily a stag, but he did n't pay aid to that. What else could it be ? almost of the animals in the timberland were too small to be rustling the George W. Bush this much. As Albus got closer to it, he could distinctly learn the footprint of the animal, and they were much too loud to be a rabbit or a squirrel. There were n't many large brute in the forest, shop being some of the few. It could be a doe, but Albus hoped it wasn't.

The group was now only a couple feet away from the crotch hair. Everyone had their scepter pointed at them, waiting for the beast to make its appearance. The instant Albus saw the farewell part, he shouted, `` Stupefy ! ``

`` Stupefy ! '' rose wine, whoremaster, flatness, and Amanda all shouted at once.

Whatever was in the George H.W. Bush jumped to the side and missed all five stun spells. `` Whoa ! What the bloody hell do you lot think you 're doing ! ''

It was chemise. The interference mat had heard in the Dubyuh was Teddy. Albus lowered his wand and sighed. So much for finding a hart. Now that Teddy was with them, they would no longer be able-bodied to front. Albus turned to his Friend and saw them all put their verge away.

Teddy fully emerged from the bush and walked over to where Albus was with a dumbfound look on his face. `` Do I even want to know what you 're up to ? ``

`` Er, '' Albus began, trying to believe up an alibi fast.

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

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

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

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

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

`` It 's kind of cold to be going for a hike, '' Teddy commented, `` But Ron said you were here, so I figured I 'd see if I could line up you. '' He eyed John 's flock of snowballs and grinned, `` Planning on having a C ball fight ? ``

shimmy did n't look for an answer and picked up a few of John 's snowballs. He threw one at Albus and the other at Rose.

`` Watch it ! '' Albus shouted as the Abronia elliptica made contact with his nerve. He spat out the snow and turn away down to have his own snowfall glob. He aimed it at Teddy but Teddy jumped out of the way and it hit mat instead.

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

A few moments later, a huge snowball battle broke out. It was every man for himself for a while and Albus was getting pummeled by Teddy 's snowball. He tried to get slip back, but chemise was too quick for him. Instead, Albus decided to focus on matte, who was trying to get Albus back for the snowball that had hit him instead of Teddy. Rose eventually joined Albus in his attempt to get Matt, while Amanda evened out the betting odds by joining Matt 's position. whoremonger, who seemed to be the sole one with decent skill to hit Teddy, was having a man-to-man fight with the blue haired boy and was actually doing well.

The six of them were completely soaked by the time the fight ended. Matt and Amanda surrendered to Rose and Albus after the cousins decided to produce about twenty dollar bill snowball and lob them constantly at their two champion. John surrendered to Teddy a few minutes later, once Teddy decided to enamour a pile of snow to call on itself into snowballs, resulting in a constant supply of ammo for shift. St. John did n't know that tour and was stuck bridge player making his Baron Snow of Leicester balls while teddy continuously sent snowballs at him.

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

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

`` Sounds good, '' teddy replied, `` Harry and James should be at the house by now.

A little while later, Albus found himself back at rose wine 's house, where everyone was waiting for the Quidditch match to start. Albus, along with his Friend, ran upstairs to dry off and change quickly.

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

`` Me, '' Amanda said. She was the only one. can and Matt, who both had heather, had brought them knowing they would recreate Quidditch.

`` We 've got spares, '' Ron announced, holding a duad brooms in his hand.

Once everyone had a ling to use, Teddy started to train tutelage of creating teams. `` All rightfulness. Let 's see, we 've got Me, Harry, Ron, James, Albus, John, Matt, Amanda, Victor Hugo, and Rose, are you playing ? ``

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

`` Good, then we 've got ten histrion. That 's five per team. So each team will give birth a Seeker, a beater, a keeper, and two chaser, that 'll puzzle out. I 'll be one of the quester, '' he turned to Harry and James IV, `` Which one of you will be the other ? ``

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

After a few minutes of organizing, the two squad were created. Albus 's team consisted of teddy bear as Seeker, Ron as steward, Hugo as the only Beater, and matte and himself as the two chaser. On the other squad, St. James the Apostle was quester, Amanda was Keeper, John the Divine was the Beater, and Rose and Harry as Chasers.

The two squad trooped outside into the cold winter day. It was just starting to lead by the nose a fiddling, but Albus did n't mind. He would observe warm while he was playing anyway. Harry and Ron conjured goal ring and everyone flew into the air. Hermione released the ballock ( only one Bludger, since there were only two beaters ) and threw the Quaffle into the air, then conjured herself a chair to watch.

The match was cipher like the ones at Hogwarts. It was much more informal, and in a way, Albus enjoyed it more. There was only well-disposed competition between the two squad and no one got tempestuous when someone dropped the Quaffle, which happened a lot. The two team were pretty evenly matched in footing of Chasing acquirement. Albus, who was the only real pursuer on either team, was easily the right. Harry was a decent Chaser, but it was clear that Seeking was his real skill. Rose was absolutely dreadful and was the first to let in it. She was n't a big fan of flying in the 1st post and did n't like to require her hands off her broom in parliamentary law to arrest and throw the Quaffle. matte was better than rose, but dropped the Quaffle legion time. Albus and Matt scored more points than Harry and pink wine did.

Ron, of course, was a very undecomposed Keeper and Amanda was as well. Albus was sort of surprised at this, because she never really played Quidditch before. Maybe she could try out for the Gryffindor team once Empire State of the South left. John was an mystify Beater and Albus already knew that he 'd be trying out for the team after Tom Bradley and Ryan left. Hugo was also a very ripe Beater and it was obvious he had received all the Quidditch genes in his family line. Then, of course of study, there were the Seekers. Both Teddy and James were amazing quester and by far the two best actor on either team.

After about an minute of performing, during which Albus was indisputable both Teddy and James had seen the stoolpigeon but ignored it in order to drag the game on longer, both Seekers flew directly up into the air. Everyone stopped what they were doing to learn. A few seconds later, they both came flying back down and James had the Snitch clutched in his hand.

`` I got it ! '' he shouted.

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

`` Yes ! '' King James exclaimed, landing on the ground. Albus and the rest of the actor landed after him and congratulated him and his team for winning. `` Ha ! I beat you at Quidditch, Teddy ! '' James gloated.

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

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

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

Despite the fact that his team did n't win, Albus was happy. He loved playing Quidditch with his family, even to a greater extent than playing on his House squad. It was even better with his acquaintance there, too. He walked back into the sign with his friend and family, cold but very content. Hermione had made a dental plate of sandwiches for them, which everyone ate enthusiastically once they had dried off.

After all the food had been eaten, whoremaster Flooed back to his house and Albus, Rose, and Hermione went with matt and Amanda back to the Leaky cauldron to meet their families. It had been a short visit, but a fun one nonetheless. Albus only wished that they had managed to get the stag print. He and rose were planning on trying again the adjacent day, and the next if it was requirement. They had three Sir Thomas More 24-hour interval to do it and Albus was determined to succeed.

******

Albus and Rose spent as a lot sentence as they could in the forest looking for stags the future day. When they were n't in the timberland, they spent their fourth dimension in the subroutine library in Rose 's house, looking for a magical spell to keep Kaden quiet.

`` There 's Koran in here that are n't in the school day library, '' rosebush announced as they walked into the room after a particularly dusty jaunt in the forest.

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

`` It 's too cold out there now. Plus there 's a tempest coming and it wo n't do us any full if we get lost out there. '' rosiness went over to a book shelf and Albus followed. He had been in this way plenty of times before, just never to look for a particular charm.

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

`` That 's what this is for, '' rosiness slammed a heavy Good Book down on the table nearest to the shelf she pulled it off of.

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

`` Yes, '' Rose confirmed as she opened the blanket, `` It 's a rather ingenious thought, really. All I 've got to do is take my wand, breaker point it at the book, and say'I need a charm to sustain someone quiet'and it will alternate to the correctly page. ``

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

`` All right, '' rosiness pointed her wand at the book, `` I need a charm to keep someone quiet. '' The rule book 's Sir Frederick Handley Page immediately started turning until they stopped about a quarter of the way into the book. surface peered at it and then shook her head. `` Nope, that 's not it. This one 's just a silencing charm. ``

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

pink wine nodded. `` I need a spell to prevent someone from talking about something. '' The pages started turning again and stopped a few seconds later. resurrect sighed after she read the description. `` This one charms a person 's sassing shut. ``

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

`` People might notice, though, '' Rose smirked, `` Although it does have it 's reward. I 'll try something else. ``

`` I think you 'd meliorate tell the book exactly what we need the appeal to do. Tell it that Kaden has to not blab about a specific affair. ``

`` Good idea, '' pink wine poised her wand above the playscript, `` I need to keep Kaden Durlsey from revealing closed book about matt Eckerton and about a map. He must only be able to talk about these closed book with five other people and not mention them to anyone else. He should be able to discourse normally about early issue. ``

`` That ought to be specific enough. '' Albus watched as the leger hesitated for a few minute and then sprain its pages to one of the last 1. Both Rose and Albus leaned over the script while rose read aloud.

`` 'The Sileo Altus spell is the most complex and intricate of the silencing charm. This charm has the ability to keep a soul from revealing one specific piece of selective information to others, unlike early silencing magic spell which prevent a someone from speaking at all. The charm also has the power to demand others, which will result in the person the charm is cast on to be able-bodied to converse about the private with those specific people. When done correctly, this charm will live on forever or until the counter charm is performed. The Sileo Altus appeal keeps a person 's secret dependable much like the Fidelius magical spell keeps a person 's locating mystery and is said to be just as good .'

`` Then there 's a whole cluster of turn that are required, '' Rose scanned the remainder of the entrance. `` There 's a charm that has to be performed on each person who is involved, one on Kaden, one on the secret-keeper- ''

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

`` Yeah, I guess so. Then there 's the boilers suit magical spell, '' Rose continued, `` It sounds complicated. But I 'm up for it. This does n't really differentiate me how to do it, though. There 's just a list of patch. ``

Albus glanced at the entryway, `` Oh, it says there 's more info in Charms of aegis by Natalia Journo. ``

`` You 're the right way, I had n't noticed that, '' rose leaned over the book again and read the deed of the recommended book. `` I think we might actually own that one. '' rose jumped up from her seat and ran across the room. Albus sat back and watched her. He had no mind how she could possibly get laid if she had that book or not. The entire room was filled with shelves and ledge of Christian Bible. Albus would n't even know where to look to find the Holy Writ they needed.

Rose returned a few minutes later with a book in her arms and a smile on her cheek. `` We do have it ! This was light than I thought it would be. ``

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

Rose shrugged, `` I think I can calculate it out within a few hebdomad. '' She sat back down and opened the playscript.

Albus watched as his cousin flipped through the Thomas Nelson Page of the Koran until she found the charm they were looking for. He was very felicitous that Rose was so eager to learn new appealingness. It certainly helped that she was good at it, too. Albus had made a lot of progress in charms ever since Professor Cedonia arrived, but he was still average. rose wine was easily the best in their social class. That and her keenness to learn would certainly serve if she was going to master this charm.

Rose read in quiet for a few minutes and then turned to Albus. `` All right. This explains it pretty well. First, of class, we 've got to secern Kaden the secrets. Then we 've got to peck the secret keeper. I 'm thinking that I 'll have to be the hole-and-corner keeper since the hole-and-corner steward is the one to execute the charms. ``

Albus nodded, `` I 'm finely with that. We 've just got to make sure mat is. What does the hidden keeper do ? ``

`` Just perform the charms. And the cloak-and-dagger keeper is the only one who can perform the retort charm on Kaden. Normally the secret custodian would be the only one the person could talk about the secret with as well. But we 'll use another charm to insure that Kaden can talk about the secrets with you, John, Matt, and Amanda as well. ``

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

`` fountainhead, the mysterious custodian performs a appeal on themselves, which turns them into the mystical keeper. Then they perform a charm on Kaden. Then Kaden will itemize the secret in contingent. After that, the arcanum keeper performs another appealingness on Kaden. Then charms are performed on the quietus of the people involved. Then a final sealing charm on everyone, including Kaden and the secret steward, and it 's done. ``

The idea of all those different magic spell made Albus 's mental capacity hurt. `` Wow, that 's a lot of charms. We 've never done ones that are a combination of multiple appeal. ``

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

`` What 's the counter charm involve ? '' Albus asked, thinking that maybe there would be a fourth dimension when Kaden would mature and they would n't have to rely on magic to hold open him from spilling secrets to Malfoy.

`` Erm, it seems pretty a lot like the actual magic spell, '' Rose looked back at the book, `` You pretty much go backwards, using unlike charms. ``

`` Makes sentiency. ``

`` I 'll jump practicing as soon as we 're back at school, '' Rose shut the Christian Bible and got up. `` I 'll bring in the book. Mum 'll never jazz, she 's got way too many to keep track of. ``

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

`` It 's going to have to waitress until tomorrow, Albus, '' rose wine pointed to the window. It was white with swirling blow and the wind was howling. `` Mum and Dad 'll never let us out in that. ``

******

Albus was getting quite fed up with the stag hunting by the time late good afternoon arrived the next day. He and Rose spent the total break of day in the woodland, taking a rift for lunch, and then returning in the afternoon. Albus looked at his lookout man and saw that they would have to be starting to return to the theatre soon. `` We 're never going to find a hart ! '' he groaned.

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

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

`` You 're not being quieten now, '' Rose whispered and returned to her book.

Albus sighed and stared out into the forest. So far Albus had seen no less than ten rabbits and four bird of night, but no stags. He was getting very coldness sitting in the snow and his cloak had long since soaked through. Albus was determined, however, and refused to go back to Rose 's house until they found a stag.

It had seemed so simple at showtime, to stun a stag in the woodland and get its footprint. This was not supposed to be the hardest mark to get. Looking back, even the werewolf one seemed soft. Sure, they got locked out of Hogwarts, but they never got in trouble for it. The dog mark had been the easiest, since Amanda had a dog. The rat would be easy, too, once John managed to catch one.

Albus pulled out his wand and started to poke at the Baron Snow of Leicester wizard he had constructed earlier. The scepter melted holes into the snow champion until it started to resemble a patch of C. P. Snow swiss cheese. Albus was just beginning to do the Saame to the snowfall hippogriff that had been formed after the wizard when Rose poked him and hissed, `` Albus, look ! ``

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

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

Albus sat completely still with his wand lining towards the doe. resurrect did the same and the two of them did n't propel for a expert five minutes. The doe inched slowly ahead, walking to the left wing of Albus and Rose. Then Albus heard a rustling behind the doe and hullabaloo washed over him as he saw a huge hart appear from behind a cluster of Tree. `` This is it, '' he whispered to Rose. She nodded but did n't say anything. The stag walked towards the doe, who had turned around to look at her mate. `` On the count of three. One ... two ... three. Stupefy ! '' Albus shouted.

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

The doe shot off like a garden rocket as soon as the cousin shouted the spell. The stag started to follow but was hit by Albus 's stunner. Rose 's trance hit a nearby tree and burned a small fix into the bark.

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

`` Thanks. ``

`` Let 's hastiness. We wo n't have much fourth dimension before he wakes up, '' rose wine reached into her robe and pulled out a piece of lambskin, a bottle of ink, and a paint brush.

The stag was even self-aggrandising up close. Its centre darted around nervously as rosiness painted the ink onto its front hoof. Albus quickly pressed the sheepskin onto the hoof and pulled it away. A perfect foot mark appeared on the parchment. `` This one 's skilful, '' Albus showed it to Rose.

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

Albus did n't postulate telling twice. He blew onto the sheepskin a few meter to dry the ink and then put it in his cloak. The two cousins ran through the trees and back to the house. It only took them a few minutes as they were n't very far. Albus was thrilled that they had actually managed to get the mark. The but print left was the rat one and then they would be able to try out the map.


A/N : Extra long chapter and an former update ! Just to let everyone know, I 'll be away at a Harry Potter convention from tomorrow ( hence the early update ) until Sun and although I 'll receive my laptop with me, I might not have a opportunity to respond to your reviews. I 'll get to them afterwards, though.

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


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


Albus 's family came to blame him up from blush wine 's house the next afternoon. They were all dressed in Muggle habiliment, although Harry looked a little uncomfortable in his Muggle suit. Probably due to the tie, Albus thought. He could never understand why Muggles wore those.

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

`` Yeah, '' Albus replied. He had to admit that he was a bit queasy about this dinner party, but there was null he could do about it now. `` See you at school, Rose. ``

`` Bye, '' Rose smiled.

The residuum of the Potters and Weasleys said goodbye to each former and then Albus disapparated with his menage. They appeared in a colored alley near a desert street. Harry motioned for them to follow him and the family started down the street. They made a few more routine until they came upon a neighborhood of average sized theatre. The home all looked different, but seemed to be well cared for. It was a very quiet neighborhood with few people out and about. There were a couple multitude outside shoveling the newly fallen snow off their driveway, but none of them seemed to notice Albus and his family.

Eventually, Harry led them up a driveway towards a grizzly sign Albus recognized as Kaden 's. Before they could even achieve the door, it was thrown open air and Kaden came running out. `` Albus ! '' he shouted.

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

`` Great ! '' Kaden grinned, `` I ca n't tell you how much I 've missed school. It seems so deadening here compared to school. ``

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

`` Yeah, but it 's so tiresome without, '' Kaden whispered in Albus 's ear, `` trick. ``

Albus stifled a laugh and followed Kaden into the mansion. Kaden led them to the living room, where Dudley was fidgeting with his tie. Christina was setting out lawn bowling of grapeshot and nuts and Bethany was helping.

`` Get anything good for Xmas ? '' Kaden asked Albus once they sat down on the couch. `` I got a few new secret plan for my Wii, a new football, a skateboard, and a bunch of clothes. ``

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

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

`` Oh, '' Albus nodded, `` I got some clothes, books, a load of sweetness, hooey from my Uncle George 's workshop, and my dad 's Invisibility Cloak. ``

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` well, I was kind of hoping you would all make up, '' Dudley mumbled.

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

Albus gulped and looked at King James. Albus could only ever recall seeing his Uncle Vernon once. Albus was only five or six at the time and the only if thing he remembered was Vernon asking Harry if Albus was'a junky like you are'. Albus had no desire to ever see the man again, and now he had to spend the evening with him.

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

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

Albus watched as chaos broke out amongst the adults. Vernon 's face turned various wraith of red and purple as he tried to grasp what was happening. Petunia clung to her husband with a combined look of disfavour and fear on her human face.

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

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

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

Christina stood near the entree to the kitchen, looking uncomfortable. Bethany clung to her leg and hid her cheek, clearly afraid of her grandfather 's shouting. Albus, Jesse James, Lily, and Kaden glanced around at the adults, paying rapt attention to the unfold contestation, but not saying a word. Ginny pursed her lips and watched her married man with a disapproving look. Albus had to acknowledge that his Uncle Vernon was a bit shuddery right now and Albus had no desire to thwart paths with him. Dudley looked unquiet as he tried to create public security between his relative. His interpreter was drowned out amongst Vernon and Harry 's yelling, and Petunia 's shrieking.

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

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

`` Kaden 's a star, Dad, so Harry 's a persona of his lifespan now. You know he 's one of Kaden 's teachers. ``

Vernon 's face turned from ghostly Edward White to a deep shade of purple. `` What could he possibly learn ? Abnormalness ? ``

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

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

`` Dad, Harry did n't pull a fast one on me. Kaden 's a sorcerer and you 're just going to have to hold up with it, '' Dudley replied.

`` zero practiced will derive of this, Dudley ! I assure you of that ! '' Vernon shouted.

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

`` You do see that this kind of abnormality is what got your Sister killed ! ``

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

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

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

Vernon and Petunia regained their calm and petunia gave Dudley a bone crunching hug and smothered him with kisses. She then moved on and did the same with both her grandchildren, making certainly to completely ignore Albus, Henry James, and Lily. Albus sat down on the couch and to his dislike, Vernon chose to sit future to him. After a few second of awkward secrecy, Vernon turned to Albus. `` So, '' he began, causing Albus to leap, `` You go to this, school, too ? ``

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

`` smell at me when I 'm talking to you, '' Vernon squabble, `` I see manners are n't high on their antecedence listing. What classes do you demand there ? ``

Albus forced himself to look at Vernon. `` I 'm taking Transfiguration, good luck charm, Potions, Herbology, Astronomy, History of conjuration, and defence force Against the iniquity prowess, '' he mumbled quietly.

