A/N : This story describes how Albus, lusterlessness, Amanda, John, and Rose get their Hogwarts letters. Each chapter contians lyrics from a song by Jared Campbell. Each chapter 's epithet is a lyrical from the Sami birdcall. The chronicle is named after his Song dynasty, biography Is Good.

Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter or any of Jared Campbell 's songs.

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drive fate, it 's in my way
and I do n't experience the patience to put life on postponement,
I think I 'm holding out for something more.
~Fate, Jared Joseph Campbell



Eleven-year-old Albus Severus Potter was standing in front end of the window in the draught room of his capital of the United Kingdom house, Grimmauld Place. He had been standing perfectly still for the by two minutes, watching as a dot in the sky got with child and bigger until it was recognizable as an owl.

The owl was close now and it looked like it was heading straight for Grimmauld shoes. It was close enough for Albus to mark its pleat Robert Brown feathers and the letters wrapped around its ramification. Albus gulped and he rubbed his sweaty hands on his pants.

observation for the morning military post had become a subroutine for Albus over the yesteryear few days. As soon as he woke up, he would put up by the windowpane waiting for the owl that he knew would get in soon. The owl from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry that would bring him his acceptance varsity letter. Albus 's elder blood brother, James, had received his varsity letter a year ago, in mid-July, and Albus was sure his would arrive at roughly the same time.

Albus wrenched open the windowpane and the owl soared inside. It stuck out its leg and Albus quickly detached the missive. The owl gave a trashy snort and then soared out the window. Albus shut it as he rifled through the letters. One was addressed to James. But the other, the early was addressed to Albus.

Albus sat down on the sofa and slowly turned the letter over in his hands. He swallowed hard and began to open up it with shaking deal. He pulled it out of the envelop and read it.

Albus closed the letter, grinning to himself. It had finally arrived. Albus had been kind of anxious about it the integral summer. He knew it would arrive, but after twenty-four hours of no owls from Hogwarts, he had gotten a bit worried.

Albus stood up and ran to the stair. He had to fire up Saint James the Apostle up. James had been teasing Albus ever since he returned from Hogwarts, telling him he would n't get his letter. Albus knew Jesse James liked to jest, but it had gotten a bit get to by the thirdly week.

Jesse James 's bedroom door was closed, but that did n't stop Albus. After all, James I always barged into Albus 's room. Albus banged spread out the doorway and peered down at James, who was curled up on his bed. He looked rather innocent when he was sleeping, but if anyone could make trouble even while sleeping, it was James.

Albus glanced around the way, trying to think of a creative way to wake him up. He wished he had a wand and could jabber water in James I 's face.

Albus decided to just go with the old standby of staring at James until he woke up. It usually worked. Albus peered down until he was only inch from James and waited.

All of a sudden, James 's eyes shot open and he jumped back. He hit his head on the rampart behind his bed and winced.

`` What the hell, Al ? '' Saint James the Apostle shouted as he rubbed his head, `` Do you realize what time it is ? ``

`` IX in the daybreak, '' Albus said, `` Sorry about your head. ``

`` It 's ok, '' James muttered, `` I 'll get you back eventually. But why in the name of pigeon hawk did you wake me up so early ? ``

Albus pulled his varsity letter out of his envelop and proudly shoved it in King James I 's face. James grabbed it and scanned it. He gave it back to Albus and grinned.

`` See, you got it, '' St. James said.

`` I know, '' Albus said, `` But you 're the one who said I would n't. ``

`` I was only joking, '' James II shrugged, `` It 's what brothers do. Now you get to do it with Lily. ``

Albus shrugged. He sort of doubted Lily would conceive him if he told her she was n't going to Hogwarts. She 'd been waiting impatiently for her Hogwarts letter since she was five or so. Now she was nine and she still had two years to go.

`` Oh, you got your Scripture list, too, '' Albus handed Saint James the Apostle the letter addressed to him.

`` Excellent, '' James grinned as he ripped it open, `` Maybe Mum and Dad will get me a broom as an early birthday present tense. Then I can try out for Seeker this year and not have to use one of those school brooms. ``

James II was entering his second year and was determined to become Gryffindor 's new Seeker. He had been practicing all summer on one of their mum 's old brooms. James 's birthday was in November and he had been giving their parents not so subtle trace about a new heather ever since he returned home from school.

`` Well, I 'm going to go see if we can go to Diagon Alley today, '' Albus said.

`` Then I can get my broom, '' Saint James the Apostle replied and laid back down.

Albus looked back at James as he left, and noticed that he already had his eyes closed.

Albus ran back downstair and to the kitchen. Both of his parents were sitting at the table eating eggs and toast.

`` It came ! '' Albus said proudly as he set his letter down in between his parents.

`` congratulation, Al, '' Harry grinned and ruffled Ablus 's hair, `` Told you you just had to be patient role. ``

`` That 's wonderful, Albus, '' Ginny got up and kissed the top of his head, `` We can go shopping today, if you 'd wish. ``

`` Definitely, '' Albus grinned, `` James wants to go, too. He wants his new broom. ``

Ginny rolled her eyes as she put her plate in the sink. `` We 'll see about that. ``

`` mummy ! ! ! ! '' Lily came shrieking down the stairs.

Albus turned around and saw that she had a haircloth brush stuck in her hair and her eyes were welling up with tears.

`` mom ! '' Lily cried, `` It 's stuck ! ``

Ginny sighed and picked up her scepter. `` Lily, what were you doing ? ``

`` I was just trying to make my hair curly like Rosie 's, '' Lily pouted as Ginny started to extricate the brush from her hair.

`` Lily, what have I told you about wrapping your hair around your brushing ? '' Ginny asked.

`` Not to do it, '' Lily muttered.

`` Exactly, '' Ginny said, `` Albus got his Hogwart 's letter. ``

`` Really ? '' Lily shrieked and ran away from Ginny just as she got the brush gratuitous, `` Where is it ? I want to see ! ``

Albus grabbed his varsity letter off the table and held it in front line of Lily. Lily stared wide eyed at it and tried to grab it away from Albus. Albus held it up above her head.

`` I wan na hold it ! '' Lily shouted.

`` No, '' Albus shook his head.

`` Mum ! '' Lily shouted, `` He wo n't let me see it ! ``

`` It 's his alphabetic character, Lils, '' Harry replied.

Lily crossed her arms across her pectus. `` amercement. I want to go to Hogwarts, too. ``

`` You 're not old enough. You just receive to be patient, Lily, '' Ginny told her.

Harry snorted into his succus. `` I seem to retrieve someone else who was impatient about going to Hogwarts. ``

Ginny smacked Harry playfully on the school principal with that forenoon 's copy of the Prophet. `` Oh, shut it, Harry. ``

Albus poured himself a sports stadium of grain and sat down just as the fireplace lit up with green fire. It cleared a few seconds later and out stepped a boy in his tardy teens who had turquoise colored hair.

`` Teddy ! '' Albus shouted and jumped up from the table, `` I got my letter just now ! '' Albus handed teddy bear his letter.

`` Brilliant, '' Teddy grinned and scanned Albus 's varsity letter, `` Merlin, I wish I still had another year there. ``

`` That 's only because then you could put off deciding what you want to do with your living, '' Ginny laughed.

`` No, so I could be there when Albus is there, '' Teddy groaned, `` But I suppose you 're good, too. ``

`` Of course I am, '' Ginny said.

`` Anyway, I just stopped by to say hi on my way to form, '' teddy said as he grabbed a bit of toast off Harry 's plate.

`` And to steal my nutrient, '' Harry muttered.

`` That, too, '' Teddy grinned, `` I 'm working at the Diagon alley entrepot today, so will I see you lot there later ? ``

`` Yep, '' Harry nodded, `` We 'll be there. I 'm going to see if Ron and Hermione want to go as well. rosebush probably got her alphabetic character today. ``

`` auditory sensation good, '' Teddy said as he stepped back into the fireplace and disappeared in green flames.

******

A few hours later ( after James River had woken up ), the Potter menage found themselves in Diagon alleyway. The street was filled with returning Hogwarts students and their families.

Albus had been to Diagon Alley legion clip before, but there was something very exciting about going there to buy supplies for Hogwarts. He was getting to do everything James had done the previous year. Albus was especially excited about going to Olivander 's and getting his wand.

They met Ron and Hermione Weasley, as well as their two kids, Rose and Hugo, in front of Gringott 's. rose wine was a couple months youthful than Albus, but would be turning eleven in Aug and would be going to Hogwarts as well. Hugo was Lily 's age.

`` Where to first ? '' Harry asked.

`` Olivander 's ! '' Albus announced.

`` fanfare and Blotts ! '' rose said excitedly.

Albus stared at her like she had three headspring. How could his cousin want to go to the script store before she got her verge ?

`` You 're genial, Rose, '' James laughed, `` I say we go to lineament Quidditch supply ! ``

`` Eyelops ! '' Lily shouted.

`` You 're not even going to Hogwarts, '' Albus pointed out.

`` I do n't care, '' Lily huffed.

`` Weasley 's magician Wheezes, '' Hugo suggested.

`` Then it 's settled, '' Harry grinned, `` We 're going to the pharmacist first. ``

Everybody groaned, but followed Harry down the street anyway. Albus sighed to himself. That was always how his dad settled arguments. He 'd nibble what nobody had suggested.

The stumble to the Apothecary was quick. Nobody really wanted to tarry in there. Albus did n't particularly savor the place. It had an odd smell to it and there were caldron full of things that looked like they were decaying.

After the Apothecary, they went to Madam Malkin 's, which was boring as well. Albus just did n't incur buying fleece very exciting. It seemed like his dad was doing the most tedious shopping first.

Finally, after a long slip to flourish and Blotts, Harry announced that Olivander 's was following on the listing. Albus and Rose ran ahead of the rest of the group and arrived a few proceedings before anyone else.

`` Ah, Albus and rose wine, '' Olivander turned around and greeted them with a wispy voice.

`` Hello, Mr. Olivander. We 're getting our wands today, '' Albus grinned.

`` I thought so, '' Olivander smiled and walked slowly to the course of wands that were behind him.

Olivander took measurements and then walked to the back of the workshop. He returned with a few wands just as the relaxation of the Potter and Weasley mob entered the shop class. Olivander greeted them and then handed Albus and Rose each a wand.

Albus smiled as he held the verge in his helping hand. It was an unbelievable feeling ; holding a scepter that could be his. He waved it and the windowpane behind him exploded.

James burst out in laugh as Albus 's typeface turned bright red. He set the sceptre on Olivander 's desk and looked sheepishly at his family. Harry grinned and repaired Olivander 's window with a wave of his own wand.

`` Perhaps this one, '' Olivander handed Albus another wand, `` 11 and a quarter inches, Ash, phoenix feather. ``

Albus took the scepter and all of a sudden a tender feeling enveloped him. If he did n't know any better, he 'd say the wand actually glowed in his hand for a split second. He could feel that it was the right one even before he waved it. He gave it a wave and Au sparks erupted from it.

`` Excellent, '' Olivander grinned.

A little while later, rose wine had her baton as well and the group left the shop class. Albus was carrying his wand with the utmost upkeep and staring Sir Thomas More at the box than what was in front of him.

The grownup decided that it would be best to visit Eyelops shoemaker's last since both Albus and Rose were getting owls. They did n't want to ingest to extend the bird of night around all day.

James was asking to go to caliber Quidditch Supplies every five proceedings or so, but Harry led the way into Weasley 's sorcerer Wheezes first.

`` Ron, Ginny ! '' George greeted them as they entered, `` And Harry and Hermione ! You 've got everyone with you today. ``

`` Hogwarts shopping, '' Harry grinned, `` Al and Rosie just got their wands. ``

Albus proudly opened the box and showed his Uncle George his new scepter. mount did the same.

`` Brilliant, both of you ! '' George III said, `` And now I shall get you both ready for Hogwarts in the antic department .... ''

Albus followed George into the profoundness of the shop. He was not at all surprised that his uncle was assisting him with pranks. George was the proprietor of Weasleys'Wizard Wheezes and was legendary at Hogwarts as one of the most mischievous students ever to attend.

`` Now, every student needs a Skiving Snackbox or two, '' George VI said as he handed Albus and rose each a colorful box, `` After all, I ca n't guess you 'll want to sit through History of illusion very often. ``

Albus grinned as he took the box of sweet to make one ill. He had heard many a write up from his parents, auntie, uncles, full cousin, and James I about how wearisome Professor Binns'family were.

`` And then you 'll need some muck bombs, '' Saint George said as he led them to a different display.

`` Last fourth dimension I checked, those were still forbidden at Hogwarts, '' Hermione said sternly.

`` Oh, I 'm surely they are, '' George V winked, `` But so long as Filch does n't encounter out it was these two who set them off, it does n't matter. ``

`` Saint George Weasley ! '' Hermione scolded, `` You should be setting a better example for these two ! No marvel Fred was in detainment every workweek last year ! ``

Albus laughed as he took a inner circle of muck turkey off the shelf. His full cousin Fred was George 's son and just finished his third class at Hogwarts. Fred had taken after his father as far as pranking went.

`` Lighten up, Hermione, '' Ron laughed, `` Let them have their fun. ``

`` Ronald ! '' Hermione shouted, `` You 're even spoiled ! ``

`` Harry ! '' Teddy burst out of the back room and joined the group, `` Getting Al all the pranking products he 'll demand this yr ? ``

`` Sure am, '' Harry grinned, `` Although I do n't consider Hermione is too well-chosen about it. ``

`` I am not buying this stuff for Rose, '' Hermione stated.

After a few Sir Thomas More proceedings of arguing, Hermione gave up and both Albus and rose had bagfuls of Weasleys'merchandise. James had replenished his hoard as well and Albus had a feeling he 'd use everything up within a month.

George closed the shop so he and slip could get something to eat and everyone went to the Leaky Cauldron for dinner. Albus mainly listened to the conversation but was very content. Going to Hogwarts was something he had been looking forward to for years and now it was finally happening.

James finally got to go to Quality Quidditch supply after dinner and got his early birthday present. Albus was slightly envious about this, but knew that he could n't have his own heather at Hogwarts anyway. He was determined to piddle it onto the Quidditch team eventually, though.

The lowest check of the day was Eyelops Owl Emporium, which was a place Albus was almost as excited about as he had been about Olivander 's. His parents had told him he 'd be able to get an owl when he went to Hogwarts.

`` I want an owl, '' Lily whined as they entered the shop.

`` In two years, '' Harry replied.

`` That 's so far away, '' Lily groaned.

`` I know, '' Harry said as he picked her up, `` But it 'll go by faster than you think. ``

Albus began looking around at all the hooter. He did n't really have any ideas about what form of owl he wanted ; he just thought he 'd wait around and see what owl liked him.

There were bird of night of all size of it and coloration. White ones, black 1, and speckled I. lowly one, large ace, and mass medium sized ones. Albus walked slowly through the workshop and looked at each owl. His optic rested on an owl with gleaming false topaz eyes and sullen Brown feathers. The owl had a few flecks of white on its head and it was staring directly at Albus.

Albus walked over to the owl and gave the owl a pat on its psyche. The owl gave a diffused hoot and Albus knew it was the one for him. The owl flew onto his shoulder and Albus walked back to his parents.

`` I 've got my owl, '' he grinned.

`` What 's his epithet ? '' Harry asked.

`` Dunno, '' Albus shrugged, `` Have n't thought of one yet. ``

`` figure him Salazar, '' Epistle of James smirked, `` Because you 'll be in Slytherin. ``

`` What ? '' Albus stared at his Brother, `` I 'm not going to be in Slytherin. ``

`` You never know, '' Henry James said, `` There 's a 25 percent luck that you might. ``

Albus was stunned. It was so obvious. There was a 25 percentage chance that he 'd be in Slytherin. After all, there were four houses. But the opinion of being in Slytherin had never crossed his mind. He always thought he 'd be in Gryffindor, where everyone in his unit family had been. It was possible for him to be in Slytherin, though. Or Ravenclaw or Hufflepuff. Neither of those would be that bad, but Albus wanted to be in Gryffindor.

`` make to go, Al ? '' Harry asked, `` originate just found her owl. ``

`` Oh, yeah, '' Albus said quietly, `` I 'm set. And I 'm naming my owl Godric. ``

Albus followed his sept out of the owl shop and to the Leaky caldron. In two months, he 'd be at Hogwarts. The position where his parents went and most of the repose of his family. The place he had been impatiently waiting to go to for years. He could n't think of a time in his lifetime where he had been more excited. All he hoped was that he would wind up up in Gryffindor and maybe, just maybe, he would be able to make a name for himself.


But he knows that it 's going to be all right
Cause the dear that he 's got will keep him warm through the Nox
liveliness is good, life is in force
~LIfe Is Good, Jared Campbell


Eleven-year-old Matthew Conan Eckerton was sitting below a large oak tree in his backyard. His heart were closed and he was resting his head against its fierce proboscis. The sun was beating down on him through the subdivision above. For the past times minute, the just sound had been the occasional bird chirping or cow mooing. Then a loud revving broke the silence.

lusterlessness slowly opened his middle and squinted in the bright sunshine. He glanced around to try and find out where the haphazardness was coming from. In the length, he saw the granger riding his tractor through the athletic field that surrounded lusterlessness 's house.

Matt lived in the country, far from any Ithiel Town. His sign was on an acre of property that was surrounded by farmland on three side of meat and a forest on the other. The nearby farmer owned all of the surrounding farmland and was regularly seen plowing or performing early task. The farmer 's home was quite far away, although matte could see it from where he was sitting. Other than the farmer, Matt had no other neighbors.

Matt 's parents, Walter and Julie, wanted it that way. Matt was not an ordinary bicycle eleven-year-old boy, even by wizarding standards. At the age of five, he was bitten by a lycanthrope and became one himself. For the past five and a half years, over half his life, he had been enduring painful transformation every month that left him exhausted and tired of. As if he could be anymore unusual, the Wolfsbane Potion which normally enabled a werewolf to keep his judgment during entire moons, did not turn for Matt.

That special day happened to be the day of the full Sun Myung Moon. In only a few short hours, mat would be locked in a way in the basement and go through the irritating translation into the wolf.

As the full moon was only a short-circuit while away, lustrelessness was already feeling the effects of it. A few days beforehand, he would tire quickly and get a lot of headache. He also lost his appetite. At the moment, he had a splitting vexation which was not helped by the tractor, but felt too exhausted to prompt. He closed his eye and tried to ignore the hammering in his capitulum and the tractor 's roaring.

`` Matt, are you out here ? '' someone shouted.

Matt opened his eyes again and saw his sister, Amy, walking towards him. `` I 'm over by the tree ! '' he shouted.

Amy ran the remainder of the distance and sat down next to him. Her blond hair was thrown up into a messy ponytail and flying everywhere as she walked.

`` Thank Merlin, '' Amy sighed, `` I could n't find oneself you anywhere. You know Mum does n't care it when you go outside the day of the full lunar month. ``

Matt groaned inwardly. His female parent was extremely overprotective, in his persuasion. He understood she had her understanding and after what had happened in the yesteryear, he could n't really blame her. But he was n't a child anymore and he did n't think going outside was going to hurt. He liked going outside before full-of-the-moon Moon since he 'd be cooped up inside for a few solar day afterwards.

`` Is she back yet ? '' flatness asked. His mother had gone to Diagon skittle alley to pick up some groceries a lilliputian spell ago, leaving Amy to 'babysit'him. Matt thought this was ridiculous since he was eleven and certainly did not need a babysitter, but did n't contend with her. Plus, Amy was home anyway.

`` No, '' Amy replied, `` But I had to get you because this just came by owl. ``

Amy grinned as she handed matte a letter of the alphabet. Matt took it and turned it over. His breath caught in his breast as he saw the Hogwarts crest stamped on it. It was his Hogwarts letter.

Ever since Amy had begun her magical didactics, when matte was four, he had been excited about going himself. Even after he had been bitten by a werewolf, he thought he 'd get to go. His parents had never said otherwise. Until they received a varsity letter telling them Matt could n't attend, that is.

The Eckertons had not lived in England their whole spirit. Up until three years ago, they had lived in Commonwealth of Australia. Amy had attended the Australian school of Sorcery until she was fourteen. That was when their parents had asked the schoolmaster if flatness would be able to attend. He said he could not.

Everything got high-risk from there. person who held a grievance against matte 's dad at the Ministry announced to the intact area that Matt was a werewolf ( something they had successfully hidden for over two class ) and then his dad lost his job because of it. He had been the promontory of the section for the regulating and Control of Magical fauna. After that, the man who had announced Matt 's lycanthropy became the straits and passed legislating restricting the right wing of loup-garou.

Matt 's parents sent letters to numerous former shoal asking if he could attend. Hogwarts schooling of witchcraft and genius in Scotland said yes. matt 's dad found a job at the Brits Ministry, in Werewolf Support serving, and they moved. aliveness had been better since then. Amy had a hard time adjusting, but eventually began to relish Hogwarts.

Due to all of this, lusterlessness knew he would get a letter from Hogwarts this summer. He had been waiting for it for weeks since he had no idea when it would get in, but had momentarily forgotten about it that day. Despite knowing it was going to come, there was something very stir about it actually arriving.

lusterlessness slowly peeled back the sealskin and opened the envelop. He pulled the letter out and carefully unfold it.

`` Merlin, you 're dumb with that ! '' Amy exclaimed, `` I think I nearly ripped my letter from Commonwealth of Australia when I got it. ``

`` That 's why I opened mine slowly, '' mat smirked. He looked at the missive and study it aloud. There was a C. W. Post script at the end, one that Matt knew the rest of his fellow students would not have received.

P.S. Please have your parents contact
us so we can set up a time for you to
come to the schoolhouse so we can discourse
the precautions we have set up for
your lycanthropy.

Matt folded the letter and then looked up at Amy. He still could n't believe that it was finally his spell to go to Hogwarts. He had been secretly envious of Amy for years. Every clock time she got to go shopping for supply and then speed away on the Hogwarts limited, he watched with envious eyes.

`` It 'll be both of us going this year, '' Amy grinned.

Matt nodded. `` I just hope I 'm in Gryffindor. ``

`` You will be, '' Amy assured him, `` sib usually get sorted into the same theater. Victoire 's baby and Brother are in Gryffindor like she is. All their cousins are there, too. ``

`` I got my supply inclination, too, '' Matt said as he pulled out another patch of sheepskin, `` You get yours ? '' Amy was entering her seventh and concluding class at Hogwarts.

`` Yup, '' Amy nodded, `` We can go to Diagon back street once you 're recovered from tonight. ``

`` Yeah, '' Matt said, wishing he did n't have to await, `` Says I ca n't get a bring a Scots heather, though. ``

`` Like Mum would let you land one anyway, '' Amy laughed, `` Speaking of Mum, she 'll probably be back anytime. We should go back inside. ``

`` You wo n't narrate her I was out here, will you ? '' Matt asked as he stuffed his letter of the alphabet back in the envelop.

`` Nah, '' Amy grinned, `` Since when have I been one to do what Mum says anyway ? ``

lustrelessness stood up and felt dizzy as soon as he did so. He stumbled and Amy grabbed his arm. She let him lean on her as they walked slowly back to the house. The thing lusterlessness hated even more than the actual translation into the brute was how sick he felt the days leading up to it. It was like getting the flu once a month.

To Matt 's relief, his female parent was not back from Diagon Alley when they got back to the house. Amy helped him to the couch and he laid down on it.

`` I am going to miss so many classes during the full lunation, '' Matt groaned.

`` Yeah, you probably will, '' Amy agreed, `` But the instructor are nice so you 'll be able-bodied to enamor up. Well, most of them are overnice. Washburn 's a foul piece of oeuvre, but the residue are nice. And it 's not necessarily a bad thing to omit account of Magic. There 's usually about a fourth of the masses in my socio-economic class using Puking Pastilles or Nosebleed Nougats before that form. You 'll bear a built in self-justification once a month. All the rest of the nipper in your course of instruction will be jealous. ``

`` I doubt that, '' Matt said darkly. Ever since he had first seen the sweets in a Skiving Snackbox, he was bewildered that masses would actually eat sweets that would make you ill. He just could n't wrap his mind around actually wanting to be ill, even to miss a boring category. He 'd rather sit through the class.

`` Just keep open an open mind, '' Amy shrugged, `` There have been quite a few times where I would rather be in the infirmary annexe than in form. ``

Matt groaned and closed his eyes. He wished he could go all seven days at Hogwarts without ever setting groundwork in the hospital fender, but that was n't going to happen.

`` Amy, could you get me some of that worry potion ? '' he asked.

`` When did you survive take it ? '' Amy asked.

`` When I woke up this morning. ``

`` Sure, '' Amy replied and got up.

lusterlessness heard the room access open up a consequence later and his mum walked in, her weapon laden with grocery bags.

`` Amy ! '' she shouted, `` Can you total help me with these bags ? ``

`` Hang on ! '' Amy shouted from the kitchen.

The handbag dropped to the floor with a thump and Matt heard footsteps coming closer. He felt his mother kiss his forehead and ruffle his blond hair.

`` How are you ? '' she asked softly.

`` Tired and I 've got a concern, '' Matt mumbled.

`` I 'll get you some headache potion. ``

`` Amy 's already getting it, '' matte replied.

His mum kissed his forehead once more and sat down next to him on the couch. `` Amy, could you contribute the fever reducer, too ? ``

matte squeezed his middle shut sloshed. No wonderment he felt awfully ; he had a feverishness. Now he was sort of glad he came inside when he did.

`` I got my Hogwarts letter, Mum, '' he whispered.

`` That 's wonderful, love, '' she replied, `` We 'll go shopping in a few sidereal day. ``

`` Here 's the potions, '' Amy said.

lusterlessness cracked open his eyes and took one of the goblets Amy was holding. He drank it quickly and then grabbed the other one. He swallowed that one as fast as he could as well and gagged at the disgusting taste.

`` Can I get an owl ? '' he yawned.

`` Of course, honey, '' his mum said as she rubbed his spinal column, `` Just go to catch some Z's now. We 'll verbalise more about it tomorrow. ``

Matt nodded and closed his eyes. He fell asleep quickly, feeling the happiest he had ever been the day of a full moon.

******

`` Matt, '' someone whispered as they shook him.

matt opened his eyes and saw his dad bent down in front man of the lounge. `` Hey, Dad. ``

`` I just heard you got your Hogwarts letter, '' his dad smiled, `` felicitation. ``

`` Thanks, '' Matt whispered.

`` Well, I 'll let you get some more sleep. There 's still an minute or so until you have to go downstairs, '' his dad said as he gave him a hug.

Matt watched his dad base on balls into the kitchen and closed his centre once more. He drifted off to sleep again, trying not to conceive about what would bechance in an hour.

After what seemed like only a few minutes later, Matt woke up in a cold sweat with an atrocious worry that no potion could ever aid with. He sat up and looked out the window. It was dark, but he did n't need to see the sky to know that the lunation would rise soon.

`` Mum ! '' his part cracked. He swallowed hard. The pain always started before the transformation did. It was terrible. He always tried not to cry, but it never worked. He squeezed his optic shut and tried to keep the binge from leaking out.

He heard three sets of footsteps run into the room and felt his mother 's arms wrap around him. He leaned into her and rested his drumhead on her shoulder.

`` It 's time, '' his dad said quietly.

mat shakily stood up and his parents helped him slip up towards the basement doorway. He could hear Amy 's footfall behind them. Nobody said a word as they walked down the steps and towards his transformation room.

lustrelessness sat down on the padded base as soon as he got into the way. His head was spinning and he did n't think he 'd be able to stand up much recollective anyway. His parents and Amy each gave him a hug and then left the room. They did n't say anything, but there was nothing to say. He 'd done this so many fourth dimension there was n't really any stop in his parents saying anything. He knew they 'd be there in the morning.

The threshold locked as his parents and Amy left, and Matt let out a forte sigh as he sat down. This was it. Another full Moon. There was zero he could do now but wait.

For years, he fought the variety. He 'd clench his men and jaw and try to foreclose the shift, even though he knew it would n't crop. The but fourth dimension he had n't fought it was the starting time one, where he had no estimate what was going to happen. For the second one, he knew what was going to happen. He was only six, but he understood and he fought it with every part of his being. Now, five and a half class later, with five and a one-half class of proof that it would n't turn, he still fought it.

lusterlessness did n't have to look long for the transformation to get down. His vexation became unbearable and he felt his stomach stumble. He learned early on to not try and eat anything beforehand, because it always came back up during the first section of the transformation.

He curled up into a ball and let out a sonant moan. He could feel his meat beating a mile a minute. His breathing was myopic and labored. It felt like he could n't breathe. He always tried not to cry, but that never worked either. He felt his osseous tissue breaking and elongating and whisker sprouting everywhere.

He let out a loud sidesplitter and clenched his eyes as pain coerced through his eubstance. No amount of previous full Moon would ever machinate him for the unspeakable transformation. zilch helped with it either. His parents had given him so many dissimilar potions, but nothing decreased the pain.

His mind was always the last matter to go. lusterlessness hated that. He wished his psyche would go first. Then he would n't get to remember the actual transmutation. He always wished he 'd pass out before the shift began, but that never happened.

matte took a few more ragged breaths and cried out in pain. He sat up and looked at his hands, which were quickly turning into mitt of the brute. He felt dizzy. The world was spinning around him and it felt like fog was clouding his psyche. He let out one more screaming and the world disappeared.

******

The savage slowly stood up and took in his environment. It was dark and there was a faint smell of blood and mankind lingering in the air. He was also trapped, again. The wolf was always trapped. He began to pace around the room and face for an leak route. It was n't there. There was never an evasion route.

The wolf stood up on his hind leg and pointed his snout towards the ceiling. He let out a prospicient howl and then glared at the antonym wall. He got back down on all fours and charged at it, slamming his head into the abnormally easy wall. He stepped back and repeated the process again and again.

He was alone. Alone and trapped. Every unmarried full Moon, the wolf was alone and stuck in the lowly plod room. He wanted to get out. He wanted to get out and find the citizenry he could faintly smell out beyond the walls.

However, there was no way out. No matter how many times the wolf rammed his head into the paries, he could not bust it. Eventually, he sat down in the middle of the way and howled once more. He then proceeded to bite at his own body to assuage the urge to attack something.

******

matte cracked his heart open and tried to lift his brain. A stabbing pain fled through his head and he dropped it back down onto the cushioned level. He closed his eyes and tried to rivet on breathing. Each short, labored hint hurt. He could n't even forecast out which parts of his body hurt the worse. Everything trauma. From the top of his head to his toes.

`` Mum ? '' he said hoarsely. His voice was little Sir Thomas More than a whisper. He knew there was no way his mother could hear him, but he called her name anyway.

The room access clicked a scant while later, but for flatness it felt like an timelessness. Whoever came in the room made no strait as they walked across the mattress covered floor. They put a cloak over him and then picked him up. A waving of dizziness come over him as he was lifted up.

`` It 's ok, I 've got you, '' his dad whispered.

mat was hardly aware of being carried up to his room and he passed out on the way.

The adjacent thing he knew, he was laying in his soft bed with level of blankets on top of him. He could feel the warm sun shining through the window. He opened his eyes slowly and blinked as they adjusted to the brightness.

His consistency still ached despite the potions he knew his parents had given him. His head was throbbing dully as well. big yet, he was exhausted. He knew he had already slept for hours, but it felt like he had n't slept in days.

Who was he kidding ? How was he going to go to Hogwarts ? How would he pull off full moonlight when he was by himself ? He could n't even get up when he transformed back the next morning time. His parents always had to deport him back to his room.

His parents. flatness felt a saccade in his breadbasket as he realized that they would n't be there every broad moon when he was in school. They had been there for every full moon he had ever endured. They took care of him the day of and the solar day following. They got him his potions and healed all his injuries.

He hated to admit it, but he was scared about doing it by himself. He knew he should n't be ; he was eleven yr old for merlin 's sake. Eleven-year-olds should not be afraid of going to school and being away from their parents.

It was a practical issue, he assured himself. That was all. He could n't physically manage with full moon by himself. That was why he was worried about going to schooltime. It was n't like he could n't parcel out with being away from home.

Then there was the issue of his classmates. What if they found out ? It was n't like he could nobble away for the wax moonlight and be back in his residence hall the next morn before his roomy woke up. He 'd be in the infirmary Wing for at least two days. He doubted he 'd be able-bodied to go to class the day of the wide-cut moon and he usually needed two mean solar day to recover. That was three days of missed classes, but more importantly, it was three days of disappearance to explain. What was he going to say ? masses did n't normally get sick that much.

It was a stupid idea, he thought, going to schoolhouse. He bit his lip and tried to stop the tears from welling in his optic. Why did n't his parents just home school him ? It would be loose. They were both well-read in most aspects of trick. If his parents had just decided to home school him, they could have stayed in Australia. Then Amy would own been happier.

No, they could n't have stayed. He sighed. Not after his dad lost his job and all the laws restricting the rights of werewolves had been passed. They were originally going to move so he could go to school. But then his dad lost his job. It was n't entirely Matt 's fault that they moved, was it ? Not if his dad needed another job ....

It was his demerit his dad lost his job, though. If he had n't gotten bitten, his dad would n't take lost his job. So, for all intents and role, his family had moved because of him. He could n't not go to shoal after all they 'd done for him. He 'd just stimulate to nurse it up and deal with it, no matter how terrifying the outlook was.

`` Matt, are you awake ? '' Amy peeked her point into his room.

Matt quickly rubbed his eyes and turned to bet at her. `` Yeah. ``

Amy gave a pocket-size smile and walked into the room. She set a goblet down on the bedside tabular array and then sat on the foot of the bed.

`` How are you ? '' she asked quietly.

`` All- '' he cut himself off and looked at Amy 's concerned expression. Ever since she had first seen him after a transformation, she had this preternatural way of knowing when something was bothering him. He was n't sure enough how she did it, but somehow she managed to get him to tell her what was wrong.

It was kind of strange since Amy normally had quite the temper and was very impatient. Their mum had once told Matt that she took after his grandmother, but Amy would never take on to it. The two of them did what they wanted and often disregarded former the great unwashed 's emotions.

Amy used to be a lot like that with Matt, too. When they were untested, their parents insisted on keeping Amy away from the planetary house during full moonshine. She hated it and resented their parents for keeping her out of the closed circuit. She really had no estimate what went on during full moons.

Then life as they knew it fell apart in Australia and Amy began to realize what went on. She did resent flatness for months about having to move, but eventually got used to Hogwarts. Then, the first full Sun Myung Moon after her quarter yr, she stayed at home during the wax moon and saw Matt afterwards.

Amy never told lusterlessness what she had thought of seeing him after a transformation, but her action spoke More than Scripture would have got. She stayed by his incline after every wax moon that summer. A few weeks after that first gear full phase of the moon moon of the summertime, she announced that she was going to become a therapist and hoped to attain a version of the Wolfsbane Potion that would play for Matt.

Matt had been a little shocked when he heard this, but not incredibly surprised. As far back as he could remember, Amy had enjoyed experimenting with potions. She was also an avid star gazer and loved uranology. If anyone could issue forth up with a respectable reading about that potion, it was Amy. She had the accomplishment, interest, and motivation to do it.

`` Actually, '' his spokesperson caught in his throat, `` I 'm not that great. ``

Amy crawled up the bed and laid down next to him, her mouth turning down in a frown. She grabbed the potion off the table and handed it to him. `` What hurts ? You should take this potion, it 'll help. ``

`` It 's not that, '' Matt swallowed the potion in one draft, `` I mean, my top dog hurt but no worse than usual. It 's, '' he paused, `` It 's Hogwarts. I 'm just not sure if I should go ... '' his representative trailed off.

Amy put her arm around Matt 's articulatio humeri and looked at him sadly. `` Why not ? ``

`` This, '' he muttered, `` This probably sounds dolt, but I do n't mean I can do it without Mum and Dad. ``

`` It 's not stupid, '' Amy said quietly, `` They 've always been there for every full-of-the-moon lunation. But I think you 're damage. You can do it without them. ``

`` How ? '' flatness 's voice wavered, `` I ca n't even get back up to my room without them ? How in the name of Merlin will I get from that shanty in Hogsmeade back to the castle ? ``

`` The nursemaid, '' Amy sighed, `` You 're forgetting about the nurse. Madam Pomfrey. You 've met her, have n't you ? ``

`` I think so, '' matt nodded, `` But I hardly know her. ``

`` Well, I do, '' Amy said, `` And she 's one of the skillful adults at Hogwarts. She 'll help. And I 'll be there too. I 'll be there for your entire starting time year. ``

`` And you 'll be there ? Can you go to the shack with gentlewoman Pomfrey ? ``

`` Of course, '' Amy nodded, `` And I 'll rest at the hospital extension with you except when I 'm in grade. ``

Matt nodded. He felt a little better knowing that Amy would be there with him. She could practically do everything in order to cure his trauma after the good moonshine. Their parents had been teaching her ever since she was fifteen and she had actually been performing them ever since she turned seventeen. But he still felt uneasy about the completely thing.

`` I know you 'll still miss them, '' Amy said quietly, `` And there 's aught wrong with that. I was so homesick during initiative twelvemonth and I did n't own to deal with turning into a wolf once a calendar month. I imagine that 'll make it even worse. ``

matte turned to his sister and laughed. He sort of wish how she just stated what was honest and never tried to dampen it.

`` Yeah, probably, '' he replied.

`` But you 'll get used to it, '' Amy assured him, `` Soon you 'll make friends and get into roguishness like half of Victoire 's cousins do. ``

matt shrugged. Making protagonist was another affair he was worried about. He did n't really stimulate many friends. He occasionally spent time with some of his dad 's coworkers'kids, but did n't know them very well.

`` If I make any friends, '' he said.

`` You will, '' Amy said.

`` But they wo n't like me if they find out who I am, '' Matt replied.

`` They wo n't find out, '' Amy said adamantly, `` You 'll make sight of friends. Victoire said a few of her full cousin are starting this year and they 're certainly to be in Gryffindor like you will be. ``

matt had only met Victoire a few times, but from what he could assure, she was really nice. Matt only hoped her cousins were as well.

`` I guess that would be expert, '' he yawned, `` What clip is it ? ``

Amy glanced at her sentry. `` Just after one. I should let you sleep. ``

flatness nodded. `` Ok. Thanks. '' He was pretty commonplace. He did n't normally hold such longsighted discourse with Amy so soon after the full phase of the moon moonlight. He usually slept until dinner time.

`` I 'll be back later, '' Amy gave him a gentle hug, grabbed the empty potion bottle, and quietly left the room.

lusterlessness rolled over in bed and huddled under the many blankets. He closed his oculus feeling a bit better about going to Hogwarts, but still worried.


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A/N : Thanks to Luke, Moonylupin, and XDNLxtlz99 for the review article !
Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter or Jared Campbell 's songs.

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And she knows that this is real


It 's not something that she 's made up in her top dog
And there 's something that she feels but she has n't found the words
~It 's dearest, Jared Campbell


Eleven-year-old Amanda Genevieve Tagger smiled to herself as she closed her book. She rolled over on her bed and set the it on her bedside table. Her bedside table was stacked high with at least ten books, almost of which Amanda had already read.

Amanda had always enjoyed reading. Ever since she was a picayune girl, books had been some of her best friends. They were great society when she was sad or bored or just wanted to escape into a different world for a piece. Best of all, books never made fun of her.

Amanda had always been shy and she was the world-class to admit it. She did n't have very many friends and Kid her age tended to rest away from her. This was most likely because unusual things always happened around her.

She was only five when she first realized that she was dissimilar. Amanda, her onetime sister, Jen, who was nine at the time, and a few of her sister 's friends were playing outside. They decided to play hide-and-seek and Amanda climbed the biggest tree in their backyard and hid amongst the branches. Jen, who was 'it', had the severely time finding her. In fact, Jen never found her. Amanda did n't leave the tree until their mom called them in for a snack.

That was when it happened. Amanda 's ft caught on one of the limb and she lost her grip. She fell what must have been twenty or thirty metrical foot out of that maple tree, hitting numerous branches on her way down.

When she was a bare five feet from the ground, she suddenly stopped falling. Then, she glided lightly to the reason, and landed softly on her ft. Amanda looked around and saw Jen staring open-mouthed at her. Their mother, who had seen Amanda falling, ran from the house and checked her over. She was completely all right, save for a few minor scratches and bruise. No one knew why it had happened, but Amanda 's mother said an angel must have been looking out for her that day.

Whatever it was, Amanda knew she was different that day. It was only the beginning. unusual things had happened to her ever since. When she was six and the stratum bully stole her cookie at luncheon, new unity appeared out of dilute air in front of her. When she was seven and forgot to do her maths homework, it somehow did itself while sitting in her backpack.

A small, relatively harmless tornado had somehow descended upon a few boys who were chasing her when she was eight. That incident was what caused almost of the other kids her age to steer clear of her.

There was one girl who did not deal that strange matter happened around Amanda. Jamie theatre, Amanda 's best friend since Kindergarten, never cared about the strange incidents. She actually thought they were funny. Amanda and Jamie were inseparable at school.

However, Jamie was currently spending a few week with her grandparents in Scotland. Without Jamie 's company, Amanda had spent most of her time reading. There was n't really anything else to do. Jen was fifteen and the net thing she wanted to do was hang out with her eleven-year-old sis. Amanda 's piffling comrade, Max, was eight and all he wanted to do was ride his bike in the empty lot down the road with the other neighborhood boys.

Amanda was left with her book of account for company, not that she really minded. She was getting a bit restless, though. She stood up opened her bedroom door. Maybe Jen was n't on the estimator and Amanda would be able to go online. Jamie managed to get on jiffy messager ever so often at her grandparents'house and Amanda had talked to her a few meter over the yesteryear week.

The doorbell rang just as Amanda was leaving her room.

`` Amanda ! '' Jen shouted from her room, `` Could you get that ? ``

`` Sure, '' Amanda said as she passed Jen 's room. She peeked inside and saw that Jen was in the process of straightening her Light Within brown hair. Jen had straightened Amanda 's honey blonde tomentum a few clip, but Amanda actually preferred it with its natural rebuff wave. Jen hated her own curly hair, though.

Amanda ran down the stair and towards the doorway. She pulled it spread out and saw a man wearing the strangest turnout she had ever seen anyone wearable on a day that was not Halloween. It looked like a sinister commencement nightgown. The man himself looked relatively sane, though. His blonde pilus was neatly combed and he smiled when Amanda opened the door.

`` Hello, '' he greeted her, `` Are your parents household ? ``

`` Er, '' Amanda began, `` I think so. Are you selling something ? '' Her parents hated doorway to door salesmen. Amanda was n't exactly sure where her parents were, but she doubted they 'd want to be interrupted to hear to someone trying to sell something.

The man laughed. `` No, not at all. ``

`` postponement right wing here, '' Amanda said and went to find her parents, `` Mum ! Dad ! There 's some bloke at the door who wants to let the cat out of the bag to you ! ``

`` What 's he selling ? '' Mrs. tagging program shouted from the kitchen.

`` zippo ! '' Amanda replied.

Mrs. Tagger, a dead, plump cleaning woman with flecks of grey in her blue brownish hair walked out of the kitchen and followed Amanda to the door.

`` Can I help you ? '' she asked the man.

`` Yes, '' the man replied, `` I 'm a teacher at a private school and I 'm here to inform you that your daughter has been accepted. ``

`` Jen ? '' Mrs. tagger asked, `` I was n't aware she applied to any private schools. ``

`` No, '' the man shook his head, `` Not Jen. Amanda. ``

Amanda gaped at the man and then turned to her female parent, who was now frowning. Amanda had n't applied to any buck private shoal. Why would she ? She had already gotten into the lowly school she was attending in the fall.

`` I know Amanda has n't applied to anymore shoal, '' Mrs. tagging program said.

`` This is n't one she applied for, '' the man said quietly, `` Her public figure has been down since she was born. ``

Amanda was stunned. What was this about ? How could her name have been down for a schooling since she was born ?

`` Could I come in ? '' the man asked.

`` I think you 'd improve, '' Mrs. tagger said in barely more than a whisper.

The man stepped inside the sign of the zodiac and followed Mrs. Tagger into the den. Amanda followed and sat down on a chairman while the strange man took the couch.

`` Henry ! '' Mrs tagger shouted down the basement step, `` You 'd ameliorate come in upstairs ! ``

A bit later a tall man with a messy jolt of blonde hairsbreadth on his principal walked into the way with Mrs. Tagger.

`` My hubby, Henry, '' Mrs. Tagger replied, `` And my figure is Sarah. Who are you ? ``

`` prof Neville Longbottom, '' the man replied as he stood up and shook each of my parents'hands.

`` prof ? '' H raised his eyebrows.

`` He told me Amanda has been accepted to a private school. One that her name 's been down for since birth, '' Sarah explained, `` Did you contract her up without telling me ? ``

`` No, '' Joseph Henry shook his head.

`` I 'll excuse everything if you 'll just sit down, '' Neville said.

Henry and Sarah nodded and they sat down on the sofa Neville had just vacated.

`` I teach at a boarding school day in Scotland called Hogwarts- ''

Henry snorted and Sarah glared at him. `` Sorry, '' he muttered.

Neville grinned. `` I get that reaction a lot. Anyway, Hogwarts is not an ordinary school. It is a school of thaumaturgy. Mr. and Mrs. Tagger, your daughter is a beldam. ``

Amanda was glad she had been sitting down. If she had n't, she surely would stimulate fainted. She stared in shock at Neville. What did he mean, hex ? Amanda had read many stories about witches. Some had right beldam and others had bad hag. Which witch was she ?

How could she even be a witch ? Witches were n't real. They were made up to provide entertainment. They could n't actually exist. Magic did n't exist.

`` What are you getting at ? '' H said defensively, `` If this is some sort of prank, it 's not singular. ``

`` It 's not a buffoonery, '' Neville said calmly, `` Magic does exist. hag and wizards have been hiding their world for generations. I teach at United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland 's merely schooltime of magic. ``

`` What do you teach ? '' Patrick Henry asked.

`` Herbology. The subject of magical plants. ``

`` Prove it, '' Henry said, `` draw in a rabbit out of your hat or something. ``

Neville grinned and pulled out his wand. Amanda stared at it. A real magic sceptre. Just like the single she 'd read about in books.

`` Accio pillow, '' Neville pointed his wand at one of the pillows next to Joseph Henry. It soared through the air and landed neatly in Neville 's hand.

`` Where 's the chain ? '' H stood up and grabbed the pillow. He searched all over it for a train, but did n't find one.

`` No cosmic string, '' Neville smiled. He took the pillow back and pointed his baton at it. He muttered something else and the pillow turned into a tea kettle.

`` That is brilliant, '' Amanda grinned, `` Can I learn how to do that ? ``

`` When you are senior, yes, '' Neville replied.

`` What else can you do ? '' Amanda asked excitedly.

`` brew potions, several appeal, disappear and reappear in a new place- ''

`` Seriously ? '' Amanda gaped, `` Can you read me that ? ``

`` Sure, '' Neville replied. He disappeared from the elbow room with a loudly fling and then was back a few secondment later.

`` What the bloody hell on earth was that ? '' Jen ran into the room with her pilus partially straight and partially curly.

`` terminology, Jennifer, '' Sarah warned.

`` I 'm a beldam, '' Amanda grinned, `` I can do magic. ``

`` What ? ! '' Jen shouted and sat down on the nearest chair, clearly intent on staying in the room despite her hair.

`` waiting, wait ! '' William Henry shouted, `` What if we choose not to let her attend this office ? ``

`` You have to, Dad ! '' Amanda shouted.

`` H, are you really so gullible ? You ca n't honestly think there is a school of deception ! '' Sarah shouted.

`` thaumaturgy ? '' Jen asked, `` Like pulling rabbit out of chapeau ? ``

`` Of course it exists, Mum ! '' Amanda told her.

Sarah shook her head. `` No. Amanda, you just want it to exist. magic trick is n't real. It 's fantasy. ``

`` It does, '' Neville said quietly, `` Can you remember a time Amanda has done something that could n't be explained ? Any time where she should possess been hurt and then somehow was n't ? ``

Sarah 's face went picket ashen and she turned to William Henry. `` Yes, '' she whispered, `` Many times. ``

`` It can be explained, '' Neville replied, `` It 's magic. ``

`` But what if we do n't let her go ? '' Henry asked again.

`` That 's fine. But she wo n't ever learn to keep in line her magic and she will keep to cause foreign things to happen. ``

`` I 'm going, '' Amanda crossed her blazon on her chest.

`` Glad to hear it, '' Neville reached into his, what could only be described as a cloak, and pulled out a missive. He handed it to Amanda.

It was addressed to her. She turned it over and carefully opened it. She unfolded it and began to translate it aloud.

There was another objet d'art of paper that had a list of supplying written on it, including a cauldron, wand, and spell books. Amanda had about a million question. Where could she buy a existent scepter ? Had they gotten the platform wrong ? There could n't be a Platform 9 3/4, could there ? What did the letter of the alphabet mean, broom handle ? Did witches really sit around on ling like they do in books ?

`` I 'm home ! '' the look door slammed shut and Max ran into the room, his dark hair disheveled and his face coated in grunge. He stopped at the sight of Neville and grinned. `` Nice costume, but Halloween 's not for a few calendar month. ``

`` It 's not a costume, '' Jen said, `` He 's a wizard. He teaches at a school of magic and he 's here to secern us that Amanda is a witch. ``

`` That is magnificent, '' Max grinned, `` Am I one, too ? ``

`` You 'll find out the summer you are eleven, '' Neville answered.

`` Max, please go upstairs and uncontaminating yourself up, '' Sarah groaned, `` You 're getting mud all over the carpet. ``

`` Oh, sorry, '' Max turned and ran up the stairs.

`` Mum, Dad, '' Amanda began, `` You 've got to let me go to Hogwarts. This explains everything ! I want to learn how to control my magic. I wo n't be the weird female child at Hogwarts. ``

Henry and Sarah shared a feeling. `` I suppose you 're right, '' Joseph Henry sighed, `` We 'll let you go, so long as this professor explains everything about illusion to us. ``

`` I will, '' Neville nodded, `` Actually, if you 're not busy today, I could require you to Diagon Alley. That 's the shopping field where you will be able to purchase everything Amanda needs for Hogwarts. It 's in London. ``

`` We 're not busy, '' Henry said, `` We 'll just wait for Max. ``

Amanda grinned as she reread her varsity letter over and over again. She still could n't believe it. A witch. She was a material witch ! Amanda always knew she was different, but she never imagined it would be like this. She pinched herself to throw sure it was real. It was. She, Amanda Tagger, was a Wiccan. It was like she had fallen into one of her books.

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24-hour interval are different then they were before
And we both exchange
It 's only getting better
~Only Getting Better, Jared Campbell


Eleven-year-old John Malcolm Brickston was running around in a bombastic lap as fast as he possibly could. He, along with two other boys, was spinning the merry-go-round in the car park across the street from his house as fast as he could. A fourthly boy was on the carousel shrieking in delight.

It was a daily thing for John, playing with the other male child in his neighbourhood at the park. They particularly liked spinning each early until they felt sick on the whirligig. Other body process included trying to fight each other off the monkey bars and jumping off of the cut. They often spent all day doing this, until one of their mothers called them inside.

John the Evangelist had fun playing with the former male child from his neighborhood even though he was quite different from them. John the Divine was a wizard and all of his locality friend were Muggles. John 's kinfolk was the only wizarding family animation in a region of Muggles. He did n't mind, of class. He was actually glad he lived in a neighborhood total of people to play with, rather than in the middle of nowhere like so many early wizards did. almost of his cousin-german did n't have any close neighbors.

Without the neighborhood boys around, the sole people John would have had to play with were his sis. John had three of them and while he loved them, they got on his nerves. They were all younger than him and drove him mental on a daily basis.

Despite having so many Muggle protagonist, John could not expect to get to Hogwarts where he could take on other wizards his age. He knew a span witches and virtuoso his age whose parents worked with his dad, but he did n't see them too often. Then there were his cousins, but they were all younger than him.

John had been trying not to remember about his Hogwarts letter, which he knew would be arriving soon. Thinking about it just made the time go by slower. So, he tried to get his idea off of it by goofing off at the playground.

`` Enough, enough ! '' the boy on the whirligig shouted.

John and the other two son stepped back and watched it slow down. Once it had almost stopped, the boy jumped off and stumbled around, falling on the reason. whoremaster and the others crowded around him.

`` My number ! '' St. John shouted as the dizzy boy sat up.

`` Johnny ! '' someone shouted from the entrance to the park.

John turned his head towards the spokesperson and groaned. It was his mother. The previous day she had made him watch over his little sisters when they played at the park and he really did n't want to do that again. But his sisters were n't with his mum, so maybe she wanted something else.

`` What ? '' John shouted.

`` You need to amount home now ! '' she shouted back.

whoremonger groaned again and reluctantly said good-bye to his friends. He hated it when his mum called him dwelling without explaining why.

`` Why do I have got to go home base now ? '' lav asked as he reached his mum, `` It 's not dinner party time. ``

`` Your letter arrived, '' she said and began to walk across the street.

That was probably the but thing she could have said to cook bathroom no longer mind leaving his acquaintance. He grinned and ran to trance up with his mum. Now it was official, he was going to Hogwarts !

St. John the Apostle 's house was in its usual State Department of topsy-turvydom when he entered it. Not two second base after they stepped in the door, his secondment untried sister, Gemma, ran up them screaming about how Amelia had taken her toy. Gemma was six and Amelia, his youngest sister, was five.

At any given present moment there were probably five or six petty Thomas Kyd at John 's firm. He had a lot of first cousin who were all younger than him. His mother was a stay at household mum, but a few of his aunt worked outside the base. They often dropped their youngster off at john 's house while they were at work. Or when they had to go shopping. It was just another reason why John enjoyed spending his free sentence outside, away from the little kids.

That day, all his little sisters were home, of grade. Plus, his full cousin Isabelle, who was ten, and Isabelle 's three-year-old sister, Alyssa.

`` Your auntie Pam is grocery shopping, '' his mother, Jan, replied as she picked up Gemma.

John nodded and stepped over a pile of Wendy witch dolls that Ashtyn, his nine-year-old sis must throw left in the doorway.

`` Ashtyn, pick up your toys ! '' Jan shouted as she carried Gemma back into the den.

Ashtyn and Isabelle came running through the sign, scooped up the skirt, and ran back to wherever they came from.

`` Where 's my letter ? '' John asked as Jan set Gemma back down on the floor.

`` It 's here somewhere, '' Jan said as she rifled through a stack of chain armor, `` I just had it a minute ago. Hang on. ``

St. John the Apostle sighed as he leaned against the wall. He could n't hold back to get to Hogwarts. Then he would n't have to deal with all his little sis and cousins anymore. He would be in a place where he was one of the youngest people. That rarely happened. John had always been the quondam, the one who was expected to be mature.

`` Mum ! '' Ashtyn shrieked from upstairs, `` I think John the Divine put a dung bomb in the toilet again ! ``

St. John grinned. He may be expected to be mature, but he was n't. Pulling pranks was one of his favorite things to do and the droppings bomb in the sewer never got old, especially when Ashtyn was on the receiving end of it.

Jan sent him a withering spirit. `` I cringe to believe about the sum of bird of Minerva I 'll be getting from Professor Kendrick about the mischief you get into next twelvemonth, '' she sighed, `` Ashtyn, just redden it like usual ! ``

`` Mum, she wo n't have it back ! '' Gemma whined.

Jan groaned and walked over to the two miss, who were still fighting over a stuffed dragon. Jan wrenched it from Amelia 's hired man and stuck it up on a high shelf. She continued searching for John 's letter while Gemma and Amelia complained.

`` I think I found it, '' John said as he bent down.

Three-year-old Alyssa was holding a torn gasbag in her hands and giggling playfully. John grabbed it from her and she burst out crying. Jan picked her up as John took off for his bedroom, the merely toddler barren shoes in the intact house.

The alphabetic character was n't completely destroyed, much to bathroom 's backup man. He had caught Alyssa before she was able to do a lot of scathe. The envelope was completely illegible, but the missive inside was spared from bout and child slobber.

John tossed aside the dampness envelope and unfolded the letter. He grinned widely as he read it, even though he already knew the gist of what it said.

He was in ! trick laid down on his bed and stared up at his cap. Of course he was in. There was never any dubiety. Everyone in his entire family had gone to Hogwarts for as far back as anyone could remember. As far as he knew, his crime syndicate did n't have any Squibs.

John had been looking forward to Hogwarts for a very long fourth dimension. His parents had all sorts of write up to tell of the plaza. Although, their education had been interrupted due to the final examination battle and Voldemort 's defeat. They had only been maiden long time at the time and Hogwarts had closed for a year in order for it to be rebuilt. But after that, his parents had had a somewhat normal education.

There were all sorts of things that John was looking forward to. The Sorting ( although his parents refused to tell him how it was done ), the feasts, exploding potions, Peeves, Quidditch, Hogsmeade trips when he got honest-to-goodness, the Gryffindor green elbow room. John was sure he 'd get into Gryffindor even though his mum had been a Hufflepuff. His dad was a Gryffindor and everyone said he took after his dad.

John 's dad, Jeff Brickston, had been the Hogwarts tricker when he was in schooling. John could n't waitress to get out some antic of his own. His dad had promised to get him well supplied with stuff from Weasleys'Wizard Wheezes, although his mum was n't too happy about it.

trick remained in his room for the sleep of the good afternoon. A glance out the window told him that his Muggle friends had left the Park. It would receive been boring for him to go back. Instead, he stayed in his room and pulled out his old but trustworthy halo Two Thousand and One.

The Scots heather had been his dad 's when he was at Hogwarts. trick grabbed a bottleful of polish and began to rub it into the bear wood. Jeff had given it to John when he was only five and John had been flying on it ever since.

If lav had to pick the one thing he was most looking forward to at Hogwarts, it would be Quidditch. John had been flying for as long as he could remember and he had hopes of making it onto the Gryffindor Quidditch team. If he was sorted into Gryffindor, that is. He just hoped that there was a beater spot capable at the decently fourth dimension. He doubted he 'd get chosen as a beater in his second class due to the fact that beaters were generally quite a lot prominent than the rest of the histrion. But if a beater emplacement opened when he was in quartern or fifth year, he just might make it.

Isabelle and Alyssa had left by the time John the Divine left his elbow room. He wandered into the kitchen and found his mum preparing dinner. Ashtyn, Gemma, and Amelia were 'helping'.

`` Can we go to Diagon Alley tomorrow ? '' John asked as he grabbed a carrot out of a bowl.

`` I do n't experience, '' Jan replied, `` Your Aunt Jodie is working tomorrow and I have to watch Stephanie as well as the counterpart. I do n't particularly want to embroil three superfluous kids to Diagon Alley especially when two are babies. It may have to wait until the weekend. And please do n't eat the carrots. ``

privy sighed and sat down at the table. He did n't want to wait until the weekend. He wished his mum did n't observe all of his little cousins all the clock time.

`` I 'm home ! '' someone shouted from the den.

whoremonger jumped up from his professorship and ran into the den. He saw his dad brushing ash off of his bright green therapist robes. John grinned as he saw his great-great grandpa standing just behind his dad.

`` gramps ! '' John shouted, `` What are you doing here ? ``

`` Went to Mungo 's, '' he replied, `` Had to get this dang hip checked out. Then Jeffrey here invited me to dinner. ``

John 's great-great grandpa, Zander Brickston, was over one hundred years old but was usually tidy as a hippogriff. He was a bit senile and oblivious at times, but it never bothered him. He was often the spirit of the party, too, despite his age. can loved him.

`` I got my Hogwarts letter ! '' John said excitedly as he pulled the letter out of his pocket.

`` extolment, '' Jeff grinned and gave John a one-armed hug as he set his bag down.

`` Well done, Johnny-Boy ! '' Zander gave him a surprisingly strong gonorrhoea on the rear, `` Great topographic point, Hogwarts. Best eld of my biography, except for the multiplication I found myself in professor Dippet 's place. You 'd best stay out of there. ``

`` Professor Dippet 's been dead for years, grandfather, '' lav laughed.

`` Then you stay out of fuss with whoever 's the headmaster now, '' Zander said and lumbered off into the kitchen, `` Where 's my girlfriend ? ``

dinner party was lively that evening, as it always was when Zander was there. He dominated the conversation with stories of his own years at Hogwarts. John the Evangelist was form of surprised he remembered them so well. He told of the time he and his friends went for a swim in the Black Lake at midnight during the full synodic month in January. The nurse had not been pleased when they showed up at the infirmary wing with slender compositor's case of hypothermia. She scolded them and told them if they were stupid enough to drown in the lake during January, they could at to the lowest degree use cold-repellent appealingness on themselves.

`` Where would the fun be in that ? '' Zander laughed as he finished the story.

Other stories included the many harlequinade he pulled on the Slytherins. 'Pranking 's a Brickston tradition ,'he told John solemnly. The sentence he snuck out of the palace and into Hogsmeade. The fourth dimension he fell asleep during his History of magic trick O.W.L. ( `` What do they expect, when Binns makes you descend asleep during grade ? '' ) Sneaking about the rook at night with whatever girlfriend he had at the prison term. Jan had to shut him up at that point and she and Jeff began to relay their own Hogwarts stories.

Gospel According to John was, if it was possible, even more excited about Hogwarts after hearing all of the story. He wanted to drown in the Black Lake in the middle of wintertime. He wanted to sneak out of school to go to Hogsmeade. He wanted to paint half his case red and the other half atomic number 79 for the Gryffindor-Slytherin Quidditch match.

John did n't know how he was going to be able to wait two days until Saturday to go to Diagon skittle alley, let alone wait the month and a one-half until he 'd be capable to actually go to Hogwarts. It seemed so far away. He had been waiting yr to go to Hogwarts, but he had a feeling the final month and a half would drag by even slower than those years had.

-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

lawsuit there 's so lots yet to see, that I have n't seen yet
And there 's so very much air to suspire, yeah
I want to take it in
~Take It In, Jared Campbell


Ten-year-old rosebush Elizabeth I Weasley put the end of her quill to her mouth and chewed it thoughtfully as she looked up from her parchment. She smiled and dipped the quill pen into her pot of ink and then wrote 'Elandra Harvard took a deep breath and sat down on the three-legged toilet'onto the parchment. rose set down the pinion and picked up the parchment. She looked at it for a moment and then set it down again.

The sheepskin was a tale. A tarradiddle about a Muggle-born at Hogwarts. Ever since rose was footling, she liked coming up with stories. She used to just tell them to her parents and slight brother, but then she got older and began writing them down.

Rose had spent the whole morning writing about Elandra. She supposed it was because rosiness herself was going to Hogwarts soon and that was really all she could think about. Although she tried to fare up with early story theme, she just could n't. All the ideas were about Hogwarts. It was just about the lone thing that could screen of keep her mind off her own Hogwarts letter.

Rose had been waiting for the alphabetic character all summer. She wished that Hogwarts would send them out in June instead of the end of July. The end of July was kind of late. That only gave a calendar month and a half to prepare to go to schoolhouse. Rose had been preparing since May, though. She knew she would get her letter this summer, as she would be turning eleven on August twentieth.

Her dad had located her mum 's old trunk in the attic and charmed an engraving of 'REW'to replace the 'HJG'that stood for Hermione denim Granger. The trunk currently sat on the floor in Rose 's room. The only thing in it was a cauldron that her dad had found in the dome as well. It was a perfectly thoroughly caldron, so neither of her parents saw any need to buy her a new one. rosiness agreed. She sort of liked the old cauldron. There was something to be said about brewing potions in a caldron that was sometime than you were.

`` Rose ! '' somebody banged on her door.

Rose groaned and got up. It was Hugo, her nine-year-old brother. He probably wanted to dally Quidditch or something. rose did n't particularly like Quidditch. She preferred version or pretty often anything that she remained on the ground to do.

`` What ? '' Rose asked when she opened the door, `` I do n't want to wreak Quidditch. ``

`` I was n't going to ask you, '' Hugo muttered, `` You 're no fun to play Quidditch with anyway. I 'd rather just ask James I and Al to play. I just wanted to turn over you this. The mail just arrived. ``

Hugo thrust an envelope into pink wine 's hired hand and she caught a glimpse of the Hogwarts crest on the sealing wax. The breath caught in her chest as she grabbed it. `` Thanks, Hugo, '' she grinned.

Hugo made no relocation to leave as Rose shakily began to open the gasbag. `` haste up ! '' he said.

`` It 's my letter, '' Rose replied and pulled it out of the envelope. Victor Hugo peered over her shoulder joint as she began to scan it.

rose wine grinned looked at Victor Hugo. `` It 's official ! I 'm going to Hogwarts ! ``

`` And I 'll get the theater to myself, '' Victor-Marie Hugo grinned, `` I can go through your stuff and you wo n't be able to do anything about it. ``

`` Mum and Dad will be here, '' rose rolled her center, `` And you better not go through my material. ``

`` You wo n't be able to do anything about it ! '' Hugo gleefully ran off towards his room.

Rose turned the early way and went downstairs in order of magnitude to happen her mum. She eventually found her in the library, pouring over numerous books.

`` It came, '' Rose grinned and sat down across the table from Hermione.

Hermione looked up and smiled. `` Congratulations ! '' She leaned over and kissed rosebush 's forehead.

`` What are you working on ? '' Rose asked.

`` Oh, work stuff, '' Hermione said as she closed the volume, `` It can hold back. Let me see that varsity letter ! ``

Rose handed her mother the letter and waited while she read it. Hermione handed it back to her and smiled even extensive. `` I ca n't believe you 're going to Hogwarts already. Time has flown by ! My little girl, all grown up. ``

`` I ca n't waitress, Mum, '' Rose replied.

`` We 'll make some shopping to do, '' Hermione said as she stood up.

`` Ron ! Hermione ! Anyone here ? '' someone shouted from the sustenance room.

`` Uncle Harry ! '' Rose shouted as she ran out of the library and into the support room.

Harry 's grimace was floating amongst green flaming in the fireplace and Rose grinned when she saw him. `` Hi Uncle Harry ! Guess what ? I got my letter ! ``

`` Brilliant, '' Harry grinned, `` Al got his, too. Are your parents home ? ``

`` Dad 's working at the Jack London shop, but he 's supposed to be back soon, '' Rose replied, `` And Mum's- ''

`` right field here, '' Hermione said as she came into the room, `` Hi Harry. ``

`` Hey, Hermione, '' Harry said, `` We were going to go to Diagon Alley after lunch. Al got his letter a few 60 minutes ago. Want to make out ? ``

`` That sounds good, '' Hermione agreed, `` We 'll meet you there around 1:30. Ron should be back from Weasleys'by then. ``

`` See you then, '' Harry said.

`` Bye, '' Hermione replied as Harry 's head disappeared and the green flaming died down.

******

A few hr later rose wine was standing with her sept in movement of Gringotts. She tapped her ft and sighed. They were waiting for the potter, who were never on sentence for anything. Rose 's parents were n't known for being on time either, but Rose had hurried them along.

`` Sorry we 're late ! '' Harry shouted as he ran towards the Weasleys.

`` James would n't wake up, '' Albus grinned at Rose.

`` What else is new ? '' Rose smirked.

`` Where to first ? '' Harry asked.

`` Olivander 's ! '' Albus announced.

`` Flourish and Blotts ! '' pink wine said excitedly. She had been there numerous times, but never to buy books for school.

`` You 're mental, Rose, '' James laughed, `` I say we go to Quality Quidditch provision ! ``

rosebush rolled her eyes. James was the one who was mental. He spent more sentence at calibre Quidditch Supplies than all the early stores in Diagon Alley combined. Half the time he did n't even buy anything. He just gawked at the broomsticks he wished he could have.

`` Eyelops ! '' Lily shouted.

`` You 're not even going to Hogwarts, '' Albus pointed out.

`` I do n't care, '' Lily huffed.

`` Weasley 's thaumaturgist Wheezes, '' Victor Hugo suggested.

`` Then it 's settled, '' Harry grinned, `` We 're going to the Apothecary first. ``

Rose groaned. The pill pusher was possibly her least favorite shop, adjacent to lineament Quidditch provision. It did n't storm her that Harry chose that fund, though. He always did that when they argued. rosiness 's parents did the Lapplander thing.

They finally made it to tucket and Blott 's, after the Apothecary and madam Malkin 's. blush wine was the commencement one through the threshold and immediately started browsing. She did n't make love where everyone else was going in the shop, but she did n't care.

tucket and Blott 's had always fascinated Rose, ever since she was footling. There were always at least five account book she wanted to buy whenever she went in. Hermione usually bought her one every time they went.

`` blush wine, are you done yet ? '' James tapped her on the shoulder.

Rose jumped and looked up from the transfiguration book she was reading. `` No. ``

`` hurry up, '' James whined, `` I want to go get my ling. ``

`` What makes you think you 'll get it ? ``

`` I 'm trying out for the Quidditch squad this year, '' James told her.

`` So ? ''

`` So ? '' James gawked, `` So ? I need another broom ! A better one ! You 'll never understand. ``

St. James sighed loudly and then walked away. wax shook her head and went back to her book. A few minutes later her mum told her it was time to go. It was meter to go to Ollivander 's, which was what rose wine had been most looking forward to.

pink wine ran ahead of the group with Albus and the two of them arrived at Ollivander 's long before the others. Ollivander had taken their measurement and brought out a few wands for Albus to try by the time the others got there.

Albus smashed the windowpane with his number one wand, which pink wine thought was incredibly funny. She secretly hoped she would n't do the same, though. The next wand chose Albus and then it was Rose 's turn.

The first gear three she tried out were n't right. Although she did n't break any window, they did n't ferment properly.

`` How about this one ? '' Ollivander handed her another wand, `` Ten and a one-half in, yew, dragon heartstring. ''

rose wine took the wand and waved it. Red sparks erupted from it and Rose knew it was the proper one. She grinned at Ollivander and he smiled.

Next on the list was Weasley 's star Wheezes, despite James River 's unvarying torment about the Quidditch store.

`` Ron, Ginny ! '' George greeted them as they entered, `` And Harry and Hermione ! You 've got everyone with you today. ``

`` Hogwarts shopping, '' Harry grinned, `` Al and Rosie just got their wands. ``

Rose opened the box she was holding and showed her wand to her Uncle George V. Albus did the same.

`` Brilliant, both of you ! '' George said, `` And now I shall get you both make for Hogwarts in the buffoonery department .... ''

Rose followed her uncle across the shop. The one thing she had inherited from the Weasley side of the family was the love for a good clowning. So long as no one got hurt, that is.

`` Now, every student needs a Skiving Snackbox or two, '' George V said as he handed blush wine and Alubs each a colorful box, `` After all, I ca n't think you 'll require to sit through History of thaumaturgy very often. ``

rosiness smirked. She had heard about Professor Binns and his boring lecture, but she really did n't cerebrate she 'd ever use a Skiving Snackbox. Well, maybe if James wanted her to watch Quidditch practice, but never for skipping a class.

`` And then you 'll ask some dung bomb, '' George IV said as he led them to a dissimilar display.

`` Last sentence I checked, those were still forbidden at Hogwarts, '' Hermione said sternly.

`` Oh, I 'm surely they are, '' George winked, `` But so long as Filch does n't find out it was these two who set them off, it does n't matter. ``

`` Saint George Weasley ! '' Hermione scolded, `` You should be setting a better example for these two ! No wonder Fred was in detention every calendar week endure year ! ``

`` Lighten up, Hermione, '' Ron laughed, `` Let them have their fun. ``

`` Ronald ! '' Hermione shouted, `` You 're even worse ! ``

A few transactions later, Ron had convinced Hermione to let rosiness get the dung bomb calorimeter and other shenanigan making products. Hermione did n't look too glad about it, though.

Saint George and shimmy, who had also been working, closed the shop class and they all went to the Leaky Cauldron for dinner party. Everyone told account about Hogwarts, which made Rose look forward to schooltime even more.

James 's whining finally paid off after dinner and they went to Quality Quidditch supply. rosiness thought he took far too recollective to cull out the perfect ling and she was bored out of her mind. James, Albus, slip, Ron, and Harry all spent at least a half hour going over the professional and cons of each model before they finally made a decision.

`` And it goes from zero to 60 in lupus erythematosus than twenty instant ! '' James said excitedly on their way to Eyelops.

`` I do n't handle, James, '' Rose groaned.

`` The twigs repel water, '' James II added, `` So there is n't any pull when you 're playing in the pelting or snow .... ''

Rose ignored him for the rest of the walk and then lost him inside of Eyelops. She knew exactly what variety of owl she wanted. A tawny one. She had always liked that kind of owl.

She found three tawny owls together in a cage towards the spinal column of the shop class and she put her handwriting up to the cage. Two of the owls ignored her but the third base one hopped over and rubbed its head on her handwriting like a cat would. come up grinned and knew that was the owl for her.

Albus found an owl as well and the group left with two hooting owls. James started telling Albus how he was going to weave up in Slytherin, which was kind of derisory in rosebush 's opinion. Albus then announced that he was going to name his owl Godric.

That was a serious name, Rose view. She looked at her owl and thought about names. None of the usual animal name seemed to fit her owl. Godric, she thought. That was it. She would constitute her owl after another founder. Rose 's owl would be Rowena. She did n't really think she 'd be in Ravenclaw, but Rowena was a good gens for an owl.

The walk back to the Leaky Cauldron was calm down. Hogwarts seemed closer than ever for rose wine. She was ready. She had been prepare for this for years. Her mum always told her that she had a knack for acquisition, and Rose was ready to learn everything Hogwarts had to offer.


Næsta saga
Albus waved to his parents and short sister, Lily, until he could no longer see them. `` Well, we 'd better go find a compartment, '' he said to his cousin, rosebush, who was standing succeeding to him. pink wine nodded her head and they started walking down the power train corridor. It was a bit operose to walk on a moving gearing and Albus kept stumbling. The train rounded a quoin and he fell into a rather mean looking older student.

"Watch where you 're going, midget,"the boy said as Albus and blush wine quickly ran away from him.

`` Better find a compartment quick '', Albus said. He continued to take the air along the corridor, looking into each compartment as he passed. He spotted a lot of his other cousins, but did n't really need to interrupt whatever they were doing with their supporter. Albus also saw a few people who looked vaguely familiar, including the Jordan-Bell twins. Scorpius Malfoy was sitting in one of the compartments with a few other son, but Albus definitely did not want to sit with them.

Albus peeked into the next compartment and saw that there was a rather pale boy sitting on one of the arse. He seemed very small and his face was quite scarred. There was also an previous girl, who looked to be about Victoire 's age, sitting side by side to the boy. She looked vaguely familiar. Both of them had blue eyes and blond hair. They looked friendly enough. `` How about this one ? '' he said to Rose.

Rose glanced into the compartment for a few seconds and replied, `` Yeah, looks good to me. '' She opened the door and the two cousins walked in.

"Can we sit here ? '' Albus asked.

"Sure,"the boy responded as he gestured to the place opposite him."My public figure 's Matt, lusterlessness Eckerton."

`` I 'm his sis, Amy. I 'm a one-seventh year, lusterlessness 's just starting, '' the lady friend told him.

"Hi, I 'm Albus Potter, '' Albus said, `` And this is my cousin, Rose Weasley, '' he gestured to Rose. `` We 're both get-go years. ``

`` Hi, '' rosiness waved. rose sat down on the rear end across from Amy and Albus sat down across from Matt.

`` That 's where I know you two from ! I knew I 'd seen you somewhere. My dear friend is your cousin, Victoire. I think I 've seen you at her house before, '' Amy explained.

`` Probably. I think I 've seen you, too, '' blush wine responded. Albus nodded his oral sex in agreement.

Matt 's optic opened spacious as he stared at Albus."So, you 're Harry Potter 's son ? You know, you do look a whole lot like him. You 've got his eyes and everything."

"Yeah, I know,"Albus said shortly, he often got sick of people telling him this.

"I bet you two hear encumbrance of story of the conflict. My parents have told me some, but they do n't know all the details, just the second that are in Holy Scripture. You see, we 're from Australia. We moved hear when I was about eight,"lustrelessness looked nervously at his sister.

"Yeah, I know all about the battle. My parents did n't tell apart me the to the full narration until I turned eleven. Same with Rose, our parents told us at the same time. They did n't want to dash us, but thought we ought to know before we went to Hogwarts, since most multitude there will have heard all about it. But my parents do n't talk about it much. Guess it brings back bad memories,"Albus told Matt before changing the subject. He really did n't enjoy people constantly asking him about his dad."So, how 'd you get all those scars ?"

"I 'm, um, er, very clumsy,"Matt glanced at Amy and started to stare absentmindedly out the window.

"Oh, that 's ok. A friend of my parents'was very bunglesome, kind of a trouble since she was an Auror. But she was killed in the battle at Hogwarts. Along with her hubby. My dad is their son, Teddy 's, godfather, so we see a lot of him,"Albus told Matt.

Matt just continued staring out the window. Albus did n't know what to say, he hoped he had n't said anything to bother Matt."So, do you have any other siblings ?"Albus asked.

flatness turned away from the window."Nope, just me and Amy. I know you 've got sib. I 've read about you and them in books. A brother James I and a sister Lily, right ? And I think you 've got a little chum, right, blush wine ?"

Albus just looked at mat. It was a bit strange having other the great unwashed know all about you. He supposed this was what it was like for his father when he went to Hogwarts."Yup, James River is a second year and Lily 's just nine, so she 's not here yet."

`` Yeah, my brother, Hugo, is nine, too, '' rose wine told him. rose 's family was mentioned in numerous volume as well, although not nearly as many as Albus's.

At that moment, the compartment door opened and James walked in with two of their cousins, Ben and Cedric, and their champion Nathan."How 's it going, little bro ?"James asked."Still worrying about being in Slytherin ?"

"James, shut up !"Albus responded, blushing a little.

"Oh, I see you 've met somebody, what 's your name ?"St. James asked Matt.

"matt Eckerton."

`` Hi, '' the male child responded.

`` Oh, and hi Amy, '' Ben added.

`` Hi, Ben. How are you ? '' Amy asked.

`` I 'm safe. So this is your buddy ?, '' Ben said. Ben was Victoire 's buddy, so he had seen Amy loads of times.

`` Yeah, lusterlessness 's just starting his firstly twelvemonth, '' Amy told him.

`` Good portion with the categorization, then, mat, '' Ben grinned at Matt.

"Ah, well, we respectable be off, the trolley 's on it 's way to our compartment, would n't desire to miss that !"James said as he walked out of the compartment with his friends.

Matt stared at Albus."You think you 're going to be in Slytherin ?"

"No,"Albus said, turning more crimson.

`` So, what house do you require to be in ? ``

`` Gryffindor, just like my parents, '' Albus told him, `` And James IV and all my full cousin are in Gryffindor, too. So were near of my aunty and uncles. ``

`` I hope you get in, then, '' Matt said, `` I 'm hoping for Gryffindor, too. Amy 's in Gryffindor. ``

`` promise you 're there, too. ``

`` I 'm also hoping for Gryffindor, '' rose announced, `` Although Ravenclaw looks nice, too. ``

`` Ravenclaw would n't be so bad, '' Matt agreed, `` That 's where all the smarting nipper go, right ? ``

`` In substance, yeah, '' Amy told him.

The compartment door opened again. Another boy walked in, along with a scared looking girl. The boy was obscure skinned, very tall, with brown whisker and dark eyes. The miss was quite a bit shorter than the boy, with hanker, rippled, dear colored hairsbreadth and light-colored brown eyes.

"Can we sit in here ?"the boy asked."A cluster of Slytherins kicked us out of our compartment."

"Sure,"Albus and Matt responded.

"commodity. I 'm lavatory Brickston and this is Amanda tagger. We 're both first years,"the boy told Albus, Rose, Matt, and Amy.

"Hi. I 'm Albus Potter, this is my cousin Rose Weasley, and that 's Matt Eckerton, we 're also inaugural class,"Albus responded, `` And she 's Amy, Matt 's Sister. '' Albus pointed to Amy, who waved.

"Wow !"John exclaimed."My dad said you 'd be starting this twelvemonth, Albus."Amanda still had n't said anything.

Albus just smiled a small and his face turned redder yet.

`` fountainhead, I think I 'll go find Victoire, '' Amy grabbed her bag and got up, `` You going to be ok, Matt ? ``

`` Yes, I 'll be fine, '' flatness told her.

`` You sure ? ``

`` Yeah, you can go. See you later, '' Matt waved as his sister left the
compartment.

`` And you 're Rose Weasley ? '' John asked. rose wine nodded. `` I 've heard of you, too, '' John the Divine continued. `` Your family owns Weasley 's Wizard Wheezes, right ? ``

`` Well, it 's really my Uncle George who owns it. He 's Albus 's uncle, too. But my dad works there a lot. My Uncle George opened it with my Uncle Fred after they left schoolhouse. They 're twins. But Uncle Fred died in the Battle at Hogwarts, so after that my dad helped Uncle George with it, '' Rose explained.

