A/N : Brief author 's note prior to the chapter. This chapter is from shift 's stage of view, as I wanted to publish the specific of what happened during the delegacy to capture Greyback. An clause in the Prophet just would n't do it justice. Hope you enjoy !


slip Lupin had been a Junior Auror for nearly eight months. In that time he had n't done much in terms of fighting morose wizards, and most of the commission he 'd gone on had been rather boring. Up until the Azkaban break-out most of his oeuvre had consisted of paperwork and the occasional stake-out. Being an Auror, shimmy had discovered, was a lot Sir Thomas More than chasing down dark wizards and saving people 's lives.

It was for this very reasonableness that Teddy had been surprised when his godfather, Harry Potter, had approached him the previous day and told him of his newest assigning. He, teddy bear lupin, spic-and-span junior Auror, had been assigned to the mission of capturing miss lycanthrope, Fenrir Greyback. Greyback, the same werewolf who had infected his father with lycanthropy decennium ago. Johnny, one of United Kingdom 's most wanted fleer.

The missionary post, Harry had informed him, was very tender in nature and had to be handled with free will. There was to be no credit of it to anyone outside of the people assigned to it. There were very few the great unwashed assigned to the foreign mission and they included Harry himself, the Head of the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures, and Ron Weasley. That was it. A few others had been assigned to restrain an eye on the children Greyback attacked the previous month, but they were n't to be directly involved with the Greyback mission itself.

Harry had explained the details of the mission, including the fact that the hale matter had been Albus 's thought, along with one of his friends, who happened to be the fountainhead of the rule and ascendance of Magical Creature 's son. Who also happened to be a werewolf. It took slip a few instant to wrap up his nous around the stallion situation. To make thing even more insane, Albus 's werewolf booster was the comrade of Teddy 's friend, Amy.

But when it came down to it, all of this meant that slip was going on his first real mission as an Auror.

Harry had instructed him to express up at the Hog 's Head, in disguise, at seven o'clock. Once there, he was to society a drink and sit at the bar, avoiding contact with everyone. Harry, Ron, and Walter Eckerton were going to do the Sami.

Disguising himself was Teddy 's independent strength. Before he Apparated to Hogmseade he morphed his face so he looked a few eld old and his hair's-breadth so that it was a generic wine brown colouring rather than its usual greenish blue. He finished off the look by shrinking himself and adding a few Irish pound. After donning a tattered old cloak, Teddy turned on the spot and reappeared in the bowling alley next to Weasleys'sensation Wheezes.

shift peeked inside the construction and saw George I working. If he had n't been on a missionary station he would 've stopped to say hello, but instead he turned in the opposite counseling and headed toward the Hog 's Head.

The pub was practically void. There was an old Wiccan at one of the tables, nursing a drink, and a bloke quiescence at the end of the bar. Ron was already there, sitting at a table with a goblet in social movement of him. He 'd clearly attempted to mask himself, but there was no mistaking his red hair. Harry and Walter did n't appear to be there yet.

teddy bear ambled up to the bar, deciding at the cobbler's last minute that his pretender part should walk with a hitch. Aberforth was there and teddy ordered a Butterbeer. Probably not the usual drink for the Hog 's Head, but he needed to hold his head clear for the mission. He took the drink and began to sip it slowly, as he had no idea how long he 'd need to pretend he was n't an Auror.

A half time of day later the door opened again and Harry and Walter walked in. Walter joined Ron at his back table while Harry went up to the bar. He sat next to Teddy.

"How 's it going, Aberforth ?"he asked quietly.

"Fine,"Aberforth grunted.

"We 're here on Ministry occupation,"Harry said."Might be here a few hour. Could be the whole night. Do you mind ?"

"Not at all,"Aberforth replied."Pub 's yours, although I 'll be leaving at eleven. Not a good deal clientele on a Monday night."

"We 'll lock up when we leave,"Harry said.

Aberforth nodded and set a few Sir Thomas More Butterbeers on the counter. Harry picked them up and gestured for slip to follow him to the backbone table, where Ron and Walter were now crouched over a spell of parchment.

Teddy sat down side by side to Bruno Walter and Harry sat adjacent to him. He passed around the Butterbeers while Ron turned the lambskin around so Teddy and Harry could see it. Teddy recognized it ; it was Albus 's map of Hogwarts and Hogsmeade. Currently, it was magically magnified to show the scream hut and the yard outside it. Only one dot was there. It was labeled 'Matthew Eckerton'and was stationary in the Shrieking hutch.

"lunar month just rose,"Walter said quietly."Just a waiting game now."

No one had told him, but slip knew the really reason why he 'd been assigned to this commission, and it had nix to do with his Auror skills. Sure, that had been a positive, but any of the other Jr Aurors were just as stipulate. And the full Aurors were even more so. The rationality was that he was the only Auror who was related to a werewolf, and thus would n't manage that a werewolf at Hogwarts was an entire character of this program. It was also the reason why Harry and Ron were there, when Auror Newman had previously been assigned to the Greyback casing. Walter Eckerton did n't want any risk of his son 's condition being leaked to the public, and putting Harry, Ron, and Teddy on the pillowcase would ensure that it would n't.

"Are you sure Johnny Reb is even going to show up ?"Teddy asked quietly as he stared at the map.

"Fairly certain,"Walter said."Werewolves are attracted to the call of their own kind and Calidris canutus is set on creating his own pack of Whitney Young wolfman. He spent the last full moon lurking around the Shrieking shack, after he attacked those nestling. He knows lusterlessness 's there. He 'll come back."

chemise nodded. The proceedings ticked by and the pub grew quieter. The old witch left, taking her glass with her. The man sleeping at the bar snorted and rolled over, nearly falling off his stool. Teddy finished his Butterbeer and set it succeeding to the former hollow methamphetamine hydrochloride on the table, wondering if he should go monastic order another or just stay seated.

At eleven o'clock Aberforth woke up the fella at the bar and had to serve him to the doorway and then physically shove him out of the pub. He gave a quick nod to Harry, Ron, Walter, and Teddy and then went upstairs.

"I suppose the camouflage were a bit senseless,"Ron said as he pointed his scepter at his look. His nose returned to its normal shape.

"Well, with the Hog 's principal, you never know,"Harry said.

The group settled into quiet again. Outside, there was the sound of faint howling. shimmy glanced at Bruno Walter and noticed that he winced slightly every time there was a particularly tawdry howl. Harry and Ron sent him sympathetic expression that shift tried to mimic. He did n't birth any Kid so he really had no idea what that was like, let alone having a kid with lycanthropy.

shift glanced down at the map and noticed three new superman had appeared."Harry !"slip said as he pointed to the map.

All four men crowded around the map once more. One of the Transportation was indeed labeled 'Fenrir Greyback ,'but the others were names Teddy did n't recognize.

"George Meredith Edward Jenner and J. C. Maxwell Jenner,"Teddy read."Who are they ?"

"They must be early werewolves,"Ron said.

"Or Animagi,"Harry pointed out.

"No,"Walter said as he shook his mind."Those are the two youngster who got bitten last month."

"You 're kidding,"Harry said."Dammit, this did n't span my mind."

"Mine either,"Walter said.

"What about the others ?"Ron asked."Newman and the two from the Werewolf Control Unit ?"

"There they are,"shift said as three new Department of Transportation suddenly appeared onto the map. They must 've Apparated."

"Yeah, well, they 'd have no prospect following three werewolves on human foot,"Walter said.

"Let 's go,"Harry said as he stood up.

chemise stood and drew his verge. He followed the three older men out of the pub and shut the door behind him.

The Hog 's heading was not far away from the Shrieking shack. Within three minutes they arrived and found Newman and the other two whizz attempting to hold the three werewolves.

"They 're the kids from finis month !"one of the lycanthrope Control Unit employees shouted.

"Be careful with them !"Bruno Walter shouted back."They 've done aught incorrect !"

"We 're trying !"

The two smaller loup-garou were currently attempting to attack the wolfman Control Unit employees and Paul Leonard Newman, while Reb seemed to wish far more about getting into the screaming hovel. He was a much larger skirt chaser, Grey in coloration, and had bright chickenhearted eyes. He was on the porch, biting at the doorway, and not paying any tending to the wizards around him. It seemed to Teddy that he had far more control over himself than a formula loup-garou.

Walter and Ron joined the Werewolf mastery Unit employees in trying to confine Meredith and Maxwell. It was a hard undertaking because they had to do it without hurting them. Teddy was fairly sure that the law would n't give care whether the two children were hurt in the process, but that had never been how Walter ran the department.

Harry nodded to Teddy and they walked slowly up the lawn, their sceptre out in front of them. If they could just capture Limnodromus griseus by surprise then they 'd be able-bodied to entreat some circle and limit him before he even knew what was happening.

They were only twenty base away when it happened. Greyback suddenly froze and then turned around. He must 've smelled them. With a loud snarl, he jumped the XX feet separating them in one leap.

Teddy and Harry jumped back, sending spells forward as they did so. Johnny Reb lunged, the spells not seeming to affect him at all, and made a swipe at Teddy. Teddy jumped to the side and sent another Stunner at knot.

Battling a lycanthrope was very dissimilar from battling a wiz, Teddy realized. And battling werewolves had not been covered in training. Sure, they 'd learned and practiced the turn used against lycanthrope, but they 'd never performed them on actual werewolves. The chief departure was that lycanthrope did n't experience wands and thus could not range spells. But at the same time, they had tooth, pincer, and were much secure than the average human. Plus there was the fact that one collation would turn you into one forever.

Teddy and Harry took turns sending lulu at Greyback and were able to confuse him enough that he did n't quite have a go at it who to snipe. As they worked, they were steadily moving closer and closer to the shrieking Shack.

Greyback soon realized that he was being cornered back onto the porch and decided to hold another leap forward. He snarled loudly and lunged toward Harry, nearly making physical contact. slip jumped forward and sent another looker toward Greyback.

knot flew backward and slammed into the front door, his head teacher making a sickening crunch as it collided with the doorhandle. He slid down the door and landed on the floor, not moving.

Teddy looked at Rebel and then at Harry, who was getting up from the ground. chemise had n't even clear that he 'd fallen over.

"Harry, you okay ?"Teddy asked.

"Fine,"Harry said."You ?"

shift nodded and began to engage a few cautious steps toward greyback. Harry was soon by his side.

"Is he ..."Teddy began.

"I do n't cogitate so,"Harry said quietly."Just unconscious. Here."Harry muttered a turn and Mexican valium flew from the end of his wand. They wrapped them around grayback until he was secure.

teddy bear felt slightly disappointed. There was a component part of him, a very small-scale piece, that wished he 'd killed Calidris canutus. greyback had been the one who 'd made his dad 's life miserable, and he 'd viciously attack Victoire 's dad when he was n't even transformed. Yes, Teddy had to admit, there was a character of him that wanted revenge. A character of him that wanted to be the one who finally killed Fenrir Greyback.

chemise glanced over to the residual of the chemical group, but they 'd finished, too. Walter was currently tying the two werewolf fry up with rophy while the former men stood around watching. Ron looked up and met Teddy 's middle, then walked over toward them.

"Done ?"Harry asked.

Ron nodded."They 're tied up and Stunned. I suppose we 'll have to hold back Stunning them until the moon sets."