Vernon seemed to wince at the sound of those names. `` I see. And are you any effective at them ? ``

`` Um, I guess so, '' Albus replied. He was wishing more and more that he could sustain just stayed at Rose 's firm instead of coming here. Why was Vernon questioning him ? Why not Epistle of James or Kaden ?

`` What matter does your father Blackbeard ? '' Vernon barked.

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

`` And what is that, exactly ? ``

`` Defensive enchantment, dueling, stuff you use to shoot down Dark wizards like Voldemort. ``

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

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

`` He 's a smashing teacher, Grandpa ! I love my new schoolhouse. It 's much better than Muggle school, '' Kaden grinned. `` I 'll be right back. '' He ran up the stairs and came back a few seconds later with his wand. `` take care at this ! ``

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

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

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

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

Kaden looked disappointed. `` Sorry, Kaden, '' Harry with an apologetic face, `` Maybe another day. ``

`` Or never, '' Vernon muttered.

nobody said much after that. Albus preferred it that way. He was very happy that Uncle Vernon appeared to feature given up his motion and answer session. Christina announced that dinner was quick a few minutes later, and everyone eagerly went into the dining way. Albus made trusted that he was n't sitting next to Vernon and relaxed a little as he began to eat.

The Dursleys dominated nigh of the dinner party conversation, with Vernon and Petunia asking Dudley and Christina about what was new in their lives. They wanted to know every finis point, down to what grade Bethany had gotten on her in style Good Book report in schooling. Eventually they had exhausted this topic and the table descended into an awkward silence before Vernon started drilling Harry about his life.

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

`` I 'm the Head of the Auror department at the Ministry of Magic, '' Harry smiled.

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

`` A Dark magician catcher, '' Harry explained.

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

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

`` Like hell it was n't. It was all due to your abnormality, '' Vernon replied.

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

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

That had to be the most nonsensical affair Albus had ever heard. A superstar could not sour a Muggle into a magician. If they could, there would n't be any Squibs in the world, and there would certainly be to a greater extent wizards.

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

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

`` Uncle Vernon, listen to me, '' Harry announced, `` You ca n't turn someone into a wizard, it just does n't act upon. Kaden was born a wizard, which does n't storm me at all. There is illusion in his blood, the Lapplander magic that was in my mother 's and is in mine. ``

`` Wonderful, '' Vernon fuss, `` And I suppose you 're going to secernate me that Bethany will be abnormal, too ? ``

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

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

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

`` How do you know ? ``

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

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

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

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

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

Albus glanced nervously from one adult to the future, hoping that the conflict was over. He realized now how very much Uncle Vernon and aunt Petunia hated magic now. The two of them were still going on about how Albus 's grandmother had been killed, thirty-some years later. Albus was still amazed that Vernon had actually blamed Harry for Kaden being a whiz. Albus knew Vernon disliked Harry, but he did n't guess Vernon would still blame Harry for things he did n't wish, this many years later.

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

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

`` This is utterly ridiculous, '' Vernon muttered, `` Wait till Marge hears about it. ``

`` I hate Aunt Marge, '' Kaden said loudly, causing Albus to take a hit into his succus. `` All she public lecture about is breeding cad. ``

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

`` What ? '' Kaden shrugged, `` Professor thrower must not like her either. ``

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

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

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

`` That was n't his defect ! '' Ginny came to Harry 's defense reaction, `` He could n't keep in line it ! What your sister said about his parents was absolutely crappy and you know it ! ``

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

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

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

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

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

`` Another one of your lot who went on a killing violent disorder ! '' Vernon yelled.

`` They should have just ignored him and minded their own business, '' Petunia announced. Albus did n't really think she should be telling individual to heed their own clientele, when she thrived off of gossip.

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

`` Can someone please say me how aunty oleomargarine got blown up ? ! '' Kaden shouted again.

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` Dementors, '' Albus corrected, `` They 're these cloaked animate being that suck out your soul. ``

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

`` suction out your soul, '' Albus repeated, `` They feed on happy thinking, until you 're only left with the sad 1. ``

Kaden shuddered, `` They sound damn horrible. prof thrower saved Dad from one ? ``

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

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

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

`` We would have been hunky-dory without those weirdy 'protecting'us ! '' Vernon raged.

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

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

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

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

The adults said nothing for a few consequence while Christina glared at every one of them. Eventually, Harry spoke, `` She 's redress. We should just try and get along. '' Ginny nodded in agreement.

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

`` fine, '' Vernon spat, `` I 'll tolerate the boy. But you are making a grave fault with Kaden, Dudley. ``

`` Good, '' Christina replied and stood up. `` I 'll go get the pudding. ``

The rest of the dinner was much more pleasurable. Harry quickly told the story of when he blew up Marge to plunge Kaden and Bethany 's curiosity, but there was no more mention of magic throughout the ease of the meal. The conversation centered on theme that could be equally relative to Muggles and wizards, such as the weather. Albus did n't say anything, choosing instead to quietly eat his pudding while listening to the adult'filtrate conversations. He was just well-chosen that they were no longer arguing with each other.

After dinner, Albus, William James, and Kaden escaped to Kaden 's chamber, which he was eager to show off. The entire thing was decorated with various football paraphernalia, with a lot of emphasis on Manchester United. James found this highly nurse and spend quite a few minutes laughing at the poster, in which the role player remained completely still. Kaden spent a while showing off his Xmas present tense to Albus and James and soon wanted to register them how to playact his Wii.

Kaden led Albus and St. James the Apostle back downstairs, where the adults were discussing cars over coffee. Albus was very happy that he did not cause to sit through that discussion. Albus followed as Kaden went down another flight of stair and they descended into the cellar. The basement was clearly the rumpus room of the home, as it was cluttered with all form of Muggle toy. Lily and Bethany were playing with Bethany 's Barbies in one nook and neither of them paid much attention as the son entered the room.

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

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

Kaden spent the future hour teaching William James and Albus how to play the Wii. They started with Kaden 's new racing secret plan, which was actually pretty complicated. It took Albus the better part of an 60 minutes to figure out how to fiddle it. James caught on a bit faster, but neither of them could top Kaden in skill. Albus found that the game was incredibly fun and almost wished he had one at his theater. Once they successfully learned the racing plot, Kaden went on to learn them how to diddle a span more secret plan. Lily eventually wandered over and wanted to learn, too. By the clip midnight came around, all five of them were taking turn playing games and Albus was having a great time.

Albus was kind of disappointed when his dad called them back up the stairs to count down to the new twelvemonth and hoped that everyone was still acting civilly. They were, as Albus found when he entered the living elbow room. It did n't really look like the adults were enjoying themselves, but they were at least acting polite, which was skillful enough for Albus.

Shortly after they rang in the new year, Albus 's parents decided it was time to give. Albus had no tilt against this because he was tired and did n't really want to pass anymore time in the same business firm as Uncle Vernon. Harry politely shook bridge player with Vernon, said good day to Petunia, and told Dudley he would owl him soon. Vernon sort of flinched at the mention of the word 'owl .'Albus completely ignored Vernon and Petunia, and told Kaden he would see him on the train ride back to school day. Once the obligatory goodbyes were said, Albus and his sept left the house, only to Apparate back to Grimmauld position a few streets away.


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


isclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Albus had to admit that he was happy to be going back to Hogwarts. After the nearly black dinner with the Dursleys, Albus spent his clip working on prep or goofing off with James and Lily. By the end of the holiday he was actually kind of bored and well-chosen to be seeing his friends again. Plus, the Sooner he got back to schooltime, the sooner he could try out the new map.

The Potters met the Weasleys and the Dursleys at King 's Cross and entered Platform 9 3/4 together. Both menage were running late again and Albus, blush wine, James, and Kaden only just made it onto the gear before it left. St. James the Apostle immediately left to observe his booster while Albus, Rose, and Kaden wandered around trying to recover their friends.

John and Amanda were sitting in one of the compartments in the eye of the caravan. Albus opened the door and walked in, followed by Rose and Kaden.

`` Hey ! '' John greeted them.

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

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

`` So how was your family dinner ? '' John the Divine grinned and looked from Albus to Kaden.

Albus and Kaden exchanged glances. blush wine stifled a jape. She had already heard about the dinner shortly after it happened.

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

`` What happened ? '' John asked eagerly.

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

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

`` well, they form of did n't get it on we were coming, '' Albus began, `` So they started off by yelling about that. ``

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

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

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

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

`` And my grandma of all people told him it was n't possible, '' Kaden laughed. `` Apparently she wanted to be a crone when she was a kid. But the dependable part was when Grandpa brought up Aunt Marge. ``

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

`` My granddaddy 's Sister, '' Kaden explained, `` I ca n't remain firm her. But apparently professor Potter blew her up when he was 13 ! ``

John and Amanda started howling with laughter. `` That is absolutely brilliant ! '' John shouted.

`` This I 've got to get a line ! '' Amanda grinned.

Albus smiled at them and told the story of his Aunt oleo. John and Amanda laughed even harder when they had heard the whole thing.

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

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

`` And the adult stayed upstairs, '' Kaden added. `` Which was probably blinking awkward. ``

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

`` Oh, yeah. gramps tried to convince Dad to not let me go back to Hogwarts. He thought Dad would be more likely to harmonise without you lot there. Dad told him to stop and eventually he gave up and left. ``

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

`` Hopefully not, '' Albus replied.

`` Let 's do it at your house next, '' Kaden grinned, `` I want to see a whizz house. ``

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

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

`` We 'll come, too, '' Rose announced. John and Amanda nodded. `` And lusterlessness. ``

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

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

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

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

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

`` goodness, '' Albus said.

******

Over the next few days, Albus kept trying to find oneself some time to distinguish John and Amanda about the hart photographic print, but it was operose to shake Kaden off. It seemed the alone times they were away from him was when they were in social class or in their hall at night. Neither were salutary opportunities to tattle about the map.

In the lag, Malfoy was trying to work out out why lustrelessness was n't in school day. The full moon was n't until the keep abreast week, so Albus was going to have to stick out Malfoy 's questioning for a while longer. goose egg seemed to satisfy him. Albus was also preoccupied with what was going to happen this full moon. He was kind of vex about mat taking the new wolfsbane potion.

All the students and teachers seemed to be falling into their usual turn. Dueling and Quidditch practice started up again. Both Kate and Georgia were working their team hard and Albus was feeling the effects. Between that and the increased sum of money of preparation the teachers were intention on assignment, he had hardly any meter for anything else.

A couple days into the term, Kaden finally had one of his tutoring sessions. Albus and his friends seized the opportunity and ran to the Room of Requirement as soon as Kaden left the unwashed room.

`` Finally ! '' bathroom exclaimed as he threw himself onto one of the couches in the room. `` I thought I was going to die of curiosity ! ``

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

`` It 'll be well-to-do once pink wine figures out the charm to hold on him subdued, '' Albus replied.

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

`` Sure did, '' pink wine grinned and pulled the Holy Writ of charms from her house out of her bag. She opened it to the proper pageboy and handed it to Saint John the Apostle and Amanda.

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

`` given a bit of practice, sure, '' Rose replied. `` We just have to do indisputable Matt agrees to it. ``

`` I 'm sure he will, '' Saint John said, `` I mean, this spell will definitely go on Kaden from telling anyone. ``

`` I 'll begin working on it now, '' Rose took the script back, `` I have n't started yet because I do n't want anyone to ask why I 'm trying to larn it. ``

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

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

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

`` We should await for Matt, '' Albus told him, `` He 's a division of this as much as we are. ``

`` Oh, yeah, that 's a good thought, '' John set the mark down on a nearby table. `` You know, I think this is the commencement time we 've been in here without him. ``

`` I think you 're right, '' Albus commented. It was kind of strange, really. All the early times they had been in the room, mat had been the one to ask for it. Nobody said anything for a few minutes. Albus could differentiate that everyone was thinking the like thing he was, what would come about with lustrelessness 's new potion.

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

`` As long as cipher goes awry, '' Albus said quietly.

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

`` Definitely, '' Albus agreed, but he could n't help but imagine the new potion would n't exploit any good than the old one. Why should it ? If flatness was resistant to Wolfsbane potion, why should a unlike multifariousness of it crop ?

The four of them spent the difference of the evening in the Room. Rose worked steadily on figuring out the magical spell, but did n't really get anywhere. It was an extremely difficult good luck charm, after all. Albus, lav, and Amanda worked on their homework and talked about what they thought the new map would have on it.

******

Albus became more and more anxious as the full moonshine approached. His admirer seemed to as well, and John especially developed a very short fuse. Kaden seemed to get the brunt of this but he took it in stride. The night of the actual replete Sun Myung Moon, Albus had Quidditch drill. He became so distracted during it that GA called for a break during practice and demanded to know why Albus was dropping so many Quaffles. He lied and told her he was worried about a Transfiguration Day exam the next day. Luckily she seemed to accept this and wished him luck on his examination. Albus tried extra hard during the second half of pattern but still missed a lot of well-situated passes.

Albus entered the common room after practice spirit incredibly sore but not at all tired. He had been hit with numerous bludgers due to his deficiency of absorption. Normally Albus would own been exhausted after such a pattern but he was too anxious to be tired tonight.

His Quaker were sitting at their common tabular array which was covered in homework. Not that much of it was being done. Kaden was the only one feverishly working away at an essay. privy, Amanda, and even rose wine were staring off into zippo with their untouched homework in front of them. Albus quickly stowed his broom in his dormitory and joined his friends at the table.

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

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

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

Even at a time like this, Albus could n't help but jest at Kaden 's cluelessness. `` Hi, Kaden. ``

`` How was practice session ? '' Kaden asked.

`` Not that expectant. I got hit with a duo bludgers. ``

`` Ouch, '' Kaden winced.

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

`` Just go see Madam Pomfrey, '' rosebush suggested, `` Your arm looks nasty. ``

Albus glanced at his arm. It had turned a cover girl purplish Amytal color in the prison term since he had received the blow. `` All right, '' he stood up. `` I 'll see you in a bit. ``

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

Albus did n't feel like telling Kaden not to devil, so he nodded and Kaden followed him out of the common room. Albus did n't talk much on the way to the hospital fender, but Kaden kept up a streaming commentary about what went on in his classes that day. Kaden must deliver felt the motive to percentage it even though nothing particularly exciting had happened that day. The corridors were utterly deserted and Kaden 's phonation seemed awfully forte. Albus glanced at his watch and saw that it was almost curfew. He wished he had brought his Invisibility Cloak. Of track, none of the teachers could give him custody for being out of his common room in order to go see lady Pomfrey, could they ?

Albus pushed the room access to the hospital wing open slowly and saw that Madam Pomfrey was sitting at her desk, writing something, and glancing out the window every few instant. The moonlight was streaming through and illuminating one of the seam. There were n't any patients in the Ward, which Albus thought was form of strange. Albus rarely ever saw the berth empty. He walked quietly up to ma'am Pomfrey and Kaden followed. The nursemaid did n't even seem to have noticed them amount in.

`` Er, excuse me, dame Pomfrey ? '' Albus said once he was a pair off feet in figurehead of the desk.

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

It suddenly occurred to Albus that madam Pomfrey was probably thinking about Matt as well, since she usually took care of him after the full moon. `` I got hit with a distich bludgers at exercise tonight. I was, er, kind of distracted. ``

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

Albus held out his arm and gentlewoman Pomfrey clucked her knife as she inspected it. She pulled out her wand and touched it to his arm, muttering a piece as she did so. Albus 's arm felt warm and tingly, and then convention again. The pain was gone.

`` Thanks, '' Albus replied.

`` No problem. Anywhere else ? ``

`` I got hit on my back too and it kind of hurt. I 've got no theme if it 's bruised or not. ``

gentlewoman Pomfrey looked at Albus 's back and performed the Sami healing charm. It felt immensely better.

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

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

Albus nodded and turned to will. He and Kaden were soon back in the vacate corridor.

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

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

`` Oh, that 's probably why John, rosiness, and Amanda were so quiet. ``

`` Yeah, that was it. ``

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

`` check it ! '' a frigidness part shouted and shoved Albus aside.

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

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

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

`` None of your business enterprise. ``

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

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

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

Malfoy ignored him and continued to glare at Kaden. `` Maybe you know where Eckerton is these Clarence Shepard Day Jr. ? ``

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

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

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

Albus jumped in fearfulness and turned around to see prof Patil. Great, he thought, now they were going to twist up in detention. Why did they always wind up in detention with Malfoy ?

`` What are you four doing out of bed ? '' Patil asked briskly, `` You know you 're not allowed to be wandering around after 60 minutes. ``

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

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

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

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

`` Yes, ma'am, '' Kaden replied quietly.

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

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

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

Patil opened the doorway to the hospital backstage, but lady Pomfrey was no recollective there. Patil motioned for the boys to stick there and she strode over to the nurse 's office. She knocked lightly and waited for Madam Pomfrey to appear.

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

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

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

dame Pomfrey gazed at the son. `` fountainhead, Albus and Kaden were here about fifteen moment ago, but I have n't seen the former two in quite a while. ``

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

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

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

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

******

Albus did n't sleep very well that night, despite his weariness from Quidditch drill. He fell asleep in the wee hours of the break of day and woke up only a few hours later. privy was just as exhausted and the two of them stumbled down into the common elbow room, only to find Rose slumped over a Good Book at their usual table.

`` rosiness ! '' Albus shook his cousin 's shoulder, `` Wake up ! ``

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

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

`` Oh ! '' pink wine jumped up and pushed her shaggy-haired hair's-breadth out of her face.

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

`` No, could n't sleep, '' Rose shrugged, `` So I came back down and worked on the Sileo Altus good luck charm. I just ca n't figure it out. It 's driving me mad ! ``

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

`` I know, I know. I 'll get it eventually, '' Rose sighed, `` I guess I 'll go variety and find Amanda. Then we can go down to breakfast. ``

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` fountainhead, we 'd better be off to Transfiguration, '' Albus said and gave blush wine a meaning glance.

`` Yes, we 'd better, '' rose wine stood up.

`` Are n't you going to spread out it ? '' Kaden asked.

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

`` I 'll come, too ! ``

Albus sighed and got up from the table. He could n't afford that letter of the alphabet in battlefront of Kaden. rosiness, Gospel According to John, and Amanda got up as well and followed Albus out of the Great dormitory. Kaden was rightfulness behind him, but Albus did n't dare open it yet. Kaden stalled in the entree Hall, but eventually gave up and headed down to the dungeons for Potions.

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

`` 'Cause he 's Kaden, '' Gospel According to John shook his head.

`` We 'll just register it after account of magic trick, '' Rose said as they climbed the stairs, `` We 've got the altogether afternoon off. ``

The morn dragged by at an extremely slow pace, in Albus 's public opinion. Transfiguration was n't too bad, since it was a practical moral. Malfoy descended upon Albus and the others after the class was over, wanting to make love where flatness was. Albus lied and told him lusterlessness was having a belated vacation with his grandparents and then took off for history of magic trick, ignoring Malfoy 's complaints about detention that followed.

History of conjuring trick was as ho-hum as usual. Albus thought he saw the clock 's hands go backwards at one stop. He passed notes with John the Divine and Amanda while Rose took billet. She seemed to have inherited her mother 's ability to stay awake during that class. lavatory nodded off at one point and Albus had to prod him waken with his pinion. Professor Binns did n't even seem to notice.

After history of Magic finally ended, Albus and his champion went to the Great Hall to snaffle a prompt lunch. Kaden was there when they arrived and immediately launched into an account of the potion he had just brewed. Apparently it was so impressive that Slughorn gave him a bar of Honeyduke 's burnt umber and an invitation to the next Slug nightclub meeting.