John grinned, `` I love that plaza. So does my dad. He 's always buying me stuff from there. Mum 's not always glad about it since I 'm always using the stuff to pull harlequinade on my little sisters. ``

Albus, Rose, and Matt laughed. `` I 've done that quite a bit, too, '' Albus commented. `` But now that Lily 's a bit honest-to-god it 's harder to draw out frivolity on her. ``

"Anything from the trolley ?"A enchantress had appeared in the door with a trolley laden with delightful sweets.

"Definitely !"John shouted, as he jumped up from his seat and ran out into the corridor. Albus smiled. John reminded him of James. Albus, blush wine, lustrelessness, and Amanda followed John. All five returned with their arms full moon of food.

"So, what is all this hooey ?"Amanda radius for the first time since entering the compartment.

"well, you have your caldron cake, pumpkin pasties, chocolate batrachian, and Bertie Botts Every Flavor Beans,"John explained, as he pointed to the various particular."Just be heedful with the beans."

"Why ?"Amanda asked as she tried a greenish colourise bonce."Ugh !"she exclaimed."Bogey !"Amanda spat out the bean and it landed on John the Divine. Albus, Rose, and Matt broke out in fits of laughter.

"They mean every tang !"Matt shouted."So, you must be Muggle-born ?"

"Yes,"Amanda answered."My mum is a teacher and my dad 's a doctor."

"What 's a doctor ?"John asked.

"A muggle Healer,"Matt explained."My mum 's Muggle born, but she 's a beldam, and my dad 's a wizard. He works at the Ministry, in the Department for the control condition and Regulation of Magical beast,"lustrelessness told everyone. `` And my mum does n't work, but she 's thinking of getting a job now that I 've started school. ``

"Oh, my parents are a Wiccan and wizard. My family 's mostly all magical, except for a few Muggle aunts and uncles and cousins. My dad is a Healer and my mum stay at home with my vernal baby, I 've got three of them. They 're nine, six, and five. But before I was born she worked at the Ministry,"Saint John the Apostle explained. `` How about your parents, Rose ? ``

`` Well, like I said before, my dad works at Weasley 's Wizard Wheezes, but he 's also an Auror, which is a Dark Wizard catcher. And my mum kit and caboodle at the Ministry. She 's the one who started all the House-Elf rightfield clobber. ``

`` Wow, your dad 's an Auror, too ? That 's damn bright ! '' St. John the Apostle grinned.

"What do your parents do, Albus ?"Amanda asked.

Albus was a little outrage at this question, since the whole wizard existence knew about his parents, but of course Amanda did n't."Well, my dad 's an Auror. And my mum 's a sports writer for the Daily Prophet."

"Yeah, Albus 's parents are noted !"Gospel According to John shouted."Tell Amanda, wo n't you, Albus ?"Albus suspected John the Evangelist secretly wanted to hear all about the Potters directly from him, even though he 'd probably read all about them in books.

And so, Albus, with a slight avail from rosebush, told the story about how Lord Voldemort had killed his grandparents and tried to kill his dad, but his dad survived. He told them all about his parents'years at Hogwarts, about the Horcruxes, and how Lord Voldemort met his downfall.

All three pupil stared at Albus and blush wine with their sassing encompassing open. Matt and John had obviously heard the totally story before, but never this accurate an accounting. Amanda was practically in tears.

`` Blimey, '' John let out a low whistle, `` Your dad 's amazing. ``

`` Yeah, '' Matt agreed.

Albus blushed, `` I guess, but I just think of him as my dad. ''

The group of five initiatory yr spent the rest of the journeying discussing what they knew was truthful about Hogwarts and what their sib and full cousin had told them about the antediluvian school. Everyone agreed that the Giant calamari did not eat a different firstly twelvemonth each twelvemonth while they crossed the lake on boat, despite what Albus and pink wine 's cousin-german, Fred, had said.

"wellspring, you 'd better change into your robes,"Rose said an 60 minutes or so after the sky turned moody. Rose had been wearing her robes since before she 'd even gotten on the geartrain. The four other pupil changed into their robes quietly.

Once the gear arrived at Hogsmeade, the five students got off and looked around.

"Firs'years ! Firs'years, this way !"a man shouted.

Albus and Rose ran up to him."Hagrid !"Albus shouted.

"'ello, Albus ! 'Ello, rosebush !"Hagrid responded."cook ter go ? Here 's a boat for yeh."Albus hurried into the gravy boat, followed by toilet, and mat, who were all gaping at Hagrid. Rose and Amanda got into a nearby boat and were joined by the Jordan-Bell Twin Falls. Another tall boy quickly joined Albus in his sauceboat.

`` You know him ? '' John pointed at Hagrid with an amazed look on his face.

`` Yep, he 's a family friend, '' Albus answered.

`` I 've never seen someone so big, '' mat commented.

`` Well, he 's half-giant, '' Albus told him.

`` That 's so cool ! '' John grinned.

The sauceboat started moving magically across the lake once everyone was in them. They sailed for what must throw been at least a half 60 minutes before arriving at Hogwarts. Once they got there, Hagrid lead them into the castle and up a flight of stairs. The castle was incredible. It was big and intimidating looking on the alfresco. But once Albus stepped inside, it seemed warmly and inviting, like he was home.

The showtime years came to a occlusion in front line of strict looking womanhood."Good evening. I 'm prof Patil, I teach transfiguration. In a moment, you will be able to join your fellow students in the Great vestibule for dinner, but beforehand, you will need to be sorted into your star sign. They are Ravenclaw, Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, and Slytherin,"she said Slytherin with a note of disgust in her representative."While you 're here, you will be able to clear points for your house for any achievement. Likewise, any misdeed will have compass point to be taken away. At the end of the year, the house with the most distributor point earns the theatre Cup. Now, follow me, please."

-- -- -- -- --
A/N : I hope you liked it ! Feel loose to depart a review. I 'd wish to thank my sidekick and Sister for reading this first and letting me know what they thought.
I do n't own Harry Potter. nix you recognize is mine.

******
The scholar followed professor Patil into a bombastic dining room. The ceiling looked just like the night sky outside."It 's enchanted to look like the sky,"rosebush whispered to Albus. The older students at all four of the tables were whispering to each other and pointing wildly at Albus. Once the start long time reached the head table, professor Patil turned around. The old pupil were still whispering, and they seemed to be doing so more loudly by the minute. Albus looked out at them and then inched his way to the back of the chemical group so no one could see him. Sometimes, he hated how practically he looked like his founder.

"Quiet, please,"professor Patil announced, and the students immediately stopped talking. An old, patched hat sat on a stool and all of a sudden it broke out in song. A few of the first base years were quite shocked at this and jumped back. Once it stopped, Professor Patil started talking again."When I call your name, you will arrive forward and try on the classification Hat."

"Asterley, Elaine."A short, blonde haired girl ran forward and tried on the hat."Hufflepuff !"the hat shouted.

"Brickston, John."John ran up and jammed the hat on his headland. It was only there for a second when it shouted out,"Gryffindor !"John let out a tatty whoop and ran for the Gryffindor board, where he was patted on the dorsum by a few onetime Gryffindors.

"Creevey, Janie."She was also made a Gryffindor.

"Eckerton, Matthew."The headmaster suddenly sat up straight in his rear and stared as Matt tried on the hat and was made a Gryffindor. The master relaxed again. 'That was strange ,'Albus thought. Matt walked calmly over to the Gryffindor mesa and sat next to John.

`` Eubert, James Earl Carter Jr.. '' Albus recognized the other boy from their boat as he walked up to the Sorting Hat. He put it on and a few s later it shouted out, `` Ravenclaw ! ``

A few to a greater extent students were sorted and then prof Patil called"Malfoy, Scorpius."Albus watched as a blond haired boy with a smug look on his side was made a Slytherin before the hat even touched his head.

"Potter, Albus."A whispering went through the bunch. The headmaster had sat up straight again. Albus froze. He could n't do this. What if he was made Slytherin in figurehead of all these mass ? All these people who expected him to be in Gryffindor ?"Albus Potter ?"Professor Patil said again. Someone pushed Albus forward. He walked up to the stool and put on the hat.

"Ah, yes, another Potter. I see it all here. The bravery, yes, yes, it 's all here,"the hat told Albus.

"Not Slytherin,"Albus thought,"Anything but Slytherin."

"Oh, oh, this sounds conversant,"said the hat,"Yes, indeed, just like your father. And just like your father, Slytherin would facilitate you achieve grandness, but if you insist, Gyffindor !"

Albus breathed a suspiration of ease as he jumped off the stool and ran to sit across from bathroom and matt at the Gryffindor table. Albus did n't even pay attention to the next few sortings. He was just so felicitous to be in Gryffindor.

Albus next looked up when prof Patil called out"Tagger, Amanda."Albus watched as Amanda cautiously put on the hat."Gryffindor !"it shouted. Amanda ran to sit down across from whoremaster, with a smile on her facial expression. Only one student was left to be sorted.

"Weasley, Rose."pink wine was made a Gryffindor before the hat had even touched her school principal. 'Just like how King James I was sorted ,'Albus thought. It never hesitated for them. But it had for him. Albus stared glumly at his golden plate.

The master rose from his president."Welcome back to Hogwarts to all returning scholar and receive to those who are new. For those of you who do n't know, I 'm professor Kendrick, master of Hogwarts. Now, I know the senior students have noticed we are short one staff member,"the master gestured to the empty president beside him."But I shall inform you about that later. Right now it is time to eat."And the lucky collection plate filled with food.

Albus stared in amazement as the food appeared in movement of him. He started piling his plate with as much as would fit. John was using not only his collection plate, but an vacuous one that he found as well.

"This is stupefy !"John exclaimed."I might actually get full here ! I hope all the meals are like this."

"Yeah, it all looks very skilful,"Albus said. Albus started eating his food and could n't help oneself but overhear a conversation between two older students.

"I wonder where professor Torro is ? It 's not common for a teacher to neglect the get-go of term fiesta,"a brown haired young woman asked the boy sitting next to her.

"Yeah, quite unusual, really. I hope he 's all right. Maybe he 's ill or something ?"the boy responded.

"What does he instruct ?"St. John said, interrupting the two older students.

"Defense Against the dark artistry,"the girl told him. The two onetime bookman continued their conversation, but in get down vocalisation so John Lackland could n't overhear him.

*********

After the scholar had eaten their fill of dinner, the favourable plateful became plumb for a moment, and then dessert appeared. Albus immediately helped himself to his favorite, treacle woman of the street. While he was eating, he heard a belly laugh coming from his left hand. A ghostly head had appeared right out of Amanda 's plate.

"Oh, so sorry to have scared you !"the shade said as he glided out of Amanda 's home."I 'm Sir Nicholas."

"You 're Nearly Headless Nick !"lavatory shouted."Great to meet you. Can I see you commit off your head ?"

Amanda looked like she might faint, but ding grudgingly pulled on his ear and his head came partially off.

"Wow ! That 's bloody brilliant !"John exclaimed."Did you see that, Albus ?"

"Yeah,"Albus responded. He did n't think it was as neat as John did, and was beginning to wish well he had n't eaten nearly as lots treacle tart.

The headmaster got to his feet again as the prosperous home became clean and jerk once more."Is everyone satisfied ? skillful. Now, I have a few outset of terminus notices. The hamlet of Hogsmeade is out of spring for initiative and second years, as well as the Forbidden Forest to everyone. As always, stay on away from the Whomping willow. Mr. Filch has added a few new particular to the list of forbidden things and if you wish to inspect the list, it is pinned to Mr. Filch 's room access.

"Now, as many of you have noticed, professor Torro is not with us tonight. I regret to inform you that he has been discovered dead only a few hours ago,"prof Kendrick stated with a sad verbal expression on his face. There was a crisp inspiration of breath from the students."Cause of death has not been determined. Until I can find a worthy replacement, Defense Against the shadow nontextual matter stratum will not take place. Now, it is clip to go to your dormitories. Classes begin tomorrow and you will involve to be well rested. First twelvemonth, delight follow a prefect to your vulgar rooms."

Albus got up and looked for his full cousin, Georgia, for she was one of the Gryffindor prefects. Albus found her, and he, John, Matt, rosebush, and Amanda all followed her up to the common elbow room. As they walked through the castle, there was a whole lot of whispering about professor Torro.

"He was n't even that old,"one educatee said.

"Yeah, and was n't dad the subject that was jinxed year back ?"another responded.

Albus and the others arrived at the portrait of the Fat peeress. Georgia told her the password, Cornish Pixie, and everyone walked inside.

"Boys to the rightfulness, fille to the left wing. I hope everyone has a skilful Night,"Georgia told the world-class years.

Albus walked up the spiral staircase to his dormitory with Matt, Saint John the Apostle, and two early son Albus had not met yet. Albus thought their names were Bilius and Ethan. Albus was rather quiet while he got into bed. All the other male child were laughing and talking. But Albus could n't didder that he was considered for Slytherin. He was also a bit flighty about the fact that a professor had died. That did n't happen often, did it ? Albus was still thinking about these things as he drifted off to sleep.

******

When Harry, Ginny, and Lily walked back into their house after taking Henry James and Albus to Platform 9 3/4, Harry noticed an owl waiting on the windowsill. He walked over to it and opened the letter.

beloved Harry,
I would appreciate it if you would come to Hogwarts later tonight, around 9pm.
I have something to ask you, and would choose to do it in person, rather than by letter.
Please give back this owl with your answer, thank you.
From,
Fabius Kendrick

'That 's strange ,'thought Harry. Surely one of his boys could n't be in difficulty already ?"Ginny, I 'm going to have to go to Hogwarts tonight. Fabius has requested that I meet with him. He has n't told me why,"Harry told his wife.

"okay, just let me know before you leave. That is foreign, though. Why would n't he have met with you before full term started ? I hope James and Albus are n't in trouble."

*********

Later that night, Harry Apparated into Hogsmeade. It was a chilly night, but there was not a swarm in the sky. The stars and lunation shone brightly. Harry thought the educatee must be in their common rooms by now, judging from the prison term. 'That 's sound, Albus and James have no idea I 'm here', thought Harry. He walked along the path and soon found himself walking through the big oak doorway into the Great residence hall. Kendrick was waiting for him there.

"trade good evening, Harry,"Fabius greeted.

"How are you ? What 's this about ? Are King James and Albus okay ?"Harry asked anxiously.

"Oh, do n't interest, they 're alright. But I would prefer if we discuss what we need to discuss in my office,"Fabius responded. Harry followed Fabius up to the stone gargoyle. It leaped aside as Fabius murmured,"Woolen coat."

Harry walked into the companion flyer berth. He saw all the various possessions that Dumbledore had left to the school day. He also noticed the sleeping portraits of late headmasters. Only one was awake, the one of Albus Dumbledore. Harry smiled as he saw him.

"Please, sit down,"prof Kendrick said as he gestured to a chairman in front of his desk. Harry sat."I have some bad word. professor Torro was found dead in his planetary house this morning."

"What ? ! How did he die ? He was n't very old,"Harry exclaimed. Professor Torro had been teaching DADA since Hogwarts reopened after the battle.

"I know, shocking, and very, very sad. His drive of death was Avada Kedarva, but I did n't tell the student this. It does worry me. It is quite mistrustful. Especially since dadaism was the field that Voldemort jinxed."

"But he 's gone ! I saw him die, I was there !"Harry shouted."This ca n't be the study of him, can it ?"Harry knew there would be an investigation awaiting him when he returned to run the next day. He had taken the day off to see James and Albus onto the Hogwarts express, and had n't heard a affair about professor Torro 's destruction until just now.

"Of track not. But there are still demise eater out there. I have rationality to believe that one of them killed Torro and the Minister agrees with me. But onto the reason I have summoned you here.

"We are, of line, in motivation of a new DADA teacher, and I was wondering if you would like the job. I think it would be a goodness idea to have an Auror here after recent events and you are the ideal candidate,"Kendrick told Harry.

"Me ? A teacher ? Well, I ca n't say I 've never thought about it. It would be nice to be back at Hogwarts. But what about Ginny and Lily ? I ca n't leave them."

"Of trend. And feel free people to result every weekend to spend time with them. Neville Longbottom does the Sami thing to chitchat Hannah,"Kendrick explained.

"I guess I could do it, but only if Ginny is okay with it. I tell you what, I 'll Apparate home tonight and ask her. You 'll have your answer in the morning time, okey ?"Harry asked.

"That 's mulct. I 'll see you in the break of the day, then. Good night."

"'Night,"Harry said as he walked out of the place.

As Harry left the castle, he pondered the death of Torro. Harry had only met Torro a few metre, and he was not particularly close to him, but his death still troubled Harry. Was this another random Death Eater attack ? There had been a few of them throughout the yr after the battle. But why was Torro killed ? He did n't even live in United Kingdom during the time of Voldemort, he lived in France then. Why were the decease eater going after Hogwarts instructor ? Harry had a nagging feeling that this was n't like the early deaths, this had significance. Surely, Voldemort could n't deliver ? He was dead. There were no more Horcruxes. Harry kept telling himself this, but he still felt very uneasy about it. The headmaster and the Minister felt the same way. Why else would they want an Auror at Hogwarts ? Of course, Harry was the one who defeated Voldemort, so who else knew more about DADA ?

Harry found himself back in Hogsmeade and he Disapparated. He appeared a moment later in his backyard and he walked into the house. It was time to secern Ginny what had happened. Luckily, Lily would be in bed.

*********

Early the next sunup, Harry Apparated into Hogsmeade once again. This time he had his old Hogwarts trunk with him, along with a heavy, black owl named Harvey. This is comrade, he thought. Harry wheeled his torso over to Hogsmeade station, where he would wait for a carriage to accept him to the castle. Ginny had said yes right away. She felt that Harry 's presence in the school would protect her sons. Ginny was also quite apprehensive about the death of Torro.

The rig arrived and Harry loaded his trunk into it. 'This sure is unusual ,'he thought. spine at Hogwarts, once again. It kind of felt good, comforting in a way. Hogwarts had always felt like home to Harry. But he still could n't throw off the anxious feeling he had about Torro 's death. The carriage gave a pitch, and the thestrals pulled Harry up to the school.



"Get up, Albus ! Get up !"Albus awoke with a starting signal and saw John 's face looking down at him.

"Huh ? Wha 's going on ?"Albus said sleepily.

"First day of lessons ! Let 's go down to breakfast,"John the Evangelist responded, excitedly. He was bouncing around the room, waking up all his buster Gryffindors.

Albus got up and put on his robe."Okay, I 'm ready,"

"Great ! Bilius and Ethan are up too. But I ca n't get mat up. He sleeps like a log,"John said as he shook Matt some more. Matt finally got up and put his robes on.

The five Gryffindor number one class boys met the girls in the vulgar room. Rose, Amanda, Janie Creevey, and the Jordan-Bell twins. Albus knew he 'd met the Gemini the Twins a few times, but could n't commend their names They introduced themselves as Karina and Marina. They were identical with long contraband hair and blue eyes. The start age walked down to the Great Hall together, only getting lost once.

When Albus walked into the Great Hall, he glanced up at the psyche table and his jaw dropped. He stopped walking and an senior Hufflepuff bumped into him.

"Sorry,"she said as she walked past.

Albus did n't pay any attention to her. He continued to stare at the stave table. Sitting succeeding to the schoolmaster, was his forefather. Albus shook his oral sex and ran over to the Gryffindor table, where his fellow first year had already sat down.

"William James ! James !"Albus shouted,"Look who 's sitting future to Professor Kendrick ! Is n't that Dad ? What 's he doing here ? He does n't learn here !"

James IV was staring at Harry."Yeah, I know. Funny how he never mentioned it. But I guess he must be the new pa teacher. All the former teachers are there."

"Honestly, St. James ! He could n't induce told us yet. Torro just died yesterday. Obviously, Kendrick asked him last night. It was only a subject of clock time, was n't it ? I mean, he 's got to be the most qualify wizard for the job, right ?"Georgia had sat down following to Jesse James and talked some sense into him.

"I suppose,"James said as he started to eat his eggs.

"Here are your schedule !"Neville Longbottom had appeared near the Gryffindor table.

Albus took his schedule from him and looked at it. He had dadaism right field after breakfast, then magic spell, and after luncheon he had double Herbology.

"Looks like a decent schedule,"lav said,"Should be interesting having your dad as a teacher, Albus ! I ca n't wait ! I 've got so many motion for him."

"Yeah, should be marvellous,"Albus said glumly as he dug into his waffles. Truthfully, Albus did not want his dad teaching at Hogwarts. With his dad here, Albus would be even more famous than usual. He did not like the staring optic and the constant questions about his dad.

**********

After breakfast, the Gryffindors headed to the pappa classroom, with John Lackland leading the way. Albus hung back with Matt, who was going pretty slow.

"You okay, mat ?"Albus asked,"You look kind of sick. You want to go to the infirmary annexe ?"

"No, I 'll be fine,"mat replied with a yawn,"shot I did n't get to sleep until later, too nervous about lessons."

When they arrived at the classroom, Albus ran and took the table in the back. Matt and Amanda followed him. can hesitated, apparently torn with joining his new friends and sitting up front. Finally, he, too, went and sat in the backbone.

"Why are we sitting back here ?"John asked.

"Cause it 's my dad, John. How would you like it if your dad taught at Hogwarts ?"Albus said in a natural tincture. bathroom did n't say anything.

At that moment, another group of scholar came into the elbow room. They were Slytherins. Scorpius Malfoy was leading them.

"Great, we 're with the Slytherins,"trick whispered to Matt,"Bob Hope they 're not going to ruin everything."lavatory was about to set up into a tirade about Slytherins, but Harry walked in.

"Good morning time,"Harry said as he walked to the battlefront desk,"I 'm professor Potter."A few of the girls in front giggled."I 'll start by taking attendance."Harry ran down the attending sheet. Everyone was there.

"Please open your account book to page 5,"Harry told the students.

"professor ? Can you enjoin us about the battle ? Please ?"one of the twins asked, Albus did n't know which one.

Harry sighed."Well, I really do n't like to talk about it much. But I suppose I could. I know you wo n't let it rest until I do,"he smiled and looked at Albus,"I know my own kid, nieces, and nephews kept asking me until I told them."

Albus sunk dispirited in his chair. can was sitting straight up, staring at Harry, hardly blinking. Amanda and matt were also paying airless care.

Harry 's story about the battle lasted the unit period. The bell rang shortly after Harry finished.

"Please read chapter one for future fourth dimension, since we did n't get a chance to spread over it in division,"Harry told the students as they left."And Albus, could you stay for a minute ?"

"You guys go on ahead,"Albus told his friends,"I 'll run into you in Charms."Albus approached his begetter 's desk after all the other student had left.

"Hi, Al, how was the classification ? I see you did piddle it into Gryffindor. I knew you would,"Harry said with a proud looking on his face.

"Yes, I did,"Albus said, his eyes brimming with tears as he remembered what the hat had told him,"But it wanted to put me in Slytherin !"Albus started crying and he could n't stop."I told it to put me in Gryffindor, that 's the only if reason it did !"

Harry quickly shut the door before responding."I told you at the station that it did that to me, too."

"But that 's cause you were a Horcrux !"Albus sobbed,"I 'm not a Horcrux, so why should I have done well in Slytherin ? It put Rose in Gryffindor before it even touched her head. And James said it did that with him, too."

"Yes, I know, but everyone 's different. It means that you have quality of many different houses. It does n't mean you should be in Slytherin. The hat put you in Gryffindor because you wanted it to. A great man once told me 'it is our alternative that display who we really are, far more than our abilities'. Albus Dumbledore was that man. He told me that when I was wondering the same thing you 're wondering right now. You chose to be in Gryffindor, which makes you very different from the Slytherins. Do n't worry about it,"Harry explained, as he drew Albus into a hug.

"O-k-kay,"Albus stuttered,"J-just, d-do n't tell J-James."

"Do n't worry, I wo n't. Henry James does n't even know that the hat considered putting me in Slytherin,"Harry confided,"Now, I think you should be off to your next class. And do n't worry about me teaching here. I 'll treat you just like the other pupil, custody and all."

Albus laughed."fountainhead, you do n't have to do that."

"See you later, Al."

"Bye, Dad."

**********

Albus was a bit more upbeat for the rest of the day. He thoroughly enjoyed two-bagger Herbology. He had known professor Longbottom since he was born, and Albus was very interested in magical plants. Charms, however, was n't as enjoyable. The magic spell professor, prof Washburn was not very nice, and for some cause he seemed to bear something against Gryffindor.

Soon enough, dinner came, and right when Albus walked into the Great manse, James River came running over to him.

"So, how was having Dad as a teacher ?"Epistle of James asked, breathlessly.

"You know, it was n't as bad as I thought it would be,"Albus said, while sitting down and grabbing the closest arena of potatoes."He spent the altogether period telling everyone about the battle because he figured no one would leave him alone until he did."

"phone familiar !"St. James laughed,"Remember when we kept bugging him about it when I was 10 ? And then he said he 'd order us the whole news report the summertime before our showtime year of Hogwarts."

"Yeah, I was form of surprised he was so willing to tell the story. You know how he hates talking about it."

"I know, but I suppose it 's better for everyone to try it sooner rather than later, and now Dad can get on to teaching,"Jesse James explained as he shoved his mouth with chicken,"Should be pretty cool having him teach, he knows so much DADA."

"Hey, Albus !"John shouted to Albus as he ran over to the Gryffindor table. flatness sat down on Albus 's other side.

"Hi John Lackland, Matt,"Albus said, passing them the pumpkin vine juice.

"Wow, this is just as good as last dark !"whoremonger exclaimed as he piled his home base gamey with solid food,"I could definitely get used to this."

"What ? Did your mum starve you ?"Albus joked.

"'Course not. But she did n't make as a great deal potpourri,"John explained. He turned to Matt."You okay ? You look form of pale."

That was an understatement. lusterlessness looked like he was about to make it out in the tater. He had n't touched any of the nutrient and his aureate plate was still empty. Matt was leaning his head on his hired hand and was yawning a lot."I 'm all right field, I guess, just tired."

Albus and Gospel According to John eyed him warily."You sure ?"Albus asked.

"Yeah, I 'm just not hungry tonight. I 'll be fine."

At that second, the headmaster stood up."If I could induce your aid for just a bit, I have some More announcements."The room immediately fell soundless."Thank you. Now, as many of you have noticed, I did take in success in securing a new DADA teacher and I would like to present him. This is Professor Potter."Kendrick gestured to Harry."Now, I know many of you will experience doubtfulness for him when you have your first papa lesson, but I ask you not to pester him. He will assure you what he wants to, and zippo Sir Thomas More. I would also like to tell you that if you want to try out for your house Quidditch team, please give your gens to your head of house. That is all. Thank you."Kendrick sat back down again and proceeded to babble out to Harry.

"wellspring, I 'm trying out for seeker this twelvemonth !"James announced to the wholly Gryffindor table,"I 've been down to the delivery practicing on my Firebolt during lunch."

"good chance, Henry James,"Albus told him,"Dad 'll be proud if you make the team."

"I sure hope I do. It 'll be great having him view the games."

Albus turned to John."You finished ? We should probably get started on that homework."

St. John the Apostle groaned,"Yeah, I suppose. You gon na come, Matt ?"

Matt looked up from his crustal plate."Sure."The three male child started walking back up to the green elbow room, with lustrelessness lagging behind.

"mat, are you sure you 're ok ? You 're going pretty slow,"Albus asked, with a nervous look on his face."I think you should probably go to the hospital fender.

mat looked out the window."I suppose you 're probably right wing. You guys go on ahead, I 'll meet you back in the Common room."

"No, we 're going to take you. You look gear up to collapse,"John insisted. They all trekked back down the step and to the Hospital Wing. When they got there, ma'am Pomfrey was right by the door.

"lusterlessness ! Come here, you look awful,"she said, grabbing his shoulder and leading him to the bed,"Thanks for bringing him, boys, you can pull up stakes now."Madam Pomfrey shooed them out of the room.

"You know, it almost looked like she was waiting for him,"Albus said as he walked up the stairs.

"Yeah, and she knew his name. That 's odd. I do n't think he 's been there yet,"St. John stated,"I wonder if he gets sick often ? Or maybe he gets hurt a lot, he 's got lode of scars. ``

"I know. I asked him about them on the train, before you came in. He said he was bungling and quickly changed the subject."

"Well, I 'm sure he 'll tell us about it when he 's ready,"toilet reasoned,"Cornish fowl Pixie."The portraiture opened and the two boys walked into the common elbow room. They settled down to doing their prep with Amanda, rose, Janie, Bilius, Ethan, and the twins. After a few minute, Albus bid them good night.

He walked up to his residence hall, changed into his pajamas, and climbed into bed. He pondered his example and the rest of his day. Albus was happy that having his dad there was n't as bad as he thought it would be. But why did prof Washburn dislike him and the other Gryffindors so much ? And was Matt okay ? He still had n't returned to the rough-cut room. As Albus was worrying about flatness, he drifted off to kip. Just after he drifted off, the screech shack shrieked for the first time in decades.




Harry was in the Great mansion. Ropes bound him to the Headmaster 's chair. His scar was searing in pain. Blood was pouring down his arms as he struggled against the simplicity. He opened his eyes and glanced around, looking for his wand. There it was, lying uselessly halfway across the room. All around him, other mass were bound to the other professor 's hot seat, they were surrounding Harry in a Mexican valium. A cloaked figure was circling around the outside of the circle, while other cloaked name stood stationary around the way. Bodies lay in pool of rakehell on the floor.

Harry glanced around at the other people bound to the president. The person directly across from him had long red pilus. Harry screamed."NO ! ! ! ! Ginny !"He looked at the other people."Henry James ! Albus ! Lily ! Take me instead, not the kids !"

The hooded name looked up and entered the circle. He stood directly in nominal head of Harry."Well, well, someone 's decided to regain his consciousness. As you see, the rest of them did n't fair too well without you. Most are deadened. But I 've saved your dear family for finale. I will excruciate them and bolt down them. And then, I shall kill you. At utmost, I 've waited so long. You should sustain known you could n't kill me."Voldemort rounded on the humble child tied to a chair.

"Crucio !"he shouted.

"NO ! ! ! ! Do it to me instead ! Lily !"Harry screamed. His cicatrice started to suffer even worsened, it burned so bad he could n't keep his eyes candid anymore.
Harry awoke with a start. He was covered in sweat and his heart was beating fast. His hired hand automatically went to his scar, but he was not in any bother. He shakily got out of bed and went to the window.

'Will it never end ?'he thought. The incubus kept returning, but why ? It was always the same one. It had been going on ever since the conclusion battle. Only before he had kids, the mass surrounding him were Ginny, Ron, Hermione, Neville, and Luna. As soon as James was born, Ron, Hermione, Neville, and Luna disappeared. Once Albus was born, he appeared too. Same with Lily.

Harry had no idea what the dreams meant, and neither did anyone else. Harry could remember of only one person who may let been capable to explain it, Dumbledore. However, as soon as Harry had a few of these dreaming, he had gone to see the portraiture in Dumbledore 's power. He was only 18 then. Unfortunately, Dumbledore had no useful account. Since Harry was no longer a Horcrux, he could n't possibly be seeing into Voldemort 's persuasion. Especially since Voldemort was dead. But the dreaming continued.

Tonight 's dream had been more pictorial than any of the retiring ones. Maybe it was because Harry had spent all day reliving the horrific scenes from his childhood to respective DADA classes. He wished he had n't done that now. Oh, how he regretted it. But he 'd have to put up with it the rest of the week, seeing as it would n't be average not to tell the other students.

Harry walked away from the window. He slowly walked into the corridor. His all body was clammy. He needed a sleeping draught. He 'd been relying on these to a greater extent and Thomas More as time went on .'I really should learn how to brew them myself ,'he laughed to himself.

Walking through the corridors at nighttime brought back many computer memory. He still felt like he was disobeying the linguistic rule, even though he was now a professor. It seemed like Snape was right around the nook waiting to catch him doing something wrong. Harry climbed the stairs to the hospital annex. He hated to wake brothel keeper Pomfrey at this hour, however he knew he 'd never get to slumber without it. Maybe she would reach him a large supplying to keep in his office.

Harry walked into the ward, only to see that Madam Pomfrey was already up. She was tending to a young lady in one of the end beds.

"hi, Poppy,"he whispered.

"Oh !"lady Pomfrey jumped,"You frightened me. I was n't expecting you at this minute, Harry. You know, it 's almost like you 're a educatee again, coming in so late."

"Yeah, I was thinking the same thing,"Harry glanced down at the young lady,"Is she okay ?"

"Yes, she 'll be ok. Someone levitated her in her sleep. She screamed and that scared the student who did it to her, that student gave the countercurse, and she promptly fell onto the trading floor and broke her arm."

"Wow, does n't take very long for matter to get interesting around here,"Harry said.

"Now, why are you here, Harry ?"

"wellspring, er, remember after the struggle and I had all those nightmares ? They never completely stopped, and now they seem to be getting spoiled. I was wondering if I could cause a sleeping swig. I 'd also care to just have a supply of it on hand. I 've never been much of a potion brewer and have n't attempted to make it myself. I just can never do to get to sleep without one after one of these nightmares,"Harry explained sheepishly. He felt like he was a kid again. How could he, the superstar who defeated Voldemort, who was known as the bravest thaumaturgist of the times, be afraid of a incubus ?

A sad gaze fell over Madam Pomfrey."You know, this kind of reminds me of how you were so susceptible to the dementors in your tertiary year. I know most people think you 're brave and cipher frightens you, but everyone has nightmares and being frightened is naught to be ashamed of."She walked over to a cabinet and came back with a large feeding bottle filled with potion."Here you go. Just come back to me whenever you need more."She handed him the bottle.

"Thanks,"Harry replied, as he walked out of the Hospital Wing.

As he walked back towards his office, Harry thought about what gentlewoman Pomfrey had said. He knew she was decent, but he still could n't help but sense rickety whenever he had one of these nightmare. He just wished he knew why he was having them and what he could do to quit them.

******

When Albus awoke the next sunup, Matt still had n't returned from the infirmary Wing. whoremaster suggested that they go visit matte before grade, but since the two male child had gotten up recently, they only had clip to catch a quick sharpness to eat before heading to Potions in the dungeons.

"Good break of day, class !"an old, round, prof greeted them,"I 'm prof Slughorn, your Potions skipper. Today, we shall be learning about the basic principle of potion brewing, including the importance of proper stirring, hotness, and fixings. Please open your Holy Scripture to foliate 6."

The family opened their books and spent the unhurt deterrent example listening to Slughorn and copying down notes.

"Well, we 're pretty practically out of fourth dimension, so I 'll see you all following lesson. Could I have Albus thrower and rose Weasley delight stop by my desk on their way out ?"Slughorn told the class.

"I 'll see you in metamorphosis, lav. William Tell Professor Patil where I am,"Albus told his friend. He had a intuitive feeling he knew what Slughorn wanted. James I had warned him about it.

Albus and Rose walked cautiously up to Slughorn 's desk after everyone else had left.

"Ah ! Edward Young Mr. Potter and missy Weasley. Now, I would like to tell you about a little gathering I have scheduled for Fri. It 's for the bookman in the schooling whose parents are, for lack of a serious term, popular. Or those who have shown exceptional witching skill. Of row, I 'd be pleased if the both of you would look. I 'm surely your cousins will be attending. They seemed to like them in the past tense days,"Slughorn informed them.

"fountainhead, er, I guess we could make it,"Albus told Slughorn, while looking at Rose.

"Yes, we 'll be there. See you next lesson, prof,"Rose told him, as the two of them left the dungeon.

"I knew it was only a matter of time before we were invited to the Slug Club,"Albus groaned. King James I loved the punch gild. It gave him a whole lot to a greater extent attention and Sir Thomas More people for him to severalize his stories too. But Albus did n't like the fame. He would cause rather skipped the party, but as James and his cousins were going, it would be hard not to.

"Well, maybe it 'll be fun,"rosebush stated in a wannabe tone. Albus rolled his eyes and the two of them went to Transfiguration.

***********
lustrelessness did n't show up in division all day. Albus and whoremaster were really starting to worry. They decided to natter him before dinner. When they got into the Hospital Wing, they did n't see matte right away. There was one miss occupying a bed with her arm in a sling. ma'am Pomfrey was fussing over her.

"I really think you need to remain here tonight. You can go out in the morning !"

"But, Madam Pomfrey, I 've been here all day. My arm 's fine !"the girl exclaimed.

"No, I will not take it ! You can leave in the break of the day,"ma'am Pomfrey said in a musical note that was not to be argued with. The girl pouted and stopped talking.

Albus and John approached Madam Pomfrey."Um, where 's Matt Eckerton ? We brought him here concluding nighttime,"John said tentatively.

"He 's back there,"she said, pointing to a bed with the curtains pulled around it.

"wellspring, can we see him ?"Albus asked.

"No, I 'm regretful, but you ca n't. He 's not in any state to stimulate visitors at the moment. You can come see him this metre tomorrow,"lady Pomfrey said hurriedly.

"But could you at least distinguish us if he 's ok ?"Albus asked.

"He 'll be alright in a few Clarence Day. Now, you two should head down to dinner. You can see Matt tomorrow."

Albus and lavatory walked glumly down to the Great Charles Francis Hall."That was unknown. James said you can usually visit your Quaker when they 're in the infirmary annex,"Albus told John.

"Very weird. You know, I think Matt 's keeping something from us. Madam Pomfrey seemed like she was expecting him last night, and now no one can visit him,"King John told Albus in a disquieted tone.

"We 'll ask him about it when he gets out of the Hospital fender. I do n't think he 'll be inclined to recite us tomorrow,"Albus reasoned.

*********

The next day, Gryffindor first yr had DADA again. Nothing extraordinarily exciting happened during class. They mostly took line on using Expeliarmus, the disarming charm. Harry said they would start being able-bodied to recitation it on each other in the next family. John and Albus were really looking forward to this, as they really had n't used their wands for anything yet.

Charms, however, was quite eventful. professor Washburn started class by taking attendance as usual. He gave a menacing glare to all the Gryffindors as he called their names. But Albus thought he stared especially long at him.

"assume out your baton,"snarled Wahsburn,"we 're practicing levitation today. Everyone study a feather."Washburn waved his scepter and a feather appeared in front of each scholar."Remember to swish and flick."

"Swish and flick,"murmured Albus from the back table. He waved his wand and said,"Wingardium Leviosa !"zip happened. He tried over and over again. Still, nothing happened. John, however, managed to do it.

"smell, Albus !"John exclaimed,"I 've done it !"John 's plume had rose a few in off the table, and fell down again.

"Congratulations,"Albus said flatly, his feathering still remaining quite still on the table.

"I 've done it, too !"rose shouted. Her feathering had also rose off the table, but it managed to hit it a few human foot in the air before falling.

Washburn stormed out from behind his desk and rounded on the back tabular array, where Albus, John, Rose, and Amanda were sitting."Well, do it again !"he growled.

toilet and Rose looked at him nervously and picked up their wands."Wingardium Leviosa !"they said at the Lapplander clock time. Both their feather rose feebly into the air and fell down again.

"Pathetic,"Washburn muttered,"ceramicist ! You do it !"he shouted at Albus.

"But, Professor, I have n't managed it yet,"Albus muttered quietly.

"You 'll do what I tell you to do ! perform the while !"Washburn seemed to be getting angrier by the minute.

Albus nervously picked up his wand. His arm was shaking, this would not turn out good."Wingardium Leviosa,"he muttered very quietly. His feather leaped into the air and caught fire. The whole class, which had been staring at the back tabular array for quite some clip, screamed.

The flame from the feather caught onto Washburn 's gown and set them on fire as well."Bloody snake pit !"Washburn screamed. He grabbed Albus 's baton out of his hired man and produced water system from it to douse the flame."thrower ! You 'll getting detention and 20 stage from Gryffindor !"he shouted, glaring at Albus."form dismissed. Get out, all of you except Potter."

Albus was visibly shaking now. The rest of the grade quickly left, the Gryffindors glancing anxiously at Albus. He walked slowly up to Washburn 's desk.

"Well, you seem to birth a knack for causing difficulty, Potter,"Wahsburn spat.

"I 'm no-good, prof, I did n't signify to,"Albus muttered, on the verge of tears.

"You 'll be doing detainment tonight, I do n't care what other programme you might bear. See you at 8pm."

"But-"

Washburn cut him off."I said tonight, now get out !"he screamed.

********

Later that night, Albus trudged his way back to the mutual room after doing detention with Washburn. He had Albus do lines, so it was n't too bad. But Washburn stared at Albus the whole meter, his eyes like fire.

Albus climbed through the portrait and saw just who he needed to talk to."James, I 've got to ask you something."

"What is it ?"James asked, walking away from his friends.

"Why does Washburn detest me ?"Albus asked."During the first class, I thought he just hated all Gryffindors, but today he made it crystallize that it 's me he hates."

"Really ? It 's well known he hates Gryffindors. But he 's always seemed to detest me Sir Thomas More than everyone else,"William James explained,"I always assumed it 's because I cause so much trouble. You on the other bridge player, have always been so quiet. What did you do to him ?"

Albus mumbled something incoherent.

"What ?"

"I set him on fire."

William James burst out laughing.

"It 's not singular ! I did n't intend to do it. We were doing levitation, and he asked me to levitate the feather in front end of everyone, when he knew I had n't managed to do it before. My arm was shaking so a great deal I knew the spell would n't work. The feather caught fire as soon as I muttered the go, and then it spread to Washburn 's robes. I got lines and 20 points taken from Gryffindor,"Albus looked down, ashamed.

James looked kayoed."But that 's a mistake any first year could have made. I do see how he got mad, though. I think you should just try to avoid him. Sit in the book binding, do n't say anything. Ignore him in the student residence. That 's what I do. I still get way more detentions from him than any early teacher, but I think I 've become immune to them. Well, I 'd better get back to my Friend. See you later."

Albus contemplated this information. Washburn hated all Gryffindors, but he hated James and Albus the most. Why ? It did n't make mother wit. Neither Albus nor James had met Washburn before Hogwarts.

"Albus !"privy came running into the rough-cut room,"I 've just been with Matt."

"How is he ?"Albus asked.

"Not expert. He 's covered in cuts and bruises. Said he 'd tripped on his way to the bath. He kept avoiding talking about being ill. Just wanted to sing about what 's going on in the schooltime. So I told him about you setting Washburn on ardor. He thought it was hilarious."

"It 's NOT !"Albus shouted. He was queasy of everyone thinking it was suspect. The history had already made it around the school day and at dinner everyone was staring at him more than usual. Some student even mellow fived him and patted him on the back. It seemed like Washburn was disliked by many bookman.

"okay, OK,"John Lackland said, putting his hands up,"Anyway, Matt said he 'd be back in class tomorrow morning. Madam Pomfrey just wanted him to remain the ease of the night."

"goodness. Let 's go to bed. I 'm exhausted,"Albus said. He and Saint John the Apostle climbed up the broadsheet staircase to the dormitory.

-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Here 's the next chapter ! I combined two short chapters into one, so this one 's a in force bit longer than the previous ones.
Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.

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Friday came too quickly for Albus 's liking. He was not looking forward to the poke guild meeting. Since the coming together and Gryffindor Quidditch try-outs were at the same time, James would n't be joining Albus at the meeting. Albus had tried to get out of the group meeting by watching try-outs, but the team captain decided to not let any witness at the try-outs. A turgid number of students had wanted to attend just to see James River, and the captain did n't need anyone to interrupt the try-outs.

Later that day, Albus and rose wine walked down to the keep together. Albus was dreading the confluence. They walked into the encounter to see that most everyone else was already there. Albus already knew most of them. Some of his cousin were there, along with various other regulate members'tyke. However, there were a few faces Albus had never seen before.

"Ah ! Albus and Rose !"Slughorn gestured to a few chairs in the way,"Please have a seat. You already know many of the people here. But I do n't conceive you know Tami Tobias, dog Belleville, and Quinton Willinson ?"he said, gesturing to a blond haired girl, a black haired boy, and a very glowering looking boy."Tami is a 6th year Ravenclaw who brews the most excellent potions, wienerwurst is a 4th year Hufflepuff who can already perform nonverbal spells ! And Quinton 's a 7th year Slytherin whose father works at the Minsitry."

"Er, hi,"Albus responded.

"howdy,"rose wine smiled.

Unfortunately for Albus ; Tami and weenie, along with Slughorn, spent much of the get together hounding Albus with query about his dad, the battle, and Albus 's childhood. Eventually, Albus just got fed up with it.

"flavour, my dad 's told you all he wants to tell you. You 're not going to get wind anything else from asking me !"Albus shouted.

Slughorn looked taken aback."I thought you 'd enjoyed talking about it. Your brother always enjoys telling stories about his childhood."

"wellspring, I 'm not James, now, am I ?"Albus shouted. Everyone else was now staring at him. Albus jumped up from his professorship and stormed out the room access, slamming it behind him.

Albus stamped his feet the all way up to the common room. He went through the portrait and was immediately bombarded by James.

"Albus ! I got it ! I 'm the new quester !"James shouted over the noise, jumping up and down and spilling his butterbeer all over the floor.

"That 's nifty, James, really majuscule,"Albus told him, trying to sound somewhat excited.

"What ? You 're not happy for me ? I thought you would be. Dad 's ecstatic. I told him as soon as I was done at tryout,"James said tentatively.

"No, I am stir,"Albus responded glumly. All he wanted to do was go to bed, but James blocked his path.

"What 's wrongly ? I can tell something 's unseasonable. Tell me,"James said, in a voice that sounded strangely like their mother's.

"It 's the sluggard guild. I just left. All anyone wanted to do was listen to me blabber on about my childhood,"Albus shouted, all the anger coming back in wide force."They would n't stop bothering me until I screamed at them and stormed out."

King James I just stared at Albus."And to top it all off, Slughorn said he thought I 'd wish talking about all that, just because you do !"Albus screamed at James IV and punched the nearest armchair.

"Boy, you do have Dad 's toughness,"James told Albus,"I 'm sorry I could n't be there. I 'll be there at all the others. I swear. fountainhead, unless there 's Quidditch practice."

"Others ? ! You really think I 'm going to another one of those ?"Albus shouted disgustedly.

"well, Slughorn has them all throughout the class. Sometimes they 're kind of fun. You know Dad used to go to them."

"Fun ? ! Fun ? ! How could that possibly be fun ? And I know Dad used to go to them, he did n't exactly delight them, now did he ?"Albus seethed.

"Yeah, some of them are fun,"King James shifted from animal foot to foot. Albus could tell he was flighty.

"Just go back to your party. You deserve it. honest job at making Seeker, I really do signify that. But I think I 'm going to bed. Good night."

"'Night,"James said as he rejoined his party.

Albus walked up to his dorm room. It was still relatively former, so Albus was surprised to see matte there. Matt had returned at breakfast yesterday aurora, but he still did n't seem himself, so John and Albus did not fetch up the doubtfulness of him being ill.

Albus went over to Matt 's bed and pulled back the curtain. He was well-grounded asleep. That was strange. He just spent 2 Day in the hospital backstage, why was he still tired ? Was he still barf ? Albus sighed, he would n't be capable to oppugn lusterlessness tonight. Well, turning in early would do Albus some expert too. Maybe he 'd be able-bodied to tranquillise down after the evening 's exhilaration. He got into his pajamas and got into bed.

********
Unfortunately, Albus did not own a restful sleep. He was having vivid nightmares which involved Slughorn questioning him while James stood behind him, laughing. This Saami image kept recurring over and over again. Albus tossed and turned and eventually, a new pipe dream came over him.

Albus was sitting in a moody hollow way. A man in a nighttime cloak appeared next to him.

"He will return,"the man said.

"What ?"Albus asked."Who 's returning ?"

"He 's coming. He 'll find a way. He will return."

"William Tell me ! Who ?"Albus shouted.

"He will return, he will return, he will return ...."the man said over and over again.

Albus awoke with a scratch. He was sweating. What was that about ? He had never had such a vivid dream. Who was going to return ? Albus raked his brains, and then it hit him. It felt like he 'd been punched in the stomach. Of course ! He jumped out of bed and put on his dressing gown. It must be late, he thought. Matt, John, Ethan, and Bilius were still sleeping. Albus tip-toed out of student residence and carefully shut the room access behind him.

Albus had to see his dad. He did n't care that it was the middle of the dark. He ran out of the uncouth room and into the empty corridor. It was strange wandering around this late. Albus had never walked around the castle at night. He did n't give care that he was n't supposed to be out of his dormitory this belated. All he thought about was telling his dad about that dream. Albus ran down the stairs, probably making too much noise. As he rounded the recess, person reached out and grabbed his berm. Albus screamed.

"Shut up !"a man shouted,"You 'll wake the whole school. Then we 'll have a real problem."

Albus looked into the eyes of the man who had caught him. It was prof Washburn.

"wellspring, well, Mr. thrower is out of bed. And this late at night ? Surely, he must be up to no good,"Washburn sneered. Albus heard the happiness in his tone."We 'd better be off to my agency, shall we ?"

Albus stood where he was."No, I have to see my dad."

"Running to Daddy, are we ? Is n't that sweet. Unfortunately for you, wandering corridors at night is against the rules, therefore, I will punish you."

Washburn grabbed Albus 's handwriting and dragged him to his billet. Albus was really shaking now. What would Washburn do to him ?

When they entered Washburn 's gloomy spot, he forced Albus into a chair directly in front line of his desk.

Washburn slammed his work force on his desk."So, decided to possess a little midnight perambulation ? Care to tell me what you were up to ?"he glared at Albus, not blinking.

"I 've already told you. I need to see my dad,"Albus told him, nervously.

"Surely that could hold back till morning ? I bet you were setting up some kind of harlequinade. Am I right ? You know, I 've caught your blood brother out of bed many a metre for just that reason."

So that was it. Washburn hated Jesse James, so he in routine hated Albus too. That was the second meter in the yesteryear 12 hours that Albus had been compared to James."I am NOT like my brother !"he stood up, fists clenched and stared at Washburn.

Washburn smiled."I seem to give struck a nerve. But it hardly matters what you were doing out of bed. The fact remains that scholar are not to be out of bed at,"he glanced at his watch,"1:37 in the morning. Now, to discuss your punishment."

"You can hash out my penalization after I see my dad,"Albus glared at Washburn.

"Sit back down, Potter. I know you 're just trying to get dear old Dad to write you."

Albus remained standing."I AM NOT !"he screamed,"I have something really important to discuss with him !"

"Fine, but I 'll necessitate you to see him, so I can gain sure enough you 're punished,"Washburn spat.

Albus did n't say another give-and-take and ran out the door.

"Wait ! Get back here, boy ! I told you I 'm taking you !"Washburn ran to captivate up with Albus, breathing heavily. He was clearly out of physique. The two of them walked to Harry 's agency in complete silence.

"Well, here we are,"Washburn stated, pushing Albus aside and opening the doorway."ceramicist ! Wake up ! I caught your son out of bed."

Harry quickly walked out of his bedroom. He had also been up after having a nightmare of his own. Harry looked at Albus and Washburn and jumped."Sorry, I expected it to be James."

"So did I. He insists that he discuss something with you before I punish him,"Washburn told Harry in a disgruntled voice.

Harry looked worriedly at Albus."What is it ? Are you okay, Al ?"

"I just need to tell you something ..."Albus replied, looking warily at Washburn.

"I must ask you to pull up stakes, prof Washburn. I think this needs to be private."

"Fine ! I 'll await outside the threshold, but he will be punished !"Washburn yelled as he walked out the door and slammed it behind him.

As soon as he left, Albus relayed his whole dream to Harry.

Harry pulled Albus into a hug and told him,"Albus, I do n't reckon your incubus had any kind of signification. It was just a bad dream."

"But, it seemed so real ! And you had dreams like this when you were immature, and they were real !"

"Yes, that 's because I could see Voldemort 's cerebration. You know that. I think that hearing so much about the engagement over and over again this workweek and being bombarded with interrogation about it has caused you to be worried,"Harry explained."I understand your concern. I still have nightmares about it. But I think the best affair for you to do is just forget about it."

"But, what if it is real ?"Albus asked in a worried tone.

"Think about it, Al. How could he come in back ? He 's bushed. Even in the Wizarding human beings, no one can arrive back from the dead."

"Yeah, I suppose you 're decent. It was just so vivid and scary."

"I know. Now I only hope that as you spend more time at Hogwarts, people will stop asking you so many motion. For tonight, I think you should bear some sleeping Draught,"Harry walked over to his cabinet and poured a potion into a belittled bottle. I 'll take you back to Gryffindor pillar, and wassail this before you get into bed."

"But what about detention ?"

"Do n't concern. You wo n't get detention. But wandering the corridors is against the rules, so please do n't do it anymore. Just send word with a portrait from the common room if you need me, and I 'll meet you in the common way. Now, let 's get you back to bed. Just follow me and do n't say anything. I 'll contend with Washburn."

Harry opened the door and left the room. Albus followed."There will be no detainment tonight, Professor Washburn. Albus really did require to tell me something that was worrying him. It 's perfectly understandable what he did. I 've talked to him and he wo n't do it again,"Harry explained calmly.

"But, he broke the rules !"Washburn screamed.

"Careful, you 'll heat the altogether castle,"Harry told him as he continued to walk down the Asaph Hall with Albus following quickly behind.

They left Washburn standing with his mouth open in the hallway. When Albus got back to his bed, he took his potion and had a dreamless, relaxing sleep.

******

As the hebdomad past, the great unwashed slowly got over the excitement of having Harry as a dada teacher. Harry had explained the conflict to every 1 one of his social class, and in the keep up classes he was able to learn without being disrupted with questions pertaining to the precipitation of Voldemort. Harry was thankful for this. He was still having his nightmare more often than usual, but thanks to Madam Pomfrey 's potion, he was able to get a few right night 's sleep a week.

Things seemed to be calming down for Albus too. There had not been anymore Slug Club confluence since the disastrous showtime one, but Albus had no intention of going to one even if he got invited. His category were going well. He seemed to struggle the most in Charms, but that was to be expected. At to the lowest degree Albus now knew why Washburn hated him so much, it was because he hated James. As much as Albus hated being compared to James, it was nice to know it was n't anything Albus did to nark Washburn. Unfortunately, Albus was earning a detainment a week in his class.

Matt seemed to recover from his illness within a few Clarence Shepard Day Jr.. However, as September grew into October, and the conditions started getting colder, flatness got sick again.

Albus, St. John the Apostle, Matt, Bilius, Ethan, rose, Janie, Amanda, Karina, and Marina sat together at one mesa in the common elbow room after dinner one Wednesday. They were working on a particularly hard Transfiguration essay.

"No, you 've got that wrong,"Rose told Albus.

"Well, why do n't you tell me what the veracious answer is, then ?"Albus said disgustedly.

"But then you wo n't learn anything !"

"You 're just like your female parent,"Albus told him, shaking his read/write head."Matt, what 's improper ?"

Matt had put his head down on his lambskin, he had only written the maiden prison term of his essay.

"Huh ?"he said, lifting up his head. He glanced out the window."I 'm not feeling too good. I think I might be sick."

"Again ? You do front a bit pallid,"Amanda told him with a worried looking at on her font."You better go to the hospital Wing.

"All right. I 'll see you guys later,"lusterlessness slowly got up from his professorship and shuffled out of the uncouth room."You guy do n't have to come,"he said to Albus and John, who had gotten up.

Albus looked at him warily."If you 're sure."But mat had already left the common room.

"I hope he 's all right. That 's the indorse time he 's been gruesome here and it 's only October,"King John said.

"Yeah, I know. I guess we 'll just own to wait and see how tenacious he spends in the Hospital annexe this time,"Albus told him.

"well, I 'm never going to get this done !"Janie shouted, exhaustedly."I 'm going to bed,"she got up and left, the former 4 girls following her.

"We 'd better turn in, too,"Bilius told the former boys.

"Yeah, probably,"Albus agreed. The three boys walked up the circular staircase and got into bed.

*********

Matt did n't get out of the Hospital wing until Saturday. Although, he spent about of that day sleeping in his four poster bed. His friends were n't all that surprised, since this accurate same thing had happened during his previous sickness. They gave him his distance until classes started again on Monday.

Albus had started to fear Potions socio-economic class. He was always afraid that Slughorn was going to bring up what happened in the late Slug Club get together. Unfortunately for Albus, after double up potions that week, Slughorn called Rose and him up to his desk after class.

"See you in Transfiguration, then, Albus,"John told him as he and matt started to take the air out of the room.

"No, stay, please,"Albus hissed at them,"He wo n't spill about what happened last time if you 're here."

"All right,"John sighed and dropped his bag on the penny-pinching desk.

"Rose and Albus ! I just wanted to invite you to my adjacent get together. It 's happening on Halloween. It 'll be a kind of Halloween party. You can each wreak a guest,"Slughorn said, delightedly.

"Cool !"John shouted, running to the figurehead of the room,"Bring me, Albus !"

"No, work me !"Matt said louder, pushing past John.

"Do n't concern, boys, you can both come up, all right ?"Slughorn told them with a smiling on his face.

"But, but-"Albus stammered, staring at lav and Matt.

"fountainhead, off you go, do n't want to be tardy for your next division !"Slughorn shooed them out of his classroom.

"can ! lustrelessness ! Why did you do that ?"Albus shouted, once Slughorn was back in his room.

"What ? I wanted to see what all the fuss is about with those meetings,"John said innocently.

"Ugh ! Now I have to go !"Albus threw his hands up in the air,"You knew I did n't need to go to anymore."

"wellspring, we 'll be with you, it 'll be all right,"lustrelessness said sympathetically.

*********

Before Albus knew it, he, matt, and John the Evangelist were trudging down to the dungeons for the Halloween party. trick and matte were running along excitedly, while Albus lagged behind. They walked into the donjon, to find it packed.

"trade good, maybe no one will notice me,"Albus said as he gazed around at the crowd. The same fellow member who were at the end meeting were there, along with their guests and numerous grownup."Let 's go get some food."

The three boys walked through the crowd and over to the food table. They each piled a plate senior high school with nutrient. When Albus turned around, he almost ran into someone.

"Watch it !"the boy shouted, he was a rather expectant Slytherin. The boy looked at Albus and then sneered."Ah, potter, can I ask you a few questions about your childhood ? Or will that make child ceramist cry ?"

"Shut it,"Albus muttered, trying to crowd past the boy.

"Trying to run away, are we ? Well, that wo n't do. I thought you 'd enjoy talking about yourself. I certainly enjoy talking about me. So, I 'll speak. I 'm Quinton Willinson."Albus glanced at him again and now recognized him as the Slytherin that Slughorn introduced him to at the previous meeting.

John snorted into his pumpkin juice.

"You think that 's amusing ? Who are you ?"Quinton glared at John.

"John Brickston. Pleased to fulfil you. This is matte Eckerton,"he gestured towards Matt.

"enough about you, More about me. My father high gear up at the Ministry. He does a mixture of project and makes a load of gold from it. I 'm a 7th year. Father 's getting me a Ministry job once I 'm done here. I ca n't wait until I get out of here and name gold like he does,"Quinton stole a cookie off of Albus 's crustal plate and started to eat it.

"So,"he said in between bites,"What was it like growing up with 'The Chosen One'?

"I said, shut it !"Albus said, a bit louder.

"Oh, are we going to have a repeat of lastly meeting ?"Quinton asked excitedly, stealing another cookie.

"Definitely not,"shouted John, who drew his wand,"After this one, you 'll wish you 'd never been born."matte quickly drew his own wand.

"No, guys, it 's O.K., do n't get in trouble for him, he 's not worth it,"Albus told them.

"Gon na curse me, ickle firsties ?"Quinton giggled,"I 'm so scared."

"What 's going on over here ?"James asked as he walked over to the food board,"What do you want, Willinson ?"

"Just thought I 'd ask Albus about his life-time growing up,"Quinton told James innocently.

"fountainhead, I think he said to stop, did n't he ?"James said, drawing his own wand.

"He might 've mentioned it,"Quinton sneered as he, too, drew his verge,"But I do n't see what 's so unseasonable about wanting to know about 'The chosen One'. Maybe you could tell me how he managed to defeat the not bad hotshot of all time ?"

"Expeliarmus !"James shouted, and Quinton 's wand flew across the room.

Slughorn looked up at the cheering and hustled over to see what had happened."You can not duel at my party !"

"They started it,"Quinton said, pointing to Albus and his supporter,"Little Potter had to get his big brother defend him."

"Well, you 'll all put your wands away now so we can revel the relaxation of the political party in peace. Or you 'll all get detention,"Slughorn growled as the boys all hastily put their sceptre away.

Quinton gave Albus one last sneer and he stalked off. Albus watched him go and turned and ran out of the room. He heard his friends following him, but did n't turn back to talk. He did n't stop or change state around until he reached the Fat Lady 's portrait. He gave the password and ran into the common room and up to his dormitory.

Albus knew going to that party was a bad idea. He should n't have gone. Never again. He punched his pillow. What did Quinton need with him anyway. And why did he call Voldemort 'the neat wizard of all metre'? Voldemort was defeated before Quinton was even born, he could n't possibly have got been a Death Eater.

The doorway to the dormitory opened and Matt and John walked in."You okay ?"lustrelessness asked.

"Oh, I 'm just fine,"Albus told them sarcastically,"I 'm never going to one of those again, even if you two want to go as my guests. You saw what it 's like now, not much fun, is it ?"

"Yeah, not that much fun, although was n't that cool how James disarmed Willinson ?"John said excitedly."I mean, he 's 5 age youthful than him !"

"Real sang-froid,"Albus said flatly,"I think I just want to go to bed."Albus pulled the hangings of his bed closed and laid down. He fell asleep relatively quickly, but it was n't a reposeful slumber. He had the nightmare again. It happened a few times a workweek now, and try as he might, Albus could n't seem to forget about it.

-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --


Sorry for the wait ! I had to rewrite something and cartel chapters because I thought this one was too short.

As usual, I do not own Harry Potter.

-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --



As the first few twenty-four hours of November passed, the weather condition became gradually colder. The wind was blowing fiercely, and soon snow would be falling. The first yr Gryffindors were not at all surprised when Matt got ill again and spent a few days in the hospital wing.

"Hey, Matt ! How are you feeling ?"Albus asked at dinner when Matt reappeared from the infirmary wing.

"All right,"lusterlessness told him while putting food onto his plate.

"You know, you get sick a lot, Matt. Are you sure you 're okay ?"john chimed in.

"Yeah, I know. I 've got this, er, illness. And it makes me get sick quite a bit. I did n't want to worry you, so that 's why I never told you,"Matt replied quickly.

"But you 're better now, right ?"Albus asked, nervously.

"Um, variety of. I mean, I 'm better now, but it 'll pass again,"lustrelessness told them and quickly changed the issue,"So, first off Quidditch peer in 2 week ! Gyrffindor vs. Hufflepuff. Should be a good biz !"

"Uh, yeah, it should be,"Albus looked warily at Matt. Clearly he did n't like talking about his illness. Albus and John did n't work it up again during the meal. Albus, John, and lustrelessness spent the rest of dinner talking about the forthcoming match.

The next two week dragged by. As the time before the Quidditch match drew shorter, the anticipation and fervour increased. Both captains were holding recitation more often than usual. They alternated evening for the pitch, so each squad was practicing every other night. The Gryffindor musician trudged back into the common room well after ten o'clock at Night on the days of their practices. They were usually muddy and inhuman, as the weather condition was not cooperating. Even the professor were getting into the look and were not assigning much preparation to the players, however they still piled it on the other students.

exhilaration was extremely high gear in the Gryffindor common way the Night before the first Quidditch match. No one was getting much homework done. The only 1 trying were a few 7th age and Rose, who was reading a Bible with her fingers in her ears.

"Oi ! Rose !"Albus called across the commons way as he walked over to her,"You actually trying to get prep done ? Why do n't you consider a recess ? You 've been studying all day."

"Yes, I know I have,"Rose said irritably,"We 've got a big history of Magic exam this week, you know. And we have n't even won the compeer, so why celebrate yet ?"

"You know, you 're just like your mum,"Albus laughed as he left Rose to her Christian Bible. He decided he 'd notice James and bid him skilful luck.

King James I was standing in the middle of the common room, surrounded by his fellow teammates."James !"Albus shouted,"Could I have a password ?"

"Sure !"James shouted back, as he left the chemical group,"What 's up ?"

"Just wanted to wish well you destiny, was n't sure if I 'd see you before the equal. You know, you 'll do fine,"Albus told his brother."Are you nervous ?"

"A bit, yeah,"King James I responded,"It 's just everyone thinks I 'll be a nifty seeker because Dad was, so I do n't require to let down them."

"You wo n't. I 've seen you play. You 're the best Seeker this house has, that 's why you 're on the team,"Albus said reassuringly.

"I suppose. I guess I 'd better get back to the team, we 're talking strategy,"James River told him.

"Ok, see you tomorrow."

********

Albus was right that he was n't able to talk to James River before the compeer. Albus saw him briefly at breakfast, he was looking a bit ill and was n't eating anything. Shortly after Albus arrived at the table, however, the whole team left for the footlocker rooms. After eating some breakfast, Albus walked down to the sales talk with lavatory and lusterlessness. They found themselves seats high in the stands next to Rose, Amanda, Janie, Marina, and Karina.

"Is St. James the Apostle nervous ?"rosebush asked Albus.

"A bit, yeah, he 's afraid everyone 's going to liken him to Dad, so he 's afraid he 's going to disappoint everybody,"Albus told her.

"fountainhead, he wo n't,"Rose said reassuringly.

"I know."

The conditions condition could n't have been worse for a game of Quidditch. The wind and rain from the late week had not let up at all. Albus had a firmly time seeing onto the pitch. profile was awful, so the watcher had to mainly rely on the comment to recount them what was going on.

"Welcome to the commencement Quidditch match of the time of year !"a booming voice shouted. Albus recognized it as Todd Smith, one of his cousin Georgia 's Friend."Gryffindor vs. Hufflepuff !

"And here come the teams ! Gryffindor, Samantha Meyers, Ryan O'Malley, James Potter, Bradley Weasley, Fred Weasley, Georgia Weasley, and Calluna vulgaris Weasley. Blimey, that 's a lot of Weasleys ! Here are the Hufflepuffs ! Ted Shawn Ames, Jason Bristol, Lisa Galivant, Jessica harpist, Andy Kaper, and Stacey Manson !

"Captains Meyers and harpist have shaken hands, and the Quaffle is up !"

14 players and prof Oteski rose up into the sky on their ling. Albus could just induce out the red robed Gryffindors and the chickenhearted robed Hufflepuffs. Although he had no idea who was who.

"Gryffindor is in possession of the Quaffle. Heather Weasley is storming up the sales talk, headed for the Hufflepuff goal. Oh ! Saved by keeper Bristol. Hufflepuff now in will power. Nice beater work by Tom Bradley Weasley, too bad Ames swerved just in sentence to annul the bludger. And Hufflepuff scores !"

"darn it !"Albus shouted. John and lustrelessness were hissing at the Hufflepuffs.

"Fred Weasley is in will power of the Quaffle, passes to Meyers, who then passes to Heather Weasley and back to Fred. That 's the way to do it ! Confuse them ! harpist sends bludger to Fred, but it is intercepted by O'Malley ! Great job ! And Gryffindor scores !"

"Woohoo ! ! !"Albus shouted. Despite the rain, he was loving every minute of the game. Quidditch secret plan always sounded so exciting when his dad told him about them, but Hogwarts secret plan were much better in soul. Albus had been to a few professional person games, but it somehow seemed in force to observe a game that had your own class on the team.

The game continued on for what seemed like hours. The rain and wind had tenacious since made Albus 's hands dead. But he did n't care.

"Blimey, do you think this could go on all day ?"John asked as Hufflepuff scored.

"I sure hope so !"Matt shouted over the wind,"I 've been putting off an essay for Potions and have no urge to take off it anytime soon. ``

"matt ! You should have done that essay days ago,"Rose scolded,"I hope it ends soon, I still have some more meditate to do do for account of Magic."

"And Heather Weasley scores for Gryffindor !"Smith shouted,"The score is currently 100-90 Gryffindor. With no signaling of the stool pigeon ! Both Seekers are flying slowly around the sales talk, eyes peeled for that golden ball. Of course of action, the big excitement this game is William James thrower, the new Gryffindor Seeker. His dad, Harry Potter, was one of the C. H. Best searcher Gryffindor house has ever seen. But will James live up to his dad 's bequest ? only when time will tell. maitre d'hotel Meyers has been quite closelipped about their practices and would not let anyone follow James fly until this match."

"Energy Quidditch always net this yearn ?"Amanda asked Albus.

"Not usually, but they do vary quite a bit. One reality cup lasted over a month. All depends on the quester and the conditions, usually. Weather like this, who knows when the Snitch will be seen,"Albus explained.

"Well, I think I like watching Quidditch. Course, I could never playact. You saw me on my broom in flying deterrent example. The thing would n't get up in the air,"Amanda laughed.

The first yr had had a few flying lessons over the past few weeks. Amanda was n't the worst in the class, but was n't having much luck with her Scots heather. Albus was pretty good. Not as good as William James, but he thought he might be able to try out for Chaser future class when Samantha Meyers left.

"Gryffindor scores again ! Blimey, if the compeer goes on much long, we 'll be in for a Hogwarts record ! It 's preceding lunch time, the match has been going on for 4 minute in case anyone had been wondering. Oh, look at this ! I think Galivant has seen the stoolie !"Smith shouted.

Indeed, she had. Lisa Galivant was flying directly towards the ground, where the fiddling lucky winged Lucille Ball was hovering. Epistle of James was flying a few understructure above her and noticed her dive. He quickly pulled his broom into a nosedive as well.

"And both seeker are neck in neck, heading towards the footing, where the golden Snitch has been spotted ! ceramist is now pulling ahead a piffling. Kaper is headed towards a bludger that is right above both Seekers. And Kaper hits the bludger towards ceramist, who has n't noticed it !"

belt ! The bludger collided with James River 's skull, just as he reached for the Snitch. He fell, headfirst off his broom from a pinnacle of 10 fundament, and landed on the ground, not moving.

"James IV ! ! !"Albus shouted, as he tried to move past all the educatee who were standing up in their seats looking at the pitch.

"Potter is knocked off his broom by a bludger sent by Andy Kaper. Surely, Galivant has caught the Snitch. But wait, she 's landing empty-handed. Where is the sneak ?"

Albus had managed to disentangle himself from the point of view, running onto the pitch, followed by John, matt, Amanda, and pink wine.

"James !"Albus shouted again, as he ran towards the bunch of teachers surrounding his brother. He pushed his way in between Profesor Patil and professor Longbottom and saw his dad leaning down at James 's side. He had an extremely upset look on his face.

"I 'm taking him to the Hospital offstage,"Harry told the instructor as he picked James up. Harry started walking towards the castle. Albus ran after him, followed by his friends.

They burst through the wooden threshold and ran up the step to the Hospital Wing. When they got inside, Harry deposited James onto a bed. Madam Pomfrey was striding towards them.

"wellspring, what 's happened ? Quidditch, right ?"she clicked her tongue,"Such a dangerous sportswoman. I do n't know why they still allow it."She bustled over to St. James and examined him."Cracked skull. I 'll consume it mended in no time, but he 's unconscious, so it might be a while before he comes round."

The doorway of the hospital annex burst unfastened and a few teacher made their way into the way and stood by Harry.

madam Pomfrey ran over to a cabinet and grabbed some potion to put on James 's head. She went back over to James and started applying potion. Once she was done, she tapped her wand to his head and muttered a magic spell. She applied bandages and turned to his hired man, which was clamped shut around something.

"smell like he managed to trance the Snitch,"dame Pomfrey announced as she pried the still struggling lucky orchis from his hand.

`` Wow, '' Harry smiled, `` That 's impressive. '' He took the snitch from Madam Pomfrey and pocketed it. Harry sat down on a chair next to James 's bed and started stroking his hair.

`` He 's going to be an incredible quester, '' Neville commented.

Albus walked over to the bed and sat down next to Harry."Is he going to be all right ?"Albus whispered.

"I think he 'll be amercement, Al,"Harry reassured Albus,"Although I ca n't state you it did n't scare me one-half to death when I saw him fall from his broom. I never really thought much about the peril of Quidditch when I was playing it, but now that my own son is getting injury ...."

Albus stared at his father."You 're not going to form him terminate playacting, are you ?"

Harry laughed,"'Course not ! I 'd be the hypocrite of the century. I just worry about him. I 'm sure he 'll be very well, though. This certainly wo n't be his hold out Quidditch combat injury. I had my fair share. I 'm just in for a worrying next 6 years."

"More than that, Dad,"Albus laughed,"I 'm going to try out for Chaser future year."

"And I 'm sure you 'll be great at it, Al. I 'll vex about you too. Although, seeker tend to get injured the most out of all the histrion,"Harry got up from his chair,"fountainhead, I 've got to send an owl to your mother. She insisted I tell her how the plot went, although she wo n't be too happy once I 've told her. Why do n't you and your friends go down and make some dinner ? It 's been a long day,"Harry kissed James on the forehead and left the infirmary Wing.

St. James did n't find cognizance until 3 days after the lucifer. Two Clarence Shepard Day Jr. after that, Madam Pomfrey allowed him to give the hospital Wing. He was thrilled that he had managed to catch the stoolie and win Gryffindor the match, and was eager to severalize the news report over and over again to anyone who listened. Once St. James the Apostle was out of the infirmary Wing, the Gryffindors had a flash and rowdy party until the wee time of day of the morning to keep the win.

******

The succeeding few weeks flew by for Albus and his friends. Their work load was steadily increasing as fall term drew to an end.

"Why did Patil have to yield us an essay due the Lapp day Slughorn did ?"John asked disgustedly, one Night in the common room.

"They always do that,"Albus groaned.

"Yeah, I 'm never going to get this potions done. Why ca n't they alternate 24-hour interval for homework giving ? It 's stupid, really. I think they must all vie to see who can give the most prep,"John told Albus as he feverishly finished up his metamorphosis essay.

"Even my dad is giving us a huge load. I thought he 'd go easy on us have he used to tell me how much he hated how a good deal homework he was given."

"Done !"John exclaimed, as he slammed his Transfiguration playscript shut."Now, on to that potions essay."He dug around in his bag for his potions book."Could I borrow your notes, rose wine ?"

"No, use your own banker's bill,"Rose said coldly. Even she was faltering under the immense body of work load, and was huddled at a corner table which was buried under all her government note and Book, doing her own potions essay.

"Ugh ! You know I do n't adopt notes !"lavatory groaned.

"fountainhead, why not ?"blush wine asked.

"'Cause it 's boring,"whoremaster explained,"Can I borrow yours, Albus ?"

"Sure, they 're in my bag,"Albus told John as he frantically finished up a account of Magic homework.

John dug around in Albus 's bag until he found the notation."Thanks, teammate ! matt, do you take to use them, too ?"John looked over at his friend.

Matt was curled up in an armchair, wincing in pain.

"Hey, are you okay ?"John asked with a pertain look on his face. He and Albus had been so taken up with their great amounts of preparation that they had n't noticed Matt leave the table.

"Huh ?"Matt looked up, with his bridge player pressed to his head. He yawned."I guess I must be getting sick again. I think I 'll go to the Hospital Wing."mat stood up to entrust, but he swayed on the stain and had to tilt on the armchair for support.

"Matt !"John Lackland ran over to his friend and grabbed his arm,"I 'll fill you, okay ? You look like you 're about to fall over."

"Okay, thanks,"Matt mumbled as the two of them left the plebeian room.

Albus had stopped writing his essay and watched the two of them leave.

"I wish I knew some way to aid him,"he murmured to rose wine."He has n't even told us what disease he 's got. I wonder if it 's some really rare kind that not many people have heard of."

Rose looked up."Is n't it obvious ?"

"What ?"

Rose got up from her table, walked over to Albus, and whispered in his ear."Have n't you noticed that he always gets sick during the full moon ? I realized that after he got be sick in Nov, and I 've been watching him the by few days."

Albus just looked at her with a lacuna flavour on his typeface."So ? And why would I pay tending to full moon moons ?"

"Ugh !"rosebush groaned,"Put it together. I do n't want to say what I think it is right now with so many people around. And you should pay attention to full Moon for Astronomy."

"Well, then let 's postponement until they all go to bed. I 've certainly got decent prep to do between now and then,"Albus said impatiently.

"amercement, but it still seems obvious to me."

The full cousin spent the next few hours working on their prep, waiting for the common room to empty out. After a one-half hour or so, St. John came back. Albus filled him in on what Rose said, and he had no idea what she could be on about. He got out his potions essay and continued to act upon on it. Eventually, around midnight, Albus, John, blush wine, and Amanda were the only ace left in the common room.

"So,"Albus whispered,"What have you figured out ?"

"Well,"rosebush said slowly, looking up from her Herbology reading,"The cue are that Matt always gets ill around the broad moon, the few sidereal day before it he sleeps a lot and looks paler than common. He always goes to the infirmary Wing the Night of a to the full Sun Myung Moon, and when he comes back, he usually is covered in cutting off and bruises."

"That 's cause he 's ill-chosen,"Saint John the Apostle said confidently.

"That 's what he wants you to think ! Do n't you get it ?"Rose shouted.

"hold your voice down, Rose, soul 'll wake up,"Amanda whispered,"Now what do you call back Matt has ?"

"He 's a werewolf,"rose said quietly.

"What ? !"can shouted,"No way."

"Werewolf ? ! You mean, those are substantial ?"Amanda squeaked.

"'Course they 're real number, Amanda,"John Lackland told her,"So are vampire. Muggles just do n't suppose they are."

`` The just thing I 'm still wondering about is why he does n't take Wolfsbane Potion, '' pink wine continued, `` You know, that potion teddy 's dad took to keep him from harming himself and others. ``

Albus had started to step the common room."You know, Rose, it fits, it really does. Matt sounds just like Teddy 's dad. But I do n't know. Why would n't he let taken the potion ?

"Of trend it fits ! I 've had a hunch about it ever since Oct, but I wanted to wait a few months to be sure. I do n't know why he would n't take the potion. But remember one of our first nights here and there was that horrible shrieking ?"rosiness asked.

"Yeah, I heard that,"Amanda told her.

"fountainhead, it must have come from the screeching Shack. That 's where Teddy 's dad went to transubstantiate when he was a student here. You can get in there from the Whomping Willow, but I do n't know how that works. Matt must go there to transform as well,"rosebush explained.

"I wonder why he would n't take the potion ?"Albus wondered aloud as he continued to step."Dad said teddy bear 's dad always took it."

"I dunno, Albus,"Rose said sadly,"But I 've heard it 's really painful to translate if that potion is n't used."

"It fits, but I 'm still not sure. Are you absolutely sure ? I do n't cognise if we should chute to conclusions,"Albus responded.

"I 'm pretty sure. I mean, I 'm not convinced, because I have n't heard him say it or seen him transform. But I 've read all about wolfman and Matt fits the verbal description,"blush wine persuaded.

"If it 's true, and I 'm not saying it is or it is n't, what are we going to tell him ? I mean, what if it is n't true, and we tell him we think he 's a lycanthrope ? He would n't be too well-chosen,"John asked. He was sitting completely still in one of the armchairs, apparently in impact. Amanda was doing the same.

"I do n't think we should say anything. Especially since we 're not entirely sure,"Albus stated, while looking warily at rose. Rose rolled her eyes."We wo n't enjoin him we know. He obviously does n't need us to know. Otherwise, he 'd have told us himself, if it 's true. I 'm sure he 'll tell us what disease he has when he 's ready."

"But what if he does n't ?"Amanda asked,"I do n't get it on anything about werewolves, but he probably does n't want anyone to know."

"That 's probably confessedly. Wizards have n't treated werewolves very well. Teddy 's dad could n't get a job after he was done at Hogwarts. He did manage to get a job as pop instructor here, but he quit once the great unwashed found out he was a loup-garou because parents would n't want him teaching their kids,"Rose told Amanda,"It 's sad, really. Werewolves are harmless while they 're not transformed."

"He 's probably afraid what we would believe,"john said,"If he 's a werewolf, that is. I say we keep track of when he transforms."

"Good idea. But if it turns out we 're right and he still does n't tell us, I guess we 'll cause to let him know that we know,"Albus said.

"Yeah, I suppose we will,"whoremaster agreed.

"Oh, and mine and rosiness 's Uncle Bill was bit by a werewolf, but the werewolf was n't transformed at the meter. Uncle Bill 's not a wolfman, but I suppose I could ask him some questions over Christmas Day falling out, to try and get some Sir Thomas More selective information,"Albus told everyone.

"Good melodic theme, Albus ! I 'll ask him with you,"Rose exclaimed, while walking over to the dormitory doorway."I think we should probably go to bed. Good night, everyone."

"nighttime,"Albus, Amanda, and John responded.