"So they were n't on Wolfsbane,"Harry said."Interesting."

"Walter said he 'll personally make a sojourn to their house in a few Clarence Shepard Day Jr. to discuss caution for next calendar month,"Ron said."But still, their parents must be idiots. They could 've been killed."

"The parents are okay, then ?"Harry asked."I wonder what happened."

Ron nodded."Cardinal Newman said they locked the tike in the backyard shed but did n't put any wards up. It must 've been tardily for Johnny Reb to break in."

"I wonder why they did n't listen to Werewolf funding Services,"Harry mused."I know for a fact they visited."

"fountainhead, at least no one was hurt,"teddy pointed out. He turned back to where the early wolfman had been tied up, but noticed that they were now being levitated to the porch of the Shrieking hutch by the Werewolf restraint Unit employees. Bruno Walter and Newman were following them.

"What is that satanic racket ?"Newman exclaimed, nodding his head to the Shrieking Shack.

Walter glanced a the Shack and then turned to Cardinal Newman."Ghosts. I 've heard that shoes has been haunted for eld, long before I moved to this country."

Harry nodded."It 's been haunted since the 70s."

"Loud trace,"Newman muttered."Has the feel air division ever looked into it ?"

"Multiple times,"Bruno Walter said."They 're peaceable wraith, just brassy. We have n't had too many complaints, so have n't bothered to do anything about it."

teddy bear was amazed that Walter could lie so easily and freely. But he supposed that he 'd been doing it ever since his son became a lycanthrope, so he 'd capture used to it.

"Let 's get this lot back to the Ministry,"Harry said, gesturing to the three unconscious werewolves. John Henry Newman, take either Lee or Parks back to the children 's house and inform their parents that they can cull them up at the Ministry tomorrow."

Newman and Lee, who was one of the Werewolf controller social unit employees, Disapparated on the spot. Harry grabbed hold of Greyback and instructed Walter and Parks, the other Werewolf Control Unit employee, to each take one of the tike. With an exceptionally loud fissure, the stallion group Disapparated.
***


Each of the lycanthrope were set up in an query room to wait the remaining hour until sunrise. Teddy, along with Walter, had been assigned to keeping watch on Johnny Reb, Stunning him when essential. Harry, Ron, Parks, and Lee had been assigned to the tike. John Henry Newman got started on the paperwork.

"So if a werewolf were to have somebody there to daze them every hour or so while they were transformed, they 'd be harmless, right ?"teddy bear asked as Walter Stunned Greyback for the fourth part time."Why do n't the great unwashed do that ?"

"Repeated Stunning is n't healthy,"Walter replied."It 's why it 's not allowed on nigh prisoners. It 's only allowed on werewolves because they 're classified as Beasts and not Beings."

Teddy nodded."What does it do to them ?"

"Depends on the werewolf,"Bruno Walter said."It has no long-term effects on plenty, but others wind up ill or with retentiveness loss."

"Ca n't say I 'll be too turn over if it has any ill effects on him,"shimmy said as he nodded to Greyback.

"Me either,"Bruno Walter said.

"I have to ask,"Teddy began,"did you get into Regulation and Control of Magical tool before or after your son was bitten ?"

"Before. Ironic, is n't it ?"

"Just a bit."

"It 's because of your father that my son is able-bodied to go to Hogwarts. I know you probably do n't even remember him, but I 'm forever grateful for him paving the way."

Teddy nodded."I wish I could recall him. I suppose it was really Dumbledore, though, who let him go to Hogwarts."

"I never had the pleasure of meeting Albus Dumbledore. I wish I could say I have."

teddy bear and Walter lapsed back into silence. slip could hardly conceive that he was sitting in an enquiry elbow room with the werewolf who had turned his father. If only his dad could see him now.

Walter glanced at his scout."Moon should be setting within the half hour."

teddy bear gulped and he hoped Walter could n't take heed his heart drubbing. He had n't been nearly as nervous about facing Limnodromus griseus as a wolf, but the thought of facing him as a human was slightly terrifying. He almost wanted the following half time of day to last forever, but at the like clip he did n't. It had been a very recollective day and he wanted to go rest home and slumber, eat, and see Victoire. Unfortunately, there was still a lot of paperwork ahead.

Calidris canutus began to conjure, but Walter did n't Stun him. Instead, he conjured a childlike set of robes, set them on the table, stood up, and gestured for Teddy to stick with him out into the corridor. teddy bear did so, but looked at Walter quizzically.

"He ca n't elude. He 's got no wand and there 's anti-Apparition charms on the rooms,"Walter explained."He 'll be at his absolute weakest as he transforms and despite the evils he 's done, he deserves the respect of transforming alone."

Teddy was move. He himself would n't own even thought about that, but Walter had clearly been planning that all along. Teddy supposed it came from having a son who was a loup-garou. If teddy bear 's own father had lived, would he have similar opinion ?

There were no silencing magic spell on the interrogation rooms. Soon the corridor was filled with howling and was then replaced by terrible shrieks. The shriek soon gave way to a long stream of profanity.

"Let 's go,"Walter said as he placed his hand on the doorknob.

chemise had no idea what to wait when he entered the way. He 'd only seen image of Johnny from the prophet and black and white photo never did a person justice.

Fenrir Limnodromus griseus was crouched on top of the table, dressed in the wearable that Bruno Walter had provided. His gray-headed tomentum was sinewy and matted with dirt and origin, and his face bore several hebdomad 's Charles Frederick Worth of Lady Jane Grey beard. His nerve was lined with deep line and shift realized that he had absolutely no thought how old the man was.

Johnny Reb took a cryptic sniff as Bruno Walter and Teddy entered. He grinned and let out a maniacal laugh."read/write head of the section,"he muttered."hypothesis I 'm popular."

Teddy froze, all his training suddenly out the window. He could hardly consider that this man had attacked his father when he was only a child. Fenrir Reb was far more sinister in person and shimmy felt a sting of sympathy for his father as a five-year-old.

"So you found me,"knot said."How 'd you do it ?"

"We were waiting for you, Limnodromus griseus,"Walter said."We knew you 'd regress to Hogsmeade."

Rebel sneered."Yeah, wanted to go back for that werewolf in the screech Shack. He smelled young, impressionable."

Walter paled."You 'll never have the opportunity to go back."

"We 'll see,"greyback replied.

"enough schmoose,"Bruno Walter said, turning to Teddy."collar him."

teddy snapped out of his thought process and immediately went back into Auror-mode. He set himself apart from the situation and ran on autopilot.

"Fenrir Rebel, I am Auror Ted lupin and you 're under arrest,"Teddy began.

Calidris canutus 's oculus grew wide."lupine. Any relation to Remus Lupin ?"

"He was my forefather,"Teddy said proudly.

"I made him who he was,"Greyback said as he stared directly into Teddy 's eyes."I changed his life."

"Fenrir Reb, you are under arrest,"Teddy repeated, ignoring him. He conjured a pair of handcuff and walked over to Greyback."You have the right wing to stay mute. I suggest you use it,"he said as he cuffed the werewolf."If you choose not to be silent, anything you say can be used in your trial. You will possess a test. If you can not find representation, we will find it for you."

teddy grabbed greyback 's arm and pulled him off the table and into a support position. As he did so, he met the older man 's eye. They were yellow, complete yellow, and completely unforgiving. He looked like the side of vicious, as if Rebel had no human soul left. It was in that mo that Teddy knew for sure that this wolfman held no similarities to his beginner. Greyback lived to spread evil, while Remus Lupin had lived to stop it.

teddy bear slapped a set of handcuffs on Johnny Reb. He opened the door and pushed greyback out into the corridor, still holding onto his arm. Walter followed and the two walked alongside each other as they led Reb to the holding cells.

Harry was waiting for them when they arrived. He shoved Greyback into a cellular phone and locked the door behind him.

"Your dad would be incredibly gallant of you,"Harry said to Teddy.

shift nodded and gave Harry a half-smile.


A/N : I hope you enjoyed the shimmy chapter ! I had a lot of fun writing it. Thanks for all the pin-up reviews !

The rightfulness Teddy read to Greyback are adapted from the Miranda right, created by the United commonwealth Supreme judicature in 1966.


Albus awoke the side by side dayspring to the speech sound of an owl pecking at the windowpane. He rose from his bed and went to let it in. The owl was unfamiliar, but he vaguely recognized it as the strain of owl the Ministry of conjuration used. The varsity letter was addressed to him, so Albus took it, let the owl back out into the cold, and set down on his bed to open it.

Albus-

We got him.

-Dad

That was all it said, but it did n't need to say anything else. His dad probably could n't say anything else in a letter of the alphabet, anyway. Albus folded up the parchment and shoved it into his bedside table. He glanced at the clock and realized there was no spot in going back to bed since stratum would pop out in two 60 minutes.

Instead, he got started on that week 's appealingness interpretation while he waited for King John to inflame up. This took a expert hour and when he finally did wake up, it took him xv minutes to fully come alive up and get dressed. John was not one for mornings.

Albus waited until they were in the Great anteroom for breakfast to severalize St. John the Apostle about the letter of the alphabet from his dad, so that he could tell Kaden, Rose, and Amanda, too. Luckily they managed to find a relatively secluded part of the table.

"I got a letter from my dad this break of the day,"Albus said as he scooped eggs onto his plate."They got him."

"Oh thank God !"Rose exclaimed.

"Did he tell you about it ?"King John asked.

"No,"Albus said."But I 'm sure it 'll be in the prophet tomorrow."

The group decided to eat a very promptly lunch later in order to visit Matt before their afternoon classes. Albus wanted to secernate him about Greyback as soon as possible.

Albus found it incredibly unmanageable to keep his mouth shut during potions because the rest of his classmates were discussing Greyback and whether he had attacked anyone the previous nighttime. Janie Creevey swore she saw him on the flat coat from her dormitory window last night, but Karina and Marina said it was only a dog. Two of the Slytherins said they heard howling all Nox, and Scorpius said one of the older pupil had received a missive from his comrade claiming to suffer seen Greyback in Diagon Alley. It seemed that Albus and his friends were the only ace in the entire rook who knew Greyback had been captured.

Scorpius Malfoy left potions early after speaking in whispers with Slughorn. Whatever it was it was a expert excuse since Slughorn actually let him go. Albus thought this was very odd, but did n't lie in on it since his judgment was still racing about grayback. He wanted details about the gaining control, but probably would n't get any until he read the clause in the Prophet.

"Anyone know why Malfoy left ?"John asked as they hurried up to the Great Radclyffe Hall for lunch.

"No idea,"Albus said."Maybe he was ill ?"

"He did n't look ill,"John said."I suppose if he is ill we 'll see him in the hospital wing."

Albus and his Friend ate the truehearted lunch they 'd ever deplete and festinate up to the infirmary wing. Kaden had Herbology after lunch and would demand a good bit of time to get there, so they wanted to spend as much of tiffin as possible in the hospital wing.

Madam Pomfrey was busybodied berating a student for trying to captivate her whisker pink and had charmed it all off instead and did n't notice Albus and the others walk in. Only one bed was occupied and the curtains were drawn around it.

"conjecture Malfoy 's not here,"St. John said as he led the group over to Matt 's bed.