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

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

`` Er, yeah, they do, '' Albus coughed. He had not been expecting Kaden to get invited to any Slug gild meetings. Albus had n't even gone to any since the old year. He just told Slughorn he had Quidditch practice or too very much homework to go. Slughorn had n't even had his Christmas Day political party this class. Albus was n't surely why, but he was guessing it was because he had n't been able-bodied to feel anyone famous to attend.

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

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

`` Please ? '' Kaden pleaded.

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

`` Yay ! '' Kaden shouted.

Once Kaden left for his next class, Albus and his friend went straight for the Room of prerequisite. Albus and Rose sat on one of the couches while St. John and Amanda sat on the opposite one. Albus reached into his bag and found the letter.

`` Here it goes, '' Albus whispered.

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

Albus tore open the gasbag and unfolded the letter. He read it aloud.

Dear Albus, Rose, John Lackland, and Amanda,

Last dark Matt told me to drop a line you
and tell you what happened if he couldn't.
Since he ca n't, you have probably guessed
that the potion did not work.

`` Damn ! '' John the Evangelist shouted.

lusterlessness will excuse more when he gets back to
Hogwarts. I 'll just say that it 's not big
than usual. He 's at St. Mungo 's rightfield now so
the healer can observe the after affects of
the potion and the transformation.

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

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

From,
Amy

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

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

`` Yeah, '' Rose agreed.

Nobody said anything for a few minute of arc. Albus felt very disappointed that the potion had n't worked, but he was sure it did n't even come close to what flatness was feeling.

`` Maybe he 'll let us become Animagi now, '' John suggested.

Rose glared at him, `` He wo n't. He 's still in that study, which means he 's still got to subscribe to that potion for the next two long time or so. Then there 'll probably be another one for him to test. And maybe that one will wreak. ``

`` Well, it would still be chill to go an Animagus. ``

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

`` Albus 's grandad did it. ``

`` When he was in fifth year, '' Rose reminded him.

`` Fine, three more years then, '' John shrugged.

Rose sighed, `` flatness wo n't let you join him on the full moon synodic month, though. And I would n't suggest doing it behind his back. ``

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

`` Definitely, '' rose wine agreed.

Albus and his admirer spent the respectable part of the next hour talking about what they would do if they could transform into animals. They all agreed that listening in on mass 's conversations and sneaking up on people like Malfoy would be top on the list of clobber to do. Eventually, rosebush insisted that they all start their homework, which took them most of the eventide to complete.


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight. Thanks as well to sinwillys822, XDNLxtlz99, Gospel According to Luke, Denas, Moonylupin, phoenixy friend, drownzer, and potterfan296 for their reviews !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


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

Kaden, on the other hand, spent the Day leading up to Sat talking non-stop about the poke ball club coming together. Albus had already explained in detail what they involved, but that did n't stop Kaden from constantly wondering aloud about what the get together would be like.

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

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

Albus sighed and got up out of his chair in the common way. `` See you lot in a little while, '' he said to John and Amanda.

`` have loads of fun ! '' John the Evangelist laughed.

`` See you later, '' Amanda grinned.

Albus, Kaden, and Rose, who had also decided to go, set off for the dungeon. Albus hoped he would only have to stay for a picayune piece, maybe an time of day at near. Just long enough for Kaden to see what the encounter were like.

The meeting was held in the Potions classroom and a few students were milling about when Albus, rose, and Kaden walked into the room. Albus recognized most of them from death year 's meetings. A few of his cousins were there as well, but not all of them. Jesse James was n't there, but Albus knew he had dueling practice that day. Albus was also happy to note that Felix Willinson was not there. Of class, after what happened with Quinton and his Father of the Church, Albus guessed he should n't be surprised that Quinton 's full cousin would n't be invited to the biff Club.

There was a tabularize full of food along one of the side bulwark and most everyone was crowding around it trying to get some luncheon. Slughorn had a home plate of food in presence of him and was sitting at a large tabular array in the front of the room.

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

`` What is this stuff ? '' Kaden pointed to a record of some sort of meat.

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

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

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

`` Good, '' Albus replied.

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

Kaden grinned, `` Potions is fun. piles intimately than August 6. ``

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

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

`` This stuff is excellent ! ``

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

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

Slughorn soon launched into a prolonged explanation of what he did over his holiday and who he had spent time with. ( `` Barry Ryan used to fiddle for Irish Republic, you know. '' ) Albus found the solid affair rather wearisome but he noticed that Kaden seemed to hang on Slughorn 's every Scripture. rosebush seemed to be paying attention as well, but probably only out of courtesy.

Albus let his mind wander as Slughorn continued talking about his dinner with Barry Ryan. Matt was supposed to hark back to Hogwarts the next day, which meant that in as little as twenty-four hours, they could be having the map working. Well, if they could cabbage away to the Room of essential, that is. Albus hoped Rose would possess that charm working soon. Then they could just do all of this with Kaden. It would make it a whole lot promiscuous. Of course, matt still had n't said that he agreed to tell Kaden even with the good luck charm. Albus kept forgetting about that part. But why would n't he agree ? The good luck charm seemed like it would knead well.

Albus, Kaden, and Rose wound up staying until the end of the get together. Kaden was enthralled by the integral thing and Albus knew he would deny to go out early. Albus was incredibly bored by the time the thing was over and Rose looked as bored as Albus felt. Once the encounter was finally over, the three of them said goodbye to Slughorn and left the dungeons.

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

`` Boring 's More like it, '' Albus replied.

`` How can you think it was boring ? '' Kaden stared at Albus, `` Slughorn knows so many notable masses. ``

`` combine me, it gets old after a patch, '' Albus said.

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

Albus looked at blush wine. She did n't attend like she wanted to go to the next one either. `` Er, well, I might have Quidditch practice. ``

`` And I 'll probably deliver too much prep, '' pink wine explained.

`` I 'd go even if I did have too much homework, '' Kaden told them.

`` That really is n't a in force estimate, '' Rose warned him. `` You 'll get behind. ``

Albus laughed as Rose launched into a discussion about how important time management is and how homework should always come first. The three of them were nearly to the common room by the sentence Rose finished and Kaden was wearing a blank look on his font, much like the one Albus had worn during the Slug Club meeting.

******

`` Got any melodic theme what time he 's coming back ? '' John asked shortly after tiffin the next day in the plebeian room.

`` No musical theme, '' Albus shrugged.

Albus, can, Kaden, blush wine, and Amanda were all sitting around their usual table in the common room. rose wine and Kaden were playing chess and it was unmistakable that rosiness was going soft on Kaden. The two of them had been playing the same secret plan for xv minutes. If blush wine wanted to, she probably could give beat Kaden in five minutes. whoremaster and Amanda were both working on the Transfiguration essay that was due the next day. Albus had already finished that particular essay and was watching Rose and Kaden 's chess match.

`` faggot to D3, '' Kaden said. The pansy gave Kaden a menacing brilliance and then reluctantly moved to the square.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` How 's your essay coming, whoremonger ? '' blush wine smirked.

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

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

`` deficiency to play again, Rose ? '' Kaden asked.

blush wine shrugged. `` trusted, why not. ``

Rose and Kaden set up their pieces and started to play again. Albus watched them. It was pretty funny remark to watch the two of them play chess game. Kaden would sit there forever figuring out what move to make and once he made it, Rose would smile and impress one of her own piece of music within seconds. Rose 's relocation usually involved killing one of Kaden 's pieces.

The portrait hole to the common room opened a few minutes later and Albus looked up. Matt was just climbing through and headed straight for Albus 's table once he noticed them.

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

`` Hi Albus, '' Matt grinned back. He looked tired, but glad. There was still a xanthous contusion on his os frontale, but other than that he looked fine.

John, rosiness, Amanda, and Kaden all looked up from what they were doing and greeted Matt as well. Matt grabbed a chair from a nearby table and sat down next to Albus.

`` How are you ? '' Albus asked.

`` All right, '' flatness shrugged.

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

`` Uh-huh, '' Kaden nodded as pink wine declared checkmate once again, `` Crap ! ``

`` wellspring, it would probably be a good mind for him to go see all the teacher now about it. So, we 'll all go with him to do that, since we 're in his classes. We 'll serve. You can stay on here since you 'd probably be bored. ``

`` Ok, I 've got my own homework to come out on anyway. ``

`` goodness, '' Albus replied, `` John ? Amanda, Rose ? You can come with us. ``

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

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

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

`` trade good, '' John the Evangelist said, `` I do n't really require to go gather up your preparation with you. ``

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` Did it aid at all ? '' Rose asked.

`` Nope. ``

`` And you 'll still hold to keep taking it ? '' John asked.

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

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

`` They were n't really grievous English effects. It just made me really tired. ``

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

`` I know, but the potion made it worse. Usually I can at least go to morning course on the day of the full lunar month but with the new potion I 'll just sleep right through them. It makes me wear down as soon as I start taking it, which is a week before the full lunar month, just like the steady Wolfsbane was. ``

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

`` Dunno, '' mat shrugged, `` The healer are trying to find a potion to counteract the fatigue, but I doubt they 'll give birth one in sentence for future calendar month. ``

`` I do n't get why you have to keep on taking it if it does n't even ferment, '' John shook his head.

`` Because they have to construct sure as shooting it was n't just a fluke or something. That 's the thing about these studies, they have to do multiple trials to psychoanalyze the effects and stuff and nonsense. ``

`` There 's a chance it might work next calendar month ? '' Amanda asked confusedly.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` Brilliant ! '' Matt exclaimed.

`` And I 've got the transference appealingness all worked out, '' rose told him.

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

`` I 'm working on it ! '' whoremaster replied, `` It 's toilsome than you 'd call up to spot a rat during Potions. ``

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

`` I will. I 'll pay more attention to likely bum than to my potion, '' privy grinned.

`` I would n't indicate that, '' rose wine smirked. `` It 'll explode or something, since you 've got Goyle as a mate. ``

`` Eh, I 'll take one failing tier if I can get the rat print, '' Saint John shrugged.

`` wellspring, try to get the rat without destroying your potion, '' Rose sighed.

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

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

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

Albus had been thinking this for a few years now. They had had an incredibly prosperous sentence getting the prints. Almost too easy a time. detent, hart, and scab were quite plebeian and anyone who could drift a dewy-eyed Petrificus Totalus magical spell could get those print. The only one that would be difficult for the average wizard to get was the werewolf mark. Even so, Albus did n't think the marauder would make it this tardily to accession the map.

`` I 've been thinking the same matter, '' Rose agreed.

John groaned, `` That would suck. ``

`` We 'll get it eventually, '' Albus assured him. `` Plus, the map said we had to be like the piranha. We have n't done anything that only the vulture could throw done so far. We got a lot of paw photographic print. Anyone can do that. ``

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

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

`` Speaking of the Marauders, '' john turned to rosiness, `` How 's the Sileo Altus appealingness coming ? ``

`` The what ? '' lustrelessness asked.

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

`` Sure, '' Rose shrugged, `` It 's a appealingness I found in a record book at my theatre. It 's a way to make indisputable someone keeps something a hugger-mugger. Kind of like the Fidelius Charm, only it 's for verbal secrets, not places. Whomever performs the good luck charm is the Secret Keeper and only that someone can unmake the charm. After the spell is performed, the person ca n't spill about the secret with anyone except the secret Keeper and anyone else who was involved in the spell playacting. It 's a way to keep on Kaden from telling anyone that you 're a werewolf. ``

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

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

`` I 'm not sure, '' Matt said quietly, `` Will it really work ? ``

`` I 'm pretty sure it will, '' blush wine said, `` The solitary thing that will surmount it is Veritaserum. ``

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

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

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

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

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

`` I doubt he 's ever going to toast any Veritaserum, '' Rose said,"And even if he did, someone would give to ask him if you were a werewolf. He would n't just randomly beginning telling people."

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

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

`` See ? Hardly any chance of Kaden boozing any, '' bathroom said.

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

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

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

`` No, '' Albus replied, `` I 'm not certainly when we 'll involve him. The map just said we had to be like the piranha, which means we 'll necessitate individual to be Wormtail at some point. ``

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

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

`` So, anyone got any arcanum we can drill with ? '' trick grinned mischievously.

******

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

Albus turned around in his seat. He had been talking to John, who was sitting behind him next to Goyle. Albus was sitting next to Limbert and Matt was looking thoroughly miserable next to Maloy in the succeeding row over at the front. Slughorn was still plowing forward with his inter-house mate in class, but Albus did n't think it was helping to decrease the ill will between Gryffindor and Slytherin. So far, the proficient that had happened was mum loathing during practical deterrent example and jinxing and hexing at unfit. Based on the fiddling duel between Ethan and Garth Octavius the previous week, it was only a matter of clip before things really got out of hand.

`` Thank you, '' Slughorn said once everyone was paying attention, `` Today you 'll be brewing the Confusion Potion I taught you about on Fri. He waved his verge at the blackboard, `` steering are on the board. You have the integral class. ``

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

Albus nodded and pulled out his sceptre. Albus and Limbert had come to an unspoken agreement with brewing potions. Limbert would accumulate ingredients while Albus lit the fervor and unpacked all the various shell and knives. Then, Albus would devise the element while Limbert added them and stirred the cauldron. Albus was fine with this since Limbert was a sound Potions brewer than he was.

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

Albus listened to everyone else in the class as he chopped up component. He thought it was especially amusing to listen to Gospel According to John and Goyle.

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

`` Oh. ``

`` Stir it the other way ! '' John shouted.

Albus stifled a laugh and glanced to his left, where Rose and Leigh Montague were having a interchangeable conversation.

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

`` They look OK to me, '' Leigh snapped.

`` No, they wo n't figure out like that. Let me do it, '' Rose grabbed a tongue and started mincing the shrivelfig.

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

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

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

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

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

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

King John pointed to a recess of the room, near the cupboard of ingredient. There was a large rat sitting there. Albus shuddered and looked back at John.

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

Albus tried to centre on his shrivelfig, but he could n't stop glancing up at John. He was almost to the cupboard now, and the rat still had n't moved. Albus watched as trick pointed his verge at the rat, but he could n't discover what import Saint John was using due to the haphazardness in the room. Luckily everyone was concentrating on their potions and not paying an oz. of attention to toilet. Albus grimaced as John picked up the rat and shoved it inside his robes. Albus was incredibly happy that trick was willing to do the rat print. The thought of putting a rat in his robe creeped Albus out.

whoremonger went into the closet for a few second and came back out carrying a jar of something. Probably a back history, Albus thought.

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

`` Excellent, '' Albus said.

Suddenly there was a loud plosion from somewhere behind Albus and he felt a hot liquid nation on his head and drop down the back of his robes.

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

`` Boody snake pit ! '' John Lackland exclaimed as the orange potion landed on the front end of his robes.

pandemonium erupted in the schoolroom. Everyone stopped what they were doing and turned to stare at the exploded potion. Albus turned around and saw that the detonation had come from St. John and Goyle 's cauldron. Goyle was wearing a puzzle expression on his cheek and was staring into outer space while holding his ladle in the air. His face was covered with potion as well as his robes. His whisker was singed and there was a small fervency on his table.

Albus could experience the potion burning down his cover and it hurt like the pits. It felt like his skin was on fire. He got up from his chairman and felt his back. His gown were combust straight through. John 's and Limbert 's were as well.

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

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

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

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

`` Hospital Wing, all of you, '' Slughorn replied, `` If one of you could please throw sure Mr. Goyle arrives there, that would be appreciated. ``

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

`` Idiot, '' St. John the Apostle muttered as they climbed the stairs out of the dungeons.

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

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

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

`` well, he 's dumb than a troll, '' John groaned, `` Merlin this clobber burns. ``

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

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

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

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

`` I just hope it stays stunned. ``

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

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

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

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

`` I swear the lot of you are exactly like your grandfather and his friends, '' Madam Pomfrey shook her school principal as she handed Albus a potion.

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

gentlewoman Pomfrey sighed and with a undulation of her wand the potion was cleaned up. `` Drink the relief of it, '' she instructed them.

ma'am Pomfrey applied some sort of salve to their Burns and a few minutes later they were allowed to leave. The give suck told them to go directly to their residence hall to get new robe and that she did n't need to see them in the infirmary offstage for the next few weeks.

`` Fat opportunity that 'll happen, '' can smirked as they started back to Gryffindor Tower.

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed. It seemed like one of them was always winding up in the infirmary flank. Albus himself had already been there twice since returning to school after the Xmas holiday.

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

`` Just about, '' Albus said.

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

`` Shut it, '' Albus replied, `` I did n't land myself there final couple. ``


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


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


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

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

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

`` You know, '' Rose said, `` You 're not exactly the substantially potion brewer either, lav. ``

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

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

`` So what are you doing tonight, Albus ? '' Kaden asked excitedly as he followed Albus and John to the dormitory door.

Albus groaned inwardly. He had been planning on grabbing a prompt dinner with his supporter after he changed gown, and then capitulum to the Room to try out the new map. They had all the paw prints ( John had gone up to the dormitory ahead of Albus with the rat and got the print from it. Albus did n't want to know what happened to the rat afterwards ) now, so Albus was impatient to try it out. But they would n't be able to if Kaden was around.

`` Dunno, '' Albus shrugged.

Kaden spent the entire eventide with Albus and his friends. Normally, this really would n't receive bothered Albus, but that Nox his full cousin was driving him mad. All Albus wanted to do was try out the map, but he could n't think up a near excuse for them to go somewhere and not let Kaden follow. So they spent the evening in the common room, working on homework.

Albus and his friends were far too interfering the next few daylight to try out the new map. Albus had Quidditch practice on Tues and Thursday and dueling praxis on Midweek. Rose had dueling praxis on Friday. John normally had his practice on Saturday, but due to the Quidditch match, it had been rescheduled for Sunday. Any bit of time where neither Albus or his admirer had any recitation, Kaden was around. It was n't until Saturday, following Slytherin 's spectacular loss to Ravenclaw, that they were finally able-bodied to try out the map. Kaden had been recruited to tutor a fellow first year in Potions and was going to be spending a few hour in the dungeons after the Quidditch match.

`` ejaculate on, let 's go try it now, '' Albus whispered to his admirer after Kaden left the common room.

`` Got the photographic print ? '' Matt asked.

Albus nodded and grabbed his bag. They quickly left the common room and ran for the room of necessary. They almost bumped into a Ravenclaw prefect, but luckily he was feeling generous ( most likely due to the Quidditch win ) and did n't take to task them for running in the corridors.

Matt paced three fourth dimension in front of the empty-bellied wall and as soon as the door appeared, the five friends ran inside. Albus set his bag down on the tabular array and everyone crowded around it. Albus pulled out all four print and the map.

`` All right hand, '' Albus unfolded the map, `` Rose, you 're honest with the charm, right ? ``

rosebush nodded, `` I 've practiced it and it works every meter. ``

`` goodness, '' Albus stared at the map, unsure of how to set out, `` Er, maybe I should do what I did live on time to get it to tell us we 've got to prove we know the Marauders ? ``

`` Probably, '' Rose agreed.

`` hold ! '' Gospel According to John shouted, `` Can I do it this time ? ``

`` Sure, '' Albus shrugged and handed trick the map.

`` Excellent, '' John grinned and pointed his scepter at the map, `` I solemnly swear that I am Messr Padfoot. ``

Ink appeared on the map, but not nearly as often as when Albus had done it earlier in the year.

'No, you 're not .'

The ink disappeared as quickly as it had appeared.

`` What ? '' bathroom shouted, `` But it worked last time ! ``

Albus 's hopes plummeted. Why was n't it working now ? Was it on some sort of a timer ? Like it could only work on a certain day of the month ? He had been so rouse about getting the new map to work, and now it would n't even tell them to try out they knew the Marauders.

`` Let me try, '' Matt grabbed the sheepskin and pointed his wand at it, `` I solemnly swear that I am Messr Moony. ``

'No, you 're not .'The map said once again.

`` This sucking, '' John muttered, `` It worked endure fourth dimension. ``

`` Maybe it 's got to be Albus, '' rosebush suggested.

Albus wordlessly grabbed the map and pointed his own verge at it, `` I solemnly swear that I am Messr Prongs. ``

The ink he had been expecting to appear rose to the aerofoil of the parchment and formed the familiar words.