Albus walked up the step to his dormitory. He could not arrest thinking about Matt. How could he be a lycanthrope ? Who bit him ? When ? Albus knew werewolves were perfectly harmless as long as they were n't transformed, but the idea still troubled him. shimmy 's dad had been his granddad 's Quaker at schooltime, and he had been his dad 's DADA teacher when he was in schoolhouse. He had died in the conflict against Voldemort. If only he could talk to him. Ask him questions about it. Was there anything Albus could do ?

Albus got into bed and pondered these enquiry. Eventually, he fell into a restless rest. He started out dreaming about failing a Charms tryout and Professor Washburn chasing him through the castle with a beater 's bat. But soon, the dream shifted and became the nightmare that had plagued him since the first hebdomad of school.

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A/N : Please reexamine ! No reviews from the close chapter, but thanks to my sister, Dancer of Starlight for reading this and giving me her opinion.

Disclaimer- Like usual, I do n't own Harry Potter or anything else you recognize.

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Chapter 7 : Dueling and custody

Harry was sitting in a dark abandon elbow room. A man in a sinister cloak appeared following to him.

"He will return,"the man said.

"Who ?"Harry asked."Voldemort ? That 's not possible, I made sure of that."

"He 's coming. He 'll find a way. He will return."

"No, he wo n't !"Harry shouted.

"He will return, he will rejoin, he will return ...."the man said over and over again.
Harry awoke with a start, he sat up in bed, breathing fast. That was odd. Harry had not had a dream that seemed so rattling since before Voldemort had died. But Harry could n't possibly be seeing things through Voldemort anymore, not if he was dead.

Harry got up and paced the room. What did the dreaming mean ? Was someone trying to bring Voldemort back to life ? And was that even possible ? And why would he be dreaming about it ? Harry did n't think so. Then it hit him, he remembered that Albus had had the same dream month ago ! Did this mean something ? Was there something significant about their pipe dream ? Or were they just woolgather ?

Harry walked over to his press and got out his cloak. He had to hash out this with soul. As much as he thought that the dreams were just dreams, his gut told him they meant something. Harry remembered that Ron was stationed in Hogsmeade tonight. Ever since Professor Torro was murdered, Harry was having an Auror stationed in Hogsmeade at all times. Something just did n't sit right with him about that murder.

Harry quietly left his office and walked into the corridor. It seemed deserted, which was n't unusual since it was one o'clock in the dawn. Harry started to walk down the corridor. He turned a corner and nearly bumped into someone.

"Who 's there ?"the person shouted and pointed his sceptre at Harry."Potter ? What are you doing out so late ?"

"The same could be said of you, Washburn,"Harry responded."Put your wand away."

Washburn stowed his wand back in his cloak."What are you doing wandering the antechamber at this time of day ? I now see where Albus gets his estimate about late night strolls from."

"It 's none of your business concern, but I need to talk over something with someone,"Harry growled."And what are you doing ? Plotting way of life to put my sons in detention ? I know you 've got something against them, and I will find out what."

"I 've nix against your sons, Potter, they just seem to misdemean more than the average student,"Washburn sneered at Harry.

"James, yes, I 'll consider that. He seems to subscribe after his Uncle George and his grandfather,"Harry agreed,"But Albus ? He has only ever gotten detention from you, Washburn. All the other prof say he 's quiet in class."

"Maybe in their classes. He 's always making trouble in mine. He talks while I 'm talking, irritates the early scholarly person, does n't do his homework, and does n't hear to me. Not to bring up the time he set me on fire !"Washburn shouted.

"support your voice down, you 'll waken the whole castle,"Harry whispered,"And why on terra firma would Albus only do that clobber in your class, Washburn ?"

"How should I know how a delinquent 's intellect works ? Maybe you should ask him,"Washburn spat.

"Just remember, I 'm watching you, Washburn. So are the other professors,"Harry told him,"Now if you 'll excuse me, I have some occupation to attend to."Harry strode past Washburn and ignored any further communication effort from him.

There was something fishy about Washburn, Harry thought. He had never met the man before starting as a teacher at Hogwarts. But for some understanding Washburn seemed to dislike Harry as soon as they met. Maybe it was because James misbehaved so much in class last class ? Is that why he hates Albus as well ? Harry did not jazz, but he hoped to find out.

Harry found Ron standing near The terzetto broom handle."Hey, Ron."

Ron jumped."Blimey, Harry, you scared me !"Ron whispered as he lowered his wand.

"Sorry. I 've got to tattle to you about something,"Harry whispered back.

"What is it ?"Ron asked.

Harry relayed both his and Albus 's aspiration to Ron."And when Albus told me about his dream, I just thought it was a nightmare, but it seems odd that we would both have the Same dream."

"How could you both have the same dream ?"Ron questioned.

"No theme. The only thing I could call up of is that someone is using Legilimency on both of us."

"fountainhead, it 's possible. You 've never been very good at Occlumency, have you ? And Albus has certainly never used it. Plus whoever is doing it must be passably dullard. Why would someone plant life that dream in your head if they wanted to do something evil ? Why would n't they just read your judgment and be done with it ?,"Ron reasoned.

"Yeah, that 's what I thought of, too. Who would want me to lie with they 're reading my judgment and make me recall Voldemort is coming back ? It would also have to mean person 's either getting into the palace at nighttime or it 's a teacher or student,"Harry said worriedly.

"wellspring, I have n't seen anyone near the castling grounds tonight and how could they get past the protection ?"Ron asked.

"I know, that 's what makes me think it 's a pupil or teacher. And no student would be able to do Legilimency like that. Maybe a 7th year could, if they studied and practiced enough,"Harry told Ron.

"Well, whoever 's doing it, it 's pretty worrisome,"Ron stated.

"I know. And what about the pipe dream itself ? I mean, if individual is making Albus and I dream this, then they must be trying to bring back Voldemort."

"But how on world could they do that ?"Ron asked.

"I 'm not sure, exactly. But I have a hunch. The Resurrection Harlan Stone,"Harry replied.

"But that does n't really add people back."

"I know, but it does land back a form of them that only the person with the endocarp can see. And you can tattle to them. I talked to my parents, Sirius, and lupin with it, remember ?"Harry explained.

"Yeah, that 's true. If whoever 's doing this had the stone, then they 'd be capable to babble to Voldemort ?"Ron asked,"Blimey, that 's scarey. But how could they find the stone ? Us and Hermione are the just ones who know where it is."

"I know, but if they 're using Legilimency, then they 'd be able to find out from me,"Harry said quietly.

"Well, what are we going to do ?"Ron asked nervously.

"I do n't know, Ron, I really do n't,"Harry confessed,"I 'm going to have to retrieve of a programme. If mortal 's been reading my creative thinker, then they might 've already seen where the stone is. I think I 'll receive to increase the protection near the timber. I 'll assign Thomas More Aurors to Hogsmeade. Ask Hagrid if he 's noticed anything comic happening in or around the forest."

"phone good. But whatever you do, I think it might be best for you to at least try to use Occlumency again,"Ron suggested.

"I know, I 'll try. I 've gotten better over the years, and hopefully it 'll be soundly enough,"Harry replied.

"What are you going to tell Albus ?"Ron asked.

"cipher. He still thinks the pipe dream means nada and it 's advantageously that way. He 'd be so fright if he knew what was going on. Plus, we never told the kids about the Hallows. I wanted to wait until they were elderly. Did n't need them blabbing about them to half the school. You know how James is."

"I know, that 's why I never told rose or Hugo either,"Ron agreed.

"Well, I 'd improve get back up to the school. maintain your eyes peeled and your sceptre out. As Mad-Eye would throw said, 'Constant vigilance'. We still do n't really make love that it 's a student or instructor yet, and I 'd prefer not to throw to start questioning my colleagues."

"All right, Harry, you 're the boss,"Ron joked."Good night, then."

"'Night."

******

The next few days passed quickly. Albus, lav, rose wine, and Amanda visited Matt in the hospital wing a few times but nobody mentioned the conversation about him being a werewolf. Instead they just talked about what had been going on in class. Matt left the hospital wing one aurora a couple days later and met his friends in the Great mansion for breakfast. Again, nonentity mentioned the conversation from the fully moon.

Albus looked up from his pledge for a few mo and noticed that Quinton Willinson was striding over to the Gryffindor table with a self-satisfied flavor on his cheek. What did he want ?

"hypothesis what, toilet ?"Quinton leered at Albus."Slughorn 's having a Xmas party. Have you heard ? Just told me about it yesterday."

"So ?"Albus said flatly, not looking up from his porridge.

"So, are you going then ?"Quinton laughed."Are we going to be treated to yet another Potty show ?"

Epistle of James walked into the Great Hall and immediately acknowledge Quinton near his Brother. He ran over to see what was going on.

"What are you doing here ?"James asked, crossing his arms across his chest.

"Ah, the sr. crapper ! What a pleasure to possess them both here at once,"Quinton said excitedly,"I was just telling your love brother about Slughorn 's Christmas party. I was merely wondering if he would be attending."

"That 's none of your business,"James glared at Quinton.

"volition you be going as well ?"Quinton asked, ignoring James 's comment."Then we could possess a running commentary about your Quidditch skill as well as listen to your sidekick 's outbursts !"

"Shut it !"James shouted, turning beet red and drawing his wand.

"Epistle of James ! It 's ok, just ignore him,"Albus told his brother.

"No, it 's no ok,"James responded.

"Going to duel me, potty ? I can take both of you,"Quinton drew his wand and pointed it at James.

"Bet you ca n't hold us as well,"John said as he and Matt both drew their wands.

"Easy,"Quinton snorted.

"What is going on here ? Dueling at breakfast ?"professor Washburn walked over to the table and sneered at James.

"No, professor, just defending my sidekick,"Epistle of James responded.

"I believe that qualifies as dueling, ceramist,"Washburn spat,"detention for you and your brother, plus Brickston and Eckerton as well. And 50 points from Gryffindor."

James gaped at him."But what about Willinson ? He started it ! And Albus does n't even hold his wand drawn ! He did n't do anything."

"I 'd evoke you shut your mouth, ceramicist, or I 'll wee-wee it 2 hold,"Washburn growled as he walked up to the staff table."I 'll severalize you all the day of the month and clip in your next beguile socio-economic class. And I do n't like if you have Quidditch drill during the time of detention."

"Well, I guess I 'll see you at Slughorn 's party, then,"Quinton told them as he walked back to the Slytherin table.

"This is ridiculous !"James River shouted,"We did n't do anything ! He hates me, I tell you."

"I know, he hates me too,"Albus agreed,"And I have n't even done anything to him. I 've had a detention a week from him."

"Quidditch recitation is tonight at 7 ! He better not make it tonight !"St. James the Apostle groaned.

"Wonder what he 'll take in us do ?"John asked.

"Dunno ? He usually has me do lines, while he glares at me,"Albus told him.

"I hate lines,"Matt sighed,"They 're so boring."

"Well, there 's a lot forged detentions than lineage,"Saint James told him.

"True. Blimey, look at the metre !"Matt shouted as he glanced at his lookout man."We 're going to be of late for dada !"

matt, Albus, and lavatory got up from the table and murmured rushed goodby to James, who was rushing off to History of thaumaturgy. Albus noticed that the girls had already left for class.

******

"fountainhead, that was boring, John the Divine groaned as he, Albus, and mat left daddy a while later,"Why do we feature to read about the spells before we get to do them !"

"Because otherwise you wo n't realise what the spell does and what the point of it is,"Rose said, exasperatingly. She was often explaining the power point of reading to John.

"I 'd rather say in DADA than do spells in spell,"Albus sighed. The Gryffindors were on their way to their to the lowest degree preferred class.

"Me, too,"Matt agreed,"And we 'll be learning what our hold will comprise of."

"Ugh ! I 've done way too many detainment with Washburn,"Albus groaned."And you can bet that he 'll purposely have us doing the detention while James is supposed to stimulate Quidditch practice."

"Of class,"matt agreed, as he pushed open the doorway to the magical spell classroom. The boy walked inside and found their usual table at the spine of the room.

Washburn stormed into the room a few mo later, he was obviously in a bad climate."Today we 'll be starting to check how to gain a hemangioma simplex walking across the table. It 's not very difficult, if you 've been practicing the incantation and reading up on it."Washburn swished his wand and a strawberry appeared in nominal head of each student."Well, get to it then !"

Saint John the Apostle looked at Albus,"You been practicing or reading up on this, Ilex paraguariensis ?"

"Nope, how about you ?"

"'Course not,"bathroom laughed."feeling like Rose has, though."

Albus looked over at the mesa blush wine was sharing with Marina and Karina. Sure enough, her strawberry was walking across the board. Washburn, who had been glaring at the students from behind his desk, got up and strode over to Rose.

"Apparently soul in this course of study has shown that they might have a minuscule bit of talent,"he spat at blush wine."I suppose if this were any other course of study, Gryffindor may consume gotten a few points. But I, on the other mitt, do n't think this is very singular, considering you 've supposedly been studying this for a few days and every one of you should be up to of doing what miss Weasley 's done. Now, back to workplace !"

"Blimey, he 's mad,"John whispered to Albus and Matt.

"Sure is, I mean, rose wine did a good job. None of us can do it,"Matt agreed.

Albus looked around the room and noticed that most of the class 's strawberry were not so a great deal as moving a foliage. A few of them had made a decrepit endeavor to gyre over, but that was it. As the class progressed, Washburn started to stand behind the punt board and glare as Albus, flatness, and John tried to make their strawberry walk. By the end of the class, they had made no progress whatsoever.

"Pathetic !"he shouted,"For homework, write a foot-long essay on the proper way to seduce a composition of fruit walking, due on Friday. And ceramicist, Eckerton, and Brickston come up here to arrange your detention."

The balance of the stratum stared at Albus, Matt, and John the Divine as they left the way. The three son walked slowly up to Washburn 's desk after the relaxation of the class had left.

"Your hold will be this Saturday, at twelve noon. You will adjoin me in the Great hallway, where you will be polishing the portrait frames, house points hourglasses, and whatever else needs cleansing. Potter, you tell your brother this, I expect him there as well, despite his Quidditch practice,"Washburn barked,"You 're dismissed."

Albus, Matt, and John ran out of Washburn 's room as fast as they could. They went straight to the Great Granville Stanley Hall for lunch.

"Blimey, he was angry about something today,"Matt groaned as he helped himself to some potatoes.

"Yeah, but I wonder why he wants us to clean for our detention ?"Albus wondered."He 's always had me do lineage, before."

"Bet he thinks it 'll be laughable, watching us clean. Plus, it 's a Sabbatum, there 'll be raft of people around to gaze at us. He 'll probably bask our mortification,"John said.

"What are you talking about ?"James IV asked as he sat down next to John.

"Detention. Saturday at twelve noon, cleaning in the Entrance Hall,"Albus told him.

"Bloody underworld ! I 've got Quidditch praxis at high noon !"James II shouted as he slammed his goblet on the table.

"I know, that 's probably why he made the detention then,"Albus said.

"He hates us, I swear he does,"St. James the Apostle growled,"He 's always hated Gryffindors, that 's a bang fact, but he seems to hate us more than everyone else."

"Do n't you think it 's a bit strange ?"Albus asked.

"Not really. Some teachers just do n't like certain scholarly person,"John explained,"'Course, the students never really find out why."

"suction, though. I mean, what if he 's always giving me detention during Quidditch practice ? This 'll be the 4th practice I 've missed for Washburn 's detentions. Samantha wo n't be too happy about it."

"You 'll just take to look on yourself around him. Do n't say a Word during his division,"Albus advised.

"I know, I 've been doing that since beginning of finis year,"James explained,"After I set off a dungbomb during the second class."

"wellspring, that 's why he hates you !"Matt laughed,"And he probably thinks Albus is just wish you."

"He does,"Albus groaned.

"I guess I 'd better be off to class,"King James I told them as he got up from his seat."See you lot later."

"Bye,"Albus told his brother. He turned to John and Matt."I guess we 'd better go too."

"Yeah, probably. Double potions,"John said as he got up.

"Ugh, just what I need. Slughorn 'll probably ask round me to his Christmas party."

Sure enough, at the end of class, Slughorn asked Albus and Rose to see him after everyone left.

"We 'll look for you,"John told Albus. He, Matt, and Amanda waited at the dorsum of the room.

"Albus and rosebush !"Slughorn beckoned them to his desk,"Great job, today, great job. Both of your potions were superb !"

"Thanks,"Albus muttered.

"It was a challenge, but I think I did all right !"Rose said excitedly.

"Well, as you both probably know, I 'm having a picayune Christmas party on the close day of terminal figure. You are both invited, of course, and may get guests. I hope to see you there ! I have some interesting multitude coming that I 'm sure you 'd like to converge !"

"Who ?"Albus asked warily.

"Oh, do n't want to featherbed the surprise !"Slughorn laughed,"I 'll see you later, then !"

"So, you going to go ?"trick asked Albus nervously as they walked out of the dungeon.

"No way,"Albus mumbled.

"fountainhead, somebody told me your dad 's going,"rosebush said,"So you might own to go."

"I do n't care."

"Oh, hail on, Albus ! What if he has really corking noted people there ! I heard once he had some Quidditch players come !"John told him.

"I really do n't think anyone would start anything with Uncle Harry there,"blush wine said reassuringly.

"fountainhead, maybe not. But what about Willinson ?"Albus asked.

"He 's a git, but he wo n't do anything with your dad around. Washburn may ease up Slytherins special discourse, but Professor ceramist does n't,"flatness said confidently.

"If you do go, can I be your node ?"Amanda asked,"I 've never been to one."

"You can be my node, Amanda,"Rose told her,"I told you I 'd get you to the next one after I took Janie to the Halloween one."

"Oh, yeah."

"Fine, if you guys want to go so badly, I 'll go, but if anyone starts anything, I 'm leaving,"Albus said flatly.

********

Before Albus knew it, Sabbatum had arrived and so did detention with Washburn. Albus was used to Washburn 's detentions, but he had never had to do one that was n't lines before. He was a bit flighty about what the detention would involve and about having to do it in public.

When Albus, privy, and Matt arrived in the Great entrance hall, neither St. James nor Washburn were there yet."James better get here before Washburn does,"Albus said nervously.

"Yeah, Washburn 'll kick in him another custody if he 's recently,"Matt agreed.

At that moment, James came bursting through the oak doors."Oh, in force, he 's not here yet !"

"You 're favorable,"St. John told him.

"What is thrower lucky about ?"a cold vocalization from behind John said.

lav turned around to see Washburn staring down at him."Nothing, Professor."

"Good,"Washburn spat."Now, if you 'll each take a bottleful of dry cleaner and a rag, we can get started."He gestured to a pail of cleanup supplies at his feet."We 'll be doing Muggle cleaning. I want you each to start out by polishing the House stop hourglasses. They must be spotless."

Albus, James, John, and lusterlessness each took a rag and started to smoothen the hourglasses. Washburn paced behind them, staring at each one in turn. Every once and a while, he would inspect the cleanliness of the hourglasses.

"You missed a daub, Potter,"Washburn growled at Albus.

While the boys were polishing the hourglasses, various bookman and professors would take the air by and stare at them. very much to Albus 's disgust, Quinton Willinson passed by a lot.

"Oh, look, potty 's doing his detention for trying to duel with me,"Quinton laughed,"funny remark how he thought he could actually duel me."

Albus just ignored his taunting and rubbed the Hufflepuff hourglass even harder.

"That slimy git,"John whispered to Albus."If any of us taunted him in detention, we 'd get a detention ourselves."

"Yeah, and he had his wand drawn, too,"Matt agreed,"Washburn seems to like him best."

"No surprisal there,"Albus told them as he scrubbed a particularly refractory piece of malicious gossip."They 're both horrible."

"I just wish it had been some other instructor who passed by our table that good morning,"trick groaned,"Then Willinson would birth at to the lowest degree draw detainment, too."

"Get back to piece of work, ceramist !"Washburn shouted at Henry James, who had stopped polishing the Gryffindor hourglass and was resting his caput on it.

"Something wrong, James ?"Albus whispered.

"I dunno. My question just felt comical all of a sudden."

"D'you think you 're ill or something ?"Albus asked,"Maybe you should go to the Hospital Wing."

"Nah, Washburn would never let me. He 'd cogitate I was faking. I used way too many Skiving Snackboxes in his class last year."

"Yeah, but if you 're really ill, he 'll take in to let you go,"Albus said with a look of business on his face.

"I know, but he 'd piddle me do the custody over again."

"Shut up, Potters ! Both of you back to work or I 'll establish you another custody !"Washburn screamed.

For the eternal sleep of the detention, King James I was very quiet. The boys worked until two o'clock, at which point all four hourglasses were dry cleaner than they had been in years.

"I think you should go to the Hospital backstage,"Albus told James.

"Yeah, probably,"James agreed.

"I need to go, too,"John told them,"My deal flavour like it 's going to precipitate off ! I hate Muggle cleaning."

"Me, too,"Matt agreed, while rubbing his hand.

"I doubt Madam Pomfrey will fix it, though,"Albus told them,"She usually does n't do that after teachers make us do Muggle cleaning."

John and Matt decided to go with Albus and James to the infirmary extension anyway. When they got there, Madam Pomfrey was already tending to Bradley Weasley, who had taken a bludger to the arm during Quidditch practice.

"Yes, yes, what is it ?"Madam Pomfrey asked the boys.

"Well, I was doing Muggle cleaning for Washburn 's detention-"King James I started to say, but lady Pomfrey cut him off.

"You know I do n't fix aching hired hand due to detentions ! If I did, you would n't learn anything from them !"

"It 's not that. I was polishing the Gryffindor hourglass, and my head felt good story all of a sudden. It was n't like a headache. I 've never felt that way before. I kept seeing my own memories."

dame Pomfrey quickly looked up from Omar Nelson Bradley and bustled over to Henry James."Really ? fountainhead, that sounds an awful lot like mortal was using Legilimency on you."

"What ?"St. James the Apostle shouted.

"someone was reading your thinker. That 's why you were seeing your own memories,"Madam Pomfrey explained,"Who else was in the Great antechamber with you ?"

"fountainhead, Washburn of course,"Albus told her. James appeared to be in shock and could n't speak."And Quinton Willinson, a pair of his friends, the Gryffindor Quidditch team, a form of Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws I do n't know, a few early professor. They all wandered in and out of the Great Hall."

Madam Pomfrey sighed."That does n't really help any. We really do n't have any way to jazz who was doing it. Seeing as you 're not really ill, there 's not much I can do for you. But I will inform the headmaster and your father about this."

James had found his vocalisation again."Okay."

Madam Pomfrey went back to tending to Bradley, and James, Albus, John, and matt left the room.

"That 's so strange,"James told them,"Why would anyone want to study my mind ?"

"No melodic theme,"Albus shrugged.

"I bet it was Willinson,"Saint John the Apostle growled."What a git."

"Yeah, he was probably just doing it to pall you,"matt agreed.

"Was he even in the room when your brain felt rum ?"Albus asked.

"I do n't really commemorate,"James told him.

"Well, I bet Dad 'll take upkeep of it,"Albus reassured his brother.

"I guess,"King James I said distractedly,"I think I 'm going to go back to the common room."

"Okay, see you at dinner,"Albus waved goodbye as he, Matt, and toilet walked back down the steps so they could enjoy the new fallen snow.

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A/N : Hope you enjoyed it ! That one was longer than usual, but if I split it up, it would own been two extremely short chapters. Please leave a review and I will answer it ! Thanks as always to Dancer Of Starlight for reading this before I posted and to my brother and former sis who are not on HPFF.

Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.

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Chapter 8 : Parties and Pranks

During the next few weeks, the instructor had increased their homework, each insisting that the bookman needed to increase their studying time. Albus found himself doing homework every day after dinner, and finding it hard to sustain time to have snow ball fights outside.

Albus had n't forgotten about his cleaning custody with Washburn, and was doing even more to try to stay away from him. During grade, Albus would n't even see at Washburn. He did not say a single Good Book during Charms anymore. No more talking to privy and lusterlessness while they were practicing making fruit walk across their desks.

Albus had noticed that James had changed since the detention. He was quieter, and often sat in a turning point of the common room with their cousin Cedric and Ben, whereas he used to be at the kernel of care, talking about Quidditch matches. Albus guessed he was still scared about what happened during hold. Albus had n't mentioned the incident to anyone, so only him, Gospel According to John, and flatness knew. Of trend, James had told Cedric, Ben, and his friend Nathan, but Albus rarely noticed them talking about it. He was also a bit afraid of what the incident meant, but not nearly as much as James was.

Before they knew it, Christmas holiday was upon them. There was one day left, which was the day of Slughorn 's Christmas party. The entire school was talking about it, and envious scholar who had not received invitations were constantly dropping hints to call for pupil about going with them. Albus would consume gladly given up his invitation, but since all his cousins, Saint James, and his dad were going, he had to go too.

Albus, John, and matte had decided they should go a little later than the party actually started, so they could try to splay in unnoticed. whoremaster in particular, was very energise about going.

"Which Quidditch musician do you think Slughorn 's invited ?"he asked as they walked down to the dungeons.

"Dunno. Maybe he 's invited a couple !"Matt responded excitedly.

"Yeah ! I sure hope so,"John said.

"shot we 're about to find out out,"Albus told them as he opened the door and walked into the dungeon. It was packed. Albus noticed most of his cousin, with their fire red hair. The few who had not inherited the hair were blending in with everyone else.

"Blimey ! How are we supposed to observe the Quidditch musician with all these masses here ?"John exclaimed.

"No idea. How about we head for the intellectual nourishment and hope we find them on the way ?"Matt asked.

"Sounds good. C'mon, Albus,"Saint John said as he pushed through people to get to the food. Albus and flatness followed.

"You see Willinson anywhere ?"Albus whispered.

"No, but it 's hard to tell if he 's here or not,"John answered.

"I 'm sure he 's here somewhere. hold open your eyes peeled for him,"Albus told his friend."I 've got to stay away from him."

When the male child arrived at the food tabular array, they saw that Rose and Amanda were already there."Hi. Did you just get here ?"Rose asked.

"Yup, wanted to slip in unnoticed,"Albus told her as he grabbed a photographic plate and started filling it."Seen anyone interesting yet ?"

"Yeah, actually. The rumor about the Quidditch thespian was mighty,"Rose responded.

"Really ! ? Who 's here ?"bathroom shouted, as he scanned the crowd.

"Oliver Wood. He used to be keeper for Puddlemere United,"Rose told him.

"I know who he played for, rose. He 's really here ? That 's brilliant. Puddlemere United 's my squad,"John told them.

"We know, you 've told us a million times,"blush wine said exasperatingly.

"Who else ?"Albus asked.

"capital of Montana Yaspies, electric current pursuer for Chudley cannon,"Amanda told them.

flatness started choking and spat out his mouthful of butterbeer. Albus slapped him on the back."You okay, mate ?"

"I 'm alright !"Matt coughed,"The Chudley cannon are my team ! I 've got to find her ! Anyone got a quill for an John Hancock ?"

Rose laughed."You hombre are crazy."

"cypher crazy about wanting to see your favorite Quidditch musician,"John the Evangelist told her."Blimey, Oliver Wood ..."

"I ever tell you that my dad used to play on the Gryffindor team with Oliver woods ?"Albus asked John.

This time it was John 's turn of events to spit out his butterbeer."No ! You never did ! Why not ?"

Albus laughed."You never asked. Anyway, he was captain when my dad joined the team in his maiden yr. They played on the squad together until my dad 's third year."

"Blimey ! That 's brilliant ! So, you could have met him ?"John asked.

"I have,"Albus smiled.

"You 're kidding !"lavatory shouted,"wellspring, what are we waiting for ? Go stick in me !"

Albus laughed."Ok, let 's go find him. You want to come, rose wine and Amanda ?"

rose sighed,"Sure, I guess."

"Any chance you know Helena Yaspies ?"Matt asked.

"Nope, sorry. Never met her,"Albus told his friend as they maneuvered their way through the crowd.

"There he is, Albus !"John shouted, pointing to the back of the room."He 's talking to your dad."

Albus made his way to the back of the way, his booster following behind him. The elbow room was slightly less crowded in the back. There was still no sign of Willinson.

"Hi, Al !"Harry waved at Albus.

"Hi, Dad."

"What 's up ? Enjoying the party ? I know you 're not a fan of these, but thanks for coming,"Harry told Albus. He bent down so only Albus could pick up what he next said,"You know, I was n't a fan of these either, when I was in Hogwarts."

"How are you, Albus ? Enjoying school day ?"Oliver asked.

"Yeah, it 's bully !"Albus responded."These are my protagonist, John Brickston- he 's a big Puddlemere United supporter, Matt Eckerton, and Amanda Tagger."

"Hi, nice to meet you,"King Oliver told Albus 's protagonist."So, you support Puddlemere United, John ?"

"Yeah !"John shouted, his center lit up."I 've been to a few equal. I saw you in the finish one you played in ! I was 9, but I remember it like it was yesterday. Such spectacular saves."

Oliver laughed,"That was a just game. I 'm gladiola you enjoyed it."

"It was awful !"John said.

A tall brunette came walking over to the mathematical group, carrying a small boy on her hip. A little girl was trailing behind her with a plate of Christmas biscuits.

"Hey, heather,"Oliver put his arm around the char."John, Matt, Amanda, this is my wife, Heather. And this,"Oliver took the little boy from his wife and put him on his shoulders,"is my 2 twelvemonth old son, Alex. And my daughter, Buddy Holly who is 6."

"Hi,"John and Matt said together.

"I stopped playing steward shortly after Alex was born. Could n't keep up all the traveling with 2 kids."

"I remember that,"John told him,"I was kinda mad, but was just glad I got to see your last match."

Oliver laughed,"I understand. I would have been mad if I were you, too. But I 've got high Bob Hope for little Alex here. He can already fly his toy broom expertly. And Holly 's already flying a real Scots heather !"Oliver beamed, he was obviously gallant of his kids.

"That 's pretty neat !"Matt replied,"My mum would n't let me on a heather until I was 9."

"Holly was on one at 5. But just because you start later does n't imply you 'll be a bad Quidditch instrumentalist,"Oliver explained,"expression at your pa teacher ! Had n't set one leg over a broom until he was 11."

"Yeah, but I 'm rubbish at Quidditch,"Matt told him.

"Hey, Mr. woodwind, could you sign my Quaffle ?"John produced a Quaffle from his bag and held it out to Oliver.

"You brought a Quaffle ? !"pink wine exclaimed.

"'Course ! After hearing those hearsay, how could I not bring one ?"

"Sure, I 'll sign it,"Oliver took the Quaffle and signed it with a quill that he pulled out of his robes. He then handed it back to John.

"Thank you,"John whispered, as he stared in awe at the Quaffle.

"How 'bout you, flatness ?"Oliver asked,"You want an autograph ?"

"Sure ! But I do n't have a Quaffle."

"That 's okay. I 've got some parchment,"Oliver signed some parchment and gave it to Matt.

"Thanks !"Matt pocketed the parchment.

Alex started whining."Hungy, hungy !"

"wellspring, boys, I 've got to go get some food for petty Alex, here,"Joseph Oliver told them,"Enjoy the party !"He and broom walked towards the intellectual nourishment table with Holly behind them.

"Wow, just wow,"John told his friends,"That was so cool."

"I 'll say,"flatness replied.

"I ca n't believe you two know him !"John told Albus and Rose.

blush wine rolled her eyes,"It 's no big deal."

"You just do n't wish Quidditch that much,"Albus told her,"It 's grounds you 're horrible on a broom."

"Shut it, Albus,"rosiness glared at him.

"Where 's Helena Yaspies ?"John scanned the crowd,"Any of you lot seen her ?"

"Nope, not yet,"Albus told them.

"No, but look over there near Slughorn 's desk. It 's Willinson,"lustrelessness whispred.

Albus groaned.

"Excellent !"can grinned.

"What ?"Albus looked at him like he was crazy,"Why on ground do you want to see him ?"

"I 've been plotting a piffling harlequinade,"John the Divine whispred,"C'mere."He pulled them behind a board and they all crouched down. John pulled a box out of his bag."This is an Exploding Eclair."

"What ?"Amanda asked.

"Exploding Eclair,"St. John the Apostle repeated,"I bought it through owl-order from your uncle 's entrepot, Albus."

"What are you going to do with it ?"Albus eyed him warily, he happened to have been on the receiving end of an Exploding Eclair at the fellowship dinner before start of full term. His cousin, Bradley, had done it.

"plant it on Willinson 's plate,"lav told them,"But I 'll ask your help. When Willinson sets his plate down, walk by him. Close enough that he can see you, but far enough that he 'll consume to leave his plate unattended. Then I 'll put the eclair on it. And when he bites into it, bam ! It 'll explode."

"Brilliant !"Matt shouted.

"I dunno. It 'll make him material mad,"Albus said.

"But he wo n't know it 's us ! That 's the ravisher of it. There 's so many people here,"John explained,"But to be on the dependable side, we 'll leave right after. We do n't want to stay if he 's here anyway."

"True,"Albus agreed.

"Everyone in, then ?"John asked, grinning.

"Yep,"they all stated.

"Then let 's go,"John got up from under the mesa and his friends followed. Willinson was still by the desk, so Albus, lustrelessness, Amanda, and blush wine headed over. They walked following to the food board and waited until Willinson noticed them. It did n't take long. He spotted them, smirked, and set down his food. Albus saw John close in on his plate.

"Hello, Potty, Weasel, and company,"Willinson glared,"Enjoying the party ? I 'm just waiting until the moment you explode again, Potty."

"Willinson,"Albus snarled,"I 'm not planning on exploding. Are you ?"

"'Course not. When have I ever exploded ? You on the former hand,"Willinson laughed,"Do n't care the popularity, do you, baby potty ?"

"Shut it,"flatness stepped towards Willinson.

"What 're you going to do about it, peewee ?"Willinson towered over matt by at least a foot.

"You think I 'd tell you what I 'd do ? Think I 'm stupid ? If I told you, you 'd know how to block it,"matt growled.

"I doubt there 's a swearword you know that I do n't know how to block."

"Probably, but I know you would n't depart anything with prof ceramist a few human foot away,"Matt jerked his head in the direction of Harry.

At that moment, Albus looked over and saw John. St. John winked at him and walked away from Willinson 's plate.

"Well, I think I 've had enough of your company tonight, Willinson,"Albus annonced,"Have a horrible Christmas."Albus started to walk towards John, and his friends followed.

"Got it planted, then ?"Albus asked when they reached John.

"Yup,"john gave him a thumbs up,"We 're on."

They walked over to the door of the dungeon so they could escape easily if needed. Willinson picked up his plate and wandered back over to his friends. As they were talking, he picked up the eclair and bit into it.

The explosion was amazing. As soon as Willinson bit the eclair, cream exploded all over his boldness and in a 2 foot radius around him. A few bystanders were hit as well. It did n't seem possible that that much cream could fit in one eclair.

"Bloody Hell !"Willinson shouted, and the whole keep went still. Everyone looked at Willinson and started laughing.

Willinson looked around the room and his regard fell on Albus."I 'll get you for this, throne,"he seethed as he stormed out of the dungeon.

"That was bloody brilliant,"toilet said once Willinson had disappeared into the hallway.

"Yeah, it was !"matte agreed.

The fille and Albus nodded."But he said he 'd get us. We 'd better be on the lookout. He knows it was us,"Albus told them.

"He ca n't know it was us !"Matt said.

"Yeah, I guess. But he 'd still get us even if he does n't recognise who did it,"Albus reasoned.

"But it 's Christmas break tomorrow, so it does n't matter !"John grinned.

"I suppose you 're correct,"Albus smiled,"But let 's get to the park elbow room anyway. His champion agreed, and the five of them made their way to Gryffindor tower.

*******

It was still early on when they made it back to the common room, so it was quite crowded. However, Amanda spotted a few chairs in the back for them to occupy.

"So, who 's excited about Christmas ?"John asked,"I sure am, I could use a respite from studying."

"You 're not going to get a geological fault,"rose told him,"We 've got loads of homework."

"Way to put a damper on things, blush wine,"John answered,"But at least there 's no grade !"

"I 'm looking forward to Dec 25,"Albus said,"I love Christmas."

"What do you usually do for the holiday ?"Amanda asked.

"Oh, it 's great ! We all go to my grandma and grandpa 's sign. Everyone. My mob, blush wine 's fellowship, all our aunts, uncles, and full cousin. Plus teddy bear and his grandma. It 's pretty crowded, but it 's still fun. I love it. Usually individual winds up having too much to drink and there 's loads of trick played on multitude,"Albus said excitedly.

"Yeah, it 's somewhat neat. We do n't all stay the unhurt break, though. Because to the highest degree of us have other family to visit. My household usually stays until a few days after Christmas and then we spend the respite of the holiday with my mum 's parents,"Rose explained,"But Albus 's menage spends the completely gap at the burrow, that 's what we call my grandparents'house."

"Yep. But most of our cousins go straight to the tunnel from Hogwarts. My category always goes dwelling house first, to visit my grandparents'Graf. We always do that on Christmastide Eve. Dad 's been going ever since he was 17, every class on Christmas Eve. Then we get the burrow late that night."

"What do you do you lot do for Dec 25 ?"pink wine asked.

"Oh, I love Christmas too,"John smiled,"We stay at my household and my auntie, uncles, cousin, and grandparents all come over. They never all come at the same prison term, though, so it gets pretty crazy. My mum lusus naturae out because she never knows how practically to cook. And usually someone starts arguing about something, but it 's all right hand. My fellowship loves to argue, but we never get real mad at each other."

"strait jolly aplomb. You have a lot of first cousin, can ?"Amanda asked.

"A fairish amount. Most of them are all untested than me, though. 'Course that means they 're slap-up to play tricks on,"John laughed.

"Well, my family celebrates Feast of the Dedication,"Amanda told everyone.

"Oh, that 's neat,"Albus told her.

"Yeah, it 's in force. I 'm just glad Hannukah is late this year, so I 'll be home for it. Sometimes it 's at the end of Nov. But anyway, I have a pretty small mob. Just 3 cousins and my aunt and uncle. And my petty brother and erstwhile sister. My cousins usually come over for two days or so and we all exchange presents. It 's subdued, but fun."

"audio fun,"John agreed,"But I love my huge loud family. What do you do, mat ? You 've been frightening quiet."

mat looked up from the board."Christmas has never been all that fun for me, I guess. We usually go down to Australia to chitchat my grandparents."

"That sounds like fun to me,"John told Matt.

"Well, it 's not. I do n't like Australia. That 's where-"But lustrelessness suddenly stopped talking.

"Where what ?"King John asked.

"zip, aught. It 's just, that 's where I, er, got nauseated for the foremost clip. You know, how I get tired of so much."

"Oh."

"Yeah, anyway, well, we visit my grandparents. My parents, me and my sister go. My mum 's a muggle born, and we visit her parents. It 's always very formal when we visit them. They 're rich and stuck up. Never let me do anything there. I have to just sit still and they 're always staring at me. guessing they do n't want me to break away anything. Luckily we only visit them at Christmastide. I do n't have any cousin. My dad 's got a brother, but he 's aliveness in the States, so we do n't see him much either. We sometimes visit him over the summer. My dad 's parents died a long clock time ago, before I was born. So I do n't have lots family. I just wish we 'd spend Christmas at home."

Albus, Gospel According to John, Amanda, and rose just looked at Matt."I 'm sorry, lusterlessness. I wish you had a effective Christmas,"blush wine said sympathetically.

"Why do n't you pass Xmas with us ?"Albus asked,"No one will notice another soul in the Burrow."

"That 's a dandy idea !"rosebush shouted.

"I dunno. I do n't think my parents will let me. Especially this short placard,"Matt looked down glumly."My mum likes all of us to be together on Christmas. She seems to think every year it will be different. That my grandparents will loosen up. But they never do."

"Blimey,"Saint John the Apostle whispered,"That stinks."

"I know,"Matt agreed.

At that moment, Henry James came bursting in with his ally, Nathan. They both made a beeline for Albus 's table.

"Was it really you ?"Henry James shouted breathlessly,"Did you impart Willinson the Exploding Eclair ?"

whoremonger grinned."It was my idea."

"Brilliant, just brilliant,"James smiled,"The looking on his case ..."

"Yeah, but you lot had better lookout out when you next see him. He seemed to sleep together it was you,"Nathan told them.

"I 'm not worried,"whoremonger answered,"He 'll probably forget about it over Christmas."

"I sure hope so,"Albus stated. He looked at his sentry. It was midnight."well, I 'm off to bed. I 'll see you guy cable in the morning.

"We 'd all better go to bed,"rosiness stood up,"I think the train is leaving at noontide tomorrow."

Albus got up out of his chair and headed to the staircase. He could n't wait to go to the Burrow. He missed being surrounded by his fellowship all the time. He missed his grandmother 's cooking. mentation of the delicious food for thought filed his foreland as he drifted off into a pleasant, dreamless sleep.

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A/N : Hope you guys like it ! Please read and review. Thanks as always to Dancer Of Starlight and my other sister and brother. Also, thanks to QUEEN and teddysxxgirl for their reviews ! Next chapter is Dec 25 Eve.

know this chapter is short, but I did n't want to combine it with anything else. It stands on its own.
Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.

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"Lily !"Harry shouted into the living room,"Are you ready to go ? All packed ?"Harry was standing with Ginny in front of the strawman door, with a couple shorts and suitcases at his ft. James and Albus were standing nearby, having a blade fight with a duo falsify wands. Albus 's sceptre turned into a fraud parrot and emitted a tacky squawking noise.

"Albus ! Saint James !"Ginny scolded them,"Behave yourselves."Saint James and Albus quickly stowed the wand and parrot into their trunks.

A small, red-headed girl walked into the elbow room, trailing a pink rolling suitcase."Are we leaving now ?"

"Yes, we are. What were you doing in there, dear ?"Ginny asked.

"I was packing. I could n't retrieve all my Wendy Witch dolly and had to bet all over the mansion for them."

James laughed."Do you have to assume them everywhere ?"

"Of track I do ! I could n't leave any of them rest home. It would n't be fair,"Lily explained. Albus and James River laughed even harder."Mum ! Tell them to shut up."

"Boys, be nice to your babe. Now, does everyone possess everything ? I 'm sending the trunks to the burrow and we wo n't be coming back after we visit Godric 's Hollow,"Ginny informed them.

"Yes, we 've got everything,"Albus told them.

"goodness,"Ginny waved her sceptre and the trunks and suitcases disappeared,"Now, then, it 's time to go. Lily, take my arm. Boys, take your father's."And with a tatty sally, the Potter family disappeared from their house.

A few seconds later, they reappeared in a field a little ways away from a modest town. The sun was setting and their was saucy Charles Percy Snow on the flat coat. From the field, Harry could see petite people walking along the streets.

"pappa, why do we give to walk so far ?"Lily whined,"Why ca n't we just Apparate in townsfolk ?"

"I 've told you before, Lily, we ca n't let the Muggles see us,"Harry explained.

"But I 'm tired."

"Oh, shut it, Lily,"James snapped at his babe,"It 's not that far."

"Is, too,"Lily stomped away from him.

Jesse James reached down and made a snowball and then threw it at the spine of his sis 's head.

"Ow ! ! !"Lily screeched and ran to Harry.

Saint James the Apostle and Albus started laughing."Good one, Saint James the Apostle,"Albus gave his brother a high five.

"Boys !"Harry shouted,"Enough ! Lily, it 's not that much further. I 'll carry you."Harry picked up his girl, who started sobbing into his jacket.

"She 's really tired,"Harry whispered to Ginny.

"I know. She 's been veridical excited about you and the son coming home for the holiday. She 's been up until midnight every night the past hebdomad,"Ginny said.

"She wo n't be getting much sleep for the next workweek either, staying at the burrow,"Harry told Ginny.

"That 's for sure."

As the Potter family moved into the Town, some people occasionally stopped to stare at them. A few stopped to say hello, but hurried off quickly. Others completely ignored them. Many citizenry were finishing up last minute shopping or hurrying off to church.

The trivial church building was already full phase of the moon of people singing. The ceramist could learn the Christmas carol as they walked by. They crunched through the Snow in silence. Even James and Albus were quiet. Lily had fallen asleep on Harry 's shoulder shortly after he picked her up. Harry appreciated how his kids were always behaved when he visited his parents Graves. It was sort of an unspoken thing. He had never once had to tell them to behave themselves in the cemetery. The kids would agitate and squabble along the streets in the village, but would always get along once they entered the cemetery.

Harry walked into the burial site, with Ginny, Henry James, and Albus following him. As he walked the familiar spirit path to his parents graves, he thought about his previous visits. There was the beginning visit, of line. He could n't forget that. Voldemort had showed up and tried to pop him. Ever since then, he had been visiting every Halloween and every Christmas Eve. He had taken Ginny once they were married, and the kids once they were born. Harry always felt sad when he visited, but this year he felt worried as well. Who was attempting to read his and his kids'judgement ? What about the mysterious death of professor Torro ?

Harry made his way towards his parents'grave and stopped in front of it. He bent down and put his helping hand over the names. James and Lily Potter.

Before the downfall of Voldemort, mysterious deaths were expected. Of class, nowadays, there were murders every once and a while. These were usually attributed to end Eaters still at turgid or Wiccan or wizards who believed in Voldemort 's ideal. Harry or one of the other Aurors usually caught them quickly and they were in Azakaban at the mo. Harry had had Aurors on the pillow slip of Torro ever since Sep, but there were still no trail. This reminded him of very very much of the days when Voldemort was at large.

What was he supposed to do ? He was doing all he could to overhear Torro 's cause of death. He could n't help but think the death was somehow related to the legilimency that was being performed on him, James, and Albus. And what could he do to facilitate reassure his son ? The former instructor had told Harry that St. James the Apostle was more subdued in year ever since the episode during his detention with Washburn. Jesse James was obviously quite interest about it. Albus was, too. Harry had met with Ron shortly afterward and neither of them could come up with any new estimate of who did it. It must experience either been a student or a teacher. As much as Harry hated to do it, he realized he was going to suffer to look into his co-worker. Ginny was worried, too. However, she believed that the boys were safe with Harry at the castle. Harry knew she took solace in knowing he was near them at all times. Harry only wished he felt as confident in his abilities as Ginny did.

Ginny knelt down next to Harry and wordlessly took the sleeping Lily from his implements of war. Harry reached into his cloak and pulled out a bouquet of lilies. He bent down again and placed them in front of the grave stone. Harry stood up and looked at the grave, his center glistening with tears.

"Happy Noel, Mum and Dad,"Harry whispered. Ginny put her arm around Harry, and the two of them turned around and headed out of the cemetery, with Epistle of James and Albus in their wake.
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Longer chapter is coming up next ! It 'll be Yuletide at the Burrow. Thanks as always to Rain is Liquid Moonlight, my other babe, and my pal. Thanks as well to siriusgirl1 for reviewing. Please read and survey !

Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter ! Although I do own the OCs, the plot, and to the highest degree of the Weasley cousins !

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A little while later, the Potter kinsfolk appeared in the yard behind the tunnel. They walked up to the backbone door and Harry opened it. He walked inside, followed by his family line, and saw the usual bedlam. The total Weasley menage was standing inside. It was a sea of flaming red hair's-breadth. Most of the children had inherited the Weasley red hair. The few exception were Albus, who looked just like Harry, and Victoire and Gabrielle, who had their female parent 's silvery blonde hair.

"Mum, make him give it back !"six-year-old lindy shouted as her brother held her dame in the air.

"Cedric ! sacrifice her back her dame !"Corrine Weasley yelled at her son. He reluctantly handed Lindy her bird and ran from the room.

The burrow was crammed with people. There did n't seem to be room for anyone else. shimmy lupin was currently entertaining the younger Weasley child by changing his ear and hair's-breadth colouring. The one-time tyke were eating various sweets and talking about all sort of things. Many of the adults were drinking eggnog and getting louder and louder by the minute.

Ron was the firstly to notice the Potters."Oi ! Harry 's here !"he shouted and ran towards the door,"Hi Harry ! Great to see you, mate !"

"Hey, Ron !"

"Harry, Ginny !"Molly Weasley came bustling into the kitchen,"seed in, number in ! Are you hungry ? Want any stew ?"

"Sure,"Harry told her and he sat down at the tabular array following to Ginny. mollie went over to the cooking stove and got five bowls of stew.

"This is keen, Mum, thanks,"Ginny told Molly.

Albus and James were already digging into their stew. Lily ate a few bites and then ran off to regain her first cousin, apparently not tired at all anymore.

"Well, everyone 's here,"Molly told them,"They 're all in the keep room. I do n't recognize if we 'll ever get the tike to bed."

"It 's Yule Eve, do n't even trouble oneself,"Harry laughed.

Albus finished his stew and got up from the tabular array. He went into the living way with James and found rose wine, along with his cousins Omar Nelson Bradley, Cedric, Ben, and Mark sitting together on the level. Cedric and Ben were endorse years, and Omar Nelson Bradley and Mark were third years.

"What 's new ?"Albus asked.

"Oh, not lots,"Ben told him,"Uncle George and Uncle Charlie are pretty drunk. Grammy is trying to get the unseasoned small fry in bed. All the aunty are talking about all variety of stuff. My dad, Uncle Percy, Uncle Ron, and grandpa are all drunkenness eggnog and eating cookies over there,"he pointed to a few hot seat grouped together around a small table."And let 's see, Teddy and Victoire were snogging earlier. It was pretty gross. Who wants to see their babe snogging someone ? Grammy made them kibosh. Now Teddy 's changing his hair color all the metre for the entertainment of the little Thomas Kyd, which is making it strong for Grammy to get them to go to bed."

James IV and Albus laughed."Should be an matter to holiday,"Epistle of James said,"What have you lot been up to ?"

"Oh, not a lot, just talking about Quidditch,"Cedric said,"Oh, and blush wine is trying to get some studying done."

"blush wine ! We 're on holiday !"James looked shocked,"Now 's not the time to learn !"

"wellspring, you 'll be scrambling to get your employment done on the finis day, like always. Maybe you should study tonight, too."

"You 'll never get anything done with all this racket,"Cedric told her."What 's up with you, James IV and Albus ?"

"Oh, not practically. Lily 's been complaining a lot. She got really mad when I threw a snow Ball at her while we were walking into Godric 's holler,"James told them.

"Yeah, she 's been sort of a pain, and we 've only been on vacation for a day !"Albus said as he snatched a cookie from a nearby record."I 'm sure going to bask this sentence off, though. I have n't gone a workweek without detention in ages."

"Me too !"James agreed,"I need a break from Washburn, he 's crazy."

"Definitely,"Bradley agreed,"You 've missed so a lot Quidditch pattern because of him."

"He hates me, I tell you. Hates Albus, too."

"Remember that dung dud in outset year, St. James the Apostle ?"Cedric asked.

"Yeah, how could I forget that ? That 's when he started hating me,"James reminisced."Did n't learn many appealingness that twelvemonth due to the amount of prison term I used nosebleed nougats."

"I 'm hoping I get new Snackboxes for Christmas this yr,"Cedric told them,"I 'm running out. Ca n't wait till next year and I can go buy them at Hogsmeade."

"Definitely. Hogwarts wo n't screw what hit it when we 're able to buy prank stuff all the time,"King James laughed.

"Going to Hogsmeade 's great,"Deutschmark chimed in,"I 've bought so many dessert at Honeydukes this year."

"Not to mention everything else there. Like the III broom handle. What a great shoes. And the Shrieking hutch. You know it 's shrieking again this year,"Tom Bradley added.

Albus and Rose glanced at each former nervously.

"Yeah, I 've heard it. But I wonder why ? It has n't shrieked since shift 's dad was at Hogwarts,"James wondered aloud.

"You do n't think-"Cedric started to say, but was cut off by Molly.

"If you 're not in Hogwarts yet, it 's metre for bed !"she shouted,"It 's nearly midnight, way past your bedtimes. Go on ! Lily, Hugo, Angie, Samantha, Lindy, and Eddie ! Bed !"

"But Grammy !"Lily whined,"I do n't wan na ! I 'm not a little kid !"

"No buts, Lily, bed, now !"

Lily pouted and then stomped up the stairs to the elbow room she shared with Angie, Samantha, and Lindy.

"I see what you mean about Lily,"Cedric told James and Albus.

"Yup, she 's been doing it all evening. Dad actually carried her at Godric 's hollow. And she fell asleep on his shoulder. 'Course now she does n't desire to go to bed, flesh,"James said.

"So, what does everyone suppose the luck of England making it to the cosmos Cup next yr ?"Albus asked quickly, before everyone could return to the topic of the screaming Shack.

"Ugh !"blush wine sighed,"Back to Quidditch again."She pulled out her copy of The banner Good Book of Spells, Grade One and continued reading.

The subject of Quidditch carried the male child the eternal sleep of the nighttime and Albus was very relieved that no one mentioned the screeching Shack again. After a spell, Molly decided it was time for everyone else to go to bed, too. Saint James, Bradley, Cedric, Mark, Ben, and Albus were all sharing Ron 's old bedroom on the top floor. They trudged up the stair while continuing their Quidditch conversation. When they reached the way, they found three stage set of bunk beds crammed into the way, just as they were every early Xmas. It was a bit cramped, but they all had plenty elbow room. Albus climbed into the bottom of the hogwash he shared with Henry James and fell into a restful sleep.

******

"Albus ! Wake up ! It 's Noel !"a pipe up part screamed as Albus opened his eyes. He sat up and bumped his head on the bed above him.

"Ouch !"Albus rubbed his aching head. He had forgotten he was at the burrow."What is it ?"

"It 's Xmas, Albus !"Lily screeched.

"What prison term is it ? Is anyone else up ?"

"It 's six in the morn !"Lily said excitedly."I 'm the first one up. appear, you 've got presents !"Lily pointed at the pile near the human foot of Albus 's bed.

"Excellent ! Looks like a commodity load this year,"Albus smiled."Have you opened yours ?"

"Not yet. I think I will now, though !"Lily grinned and ran from the room.

Albus heard stirring from the bed above him."You up, James ?"

"Yeah, I am now. She 's always the first one up on Christmas,"James yawned.

"I know, she 's even up before the Gemini, Angie, and Eddie,"Albus laughed."Well, mine as well get started on the present tense !"

Albus crawled to the end of his bed and examined his presents. He picked up a boastfully, soft parcel and knew what it was before even opening it. He tore off the wrapping and unfolded a orange red sweater with a Gryffindor Leo the Lion on it. Albus knew he 'd be getting one of these this year. His grandmother always knitted everyone a sweater every year, but for each kid 's first year at Hogwarts, they got a Gryffindor sweater. Albus pulled his over his head word and smiled."What jumper did you get this year, Saint James ?"

"Scarlet with a gold canary,"James told Albus,"You get the Gryffindor one ?"

"Yup."Albus reached for his next present. It was from his Uncle Saint George and auntie Alicia. He opened it up and found a Skiving Snackbox. He grinned. He never had a lot use for these confection before, but now that he was at Hogwarts, they would definitely come in handy."What 'd you get from Uncle George I ?"

"Extendable Ears,"James River responded.

The side by side present was in the shape of a book. Albus knew it was from his auntie Hermione before he even looked at the tag. When he unwrapped it, he found it was Hogwarts, A account. Albus laughed. Epistle of James had gotten the same book finally year.

"Did you get Hogwarts, A story ?"King James asked.

"Yeah, how 'd you experience ?"Albus sniggered. The next package was from his Uncle Ron, a box of Honeydukes sweets.

Albus reached into his mickle of presents and found the one from his parents. It was a long rectangular box. Albus opened it and found a dragon skin wand covering. It was scarlet and embossed with Au Lion. Albus stared at it in awe. He had seen one of these in Diagon bowling alley when he was there buying his school provision. He had wanted it, but his dad had said no. It came with a small bottle of wand refinement."What 'd you get from Mum and Dad ?"

"Have n't opened theirs yet,"James said,"Lem me find it."Albus heard rustling from the bed above and ripping paper. Then quiet."Wow ! This is awesome ! They got me a baton cover charge !"

"Me too !"Albus exclaimed,"What 's yours have on it ?"

"Snitches ! It 's like my sweater, vermilion with gold Snitches."

"Mine 's scarlet with gold lions."

"Pretty impressive,"St. James the Apostle said.

"Yeah,"Albus agreed.

Albus continued opening his present until there were none left. He got a lot of sugariness and Weasley 's wiz Wheezes Cartesian product. He also got a few books, including Quidditch in the Twentieth hundred. But his dearie present was his baton screen, he kept staring at it. When Omar Nelson Bradley, Cedric, Mark, and Ben woke up, they opened their own presents.

By the fourth dimension the boy had all finished opening their nowadays, everyone else in the house was up. When they went downstairs they found Molly cooking breakfast. All the former adults were sitting around the mesa talking and having coffee and tea. The younger kids were running around playing with their nowadays. The previous kid were all clustered around one of the armchairs in the living room. The boys went over to investigate.

"What 's going on over here ?"James II asked, while squeezing in between Stanley and Fred.

"Georgia 's gotten a new Calluna vulgaris !"Fred exclaimed."Newest theoretical account, a Firebolt 3000."

"Oh, wow !"Saint James the Apostle exclaimed,"Can I tinct it ?"

"Sure,"Georgia was sitting in the armchiar, with her new ling resting on her lap. Everyone was admiring it.

"This is so cool,"Heather gazed at the heather,"Wait 'till the Slytherins see we have one of these on our team."

"Yeah !"Fred agreed,"Supposed to be the truehearted broom yet. Just came out in conclusion week."

"Can I fly it later ?"James River asked.

"Yeah, trusted, but I want to try it out first,"Empire State of the South laughed,"We 'll go out after breakfast."

"Do you know if anyone else has one at Hogwarts yet ?"Bradley asked.

"No, I do n't think anyone else has one !"Georgia said.

"Wow, delay 'till everyone finds out it 's my sister who got the first Firebolt 3000,"Bradley sighed,"But I do wish well I got one."

"Well, I was riding a nimbus 2000. You 've got a fixture Firebolt."

"I know, but I hope I get one for my birthday."

"Breakfast is ready !"Molly called into the room.

Everyone scrambled into the kitchen and got plates of food. There was n't plenty room at the table for everyone to eat at. The kids all went back into the aliveness room to eat. Albus sat down next to Lily, who was playing with her new toys and eating at the same time.

"What 'd you get, Lily ?"Albus asked his sister.

"New My Little Hippogriffs,"she told him, gesturing to her toys."And a overindulge owl, which I named Hedwig. Some candy, a few imitation wands, a sweater, some drogue, a couple books, and a Gryffindor hat and scarf."

"That 's good,"Albus responded, as he started eating his eggs. rosebush came and sat down next to Albus.

"Hi, Rose. You get good presents ?"

"Yeah, I got a lot of books !"she told him.

"I got a few books. But the dear affair is my new wand cover charge,"Albus grinned,"It 's upstairs, I 'll show it to you later."

"Wow, that 's neat."

"Did you see Peach State 's new broom ?"Albus asked,"Its only been out a workweek. She 's probably one of the first to get one."

"Yeah, I saw it. It 's pretty impressive. You going to try it out ? ``

"Definitely. It 's got to be peachy to fly. Maybe I 'll be able to get a heather next summer. I 'm trying out for Chaser next class,"Albus told her.

"I 'm sure you 'll get it,"rose wine told him as she ate her toast.

"I dunno. I mean, there 's only one chaser side opening up next twelvemonth. Samantha 'll be leaving. I bet Georgia 'll be made Captain."

"Probably. She 's the next oldest. And she 's a good leader,"Rose agreed.

"Plus she 's got the best broomstick ever !"Albus said.

"True,"Rose said,"But just because you 've got a good broom, does n't signify you 're a good captain."

"Yeah, but Georgia 's a great player. Her new broom will only make her intimately. Slytherin wo n't stomach a chance. I think we 're playing them shortly after we go back in January,"Albus told Rose."You gon na try out the broom ?"

"Probably not. I 'm not very upright and I would n't want to burst it."

"I doubt you 'd break up it. You 're an ok flyer,"Albus told her."But I 'm definitely trying it."

"Let 's go play Quidditch !"Georgia stood up and held her broom over her head. Everyone who had been eating breakfast dropped their plates and either stormed up to the bedroom to get their own Calluna vulgaris or ran out into the field that was used for Quidditch practice. Albus, since he did not own his own broomstick, went directly international. Sakartvelo had already ran out the door and was standing in the middle of the line of business, with a huge smile on her face.

"Ready, Albus ?"she asked.

"Definitely ! I ca n't expect !"he told her, and he looked over to the back room access of the business firm. James, and everyone else who had their own Scots heather had come out and were running over to the field.

"Can I try it after you ?"shimmy shouted from behind everyone else.

"Sure !"GA shouted back.

"Then me !"James waved his blazonry around.

"And me !"Fred screamed.

"Me !"Heather pushed her way in front of Fred, trying to block him.

"Shut it !"Sakartvelo shouted over the noise,"Everyone will get a round ! But right now, I 'm flying it !"Georgia mounted her Calluna vulgaris and kicked off from the primer. The speed was amazing. She could make round at top speed and brake seconds before she would have got crashed into the ground.

"Wow !"James screamed excitedly."That 's brilliant !"Everyone started talking at once and Albus was not able to name out anything. Sakartvelo flew around the field for fifteen proceedings before landing beside her sib and cousins. She dismounted and handed the broom to chemise.

"Thanks !"Teddy grinned and changed his hairsbreadth to red. He flew into the air did a series of whirl and turn. He flew for about ten mo and landed following to Georgia."Wow, I wish I 'd had that when I was Seeker, we never would have lost a mates !"

"We barely lost a match anyway,"Georgia laughed. She took the broom and handed it to James. For the side by side two hours, everyone took a turn on the heather. Even rosebush got into the life of things and flew around for a few minutes. After everyone had had a turn, Georgia decided to orchestrate a Quidditch match.

"Ok, I 'll be police chief of my team and chemise can captain the other team,"Georgia decided. The two police captain took bout picking their team and eventually their were two team of six players each. As there were n't enough players for total team, six player for each had to play. Sakartvelo 's squad consisted of James River, Bradley, Cedric, Stanley, and Gabriella. shimmy 's team consisted of Heather, Fred, Victoire, Ben, and sucker. Since Albus did not ingest a broom, he could n't play. He and Rose watched from the by-line, while the immature kids played in the snow nearby.

"That was end death Nox, about the shrieking hovel, I mean,"Albus whispered to Rose.

"I know,"she whispered back,"Everyone 's suspicious about it. I hear mass whispering about it sometimes in the Great Hall."

"That means lusterlessness 's audience it, too,"Albus groaned,"It 's got to be horrible for him."

"Energy Department this mean you definitely believe he 's a wolfman, then ?"Rose asked.

"I 'm not totally confident, but it does seem that way. I do n't think I 'll be fully convinced until I hear him say so himself."

"I suppose you 're right, but I 'm passably sure of it,"rosebush told him.

"How 'd you find out, anyway ? How do you know so much about wolfman ?"Albus asked.

"I 've read about them, of course. Once I found out that Teddy 's dad was a wolfman, I read all about them in Mum and Dad 's old school script,"pink wine said.

"Oh, yeah, that makes sense. You sure do register a lot."

"I know,"rose wine agreed, as she pulled her copy of Hogwarts, A history, out of her jacket.

"You got that for Noel, too ?"Albus questioned.

"Yup, it 's quite interest. I 'm already on chapter three."

"I have n't even started reading it yet."

Rose laughed and opened up her book. Albus looked out towards the field and watched the rest of the Quidditch friction match. It was a pretty respectable match. Quite unlike than Hogwarts matches, though. There was no referee, so a few arguments erupted. After an hour or so, shimmy caught the Snitch and his team won. Albus and his cousin trooped back into the theater, snowy, wet, and coldness. It was almost sentence for Christmas supper, and molly was cooking in the kitchen, with assist from Ginny and Fleur. Albus ran up to the top sleeping room and got out his new Quidditch Word and read it until supper was ready.

Christmas supper was always an interesting result at the Burrow. The kitchen mesa was not big enough to seat everyone, so usually the vernal baby sat there, while the oldest kids and the grownup found arse in the living room. There was always a lot of intellectual nourishment, too. The nutrient was kept in the kitchen and people got up to get some when they wanted it. As Albus was walking into the kitchen, he distinctly saw James sneaking around the aliveness way doing something with one of the arm chairs.

Sure enough, after Albus sat down at the board and started eating his food, he heard a scream from the sustenance elbow room. He jumped up from his chairperson and followed his cousin-german into the room.

"What was that ? !"Harry shouted, looking down at the electric chair he had been sitting in.

Molly came into the room and pushed past Albus."James Sirius Potter ! What did you do ?"

James looked sheepishly at her,"How did you know it was me ? You did n't see it happen."

"I raised your Uncle George ! I know a hangdog feel when I see one,"molly screamed at him,"What did you do ?"

"Shocking Seat,"James II explained,"It 's a minuscule thing you hide on a chair and gives a mild electric car impact to the soul who sits in it."

Harry started laughing,"And I suppose it 's from your store, George ?"

"Yup, newest product. Just came out a few workweek ago. I got King James a few for Dec 25. thought he 'd like them,"George IV told him.

"I 'd say he does like them,"Harry grinned,"Just do n't use them on any teachers."

"Too late. I just did,"James IV laughed. Everyone else started laughing as well, except Molly, who went back into the kitchen.

The rest of supper went by with only a few minor pranks. Someone snuck a Ton Tongue toffee into Albus 's pudding and his spit grew two feet before Harry found out and fixed it for him. A few glasses exploded and a few bowls of soup crashed to the ground, mostly because Stanley had just turned xvii and wanted to use magic to bring things to the table for mass. Eventually, everyone had enough to eat and they migrated into the living way. The adults had all had quite a bit of eggnog and fire whisky and were not paying a whole lot of tending to the kids. This enabled shift and Victoire to sneak off into the kitchen, to be alone.

Albus and pink wine decided to trifle magician 's chess game. Lily and Hugo sat down to watch. It did n't choose Rose too long to gravel Albus. blush wine was very good at chess and she was much sound than Albus. After that, the four of them played a few rounds of Exploding Snap, most of which Albus won.

Eventually, mollie decided it was fourth dimension for everyone to go to bed. Albus climbed slowly up the stairs and got into his bunk. He was very tired. It had been a outstanding Noel. With his tummy total and his eye felicitous, Albus fell into a deep sleep.

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A/N : promise you liked it ! I wrote this before Jo posted the Weasley/Potter menage tree diagram, so that 's why I made up my own Weasley cousins. Although I did hazard correctly that James 's midway figure is Sirius ! I know it 's a bit confusing with the magnanimous amount of cousin I made up, so I 'll try and post a family tree with one of the upcoming chapters.

As always, thanks to Rain is Liquid Moonlight, my other sister, and my bro. Thanks also to inkheart for their reviews. Please read and reexamine !

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

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boxing Day was usually a work-shy day at the burrow. Everyone slept late and ate whatever whenever they wanted. Albus awoke around noon, and found that a few of his aunts, uncles, and full cousin were getting quick to leave. His Uncle St. George and aunty Alicia and their kids were getting ready to leave to chitchat Alicia 's parents. His Uncle Charlie and aunty Katherine and their kid were also leaving to visit early family.

"Bye, hombre,"Albus waved as his Uncle Charlie stepped into the fireplace with Eddie.

"Bye, Albus,"Charlie waved back,"Have a commodity time at school."

Albus walked into the kitchen and found blush wine sitting at the table reading Hogwarts, A story. Victor Hugo was also there.

"break of the day, Rose,"he said as he sat down next to her.

"Hi,"she said, not looking up from her book.

Albus went to the parry and made some goner. Hugo got up from the table and ran into the living way. When Albus brought his breakfast back to the table, rosebush had set her book down.

"commodity, he left,"Rose whispered,"I want to verbalise to you about Matt."

"What about him ?"

"His petty 'problem',"Rose said,"Listen, I went snooping around Grandpa 's discipline this daybreak while everyone was asleep. I want to do some more enquiry about lycanthropy."

"Well, did you find anything ?"Albus asked eagerly.

"Yeah, I did. I found a few books that have information in them. I took them and hid them in my trunk upstairs. Now that ling 's left to see her other grandparents, I 've got my room to myself. We can go interpret them after we 're done eating."

"Sounds good,"Albus whispered back,"And we 've got to ask Uncle banknote about it too."

"I know, I 've thought of that too. We 'll ask tomorrow. There 'll be less people. Uncle account, Aunt Fleur, Victoire, Gabriella, and Ben are n't leaving until day after tomorrow. Uncle Percy, auntie Corrine, Georgia, Bradley, Cedric, and the twins are leaving tomorrow. I do n't need to be overheard."

"good thinking,"Albus said as he took a bite out of his pledge. At that moment, William James, Cedric, Omar Bradley, and Ben came in.

"What were you two talking about ?"James asked, as he stole a bit of Albus 's toast.

"zero,"Albus said abruptly.

James looked at him warily,"Hmm, well, we 're going to go play Quidditch. You want to observe ?"

Rose looked at Albus."Um, no, me and rosiness have, er, prep to do."

James River laughed."There 's good deal of meter left to do preparation. Oh, well, suit yourself."Jame shoved the close bit of his pledge into his mouth and he, Cedric, and Ben went outside.

"That was confining,"Rose whispered,"We ca n't let anyone find out. Are you ready ?"

"Yeah,"Albus said as he got up from the table. pink wine got up, too, and Albus followed her to the chamber she stayed in. They went inside and Rose closed the door quietly. She went over to her tree trunk, pulled out a few hard Holy Scripture, and dumped them on her bed.

"If anyone bursts in and need us what we 're doing, we say it 's homework,"Rose told Albus. She picked up a book and handed it to him."Here you go. Just look through it and read anything you find about werewolves."

Albus took the rule book and looked at it. It was entitled Modern Magical remediation. He opened it to the indicant and looked for 'werewolf', but it was n't there. However, 'wolfsbane'was. There was a unit chapter on it. Albus turned to the chapter and briefly leafed through it. It was long and the print was very small. It was not the kind of meter reading Albus would normally do, but his curiosity about matte 's term triumphed over his dislike of tedious reading. Albus and rosebush read for close to two hours. In the clip it took Albus to read about the Wolfsbane potion, rose had gone through two of the former Holy Scripture.

"wellspring, what did you get hold ?"Rose asked once Albus had finished his chapter. She looked a bit pale and kind of scared.

"Loads, how about you ?"Albus told her,"Are you okay ?"

"Yeah, I guess,"rose wine whispered,"It 's just, the other books I 've read did n't really go over what it 's like to transform. These did. Oh, Albus, it sounds horrible ! Really dreadful ! And painful. I just feel so bad for Matt, if that is what 's going on. Apparently, when a werewolf is in wolf form, they must sting other animals or people. They 're not in their human idea, they do n't know what they 're doing ! And if there 's no other animals or people to burn, they bite themselves. That must be where matt got all those slice and bruises from. He 's doing it to himself."

Albus stared at her with his mouth open up,"That 's horrifying ! There 's got to be something someone could do ! healer or someone must know a cure or something."

"There 's not. There 's no cure for lycanthropy. Just the Wolfsbane potion,"rosiness told him.

"Oh, yeah,"Albus had momentarily forgotten what he had been reading about,"The wolfsbane potion does work. If a werewolf takes it every night a few nights prior to transmutation, they will transform, but will be harmless to themselves and former people. It 's really complicated to make, but apparently it makes the transformations loads better."

"But why does n't Matt take it then ?"Rose wondered.

"I dunno. I guess the only way we 'd find out is to ask him,"Albus told her.

"So you believe me, then ? You 're convinced he 's a werewolf ?"Rose asked.

"You know, I think so. I guess I 'm still not positive, but I 'm as convert as I could be without him actually telling me."

Rose got up from the bed."I guess we 've learned everything we can from these books. I 'll sneak them back early tomorrow morning."She picked up all the Quran and put them back into her trunk.

"I think I 'll go see what everyone else is up to,"Albus got up from the storey and opened the door,"You coming ?"

"Yeah, trusted,"Rose followed Albus out the door.

The cousins walked down the stairs from rosebush 's elbow room. The house was very muted. about of their cousins were outside playing Quidditch or in their rooms enjoying their present tense. Since two of the families had already left, it was quite a bit calmer. As Albus and Rose strode past the kitchen, Albus stopped short. Rose bumped into him.

"Ouch !"she screeched as she bumped her head on his back.

"Shush !"Albus whispered as he pressed his head to the threshold of the kitchen,"I heard mortal say my name."

Rose leaned her brain against the threshold as well and the two of them tried to listen for a moment or so."It 's no use ! They 're whispering. I ca n't hear anything."

"Me neither, but I swear one of them mentioned me !"Albus listened again,"I 'm passably indisputable it 's my mum and dad, and your dad as well."

The front door banged receptive and James, Cedric, Ben, and Bradley stormed in, dropping their broom on the floor."It 's all-fired freezing out there !"James shouted as he tore off his gloves and scarf.

"And someone 's locked the kitchen door !"Cedric added, as he pulled off his freeze hat.

"Shush !"Albus shouted back.

"What ?"James asked as he came rushing over, followed by Cedric, Ben, and Bradley.

"The kitchen 's locked because some of the grownup are in there talking about me !"Albus whispered back.

"Really ?"James looked at him curiously,"What about ?"

"I dunno !"Albus whispered back,"I ca n't hear them, they 're being real quiet."

James River thought for a moment, and then a grin appeared on his face."metre to wear out out one of my Christmas presents."

"That 's rightfulness !"Albus said excitedly,"You got extendible Ears for Yule !"

"Yep, sure did I 'll go get them !"St. James the Apostle announced, and then he ran upstairs. He appeared a instant later holding a gamy box with a large ear pictured on it."Here they are."Epistle of James tore open the packaging and pulled out seven fleshy tubes. He handed one to everybody and stowed the extra in his pocket.

Albus hastily pushed one end of the extendible Ear into his own ear and sent the other end to the bottom of the room access. Albus had used Extendables once before, when his cousin Gabriella had bought some at Hogsmeade and let Albus try them out. That was two years ago, and he had n't heard anything interesting. Gabriella had bought them in society to heed in on Victoire 's conversations with her friend who had stayed for Christmastide happy chance. Victoire only talked about how much she liked Teddy, and Albus found that rather boring. This clock time, however, Albus was trusted he 'd try more interesting conversations.

"I 'm really not certain I should order them,"Albus heard his dad say.

"I know,"his mother responded back,"If person invading thieir minds, it 's advantageously they did not fuck right now."

"I mean, I had n't really thought about when I was going to severalise them,"Harry responded,"I guess I was planning on doing it when they were much older. I worry about what they would do with the information. James especially."

Jesse James turned away from the threshold and looked at Albus."They 're talking about me, too !"

"I know, shush !"Albus said as he turned his attention back to the conversation in the kitchen.

"I honestly would only trust Rose with the information, Harry,"Ginny told her husband.

This time it was Rose 's turn to look at Albus."Me, too ! But whatever it is, they trust me."blush wine could n't assist but grin as she turned back to the door.

"I do n't want her to know, given the current circumstances,"Ron said.

"Me neither,"Hermione agreed.

"I know, but it seems as if whoever 's doing it is focusing on King James I and Albus,"Harry informed them."I was always leery about telling them, but especially now ..."

"Harry, we did n't even assure my brothers,"Ron said,"Why are you worrying about telling the tyke ?"

"Part of me wants them to understand what we think is going on,"Harry went on,"But the former part of me does n't want them to know."

"I 'm siding with that part of you,"Ginny said,"We should n't tell them."

"Ever ?"Hermione asked tentatively,"I do think they should be trusted with that selective information at some point."

"I agree, Hermione,"Harry told her,"But not now. I guess I 'd just been waiting for the opportunity to present itself, have n't really thought about when I 'd tell them. I suppose the best thing to do would be to expect until they 're out of school, they 'll be more mature and there 'll be LE of a chance of it leaking out."

"That sounds reasonable, Harry,"Ginny agreed,"Someday, we 'll tell them about the Hallows. But right now I think we need to lecture about what 's been going on with-"

"James, Bradley, Cedric, benedick, Rose, and Albus, what on earth are you doing ? !"a white voice caused Albus to drop his extendable Ear and he was not capable to hear what his mum had been about to say.

molly Weasley ran over to the five full cousin, a look of craze on her face."Have you been listening in on that conversation ? Obviously you have ! You have no right ! Your parents wanted to be alone ! And open me those !"

Albus, James River, and their full cousin did not even think about not listening to their grandmother and handed over their pinna at once."And the other one ?"She eyed Jesse James 's pocket. Albus glanced at it and noticed the little bit of flesh sticking out of it. James sulkily pulled it out and handed it to her.

"I 'll be having a intelligence with your Uncle George ! He 's favorable he 's not here right now. He should n't be giving you those for Xmas, honestly, the nerve of him ..."Molly stormed over to her desk and grabbed a while of parchment and a quill and started writing while she mumbled to herself. Albus knew she was going to station a belly laugh to her son.

The kerfuffle outside the kitchen caused Harry, Ginny, Ron, and Hermione to cease their conversation and come out to see what the commotion was about. Once Albus heard the door start to open, he made a mad dash for the steps, and the thundering behind him told him his chum and cousins did the same.

Albus did n't hold on running until he made it to rosiness 's room, and once James and their cousin-german were inside, he slammed the door shut.

"What was that all about ?"Albus asked as he sat down on one of the beds.

"I dunno,"Saint James the Apostle responded,"They obviously know something we do n't and they do n't want to narrate us about it. But what did they mean by they did n't require me to sleep with about it especially ?"James stomped back and forth across the base, obviously mad that his parents would n't rely him with something.

"Well, that 's not the only reason they 're keeping it from us !"Rose argued,"They said they trust me, but still wo n't evidence me."

"Must be something really secretive because only your parents know about it,"Ben reasoned."I suppose Omar Bradley, Cedric, and I wo n't ever obtain out."

"Yeah, you will !"James insisted as he threw himself onto a bed,"Once I find out, I 'll tell apart you !"

"James !"Rose shouted,"That must be why they wo n't tell you right now ! They do n't want anybody to jazz. If it 's something so tightlipped that they wo n't even narrate any of our uncles, then they must not want a hale lot of people to know."

"But what would my parents, Aunt Hermione, and Uncle Ron know that none of the former aunty and uncles know about ?"Albus asked Rose.

"I dunno,"Rose answered. The five of them sat in silence for a few minutes, trying to think of what this could be.

"You do n't think ..."James started,"... that maybe it has something to do with the war ?"

Albus looked at him,"But Dad said he told us all about the war."

"It makes signified, Albus,"Rose told him,"What else besides the war do my parents and your parents have, but none of our aunts and uncles do ?"

"But my parents were involved in the war !"Cedric insisted.

"I know they were,"King James I said as he got up from the bed again and started pacing,"But my dad and Rose 's parents were a lot more involved. They destroyed well-nigh of the horcruxes and they were off by themselves for almost a year doing it."

"True,"Cedric agreed.

"Whatever it is, they 're keeping something from us,"James told everyone as he pounded his clenched fist on the night stand,"And I do n't like it. Especially since Dad said he told us everything."

"Anyone catch what they were talking about ?"Bradley asked.

"Yeah,"Albus responded,"Hallows. Whatever they are."

"Never heard of them,"James said.

"Me neither,"Cedric said. Bradley and Ben shook their heads. Albus looked expectantly at rosebush. Whenever someone else did n't make out about something, Rose always knew.

"I 've never heard anything about them either, Albus, I 'm sorry,"Rose sighed,"But once we 're back in school, we can bet in the library."

"I guess,"Albus said, looking down at his metrical foot. He did not like the idea of his parents keeping something from him. It made him sense betrayed. Harry had always told Albus that he told him everything about the war. But if these Hallows had anything to do with the war, like James suspected they did, then Harry and Ginny were keeping something from them. What were the Hallows ? And why were his parents so intent about not letting him know about them ? Why did they mean he was n't trustworthy enough to roll in the hay about them ?

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A/N : Sorry for the hold ! I have been on vacation, so have n't been able to update. Hopefully, I 'll get my Weasley family tree up with the next chapter.
Thanks as usual to Rain is LIquid Moonlight, my other baby, and my brother. Also thanks to inkheart, Ashley, Joseph Black ardour, and e.jones for their reviews !

Disclaimer- I do not own Harry Potter.

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Chapter 15 : Occlumency and Potions

By the time Albus woke up the succeeding dawn, his Uncle Percy, Aunt Corrine, and their kids had already left. Albus had not sleep very well. Although he had n't had any nightmares, Albus could n't check thinking about what his parents were keeping from him, and the thought process had kept him tossing and turning almost the unanimous night. Once he fell asleep, he slept until it was nearly one o'clock in the good afternoon. He never even had the prospect to say sayonara to his aunt, uncle and full cousin. However, he did n't stimulate long to dwell on it because shortly after he had gotten dressed, Saint James the Apostle burst into the room.