St. John the Apostle pulled the drapery back and Albus saw that Matt was sitting up in bed, eating lunch. This month he was sporting a bandage wrapped around his integral question and ones on his handwriting as well. He seemed to be having a bit of difficulty holding his sandwich.

"They better have caught him,"matte said as he dropped his sandwich."Dammit. I ca n't go another month wrecking my hands."

"They did,"Albus said."My dad owled me this morning, but he did n't give me any details."

"I knew he was there,"Matt said."The beast wanted to get out again and this time I banged my head repeatedly against the door."He gestured to the psyche bandages.

"I do n't think you 'll have to worry about that again,"Saint John the Apostle said."They 'll probably put twice as many guards on Limnodromus griseus 's cell."

"I think this is the spoiled worry I 've ever had in my biography,"Matt muttered.

John grinned mischievously."Shall Kaden and I do a repeat of last workweek 's prank ?"

matt gave him a expression of execution."If you do, I 'll kill you and I wo n't be responsible for my actions."

"Just kidding,"Gospel According to John said.

"Madam Pomfrey wants me to eat lunch and then she 's going to consecrate me enough sleeping draught to sleep until dinner party. I ca n't wait."

"Well, I 'm going to have a lovely good afternoon of fertilizing magical plants with dragon dung,"Kaden said."So aside from the turning into a wolf thing and the raging headache, I 'm variety of jealous."

"I 'd take the firedrake dung,"flatness said and then turned to Albus."Embry is announcing who gets to watch the close debate today, is n't he ?"

Albus shook his headland."They 've actually put it off two Sir Thomas More hebdomad. It was in the paper this morning. I guess they want it refreshed in people 's judgment or something. Plus, we 've got Quidditch Sabbatum and dueling Sunday."

"Is Gryffindor playing ?"flatness asked.

"Hufflepuff and Slytherin,"Albus said."If Hufflepuff wins, then we 'll be ahead in pointedness. But if Slytherin wins, we 'll probably be behind them."

"Here 's hoping for Hufflepuff, then,"Matt said. He glanced at his half-eaten sandwich."I think I 've given up on feeding. I do n't signify to kick you lot out, but I 'm really looking forward to sleeping."

"Not a trouble,"Albus said."We 'll see you later."

"I think I 'll be back tomorrow,"matte said."Unless this headache does n't go away."

Saint John the Apostle glanced at the clock."Brilliant. There 's enough time for me to run back to the Great Hall for an eclair before Transfiguration."

"I 'll link up you,"Kaden said.

"Me, too,"Albus agreed.

The young lady decided that a second afters was in ordering as well, so the unhurt group hurried back to the Great lobby before their next socio-economic class. On the way there Albus realized just how a great deal better he felt now that Rebel was once again behind bars.
***


"shift arrested him !"Albus exclaimed at breakfast the next morning. He 'd just finished reading the article about Greyback.

"Seriously ?"Rose exclaimed, grabbing the seer."I did n't even live he went on that mission."

Albus nodded."It was him, my dad, your dad, and lusterlessness 's dad. Plus Newman and a few loup-garou ascendency Unit employees. And those child who got attacked death workweek were captured, too. Apparently their parents did n't put any Mrs. Humphrey Ward up on the shed they were in."

"That 's stupid,"blush wine said.

"Was anyone hurt ?"Amanda asked.

"No,"Albus said.

"Oh, tone, they 've quoted Laurentis,"rosebush said."Listen to this. 'Greyback 's recapture is marvellous intelligence for wizarding UK. I applaud both the Auror department and the Department for the Regulation and ascendancy of Magical fauna for their quislingism in this capture, especially Harry Potter and Bruno Walter Eckerton. However, there are still four prisoner at large. The work is not done and we must remember this before celebrating .'”

"Did they quote your uncle ?"John asked.

"No,"blush wine said."It says he has n't made a statement about it yet."

"I honestly think that this is only going to take his support of your dad look better,"Amanda said."Laurentis can try, but this is a success. I mean, just flavor at the article. Absolutely nothing went unseasonable with that gaining control. There were three werewolves on the unaffixed in Hogmseade and nobody got attacked. It 's that simple."

Albus had n't thought about it in that way, but it was true. Three loose lycanthrope would normally be a nightmare for a lull Village like Hogsmeade, but thanks to the Aurors and the Werewolf Control Unit employees, cipher got hurt.

"I 'll just be glad when this election is over,"Albus said.

"You 're telling me,"Cedric said as he sat down across from Albus."I do n't even care who wins anymore."
***


Hufflepuff somehow managed to squash Slytherin during Saturday 's Quidditch lucifer. Albus chalked this up to the fact that Hufflepuff had the best team they 'd had in eld, and that Slytherin 's Keeper had landed himself in the infirmary flank after blowing up his potion on Friday, earning him a ban from the match by brothel keeper Pomfrey. But whatever the reason actually was, it was certainly beneficial to Gryffindor.

Albus awoke early on Dominicus, suddenly riddled with nerves about the dueling tourney. This month 's tournament was the second to finis of the year since all the professors had agreed to end it earlier due to exams. Many of the seventh years had expressed that they could n't manage practice session while studying for N.E.W.T.s. But this meant that Albus only had two more chances to secure a win for his team, something that had n't happened yet this class.

Albus and Amanda were the first of their team to come in the Great lobby before the tournament. The eternal sleep of the team trickled in slowly as they waited. Five minutes before the tournament was scheduled to begin, the only person missing was Malfoy.

"It 's not like him to be late,"Amanda commented."Usually he 's here early telling you what an awful job as captain you do."

"No, it 's not,"Albus agreed as he stood up to get a better look at the threshold."I do n't see him."

"He was n't in potions the former day,"Amanda reminded Albus."Actually, I have n't seen him since he left potions early on Tuesday."

Albus thought back and realized Amanda was right."Oi !"he called to his group of Slytherin mate."Any of you know where Scorpius Malfoy is ?"

"He went dwelling house,"one of the 3rd old age said."No idea why. He has n't been here since Tuesday."

"He went habitation ?"Albus repeated, staring at the third class."That 's odd."

The third yr shrugged."He did n't recite anyone anything about it. He just left."

Albus had to admit that this news gave him as lots disappointment as mental confusion. Scorpius Malfoy was one of the squad 's proficient duelist, no matter how annoying he was.

"No one goes home when it 's not a holiday,"Amanda said.

"Yeah, not unless they 're really ill or something awful happened to their family,"Albus said.

"tending students !"Neville called out."The tournament is about to begin !"

Albus managed to tug all thoughts of Malfoy out of his mind for the duration of the tourney. nigh of his mate dueled well, although only Albus and a few former quartern years won both their duel. In the end they secured third place, which was certainly better than a ripe destiny of the rest of the teams, but still was n't first. They were still in the running for winning boilersuit at the end of the season, but they 'd need to do really well in the last tourney.

Albus and Amanda met the rest of their protagonist in the vulture 's Den after the tourney was over.

"Did Malfoy decamp the tournament ?"Saint John the Apostle asked as soon as they entered."Not that I 'm complaining since your team probably would 've beat mine if he had showed."

"Apparently he went home on Tuesday,"Albus said."I 'm assuming that 's why he left potions early, but no one has any idea why he went."

"Maybe his parents took him on holiday,"Matt said."They seem the type to do that."

"You 're not allowed to miss form unless it 's a good excuse,"blush wine pointed out."I do n't cerebrate going on holiday is a good excuse."

"I think something bad is happening to someone in his house,"Amanda said quietly."Remember that alphabetic character he was reading during praxis ? And how tranquil he 's been lately ?"

"I 'll ask Elsie Willinson,"Rose said."I tutor her tomorrow. prospect are that Malfoy told Felix about whatever 's going on so maybe Elsie knows, too."

But whatever was going on with Scorpius Malofy, Elsie Willinson was just as clueless as Albus and his friends. She either had no theme or refused to tell Rose, despite the fact that blush wine prodded her about it ever ten minutes during their tutoring session on Monday.

Malfoy returned to classes on Tues, walking into potions fifteen second late, and Slughorn made no reference of his tardiness or the class he missed the premature week. Albus attempted to see his face during class but he gave no hint about his emotions.

"Hey, Malfoy !"Albus shouted as they left the classroom a short while later.

Malfoy spun around and met Albus 's eye. He did n't look tempestuous, nor was he sneering. Instead, he just looked lost."What do you require, Potter ?"

"Missed you at the tournament Saturday,"Albus said, hoping Malfoy would tell him where he 'd been.

"Bet you did n't win without me,"Malfoy replied.

"third place,"Albus answered."Where were you ?"

"None of your stage business, potter,"Malfoy said as he turned around. He sped up and was soon lost in the sea of students hurrying to the Great student residence for lunch.
***


The undermentioned workweek passed quickly and Albus soon forgot about Malfoy and his mysterious disappearance. The election was now only a week away and everyone in the rook, educatee, prof, and touch alike were talking about it. With only one debate remaining, it was up in the air as to who would win. The prophesier published a poll they 'd taken and neither campaigner had a meaning lead story on the other.

"Kingsley Shacklebolt, quondam Head of the Auror section, was the final pastor of legerdemain selected by the Wizengamot,"Professor depository financial institution said in course of instruction two days before the concluding argumentation."His selection was very promptly and he stepped into office the day after Voldemort 's dying. While most of the wizarding human race knew that the Ministry needed an inspection and repair, they also needed someone to take burster and supervise the overhaul.

"Shacklebolt held position for three years while supervising the drastic variety that made the Ministry of Magic the governing entity we see today."

Albus had met Kingsley Shacklebolt a few times and found him slightly intimidating, but funny at the same clock time. He just had a very commanding presence and Albus was n't surprised he 'd been made Minister of conjuration after the war.

"The three years Shacklebolt held office were very tumultuous. Decisions had to be made, drastic ones, and they were not leisurely. The first-class honours degree and nearly obvious decisiveness was the conclusion to shift the way the Wizengamot was set up. The Wizengamot as it was was incredibly corrupt. retrieve that prior to this redesign every pureblooded family held a tail on the Wizengamot, but this left half-blood and Muggle-born witches and necromancer without representation.

"Shacklebolt, along with the other Ministry functionary working to reorganise the Wizengamot looked to the Muggle earth for divine guidance. The previous Wizengamot bore more resemblance to the Muggle sign of Godhead, the Upper House of sevens. It was decided that the Wizengamot ought to more closely resemble the mansion of Commons, the Lower House of parliament. In the Muggle world, these representatives are called member of Parliament, MPs for short, and are elected. In the wizarding world, they are simply cry member of the Wizengamot.

"penis of the Wizengamot then began being elected by the superior general public, much like MPs are elected in the Muggle domain. Each member has a district, although figuring out these territory was far more hard than it was in the Muggle world. Does anyone have a guess as to why ?"

Amanda raised her paw."Yes, Miss Tagger ?"banking concern said.

"crone and wizards are n't as uniformly spread out throughout the United realm,"Amanda explained."In the Muggle world the districts are very much based on towns, but virtuoso do n't really possess towns."