'Messrs Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot, and Prongs welcome you to the piranha 's Map, Second Edition .'

`` Ha ! '' Albus grinned in excitement, `` There it is ! ``

`` But why did n't it bring for us ? '' lav asked dejectedly. `` Does that mean we ca n't be Padfoot and Moony ? ``

`` Dunno, '' Albus sighed. He really hoped his friends would be capable to be Padfoot and Moony. Who else could be Padfoot and Moony ? The map would n't even work without someone to be Padfoot, Moony, and Wormtail. Albus could n't do it alone.

'Mr. Prongs disagrees with you and insists that you are not Prongs. However, you could be the moment Prongs .'

`` See ? Why did n't it say 'However, you could be the irregular Padfoot'when I did it ? ``

'When four male child, who are Gryffindors, are linked together through friendly relationship and mischief, they may pose themselves as the next propagation of Marauders. These four protagonist must each represent one of the Marauders, for if even one is missing, this map will not work. Before this goes any further, you must prove that you know the arcanum of the vulture. demonstrate that you know, and you may continue along the path of find .'

'The way of uncovering ? I never knew you were so poetic, Mr. Prongs .'

'Oh, believe me, Mr. Padfoot, I am not. Mr. Moony came up with that unharmed thing .'

'Then I pay my compliments on the diction to Mr. Moony .'

'Mr. Moony advises that whomever is reading this ignore Mr. Prongs and Mr. Padfoot and protrude proving that they know the Marauders .'

'Mr. Padfoot agrees with Mr. Moony and also advises that if whomever is reading this has no theme who the predator are, that they quit while they 're ahead .'

'The Marauders wish you good fortune .'

`` Well, now what ? '' John asked.

`` I guess we 've just got to transplant the paw prints, '' Albus said tentatively.

Rose picked up the paw prints and the map, setting them down in front of her. She pulled out her wand and muttered an conjuration at the loup-garou print. Then she muttered another incantation at the map. The werewolf mark appeared on the map, just as it had been on the early musical composition of parchment.

`` That, was bloody dumbfound, '' toilet said in awe.

Albus agreed. He was forever thankful that his cousin-german was so brilliant. Albus did n't think he 'd ever be able to pull off something like that. At least not until he was at least in fifth part year.

Rose repeated the procedure with the dog, hart, and rat photographic print, positioning them in the take same way that the picayune mark that the Marauders had put on the map.

`` There, '' she said once she was done.

The five acquaintance stared at the map for a few seconds, waiting for something to happen. The paw prints were n't doing anything and neither was the map. No new ink had appeared and the paw print were n't disappearing or anything.

`` Er, '' Albus began, `` Maybe I 've got to tell the map that we know the Marauders ? ``

`` Worth a slam, '' John shrugged.

Albus pulled the map over to him and tapped his baton to it, `` I, Albus Severus ceramist, the second gear Prongs, know the Marauders. ``

The paw print quickly faded until there was nothing left but a lacuna lambskin. Albus glanced up and looked at his Friend before returning his gaze to the new map.

'Prongs agrees that you do know the predator, and is especially impressed that you managed to get a loup-garou paw photographic print .'

`` It worked ! '' Albus shouted happily.

'Due to your obvious knowledge of the Marauders'secret, we shall now separate you more about this map. When the piranha were 7th year, they realized that within a few brusk month, they would be gone from Hogwarts, and the school would be left without their head devilment makers.

'Prongs suggested-'

'Do you always talk about yourself in the 3rd mortal, Prongs ?'

'Only when I have a CVA of brilliance, Padfoot .'

'Not too often then, right ?'

'Oh, get on with the explanation, Prongs .'

'Calm yourself, Moony. You 're letting your furry self show .'

'Shut it, Prongs .'

'All right hand. Anyway, I ( happy now, Padfoot ? ) had a slash of brilliance that the Marauders could rule a way to secure that they would never be gone from Hogwarts .'

`` I knew it ! '' Rose shouted in glee, `` I knew that was what this was about ! ``

'The predator decided to produce another map. The first map was only the kickoff. The piranha wanted to find out a way to put themselves into a map, in parliamentary law to help the succeeding contemporaries of mischief Creator. That is what this map is about.

'However, not just anyone would be able to suffer access to the map .'

'Yeah, we would n't want any old dunderheads stumbling upon it .'

'Right, Padfoot. Or even unsound, having Slytherins get their slimy paws on it .'

'I shudder at that thought, Moony. Anyway, the Marauders had to enter out a way to ensure that only those worthy would be able to entree this map. The vulture 's Map is actually quite simple to visualize out, compared to this one. All you have to do to unfold that is say a certain phrase. For this map, you have to be a sure somebody to open it.

'You may or may not have figured out that in club to get the first bit of entropy out of this map, you have to be a blood relation of one of the piranha. However, not everyone representing the Marauders must be related. Because, you know, we might not all have shaver .'

'Yeah, you would n't require to be passing along any genes, Prongs .'

'Better mine than yours, Padfoot .'

`` That 's why only Albus could do it ! '' John shouted.

Albus felt huge relief from this. John and mat would be able to represent Padfoot and Moony.

`` So really, only James, Lily, shift, my dad, and I could get it afford, '' Albus said.

'The respite of you must be Gryffindor boys, because we want you to be like us .'

'Lily wo n't like that, Prongs .'

'I know, Moony, but Lily does n't know about this. I do n't design on telling her, either .'

`` Guess that counts out my Sister, '' Albus commented.

'So, now you 've proven that you know the Marauders. Your next step is to show that you are the next piranha .'

The ink slowly faded once again until the sheepskin was as blank as before.

Albus stared at it for a few moments, thinking about what he had just found out. The map was n't going to work yet. He had been so sure that all they 'd have to do was prove they knew the Marauders. But now they had yet another thing to do. They had to prove that they were the future predator. How were they going to do that ?

`` That was weird, '' John the Evangelist said.

`` I 'll say, '' Matt agreed, `` They did n't even really tell us what it was a map of. ``

`` Yeah, they just said they wanted to clear for certain they 'd never leave Hogwarts. Like the map is a percentage of them, '' John replied.

`` To be honorable, it sounds a bit like a Horcrux, '' Rose commented.

`` Yeah, but it 's not like they put their souls in there, Rose, '' Albus pointed out. `` It 's like the piranha 's Map. It 's just enchanted. ``

`` I still wish we knew what it was a map of, '' Gospel According to John muttered, `` I mean, this is n't fair ! We spend weeks getting those paw photographic print and we still have n't figured the map out. ``

`` I knew you 'd have to do something like this, '' Rose said, `` Otherwise it would n't count if there were four of you to represent the marauder. If it was just this, Albus could have done the solid thing himself. ``

She made a good point. Albus had n't really thought about that, but it was true. They had to do something that required each of them to represent one of the Marauders.

`` I guess we 've got to testify we are the Marauders, then, '' Albus said, `` inquire what that involves. ``

`` Maybe we 've got to do something the predator would have done, '' Matt suggested.

`` Like suit illegal Animagi ? '' John grinned mischievously.

`` No ! '' lusterlessness sighed, `` I told you, you 're not doing that ! ``

`` I do n't consider that 's it, '' Rose began, `` How would you go about proving to a piece of paper that you 're illegal Animagi ? ``

`` Maybe we 've got to rend a immense antic or something, '' Albus said.

`` Again, how would you rise that to the map ? '' rosebush asked.

`` Well, does anyone take in any other ideas ? '' Albus asked.

`` We 'll cogitate of something, '' Amanda said, `` I mean, there 's got to be a way. ``

`` Of grade their is ! '' Rose said, `` We 've just got to go to the depository library and see if we can observe anything there. ``

`` We ca n't do anything anyway until you 've got that Sileo Altus charm down, rose wine, '' Albus pointed out.

`` Right, '' Rose replied, `` It 's coming along well. I just need to get some drill. Anyone want to be my examiner ? ``

`` I will ! '' privy shouted and jumped up out of his chair.

`` Ok, come here, '' rosiness got up and went to the former side of the room.

Albus watched as the two of them worked. First, they had to mean up a closed book, which took a good bit of time. John finally suggested that the privy be 'Filch the likes of to dance in the moonshine with a foresightful handle mop with hot dog Francis Albert Sinatra euphony playing in the screen background .'

Albus burst out laughing at that. `` Filch ? Dancing ? ``

`` Yes, '' privy said in a serious tone, `` I saw him once. He was rubbing the mop head to his face and had on a look of pure joy. ``

`` And soon you wo n't be able to tell anyone about it, '' Amanda grinned. `` What a disgrace. ``

`` Yes, it is, is n't it ? '' Saint John laughed. `` You lot can still spread it around, though. ``

`` Ok, John, let 's try it, '' rose wine said.

pink wine pointed her sceptre at herself and recited the charm that would cook her the secluded keeper. Then, she pointed her scepter at whoremonger and said a slightly dissimilar charm.

`` Now you say the secret, Saint John. ``

`` Filch likes to dance in the moonlight with a long handle mop with dog Sinatra music performing in the background, '' John Lackland smirked.

`` commodity, '' Rose replied and then performed another charm on John. `` I 'm not set up to try including other masses yet, so John will only be able-bodied to verbalise about Filch 's trivial habit to me. ``

rosiness waved her wand around in an intricate formula and then said one utmost incantation. She lowered her wand and stared at John. Then she turned to face Albus.

`` There. Now you can try asking him about it, Albus. ``

Albus grinned, `` All right. So, can, heard anything interesting about Filch lately ? ``

`` Yeah ! '' St. John shouted, `` Actually, just the other night I saw him and he was- '' toilet 's oral cavity continued moving but no sound was coming out of it.

Albus and Amanda burst out laughing. John looked like a Pisces out of urine. `` I think it worked ! '' Albus shouted.

Rose was staring at John the Divine with a slight look of disappointment. `` Not quite. He was n't even supposed to be able to move his mouth. You know, in type people can read lips. I guess it 's a start, though. ``

`` Definitely. I mean, this is a really pull ahead charm. You ca n't have expected to get it on the 1st try, '' Albus pointed out. Although, he did kind of think Rose expected to get it on the start try.

`` I suppose, '' rose wine sighed, `` I 'll just unwrap it. ``

Rose waved her wand around and muttered some more incantations. `` Ok, he should be able to talk about it now. ``

`` Heard anything suspect about Filch recently ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Yeah, he likes to trip the light fantastic toe with a long handle mop by Moon while wienerwurst Sinatra plays in the background, '' John told her.

`` smell like the countercharm worked, '' Albus said.

`` But that 's not even what we 'll need, '' pink wine pointed out, `` We 're not going to perform the countercharm on Kaden. Not for another few old age at to the lowest degree. ``

`` Yeah, but it 's favourable for John that it worked, '' Albus grinned, `` Otherwise he would n't be able to plowshare Filch 's surreptitious joyfulness of liveliness. ``

******

Over the next few days, John actually did share that Filch liked to dance with a retentive handgrip mop by the moonlight with wiener Sinatra playacting in the background. All he had to do was mention it to a few former Gryffindors at meal clock time and the bit of gossip was soon spreading throughout the schooltime. The response from student ranged from hysterical laughter to raised eyebrows to exclamation of 'Who the hell is Frank Francis Albert Sinatra ?'Albus could n't help oneself but simper every time he heard his gent scholar mentioning the story.

Filch, on the former manus, was actively trying to find the culprit. There was n't really any point, since he would n't be able to find who started it, but he tried. He spent the days prowling the halls and listening in on students'conversations, trying to detect out any kind of information regarding the pretended story. Whenever the students noticed him, they would collapse out laughing, which would make Filch to start muttering about 'rotten scholar'and 'ought to whip them all'.

Filch 's main suspect was Kaden, which Albus found kind of funny. Kaden of course had laughed the loudest when he heard the story. Since Filch had developed an vivid dislike for Kaden since their custody months ago, he gave Kaden ominous stares every fourth dimension Kaden passed him in the corridors. Kaden just found this funny remark, since he knew John had invented the story.

The storey about Filch provided a squeamish break from the acute perusal that all the scholarly person were occupied with. Like usual, the teachers had increased the homework after the holidays. Albus was happy it was n't yet his O.W.L. year and he could n't opine how he would handle to cope with that in three short long time. Along with preparation, Albus also had Quidditch and dueling exercise. Both Georgia and Kate had increased practice times in society to prepare for the upcoming equal and tournament. The third dueling tournament was to bring place the first weekend of February and Quidditch on the come weekend. Albus now had Quidditch practice on Mondays, Tuesday, Thursdays, and Saturday. Dueling practices were as usual, not mandatory, but were now not only on Midweek, but on Fridays as well. The only day Albus had off was Sun, which did n't give much time for him to try and figure out how to prove he was like the Marauders to the new map.

The morning of the Dueling Tournament was frigidness, snowy, and blustery. Albus was very happy the Quidditch lucifer was n't that day. He got up a few time of day before the tournament started and went down to breakfast with his friends.

`` I ca n't look until I can duel following class, '' Kaden said in between bites of egg.

`` It 's not really as cool as it 's made out to be, '' whoremaster commented, `` A lot of waiting around time during tournaments. ``

`` That 's because there 's so many of us, '' Rose explained, `` In the regular Dueling golf club, the one that you can only be in if you 're fifth yr or above, not everyone gets on the teams. It 's like Quidditch and you have to try out. ``

`` That sounds better, '' John Lackland said, `` But I do n't know if I 'd take a shit the squad. ``

`` I know I would n't, '' Amanda replied.

`` You 're getting honest, '' Albus assured her, `` You might pull in it by the metre you 're a one-fifth year. ``

`` Yeah, that 's the dot of the Jnr 's social club, '' Rose said, `` So you can get better. They do n't ask us all to be proficient duelers. ``

`` Albus is, '' Amanda grinned, `` He 's brilliant. ``

Albus felt his face turn red, `` Well, I 'm not that great ... I mean, there are loads of people who are considerably than me. ``

`` Not on our team, '' Amanda continued, `` He 's beat out almost everyone on the team. ``

`` Yeah, everyone except Malfoy, '' Albus muttered. He still had n't managed to beat out Malfoy during their recitation duels.

`` That 's good, though ! '' rose sighed, `` You 're both excellent dueler, so you 've got a good team ! ``

Albus shrugged. He sort of would rather just be able-bodied to thump Malfoy than beat the other squad, but he did n't mention anything about it.

Albus and his Friend continued their talk about dueling throughout breakfast and as they sat around the common elbow room afterwards. Soon, it was clip for them to go down to the dueling bedroom for the tournament.

They passed Filch on their way down the steps, and he was muttering to himself as usual.

`` Damn kids ... better when Umbridge was around ... wonder if she 'll come back ... she 'd let me whip them ... ''

`` I swear he 's gotten more than mad over the year, '' John muttered to Albus as they passed him.

`` Dad says he 's getting senile, '' Albus whispered back.

The dueling chamber was packed with students, just like the retiring two tournaments. Albus and Amanda squeezed their way through the crowd to their usual tabular array, where their team was sitting.

`` Hi Albus, Amanda, '' Kate greeted them. `` gear up to win ? ``

`` Definitely, '' Albus grinned.

The tournament got under way a few minutes later. It was much like the past two tournaments, with a lot of sitting around sentence. Albus was happy that he and Amanda were on the Saami team so they were able-bodied to verbalize to each other in between duels.

Albus won both of his duels, just like the last two tourney. So did Malfoy and once again, Albus found that he was form of happy and kind of angry about that. Amanda won one of her affaire d'honneur, which Albus was very happy about. He knew half her dueling issues were from nervus and the fact that she thought she would n't do well.

Rose, John, and lusterlessness each won one of their duels as well. Albus clapped for them even though they were on other squad, which earned him glares from Malfoy. Albus did n't worry, though. Malfoy could sulk as long as he wanted, it was n't going to stop Albus from cheering for his friends.

The head were tallied after the last duel and John 's team was declared the winner. Albus was slightly defeated, but there were still three more tourney before the net. Harry announced the point totals for the entire year and pink wine 's team was in first place so far. In irregular was the squad led by Hufflepuff Saul Galivant and in third was Saint John the Apostle 's squad, led by Albus 's cousin Omar Bradley.

Albus did n't think that the inter-house dueling was decreasing the rivalry between houses. Albus was n't anymore fond of the Slytherins than he had been in the beginning of the year. None of the Slytherins really got along with the Gryffindors on his squad, and vice versa. He was n't exactly sure how it was working with the veritable dueling club, but he had overheard Stanley complaining about how uncooperative the Slytherins on his team were. But that was calendar month ago and he did n't know what had been going on with it recently.


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight. Thanks as well to Moonylupin, Denas, XDNLxtlz99, potterfan296, Miguel, Luke, and mischiefmaker09 for their reviews !

I wrote my kickoff marauder Era storey, slope upshot May Include Gratitude and Feelings of Well Being, which is a one-shot from ma'am Pomfrey 's stage of view. It 's on my generator page, if you 're interested. I 'd love it if you read and reviewed it !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Matt 's birthday was a few daytime after the Dueling tournament. Albus and his acquaintance did n't cast off him a political party like they had last class. That had mostly been done to cheer him up since he had been in the Hospital annex at the clip. This year they went down to the kitchens and got a cake, and then ate it in their dormitory. Kaden went with him and was amazed by the kitchens, with all the house-elves around. His reaction was queer to look on than Amanda 's the previous yr. He stood there with his mouth one-half unfastened and then ran around grabbing as often food as possible.

By the time the Quidditch match arrived the following Saturday, Albus was utterly exhausted. Between Quidditch practice and homework, he hardly had anytime to sleep. confound in a stumble down to the kitchens for lusterlessness 's birthday after Quidditch practice the other Night, and Albus was set up to catch some Z's through an entire day.

Albus yawned, got out of bed, and looked out the window. He had been hoping that the raging blizzard would have let up, but it had n't. Wonderful, he thought, James would n't be catching the stool pigeon quickly in this weather.

A few hours later, Albus bade his protagonist bye-bye and headed down to the changing suite at the Quidditch pitch. His admirer had bundled themselves up in as much orange red and atomic number 79 article of clothing as they owned and were fix to huddle against the howling wind for a few hours of Quidditch. John, flatness, and Amanda did n't seem to bear in mind the weather at all and were excited about the catch. rose, on the other helping hand, clearly would have rather spent the good afternoon in the castle studying. Kaden still liked football better than Quidditch and Albus had a tactile sensation he would n't have minded the storm if he was watching a football game.

`` Ok ! '' Georgia shouted a few mo after Albus entered the changing rooms, `` Everyone come over here ! ``

`` I know the weather is n't ideal, '' Empire State of the South began once everyone was gathered around her, `` But we 've played in unsound than this ! ``

`` Yeah, if you count that flowage we played in during third year, '' Fred muttered, `` But other than that .... ''

Georgia glared at Fred, `` Anyway, we 're playing Hufflepuff, so we 'll win. Harper 's still captain, but it 's her go yr, so she 'll be short set on getting the Cup. That means she 'll cause trained her team even harder. They 've got a new keeper, though. person named tanner Royce. He 's a fifth year. early than him, the squad 's the same as last year. So, with that, get out there and recoil some badger ass ! ``

Albus grinned to himself as he picked up his broom and started to walk to the doorway. Empire State of the South was a great maitre d'hotel, but was n't much for long blown actor's line.

`` Albus, '' Georgia whispered and put her hand on his shoulder.

`` Yeah ? ``

`` You 're, er, less nervous this match, right ? ``

`` Oh, yeah, '' Albus smiled, remembering how he had told her he was extremely flighty the in conclusion catch. In reality, he 'd been too preoccupied with the new map. Sure, he 'd been a little neural, but not as much as Georgia thought he had been. This match, however, he was n't nearly as cark, although he still was a bit uneasy. `` I 'm a bit anxious, but not as a good deal. ``

`` Good, '' Georgia grinned and walked out the door and onto the pitch.

Albus followed his cousin onto the pitch shot and was immediately hit by the forceful winds that were prevailing.

`` Welcome to the Gryffindor versus Hufflepuff match ! '' Todd Smith 's voice sounded over the pitch. It sounded faint and kind of far away in the flatus. `` It 's crashing cold out here so let 's make it quick !