"good, you 're up,"James River greeted him, as he sat down on one of the buttocks bunks.

"Yeah, I 'm up,"Albus yawned,"Just got up, could n't sleep well last night."

"Me, neither, but Cedric woke me up before he left. Tried to get you up, but you were out like a log."

"well, what 's been going on ? Do Mum and Dad know that we listened to them ?"Albus asked.

"They do. grandmother told them. I 'm never getting those Extendables back,"Epistle of James groaned."But I do n't guess they 're too bothered by it."

"Well, that 's good,"Albus told him,"Better they do n't know that we 're trying to get hold out what they 're keeping from us."

"Definitely. Oh, but they do desire to peach to us in a few hour,"King James I informed Albus,"They sent me up here to wake you up."

"You do n't reckon they want to yell at us about listening in, do you ?"Albus asked nervously.

"No, I do n't reckon that 's what it 's about. They just want to babble to us. Not Rose,"James answered.

"That 's odd. What else could they desire ?"Albus wondered.

"Dunno,"James River glanced at his spotter."Well, we 'd better go. They 're waiting in the kitchen."

Albus followed Saint James slowly down the stairs. He had no thought what this could be about. For a moment, he thought that maybe his parents were going to tell them about whatever 'Hallows'were, but he knew that could n't be it. They had seemed so adamant about not telling James, Albus, or Rose about them.

Albus made his way into the kitchen after Saint James the Apostle. His parents were in there, along with Uncle Ron and aunt Hermione. Harry gestured for them to sit down. Albus sat down in one of the electric chair and James sat future to him, neither of them saying a watchword. Harry went over to the door, closed it, and pointed his wand at it while muttering a while. Albus figured it was some kind of spell that rendered Extendable pinna useless.

"First,"Harry told his sons, as he walked over and stood next to Ron,"I want to tell you that I 'm not punishing you for what you did yesterday. Both of you look like you 're sitting in a detention."

Albus smiled a lilliputian, but James did not move.

"I would take done the same matter if I were you,"Harry grinned and continued,"fountainhead, let me rephrase that. I have done the same affair you did. Plenty of time. Right after your uncles Fred and St. George invented extendible Ears. ``

Harry started pacing around the kitchen. Albus had noticed that his founder did this whenever he was thinking about something serious. It was the same kind of pacing that James had done the previous day.

"However, what I do want to talk to you about is a sober matter,"Harry lowered his voice,"It 's about what 's been going on in the school."

Albus looked at King James. Neither of them really knew what their dad was getting on about.

"James, when you were in detention a few weeks ago and you said your headspring felt funny. madam Pomfrey had the suspicion that someone was using Legilimency against you. I think she was right. Well, I 'm surely she was right. The way you described it is just like how it feels,"Harry told his son,"James, individual is trying to occupy your mind."

King James I looked take aback. Albus noticed he was a bit paler than usual. He looked very much the Lapplander as he did in the days following that detainment. Albus guessed that the daytime at the tunnel had made Epistle of James forget about that awful experience.

"Albus, about that dream-"Harry started, but was cut off.

"You said it did n't mean anything !"Albus reminded his dad.

"I thought that it did n't, until I started having the like one,"Harry informed them,"I talked to your Uncle Ron about it and we both agree that they 're not formula pipe dream. Someone is using Legilimency on us as well."

Albus felt the rip drain from his face and he was sure he looked as pallid as James did."But who 's doing it ?"he whispered.

"I honestly do n't know, Al,"Harry softened his voice and sat down side by side to his son."But your Uncle Ron and I are trying very hard to find out who it is."

"Why does soul require to read our thinker ?"Albus asked his dad.

"I, have a few ideas,"Harry answered slowly,"But I 'm afraid I ca n't tell you just yet."

Albus nodded. It was strange that his dad could n't just resolve this problem. During Albus 's untried childhood years, Harry had always been able-bodied to fix everything for him. Broken toys, venial injury, his dad was always there to solve the problems. But this time, Harry could n't just wave his wand and form it better.

Harry drew Albus into his arms."Now, Al, I do need to know if you 've had anymore of those nightmares since that start one."

"Yeah, I have. I get them a few times a week."

"Always the Same one ?"Harry asked.

"Yes."

"And have you had any while you 've been at the Burrow ?"

Albus thought for a moment."You know, I have n't. I had n't really thought about it, but I have n't had any since I left Hogwarts."

Harry glanced at Ron and got up from the chair."I think that 's all I need to know about the dream for now. But if they start changing at all, you 've got to let me sleep together right away. Just ask one of the portraits in the common room to feel me. Do n't go forth the plebeian room to separate me, it 's very important that you do not wind around at night."

Harry started pacing again and he turned to face Saint James the Apostle."Are you ok ? I know it 's a shivery idea, that someone 's invading your idea. But I will find out who 's doing it. I do n't want you to worry about it too much."

James just nodded, apparently still unable to speak.

"Good. Now, it 's obviously very disturbing that someone is trying to see our sentiment and memories. Ron and I, as well as a few other Aurors are working to visualise out who it is and why they 're doing it, so we can lay off them. But for now, you two have to learn how to protect yourselves.

"Ron and I have decided that you should part to learn Occlumency. I know you both already know what that is, but neither of you have had any preparation in the subject. If you 're able to learn it properly, then no one will be able to read your thoughts."

"Are you going to instruct us, Dad ?"King James I spoke for the first clock time since he entered the room.

"No, I ca n't,"Harry told him,"I 'm not a very good Occlumens and am having a arduous enough clock time trying to close my own head, let alone trying to teach you two."

"Then who 's going to teach us ?"James asked, with a vex look on his face. He and Albus looked at each former. Harry had told them the stories of when Professor Snape had tried to learn him Occlumency in his fifth year.

"Do n't worry,"Harry reassured them, seeing the looks on their faces,"I know from experience that in order to study Occlumency properly, it 's much better if you trust your teacher. That 's why your aunt Hermione will be teaching you."

Albus breathed a sigh of rest. Although his Aunt Hermione was rigid, he knew she would be capable to teach him well. There was hardly an prospect of magic that she did not do well.

"I 'll be coming to Hogwarts two nights a week until you are both capable of protecting your minds from intruder,"Hermione informed them.

James opened his rima oris and was about to speak when Hermione cut him off."Not to worry, Saint James, it wo n't interfere with Quidditch practice ! I know Quidditch is the most of import thing in this family."She glared at Harry and Ron, who both grinned sheepishly.

"I 'll ship an owl to the school once the first example is set up, telling you which classroom it will be in. We still need to run this by the Headmaster, but I 'm certainly he will not mind,"Hermione informed them.

"fountainhead, I think that 's it, boys,"Harry strode back over to James and Albus and gave them each a hug."I do n't require you to worry about this too much. Your Uncle Ron and I have things under control. Just concentrate on learning Occlumency. Try to keep your guard up, as well. Constant weather eye, as Mad-Eye would give birth said. I 've got to run into the Auror office for a few hours, but I 'll be back before dinner."

When Harry opened the door to the kitchen, Rose fell into the elbow room. She had been leaning on the doorway, trying to mind in. She stood up, blushing furiously and ran out of the way and up the stairs. William James and Albus burst out laughing and ran out of the room after her. They found her up in her room.

"So, what was that about ?"she asked eagerly, once Albus had shut the door behind him and James IV."Any chance they told you what they 're trying to keep from us ?"

"No,"James said bitterly, it was obvious to Albus that he was still mad about that.

"well, what was it then ?"Rose pushed.

"Remember that detention that me, James, Matt, and John had to do with Washburn ? The one where we cleaned the hourglasses in the entryway Hall ?"Albus asked.

"Yeah,"rosiness said warily.

"Well, someone tried to learn James 's judgment during it. And soul 's been trying to translate my mind and Dad 's while we 're sleeping, too. I 've been having weird dreams ever since school started, and apparently they mean mortal 's using Legilimency on me."

blush wine stared at him, then she glanced at James, who had sat down on blush wine 's bed."You 're life-threatening ?"

"Yep,"King James confirmed,"And Dad wants me and Albus to learn Occlumency to try and hold back them. I get the feeling something 's natural event. I 'm not surely what, but all the adults seemed a bit disturbed when they were telling us this. Dad does n't know who 's doing it or why. Well, he has an mind why, but he wo n't tell us. Figures."King James punched one of the pillows."I guess I 'm not trustworthy."

"Who 's teaching you ?"Rose asked.

"Your mum,"Albus answered."She 's coming to the castle two nights a week as soon as everything 's straightened out with professor Kendrick."

"Well, that 's estimable, then. I hope you two are good at Occlumency,"Rose said,"But do you two get the feeling this whole brain reading thing might receive something to do with what they 're keeping from us ?"

"Seems likely,"Albus agreed.

James nodded."We 've got to cypher out what they 're keeping from us. We 'll start once we 're back at shoal. And I do n't think we should secernate anyone what we 're doing, since Dad 's teaching there. I do n't think he 'd be too happy if he found out what we 're up to."

"I suppose you 're right,"Rose responded.

"Yeah,"Albus said. He did n't like the musical theme of keeping something this big from John, Matt, and Amanda, but he could see James 's point. Their beginner did n't need them to hump about whatever this is, and if he found out they were looking, it would make it tough to discover the secret.

"James !"a articulation shouted from downstairs,"semen avail with dinner party, please ! I 've got Ben cutting up veggie and you can assist him !"

James got up and went over to the door,"Aw, Mum ! Why ca n't Teddy do it ? He can do it by magic and it 'd go faster !"

"Teddy 's helping Victoire study ! Now get down here, please !"Ginny screamed back.

St. James the Apostle snorted and looked at Albus and Rose, who were giggling. They were sure that Teddy and Victoire were not studying, but were in fact hiding away somewhere, snogging.

"James River !"his mother shrieked.

King James stomped out of the room and down the stairs, muttering something about Muggle cooking.

rose wine got up from the bed and shut the door behind James. She turned back to Albus."Ok, we 've got to ask Uncle Bill what he knows about werewolves tonight after dinner."

"Yeah, we should. He 's leaving tomorrow. Do you really believe he knows something that we have n't already record in the Koran ?"Albus asked.

"I 'm not surely. But what I want to know is why individual would n't admit the Wolfsbane potion or why it would n't work,"Rose told Albus as she sat down succeeding to him.

"Good idea. The volume I read did n't mention anything like that. But if Matt 's a werewolf, then he 's definitely not taking that potion every month."

"Or it 's not working for him,"blush wine suggested.

"Yeah, that too. But what are we going to narrate Uncle billhook when he asks why we want to bang about the Wolfsbane potion ?"

"I 've got it taken care of,"Rose told him,"I 'll tell him that Professor Slughorn gave us additional credit to inquiry an in advance potion. And we 'll say that Slughorn let us do it in grouping of two and you 're my partner."

"Wow ! That 's unspoilt thought process, pink wine,"Albus said excitedly,"I 'd never be able to come in up with that."

"It just came to me last dark. I knew we 'd need an excuse because we do n't learn about wolfman until 3rd year."

"rose wine ! Albus ! I need your assist for dinner, please !"Ginny screamed up the stairs.

"Alright, Mum !"Albus answered,"We 'll be right there !"He and Rose went downstairs, where they were immediately put to influence slicing bread.

*****

Supper was of late that night, and not nearly as pleasurable as Christmas supper. Everyone wanted to wait until Harry returned from the Auror situation to eat, and he did not get back until nearly eight o'clock. Once Harry walked in the door, everyone sat down and started eating.

"I 've got some bad news,"Harry announced as he poured some butterbeer for himself. Everyone stopped eating and looked at him."individual was found stagnant this sunup in their house. Jasmine Lomski. She worked in the Magical Law Enforcement Office. Avada Kedavra was the crusade of destruction. It 's looking very funny. I 've got individual investigating, but so far nothing 's been found."

"Lomski ?"Ben asked, his face was white. He was looking at Saint James the Apostle, whose face was equally pale."There 's a miss in our class, a Ravenclaw, Rachael Lomski. Are they related ?"

Harry nodded,"Yes, that 's her female parent. Jasmine 's husband, Connor, was taking Rachael and the other kids to see their grandparents for Christmastide, so they were not home at the time. Jasmine did not go with them because she had to influence tomorrow.

"But I want everyone to know that the early Aurors and I are doing all we can to find out who did this, and who killed prof Torro, and hopefully we 'll be able to hold back whoever did it soon."

"You think the two slaying are related, then ?"Arthur asked.

"I really ca n't be sure yet, but I do experience a feeling they are,"Harry answered.

The rest period of the meal was spent discussing the suspicious killings, and no one really had lots of an appetence anymore. Hugo and Lily did not pay practically attention to the conversation, and after they finished eating they ran off to play with their Xmas presents. Albus mostly pushed his food around his plate. He could n't avail but wonder if the mysterious killings had something to do with his unknown dreams. James II seemed to be worried, as well. He was also not eating, and his face had not regained any colour since their dad 's annunciation. Ben and Rose were n't eating either, although they looked less worried than James did. slip, Victoire and Gabriella spent much of the repast whispering to each other with worried smell on their faces.

After everyone had eaten whatever they could, measure excused himself to the kitchen to get a cup of tea. ascend glanced at Albus and they both got up and followed him.

"Um, Uncle Bill ?"rosebush asked tentatively,"I was wondering if Albus and I could tattle to you, er, in private ?"

"Sure ..."Bill answered warily, he was obviously wondering what they were up to."Let 's go into your gramps 's study."

Grandpa Weasley 's sketch was always an matter to place to visit. It was filled with all sorts of muggle twist that were in various body politic of disrepair. When Albus walked into the way, the first thing he noticed was the broken computer sitting on the desk. That had been a present from Albus 's aunt Hermione. Hermione 's parents had recently gotten a new computer and Hermione was able to get their old one to give to Chester A. Arthur. He had been thrilled and had spent much of the holiday taking it apart.

"So, what can I help you with, rosiness ?"Bill asked.

"Well, um, I was wondering if you knew anything about the Wolfsbane potion,"Rose told him.

Bill spat out the mouthful of tea that was in his mouth."Aconitum lycoctonum potion ? Well, I do sleep together a bit about that. But why do you need to know about it ?"

"We 're doing an extra quotation essay for Slughorn on advanced potions. We picked the Wolfsbane potion. Now, we 've learned a bit about it from playscript, but I 've got a few former questions,"rosebush said.

"Sure, go ahead and ask,"Bill sat down in Chester Alan Arthur 's chairperson and put his pes up on the desk.

rose wine and Albus sat down in two early chairs."I guess I was wondering if there 's ever been a case where the wolfsbane potion has n't worked ?"Rose asked.

"It 's rare,"note told them,"But not unheard of. There have been a few people that the potion has n't worked on. It 's firmly to know for sure how many because there are n't a wholly lot of werewolves to begin with anyway. And many do not report how the potion works for them."

"Ok,"Rose said, while she pretended to take notes on a piece of parchment,"Why would n't it do work ? Or why would n't person choose it ?"

"A few wolfman have been allergic to the potion, or to one of the ingredients in it, so that 's why it does n't work for some. And they 'd obviously block taking it if that happened. There 's also a fairly new study about the affects of emotions on the potion. A few people have reported that the potion does not always work well, depending on what kind of mood the person is at the time of transformation. Which makes sense, since the nature of the translation depends on emotions as well. Then there 's a second subject area that 's trying to figure out why the potion just does n't cultivate. There are a few werewolves where it has no impression whatsoever. As far as why someone would n't take it, it 's a very unmanageable potion to build. Not many the great unwashed are able to make it. Because of that, it 's hard to find it."

"Oh,"rose looked up from her parchment,"I think that 's all I need to know for now. I 've gotten loads of information from books. Albus and I should be able to save the news report now."

Bill got up from his professorship,"Good. gladiolus I could help."He walked quickly out the doorway, Albus guessed he wanted to get back to the discussion about Jasmine Lomski 's murder.

Albus and Rose left the room and went back up to Rose 's bedchamber."well, what do you think ?"Rose asked Albus.

"I dunno. Maybe he 's not able to get the potion ?"

"Or he 's allergic to it,"Rose suggested.

"But what about that totally emotions affecting the potion affair ?"Albus asked.

"I 'm not certain. Do you remember what mat 's been like every time he 's gotten purge ?"

"No. I mean, usually he 's tire out, but that 's not really emotion. I 'd assume he 's spooky about it, but I bet all werewolves are skittish about transforming."

"Probably. I guess we 're just going to have to keep watching him,"pink wine told Albus.

"I suppose. I wish he 'd just tell us."

"He 's probably afraid to. Afraid we wo n't be admirer with him anymore,"Rose said in a pained voice.

"well, that 's not lawful ! We 'd never abandon him like that !"

"I know, Albus,"Rose sighed,"I just like there was a way to let him experience that."

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Weasley-Potter kinfolk Tree
Bill-Fleur Charlie-Katherine ( Wiccan ) Percy-Corrine ( Muggle )
Victoire, 7th year Francis Edgar Stanley, 6th year Georgia, 5th year
Gabriella, 5th year Heather, 4th year Bradley, 3rd year
Ben, 2nd year Mark, 3rd year Cedric, 2nd twelvemonth
Eddie, 5 years old Samantha & Lindy ( twins ), 6 years old

George-Alicia Spinnet Ron-Hermione Ginny-Harry
Fred, 4th year blush wine, 1st twelvemonth James, 2nd year
Angie, 8 twelvemonth old Hugo, 9 years old Albus, 1st yr
Lily, 9 years old
*all in Gryffindor*

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A/N : I hope you liked it ! My Weaslye-Potter kinfolk tree is above. I hope it helps clear up any confusion. I put Ron & Ginny in there even though I do n't own their kids. I thought it would be to a greater extent complete that way. Any law of similarity between the above ( besides Ron & Ginny 's families, obviously ) are merely a coincidence.

Thanks as always to Rain is Liquid Moonlight, my other sister, and my pal. Thanks to inkheart for their review. Please read & review !

Disclaimer- I do not own Harry potter. Nor do I own Nintendo, the Nintendo DS, or brute Crossing.

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Before Albus knew it, the Yule vacation was over. The rest of the respite was not nearly as consequential as the first few solar day. The day after Harry came base with the word of Jasmine Lomski 's death, Bill, Fleur, Ron, Hermione, and the respite of Albus 's cousin-german left to see other syndicate. life sentence at the burrow became much calmer. James I and Albus spent much of their meter playing Quidditch outside. Harry had let Albus use his broomstick. James was capable to help Albus practice his skills as a pursuer, and seemed pretty confident by the end of the holiday that Albus would make the squad next class. Whenever shimmy was n't working at Weasley 's Wizard Wheezes, he visited and played Quidditch with James and Albus. Lily often hung around while the games were taking topographic point and would beg the male child to let her have a go on one of the ling. Occasionally, one of them would take pathos on her and impart her their broom. Eventually, Saint James the Apostle and Albus realized that they had neglected their prep long enough and had to expend the whole utmost day of interruption working on it. It took them much foresightful than usual, as they did not experience Rose there to help.

Harry spent much of the last few daytime of break popping in and out of the Auror situation. He left early in the day and came back late in the evening. He always came menage looking tired, and Albus could tell that the investigation was not going well. His mum, granny, and grandpa, seemed interest as well, although they tried not to mention contingent in front of the tyke. James and Albus had tried repeatedly to listen in on their conversations, but Molly was much more watchful of them ever since she caught them using extendable Ears. She had a hard time keeping teddy bear out of the conversations, though, because he was of age and out of schoolhouse. However, Molly prevented Teddy from giving any selective information to James River or Albus.

On his way back to Hogwarts, Albus found himself wandering down the corridor in the Hogwarts express mail with Rose, yet again looking for a compartment. Only this time, he was in search of a specific one, the one that John, lustrelessness, and Amanda were in.

About halfway down the railroad train, Albus and Rose spotted their protagonist in one of the compartments. There was another daughter in it, too. Albus recognized her as mat 's older sister, Amy.

"Hi !"Albus grinned at his friends as he entered the compartment and sat down next to John.

"Hi,"everyone greeted him and Rose.

"So, how was everyone 's holiday ?"rose wine asked.

"Great !"lav smiled widely,"Got a dear warhead of presents. All my relative were there at some point or another. Saved all my homework for yesterday, but somehow managed to get it done."

"Mine was courteous, too,"Amanda answered, as she reached into her bag,"But I 've got to indicate you guys something."She pulled out a modest, orthogonal object and opened it to bring out two screens, one above the other.

"What the bloody snake pit is that ?"John asked, gaping at it.

"It 's called a Nintendo DS,"Amanda answered,"I got it for Hannukah. It 's something you play video plot on."

"Oh, I 've heard of video games,"John said,"But I 've never seen one before. Do you accept any games for it ?"

"I 've got a few,"Amanda told him,"My front-runner is Animal crossover. You get to make your own town and creature are your neighbors. I 've named my townspeople Hogsmeade."

"Awesome,"Matt smiled. `` I got one of those a piece ago. ``

"I hate to tell you, but that 's not going to run at Hogwarts,"Rose announced.

"Why not ?"John looked at her like she was crazy.

"Too a good deal magic around. shuffling electronics not mold right,"Rose explained,"It 's in Hogwarts, A History."

"Oh,"Amanda 's smile faded as she put her DS away,"I guess I 'll just have to bet it at home over the summer. My parents thought I would like it and it 's fairly fun. They were n't really trusted what to get me. They could n't get me anything to do with magic. It was quite strange, really, not being able to verbalise lots about magic during break.."

"And how was your vacation, lustrelessness ?"rosebush asked.

Albus turned to attend at Matt. He was just now noticing how tired he looked. He also had some nasty looking partially healed cuts all over his face and arms. His weaponry were bruised as well, and he looked like he was about ready to settle asleep. Albus and Rose exchanged glance, but did n't say anything.

"It stunk,"Matt said flatly. He looked at his sister, who gave him a look.

"Why ?"whoremonger asked.

"wellspring, I told you how I hate going to Commonwealth of Australia. We spent the whole fracture there, at my grandparents star sign. They 're so formal, I could n't do anything fun."

"How 'd you get all those stinger ?"trick wondered, as he stared at a particularly nasty cut on Matt 's forearm.

lusterlessness shifted his eye and once again looked at Amy, who nodded her head teacher."I fell out of a tree."

"What ? !"King John exclaimed,"How 'd you oversee that ?"

"wellspring, you know how clumsy I am. And I was outside, trying to cause some fun, because my grandparents wo n't let me do anything in the house. I was up pretty heights and I slipped. I fell all the way to the primer, hitting every branch as I went. Got knocked out halfway down. My granny heard the randomness and ran outside and found me unconscious on the ground. She freaked out, saying this is why I needed to stay inside and do homework all day,"Matt informed them. Everyone was staring at him, ineffective to conceive of something to say."Anyway, my mum and dad came rushing out, and I wound up spending a few day in the hospital down there."

"Whoa,"Amanda whispered,"I 'm sword lily you 're all right hand. That 's scary, though."

"Yeah,"John agreed,"Is that why you 're so tired ?"

"Nope, that 's the jet lag,"Matt answered.

"The what ?"

"Jet lag,"Matt repeated,"It 's what you get when you fly to different time zones. Your sleep gets all messed up."

"You flew to Australia ?"Albus looked amazed,"Blimey ! That 's a long time to be on a broom."

flatness laughed,"Oh, no ! We flew in an airplane."

"Wow !"John looked imprint,"But why did n't you just Apparate or something ? Or Flooed ?"

"The Australian Ministry does n't allow out of country Apparition,"Amy said, speaking for the for the first time time."And our grandparents are Muggles, so we could n't Floo."

"That 's pretty awesome,"blush wine told lusterlessness,"My grandpa loves all things to do with Muggles. One of his life 's ambitions is to find out how airplanes stay up."

Everyone laughed. The compartment door opened and Victoire walked in."Hi, Amy ! I 've been looking for you."

"Hey,"Amy greeted her,"deprivation to abide her with us ?"

"Sure,"Victoire sat down next to Amy. She glanced at Matt, who was leaning up against the window."Is your comrade ok ?"

"Yeah, he 's fine. He just fell out of a Tree over break and spent a few days in the hospital. That and the jet lag are why he 's so tired,"Amy said quickly.

At that moment, the compartment door opened again to reveal the person Albus wanted to see the to the lowest degree. A smug looking Quinton Willinson walked in and and exclude the door behind him.

"Something you want, Willinson ?"Victoire stood up and stared at him.

"Oh, just a Holy Scripture with your cousin,"Willinson glared at Albus,"head if we speak in buck private ?"

"Yes, as a issue of fact, I do,"Victoire growled,"Whatever it is, you can say it here, in front of all of us."

"amercement,"Willinson turned to Albus,"Just thought I 'd let you love that you 'd better watch yourself, Potty."

Victoire stepped between Albus and Willinson."And why is that ?"

"Oh, you did n't know ?"Willinson smiled at her,"sister potty here put that Exploding Eclair on my plate at Slughorn 's party. Him and his little posse comitatus here."

"How d'you figure that ?"Victoire continued to stare at him.

"I just know,"he answered,"So, you 'd better watch out, Potty and friends."

Amy got up and stood next to Victoire."Is that a terror, Willinson ? Because anyone who does anything to my fiddling pal regrets it."

"Oh, maybe it 's a terror, maybe it 's not,"Willinson sneered at her,"But I would n't concern too a good deal about your baby comrade. Looks like he 's got enough damage already. Looks like he 's been hit by a truck."

In a span of five instant, Amy had whipped out her wand and had Willinson pinned against the wall, holding her wand to his expression."Do not allude matte, or you will con to repent it. You understand ? Do not do anything to him. I will observe out, and you will wish you 'd never even talked to him. Get it ?"Amy let him go, but did not put her wand away.

"You would n't try anything with the straits little girl here,"Willinson gestured to Victoire, as he pulled out his own wand.

"This forefront Girl does not care what Amy does to anyone, if they do anything to her category. And, I can add that if you do anything to my fellowship, you 'll regret it as well,"Victoire pulled out her own scepter and pointed it at Willinson,"Now I suggest you get out, before we 're forced to hex you."

Willinson, realizing defeat, scowled and put his wand away. He opened the compartment room access and with one finish public eye at Albus, he left.

"Wow,"Albus muttered, gazing at Victoire and Amy,"I 've never seen him back down before."

"When you 've spent almost seven yr in the same castle as him, you learn that he only does something when he has the upper hand. He 'd never try anything when there are a span citizenry up against him. Especially people who are better witches and virtuoso than he is. He 's really quite pudden-head, honestly. He brags, but I do n't imagine he 'd win a duel against anyone above third year,"Victoire told them.

"Every year, he picks a new first twelvemonth to worrying. We 've never been capable to work out out why he picks the one he does. Usually it 's the smallest or most affright one. I 've got no idea why he 's picked you, Albus,"Victoire continued,"He was picked on a lot when he was a first of all year. Ever since then, he 's done the Same thing to other outset years. It 's pretty low, if you ask me. If he 's got to rag individual, he ought to do it to someone finisher to his age.

"It 's because he ca n't win a duel with someone his own age. If he tried anything with anyone in our socio-economic class, he 'd be hexed so a lot you could n't recognize him. But anyway, I would not put it past him to try something on you, Albus. Just take a leak sure you 're never alone in the corridors and you 'll be finely. He wo n't try anything where there 'd be witnesses or mortal to stop him."

Amy nodded in concord,"Same with you, Matt,"she looked at her buddy, but he 'd fallen asleep."And probably the rest of you, too."

Albus nodded,"Who 'd he pick on terminal year ?"

"James,"Victoire said,"But after William James pulled a few pranks on him, he gave up. It was quite funny, really. He tried picking on Ben after that, but I stopped him."

"How ?"Rose asked.

"He 's got this weird calf love on me. Has ever since second year. But I 'd never go out with him, of course. He 's such a git. Actually asked me to go to Hogsmeade our thirdly class,"Victoire laughed,"But boy was he mad when I started going out with chemise. Still has n't given up. Somehow he thinks that with teddy out of the castle, I 'll make up one's mind to go out with him."

"It 's the Veela ancestry,"Amy told them.

"He 's about the only one, though. Everyone else gave up once I started going out with Teddy."

"Wow,"Rose said,"I just thought he did n't like us for some reason."

"well, he does n't. But I do n't have it off why. It 'll be good for everyone when he 's gone succeeding class,"Amy stated,"But for now, just get to sure as shooting you 're never alone in the corridors."

*******

Once the new terminal figure started, Albus and his ally found themselves up to their capitulum in preparation. The teachers had already started warning them about final exam exams, despite the fact that they were months away. It was n't only the maiden years that were bombarded with work. It seemed that all the students had more work than normal. The plebeian room often did not empty out until past midnight, with some students falling asleep in their interpretation. The one-fifth and seventh days were spending more time than everyone else studying, due to the fact that their O.W.L.s and N.E.W.T.s seemed much closer from this side of Christmas.

Albus and his friends tended to carve up their time evenly between the common room and the program library. They went wherever it was less crowded. Albus and blush wine were finding it difficult to chance time to research about whatever Hallows were, especially since they were rarely without trick, Matt, and Amanda. Albus doubted whether St. James the Apostle was getting any inquiry in either, because Samantha Meyers had increased Quidditch practice to four nights a week due to the impending Gryffindor vs. Slytherin match.

One night, Albus and pink wine did manage to discover time to research because matte, privy, and Amanda were all doing detention with Filch. Filch had caught them dueling with Scorpio Malfoy and put all four of them in custody. The lonesome understanding Albus was not involved was because Harry had been speaking to Albus about his dreams. They had resumed once he was back in school, although they had n't changed at all. rose had been talking to Professor Patil about a homework she thought she had messed up on, but it turned out she had a gotten a 100 % on it like usual. Albus had been trying to do a charms essay when rosiness came up to him and asked him if he wanted to go research. Albus was all too eager, since his magical spell essay was not going very well. So, the two cousins made their way to the library.

"I suppose we could set off by researching about the downfall of Voldemort,"Rose suggested as they browsed through the Book,"Since we 're pretty sure it has something to do with that."

"All right,"Albus agreed,"That makes sense."Albus bent down and picked out a Word,"The Rise and Fall of Lord Voldemort, by Minerva McGonagall. Hmm, McGonagall, that sounds so familiar ... Where have I heard that before ?"

"prof McGonagall,"rosebush reminded him,"She taught August 6 when our parents were here, and our grandparents. She was in the stopping point battle, so that 'd be a good Koran to look at."

Albus took the book over to a table and started reading it. Rose found another al-Qur'an and sat down adjacent to him. Albus decided just to bug out at the beginning, as he had no approximation where Hallows would come into the picture. The first chapter was about Voldemort 's childhood. Albus already knew about that, so it was all basically critique. But he read intently anyway, just hoping that he 'd read the Book 'Hallows'. However, as the evening wore on, and Albus grew steadily more outwear, he did not find out anything new.

"Find anything yet ?"he asked Rose.

Rose looked up from her Quran, which was entitled The story of the darkness fine art in Great Britain,"No, cypher I do n't already live. And no citation of any Hallows."

Albus sighed,"Me either. Curfew 's soon. Why do n't we just take the books out ?"

"Sounds good to me,"Rose agreed. She walked over to Madam Pince while Albus followed.

gentlewoman Pince glared at them as they handed her the Bible. She read the names and gave them a foreign look, like she was wondering why they wanted to interpret them. Albus did n't touch her gaze, but he knew why she was staring at them. Why would Harry Potter 's son penury to translate about the downfall of Voldemort ? After she seemed fill with staring at them, she checked the books out and handed them back."They 're due in a month. Do not compose in them or bend them or hurt them in any way."

Once they were out of the library, they relaxed,"She 's a nutter,"Albus whispered.

"She 's a bit unknown, yeah,"rosebush agreed.

"Acts like the books are amber,"Albus giggled.

"She thinks we 're up to something, the way she stared at us like that,"rosebush said.

"I know, but that makes sense."

"Yes, I suppose it does. I just hope she does n't tell your dad,"rosebush told him as she walked up a set of stairs.

"She probably wo n't. I do n't think they 're particularly stuffy. Dad got in a hassle a few clip at the library."

Rose laughed,"Oh, yeah."

Albus and Rose continued their trek to the common way. Once there, Albus quickly went to the dormitory to hide his account book before his champion came back from hold. But after an hour of waiting for them, Albus fell asleep. It was a restless quietus, as he had the same nightmare he usually had. Despite this, he did not waken up when John and mat came in at midnight.

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A/N : Thanks as usual to Rain is Liquid Moonlight, my former babe, and my brother ! Please read and review.

I am not sure when I 'll side by side update, since I might be in school by the time this validates. I will try to update soon, but I ca n't pee any warranty. But I 'll still be writing ! I am well into the subsequence to this, I 'm on chapter 30, I believe. I 'm also working on another fic, item to total later, which I will originate posting as soon as I get past a certain chapter in this. There are spoilers for this fic in my new one, so it will birth to waitress a little while to be posted.

Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry potter. Or Ron Weasley. Or Hermione granger. I do n't even own the modest owl in the owlery. Or the owlery for that matter. But I do enjoy writing this for fun !

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"That was brutal last dark !"John groaned as he sat down next to Albus at breakfast the side by side sunrise. Albus had awoken early and could n't get back to sleep. Gospel According to John and lustrelessness were both healthy asleep, so Albus had just gone down to breakfast with out them.

"I 'll say,"Matt sat down on Albus 's other side and winced as he did so,"I ache all over."matte was just starting to get back to pattern after his tree incident over break. In the few twenty-four hours after returning to school, he had walked very slowly and Albus could secernate that he was sore. Albus had assumed he had gotten a few cave in bones from the incident, but never asked, as flatness did n't look too keen on discussing it.

"What 'd he take in you do ?"Albus asked while he watched flatness rub his arm.

"clean Moaning Myrtle 's bathroom,"toilet answered as he piled his collection plate with eggs and Roger Bacon,"It was torturing. He had us do it the Muggle way of course. He had us doing it for 3 hr. We could n't wield to get it clean the way he wanted it. And he made lustrelessness scrub the storey, so he had to be down on his hired hand and knees the whole night. I could severalize it was making his injuries from falling out of that tree scathe worse, so I suggested to Filch that I could do the floor and lustrelessness could do the sump, but Filch said no. He seemed to adopt joy in seeing matt suffer. It was awesome. Amanda had to do the toilets with Malfoy. He did something to one of them that made it spew. That was staring. So she had to clean that one again and matte had to re-scrub the floor."

"Maybe you should see if Madam Pomfrey can do anything for you ?"Albus asked lusterlessness. Matt had only eaten a few bites of goner and was wincing every time he moved.

"You know she does n't do anything for pain induced by Muggle cleaning,"John said disgustedly.

"Actually, I think I will go see her,"lustrelessness mumbled and got up from the mesa,"I 'll see you in Defense Against the shadow Arts."

Once Matt left, bathroom shook his mind,"You know she wo n't do anything to help him."

"I know, she probably wo n't if he says the injury are from cleaning. But she will if he says they 're leftover from that whole tree diagram thing,"Albus reasoned.

"Leslie Townes Hope so,"whoremonger agreed,"He was bad last night when we were doing the detention. Filch was ugly to him, told him to scour faster. And Malfoy smirked at him every time he looked over from his toilets."

"I really do n't like that Malfoy kid,"Amanda added. She had come into the Great Hall and sat down across from Albus. Rose sat down in lustrelessness 's vacated tail end.

"Detention 's bad enough with Filch, but Malfoy kept muttering about flatness not even being able to Muggle clean. Filch did n't pick up any of it."

"Ugh,"rosiness groaned,"I hope I 'm never in hold with him."

"You 're never in detention,"Albus chimed in.

"I know. I never get caught,"she grinned. This was true. Albus knew she had pulled her evenhandedly share of pranks on the Slytherins, usually involving some form of sweet from Weasley 's superstar Wheezes that turned several soundbox parts into different semblance. And there was no way anyone could pin it on her.

At that moment, the owl arrived with the mail."Look, it 's Patches,"Rose announced as a boastfully tawny owl arrived at Albus 's place. dapple was Rose 's syndicate 's owl."He 's got a letter for you and James."

Albus called James over and the two of them looked at the letter. Albus opened it and read it silently.

Dear James River and Albus,
I hope the new term is going well. I imagine you
spending much of your time studying. I have managed
to secure an empty classroom for our Occlumency
lesson. They will ask piazza in the Transfiguration
way on Tues and Saturday even, at eight o'clock.
We will start this Saturday. I 'll see you then.
Say hi to Rose for me.
With love,
Aunt Hermione

Albus looked at James,"Well, I guess we 'll go on Saturday."

"Yeah, I suppose. Blimey, I ca n't imagine this is going to be fun,"William James responded.

"Probably not. But it 's got to be better than the Occlumency object lesson Dad had,"Albus reminded him.

"Yeah,"James agreed,"Well, I 'm off to Potions. I 'll see ya later."

"Bye."

"Occlumency, cool,"John said,"I wondered when you 'd start those."

Albus had told John the Evangelist, Matt, and Amanda all about the aspiration and Legilimency shortly after they arrived back at the rook."guessing we 're starting on Saturday."

"We 'd better be off to DADA,"John reminded them. Albus got up and followed John out of the Hall, with Amanda and rosiness following.

flatness never showed up in DADA. Albus doubted that he would because he looked pretty worn out at breakfast. Albus figured his dad must have known that lustrelessness was in the Hospital annex because he skipped right over his name during attendance. It was a right pappa lesson. They spent the absolute majority of it practicing disarming each other. Albus and privy had a honorable time doing so, as both of them were quite skilled with that particular spell. They were the few who were good at it. Most of the other students had a hard metre with it, which was why Harry had them practicing it so often. He stressed that it was one of the most important spells to get over. Amanda, in finical, was having a operose meter with it, but she did deal to disarm rosebush once during the lesson.

Charms, on the former mitt, was another disaster. Professor Washbburn stormed into the elbow room, and Albus immediately stopped talking. He was sitting at his common back tabular array with John, blush wine, and Amanda.

Washburn quickly ran down the attendance lean, stopping at Matt 's epithet."Where 's Eckerton ?"he barked loudly. No one answered."Potter ! Where 's Eckerton ?"

"In the Hospital annexe,"Albus whispered.

"Speak louder !"Washburn screamed.

"I said he 's in the hospital wing, Sir,"Albus said.

"He 's always in the infirmary Wing. What 's wrong with him this time ?"Washburn muttered to himself.

Albus chose not to resolve that question and he sat humiliated in his seat.

"fountainhead, we 're going to suffer another attempt at levitation today,"Washburn growled,"But we 're not levitating feathers this time. All of you who are somewhat skilled at this division have managed that already,"he glared towards the back table and his eyes rested on Albus."You 'll be levitating books, so do n't hit anyone with them. Go on, get started."The class all took out their books and wands, while Washburn took his usual hindquarters behind his desk and glared at them.

Albus reluctantly muttered the incantation and his Word moved an column inch off the desk and fell back again. He looked at John, Rose, and Amanda. After a few try, Rose had managed to hover her script, although she received no praise from their prof. John was able to do it after a half hour of practice, not receiving any praise either. Amanda was having a bit more trouble, but was still doing safe than Albus.

With ten mo left in the course, Washburn started making his troll to all the scholar, and much to Albus 's consternation, he stopped at his table.

"Well, thrower, let 's see if you 're easily with books than feathers. Go ahead, levitate it,"Washburn sneered.

Albus muttered the spell quickly and his account book managed to get a few inches off the table before falling back down.

"Do it again,"Washburn glared at him.

Albus did it again, this time making the account book float a good ft off the mesa. Albus was so traumatise that he jerked his baton and caused the Scripture to start speeding towards one of the windows. Albus knew what was going to materialise right before it did. The playscript flew right at the window, not stopping when it reached it, and soared straight through. The spyglass shattered and showered a few students with fragment. They screamed as the meth cut their arms.

"potter !"Washburn shouted,"must you always make difficulty in this year ? !"

Albus did not say a word, he just stared down at his desk.

"detainment ! Saturday night !"Washburn screamed,"You,"he pointed at the students who were showered with glass,"Go to the infirmary Wing. The rest of you, class dismissed."

"Um, professor,"Albus whispered,"I ca n't do detention on Saturday night."

"And why on Earth not ?"Washburn seethed,"I 'll resolve when you 'll do detention."

"I 've got a meeting with my aunt."

"Your aunt can wait."

"No, she ca n't. I 'm supposed to get, er, lessons from her,"Albus said, not wanting to reveal what the lesson were."You can ask the Headmaster."

"Fine. I 'll do that, then,"Washburn told him,"Now get out !"

Albus ran quickly out of the elbow room and managed to arrest up with his friends as they were entering the Great Hall for lunch."That was horrible."

"I know,"whoremonger agreed.

"I hate charms,"Albus groaned as he sat down at the board,"I do n't want to do that detention. It 's gon na be worse now that he 's got to put it off until after Saturday."

"He definitely will,"Rose agreed,"Hey ! mat, you 're back !"

matte came over to the table, looking a bit better than he did that morning."Yeah, sorry I missed two lessons. I heard about what happened in magic spell. That Washburn 's an idiot."

"So Madam Pomfrey actually helped ?"John looked at Matt in awe.

"Yeah, she did,"Matt told them,"And it 's a good affair. I do n't consider I could have gone to any family today if she didn't."

"But why ?"toilet asked,"Did you say the injuries were leftover from the dip ?"

"Nope,"mat responded,"She knew they were from hold. But she healed them anyway. I guess because I was n't totally over the totally tree thing. She seemed pretty upset about the whole thing. Kept going on about how irresponsible Filch is and how he should n't consume made me do all that cleansing. Said she was going to talk to the schoolmaster about it and everything."

"Blimey,"Saint John looked at lustrelessness warily,"I 've never seen her mad about injuries from Muggle cleaning before. Always says we bring it upon ourselves."

Matt shrugged and piled his plate with food and started eating, not elaborating on his tripper to the hospital Wing.

Albus had a foreign flavor that there was Thomas More to the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree news report than lustrelessness was letting on about. He could tell that mat was trying to cover something up, and he could n't facilitate but call back about the loup-garou research that he and blush wine had done over prisonbreak. There had been a to the full lunar month over the vacation and Albus kept thinking that the shoetree story was just a cover song up. He saw how Matt had looked at his sister before telling the report and he seemed a bit suspicious on telling it in the get-go lieu. As Albus started eating his lunch, he decided to view Matt carefully around the clock time of the next full moonlight, which was in two weeks.

Double potions with the Slytherins was after lunch that day. Albus thought the year went pretty well. Slughorn lectured on the shrinkage Solution during the first half and the second half was spent attempting to prepare the potion. Albus was partnered with John the Divine, and although their potion was a tint light-colored than the craved gloss, both son thought they did pretty well.

`` What 's that, Potty ? '' Scorpius Malfoy appeared behind Albus as he was putting his vial of Shrinking result on Slughorn 's desk at the end of class.

`` A potion, what else do you think it could be ? '' Albus answered flatly.

`` smell more like cat sick, '' Malfoy laughed as he put his potion, which happened to be the stark color, onto Slughorn 's desk. `` Ca n't even brew a simple shrinkage Solution. ``

`` At least I can disarm someone, which is a whole lot more useful than making potions, '' Albus retorted as he started to leave the room. Malfoy had extreme difficulty in disarming his partner during that aurora 's papa class.

`` As if I 'd try disarming if someone were attacking me, '' Malfoy laughed. A few of his pal giggled behind him. `` A hex would work loads better. ``

`` You know perfectly well that disarming works better than whammy, Malfoy, '' Matt had caught up to them in the dungeon corridor, `` Professor potter says that every time we praxis disarming. ``

`` And I suppose you 're an expert on defense now, Eckerton ? Judging by the way you looked in conclusion Night, a five yr old could beat you in a duel, '' Malfoy sneered at him. `` By the way, rumor has it that gentlewoman Pomfrey actually healed your hurt from last night 's detention. That straight ? ``

Matt froze and stared at Malfoy. `` Yeah, so ? '' he whispered.

Malfoy smirked, `` After I heard that I went up to see if she 'd cure my accidental injury. My hand 's been aching all day. She glared at me and told me if I should mean about my hand the following fourth dimension I 'm about to fall apart the rules, then she shooed me out and said to get to class. ``

`` good for you, '' Matt answered.

`` well, why ? Why 'd she heal you, but not me ? What 's so exceptional about you ? '' Malfoy asked.

`` I dunno, '' Matt glanced around at his friends.

`` There 's something weird about you, '' Malfoy stepped towards Matt.

`` Why do n't you just keep out it ? '' John the Evangelist shouted and pulled out his wand.

`` Gon na rescue your friend, Brickston ? '' Malfoy pulled out his own wand, `` Or maybe you could narrate me why he 's always in the Hospital Wing. ``

`` Do n't reckon I can, '' privy answered, `` But I could make sure you spend the repose of the day there, if you like. ``

`` Ooo, gon na duel me ? '' Malfoy turned to whoremonger, `` Well, I dunno what 's up with Eckerton, but I 'm going to ascertain out. ``

`` What 's going on here ? '' Amy came running up behind Malfoy, `` What do you recollect you 're doing ! ? '' she shouted at Malfoy, once she realized that his wand was still pointed at Matt.

`` Ah, Eckerton 's sister ! Maybe she 'll state me why Madam Pomfrey treats him extra ? '' Malfoy grinned maliciously at Amy.

Amy stood between Malfoy and Matt and glared at Malfoy, `` That 's none of your business. And if you point your sceptre at him again, you 'll regret it. '' She turned around, threw her arm around Matt, and dragged him away towards the stairs.

`` Believe me, I 'll find out, '' Malfoy smirked at bathroom, put his wand away, and sauntered off towards the Slytherin common room.

`` Blimey, '' John said, once Malfoy was out of earshot, `` He 's mad. ``

`` Yeah, he is, '' Albus agreed, `` He knows something 's up with flatness, too. And I do n't think he 's going to give up until he finds out. ``

`` wellspring, we ca n't let him recover out, then, '' John stated.

`` But we do n't even know for sure ! '' Albus reminded him.

`` True, '' John shrugged, `` But I think we 're veracious. And Amy 's so protective of him. Did you see her typeface when Malfoy asked her to tell him ? ``

`` She was seething. Just like on the gear after break, '' Albus said, while starting to take the air up the stairs to the Entrance Hall.

`` We 've got to find out for sure. ``

`` He 'll order us what it is eventually, '' Albus insisted, `` He 'll realize that he can trust us. ``

`` That 's the thing, I do n't do it if he will, especially if it is what we think it is, '' John sighed.

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Thanks as always to Rain is Liquid Moonlight, my sidekick, and my early sister ! Also thanks to inkheart for the review. Please read and review !

Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter, or anything related to it.

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Albus and his Friend spent the next few days trying to forfend Malfoy. It was n't difficult since most of their spare fourth dimension was spent in the park room doing homework. lustrelessness was especially leery of Malfoy and made sure to hide behind John Lackland, who was a fountainhead taller than him, whenever they passed Malfoy in the hall. Despite this, matt seemed to act like the face-off with Malfoy had never happened, and did not seem to want to order Albus or his early acquaintance what his arcanum was. John did not look surprised at this, but Albus had thought that maybe after what had happened with Malfoy, Matt might need to entrust in individual. Amy also had started keeping a close eye on Matt after this case, which was odd because during pin condition, she would often go a day or two without talking to lustrelessness. Now it seemed that she was checking up on him at least once a day.

`` Hi, guys, '' Amy greeted Albus and his friends on Saturday evening. Albus, John, Matt, Rose, and Amanda were all clustered around a mesa in the common room, working on various homework appointment. `` What 's everyone up to ? ``

`` Homework, '' Matt groaned. He was working on a particularly difficult essay for Potions.

`` Well, some of us are working on it, '' rose chimed in, glaring at John.

`` What ? '' John smiled innocently, `` I 've got all tomorrow to do it. ``

Rose sighed, `` You 'd do better to get down it today. ``

`` I know, '' John agreed, `` But right now I 'm enjoying watching you study, while I sit and do cypher. '' blush wine groaned and went back to her reading.

`` So, '' Amy started, as she sat down succeeding to matt, `` How are you ? ``

`` I 'm delicately, '' Matt replied, `` But I 'd be just if you 'd do this essay for me. ``

`` Not gon na happen, '' Amy grinned, `` I 'm glad you 're doing sound. Have you all been staying away from Willinson ? He has n't bothered any of you, has he ? If he has, I 'll get Victoire to put him in his place. ``

`` No, '' Albus answered, `` Have n't talked to him since the string. Strange, really. ``

`` Well, good, '' Amy said, `` Hopefully it 'll stay that way. But do n't go alone anywhere. He does n't give up this quickly. ``

`` We know, Amy, '' flatness snapped, `` You 're not our mum. ``

Albus looked up from his employment at the sound of the impending literary argument. He could have sworn he saw Matt 's eyes flash atomic number 79, but they were back to their usual blue within a second.

`` Jeez, matt. I 'm just making trusted he does n't bother you. Mum said- ''

`` I know what Mum said ! '' Matt cut her off loudly.

`` Could you please be a bit quieter ? '' Amanda asked in a frazzle feel.

`` Sorry, '' Amy and lusterlessness mumbled and continued arguing in mild voice.

Albus glanced over and saw that she was working on her astronomy charts. She had been having a street fighter meter in astronomy all year. `` Need any serve ? ``

`` Ugh, '' Amanda groaned, `` It 's uranology. I 'm rubbish at it. I 've been doing this chart for the past hour. Anyone know when the next total moon is ? ``

Both Amy and matt jerked their head word toward Amanda. `` Two weeks from tonight. The 24th, '' matte whispered quickly, then looked back at Amy. Amy glared at him and they resumed their argument.

`` Uh, thanks, '' Amanda looked cautiously at both lustrelessness and Amy, and then started writing furiously on her chart.

Albus glanced across the table at Rose, who was already trying to overtake his care. The cousins looked at each other for a few seconds, and then quickly returned to their prep. nonentity said anything for a few minute, with the exclusion of Amy and Matt, who were still arguing. However, they were doing so so quietly that Albus was unable to take a leak out any of the words.

`` Blimey ! '' Saint James had walked over to the tabular array and standing behind Rose. `` Who died ? ``

`` Huh ? '' Albus looked up from his work.

`` You 're so quiet ! '' James replied.

`` Oh, uh, '' Albus glanced at Amy and lusterlessness, `` They were arguing about something. ``

`` Ah, sibling honey, it 's a wonderful thing, '' St. James the Apostle grinned, `` So, you ready to get your thinker read by aunty Hermione ? ``

Albus looked up at the clock, it was after part to eight, `` Bloody the pits, I forgot about that ! ``

`` Good thing I remembered, '' James said.

`` Yeah, '' Albus put his book into his bag and got up, `` I 'm ready. ``

Rose got up as well, `` I 'm going too. I want to see Mum. ``

`` Ok, '' James turned around and started walking towards the entrance.

`` trade good luck, '' privy waved as Albus followed his brother. Amanda waved, but did n't look up from her employment. lustrelessness and Amy were too meddlesome arguing to note Albus and Rose leave.

Albus, St. James the Apostle, and Rose left the common room to ascertain a deserted corridor. `` beneficial, no one 's out here, '' rose whispered.

`` Why ? '' St. James asked.

`` Wanted to talk to you two alone about our, er, research, '' rose answered. `` Have either of you found anything ? ``

`` Nope, '' Albus told her, `` I 've been reading bits of McGonagall 's book before I go to bed every Night. It 's the only metre I can do it in secret. I just deplumate the dangling closed, and everyone thinks I 'm sleeping. ``

`` I 've been doing the Same matter, '' Rose revealed, `` But I have n't so a lot as read the news 'Hallows'. ``

`` Er, I have n't even see a book to read yet, '' James confessed.

`` Well, find one soon ! '' Rose scolded, `` We 've got to find out what our parents are hiding from us ! ``

`` I know, I know, '' James said.

`` I 've read a couple so far, and ma'am Pince keeps eying me when I check them out, '' Rose told them, `` But I 've got a feeling we 're not going to rule anything in Scripture. ``

`` Really ? '' Henry James grinned, `` Are you doubting books ? ``

`` Shut it, Epistle of James, '' blush wine warned, `` I 'm going to embark on looking at the old Prophet articles they have in the library. ``

`` Sounds good, '' Albus said as they rounded the turning point and walked towards the transfiguration room.

When they walked in, Hermione was standing near a stone basin that Albus recognized as the Pensive. Hermione was pulling thoughts out of her header with her wand and placing them into the catchment basin. Albus wondered if maybe those thoughts had to do with what his parents were keeping from him. If only he could see the memories without Hermione knowing.

Hermione turned around when Albus shut the door behind them, `` Hi, boys ! '' she greeted.

`` Hi, '' James and Albus said back.

`` Oh, and Rose, you 're here too ! '' Hermione walked over to her daughter and gave her a hug.

`` Hi, Mum ! ``

`` How 's full term going ? '' Hermione asked.

`` Oh, pretty in effect, '' Rose answered, `` heaps of homework, but I 'm getting it done. I 'm afraid I lost a few point in time on the last-place Charms essay. I hope I did n't, though. ``

`` I 'm for certain you did fine on it, '' Hermione reassured her. `` How about you two ? How are your class going ? ``

`` All right, '' King James replied, `` But I 'm afraid I lost more than just a few full point on my last Charms essay. '' St. James the Apostle laughed.

`` And I 'm not so sure you did fine on it, '' Hermione responded, `` And you, Albus ? ``

`` Oh, it 's going well, I suppose, '' Albus told his aunt, `` And I 'm afraid I completely failed the spell essay. ``

`` Do n't worry, I 'm certain you at least scraped a passage grade, '' Hermione said.

`` I dunno, Washburn hates me. ``

`` Professor Washburn, and I do n't think that 's true, '' Hermione told him, `` But that 's not why we 're her tonight. Tonight, you will start learning Occlumency. Rose, are you staying ? ``

`` Can I ? '' rosebush asked, `` I 've read a bit about Occlumency and it sounds very interesting. ``

`` Of line you can stay. I do n't remember I will have you do any virtual work, but you 're receive to memorise the possibility, '' Hermione informed her.

`` You mean, we 're going to stimulate version to do ? '' Henry James asked disgustedly.

`` Of grade, '' Hermione laughed, `` What did you expect ? ``

`` I dunno, Dad 's Occlumency deterrent example were all hard-nosed, '' James I reminded her.

`` I know, but I feel it 's good for you to discover the possibility as well, '' Hermione informed them, `` Now, could you all sit down ? ``

Albus, William James, and pink wine all sat at the tabular array closest to the teacher 's desk.

`` goodness, now I 've got some Scripture for you, '' Hermione picked up two script and placed them in front man of Albus and Saint James the Apostle, `` rosiness, I did n't know you 'd be studying this as well, so I do n't give birth a Scripture for you. You can look on with your cousins and if you decide to keep coming to our deterrent example then I 'll get you a account book, too. ``

Albus looked at his book. It was entitled, Legilimency and Occlumency : The Art of Seeing Others'thought process and Protecting Your Own Mind.

`` Creative claim, '' James River whispered and they both laughed.

`` open the Scripture to page five, please, '' Hermione told them, `` Now, as you are both aware, Legilimency is what is used to see into another soul 's thoughts, or as some say, read their judgment. When the go, Legilimens, is used, a person can see into another 's persuasion. This can be done if the individual getting the spell performed on is waken or asleep. When the somebody is awake, they feel an odd sensation in their head, kind of like a cephalalgia, but not exactly. They often also see their own memories. If the person is asleep, then they often have strange aspiration or pipe dream about their computer memory. ``

`` Hey, Voldemort 's in this book ! '' pink wine exclaimed. Albus bill that she was leafing through the for the first time chapter.

`` Yes, he is, '' Hermione responded briskly, `` Lord Voldemort, although he was a horrible, evilness individual, was one of the most skilled Legilimens and Occlumens the Wizarding populace has ever seen. He is a hone deterrent example of why Legilimency and Occlumency are both very severe if used in the wrong way. Voldemort was able to tell exactly where his expiry feeder loyalties really lay, as well as keep others from knowing his innermost thinking and enigma. ``

Hermione continued her lecture for a half hour, giving a legal brief overview of the first chapter. This chapter explained what Legilimency and Occlumency were and went over the basics needed to try Occlumency. James and Albus were expected to read the outset chapter and reply a few dubiousness before the following class.

`` Now, for the next half hour, I 'd like to begin the practical aspect of this lesson, '' Hermione stood up and picked up her scepter. `` Who wants to go first ? ``

James River and Albus looked at each early. `` You 're aged, you go first, '' Albus told his brother.

`` All rightfulness, '' James stood up and pointed his wand at his aunt.

`` Remember, there 's no spell. You 've got to come together your creative thinker. need a few arcminute to try to crystallise all thoughts from your head teacher. ``

St. James lowered his wand and started to stare directly at the wall behind Hermione. After a few minutes, a lacuna looking at appeared on his face.

`` Good, '' Hermione said, `` gear up ? ``

Jesse James looked back at her with a unquiet look on his expression, `` I suppose. ``

`` Legilimens ! '' Hermione shouted.

King James I looked horrified as he stared at his aunty. He dropped his wand and pressed his hand to his forehead. Hermione continued to point her wand at him, but it was obvious that he was n't succeeding at closing his psyche. He had sunk down to the floor, with his manpower on his headspring. Hermione lowered her sceptre and walked over to him.

`` Are you all right ? '' she asked, extending her hand for James to grab.

`` Fine, '' James River mumbled as he took Hermione 's deal and stood up again, `` It 's just, that 's exactly what it felt like when someone did that to me during detention. ``

`` That 's because that was what someone did to you during detention, '' Hermione explained.

`` But I did n't hear anyone shouting 'Legilimens', '' James told her.

`` They were doing it non-verbally. We 'll get to that point in our deterrent example eventually, but for now I will do it verbally so you know what 's going on, '' Hermione said, `` Now, that was a pretty right attack for the low meter. You see now how hard it is to shut your mind. ``

`` Yeah, '' St. James agreed as he sat back down.

`` Your round, Albus, '' Hermione announced.

Albus had momentarily forgotten that he, too, had to have his aunt scan his judgement. He got up, his heart beating fast. He had never had Legilimency performed on him while he was awake, and he did not know what to expect.

`` Try to bring in your mind, '' Hermione told him as she walked a few feet away and turned around to wait.

Albus tried to clear his mind, but it was hard. His thoughts were consumed with whether flatness was a werewolf or not. He was also constantly thinking about what 'Hallows'could possibly be. Not to mention the reason why he was having these lessons in the foremost place. It was difficult not to call back about someone seeing his thoughts.

`` prepare ? '' Hermione asked. Albus nodded with a nervous look on his face.

`` Legilimens ! '' she shouted.

The classroom seemed to go away as Albus was thrown into his own storage. He was four years old and James had stolen the toy broom he had received on his birthday. Saint James the Apostle was flying it around while Albus chased him. The vista changed and he saw the fourth dimension he dropped a sharp knife onto his foot, but instead of slicing it open, the knife just bounced off it. He had been four then, as well, and that was the first wizardly thing he did. The scene changed yet again and Albus was seven and was playing with his cousin-german at the tunnel. Then he was at home, reading his Hogwarts letter. The scene changed for a final meter, he and rose were sitting in Rose 's bedroom at the burrow, researching about lycanthrope. Albus 's philia beat faster. He could n't let his auntie see that.

`` No ! '' Albus exclaimed, and the classroom reappeared in figurehead of him. He glanced around and was half surprised that he was still standing up, since James had collapsed during his attempt.

Hermione was looking at him and then she glanced at Rose, then back to Albus. She had obviously seen a bit of the live memory. `` Well, you actually managed to stop me, although not by pattern means of Occlumency. But that is very good for a start try. What was that conclusion memory ? ``

`` Nothing, nothing, '' Albus replied quickly, averting his gaze from his aunt.

`` Very well, I think that is enough for tonight. Albus, Saint James, keep on practicing. Try to close up your minds before you go to bed. I 'll see you all on Tues. Good luck with all your classes. And try to behave yourselves during Charms, '' Hermione added.

`` We do ! '' King James I insisted, `` Professor Washburn just does n't like us. ``

`` Be that as it may, you do need to choke his division, '' Hermione reminded them, `` Good night. ``

`` Night, '' Albus, James, and Rose said as they left the classroom.

`` So, what was that memory that you did n't want my mum to see ? '' Rose asked curiously once they were out of earshot of the classroom.

`` Later, '' Albus whispered, glancing at James.

`` Blimey, that 's some unusual poppycock, Legilimency and Occlumency, '' James announced after a few second of silence, `` But you seem good at it, Albus. ``

`` Maybe, '' Albus responded.

`` Better than me. I could n't do anything during it. Just form of forgot everything except the computer storage I was seeing. Could n't think of anything to do about it, '' King James explained.

`` You 've just got to practice it, '' Albus told him, `` Plus, this was just the for the first time time. And anyway, I 've got to guess of something better to do than just shouting out random things. People will think I 'm a whacko if I 'm just shouting out 'no'all the time. ``

James laughed, `` Well, I already know you 're a wacko. ``

`` Oh, shut it, James, '' Albus laughed and punched James in the arm. James I punched him back and they continued that until they reached the Fat Lady. Rose followed behind and muttered something that sounded like 'boys'.

When they arrived back at the common room, James immediately went to his dormitory so he could recite his admirer about the lesson.

`` So, what was the memory ? '' Rose whispered to Albus.

`` When we were researching about werewolves, '' Albus told her, `` I did n't want aunty Hermione to know about that. ``

`` Why not ? '' rosebush asked.

`` I dunno, really. I mean, it 's not like she had a problem with teddy 's dad. I guess she just came awfully close to seeing our other research, '' Albus explained.

`` Good point, '' Rose agreed, `` But you know, you 've got to practice this. What if she does feel out about that ? She 'll tell Uncle Harry. ``

`` I know, I know, I 'll practice, '' Albus assured her.

`` Good, '' rose seemed satisfied, `` Now, we 'd better get to bed. thoroughly night. ``

`` night, '' Albus said as he walked to the threshold to the dormitory. As he lay in bed trying to get to sleep, listening to Bilius 's snoring, he tried to fill up his mind. 'Think about nothing ,'he kept repeating in his mind. But it did n't turn, because Albus yet again had the like nightmare.

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A/N : Hope everyone liked it ! I am a bit block to admit that I have been typing my own sister 's username wrong in the past few generator 's Note I 've done for this fic. Her name is Dancer Of Starlight. I must be mixing it up with another website. So thanks, Dancer Of Starlight for reading this and helping me with it ! Thanks also to my early sister and my comrade. Thanks as well to inkheart, for the review, you 're awesome ! Please read and review, everyone !

Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry potter

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During the next two weeks, tensions ran high between the Gryffindors and Slytherins. As the impendent Quidditch mates grew nearer, there were more and more affaire d'honneur in the corridors. These usually resulted in diverse player having to go to the Hospital wing. Luckily, no one had been severely injure yet. However, both Houses were starting to be very protective of their players. Samantha Meyers forbade anyone on the Gryffindor team from wandering the corridors alone. She was also getting more and more intense with her practice docket. Samantha had started scheduling a practice for every Nox of the hebdomad. Every evening, the Gryffindor squad came trooping back into the vulgar elbow room well after dark, looking tired and worn out. Slytherin was also practicing each day, but they got an earlier time in the evening.

Nightly Quidditch practices did not bode well for Henry James 's Occlumency lessons. He had asked Hermione if he could skim the lesson until after the match, but she would not set aside it. James grudgingly skipped his Quidditch recitation, much to Samantha 's dismay. She was not happy about St. James missing practice. Hermione actually sent her a letter, which got her to stop badgering James about practice.

Albus thought he was making a bit of advancement with his Occlumency. He had been reading the book and doing the homework, although he did not enjoy it. Occlumency was like having another family to shoot, so he wound up with more than preparation than the rest of his schoolfellow. Albus had not yet succeeded in preventing Hermione from entering his mind, but he usually managed to thrust her out after a short spell. He was relieved that he had so far prevented her from discovering his Hallows research. Despite this, he was still having strange incubus a yoke of nights a calendar week. Epistle of James was not making nearly as much progress as Albus. He had yet to stop Hermione 's Legilimency at all, and was still collapsing on the floor occasionally. St. James was getting increasingly fed up with Occlumency and did not delight the lessons at all.

As the Quidditch peer, and the entire Sun Myung Moon, grew closer, Albus started to watch Matt for signs of malady. The day before the match, Matt almost slept through breakfast. John had to wake him up before he left for the Great Hall. Albus watched him throughout DADA and noticed that he was much More tire out than common. He kept his drumhead on the desk the entire class and did n't take any notes. Harry did not say anything about this, which Albus thinking was strange because whenever anyone else fell asleep in early division, the teacher woke them up. Albus could n't retrieve a metre when someone fell asleep in papa, though, because usually that class was exciting.

`` Are you ok ? '' Albus asked Matt as they were walking to Charms.

`` amercement, '' matt responded. He was walking a bit slower than usual, `` Just tired. ``

`` Ok, '' Albus said warily, `` But if you want to go to the infirmary Wing during Charms, I 'll volunteer to contain you. ``

`` I will too, '' John agreed, `` Anything to get out of that class. ``

The boy immediately stopped talking once they entered the charm classroom and went to their usual back mesa. Once he sat down, matt put his promontory down on top of his account book. Washburn stormed into the room a few indorsement later and started taking attendance.

`` I 'm lecturing today, study out your note, '' he barked at the class. Everyone silently found quills and parchment as Washburn pointed his wand at the board. banker's bill appeared on it and Albus started copying them down. Washburn started talking and droned on for about half the full stop without stopping, even when educatee raised their hands to ask questions. Albus did not glance up to expect at him at all. Once he finished copying his banknote, he looked over at Matt and noticed that he had fallen asleep. Unfortunately, Washburn had noticed, too.

`` Eckerton ! '' Washburn shouted while he walked towards the cover table, `` This is not nap prison term ! ``

`` I do n't believe he 's feeling well, sir, '' John said tentatively.

`` I did n't ask how he 's feeling ! '' Washburn growled at John. `` Now heat up and pay attention ! '' he shouted again.

matt slowly picked up his head and stared at Washburn, `` Huh ? ``

`` I said this is not nap time ! '' Washburn screamed.

`` Oh, sorry, '' Matt mumbled. He stared down at his book and rested his drumhead on his hand.

Washburn grumbled something incoherent and got back to his speech. Matt kept his head teacher up the relief of the class, but did n't deal any line. Although he did go to Astronomy after lunch, matt did not seem to pay a good deal attending in that course of study either. After class was over, he went up to the dormitory and slept straight through dinner.

`` What other explanation could there be ? '' Rose wondered aloud in the usual room that night. She, Albus, lav, and Amanda were sitting around a mesa after dinner. The pre-Quidditch couple excitement kept the topsy-turvyness and randomness in the mutual way up, so no one was paying much attention to what they were talking about.

`` I do n't think there is another one, '' Albus told her, `` He 's got to be a loup-garou. He gets sick every total moon and leaves overnight. When he comes back he 's still spew and he 's got injuries. ``

`` I 'm sure he is one, '' lavatory agreed, `` Just desire he tells us soon, or I 'm just going to possess to narrate him I know. It 's gon na be hard to hide that we know. ``

`` Think how hard it is for flatness ? Hiding that from everyone, '' Albus reminded him.

`` True. ``

`` So, who thinks we 'll win the match tomorrow ? '' Albus asked, changing the subject.

`` I do ! '' John shouted, `` With your cousin 's new broom, we 'll be unbeatable. ``

`` Definitely, '' Amanda agreed, `` I ca n't expect to see it in action. ``

`` You 've really gotten into Quidditch, have n't you ? '' Rose giggled.

`` Sure have, it 's so much wagerer than football, '' Amanda told her.

******

The match was to be held in the early afternoon, which was a bit later than the previous Gryffindor vs. Hufflepuff match. Albus and his admirer spent the originally part of the day playing adept 's chess game and Exploding Snap in the unwashed way. lusterlessness seemed too tired to play anything, so he laid on one of the couches and watched the game. Albus noticed the Gryffindor team huddled in one corner of the room, reviewing endure arcminute tactics. Saint James looked a bit nervous, which was graspable considering the last match landed him in the Hospital Wing.

The morning dragged by, but eventually, everyone started to make their way down to the pitch after lunch.

`` Should be a effective game, '' Albus said to John as they were walking towards the pitch.

`` Definitely. I 've been looking forward to a Gryffindor vs. Slytherin game. I 've heard they 're the best one, '' St. John the Apostle told him.

`` That 's what I 've heard, too. Dad says they were usually the most sex one in his days here, '' Albus informed John.

`` Conditions could n't be worse, though, '' John lamented. He was right. The weather was not cooperating for a biz of Quidditch. Although the visibleness seemed to be a bit better than Gryffindor 's last match, the nose candy was falling at a steady rate and it was bitterly cold.

`` Hopefully it wo n't last as long as last time, '' Rose pulled her cloak tighter, `` I 'm freezing. ``

`` Me, too, '' flatness agreed. He was already shivering, and was a few tempo behind everyone else.

Albus and the rest of the group slowed down to tolerate Matt to catch up with them. `` Well, I just hope James River does n't get spite again, '' Albus said.

`` Hope not, '' Amanda agreed.

The five first twelvemonth made their way through the crowds and found their way to a few seats on Gryffindor 's side of the stands. As they were walking slowly to match flatness 's step, they were some of the finale people in the stands. They found their seats just before the comment started.

`` Welcome to the Gryffindor vs. Slytherin match ! '' Todd Kathryn Elizabeth Smith shouted over the bunch, `` This is a highly anticipated friction match that should testify to be as turn on as always. The conditions 's brutal, but that should n't stop a wellspring trained team.

`` And here come the team ! get-go onto the slant is the Gryffindor team. headwaiter Samantha Meyers, followed by Georgia Weasley, Fred Weasley, Scots heather Weasley, Bradley Weasley, Ryan O'Malley, and Saint James potter ! ''

The team flew around the pitch once and then landed side by side to each early on the ground.

`` Here are the Slytherins. maitre d'hotel Talan Flint, followed by lancet Goyle, Michael Jackson Naiser, Ferris fielding, Peyton Haines, Hailey Odele, and Glenna Dabney. ``

The Slytherins flew once around the rake and landed in front of the Gryffindors. The reviewer, Alan Oteski, had the captains throw off hands, and the teams were off.

`` professor Oteski releases the Quaffle, Bludgers, and snitcher, and the players are up ! Quaffle goes to Fielding and he 's flying towards the Gryffindor goal posts. Oh, squeamish Bludger oeuvre by O'Malley ! Quaffle goes to Meyers, she flies down the pitch, passing to the two Weasley chaser. And Scots heather Weasley scores the first goal ! ``

The Gryffindor team scored three destination within the first five minutes. Slytherin had not managed to get any destination past Georgia.

`` Of course, the wind up part of this plot is Peach State Weasley 's new ling. It 's a Firebolt 3000. The fastest Calluna vulgaris yet ! It seems to be proving itself in this game. What with Georgia 's unbelievable skill, and that broom, I 'd be surprised if Slytherin scores any goals at all ! '' Lord Todd shouted excitedly.

`` She 's amazing ! '' John exclaimed, `` I want one of those brooms ! ``

`` Me, too, '' Albus agreed, `` I flew it over holiday. It was amazing. ``

`` Wow ! Think she 'd let me hinge on it ? '' Gospel According to John asked.

`` Maybe. If you come to my place over the summer, I 'll ask her, '' Albus told him.

`` Awesome ! '' King John grinned.

`` Another end scored for Gryffindor ! Making the score 40-0 in party favour of Gryffindor ! Fred Wealsey has the Quaffle, he 's storming up the slant, headed to the Slytherin destination posts. Ouch ! Hit in the back with a Bludger sent from Naiser. Odele has the Quaffle now and is headed towards Georgia Weasley. She passes to Fielding, who attempts to mark a goal. And saved ! Wow, I did n't think a broom could move that fast, '' Todd was jumping up and down at the observer 's podium now.

`` Flint does not look happy, '' Albus commented.

`` No, he does n't. Looks like he 's ready to hex someone, '' John agreed.

`` Would n't put it past him, '' rosebush chimed in, `` These matches are known to get ugly. ``

The game continued for a while, with Gryffindor scoring a few more goal. Slytherin did manage to get one goal after Flint sent a Bludger at Georgia right when Odele was attempting to score.

`` Think this mates will last much longer ? '' flatness asked.

`` Dunno. Does n't depend like James or Dabney have seen the snitcher yet, '' Albus peered out at the field of force. `` They 're just hovering above everyone else. Looks like they 're trying to bide out of it. I can see why. The Bludger work is getting nasty. ''

And it was. All the Gryffindor chasers were sporting some kind of wound. Sakartvelo had a poke bleed, but seemed to be ignoring it. Odele and Haines both had taken Bludgers to arm and it seemed to have affected their ability to becharm the Quaffle.

Albus looked over at Matt. He was sitting down, shivering, with his head resting on his hand. `` You ok ? ``

`` I guess. I just hope the match is done soon, '' Matt winced.

`` neediness to go back inside ? '' Albus asked.

`` No, I 'll be fine, '' Matt insisted.

`` Another goal for Gryffindor ! Making the match 110-10 Gryffindor ! '' Todd bellowed, `` And the match is getting ugly. Ouch ! Fred Weasley takes a Bludger to the principal, causing him to overlook the Quaffle. But it 's caught by Meyers ! She passes to broom, who scores another goal !

`` flint appears to possess abandoned the Bludgers and is soaring up towards Potter and Dabney. What 's he up to ? Meanwhile, Bradley Weasley hits a well aimed Bludger towards Henry Fielding, who drops the Quaffle. Back to Flint. It appears that he is getting into an argument with Dabney. I wonder what they 're saying ? Hope it 's important. Looks like his neglect of beater responsibility has caused his uninjured Chaser to get hit. ``

flint turned his head around and flew square towards Georgia. Odele was flying towards the destination posts with the Quaffle. `` What 's he doing now ? He 's grabbed hold of Georgia 's heather ! Foul ! Flint has grabbed Georgia 's broom and appears to be preventing her from keeping ! Foul ! '' Todd screamed angrily. Odele took vantage of the situation and scored a goal.

Oteski blew his whistle, `` penalisation shooting for Gryffindor ! unnecessary grabbing of opposing custodian 's broomstick. Honestly, you should know serious ! Such an obvious foul ! And that goal does not count ! ``

`` Gryffindor sea captain, Meyers, easily scores the penalty shot, bringing the grievance up to 130-10 Gryffindor, '' Todd announced, `` Slytherin chaser, Fielding, manages to get the Quaffle and is flying towards the Gryffindor goal spot. Bradley Weasley sends a Bludger towards him and, ouch ! He 's knocked off his heather. Lucky for him, he was low to the ground. But looks like he 's out for the balance of the game, probably broke his arm or something. ``

`` This is amazing ! '' can exclaimed, `` I 've never seen Quidditch like this. I wonder if Slytherin 's ever lost by this much before. ``

`` I dunno, '' Albus responded, `` But I do n't think their Seeker 's very good. All she 's doing is following James around. And flint was yelling at her for something. ``

`` Probably telling her just to catch the Snitch so they can end the misery, '' John laughed.

`` Epistle of James better catch the stool pigeon soon, '' mat groaned, `` I do n't think I can take much more than of this. '' He was huddled on his seat, holding his stomach in pain.

`` Sure you do n't want to go in ? '' Albus asked.

`` I dunno, '' matte moaned, `` Maybe. ``

`` feel like Potter 's seen the sneak ! '' Sir Alexander Robertus Todd shouted. Jesse James had started speeding towards the Gryffindor goal stake, with Dabney following closely behind. `` The Slytherin beaters seem to be trying to hit potter with the Bludgers. But, knack on, the Gryffindor chaser and beaters seem to hold surrounded thrower, protecting him from Naiser and Flint River. Blimey ! I 've never seen anything like it ! And it worked ! thrower caught the Snitch ! ``

The crowd erupted into applause, Gryffindors storming the ground, lifting James up into the air. They started walking back to the palace. The Slytherin team was looking homicidal and Flint was screaming at Dabney.

`` Let 's go, '' Rose said, looking at Matt.

`` Oh, full, '' matte moaned as he slowly stood up.

`` You want to go to the infirmary Wing ? '' Albus asked.

`` No, I do n't think so, '' Matt said, leaning on John for support.

The five protagonist slowly made their way up to the castle. By the time they got there, everyone else had already made it back. It took them a piece to climb the stairs to Gryffindor pillar, but eventually, they made it.

When they entered the common room, a political party was already in full lilt. flatness made a beeline for the dormitory and did n't await back.

`` Albus ! '' Saint James came running up to him, butterbeer in hand, `` We did it ! Beat Slytherin ! They are pathetic. And here I was, thinking they actually had a skilful team. No way they 're in the track for the Cup now. Blimey, losing 10 to 300 ... ''

`` You did great ! '' Albus grinned at him, `` Dad would be very proud. ``

`` Proud of what ? '' a voice came from behind them.

Albus turned around, `` Dad ? ! ``

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

`` Came for the company. Blimey, things have n't changed a bit. The parties after we beat Slytherin were always skilful. Anyway, congratulations, Henry James ! ``

`` Thanks ! ``

`` We 're not being too loud, are we, Professor Potter ? '' Samantha Meyers had come over to see what was going on.

`` No, 'course not ! '' Harry grinned, `` Ca n't anticipate you to be quiet after that win. Just tranquility down by midnight. ``

`` Sure, no job ! It was amazing, was n't it ? '' Samantha said excitedly.

`` Oh, it was vivid, '' Harry agreed. Harry and Samantha quickly settled down to rehashing every bit of the catch, and were soon joined by Georgia.

`` Never grow out of Quidditch, right ? '' James laughed.

`` Right, '' Albus agreed, `` Honestly, I thought it 'd be a bit strange having him as our instructor, but it has n't been weird at all. ``

`` Yeah, it 's been pretty clean. ``

******

The company in the Gryffindor uncouth room lasted well into the eve. almost of the Gryffindors did not even go down for dinner. Albus 's cousin-german had managed to bring a adept bit of food up to the common elbow room, so there was really no need to go to the Great Asaph Hall. Harry left shortly before dinner, though, so he could join the rest of the staff for the meal.

`` Honestly, I 'll never get any study done with this interference, '' blush wine sighed. She, Albus, John, and Amanda were sitting around one of the tables in the vulgar elbow room eating afters. rose was the only one trying to get any body of work done.

`` Why bother ? You 've still got tomorrow, '' whoremaster commented, `` Hey, I got your dad, Albus. '' can held up a Chocolate toad frog card.

`` I do n't see why everybody 's got to party so late into the eve, '' Rose said, `` It was n't that spectacular a win. Slytherin was dreadful. ``

`` That 's the compass point, '' John told her, `` Slytherin 's usually got a pretty good squad. It 's the precept of the thing. Gryffindor and Slytherin are vast competition, and when we beat them, it 's a reason to celebrate. Even if they 're tripe. ``

`` Whatever, '' Rose put her fingers in her ears and continued to read.

`` And their new Seeker 's horrible, '' Albus said, `` I bet she could n't see the Snitch if it was right in presence of her side. ``

`` Yeah, she 's no lucifer for James, '' John the Divine agreed, `` I 've heard from some of the onetime students that he 's as serious as Ted lupin was. ``

`` Well, he should be, '' Albus laughed, `` chemise 's been training him ever since James could get on a broom. I think they started when Epistle of James was about five. ``

`` But he 's got it in his blood, too, '' Amanda chimed in, `` I mean, Albus, your dad was the secure seeker Gryffindor 's ever seen. And your Uncle Charlie was a great Seeker, too. Plus, your mum played for the Holyhead Harpies. ``

`` Yup, '' Albus grinned, `` Quidditch is a high-pitched precedence in my family. ``

`` Guess rosebush just did n't get any of those Quidditch genes, '' Gospel According to John poked Rose and she jumped.

`` Shut it, lav, '' blush wine told him, `` Where 's Matt ? ``

`` Still sleeping, '' Albus said, glancing at the room access to the dormitories, `` Been there ever since the end of the compeer. ``

`` wellspring, why do n't you go find out on him ? '' blush wine suggested.

`` All right field, '' Albus got up from his chair and walked to the hall. When he got there, he saw that Matt was legal asleep in his bed.

`` Matt ! '' Albus whispered, `` Hey, Matt ! Get up ! '' Albus lifted lusterlessness 's arm up and it fell limply back onto the mattress when he let go. `` wake up ! '' Albus shouted a minuscule louder.

`` Huh ? Wha'? '' Matt groggily lifted his head and grimaced.

`` You all right ? '' Albus asked with a aspect of headache on his face.

`` Ugh, '' Matt groaned and sat up. `` What clip is it ? ``

`` Almost six, '' Albus told him.