"Correct,"bank building said."Because of this the territorial dominion, if shown on a map, would look vastly different in price of sizing. For example, London has three separate dominion because there is a very large wizarding population in London. It 's far easygoing for wizards to blend in in a expectant city than a small town since things generally go unnoticed in big urban center. On the other deal, Wales only has two districts, and therefore two example, since it 's much less densely populated by wizards."

Albus did n't have got a clue as to who his district 's congressman was, or even what district he lived in. It was one of three, as he now knew.

"I 've taken the impropriety of printing a map with a list of all the representative and territorial dominion numbers,"Banks said as he began passing out sheets of sheepskin."I 'd guess a guesswork than very few of you know what district you 're in or who your representative is."

Albus looked at the sheet after he received it. London seemed to be divided into West Jack London, Union John Griffith Chaney, and East/South London. North Greater London, where Albus lived, was District Two, currently represented by a feller named King Oliver Prang.

"Elections are held every five eld,"Banks said."None of the representative are up for election this year, but virtually are up for election next year. None of you will be of age to vote in next year 's election, but I suggest you read up on your representatives views and beliefs anyway.

"To entice you to learn,"Banks continued as he walked around his desk,"I am assigning an essay, due in two hebdomad. Figure out who your representative is and spell me a foot-long essay detailing your example 's beliefs and whether you agree with them or not. I suggest looking at old copies of the Prophet as well as file away transcriptions of Wizengamot confluence, both available in the depository library. You are welcome to use any other sources as you see fit."

There was a general groan from the stratum, which made Banks grin. He always seemed to love assigning homework.

"Now onto the more exciting word,"Sir Joseph Banks said."This Saturday is the final argumentation and four of you will be able to attend. I apologize in advance for those whose names have not been chosen, but there simply were not enough public debate. As common, the respite of you will listen to the debate in the Transfiguration classroom.

"The two from Hufflepuff are Sam Bordeaux and Cassie Hornell. The Gryffindors are lav Brickston and Janie Creevey. Your essay on this debate, to be formatted like the previous two, will be due in a week. Class dismissed."

"I knew it would be me,"John the Evangelist said as the packed up."Bilius and Ethan have already gone and you two get to go every time."

"I had n't even realized that,"Albus said.

"Karina 's the simply one of us who wo n't get to go,"pink wine pointed out.

"That essay, though ..."John said."The one on our representatives. That 's going to remove forever."

"Not if you do your research right,"pink wine said as they left the room.

"Any of you in dominion seven ?"St. John asked.

The rest of the group shook their capitulum. They compared district numbers, but none of them were in the Sami. Rose and mat were the close, with their territorial dominion bordering on each former.

"I guess we 're all doing our own research then,"John said with a sigh.

pink wine gave him a quenched smirk, clearly happy that she would n't deliver to contend with John attempting to bum off her inquiry. Albus wished that he and Rose were in the same dominion because he, like John, did not relish doing this research. Usually they only had to use their text for enquiry, but not this time. This prison term, their schoolbook would n't help at all.


A/N : Thanks for all the recapitulation ! It 's time for the one-year Dobby award at HPFF and nominations are now open ! Head to the assembly to nominate your darling story ( such as this one, *hint, hint* ). There is a connection to the forums on the right slope of the pageboy. Be sure to record the rules before you nominate ! We hate having to disqualify narration for broken rules.

The information about the Muggle Ministry was adapted from the star sign of the Lords and the Parliament Wikipedia Page. I hope I got everything rightfield, but I 'm not British, so feel discharge to point out any errors.


As the week progressed more and more of the Prophet was dedicated to election coverage. By the time Saturday arrived it became nearly impossible to find a single article that was n't about the election. There were editorial, interviews, statements from the nominee, public opinion pate, and Thomas More. Albus was getting so tired of it that he did n't even glint at Saturday 's edition.

"Place your wager here !"

Albus glanced up from his breakfast to see James, Cedric, and Ben walking up the gangway between the Gryffindor and Hufflepuff board carrying a jar filled with coins.

"We 're taking bets !"James shouted."Any takers ?"

"What are you betting on ?"Albus asked."Who wins ?"

"No, that 's bore,"James said."We 're taking bets on how long it 'll remove the debate moderator to bring up that gaga Aboriginal Australian bloke who kidnapped you last year. This debate is on International Magical Cooperation, after all."

It had n't even crossed Albus 's mind that end year 's incident would be brought up in this argumentation, but James IV was probably redress. It was the biggest international dirt wizarding Britain had seen in years.

"What 's your bet ?"Albus asked his brother.

"Ten minutes,"James said."We 've had a few citizenry say it 'll happen right away and others who are giving it as long as a one-half hour."

"You do realize that your dad 's the one moderating this argumentation, do n't you ?"pink wine asked, setting down her copy of the oracle.

Epistle of James, Cedric, and Ben exchanged a glance."Er, no, we did n't know that,"James said."How do you love ?"

"Says rightfulness here in the newspaper publisher,"rose said, pointing to it."He might not bring it up."

"I hope he does n't,"Matt muttered."I 'd rather just forget Lubar 's existence."

"He might still take it up,"James said."It was a fairly big incident."

pink wine shrugged."It 's possible."

"So what would Uncle Harry Hotspur say if he knew you three were taking bets on the debate ?"Albus asked with a grin.

Cedric paled."He 's not going to find out. Everyone who places a bet is sworn to secrecy. We 've had them foretoken something. If they say anything their faces will turn orange."

"Is n't that wish what aunty Hermione did for the D.A ?"Albus asked.

"sort of,"Cedric said."But we 've told masses about it, so they know what they 're signing."

"Any bets, then ?"James asked.

Albus and his Quaker all shook their heads no. death twelvemonth 's incident was far too personal for them to come out bets on whether it would be a argumentation matter.

"We 're wasting sentence, then,"James I said as he led Cedric and Ben further down the aisle."position your bets here !"

"They 're retard,"Rose muttered.

Albus agreed.

An 60 minutes later Albus, Rose, Matt, and John were back in the Great Hall for the debate. Albus soon realized that this debate would be watched by even Sir Thomas More people than the yesteryear ones, with many people standing in the dorsum due to miss of seating. Personally, Albus thought nigh people would 've already made up their minds since the election was only four solar day away, but clearly it was still a popular consequence.

John had to sit with the early bookman who 'd been picked while Albus, pink wine, and lusterlessness sat up front, like usual. All of Albus 's cousins were there, including Empire State of the South, who looked like she was forcing herself to smile.

"Hey, Georgia,"Albus said.

"Hi, Al,"Sakartvelo replied."I 'm so gladiola this is nearly over."

"Me, too,"Albus agreed."How is the team ?"

Empire State of the South 's fake smile grew genuine."Oh, they 're wonderful ! Connor Blythe, the keeper, he put in his notice that he 's only going to do one more time of year after this one and he told me he 's recommending me to take his spotlight. Me ! And I 've only been on the squad for a twelvemonth !"

"That 's tremendous !"Albus exclaimed."You 'll cause to get me tickets to your beginning match."

"Oh, I expect everyone in the family to be there at my inaugural match as perm Keeper,"GA said."And I want Dad right wing there in the straw man row, cheering me on."

"Well, if he wins, he 'll hold to go on supporting you,"Albus pointed out.

"Yes, well, I want it to be genuine,"GA said."We 'll see."

"Could everyone please take their nates ?"Kendrick announced in a magically amplified articulation.

Sakartvelo left and went to her own seat, as did everyone else who was still standing. The room grew quiet and Kendrick took a few pace forward.

"Thank you. I 'd like to welcome you all to Hogwarts. This is the close public debate of the election and I appreciate the Ministry allowing Hogwarts to take such a big use in it. It has been a howling encyclopaedism opportunity for stave and educatee alike. Remember, Wednesday is election day, so please barf your votes. Now, I would like to introduce today 's moderator, a man who needs no introduction, Mr. Harry ceramicist, Head of the Auror Department !"

The room erupted in thundery applause. It seemed that no matter how Laurentis tried to discredit Albus 's dad, no one could take away the fact that he remained the Boy Who Lived.

Harry walked forward and took his lieu behind the moderator 's podium."Thank you, give thanks you,"he said and the gang grew quiet once more."Now, please receive our candidates, Mr. Percy Weasley and Ms. Patricia Laurentis."

The candidate received considerably less applause than Harry did, something Albus found incredibly good story. If his dad ever decided to run for minister he 'd have the thing won before the backwash even began.

"I am sure both our candidates know the dominion by now. Five min solution and five instant rebutter,"Harry began."Mr. Weasley, you will begin."

Albus had to asphyxiate his laughter at the fact that this dad called Uncle Percy 'Mr. Weasley .'

"The first interrogation is very general,"Harry said."In your opinion, how is Britain 's human relationship with its foreign neighbors ? Should the Ministry be making more of an effort to work with its neighbour or are things fine as they are ?"

"I think overall our ministry has a good relationship with foreign ministries and governance,"Sir Henry Percy began."We have no current feuds with any strange body politic and all alien talks have gone well in the retiring few years. However, I believe there is always elbow room for improvement when speaking of family relationship with other countries. There are always prospect to give out to our neighbors, and you never know when such relationships will be necessary."

"Ms. Laurentis."

"My opponent makes comely compass point,"Laurentis said."And while I feel that furthering our family relationship with strange ministries is an excellent estimate, I wonder if that is really where our vitality should be focused right now. There are many issues we need to address here at dwelling, and as Mr. Weasley said, our flow relationships with extraneous nations are good."

"The Department of International Magical Cooperation lot solely with international charming cooperation,"Sir Henry Percy pointed out."Working to fix issues at home is obviously a undecomposed approximation, but what do you suppose this department does while we do that ?"

"fountainhead, yes, of grade, that department is always working on outside issues,"Laurentis said."I was merely speaking of the Minister and his immediate officials."

"Thank you,"Harry said."Next question. The theme of changing the classification of werewolves from creature to organism was brought up at the survive argument. Both of you expressed no desire to bring this up with the international residential district. Have either of you changed your position on this in light of the recent capture of Fenrir Johnny Reb ? If not, will you explain in Sir Thomas More detail why you feel the way you do ? Ms. Laurentis, you may begin."

Albus glanced at Matt. Maybe now they 'd figure out exactly why Uncle Percy did n't want to transfer the werewolf classification, more than than just it was n't worth the travail.

"The seizure of Fenrir Greyback was undoubtedly a success. I hope cipher has misconstrued my words on that. The fact that it was done without any injury, let alone fatality, was nada curt of amazing. The Aurors and werewolf controller building block employees who executed the plan of seizure are to be applauded. However, I fail to see why the seizure of one werewolf should affect our decisiveness on the chemical group as a whole. If anything, if werewolves had been classified as Beings during that capture the Aurors and Werewolf dominance Unit employees would not sustain been able-bodied to use the method of capture they used. To be reliable, I fail to see any welfare of reclassification."

Albus felt Matt tense next to him. Laurentis really was clueless, was n't she ?

"Mr. Weasley."

"I agree with my adversary about the capture of Fenrir knot. However, I disagree with her about the electric potential benefits of reclassification. First, the Aurors and loup-garou dominance whole employees could have used the Saami method acting they used last Nox, as promontory of department Walter Eckerton does not countenance any method of gaining control that would not be allowed if werewolves were classified as beingness. In terms of Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures rules and regulations, werewolves are to be treated as beingness. This has been the case since Eckerton took over as Head over a year ago. Perhaps Ms. Laurentis is unaware of this fact.