`` Here are the Gryffindors ! maitre d'hotel Sakartvelo Weasley, followed by Ryan O'Malley, Albus Potter, James I Potter, Omar Nelson Bradley Weasley, Fred Weasley, and Heather Weasley !

`` And the Hufflepuffs ! sea captain Jessica Harper, followed by Shawn Ames, Lisa Galivant, Andy Kaper, Stacey Manson, Anna Reilly, and sixpence Royce ! ``

Professor Oteski motioned for Peach State and Harper to shake off hands and as soon as they did so, Albus and the repose of the histrion rose into the air. Oteski released the Ball and Heather immediately took possession of the Quaffle.

`` And heather mixture 's got the Quaffle ! She passes to Fred, then back to Calluna vulgaris, and to Albus. ``

Albus caught the Quaffle and started flying towards the Hufflepuff goals. He was amazed that he had actually caught it since the weather was so awful. He could hardly see two feet in front man of him. His robes were already soaked with snow and ice and he was frigidly insensate. Nevertheless, he kept flying towards the finish until he had to stop short and toss the Quaffle back to broom, since he almost flew unbent into an oncoming Hufflepuff chaser.

heather mixture caught the Quaffle and flew it the rest of the way to the goal. She threw it in and it easily went past Hufflepuff 's new Keeper.

`` end ! Ten-zero Gryffindor ! Now hurry up and see that Snitch, James ! I 'm freezing my bloody- ''

`` Smith ! '' Patil shouted, `` watch over your nomenclature ! ``

`` Sorry, professor. ``

The Quaffle was now back in play and was in Hufflepuff possession. Albus was n't even sure which chaser had it, but he knew it was a Hufflepuff. Whichever Hufflepuff had the Quaffle managed to take it to the Gryffindor destination, but Peach State saved it.

Fred took the Quaffle and flew it back to the other end of the auction pitch, scoring another goal for Gryffindor.

The plot continued this way for the next half hour. Hufflepuff managed to score two end, but Gryffindor scored about eight. Albus currently had the Quaffle and was flying straight at the Hufflepuff goals.

He narrowly avoided a bludger and both Hufflepuff beaters, but soon he was within throwing aloofness of the goal. He faked to the right and then threw the Quaffle at the left hoop. Royce tried to save it, but he was n't quick enough.

`` Goal ! Albus thrower has scored against Hufflepuff ! The score is now 90-20 Gryffindor ! ``

Albus was ecstatic. That was the first destination he had ever scored in a Quidditch catch. Up until now, all he 'd done were assists. Albus took a victory lap around the pitch shot and then caught the Quaffle from Heather.

Albus managed to score another destination and broom scored two more in the side by side half 60 minutes of the mates. Hufflepuff scored a few Thomas More goals, but were still far behind. By now, Albus was sure he had turned into an icicle and was getting a bit disgusted of flying around in the common cold. He was even getting a bit of a headache from it. Albus was n't even surely if he 'd get it on if James or Galivant caught the Snitch, due to the increasingly bad visibility and snow. The blizzard seemed to be getting unfit by the minute. If Hogwarts actually called off Quidditch, they would accept called it off a while ago.

A few minutes later, cheers broke out in the rack and Albus was surely mortal must deliver caught the Snitch. He was very felicitous to down his Calluna vulgaris and knew he 'd be even well-chosen when he finally got into the strong common room.

The rest of his team was shouting in gloating and were surrounding Epistle of James. He must induce caught the Snitch, Albus thought. The rest of the Gryffindors were swarming the pitch and soon Saint James the Apostle was lifted onto a few people 's shoulder joint. Albus joined the concourse of his house and started his way back to the castle.

On his way back to the uncouth room, numerous people stopped him in order to plume him on the win. Albus was thrilled that they had won, but all he really wanted to do was chance his friends and get into some lovesome gown. Saint James loved the attention he got after winning a Quidditch match, but Albus could take it or result it. Right now, he could leave it since his headache was getting worse.

The party in the vulgar room was just getting started when Albus entered a few minutes later. person must make snuck down to the kitchens because there was an intact mesa filled with food. someone else had obviously gotten into Hogsmeade because just about everyone had a butterbeer in their hand.

somebody shoved a butterbeer into Albus 's script as he made his way through the gang. Saint James was in the thick of it as common and was rehashing how he caught the Snitch.

`` And I saw it lurking near one of the goal place. Galivant was on the other end of the pitch, so I knew she had no hope ... '' James was saying to a dyad of giggling girls.

The rest of the team was nearby and were digging into the food that was on one of the tables.

`` Great job, Albus ! '' GA shouted as he passed, `` I knew you could get over those nerves ! ``

`` Thanks, '' Albus smiled as he went up the step to his student residence.

Albus quickly changed out of his cold, wet robes and felt a bit better afterwards. He went back down to the common room and it was even total than before. It looked like all the Gryffindors had returned from the pitch and the party was in full swing.

Albus found his supporter sitting at their usual mesa and they all seemed to be enjoying the party.

`` Albus ! '' John shouted as Albus sat down, `` glorious acting ! ``

`` Definitely, '' lusterlessness agreed.

`` You 're quite a good chaser, Albus, '' Rose said, `` Although I honestly do n't sleep with why they did n't cancel the match with this blizzard ... ''

`` Cancel the match ? '' John stared at her, `` Never ! ``

`` If it was football, it would 've been canceled, '' Kaden commented.

`` Yeah, because you would n't be able-bodied to run around in two ft of nose candy, '' Gospel According to John laughed, `` But Quidditch is in the air, so it does n't matter. ``

`` Will you two just quit arguing about football ? '' Rose sighed.

`` Just trying to turn Kaden into a proper wizard, '' John shrugged.

`` Quidditch is hardly the definition of a right sorcerer, '' Rose said, `` I believe potion brewing is a bit more important and I 'm sure Kaden could learn you a matter about it, Mr. Exploding Potions. ``

`` That was Goyle 's fault, '' John muttered.

`` Why do n't all three of you just step down arguing ? '' Albus snapped. His head was pounding and listening to his ally'arguing was not helping.

`` What 's with you ? '' John asked, `` We 're not fighting anymore than normal. ``

`` Maybe it 's got to do that he 's been flying around in a rash for the past two hours ? '' blush wine suggested, `` If they 'd just hold canceled the match- ''

`` They do n't strike down Quidditch ! '' trick shouted and then turned to Matt, `` You understand this, do n't you ? ``

`` It 's dependable, '' flatness agreed, `` Quidditch is n't ever canceled for trivial things like blizzards. ``

`` I think the weather just makes it more interest, '' Amanda commented.

`` Not you too ! '' Rose groaned.

`` football 's only played in the quick months anyway, '' Kaden said, `` They would n't even schedule an outdoor football equal in the wintertime. ``

`` fountainhead that 's deadening, '' John replied.

Albus leaned his head on his mitt and closed his eyes while trying to drown out his acquaintance conversation. St. John the Apostle, rosiness, and Kaden continued to contend about the merits of Quidditch and football. flatness and Amanda stayed out of it for the most division and seemed kind of amused with the entire thing. Albus was n't, though. He wished they 'd just shut up. Albus 's school principal was steadily feeling bad, like he was being hit with a bludger over and over again. Besides that, he still had n't completely warmed up from the peer and was shivering, despite his dry robes.

`` I think football would be a in good order athletics if it were played on Scots heather, '' St. John the Apostle said.

`` Oh come on, John ! '' Rose sighed, `` Be severe ! You ca n't play football on brooms. How would you kick back the orchis ? ``

`` Not to refer that Muggles wreak football ! '' Kaden shouted, `` Muggles ca n't fly ! ``

`` I 'm not saying that Muggles should meet football on broom. I meant if football were ever played by hotshot, it should be done on brooms. ``

football on Calluna vulgaris, Albus thought, what an insane approximation. His friends were now trying to merge football and Quidditch.

`` Albus, are you all right ? '' lustrelessness asked.

Albus opened his oculus and lifted his head off his bridge player. `` I dunno. ``

`` You do n't appear that great, '' lusterlessness said concernedly.

John, rose, and Kaden stopped arguing and looked at Albus.

`` Yeah, you look sorry than Matt does when he gets macabre, '' Kaden said loudly.

`` Thanks, '' Matt muttered.

`` lustrelessness 's right, '' Rose said, `` You do look horrendous, Albus. ``

`` I 've got a concern, '' Albus mumbled.

`` You should go see gentlewoman Pomfrey, '' Kaden told him.

`` I think I 'll just go to bed, '' Albus got up from his chair, `` I have n't really slept much the by few nighttime. I 'm probably just tired. ``

Albus stumbled over to the dormitory door, feeling worse than he had a few minutes ago. He collapsed into his bed and fell asleep minutes later.

******

Albus awoke with a start and he was n't sure how a good deal time had passed since he went to sleep. He still felt extremely tired and his drumhead still hurt. He groaned and closed his eyes again, wanting only to sleep for a few days straight.

right field when he was about to drift off again, someone threw the curtains back and Albus 's bed was flooded in light.

`` Ugh, '' Albus groaned and covered his middle with his paw. `` What was that for ? ``

`` You 've slept almost an entire day, '' person said.

Albus moved his hands and slowly opened his optic. john was standing over his bed with a aspect of concern on his side.

`` And I 'd wish to sleep a bit Thomas More if you do n't heed, '' Albus mumbled.

`` You slept through dinner last night, and breakfast and lunch today. Are n't you hungry ? ``

`` Not really. ``

`` Are you sure you 're ok ? '' John asked, `` pink wine sent me up here to check on you. ``

Honestly, Albus was n't sure he was ok. He could n't remember the last fourth dimension he had slept an entire day. But right now all he wanted was for lavatory to go away so he could slumber some more.

`` I 'll be fine once I sleep some more, '' Albus replied and rolled over away from lavatory.

`` If you 're sure as shooting, '' John the Divine said quietly and closed the curtains.

It did n't shoot Albus long to fall back asleep. He had some strange aspiration that involved Teddy telling him his Calluna vulgaris broke and he 'd have to play Quidditch without it by running around on the ground. Then, instead of a Quaffle, the equal was played with a football.

Albus woke up briefly after one of these aspiration, only to bump that the hall was dark. He could hear Ethan 's muffled snore and an owl hooting outside. Unfortunately, he did n't feel any intimately than he had when John woke him up. In fact, he now felt worse. Every one of his muscles were aching, like he had fallen from his Scots heather during the match. But Albus could n't recall falling from his broom. When had the match been anyway ? Yesterday or the day before ? Albus could n't even call up and he did n't even have a go at it what day it was currently.

`` Albus ! '' Someone shouted. Albus was dreaming about Quidditch again and someone was hitting him with their beater 's bat.

`` Quit it, '' Albus mumbled.

`` Albus, are you all right ? ``

`` Go away, '' Albus said, `` And stop smacking me with that beater 's bat. ``

`` Beater 's bat ? '' they repeated, `` That 's it, I 'm getting prof potter. ``

`` I 'll go, '' individual else said, `` You stay here with him. ``

Whoever had been hitting Albus with the bat had stopped, and he was grateful. GA had taken the bat away and was now yelling at its owner. Then she announced that they would be playing football game instead of Quidditch. James complained loudly, since there were n't any Seekers in football.

`` Albus, wake up ! ``

`` I think Kaden said you 'll induce to play defense, James, '' Albus mumbled in his quietus. `` There is n't a Snitch in football. ``

`` knack on, Albus, John 's getting your dad. ``

`` My dad ? He 'll have to act defense, too. ``

`` What 's wrong ? '' somebody new shouted.

`` He 's been sleeping since after the mate, professor potter. I think he 's puke. ``

`` Since after the match ? ``

`` Er, yeah. We thought he was just tired, but he 's been sleeping for two day. ``

`` The match ? '' Albus muttered, `` Did we beat Slytherpuff yet ? ``

Albus felt himself being lifted out of his bed and into someone 's munition. He rested his head on their shoulder joint and shivered as his mantle fell back onto the bed. Albus fell back into a deep sleep and next woke up as he was being laid down on another bed.

Albus heard people talking all around him, but he could n't make out what they were saying. Someone poured a few disgusting potions down his throat and forced him to swallow them. There was more maunder around him, but Albus soon drifted off to sleep again.

The way was quieter when Albus next woke up. He opened his middle and looked around. Where was he ? Albus was sealed he had fallen asleep in his dormitory, but now it looked as if he was in the infirmary annexe. The place was nearly deserted, save for Madam Pomfrey sitting at her desk. Albus yawned and tried to sit up, but he was still dizzy. The secure affair was that his head felt much skillful. However, his body still ached.

Madam Pomfrey looked up from her desk and got up once she saw that Albus was awake. She grabbed a few feeding bottle and put them on a tray, which she then carried over to Albus 's bed and set it on the bedside table.

`` commodity, you 're up, '' Madam Pomfrey said as she poured one of the potions into a cup, `` You gave us all quite a fear. ``

`` What time is it ? '' Albus asked, still confused about what he was doing there.

`` Just after six o'clock. ``

`` Er, and what day ? ``

`` Monday, '' the nurse said as she thrust the cup under Albus 's nose, `` Drink that. ``

Albus downed the potion quickly, `` Yuck. It 's really Monday ? I 've missed classes ? ``

`` I 'd say so. ``

`` Er, what exactly happened ? I mean, I went to bed in my dormitory and now I 'm here ... ''

`` You 're ill, '' madam Pomfrey said, `` You 've caught the flu. Your friends told me you slept for almost two days and then they went to get your father since you were n't getting any improve and had started becoming delirious. You 've been here since around lunch prison term. ``

`` Oh. Well, how farsighted do I have to persist ? ``

`` Another two days, probably, '' Madam Pomfrey told him. `` Now I want you to drink these other two potions and eat that bowl of soup. ``

Albus nodded and Madam Pomfrey strode back over to her desk. Albus thought back and could vaguely recall being taken out of his dormitory room, but it was only a foggy memory. The stopping point thing he could really remember well was the Quidditch mate. He was very felicitous he had n't fallen ill before the match.

No sooner had Albus drank the get-go potion that the door to the infirmary offstage swung afford and lavatory, matte, rosebush, and Amanda came bursting through. Madam Pomfrey got up quickly from her desk and met them halfway.

`` Is Albus awake ? '' Rose asked.

`` Yes, he 's only just woken up. I suppose you can chat him for a few minutes. But calmly ! He needs to take a breather ! ``

`` Albus ! '' rose shrieked when she ran over to his bed, `` Thank Merlin you 're all right ! ``

`` How are you ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Doing better ? '' John asked.

`` Well, '' Matt said with a one-half smile on his pale font, `` This is a switch. ``

Albus grinned at him, `` Yeah, ca n't really remember a time where it was you visiting me here. ``

`` What exactly have you got anyway ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Flu, '' Albus answered, `` But I 'm getting better. Not nearly as tired as before. ``

`` I would hope so, '' John smirked, `` You slept two 24-hour interval. ``

`` I 'll probably slumber another two, '' Albus said, `` Pomfrey said I 've got to stay another two Clarence Shepard Day Jr.. ``

`` We 'll be here together, then, '' lusterlessness replied.

Albus looked at his Quaker, who was looking a bit exhausted himself. `` When 's the full phase of the moon moon again ? ``

`` Tomorrow, '' Matt sighed.

`` Did you take that new potion ? '' Albus asked.

Matt nodded, `` Yeah, and I 'm more knackered than usual. ``

`` He fell asleep in story of conjuring trick and almost fell asleep in Potions, '' John said.

`` well, you did n't sleep through two whole days like I did, '' Albus pointed out.

`` I 've done it before. I 've slept through More than two days actually. I think four is my record. ``

`` All right ! '' dame Pomfrey announced, `` Time for you lot to be off to bed, especially you, Matt. And Albus needs to rest. ``

`` See you tomorrow, '' Albus said as his friends left the room.

`` Sure will, '' matte replied.

Albus slept on and off throughout the night and the next sunup. He was still tired, but felt much better when he woke up late the succeeding sunrise. His dad had stopped by sooner before class, but Albus fell back asleep after he left.

Madam Pomfrey was fussing over him and giving him numerous potions to drink. Albus was the only patient in the entire ward, so the nursemaid 's fussing was all focused on him.

The nurse had been giving Albus what must have been his tenth field glass of water system that morning when the room access to the ward opened. Matt stumbled inside and walked shakily over to the bed next to Albus 's. He collapsed onto it and winced in pain.

gentlewoman Pomfrey immediately put down the water system pitcher and descended upon flatness.

`` You 're here early than usual, '' she said as she felt his head, `` And you 're burning up. ``

`` Why are you here earlier ? '' Albus asked once brothel keeper Pomfrey had gone to get another potion.

`` Tired, '' lustrelessness mumbled, `` felled seam asleep in Defense and your dad told me to occur here. ``

`` Is it the new potion ? ``

`` Yeah, it does n't exactly assist much, does it ? ``

`` I thought you said they were going to find something to counteract the part of it that makes you tired, '' Albus said.

`` They are, they just have n't found it yet. ``

`` Oh. ``

gentlewoman Pomfrey returned a present moment later and gave mat a few potions. He drank them and was asleep mo later. Albus was n't really fag, but he fell asleep anyway out of lack of anything else to do.

John the Divine, pink wine, and Amanda stopped by after dinner to see Albus and Matt, but Madam Pomfrey did n't let them stay put long. matte had been asleep anyway. Shortly after their friend left, Madam Pomfrey woke Matt up and took him down to the Whomping Wilow.


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight ! Thanks as well to Moonylupin, potterfan296, Miguel, Saint Luke, and Denas for their inspection !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


When Albus awoke the side by side morning, he felt much better. In fact, he felt mostly convention. He was n't achy anymore and his head felt better as well. He hungrily ate all the breakfast gentlewoman Pomfrey provided.

The same could n't be said for Matt, who was looking much worse than the previous day. He was either asleep or unconscious, Albus was betting on the latter, and he had legion cold shoulder and scar on his case. His right arm and forehead were covered in a gravid bandages.

`` So when can I bequeath ? '' Albus asked as ma'am Pomfrey performed some kind of while on Matt.

`` Later today, most probably, '' she said after she 'd finished her incantation.

Albus sighed. He had been hoping he 'd be capable to leave that break of day. He was starting to finger incredibly bored with the hospital offstage, although not bored enough to pop out the homework pink wine had brought the premature evening.

Albus spent the residuum of the good morning drifting in and out of nap out of want of anything else to do. Madam Pomfrey gave him a few more nasty tasting potions and lunch, which Albus ate ravenously. After going two day without food for thought, he was starving.

The doors to the infirmary offstage opened just as Albus was finishing his luncheon. John, Rose, and Amanda walked inside and immediately headed for Albus 's bed. lady Pomfrey was in her office and did n't look to notice the visitors.

`` Hey, how are you ? '' Rose asked.

`` Bored, '' Albus replied.

`` That 's good, '' Rose grinned.

`` Are you better now ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Pretty a great deal. brothel keeper Pomfrey wo n't let me leave until later, though. Wish she 'd let me leave now. ``

`` She just wants to micturate sure you 're completely better, '' Rose said, `` And it 's not like you 're missing class since this is our afternoon off. ``

`` Exactly ! '' Gospel According to John sighed, `` He could be doing much better stuff and nonsense on his afternoon off if he was n't here. ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` Like figuring out the new map. ``

`` How are we going to do that anyway ? '' Saint John the Apostle asked.

`` Go to the depository library, '' Albus replied, `` We 've got to front for ways of proving who we are. ``

John groaned, `` And I doubt there will just be a volume titled Prove Who You Are to a Piece of Parchment. ``

`` Probably not, '' blush wine laughed. `` But we 'll get hold out somehow. ``

`` Making anymore forward motion on the appeal for Kaden ? '' Albus asked.

`` A bit, yeah. I tried it again last night on John and this time he could n't even move his mouthpiece like last sentence. Now I 've just got to visualize out how to involve former people in the enigma. ``

`` And then all we 've got to do is convert flatness that the magic spell is foolproof, '' John said.