`` Ohh, '' flatness slowly got up off the bed and swayed, `` I 've got to go to the hospital extension. ``

`` wellspring, I 'll rent you, '' Albus grabbed Matt 's arm so he would n't fall.

`` No, I 'll be fine, '' Matt said.

`` No, I 'm taking you, '' Albus insisted. matte did not protest any far and leaned on Albus for support. They made their way down into the common room, where the company was still in full phase of the moon vacillation. Albus led Matt straight out of portraiture muddle and into the corridor towards the infirmary Wing.

`` C'mon, we 're almost there, '' Albus said as they walked down a flight of stairs.

`` I think I 'm going to be cast, '' Matt groaned and clutched his stomach.

`` It 's ok, we 'll be there soon, '' Albus winced under Matt 's weightiness. Matt was leaning on Albus Sir Thomas More and more by the bit, `` Madam Pomfrey will fix it. ``

`` No she wo n't. She ca n't, '' Matt 's voice wavered as he talked.

`` Here we are, '' Albus opened the doorway to the hospital Wing and led Matt inside. dame Pomfrey was waiting and rushed over to Albus and Matt.

`` It 's ok, devout, come on, '' she pulled Matt away from Albus and let him lean on her, `` I 'll assume it from here, Albus. You 'd best go back to your mutual room. ``

Albus turned to leave, but not before seeing Madam Pomfrey soothing Matt, who had started to cry. Albus shut the door, wishing he could do something to help. lustrelessness seemed to be doing worse this month than he had the yesteryear months. He had n't seemed any dissimilar during the past times few days, but maybe he was just just at hiding his emotions. Albus had forgotten to focalise on figuring out what Matt was feeling in the mean solar day leading up to the full moon moon due to being preoccupied with homework and Occlumency object lesson. Why did this calendar month seem worse ? What was going on ?

Albus pondered these thoughts as he walked slowly back to the mutual way. How could he win over Matt that it would be safe to assure Albus his secret ? Would he ever tell ? And more importantly, was there anything anyone could do to help ?

`` Something troubling you, Potty ? '' a cold voice said. Albus looked up and saw Quinton Willinson, flanked by two other Slytherns, standing at the top of the stairs that Albus was climbing. `` fantasy a saunter by yourself ? ``

`` Go away, Willinson, '' Albus growled as he reached the top of the stairs.

`` It 's a absolve castling. Not curfew yet. I 'm free to wander the corridors just as you are, chamberpot, '' Willinson sneered at Albus.

`` Just will me alone, '' Albus tried to walk past him, but the other two Slytherins blocked his path.

`` No, do n't cogitate I will. I still have n't forgotten that Exploding Eclair, '' Willinson said, drawing his scepter and pointing it at Albus, `` I know it was you. ``

`` How ? '' Albus asked nervously as he drew his own wand and pointed it at Willinson.

`` I just do, '' Willinson snapped his fingers and his sidekick pulled out their wands and pointed them at Albus, `` And now you 'll pay. ``

`` Expelliarmus ! '' Albus shouted, and Willinson 's wand flew out of his helping hand and landed on the floor. A tear second later, two jets of light came from the other two Slytherins 's sceptre and hit Albus in the chest. Before he knew what was happening, he stumbled backwards and fell down the step. He blacked out halfway down, and the last thing he saw was Willinson and his two supporter running in the opposite direction.

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A/N : Sorry for the cliffie ! Well, not really, I do like putting them in. Originally, this chapter did not have a cliffie, but it was quite short so I stuck about half the next chapter at the end of this one. So now it 's a bit longer than usual.

Thanks as usual to my sister and now official beta, Dancer Of Starlight. Thanks as well to my sidekick and my early sister. Please read and review !

Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter

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`` You have no idea who did it, then ? '' Albus heard his dad ask.

`` No, when Neville found him, there was no sign that anybody else had been there, '' Madam Pomfrey whispered.

`` wellspring, when I find out who did it, there 'll be trouble, '' Albus heard a eruption and he figured his dad had just slammed his fist onto something hard.

`` Harry, please be a bit quieter. I 'm sure whoever it is will be punished. ''

`` I 'll be sure of that. ``

Albus opened his center and looked around. He was in the hospital Wing. Judging by the iniquity outside, it must give birth been the heart of the night. He had no idea how many minute had passed, but he guessed it must bear been quite a few. Albus tried to sit up, but was immediately hit by a searing pain in his nous and had to lay back down.

Harry rushed over upon seeing that he was awake, `` Albus ! What on earth happened ? ``

`` How 'd I get here ? '' Albus groaned.

Harry hang over and hugged Albus tight. `` Ouch ! '' Albus winced.

`` Really, Harry, I 've only just healed those bones ! '' gentlewoman Pomfrey pulled Harry away.

`` Neville found you a mates time of day ago. You were laying unconscious at the buns of one of the staircases. It was obvious you 'd fallen down, but it looked like someone had stunned you as well. You 've got a bats skull, a few impoverished ribs, and a bust arm. '' Harry answered, once he sat down in the chairman next to the bed. `` But who did it ? ``

`` Quinton Willinson, and two other Slytherins I do n't know, '' Albus told him.

`` What year are they in ? ''

`` Willinson 's a seventh class, I dunno about the others, '' Albus answered.

Harry slammed his hand onto the bedside table and stood up, `` 7th year ? ! Bloody hell ! What in the epithet of Merlin 's saggy left- ''

`` Harry, calm down ! '' ma'am Pomfrey rushed over to pick up the piss jug that had fallen off the table.

`` Sorry, '' Harry resumed his prat, `` But honestly, what seventh year crowd up on a first year ? ``

`` Victoire and Amy Eckerton warned me. They said he picks a first year every year to torment. And they told me not to go anywhere alone, because he never picks a engagement unless you 're alone. Apparently he 's not a very good dueller. But I totally forgot about that when I took lusterlessness here, '' Albus looked around at the empty beds around him, `` By the way, where is he ? ``

`` Nothing to worry about now, '' Madam Pomfrey said shortly.

`` Well, Willinson will be getting detainment, and lode of it. And those two other Slytherins as well. I 'll be talking to Slughorn, '' Harry muttered.

`` Oh, Dad, I disarmed Willinson ! '' Albus said excitedly, `` I 'd forgotten about that. Right after I disarmed him, the other two stunned me and I fell down the stairs. ``

Harry grinned, `` Brilliant. You 're great at disarming. And if the other two were n't there, you 'd bear been very well. But, it 's hard to disarm three wizards at once. ``

`` It 's getting late, I think you 'd ameliorate give Albus a chance to log Z's, Harry, '' Madam Pomfrey came over holding a goblet of potion.

`` All rightfulness, '' Harry stood up and gave Albus a gentle hug, `` I 'll be back in the morning. G'night, Al, I love you. ``

`` Love you, too, '' Albus awkwardly hugged his dad back, `` Good nighttime. ``

`` I 've got a potion to help you log Z's, '' Madam Pomfrey handed him the potion, `` Drink up. ``

Albus took the chalice and downed it in one gulp.

`` Knew it was only a topic of meter before you showed up here, '' Madam Pomfrey muttered, `` Potters seem to be ineffective to keep themselves out of this plaza ... ''

*****

`` What happened, Poppy ? '' Albus heard someone ask.

`` Bad translation, really bad, '' dame Pomfrey replied grimly.

`` What can you do ? '' the representative asked, Albus recognized it now as Neville.

`` I 'm really not trusted, '' lady Pomfrey sighed, `` I 'll administer the usual potions and heal the bones, but other than that ... I 've got to get hold of St. Mungo 's. ``

`` I 'll do it, '' Neville announced, `` Is Albus ok ? ``

`` He 'll be fine, '' brothel keeper Pomfrey assured him, `` I 'll keep him here until tomorrow good morning. ``

Albus heard Neville leave and gentlewoman Pomfrey tug the curtains shut around one of the beds. She moved quickly around the elbow room whispering to herself and loudly grabbing bottles off of shelves. Albus opened his eyes briefly and saw that the bed at the end of the row had the mantle shut. That 's where Matt was. And Albus had been right. He was a werewolf. Any dubiousness that Albus had was gone. He felt ghastly with apprehensiveness at the opinion of flatness going through that transmutation every month. Stuck with a swearing that prevented him from living a normal life. Albus knew what life was like for a lycanthrope. He heard about Teddy 's dad 's animation. After Hogwarts, what would Matt do ? Would he be capable to get a job ?

`` Are you awake ? '' Madam Pomfrey came bustling over with a breakfast tray, `` proficient, eat up. ``

`` Is matt going to be ok ? '' Albus asked nervously.

`` Never you mind, '' lady Pomfrey answered as she walked back to matte 's bed and disappeared behind the curtains. She spent much of the next hr bustling back and forth between matt 's bed and her study, where Albus could see her consulting Word and mixing potions. Albus watched her and find she looked much more worried than usual. What was going on ?

Neville returned about an minute later, followed by a tall, balding man in lime greenish robes. Albus recognized them as Healer robes. brothel keeper Pomfrey came out from behind the drape when she heard the door give and walked quickly over to the two men.

`` I 'd better go bump Amy, Poppy, '' Neville announced.

`` Yes, I suppose you should, '' madam Pomfrey answered, `` Poor dear will be worried sick when she sees him. ``

`` I know, '' Neville sighed and left the room.

lady Pomfrey turned to the other man, `` Oh, safe, they 've sent you, Healer Sterling, '' she welcomed the healer with a sigh of relief, `` I was afraid they 'd send one of the trainee healer. ``

`` No, no, I insisted on coming, '' healer Sterling assured her, `` I 'm the one in charge of the study- ''

dame Pomfrey cut him off and gestured to Albus 's bed, `` Shush ! We 'll discourse it shortly. Albus, why do n't you finish your breakfast ? ``

`` I 'm not athirst, '' Albus mumbled.

ma'am Pomfrey 's typeface softened, `` Albus, matt will be ok. You must n't worry. ``

`` But what 's going on ? '' Albus asked, `` I 've already figured it out. I know he 's a wolfman. ``

`` Be that as it may, I can not inform you about the situation, '' Madam Pomfrey said as she and Healer Sterling walked towards Matt 's bed, `` Now, it 's best for you to get some balance. ''

Madam Pomfrey drew her wand, muttered a trance, and she and the two men disappeared behind the pall. Albus knew she had casted the Muffliato charm on him. He had witnessed his parents using that spell before. He sighed and picked at his eggs, but he really could n't eat anything. He knew that madam Pomfrey really was not sure whether Matt would be ok. Albus sat pondering about what could be ill-timed, when a loud bang jolted him out of his thoughts.

Albus turned around in his bed and noticed that the banging was coming from the door. Madam Pomfrey ran out from behind the drape and headed towards the threshold. `` Who 's there ? '' she shouted.

`` Rose Weasley, '' Albus heard his cousin 's voice, `` Why are the doorway locked ? Ca n't we come in and see Albus ? ``

`` I 'd rather you did n't. I 've got another student in here who needs quiet, '' Madam Pomfrey said through the closed door.

`` Is it matt ? '' Rose asked, `` Because he 's still not back yet. ``

Madam Pomfrey sighed, `` Yes. ``

`` We 'll be quiet, '' Rose answered, `` I promise. ``

`` Oh, all right, '' ma'am Pomfrey opened the door, `` But only for a little piece. ``

Rose walked through the room access, followed by John, Amanda, and Henry James. `` Oh, Albus, are you all right ? '' she whispered as they neared Albus 's bed.

`` I 'll be fine, '' Albus told them.

`` What on earth happened ? Never saw you after you took Matt here last night, '' John the Evangelist asked. He, King James I, Amanda, and Rose sat down on the bed next to Albus's.

`` Met up with Willinson, '' Albus groaned, `` Him and two early Slytherins. ``

`` He 's trouble, I tell ya, '' James shook his mind, `` Drove me mad until Victoire talked to him terminal year. ``

`` Yeah, well, he does n't seem to be listening to Victoire this year, does he ? '' Albus responded, `` Anyway, I disarmed him, but his two friends stunned me at the Same sentence and I fell down the stairs. Got knocked out halfway down and woke up here. ``

`` Whoa, are you ok ? '' Amanda asked.

`` I 'm fine. Got a few demote os, but they 're healed now. My caput still hurts, though, '' Albus rubbed his forehead.

`` We were so worried when you were still gone this morning, '' rosiness told him, `` Went straight person to Uncle Harry 's field and he told us you were here. By the way, he said he 'd be visiting later this forenoon. ``

`` Dad was here last nighttime, too, '' Albus said, `` He 's really tempestuous about it. He 's going to give Willinson loads of detainment. ``

John grinned, `` Excellent. He 'll finally be getting what he deserves. ``

`` wellspring, I 've got to get going. Quidditch practice, '' James River announced as he got up from the bed.

`` But you just had a match yesterday, '' pink wine shook her head.

`` Does n't matter. Sun 's one of our usual drill daylight, '' St. James reminded her. `` gladiolus you 're better, Albus. '' James waved and left the elbow room. As he left, Neville, Victoire, and Amy came rushing through. Amy ran straight to Matt 's bed with weeping in her heart and Neville following quickly behind. Victoire stared at her questioningly, but turned to Albus 's bed.

`` I told you not to go anywhere alone ! '' she sighed.

`` I know ! '' Albus replied, `` Sorry. I was just taking lusterlessness here. He was pretty barf lowest night, and it did n't occur to me that I 'd be walking back to the usual room alone. ``

`` Oh, I understand that, '' Victoire answered, `` But just be thrifty from now on. ``

`` I will, '' Albus assured her. Sometimes, it felt like his older cousin-german were just extra parents.

`` Well, Uncle Harry 's angered, so I do n't recollect you 'll cause to occupy much anymore, '' Victoire told him, `` I heard him talking to Slughorn earlier. Apparently, Harry and professor Longbottom are going to exact play overseeing his detentions and let 's just say he 's not going to have much free metre in the follow weeks. ``

`` good, '' Albus responded.

`` I 'd better be off, '' Victoire said, `` I 'm due to tutor Mark in Transfiguration Day in a few transactions. I was just with Amy, she started getting hysteric when Neville came and found her in the commons room. But she would n't say me what 's going on. I do n't conjecture you bed ? ``

`` Nope, '' Albus said.

`` well, I 'll see you later, '' Victoire started to head towards the doorway, `` Whatever it is, I hope lustrelessness 's ok. ''

`` Ok, now that she 's gone, I 've got to tell you about mat, '' Albus whispered, `` come closer, I do n't want brothel keeper Pomfrey to discover. ``

Rose, John, and Amanda climbed onto Albus 's bed. `` What about him ? '' John the Evangelist asked.

`` He 's a loup-garou, '' Albus muttered.

`` What ? '' John exclaimed a bit too loudly, `` How do you screw for sure ? ``

`` Shush ! '' Albus whispered, `` He was n't here concluding night when I woke up. And this cockcrow, professor Longbottom and lady Pomfrey brought him here, but he was unconscious mind. ``

`` I knew it, '' Rose whispered.

`` Anyway, Madam Pomfrey said he 'd had a really bad transformation, '' Albus told them, `` He 's still unconscious. And there 's a Healer from St. Mungo 's here. They 're all behind the mantle on lusterlessness 's bed. They wo n't tell me anything. They casted Muffliato, so I ca n't learn anything. ``

`` design, '' Rose groaned, `` Adults never let us know anything. ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` But what are we going to do about Matt ? ``

`` Well, we 've got to figure out how to secernate him we know, '' John answered.

`` I do n't know about that, '' Albus responded, `` There 's a reason he 's not telling us. I think we should let him separate us. ``

`` How do we hide that we know, Albus ? '' John Lackland asked.

`` We just do, '' Albus said adamantly, `` Anyway, it 's got to be harder for lusterlessness to maintain this unavowed than us hiding the fact that we know. He 's got to severalise us sooner or later. ``

`` I think Albus is right, bathroom, '' Rose agreed, `` He 'll enjoin us soon. This has got to be something he tells us. He has to be ready. ``

`` Fine, '' John sighed. The four friends sat in silence for a moment, succumbing to their own thoughts about Matt 's lycanthropy.

Madam Pomfrey and therapist Sterling came rushing out behind the pall, and once they did, the Muffliato charm broke.

`` I think I can treat him here, Poppy, '' Sterling said to Madam Pomfrey, `` I do n't think there 's any penury to move him to St. Mungo 's, unless he gets worse. ``

`` Oh, just, '' Madam Pomfrey sighed with relief, `` That must mean it 's not as bad as I thought. ``

`` No, it 's not quite that bad. It will demand a patch to care for, but he will recover perfectly fine, '' Sterling assured her, `` Right now I 've got to get hold of these notes back to St. Mungo 's and consult with some former therapist. I 'll also contact his parents. I should be back sometime in the good afternoon. Just save administering the potions every hour until then. ``

`` I 'll see you later, then, '' lady Pomfrey bade him goodbye as he left the room.

`` I think it 's clip for you three to leave, '' she announced, `` Mr. Potter needs his rest and he 's got to use up a few more potions. ``

`` See you, Albus, '' Saint John the Apostle got up and started towards the door.

`` Bye, '' Amanda followed behind John.

`` sword lily you 're ok, '' Rose got up, `` When do you get to leave ? ``

`` Tomorrow morning, '' dame Pomfrey answered.

`` Can we see Matt ? '' rosiness asked.

`` Absolutely not, '' Madam Pomfrey said sternly, `` He 's in no circumstance for visitors. ``

`` Ok, ok, '' Rose responded, `` Bye, Albus. ``

`` Bye. ``

******

Throughout the rest of the day, healer Sterling popped in and out of the hospital Wing, bringing with him various potions from St. Mungo 's. Shortly after lunch, Matt 's parents showed up and they stayed until the evening. Everyone kept using the Muffliato charm against Albus, so he was unable to listen in on any conversations. Eventually he gave up on trying to retrieve out any info about lustrelessness 's condition and fell asleep. Madam Pomfrey let Albus allow for the hospital wing early Mon morning, while breakfast was still going on in the Great hallway. Albus was quite bored with the Hospital Wing and once madam Pomfrey had deemed him well, he ran straight to the Great hall. John, Amanda, and blush wine were all sitting together, whispering.

`` Albus ! '' John shouted once Albus had sat down side by side to him, `` All better then ? ``

`` Yeah, I 'm hunky-dory, '' Albus assured him, `` Bit hungry, though. '' Albus piled his denture with eggs and toast.

`` We were just talking about matt, '' Rose informed him, `` How is he doing ? ``

`` I 'm really not sure, '' Albus said through a mouthful of pledge, `` I could n't see a word anyone was saying. They 're being very secretive. ``

`` Is he awake yet ? '' Amanda asked.

`` No, he 's not, '' Albus sighed, `` At least I do n't think so. The second of conversation that I have been able to get wind are mostly about figuring out how to awaken him up. ``

`` No chance of visiting him, then ? '' whoremaster wondered aloud.

`` Do n't call up so, '' Albus told him, `` I mean, brothel keeper Pomfrey 's still keeping the doorway locked. You have to say who you are and what you want in order to get in. The only ones who 've been allowed to sojourn are his parents and Amy. ``

`` Oh, '' lavatory sounded disappointed, `` I hope she lets us in soon. ``

`` Scorpius Malfoy tried to get in, '' Albus lowered his interpreter, `` finale Night. ``

`` What the hell did he want ? '' John growled, `` Slimy git. ``

`` Wanted to see out what 's wrong with Matt, '' Albus answered, `` He 's way too prying. Anyway, he banged on the door and told Madam Pomfrey he had a wind bleed. But he 'd only taken a nozzle Bleed Nougat, because once he got in, I saw him eat the former half and the blood stopped immediately. While ma'am Pomfrey was shutting the door after him and locking it, he ran over to Matt 's bed. ``

`` He did n't see him, did he ? '' Rose asked anxiously.

`` No, the curtains were up. Amy noticed him and she was looking murderous. She yelled at him to go away and listen his own business enterprise. Then lady Pomfrey came back over and noticed he was n't bleeding anymore and made him leave. Said she was going to distinguish Slughorn about it. I hope he gets detention. ``

`` Wow, he does n't give up, does he ? '' trick responded.

`` No, he does n't, '' Albus agreed, `` We 're gon na have to be careful about him. ``

`` post is here, '' Amanda looked up and commented on the bird of night swooping into the room.

`` Albus, tone, '' Rose pointed to a copy of the Daily oracle that had been delivered to the girl sitting across from them.

Albus glanced at the paper and immediately noticed what Rose was showing him. The front page newspaper headline was 'Mysterious Deaths Mystify Ministry Aurors'with a rather bombastic word-painting of Harry below it. Albus turned to pink wine, `` What 's that about ? ``

`` I do n't eff, but I do n't like the audio of it, '' rosebush answered. `` Can I borrow that ? '' she asked the girl.

The female child looked at them, and then the article, `` Sure, but I 'd like it back when you 're done. '' She gave them one last aspect and then turned to her ally and the two of them started whispering.

Rose took the paper and put it in between her and Albus.

Mysterious demise Mystify Ministry Aurors

It started with the murder of Hogwart DADA instructor, Eric Torro, in the beginning of September. Supposedly, the Aurors looked into the death immediately, but there have been no leads. Harry Potter, the Boy Who Lived, the Chosen One, principal Auror, and Hogwarts pop teacher, has been leading the investigation. But are his teaching duties getting in the way of his Auror duty ? There have also been no leads in the decease of Jasmine Lamski, which occurred a month ago. We asked if these demise are connected, but the Auror office responded with 'no comment'. Do they know more than they 're telling us ? It is these form of murder that remind many of us of Lord Voldemort 's time of brat. Could there still be nighttime wizard among us ? Is the Auror role doing enough to stop them ? And more importantly, should Harry thrower be teaching small fry when his movement are obviously needed in the Auror situation ? Despite this, Harry Potter assures the Wizarding World that things 'are under mastery and there is no want to worry .'masses are being murdered and the manslayer are not being caught. It might indeed be time to worry.

`` That 's rubbish ! '' Albus shouted when he finished the article.

`` What ? '' John asked, trying to read upside down.

`` Read this, '' Albus grumbled as he handed John the Divine and Amanda the report. `` Who wrote it ? '' he asked Rose.

`` Rita Skeeter, '' blush wine told him.

`` form ! '' Albus shouted, `` She 's always twisting the accuracy. ``

`` DOE n't look like the instructor are too glad about it, '' Rose pointed to the staff table, where all the instructor were whispering amongst themselves. Most of them wore looks of worry and wrath. The only one who was n't whispering was Washburn, who was glaring at the scholarly person, just like he usually did. Harry was noticeably absent from the table.

`` Blimey, '' John let out a low whistle, `` That 's the way to scare everybody. ``

`` There are n't really still shadow Wizards are there ? '' Amanda asked quietly, she was blench as a ghost.

`` 'Course there are, '' Albus told her, `` There 's always evil in the world. But it 's not alike Voldemort 's coming back or anything. If my dad says there 's nothing to worry about, then there is n't. ``

`` Ok, but it 's still scary, '' Amanda responded.

`` That 's what Rita Skeeter wants, '' Albus informed her, `` That 's what she does. She 's rarely ever written anything that 's she has n't stretched the true statement. ``

`` But what about those ambition and Legilimency ? '' Rose asked, `` Even your dad admits there 's something going on with that ? ``

`` I know, but he 's taking tending of it, '' Albus assured her, `` I mean certain, it 's scarey, but I do n't think it required an article that strikes worry and reverence into everyone. No one besides you lot and my family line live anything about those dreams. So to them, it 's just like someone just started randomly killing a few people. ``

`` That 's lawful, '' John agreed, `` Where 's your dad ? ``

`` I dunno, '' Albus told him, `` I saw him last Nox in the Hospital Wing. He 's probably at the Ministry, trying to smooth everything over with this article. If citizenry start complaining that the Aurors are n't doing enough, then he could lose his job here. ``

`` Bloody hell, '' lav exclaimed, `` That would n't be right. I 'm sure the Aurors are doing a thoroughly job. ``

`` pipe down ! '' Professor Kendrick had stood up. The room fell silent as he did so. `` Thank you. Now, I 'm sure as shooting most of you have read today 's front page clause in the prophet. I want to assure you all that we are perfectly good and there is no need to worry. Certain journalists often have the habit of stretching the truth in order to scare multitude, and that is what is going on here. The Aurors are doing everything in their power to enamor whoever murdered professor Torro and Jasmine Lamski. I also need to inform you that papa lessons will not train stead today, because prof Potter is spending the day at the Auror Office and the Ministry, trying to calm everyone down. If you have DADA today, please use the sentence to canvass for your upcoming examination. That is all. '' Professor Kendrick sat back down and resumed his conversation with Neville.

Once Kendrick had finished his speech, whispering resumed amongst the students. Anyone who had not seen the clause before, was now scrambling to find oneself a copy of the vaticinator.

`` well, what 're we going to do with our free period, then ? '' John asked. The Gryffindor get-go eld had daddy first that day.

`` I 've got homework to fetch up, '' Amanda groaned, `` Essay for Herbology. ``

`` Ugh, do n't remind me, '' John groaned as well, `` I have n't finished it either. ``

`` well, then you do need reminding ! '' Rose exclaimed, `` I finished that over the weekend. ``

`` Me, too, '' Albus commented.

`` Why do n't we go goal it, then, John ? '' Amanda suggested, `` The common room will be pretty quiet with everyone off in grade. ``

`` fine, '' John reluctantly agreed. He stood up and headed off with Amanda to finish up the essay.

`` That could n't have worked out better, '' Rose whispered to Albus, `` Now we can go to the library and resume our research. ``

`` Good cerebration, '' Albus told her, `` I 've finished that former book. Returned it a few mean solar day ago. I 'd improve get another. ``

`` I 've looked through three, but there 's scores others, '' rosebush informed him. She started walking out of the Great Hall, with Albus following, `` But I have n't found anything utilitarian. ``

`` Me, neither. ``

Albus and Rose were delight to find that the library was rather empty. There were a few older students who had a free period, but all of them seemed too engaged studying to observe the two maiden years. They headed straight to the book shelf that held the volume they had previously looked at.

`` Are we really going to have to reckon through all of these ? '' Albus wondered aloud.

`` Hopefully not, '' Rose said as she pulled out a rather large book, `` Once we find something about Hallows, we can stop. ``

`` I 'm beginning to doubt if that 's going to happen, '' Albus responded.

`` I sure hope we find something soon, '' rosebush opened her account book and glanced quickly at the table of subject, `` Exams will be in a few months, so we 're going to have to start studying more, which means less time for this. ``

`` Yeah, maybe we 'll get lucky today, '' Albus hoped, `` Want to go get a mesa ? '' He had picked out two Scripture to look at.

`` Sure, '' Rose followed Albus into a secluded component of the library, away from Madam Pince and the other educatee. They read silently for fifteen minutes.

`` well, this Christian Bible 's absolute trash, '' Albus closed his firstly book, `` Says Dad and Voldemort dueled for half a day before Voldemort finally died. ``

rosebush broke out laughing, `` Really ? ! Wow, amazing that got published. ``

Albus set aside that book and opened the other one, `` This looks a bit better. ``

`` wellspring, look who it is ? '' someone said from behind Rose.

Albus glanced up. `` And what do you require, Malfoy ? ``

`` Just seeing what you 're up to on your relieve time, '' Malfoy smiled smugly, `` I 'm assuming you read the article. ``

`` Yeah, I did, '' Albus said coldly, `` But it 's not true. Just person trying to stir up trouble. ``

`` Never can state, though, can you ? '' Malfoy sat down at their table, `` The Ministry 's often quiet down things up. ``

`` What do you know about that ? '' rose wine asked.

`` Nothing, zip, just stuff I 've overheard my forefather saying, '' Malfoy looked over at the Christian Bible rose wine was reading.

`` A History of Lord Voldemort, '' Malfoy read the title, `` Interesting title. Why are you reading it ? ``

`` Just a bit of background signal indication, never can memorise too much. ``

`` Hmm, '' Malfoy looked at Albus, `` So, I hear you got into a bit of a duel the early day. ``

Albus turned red, `` Uh, yeah. ``

Malfoy smirked, `` Ca n't really take on three one-seventh years. ``

`` He disarmed Willinson, '' Rose said angrily, `` And is it really your business ? ``

`` No, not really, but I still want to recognize. ``

`` I could 've taken on Willinson, '' Albus added, `` He 's atrocious at dueling. But his two married person got me. ``

`` That 's honest, Willinson 's dueling skills leave a lot to be desired, '' Malfoy agreed, `` But he 's smarting enough not to duel without others on his side. ``

`` Good for him, '' Albus mumbled.

`` well, we 'd better be off to Charms, '' Rose slammed her book shut and got up.

`` Yeah, bye, '' Albus muttered and followed rosiness. They checked out their Book, which got them more inquiring limelight from madam Pince, and headed off to Charms.

Charms was surprisingly uneventful. prof Washburn did inquire where Matt was, but he seemed satisfied with 'in the Hospital wing'as an answer. two-base hit Herbology went as usual, although Neville seemed form of tense and distracted during the class. Albus had assumed this was because of Rita Skeeter 's article. Both John and Amanda had managed to finish their essays, although Gospel According to John 's was n't long enough.

`` We should see if we can claver Matt tomorrow evening, '' blush wine announced at dinner.

`` Definitely, '' John agreed, `` If ma'am Pomfrey lets us. ``

`` I ca n't, '' Albus said, `` I 've got Occlumency tomorrow. ``

`` Oh, that 's right on ! '' blush wine responded, `` I 'd completely bury. I 'll just skim that lesson, then. ``

Albus laughed, `` Well, you do n't even have to do it anyway. ``

`` I know, but it 's really matter to stuff. ``

`` I hope flatness 's ok, '' Albus said in a disquieted timber, `` Madam Pomfrey seemed so worried. ``

`` I wonder how long he 'll be stuck in there, '' St. John asked.

`` I dunno, '' Albus answered, `` I just hope he 's conscious now. ``

`` We should probably play his homework, '' Rose suggested.

`` That 'll cheer up him up, '' King John said sarcastically.

`` He needs to do it if he 's going to keep up with classes ! ''

`` True, '' can agreed, `` Speaking of homework, has anyone finished that essay for Slughorn that 's due tomorrow ? ``

`` I did, '' Rose said, `` But let me guess, you have n't ? ``

`` Nope, '' Saint John the Apostle grinned, `` Want to bestow me your Federal Reserve note ? ``

`` Not really, '' Rose shook her head.

`` I finished it, '' Amanda added, she had been rather tranquility throughout the whole conversation. Albus could tell that the idea of Matt being a werewolf freaked her out a petty bit. He could understand, considering up until a few months ago, she had n't even known lycanthrope were veridical. But he did hope Amanda would n't embark on treating Matt differently.

`` good, I 'll use your banknote ! ''

`` I 'm not quite finished with it either, '' Albus informed them, `` I 've just got to write three more inches, then it 'll be done. ``

The four friends finished up their pudding and headed back to the coarse elbow room. St. John worked on his essay with Amanda 's help, while Albus finished his. rose wine did other homework, and eventually she decided to facilitate John as well.
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A/N : Longest chapter yet, I think ! I did n't want to split it up because then it would receive been two really short chapters. And I know when I read news report, I prefer longer chapters.

Thanks as usual to my sis and Beta Dancer of Starlight, and my chum and early sister. Thanks as well to inkheart for the reviews.

I 'd also wish to share that it was about a year ago that I started writing this. So, glad birthday to the story ! I finished it about six months ago.

Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry ceramicist, or any of his many relatives.

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Shortly before seven the next evening, King James and Albus headed to Occlumency, while John, Rose, and Amanda went to the Hospital backstage. As it turned out, the teacher told pink wine that they had already sent Matt 's homework to the infirmary Wing and there was no need for her to collect it.

`` People talking about that article in your course of instruction ? '' Albus asked his sidekick on the way to the Transfiguration classroom.

`` Yeah, '' James I responded, `` They always stop right when the teacher comes in, though. ``

`` Everyone in my family have been whispering about it. They try to talk quietly so I ca n't hear them, but I can, '' Albus informed him.

`` That 's what it 's like for me, too, '' Saint James said, `` But you know Peyton Haines, the Slytherin Chaser ? Well, he keeps loudly discussing how the Auror Department unable to do anything and everyone 's in severe risk. Always within earreach of me, too. ``

`` Git, '' Albus growled.

`` I heard he scared the hell out of the Hufflepuffs in appealingness today. Said he heard all the dying Eaters had broken out of Azkaban and no one had caught them yet. encumbrance of trash. Got away with it, too, because Washburn was n't in the room yet. ``

`` Probably would n't have mattered if he was in the room, '' Albus muttered, `` Slytherins can do no legal injury in his oculus. ``

James opened the threshold to the August 6 way and walked inside, Albus followed. Hermione was already there.

`` Hi, boys ! '' she smiled and gave them each a hug.

`` Hi, aunty Hermione, '' Albus and James greeted her.

`` When 's Dad coming back ? '' Albus asked.

`` Yeah, good motion, '' William James chimed in, `` And what 's with that article ? ``

Hermione 's smile faded and she gestured for the son to sit down. `` He 'll be back later tonight, so do n't worry about that. And as for the article ... Well, you both know that most everything Rita Skeeter writes is rubbish. ``

King James and Albus nodded.

`` That clause was written for the resole function of scaring people. All the it did was raise questions. The article itself was just a load of questions. The murder do prompt people of Voldemort 's reign, so it was quite easy to just write this article and ship people into a panic. The fact that the Aurors have no leads in either murder just fueled the fire. But I can check you that whatever is going on, your male parent and the other Aurors are taking maintenance of it. And he is perfectly up to of teaching here and heading the Auror department, '' Hermione told them.

`` So there is something going on ? '' Albus asked.

`` Yes, of course something 's going on. There have been two mysterious slaying, and someone is trying to see your intellection, '' Hermione explained, `` But it is cypher the Ministry ca n't handle. ``

`` So, do you hump what 's going on ? '' Saint James the Apostle asked.

`` Your dad has a few inklings and he has expressed them to me, but I ca n't tell you them, '' Hermione answered, `` Now we 've got to start the lesson. Open your books to page 50. ``

Albus and William James opened their ledger and Hermione lectured them for a half 60 minutes. Albus found this piece of the lessons extremely boring, but every lesson started this way. Albus did n't carry any different from his Aunt Hermione, who was always trying to get him to read a lot of books. Eventually, the lecture theatrical role of the moral was over and the hardheaded part began.

Albus had been getting better at Occlumency. He had yet to prevent Hermione from entering his psyche, but usually managed to push her out after a few minutes.

`` Albus, you first. ``

Albus got up from his chair and stood in straw man of his aunt. `` Remember to close your nous. Legilimens ! '' she shouted.

Albus stood there, being flooded with his own memories, for a few minutes. He saw James levitating Albus 's looking glass of pumpkin vine juice at last summertime 's kinsfolk reunion, the time he got lost in a Muggle market depot when he was five, and the beginning fourth dimension he ever rode a broom. Albus concentrated hard on blocking out all thoughts, and he was able to force Hermione out of his mind.

`` Good job, Al ! '' Hermione congratulated him, `` It took you less time than shoemaker's last lesson. ``

Albus tried two more clock time, both clock time producing the Saami results as the for the first time, and then he sat down to watch James.

James had been having a much more hard time than Albus. He had only been successful once, and it had taken him nearly ten transactions. This time proved to be no dissimilar, and after fifteen minutes, St. James had not been able to force Hermione out of his mind. The utmost try, he had even wound up laying on the trading floor. Hermione had thought that was enough, and Epistle of James and Albus went back to the commons room.

`` How 'd it go ? '' Rose asked, when Albus sat down next to her. pink wine, John, and Amanda were all sitting at one of the table, doing homework.

`` Pretty good, '' Albus answered, `` It 's taking me less time to get your mum out of my mind. But James ca n't get her out at all. ``

`` He 'll get there eventually, '' Rose responded.

`` Did you get to see flatness ? '' Albus asked as he pulled out his Potions homework.

`` No, '' St. John said sadly, `` He 's still unconscious. And Madam Pomfrey still has the threshold locked. She 's got a really light peevishness, too. ``

`` Yeah, Scorpius Malfoy was skulking around ! '' rosiness exclaimed, `` We went up there and he was trying to listen in through the room access. ``

`` Little git, '' Albus muttered, `` So what happened ? ``

`` We told him to go away, but he would n't, '' Saint John explained, `` He whipped out his baton and tried to hex Amanda, but missed her. lady Pomfrey came out when she heard the kerfuffle and told him to get back to his common room or she 'd get Slughorn. Then she told us Matt was still unconscious mind and we would n't be able-bodied to see him. ``

`` Malfoy 's really got to cease investigating this, '' Albus responded, `` He ca n't find out. He 's got to mind his own business concern. ``

`` We ca n't let anyone find out, '' rose agreed.

`` But he 's still not up ? '' Albus sighed, `` Whatever is going on, it sounds really bad. ``

`` I know, '' Rose shook her head.

`` well, his birthday is next week, '' Gospel According to John reminded them.

`` Oh, yeah, on the sixth, Midweek, '' Albus remembered.

`` I think we should do something for it, '' John the Divine stated, `` Even if he 's still in the hospital Wing. ``

`` I bet he will be, '' pink wine said, `` But we can still do something if we 're allowed in. ``

`` Let 's plan it, then, '' Gospel According to John announced, `` Our showtime Hogwarts birthday company. Because you guys did n't do anything for mine, '' he added.

`` Your birthday was over the holiday ! '' blush wine lightly smacked him with her papa book.

`` I know, '' John grinned, `` Anyway, we could institute some food into the Hospital fender and have the company there. ``

`` Great idea ! '' Albus grinned.

`` But none of us know where the kitchens are, '' Amanda reminded them.

`` No problem, '' Albus glanced around the vernacular way, `` Oi ! Bradley, print ! '' he waved his two full cousin over.

`` Whatcha need, Albus ? '' Omar Bradley asked as he sat down in an empty hot seat at the table.

`` We 're going to have a fiddling natal day company for our friend, flatness, '' Albus told them, `` But none of us know where the kitchens are. So, since there 's a Hogsmeade visit on Saturday, could you get us some stuff ? ``

`` Sure, no problem, '' brand said, `` Butterbeers and some stuff and nonsense from Honeyduke 's sound honorable ? ``

`` Yeah, that 'd be smashing. ``

`` What should we get him for a gift ? '' rose wine asked.

`` Hmm, I dunno ... '' John stopped to think, `` poppycock from Weasley 's is always honest. ``

`` How about a Chudley carom jersey ? '' Albus suggested.

`` speech sound dear ! '' John the Evangelist agreed. rose wine and Amanda nodded their heads.

`` Anywhere in Hogsmeade that you could get one of those ? '' Albus asked his cousins.

`` The Quaffle store should have got it. I 've only been there once. It just opened up this past summer, '' Omar Nelson Bradley told them, `` I can get you one. ``

`` Thanks ! '' Albus grinned.

`` But you 'll have to give us money for everything, '' sign told them.

Albus, King John, Rose, and Amanda each forked over a duad reaping hook and handed them to Mark.

`` Ok, we 'll get the stuff and throw it to you when we get back, '' Bradley said, and he and marking rejoined their friends on the other incline of the coarse room.

`` It 's really icky circumstances that he 's going to be in the Hospital offstage on his natal day, '' toilet commented.

`` Yeah, but we 'll try to cheer him up, '' Albus reasoned.

`` What if lady Pomfrey does n't let us in ? '' Amanda wondered.

`` She better, '' rose wine stated, `` But she 's got to, it 'll be his birthday. If anything, we can always get Amy to let us in. ``

`` True, she 'd be able to convince Madam Pomfrey. She 's got some temper, '' Saint John laughed.

`` Just as long as we do n't ask her too many questions, '' rose wine said, `` Amy obviously does n't want anyone knowing about lusterlessness 's, er, job. ``

`` We wo n't, '' Albus told her, `` Hopefully Madam Pomfrey will just let us in and we wo n't need Amy to do any convincing. ``

Rose glanced at her watch, `` Well, it 's getting kind of tardily. I 'm going to bed, '' she started packing up her books, `` Did you all end up your prep ? ``

`` Yep, '' they all answered.

`` Good Nox, then, '' Rose got up and walked over to the little girl 's dormitories.

`` I guess I 'll go to bed, too, '' Albus put his books away and got up.

`` Me, too, '' John and Amanda put their hooey away. Amanda caught up with Rose and followed her up the stair.

John headed up to the boy 's dormitories with Albus. As Albus got make for bed, he thought about Matt 's birthday company. He hoped that Matt would be up for it, and that Madam Pomfrey would let them in. Hopefully, they would be able to have the party and that it would cheer him up. He also wondered how very much farseeing lustrelessness would be able to continue his secret from his champion. Albus only hoped that someday, he would trust them enough to tell them. He got into bed and his thoughts drifted to Scorpius Malfoy and how shady he was about flatness. Would they be able to keep him from finding out ? And what would hap if he did find out one day ? The thought of Scorpius finding out disquieted Albus rightfield until he fell asleep.

******

`` His ideals will be realized, '' a cold articulation surrounded Albus.

`` Whose nonesuch ? '' Albus asked.

`` The one you fear the most, '' the voice answered. It was coming from a disguised figure that was circling Albus. They were in a dark, small way. Albus was sitting in a concentrated chair in the middle.

`` Voldemort ? '' Albus responded nervously, `` But he 's dead. ``

`` It does n't matter ! '' the phonation screamed, `` There are others to carry out his program ! ``

`` They 're all in Azkaban. '' Albus tried to make out who the dissemble figure was, but it was too dark.

`` Not all of them. There are some who roam free, '' the chassis whispered in Albus 's ear, `` Now, perhaps you can aid me. ``

`` Sorry, I ca n't, '' Albus glared at him, feeling braver than he had a indorsement ago.

`` Oh, I think you can, '' the image pulled out his sceptre and pointed it at Albus. He muttered a spell and Albus 's hands and feet became bound by wizard Mexican valium. `` Now, maybe you can recount me where the Hallows are ? ``

Albus 's eyes widened and he stared at the man, `` What do you know about Hallows ? ``

`` Not nearly as much as you do, '' the man answered, `` Now assure me where they are ! ``

`` I do n't know ! '' Albus shouted, feeling the roach press his hands. He winced in pain.

`` I 'm sure you do ! ``

`` NO ! I do n't ! '' The ropes dug into his wrists even more as he felt the circulation to his hand being cut off.

`` Tell me ! '' The man forcefully shook Albus 's electric chair. `` You do n't need to know what I 'll do if you do n't ! ``

`` But I do n't even know what Hallows are ! '' Albus screamed in pain, `` What are they ? ! ``

`` You know perfectly well what they are ! Now tell me where they are ! ``

`` NO ! ``

`` Tell ! '' the man shook the chair so heavy it fell over, taking Albus with it. He screamed as his capitulum hit the cold, hard floor.
`` Albus ! '' an queasy vocalism whispered, `` Wake up ! ``

`` No, no, no, I do n't know what they are ... '' Albus moaned in his sleep.

`` It 's just a dream, wake up, '' a lovesome hand shook him gently, and Albus wrenched his eyes open. He saw John looking down at him with a scared look on his expression. Bilius and Ethan were behind him, glancing around nervously.

Albus rubbed his center and noticed he was not on his bed anymore. He was laying on the base, in a tangle of blankets. He was sweating profusely and his affectionateness was beating fast.

`` Should I get lady Pomfrey ? '' Bilius asked tentatively.

`` Maybe we should get Professor thrower, '' John responded.

`` Is he back yet ? '' Ethan questioned.

Albus started to detangle himself from the bedclothes. He knew what the dream had been. And he knew he needed to see his dad as soon as possible. `` I 'm fine, I 've just got to go talk to my dad. ``

`` D'you want me to go with you ? '' John asked.

`` No, I 'll be fine, '' Albus got up and rummaged in his trunk for his dressing robe.

`` Are you sure ? You do n't look too good. ``

Albus pulled on his gown and stepped into his shoe, `` I told you, I 'll be fine. '' He left the residence hall and went down to the desert common room. A glimpse at the clock told him it was just preceding four a.m. He was about to give-up the ghost through the portrayal hole, when he remembered what his dad had told him over Christmas. No more wandering the corridors. He looked around the room to try and find a portrayal that was awake. He spotted one in a picture of a herd of cattle, it was a short knight riding atop a fat pony.

`` apology me, '' Albus asked tentatively as he walked over to the flick, `` I was wondering if you could do something for me ? If it 's not too much hassle. I need you to go get mortal for me. ``

The knight puffed out his chest and turned his pony towards Albus, `` A quest ? ``

`` Er, well, I suppose you could consider it a quest. Who are you ? ``

`` I, am Sir Cadogan, at your service ! '' the horse saluted Albus and bowed his head low.

`` Um, ok, and I 'm Albus thrower. I was wondering if you could go get my dad. Harry thrower. ``

`` Harry Potter ! Quite the overnice new lad, I remember him well. I helped him on a quest once ! And you are his son. well, I shall serve you on your pursuit. I shall not let scoundrel nor beast contain me ! I will find your dad or I shall expire trying ! ''

`` Thanks, then, '' Albus responded, thinking that this was the strange portrait he 'd ever met. And that he 'd have to ask his dad about the 'quest'Sir Cadogan had helped him with. `` Just tell him to come to Gryffindor Tower, and that it 's very crucial. ``

`` I will do just that ! '' the unknown knight replied, `` Off I go then ! Nothing shall stop me. Sir Cadogan lets nothing get in the way of his quests. A seeking to notice the slap-up Harry potter ! On with ye, then ! '' he shouted at his pony. Sir Cadogan traveled through a few portrait in the usual room, waking up the occupant and earning awful expression from them as he went. Eventually, the racket died down and Sir Cadogan exited the room.

Albus looked around the common room as he waited for his dad. It was very different in the dead of night. He was the resole occupant and had his choice of blank space to sit. As a number one year, Albus rarely got the unspoiled arm death chair near the fervidness. He walked over and sat down in one, but as the fervency had died away hour ago, it was just as cold as the rest of the room. Albus sighed as he stared into the empty open fireplace. What had that dream meant ? Who was the hooded public figure and why did they think that Albus knew where the 'Hallows'were ? As Albus thought about this, he realized that as horrible as the dream had been, it did give him more information on the 'Hallows'. He now knew that they were objects. aim that someone was trying to locate and probably bargain. He would have to tell rose when she got up. But what were the 'Hallows'? And why did this person want them ? It must induce something to do with Voldemort 's 'ideals', of course. Whoever was creating these aspiration in Albus 's mind must want to try to stockpile out Voldemort 's program. The very thought of another Voldemort sent frisson up Albus 's acantha. He jumped as he heard a noise behind him. When he turned around, he noticed that Sir Cadogan was back in the picture of the cows. Albus got up and walked over to it.

Sir Cadogan placed his sword into its holster and saluted Albus, `` I have had success with the quest ! The Great Harry potter has been found and shall be entering the room shortly ! ``

Albus looked at the knight and grinned nervously, `` Thanks, Sir Cadogan. ``

`` Anytime ! Anytime ! '' the knight said excitedly, `` I must be off now, for I spotted somebody on the way back and I 've got to see what they are up to ! No scoundrel gets past Sir Cadogan ! ``

`` rightfulness, '' Albus responded.

`` Well, then, I 'll be off ! '' Sir Cadogan drew his blade again, `` But if you are ever in pauperization of knightly service of process again, be sure to scream on Sir Cadogan ! '' The unusual knight and his pony sped out of the portraiture, yet again waking the occupants of the portraits he passed through, and left the room.

The portrait mess opened and a very tire looking Harry crawled through. He looked at his son and grinned, `` Ah, the sum of times I snuck back through here in the dead of nighttime ... ''

Albus ran towards his dad and hugged him tight. Harry hugged him back and led him over to the tumid arm chairs near the fire. Harry sat down in one and pulled Albus onto his lap. `` What 's going on ? I was just getting to sleep when that mad knight came in and told me you needed to tattle to me. Would n't impart me any details, just said it was urgent. I thought he was going to wake half the palace, the way he was shouting through the corridors, '' Harry laughed.

Albus looked at his dad and laughed nervously, `` He was the lone one awake. Seemed very bore to go on a quest. And he said he 'd taken you on a pursuit once. I 'd wish to sleep with all about that. ``

Harry grinned, thinking back to the time in his third class when Sir Cadogan had led him, Ron, and Hermione to the soothsaying classroom. `` Of course. How could I forget that ? I was in third year and your Uncle Ron, Aunt Hermione, and I were trying to find the Divination elbow room. Sir Cadogan helped us find it. We did get there, but he is a bit insane. Later on that year he was recruited to hold the Gryffindor common room entrance after Sirius slashed the Fat madam 's portrait. Of course, everyone thought he was a mass murderer and when Sir Cadogan let him into the tower later on, his twenty-four hour period as the guard of the elbow room were over. ``

Albus stared at him, `` Wow. Well, he 's got to be the most mad portrait I 've ever met. ``

`` Me, too, Al, '' Harry agreed, `` Now, what was so urgent ? ``

`` I had another dream, '' Albus whispered, `` Only this one was dissimilar. ``

Harry 's smile faded away and was replaced by a more serious face, `` What happened in this one ? ``

Albus quickly rehashed the dream to his dad, and by the end he was shaking again and almost in split. Harry wrapped his arms around Albus and held him close.

`` It 's ok, Al, '' Harry reassured him, `` But thanks for letting me know. I hate to say it, but that dream does assist confirm what I thought this was leading to. ``

`` And what would that be ? '' Albus asked, blinking back his tears.

`` I 'm blue, but I ca n't tell you. You will chance out, though, once it 's all sorted out. ``

`` But what are Hallows ? ''

`` That 's another thing I ca n't tell you. I will tell you sometime down the road, though, '' Harry responded, `` Anyway, Hermione tells me your Occlumency lesson are going well. ``

`` Apparently not well enough, '' Albus groaned, `` After tonight 's nightmare. ``

`` It takes a while, Al, and it 's harder when you 're sleeping. ``

`` I know, and I am trying. ``

`` I know you are. ``

`` So, '' Albus said, changing the matter, `` Did everything go ok at the Ministry ? ``

`` Oh, that went mulct, '' Harry told him, `` Everything 's smoothed over. Rita Skeeter 's received a warning and so has the editor of the seer. ``

`` Everyone here 's been pretty worried. Rita Skeeter succeeded in scaring everyone, '' Albus responded.

`` Yeah, but it 'll die down. Once the next Quidditch equal comes around it 'll all be forgotten, '' Harry grinned, `` Nothing like Quidditch to admit your mind off everything. ``

`` Definitely, '' Albus agreed, `` side by side match is in three hebdomad. Hufflepuff vs. Ravenclaw. I bet Ravenclaw will win. ``

`` You 're probably right. I 'm betting it 'll be between Gryffindor and Ravenclaw for the cup. ``

`` Yeah, and I hope we win it ! '' Albus said excitedly.

`` Me, too, Al, '' Harry smiled and lifted Albus off his lap, `` Now, I 've got to get a few hr sleep and you probably should, too. ``

`` Ok, '' Albus yawned.

`` I 'll see you in year later on, Al, '' Harry stood up and gave his son one last hug, `` I love you. ``

`` making love you too, '' Albus watched as his dad left the green room. He smiled as he walked up the circular staircase to the dormitory. He felt a hale lot better after talking to his dad.

`` Albus, '' John whispered from his four card bed, `` Are you all right ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus whispered back as he climbed into bed, `` Are Ethan and Bilius sleeping ? ``

`` I think so, one of them started snoring a few minutes ago, '' St. John the Apostle told him.

`` Good. I had another one of those pipe dream where someone 's using Legilimency on me. ``

`` I figured. Was it the Saame one ? ``

`` No, this one was different. My dad says it confirms some of his suspicion, which is n't really safe. He 'll hold tending of it, though. ``

`` Good. So he 's back, then ? ``

`` Yup, everything 's fine with the Ministry and the Prophet, now. Well, Rita Skeeter and the editor program of the Prophet got into a bit of problem, '' Albus laughed.

`` That 's great ! I 'm glad your dad 's back. Now thing can get back to convention. Well, as normal as they ever are around here. ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus said softly, `` Well, proficient Nox. ``

`` 'Night. ``

******

Albus did n't get much sleep that night. Thoughts of his new nightmare kept him up the residuum of the Nox. He gave up trying to sleep by 7am and got up. By the sentence King John woke up, he was fix to go to breakfast. The two boys met rosebush and Amanda at the Gryffindor table and had breakfast. Albus noticed that there was a lot of whispering going on and he suspected it was due to the fact that Harry was back from the Ministry. Albus continued thinking about his nightmare during breakfast and was very quiet. John and Amanda did not detect this because they were in the midsection of arguing about whether the Potions essay had to be a substructure of parchment or just six inches. Albus suspected Amanda was decently and the essay had to be a foot. Rose, however, kept looking at Albus while she ate her food.

`` Is something wrong ? '' she asked him.

Albus glanced around to condition if anyone was paying attention to them, luckily, no one was. `` Yeah, I had another weird dream lowest Nox. This one was unlike. ``

`` Really ? '' Rose stared at him with all-encompassing eye. `` What was it about ? ``

`` Ca n't tell you here. I 'll recite you at dejeuner. I 've got to severalise James, too. The plebeian room should be empty when everyone 's at luncheon, '' Albus whispered.

Morning course of instruction seemed to sweep up on forever. Albus kept looking at the clock throughout both DADA and appealingness, waiting for lunch. He really wanted Rose 's opinion of the dream and could n't wait to tell her about the Hallows aspect of it. Harry started pop by telling the course of study that everything was straightened out with the Ministry and they had naught to occupy about. Albus suspected he was going to differentiate every social class that. charm was just as horrible as usual, and it ended with Washburn rescheduling the detention that Albus could n't give ear in the first place due to Occlumency. He would be doing lines at midday on Sabbatum.

Once Charms was over, Albus and rose wine went to find William James. Rose had told St. John the Apostle and Amanda that the Potions essay did ingest to be a human foot, so John was spending his lunch in the subroutine library trying to hail up with another half foot of essay. Amanda had gone along to facilitate him. Albus and Rose found James in the Great lobby and after the three of them ate a rush along luncheon, they headed up to the park room. It was, as suspected, deserted.

`` Ok, so what 's so important that I had to practically decamp lunch for ? '' Saint James asked once they were in the room.

`` I had another suspicious dream last Night, '' Albus told him, `` This one was dissimilar. '' Albus explained the dream in point, including the parts about the Hallows.

St. James the Apostle and Rose stared at Albus for a few here and now before rose wine spoke, `` Well, this is is form of ripe. Now we know that the Hallows are objects. I was almost thinking that they were a serial of spells or something. ``

`` But we still do n't have intercourse what they are, '' James sighed.

`` Or why I should know where they are, '' Albus stated, `` This would be a whole lot easier if Dad would just order us. ``

`` But he wo n't, '' St. James the Apostle replied angrily.

`` And I hate to say it, but I do n't think we 're going to find any resolution in the library. We 've looked in practically all the record that have to do with the war and I 've looked through all the Prophets from that twelvemonth, too, '' Rose told them.

The three of them stood in muteness for a few minutes, trying to cogitate of some resolution. James had started pacing. Albus sat down in a chairperson and tried to recall of some other way they could discover out what the Hallows were.

`` wellspring, let 's go over the clew again, '' rose announced, `` The Hallows are something secretive, and our parents wo n't narrate us what they are because they do n't want us to tell anyone. None of our aunts or uncles or cousins know about them either. So, maybe it 's just our parents who know about them ? If that 's straight, then no wonderment we could n't find the answer in a book. None of our parents have ever written a book of account. ``

`` Yeah, '' James agreed, `` It 's got to be something just our parents know about. ``

`` fountainhead, they were the ace who destroyed about of the Horcruxes. Maybe it 's got something to do with that ? '' Albus suggested.

`` That could be, '' St. James the Apostle agreed, `` If only there was someone else we could ask about it. ``

The room fell silent again, as they sank into their thoughts again. Suddenly blush wine jumped up from her chairman. `` I 've got it ! ``

`` What ? '' King James and Albus asked at the Same time.

`` Who we can ask about the Hallows ! I ca n't believe I did n't call up of it before ! ``

`` Well, who is it ? '' Albus asked.

`` Dumbledore ! ``

`` What ? ! '' Saint James the Apostle shouted, `` But he 's dead ! ``

`` I know that, '' Rose said, `` But there 's a portrait of him in Kendrick 's situation ! ``

`` Oh, yeah. ``

`` Anyway, '' rose began, `` Dumbledore 's the one who told Uncle Harry about the Horcruxes, so he might experience something about the Hallows, too ! ``

`` That 's mastermind, pink wine ! '' Albus grinned at her.

`` Thanks. We just have to figure out how to get into Kendrick 's function. ``

`` That could be tricksy, '' Albus said, `` Either of you know where his office is ? ``

rose and James I shook their caput. `` Neither do I, '' Albus sighed.

A mischievous smiling spread across pink wine 's grimace, `` But I know how we can get in. ``

The boys looked at her skeptically. `` How ? '' Saint James the Apostle asked.

`` well, if you get in enough hassle, you get taken to Kendrick 's office. ``

`` But what if we get expelled ? '' Albus asked warily.

`` Do n't worry, you wo n't. ``

`` You 've got a plan, then ? '' Epistle of James inquired.

`` kind of, '' pink wine told them, `` I 've got a vague idea. It 'll be me and Albus who are doing it. I 'm going to make some kind of havoc in Washubrn 's class- ''

`` Washburn ? ! Are you crazy ? '' Albus shouted.

`` Just let me explain. Washburn does n't hate me nearly as much as he hates you. So he 's going to assume the chaos was caused by you since we sit at the Same table. He 'll depart scream, which will probably make another teacher to come running. Washburn will tell that teacher what you supposedly did and you 'll get taken to Kendrick 's government agency. You 'll talk to Dumbledore 's portrait about the Hallows. simple as that. ``

William James and Albus looked at her with appalled expressions on their faces. `` But I 'll get in huge trouble, '' Albus said flatly.

`` No, you wo n't, '' Rose assured him, `` I might, but you wo n't. After Washburn dismisses the class, I 'll run to Uncle Harry and evidence him it was really me who caused the distraction. ``

`` But I do n't want you to get in difficulty, either, '' Albus told her.

`` It 's ok. I have hardly been in trouble at all this year. Anyway, all we need is the distraction. ``

`` I 've got it, '' James announced, `` One of Uncle St. George 's fireworks. I 've got a entirely supply up in my dormitory. ``

`` Excellent ! '' rosiness said excitedly, `` And I 'll just tell Uncle Harry that it went off accidentally. I 'll probably just end up with air or something for having a banned target in my willpower. ``

`` perfective, '' Albus smiled, finally satisfied that no one would get in huge trouble.

`` I think we ought to wait a few weeks to do it, since you just got a detention from Washburn, Albus, '' Rose told them.

`` Ok, just let us recognise when you think we ought to do it, '' James River responded.

`` I will, '' rose wine assured him, `` We 'd better be off to class. See you later. ``

`` Bye, '' Albus said to James as he followed Rose to Potions. He was excited and nervous at the Lapplander time at the scene of talking with Dumbledore about the Hallows. Would he finally learn what was being kept from him ? Only time would tell.

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A/N : I 've done it again ! I merged 2 chapters, due to the shortness of each. This resulted in the longest chapter yet. Hope you enjoyed it !

Thanks as always to my genus Beta and sister, Dancer of Starlight. She has been especially helpful in coming up with persona for Albus 's third base class. Thanks as well to my sidekick and other sister, and to inkheart for the reassessment !

Disclaimer- As usual, I do not own Harry Potter

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The residuum of the calendar week flew by in a flurry of social class and homework. Albus and his champion found that they had no time to do anything other than homework during their extra clock time. They had not even found time to chitchat lusterlessness, but they did n't even cognise if he was awake yet. rosebush was already freaking out over the end of term exams, which were still over four month away, and was using every waking consequence to contemplate. Albus was not yet worried about test and was more refer about just completing all the assigned homework.

Quinton Willinson had not bothered Albus or any of his supporter since Albus had left the infirmary Wing. Albus was not sure whether this was due to Willinson 's upcoming N.E.W.T. examination, the large amount of money of detainment he received, or fear of what Harry would do if he continued tormenting Albus. Albus did not care which one it was, he was just happy Willinson had given up for the metre being. However, the Lapp could not be said about Scorpius Malfoy. Malfoy continued to pester Albus, Rose, John, and Amanda about what was legal injury with lustrelessness whenever they were in class together. Albus found this more annoying than anything else, because Malfoy rarely ever brought out his wand during these face-off. Malfoy kind of reminded Albus of his Great aunt petunia because she was also very nosy. Malfoy stood no chance of ever finding out about Matt from Albus or the others, but Albus did worry about what would happen if Malfoy found out on his own.

Albus slept late on Saturday morning and woke up with just sufficiency fourth dimension to grab a pungency to eat in the Great Hall before rushing off to his detainment with Washburn. As much as Albus hated these hold, he had become variety of immune to them. Albus had been upset about the kickoff few, but lately he had started to take them in stride. As long as it was just credit line, Albus did n't worry about them too much.

When Albus arrived in the Charms schoolroom at twelve noon, professor Washburn was sitting at his desk with the usual scowl on his face. `` Sit down, ceramist, '' he barked.

`` Yes, sir, '' Albus responded quietly while taking a seat at the battlefront table.

`` Get out your parchment and ink. Write'I will not misdemean in Charms'until I tell you to stop. ``

`` Yes, sir, '' Albus repeated as he took out a roll of sheepskin and a quill. He started to write. Washburn never told Albus how many meter he would induce to pen the line. He supposed Washburn liked to keep Albus there until he looked sufficiently tired and uncomfortable. Washburn had no way of knowing how many lines that would take. However, he never kept Albus in detainment for less than an hour. Albus kept repeating the crease on his parchment while trying hard not to look at the clock. He found that looking at the clock just made the time go by slower. Eventually, Albus stole a glance at the clock and found that it had only been 45 minutes. He sighed.

`` You say something ? '' Washburn growled.

`` No, sir, '' Albus said without looking up from his paper. He wrote a few more lines and was startled when he heard step come into the way. He glanced up to see that a grandiloquent man he did n't recognize walking towards Washburn. The man was wearing a pitch-black cloak and had curt brown hair's-breadth. It reminded Albus of the sort of haircut Muggles in the army had. Washburn got up from his seat when the man approached.

Washburn turned to Albus, `` Do n't go anywhere. If you do, I 'll have you in detention for the rest of term. ``

Albus nodded, but did n't say a countersign. The unusual man followed Washburn into his office and shut the door behind them. There was silence for a bit and then Albus was able-bodied to get wind raised voices coming from the office. They had forgotten to hurl Muffliato before they started talking. It sounded like they were arguing about something, but Albus could n't take a leak out what it was. He wished they 'd argue a bit louder. Albus put down his quill feather and strained to try what they were saying. The two men stayed in the business office for about XV mo before Washburn stormed out of it, looking quite angry, followed by the other man who seemed rather calm. Albus quickly picked up his quill feather and continued his lines.

Washburn returned to his desk while the strange man walked over to the door. He turned around to look at Washburn and said icily, `` Remember, this is your job, no one else 's. And I expect you to complete it soon. '' Then the man left, shutting the room access behind him.

Washburn stared at the back of the door for a few minutes, before turning and glaring at Albus. `` You 're done. Get back to your common room, '' he seethed.

Albus did not hesitate. He got up quickly and ran out of the room. Today 's detention had been much shorter than others. Albus suspected that this was due to whatever Washburn and the other superstar were talking about. Washburn was definitely up to something. Apparently he had a job to do. But what could it be ? Albus could n't assist but wonder if the Charms professor was involved with something evilness. He ran all the way to the common elbow room to tell his friends what he had overheard.

When Albus rushed through the portrait hole, he immediately spotted his protagonist at one of the tables. He grabbed a chair and sat down succeeding to Rose.

`` That was short-circuit, '' Rose commented.

`` I know, I lucked out today, '' Albus responded, `` But I 've got to narrate you about Washburn. ``

`` What about him ? '' John asked, looking up from his book.

`` In the middle of my custody, some unknown hotshot came barging into the room, '' Albus told them.

`` Who was he ? '' Rose asked.

`` I dunno, that 's the thing. I 'd never seen him before. ``

`` What did he seem like ? '' Amanda asked. Albus described the man, but none of his acquaintance recognized the description either.

`` Maybe he was a parent of one of the pupil, '' rosiness suggested.

`` Who knows ? '' Albus said, `` But he got into a immense debate with Washburn. ``

`` Well, that 's not unmanageable, '' John laughed, `` Anything will set him off. ``

`` What did they argue about ? '' rose wine asked.

`` I 'm not sure. They were in Washburn 's place. I could n't make out what they were saying, but they were definitely rowing about something. And then, right before the guy left, he said 'remember, this is your job to do and I want it done soon'to Washburn. Or something like that. ``

rose wine, John, and Amanda stared at Albus for a moment before Rose replied, `` That 's so unknown. So Washburn 's doing something for this superstar ? ``

`` Yeah, I think so. He 's definitely up to something. And I do n't intend it 's anything good, '' Albus informed them.

`` You think they 're doing something evil ? '' John the Evangelist asked skeptically.

`` Maybe, but I do n't really cognize. ``

`` I dunno, '' John said warily, `` I mean, Washburn 's horrifying to you and James, and all the Gryffindors, really. But I do n't know if he 's really into the Dark liberal arts or anything. ``

`` Yeah, '' Rose agreed, `` That 'job'could be anything. It does n't accept to be something bad. ``

`` But Washburn seemed so mad about it. Just seems uncanny to me. ``

`` It 's definitely fishy, but I do n't think we should jump to conclusions, '' Rose replied, `` I mean, look at Snape. Uncle Harry thought he was evil, but he was n't. ``

`` I suppose, '' Albus sighed.

`` Anyone want to go see if we can visit lusterlessness ? '' John asked a few moment later.

`` good idea, '' Albus agreed, `` I hope lady Pomfrey lets us. ``

`` I hope he 's awake, '' Rose closed her books and put them away in her bag.

`` We can at least try to convince Madam Pomfrey to let us visit him on his birthday if she does n't let us today, '' John reasoned.

The four acquaintance packed up their books and put them away in their hall. A few minutes later, they found themselves walking to the hospital wing. They walked in silence the whole way there, each one knowing what the other was thinking about. All four of them were hoping Matt was awake and worrying about him. Albus had been worrying ever since the morning he found out lusterlessness was a werewolf. But at the like clock time, Albus felt a bit furious that matte would n't bank him with his secret. Albus 's rational side knew why Matt was n't very trusting, but could n't help wishing that Matt would confide in him. Albus supposed that part of this was due to his dad not trusting him with knowing what the 'Hallows'were. He wished to a greater extent people would trust him.

When they reached the infirmary offstage, they noticed that the doors were still shut, and when whoremonger tried to open them, they found out that they were still locked as well.

`` This is n't a good star sign, '' John sighed.

blush wine banged on the door and shouted, `` gentlewoman Pomfrey ! ``

A minute later, madam Pomfrey opened the door a pass and stuck her head out. `` What do you need ? ``

`` Is Matt awake ? '' Rose whispered.

`` Yes, he woke up net nighttime. ''

`` Well, can we see him ? '' rose wine asked hopefully.

`` No, I 'm sorry, but he really ca n't have got visitors right now, '' ma'am Pomfrey sighed.

`` Is he all right ? '' bathroom interrupted.

`` He 'll be fine in a brace of weeks or so. ``

`` Can we come visit him on his birthday ? It 's side by side Wednesday. please ? '' Albus pleaded.

madam Pomfrey 's expression softened, `` I think that would be all right field. Not before Wednesday, though. I 'll see you then. ``

`` Great ! Thanks, Madam Pomfrey, '' Albus smiled as she closed the door to the ward.

`` I 'm gladiolus he 's awake now, '' rosebush said as they walked back to the common room, `` And we get to see him on his birthday. ``

`` Yeah, and we did n't even need Amy to convince her ! '' Saint John the Apostle grinned.

`` Ca n't wait until Wednesday, '' Albus said.

`` Definitely, '' Amanda agreed.

`` Boo ! '' a voice said from behind them. Amanda shrieked and they all turned around. Thomas Bradley and Mark were laughing.

`` Gotcha ! '' Bradley shouted.

`` We got your stuff from Hogsmeade, '' scrape told them. He handed them two bags filled with butterbeer and sweets.

`` Awesome, '' Albus took the bags.

`` And here 's the Chudley Cannons jersey. Although, what he sees in them ... '' Bradley shook his head as he handed John the jersey.

`` Thanks, guys, '' Albus said to his cousins.

`` No job, '' Bradley said, `` I remember the days of not being capable to go to Hogsmeade. We always got Sir Henry Morton Stanley and Heather to get our material for us. Glad those days are over now. ``

`` I ca n't expect to go to Hogsmeade, '' trick announced, `` Think of all the pranking stuff we 'll be able to buy. There 's only so much you can fit in your trunk and bring from menage. ``

`` Endless possibleness, checkmate, '' crisscross told John, `` Well, we 'd better be off. We 've put off the prep long enough. Play first, oeuvre later. That 's our motto. ''

`` Bad motto, if you ask me, '' blush wine whispered as her cousin took off for the plebeian room.

`` They 'll survive, '' Albus assured her, `` Have n't failed a form yet, have they ? ``

`` No, they have n't, '' Rose agreed, `` We 'd better go, too. ''

`` Yeah, I 've still got to pen that whole essay for Potions, '' Amanda sighed.

Albus groaned, `` I 'd bury about that. Have n't even started. ``

Albus, rosebush, John, and Amanda continued walking to the common room. Once they were there, they spent the end of the afternoon writing essays about the holding of moonstone.

******

During the next few days, Albus and his booster debated about whether they should ask lustrelessness how he wound up in the hospital fender when they went to see him on his natal day. Albus thought they should invalidate the issue altogether, still believing that Matt would tell them when he was ready. However, rosebush thought it would appear suspect if they did n't ask what happened, because if your friend gets injured, you would want to know what happened. As it stood right now, the only mass in the castle who knew what really happened were the teacher, Amy, Albus, Rose, whoremaster, and Amanda. Of course of action, no one knew that Albus and his champion knew what happened. Despite this, many the great unwashed asked them what happened. Albus just told them he had no idea and after a few twenty-four hours, they gave up asking. Albus had heard quite a few preposterous rumors about it. He overheard a few moment year Hufflepuffs telling a couple Ravenclaws that matte had been attacked by a thestral. This same story had been repeated throughout the castle, only with a different creature being substituted each clock time, including a Hippogriff and a Centaur. The centaur story was especially ridiculous and Albus was sure the centaurs would not be felicitous if that account reached their ears.

In the end, Albus and his booster decided that they would ask matt what happened, but they would not dwell on the subject. Albus was sure that Matt, or maybe even Amy, had come up with some form of floor to compensate up what happened. Despite this, Amy was not telling anyone the story. She just ignored anyone who brought it up. Her acquaintance, including Victoire, stayed close up by her at all times and would n't let anyone push the issue. Albus suspected that Victoire had already been fed the wangle story, but he did n't ask her about it.

After dinner on February sixth, Albus, pink wine, John, and Amanda found themselves walking to the hospital annexe armed with party supplies and a envelop present.

Rose was the first to strive the door and when she went to knock, everyone was surprised to find that the doorway pushed open. `` It 's unlock ! '' Rose gasped.

`` That must think of Matt 's doing better ! '' Albus said excitedly.

`` Let 's go, then ! '' John pushed past Albus and Rose and walked into the room. Amanda followed him and then Albus and Rose walked in. Albus spotted lusterlessness 's bed, but the curtains were pulled around it. He did n't see ma'am Pomfrey anywhere.

`` Madam Pomfrey ! '' blush wine shouted, `` Are you here ? ``

brothel keeper Pomfrey peeked her brain out from behind the drapery and smiled at them. `` uprise ! You can visit as soon as I 'm done giving him his eve potions. ''
`` Ok, thanks, gentlewoman Pomfrey, '' Rose responded.

A few minutes later, the nurse came back out and walked over to where Albus and his friends were standing. `` What do you have in those travelling bag ? '' she eyed their package suspiciously.

`` Oh, just some Honeydukes stuff, Butterbeer, and a demo, '' Albus told her.

`` But none of it 's Weasley ware, is it ? ''

`` No. ``

Madam Pomfrey relaxed, `` Ok, honest. The lowest matter I need is to sustain this place destroyed while you have your party ! You can go see him now. ``

Albus ran to the bed, followed by his Quaker, and pulled back the curtain. Amy was sitting in a professorship next to the bed and whispering to Matt. She stopped abruptly when the curtain opened.

`` Hey, flatness ! '' Albus grinned and sat down at the end of the bed. `` How are you ? ``

`` I 'm all right hand, '' matt replied hoarsely, `` But I 've been better. ``

`` sword lily to see you 're awake, Ilex paraguariensis, '' John the Divine sat down adjacent to Albus and set the bag of party hooey on the floor.

rosebush and Amanda smiled and sat in chairperson that Amy had conjured after they came in. blush wine pulled the drapery closed and handed lusterlessness his present. `` glad natal day ! '' everyone shouted.

`` Thanks, guys ! '' lustrelessness grinned and tore give the swathe. `` Wow ! A Chudley Canons jersey ! This is brilliant ! ``

`` I 'm glad you like it, '' Albus said, `` My full cousin picked it up in Hogsmeade for us. They also got us butterbeers and Sweet. ``

`` splendid ! '' Matt replied excitedly.

St. John picked up the bag and passed out butterbeer and jelly slugs. `` So, '' he began once everyone started eating, `` What exactly happened to you ? We 've heard the craziest rumour. You did n't really get attacked by a ruck of thestrals, did you ? ``

flatness started choking on his butterbeer and Amy slapped him on the back. He gave her a worried spirit and then looked back at toilet. `` Really ? '' he sputtered.

It was a bit arduous to believe that lustrelessness had been attacked by thestrals, when Hagrid had the school thestrals very well trained. But on the other script, Matt did look like he 'd been attacked by a large creature. He had partially healed cuts, bites, and scratches all over all his consistency. His arms and legs were covered in patch and just about all of his trunk was bruised. Albus could see how somebody would suspect he was attacked by a thestral.

`` Well, that 's what the Hufflepuffs are saying, '' John told him.

`` The Ravenclaws think it was a Hippogriff, '' Amanda chimed in.

Matt sighed and glanced at Amy, who gave him a tone. `` It was n't either, '' Matt began, `` I got a bit too close to the Whomping Willow. ``

`` What ? ! '' privy exclaimed, `` Really ?

`` Er, yeah, '' lusterlessness said.

Albus was debating about whether to ask mat to expand or not when he continued.

`` I spent the night here when Albus took me that one nighttime. Then I left in the morning time and went for a walking on the primer coat. I was n't paying care to where I was going and the tree gave me quite a beating. ``

`` Wow, '' Albus responded, `` I 'm gladiola you 're ok. ''

`` Yeah, '' bathroom said, `` But when do you get to leave here ? ``

`` I 'm not really sure enough, '' Matt told them, `` Not for at least another hebdomad. dame Pomfrey wants the cuts healed and the bruises faded before I leave. And I ca n't really take the air that fountainhead. ``

`` A wholly workweek ? '' Rose exclaimed.

`` At least, '' matte responded, `` I hope it 's not more. I 'm getting so bored. What 's been going on in the rest of the castle ? ``

`` wellspring, did you see that clause Rita Skeeter wrote final week ? '' Albus asked.

`` Yeah, I read it yesterday. But Amy told me there was n't anything to occupy about. ``

`` She 's ripe. But the all castle 's talking about it. Dad thinks it 'll blow over when the following Quidditch peer arrives. ``

`` He 's probably right, '' pink wine agreed.

`` I hope I get to leave here before the next mate. I do n't require to miss it, '' Matt said.

`` I hope so too, '' trick took a sip of butterbeer, `` Nothing worsened than missing Quidditch. ``

`` I can believe of no LE than ten affair, '' rose wine muttered.

`` I think we might have a chance of winning the cup, '' Albus said excitedly.

`` That would be so cool ! '' Amanda shouted, `` I love Quidditch. I was never into Muggle sports, but Quidditch is awful. ``

`` Definitely, '' lav agreed, `` I never saw the stop of Muggle athletics, but I guess if you ca n't wreak Quidditch ... ''

They spent the future minute talking about Quidditch and everything else that was going on in the castling. Albus told matte about how Saint Francis Xavier Goyle had melted his cauldron in potions the former day. The potion had spread across the floor and burned through Scorpio Malfoy and his friend, Mahalia Jackson Limbert 's, shoes. The Gryffindors had thought this was very funny, especially when they found out that the potion had turned both male child feet pink. other than that, nothing too agitate had happened in class during lustrelessness 's absence. Washburn had continued being atrocious to Albus and the other Gryffindors. In Transfiguration, they had started transfiguring Muggle pencils into quills. Rose, John, and a twain of the Ravenclaws were the entirely unity who had managed to do it.

After they had exhausted the topic of example, the conversation turned back to Quidditch. Professional Quidditch this time. No one seemed to conceive the Chudley canyon had any Leslie Townes Hope of ever making it to the Cup. Even Matt seemed to correspond. No one had any musical theme who would be playing in the Cup this year, but it did n't count much because it had already been decided that the Cup would convey place in Soviet Union and none of them would get to go anyway.

Amy spent the entire visit sitting following to lustrelessness, so Albus was unable to share the depicted object of his newest dream or what had happened in detainment the former Sabbatum. Albus found out that Amy spent most of her spare time visiting matte. He had never seen such a pay sister before. Albus had thought his older first cousin were protective, but they were nothing compared to Amy.

Eventually, Madam Pomfrey came back to tell them that they had stayed long enough and it was time for them to leave.

`` Well, I hope you can leave soon, '' Albus said as he stood up.

`` 'Night, flatness, '' John cleaned up the leftover food and put it back in the bag.

`` See you soon, '' Rose told him.

`` Bye, '' Amanda stood up and followed everyone out from behind the curtains.

`` Bye, guys, '' Matt yawned as they left.

`` He does n't look good, '' Albus whispered once they had left the room.

`` No, he does n't, '' Rose agreed, `` But at least he 's awake. ``

`` soundly point, but I can see why Madam Pomfrey wo n't let him leave yet. Everyone would bombard him with doubtfulness about what happened, '' Gospel According to John pointed out.

`` I do n't mean he knows you were in the hospital extension that dark, Albus, '' Amanda said, `` He says he spent the night in the infirmary Wing, but you know he did n't. ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` And they brought him back there so early, there would n't have been any sentence for him to vagabond the grounds. ``

`` Do n't point it out, though, '' rosiness warned him.

`` I wo n't, '' Albus assured her, `` We agreed that we would n't say anything about what happened now that we 've heard the storey. ``

`` He 'll have to tell us eventually, '' privy reasoned.

`` I know. I hope it 's soon, '' Albus said.

`` I bet it will be soon, '' Rose told them, `` How many stories can he come in up with about what happens every full moon Moon ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus said, `` I just hope it 's not forged next month. ``

No one said anything else the rest of the way to the plebeian room. Albus knew that everyone else was thinking what he was thinking. That it was very much a hypothesis that following month would be worse.

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A/N : Thanks to my Sister and beta, Dancer of Starlight, and thanks to my other sister and my chum. Thanks to inkheart for the follow-up.

You may have noticed that I lost practically all my reexamination for this history during the site crash. I had around 40 and lost all but 8. So please read and review !

I thought I 'd share that I 've finished the sequel to this ! Albus ceramist and the path They Left Behind, which is about Albus 's 2nd class, will be posted as soon as I 've posted all of this one.

Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter

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As February progressed, the castle grounds were blanketed in even More snow. The student found themselves going outside for snowball fights during a lot of their free time. These games started out as informal fun, but soon groups of hoi polloi formed great team that eventually led to each house having their own team. On occasion, half the schooltime would be outside participating. The secret plan usually resulted in a few pupil going to the hospital wing. The scholar also tracked quite a bit of C. P. Snow and mud into the rook and Filch was not happy about it. He spent his meter lurking near the straw man doors, waiting to yell at anyone who came inside with muddy shoes. Albus and his friends participated in a few snowball battle, but soon found that the older bookman were able to bewitch snowball and it was severely for them to restrain up. It was fun nonetheless, and even rose took breaks from studying to join in.

They also made certainly to visit matt every night. They told him the latest news of the castling and helped him with his preparation. No one mentioned his injuries beyond a simple 'how are you ?'and Albus could tell that flatness wanted to invalidate the subject area. Eventually, after a full three hebdomad in the hospital backstage, gentlewoman Pomfrey finally let him leave. His bruise had faded, cuts had healed, and was looking almost convention. By now, the entire castle had heard the Whomping Willow story, and Albus hoped that no one would ask any interrogation about it.