"As for benefits, those with lycanthropy would be able to secure jobs far more easily and would have the Saami rights given to goblin, house-elves, centaurs, lamia, and man alike."

Apparently his uncle had much Thomas More of an opinion than the one he gave at the last debate, Albus thought.

"Your time is up, Mr. Weasley,"Harry said."Your rebuttal, Ms. Laurentis."

"Then perhaps Walter Eckerton ought to convey another look at the law,"Laurentis began."Because it is perfectly effectual of him to use more rough method to wreak werewolves into capture. But since this seizure was a boom winner, I will not fault him for that. As for werewolf rights, I have yet to hear of any complaints by wolfman about their rights."

"That 's because they do n't complain to you,"Matt muttered under his breath.

"Your rebuttal, Mr. Weasley."

"As I did not cause meter to fully answer the doubt, I will keep,"Harry Hotspur said."While it would be beneficial for werewolves if they were reclassified as being, I do not recollect it 's feasible. It would want agreement from all body politic, which is frankly asking a lot. I know for a fact Commonwealth of Australia would never be on card, and considering our jolty kinship with that particular commonwealth, I do not feel it is in our best pursuit to begin negotiation of the reclassification of werewolves. In ratiocination, I feel it would be a worthwhile endeavor, but given the unlikeliness of it amounting to anything, it would be a permissive waste of manpower."

"Thank you,"Harry said."future question. In esteem to our rocky family relationship with Australia, as Mr. Weasley put it, do you feel it would be beneficial to stay trying to get Ralph Lubar extradited to the United Kingdom ? Mr. Weasley."

Albus glanced at his spotter. Whoever betted on 40 minutes would be very happy, he thought. Albus had been hoping this issue would n't be brought up, but he supposed it was too big of an issue not to be.

"If elected I would submit this decision to the Department of International Magical Cooperation, since they possess the necessary expertise on the subject. However, it is my personal belief that it would be deserving pursuing. I believe it is important to send a message that Ministry employees, even high-ranking official such as Ralph Lubar, are not above the law. What Lubar did was fearsome and in no world should he get away with it."

"Ms. Laurenits."

"Notice how Mr. Weasley did not citation that his nephew was one of the children kidnapped by Lubar,"Laurentis pointed out."I think this might befog his sagaciousness a little. I disagree with him about this particular topic. We 've been trying to have got Ralph Lubar extradited for nearly a year and Australia has not budged. Why bother continuing to make drive toward this when it is clear they will be fruitless ?"

"If we give up, it will be telling the public that anyone can go commit a offence in another country and not be punished,"Percy said."More than that, it demonstrates the corruption of the Aussie politics and having our citizens believe their authorities to be corrupt will not avail international magical cooperation."

"The potential degeneracy of the Australian government is not any of our business at the current time. We can not force them to extradite Ralph Lubar and it is my personal opinion that they will never do so. I daresay that the Department of International Magical Cooperation has more pressing issue to deal with."

"Thank you both,"Harry said."We have time for one more question, but in light of the fact that the election is on Wednesday, I am going to give each of the candidate a chance to make a ecumenical delivery instead. Mr. Weasley, you may verbalize first."

"Thank you, Harry."

Percy seemed unable to call Harry 'Mr. Potter .'Albus giggled at this.

"I would like to thank professor Kendrick and the rest of the Hogwarts staff for being so accommodating, as well as the students. None of the student sitting in this way right now were alert before the Ministry was reorganized in 1998 through 2001. None of the students in this room were alive during Voldemort 's reign of terror. They read about both of these in history books, because to them, it is simply history. To me, and the eternal sleep of the adults in this room, the previous Ministry and Voldemort are our past, our memories. We remember the panic, the alien, the fright.

"I was a part of the reorganization of the Ministry. We all know the years that have followed- the years where we have lived without fear, without terror, without the obscure. I have been with the Ministry every step of the way since Voldemort 's defeat and I will make it my tariff to continue the peace that we 've had for over twenty years. I will keep this short because I, like most of you surely do, conceive that the just speech is a short speech. If you want a minister of religion who will continue the success of curate Hartwell 's time in office, vote for me, Percy Weasley, on Wed. Thank you."

There was a smattering of applause, but it did n't utmost long. Albus had a feeling that nigh of the residual of the scholar wanted the election to be over.

"My opponent routinely brings up the past times. He speaks of the war, Voldemort, and the old Ministry, but never once has he discussed the future, except in obscure affirmation about keeping thing the Lapp. It 's straight that I was not involved with the shake-up of the Ministry over twenty years ago. I got into political science later in life. But I do not find that this will make me an subscript diplomatic minister, nor do I imagine it will be particularly beneficial to Mr. Weasley.

"story is just that. History. We certainly need to learn from our account to ensure that we do not hit the Lapp mistakes we did before, but it is not necessary to receive lived through history to be a successful leader. There are plenteousness of Ministry employees, even a few high-ranking officials, who were not here during Voldemort 's reign. Walter Eckerton, for good example, did not live in Britain during Voldemort 's reign. Yet he very successfully runs the department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures.

"In short, I believe we need to center on our hereafter rather than our past. If elected minister of religion I will make progressive variety in not only our ministry and practice of law, but our educational system as well. thing have been ran the like for over twenty dollar bill years, and while I am not denying the success, I think we have needed change for a while. get away prisoners are running free. Hogwarts deterrent example are being taught the same way they were when these shaver 's grandparents were in school. The ministry, along with its Pentateuch and policies, pauperization to adapt as the years go by. If you feel change is needed, if you are at all upset about the way things are, vote for me, Patricia Laurentis, on Wednesday."

There was another smattering off applause. Albus did n't applaud at all and neither did any of his cousins. If the election was based upon transmissible living, Percy would have it in the bag.

"I think your uncle may throw won my parents'support back,"lusterlessness said as they left the Great Hall.

"Yeah, he made himself voice a bit better today,"Albus replied."Laurentis just does n't get it."

"Nope,"matt said."But she does n't look to have an issuing with my dad, which is good if she gets elected."

"What if she wins and she stops trying to get Lubar extradited ?"Rose asked as they met up with John.

"She ca n't. The man is insane,"John said.

"Honestly, I think it would be better if he was n't extradited,"Matt said quietly.

"Why ?"trick asked incredulously."He kidnapped us and tried to bring Voldemort back !"

"He was n't really a component of that,"Matt said."That was the Willinsons."

"But still,"Albus said."Why ?"

"Because if he gets extradited he 's going to be angry,"flatness explained."He 's got quite a snappishness. And when he does n't get his way he attempts to ruin the life of those who stand in his way. Just think about it. If he were brought back here, what 's stopping him from making my ... experimental condition ... world ?"

"He could n't do that,"Albus said."It 's illegal."

"You think Lubar would care ? He did it in Australia !"lusterlessness snapped."He 's already broken the law. And even if he got in trouble for it cipher could take what he said back. It sucks that he 's not getting punished, but I think it would be better if the world just forgot about the whole thing."

Albus had n't thought about it like that before. mat did accept a peak. But there was a function of Albus that just wanted to see Lubar behind bars.

"Plus, there 's no way Australia will deliver him,"flatness said."Your uncle and Laurentis are both in good order about one thing. The Australian government is very corrupt, and I do n't think anything will materialise until that corruption ends. Lubar wo n't be punished, and loup-garou wo n't get reclassified as Beings."

"So even though you moved, the Australian government still has some control condition over your life history,"John said."That 's messed up."

"Yeah, it really is,"Matt agreed."But it 's the way the world works."


A/N : Thanks for all the reviews ! Once again, I 'd care to shamelessly secure my stories for Dobby nominations ! Head over to the forums to put up my ( or any other ) stories for a Dobby laurels ! Be sure as shooting to say the ruler before nominating.


Albus had been hoping class would be suspended the day of the election, but there was no such luck. Kendrick organized it so that the Great Radclyffe Hall would be the canvass place and that voting would not pretend the general student organic structure. Hogwarts was the depute polling seat for the district it was in, so there would be other people coming to the schoolhouse to vote. Albus 's cousins who were of age ( Omar Nelson Bradley, Fred, and heather ) all voted after breakfast, as soon as the polling post had been set up.

Albus and his champion spent most of Herbology watching people walking from Hogsmeade to Hogwarts in rescript to vote. It was very disorder and Neville did n't nark telling people to get back on task.

"When are we going to know who won ?"John asked as they walked back to the palace for defense lawyers.

"It 'll be in the Prophet tomorrow break of day,"Albus said."That 's the functionary notice, but I 'm sure we 'll find out earlier. Bradley and Cedric have to go to the end of the election party tonight. It starts at six and the polls close at eight. They 're announcing the winner at the party at eight-thirty. Bradley and Cedric will be back after that and I give it about five second to broadcast around the castle."

John laughed."You do n't have to go to the party ?"

Albus shook his head."My parents gave me the pick. I said no. James and Lily are n't going, either."

"What about you two ?"Gospel According to John asked Rose and Matt.

"No,"Rose said. lustrelessness shook his head.

"good,"toilet said."We should throw our own party here. A party to keep the end of this election. Maybe it 'll mean Embry will let up on the essays. Anyone else writing their debate essay during Defense today ?"

For the past few months about people had used defence mechanism as a study mansion house. The worksheets Young assigned never took prospicient than fifteen bit and he did n't seem to handle what his scholarly person did with the ease of the socio-economic class. Just as long as they were n't being forte. Albus did n't call back anyone had used any Skiving Snackbox dessert in Defense this year, since there was n't much point.

Albus, lustrelessness, and Amanda all still needed to indite their essays as well. pink wine had written hers immediately following the argument, but the ease of them did n't see the demand to do it rectify away.

"I can always eat up it in History of Magic, too,"King John said as they entered the castling.

"Let 's go peep in the Great Hall,"Albus said as he led his friends over to the right.

Albus glanced inside and saw that there were four small stall curtained off where the staff board should 've been. A short queue of people were off to one side and seemed to be waiting their turn of events for the stall. It did n't appear very exciting.

"Any remark on the election ?"

Albus turned and saw a reporter lurking near the doorway. He did n't accredit this peculiar reporter.

"No, thanks,"Albus said as he steered the group away from the Great hallway, and thus away from the reporter.

"I do n't call up they 're allowed inside,"Rose mentioned."So they ca n't incommode multitude who are voting."

"That makes horse sense,"Amanda said."Well, let 's go get those essays done with. Then we 'll never have to indite essays on debate again."

Albus nodded. No more debate essays. Now that would be a near thing.

The remainder of the day passed quickly. Albus, mat, and Amanda managed to stop their essays during Defense, but John Lackland only got halfway done. voting was suspended during lunch and then again at dinner. Albus overheard a few of the sixth and seventh years talking about voting and the election during dinner. A duo of Ravenclaws even got into an argument about it.

"Let 's cause a pact now not to get in any fights over the next election when we can all balloting,"blush wine said as they watched one of the arguing Ravenclaws storm out of the Great mansion.

The residuum of the group heartily agreed. Albus could n't imagine ruining a friendship over something as silly as an election.