Everyone glanced over at Matt 's bed, where he was still sleeping.

`` He been asleep all day ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Yeah, '' Albus said, `` Ever since I 've been awake. ``

Matt groaned and opened his eyes, `` You lot here ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Gospel According to John replied, `` How are you ? ``

`` Horrible, '' matt said flatly, `` My head is killing me. Were you talking about me ? ``

`` A bit, '' lavatory said, `` Just about that spell for Kaden. We 're going to get working on the map once you two are out of here. Got to incur some way to show to it that we 're like the vulture. ``

`` Sounds honorable, '' lustrelessness yawned.

`` When do you get to get out ? '' Amanda asked, `` Albus is leaving later today. ``

`` No idea, '' Matt said, `` Not until at least tomorrow Nox. Might be out in fourth dimension for Astronomy. ``

`` Ca n't you not be outside when the moonlight is close to to the full ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Only when it 's waxing. When it 's waning I 'm ticket. ``

`` So, we 'll project on working on the map this weekend, then, '' Albus said. `` Unless any of you catch what I had. ``

`` Hope not, '' John Lackland said. `` Maybe Malfoy will fascinate it, '' he added gleefully.

`` John, that 's not risible, '' pink wine scolded, `` He 'd be really upchuck. ``

`` He 'd get ripe. Albus is fine now. ``

Albus heard a door open and ma'am Pomfrey came strolling out of her office. She looked up and saw the crew around Albus and lustrelessness 's beds and made a beeline for them.

`` What are you lot doing here ? '' she demanded.

`` Visiting Albus and matte, '' Rose answered.

`` Oh, you 're alert ! '' the nanny exclaimed and went over to Matt 's bed, apparently forgetting that Rose, John the Divine, and Amanda had burst in without her license. `` How do you feel ? ``

`` Awful, '' Matt replied. `` My head trauma and so does pretty much everything else. ``

`` You must have hit your headspring much tough than common finis dark, '' Madam Pomfrey sighed, `` You had quite the concussion earlier. I 'll go get some painfulness potions. ``

She returned a second later with a potion for mat, who drank it in one gulp.

`` Now, you three have to allow for, '' ma'am Pomfrey said to rose wine, John, and Matt, `` Albus will be out later and you can see him then. ``

ennui set in for Albus shortly after his friends left. lustrelessness had fallen back deceased quickly after he took his pain potion. Albus could n't even sleep anymore because he had already slept so a great deal that day.

******

`` What are we supposed to be looking for anyway ? '' John sighed as he slammed a book shut.

Albus, John, Matt, Rose, and Amanda were all crowded around a sequestered table in the program library. It was covered in book of account that covered all sorts of topics. The five of them had spent the finale hour searching for mode to turn up to the new map that they were like the predator. So far, nobody had found anything utilitarian.

`` I do n't make love, '' Albus replied, `` Anything that might prove that we 're like the Marauders. ``

`` That 's not very specific, '' John muttered, `` I really do n't want to spend an entire Saturday here. ``

`` It 'll do you some good, '' rose said.

`` wish we could just use that book that you used to line up the other charm, '' Albus said to blush wine, thinking of Flitwick 's book.

`` Me too, but it 's in the Restricted Section, '' Rose said.

`` Why ca n't we just get Professor potter to yield us a notation ? Bet he would, '' John the Divine said.

`` Bet he would n't, '' Albus disagreed, `` He 'd know we 're up to something. ``

`` Besides, '' pink wine interjected, `` It might not be a Charm we 're looking for. ``

`` We 're just going to have to go on looking, '' Albus said as he opened another Word of God. `` But I 've got Quidditch practice session in a half hour. ``

`` We 'll just expect every clip we can get away from Kaden, '' matt suggested.

`` Where is he anyway ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Dunno, '' Albus shrugged. issue forth to think of it, he had n't seen Kaden since breakfast. It was form of unusual since Kaden spent every waking minute of his day ( when he was n't in course of study ) no less than four groundwork away from Albus.

`` There he is, '' matte pointed to somewhere behind Albus.

Albus turned around and saw his cousin running through the library with a clipboard in his hand.

`` Albus ! '' he shouted.

`` Quiet ! '' dame Pince shouted even louder, `` Or I 'll throw you all out ! ``

`` Albus, '' Kaden said more quietly as he sat down in an abandon chairman at their table.

Albus eyed Kaden 's clipboard but he could n't read what it said. `` Hi Kaden. ``

`` Hi, '' Kaden replied, `` testament you sign my prayer ? ``

`` request ? '' Albus asked, `` What in the name of Merlin are you petitioning for ? ``

`` TVs in the common rooms, '' Kaden grinned.

`` What ? ! '' John Lackland and lustrelessness shouted.

`` Quiet ! '' Madam Pince screeched.

rose laughed, `` What on earth for ? ``

`` I would n't mind having a TV in the common room, '' Amanda commented.

`` Exactly, '' Kaden said, `` It 's surd enough for us Muggle-borns to adjust to Hogwarts and if we had TVs, it would make it well-off. ``

`` You 're kidding, right ? '' King John laughed.

`` Nope, not kidding, '' Kaden said, `` I 've got loads of key signature already. I 'm not really sure how many I 'll need, though. I figure I 'll try and get as many as I can in a few days and then pass it to professor Longbottom. ``

Albus tried to inhibit his grin, but he could n't. The idea of Kaden trying to get telecasting put into the vulgar rooms was just too funny. There would be no way any of the teachers would concur to it even if everyone in Hogwarts signed the petition.

`` So will you sign it ? '' Kaden asked, `` If this goes through, I 'll try for electronic computer next. ``

`` Computers, '' mat laughed, `` You 're mad. ``

`` I 'll sign on, '' Amanda grabbed the clipboard and quill.

`` Sure, why not ? '' Albus shrugged. It could n't offend to signalize the thing, and he was sure Kaden would n't arrest bugging them unless they did.

John and lustrelessness signed as well, although they were laughing the all time. Rose signed a bit reluctantly, but she eventually gave in.

`` So what are you doing ? '' Kaden asked after Rose finished signing.

`` Homework, '' Albus replied automatically.

Kaden stared at the gravid pile of books, `` Second year must be bloody insane. ``

`` Oh, it is, '' John said, `` You wo n't have any time to learn any TV. ``

`` I 'll make time, '' Kaden said as he stood up, `` Well, I 'm going to get to a greater extent signatures. ``

Albus watched as his full cousin went from board to shelve trying to get people to sign. Some of them liked the thought and signed willingly. Others laughed until Kaden gave up and others looked at him like he was crazy. Eventually, lady Pince found out what he was doing and threw him out of the library.

`` Your full cousin is the weirdest fellow I 've ever met, '' John the Evangelist said after Kaden was kicked out.

`` Yeah, he is a bit strange, '' Albus agreed and closed the book of account he was reading, `` Well, I 'm off to recitation. I 'll see you lot later. ``

After drill, Albus went to the plebeian room and found his friends sitting around their common table doing homework. Unfortunately, none of them had found anything that would help them to prove that they were like the Marauders. Albus was beginning to question if they 'd ever get that map working. Even if they did determine a way to essay they were like the marauder, what would they have to do next ? How many thing would they have to do before they would actually be capable to see the map ? Albus had no idea, but he knew the marauder were n't going to take in this easy.

******

The rest of Feb passed quickly. Albus and his friends continued to abrade the subroutine library for any sort of charm, spell, or potion that would help oneself them in their quest to reveal the map. None of them found anything. Kaden thought they were all doing preparation as they searched the books every weekend. Rose was making progress with the Sileo Altus charm, but it was n't quite perfected enough to use yet. rosebush was sure enough she 'd stimulate it learned by the end of the calendar month. Matt never said often when the good luck charm was brought up and Albus was hoping he would still agree to tell Kaden once Rose perfected the magical spell.

Kaden 's petition to have TV put into the common room was rejected shortly after he gave it to Neville. Kaden did n't seem in the least bit discourage by this. He insisted it was rejected due to lack of convincing grounds as to how the televisions would benefit the bookman. He was planning on resubmitting it along with a detailed essay on the subject later on in the term.

`` You know, Kaden, '' rosiness said at dinner one night, `` Even if the instructor accepted your petition, the telecasting would n't even work here. There 's too much magic. ``

`` Oh, I 'm sure there 's a magical spell that would counteract that, '' Kaden said.

`` It wo n't wreak, '' matte said, `` Magic just does n't agree with electronics. This one time when we were visiting my Uncle Jack in the United commonwealth, Amy accidentally broke one of the alloy detector at the airdrome. It was n't her fault or anything, the magic just interrupted it or something. The affair started beeping and would n't block up until they turned it off. ``

John laughed, `` That would 've been hilarious to see. ``

`` Amy did n't recall so. She was mortified, '' lustrelessness said, `` It was a while ago, before we even moved here. I think she was fourteen. ``

`` Well, I still say they could come up a way, '' Kaden said.

`` Hey, look, '' Albus pointed to the Head table. professor Kendrick was standing up.

`` Wonder what he 's got to say ? '' privy asked.

`` Hope it 's goose egg bad, '' Rose said.

`` He looks glad enough, '' Amanda commented.

`` May I have your attending ! '' Kendrick announced. The room fell mute. `` Thank you. Do n't worry, I 'm not giving out bad news. In fact, I think you 'll notice this announcement most turn on. ``

There was a ecumenical cardiac murmur of hullabaloo throughout the Great Granville Stanley Hall at this. Kendrick waited for everyone to stop talking before he continued.

`` If you 'll retrieve at the kickoff of the yr, when I announced the alteration for the Dueling lodge, that that would only be one part of the House single endeavour. I am announcing today that the other professors and I have organized another unity upshot. It will be a scavenger hunt, with inter-house teams, of course. ``

Albus groaned. A scavenger hunt would be fun, but not if he had to do it with Slytherins. Everyone else seemed to be in agreement, because there was a general groaning throughout.

`` I know you do n't wish it, but the school needs to be unified. Now, I will explicate the event. It will not be like a fixture scavenger hunt. It will take berth on the next three Sabbatum. This Sabbatum will be for the firstly and second years. The pursuit will be for third and quarter years. The last will be for 5th, sixth, and 7th age.

`` The other prof and I will be organizing the teams, which will comprise of member of other years and former houses. Each squad will have about ten members. You will give one hour to complete the tasks given.

`` You will receive a inclination of items to obtain before this time of day is up. There are regulation, of course. Some of these items will be required to prevail without magic. We will be performing charms on these token and if we find that any of them were spelled, transfigured, conjured, charmed, etc. within the hour they will be disqualified.

`` However, the scavenger hunt will not only include a leaning of items to find oneself. You will also receive multiple small beer sheets. These will include both wizard and Muggle small beer.

`` Finally, each team will receive a brain-teaser, which if they deceiver correctly, will lead them on a pursuit throughout the castle and background. When you reach the end, there will be a bit of entropy that must be returned to me. If you are successful, you 'll get a 100 point fillip. However, there is also a false trail that will result you to worthless information. If that is brought back, you 'll experience no bonus.

`` I will break you a more detail list of convention on the day of the event. Until then, keep your brains abrupt and do n't get rid of anything you would otherwise deem useless, '' Kendrick smiled and returned to his seat.

Albus turned to his Quaker, `` This sounds, er, interesting. ``

`` It 's really an splendid idea, '' Rose grinned, `` I mean, there 's no way a single individual would be able to achieve all of it alone. It 's a great idea for House unity. ``

`` It 'd be better if we did n't receive to team up up with Slytherins, '' John muttered.

`` But what if there 's something on that list that 's in the Slytherin common room or something ? '' Rose pointed out.

whoremaster groaned, `` I guess you 're right. ``

`` Sounds fun, though, '' Amanda said.

`` Yeah. Wonder what we get if we win ? '' mat asked.

`` Hopefully some coupons to get out of homework or something, '' Saint John the Apostle said.

`` Since when have they given away those ? '' Albus laughed.

`` Now 's the perfect metre for them to start, '' John replied.

`` I hope I 'm on your team, Albus, '' Kaden piped up.

`` That would be cracking, '' Albus smiled, and he actually meant it. It sounded like there was going to be a lot of random stuff on that list and if there was anyone in the schoolhouse that had loads of random stuff, it was Kaden.

******

The next few twenty-four hours seemed to sweep on forever for Albus and the residual of the first and instant old age. Everyone was getting excited about the scavenger hunt and the teacher were getting a bit annoyed that nobody was paying attention in class.

Soon enough, Saturday arrived and Kendrick announced at lunch for all the first base and second base geezerhood to rest seated after they were done eating. Once all the older scholar left, Kendrick got to his feet once more.

`` Now, the mo you 've all been waiting for, '' Kendrick said, `` The Scavenger Holman Hunt will begin shortly. offset, I have a few more rules to go over.

`` As I said earlier in the hebdomad, there are items on this list that are not allowed to be created using conjuration. You may not invoke, transfigure, spell, or good luck charm any of those items. Asking an older pupil to do so is also against the rules. We have enchantment that will detect if any item was magicked during the hour of the magpie hunt.

`` The items must be found within the school and grounds. Hogsmeade, the Forbidden Forest, the Whomping Willow, and Hagrid 's hut are all out of leaping and you may not search for items in or around them. You may not ask older students or teachers for help, nor may you owl family members or other hoi polloi. However, you may ask older students if they have any of the detail on the list. It is up to them if they let you adopt them or not. Do not slip anything from anyone or there will be punishment. You are permitted to use the library for help with the trivia. ``

blush wine 's human face lit up at that and Albus knew she would be the official library investigator for her team.

`` There are going to be eight team of approximately ten educatee each. Your household prefects have your squad assignments. team one and two are to gather at the Hufflepuff table, one at each end. Teams three and four at the Gryffindor mesa, five and six at Ravenclaw, and seven and eight at Slytherin. You will be given a few minutes to get organized in your team and then the other professors will helping hand out the earmark material. Each team is given one set of material, no more. If you lose it, toughened luck. Now please see your prefects. ``

Albus got up from the table and looked around until he spotted Georgia. He and his champion wound their way through the crowd until they managed to get to her.

`` Hey, Albus ! '' Georgia grinned and looked at her clipboard, `` fix ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus smiled, `` I 'm on a near team, right ? ``

`` Well, there are Slytherins on all the teams, if that 's what you mean, '' Georgia laughed, `` Anyway, you 're on team Two. ``

Albus nodded and waited for his admirer to get their squad assignments.

GA scanned her clipboard again, `` Let 's see, Rose is on Team One, Saint John is on Team Four, lustrelessness 's on squad Two ... ''

Albus grinned at Matt. He was relieved that one of his ally was on his team. Now all he had to do was trust Malfoy was n't on his team.

`` Amanda 's on squad Four, and Kaden 's on Team Six, '' Georgia looked up at them, `` Have fun. ``

`` Thanks, '' Albus said and then turned to his friends, `` Guess we 'll see you after. Good luck. ``

Albus and mat worked their way through the crowds to the Hufflepuff table along with Rose. Albus was a bit foiled that Kaden was n't on his team, but there was n't anything he could do about that. The probability were n't great that he would sustain two of his friends on his same team. He was just lucky he had one of his champion on the same team.

The Hufflepuff tabular array was already filling with people from squad one and two. Team Two was gathering at the half closest to the staff table, so Albus and lusterlessness made their way there.

There seemed to be a fairly evening bit of each sign of the zodiac at the table. Besides Albus and flatness, there was one early Gryffindor, a first year girl Albus had seen but did n't know her name. There were also two Ravenclaws Albus did n't screw, three Hufflepuffs, and two Slytherins. Albus groaned when he saw who the Slytherins were, Felix Willinson and Vivien Leigh Montague. Leigh was rosiness 's potions partner and not the sharpest quill in the box.

Felix Willinson narrowed his centre when he saw Albus and Matt coming over. Albus found prat far away from him and sat down, waiting for the scavenger hunt to begin.

One of the Ravenclaws stood up a few seconds later, `` Hi, I 'm Rachel undergrowth and I 've been assigned as team police captain. ``

Everyone muttered how-do-you-do to her and Rachel had everyone introduce themselves. So far, Willinson and Montague did n't seem enthused about their team, but Rachel did n't pay any attention to their bad blood.

prof Patil came over a little while later with a smattering of lambskin. Albus assumed they were the lists of stuff to look for and the trivia.

`` The Richard Morris Hunt will start in one instant ! '' Kendrick announced, `` The professor will give you your lists as soon as I say go. You 'll give birth one hour to be back here with as much stuff you can possibly get. ``

A bit later, Kendrick shot out a shower of blue sparks from his wand and Patil handed the good deal of parchment to Rachel.

`` All right wing ! '' Rachel shouted as she leafed through the parchment, `` We need somebody to decipher the riddle and run around to get the bonus detail. ``

`` I 'll do it, '' the other Ravenclaw volunteered. Rachel nodded and handed him the lambskin. He ran out of the Great Hall while reading the riddle.

`` Ok, here 's the trivium, '' Rachel continued, `` We 've got Famous Witches and ace, Famous Muggles, What Not To Do While Interacting With Muggles, What Do You Know About Quidditch, and What Do You Know About football game. ``

Albus turned to lusterlessness and laughed. Kaden would surely jazz the football one.

Rachel handed out the trivia to the mass who thought they 'd be capable to do it. Willinson had n't taken any of the triviality sheets, but Montague took the Quidditch one. Albus hoped she actually knew something about Quidditch.

`` Now we 've just got the tilt of items to find, '' Rachel announced to the remaining team fellow member, which were Albus, flatness, Willinson, and one of the Hufflepuffs. `` You four get started while I work on the small beer. Oh, but I 'll accept forethought of the costumes. You 'll just get to wear them. ``

Albus nodded and took the parchment from her. Costumes ? He hoped he would n't hold to bust anything too humiliating. He set it down on the mesa and began to read it, with everyone else looking over his shoulder.

Items Are To Be Gathered Without illusion

-holly wand
-five vomitive flavored Bertie Botts Beans
-Slytherin wearing Gryffindor robe
-Gryffindor wearing Slytherin gown
-light saber
-Dumbledore Chocolate frog plug-in
-twenty shoe lace tied together
-Quaffle signed by Joseph Oliver Wood
-Shooting Star broomstick
-Muggle pen
-copy of The Hobbit, by J.R.R. Tolkein
-a Nintendo DS
-girl dressed up as Godric Gryffindor
-boy dressed up as Helga Hufflepuff
-color changing ink
-beater bat
-drum joystick
-silver goblet
-Chudley Cannons jersey
-six Extendable Ears
-Muggle performing card
-receipt from Madam Malkins
-Argus Filch 's autograph
-the names of five Hogwarts House Elves
-rubber duck
-copy of Hogwarts, A History
-sneakoscope
-foe glass
-tea cozy
-Hogwarts graduation picture
-band economic aid
-green empty potions bottle
-Beatles CD
-purple gloves
-Hershey 's hot chocolate bar
-My Little Hippogriff
-pet toad
-purple parchment
-two stamp battery
-tortilla chips

Albus looked up from the list and waited for everyone else to finish reading.

`` What the bloody hell is a CD ? '' Willinson asked.

`` Muggle way of listening to music, '' Albus explained, `` One of my first cousin might consume one. ``

`` I 've got one, '' the Hufflepuff, who Albus now knew to be nelson Rodner, said.

`` Good, '' Albus replied, `` Anyone else know they 've got some of this stuff ? ``

Everyone nodded.

`` Let 's go get the hooey we know we 've got and then meet back here, '' Albus said as he got up. `` Then we can mold on the stuff we do n't. ``

The other three boy agreed and Albus ran out of the Great Hall with flatness. The two of them ran as fast as they could up to Gryffindor Tower.


A/N : I ca n't subscribe credit for the pack rat hunt idea. There is a resort in Pennsylvania called Woodloch true pine that I go to every summer and they have pack rat hunts like the one in this chapter. concluded with costumes, trivia, and the conundrum. It 's a lot of fun.

Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight ! Thanks as well to Gospel of Luke, Moonylupin, EvilChaos, potterfan296, XDNLxtlz99, drownzer, Miguel, Denas, and phoenixy friend for their reviews !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry ceramist or the theme for the scavenger hunt.