`` I am so sword lily to be out of there, '' lusterlessness said as he set his books down on a tabular array in the common room the Night he left the hospital wing.

`` I 'm happy you are, too, '' Albus sat down and took out his transfiguration book.

`` We all are, '' Rose grinned, but did n't sit down. She walked over to Albus and whispered in his ear, `` I 've got to let the cat out of the bag to you, alone. Saint James, too. We 'll go up to your dormitory. Bilius and Ethan are down here, so it 'll be empty. ``

`` We 'll be right back, '' Albus told matte, whoremaster, and Amanda as he got up. He went up to his residence hall and sat on the bed, waiting for his brother and cousin.

A few mo later, rose came into the room followed by a mystify looking James. `` What is it ? '' Jesse James asked.

`` I think it 's time for our plan, you know, about getting Albus to utter to Dumbledore, '' rose told them.

`` Now ? '' Albus asked in a ball over timber. The more he had thought about that plan, the more uneasy he became. It could go faulty in so many ways.

`` Yes, I think so, '' Rose replied adamantly, `` I 've given up the library enquiry. ``

`` Really ? ! '' Jesse James laughed, `` I 'd better predict the Prophet ! ``

`` Shut it, James, '' Rose said. `` Tomorrow, during Charms, I 'll set off the pyrotechnic and you 'll get sent to Kendrick 's berth. And then maybe we 'll finally get some answers. ``

`` All right, '' Albus sighed. His oddity trumped his desire to not do anymore fuss in Washburn 's class.

`` We 'll let you know how it goes, Epistle of James, '' rose wine told her cousin.

King James grinned, `` Somehow, I think I 'm going to listen about it before I see you. This is brilliant, setting off fireworks in Washburn 's form .... ''

`` I 'm not talking about that ! '' rosiness sighed, `` I 'm talking about the stuff with Dumbledore. ``

`` I know, but still. Blimey, I wish I 'd be there to see the look on Washburn 's face .... ''

`` No, you do n't, '' Albus replied, `` He 's going to be bloodless. ``

`` Yeah, but that 's what we 're hoping for, '' Rose said, `` It 's the but way to get into Kendrick 's office. ``

`` I know, I just care there was a upright way, '' Albus sighed.

`` Me, too, '' Rose said softly.

******

Albus hardly slept at all that night. He tossed and turned while worrying about the next day 's appealingness class. He finally gave up sleeping around six in the dayspring and got up. Once John the Divine and flatness were up, the three of them headed down to breakfast.

Albus sat next to Rose, who was already there, and served himself some toast. However, Albus was too queasy to eat it. He just kept glancing up at the staff table, where Washburn was doing his usual morning glare at the students.

`` Are you ok, Albus ? '' Matt asked, `` You do n't look too good. ``

`` I 'm just tired, I guess, '' Albus said quietly while glancing at rose. She gave him a appealing look, but did n't say anything. Amanda, bathroom, and Matt had no idea what would be happening in good luck charm, of line, so they just thought Albus was sick.

`` Maybe you should go to the Hospital extension, '' Matt suggested while stuffing testicle in his mouth.

`` No, I 'll be mulct, '' Albus assured him.

Albus could n't pay care during DADA. Harry lectured during the whole division, but Albus spent the whole time worrying about Charms. The category seemed to go by twice as fast as convention and before Albus knew it, it was over.

Albus walked to appeal with Rose, who told him that everything was set. The Weasley firework were in her bag, and ready to be set off. She did n't tell him when it would be happening, but Albus assumed it would be during the hardheaded part of the class.

Washburn stormed into the room in his common flare-up of madness. He went to his desk and took attending. When he got to matt 's name, a strange smiling appeared on his case.

`` Nice of you to finally link up us in division, Eckerton, '' he sneered, `` What 's it been ? Three weeks ? I certainly hope you 've been studying Charms while you skipped course. ``

Albus glanced over at mat, who was turning red and slouching down in his seat.

Washburn continued the attendance and when he was done, he started lecturing. Albus 's ticker was pounding loudly now and he could n't make out a word Washburn said. All he noticed was that Washburn was calling on matte to resolve every undivided question he asked. Matt had no approximation what any of the result were and was looking more execrable each min. Eventually, Washburn announced that they would be charming report razzing to fly. He said that this charm was much like levitation, and if one was capable of levitating a paper shuttlecock, they 'd be capable of making one fly.

Albus groaned as he pulled out his wand. Levitation never ended well in this class, and he knew for a fact it would n't end well today. He glanced down at rosebush 's bag, which was sitting in between them on the trading floor. Once Washburn settled down to grade homework at his desk, Albus noticed rose wine turn her scepter from her paper bird and towards her bag, which had been emptied of everything except the pyrotechnic earlier. She gave Albus a nervous look and muttered an incantation.

A loud explosion erupted from the bag and a large hippogriff made of ardour floated towards the ceiling. Everyone stopped what they were doing and stared at it. A few masses screamed. Albus put on a subdue face while rose tried her best to look surprised.

`` Potter ! '' Washburn ran out from behind his desk and was in front of Albus within five arcsecond. Albus had never heard him scream so forte. `` What on earth are you doing ? ! moldiness you always disrupt my course of instruction like this ? ! Never have I seen such a blatant kerfuffle ! '' He was shouting so loud now that Albus was sure everyone in the castle had heard him.

`` I 'll own you expelled from this castle ! '' Washburn continued, `` I 'll make sure you- ''

`` What is going on in here ? '' Professor Patil came charging into the room and interrupt Washburn 's broadside. She saw the firework and pointed her wand at it. It disappeared immediately.

`` thrower has disrupted my class yet again ! He set off a firework while I was trying to teach ! '' Washburn informed her, `` And I will get to sure there is some penalty ! He has gotten away with far too very much. ``

`` Well, I think this is a topic that is skilful taken up with the headmaster, '' Professor Patil replied, `` come along, thrower. ``

Albus nodded and got up from the board. So far, so good. The design was going as well as it could be. He was going to make it to the Headmaster 's office. He followed Patil out into the hallway. Washburn glared at him as he left, his mouth opening and closing, but no Scripture were coming out.

Professor Patil did not say a password the solid way to the Headmaster 's office. She led him up a few flying of stairs and stopped in front man of a stone gargoyle.

`` I 'm in the middle of teaching a class, so I 'll leave you here to see the Headmaster, '' she informed him. `` caoutchouc duck, '' she said to the gargoyle.

The gargoyle opened to reveal a circular stairway. Albus stepped inside and climbed up. His warmness was pounding as he stepped off the live stair and came into a circular room. It was adorned with the portraiture of past headmasters. There were all form of silver tool on every surface, along with bookcases overflowing with books. In the dorsum was a desk with a comfy looking chair behind it. Behind the chair was Professor Dumbledore 's portraiture. Albus glanced around and noticed that he was alone in the room. Luckily, prof Kendrick was not there. Albus breathed a suspiration of sculptural relief. That was the one matter that could have gone untimely with the architectural plan. If Kendrick was there, then Albus would not have a chance to blab to Dumbledore.

Albus ran to Dumbledore 's portrait, tidal bore to get this over with, as Kendrick could take back any minute. As he approached Dumbledore, he passed the only other portrayal that was currently awake. It was a portrayal of a greasy haired, hooked nose man. `` Getting into worry, ceramicist ? Just like your father, '' the man said. It was professor Snape.

Albus chose to ignore him as he reached Dumbledore. `` Um, excuse me, Sir, '' he started.

`` Hello, Albus, '' Dumbledore smiled, `` I wondered when I 'd be seeing you. But I must ask, what kind of trouble did you cause to be sent here ? ``

`` I, um, er, well, it was n't me, exactly. It was rose wine. But we assumed, hoped rather, that I 'd get blamed for it, '' Albus stammered.

`` Ah, you 've been wanting to blab out to me ? '' Dumbledore asked.

`` Yes, sir, '' Albus replied.

`` I will be glad to facilitate you, but first I really must know what you and Rose did, '' Dumbledore insisted, `` I am rather curious. ``

`` Well, Rose set off a Weasley firework in professor Washburn 's class, '' Albus confessed.

`` Interesting. I seem to commend her mother doing the Saami in my course once, although I never could prove it, '' Snape commented.

`` That 's certainly a creative way of getting to talk to me, '' Dumbledore replied, `` But I must tell you that a better way would be to send word with another portraiture and I 'd be able to fulfill you in the green room. ``

Albus slapped his head, `` I ca n't believe I did n't believe of that ! Too late now. Anyway, what I want to babble about is private. ``

`` Oh, I understand. Ask away. ``

`` Um, well, over Christmas, rose, James, and I, and a few early of our first cousin overheard our parents talking, '' Albus paused, waiting for the reproof for listening in on a conversation.

`` Perfectly understandable. I do believe that if adults do n't want baby hearing their conversations, they ought to use the proper appeal against eavesdropping. ``

Albus grinned, `` That 's what I thought, but Grandma was pretty mad. She took away all of James 's extendible pinna. ``

`` What a shame. I always thought those were clever. I wish they had been invented when I was your age. ``

`` Anyway, we overheard that they are keeping something from us. A mystical, I guess. We always thought they told us everything about Voldemort, the horcruxes, and the Battle at Hogwarts. But now we 're not so certain. They were talking about figuring out when to tell us something. Something they do n't want us to overspread around, '' Albus informed him.

`` I see, '' Dumbledore replied with a thoughtful looking on his face, `` Go on. ``

`` Well, Professor, we think we sort of know what it is. Well, I heard them say one word and the Same password was mentioned in these eldritch dreams I 've been having. I 've been having pipe dream due to individual doing Legilimency on me. I 'm learning Occlumency, though. ``

`` That 's just, '' Dumbledore said, `` I hope it 's going well. ``

`` Mine is, but James is n't doing so well with his. ``

`` Who 's teaching you ? '' Snape interrupted, `` It 's not your father, is it ? '' Snape laughed at the very thought.

`` No, '' Albus replied coldly, `` But he could if he wanted to. ``

`` No, he could n't, '' Snape replied, `` I tried to teach him, and he is incompetent of the task. ``

`` He 's doing better now, '' Albus said defensively.

`` Who is teaching you, then ? '' Snape pressed.

`` My Aunt Hermione. ``

`` fountainhead, as much of a know it all she was, she 's probably a competent teacher, '' Snape approved.

`` Thank you, Severus, '' Dumbledore said, `` Now, continue, Albus. ``

`` Um, right. Anyway, I guess I was wondering if you could tell me anything about the Hallows, '' Albus held his breath, waiting for Dumbledore 's reaction.

Dumbledore sighed, `` I was afraid that 's what you were going to ask. What do you have it off about them ? ``

`` Not much. My parents have n't told me anything, but I 'm middling sure that 's what they 're keeping from us. originate, Saint James, and I have been researching in the subroutine library about them, but we have n't found anything. All I know is that they are aim and I learned that from my dream. ``

`` Be heedful not to believe everything those aspiration tell you, '' Snape warned, `` That was one of your founder 's problem. ``

`` Severus, '' Dumbledore said warningly and turned back to Albus. `` You will not find any information about the Hallows in the chronicle Word about Voldemort. And this is because there are few who know about their grandness in the final battle. Many of those who do, do not trust it. ``

`` So, they do have to do with the struggle ? '' Albus asked.

`` Yes, they do, '' Dumbledore confirmed.

`` Will you tell me what they are ? ''

Dumbledore sighed again, `` I am afraid that it is not my place to tell you. That responsibility remains with your father. I will tell you that they played an authoritative role in defeating Voldemort, but beyond that, you 'll have to wait until your beginner is ready to tell you. ``

Albus groaned, `` But why ? Why wo n't he recite me ? ``

`` grownup have a use of keeping things from children because they think they are protecting them. This is not always the typeface, as I have learned on many occasion. I made the same misunderstanding numerous sentence, most of them involving Harry and the information about his past times. ``

`` Oh, '' Albus responded, `` Do you recognize when he 'll tell me ? ``

`` No, although I do think it will be soon. Perhaps within the following few months, '' Dumbledore revealed.

`` calendar month ? ! '' Albus shouted, `` I ca n't wait that long ! ``

`` solitaire is a mighty virtue, Albus, '' Dumbledore said, `` I know it 's difficult to wait that farseeing. Which is why I will give you a little hint. ``

`` A hint ? Like where we can chance out about the Hallows without asking my dad ? '' Albus asked hopefully.

`` Not exactly. But before I get to that, I sense there is something else troubling you. ``

Albus thought for a present moment before responding. `` fountainhead, I guess there is one thing ... '' he paused, wondering if he should tell Dumbledore about Matt.

Dumbledore smiled, but did n't say anything.

Albus sighed. `` Ok, it 's my Quaker matte. He gets sick a lot, once a calendar month to be exact. And I just found out he 's a werewolf. Not that that issue or anything. I still want to be admirer with him, '' Albus said quickly.

`` Ah, yes, Matthew Eckerton, '' Dumbledore replied.

`` You know him ? ''

`` Yes, he voiced a few fear to me before the shoal twelvemonth started. He and his parents had a meeting with prof Kendrick. ``

`` That was quickly, ceramicist. I must say that I am pleasantly surprised that you found out so quickly. Your Father-God never was able to put the clues together to see out that lupine was a werewolf. Miss Granger told him, '' Snape interjected.

Albus averted his eyes from Snape and mumbled, `` Er, rosebush is the one who really found out. I just confirmed it when I was in the infirmary flank the Lapp time as matte. ``

`` Of class, '' Snape said flatly.

`` Severus, '' Dumbledore warned, `` Continue, Albus. ``

`` It 's just, Matt has n't told us yet. He 's still trying to hide it from us. I just wish he 'd rely me. It just kind of feeling like no one trusts me. mat wo n't secern me he 's a werewolf and my dad wo n't evidence me about the Hallows. Why wo n't anyone trust me ? '' Albus told Dumbledore.

`` I understand, '' Dumbledore responded, `` But I do think it 's more complicated than you not being trustworthy. You, I believe, are very trustworthy. As far as Matt trusting you, I will tell you that he had a very rough puerility. He 's been through horrors you ca n't even imagine. I do think he trusts you, but I do n't recollect he tells many people about his lycanthropy. I know that he is very afraid about what will happen if people find out- ''

`` But it does n't count to me ! Or King John or rosiness or Amanda ! '' Albus interrupted.

`` I know. But by experiences have caused lusterlessness to be loath to differentiate anyone. Although I do intend he will trust in you eventually. ``

`` So you agree that I should n't severalise him that I know ? '' Albus asked.

`` As long as he does n't be intimate that you know, I think that would be a wise choice. ``

`` No, I do n't think he has any musical theme that I know, '' Albus said.

`` Good, '' Dumbledore continued, `` Now, I believe reliance is a bipartizan street. You want Matt to confide in you, but can you think of anything that you are keeping from him, and St. John, and Amanda as well ? ``

Albus wracked his wit, `` wellspring, just the Hallows, but I do n't even fuck what they are. ``

`` The Hallows, that 's exactly what I suspected you were keeping enigma. But why ? ``

`` Um, I guess I 'm not sure. It just seems like something that I should keep to myself. Since my parents have n't even differentiate anyone, '' Albus reasoned.

`` Ah, but you wish your parents would tell you about them ? ``

`` Yes, but- ''

`` It might be wise to tell your champion, Albus. Just because your parents have n't told anyone, does n't imply you have to retain it to yourself. ``

`` Really ? '' Albus asked.

`` Yes, and that is my lead to you. order your admirer what you know about the Hallows. They just might be able to help you, '' Dumbledore told him.

`` You think they would know more than we could get from record book ? '' Albus asked skeptically.

`` There 's only one way to determine out, '' Dumbledore winked.

`` All right, if you 're sure, '' Albus responded.

`` right lot with that, thrower, '' Snape smirked.

Albus heard a room access undecided behind him and he jumped. He had momentarily forgotten what he had done to get to Kendrick 's office. As he remembered the chaos in Washburn 's social class, dread consumed him once more. What was going to happen ? Albus turned around and saw Professor Kendrick standing in the doorway.

`` Sit down, Albus, '' Kendrick said as he walked towards his desk.

Albus sat down in the chair in front of the desk while Kendrick sat down in his chair.

`` professor Patil told me what happened. Before we start discussing, I 'm going to ask Professor Washburn to come in. Along with your dad. Hopefully we 'll be able to get to the bum of this, '' Kendrick got up from the desk and went over to the open fireplace. He threw a handful of floo powder in and thrust his head into the emerald flames.

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A/N : Thanks to my sister and Beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as my other sister and my Brother. Thanks to Moonylupin for the reexamination !
Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry thrower

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`` Now, do n't expect to create much More than a wisp of silvery fog on your first attack, '' Harry told his course of study of eager one-seventh years, `` Patronuses are difficult for even the in force wizards to call down. ``

`` But my mum and dad said you managed it in your third class, '' Christina Humphrey Davy interrupted.

`` fountainhead, yes, I did, '' Harry told his class, `` But I had wonderful instructor and the motivation I needed to wangle it at such a young age. Now, everyone think of a happy memory, just as we discussed- ''

`` Excuse me, Harry ? '' The flame in the classroom fireplace turned a vivid emerald green and the headmaster 's face appeared in it. The wholly class turned to look towards the fireplace and were shocked to see prof Kendrick 's head.

`` Yes, Professor ? '' Harry answered in a confused tone. open fireplace had been installed in all the classroom during the rebuilding of Hogwarts after the Battle in order for the instructor to communicate faster in the case of an pinch. Harry had never used his fireplace before and was a bit care when he saw Kendrick in it.

`` Your son caused a disruption in Charms just now- ''

`` What did Saint James do this time ? '' Harry sighed.

`` No, not James. It was Albus, '' Kendrick told Harry.

`` What ? ! '' Harry was baffled. He never imagined Albus would cause enough trouble to be sent to the Headmaster 's office staff. Even James II had avoided that so far.

`` Yes, it was Albus. He 's in my billet right now and I 'd like to discuss it with you and professor Washburn, '' Kendrick said

`` All right. I 'll match you in your government agency in a few minutes. ``

`` I 'll see you then, '' Kendrick 's head word disappeared and the flames returned to their usual orange.

The seventh years all turned their psyche back to Harry, with looks of shock on their faces.

`` What did Albus do ? '' Victoire asked, `` I ca n't think him getting in trouble. ``

`` I really do n't know what happened, Victoire, '' Harry answered.

`` Were his friends in on this, too ? '' Amy asked anxiously. Harry could recount she was upset about her brother getting in trouble.

`` I 'm not sure. I just heard about this now, '' Harry responded, `` I 've got to go. I 'm dismissing course of instruction now. I trust you 'll all use this time responsibly, '' Harry grinned, knowing they 'd all use the meter to goof off. `` We 'll continue with Patronuses next course of study. ``

Harry left the classroom as his educatee were packing up. He made it to Kendrick 's office in record clock time, gave the password, and entered the room. Kendrick was sitting behind his desk, with Albus and Washburn sitting in social movement of it. There was an vacuous chairperson between them. cipher was saying a Son. Both Dumbledore and Snape 's portrait seemed to be paying close attending. Harry walked over to the vacate electric chair and he noticed that Albus was shaking and he looked extremely scared.

`` Hi, Al, '' Harry whispered and gave his son a spry hug before taking the middle can. Albus remained still and he was staring straight at Dumbledore 's portrait.

`` Daddy wo n't be able to save you this clock time, thrower, '' Washburn sneered.

`` That 's enough, Jameson, '' Kendrick said calmly, `` Now that Harry is here, could you delight explain to both of us what happened ? ``

`` I was trying to teach and all of a sudden, there was an burst and a firework emerged from the table he was sitting at, '' Washburn spat, `` He set it off to stimulate a hoo-hah. He 's been doing it ever since the beginning of the twelvemonth. ``

`` Is this true, Albus ? '' Kendrick asked. All three adults turned to look at Albus, who was sinking depress in his seat. He did not say a word.

`` Of course it 's true ! '' Washburn growled after a few second of silence.

A cheap battering disrupted their discussion. Harry turned away from Albus and looked at the office door. `` Do you desire me to get that ? ``

`` Yes, I suppose, '' Kendrick replied.

Harry got up and went over to the threshold. He opened it and pink wine came bursting in. She was out of breathing place and looked flushed. `` Do n't. Expel. Him. '' she panted.

`` What ? ! '' Kendrick said, `` I was n't planning on expelling Albus. ``

`` You should ! '' Washburn stood up and glared at Kendrick.

`` Sit down, '' Kendrick responded, `` You have to value my decisions. I will not expel Albus, but there will be a punishment. ``

`` No ! '' rose shouted. She walked towards Kendrick 's desk and stood in front man of it. Harry followed and stood behind Albus 's professorship. `` It was n't him ! '' she announced.

`` What do you mean ? ! '' Washburn exclaimed, `` Of track it was him ! I saw him ! ``

`` No, you did n't. You saw it came from our table, there was no way you could order who actually did it. John, matt, and I were also sitting at that board, '' Rose explained.

`` What are you getting at, rose ? '' Harry asked. Now he was thoroughly confused about the hale event.

`` It was me, '' Rose said simply, `` It was my firework. ``

`` You set off a firework during a class ? '' Harry was mystified. If there was anyone who was less in all probability than Albus to stimulate worry during course of instruction, it was rose. rosiness did get it on causation trouble, but she never did it during classes.

`` Well, not really, '' Rose glanced shiftily at Washburn and then returned her gaze to Harry. `` Not intentionally, that is. It was one of those new pyrotechnic that Uncle George is working on. They 're still in the examination leg. The ones that are supposed to actually evaporate if you vanish them, but then reappear an hour or so later. Only right now they permanently disappear. ``

`` That 's good, '' Harry breathed a sigh of relief. There were much spoiled experimental mathematical product that could get accidentally gotten set off.

`` Anyway, they 're very unsound right field now and they go off if there 's a lot of illusion around, and we were practicing charming paper birds, '' blush wine told him.

`` Why did you have it ? '' Harry asked.

`` I, um, took it during Christmas break, '' rosebush mumbled while looking at her feet.

`` What ? ! '' Harry exclaimed.

`` I found it at the burrow and did n't realize it was one of the data-based ace. I just realized that the other day. ``

`` And why was it in your bag ? ``

`` I was meaning to give it to you during dada, but I forgot, '' Rose confessed.

Harry sighed, `` All rightfield. I guess that mystery is solved. ``

`` What about punishment ! They need to be punished ! '' Washburn shouted while glaring at Rose.

`` Rose will get business, but seeing as Albus was n't actually involved, I ca n't penalise him, '' Kendrick explained.

`` But, but, '' Washburn sputtered.

`` And that is last, Jameson, '' Kendrick said firmly, `` Now, Albus and Rose, you should get going to your future course. Rose, you can do your lines with professor Washburn tomorrow Night at seven. ``

Albus and Rose nodded. Albus got up and gave Harry a hug before he followed rosiness out of the room. He still did n't say anything, but he looked a bit less dash than he had earlier and he had stopped shaking.

Kendrick stood up, `` I 'm glad we got this all straightened out. I shall see both of you later. ''

Washburn glared at Harry and stomped out of the room, slamming the door behind him. Harry turned to leave as well, but stopped when he heard a familiar phonation. `` Harry, I would care to discuss something with you, if you have time. ''

Harry turned around and saw the familiar face of Albus Dumbledore looking at him. `` Yeah, I 've got time. ``

`` I 'll leave you to your conversation, then, '' Kendrick said as he left his office.

Harry walked over to Dumbledore 's portrait, `` What is it, prof ? ``

`` I had an interest conversation with Albus earlier. ``

`` Really ? '' Harry was very curious as to what the two of them would have talked about.

`` Oh, yes, '' Dumbledore continued, `` He has been wondering about the Hallows. ``

`` The, the, Hallows ? '' Harry stammered. He did n't think his kids had ever even heard of the Hallows.

`` The Hallows. He overheard you talking about them over Christmas holiday. He, James, and Rose have been attempting to research them in the library ever since. ``

`` They have ? ''

`` That 's what Albus told me. Naturally, they did not find any response, '' Dumbledore went on, `` So, Albus asked me what I knew about them. ``

`` And did you severalise him ? '' Harry asked anxiously.

`` I told him I do roll in the hay about them, but that I could not give him the answers he wanted. I believe that is your duty, Harry, '' Dumbledore responded.

Harry breathed a sigh of relief, `` Thank you. ``

`` Why have n't you told them, Harry ? ``

Harry stopped to think. Dumbledore gazed at him while waiting patiently. `` Well, I guess because I do n't want a unscathed lot of multitude knowing about them. The last thing we need is to have person seeking them out. ``

`` But you fear that is what 's happening. ``

`` Yes, I do. I 'm afraid that 's what the dreams mean value, '' Harry told him.

`` Are you afraid the small fry will tell the unit shoal ? ``

`` I guess I am, '' Harry confessed, `` Especially James IV. He 's always so eager to state everyone he meets stories about me. ``

`` He is proud of being your son, '' Dumbledore said, `` And I think if you expressed your vexation about others knowing about the Hallows, they would keep on the secret. ``

`` You 're probably right on, '' Harry sighed, `` But I 'm also afraid about whoever 's doing the Legilimency finding out about them. If I tell the kids, then whoever wants the Hallows will be able to determine out where they are. ``

`` Perhaps. It is a tough call. But I 'm sure you 'll always make the right decision in the end, '' Dumbledore replied, `` Were you ever planning on telling them ? ``

`` Yes, I was. ``

`` When ? ``

`` I 'm not sure, I guess, '' Harry responded, `` When they were a bit elder, I suppose. But I was waiting for the rectify moment. ``

`` And that instant might be approaching earlier then you thought, '' Dumbledore replied, `` Albus thinks you do n't bank him. ``

`` He does ? '' Harry sighed. This was getting more complicated by the moment.

`` Yes, he told me. He is a bit upset about it. But it is aided by the fact that you are n't the only one keeping a big secret from him. ``

Harry paused to think. Who else was keeping secrets from his son ? `` Oh, his friend, Matt, right ? He has n't told Albus yet, has he ? ``

`` No, he has n't. But Albus and blush wine have figured it out on their own. I do n't think he fully understands why Matt has n't told him. He just sees it as the mass he loves are n't trusting him. ``

`` Oh, no, it 's so much more complicate than that, '' Harry responded.

`` That 's what I told him. But that is an issue that 's between him and Matt and there is n't often you can do about it. What you can do is reconsider when you are going to differentiate your children about the Hallows. ``

`` Yeah, I guess I will. I just do n't want to rush into it. Maybe at the end of term would be good. That way they can work on the musical theme over the summer at abode where they wo n't be tempted to tell others about it. ``

`` That would be Wise, '' Dumbledore smiled.

`` Thanks for telling me, professor. I should probably get going, '' Harry said.

`` I shall see you soon, Harry. ``

`` Bye, '' Harry turned around and left the office. He thought about what Dumbledore said on his way to the Great mansion for lunch. What Dumbledore said made sense, but he was still reluctant about telling his kids about the Hallows.

******

`` That was an telling lie the Weasley girlfriend told, '' Snape said curtly to Dumbledore after Harry left.

`` Yes, it was, '' Dumbledore agreed.

`` But you did n't severalise Potter about it. ``

`` No, I did not feel it was requisite. I do n't cerebrate anymore penalization would cause accomplished anything. I ca n't imagine Albus or rose will do anything like that again in the most future, '' Dumbledore explained.

`` They did lie, though. They lied to the Headmaster. That deserves penalty, '' Snape responded.

`` Perhaps, perhaps, '' Dumbledore said calmly, `` But, Severus, you did not recite Harry either. ``

******

`` That was brainsick, '' Albus shouted after he left the headmaster 's office with pink wine. As soon as the gargoyle closed behind them, James appeared in front of them.

`` Well, are you in huge trouble, Albus ? '' he asked anxiously.

`` Luckily, no, '' Albus told his brother.

`` What happened, then ? '' Saint James the Apostle pushed, `` Are you going to tell us about your talk of the town with Dumbledore ? ``

`` Of course ! '' Albus said, `` Just not here. What if someone heard us ? ``

`` There 's still an minute until our next stratum, why do n't we go up to the vernacular room ? It might be evacuate now, '' Rose suggested.

`` commodity thought, '' Albus agreed. He started walking towards Gryffindor Tower. James IV and Rose followed, neither of them saying a watchword.

The usual elbow room was empty. Albus, St. James the Apostle, and Rose hurried at bottom and snagged the good armchairs near the fire. James and rosebush looked at Albus expectantly, waiting for him to begin.

Albus launched into a protracted explanation about his conversation with Dumbledore. James and Rose sat quietly and did n't interrupt him. Albus told them every bit of the conversation, except for the share about matt. Albus would recite rise up about that later, after James left.

`` So, Dumbledore knows ? '' James said after Albus finished.

`` Yes, he does, but he wo n't tell apart me practically, '' Albus explained, `` Just told me to ask my supporter. ``

`` That 's so unknown, '' Rose furrowed her eyebrow, `` Why would they know anything about the Hallows if we do n't ? ``

`` Dunno, '' St. James the Apostle commented, `` He was a bit mad, though. ``

`` Yeah, but he was superb. He has n't been improper about much, '' Albus reminded them.

`` So, you think we should tell our ally ? '' rosebush asked.

`` I 'm not really sure, '' Albus confided, `` I 'd be willing to try anything right now to figure out what the Hallows are, but what if Dad 's mad that we told multitude ? ``

`` He ca n't be mad if we do n't even know what they are, '' Jesse James reasoned, `` As far as he knows, we 've never even heard the word 'Hallows'. ``

`` That 's true, '' Rose said.

`` well, Dumbledore seems to mean that Dad 's going to differentiate us soon, possibly this yr, '' Albus reminded them.

`` Maybe we should give it another month or so ? '' Rose suggested, `` Maybe something will grow up in the library. ``

`` Dumbledore said we wo n't see anything in the library. The Hallows do have to do with Voldemort 's downfall. He told me that very much. And hardly anyone knows about that function, of course. ``

`` I guess we could sacrifice it a little while longer, to see if he tells us about them, '' James sighed.

`` Ok, then, we 'll wait a bit longer, '' Albus agreed, `` Anyway, if Dad wo n't tell us, he certainly wo n't want our admirer to hump. ``

`` Yeah, '' James said, `` Oh, what punishment did you wind up with ? ``

`` I got detention tomorrow night, '' blush wine told him.

`` I got aught, '' Albus grinned.

`` What ? ! '' James II shouted, `` zip ? ``

`` Nope, aught. ``

`` I convinced them it was me. Well, I convinced them the firework went off accidentally, '' Rose explained the story she told about the data-based firework.

`` That 's amaze, '' St. James grinned, `` You must be an excellent prevaricator. ``

Rose blushed and suppressed a smile.

`` public speaking of nonplus, '' Albus started, `` How did you find out where Kendrick 's office is ? ``

`` That would be all me, '' James I continued smile, `` All my brilliance. ``

`` What did you do ? '' Albus asked suspiciously.

`` Well, I expected to find Uncle Harry in his office after family, but he was n't there. I was so disquieted you 'd get expelled before I was capable to explicate. So I went to find Saint James so we could figure out what to do- ''

`` Let me recount him, Rose, '' Jesse James interrupted, `` We ran back to Dad 's office and that 's when I thought of how we could witness the office. Mind you, I wish I 'd thought of it earlier and then you would n't hold had to do the whole pyrotechnic thing. ``

`` Well, what was it ? '' Albus asked impatiently.

Saint James the Apostle reached into his robes and pulled a rather old looking while of sheepskin out. `` The Marauder 's Map. ``

Albus stared at it and smacked his forehead. `` Of course ! Why did n't we conceive of it before ? ``

`` I dunno, but the thought process just popped into my top dog. I 'm so beaming Dad told us how it worked. We were able to find Kendrick 's billet, but of course the doorway was closed and we did n't know the password. But then we looked at the map and the piddling dot labeled 'Rose Weasley'had a speech communication bubble that said 'Rubber duck'. So Rose said that and she was in. Easy as that. ``

Albus continued to gaze in awe at the map. `` So now you 've got the map ? You 're going to be in immense problem. What if Dad 's using it ? ``

`` I do n't think he is. It was n't sitting out or anything. We were n't even sure it was there, thought he might let left it at home. I summoned it. It came flying out of the bottom of a trunk that was shoved in the back of the depot cupboard, '' William James explained.

`` Are you going to keep it ? '' Albus asked.

`` For now, '' Henry James told him, `` At to the lowest degree until I hear anything about Dad wondering where it is. ``

`` I hope you do n't get in trouble, James I, '' Rose warned, `` Be careful. ``

`` I will, do n't worry. I 'd just like to get some mischief in, '' James grinned.

`` Be careful about who sees it, too, '' pink wine insisted.

`` I 'm just letting Nathan and Bradley see it. And Cedric and Ben, of course. They know all about it. And they keep asking when I 'd manage to nick it. ``

Rose sighed, `` Fine. well, we 'd best get going to class. '' She stood up and walked towards the portraiture yap.

Albus got up and followed Rose, `` See ya later, James I. ``

`` Bye, '' James II waved.

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A/N : Thanks to my sister and beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as my other sis and my brother. Thanks also to inkheart, Moonylupin, and Peter for their reassessment !
Please read and review !

Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter

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As the week progressed, Albus fell back into his common Hogwarts turn. His homework drove most of the thoughts about the Hallows out of his promontory. He occasionally thought about telling John, Matt, and Amanda about them, but he decided not to. James, who was even more busy than Albus, did not seem to be lingering on thought process of the Hallows either. Between prep, Quidditch pattern, and Occlumency lessons, he hardly had any leisure time at all. Albus had yet to see about any amazing clowning that James had been capable to pull in off with the help of the Marauder 's Map.

Towards the end of the hebdomad, Albus and his admirer had something else to worry about that succeeded in Albus momentarily forgetting about the Hallows all together. The full moonshine. It fell on a Monday this month. The Sunday before it, Albus and his friends were enjoying a snowball fight on the grounds.

SMACK ! John had sent a Abronia elliptica at the back of Albus 's head and the force caused him to fall face first into the abstruse snow. `` I 'll get you ! '' Albus shouted as he stood back up and formed a large snowball. He sent it flying across the nearly empty Quidditch Pitch towards John. But John was too immediate. He jumped aside and the snowball hit lustrelessness instead.

`` Ha, ha ! '' Gospel According to John shouted gleefully. They were having a team snow ball fight. It was John the Evangelist and Rose versus Albus, matt, and Amanda. John seemed delighted that Albus had hit one of his own mate instead. John Lackland rolled another coke lump and threw it at Amanda. It hit her lame in the back. She in turn quickly made a snowball and threw it at rose wine. rosiness jumped aside and the snowball sailed into the ground behind her. Despite the fact that Albus 's squad had three people and Saint John and Rose were only two, John and rosiness seemed to be doing lots better. John had a in effect arm and very good aim and was bang-up at dodging snowballs.

Albus quickly made another snowball and was about to throw it, but he noticed that lusterlessness still had n't gotten up. He dropped his Abronia elliptica and ran over to Matt and was hit in the head teacher by a Abronia elliptica sent by John.

`` Stop the game ! '' Albus shouted and pointed to Matt. John the Evangelist, rose wine, and Amanda glanced over and immediately dropped their snowballs.

`` mat, are you all right ? '' Albus poked Matt 's arm, but he did n't respond.

`` Matt ? '' toilet rolled him over onto his back. matt groaned. John pulled him up into a sitting position. `` We should probably go inside, '' toilet said to Albus.

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed. He grabbed flatness 's former arm and he and John pulled Matt to his feet. `` I 'm drear, I did n't think I threw it that hard. ``

`` I did n't believe you did either, '' John agreed. They walked back towards the castle, supporting matte between them.

`` Maybe we should go to the Hospital Wing, '' Rose suggested.

`` No, no hospital offstage, '' Matt whispered, `` I 'm mulct. I 've just got to lie down. ``

`` Are you sure ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Yeah, I 'll be fine. Let 's just go back to Gryffindor, '' lustrelessness said.

They walked slowly back to Gryffindor Tower. By the time they were at the common elbow room, lusterlessness was capable to walk unsupported, although he still did n't look good. Once they were in the room, Matt made a beeline for the student residence. Albus and whoremaster went with him so they could dump their wet cloaks and scarves.

`` Are you going to outride up here ? '' Albus asked Matt.

`` I think so, '' Matt said as he climbed into his bed.

`` Ok, well I hope you 're feeling better, '' Albus replied.

`` Me, too, '' can said. But by the time the two boys left the room, matte had already fallen asleep.

Albus and John headed back down the round staircase and back into the unwashed room. The room was packed and very noisy. Rose and Amanda had already settled themselves to doing homework at a pocket-size sequester board in a recess of the room. Albus and John sat down across from the girls and took out their books.

`` So, '' Albus whispered, `` Is the full moon sometime soon ? ``

`` Yep, '' rose told him without looking up from her homework, `` It 's tomorrow. ``

`` D'you think it 'll be as bad as end time ? '' Amanda asked.

`` I dunno, '' pink wine answered, `` I really do n't know why his transformations are so bad. ``

`` I think he 's office of that study Uncle Bill was talking about, '' Albus told them, `` When I was in the infirmary Wing finis month, the Healer mentioned a study, but Madam Pomfrey shushed him before he elaborated. ``

`` Then that might explain it. But why would he be in the subject field if it 's just score things worse ? '' John the Divine asked.

`` Who knows what it was like before it, though, '' rose wine commented.

`` Good tip, '' toilet responded. The four Quaker sank into their thinking and continued working on their homework in silence for a one-half hour. The haphazardness in the common elbow room made it difficult to carry on a conversation. Albus managed to finish his Charms homework, but it took him longer than common since he was distracted by worrying about Matt.

Albus closed his Charms volume and put it back into his bag. When he looked up, he was surprised to see Matt coming over towards them. Albus sat back up and poked St. John, who was still working diligently on his Herbology essay that was due the next day. John looked up as Matt sat down next to Rose.

`` What are you make fun talking about ? '' mat asked.

`` Not much, really, we 're just doing homework, '' John told him, `` I guess I 'll ingest to finish up this after dinner. '' He closed his Herbology Word and stuffed it in his bag.

`` You coming to dinner ? '' Albus asked matte, `` We were n't sure if you 'd be up. ``

A look of panic flashed across Matt 's font, `` Why would you recall that ? '' he asked quickly.

Albus glanced shiftily at John, `` Er, just because you did n't reckon too good after getting hit by that snowball. ``

lusterlessness visibly relaxed, `` Oh, um, I 'm feeling better now. ``

`` That 's good, '' Albus answered. Matt did look a bit better, although he was still much paler than usual. `` Let 's go eat, then. I 'm starved. ``

Rose and Amanda packed up their work and the group headed down to the Great Hall. Even though Matt went to dinner, Albus noticed that he did n't eat a good deal. After dinner, they headed back up to the usual way to terminate their preparation.

`` I 'm still three inches short, '' lav announced after he worked for another 20 minute on his Herbology essay.

`` Let me see it, '' blush wine reached over and took John 's essay. She read it silently for a few bit. `` You can dilate on the employment of Devil 's trap in Potions. ``

`` the Tempter 's side drum has uses in Potions ? '' toilet asked.

`` Yes, in more kick upstairs Potions. It 's in the Good Book, '' blush wine told him. toilet flipped through his Good Book and began working on his essay again.

Albus had finished his Herbology essay the previous day and was currently working on a DADA essay that was also due the next day. `` Have you guys all finished the dada essay ? '' he asked.

`` Yes, '' rosebush responded without glancing up from her book.

`` Yeah, '' Amanda answered while working furiously on her star chart.

`` Huh ? '' lusterlessness picked his head up from his book. He had fallen asleep in his dadaism book.

`` Have you finished the DADA essay ? '' Albus repeated.

`` Oh, no, but I 'll get it done, '' Matt said tiredly and put his forefront back down on his book.

Albus glanced at Rose, who gave him a worried feeling. Albus had a touch sensation that Matt would not be getting the essay done. They both went back to their work without saying a word. A few bit later, someone tapped Albus on the shoulder.

`` Hey, '' somebody said from behind him.

Albus turned around and saw Victoire standing behind his chair. `` Oh, hi, Victoire. What 's up ? ``

`` Not much, '' Victoire sat down in the chair next to Albus. `` Amy and I just have to tell you something. '' Amy had sat down next to Matt and was trying to wake up him up.

`` What is it ? '' Albus asked. John, Rose, and Amanda had all looked up from their work and were waiting for Victoire to get on with it.

`` Quinton Willinson has finished his detentions, '' Victoire told him.

`` Oh, bang-up, '' Albus groaned.

`` I just thought you should hump, '' Victoire said.

`` Do you opine he 's going to bother me anymore ? '' Albus asked.

`` He might. Detention certainly deterred him for a month, but who knows what could happen now that he 's done with detention. I 'd just watch out, if I were you. All of you. ``

They all nodded, except for matte, who was sleepily paying attention to something Amy was whispering in his ear.

`` well, I 've got studying to do, '' Victoire stood up, `` You coming, Amy ? I still have n't finished that Arithmancy hooey. ``

Amy stopped whispering to Matt and looked at Victoire. `` Uh, yeah, I have n't finished it either. '' She said something else to flatness and then stood up and left with Victoire, while glancing once Thomas More at her brother.

`` wellspring, this could be bad, '' Rose said once they left.

`` I know. He 's going to be livid after having detention for a month, '' Albus replied.

`` You 've got to be heedful. He 's going to desire revenge again, '' John said.

`` Yeah, he will, '' Albus agreed.

`` Has Slughorn mentioned anymore parties ? '' John asked.

`` No, surprisingly not. But I 'm not going to any even if he does. ``

`` I think that 's a dependable idea. I wo n't either. We should try and avoid Willinson, '' Rose responded.

They worked on their preparation for another hour before going to bed. Matt had fallen asleep again shortly after Amy and Victoire left, and Albus had to poke him rather hard to wake him up. Once they got up to the dormitory, Matt collapsed onto his bed and was asleep within minutes.

Albus lay awake for a spell before he managed to pass asleep. He was worried about matte and about what Willinson was going to do now that he was relinquish from detainment. Albus tried to elucidate his mind, but there were so many things worrying him that he found it impossible. His quietus was filled with strange dreams, involving Willinson, along with the usual nightmare about the Hallows.

Albus went down to breakfast the succeeding break of day with bathroom and Matt. They were running late because it had taken John and Albus a while to awake Matt up. By the prison term they made it to the Great Hall, Rose and Amanda had already finished breakfast and were getting ready to go to DADA.

`` There you are ! '' rose said when Albus sat down next to her, `` You 'd ameliorate eat fast. We 've got to go to social class in five minutes. ``

`` I know, it took us forever to get him up, '' Albus gestured to lusterlessness, who was leaning his head on his arm and not eating anything. rosebush nodded and glanced at Matt sympathetically.

Albus and John shoved a few fade of pledge into their mouths and then the group was off to DADA. They managed to run into the way before the bell rang, but they were the last ones there. There was only one table available, the one in front, which happened to be decent in nominal head of the table Scorpius Malfoy and his protagonist sat at. Albus groaned silently and sat down at the table, hoping Malfoy would n't mention Matt 's fatigue.

`` I 'll collect your essays now, '' Harry announced once he 'd finished taking attendance. He got up and went around the way to take in the essays.

Albus handed his dad his essay and Harry moved on to matte. Matt was laying his head on his book and seemed to be asleep. Harry lightly tapped him on the articulatio humeri. `` Huh ? '' mat glanced up.

Malfoy snorted loudly behind them and Albus turned around and glared at him.

`` Do you have the essay done ? '' Harry asked quietly.

`` Oh, no. I 'm regretful, Professor, '' Matt whispered, `` I tried to get it done finale nighttime, but I just ... '' his voice trailed off.

`` It 's all rightfield, '' Harry replied, `` Try to have it done by next hebdomad. I know I did n't give you much sentence, since I just assigned it Friday. ``

Matt nodded and put his head back down on the board. Harry went back to his desk and started the day 's lecture. `` Today we are going to continue- ''

`` Sir, '' Malfoy interrupted, `` Sir, why does he get extra time for his essay ? '' Malfoy pointed at Matt.

Harry sighed, `` I do not cogitate that is any of your business concern, Mr. Malfoy. ``

`` But it 's not very average, is it ? Why ca n't I have extra time ? ``

`` You handed in your essay today, did n't you ? '' Harry asked.

`` Yes, why ? ``

`` fountainhead, then, you obviously are in no need of extra time. If you ever think you need extra clock time for an assignment, just secernate me why and I may award it to you. ``

`` But- ''

`` That 's the end of this give-and-take, Mr. Malfoy, '' Harry cut him off, `` Now, back to the lesson .... ''

Harry lectured for the integral class. Throughout the first half of class, Malfoy repeatedly poked Matt with his wand to try and wake him up. Albus turned around and glared at him legion times but Malfoy kept doing it. Eventually, Harry noticed and threatened Malfoy with detention if it continued. Albus was relieved when course was over, but they still had to prepare it through Charms with the Slytherins. Although Albus knew even Malfoy would n't poke anyone with his verge in Washburn 's class.

`` So, first you get limited discussion from Madam Pomfrey and now from prof potter, too ? '' Malfoy glared icily at matte after they left the dad room.

`` Just leave him alone, '' Albus growled.

`` I will find out why, you can matter on it, '' Malfoy stared at mat, who had gone as wan as a ghost when Malfoy said this.

`` Is there a trouble ? '' Harry had just left the schoolroom and was standing behind Malfoy.

Malfoy jumped as he heard Harry 's voice, `` No, Professor. '' He gave Matt one More glare before taking off for the Charms classroom.

`` I 'll see you later, Al, '' Harry gave Albus a hug before going back into the classroom.

`` Bye, Dad, '' Albus hugged him back. Albus and Matt started to walk to charm. John the Evangelist, Rose, and Amanda had gone on ahead, but Albus was staying behind to take the air with matt, who was walking considerably slower.

`` Late again, Potter, Eckerton, '' Washburn growled as they walked into the way. They headed for their usual back table and passed Malfoy on the way. He was smiling smugly at them, noticeably well-chosen that they were late. The year went by in its usual agony. Washburn seemed to feature increased his hatred for Albus since the pyrotechnic incident, if that was possible. He called on Albus for every head, even though Albus never raised his hand. The only clock time he did n't do this was when he chose to forebode on Matt, which was every time he fell asleep.

Much to Albus 's surprise, Matt made it through double Herbology without going to the Hospital annex. Albus was sure that Neville would throw made him go after he tripped over a pot and banged his arm on the bench. But Neville just asked if he was all right and continued teaching.

After dinner party, Albus and his Quaker found themselves taking a much needed break from studying. They had all finished the prep that was due the adjacent day and were relaxing at their usual mesa. Albus was losing horribly at champion 's Chess to rose wine, whose knight was currently beating up Albus 's fag. can and Amanda were playing a rather gaudy game of Exploding Snap.

`` You want to play, Matt ? '' John asked as he was dealing cards for the next round.

`` No, '' Matt groaned. He was curled up in an armchair near the mesa and was wincing every few minutes.

`` All right, '' trick gave him a disturbed aspect, `` Do you want me to go with you to the Hospital Wing ? ``

`` Not right now, '' Matt whispered and closed his oculus again.

Albus glanced up and looked at his friend. They all had worried looks on their faces. Albus watched flatness fall back asleep, which only took two minutes.

`` world-beater to D4, '' Rose announced, `` And mate. '' Rose 's queen moved to the lame, beat up Albus 's remaining bishop, and won the plot. `` estimable plot. ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` Have you ever lost ? ``

`` I 've lost to my dad quite a few times, '' rosebush said as she put her chessmen away.

Albus put his chessmen back in their case and folded up the circuit board. He looked up once he was done and saw Amy coming over. She walked over to Matt and started gently shaking him awake.

`` Hi, Amy, '' Albus said.

Amy looked over at Albus, `` Oh, hi, Albus, '' she said quietly and went back to waking Matt up. matte opened his eyes and groaned.

`` C'mon, it 's time to go, '' Albus heard Amy rustle. Albus looked at Rose, John, and Amanda. They were all watching Amy, too.

`` Ugh, no, '' matt whispered. But he sat up and winced.

`` It 's ok, get on, '' Amy grabbed matt 's arm and pulled him gently out of the death chair. matte got up and let Amy head him out of the common room.

`` Has she ever taken him to the infirmary Wing before ? '' Albus asked once they left.

`` No, I do n't think so, '' rose said.

`` She must think it 's going to be bad this fourth dimension, '' John said glumly.

`` Guess so, '' Albus responded quietly.

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A/N : Thanks to my sister and beta, Dancer of Starlight, my former babe, and my comrade. Thanks as well to inkheart and Moonylupin for their followup !

Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter

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The four admirer were very subdued the respite of the eve. They all joined in a game of Exploding centering, but none of them were very into it. Although they did n't talk about Matt the rest of the eve, Albus knew they were all thinking about him. Eventually, they just decided to go to bed.

Albus climbed into his four-poster bed and tried to fall asleep. He tossed and turned for hours, but sleep would n't come to him. He was too apprehensive about matt.

`` Are you awake, John ? '' Albus asked once he was surely Bilius and Ethan were asleep.

Albus heard the bed to his aright creak as John turned over. `` Yeah, ca n't kip. ``

`` Me neither. ``

`` Maybe this month wo n't be as bad, '' John suggested.

`` Hope so, '' Albus said, `` But even if it is n't as bad, he wo n't be in class tomorrow. ``

`` Which means that Malfoy 's going to say something, '' John groaned.

`` Yeah, we 've got to do something about that, '' Albus decided.

`` We could hex him, '' John Lackland suggested.

`` That 'd be serious, but I do n't mean like that. I mean something that 'll throw him off the trail. We ca n't let him get hold out, '' Albus explained.

`` Oh, rightfield, '' John thought for a import, `` How about, since flatness wo n't lie about where he is, we 'll do it for him. ``

`` That 's what I was thinking, too, '' Albus said, `` I know, if someone asks, we 'll just tell them Matt 's visiting his purge grandmother. ``

`` Good mind, '' Saint John agreed.

Albus yawned, `` Well, I suppose we should try and get some sleep. ``

`` Probably. Good dark, then. ``

`` 'Night. '' After another hour of laying awake, Albus finally fell asleep.

Albus woke up touch sensation very tire out, after only a few hours sleep. He went down to breakfast with Saint John the Apostle and met Rose and Amanda there, who were looking worried and not eating much.

`` Have you heard anything yet ? '' Rose asked once Albus sat down.

`` No, have you ? ''

`` No. I have n't seen Amy at all and have n't had time to go to the infirmary wing. ``

`` We could try and go during lunch, '' john suggested.

Everyone agreed to that plan and managed to eat a bit of breakfast before heading off to Potions. By the sentence they got there, Slughorn was ready to start social class, which meant Malfoy did n't give birth any time to ask where matt was. Since it was just a unmarried period of time, Slughorn lectured during the entire course and Albus had a strong clock time staying awake. He managed to aim a few promissory note, but by the metre the class was over, he felt in need of a nap.

`` Hey, there, Potter, '' Malfoy ran up beside Albus just outside the door of the Potions classroom.

`` Malfoy, '' Albus mumbled and kept walking.

`` Could n't avail but discover that Eckerton was n't in class today. You gon na tell me where he is ? ``

`` Visiting his granny. She 's not doing too well, '' Albus lied.

`` Really ? That 's interesting, '' Malfoy raised his eyebrows, `` After seeing him yesterday, I 'd take in guessed he was the one who 's ill. ''

`` Maybe he 's just worried about his granny, '' John said shortly, before turning down the corridor towards the metamorphosis room, `` Now we 've got to go to class. ``

`` See you, then, '' Albus said to Malfoy as he followed John to August 6. Malfoy turned around and left without saying a word. `` I hope that worked. ``

`` Me, too, '' john agreed.

After transfiguration, Albus and his friends ate a hurry tiffin and went to the infirmary Wing. When they got there, Albus noticed that the doors were spread. `` fountainhead, that 's a sound sign. ``

`` Definitely, '' Rose agreed and walked inside. Albus, john, and Amanda followed her. The bed at the far end of the Aaron Montgomery Ward had the curtains drawn and all the other seam were empty. `` He must be in there, '' Rose pointed to the curtained bed.

`` Where 's Madam Pomfrey ? '' Albus whispered. The nurse did n't appear to be in the room.

John pointed to the curtains, which started to rustle, `` She must be back there. ``

A gap appeared in the curtains and Madam Pomfrey came out from behind them. She was carrying an vacate ice and a clipboard. When she noticed the mathematical group of Gryffindor first age, she came rushing over to them. `` I thought I 'd be seeing you lot here. ``

`` Is lustrelessness all right ? '' Rose whispered anxiously.

`` Yes, he should be fine in a twain days, '' Madam Pomfrey smiled.

`` So, it 's not nearly as bad as conclusion sentence ? '' Albus asked.

`` Oh, no, he 's much better this calendar month, '' ma'am Pomfrey set the vacuous glass down on a board and started writing on the clipboard.

`` Well, can we see him ? '' John asked tentatively.

`` Sorry, but no. He 's sleeping right now. And I do n't think he wants visitant. He has n't told you yet, has he ? ``

`` No, '' John answered.

Madam Pomfrey sighed, `` Of course. Well, I do hope he tells you soon. I have a notion this whole thing would be soft on him if he was n't keeping it to himself. ``

`` I guess we 'll just see him when he leaves, then, '' Albus said.

`` I think that would be best. He should be fix to lead on Thursday or Friday. You 'd best be off to division, '' Madam Pomfrey picked up the empty chicken feed and strode into her office.

As Albus walked to the plebeian room to roll up his al-Qur'an, he thought about what Matt was going to do when he found out that they knew about his secret. matte seemed so keen on keeping it from everyone. He did n't even desire his friends to gossip him in the hospital Wing. Yet, he had n't done a very practiced job at hiding it. Or had they found out so easily just because Rose knew so much about wolfman ? Albus was n't sure he would have figured it out without her. But even so, if Albus had found out so quickly, how long would it be until Malfoy found out ?

******

`` Hey, throne, '' a cold voice from behind Albus said. It was Friday Nox and Albus, Rose, whoremaster, and Amanda were eating dinner while wondering when Matt would come back. Albus turned around at the vocalisation and choked on his pumpkin juice when he saw who it was.

`` Willinson, '' Albus coughed.

`` What do you desire ? '' can said shortly as he slapped Albus on the back.

`` Oh, not much, '' Willinson replied, `` Have n't seen you much since our footling duel conclusion month, stool. ``

`` Yeah, I hear you 've been quite occupied with detention, '' Albus laughed.

`` laughter now, but the hold is over. I 'll sustain heap of fourth dimension on my hand now. ``

`` And what are you going to do ? You could n't even hex me. Your friends did it. ``

`` Energy Department n't matter. I 'm not the one who wound up in the hospital flank, am I ? '' Willinson snorted.

`` And I suppose you 're proud that a for the first time year could disarm you ? '' Albus grinned, `` Because if I were you, I 'd be a bit stymy. ``

`` Shut it, thunder mug, I planned that. ``

`` No, you did n't. Quite the look of jar on your face after I did it, '' Albus responded. Willinson glared at him.

`` What 's going on here ? '' someone from behind Albus asked.

`` N-nothing, professor, '' Willinson said quickly.

`` Then I 'd paint a picture returning to the Slytherin table, Mr. Willinson, '' Neville replied. Willinson turned on the spot and headed to the Slytherin table without saying another word.

`` He was n't bothering you, was he ? '' Neville asked once Willinson left.

`` Not really, '' Albus told Neville.

`` commodity. If he 's causing trouble, just let me know. I think the detentions may have set him straight person, though. He 's not nearly as smug when he 's in the forest, '' Neville responded and left for the staff table.

Albus laughed, `` I guess he 's not as brave as we thought he was. ``

`` trend he 's not ! '' Gospel According to John exclaimed, `` He 's a Slytherin, not a Gryffindor. ``

`` Yeah, we 're the courageous ones ! '' Albus agreed.

After dinner, Albus and his Friend went to the common room to spend the evening. The elbow room was quite a bit vacuous than usual. There was a big dueling club coming together and most of the Gryffindors were attending it. firstly years were not allowed to fall in the dueling club, so all of them were in the vulgar room, along with some sr. students who were n't part of the society. Since it was so empty, Albus and his protagonist were able to snag a few of the good armchairs in forepart of the fire. They were all putting off homework, except for Rose who was reading a book, since it was the weekend.

`` You going to join the dueling order next yr ? '' Albus asked, while sorting through his Chocolate Frog cards. `` I ca n't await to join. James I says it 's awesome. ``

`` Of course ! '' Saint John the Apostle shouted, `` Hey, have you got any Snape cards ? ``

`` Yeah, I 've got quite a few, '' Albus shifted his deck of board and pulled out five Snapes, `` Want one ? ``

`` Yeah, I still have n't gotten any, '' John told him. Albus handed him one of his cards.

`` Is it normal to get hurt badly in the dueling golf club ? '' Amanda asked.

`` It 's possible, but it does n't usually happen, '' Albus told her. `` The teacher make sure nothing bad happens. ``

`` Then I might conjoin. How about you, Rose ? '' Amanda said.

`` Sure, probably, '' blush wine responded absentmindedly.

`` Are you ok ? You 're awfully serenity, '' Amanda commented.

`` I 'm all right, '' rosiness answered, `` I 'm just thinking about Matt. lady Pomfrey said he was supposed to be back today. ``

`` I 've been thinking about that, too, '' Albus told her, `` I hope he 's ok. ''

`` fountainhead, even if he does n't come in back until tomorrow, it 's still better than last month, '' St. John the Apostle whispered, `` But I wonder when he 's going to tell us. ``

`` Why do n't we go up to the dorm and utter about it, '' Albus suggested, `` It 's too quiet in here, someone 's going to hear us. And Bilius and Ethan are down here anyway. '' Albus pointed to a mesa to their left hand, where the other two Gryffindor number 1 twelvemonth son were sitting playing gobstones.

`` Good musical theme, '' Rose agreed and closed her script. The group got up from their chairs and followed Albus to the son'dormitory.

When they got up to the dormitory, Albus sat down on his bed. rosebush and Amanda looked around a bit before sitting down next to him.

`` I ca n't take it anymore, we 've got to evidence him ! '' privy shouted and started pacing around the room, `` I 'm not sure he 's ever going to evidence us ! ``

`` He will, we 've just got to give him some more time ! '' Albus insisted.

`` I 'm not so sure, Albus. He has n't told us yet, what makes you so certainly he 'll ever do it ? '' St. John questioned.

`` I do n't know, I just think he will. ``

`` wellspring, I do n't. And I 'm not so certainly I can keep feigning I have no cue why he leaves every month. I mean, how long has it been since we 've known ? And we 've known him since September. Is n't that enough prison term for him to swear us ? '' St. John the Apostle stormed over to his bed and threw himself on it.

`` Honestly, John, that 's really not a long time. September was n't even six months ago, '' rosiness reasoned.

`` So you 're on Albus 's side, then ? You think we should just pretend we 're clueless about his disappearances ? '' whoremonger asked.

`` Yes, I do. I think he will evidence us, once he realizes he can trust us, '' rose told him.

`` Well, what more do we have to do ? '' lavatory huffed.

`` It 's not that simple ! '' Albus shouted, remembering his conversation with Dumbledore. `` Do you hump how severely it must be for him ? He 's probably had people abandoning him because of this his unanimous liveliness ! ``

`` And I suppose you know to a greater extent about it than I do ? Last I checked, you were n't a loup-garou, '' John shouted.

`` Yeah, I do sleep together more than you ! '' Albus shouted back, getting up from the bed and walking towards John.

`` Really, and how would that be ? '' John got up and stood in front of Albus, staring at him.

`` Because Teddy 's dad was a werewolf ! I 've told you that ! And my dad 's told me all about what he went through ! You know he was n't even going to be allowed to come to Hogwarts, but then Dumbledore became headmaster and let him ! And then he could n't even retain a job because no one wanted to lease a werewolf ! So, yeah, I do know a bit Sir Thomas More than you do ! ``

`` fine, so you know Thomas More about it than me, but how do you get laid that matt will severalise us ? ``

`` I just do, ok ? '' Albus insisted, thinking of what Dumbledore had said.

`` Well, I think that it might be easygoing if we just told him we know. Then he could just peach to us about it and we could stop keeping secrets ! '' John shouted.

`` Albus, '' rose wine said from behind Albus and started tugging on his robes.

`` Not now, pink wine, '' Albus pushed her hand away, `` It probably would be easier, but it 's his confidential, so let 's just let him tell us ! ``

`` But what if he does n't ! '' John threw his hands up in the air. `` Are we just going to go our whole seven eld at Hogwarts pretending we do n't get laid ? ``

blush wine poked Albus more persistently and Albus pushed her handwriting away again. `` Of class not, because he 'll tell us soon ! ``

`` Albus ! '' Rose shouted louder and pointed to the doorway.

Albus turned his head away from trick and glanced at the doorway. lustrelessness was standing there, looking tired and run down, with a shocked facial expression on his face. He stared at Albus for a few minute before turning and running back down the stairs.

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A/N : I know it 's light than usual, but I wanted the cliffhanger. The next chapter will be quite a bit longer, as I 'm planning on combining two chapters again.

Thanks to my sister and beta, Dancer of Starlight, my former sister, and my brother. Thanks as well to inkheart and Moonylupin for their recapitulation !

Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.

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Albus turned back to Saint John the Apostle and they stared at each other. `` How long had he been standing there ? '' Albus asked quietly.

Rose sighed, `` Since right after you finished talking about chemise 's dad. ``

`` So he definitely knows we know, '' Albus responded.

`` I 'd say so, '' rosebush agreed.

Albus and John looked at each other again, and with their argument forgotten they both turned and ran out of the dormitory room to watch over Matt. Albus did n't look back, but the speech sound of step told him that Rose and Amanda were n't far behind. Albus did n't know what he was going to say to Matt when they found him, he just knew he had to do something. This was not how Albus imagined Matt telling them about his lycanthropy. And he was sure that it was not what Dumbledore had in mind. But what 's done is done, and Albus could only hope that lusterlessness was n't too mad at them.

When they reached the vulgar way, it was packed. Albus realized that dueling club exercise must have just let out. He glanced quickly around the room, thinking they 'd never find Matt amongst all the other Gryffindors. John elbowed Albus in the face and pointed towards the Fat Lady 's portrait. It was opening, and then it closed again, but they did n't see anyone enter or leave. Someone unretentive must have left. Albus knew it was mat. He motioned for his friends to follow. They pushed their way through the throngs of one-time scholar and eventually made it to the portrait. The group scrambled through the hole and landed in the one-seventh storey corridor.

`` Where is he ? '' Amanda asked.

`` I dunno, '' Albus said, glancing around. Matt was no where in sight. `` I wish we had the piranha 's Map. ``

`` The what ? '' can asked.

`` The vulture 's Map. It 's that map of Hogwarts my grandpa and his friends made. Remember ? I told you about it. ``

`` Oh, yeah. ``

`` Well, we do n't ingest it. But we 'd better get going if we have any hopes of finding him, '' rosiness started running down the corridor.

Albus, John, and Amanda followed pink wine down the corridor. After a minute or so, Albus spotted Matt. `` There he is ! '' he whispered to his friend. They continued running and it did n't require long to catch up to matt. Since it was right after a full moonshine, Matt was going slower than usual.

Albus and his admirer stopped a few meters in front of him. `` matte ? '' Albus asked tentatively.

matt turned around and walked slowly towards his friends, past a tapis of
Barnabas the Barmy trying to instruct trolls to trip the light fantastic ballet, and stopped a few infantry in social movement of Albus. `` So, you know ? '' he asked in a part so soft, Albus could hardly get a line it. He stared at the ground.

`` Er, yeah, '' Albus answered in an equally tranquillity voice.

Matt did n't await up and turned around and paced slowly down the hall. He seemed to be thinking grueling. When he got just past the tapestry, he stopped and walked back towards Albus. Albus knew he was trying to think of something to say. Albus glanced at his friends and all of them looked very uncomfortable. They stood completely still, not saying a word, while Matt continued pacing up and down the hallway.

On his tierce or quarter metre returning to Albus, Albus was n't sure enough as he had lost tally, mat finally looked up at him with a scared expression on his facial expression. flatness opened his mouth and was about to say something when he stopped. He turned and looked at the wall facing the tapestry.

Albus turned to see what lusterlessness was staring at. When his gaze reached the wall, his oral cavity fell open. A door was sitting upon the wall, where there had n't been a door before. Albus turned around and looked at rose. Albus had a feeling he knew where the room access came from, and Rose 's knowing look of awe confirmed it. John was staring at it as if he had been stupefied. Amanda was blinking and rubbing her oculus, as if the door was just a figment of her imagination.

Matt glanced at Albus and then he walked towards the door. When he reached it, he grasped the handle and opened it. He walked slowly inside, leaving the door clear behind him. Once mat was inside, Albus nodded to his friends and walked inside. John, rose, and Amanda followed.

When Albus got into the elbow room, he gazed around in awe. The entire room was decorated in Gryffindor scarlet and Au. The mellow ceiling was painted gold and the walls were covered in scarlet drapery. The floor was covered in scarlet and Au patterned carpet. In the backbone of the elbow room was a large fireplace dispatch with a crackle fire. In figurehead of the flak, were three large comfy looking scarlet armchairs and a big gold sofa.

`` What is this lieu ? '' Amanda asked as she walked around the room.

`` I think it 's the Room of requisite, '' Albus told her, `` It 's also called the come and Go Room. It only appears when you 're in need of it. And it changes according to your needs. ``

`` Dad 's told me about this before, but he would n't tell me where it was or how to find it, '' John told them.

`` Same with me, '' rose wine said.

`` Me, too, '' Albus replied.

`` It 's incredible ! '' Amanda grinned, `` Looks just like the Gryffindor unwashed room. ``

`` Only better, '' John the Divine responded, `` We can sit near the flak. ``

`` It looks like it was made for us, '' Albus commented.

`` It does, '' pink wine agreed, `` Matt, did you ... quest this ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Matt sighed.

`` So, you knew about the elbow room ? '' John asked.

`` Yes, '' Matt answered, `` Amy told me about it before I came to Hogwarts. She thought, it well, might be utilitarian, for me. '' He sighed, `` Sometimes I come here after I get out of the Hospital Wing, if I want to just be alone and sleep. ``

`` And does it look like this then ? '' Amanda asked.

`` No, usually it 's got a four-poster bed and the fireplace, and that 's it. ``

`` So, it 'll give you whatever you ask for ? '' Amanda responded.

`` Er, I think so, within reason, '' matt told her, `` Like, if you wanted a room full of Galleons, I do n't guess it would be able to do it. And it ca n't give you food. Something about the law of transfiguration or something. ``

`` Is this where you 've been all day ? '' bathroom asked as he wandered around the room. `` Because we went to see you on Tues and lady Pomfrey said you 'd get to give Thursday or today. ``

Matt sighed and slowly walked towards one of the armchairs and sat down in it. Albus followed and sat down on the couch. Rose sat down future to him while Saint John the Apostle and Amanda took the remaining president. `` Yeah, I was here, '' matt said quietly after a few moment of silence. `` I was just so fatigue and I could n't face going to magic spell and dealing with Washburn and Malfoy. ``

Albus could understand that. Looking back on the previous month, he realized that Washburn did tend to call on lustrelessness more right after he got back from the hospital Wing.

`` You were still tired ? Even after spending three solar day in the Hospital annexe ? Why ? '' King John asked while he pulled a cocoa Frog out of his pocket and opened it. `` Oh, look, Albus. Now I 've got Snape ! ``

`` I dunno. That 's just how it is, '' matt mumbled.

The group sat in silence for a few bit. John pulled out a few Sir Thomas More frogs and offered them around. Albus, Rose, and Amanda each took one and ate them. Albus got Minerva McGonagall, which he gave to Amanda since he already had about seven of her.

`` You guys have to assure me something, '' flatness broke the secrecy, `` Do n't tell anyone. ``

Albus stared at him. `` Of form we wo n't, '' he said solemnly. John, rose, and Amanda nodded their heads in agreement.

`` Thanks, '' flatness whispered, and got up from his chair.

`` Where are you going ? '' Albus asked.

`` I dunno. I just figured you would n't want to hang out with me anymore, '' Matt looked nervously at Albus.

`` What ? ! '' Albus shouted, `` Of course we still want to cling out with you ! ``

`` Really ? '' lustrelessness asked, while a grinning slowly crept up on his face.

`` Definitely ! '' john assured him.

`` Of course, '' Amanda smiled.

`` We wo n't abandon you, '' Rose said adamantly.

matt visibly relaxed and sat back down in his chair. `` I guess I just thought that you would n't. Since, well, everyone I 've ever been friends with check talking to me once they found out. ``

`` That wo n't happen with us, '' Albus assured him.

`` But does n't it scare you, just a bit ? '' Matt asked tentatively.

`` Nope, '' Albus replied, grinning. He glanced at rose wine, who grinned back.

`` What 's so funny ? '' Matt looked from Albus to Rose.

`` Did Professor Kendrick tell you that you are n't the first lycanthrope to attend Hogwarts ? '' Albus asked.

`` Yeah ... '' lustrelessness responded warily, `` He said there was one early, a span decennium ago. ``

`` And I 'm guessing he never told you who that was ? '' Rose replied.

`` Er, no, he did n't, '' lustrelessness answered, `` But Amy told me that Teddy 's dad was a werewolf and he went here, so I assumed it was him. ``

`` Exactly, '' Albus grinned, `` And my dad 's chemise 's godfather. ``

`` Really ? '' matte asked.

`` Yup, '' rose said. `` I 'll let Albus recount you the quietus. ``

`` You mean, there 's more ? '' mat stared in awe at Albus.

`` Yup, you want to know why my dad 's teddy 's godfather, do n't you ? ``

`` Of course ! ``

`` wellspring, here it goes. My grandpa, the one who was killed by Voldemort, went to Hogwarts the same time Remus Lupin did. Along with Sirius Negro and Peter Pettigrew. They all became pretty good friends. Remus Lupin tried to keep the fact that he was a werewolf arcanum, but eventually, my grandpa, Sirius, and Saint Peter found out. And they did n't abandon him. In fact, they all became illegal animagi and spent the full Sun Myung Moon with him. ``

`` Really ? '' lusterlessness glanced around at his friends.

`` Really, '' Albus continued, `` They stayed friends right up until Pettigrew betrayed my grandparents. And you know that story. Then, Remus met Nymphadora Tonks, who was somehow related to Sirius, I think she was his cousin 's daughter. Anyway, they got married and had a son, Teddy, right in the pinnacle of Voldemort 's reign. They both were killed in the struggle. But Remus had made my dad shimmy 's godfather, so he 's sort of like a blood brother. So, you can see that no way would I abandon you. ``

`` Wow, '' Matt grinned at Albus, `` But what about the respite of you ? ``

`` Nope, you do n't have to worry about me, '' rosebush answered, `` teddy 's like my first cousin. ``

`` I 'm not related to any werewolves, heck, you 're the first one I 've met. But do n't care. You 're my friend and nothing can change that, '' John replied.

`` Honestly, it scared me a bit when I first found out, '' Amanda admitted, `` But I 'm Muggle-born, so the sole idea of werewolves I 'd had were in Muggle fairy fib. ``

matt looked at her and the smile on his fount disappeared. He glanced nervously at Albus.

`` But I 'm hunky-dory with it now. Rose taught me a lot. I know now that real werewolves are n't anything like the ones in fairy tales. And besides, just because you get furred once a month does n't mean you 're a different someone the rest period of the calendar month. I was champion with you before I knew and I 'll quell champion with you now, '' Amanda assured him.

flatness relaxed, `` Thanks, guys. I 've never had better supporter. But how long have you known ? ``

`` fountainhead, Rose figured it out in November, but we were n't confident until I wound up in the Hospital wing at the Sami time as you last month. ``

`` What ? ! '' Matt 's mouth fell receptive, `` How did that occur ? ``

Albus explained the duel with Quinton Willinson and how he had overheard lady Pomfrey and the Healer talking early the next morning.

`` Why did n't you tell me you knew ? '' Matt asked quietly.

`` I thought it would be good for you to separate us when you 're ready, but I guess that did n't happen, '' Albus answered.

`` supposition not, but thanks anyway, for the view, '' lustrelessness replied. Everyone sat quietly for a few moments, before Albus broke the silence.

`` Could we, er, ask you questions about it ? '' Albus asked tentatively.

Matt sighed, `` trusted, I guess. ``

`` If you do n't desire to- '' Albus started.

`` No, it 's fine, it 's just I 've never actually told anyone about it. It 's always been my parents or Amy. But yeah, ask whatever you want, '' Matt told them.

`` All right, if you 're sure, '' Albus paused, `` Well, when did it come about ? ``

mat took a mysterious breathing space. `` When I was five. We were Muggle camping at the time. My mum 's Muggle-born, and she had gone camping when she was a kid, and she wanted me and Amy to get the experience. You guys do know what Muggles do when they camp, right ? ``

`` That 's when they live in those cramped, bantam tents that are just big enough to log Z's in, right ? And they do n't use electrical energy or any of that hooey they use instead of magic trick ? '' Saint John the Apostle asked.

Amanda stifled a giggle at his description of camping. `` Well, that 's the general idea, I suppose, but it 's usually a lot funner than you describe it. ``

`` Right, '' matt said, `` Well, that 's what my mum wanted to do. So Dad agreed because he thought it sounded screwball enough to be fun. And it was, at first. We did n't use any conjuration. I do n't remember a whole lot, but I do think Dad playing with matches trying to get the campfire lit. It took him a half minute. Amy says that after that first campfire, Mum lit all the rest of them.

`` We were going to camp for three nighttime, I think. The secondment night was a full moon Sun Myung Moon. It was a blue moon. You know, when there are two moons in a month, they call the back one a bluing lunar month. They do n't materialize often. Only every 2 or 3 days. It was the end of December, think back that the seasons are reverse in Australia, so it was quick. We were all in one tent, and in the middle of the night I had to go to the bathroom. There was a long walk to the bathroom, through the Grant Wood. I was halfway there when I heard this deep growling. The last thing I remember is a huge animal pouncing on me and a searing pain in the ass in my back, and then I blacked out. ``

Albus listened but did n't say anything. He heard Amanda gasped. Albus sorting of felt sick to his stomach. Ever since he found out that flatness was a werewolf, he knew he must have been bit, but he never really thought about the particular. Now, hearing about it, he felt awful that his booster had been through it.

`` And then what happened ? '' John whispered.

`` Well, my parents told me what happened a spell after I woke up. Amy is a really light sleeper and she heard the growl and my screaming. She woke up my parents and my dad went noticed that I was gone and he ran out of the collapsible shelter with his baton. There were a bunch of Muggles who had woken up and were running around screaming. They told my parents that a kid was being attacked by a wolf. That kid of course, was me. My parents kept running towards the growl until they found me. Dad saw what was happening and started shooting off all sorts of spells that somehow had expectant issue on the werewolf. Then my mum started trying to stupefy the werewolf, too. After a few go, the wolfman was stunned. ``

`` Muggles saw it ? '' Rose asked.

`` Yeah, '' lustrelessness continued, `` My mum place word to the Ministry and they sent Obliviators and representatives from the Werewolf Control unit. Dad was head of that department at the time. None of the Muggles remember anything from it of course, but it was in the newspaper, so all the whiz and hag found out about it. But they did n't sleep together it was me who got attacked. The law prevents the names of minor werewolves from being released. ``

`` Wow, '' Albus said, `` I guess that 's good that no one knew it was you. ``

`` It did n't really help, though, '' Matt replied bitterly. `` But there 's more before I get to that. After the Ministry masses showed up, my dad Apparated with me to Eastworth, that 's one of the hospitals in Commonwealth of Australia. I spent nearly a calendar month there. right up until the next full moon. I woke up two hebdomad after it happened. Spent the next two weeks waiting for all the combat injury to heal, but they did n't heal all the way. That took a brace months. Anyway, the first full moon was awful. I hardly remember any of it. Just the pain and unwellness in the few days before it and the two weeks it took to heal after it. ``

`` But what about the Aconitum lycoctonum Potion ? '' blush wine asked tentatively.

matt sighed, `` The thing is, that does n't puzzle out for me. The therapist have n't been able-bodied to picture out why yet. I took it during the first few full Moon and it had no essence on me at all, so my parents stopped giving it to me. ``

Albus could n't think of what to say. He now knew the story. Matt had told them the unhurt matter. It seemed like once he started, he just did n't stop. Maybe it felt well to finally tell someone about it ? Albus figured that was it. He could n't imagine carrying around a privy like that for XII eld. Then Albus remembered something Matt had told him on the geartrain. `` Um, Matt ? Why did your category move to here ? '' Albus had the flavor that had something to do with his being a wolfman. Matt had n't mentioned much about moving to England, and when he talked about it on the train, he changed the subject quickly.

`` Um, well, because of me, '' Matt replied glumly, `` I never told you before, but my parents were really well-known in Australia. Not really noted like your family is, Albus, but just kind of upper class types. Both of them were. My dad comes from a farseeing line of pure bloods. But not the kinds who despise Muggles and Muggle-borns. They were just always involved in the Ministry and had a load of gold, that kind of thing.

`` And my mum, her family is really rich. They were always involved in all sorts of famous person eccentric stuff. They knew all sorts of famous people and hosted visualize parties and things like that. Then my mum got her letter telling her she was a beldame. My grandparents were horrified and excited at the same time. They obviously could n't recite any of their ally about it, and they had a intemperately time keeping it a secret.

`` My parents met in schooling and got married a few years later. Put together, they were the ideal charming mates. My dad got a job at the Ministry in the Werewolf Control Unit. Eventually, shortly after I was born, he worked his way up to headspring. Then, a few months after I was bitten, he became Head of the integral department for the controller and regularization of Magical Creatures. Kind of ironic, is n't it ? ``

`` That 's how he knew how to stun the werewolf, '' rose commented.

`` Yeah, and it 's a soundly thing he did, '' flatness said, `` Anyway, my kinsfolk was involved in all form of phantasy events and commission, both magical and Muggle. My parents were living the utter life. Then, I got bit. ``

`` And it all had to block off, did n't it ? '' Albus said softly.

`` Yes, and slowly it did. number one, they stopped doing the Muggle things. Muggles do n't know wolfman are real, so they could n't do much Muggle stuff anymore. The Muggles would ask what was wrong with me and my parents could n't tell them. If they lied and said it was some variety of Muggle disease, it would have got been all over their news. So, my parents just told everyone that they were going to relax and evoke their kin away from all the fame.

`` The magic stuff was a little more complicated. Everyone who worked in my dad 's berth knew that I had been bit and they kept it a secret for a long time. For over two old age, no one knew it happened. Then, there were more than wolfman attempt down there. So people started drafting anti-werewolf legislation. My dad immediately rejected all of it. People got suspicious, and one of his fellow got pretty fired up about it. He was all for Thomas More restriction. So, he leaked that I was a werewolf to other parts of the Ministry. Of course, they could n't really fire him for me being a loup-garou. But right before that happened, the Ministry managed to pass a law requiring all shoes of transformation to be separate construction. The department overruled Dad 's veto and the diplomatic minister signed it into law. Dad refused to abide by and got fired for breaking the law. ``

can let out a low tin whistle, `` flatness, I 'm so gloomy, did you imagine it was your shift ? ``

`` Yeah, I did, actually, '' matt said darkly, `` Mum and Dad kept telling me it was n't and not to think that way, but I could n't serve it.

`` But it was just all downhill from there. My parents had already sent a letter to Amy 's school, the Australian schoolhouse of black art, to see if I could still attend. They would n't let me. So they were planning on moving anyway. ``

`` They would n't ? ! '' whoremaster shouted, `` But why ? ``

`` Said it was too dangerous. I was really depressed after that. The transmutation got speculative. I always held out hope that I 'd be capable to go to school day. Amy would come home with tarradiddle and I looked forward to when I 'd get to go. So, just to seek out the options, my parents sent varsity letter to a few other schools. The Salem witch Institute in Massachusetts, Hogwarts, and the Adirondack Academy of magic trick in New House of York State. And a mates others that I do n't recollect the public figure. Hogwarts, Salem, and Adirondack both said I could still attend. Adirondack had never had any werewolves attend, but they said they would puzzle out it out. Salem turned out to be a really bad approximation. My parents and Amy did n't wish it.

`` By then, my parents were definitely bequeath to motivate so I could go to school. They were debating which schooltime I should go to when they read about a work St. Mungo 's was doing. It would try to figure out why Wolfsbane would n't work for some masses. That was the deciding divisor. They decided on Hogwarts and signed me up for the study. We moved that summertime. ``

Albus sat and thought. He now knew what Dumbledore had meant by 'true horrors in his past'. It was n't just being bit by a loup-garou and becoming one himself. It was the fact that matt 's menage 's whole life was drastically changed because of what had happened. They moved halfway across the creation because of it. `` What about Amy ? She had already been at school in Australia for a few years, '' Albus commented.