"This party that Bradley and Cedric are going to,"whoremaster began,"it 's for both your uncle and Laurentis ?"

"Yeah,"Albus said.

"That 's going to be awkward when they announce the succeeder,"John said with a laugh.

"It 's supposed to promote secure sportsmanship and that sort of matter,"pink wine explained.

"Still ... I ca n't imagine Laurentis being a good sport,"John said.

After dinner Albus and his friends returned to the common elbow room, deciding that it might be interesting to spend the evening there rather than the predator 's Den. They also wanted to hear firsthand from Bradley and Cedric who won.

The common room had the decided feel that Gryffindor had just won a Quidditch catch. Saint James the Apostle, Fred, heather, Mark, and Ben had taken it upon themselves to take a company to fete the end of the election and thus the end of debates and essays on disputation. There were cases of Butterbeer and trays of biscuits and cypher was working on any preparation.

"Maybe now things can get back to normal,"Albus said as he opened a Butterbeer.

"If Uncle Percy wins affair will never be pattern again,"rose pointed out.

Albus shrugged."I do n't bed. Amanda seems fairly convention and her uncle 's the prime Minister."

"That 's because nobody here cares about the flush Minister,"Amanda said."At base everyone knows I 'm the niece of the flush Minister. My sister and brother certainly are n't anonymous at their school. My sis 's at university now and she says it 's a bit better than it was in secondary school."

"Albus, you 're Harry ceramicist 's son,"privy said flatly."No issue what happens, you 're going to be well-known."

Albus supposed that was genuine, but sometimes he wished it was n't. Sometimes, he wished he could make his own way in the world and not give his dad 's name tied to him.

"Did you ever get the map back from your dad ?"Matt asked.

"Yeah, why ?"

"Just curious,"lustrelessness said.

Albus reached into his bag and pulled the map out. He 'd taken to carrying it around with him all the time, but he was n't sure why. After setting it down on the mesa he revealed it and focused on the character that showed Hogwarts.

"There 's still a caboodle of hoi polloi voting,"Albus said, gesturing to the Great Hall. About a half dozen or so dots were milling about.

"brothel keeper Rosmerta 's there,"Amanda pointed out."I wonder who she 's voting for."

"No idea,"Albus said. He glanced at his scout."one-half hour until the polls close."

"How long do you call back Thomas Bradley and Cedric will outride ?"Kaden asked.

"Probably not long after the announcement is made,"Albus answered."They do n't really like going to those things."

"Albus,"trick said, pointing to the map."Is it just me or is Malfoy going into Moaning Vinca minor 's toilette ?"

Albus peered down at the map. sure enough enough, a dot labeled 'Scorpius Malfoy'had just entered the second floor girl 's flush toilet. That did n't make any sense.

"What the Inferno is he doing in there ?"Matt exclaimed."Why would anyone go in there ?"

"myrtle 's there,"John commented."look, she 's floating over toward him."

"But why ?"Albus asked, still utterly confused."Why would a bloke go in there ?"

"Maybe the map made a mistake ?"Kaden suggested.

"Dad says the map never lies,"Albus explained."fountainhead, there 's only one way to witness out. Let 's keep up him."

"sound unspoilt to me,"Amanda said as she stood up."This political party is getting boring anyway."

John and Kaden nodded their read/write head in agreement. rosebush raised her eyebrows.

"No way,"matte said, shaking his brain vehemently."There are n't enough Galleons in the world."

"Oh, descend on, it 's just a missy 's loo,"Amanda said."feeling, there are n't even any young woman in there besides Myrtle. And she 's a ghost !"

lav laughed."Myrtle 's got a bit of a crush."

"John, shut up !"Matt said, his buttock turning red.

Amanda and rosebush burst out in laughter."Seriously ?"Amanda said.

"Yeah, we had hold in there once,"John the Divine explained."Myrtle spent the totally time flirting with lustrelessness. It was hilarious."

"I said, shut it !"Matt shouted.

"Oh, come on, she 's just a ghost."

"I 'm not going. I refuse."

"Fine,"John the Divine said."cause yourself. Rose ?"

"I 'll stay here, thanks,"rose said."You 're wasting your prison term anyway. It 's not like he 'll severalise you anything."

Albus did n't care. He still liked the thought of going because it felt like he was doing something, making some sort of progression on figuring out why Malfoy had been acting so oddly the yesteryear few calendar month.

They did n't bother bringing the invisibleness Cloak since there was still an 60 minutes left until curfew. On their way there, they spotted Peeves unscrewing chandeliers in honor of April Fool 's Day, but ignored his yak.

Albus watched the map as they went. Malfoy remained in the lavatory as they walked quickly downward flights of steps. But they got stuck on the steps leading to the second flooring corridor, after the stairs decided to lead them directly to the first floor rather than the second.

"He 's leaving !"Albus exclaimed as they got back on the stairs after their flimsy detour.

"Maybe we can catch him on his way back to the dungeons,"Amanda suggested.

Albus nodded."Let 's wait here, then."

Their electric current location gave them an excellent view of the Great dorm. A few Ministry officials were currently carrying spell of the voting cubicles out of the room, polling clearly over. It would only be about a half hour until they had a new diplomatic minister of thaumaturgy.

john nudged Albus."There he is."

Albus turned away from the Great Hall and saw Malfoy walking down the stairway. He looked extremely determined.

"Malfoy,"Albus said.

"ceramicist,"Malfoy replied.

Albus suddenly had no musical theme how he was going to ask Malfoy about why he was in the girl 's loo without revealing the map. If they caught him in there it would 've been wanton to say they saw him going in there, but now he was just walking down the stairs, perfectly innocently. He 'd have to be really deliberate about it.

"So why were you in a girl 's loo ?"Amanda asked.

So much for being careful, Albus thought.

Malfoy paled."Er, I wasn't."

"Yes, you were,"Amanda said."I was in there, too. s story, Moaning Myrtle 's toilette ? Ring any bells ?"

"That loo was empty,"Malfoy said quickly."I checked."

"Next sentence check a bit harder,"Amanda said."I was in the finale stall and when I heard you come in I had to outride there because you 're a fella and it would just be eldritch to come in out of a bathroom stall and come face to face with a blighter. I heard you talking to Myrtle, though."

"I ... er ... that 's not any of your ... patronage,"Malfoy stammered.

"Then do n't conduct your business in a girl 's loo,"Amanda said with a laugh."Let 's go. We do n't require to overleap the news about the new minister. Clearly Malfoy 's a bit unhinged."

Amanda turned and set off up the stairs. Albus, John, and Kaden followed, leaving Malfoy frozen in their Wake. Albus glanced back and saw that he was still as pallid as matt is proper before a full synodic month.

"Amanda, what was that ?"John exclaimed once they 'd pass the second floor.

"That felt good,"Amanda said."He just really irritates me, and this clock time we had something on him. I could severalise Al did n't cognise how to ask him without telling him about the map. But I figured it 'd be pretty easy to pretend I 'd been in the loo with him."

"That 's brilliant,"St. John the Apostle said.

Amanda grinned."I have my moments."

"Whatever it was, I do n't opine he 'll be going in that loo anymore,"Albus said."I just wish we 'd figured out why he was in there in the kickoff place."

"Seriously,"Saint John said."The only way you 'd watch me in a young woman 's loo is if you paid me a encumbrance of Galleons."

"Or you got detention."Amanda smirked.

"That does n't depend,"John said.

"Oh, shut it, both of you,"Albus said."Let 's festinate up and get back to the common room."

When Albus, John, Kaden, and Amanda returned to the common room they were greeted by aloud groan and sighing. Confused, Albus turned to his pal, who was nearest the portrait hole.

"We thought you lot were Bradley and Cedric,"James said.

"James II, it 's not even eight-thirty yet,"Albus pointed out."They wo n't be back for at least a half hour."

"Oh, right."

Rose and Matt were in the middle of a game of Bromus secalinus. Matt was losing spectacularly.

"Did you find him ?"lusterlessness asked as rose 's bishop crushed his queen.

"Yeah, but not in the loo,"Albus said."Caught him on his way back to his common elbow room. He would n't tell us a thing."

"Of course he did n't,"lustrelessness said."And he probably denied he was in the loo anyway."

"He would 've,"Albus said."But Amanda told him she 'd been in there and then told him off for being there. It was brilliant."

"Wish I could 've seen that. I 've always wanted to secern off Malfoy."

"You should 've come,"John said."We did n't even see Myrtle."

"Still ... not taking any fortune,"lustrelessness said."Billie Jean Moffitt King to D6."

Rose instructed her horse to displace nigh to lusterlessness 's male monarch."mate.

Matt sighed."One day, I 'll win."

"Me side by side !"Kaden exclaimed. Everyone else laughed."What ? I 've gotten better,"Kaden muttered.

Albus, John, Matt, and Amanda settled down to watch as rose wine clobbered Kaden. Albus could 've sworn he saw Kaden 's chess piece quiver as they were set up on the board. Rose 's queen was most definitely grinning maliciously. Over the next half hour Kaden 's pieces were viciously slaughtered by rose wine 's, but not without putting up a fight. Kaden was in fact getting better.

"Exploding Snap ?"mat asked after rose wine and Kaden repaired their chessmen.

"Yeah, all right,"Albus agreed. The others nodded.

Albus ran up to his dormitory to retrieve his Exploding snap cards. As he returned, the portraiture hole opened.

The entire common elbow room froze and was silent. Not a I person moved. Not a single person said a Word. Even the kickoff year, who had been tossing a Quaffle around, were still. Albus stood on the bottom step to the dormitories and waited.

Bradley walked inside, followed by Cedric. Neither seemed overly excited, but that did n't mean that Percy had n't won. After all, they, like Albus, did n't really need Harry Hotspur to be curate, but they did n't want Laurentis as Minister either.

"wellspring ?"James IV asked.

"Dad lost,"Bradley said quietly. He whispered something to St. James the Apostle and then he turned and left the unwashed room, followed by Cedric.

Albus could n't believe it. He had n't realized it until now, but he truly had believed that Uncle Walker Percy would win. He had the support of Harry ceramicist. Did n't that signify anything anymore ?

Albus returned to his friends and set the box of cards down on the table. He sat down and did n't say a word.

"What does this mean ?"Amanda asked quietly."Will she do everything she said she was going to do ?"

"That and probably unsound, too,"Albus said.

James walked up to the tabular array."Al, rose wine, we 're all going to the elbow room of Requirement. Bradley and Cedric want to give us to a greater extent details."He glanced the residue of the group."Sorry, kinfolk only."

"We 'll see you later,"Albus said as he and get up stood up.

Albus, James, and Rose walked to the Room of essential in silence. When they arrived they saw that the door was already there. They walked inside.

The rest of their cousin had already arrived. Albus took a seat on the last remaining couch and James and pink wine sat on either incline of him. Nobody was speaking, so he glanced around and watched all of his cousins.

Tom Bradley, Cedric, ling, Mark, Ben, Fred, Hugo, Lily, James, Rose, and Angie. And himself. They were the middle group of cousins. Not the oldest, not the youngest, but the single in the middle, who never did anything first and never did anything endure. They were n't the firstly to go to Hogwarts and they would n't be the last to fine-tune. They stood by each other, through the right and through the bad.