`` Willinson is acting polite, '' Albus commented as they were running up a flight of stairs.

`` Yeah, '' lusterlessness agreed, `` variety of surprising. Either he really wants to win or he 's not as confident without Malfoy. ``

`` Probably both, '' Albus said, `` Whatever the reason, we lucked out. ``

Everyone stared as Albus and Matt ran into the common elbow room completely out of breath. `` Scavenger hunting, '' Albus muttered to his cousins Ben and Cedric as he ran by.

`` Excellent, '' Ben grinned, `` Ca n't wait until our turn next Sabbatum. ``

Bilius was also in their residence hall collecting items when Albus and lustrelessness entered. They nodded to each other, but did n't say anything.

Albus wrenched loose his trunk and started rifling through it. He found a bag of Bertie Botts edible bean, a Dumbledore deep brown frog card, his copy of Hogwarts, A History, one extendable Ear, and the photo album he found in the Ionic dialect of his house. The graduation picture in the back would work for the Hogwarts graduation picture.

`` What have you got ? '' he asked matte once he emerged from his trunk.

`` My wand 's holly, a muggle pen, band attention, Chudley shank tee shirt, and a Nintendo DS, although I 'm not sure why I still bother to add it since it does n't form here. ``

`` Excellent, '' Albus grinned, `` Let 's get back to the Great manse. ``

When Albus and matte got back to the Hufflepuff board, Willinson and Rodner had already returned. There was a pile of stuff on the mesa between them. Albus looked through it and saw that they now had a copy of The Hobbit, colouration changing ink, a beater 's bat, Muggle playacting identity card, and a sneakoscope.

`` All right, we 've got a adept start, '' Albus said as he added his and Matt 's poppycock to the cumulation. `` I guess we 'll have to ask the previous students to take up the rest.

`` Rodner, '' Albus began, `` You see if you can get a light saber, a Quaffle signed by King Oliver Wood, a Shooting asterisk broomstick, drum sticks, a receipt from lady Malkin 's, foe Methedrine, and a Beatles CD. ``

`` Sure, '' Rodner said and took off out of the room.

`` Willinson, '' Albus turned to the Slytherin, `` Go down to the kitchens and see if you can get a silver goblet, tortilla check, a tea tea cosy, the epithet of five mansion Elves, and a Hershey bar. ``

`` Why should I ? '' Willinson grumbled, `` Who put you in heraldic bearing ? ``

`` Someone 's got to do it, '' Albus told him.

`` make Eckerton do it. ``

`` Him and I are getting the rest, '' Albus replied, `` If you want to win, you 'll get the stuff. ``

`` Fine, '' Willinson muttered and left the Great Hall.

`` Ok, that leaves the shoe lacing, empty viridity potions bottle, majestic gloves, a My Little Hippogriff, a salientian, purple parchment, a rubber duck, two batteries, and five more extendable auricle. Oh, and Filch 's autograph. ``

`` We 'll do that one last, '' Matt shuddered. `` We can probably just go back to the coarse room and ask if anyone 's got this stuff and nonsense. ``

`` good melodic theme, '' Albus agreed.

The two son set off at a run back to their common room. Luckily it was still packed with bookman and some of them grinned as Albus and mat entered.

`` How 's it going ? '' Ben asked.

`` Good, '' Albus grinned back, `` But we 've got a cluster of material to find. heed up everyone ! '' he shouted.

The entire common room quieted and turned to Albus. Albus was momentarily shocked that everyone actually stopped what they were doing to pay care to him.

`` Er, we 're doing the scavenger hunt and need some stuff. Has anyone got a My Little Hippogriff, violet baseball mitt, a toad, majestic lambskin, a rubber duck, shelling, or Extandable Ears ? Also, we need twenty skid lacing. I promise we 'll devolve it all once we 're done. ``

About half the student got up and went up to their dormitories. A few minute of arc later they came back down with various items for Albus. He managed to take over a safety duck, purple lambskin, and a few extendable ear. Plus he got at to the lowest degree twenty skid laces.

`` That worked well, '' Albus said as he and lustrelessness left the room.

`` I 'd say so, '' Matt agreed, `` Now Filch 's autograph. This ought to be fun. ``

Albus smacked his hand to his forehead, `` I should have grabbed the map ! ``

Albus groaned and ran back to the common room. Everyone laughed as he ran up to his dorm and back down to the common room. Albus ignored them and pointed his baton to the map. A few seconds later he saw that Filch was lurking near the library.

Albus and Matt took off for the subroutine library and spotted Filch a few K away from the door.

`` How are we supposed to ask him ? '' Albus whispered.

`` No idea, '' Matt said back.

Albus 's middle sped up as he got closer to the old caretaker. `` Er, Mr. Filch ? '' he asked.

Filch startled and turned around. He saw Albus and smirked. `` Potter. Up to no good again ? In pauperism of another detention, perhaps ? ``

`` Uh, no, '' Albus replied, `` Actually, I was just, er, well, we 're doing this scavenger hunt. Maybe Kendrick told you about it. It 's to kick upstairs Inter House Unity and we have to find all this clobber throughout the castle and- ''

`` We need your autograph, '' lusterlessness interrupted, holding a objet d'art of lambskin and the Muggle pen in his outstretched hand.

Filch stared at them and then started muttering to himself. `` Do n't see why I should bother ... scholarly person never do anything for me ... ''

Nevertheless, Filch took the pen and scribbled his name onto the purple parchment. He thrust it wordlessly back into Matt 's hand and shuffled off down the corridor.

`` That went better than expected, '' Matt said.

`` Yeah, thanks. I could n't really compute out how to ask him. ``

`` I figured, '' mat grinned, `` Anyway, we still need a few affair. Hey, Kendrick never mentioned anything about the elbow room. Do you think we could just ask it for the relief of this ? ``

Albus wondered why he had n't thought of that. It almost seemed like cheating, but Kendrick never said anything. `` That 's brilliant ! ``

The two of them set off for the Room, but when they got there, there was a Hufflepuff prefect milling around right in front of the Room. Albus slowly walked back and Forth in battlefront of it, keeping an eye on the prefect.

He was about to make his one-third pass, when the prefect stopped him. `` Sorry, '' he said, `` You ca n't go in there if you 're in the scavenger hunt. Kendrick 's convention. ``

Albus sighed, `` All right. ``

`` Of course of study, '' lusterlessness muttered as they left, `` Kendrick could n't herald that rule because then everyone would determine out about the elbow room. Oh, well. What have we got left ? ``

Albus handed Matt the lean and he looked it over for a few seconds. `` Hey, I know gentlewoman Pomfrey 's got special K potions nursing bottle. ``

`` Let 's go, '' Albus said, `` We 'd better hurry, there 's only xv minutes left. ``

They made it to the infirmary Wing in criminal record time. Albus pushed the door outdoors and walked in, followed by Matt.

`` I 've got patient to tend to ! '' gentlewoman Pomfrey was shouting at a Ravenclaw first base year, `` I have n't got time for this scavenger Leigh Hunt nonsense ! You 're the fifth person I 've had come in here looking for potions bottle and dance orchestra acquired immune deficiency syndrome ! I have n't got any ! ``

The girl nodded and ran quickly out of the elbow room, completely ignoring Albus and Matt as she went.

`` Er, she says she has n't got any, '' Albus whispered.

`` I know she does, '' Matt whispered back, `` Let me just ask her. ``

Albus shrugged and followed Matt over to the nanny, who was bent over one of the beds.

`` Hello, madam Pomfrey, '' matt greeted her.

gentlewoman Pomfrey turned around and her stung facial expression softened immediately when she saw Matt.

`` Hello, lustrelessness, dear. Are you all right ? You look a bit rosy-cheeked, '' Madam Pomfrey said and put her manus to his forehead.

`` I 'm delicately, '' matt assured her, `` I 've just been running around working on the scavenger James Henry Leigh Hunt. ``

`` Not you, too, '' dame Pomfrey sighed and then noticed Albus, `` Oh and Albus as well. ``

`` Yeah, '' Matt said, `` We were just wondering if you might have an void green potions bottle. ``

The nurse sighed and walked over to her potions console. `` I suppose. Just be sure to deliver it. ``

Albus watched in shock as she returned with the exact item they were looking for. Matt grinned at Albus and took the bottle.

`` Thanks, '' Matt smiled.

dame Pomfrey shook her read/write head, `` No job. Have fun, boys. ``

`` We will, '' flatness said as he turned to leave the room.

Albus followed him out the threshold, still in jolt that the nurse had actually given them the bottle when she had yelled at that first year only moment ago.

`` You 're certainly on her sound face, '' Albus muttered after they left the room.

`` One of the few perquisite of being there once a month, '' flatness said dryly.

`` We 'd improve get back to the Great Hall, '' Albus said as he looked at his watch.

Albus and Matt ran as fast as they could indorse to where their squad was. The residual of the team was working hard to finish the remaining trivia. Rachel herself was dressed up as Godric Gryffindor, complete with a fake beard. Rodner was dressed up as Helga Hufflepuff.

However, neither was as comic as what Willinson was wearing. He was decked out in Gryffindor all right, with robe, a scarf joint, and a 'Loyal Gryffindor'hat. Albus could hardly stifle his laughter.

`` Do n't say a word, ceramist, '' Willinson growled.

`` Albus ! '' Rachel shouted, `` You 've got to dress up as a Slytherin ! The robes I 've got are too big for Matt and Abby. '' Rachel pointed to the other Gryffindor on the team.

Albus groaned and Willinson burst out laughing. Albus reluctantly put on the Slytherin robes, scarf, and 'Slytherins Are Best'hat. It would only be for a few moment and if it helped them win ....

Albus did palpate a bit strange in the Slytherin robes. He could n't serve but think back to his sorting and how the hat had wanted to put him in Slytherin at first. If it had, he would be wearing these robes all the time. He might have got even been more favorable with Malfoy at first. He probably would n't induce really befriended John, Matt, or Amanda if he 'd been in Slytherin. Albus shook the thought from his promontory and concentrated on the fact that he was just wearing the robes to avail his team win.

Rachel took gillyflower of the item on the tilt as matte tied all the shoelaces together. It turns out that the only things they were missing were the light source sabre, Quaffle signed by Oliver wood, shot Star broomstick, foe trash, Hershey 's bar, toad, and one bombardment. Rachel thought that was pretty good.

The former Ravenclaw returned a minute later and told everyone that he had finished the diffuse pursuance and had managed to get the incentive degree.

`` Time is up ! '' Kendrick announced, `` The professor will be around soon to check your lists. They will also hoard your triviality tabloid which will be marked later today. The success will be announced at dinner party tonight. ``

Patil came over to Albus 's team a few second later and looked over their list. She took a characterisation of the four people who were dressed up, much to Albus 's dismay. Now there would be permanent evidence of his Slytherin moment. As soon as the depiction was taken, Albus took off the robes and he noticed Willinson doing the same.

`` Ok, '' Patil announced as she gathered up the pieces of sheepskin, `` You can provide. Please return anything you borrowed. ``

Albus and matte gathered up their hooey as well as everything they 'd borrowed from various Gryffindors. They stopped by the infirmary annex to reelect the bottle and then headed back to their common room.

The two of them passed out everyone 's clobber and then went to sit down at their common tabular array. Rose, whoremonger, Amanda, and Kaden joined them shortly.

`` That was fun, '' rose said as she sat down.

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` Even though we were with Slytherins. Willinson was n't too bad. ``

`` That 's good, '' Saint John the Apostle said, `` I caught a glimpse of him in the Gryffindor robes. Priceless. ``

`` Yeah, I thought so. Until I had to put on the Slytherin I, '' Albus replied.

lav burst out laughing, `` I wish I 'd seen that ! ``

`` You 'll be able to, '' Albus told him, `` Patil took a pictorial matter. ``

`` Excellent. ``

`` Did n't any of you lot have to coiffe up ? '' Albus asked.

`` I was Helga Hufflepuff, '' lavatory said.

`` And I was Godric Gryffindor, '' Amanda added.

`` How did everyone do on the listing of stuff to happen ? '' Matt asked.

`` I 'm moderately for sure my team was the lonesome one with a faint saber ! '' Kaden said excitedly, `` I 'm so glad I decided to bring in it. ``

`` We did all right hand, '' Rose shrugged, `` Missed a lot of stuff, but I think we did well in the triviality. ``

`` Of course you did, '' John grinned. `` Hey, did anyone manage to rule the potions bottle ? Slughorn did n't have any green ones and Madam Pomfrey looked quick to hex me when I asked her. It 's not really carnival that Kendrick put something on there that was impossible to get. ``

Albus grinned at matt, who grinned back.

`` What ? '' John Lackland asked.

`` We got it, '' mat told him.

`` How ? '' Kaden asked, `` Madam Pomfrey was downright scarey when I asked her. May have been because she was busy fixing someone 's soften arm, but still .... ''

`` Matt asked her and she gave him one, '' Albus explained.

Matt shrugged, `` simple, really. ``

John sighed, `` Well, you 're probably the only one in the schoolhouse who could get it. She 'd probably apply you whatever you asked for. ``

`` Why ? '' Kaden asked curiously.

`` Sorry, not telling, '' John replied.

Kaden sighed, `` Oh, part of that unscathed secret I ca n't know about ? ``

`` Yeah, '' john said and then changed the topic, `` Hey, did any of you do the brain-teaser affair ? ``

`` I did, '' rose said, `` Want to take heed it ? ``

`` Of course of action, '' John Lackland said.

`` Ok, I 'll see if you can get it. I thought it was a bit unsubdivided, really, '' Rose said. She pulled a composition of sheepskin out of her robes and read off of it.

'' 'In an event known by wizards worldwide
Where good and immorality are forced to collide
A terrible strength can now no longer reside.
A seat where just one function of Voldemort died .'''

Albus looked at toilet, lustrelessness, and Amanda and shrugged. He did n't call back it was simple, but Rose was in effect at those variety of things.

`` No idea, '' can announced.

`` Dunno, '' flatness shrugged.

`` Hmm, '' Amanda muttered.

`` Do n't front at me, '' Kaden said.

`` The Great vestibule ? '' Albus asked, thinking of the place where Voldemort died.

`` Nope, '' Rose grinned, `` That was the trick part. It 's actually that memorial outside, where Professor Longbottom killed Voldemort 's snake. ``

`` Oh, '' Albus groaned, `` Of course ! Did n't even think of that. ``

`` How long did it take you to figure it out ? '' lustrelessness asked.

`` Not long, '' rose wine smiled, `` But then I had to follow the clues to witness the bit of selective information to contribute Professor Kendrick. ``

`` And where was that ? '' Amanda asked.

`` program library, '' Rose grinned, `` Herbology section. ``

`` marvel how many team got it, '' Albus thought aloud.

`` Well, my team did, obviously, '' Rose said, `` And you said your team did, Albus. What about you two ? ``

`` We did n't, '' John sighed and Amanda shook her head.

`` We did, '' Kaden put in.

`` shot we 'll determine out this night how everyone did, '' Albus said.

`` Yeah, '' Rose agreed, `` But I 'm not going to think about it now. Might as well get some homework done. ``

Albus managed to get half an essay done before dinner. rose wrote an entire essay and did a set of homework enquiry. matte helped Amanda with her uranology and still got his Herbology done. John and Kaden on the other hand, spent he rest of the afternoon goofing off and playing chess.

The inflammation was running high in the Great Charles Martin Hall during dinner that evening. Everyone was comparing what they managed to find during the Scavenger Hunt. Albus kept glancing up to the staff mesa to see when Kendrick would piddle the announcement, but he seemed to be waiting until the last minute to do so.

After what seemed corresponding forever, Kendrick got to his ft. `` Good evening, everyone. I hope all the offset and second geezerhood enjoyed the Scavenger Hunt. It was certainly a success and I 'm for sure the older scholarly person will expect forward to their turns.

`` And, without any foster wait, I shall foretell the final result. The first, second, and 3rd place squad will all be awarded ribbon.

`` In third gear place, with 572 peak, team Two ! '' Kendrick announced, `` Will the penis of team Two please descend up here. ``

`` Yes ! '' Albus shouted and jumped up, `` Third blank space, that 's not bad ! ``

`` Yeah, I 'd say that 's pretty in effect, '' Matt grinned and followed Albus up to the stave table.

Albus and mat joined the residuum of their team in front line of the faculty table. Kendrick put a bronze medallion over each of their neck opening and pulled out a camera. He took a few moving-picture show and then told them to return to their seats.

blush wine, Amanda, John, and Kaden congratulated Albus and mat as they sat back down. A few of Albus 's cousins patted him on the back and told him good job.

`` Excellent, Albus, '' James grinned, `` But my team will get first shoes next calendar week. ``

`` I 'll believe it when I see it, '' Albus rolled his eyes.

`` And in second property, with 580 points, is Team Seven ! '' Kendrick announced.

The extremity of team sevener ran up to the staff tabular array to get their silver medal medals and have their picture taken.

`` And in first plaza, with 673 points, is squad Six ! '' Kendrick shouted. `` congratulations to the winning team ! ``

`` Woohoo ! '' Kaden stood up and started jumping up and down as he ran up to the staff board, `` Yes ! ``

`` Wow, who would 've thought that, '' Rose grinned, `` Kaden 's team won. ``

`` Well, he does hold a very gravid measure of random clobber in his dormitory, '' Albus commented.

`` I 'll bet it was the light saber that put his team over the bound, '' John shook his head, `` I mean, I think his team was the only one to get it. ``

`` Probably, '' Albus shrugged.

`` I ca n't trust I won ! '' Kaden shouted as he sat back down with his big gold medal a few minutes later.

`` Congratulations, '' Albus grinned, `` At least one of us got 1st place. ``

`` We were so close to second, '' matte groaned, `` Eight measly points ! ``

`` Well, third 's good, '' John muttered, `` meliorate than not getting a medal at all. ``

`` Oh, whoremaster, it 's just a secret plan, '' Amanda said, `` The tip is that we all had fun. ``

`` Congratulations to our winning teams and everyone else that participated, '' Kendrick said, `` I will be looking forward to the adjacent rhythm, third and 4th days, a week from today ! ``

Albus hung his bronze medal from his bed post before he went to bed that night. He crawled beneath the covers feeling very content with third blank space. He had n't really been expecting to win at all. The Scavenger James Henry Leigh Hunt had been a lot of fun, and Albus hoped Kendrick would hold it again sometime. It had been so much fun, that Albus had n't even thought about the new map the entire day. He made a genial government note to ask rose wine about the Sileo Altus charm the following day. They would have to tell Kaden about everything soon if they wanted to make anymore onward motion on the map. Plus, they 'd have to research more about how to show to the map that they really were like the Marauders.


A/N : Bit of a shorter chapter, but the previous one was longer, so it evens out. Kaden has proved that it never hurts to feature a light saber, a lesson that my brother agrees with since he brought his loose saber to LeakyCon and quite a few people told him they wished they 'd brought theirs.

I have created a website for my fan fic, where you can notice character visibility and a blog about news program and updates about my piece of writing. The link is on my visibility page here. I 'd enjoy for you to check it out and leave remark in the News and Update section.

Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight, who had to primp up as the Tin Man in concluding summer 's scavenger hunt club. Big thanks to my supporter, rosiness, for coming up with the riddle. Thanks as well to EvilChaos, XDNLxtlz99, St. Luke, mischiefmaker92, drownzer, Moonylupin, Miguel, Denas, and Tonks for their reviews !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Throughout the rest of the month, rose wine continued to make progression on the Sileo Altus good luck charm, and by the time April rolled around, she was convinced in her power to perform it. Albus wished the same could be said for the progress with finding out how to leaven to the map that he and his Quaker were like the piranha. Albus spent every waking present moment that he was n't doing homework, attending Quidditch practice session, or dueling practice, in the library trying to observe out a piece or charm that would work. His efforts were sleeveless, though, because he still had n't found anything promising.

Albus also had another successful dueling tournament. He won both of his duels as did Malfoy, but their team still had n't won. Albus was beginning to doubt whether they 'd ever win.