`` Yeah, she had. She was 14 when we moved, going into her fourth year. And she was n't too happy about it. I know you guys just see her as a protective older babe, but she was n't always, '' flatness paused, `` She was really worried when my parents told her that we had to run. She did n't want to get out her admirer. She blamed me. ``

`` But she 's always looking out for you ! '' Rose replied, `` I ca n't imagine her being mad at you. ``

`` I know, '' Matt said, `` But it 's straight. You see, my parents did n't let her be anywhere near me when I transformed. She stayed with my grandparents every full synodic month that she was n't in shoal. She stayed with them for a few day after the full lunar month, too. By the time she got back, I was mostly better. ``

`` Oh, '' Rose said, `` But what happened ? ``

`` Well, once we moved, she could n't go stay with my grandparents every full moon anymore. We moved in June, right after the full moon. There were two to a greater extent wax lunation before she started schooltime. Dad still had connections with the Ministry in Australia, so he managed to set up portkeys for her to take to my grandparents'house, even after we moved. She was still mad at me when she left for schoolhouse and it made me find horrifying. But after a few weeks, she settled into Hogwarts and made new supporter, including Victoire.

`` Then the summer came and my parents had to face that she would be there during good lunation. Something happened and Dad could n't get portkeys to Commonwealth of Australia anymore. By then I 'd been a werewolf for over three years and she still had n't been there. She was 15, then, so my parents figured she was old enough anyway. Anyway, the night came and I, er, went to the topographic point where I transform when I 'm home. In the break of the day, my parents always came and got me really former, so they could select me to my bed and open me my potions and stuff and nonsense. well, apparently that Nox Amy had n't slept at all. She told me later that she could n't once she heard my screech and howling. She stayed awake all night, waiting for the moon to set, and once it did, she went and got me even before my parents did.

`` fountainhead, once she saw me, she realized what I was going through. That good morning, she saw me unconscious, with broken off-white, and covered in origin and snub. It made her realize how bad it really is. She told me later that once she saw me, she started crying and she started trying to heal my gash. Then my parents came and found her. They started crying with her and let her assist them do everything they do after a translation. When I woke up, we had a long lecture, all four of us. Amy completely forgave me for moving here and she 's been very protective ever since, especially when it comes to someone being rude about my precondition. ``

`` Oh, lustrelessness, '' Rose whispered, `` I 'm so glad that Amy is n't mad at you anymore. I just ca n't conceive you have to go through all this. ``

`` It 's all right, I 'll pull through, '' lusterlessness assured her.

`` I know, it just does n't seem average, '' Rose said.

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` Do you know what happened to the werewolf that bit you ? ``

`` My dad told me, '' Matt answered, `` He got in a load of trouble, because of what did happen and what could bear happened. He could throw attacked some of the Muggles that were there, instead of me. It was only by hazard that it happened to be me, a wizard, he bit. We were probably the only champion anywhere near that bivouac, but there were loads of Muggles around. Anyway, he got sentenced to ten twelvemonth in prison. ``

`` So he 's still there ? '' John asked.

`` Yup, '' matte replied. He paused for a few present moment, watching his friends. `` So, now you know the whole story. ``

`` Were you really planning on keeping it a secret the altogether sentence you were at Hogwarts ? '' Albus asked.

`` Er, I 'm not sure. I guess so. That 's what my parents told me to do anyway. They told me not to order anyone, and I did n't need to tell apart anyone either. I did n't really reckon anyone would observe out. ``

`` rose is pretty smart, though, '' Albus said, `` I would n't have figured it out without her, well, until I wound up in the Hospital extension with you concluding month. ``

`` I guess I would n't have been able-bodied to go all through school without anyone finding out. ``

`` So who does bed ? '' Albus asked.

`` Hardly anyone. The teachers, of class. Most of them have been really nice about it, especially your dad, Albus, '' mat answered.

Albus grinned, `` Yeah, like that essay that was due the other day. ``

`` Oh, yeah, I 'd bury about that, '' lustrelessness groaned, `` I 'll stimulate to do it this weekend. Washburn 's been pretty rude, but he 's rude to every Gryffindor. Amy had warned me about that. ``

`` What about over Christmastide holiday, did you really fall out of a tree diagram, or was that just another cover-up story ? '' Albus asked, suddenly remembering that.

Matt blushed, `` Er, yeah, it was. There was a total moon over the holiday. The second one of Dec to be exact. It was a dark moon. Only the second one since the one when I got bit. The foremost one was when I was 8 and it was frightening. Much worse than the regular good moons. And the one in December was just as awful. Plus, I had to metamorphose at my grandparents house. In their bean, which my dad sound proofed and strengthened the rampart with magic. So, yeah, those injuries were from the full Moon, not falling out of a tree. ``

`` I had a tactual sensation about that, '' Albus commented, `` So, no other scholarly person have intercourse ? ``

`` Nope, '' Matt answered, `` You 're the only ones, besides Amy. She 's not allowed to tell her friends. She has n't even told Victoire. ``

`` Thanks for telling us the whole tale, '' Rose said.

`` You know, it feels practiced to finally distinguish someone. variety of like I can slack now. I was always afraid you 'd find out out and tell person and I 'd throw to leave. ``

`` We 'd never do that, '' Albus assured him.

`` Thanks, '' Matt smiled.

Just then the room access to the room burst open and Amy came running in, out of breathing time. `` There you are ! '' she shouted and ran towards Matt.

`` How 'd you get in here ? '' King John asked. `` We 're already using the way. ``

`` I made all the requests for it and I always request that Amy be able to find me, but to keep everyone else out, '' Matt answered.

`` And it 's a good thing, too ! It 's half past midnight ! I was worried sick ! Madam Pomfrey said you left ages ago, but I have n't seen you all day, '' Amy gave him a hug.

`` Ouch ! '' lusterlessness winced.

`` Oh, sorry ! '' Amy released her grip, `` Have you been here all day ? ``

`` Pretty much. ``

`` You skipped class ? Are you sure you 're advantageously ? '' Amy asked in a worried tone.

`` I 'm just tired and I did n't want to face Washburn today. He always calls on me when I 'm exhaust, he does it on function, '' lustrelessness yawned.

`` Oh, he 's such a git, '' Amy replied, `` But are you sure you 're ok ? I could take you back to the Hospital Wing. ``

`` I 'm mulct, honestly, '' Matt said adamantly.

`` How did they know how to get in here ? '' Amy glanced around at Albus, bathroom, Rose, and Amanda, and then leaned over and whispered something in Matt 's ear.

`` It 's all right field, Amy, '' Matt sighed, `` They know. I told them. I told them everything. ``

`` What ? ! '' Amy opened her heart broad and stared at mat. `` Mum and Dad told you not to ! ``

`` I know, but it 's all right. They figured it out months ago and were just waiting until I was ready to secernate them. ``

`` They 'd amend not secern, '' Amy glanced around at Albus and the others.

`` Do n't worry, they wo n't, '' Matt assured her, `` Albus 's dad is Teddy 's godfather. So, they definitely wo n't secernate. Albus 's grandpa was really good friends with shift 's dad. ``

`` I knew that, '' Amy said, `` Guess I just never really put it together. ``

`` Yup, and you know, I 'm really glad I told them everything. I can slacken a little bit. ``

`` Just be for sure no one else finds out, '' Amy warned.

`` I know, I 'll be careful, '' matt said, `` But you know, you could tell Victoire, if you want. I do n't intend she 'd tell anyone, do you, Albus ? ``

`` No, she would n't tell anyone, '' Albus assured them.

`` Yeah, I know she would n't. I 've been tempted to tell her ever since she told me that her dad was attacked by Fenrir Greyback, '' Amy revealed, `` But Mum and Dad do n't desire me to tell anyone. ``

`` I know, they did n't need me to tell anyone either, but that did n't make out, '' lustrelessness replied, `` I just wanted you to acknowledge that I would n't heed if you told Victoire. ``

`` Ok, I 'll call up about it. But thanks for telling me that. It 's hard keeping it a mystic. Sometimes I just want to let the cat out of the bag about it. ``

`` Me, too. That 's why I 'm kinda relieved they know now, '' matt gestured to his friends.

`` I guess you should let Mum and Dad know that you told them. ``

`` I will, I 'll beam them a letter this weekend, '' Matt yawned.

`` You really ought to go to bed, '' Amy suggested.

`` That 'd probably be a good melodic theme, '' Albus agreed, `` Quidditch is tomorrow. ``

`` Oh, yeah, I 'd blank out ! '' matt said excitedly.

`` Should be a good game, '' John commented.

`` Ravenclaw will probably win, '' Amanda predicted.

Albus and his Friend walked back to Gryffindor Tower with Amy, and the usual room was practically deserted by the time they got back. Victoire was there, along with Samantha Meyers, and a couple early seventh age who Albus vaguely recognized. Amy bid them goodnight and went to sit with her friends. When Albus, John, and lustrelessness went up to their dormitory, Bilius and Ethan were already departed. Albus climbed into his bed feeling very content. He was happy that matt had finally opened up to them, but still felt a bit worried about what Matt was going through. Albus was also quite thrilled with the idea of having the Room of Requirement usable to them. He did n't remember he 'd handle to find that until he was very much elderly, but now he would be able to use it during all his years at Hogwarts. With that and the Marauder 's Map, if St. James the Apostle let him borrow it, Albus and his friends would certainly be able to have some fun. If only he had the invisibleness Cloak. And with persuasion of his dad actually giving him the Cloak, Albus fell into a surprisingly restful sleep.

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A/N : So, there it is ! The chapter you 've been waiting for ! I really hope you liked it. I wound up re-writing a bunch of it, since office had contradicted my other story. It was originally two chapters, but I combined them to make up for the last-place chapter which was quite little !

Speaking of my other tarradiddle, I will be posting it very soon ! It 's called In moonshine 's Shadow and it 's basically the product of me having too much background story about Matt to possibly put into a story that focuses on Albus. The story goes into enceinte particular about why Matt and his family unit moved to England. It 's done in first person, from Amy 's point of thought. I have thirty chapters written so far. I hope you 'll all check over it out once I post it !

Thanks as usual to my sister and Beta, Dancer of Starlight, my former baby, and my brother. Thanks as well to inkheart, Moonylupin, and mamaykay for the reassessment !

Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry ceramicist

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Albus woke up late the adjacent aurora, but he was still up before John or Matt were. Bilius and Ethan 's beds were empty, so they were already up. Albus was surprised that john was n't up yet. He rarely ever missed breakfast, even on the weekends. The Quidditch friction match was n't for another two hours, so Albus quietly got trim and show a bit of his Quidditch in the Twentieth Century Quran. He had been reading for a half hr when he heard someone seed into the room.

`` Albus ? '' a voice called out, `` Are n't you up yet ? ``

Albus looked up from his book, `` Oh, hi Rose, Amanda. I 've been up for a while, but those two are still asleep. '' He jerked his head towards John and matt 's beds.

`` I do n't opine I 've ever seen Gospel According to John miss breakfast before, '' Rose commented while looking at his sleeping form.

`` Me neither. But we did stay up pretty late last night, '' Albus said.

`` Yeah. We 've been up for a spell, doing homework, '' Rose responded.

`` Still have dozens more to do, though, '' Amanda sighed, `` I have n't made much advance on my form of the moon essay for Astronomy. ``

`` Bet matt could bear that done in xv minutes, '' Albus commented, `` He could probably help you. ``

`` good estimation, I 'll ask him after the compeer, '' Amanda decided, `` We should probably get them up, though. ``

Albus agreed and pulled back the pall on lustrelessness 's bed while rose wine and Amanda prodded John awake. Albus looked down at matte, who was sleeping soundly. Albus almost felt bad waking him up, but he knew Matt wanted to watch the match and would be mad if no one woke him up in sentence. Albus pulled back the mantle and gently poked his arm.

`` Wha 's going on ? '' mat mumbled. He sat up and itch his eyes.

`` We almost slept through Quidditch, '' John replied sleepily as he got up out of bed and headed to the bathroom.

`` Oh, right ! '' Matt yawned and got up immediately.

Fifteen minutes later, Albus headed down to the Great Hall with his supporter to take in lunch before the mates. The usual exhilaration that accompanied a Quidditch match was in the air when they walked into the way. Harry had been right when he said that Quidditch would take people 's brain off Rita Skeeter 's article. Albus had n't heard anyone mention it in days. It seemed as if everyone had finally forgotten about it.

`` Why ca n't the conditions be like this when we play ? '' James River groaned as he sat down future to Albus.

The weather was unusually proficient. It was still bitterly cold, but it was relatively sunny.

`` well, it does n't count, because our team can wreak in any conditions ! '' Samantha Meyers announced. `` The Hufflepuffs on the other bridge player .... ''

`` They 're better than the Slytherins this year, '' James commented.

`` True, but the Slytherins have n't totally suffer the Cup yet. Ravenclaw only beat them by 30 points in their mates. Now, if they lose to Hufflepuff in the next friction match, they 'll be out of the running, '' Samantha explained.

After lunch, everyone made their way to the Quidditch pitching. Albus and his ally managed to get goodness seats, but none of them really knew which squad to settle down for. The lucifer lasted almost two minute before the Ravenclaw Seeker finally caught the sneaker. Both seeker spent nearly of the friction match hovering above the other players, neither of them managing to see the Snitch. James was sitting a few seat down from Albus and Albus heard him shouting to the quester on numerous social function because he had seen the Snitch. In the end, the Ravenclaw seeker saw it hovering near the Hufflepuff goal Wiley Post, caught it, and won the game.

Albus and his friends spent the oddment of the day working on their homework. Matt was able to help Amanda finish her essay, and everyone helped him becharm up on all the work he had missed the previous week.

******

`` XV second left ! '' Professor Slughorn announced during stunt man potions one March good afternoon, a few weeks later. `` convey a sample of your potion up to my desk for grading and strip up, delight ! ``

Albus poured a bit of his boil-cure potion into a ampoule and took it up to prof Slughorn while John cleaned out their cauldron.

`` Albus, m'boy ! '' Slughorn grinned at him and took his potion. He held it up to the visible radiation and shook it. `` Near perfect, I think ! Could own done with a few more porcupine quills, but very good.

`` Now, I am planning on having another little meeting this William Ashley Sunday evening, '' Slughorn went on, as he put Albus 's potion on his desk with the others. `` I was hoping you and missy Weasley would be able to go to. ``

Albus inwardly groaned. He did not need to go to another sluggard Club meeting. The thought of being that close to Quinton Willinson again made him shudder. `` Er, well, actually, I 've got lesson with my aunty Hermione every Sunday. Rose does, too. ``

`` Oh, what a shame, '' Slughorn replied, `` Maybe next time, then ? ``

`` Er, maybe, '' Albus shifted nervously. He had no intentions of ever going to another lick lodge group meeting. At least not while Willinson was still at Hogwarts.

Albus went back to his table, got his bag, and left the way with his friends. As they walked up the stair to the Entrance Marguerite Radclyffe Hall, Albus told them about the Slug social club meeting.

`` You 're not going, are you, Albus ? '' John questioned.

`` Definitely not, '' Albus replied adamantly, `` Plus, I 've got Occlumency that night anyway. ``

`` I 'm happy he made the group meeting for a Dominicus, then, '' rosiness commented.

`` Yeah, me too. But he wo n't do it again, though. Now that he knows we have lessons that Nox. I guess next time I 'll just own to say I 've got too much homework or something, '' Albus said.

`` Or use a Puking Pastille or Fever Fudge or something, '' Saint John the Apostle suggested.

`` That could work, '' Albus replied as they emerged into the ingress Hall. They started to cut across towards the Great anteroom when Albus noticed someone walking towards them. He grabbed the backs of rose wine and matte 's robes and stopped them.

`` What ? '' Matt turned around and looked quizzically at Albus.

`` Shush ! '' Albus whispered, `` ejaculate here. '' Albus lead them over to a broom cupboard and pulled them inside it.

`` What are we doing in here ? '' St. John asked loudly.

`` Shush ! '' Albus said again and opened the threshold a sally. `` await at that man. He 's who I saw arguing with Washburn ! ``

Rose, John, lusterlessness, and Amanda each took a bit peering out the door to appear at the sensation. `` Are you trusted ? '' Rose asked.

`` positive degree, '' Albus replied.

`` delay, you saw him arguing with Washburn ? '' flatness asked.

`` Oh, right, you were in the infirmary extension then, '' Albus remembered. He quickly rehashed what he had overheard while doing hold for Washburn.

`` So Washburn 's doing some sort of job for that sorcerer ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus said, `` And I think they 're up to something. I say we follow him. ``

`` But it 's clip for supper ! '' St. John the Apostle whined.

`` Exactly. Which means no one will be around to wonder what we 're up to, '' Albus reasoned. `` Plus, we 'll get supper after. ``

John the Evangelist sighed, `` Fine. Where do you think they went ? ``

`` Probably Washburn 's office. ``

pink wine opened the door. `` Let 's go then. ``

Albus followed rosiness out the door and they crept up the stairs towards Washburn 's office, with John, lustrelessness, and Amanda following. The corridors were empty since everyone was in the Great foyer. They reached the Charms classroom and Albus peeked inside. Washburn and the other wizard were standing near his desk, arguing in hushed voices. Albus motioned for his friends to move closer and the five of them huddled near the subject door, being careful not to crap too a good deal noise.

`` You have n't done it yet, '' the strange man hissed, `` Why have n't you done it ? ``

`` I 'm sorry ! '' Washburn replied, `` I have n't been able to yet ! ``

`` Well, why not ? It does n't look that difficult to me. ``

`` It 's harder than you 'd think ! I do n't know where they are ! '' Washburn answered.

`` I 've told you how to find out ! ``

`` I know and I 've been trying. I have, really ! '' Washburn moaned.

Albus looked quizzically at his ally. He had never seen Washburn like this before. Usually, it was Washburn who was doing the bullying, not the other way around. But this man was obviously angry that Washburn had n't finished whatever he wanted him to do.

`` well, hurry up then. Try harder ! '' the unusual necromancer insisted.

`` I will, I will. ``

`` You know we can not proceed without them. I 'm positive I know where one of them is, but it will prove very difficult to get. Once we find out where the others are, we 'll do them first. They 're the more important ones anyway. So, you must do it soon. Just ascertain out where they are. I 'll retrieve them. You 've obviously had difficulties with even doing the simple task of finding them, let alone retrieving them, '' the adept growled.

`` Yes, I know. I will try harder, I will. It 's just ..., '' Washburn trailed off.

`` What ? ! '' the wizard demanded.

Albus leaned his brain closer to the doorway, but Washburn remained silent. Then Albus felt a wet object collide with his head. `` Argh ! '' he screamed and turned around.

`` Ickle firsties ! '' Peeves was bobbing up and down in the air, cackling madly. `` Spying on teachers ? Very naughty !

`` Peeves ! '' Rose shouted as the poltergeist heaved a water balloon at her top dog. Peeves cackled and threw another water balloon at Albus.

`` What is going on out here ? ! '' Washburn appeared in the threshold, his voice returning to the usual fury that Albus was used to.

`` Firsties spying on your meeting, Professor, Sir ! '' Peeves saluted Washburn and flew down the hallway, laughing hysterically.

`` Potter ! '' Washburn spat, glaring at Albus. Albus stood trembling and soaking wet, waiting for whatever was coming future. At the time, spying on Washburn seemed like a cracking idea. But now that he thought about it, it was inevitable that they would be caught.

The strange wizard came sauntering out of the room with a self-satisfied look on his nerve. `` I think that concludes our discourse. I shall be speaking with you shortly. '' He walked down the corridor and disappeared around a corner.

Washburn watched him pull up stakes and once he was gone, Washburn turned back to Albus. `` Just what, do you lot, call up you were doing ? '' he seethed.

Albus stood still, but said nothing. Rose, Saint John the Apostle, Matt, and Amanda remained silent as well. Washburn looked at each of them in turn and returned his regard to Albus. `` 100 power point from Gryffindor. And detention, this Monday at 7 pm, all of you. I 'll have you polishing the trophies, '' he spat.

Albus nodded. 100 power point, that was the most Washburn had ever taken from them before. The detention was no big deal, but the points would set Gryffindor quite a shipway back in the running for the theater Cup.

`` Um, professor, '' Matt whispered, `` Is there any prospect we could do it this weekend, maybe, instead of Monday ? ``

Washburn turned to glower at lusterlessness, looking livid. `` NO ! I 've got other detentions scheduled for the weekend ! You 'll meet me in the Trophy Room at 7 pm on Monday, or I 'll report you to the master ! '' He gave lusterlessness one Sir Thomas More piercing stare and went back into his elbow room, slamming the doorway behind him.

Albus turned and looked at his friends. They all had shocked expressions on their faces and Matt looked quite distressed. Rose 's hair's-breadth was dripping with water.

`` Told you we should let gone to supper instead, '' John commented, as they started walking down the corridor.

`` Shut it, '' Albus replied, `` We may have gotten custody, but we did hear some useful information. ``

`` He 's got a degree, '' Rose said, `` Washburn 's definitely up to something. That man wants him to find out something out, find out where something is, and then they 're going to try to slip it. ``

`` I guess, but we do n't even recognise what they 're trying to find out. We ca n't really do anything about it, '' John responded.

`` And Washburn 's even more tempestuous with us, '' Matt said dryly.

`` Yeah, but he already hates me so much that it does n't matter, '' Albus pointed out, `` By the way, why did you desire the hold switched ? That 's not the, you know, is it ? '' Albus asked, not wanting to say 'full Sun Myung Moon'out loud, in case anyone was lurking around.

`` No, '' mat whispered, `` But it 's two nights after the detention, so I 'll already be feeling miserable. ``

`` Oh, '' Albus said, remembering how tired Matt always was in the sidereal day preceding the full synodic month. `` Maybe you could talk to my dad or Professor Longbottom ? They 'd puddle Washburn change over it. ``

`` I know they would, but then Bible would get around to Malfoy. The end thing I need is him wondering why I can select when I have my detainment. You know Washburn would somehow mention it in course of study. ``

`` Yeah, he would, '' Albus said darkly.

`` We 'll just round off your trophies for you, '' John the Divine assured him, `` Just make it wait like you 're doing something and we 'll cover for you. ``

lusterlessness smiled weakly, `` Thanks. ``

`` So, we going to go eat supper or not ? '' John the Evangelist turned towards the stairs.

`` You guys go ahead, '' Albus answered, `` I 've got to go exchange out of these wet robes. '' He gave rose a meaningful glance.

`` I 've got to change, too, '' Rose told them and gestured to her soaking robes.

`` All rightfield, '' John said, and started down the stairs with matte and Amanda.

Albus and rosebush set off for Gryffindor tugboat. Once they entered the deserted common elbow room, rosiness turned to bet at Albus. `` You thought of the Hallows when you heard Washburn talking, did n't you ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus said, `` Did you ? ``

Rose nodded, `` It does look funny. ``

`` It 's got to be him. It fits. That 's why he hates me. He thought I 'd know where the Hallows are, but I do n't. ``

`` I dunno. I mean, it does fit, but still, Washburn 's a teacher. ``

`` So what ? teacher can be nighttime wizards, too. ``

`` I know, but we do n't have any validation ! We did n't even see him say 'Hallows', '' Rose reasoned.

`` I know, so I do n't mean we should tell my dad yet, we ca n't get him in trouble, but it 's a scratch line. And we learned more about the Hallows, '' Albus pointed out, `` They already know where one of them is, but it 's going to be arduous to get. Maybe it 's heavily guarded ? ``

`` Probably. Anyway, I think we 'll probably have to take up Dumbledore 's advice and talk of the town to John, lustrelessness, and Amanda about it. We 've got to find out what they are. ``

`` Yeah, we should. We 'll do it soon, '' Albus assured her.

`` Albus, do you think that Washburn, or whoever is trying to get the Hallows, will be capable to bring back Voldemort ? '' rosebush asked quietly.

`` I do n't suppose so. I mean, he 's dead, right ? So how could he arrive back ? Plus, in my ambition, the maven said he was going to bring about Voldemort 's 'ideals'. ``

`` Well, his 'ideals'are reasonably shivery, '' Rose shuddered, `` And the idea of a second Voldemort 's almost as shuddery as the world-class one. ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` Which is why we 've got to keep Washburn from getting the Hallows. ``

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A/N : Thanks to my sis and beta, Dancer of Starlight, my other sister, and my brother. Also, thanks to Moonylupin, XXEveryinchXX, and TheNobleHouseofPotter for their reassessment !

I 've posted my next story, In Moonlight 's Shadow. Please ensure it out on my source varlet !

Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter

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Word spread like wildfire that a group of low gear years had lost Gryffindor 100 points in one night. Quite a few erstwhile scholar were very angry about this, especially since the loss of points placed them below both Slytherin and Hufflepuff in the running for the House Cup. After classes the following day, Albus and his friends were bombarded by a couple fifth year, including his cousins Georgia and Gabriella, demanding to hump why the spot were taking away. Albus quickly explained what had happened with Washburn, and muteness fell around the common room. After a few moments, soul started clapping. Soon after, a couple more mass joined in and eventually the full common room was cheering and slapping Albus and his friends on the backrest. Albus stared quizzically at everyone, wondering why they were all shouting that he had lost them so many points.

`` Why 's everyone applause ? '' Albus asked James.

Saint James grinned, `` Because you made Washburn so angry ! Everyone hates him ! No one 's had the nerve to spy on him before. It 's smart as a whip, really. I 've heard people have been trying to get him to quit since he first started teaching when Victoire was a firstly twelvemonth. You 've done so much clobber to him this year. First you set him on fire- ''

`` That was a complete accident ! ``

`` Does n't weigh, the detail is, he 's horrible to everyone, except the Slytherins. And you 're rebelling against him. Honestly, you 've got more nerve than I thought, '' James stared in awe at his brother.

`` Thanks, '' Albus smiled at James. Albus had felt atrocious about losing so many points, but if the other Gryffindors were n't going to care, than maybe it was n't so bad after all.

For the next few days, whenever Albus and his acquaintance were in the vernacular room, the other Gryffindors would ask Albus for help in planning pranks to draw out on Washburn. Apparently, the early Gryffindors saw Albus 's catching as inspiration to figure out their own shipway to labor the Charms professor crazy. Albus, however, wanted nil to do with it. He was far too worried about the estimation of Washburn and that early wizard trying to find the Hallows and use them to fill in Voldemort 's plans. He spent the weekend trying to do prep, but always wound up thinking about the Hallows and trying to think of something that was heavily guarded that could be used to gain power.

By the time Mon arrived, Albus had exhausted every potential right physical object and could n't think of anymore. Monday meant that it was time for their custody with Washburn. After dinner, Albus and his Quaker walked slowly to the trophy room. Albus was not looking forward to being in skinny locality with the person who was most in all likelihood performing Legilimency on him.

`` Are you all right, Matt ? '' blush wine asked, jolting Albus out of his thoughts. He turned around to take care at mat, who was lagging behind the rest of them, even though they were all walking slow.

`` Yeah, '' matt yawned, `` Just tired, no big business deal. ``

`` You should go to gentlewoman Pomfrey. She 'll create Washburn reschedule the detention, '' Rose suggested.

`` And have Malfoy come up out ? No. Plus, if I do it another meter, I 'll have to do it alone, '' Matt shuddered at the thought of being lone with Washburn.

No one said another word the rest of the way to the trophy way. When they got there, Washburn was already there, looking murderous, and standing next to a large bucket of cleaning supplies.

`` It 's 7:05. You 're late, '' he growled.

`` Sorry, sir, '' Matt mumbled, `` It was my demerit. ``

`` I do n't worry who 's faulting it was. It just means you 'll be here later, '' Washburn barked, `` You 'll be staying until every one of these trophies is immaculate. No sorcerous, of form. ``

Washburn strode over to a large armchair that was sitting near the room access, sat down in it, and started his usual glaring. Albus picked up a bottleful of shine and a rag and wandered over to a trophy for the Gobstones Club. John and mat started polishing trophies on either face of Albus, while rose wine and Amanda started on the other side of the way. The trophy room was quite declamatory and Albus guessed it would deal them at least two time of day, perhaps more, to refine all the trophies and cases. They polished in secretiveness for a half 60 minutes, moving along the wall of trophies as they went on. Albus was polishing a Wizard 's Chess title prize from 1922 when he felt a sharp biff in his position. He turned to his right and saw John, who had stopped polishing his trophy. `` What ? '' Albus whispered.

John silently pointed to Albus 's early side and Albus turned to look. matte was standing with his head slumped up against the trophy case. He was fast asleep. Albus glanced nervously back at trick. Albus did n't want to recognize what Washburn would do to Matt if he discovered that he was n't awake.

`` Matt, '' Albus prodded his friend gently, `` Wake up. ``

Matt groaned a little and lifted his head off the glass. Albus glanced nervously at Washburn. Luckily he was currently pointing out a spot of grease that blush wine had missed on a Quidditch trophy. Albus poked Matt again, a little harder this time.

`` Ouch ! '' lusterlessness winced and opened his centre. He glanced around with a confused looking at on his face.

`` Shush ! '' Albus whispered. `` You fell asleep. Keep polishing. ``

`` Oh, rightfulness, '' matt picked up his rag that had fallen on the base when he drifted off and went back to polishing.

The three boys continued polishing in secretiveness for the next hour. Occasionally, either Albus or John would have to wake Matt up. matt was not getting a whole lot of polishing done, but since he was working right adjacent to Albus and John the Evangelist, Washburn did n't seem to notice.

`` Albus, '' John whispered a while later.

`` What ? '' Albus looked over at John. lavatory pointed at the trophy he was polishing. Albus looked at it and saw that it was a plaque of everyone who received an prize for particular service to the schoolhouse.

John pointed at two names on it, Harry Potter and Ron Weasley. `` What did they do ? '' he whispered.

`` Saved my mum from Voldemort and a basilisk in the Chamber of Secrets, '' Albus whispered back. `` And discovered that it was Voldemort attacking scholar in the start place. He possessed my mum through a journal he wrote when he was 16. ``

John stared wide at Albus. `` Whoa. I think I remember my parents telling me about that. They were n't in Hogwarts yet when that happened. ``

`` Quiet back there, '' Washburn growled.

Matt jerked awake at the sound of Washburn 's vox. `` Wha 's going on ? '' he said a little too loudly.

`` Oh, wake up, Eckerton ! It 's only 9 pm ! '' Washburn shouted, `` The sooner you finish, the Sooner you can go to bed. ``

`` Sorry, sir, '' Matt replied and went back to polishing a trophy.

As Albus continued polishing, he thought about the honour his dad had gotten all those yr ago. He had been a paladin every year he had been in school. He still was a hero. 'Will I ever do anything like that ?'Albus thought. 'Will I ever live up to what citizenry think I will do ? Everyone thinks I 'll do majuscule things just because my dad did, but what if I ca n't ?'Albus doubted that he would ever get an award for exceptional services to the school.

`` Eckerton ! '' Washburn shouted, causing Albus to add up out of his thoughts. `` Why ca n't you stay awake ? ! Get up ! ``

Albus looked over at matte. He was slumped yet again on one of the glass display slip, looking very sick. He opened his centre and started slowly dragging his rag along the glass with his eyes drooping.

`` Why do n't you lay off him already ? '' John shouted disgustedly. `` You know perfectly well why he 's wear. ``

Washburn got up from his president and started towards John. Albus glanced nervously from one to the other. rose and Amanda both stopped polishing and were paying fold attention. matte had fallen asleep on the Methedrine again. `` What did you say ? '' Washburn spat once he was within two metrical unit of John.

John Lackland stared at him, not breaking eye contact. `` I said, why do n't you leave him alone ? You knew he 'd be tired today and you still made him do detention ! Just let him sleep and we 'll finish the cleanup. We 're almost done anyway. ``

Washburn 's face turned a shade of purple that Albus had only seen on his granduncle Vernon. He stepped close-fitting to John, but Saint John the Apostle did n't look away. `` 50 more stop from Gryffindor for talking back. And another hold, I think. Tomorrow night. telephone line. My office. But just you. Sleeping Beauty will be even bad tomorrow and as often as I 'd love to founder more detention to thrower, Weasley, and tagger, they have n't done anything. This was all you. Go on, get out of here ! '' He shouted stormed out of the room.

Albus stared in shock as he left. He glanced around at King John, who was still glaring at the threshold, his face as red with anger as Rose 's hair's-breadth. `` C'mon, let 's go, '' he said quietly as he prodded Matt awake.

`` Huh ? '' Matt mumbled.

`` Detention 's over, '' Albus told him as he walked towards the door.

`` Oh, ok, '' matt yawned and followed the residue of them out of the door.

`` He 's kept us past curfew, '' Rose commented as they made their way through the corridors.

`` Figures, '' lav grunted.

`` That was brainy, by the way, '' Albus said.

`` What was glorious ? '' Matt asked.

`` John flipped out on Washburn while you were asleep, '' Albus told him.

`` What did you do ? '' Matt asked John in an astonished interpreter. `` Why do I always miss the good stuff and nonsense ? ``

John Lackland was still too angry to say much, so Albus explained. `` He told Washburn off for yelling at you. It was after Washburn woke you up that second time. And you had just fallen asleep again. John started yelling at him about how he should n't have shouted at you when he knew why you were tired and how he should n't have assigned you detention for today. ``

`` What ? ! '' Matt shouted, `` Are you mad ? What did he do to you ? ``

`` Detention tomorrow night. And 50 points lost, '' John replied.

`` You are mad, '' matt said quietly, `` You did n't ingest to do that. I do n't want you getting in hassle for me. ``

`` Yes, I did, '' John said, `` It 's not average what he did. He should own made the detention over the weekend, like you suggested. He 's deliberately trying to run you down. It 's just not sightly. ``

`` Yeah, well, biography 's not fair. I found that out six years ago, '' mat said bluntly.

`` Yeah, but it does n't mean it 's approve for people to treat you like dung, '' lav replied softly.

******

By the time lav trudged back into the common way after his custody the next night, most of the rest of the Gryffindors had gone to bed. There were a few fifth yr huddled up at one tabular array, studying for their O.W.L.s, and Victoire and Amy were up talking quietly while studying for their N.E.W.T.s. Albus and his friends had managed to get the good armchairs near the fire once the quarter years occupying them had gone to bed. blush wine was reading a script while Albus and Amanda played gobstones. Matt was fathom asleep in his chair.

`` How 'd it go ? '' Albus asked as john collapsed in one of the chairs.

`` It was bloody miserable, '' King John groaned, `` He stared at me the hale prison term. Had me write'I will prize my senior and not talk back'about 300 meter. ``

`` Yeah, that 's what he does. I 've gotten used to it, but it drove me mad during the first few detentions, '' Albus told him.

`` He 's an vicious git, '' John growled.

`` I know, '' Albus agreed.

`` wellspring, I do n't want to talk about him anymore. I just spent two hours with him. Anyway, what have you been up to ? '' Gospel According to John asked.

`` Not often. We finished all our homework a while ago. We 've just been sitting around waiting for you, '' Albus said.

`` When did he fall asleep ? '' John Lackland jerked his head towards Matt.

`` About an 60 minutes ago, '' Amanda answered.

Saint John the Apostle sighed, `` You know, it 's almost like he expects everyone to be underbred to him. ``

`` I 'm somewhat sure he does, '' Albus whispered.

`` Well, it 's probably because virtually people have, '' rose wine commented, `` I mean, nearly people are n't exactly nice to, well, people like him. ''

`` I know, but he should n't just accept it. I 'm going to dumbfound up for him, '' john said.

`` We will, too, '' rosebush agreed, `` But he 's just not used to it. ``

`` I guess, but I 'm not going to let anyone treat him badly. Especially not mortal like Washburn, '' John replied.

`` Me neither, '' Albus said.

`` Definitely, '' Amanda replied.

`` We should probably go to bed, '' Albus said after glancing at his sentry, `` We 've got uranology tomorrow. ``

Amanda groaned, `` Oh, yeah. Should be a miserable Nox. ``

`` Yours wo n't be as suffering as his will be, '' John pointed to Matt.

******

The next day went by fast for Albus. charm was thoroughly miserable for Albus and all his Quaker. John had made it onto the inclination of masses Washburn clearly disliked more than the others. Now, the sole one of Albus 's friends who was n't, was Amanda. However, Washburn did dislike her more than the early Gryffindors, just because she was champion with Albus. Washburn spent the whole class lecture and shouting at matt whenever he fell asleep. Albus could tell that John Lackland was trying hard to behave himself whenever this happened. It did n't help that Malfoy spent the whole class with a self-satisfied tone on his human face, clearly enjoying that Washburn was shouting at Matt every five minutes.

`` wickedness git. We ought to sneak a few puking pastilles in his autumn pumpkin juice, '' John muttered under his breath after Washburn woke lusterlessness up for the quaternary time.

`` What did you say, Brickston ? '' Washburn shouted.

`` Nothing, sir, '' John answered.

`` Did n't vocalize like cypher, '' Washburn growled, `` Ten points from Gryffindor. ``

Matt wound up skipping Potions because he could n't present a second family with Malfoy that day. Malfoy interrogated Albus again as to where Matt was, and Albus told him that Matt had left after lunch to visit his disgorge gran.

After dinner party, Albus and his Quaker decided to see if Matt was in the room of necessity. He never showed up at dinner. When they arrived in the elbow room, Amy was already there, trying to wake lusterlessness up.

`` Hey, Amy, '' Albus said quietly.

Amy turned around, `` Oh, hi, Albus. ``

`` Are you going to the Hospital Wing now ? '' rose wine asked.

`` Yeah, I 'll see you blackguard tomorrow, I guess, '' lustrelessness yawned as Amy helped him out of the bed.

`` All right, '' Albus replied.

`` Bye, '' bathroom, Rose, and Amanda said quietly.

`` Bye, '' matte winced as he followed his sister out of the room.

Albus and his friends spent the residuum of the even in the Room, working on their homework. After a few hours, in which Albus managed to get the latest Potions homework done, it was time for Astronomy.

Professor Marco Polo announced that they would be finishing their borderland star charts that Night. Albus, John, blush wine, and Amanda set up their telescopes and got to put to work.

`` This is the first base full lunation on a Wednesday, is n't it ? '' Albus whispered to Rose after a few minutes.

`` Yeah, I think so, '' rosebush said, `` I 'm just glad we do n't have this with the Slytherins.

`` Where 's your protagonist, matt ? '' Jackie Pierce, the Hufflepuff on Albus 's other incline asked.

`` He 's visiting his sick granny, '' Albus said automatically.

`` Oh, I hope she 's better soon, '' Jackie replied.

Albus focused his telescope and marked down a few stars. He moved his telescope and pointed it towards the moon. He sighed as he thought about how something as beautiful as the moon could control someone 's lifespan as much as it controlled Matt's.

Albus managed to polish off his sensation chart just as the division was ending. John and Rose were capable to finish theirs as well.

`` I hope he does n't take off a whole lot of points for not getting all the ace, '' Amanda sighed as they climbed into the portrait hole.

`` If you only forgot a span, I do n't opine you 'll loose that many full point, '' Rose assured her.

Albus sat down in one of the armchairs in strawman of the hollow open fireplace. `` Are any of you tired ? ``

John sat down next to Albus, `` No, not really. ``

blush wine and Amanda shook their forefront and sat down. `` Let 's stay up. We can go see Matt in the sunup, '' blush wine suggested.

`` good theme, '' Albus agreed. The friends worn-out much of the night playing numerous games of Bromus secalinus, Exploding picnic, and Gobstones. Eventually, the sun started to climb up and break of the day came.

`` Should we go, then ? '' King John asked once they finished their game of Exploding Snap.

`` Yeah, it 's probably a unspoilt sentence, '' Rose said. `` But maybe you should go get the map, Albus. I do n't image running into Filch. ``

Albus agreed and ran up to James 's dormitory. James and the residuum of the second year boy were all sound asleep. Albus ran to James 's trunk and rummaged around in it until he found the marauder 's Map. He left a quick note to James telling him that he took the map, quickly left the room, and went back to the vernacular room.

Albus spread the map out on the storey and tapped it with his wand, `` I solemnly swear that I am up to no good. ``

`` Blimey, that is glorious !, '' Saint John the Apostle grinned as the penning appeared on the map. Albus had told his friends about the map before, but he had never showed it to them.

`` Wow ! '' Amanda stared in awe at the map. `` That is awe-inspiring. ``

`` Let 's see, '' Albus scanned the map, `` Filch is still in his office. ``

`` What about Washburn ? '' John asked.

`` Hmm, '' Albus looked back at the map.

`` There he is ! '' Rose pointed at the map, `` He 's in his office, too. ``

`` commodity, '' John said in a relieved voice, `` Oh, and there 's Madam Pomfrey. She 's walking through the Entrance Charles Martin Hall. ``

`` Let 's go, then, '' Albus stood up, `` Mischief Managed. '' He stuffed the map into his robe air hole and left the elbow room, with Rose, john, and Amanda following.

When they arrived at the hospital Wing, it was completely deserted. Albus and his friends settled themselves on the bed next to the one lustrelessness usually stayed in. The door opened a few second later, but it was n't lady Pomfrey who came through. It was Amy, followed by Victoire.

`` What are you doing here ? '' Amy asked when she saw Albus and the others.

`` We had Astronomy hold out night and were n't tired, so we just stayed up and figured we 'd occur see Matt, '' Albus told her.

`` Oh, all right, '' Amy replied. She walked over to the bed where Albus and his friends were sitting and Victoire followed. `` I told her, '' Amy said to Albus, `` about Matt. ``

`` I still ca n't believe you kept this from me all these twelvemonth, '' Victoire said.

`` You 're not mad, are you ? '' Amy asked quietly.

`` No, of course not, '' Victoire assured her and sat down future to climb on the bed. `` It just must suffer been so difficult to keep that a mysterious. ``

Amy sat down next to Victoire, `` It was. But I did n't really have a alternative. My parents nix me from telling anyone. ``

`` well, I 'm beaming you told me now. Your parents are n't going to be mad, are they ? ``

`` No, I asked them a couple weeks ago and they said it would be all right if I told you, '' Amy answered.

`` Good, '' Victoire said and turned to Albus, `` How long have you guys known ? ``

`` Since Jan. Well, Rose put the clew together in November, but we did n't experience for indisputable until January. But we did n't speak to lustrelessness about it until conclusion month, '' Albus responded.

The mathematical group sat in silence for a few present moment, before Victoire asked, `` When 's he coming back ? ``

`` Should be any time, '' Amy stood up and glanced at the door. `` But just to let you guys bed, he 's not going to be in any shape to verbalise to you. ``

`` We know, we just want to be here for him, '' whoremaster replied.

`` I honestly do n't even recognise if he 's going to want you here. He never likes anyone seeing him right after a translation. ``

`` We do n't care what he looks like, '' John said adamantly.

`` I know you do n't, but I think he 's still afraid you 're going to abandon him. He 's never had such supportive acquaintance before. The few Friend he had went running in the early counsel once they found out, '' Amy explained.

`` lowlife, '' John muttered under his breath.

The doorway to the hospital Wing opened and Albus looked up. brothel keeper Pomfrey came bustling through while using her wand to float a stretcher through the door. Matt was laying upon it, covered in a thick green blanket. Amy immediately rushed over to them. `` How is he ? '' she asked anxiously.

`` Not that bad, actually, '' ma'am Pomfrey replied, `` A few ruin bones and a fair bit of slice and bruises, but not as bad as past months. ``

`` Oh, soundly, '' Amy replied.

Madam Pomfrey directed the stretcher towards the bed next to the one Albus and his admirer were sitting on. `` What are you lot doing here ? '' she asked briskly once she noticed them.

`` We, er, just wanted to see if Matt was okay, '' Albus answered nervously. He suddenly was n't sure if they should have gone to the infirmary fender after all.

`` He knows you know, then ? '' brothel keeper Pomfrey asked.

`` Yeah, and he explained everything last month, '' Albus told her.

`` And you know, too ? '' dame Pomfrey gestured to Victoire.

`` Yes, I do, '' Victoire answered.

Madam Pomfrey smiled, `` just. It 's about fourth dimension he had some fast friends. Now, I 've got to heal him up a bit and then if he 's awake, you can see him. '' She pulled the curtains closed behind her and Amy. A hour later, she came out, went to her federal agency, and came back with numerous potions and bandages. Albus watched as she went back through the drapery and listened to the assorted healing magical spell she was performing.

Victoire, Albus, and his friends all sat on the bed, no one saying a word. Albus was still a bit worried about Matt 's reaction to them being there. He had n't thought about it before, but now he realized that Amy was justly and matte probably did n't want them to see him like this. He glanced at his Friend, who were also looking a bit unquiet. They did n't feature long to dwell on it, though, because a little while later, Madam Pomfrey and Amy appeared from behind the curtains.

`` He 's awake, '' Madam Pomfrey told them, `` You can see him for a few minutes, but not very long. He needs rest. ``

Albus glanced at his champion and they stood up. He walked through the curtains, with pink wine, John, and Amanda following. Matt was laying on the bed, looking thoroughly miserable. His face was covered in cuts and there was a large bruise on his left cheek. Both of his arms were heavily bandaged and he looked very tired.

`` What are you laugh at doing here ? '' he asked hoarsely when he saw Albus and the others.

`` We wanted to total see you. Are you all right ? '' Albus asked.

`` I 've been better, '' lustrelessness answered bluntly.

`` I hope you do n't beware that we came, '' Rose said softly.

`` It 's all rightfulness, '' Matt sighed, `` I just thought you would n't sustain wanted to. ``

`` 'Course we do, '' Gospel According to John said, `` You 're our ally. ``

matt grinned tiredly at them. `` Oh, did you recount Victoire ? '' he asked Amy, who had just come back through the drapery with Victoire.

`` Yeah, I told her this morning, '' Amy replied.

`` And it does n't bother me in the least, '' Victoire assured him. Matt yawned and smiled at her.

brothel keeper Pomfrey came back with another steaming potion in a chalice. `` sentence for you lot to go, '' she told them, `` He needs to kip. ``

`` Ok, '' Albus said, `` Bye, flatness. Hope you feel better. ``

`` We 'll do see you this evening, '' pink wine told him.

`` Ok, have fun in division, '' lusterlessness yawned. St. John the Apostle and Amanda waved as the group left. Amy and Victoire followed behind them, whispering to each other.

Albus walked to the Great Hall for breakfast with his friends. He was feeling quite tired after staying up the whole night. Albus was glad that matte did n't seem to heed them coming to see him so soon after the total lunar month, but he could secern that Matt still was n't completely well-heeled with them knowing his mystery. Albus figured that after a couple hebdomad or so mat would gradually slack up about it. Now, all Albus had to do was decide when to enjoin his protagonist about the Hallows. He had been putting it off, but decided to take Dumbledore 's advice and see if they knew anything about them. It was the only clue he had, and if he was going to stop Washburn from getting the Hallows, he he had to use it.
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A/N : Thanks to my baby and beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as my early sister and my sidekick. Thanks also to inkheart, Moonylupin, and Mamaykay for their reassessment !

Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry ceramist or any of The taradiddle of Beedle the Bard.

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Albus did not have a chance to ask John, Matt, and Amanda about the Hallows until after the easter holiday. lusterlessness spent the quietus of the workweek in the infirmary Wing, and Albus did n't desire to talk about the Hallows there. He preferred to do it in private. The Easter holiday began the day after flatness left the Hospital Wing. Neither Albus nor his friends stayed at the palace over the holiday. Albus quite enjoyed the break and washed-out much of it playing Quidditch with James. rosiness and her kinsperson came to stay for a few solar day, but Albus did n't see the quietus of his extended phratry. Albus, Rose, and James did expend a bit of time sneaking around Grimmauld property, looking for hint that would lead them to finding out what the Hallows were, but they did n't find anything useful.

By the time Albus was back at Hogwarts, the snow had melted and it was relatively affectionate. April was upon them, which meant that the end of term examination were only two calendar month away. The teacher made sure to remind them of this during every year. Albus had not thought it possible, but they were being assigned even more homework than before. Of course, no one was feeling the pressure more than the fifth and 7th eld, who were preparing for their O.W.L.s and N.E.W.T.s. All of them could be seen studying in the common room and library until late at night. A few of them were already cracking under the insistency. Albus was gladiolus that his O.W.L.s were still four years away, but he was not looking forward to them. Even Victoire was becoming nervous about the test and had started threatening younger students with hold if they were too loud in the common room. Usually Victoire was very level headed and not much bothered her, but she was afraid she would n't induce sufficiency N.E.W.T.s to get her into the healer program.

`` I am not looking forward to my O.W.L.s, '' whoremonger sighed as he watched as a fifth year nodded off while reading her notes.

`` Me neither, '' lusterlessness agreed.

`` You 'll be finely if you study, '' Rose assured them.

`` That 's the part I 'm not looking forward to, '' can laughed, `` I 'm having enough trouble studying for this twelvemonth 's exams. ``

`` Have you finished your Herbology ? '' Albus asked John.

`` I 'm working on it now, '' John told him.

`` I have n't even started it, '' Amanda commented. lusterlessness was helping her finish this week 's Astronomy assignment.

`` Well, it 's not due until day after tomorrow, '' Albus told them.

`` Good thing ! '' John shouted and threw down his quill feather, `` I need a break from all this ! ``

`` Shush ! '' Victoire came storming over to their table. She looked very tire out. `` This is study time ! ``

`` Sorry, Victoire, '' John said, `` I 'm just sick of studying. ``

`` Just wait until one-seventh year ... '' Victoire muttered as she went back to the table she was sharing with Amy.

`` wishing to go to the Room ? '' Albus whispered.

`` Yeah, let 's go, '' Matt replied and got up. Albus, Rose, Amanda, and Gospel According to John all picked up their record book and followed matt out of the mutual room. They walked to the Room and Matt paced three times in nominal head of it. The door appeared and they all walked inside. The room looked just as it did when matte told them about the nighttime he was bit.

Albus walked inside and sat down on one of the chairs. His friends followed and they all resumed their studying, except for Gospel According to John, who was wandering around the Room.

`` I 've got to tell you guy something, '' Albus said quietly after a few minutes. Everyone looked up from their books and John came over to the flack and sat down on the couch next to Matt.

`` Are you going to tell us where you disappear to with rose and your chum ? '' Saint John the Apostle asked.

`` Er, yeah, you noticed that ? '' Albus asked nervously.

`` Yes, we all did, '' Amanda told him.

`` wellspring, I 'm going to say you why, '' Albus said. `` I guess first I 've got to tell you that this by summer, I thought my dad had told me everything about the defeat of Voldemort. ``

`` You mean, he did n't ? '' John asked.

`` No, I do n't remember he did, '' Albus replied quietly, `` Over Christmastime, Rose, James, and I, and a duad of our full cousin, overheard mine and rosebush 's parents whispering about something in the kitchen. They were talking about whether or not to state us something, something they 've been hiding from us. I do n't know what it was. I just heard them say one word, 'Hallows'. James, Rose, and I researched in the library to try and find out what 'Hallows'were. But we did n't rule anything. The only matter we had to go on was the fact that I heard the word 'Hallows'in those Legilimency dreams I have. someone wants to find the Hallows and steal them, whatever they are.

`` Rose came up with the idea that I should verbalize to Dumbledore 's portrait about it. We figured that the Hallows had something to do with Voldemort 's fall because they seem to be something just our parents know about. Since Dumbledore told my dad about the Horcruxes, we figured he 'd know something about the Hallows. So, Rose came up with the wholly idea to set off a firework in Washburn 's class in parliamentary procedure to get me into the Headmaster 's office so I could talk to Dumbledore. ``

`` delay, you did that on intention ? '' King John asked in awe.

`` Yeah, we did, '' rosiness grinned.

`` That 's, that 's smart as a whip, but stupid ! '' John laughed.

`` We know, '' Albus said grimly, `` It could have gone much worse. Anyway, Dumbledore did know about the Hallows, but he would n't tell us about them. He said it was something my dad had to tell me. But he did give me a clew. He told me to ask you about them, '' Albus said.

`` He thinks we 'd know what they are ? '' Amanda asked.

`` well, yeah, that 's what he said. He said to specifically ask lav and Matt about them, '' Albus replied.

`` He got that right wing, I 've never heard of Hallows before, '' Amanda responded.

`` You have n't heard of them, sustain you ? '' Albus turned to lav and Matt.

bathroom and flatness looked at each early and then glanced at Albus. `` Well, I 've never heard of them, '' John said.

`` I have, my dad told me about them once, '' Matt commented.

`` You know what they are ? '' Albus asked in shock. He looked at Rose. She looked as clueless as Albus did.

`` Yeah, I do, '' flatness repeated, `` Have n't you two ever heard The tale of Beedle the Bard ? ``

`` Of course, '' Albus nodded.

`` The what ? '' Amanda looked quizzically at Matt.

`` The tale of Beedle the Bard, '' he repeated, `` A Christian Bible of magician nance tale. The Warlock 's Hairy Heart, Babbity Rabbity and Her Cackling Stump, The sensation and the Hopping Pot, The jet of Fair Fortune- ''

`` My parents record me those when I was picayune. Mum 's actually got the original copy ! '' Rose interrupted excitedly.

`` Does she really ? '' Matt stared at her in awe.

`` Yeah, Dumbledore left it to her in his will, '' Rose told him. `` But what do a bunch of pouf tales have to do with 'Hallows'? ``

`` You did n't let me finish. There 's one more. The tarradiddle of the trio Brothers, '' Matt told them. `` And that has everything to do with the Hallows. ``

Albus and rose wine glanced at each other. Like Rose, Albus had been read those fairy tales when he was small, and he remembered The story of the Three chum. He remembered his aunt Hermione reading it to him from the master copy transcript. He had n't been able to translate a word of it, since it was written in Runes, but he definitely remembered the fib.

`` But I do n't remember anything about any Hallows in that tale, '' Rose commented.

`` You would n't, '' flatness told her, `` The story does n't note the word Hallows, but the story itself is about the Hallows. ``

`` That does n't defecate good sense, '' John announced.

`` Could someone explain this tale, please ? '' Amanda asked with a look of disarray on her face.

`` Sure, '' mat leaned back on the couch and gazed around the room. `` This would be well-heeled if I had the Christian Bible. I have n't heard it in geezerhood. '' lustrelessness got up from the lounge and walked over to a book shelf that was behind Albus 's chairwoman. `` thoroughgoing ! Here 's one, '' Matt picked a book up off the shelf, walked back over to the couch and sat down.

`` 'There were once three brothers who were traveling along a lonely, winding road at dusk, '' flatness began. He read the entirely chronicle straight through. It was just as Albus remembered, with no mention of the word Hallows.

`` 'And then he greeted last as an old friend, and went with him gladly, and, as equals, they departed this life .''' lustrelessness looked up at Amanda and closed the book. `` That 's the story. ``

Amanda stared at him, `` That 's quite a bit different than Muggle pouf tales. Although I 'm still confused. ``

`` So am I. What 's that got anything to do with 'Hallows'? '' Albus asked.

`` Everything, '' lustrelessness sighed, `` Just let me excuse it. The Hallows, or the Deathly Hallows as they 're really known as, are the invisibility Cloak, the Resurrection of Christ gemstone, and the Elder scepter. Some people believe that the story tells of the creation of the Deathly Hallows, but nigh people think it 's just a storey.

`` My dad told me about it ages ago. He 's one of the few citizenry who think they actually exist. When he was younger, before he got married, he actually tried to come up them. Looked in loads of books all over the world, trying to trace where they might be. My Uncle Jack went with them, too. They kept searching even after my parents got marry. Mum went with them. He gave up his hunting after he and Mum wanted to embark on a family. They never did determine out anything about the Hallows that would say him where they were. Uncle jackass kept looking for age afterwards, but eventually settled in New York. He still thinks they 're out there, someplace, and has n't truly given up. ``

`` You mean, those three target actually exist ? '' rose asked skeptically.

`` I dunno, '' lusterlessness replied, `` My dad seems to think so. And he 's met a few other people who think so. ``

`` But if they do n't exist, why would my dad want to preserve me from knowing about them ? '' Albus asked quietly. Albus was not sure what to cogitate about what Matt had said about the Hallows. It was a far-fetched melodic theme, but there was one affair Albus knew might turn out their existence. His beginner 's invisibleness Cloak. Albus had not really connected The narrative of the trine Brothers to his dad 's Cloak, but now that he thought about it, the connection made sense.

`` Oh, come on, Albus, you ca n't honestly be thinking that they exist ? '' Rose said exasperatingly.

`` We already know one of them exists ! '' Albus told her, `` What about Dad 's invisibility Cloak ? ``

`` Your dad 's got an invisibleness Cloak ? '' matt asked. `` Really ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus told him.

`` But that does n't think it 's the one from the tale, '' John said, `` I mean, there are heaps of invisibility Cloaks out there. One of my uncles used to birth one. But it wore out and he never got another. ``

`` Exactly !, '' Albus said excitedly, `` My dad 's Cloak is unlike from all former invisibility Cloaks. It does n't wear out ! I know most invisibility Cloaks just have a magical spell or something put on them and it wears off eventually. That must have been the kind your uncle had, John. But my grandpa had that cloak before my dad did, and my dad still has it. It still works as unspoiled now as it ever has. ``

`` Whoa, '' Matt stared at Albus with a glint of excitement in his eyes, `` Then that could be the Cloak from the story ! ``

`` But what about the former Hallows ? '' blush wine asked. `` I do n't recall they exist. ``

`` They might, '' St. John said, `` I know I 've heard of exceedingly wands being passed from wizard to wizard one C ago. ``

`` Ok, '' rose began, `` Say there is a 'super sceptre'out there, and Uncle Harry 's cloak is 'The invisibility Cloak'. But how on earthly concern would a 'Resurrection Stone'work ? ``

Albus could n't reply that, but he did mean that the Deathly Hallows existed. Why else would his dad have kept all this secret ? The Deathly Hallows had something to do with Voldemort 's precipitation, and Albus was going to receive out what. `` Well, if these three object are the 'Hallows'that I heard mentioned in my dreaming, than someone is trying to find them, '' Albus realized.

`` That ca n't be good, '' can said, `` Whoever 's been doing that Legilimency wants to continue what Voldemort was doing, right ? ``

`` right hand, '' Albus confirmed, `` Do you know if anything exceptional happens if you 've got all three Hallows ? ``

`` Dad said that if one person unites all three, they will be the superior of end, '' lustrelessness answered.

`` Master of Death ? '' Albus repeated, `` Well, I can imagine that Voldemort would have loved to get them, then. Especially that wand. ``

`` That 's a scary thought, '' whoremonger said, `` Voldemort with an unvanquishable wand. ``

Albus silently agreed. `` Anyone iniquity with that wand would be shuddery. Remember that metre we spied on Washburn ? ``

Matt shuddered, `` How could I not ? That resulted in one of the bad detentions ever. ``

`` I know, and I 'm sorry about that, '' Albus said quietly. He still felt a bit guilty about causing all his friends to end up in detention with Washburn. `` But that strange wizard was yelling at Washburn because he had n't found out where something was. ``

`` And we did n't even try what it was he had to find, '' lustrelessness interrupted.

`` But I think I know what it is. I think that Washburn is trying to find out where the Hallows are, '' Albus told them.

`` What ? ! '' bathroom shouted, `` I know he 's frightful, but you think he is trying to join the Hallows and continue what Voldemort wanted to do ? ``

`` Er, yeah, '' Albus said.

`` I told him it was ludicrous, '' Rose sighed, `` But he still thinks it 's Washburn. ``

`` It makes sensory faculty, Rose ! '' Albus shouted.

`` It does fit, but still, he 's a teacher, '' rose replied.

`` So what ? He makes it realize that he hates me and James, and you, and Matt. He 's been giving matt a grueling meter since the start of the year ! And now he hates John, too. ``

`` I know, but maybe he just does n't like Gryffindors. He was a Slytherin, you know, '' Rose commented.

`` Yeah, I know that. But what if he hates us because he was on Voldemort 's side of meat ? '' Albus suggested.

`` But do you really call back he 'd do this right under your dad 's nose, Albus ? I mean, come on ! Your dad 's head Auror ! '' privy argued.

Albus shrugged. He really had n't thought of that. `` Dunno. Maybe he 's just stupid person ? Or maybe that bloke he was arguing with is threatening him or something and he has n't got a pick ? ``

`` Well, I suppose it could be that, but still ... '' John replied.

`` Ok, so what if it is Washburn ? '' Matt said, `` What do we do about it ? ``

`` I dunno. I do n't suppose we have enough cogent evidence to tell anyone, '' Albus answered. `` We 've just got to hope that he does n't retrieve out where the Hallows are. I only know where the invisibility Cloak is, Dad 's got it in his government agency somewhere, and Washburn probably already knows where that is, if he 's the one doing the Legilimency. ``

`` All right, '' Matt replied, `` But this is mad, I never thought I 'd actually find out the Hallows existed, let alone know where they are ! Do you think you could evidence me the Cloak sometime ? ``

`` Sure, '' Albus told him, `` But please do n't order your dad about this. Not yet. I know he 'd want to know, but I think you ought to await until after my dad tells me their implication in the war. ``

`` All right hand, '' Matt sighed, `` I wo n't tell him yet. ``

`` Swear you wo n't ? ``

`` I swear, '' Matt said, `` I 'll save it enigma. I 've got years of experience keeping affair mystery. Do n't worry. ``

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A/N : Thanks to my sister and beta, Dancer of Starlight, and my former sister and my blood brother. Thanks as well to XXEveryinchXX, Moonylupin, inkheart, and leezdz for their recapitulation !
Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry ceramist

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Over the side by side few weeks, Albus thought a lot about the Hallows. He found it severe to center on his homework, and blush wine would often lecture him for not spending enough metre studying. He continued having his unknown ambition almost every night, but he did n't think that Washburn had found out anything new about the Hallows. Washburn continued to yell at Albus during every good luck charm year and contribute him at least a hold a week. With custody, homework, and Occlumency moral, Albus had hardly any time for anything else. biography at Hogwarts was just as chaotic as ever. Albus did cope to find meter to tell James about what Matt had told him about the Hallows, but St. James the Apostle did n't take in any idea as to where the early Hallows could be either. He did agree with Albus that it was highly potential that Washburn was the one trying to unite them.

Before Albus knew it, exams were upon them. The dark before they began was very tense. Almost all the Gryffindors were either in the common way, studying, or in the library doing the same. Albus and his Friend were studying at a table next to the one Victoire and Amy were at. Both the seventh twelvemonth girls were extremely uneasy, and Victoire insisted on inviolable repose in the common room. Albus did not bear in mind this, because he needed to study anyway. Their first exam was Charms, and Albus was particularly nervous about this exam.

`` I 'm not sure I 've passed, '' Albus groaned as he walked out of the room with pink wine, John, Matt, and Amanda after the Charms exam.

`` I 'm sure enough I 've failed, '' Matt replied, `` Washburn was breathing down my neck during half of it. ``

`` I hate when teachers do that, '' John said.

`` Me, too, '' Amanda agreed.

`` well, I think I passed, but- '' Rose started.

`` Of course of study you passed, '' John Lackland interrupted, `` You 've been preparing for exams since September. ``

Albus thought the rest of the examination went fairly well. He thought he at least glide by Potions. Herbology and pappa went extremely well, and Albus thought he got the right way marks in uranology, Transfiguration, and History of Magic. However, even though test were over, O.W.L.s and N.E.W.T.s were still going on, and Victoire was still mandating a quiet uncouth way in the eve. The night of their last exam, Albus and his friends decided to just go to the room of Requirement and celebrate.

`` What a relief ! '' John shouted as he flopped down onto the lounge, `` No more exams until next twelvemonth ! ``

`` Yep, a study free summer ! '' mat grinned as he pulled a chocolate frog out of his pocket.

`` You 've got homework, you know, '' Rose laughed.

`` I know, but I 'll bring through it for the last minute, '' flatness replied, `` So, anyone got design for the summer ? ``

`` I 'm going to Emerald Isle with my family, '' Amanda told them, `` For two weeks. I ca n't hold back ! ``

`` Are you going on an airplane ? '' John asked, excitedly.

Amanda laughed, `` Yeah. ``

`` Brilliant ! '' Gospel According to John shouted, `` Maybe I can convince my parents to submit us on an airplane. ``

`` It 's not that corking, '' Matt commented. `` Are you doing anything ? ``

`` Erm, not sure enough. We usually visit all my cousin, '' John said.

`` Well, you 've all got to come stay at my house, '' Albus told them. `` Rose and I always have a big birthday company at the tunnel. ``

`` My natal day 's at the end of August and Albus 's is the end of this calendar month, '' rosiness said. `` So we always have a political party together. But usually it 's just our kinsfolk. And our parents'friends and their child. ``

`` 'Course I 'll get ! '' John smiled, `` I want to see your house and the Burrow. ``

`` My parents should let me come. We 're not going to Ireland until the middle of Aug, '' Amanda answered, `` As long as they meet your parents first. ``

`` They can meet at King 's hybridisation, '' Rose replied.

`` Can you come, matt ? '' Albus asked.

`` Er, I dunno, '' matt said slowly, `` My parents have never let me stay over at someone 's planetary house before. Not that anyone would has ever wanted me to stay over at their house before. Do you know when it will be ? ``

Albus looked at Rose, who shrugged. `` I 'm not for certain. I do n't opine our parents have planned it yet. But we 'll shit sure it 's not around the full moon. ``

`` Then I might be able to go, '' Matt smiled.

`` Great ! '' Albus said, `` We 'll have load of fun ! We can wager Quidditch. ``

`` I ca n't conceive this twelvemonth is almost over, '' rosebush began.

`` Yeah, I mean, a twelvemonth ago, I did n't even eff I was a witch, '' Amanda laughed, `` Going to be unusual to go back base. ``

`` And last year, I never even knew about the Hallows, and now Washburn 's trying to steal them, '' Albus said quietly.

`` well, at least over the summer you wo n't be anywhere near Washburn, '' rosebush said, `` And maybe Uncle Harry will secernate us the whole report. ``

`` And then you can tell it to us ! '' John replied. `` And to stay on topic, this time shoemaker's last year, I was about the Lapplander as I am now. '' Everyone laughed.

`` Well, this metre last year, I did n't sustain any booster, '' lusterlessness said quietly.

`` But you do now, '' John pointed out.

lustrelessness grinned, `` Yeah, I do. Never thought I would, though. It 's been a great class. ``

`` I have n't showed you the piranha 's Map, have I ? '' Albus asked Matt.

`` No, I do n't reckon so, '' matte answered.

`` It 's bright, '' John grinned, `` Saw it a distich month ago. ``

`` Yeah, you were in the infirmary annex, '' Albus remembered, `` But I 've got it now. '' Albus pulled the Map out of his robe pocket.

`` You have n't given it back to James yet ? '' Rose asked.

`` Nope, '' Albus laughed, `` I do n't really want to present it back. Maybe we 'll just share it. '' Albus got up from his chairperson and set the Map down on the table.

`` Looks just like a regular piece of parchment, '' Matt commented.

`` That 's what 's so dandy about it ! '' Albus grinned, `` Anyway, this is the map that my grandpa, pecker Pettigrew, Sirius Black, and of course, Teddy 's dad made, when they were at Hogwarts. ``

`` Yeah, I remember you telling me that, '' matt replied.

`` Here it is, '' Albus tapped his baton on the parchment and said, `` I solemnly swear that I am up to no good. ``

Ink spread across the map while lustrelessness stared in awe at it. `` That 's vivid ! '' He stared at the map and all the labeled dots milling around it. His centre stopped on the Whomping willow tree. `` This shows the passage to the screech shack ? '' he asked nervously.

`` Sure does, '' Albus said, `` It shows all the passageways out of the schoolhouse. But do n't vex, hardly anyone knows about the Map. Just us, James, my parents, Rose 's parents, my Uncle George, and probably some of my cousins. But none of them, except my parents and rose 's parents, live how to get in the tunnel. ``

`` Do you know how to get into the tunnel ? '' flatness asked.

`` Nope, '' Albus answered. Harry had told him all about the passage, but had n't told him how to get into them. Harry had told Albus that he did n't want to ruin all the fun of discovering thing for himself.

`` commodity, '' Matt breathed a sigh of embossment and went back to inspecting the map. `` Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot, and Prongs, '' he murmured. `` Are those, their byname ? ``

`` Yup, '' Albus confirmed, `` Moony was- ''

`` chemise 's dad, I figured that one out, '' matte said, `` But what about the others ? ``

`` Wormtail was Pettigrew, he was a rat in more agency than one, '' Albus said grimly, `` And Padfoot was Dog Star, because he was a big shaggy dog. And Prongs was my grandad because he was a stag. ``

`` Wow, '' lusterlessness said softly, `` This is stupefy. ``

`` See ? '' Albus began, `` Moony had awesome friends, well most of them were, '' Albus said, thinking of Pettigrew. `` And they did n't dessert him. We wo n't dessert you. ``

`` Yeah, you 're our Moony, '' John agreed.

flatness smiled at them, `` Thanks, guys. I know you wo n't, now. ``

The group quietly watched the map for a few arcminute, noting that all the fifth and 7th years were still cooped up in the program library, studying for their exams. `` Who 's that ? '' Albus pointed to a dot that was lingering near the forest.

rose leaned in finisher and read, `` Jarett Willinson. Never heard of him. ``

`` Willinson. Do you think he 's related to Quinton Willinson ? '' Albus asked.

`` Probably, '' toilet said, `` But Quinton does n't accept any siblings at schooltime. ``

`` What 's that bloke doing here, then ? '' Albus wondered.

`` bet ! '' flatness pointed at a dot that was traveling from the castle towards Jarret Willinson. `` It 's Washburn ! ``

Albus looked at the dot, and certainly enough, it was Washburn. He was heading towards Jarett Willinson. `` What are they doing ? ``

`` I dunno, '' Matt answered.

`` What if they 're going to try and find the Hallows ? '' Albus asked. `` We should go see what they 're up to. ``

`` What ? ! '' Matt shouted, `` Last prison term we went to see what Washburn was up to, we wound up in detention. ``

`` But what if he is trying to slip the Hallows ? If he is, then we wo n't get in trouble from him. He 'll get fired, '' Albus pointed out.

Matt sighed, `` I guess. Let 's go before they leave. ``

`` Are you coming, rose wine ? '' Albus asked.

`` I suppose, '' rosebush said. She looked at Amanda and the two of them stood up.

`` Let 's go, then ! '' John grinned. He was clearly excited about spying on Washburn again.

Albus and his friends left the room and set off towards the straw man doorway. They saw hardly anyone on their way down the stairs. Peeves was lurking on the second storey corridor, but luckily he did n't point out the first old age sneaking off.

`` Are they still there ? '' Rose whispered as they walked onto the grounds.

Albus checked the map. `` Yeah, they 're there. They must be talking or something. ``

`` You ought to pass over it clean before we meet up with them, '' Rose suggested.

`` Good melodic theme, '' Albus agreed, `` Mischief managed. ``

Albus walked slowly towards the edge of the woods, where he could just pee-pee out two cloaked figures. The sun was setting and it was nearly dark. Once Albus was a twosome ft away from the two wizards, he recognized who Jarret Willinson was, and stopped abruptly.

`` Ouch ! '' Amanda shouted as she ran into Albus.

`` Shush ! '' Albus whispered, and he pulled his friends behind a tree.

`` What is it ? '' rosiness asked.

`` That wizard ! Jarett Willinson ! He 's the bloke that was arguing with Washburn when we spied on him ! And the time I had detention and they argued in Washburn 's field of study. I 'm sure of it. ``

`` That means- '' pink wine replied.

`` That they 're going after the Hallows. Remember, when we spied on them, that Jarett Willinson told Washburn that he would number and they would steal the Hallows together, '' Albus said.

`` We 've got to stop them, '' John replied.

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` Let 's go. '' Albus walked out from behind the tree, with his friends following. They slowly approached Washburn and Jarett Willinson. They were soon close decent to listen what the two necromancer were saying.

`` You 've discovered the location of one of the Hallows ? '' Jarett asked.

`` I believe so. potter finally cracked. I 'd get wind that his Occlumency skills were abysmal, but I did n't think it would conduct me this tenacious. The two kids do n't know a affair about the Hallows, '' Washburn stated.

Jarett laughed, `` They will soon. Which one did you pick up ? ``

`` The Resurrection Stone, '' Washburn said.

`` Perfect. And where is it ? ``

`` In here, '' Washburn pointed to the wood. `` But I do n't lie with where. ``

`` How are we supposed to regain it ? ! '' Jarett shouted angrily.

`` Do n't ask me ! '' Washburn shouted back.

`` It was your job to find out where it is, '' Jarett said icily and took a step closer to Washburn. `` And you have n't found the exact place. ``

`` Sorry, but Potter did n't know either, '' Washburn answered nervously. `` Should n't we just start searching ? ``

`` We will, but I 've told Quinton he could come with us, and he 's not here yet, '' Jarett answered. `` And we 've got another job to do tonight, anyway. ``

`` And what is that ? '' Washburn asked.

`` Kill Potter, '' Jarett said.

Albus let out a gasp. They were going to kill his dad ? But why ? Albus turned around and looked at his friends. They were all standing fund still and wearing tone of utter fear on their faces.

`` I do n't guess we 're alone anymore, '' Washburn informed Jarett and a grin appeared across his face.

Albus turned back around to face the two wizards and backed up. Jarett and Washburn turned towards Albus and started walking towards him and his protagonist.

`` I believe you are ripe, '' Jarett responded, `` Mr. potter, how decent of you to join us. ``

`` What are we going to do with them ? '' Washburn asked while glaring at the five fist years.

`` Oh, I do n't know, what do you conceive ? '' Jarett replied.

`` Well, thrower seems incompetent of doing the simplest good luck charm. The Weasley girl is a properly know-all. Eckerton is gone half the meter, so I doubt he 's capable of doing much magic. Brickston does n't screw when to go along his sass shut. And the other girl does n't seem too bright either, '' Washburn said, `` I say we just let them hang around and if they interfere, I 'll convey care of them. '' He stared Albus in the eye, with a flavour of complete loathing.

`` Very well, '' Jarett agreed, `` You know them better than I do. Now, let 's get back to business. ``

`` Right. Now, why do we give birth to kill ceramicist ? Is n't he the one who knows where all the Hallows are ? '' Washburn asked.

`` I know that ! '' Jarett shouted, `` But he 's the one who 's got the senior sceptre ! And if we want it, we 've got to kill him. ``

`` Oh, right, '' Washburn responded.

Albus watched the two wizards and glanced nervously at his friends. He had no musical theme what he was going to do next. Albus had been right, Washburn and this other wizard were after the Hallows. Albus heard footsteps behind him and turned around, pulling out his wand at the same time.

`` Quinton, '' Jarett said, `` You 're lately. ``

`` Sorry, Father, '' Quinton mumbled, `` Filch was lurking around. I had to wait for him to leave. ``

Jarett Willinson was Quinton 's dad. As Albus watched them, he only hoped that Jarett was as hopeless at dueling as his son was.

`` Put your wand away, ceramicist ! '' Washburn growled at Albus.

`` get out it out, Al, '' a spokesperson said from behind Albus. Albus turned around and saw his dad pulling off the Invisibility Cloak. Albus let out a sigh of relief. His dad was there, everything would be okay.

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A/N : Thanks to my sister and genus Beta, Dancer of Starlight ! Thanks to my other sis and my brother, too. And thanks to inkheart, TheNobleHouseofPotter, XDNLxtlz99, drownzer, and Moonylupin for their reappraisal !

Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry potter

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`` Nice of you to bring together us, Potter, '' Jarett stepped towards Harry. `` How did you find us ? ``

Harry drew his wand and stared at Jarett. `` Followed your son. Students are n't supposed to be out of their vernacular way after time of day. ``

`` I do n't cerebrate it matters what he does now, '' Jarett replied icily. `` Once we have the Hallows, we will have business leader you know naught of. ``

`` So it 's you, '' Harry said, `` You 've been after the Hallows. And you 've been doing the Legilimency, Washburn ? ``

`` Yes, I have, '' Washburn confirmed. `` Only your Word do n't have it off anything about the Hallows, so it proved pointless. You, however, provided us with a great deal of selective information. ``

`` No, I have n't told them about the Hallows yet. But I suppose I 'll birth to after tonight, '' Harry said.

`` I do n't reckon you 'll give the chance, Potter, '' Jarett growled.

`` You 've found out where the Hallows are, then ? '' Harry asked.

Washburn nodded, `` The Christ's Resurrection Stone is in the forest. I managed to interrupt through your poor Occlumency. The invisibleness Cloak is in your hand. And you 've got the elder verge, we already knew that. ``

Harry held up his wand, `` I 'm afraid I do n't. ``

`` What ? ! '' Jarett shouted and looked at Harry 's verge, `` But you had it ! That 's how you defeated Voldemort ! ``

`` Maybe so, '' Harry began, `` But I have n't got it now, have I ? ``

`` You 've got it somewhere ! '' Jarett growled. `` sufficiency public lecture ! move over me the Cloak ! ``

`` Do n't cogitate so, '' Harry shoved the Cloak into his pocket and raised his wand higher. `` We 'll duel if you want, but if you come with me now, you 'll experience less time in Azkaban. ``

`` I do n't give care about Azkaban ! '' Jarett shouted. `` Crucio ! ``

`` Protego ! '' Harry shouted at the same clip. A cuticle formed in front of Harry, protecting him, Albus, and Albus 's friends from Jarett 's spell.

Washburn and Quinton ran from behind Jarett, holding their wands out. Harry stepped towards Jarett and Jarett stepped close to Harry. Albus watched them, his affection beating fast. Jarett sent more than spells towards Harry, but Harry blocked each of them. Albus smiled a little as he saw how often just at dueling his dad was than Jarett.

green of luminousness flew out of both Harry and Jarett 's wand, lighting up the Nox around them. Harry sent a spell towards Jarett and he flew back and landed on the background. Jarett stumbled back to his feet and sent a stunning magical spell at Harry.

`` Just tell me where the baton is ! '' Jarett shouted as he dodged Harry 's curse.

`` No ! '' Harry shouted back and leaped out of the way of another mantrap. The two wizards continued dueling, each one sending while and swearword towards the early. Albus stared at them. He had never seen dueling like this before. Neither sorcerer seemed to be slowing down. Harry was noticeably faster and dodged trance more easily than Jarett, but Jarett did n't appear to be giving up anytime soon.

`` What do we do ? '' Rose whispered to Albus.

Albus turned away from the duel. `` I dunno ! '' Albus heard stride behind him again and turned to see Quinton standing with his scepter facing Albus.

`` So, we duel again, Potter, '' Quinton smirked. `` obstructer ! ``

Albus dodged the spell easily, but did n't make love what to do next. He had n't learned many dueling spells yet. He held his scepter up higher and watched Quinton.

`` Petrificus Totalus ! '' Quinton shouted. Albus jumped to the side and dodged the new spell.

`` Ahh ! '' somebody screamed behind Albus. He turned around and saw John, rosiness, and flatness standing around Amanda, who was laying rigid on the ground. The spell meant for Albus had hit Amanda square in the chest.

Quinton laughed. `` One down, four to go ! ``

`` lookout out ! '' Albus shouted to his friends. They held up their wands and stood next to Albus.

`` Petrificus Totalus ! '' Quinton shouted again. Albus and his friends darted to one English and Quinton 's turn hit a nearby bush.

Albus regained his balance and turned to Quinton. He raised his wand and shouted, `` Expelliarmus ! ``

Quinton dodged the go and smirked at Albus, `` Think that 'll work again ? Petrificus Totalus ! ``

Albus and his supporter dodged the trance yet again. `` Do n't you know any other magical spell ? '' John laughed.

`` Shut it ! '' Quinton shouted, breathing heavily.

Albus whispered to Rose, `` We 'll all demilitarise him at once. On the reckoning of three. differentiate them. '' Albus waited until Rose had passed the Holy Writ on to John and Matt and began to number. `` One ... ''

`` What are you doing ? '' Quinton asked nervously.

`` Two ... Three ! '' Albus shouted.

`` Expelliarmus ! '' All four for the first time eld screamed the spell before Quinton realized what was going on. He was knocked off his feet and his scepter flew out of his hand and sailed through the air, landing near Matt. lustrelessness picked it up and stowed it in his robe.

`` Urgh, '' Quinton picked his point up off the ground.

`` Let me take it from here, '' Washburn stormed over to where Quinton was laying. `` miserable ... ''

Albus 's center started beating even faster. He had never seen Washburn affaire d'honneur before. It would surely be a whole lot harder to disarm him than it was to disarm Quinton. Albus had no desire whatsoever to start dueling with one of his teachers.

`` So you four, well five, if you count Tagger, '' Washburn began, `` Decided to find out what I was doing. idea that it was a good idea to meddle in my business ? ``

`` Er, '' Albus mumbled.