Omar Nelson Bradley and Cedric were n't seated. They were standing at the figurehead of the room, near its door. The total room was decorated like the den in the Burrow, with mismatched piece of furniture and organized topsy-turvyness everywhere. Albus liked it.

"wellspring, Dad lost,"Omar Bradley finally said."I already told you that ... but yeah. It was close. He only lost by a duo hundred right to vote.

"How did he lead it ?"Heather asked.

"Graciously,"Bradley answered."Thanked everyone for their support and shook Laurentis 's hired man, of course."

Albus was n't surprised. Uncle Sir Henry Percy had and always would be the epitome of a civilized politician. But maybe that was n't enough to get elected.

"Is it dreaded that I 'm happy he lost ?"Cedric asked as he squeezed onto the couch between James and Albus."Because I am, kind of."

"Just a bit,"Heather said."What is Uncle Percy going to do now ? I doubt Laurentis will observe him on."

"I had n't even thought of that,"Bradley said.

Neither had Albus, but it made sense. Percy was still employed by the Ministry, but his job was one of those business selected by the minister.

"He 's always worked for the Ministry,"Omar Nelson Bradley continued."I do n't think he could do anything else."

The elbow room descended into silence. Nobody seemed to know what to say, Albus included. His feelings on his uncle becoming minister had been all over the billet for the past seven calendar month, but now that Percy had actually lost, all Albus felt was disappointment. It was unknown. Just finish week he had been kind of hoping Percy would fall back, and now that he had, Albus felt the complete opposite.

It was already past times curfew for Lily, Hugo, and Angie, but nobody was telling them to go back to the common room. Albus was vaguely curious about what was going on in the common room, but not curious enough to actually go back. matte, John, Kaden, and Amanda would say him later.

What Albus was really worry about, Thomas More than anything, was what Laurentis was going to do to both the Ministry and Hogwarts. Laurentis had made it clear that she was going to change the school, but Albus liked it the way it was. Then there were the change to the Ministry, such as the dementors. How long would it take for Laurentis to make for them back ? Surely she had to go through proper duct to do it.

James, Bradley, and Cedric were the 1st to return to the plebeian room, claiming they had to piss good on all the bets they 'd taken. Albus had a feeling all three of them were now slightly in debt. Albus and rosebush returned a few arcminute later, leaving the rest of their cousins talking quietly in the room of Requirement.

When they returned matte, John, and Kaden were playing Exploding Snap. Amanda was writing a letter.

"Who are you writing to ?"rosiness asked.

"My uncle,"Amanda answered."I 've been keeping him updated on the election. He says he likes hearing it from me rather than waiting until the new rector arrives to touch him."

"Your uncle meets the Minister of illusion ?"toilet asked.

"well, yes,"Amanda said."The two macrocosm do bear to coexist. Sometimes there are problems that affect both. Voldemort, for example. And Hartwell personally told my uncle about the escaped end Eaters."

"That 's so unearthly,"John said.

"I told you about it earlier in the year,"Amanda pointed out."That 's the only reason I got to go to Hogwarts. My parents changed their nous at the last minute and happened to mention it to my uncle, laughing about the fact that they 'd actually said I could go. And then my uncle told them it was all true."

"I wonder how often that happens,"Albus mused,"Muggleborns not being able to go to Hogwarts because their parents do n't believe."

Amanda shrugged."I 'm just lucky I was n't one of them."

"I think we all need a distraction,"rosebush said and turned to Kaden, whose face was covered in ash."Deal out the visiting card again. Let 's spiel until we 're too tired."

Albus heartily agreed, and that was exactly what they did. Two time of day later, all of their faces ashen, they were finally tired. But when Albus climbed into bed, his thoughts began racing and he found himself unable to sleep.


A/N : Sorry for the late update ! My natal day is tomorrow so I had champion up for the weekend and completely forgot. Thanks for all the recap !


The next day 's variant of the Prophet was devoted entirely to election day and Laurentis 's win. The achiever did not surprise anyone in Hogwarts since Bradley and Cedric had spread that as soon as they returned. Albus still read the entire front page clause at breakfast and he was glad he did, because the article still held surprises.

LAURENTIS WINS ; Begin APPOINTING POSITIONS

In the closest subspecies for pastor of Magic to
date, candidate Patricia Laurentis won the
lieu finally night. Polls closed at eight,
with the official succeeder announced at a conclude
company at the pastor 's residence at eight-thirty.
Laurentis won by a mere 342 suffrage, which is the
closest backwash we have ever seen.

'I am of course very pleased with this turn of
events ,'Laurentis said at the Minister 's
Mansion after the proclamation was made .'I am
very excited to be sworn in as diplomatic minister of
thaumaturgy on May first. I feel I will be able to
give the public what they need, for they have
spoken and now it is my duty to commit them what
I promised during my hunting expedition. I of course
crack my commiseration to Percy Weasley. He truly
was a pleasance to run against over the retiring
seven month .'

'I offer my congratulations to my antagonist ,'Percy
Weasley said to Daily Prophet reporters at the
Minister 's Mansion. 'We both campaigned hard
and she won, fair and solid. I am disappointed,
of track, but I still congratulate her .'

Over the future month Laurentis will decide who
she wishes to constitute to top Ministry positions,
before she is sworn in as minister of Magic on
May first of this yr. Laurentis is wasting no
time with this, as she was seen at the Ministry
earlier this break of the day .'I already have people
picked out for nearly place ,'she said upon
questioning .'I will be keeping a few of the
current official, but I will be replacing quite
a few in rules of order to better unite the Ministry .'

One someone has already confirmed his intentions
to take Laurentis up on her offer of a position.
Ironically, he is set to take over Harry Hotspur Weasley 's
stream position under government minister Hartwell .'I am
very pleased to announce that Draco Malfoy is
going to exact the position of Senior
Undersecretary for the Drafting and Editing
of law of nature. Draco Malfoy has been a booster of mine
for many years as we have worked together in the
Azkaban sectionalization for nearly a ten. I am very
excited to continue working with him .'

Laurentis plans to annunciate the epithet of her
officials as they confirm throughout the month.

"Malfoy 's dad ?"Albus exclaimed, in jar."Since when is he chummy with Laurentis ?"

"Malfoy never said a word,"Matt added, his eye large.

"Of line he did n't,"Rose said."We 're not exactly his friends."

"Wait, remember in Hogsmeade back in October ?"Albus replied."When he talked about how my house wo n't be running the wizarding globe for long ? Not that my family has ever ran the wizarding globe ... But he seemed to know something we didn't."

"This must be it,"John said, staring at the paper."That 's a pretty top position, is n't it ?"

"Second gamy for drafting Laws,"Rose said."Given his relationship with Laurentis anything he drafts will most potential pass."

"And who knows what his aspect are,"Albus said, craning his neck to see the Slytherin tabular array."Malfoy 's over there. I ca n't quite see his face, though."

"I 'm sure he 'll have something to say to you in Potions,"Amanda pointed out.

Albus had quite a few hours to wait to bump out just what exactly Malfoy would experience to say to them. account of trick, his for the first time class of the day, was as drill as ever. Professor Binns showed absolutely no recognition that the election had taken topographic point the previous day. prof Patil was the concluded opposite, making no move to cover up her indignation at Laurentis 's win, which led her to blow up the desk she was attempting to transfigure.

"Do you think Laurentis will actually take in teachers sacked ?"Saint John the Apostle asked as they walked to the Great Hall for lunch."Because if she does, Patil wo n't stand a chance."

Albus shook his head word."Only if they 're really dire teachers. Umbridge sacked a few in my dad 's fifth part yr and I think people will be outraged if Laurentis does the like thing. Honestly, I think Binns and Cy Young are the just single in danger."

"Could you sack a spectre ?"Saint John the Apostle asked."I mean, where would he go ?"

"He 'd probably mystify around and still try to teach,"Albus said."I ca n't reckon it would go over well."

"And Edward Young ca n't get sacked,"John lamented."That 's where I do all my homework."

Albus secretly agreed, but did n't say anything because rose wine snorted in disgust.

Malfoy was waiting outside the potions dungeon when Albus and his friends arrived after dejeuner. Gone from his side was the unsettled and partially sad look, replaced by Malfoy 's usual haughty smug. Clearly his dad getting a top Ministry post had changed something.

"Hey, Potter,"Malfoy greeted him."Congratulations to your uncle on his loss. Ca n't thank him enough for that."

"I 'll be sure enough to tell him,"Albus replied."He 'll be thrilled that he made a Malfoy felicitous. Must be nice that your dad 's got some actual power now."

"And yours wo n't have any for long,"Malfoy said."Just another month."

"Nothing 's set for sure as shooting about the Auror Department,"Albus countered.

Malfoy laughed."I think I might have sex a bit more than you on that. Laurentis was over at my house for dinner last week."

"And you were here,"Albus said."You never mentioned that your dad 's friends with Laurentis."

"It never came up."

"well now that you 're all happy again maybe you 'll actually evince up for this month 's dueling tournament ?"

That wiped the smirk off Malfoy 's face. He turned stony and took a step closer to Albus."Do n't say a give-and-take about that. It 's none of your business."

"Touchy,"John the Divine commented.

"Stuff it, Brickston. This does n't care you. Your parents will have king in the Ministry the day Hagrid adopts a convention pet."

"We 'll see who 's got the power the moment one of your family winds up at St. Mungo 's,"St. John snapped.

Malfoy paled."Just shut up. The spot is, my dad 's going to get a near location than yours."

"nobody cares what your dad does for a animation,"flatness said.

"cipher asked you. At to the lowest degree my dad does n't lend his piece of work rest home with him."Malfoy laughed.

John whipped out his wand."You always take it one too far, do n't you, Malfoy ?"

Malfoy took out his wand as well."I could say the Lapplander about you, Brickston."

"Wands away, boys."

Albus turned and saw professor Slughorn standing in the door. He breathed a sigh of succor. The close thing John Lackland needed was another detention.

"Get inside. Class is starting in one minute."

Both bathroom and Malfoy were lucky they did n't get hold, Albus thought. Neither of them had thrown any hexes, but a stricter teacher would 've handed out custody just for having their wands drawn. Not Slughorn, though. Albus got the sense that Slughorn did n't like handing out detentions, probably because that meant having to supervise them.
***


The following few sidereal day passed without anymore position declaration from Laurentis. In fact, it was a relatively quiet few days, especially when compared with the past seven months. For the first prison term all year, there was little coverage of the election, that is until they had political relation on Tuesday. At the end of the lesson, Embry reminded them of their research essays on their representatives, an assignment that had completely slipped Albus 's mind. It was due in two days.

Apparently, it had slipped Gospel According to John and Matt 's minds as well. Rose and Amanda had been diligently working on theirs all week, only needing to pen their stopping point. Amanda had even asked her uncle for assist, devoting part of her essay to the similarity and differences between the wizarding and Muggle governance.

"I guess we 'll be spending the evening in the library,"Albus said as they headed to the Great vestibule for dinner."

"Dammit,"Matt muttered."I 'm going to have to write the entire thing tonight. The full synodic month 's tomorrow."

"Usually you 're much just about remembering to do designation before that,"Rose commented.

"I know, but with the election and everything, I forgot,"Matt said.