Albus 's next Quidditch match was the first Saturday in Apr. He found himself distracted by the map even before he entered the changing way. They were playing Ravenclaw, and it was operose to tell who had the better team, Gryffindor or Ravenclaw. Albus pushed thoughts of the map from his oral sex as he walked into the changing elbow room.

Georgia gave the team the common pep talk, which this time included telling them that if they won this catch, they 'd be in the final exam. If Ravenclaw got less than 180 breaker point, then Ravenclaw might not make it to the final. Georgia did n't particularly deal who they played in the final, just so long as they won.

The match went smoothly, in Albus 's opinion. Much just than the premature lucifer, in which Albus got sick partway through. The weather was better for this match as well. Albus managed to keep from thinking about the map, which was well since it was a very high-scoring lucifer for both sides and Albus was constantly being thrown the Quaffle. After only an time of day of play, James went into a dive and caught the sneaker, right out from under one of the Ravenclaw beater 's broom.

The usual party in the common elbow room ensued after the students returned to the castle, but Albus was n't really interested in it. Now that the equal was over, all he could call back about was trying out the Sileo Altus magical spell on Kaden. Albus figured the best prison term to do it would be in the evening and the best place would be the Room.

Shortly after rose wine had succeeded in performing the spell on John, matte had reluctantly given into trying it with Kaden. His but condition was first trying it with a harmless secret, and if that worked, to move onto the bigger one.

`` Are we doing it tonight ? '' whoremonger asked as he sipped his butterbeer.

`` Yeah, '' Albus whispered back, `` After dinner. ``

The residual of the afternoon and dinner seemed to go by at an alarmingly sluggish rate. Time seemed to go by much like it did in History of Magic.

`` Kaden, '' Albus said after they had finished eating, `` We 're not going to the usual room now. We 're going to show you a different room in the castle, one you 've never seen. ``

`` Excellent, '' Kaden grinned, `` What kind of room ? ``

`` You 'll see when we get there, '' Albus replied. `` Let 's go. ``

Kaden followed Albus and his booster through the castle, with a constant current of questions that Albus ignored.

`` Are you sure this is going to work ? '' Matt whispered nervously as they stopped in movement of the blank space of rampart where the way of prerequisite was.

`` Yes, '' pink wine assured him, `` It will turn. ``

mat nodded and started pacing in front of the wall.

`` Why did we contain ? '' Kaden asked, and then his heart popped out of his point as he saw the door appear from nowhere. `` Wicked. ``

`` C'mon, '' Albus said as he opened the door.

`` What is this stead ? '' Kaden asked in awe.

`` elbow room of demand, '' Albus told him, `` elbow room that gives you what you need. ``

`` I ca n't consider you did n't show me this yet ! ''

`` Well, it 's not something we want you to tell anyone about. ``

`` I wo n't, '' Kaden said, `` So it 'll give me anything I ask it for ? I think I want an full cake .... ''

`` It does n't do food, '' rosiness explained.

`` Oh, well, it 's still brilliant. ``

`` Kaden, come sit down, '' Albus told his cousin.

`` You 're all so placid, '' Kaden said as he took a tush on the couch succeeding to Albus, `` What 's going on ? ``

`` fountainhead, '' Albus began, `` We 're going to test something. Rose found a spell that 's supposed to name someone not be able to tell former people 's secrets. If it works, we 're going to order you a cluster of stuff and you wo n't be able to secern anyone. ``

`` What are you going to tell me ? '' Kaden asked excitedly.

`` We have to defecate sure enough the good luck charm works first, '' Albus sighed, `` Which is why we 're here. Rose is going to execute the charm, using your knowledge of this room as the arcanum. If you have n't told anyone by next Sat, we 'll evidence you the residuum of it. ``

`` mulct, '' Kaden sighed, `` I ca n't believe you wo n't tell me without this magic spell. ``

`` Um, Kaden, you 've told Malfoy stuff I told you not to tell anyone, '' Albus reminded him.

`` That was n't my fault ! ``

`` I know, but we 're not risking this. If you want to know the secrets, you 'll have to take in rose do the appeal. ``

`` Ok, ok, I 'll do it, '' Kaden said.

`` Good, '' rose wine smiled, `` Now let 's get started. ``

It took rose wine about ten minutes to execute the charm. Kaden was thoroughly amazed by the good luck charm and Rose 's ability to perform it.

`` Let 's test it, '' Rose decided once they left the Room. She pointed to a girl who was walking towards them. `` Go tell her about the Room. ``

Kaden shrugged and ran up to the young lady, who looked to be around Kaden 's age and was in Hufflepuff.

`` Er, '' Kaden began, `` So there 's this place- '' Kaden turned around and looked confusedly at Albus, then turned back to the girl. `` Anyway, at this place, you can- ''

`` What 's awry with you ? '' the young lady asked, trying to hide up her giggling. `` Are you ok ? ``

`` fine, fine, '' Kaden muttered, `` Never mind. ``

Kaden ran back to Albus and the others, blushing furiously. `` It worked, but now everyone 's going to think I 'm an idiot. ``

Albus laughed, `` No they wo n't. But that 's good that it worked. ``

`` Yeah, '' Kaden grinned, `` Definitely worth it. ``

******

Albus kept a finis eye on Kaden throughout the next workweek. As far as he could evidence, his cousin did n't tell anyone about the Room of necessity. They tested the appealingness a few to a greater extent metre, telling Kaden to tell individual about it, but Kaden was never able to. Albus was fully convinced that the Sileo Altus charm was a success.

Kaden was positively beaming by the meter Saturday arrived. Albus was kind of excited as well, because they would officially have Wormtail in their group of new Marauders. can, rose wine, and Amanda were excited as well. The only thing left to do after this would be to find a way to shew to the map that they were like the marauder. matt did n't seem excited at all. He was clearly queasy about telling Kaden that he was a werewolf. It probably did n't help oneself that the full moon was only a few days away. Albus could n't really find fault Matt for his spunk, but Albus was trusted the charm would persist in to work.

After dinner, Albus led his friends back to the Room of Requirement, with the new Map in his robes.

`` Ok, what 's the secret ? '' Kaden said as he bounced around the Room once they were inside.

`` You 've got to sit down first, '' Albus told him. `` And Matt 's going to tell you the firstly one. ``

`` Oh ! '' A look of inclusion appeared on Kaden 's face. `` Is this about how you get sick every calendar month ? ``

`` Yes, '' lustrelessness sighed.

`` And this is what you do n't want Malfoy to know about ? ``

`` Yes, '' Matt said shortly, `` Now just let me evidence you what it is. ``

`` Sorry, '' Kaden muttered.

`` It 's ok, '' Matt said, `` First, you ca n't recount anyone this. I mean, do n't even try to try the appeal like we 've been doing all hebdomad. You ca n't even try to tell anyone this. Never mention it to anyone except us. ``

`` I wo n't, '' Kaden said.

`` Good. Now, you know that lycanthrope are real, right ? ``

Kaden nodded, `` What does that give to do with you getting cat ? ``

`` Everything, '' mat said quietly, `` I am a werewolf. ``

`` What ? ! '' Kaden shouted, `` That is the coolest thing ever ! ``

`` No it 's not, '' lusterlessness sighed, `` You do n't even really know what happens when I turn into a lycanthrope. ``

Kaden shrugged, `` I 've seen movies. ``

`` It 's not like that, '' lusterlessness told him, `` I get demented a few days before the full moon, and then the Nox of the wide synodic month, I turn into a masher and bite myself because there 's nothing else for me to bite. ``

`` Oh, '' Kaden deflated, `` So where do you go when you turn into a brute ? ``

`` A shack in Hogsmeade. ``

`` The screeching Shack ? ``

`` Yes, that, '' Matt replied, `` I 'm the one who does the screeching. ``

`` Now that is cool, '' Kaden grinned. `` How long have you been a werewolf ? ``

`` Since I was five. ``

`` That 's a yearn time, '' Kaden said.

`` Most of my life history, '' Matt explained, `` It 's horrible, really. ``

`` And that 's the big secret ? '' Kaden asked, `` Why ca n't anyone know that ? ``

`` Because almost wizards do n't like werewolves, '' lusterlessness explained.

`` Well that 's stupid. ``

`` Yeah, it is, but it 's reality. ``

`` But why is n't there a spell to make you not a werewolf anymore ? Or a potion ? ``

`` Magic does n't fix everything, '' Matt sighed.

`` Yeah, that 's what I 've been trying Tell you for the unanimous class, '' Albus pointed out.

`` But why ? ``

`` Dunno, '' Matt shrugged, `` But there is a potion, called the Wolfsbane Potion, that 's supposed to make it so you keep your man mind when you turn into a masher. So you do n't want to aggress anyone or yourself. ``

`` Why do n't you ingest that ? '' Kaden asked.

`` I do, '' lustrelessness told him, `` Actually, I take a different variety than nigh werewolves take. For some reason, wolfsbane does n't work for me. I 'm in this field at St. Mungo 's to figure out why and right now they 've got me taking a new kind of Wolfsbane. ``

`` Does it work ? ``

`` Uh, no, '' lustrelessness replied, `` That 's kind of why I still bite myself every broad moon. ``

`` Oh, '' Kaden said. `` So someday they might notice a potion that will act ? ``

mat shrugged, `` Maybe. But I 'm not getting my hope up. ``

`` So I 'll be charmed not to say anything about this ? '' Kaden asked after a few second of silence.

`` Yes, '' Albus replied, pulling the new map out of his robes, `` And about this. ``

Albus spent the adjacent half hour showing Kaden the new map. Kaden thought it was the best affair he had seen yet at Hogwarts and could n't wait for it to completely work.

`` So we need you to symbolise Peter Pettigrew, '' Albus said after he 'd finished explaining about the map.

`` Peter Pettigrew ? '' Kaden raised his eyebrows, `` That immorality lad who betrayed your grandparents ? ``

`` Er, yes, '' Albus sighed.

`` You know my mum wanted to name me Saint Peter the Apostle, but Dad said no because he did n't want me to have the like name as that idiot, '' Kaden commented, `` So it 's my middle public figure. ``

`` perfective, '' John grinned, `` You even sort of share his name. ``

`` Will you do it ? '' Albus asked.

`` I guess so, '' Kaden said slowly, `` I mean, it 's not like I 'm going to be like Pettigrew now. ``

`` No, '' Albus agreed, `` But you have to be sort of like him for it to work. And you are because you 've sort of got the same name. ``

Kaden shrugged, `` I guess. Anyway, when are you going to get the map to work ? ``

`` Whenever we figure out how to prove to it that we 're like the Marauders. Somehow we 've got to designate the map that we are similar to the piranha, '' Albus explained, `` Which is taking forever. ``

`` Oh, you mean like a finger mark ? '' Kaden asked.

`` What ? '' Albus asked.

`` You know, a finger print. Everyone 's is dissimilar, but your fingerbreadth mark is similar to your congeneric. It 's how Muggle cops find people and poppycock when they 're missing. And how they identify torso. ``

`` A finger photographic print ! '' Rose exclaimed, `` That 's it ! I ca n't conceive I did n't think of it ! ``

`` What are you talking about ? '' John asked. `` Kaden just said everyone 's is unlike. So how will ours be like the Marauders'? ``

`` Not Muggle finger prints, '' Rose said, `` champion single. There 's a patch to get your virtuoso 's digit Print. It reveals your name, congeneric, even your personality. ``

`` That 's kind of scary, '' Albus said, `` Anyone can discover that material out if they 've got your finger mark ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Rose shrugged, `` But I think it will work for this. ``

`` Bob Hope so, '' Albus grinned. He could n't believe that Kaden had actually given Rose an approximation about the map. Kaden had helped with it. If this fingerbreadth publish thing worked, they could have the map figured out in no time.

`` We 'll look for it tomorrow, '' Rose stood up and drew her wand, `` Now let 's do the charm. ``

Albus nodded, feeling more agitate than he had in months. They were so close, he could just feel it. The map would be working soon. Of course, there was a nagging doubt in Albus 's gut that was telling him that there would be something to estimate out even after the digit print thing.

******

`` What are you going to sign up for ? '' whoremaster asked as he glanced over the parchment all the second years had received just a minute earlier.

`` Dunno, '' Albus shrugged, `` What about you, Matt ? ``

`` Care of Magical Creatures, '' Matt replied, `` Not sure what else. ``

`` I 'll do that one, too, '' Albus decided and wrote it down on his parchment. `` Hagrid Teach it, so it 'll be fun. ``

`` house me up, '' Saint John the Apostle said, `` I could use with a fun class. ``

`` You ought to think about what will be useful in your futurity careers, '' Rose told them.

`` But I 've got no approximation what I want to do, '' John the Evangelist said.

Albus had no idea either. He had n't really thought about it. He thought being an Auror would be a skillful job, but he was n't for sure that that was what he wanted to do. He still had five years at Hogwarts anyway, why decide now ?

`` Me either, '' Amanda agreed, `` I think I 'll do aid of Magical creature, too. ``

`` I 'm taking Muggle sketch, '' rose wine announced, `` Plus Arithmancy and ancient runic letter. ``

`` All three ? '' John asked, `` But we only have to drive two. ``

`` Yeah, but I want to take all of them. I 'd really like to charter Care of Magical brute, too, but there 's not enough time. ``

`` Maybe I 'll do Divination, '' John shrugged.

rose snorted, `` prophecy ? Mum says that should n't even be a subject. There 's no real acquisition involved. ``

`` But is it sluttish ? '' bathroom asked.

`` Uncle Ron said all you 've got to do is make up prediction about your death if you 've got Trelawney, '' Albus explained.

`` Excellent, '' John scribbled onto his lambskin, `` I 'll take that and hope I 've got Trelawney. ``

`` I 'm taking that, too, '' Amanda said, `` It actually sounds interesting. ``

`` Fine, '' pink wine sighed, `` But I still say it 's not really a subject field. ``

`` Maybe I 'll do ancient rune, '' Albus thought aloud, `` I think it 's easier than Arithmancy. What about you, flatness ? What else do you think you 'll take ? ``

`` Ancient Runes sounds proficient, '' mat yawned, `` I guess I 'll take that. Amy took it. She hated it in Australia, but she said it 's better here. ``

`` I 'd involve everything, '' Kaden announced, `` I could n't adjudicate. ``

`` You ca n't study everything, '' blush wine laughed, `` You 'd ingest to be in two topographic point at once. ``

`` Oh, well I 'm reasonably trusted that 's impossible, '' Kaden sighed.

Albus turned and grinned at Rose, who grinned back. Albus could only imagine Kaden 's reaction to a time-turner.

`` Yeah, the most classes you can take is three, '' Rose explained.

`` Then I 'll aim three, '' Kaden decided.

`` Are you lot done choosing classes ? '' Rose asked as she stood up, `` We 'd amend get to Transfiguration. ``

Albus spent the entire Transfiguration of Jesus form trying to turn his plateful into a sports stadium, and had almost managed to do it by the time the class was over. blush wine, of form, did it within ten minutes and spent the remainder of the socio-economic class helping Albus and the rest of their friends.

account of Magic was as boring as ever. Matt slept the entire class, and Albus felt himself nod off a few times. Matt had seemed very tired in Transfiguration and probably would have fallen asleep in that class if it were n't for the fact that it was a practical lesson. This was n't storm considering the fact that the full lunation was the next day. The therapist still had n't found something to counteract the side effect of extreme fatigue of the new wolfbane that mat was on.

two-bagger Potions was after tiffin, and Albus felt drowsy as soon as he walked into the elbow room. This was odd since he had felt fine a bit before. He did n't look to be the solely one who felt this either. Both John and Amanda yawned as soon as they sat down, and even rose wine 's heart drooped a bit as she pulled out her parchment. Matt laid his caput down on the desk and fell asleep immediately.

`` soundly afternoon, everyone ! '' Slughorn said, `` Now, I 'm surely you 're all feeling a bit wear upon, which is perfectly normal.

`` This, '' Slughorn gestured to a smoking cauldron on his desk, `` Is Drowsiness Potion. All it takes is one puff of air of this potion to put you into a state of fatigue. If you drink it, you 'll fall into an almost sleep-like state for about a half hour. Of course, you 'd know this if you did the reading that was due today. ``

Albus remembered being assigned the reading, but he had n't done it. He had just been too engaged with Quidditch praxis, dueling drill, and all his former homework.

`` You will be trying to brew this today, but you will only do half of it, '' Slughorn announced, `` It needs to simmer for about a week before you can make out it. instruction are on the board. shape with your usual partners. ``

Albus yawned and got up from his mesa. He joined Limbert at his table and lit the fire under the cauldron while Limbert collected ingredients.

The entire class was moving at a slower pace than usual, and everyone was yawning every few min. It was kind of strange. cipher was arguing with their partners either. Albus wondered if Slughorn had picked this particular potion for a reasonableness. The preceding week, a affaire d'honneur had broken out between toilet and Goyle, resulting in both of them being sent to the infirmary offstage for Robert Burns and then being assigned a week 's Worth of detention.

Limbert returned wit the ingredients and he and Albus started to devise them, without exchanging any conversation. No different than usual.

Albus dumped some ingredients into the cauldron and began to stir it. He watched Matt and Malfoy as he did so. Malfoy had returned with ingredients and was prodding Matt with his verge to get him to waken up.

`` What are you doing ? '' Albus whispered to Malfoy.

`` Waking him up, '' Malfoy said.

`` Wha-what 's going on ? '' Matt lifted up his head.

`` Chop up those blood-red theme, '' Malfoy instructed. Albus was surprised with how calm Malfoy seemed.

Matt nodded and picked up his knife. Albus went back to stirring his potion.

`` professor ! '' Malfoy said after a few minutes. `` He keeps falling asleep. ``

Albus looked up from the beetle eyes he was mincing. lustrelessness was once again asleep on the table.

`` Ah, '' Slughorn waddled over to Matt and Malfoy 's mesa, `` The Drowsiness Potion affects everyone differently. '' Slughorn shook matt 's shoulder. `` Dear boy, you might require to go to the Hospital Wing. I do n't guess the exhaust fumes from this potion are agreeing with you. They 're not supposed to put you into a deep eternal rest. ``

matt nodded and stood up. He stumbled and leaned back onto the desk.

`` Albus, '' Slughorn turned to Albus, `` Perhaps you could escort him. I 'm certainly Mr. Limbert can handle your potion. ``

`` All right wing, '' Albus laid down his tongue and went over to where Matt was standing.

Albus grabbed his arm and led him out of the room. Albus felt immediately better as soon as they shut the door. The drowsiness went away completely.

`` I 've got to sit down, '' mat mumbled and sat down on the floor.

`` Are you all right ? '' Albus asked, sitting down adjacent to him.

`` I dunno, '' Matt shrugged, `` I 'm guessing that that potion just made me even more well-worn than I already am. ``

`` Do you find better now ? '' Albus asked.

`` Not really, '' Matt replied.

`` Then you 'd better get to the Hospital Wing. ``

`` Yeah, I suppose. ``

gentlewoman Pomfrey wanted matte to detain for the rest of the afternoon. Albus was n't even surely if she 'd let him leave at all before the full moon. Knowing the nanny, she probably wouldn't.

matt never came back from the hospital Wing that Night, so Albus assumed ma'am Pomfrey was keeping him there until after the full moon. Albus and the relaxation of his admirer decided that as soon as Matt was out of the Hospital backstage, they would start looking for the Wizard 's digit photographic print magical spell. rose was pretty sure she had seen it in the library somewhere, but she could n't recall where. That meant that they would spend minute scouring the full library for it. This was in summation to all the extra studying they had to do now that the end of condition exams were lupus erythematosus than two calendar month away. Albus just hoped they 'd be capable to figure out the map before school was over. It would be pointless to visualize it out during the summer, when they would n't even be able to use it.


A/N : I hope everyone has enjoyed Half-Blood Prince or do savour it if you have n't seen it yet ! Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight. Thanks as well to Moonylupin, EvilChaos, phoenixy friend, XDNLxtlz99, Tears of a Phoenix, Denas, Miguel, Luke, and tranc3rooney for their reviews !