`` Do n't deny it, Potter ! '' Washburn shouted. `` You came here tonight ! You spied on me months ago ! ``

`` If you 're going to toss off my dad, than it is my line ! '' Albus shouted.

`` You could see it that way, if you 'd like. But if it 's your commercial enterprise, and you get in the way, we 'll kill you, too, '' Washburn growled at Albus.

Albus 's breadbasket churned with reverence and he looked over to where Harry was dueling Jarett. Harry had just sent a spell at Jarett that had completely knocked him off his feet. Harry looked over to Albus while Jarett was trying to get up. `` Do n't do anything to my son, Washburn ! '' Harry shouted. `` Protego ! '' He sent a shield good luck charm in between where Albus and Washburn were standing. `` You 'll rue it ! ``

`` I do n't think I will, tinker ! '' Washburn shouted back, aimed his sceptre at Harry, and sent a silent hex towards him. Harry easily dodged it.

`` Crucio ! '' Jarett had regained his proportionality and was pointing his wand at Harry. Harry turned back and ran out of the way of the unforgivable curse just in prison term. He returned to his duel with Jarett, sending more than jet of light at him.

`` Are you last eater ? '' Saint John asked once Washburn returned his regard to the group of first years.

Washburn smirked at John. `` You still have n't learned to shut your mouth, have you ? No, we 're not Death Eaters. Although Jarett 's Father-God was. He 's in Azkaban now. Albus 's bloody father captured him ! ``

`` So, what are you going to do ? If you were planning on killing us, you would 've done it by now, '' john replied.

Washburn stepped snug to John, `` Maybe I like to drop behind it out. But enough of that. ceramist ! '' He looked at Albus and pointed his wand at Albus 's chest. `` I do n't theorize you know if your father has any spare verge laying around ? One that might be the elder Wand ? ``

`` I dunno, '' Albus whispered, `` I do n't remember so. ``

`` 'Course not, '' Washburn growled, `` And you probably would n't state me if you did. ``

`` Do n't think so, '' Albus said.

`` Now, I think you four would be a whole lot easier to deal with if you did n't have your wands, '' Washburn seethed. `` Expelliarmus ! '' he pointed his scepter at lusterlessness. Harry 's buckler magical spell had worn off and disappeared here and now before.

Albus looked over to where Matt was. Matt collapsed to the dry land when the spell hit his thorax, and his wand and Willinson 's scepter flew through the air, landing next to Washburn. Albus darted over to where matt was laying to see if he was ok.

`` Expelliarmus ! '' Albus shouted at Washburn after he realized that lusterlessness was knocked out stale. `` What did you do to him ? ! ``

Washburn deflected the spell and picked up the two scepter. `` I just disarmed him, that usually does n't knock you out unless there are multiple multitude casting it. Always knew he was weak, '' Washburn sneered.

`` Shut it ! '' John shouted as he bent down to try and heat flatness up, `` Why do n't you ever leave him alone ? ! ``

`` Ahh, looks like you 'll be next, '' Washburn pointed his verge at can, `` Expelliarmus ! '' John 's wand sailed out of his hand and Washburn caught it. `` Now for the Weasley female child. Expelliarmus ! '' blush wine 's scepter left her manus and landed in between Washburn and Albus.

Albus ran forward to pick up Rose 's sceptre. `` I do n't think so, Potter, '' Washburn reached the verge first and picked it up. `` You 're next. Expelliarmus ! ``

Albus felt his wand leave his hand and saw Washburn catch it. He glanced nervously at his friends. They were n't doing too well. No verge, and two of them were unconscious. Albus looked at Washburn, who had started pacing in a roach around them.

`` Defenseless educatee, '' he smirked, `` I think you 'll be much more willing to do what I say now. Time to go into the afforest, we 're going on a little scavenger hunting. ``

`` No, '' Albus told him, `` We 're not. ``

`` You 're not in a placement to negotiate, potter. You 'll help oneself me retrieve the Resurrection gemstone, '' Washburn barked, `` Now, follow me ! '' Washburn started to walk towards the forest, but Albus did not watch. `` Let 's go, Potter ! ``

`` We 're not going, '' rose wine said, crossing her subdivision across her chest.

`` You 'll regret that, '' Washburn said icily. He walked back to where Albus, rosiness, and St. John the Apostle were standing. `` Crucio ! '' he shouted at Rose.

Rose screamed and jumped to the side, just missing the curse. Washburn started sending curses towards all three of them. Albus jumped behind a tree to avert a jonah that wound up hitting the tree. He looked over to where Harry and Jarett were dueling. As far as Albus could say, Harry was winning. Jarett appeared to be slowing down, but Albus noticed that his dad was limping a bit as he dodged Jarett 's spells.

`` What are we going to do ? '' blush wine asked anxiously.

`` I do n't know ! '' Albus shouted back. He peeked his head out from behind the tree and saw King John running towards them. Washburn pointed his wand at john 's back and hit him with a Trip whammy. Saint John fell forward and he landed on the ground with a sickening crunch. `` John the Evangelist ! '' Albus shouted and ran out from behind the tree.

`` Just you and the Weasley girl now, potter, '' Washburn growled. `` Sectumsempra ! '' he shouted at Rose.

`` No ! '' Albus shouted as the curse hit one of her subdivision. She sank down onto the land, screaming in pain. Albus could see blood line seeping out of her robes. `` terminate it ! '' Albus shouted again. Albus glanced over to his dad again. Both of the wizards were slowing down. Willinson was definitely the risky off, he was leaning against a Tree, trying to keep up his sceptre with a broken arm. `` Dad ! Help ! ``

Harry turned away from his duel and came limping over when he heard Albus 's cry. `` Expelliarmus ! '' he shouted at Washburn, and all five wands the Charms teacher was holding sailed out of his hands. Washburn turned away from pink wine and looked at Harry. `` Do n't go near my niece, '' Harry growled at Washburn.

`` Let 's go, '' Washburn lifted Quinton onto his animal foot, `` You all right ? ``

`` Fine, '' Quinton grunted. The two of them took one look at Harry and ran off into the night. Albus saw them disapparate just as they left the Hogwarts grounds.

Albus glanced over to where Jarett had been moments before. He was gone. `` Are n't you going to go after them, Dad ? ``

`` Ca n't, '' Harry lifted his gown and revealed a nasty cut on his leg, `` Took all my strength to get over here and make unnecessary you. '' Harry sank down onto the ground, breathing heavily. `` Are you all right ? ``

`` Yeah, I 'm fine, '' Albus sat down next to his dad and leaned up against him. `` But I want to experience the solid tarradiddle about the Hallows. ``

`` I know, and I will tell you, '' Harry sighed, `` After we get back to the castle. ``

`` Ok, '' Albus whispered. He looked over to where Rose had collapsed and saw her getting up. She walked slowly over to Albus and Harry and sank down on Harry 's other side.

`` Uncle Harry ? Can we go back to the castle now ? '' she asked quietly. Her voice was shaking. She was holding one of her hands down over her arm, stopping the bleeding that Washburn 's curse had caused.

`` I think that would be a good idea, '' Harry replied.

`` Harry ? '' a new voice said from behind them. `` What happened ? ``

Albus, Harry, and Rose turned around. Neville was standing behind them. `` Bit of a nasty duel, '' Harry answered, and went on to explicate the entire evening.

Neville shook his head, `` Blimey, Washburn 's always been a niggling cold, but I 'd never have expected that. What was he after ? ``

`` I 'll explicate that later, '' Harry said, while trying to stand up, `` But right now we 've got to get back to the castle. ``

`` right field, '' Neville agreed, `` devote me your hand. '' Harry extended his arm and Neville helped him up. Albus and Rose got up after him.

Harry leaned on Neville and Neville helped him take the air over to where John was laying. Neville conjured a copestone and with a flick of his sceptre, lav was laying upon it. He did the Saame with Matt and Amanda. `` What happened to them ? '' Harry asked quietly.

`` John got hit by a trip jinx and hit his head on a rock candy, Amanda got a full-body-bind hex, and Matt just got hit by Expelliarmus, '' Albus explained.

`` That 's nothing Madam Pomfrey ca n't fix, then, '' Harry replied. `` Let 's go. ``

The group slowly made their way back to the castle. It took them quite a piece. Albus was amercement, except for a few deletion and being completely worn out. The hemorrhage on rosiness 's arm seemed to have slowed down, but it would involve to be magically healed or else it would surely open up again. Harry was walking quite slowly, and Albus could severalize by the way he winced every time they went up the stairs, that he was in a not bad heap of bother. Eventually, they made it up to the hospital Wing. When they got into the hospital ward, gentlewoman Pomfrey was already bustling around, and when she saw them come in, she immediately descended upon them.

`` There you are, Harry ! '' the nurse shouted, `` I 've been trying to reach you all evening. James got into a nasty duel with a duo Slytherins and he 's been unconscious mind ever since. '' She gestured to one of the beds at the far end of the elbow room and looked back at Harry. She gazed upon the group and her mouth fell open. `` What in the name of Merlin happened to you lot ? ''

`` Quinton Willinson 's father, Jarett Willinson, tried to toss off me, '' Harry said simply. `` Had quite the affaire d'honneur with him down near the woods. Him, along with Quinton, plus Professor Washburn. ``

Madam Pomfrey 's eyes became large with daze. `` prof Washburn ? And where are they now ? '' she asked quietly.

`` They took off, disapparated once they left the grounds, '' Harry told her, `` I could n't overtake them with this nasty cut on my leg. ``

`` Well, fall on, then, '' the nursemaid said, `` Harry, you go in bed one, since it 's skinny. Albus, bed two, and blush wine, bed three. '' Madam Pomfrey gestured to the beds and then approached the stretchers that Neville was holding up with his sceptre. `` And let 's see, Neville, take them to get it on four, five, and seven, since Jesse James is in bed six. ``

Neville nodded and directed the stretchers to the empty beds. Albus walked over to the second bed and lay down. He stared at the cap, thinking about what had happened. Washburn thought Harry had the Elder Wand, but Harry did n't. Where was it ? Who had it ? And why did Washburn think that Harry had it ? At least Harry said that he would tell Albus everything. It was only a issue of time before Albus knew the totally taradiddle about the Hallows.

Madam Pomfrey came bustling over to Albus 's bed. `` Here, drink this, '' she handed him a potion. `` Dreamless sleep. '' madam Pomfrey turned away from Albus and strode across the room to one of her cabinets. She rummaged around inside. `` All the Potters in the infirmary Wing at once, it was bound to happen Sooner or later ... '' she muttered.

Albus gratefully took the potion, and a few minutes later, he fell into a relaxing sleep.

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A/N : Thanks to my Sister and beta, Dancer of Starlight and my former sister and brother. Thanks as well to XDNLxtlz99, drownzer, inkheart, Moonylupin, and MiZzPrInCeZz for their revue !

Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.

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When Albus awoke the sun was shining into the window next to his bed. He sat up and peered at the clock on the wall. It was two o'clock. Albus looked over at Rose 's bed ; she was still asleep.

madam Pomfrey came out from behind the curtains around one of the beds. She walked over to Albus once she noticed he was awake. `` How are you, dear ? ``

`` I 'm fine, '' Albus told her, while trying to peek at the former beds, to see how everyone else was.

`` Are you sure ? '' Madam Pomfrey asked, `` nix hurts ? ``

`` No, I 'm mulct, '' Albus answered truthfully, `` But what about everyone else ? Where 's my dad ? ``

`` They 're all fine, too, '' gentlewoman Pomfrey assured him, `` They 're asleep. And your dad left a few hour ago. He had to take care of some things at the Ministry. He said he 'd be back later. Now, do you want something to eat ? ``

`` Sure, '' Albus said, suddenly realizing how hungry he was. ma'am Pomfrey left the room for a few proceedings and came back with a tray filled with sandwiches and autumn pumpkin juice. She set it down on Albus 's bedside table and Albus started eating. Rose and James woke up a few minutes later, and they joined Albus in his luncheon. James immediately asked them what had happened live on night. Albus and Rose explained the whole thing.

`` Blimey, '' Saint James the Apostle said quietly, once they had finished, `` I always knew Washburn was evil. ``

`` Explains why he hates us so practically, '' Albus replied, `` We knew nothing about the Hallows, and he thought he 'd be able to happen out where they were by reading our minds. ``

`` conjecture so, '' St. James the Apostle agreed. `` So, Dad said he 'd tell us about the Hallows ? ``

`` Yeah, he did, '' Albus told him, `` I guess he will when he gets back from the Ministry. ``

John, Matt, and Amanda woke up an hour later, and Albus and Rose told them the rest of what had happened the premature night. They were all glad that Washburn, Jarett, and Quinton had n't gotten any of the Hallows, but were worried that they had gotten away. They spent much of the afternoon discussing what would materialize next.

Albus was sure that, somehow, the rest of the shoal already knew what had happened the night before. They had no idea what Washburn, Quinton, and Jarett were after, but they knew about the duel that had taken post on the grounds. brothel keeper Pomfrey spent a lot of time keeping peculiar students out of the Hospital Wing, and eventually she locked the doorway. Victoire and Amy were the number one ones to chat Albus and the others in the Hospital Wing, followed by the residue of Albus 's first cousin. They all wanted to know what went on, and Albus told them most of the chronicle. He left out the part about the Hallows, since none of Albus 's cousin-german knew about them. Amanda, John, and lusterlessness 's parents showed up for a few hours each and were all relieved that their kidskin were ok.

Once evening arrived, Madam Pomfrey made all of Albus 's full cousin and Amy leave, and she gave Albus and the others a large record of food for their dinner party. After they finished eating, Albus heard someone trying to get into the room.

`` Bloody hell, I think she locked it ! '' a vocalization shouted out.

`` Oh, Ron, honestly. Just knock, '' a female voice said. Albus heard a flashy knock, and Madam Pomfrey came running out of her authority. She flung the threshold open and Ron and Hermione came running in. `` Rose ! '' Hermione shouted and descended upon her daughter. She wrapped pink wine in a big hug. `` Are you all right ? ``

`` Yes, Mum, '' Rose hugged Hermione back. Ron sat down on the bed and wrapped his weaponry around Rose as well.

`` Where 's Harry ? '' Madam Pomfrey asked, `` I thought he was coming with you ? ``

`` He was behind us, '' Ron glanced at the door.

`` I 'm here, '' Harry appeared in the room access and limped over to Albus 's bed. He sank down on it and gave Albus a hug.

`` I told you not to walk on that leg yet, '' brothel keeper Pomfrey scolded.

`` Did n't give birth much of a choice. I had to alarm the Ministry. I 've got Aurors looking for Washburn and both Willinsons right now, '' Harry explained.

`` Good, '' Madam Pomfrey handed Harry a chalice of potion, `` Drink that. ''

Harry took the potion and downed it in one mouthful. `` Disgusting. ``

`` Dad ? '' Albus asked tentatively, `` Are you going to tell us about the Hallows now ? ``

Harry sighed, `` I suppose. ``

`` You 've got to let Saint John, mat, and Amanda listen to, '' Albus insisted.

`` I know, they 've got to acknowledge what happened, too, '' Harry agreed, `` We just postulate some lieu private. ``

`` How about the Room of Requirement ? '' Albus suggested.

`` You 've found that already ? '' Harry grinned.

`` fountainhead, Matt showed it to us, '' Albus explained.

`` Oh, '' Harry replied, `` Well, that would be the perfect stead. '' Harry stood up. `` Poppy, I 've got a bit of explaining to do to the nipper. ``

`` Ca n't you do it here ? '' Madam Pomfrey asked, `` It really would be best for them all to stay on here a piece longer. ``

`` I promise we 'll all fare back once I 'm done, '' Harry said.

`` Really, Harry, they need rest ! '' Madam Pomfrey insisted.

`` I owe them an account, Poppy, '' Harry said quietly.

`` Oh, fine ! '' ma'am Pomfrey threw her men up in disgust, `` But do n't have them out too long. ``

Harry grinned. Albus got up out of the bed. James, Rose, John, matte, and Amanda all got up as well. They followed Harry, Ron, and Hermione to the door.

`` I 'm getting too old for this, '' lady Pomfrey muttered as they left.

`` You 're not depart, are you ? '' flatness asked nervously.

Madam Pomfrey smiled, `` Of course not, lamb. Do n't you worry. ``

The group made their way slowly to the one-seventh floor. Once they reached the portrait of Barnabas the Barmy, Harry started pacing. After a few import, a door appeared where it had n't been previously. Harry opened it and everyone followed him inside. The elbow room looked a lot like it did when flatness asked for it. The lone obtrusive difference was that this prison term there were more armchairs and another couch.

Harry sat down on one of the couches. Albus and James IV sat on either side of him. Ron, Hermione, and Rose took the other lounge, while toilet, matt, and Amanda took the chair.

`` Dad, '' Albus began, `` We already know about the Hallows. ``

`` You do ? '' Harry asked.

`` Er, yeah, we know about the connector to the Tale of the triad pal, and we know that the Deathly Hallows are the elderberry bush verge, Resurrection Stone, and the Invisibility Cloak. We just do n't acknowledge why you 've kept it a secret. ``

Harry sighed, `` How long have you known ? ``

`` A few month now. Since Apr. matte told us about them. ``

`` Really ? '' Harry looked at Matt, `` You knew about them ? ``

`` Yeah, my dad told me, '' lustrelessness answered, `` But I was n't indisputable if I believed they existed or not, until Albus told me about the Cloak. ``

`` Not many multitude think they 're real, '' Harry replied, `` I first heard the story of the threesome chum when I was 17. It was the year that Ron, Hermione, and I were hunting Horcruxes. When Dumbledore was killed, he left each of us something in his will. You already know that he left Hermione the master copy copy of The Tales of Beedle the Bard, written completely in antediluvian runes. Ron got the Deluminator, and I got the first Snitch I ever caught.

`` Hermione decoded the rune and noticed a symbol in a drawing off that went with the story of the trine Brother. '' Harry pulled a piece of sheepskin and a quill out of his pocket. He drew a triangle, with a band inside it, and a channel connecting the top of the triangle to the bottom. `` This was the symbolic representation. We recognized it because at billhook and Fleur 's marriage, Xenophilius Lovegood was wearing it on his gown. Viktor Krum approached him about it because this symbol is also Grindelwald 's symbolisation. ``

`` Grindelwald, that malefic wiz Dumbledore defeated ? '' mat asked.

`` Yes, '' Harry continued, `` But at one point, Dumbledore and Grindelwald were friends- ''

`` What ? ! '' Matt shouted.

`` They were, '' Harry said. Albus already knew this section of the story, but it must have had relevancy to the Hallows, if Harry was telling it again. `` They were friends, who were obsessed with uniting the Hallows. That symbol is the symbol of the Hallows. The triangle is the Cloak, the circle, the Stone, and the line, the elder verge. Grindelwald and Dumbledore 's friendship fell apart after Dumbledore 's sister was killed. Eventually, Dumbledore had to confront Grindelwald and defeat him. Grindelwald had the Elder Wand, and when Dumbledore defeated him, the Wand changed its loyalty, and Dumbledore became the new schoolmaster. ``

`` Dumbledore had the elder wand ? '' Albus asked.

`` Yes, he did, '' Harry said, `` Now, after Hermione decoded the story, we went to see Xenophilius Lovegood, and he explained the Hallows to us. We were skeptical, but we knew that the Cloak existed. You may give birth already guessed this, but Voldemort found out about the elder Wand and he wanted to get it, because he believed it would enable him to kill me. That is why he wanted someone to kill Dumbledore. However, before Snape killed Dumbledore, Dragon Malfoy disarmed him. The Wand changed allegiance once again. You see, the elder Wand does n't change allegiance when a wizard kills the wizard it belongs to. That wizard just needs to be defeated. Defeat does n't always equal end. Since Snape killed Dumbledore, Voldemort assumed that the wand had shifted its dedication to Snape, but in actuality, it belonged to Draco.

`` When we got captured and taken to the Malfoy Manor, I disarmed Draco. I defeated him. Even though he did not experience the elderberry bush wand in his possession at the time, it was still his wand. But when I disarmed him, it became mine. The elderberry bush Wand had been buried with Dumbledore, but Voldemort stole it. Voldemort assumed that the wand had fealty to Snape, so Voldemort used his snake to defeat Snape.

`` After Snape died, I viewed his retentiveness in the Pensieve, and found out that I was a Horcrux and I would have to die in ordering for Voldemort to die. As I was walking into the forest, I tried once again to open the Snitch that had failed to open earlier in the class. It opened, and inside was the Resurrection Harlan Fisk Stone. In the forest, Voldemort tried once again to pour down me, but he only succeeded in killing the Horcrux inside me. When I came back, Voldemort and I had one concluding duel. He had the Elder Wand, but it 's allegiance belonged to me. He tried to wipe out me with a sceptre that was mine. A wand will not influence properly against its rightful possessor. So, when we dueled, Voldemort 's killing curse bounced off my disarming spell, and hit him. ``

Albus stared at his dad, `` But what about the fact that Voldemort used your stemma to follow back to sprightliness ? Is n't that why you survived ? ``

`` That 's part of it, Al, '' Harry told him.

Albus did n't know what to say. He finally had the answers he had been looking for. This was why no one else knew about them. The Hallows did give to do with Voldemort 's ruination, a big part.

`` Where 's the elderberry bush verge now ? '' Henry James asked, `` Do you have it ? ``

`` No, '' Harry answered, `` That baton is too a great deal fuss. It 's back with Dumbledore. And if I die a lifelike expiry, it will have no allegiance. ``

`` Oh, '' James replied, `` Would 've been assuredness, though, having an unbeatable wand. ``

`` And the Stone ? '' Albus asked, `` Is it really somewhere in the forest ? ``

`` Yes, '' Harry answered, `` And I have no idea where. The entirely Hallow I 've got is the invisibleness Cloak. ``

`` But you did unite them, the Hallows ? '' Albus asked.

`` For a slight while, yes, '' Harry said. `` I was the Master of Death. ``

`` That 's what Washburn and the Willinsons wanted to do, correct ? ''

`` Yes, that was their plan, '' Harry answered. `` But they did not follow. ``

`` Do you think they 'll try again ? '' Albus asked quietly.

`` Yes, Albus, they probably will, '' Harry replied, `` But I 'm hoping that they will be in Azkaban soon. There are Aurors looking for them right now. ``

`` I hope they 're caught, '' Albus said.

`` Me, too, '' Harry agreed, `` I 'll do everything I can to pretend sure that they are. ``

Albus sat quietly, thinking about everything his dad had said. Harry had united the Hallows, he had been the 'Master of Death'. Albus was relieved that he finally knew the all story, but he still had to a greater extent inquiry. Had his dad ever used the Resurrection Edward Durell Stone ? How did it nose up in the wood ? But Albus decided to ask the dubiousness that had been pulling at him since he first heard 'Hallows'bring up months ago. `` Dad, why did n't you tell us ? ``

Harry sighed, `` It was a mistake not telling you sooner. I want you to cognise that. I should have told you cobbler's last summer, when I told you everything else. But at the Lapplander time, I did n't require you to tell anyone about it. I wanted to wait until you were older and more mature. ``

`` So you did n't trust me ? '' Albus asked. He hated it when the great unwashed told him he was n't old enough to do something, or know about something.

`` Not exactly. I did n't want you to be tempted to tell people about the Hallows. If word got out that there is an unbeatable wand out there, especially one that is on the Hogwarts grounds, the result could be bad. reckon at what Washburn and the two Willinsons did. And they are just three citizenry. Imagine if half the school was going after that wand ? I 'm not saying everyone would want to use the wand for evil, but if a lot of hoi polloi were going after it we could have got a disaster on our hands. The idea of power, whether one is going to use it for good or evil, does sick matter to mass. And that is why I did n't tell you. I did n't need a lot of masses to recognize about it. But that did n't work at all. Now, more people than just you and James and Rose know about it.

`` Which brings me to my succeeding power point, '' Harry said in a more dangerous note, `` None of you can order anyone anything I have told you tonight. You ca n't tell anyone that the Hallows exist, and that they are all currently residing somewhere in or around Hogwarts. A lot of masses know about my Cloak, but without knowledge of the Resurrection Stone or the Elder wand, they wo n't think anything of it. ``

`` I ca n't even order our first cousin ? '' James asked.

`` No, I 'm grim, but you ca n't, '' Harry replied

`` I wo n't tell, '' Albus assured Harry. Rose, John, and Amanda all nodded.

`` Wish I could secernate my dad, '' Matt said, `` He 'd love to hear about it. ``

`` Is he interest in the Hallows ? '' Harry asked.

`` Yeah, he was. He went all over the macrocosm researching them when he was youthful. Never found out where they were. Gave up after he and my mum decided to start a home, though. He still believes they exist, '' Matt replied.

`` Maybe I 'll tell him, someday, '' Harry answered, `` But for now, please do n't tell him. ``

`` All right, '' lustrelessness agreed.

`` fountainhead, then, I think we ought to get back to the hospital Wing, '' Harry stood up, `` Madam Pomfrey will feature my head if I keep you up much later. ``

******

dame Pomfrey let Albus and the others leave the infirmary Wing two days later. Albus was quite happy about this, as he was getting bored with the hospital Wing. Albus and his friend spent much of the daytime following talking or playing games in the common room or on the flat coat. Shortly after they were released, O.W.L.s and N.E.W.T.s finished, and the common elbow room returned to its usual noisy Department of State. A few student asked Albus and his friends about what had happened with Washburn and the Willinsons, but Albus did n't tell them anything. The students'attention was soon work towards the Quidditch net. Just as Albus and Harry had predicted a few months prior, it would be Gryffindor vs. Ravenclaw.

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A/N : Thanks to my Sister and beta, Dancer of Starlight, and my other baby and my brother. Thanks as well to inkheart, smirkyhaha, and harshabc for their reviews !

Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry potter

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`` You 're going to be fine, James, '' Albus assured his Brother at breakfast a few mornings later. Henry James was sitting across from him, but was n't eating anything. With the elision of James, everyone else at the Gryffindor table was in high up spirits. Exams were over, and it was the last Quidditch couple of the year. The lone one besides St. James the Apostle who was n't eating anything was Matt, and considering that the full moon was that Nox, it was n't surprising.

`` Henry James, you 've got to eat something, '' Samantha Meyers had appeared behind Saint James and was pouring him a glass of pumpkin juice, `` At least imbibe this. '' James IV nodded and took the goblet, but he only drank a few sips. He glanced nervously at Albus, and then looked up at the staff table.

Albus turned and looked as well. Harry was n't there. The past times few days, Harry had been away from Hogwarts more than he had been there. He had been spending a lot of sentence at the Ministry, organizing the search for Washburn and both Willinsons. `` He 'll be there, James. He said he would. You know he would n't miss the match for the populace. ``

`` Ok, team, let 's go ! '' Samantha stood up and beckoned her team to take after her. Henry James followed the respite of the squad, with one last glance at the stave table. As they left, the total Gryffindor table stood up and cheered.

A few minutes later, Albus and his acquaintance walked down to the pitch. `` last Quidditch mates of the twelvemonth, '' Albus sighed.

`` Yeah, just hope we win ! '' Gospel According to John shouted.

`` Bob Hope so, too. But Ravenclaw will be toilsome to beat. They 've got a adept team, '' Albus replied.

`` At least the weather condition 's good, '' John pointed out, `` I do n't retrieve we 've played in skilful conditions than this the whole twelvemonth. '' John the Divine was compensate about that. It was warm, hardly windy at all, and there was just enough swarm cover to mask the glare from the sun.

`` I hope it 's a spry match, '' Matt yawned as they climbed into the stands.

`` It probably wo n't be, '' Albus said, `` We 're passably evenly matched with Ravenclaw. ``

Matt groaned, `` Maybe James will spot the snitch early. ``

`` Would n't count on it, '' Albus responded, `` James told me that in order to win the Cup, we 've got to be at least 40 points up before he catches the Snitch. Otherwise, we 'll win the match, but Ravenclaw will get the Cup. And Samantha has made it clear she wants the Cup. It 's her only chance. She 's only been captain for this class. Before her, it was teddy. ``

`` Maybe you should 've stayed in the castle, '' Rose said sympathetically.

`` And miss Quidditch ? '' Matt stared at her like she had three heads.

blush wine sighed. `` I do n't know what 's with you cat and Quidditch, '' she muttered.

`` It 's a good plot ! '' Amanda grinned, `` Way better than football. ``

`` Does n't take much for something to be more interesting than football, '' John laughed, `` I mean, honestly, what were the Muggles intellection ? How can a game be exciting with one ball ? ``

Albus laughed. He had to accord. He had been to one football lucifer before. It was a community league, and Harry had taken him and King James to see if they had been interesting in playing it. Throughout the whole match, both Albus and James had commented on how a great deal better Quidditch was.

Albus watched the point of view fill up, hoping to catch a glimpse of his dad. He looked at the component part of the pedestal where the faculty sat, but the tush next to Neville that Harry usually occupied during Quidditch matches remained empty. Where was he ? The mates was about to start. He promised James that he would be there.

`` Welcome, Hogwarts students and staff to the Quidditch final exam ! '' Lord Todd Smith 's voice boomed over the crew. `` Today 's catch is between Gryffindor and Ravenclaw ! And here come the team !

`` First is Ravenclaw. Captain President Tyler Pike, followed by Dan Burke, Natalie Cable, Allie Davies, Damien Waverly, Kate Waverly, and Zack Valentino ! '' Seven actor in down in the mouth gown walked out onto the field, with their ling over their shoulders.

`` Next we have Gryffindor ! Captain Samantha Meyers, followed by Ryan O'Malley, James I potter, Omar Nelson Bradley Weasley, Fred Weasley, Peach State Weasley, and Calluna vulgaris Weasley ! '' The Gryffindor squad marched onto the field and stopped in figurehead of the Ravneclaws.

`` prof Oteski steps onto the field. Captains Meyers and freeway shake up bridge player, and the squad are off ! ``

Albus watched as both squad soared into the air. Heather immediately took dominance of the Quaffle, passing it back and forth between Fred and Samantha. They flew down the slant, dodging Bludgers sent by Valentino and Davies.

`` Gryffindor scores the first-class honours degree goal of the game ! '' Todd shouted out, once broom managed to get the Quaffle yesteryear Kate Waverly. `` Ravenclaw in monomania now. Waverly mountain pass to Burke, and then back to Waverly. ``

`` Hi, Al. ``

Albus turned around at the audio of his name. Harry had appeared behind him and was climbing over the rear end in monastic order to sit down. Albus moved over so Harry could sit in between him and Matt. `` Dad, you made it ! ``

`` 'Course I did ! I said I would, '' Harry replied as he sat down, `` Did I miss anything ? ``

`` Heather just scored the for the first time goal of the secret plan, '' Albus grinned.

`` Awesome ! She 's got some arm, let me order you. Even as a baby. I remember once, she threw one of her toys at me. Gave me a lightlessness eye, '' Harry laughed.

`` Why are you sitting here ? '' Albus asked, `` You usually sit with the rest of the staff. ``

`` To be honest, it 's more fun session here, '' Harry grinned, `` I do n't have to moderate my fervor when Gryffindor scores. ``

At that moment, Samantha scored a destination, and all the Gryffindors jumped up, screaming and hollering with joy. Harry screamed the tacky of them all.

`` See what I mean ? '' Harry grinned, `` The staff always has to arrest their excitement, in order not to play pet. ``

For the next time of day, the game continued with both Gryffindor and Ravenclaw scoring goal after goal. After the number one initial goal, Ravenclaw caught up quickly and tied the match. Both team showed exceptional attainment, and there had still not been any glimpse of the Snitch.

`` Now, this is Quidditch, '' Harry grinned and looked at Albus. `` This could be another for the platter Christian Bible. ``

Albus agreed, `` Yeah, we 've just got to hope that we can somehow get 40 level ahead. ``

`` That could take a while, '' Harry said.

`` cable of Ravenclaw has scored ! '' Todd shouted, `` 110-100 Ravenclaw ! ``

`` pigeon hawk ! '' Albus shouted. Albus looked out over the pitch. Heather was in monomania of the Quaffle again. Valentino was flying directly behind her and hit a Bludger towards her head. Luckily, she ducked at that very moment and the Bludger wound up hitting Damien Waverly instead. Waverly slipped off his broom, but managed to hold on with one deal. He got back on the ling and sent a nasty look towards Valentino. In the meantime, Calluna vulgaris managed to seduce another goal.

It became clear within the next half 60 minutes of the game, that the Damien Waverly had been injured by the Bludger. His coordination was all off, and he was having trouble catching the Quaffle. This, of course, worked to Gryffindor 's advantage, and soon enough the musical score was 120-150 Gryffindor.

`` Just one more than goal, '' Albus said, `` One more and James can pick up the Snitch. ``

`` It 'll be hard to keep up that 40 point lead-in, though, '' Harry pointed out. `` He 'll let to incur the stool pigeon soon after the destination is scored. ``

`` I hope he does, '' Rose said, `` I do n't think Matt can take much Thomas More of this. ``

Albus looked over at his friend and felt bad that he had become so absorbed in the game, that he had n't noticed how bad Matt looked. matt appeared to have fallen asleep and was leaning his head on Harry 's shoulder. He was wincing every once and a spell, much like he had been during the Gryffindor vs. Slytherin plot. Why did they always schedule Quidditch couple around the fully moon ?

Harry nudged matte gently until he woke up, `` Wha 's going on ? '' matte asked sleepily.

`` You fell asleep, '' Harry said gently, `` You 're welcome to lean on me, but I was n't sure if you wanted to miss the equal. ``

`` I do n't, thanks, '' Matt replied, blushing a trivial, `` It 's bad enough having Malfoy see me return asleep in division, but during Quidditch .... ''

`` I do n't think he can see you here, '' Albus said quietly, `` He 's on the other side of the stands. ``

`` good, '' lusterlessness responded. `` But I still do n't want to miss the match. ``

Albus turned his attending back to the match. It seemed to be getting harder and harder for Ravenclaw to to score goals with only two chaser. Damien Waverly was flying more erratically by the minute and his teammates had foresightful since stopped trying to throw off him the Quaffle. However, despite the difficulties, Ravenclaw was putting up a just combat. Their other two pursuer were superb.

`` Calamity Jane scores ! '' Todd shouted out over the gang, `` Making the sexual conquest 130-150 Gryffindor ! C'mon, you can do it, Gryffindor ! Just two More finish and trance the snitcher ! ``

`` damn, '' Albus sighed, `` So much for one Thomas More goal. ``

`` It 's all in good order, Al, two finish wo n't be hard, '' Harry shifted awkwardly to sprain towards his son. Matt had fallen asleep on his shoulder again. `` gentlewoman Pomfrey did n't even want him to go to the lucifer, '' Harry gestured to matt. `` But I convinced her to let him. ``

`` Thanks, '' Albus smiled, `` He did n't want to overlook it, even if he is numb during half of it. ``

`` Well, madam Pomfrey worries a lot, '' Harry told him, `` Frankly, she was n't too keen on James playing, either. Said he 'd just recovered from his affaire d'honneur with those Slytherins and he ought to be resting. But I insisted that he could play. ``

`` He seems to be doing hunky-dory, '' Albus said as he glanced out over the tar. Henry James was currently circling above the eternal sleep of the instrumentalist. The Ravenclaw quester, President Tyler thruway, was doing the same.

`` He is, '' Harry agreed, `` Staying out of the way, that 's the considerably scheme for a searcher. ``

`` Gryffindor scores ! '' Todd exclaimed, `` Captain Meyers has scored ! ``

`` See, Al, now it 's just one more goal, again, '' Harry said.

The game was now entering it 's tierce hr. There was still no foretoken of the canary, which was near for Gryffindor, since they still needed to score one more goal before Saint James the Apostle could hitch it. About ten instant after Samantha scored, Calluna vulgaris managed to score as well.

`` Yes ! '' Albus jumped up in his seat and shouted out in excitement. Now, James IV could catch the snitch.

`` As long as Gryffindor can proceed their 40 point principal, and catch the sneaker, they will win the Cup ! '' Lord Todd shouted.

Albus watched as James started picking up speed and fly around the pitch, looking for the stool pigeon. But in the meantime, Dan Burke was once again storming up the delivery with the Quaffle. He flew straight towards the Gryffindor goal and managed to score another goal.

`` hoot ! '' Todd shouted.

`` terminology, Smith ! '' Patil shouted succeeding to him.

`` Sorry, prof, '' Todd said, `` Now, Gryffindor must score another end in order to gain back the 40 gunpoint lead. And they might be doing that now ! Fred Weasley has gained possession of the Quaffle. He passes to Meyers and then Meyers passes it back. Fred aims the Quaffle, and score ! Gryffindor has the forty point hint again ! ``

The Gryffindors were all on their fundament now, shouting in excitement and chanting 'Go, James, go ! All of them except mat and Harry. Somehow, Matt was managing to sleep through everything, and Harry continued to let him angle on his shoulder. Luckily, no one seemed to notice, besides Albus, John, pink wine, and Amanda. They kept glancing worried looks at Matt, but eventually, they got sucked up into the emotion of the game and watched James 's search for the Snitch.

`` And I think he 's seen it ! '' Todd screamed, `` Yes, Potter has seen the canary ! He 's flying directly towards the solid ground. Pike has noticed it as well, but he is all the way at the other end of the sales talk. I do n't think he 'll get there in time. No, he definitely wo n't ! ``

Albus watched as James IV flew close and closer to the footing. Albus was surely he would break apart into it, and watched nervously as King James I finally pulled out of the dive, just in metre. He flew back up a few feet, holding the struggling stoolpigeon in his handwriting. Albus turned to his dad. `` We 've won ! We 've got the Cup ! ``

`` Gryffindor wins ! With 320 points, Gryffindor has not only won the match, but they 've won the Cup as well ! congratulations, Gryffindor ! '' Todd 's voice rang out over the crowd.

`` Matt, wake up ! '' King John nudged his friend awake, `` We 've won, wake up ! ``

`` Wha'? '' Matt slowly lifted his headway off Harry 's shoulder joint and looked at all the excitement around him. `` Oh, good. Awesome ! ``

Harry stood up, grin, `` I 'm going to go congratulate James. I 'll see you later. I 'll probably lay off by the unwashed room, for the company. ``

Albus gave his dad a hug before he left, `` All right. See you later. ``

`` Let 's get back to the common room, '' Rose suggested as she watched matt rub his head, `` We 'll see Jesse James there. ``

`` Ok, '' Albus agreed. He knew Matt had no desire to join the mob of Gryffindors currently storming the pitch.

Despite their slow paseo back to the rook and up to the 7th story, Albus and his friends made it back to the common elbow room before most of the other Gryffindors. In fact, the only other people there were a few older scholarly person Albus did n't know, Amy, Victoire, and someone Albus definitely did n't expect to see.

`` Teddy ! '' Albus shouted as he spotted teddy sitting next to Victoire on one of the couches. `` What are you doing here ? ``

`` Came to see the peer. King James did brilliantly ! They could n't give birth found a better Seeker to supplant me, '' he grinned, `` And came to see Vicky 's gradation, of path. '' He smiled at Victoire and giggled.

`` Oh, right, '' Albus grinned, `` gladiola you came ! ``

`` Yeah, it 's great to be back here, '' Teddy grinned, `` Well, I think I might go to Hogsmeade and pick up some supply for the political party. ``

`` Great ! '' Albus said, `` See you in a bit. ``

`` You, too, '' teddy stood up. He gave Victoire a quick kiss and exited the unwashed room. It was really starting to meet up now, although the team had yet to arrive.

`` Are you going to stay for the party ? '' Albus quietly asked Matt.

`` I do n't mean so, '' mat yawned, `` Think I might take a nap. ``

`` Ok, '' Albus responded. lusterlessness left the mathematical group and made his way through the crowd to the dormitories.

`` It 's so unfair, '' Rose said softly as he left. Albus, lav, and Amanda nodded in arrangement, but no one said anything else on the subject.

The group found seats at their usual table and shortly after they sat down, James and the sleep of the team came into the room.

`` We 've got it ! '' Samantha Meyers was the low gear to burst into the elbow room, holding the Quidditch Cup above her head. `` We did it ! '' She was positively beaming. The residue of the team climbed in behind her, all of them grinning from ear to ear. The intact vernacular elbow room burst into applause as soon as they were all inside.

`` Thank you, everyone ! '' Samantha shouted over the bunch, `` I just want to say a few lyric. '' She waited until everyone was mum. `` low, I just want to thank the entirely team. We could n't have done this without any of you. We 've got a fantastic team here, and I 'm definitely going to miss all of you next year. I especially want to congratulate James, '' she turned to King James, who was clearly basking in the gloriole, `` You have done an outstanding job this whole yr. Coming in as Seeker, right after Teddy Lupin, who was one of the dear Seekers this household has ever had. That, and being expected to live up to your dad 's reputation. Well, all I can say is you have lived up to that expectation. And I think you are definitely going to match Teddy as far as seeking science goes- ''

`` Ah, Samantha ! '' shift came bursting back into the common room, `` Am I missing you rambling on about my brilliance on the Quidditch pitch ? ``

`` Actually, no, chemise, '' Samantha laughed, `` I was just saying how James could give you a run for your money when it comes to seeking. ``

`` well, that 's no surprise, since it was Yours Truly who trained him, '' teddy joked.

`` Oh, shut it, Teddy ! '' Samantha replied.

`` And I get no credit at all ? '' Harry had come into the park room and was standing behind Teddy.

`` Harry ! '' Teddy turned around, grinning, `` Glad you could come to the party ! I 've just gotten back from getting supplies. ``

`` trade good, '' Samantha grinned, grabbing one of the bags and pulling out Butterbeers, `` Then let 's get this party started ! ``

The party proceeded much like the one following the Gryffindor vs. Slytherin lucifer had, only even more rambunctious. Teddy had not only bought poppycock from Honeydukes, but from Weasley 's Wizard Wheezes as well. shift treated everyone to a display of everlasting flower pyrotechnic, which took the shape of Gryffindor Leo the Lion, sneaker, and broom handle. Albus and his booster quite enjoyed it, and they also played round after round of drinks of Exploding walkover. Just like the premature party, no one left for dinner. slip had bought enough food that no one needed to. Even Harry stayed well into the evening.

`` You know, Rose, '' Gospel According to John said after what must have been their one-tenth game of Exploding Snap, `` I do n't think I 've ever seen you without a leger before. ``

Albus looked over at blush wine, who was indeed without any sort of book. `` Well, exams are over now, '' blush wine laughed, `` I do exact a interruption from studying every once and a spell. ``

`` It 's just sort of shocking, '' St. John the Apostle grinned, `` wax without a book. ``

`` Do n't occupy, '' Albus laughed, `` I guarantee you she 'll be back to studying within two hebdomad of going back home. ``

`` Oh, shut it, Albus, '' rosiness grinned.

`` Hey, cat, '' James I was standing succeeding to their table, his grin still as big as when he first came into the room.

`` Oh, hi, James ! '' Albus replied, `` Congratulations on the match ! You did brilliantly. ``

`` Yeah, it was awesome ! '' John agreed.

`` Great job ! '' Amanda said.

`` It was large !, '' rose wine said.

`` Thanks, '' James replied, `` You 're trying out next twelvemonth, right Albus ? ``

`` Yeah, definitely, '' Albus answered, `` But I do n't know if I 'll make it. I mean, the only when position afford will be Samantha 's. ``

`` I 'm trusted you 'll make it, '' St. James assured him, `` You 're a gravid chaser. ``

`` Thanks, '' Albus said quietly, his cheeks turning a bit crimson.

`` Great party, huh ? '' James said, `` But where 's mat ? ``

`` He, er, does n't feel in effect. He 's in the hall, sleeping, '' Albus answered.

`` Oh, I hope he feels better soon. He did n't wait too skillful this morning, '' Henry James responded, `` Well, I 'd better get back to the team. See you later. ``

Albus waved as St. James the Apostle left and was absorbed back into the huge crowd in the way. It seemed as if every Gryffindor was in the common room. With Harry and teddy bear there as well, there was hardly room to move. Albus kind of liked it though. He was n't a immense fan of with child crowds of citizenry, but as long as everyone was n't focusing on him, he was ok with it. And now, the attending was definitely on King James and the relief of the Quidditch team. Albus glanced around the way and saw that the entire squad was right at the midpoint of thing, along with shift and Harry.

`` Oh, hi, lustrelessness, '' Rose said quietly. Albus turned his head away from the Quidditch team and saw that lusterlessness had come down from the residence hall. He was leaning on the tabular array and looking very tired.

`` Hi, '' he mumbled quietly, `` I 've got to go now. I 'll see you tomorrow, probably. ``

`` Yeah, tomorrow, '' Albus agreed. During the past few month, Albus and the others had started visiting lustrelessness the day after every full synodic month. Ever since the first time they had done that, matt had started getting More and more comfortable with the theme of his friends seeing him so soon after a shift. But Albus and the others had not visited him so early in the morn since. They now visited in the later good afternoon, after social class were done for the day.

`` wishing me to go with you ? '' John asked.

`` No, it 's ok, Amy 's going to, '' lusterlessness replied

`` Ready ? '' Amy appeared following to Matt.

`` Yeah, I guess, let 's go, '' Matt turned and started to take the air towards the portrait hole. Amy followed closely behind.

`` go one here, until September, '' rose commented after they 'd left.

`` Wonder what it 's like at home ? '' St. John the Apostle mused.

`` Dunno, but I do n't think we should ask, '' Albus said quietly.

`` No, probably not, '' John agreed.

Albus and his champion stayed up late into the night, playing biz of chess game and Exploding gingersnap. Harry spent most of the eventide in the usual way, but he left around 9 pm. However, the party continued well into the wee 60 minutes of the morn. It probably would have lasted much longer, but Neville came in around 1 am, and told them they had to go to bed. Apparently, the disturbance had carried into other persona of the castle and some of the other professors wanted to get some sopor. After Neville left, Albus dragged himself up to his dormitory. He was completely exhausted from staying up so late and fell asleep the moment his head hit the pillow.

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A/N : Thanks to my sister and genus Beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as my other sister and my chum. Thanks also to BKL8008, inkheart, Moonylupin, and XDNLxtlz99 for their critical review ! There are only a few chapters left in this story, just to let everyone know.

Chapter 38 : gradation

Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.

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`` May I have your attention, please, '' prof Kendrick stood up and announced at the End of class Feast the a couple days later. Albus stopped talking to John and turned to face the Headmaster.

`` Thank you, '' Kendrick continued once the Great residence hall was tranquillity, `` What a year, what a year. It is hard to believe that it is now June. The class has ended with quite a shock. I know that you all know by now what transpired on the terra firma this past week. ``

Albus glanced around at his beau students and saw that they were all turning to stare at him. He sunk down in his keister a little bit and tried to quash their gaze.

`` I want to secure you all that the Aurors are looking for both Professor Washburn and Jarett Willinson, as well as Quinton Willinson. Whether this was an isolated attack, I am not sure. But whether there are more onset to come or not, I am sure we will all stand impregnable, and stand as one. Whatever is coming, we will deal with it. We have dealt with wickedness in the past and chances are we will deal with it in the time to come. '' Professor Kendrick paused and looked out at his scholarly person. Everyone had returned their regard to him, and were no longer staring at Albus and his friends.

`` Now, onto lighter affair. I have a few proclamation, then the House Cup needs awarding. number one, O.W.L. and N.E.W.T. effect will be mailed partway through the summer, as usual. bit, the graduation exercise observance will take place tomorrow, at ten o'clock. And lastly, as usual, I must remind you of the fact that using magic is prohibited while you are not in shoal over the summer.

`` And now, the sign Cup. In go place, Hufflepuff with 376 peak. '' Kendrick announced. Albus clapped politely along with everyone else in the Hall. `` Next, Gryffindor with 413 points. '' Albus groaned, as did everyone else sitting at the Gryffindor board. No doubt that the many pointedness Washburn took from all of them helped assure that they did not get the House Cup. `` In s place, with 452 points, Slytherin. '' There was a bit more polite hand clapping, but none of it from the Gryffindor table. `` And in first place, Ravenclaw with 563 points ! congratulation, Ravenclaw ! '' Kendrick waved his scepter and the decorations transformed from their usual Hogwarts colouring into the Ravenclaw blue.

Albus clapped his hands, while looking glumly at his plate. Oh, well, there was always adjacent year. At least they 'd gotten the Quidditch Cup.

`` I think that is all that needs to be announced, '' Kendrick said once the applause died down, `` And with that, enjoy the feast ! '' Kendrick waved his wand once again and food appeared on all the plates.

`` We 'll win it next year, '' whoremaster announced as he heaped his collection plate high gear with Gallus gallus, `` But you know what, I 'm going to miss this intellectual nourishment over the summer .... ''

`` 'Course we 'll win it following year, '' Albus agreed, `` Washburn wo n't be here anymore to take off unjust points. ``

`` You do n't know who Kendrick 'll get to replace him, though, '' Rose warned.

`` Good point, '' lusterlessness said as he buttered a slice of bread. He was still recovering from the entire moon and was n't that hungry. Normally, he would n't even be out of the Hospital fender yet, but he had convinced brothel keeper Pomfrey to let him attend the feast. `` Do you know if your dad will be teaching DADA again following year ? ``

`` Dunno, '' Albus shrugged. He had n't really thought about it before, but Harry had come to teach dada at a moment 's notice, and maybe Kendrick really did n't own clip to get anyone else. But now he 'd have the all summer.

`` Hope he does, '' Matt replied, `` Otherwise, we 'll be getting two new teachers, and what are the chances that both of them will be nice ? ``

`` Not high-pitched, '' blush wine said. `` I like having Uncle Harry teach here. I hope he comes back. ``

`` Me, too, '' Albus agreed. John the Divine and Amanda nodded.

`` Just go for our next Charms teacher is squeamish, '' Amanda said, `` Of course of study, it wo n't strike practically, will it ? ``

`` Nope, '' Rose replied, `` Wo n't take very much at all. ``

******

Albus awoke the next dawn with just decent prison term to watch a immediate breakfast in the Great Hall before making his way to the grounds for the graduation.

`` We 'll see you after, when we 're getting on the train, '' Rose said to privy and Amanda as she got up from the table.

`` Bye, '' John mumbled, his mouth total of toast.

`` rich person fun, '' Amanda waved.

Albus and Matt waved as they followed Rose out of the room. `` right affair it 's sunny today, '' Albus commented, `` Remember shimmy 's ? final stage twelvemonth ? ``

rosebush laughed, `` Oh, yeah, how could I blank out that ? ``

`` What happened ? '' Matt asked.

`` Worst thunderstorm of the unscathed year, '' Albus grinned, `` It 's suspicious looking back on it, but it was n't then. We got soaked, despite the tents Kendrick put up. Not to mention the confidential information, hell dust, and lightning. Scared Lily out of her mind. Mum had to take her into the palace partway through. ``

`` Glad it 's not like that this year, '' lustrelessness agreed. The three of them walked onto the yard and over towards the chairs that had been set up by the lake. citizenry were already milling about and finding seats. Albus spotted his parents, grandparents, auntie, uncles, and full cousin, all taking up practically half the bottom.

`` There 's my mum and dad, '' matte pointed to two citizenry sitting down near where Albus 's Aunt Fleur and Uncle Bill were, `` Want to converge them ? ``

`` Sure, '' Albus said and rose nodded.

Matt started walking towards them, but once they noticed him, they came running towards the three of them and met them halfway. `` Oh, Matthew ! How are you ? Are you feeling ok ? '' A tall blond woman with an Australian accent enveloped Matt in a tight hug.

`` Mum ! '' Matt said, his boldness turn red, `` I 'm fine ! Really, I am. ``

`` Are you sure ? You look a bit sick. Did you sleep well last night ? '' the blond woman asked anxiously, with her branch still wrapped around her son.

`` I 'm indisputable ! I slept exquisitely, really, '' matt assured her.

`` Julie, I think he 's amercement. '' The man, who Albus guessed was Matt 's dad, pulled the womanhood off of matte. He also had an Australian accent and was tall, with graying hair.

`` Oh, all right field, '' the cleaning lady sighed, `` I just worry. ``

`` I know, so do I, '' the man said quietly, then turned to Matt, `` How was the end of terminal figure ? ``

`` Great, really. Well, with the exception of what happened with Washburn, '' Matt told them.

`` And you wonder why I worry so much, '' the woman said to the man, `` I 'm gladiola everything else was exquisitely. ``

`` Oh, these are my champion, '' Matt gestured to Albus and rosiness, `` Well, two of them anyway. Albus ceramist and rosebush Weasley. They 're both Victoire 's full cousin, like I told you in my letters. Albus, rose, this is my mum and dad. ``

`` Pleased to meet you, '' Rose smiled and shook their hands.

`` Hi, '' Albus shook their men after Rose.

`` hello, honey, '' the char gave them a fond smile.

`` So you 're the unity who set off fireworks in Professor Washburn 's course of study ? '' Mr. Eckerton asked.

`` Er, yeah, '' Albus answered nervously.

Matt 's dad just laughed, `` That sounds like something I 'd have done in schoolhouse. Of course, I did plenty of early material .... '' Mrs. Eckerton gave him a behind smell. `` Not that I 'm saying you should force antic like that, of class. You should conduct yourself in schooltime, son, '' Mr. Eckerton said quickly to Matt.

Albus stifled a joke and noticed his own parents, followed by his Uncle Ron and Aunt Hermione walk over towards him. `` Hi, Mum and Dad ! ``

rosiness grinned and greeted her parents as well, `` Hello, Mum, Dad. ``

`` Albus ! '' Ginny let go of Lily 's hand and wrapped her son in a big hug.

`` Hi, Mum, '' Albus replied and rolled his optic and Ginny finally let him go. He looked over and saw that blush wine 's parents were doing the Lapp matter with her.

Albus gestured to mat and his parents, `` This is our friend, Matt. wellspring, you already know him, Dad, '' Albus laughed, `` But anyway, these are his parents. And mat, Mr. Eckerton, Mrs. Eckerton, those are my parents, and my Uncle Ron and aunt Hermione, who are Rose 's parents. And my picayune sister Lily and rose 's little brother, Hugo. ''

`` Nice to meet you, '' Matt 's dad stuck out his paw. `` Walter Eckerton. And my wife, Julie. '' The grownup spent a few transactions exchanging hand shakes and pleasantries, while Albus and rose introduced matte to Lily and Hugo.

`` How 'd you get those undercut ? '' Hugo asked Matt loudly, gesturing to the partially healed cuts on Matt 's arm. Since the full moon was only a couple days ago, they still had n't completely healed. `` Didja get 'em from that duel with Professor Washburn ? '' Victor Hugo said excitedly, `` 'Cause that was awesome. wishing I 'd been there. I woulda blasted him all the way from here to Hagrid 's Hut ! ``

`` Er, yeah, they 're from the duel, '' flatness replied quickly.

`` Wicked ! '' Victor Hugo grinned. `` Ca n't wait until I can come here. ``

`` Just another year, Victor Hugo, '' Albus smiled at his cousin. `` But do n't count on getting to duel with evilness teacher. I 'd rather not have had to do that. ``

`` Me and Lily acted out the duel, did n't we, Lily ? '' Hugo told them. Lily nodded her headland. Hugo continued, `` I got to be Washburn, only I won. Lily ran away. ``

`` Did not ! '' Lily shouted.

`` Did too ! '' Victor Hugo shouted back.

`` Kids, calm down, '' Ginny said sternly.

`` Mum, can matt come stay with us over the summertime ? John, too, but he 's in the castle. They can come for mine and pink wine 's birthday party, '' Albus asked.

`` I do n't see why not, '' Ginny smiled, `` As long as it 's ok with his parents. ``

`` Can I go stay with Albus ? '' lustrelessness asked his parents, `` Please ? ``

`` I do n't know ... '' Mrs. Eckerton looked worriedly at her husband.

Mr. Eckerton glanced at his wife and replied, `` We 'll have to mean about it. ``

`` Oh, hail on ! Please ? '' matt pleaded, `` I 'll be fine. Albus even said they 'd hold the party at, a, practiced clip. ``

Harry seemed to overhear onto what the Eckertons were worried about and gave them a meaningful gaze, `` I understand your worry, but I 'm indisputable Matt will be fine if he stays with us for a few days. And we will schedule the political party at a good clock time. ``

The Eckertons still did n't seem convinced, but Matt 's dad said, `` He probably will, but I 'd still like to mouth it over with Julie. We 'll get back to you, all right ? ``

`` That 's fine, '' Harry replied.

Matt groaned, `` You worry too very much. ``

`` Sometimes we have to care, '' Matt 's mum told him, `` You know that. ``

`` I know, '' mat sighed.

`` I think the ceremony 's starting now, '' Harry announced. `` We 'll be in touch with the details of the company. ``

`` speech sound good, '' Mrs Eckerton replied.

`` See you after, lusterlessness, '' Albus waved. He and rose followed their home to the professorship that were set up on the lawn. Albus sat down in between rose and Harry and waited for the ceremonial to begin.

There was a bombastic microscope stage set up in front of the chairs, with a tall rostrum embossed with the Hogwarts crest. Next to the podium was a board piled with Hogwarts diploma. All the seventh years sat in the first few quarrel of chairs, dressed in their Joseph Black Hogwarts gown and a whiz 's hat.

After a few proceedings, in which everyone who had been milling around and talking came and sat down, professor Kendrick strode up to the podium and began to speak. `` Welcome, Quaker and family, to the commencement ceremony of the Hogwarts year of 2017. I remember the low clip these scholar stepped metrical foot into Hogwarts. Many were excited and just as many were scared and spooky. Some thought they knew all of Hogwarts 's secrets, and others hardly knew anything about the Wizarding World at all. But that did not matter. Because now, they all stand as one, equally prepared to demand on the world around them. I believe that great things will befall to the people in this class and that they will do great things.

`` This category is a extra one to me. Every form at Hogwarts is particular, but the class I became headmaster was the year this class came to Hogwarts. I think that I was just as nervous as they were, if not more so. '' Kendrick paused as the audience laughed. `` And I remember each one of their sort. I remember President Tyler Pike tripping over his own feet as he made his way to the stool. He 's certainly come a long way from that, becoming maitre d'hotel of the Ravenclaw Quidditch team. I also remember Olivia Kaden 's grin as she was sorted into Hufflepuff and ran to join her sis at that tabular array. And who could forget the loud shout of glee from Teddy Lupin as Victoire Weasley was sorted into Gryffindor. ``

professor Kendrick continued his oral communication for another ten transactions. After he was done, each of the Heads of House went up to the podium and gave a speech as well. Albus liked Neville 's lecture the outdo. He talked about how majestic he was of each and every Gryffindor that was graduating that day, and what made them special. Albus found it a bit difficult to pay attention to prof Patil 's voice communication about the Ravenclaws because she used such big words that Albus hardly knew what she was saying. He assumed it all meant that Professor Patil knew that all the Ravenclaws would wind up making great contribution to the Wizarding reality in the discoveries of various things. professor Polo gave a salutary speech about the Hufflepuffs, and then Slughorn gave one, but it did n't focus much on the Slytherins. His speech mainly consisted of itemisation who he had taught at Hogwarts, and how illustrious they are now. He spent a good portion of it talking about how he had taught Harry. Albus saw his dad grimace as Slughorn mentioned what a grand potions brewer he had been. Albus had to dampen a laugh at that, because he knew the story of Snape 's potions record book and how Harry had wound up with it in his sixth year.

prof Kendrick took the dais once Slughorn had finished, `` Thank you, Professors Longbottom, Patil, Polo, and Slughorn. Now, two outstanding students shall utter on behalf of their social class. kickoff, Head Boy President Tyler Pike. And then, caput girlfriend Victoire Weasley. ``

Tyler state highway took the ambo and began his speech. It was a tedious actor's line full phase of the moon of Sir Thomas More Word of God Albus did n't understand, much like prof Patil 's had been. Must be a Ravenclaw thing, he thought. Albus glanced at Rose and noticed she was paying rapt attention. Maybe she should have been in Ravenclaw.

Once Tyler concluded his speech, Victoire stepped up to the stump. She waited for the gang to turn back their hand clapping for John Tyler 's words and then she began. `` Wow, what a screwball seven years it 's been ! '' she paused and smiled at the consultation. `` I remember our initiative day here. I was scared, we were all scared. short circuit first years, lost in a sea of senior students, and now we 're at the top. Over the past seven twelvemonth we have not only gotten an education that will function us throughout our total life-time, but we have forged friendships and memories that will close a lifetime. Memories. In the end, that 's all we 've got. I know I speak for us all in saying that the memories we 've made here at Hogwarts are some of the intimately we have. It has n't always been easy and not all the remembering are secure one. We 've all lost the House Cup at least once in the by seven years, we 've lost Quidditch matches, failed examination, and had fights with booster. But now is n't the prison term to live on those memories. Right now we should remember the good times. The sentence we did win the family Cup, the spectacular winnings in Quidditch, the test we 've aced, and the fact that our friendly relationship are substantial enough to hold a few rows.

`` I 'm sure we all have mixed smell about leaving Hogwarts. I know I do. This castling has been our home away from home for the past seven years. A good portion of our lives have been spent here. It will be sad to leave Hogwarts behind, but this moment is what we 've been working towards ever since we stepped off the train when we were 11. Hogwarts has prepared us, not only academically, but socially, for the world before us. We are quick, we can go into the earthly concern and name something of ourselves. When you look out at the course of instruction behind me, do n't just look at us as the Hogwarts Class of 2017. Look at us as the future healer, Aurors, researchers, and who knows, maybe even the future tense Minister of Magic. So, in conclusion, we are cook to face the world. Whatever it has in computer memory for us, we will be able to take it on. Using our different gift, we as a group will be capable to submit whatever the human beings has to throw at us. ''

The audience broke out into tatty applause. Albus clapped along with them. He thought Victoire 's address had been much better than President Tyler 's and judging by the applause, everyone else thought so, too. The applause died down as Victoire went back to her tail end and Kendrick took up the podium once again.

`` Thank you, Tyler and Victoire, '' he nodded his head in their direction, `` Now it is sentence to present the sheepskin. '' Kendrick waved his wand and the stump moved to the side, while the table with the sheepskin moved to the center of the stage. The four headspring of houses got up and stood future to the table. Kendrick stood on the other side and picked up the first sheepskin. `` Katelyn Isabelle Asterly, '' he called out.

A tall, red haired Hufflepuff stood up and walked over to the headmaster. She took her diploma and shook Kendrick 's hand. Then she shook all the heads of planetary house'hands and walked off the leg. She walked the shortly distance to the lake. Albus watched her and noticed that Hagrid was standing there. The boat they had crossed the lake on earlier in the year were sitting on the calm air water.

The headmaster continued to yell off names. Albus recognized a few of them, but most of them were multitude he had just seen occasionally.

`` Amy Marie Eckerton, '' Kendrick called out a short while later. Albus and Rose clapped loudly as matt 's sister accepted her diploma and walked over to the growing group of seventh year near the lake.

Albus watched as Kendrick called out more names. He recognized the two Slytherins that had hexed him earlier in the year. Neither he or Rose clapped for them. They politely clapped for everyone else. Albus also recognized the Quidditch senior pilot, Samantha Meyers and clapped a bit louder for her.

The crowd of 7th years on the stage diminished until there were only two left. `` Victoire Fleur Weasley, '' Kendrick announced. Albus and pink wine clapped tatty than they had for anyone else as their full cousin shook Kendrick 's hired man. Albus heard Teddy pennywhistle and give a loud yell of 'Go Victoire !'as she shook Neville 's hired hand. professor Patil shot him a fundament looking at and he quieted down. Albus had to choke a gag. Even after you graduate, you still have to listen to the prof, he thought.

`` Cameron Alexander Zabino, '' Kendrick called once Victoire had crossed the stage. A strapping looking Slytherin accepted his diploma and joined his class by the lake.

Kendrick waved his wand and the tabular array disappeared. The podium moved back to the essence of the stage and Kendrick stood behind it. `` In the past seven years, the scholarly person in this division have learned a great deal about magic and life in general. These skills will serve them as they pursue the life history and dream of their choosing. It is time for them to travel from Hogwarts, on the same boats they arrived her on seven class ago. The first base time they crossed this lake, they were both excited and scared about what Hogwarts had in store for them. As they cross the lake once more, they are more confident, but still excited and a bit scared about what the public has in stock for them. I know I speak for us all when I say I 'm sure they will do groovy affair. ''

Kendrick nodded his head towards the group of 7th class. The students climbed into the sauceboat and Hagrid got into the one in battlefront. He brandished his pink umbrella and bellowed, `` Forward ! '' The boats all started moving, taking the one-seventh years away from Hogwarts and towards the new adventures that awaited them as adults.

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A/N : Thanks to my sis and genus Beta, Dancer of Starlight, my other sister, and my sidekick. Thanks as well to Moonylupin, ladymblack, sinwillys822, and XDNLxtlz99 for their reviews !

Also, if anyone picked up on the fact that this took stead in 2016/2017, whereas the Harry Potter vocabulary indicates that Albus 's first gear yr would have been 2017/2018, I figured out the engagement differently than the vocabulary did. I used Victoire 's birthday ( May 2, 1999 ) and figured out that her 7th year would hvae been 2016/2017. I know the Lexicon figured it out differently, but I 'm sticking with my own calculations.

There 's only one chapter left ! I 'll brand it adjacent week and then look for the sequel, which I 'll brand sometime after Christmas !

Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.

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The audience stood up and applauded as the sauceboat left. A few people cheered and whistled. Albus could hear slip 's cheering over everyone else 's. After a few moment, people started to leave.

Albus and pink wine said a nimble goodbye to their house before heading off to the horseless carriages that would take them to Hogsmeade Station. They got into a posture with lusterlessness and the carriage lurched forwards to take them to the train.

`` John and Amanda must already be on, '' Albus said as they walked down the corridor in the train.

`` Probably, we 're some of the last ace on, '' rose pointed out. They continued to bet into the compartments before they found the one that their friends were in.

`` How was the graduation ? '' Saint John asked once the compartment threshold was shut once again.

`` Really good, '' rosebush said.

`` Yeah, Teddy kept shouting and whistling and prof Patil was glaring at him, '' Albus laughed.

`` And Victoire 's actor's line was really good, '' Matt told them, `` Much practiced than John Tyler thruway 's talking to. ``

`` I could hardly translate a word of it, '' Albus commented.

`` I thought it was a dear speech, '' blush wine responded, `` It was all about how the year needs to use their talents and science to far advance the Wizarding World. ``

`` fountainhead, he could have just said that, '' Albus huffed, `` He did n't have to construct it so bloody confusing. ``

`` I got told off by him once, I could n't sympathise anything he was telling me, '' St. John laughed.

`` He 's just got a big vocabulary, '' pink wine insisted, `` Anyway, the graduation was really good. ``

`` Yeah, but it 'll be weird next twelvemonth when Victoire 's gone. She 's starting training to be a healer next year, '' Albus told them and turned to Matt, `` What 's Amy doing ? ``

`` She 's going to be a therapist, too, '' mat told them, `` She 's going to work with therapist Sterling this summer, actually. She, er, wants to get involved with the sketch I 'm in and stuff. ``

`` Oh, is that the Healer who 's in charge of it ? He 's the one who Albus saw in the infirmary Wing a partner off calendar month ago ? '' John the Evangelist asked.

`` Yeah, '' Matt told them, `` Amy 's wanted to be a therapist and work on the wolfbane Potion ever since she saw me after the full moon Moon for the 1st meter, '' he said quietly.

`` That 's practiced, '' Amanda said, `` Maybe she 'll actually see a cure. ``

`` Maybe, but probably not, '' Matt replied sullenly.

`` So, what are you doing in Irish Republic, Amanda ? '' rosebush asked after a bit of bunglesome silence.

`` Mainly just sight seeing and stuff and nonsense, '' Amanda answered, `` It 's going to be really fun. I 've always wanted to go there. ``

`` There 's all variety of history there, '' rosebush told her, `` There 's a bunch of wizarding village there, too. I 'd make out to go and visit them. ``

`` That would be fun, '' Amanda agreed, `` But I think we 're sticking with the Muggle stuff. ``

`` Oh, right, '' pink wine said, `` Well, if I ever go to Ireland, you can come with me and we 'll look around all the wizarding Greenwich Village. ``

`` I wish I was going to Ireland over the summer, '' John announced, `` We 're not doing anything. Just staying home. ``

`` Us, too, '' Albus said, `` utmost twelvemonth we went to Anatole France. ``

`` That was loads of fun ! '' rose grinned, `` I want to go back. ``

`` The funniest constituent was watching Epistle of James try and speak French to all the French people masses, '' Albus laughed. `` But this yr we 're just staying home. ``

`` We never go anywhere, '' Matt told them. `` Well, we did go see my uncle in America a couple years ago. I was eight. But we have n't been back since. It 's really expensive to twit on Muggle plane, and we always go to Commonwealth of Australia every Christmas, '' he sighed. `` I 'd rather just visit my uncle than my grandparents. ``

`` I 've never been to US, '' whoremaster told him, `` What 's it like ? ``

`` Different. The Muggles drive on the wrong face of the road, '' mat said, `` But it was loads of fun when we went. I think we might be going next year. ``

`` Well, you can all follow visit me and Rose for a small spell, '' Albus told them, `` We usually have our birthday party at the Burrow, but you can add up hitch at my sign before it. ``

`` That would be awe-inspiring ! '' privy grinned, `` I 'll just Floo to your place. ``

`` Yeah, that would make, '' Albus agreed, `` And hopefully your parents will let you come, mat. ``

`` I think they will, '' Matt responded, `` But we 're not connected to the Floo Network. ``

`` You 're not ? '' Albus asked, `` Why ? ``

`` Basically, because of what happened in Commonwealth of Australia with the Ministry and everyone finding out about me. My parents just want to lay low here, and if we 're not on the Network, that 's one less way of the Ministry tracking us down. Of course, my dad works for the Ministry, so I 'm not exactly for sure what my parents'system of logic is. ``

`` Oh, '' Albus said, `` Do you just Apparate everywhere ? ``

`` Pretty much. Well, I Side-Along Apparate, of course. But that works to get where we 're going. My parents will just Apparate me to your menage, '' matte told them.

`` That 'll work. ``

`` And you can come arrest at my mansion, '' rose wine told Amanda.

`` Ok, but I ca n't do any kind of Apparition or Floo, '' Amanda said.

`` It 's all rightfield, my parents can ram. We 'll come get you, '' blush wine assured her.

`` Great. I ca n't hold back to see your house. I bet it 's a lot different from mine. I 've never been in a whizz house before, '' Amanda said.

`` So, is your whole family going to be at the burrow ? '' Saint John asked.

`` Pretty much. We usually have a few political party there during the summer. A few of our full cousin have summer birthday, too, so there are a few former birthday political party. blush wine and me always have a shared one, though, since we 're the same age. Samantha and lindy hop 's natal day is in the offset of July, so they get a party. Fred, Omar Bradley, and Gabriella are all born in Aug, like blush wine, so they all have party, too. But theirs are usually at their own houses. Then there 's the end of summer party, that 's always at the end of Aug, '' Albus told him.

`` Excellent. There 'll be some awesome Quidditch couple, then ! '' John grinned.

`` Oh, yeah, Quidditch can get pretty exciting during the summer, '' Albus responded, `` There 's usually so many people that we can get a real tournament going. ``

`` That 'll be loads of fun, then. And my dad said he 'd get me a Scots heather this year, '' Saint John the Apostle told them.

`` Great ! You can bring it with you. I 'm asking for one for my birthday, '' Albus said.

`` I 've got a Calluna vulgaris at home, '' Matt said, `` I 'll bestow it, too. ``

`` I obviously do n't make one, '' Amanda sighed, `` Maybe I can convince my parents to get me one, but I doubt it. As practically as they 've grown accustom to magic, the theme of flying still freak out them out. ``

`` It 's all right, '' blush wine said, `` There are hatful of brooms in our fellowship, someone will let you take up theirs. ``

`` speaking of Quidditch, I think the Chudley Cannons are going to make a real come-back next season, '' matte grinned.

`` Ugh ! '' Albus groaned, `` You 're kidding, right ? There 's no way they could ever make a cum back ! ``

`` Yeah they can ! '' lustrelessness insisted, `` And someday, they 'll construct it to the League Cup and I 'll go and support them ! ``

`` The day the Chudley shank make it to the League Cup is the day Gryffindors and Slytherins get along, '' john laughed.

`` You 'll see, they 'll get to the League Cup. And then they 'll win it ! '' lustrelessness said excitedly, `` I want to go to the next one, even if the shank are n't in it, though. ``

`` Me, too, '' Albus agreed.

`` I 've been to the world Cup once, '' matt went on, `` When I was four. I can hardly commend it, but Amy says we had really respectable seats. It was in Australia, I think it 's one of the only when times it 's been there. It was the New Zealand Kiwis versus France. Jacques Anatole Francois Thibault won. ``

`` That must accept been awesome, '' John grinned.

`` Yeah, I 've been to regular couple, but not the World Cup, '' Albus said.

`` Well, I hardly remember any of it. I mostly remember France 's celebrating afterwards, '' lustrelessness said, `` Just like I 'll be celebrating when the carom win. ``

Everyone else groaned. The chemical group kept talking about Quidditch for a piece, and they all agreed that they wanted to go to the next Cup. No one knew where it would be, but they wanted to go even if it was far away.

Once they 'd exhausted the topic of Quidditch, they played a couple rounds of whizz 's Chess and Exploding Snap. Rose won all the games of chess and while they each won at least one round of Exploding centering, Rose won most of them as well. When the trolley came around, they bought a bit of everything and had fun eating Bertie Botts Beans and trading coffee toad cards. Albus had nigh of the batting order by now, but he was still did n't have McGonagall.

Towards the end of the slip, everyone quieted down a bit. uprise dug out a Bible and started reading, Amanda doodled on a piece of sheepskin, John and Albus started up the Quidditch discussion again, and Matt fell asleep. Albus and King John were just beginning to discuss the chances of Puddlemere United making it into the next League Cup when the compartment threshold opened. Victoire and Amy walked into the compartment, both sporting vast grins.

`` So, how 's it find to get graduated ? '' rose asked, putting down here book.

`` Brilliant ! '' Victoire said, `` We 've been celebrating with everyone else, but thought we 'd come see you. What have you been up to ? ``

`` Not practically, just talking about Quidditch, '' Albus said.

Victoire sat down next to rosebush and Amy sat down side by side to her sleeping brother. `` Of course of study. That 's one thing I 'll definitely lose next yr, '' Victoire sighed, `` I 've never been very good at Quidditch, but I love watching it. ``

`` You can come in back to spotter, '' Albus told her, `` You 've got to. I 'm going to try out for Chaser next class and if I make it, I want you to come to the matches. ``

`` I will, at least some of them, '' Victoire assured him, `` But I 'll be pretty fussy next year. Healer training is pretty intense. ``

`` You 'll be skillful at it, though, '' Rose said, `` Both of you will be. ``

`` I hope so, '' Amy said quietly as she looked at lusterlessness, `` It 'd be corking to discover a effective version of that potion .... ''

`` If anyone can do it, you can, '' Victoire told her, `` You 've always been the unspoilt at Potions in our year. I 've just barely squeaked by. I really hope I got at least an E on my N.E.W.T. If not, I ca n't go a healer. ``

Amy blushed, `` Well, I 'm not that great at it. I 'm for sure you got an E on your N.E.W.T. ``

`` Where do you direct to be a therapist ? '' Amanda asked, `` Is there a university or something ? ``

`` There are some class, of course, but it 's not like a Muggle university. And there 's LE schooling than Muggle doctors need. We do a pair days of socio-economic class and interning at St. Mungo 's, '' Amy told her.

`` Yeah, we 're going to get a flat in London sometime this summer and split the rent during the training, '' Victoire added.

`` Can I go visit you ? I want to see your flat, '' Albus asked.

Victoire laughed, `` Of path you can. ``

Amy stretched her arms and got up, `` Well, we 're almost there, so I think I 'll go get my stuff make. You coming, Victoire ? ``

`` Sure, we could probably get in a bit more celebrating before we 're in capital of the United Kingdom, '' Victoire grinned. `` See you guys in a little while. ``

Albus waved as his cousin and Amy left the compartment. The remainder of the journey was uneventful. Albus played another cycle of Exploding Snap with John and Amanda and then he dozed off for a bit. The adjacent affair he knew, John Lackland was shaking him awake when they were in London. Albus yawned and started putting all his matter back in his bag. He joined the crowd of students heading out of the power train and walked onto the platform with his friends.

`` There 's my parents, '' lustrelessness pointed to the left and Albus saw the Eckertons talking to his Uncle Bill and Aunt Fleur, `` I guess I 'll probably see you guys this summertime, if my parents let me descend. ``

`` They will, '' Albus said adamantly.

`` They 'd better, '' John Lackland laughed.

`` I hope so, '' matt responded quietly, `` Well, I 'll let you acknowledge if I can, Albus. See you soon, I hope. ``

`` Definitely, this summer will be awing ! '' Albus grinned, `` Bye, Matt ! '' John, Rose, and Amanda all said goodbye as well.

`` Bye, hombre ! '' lustrelessness waved and walked over to his parents. Albus watched as Mrs. Eckerton pulled him into a tight hug. She reminded Albus a lot of his grandmother.

`` You should find your parents so they can play ours, '' Albus told John and Amanda.

`` Good idea, '' John looked out among the bunch, `` Oh, they 're over there. Hey, Mum ! Dad ! '' he shouted.

A man and womanhood walked over to King John, the womanhood shaking her head and the man laughing. Three lilliputian girls followed them. `` must you be so tawdry, dear ? '' the woman asked.

`` Mum, what a way to greet me after you have n't seen me in months, '' John grinned.

`` Oh, come here, greyback, '' the woman smiled and wrapped john in a hug.

`` Mum ! '' John 's boldness reddened and he pulled away. `` Hi, Dad. ``

`` Hello, Saint John the Apostle, how was the eternal rest of terminus ? ''

`` Great ! ``

`` Albus ! Rose ! '' Harry said from behind Albus.

Albus turned around, `` Hey, Dad ! Hi, Mum, Lily, Victor-Marie Hugo, aunty Hermione, Uncle Ron. '' Albus and pink wine exchanged greetings with their parents and sibling while John continued to tell his parents about school. Lily and Victor-Marie Hugo seemed to hit it off with one of John 's babe and they were running around the political platform, trying to get each other to eat the disgusting flavors of Bertie Bott's.

Amanda had meanwhile found her parents and brought them over to the radical. They both looked a bit uncomfortable among all the hag and whiz, but seemed to require to meet Albus and the others.

Rose seemed to take charge of all the introductions. `` Ok, Mum, Dad. These are mine and Albus 's friends, trick and Amanda. '' The side by side few instant were spent with all the adults shaking paw and introducing themselves. Rose and Albus told John Lackland and Amanda 's parents about their birthday party and it seemed like both John and Amanda would be able-bodied to go. After a few minute of discussing details, Gospel According to John, Amanda, and their class said goodbye to the thrower and the Weasleys and headed back into London.

`` ready to go, St. James ? '' Harry shouted to his former son who was standing a few m away, talking to Nathan.

`` Yeah, Dad, just a mo, '' James shouted back. He said something else to Nathan and then walked over to his family.

Albus and the eternal sleep of the Potters walked back out of the post with Rose and her family. Albus was tired from the journeying home and did not say much. He was thinking about the past year. It had been great. Sure, the wholly altercation with Washburn had been shuddery, but that was over now, and his dad was taking concern of that at the Ministry. He was well-chosen he had made a few salutary friends and was very glad that Matt trusted them with his closed book. Albus was looking forward to the summer and having John the Divine and matte visit him at Grimmauld office, but in all honesty, he was looking forward about going back in Sep. He had only been at Hogwarts for a yr, but it already felt like a secondly home to Albus.


~Fin~


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A/N : Well, there it is, the last chapter ! It 's a Solanum dulcamara bit to finish up posting this here. I 've been working on this story for over a year, and even though I finished it last April, I 've been editing it as I 've posted it here.

Thanks go out to my wonderful Beta and youngest sis, Dancer of Starlight. She 's been reading this and betaing it ever since I started writing it in September of 2007. I 've bounced ideas off of her and she tells me whether they 're good or they 're awful. My other sis and my brother have also been extremely helpful. Thanks to them as well !

Thanks as well to all my faithful reviewers. XDNLxtlz99, sinwillys822, Moonylupin, and ginnyweasleypotter87, you guys are awesome !

Albus 's story is far from over, though ! Be on the picket for the sequel, Albus Potter and the Tracks They Left arse, sometime shortly after Christmas Day ! It chronicles Albus 's mo year at Hogwarts and is filled with new characters and patch ! It is completely finished, so updates will be on a regular basis. I 'm currently working on the nameless story of Albus 's third year.

I 'll leave you with that rather retentive bit of author 's notes. I hope everyone has a Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmastime, and Happy Other Holidays !