"But you 'll be missing class on Th,"trick pointed out."So you can turn it in Tuesday and get four extra days."

"I 've never done that with long-term assignments,"Matt said."I do n't require to begin now. Albus can turn over it in, like usual."

"Let 's eat fast, then,"Albus said as they entered the Great Hall.

"Hey, Amanda, want to get a walk around the lake before we write our conclusions ?"Rose asked."The weather condition 's so nice tonight we might as well take advantage."

"Of course !"Amanda agreed."Ca n't let that go to waste."

"Oh, shut up,"Albus muttered.

Forty-five minutes later Albus, Matt, John, and Kaden had taken over one of the larger tables in the library. Kaden had joined them since he had a Transfiguration essay due the next day and foretelling predictions to do. Albus was considering hexing two first age at the tabular array future to them who kept giggling, if Madam Pince did n't get to them first. He wished that one of his friends lived in his territorial dominion ; it would make this so much easier.

Albus did have a discrete advantage over both lustrelessness and John, in that his representative was far More long-familiar than theirs. Oliver Prang, who had been serving the Second Earl of Guilford London district, was on his fourth successive terminal figure, which amounted to over fifteen years. That was Sir Thomas More than Albus 's entire animation. London in itself was a location that required far more attending than early areas of the country, which resulted in far more information being available on it. John was able to site a honest amount of information on his congresswoman, Nadine Abernathy, but Matt, since he lived in one of the most remote areas of England, had difficulty locating information on Marcus Whitby.

"Department of Energy this bloke even exist ?"flatness asked as he looked through the very final archived copy of the Prophet that was published during Whitby 's one term."Oh, here we go. Lovely. Now I know he exists. Here 's a sentence that citation he won the election. And of course he won. He did n't have any opponents."matt groaned and banged his psyche repeatedly on the tabular array."This is hopeless."

"You 've still got all the minutes from Wizengamot coming together,"Albus said, pointing to the three large stacks of theme in the middle of the table. He really did feel bad for mat, though. It was bad enough having to do a paper like this, but having to do it when the full moon was only two day away ?

"I could probably just progress to stuff up,"mat said as he took the top few pageboy."I mean, honestly, could Embry possibly bed anything about Marcus Whitby ? It 's the to the lowest degree densely populated district in all of England."

"Embry probably knows everything about everyone,"whoremaster said."There. I 've got my intro. Look at it this way. Your bloke 's only been in office for a twelvemonth. So you 've got far less choke up to see through. It wo n't take as long."

"But if there is n't anything, then that does n't help,"Matt muttered."Have you even read anything ?"

"A bit."John shrugged."Nadine Abernathy 's on her second terminus, so there 's not as much as Albus has got. But I read enough to write the intro. Now I 'll translate a bit more."

"You have a weird way of doing research."

Albus glanced up and saw that Rose and Amanda had returned, bags in hand. They sat down and pulled out their own essays, which looked very long.

Matt tossed the papers he 'd been looking at onto his rejection pile, which was so jumbled that Madam Pince would probably deliver a middle blast if she saw it. He then let out a cheap suspiration and put his head in his hands.

"Could you please ingest pity on him ?"Albus asked rose.

rose looked up from her essay."I told you. You 're all doing this yourselves."

"His representative has only been in office for a year,"Albus explained."And the only if thing he 's found is one sentence in a oracle from a year ago saying he won the election, which was against nobody. And the full moon is tomorrow."

"Please, pink wine ?"flatness asked, picking his straits up to look at her. His face was flushed and he looked very frustrated.

"Your parents should 've moved somewhere less remote,"Kaden commented.

"They wanted to be in the midriff of nowhere,"Matt said flatly."They did n't want neighbors."

rose wine sighed."Fine. But only because you look so pathetic. And mine was pretty grueling, too, because my dominion is also remote. Just let me finish my conclusion."

"Lucky,"John muttered."I do n't hypothesize you 'd help-"

"Absolutely not, John Brickston,"Rose said and lowered her vocalization."As soon as you turn into a wildcat once a calendar month I 'll help you with your procrastination."

Albus turned back to his own essay and over the succeeding four hr managed to get it half done. He did n't call up it was very good, but it was progress. John was about halfway done as well, so the two of them decided to call it a night. trick settled in to serve Kaden with his talk through one's hat divination anticipation. Matt was still working on his, with much coaching from Rose.

"Did you find anything ?"Albus asked.

"A bit,"Rose said."It 's not much. This bloke seriously has n't done anything. He 's hardly mentioned in any of these minutes."

Matt yawned."How foresightful does this bear to be again ?"

"A foot,"Rose answered."You 've got another four inch to go."

"It 's nearly ten,"Albus mentioned."The library is going to fold and we 've already missed curfew."

The library was now only filled with fifth through 7th years. It was certainly quieter.

"We should probably finish in the common room, then,"Rose said.

"I do n't think I can,"matte said."Too tired. I 'll finish it tomorrow since I 'll probably bound off afternoon year anyway."

The group packed up their things and walked quickly back to the common elbow room. By some stroke of destiny they managed to avoid the prefects and did n't get any detention from being out after curfew.

"No mandatory curfew tomorrow,"Kaden commented as they entered the common room.

"With Johnny caught they do n't need to do it anymore,"Albus pointed out.

"Thank God,"flatness replied."He wo n't be lurking around tomorrow."

"I just hope your dad was able to help those parents with the two tiddler,"Rose said.

"He 'll probably go do the wards himself,"lustrelessness said."At least for this calendar month. And I 'm sure they 've got Wolfsbane this month."

Albus nodded. It was going to be a better full moon for everyone involved.
***


Albus, matte, and Saint John managed to get their essays done in time and turned in on Thursday. The total moon was relatively normal, as full moons go, without any reports of lycanthrope attacks. mat wound up in the hospital wing for two full days, having resorted to chewing on himself since the wolf no longer had the distraction of Greyback outside. But Albus had a smell lusterlessness preferred it that way. grayback 's presence was just too creepy and too unknown.

A few days after the entire moon King James returned to the common room fuming. Albus raised his eyebrows at his blood brother as he straightened a pile of career pamphlets that had once again appeared on the common room tables.

James stomped over to Albus 's table, pulled up a chair, and squeezed himself between Albus and lusterlessness."Career advice,"he muttered.

"Did you just have it ?"Albus asked.

"Yeah, with Longbottom,"James said."Neville always seemed so squeamish when we were lilliputian and even in course of study he 's easily the safe professor here. But for life history advice ? He 's terrible !"

"Well, what did you talk about ?"

"Careers."

rose snorted."Obviously."

"He wants me to beak something now. I do n't lie with what I want to do with my life. I 'm only sixteen for God 's saki !"

"I think you have to pick something so you can pick your N.E.W.T. class next year,"Rose explained."Otherwise the teachers do n't do it what to put you in."

"I know that,"James snapped."But I do n't want to do anything that 's going to expect loads of N.E.W.T.s. I want to play Quidditch."

rosiness laughed."He did n't care that ?"

"No,"James II muttered."So I told him about Georgia. And then he said that it 's not very common to be drafted by a master squad and that even Georgia had a back-up plan. That 's news to me. As far as I know she 's wanted to represent Quidditch her unhurt life."

"She was going to design broom,"Rose said."Still might, after she 's done with Quidditch. Why do n't you do that ?"

"Neville suggested it. But it requires Arithmancy near of the time and I have n't even done O.W.L. Arithmancy. I just want to aim the bare minimum of N.E.W.T.s and get done with it."

"And of course Neville did n't like that,"rosebush said."Honestly, James, just pick something."

"But I ca n't !"James said as he picked up a stack of pamphlets."look at these. goblin Liaison, Gringott 's counterfeit Coin checker, Security Troll Trainer. They 're all short boring."

"There 's loads of jobs in the Ministry and St. Mungo 's,"Rose said.

Saint James the Apostle snorted."No one would require me as their Healer."

Albus had to match with that. James had about the same power to concentrate as a troll."Hey, you could train security trolls."

"I said that 's tedious. And I do n't need to act for the Ministry. Not now that Laurentis has won. Just you lot wait. You 'll take in to go through this following year."

"I already know what I want to do,"rose wine said."I 'm going to be a therapist, specializing in psychiatry."

"Of class you do,"Saint James muttered.

"If it makes you feel better, mate, I 've no musical theme what I want to do,"John the Divine said.

"Me either,"Kaden agreed.

"You 're a third year,"James said flatly."It does n't weigh that you do n't know what you want to do. What about you, Al ?"

Albus shrugged. He had n't thought much about vocation since the previous year when Balladanis told him he could be a Presuler. The idea was very entice, but he did n't want to distinguish anyone else about it.

"I suppose it does n't matter. The N.E.W.T.s I take are going to look on which O.W.L.s I actually pass."

"If you 'd quit complaining and come out studying you 'd blow over more of them,"rose wine pointed out.

"I suppose you 're right,"James said as he stood up."Guess I 'll go to the library."

"James IV, delay !"Rose shouted as James neared the portrait hole."Forgetting anything ?"

St. James glanced down."Oh, right. Books."

King James I ran up to his dormitory and returned with his bag a minute of arc later. Grinning at Albus and the others, he left the vernacular room.

"I swear, I 'm not sure how we 're related,"pink wine muttered.

"You 're telling me,"Albus replied."You 're still set on the Healer thing ?"

"More than ever,"Rose said."It is weird, knowing exactly what I want to do this early."

"You 're like my sister,"matte pointed out."You two really are alike. It 's sort of weird."

"I like your sister,"Rose said."So I 'll take that as a compliment. What about you ? Do you know what you want to do ?"

lustrelessness laughed and picked up the Gringott 's pamphlet."Considering that werewolves are n't going to be changed from Beasts to Beings anytime soon, I do n't consider I 'm going to get many choices to pick from."

"You never know,"rosiness said."Who knows what will take place between now and when we graduate. matter could change."

"Still, it 's doubtful,"Matt said, turning to Amanda."Amanda ? You were awfully tranquility when Henry James was here."

"It 's tough not to be. He 's rather loud himself. I 'm not sure. I think I want to do something in the Ministry, though. I want to make a difference."

"Excellent,"matte said."You can change everyone 's creative thinker about changing the werewolf classification."

Amanda smiled."You never know. It 's crossed my mind a few times."

"I just want to brew potions for a living,"Kaden announced as he leafed through the folder.

"You 're insane,"St. John said."You seem so pattern, otherwise. But seriously, nobody enjoys potions."

"You can do that,"Matt said."You can go a Brewer. My sister 's doing that along with her Healing degree."

Kaden 's eyes grew big."time lag, really ? That 's a very career ?"

Matt nodded."Not everyone can brew potions, so they need citizenry to brew them for them. You can work at St. Mungo 's and brew healing potions or you could function for a society and brew potions to sell."

"Sort of like a chemist, I suppose,"Amanda replied.

"Exactly,"pink wine said.

"Brilliant."Kaden grinned."James II will hate me now. third year and I know what I 'm doing."

Albus laughed."You could change your mind."

Kaden shrugged."I suppose so."

Albus did n't really want to imagine about what they would do after Hogwarts. It was three old age away. He 'd rather relish the present, but blush wine had always been the someone to look to the future. She fantasized about their Hogwarts days when they were only six and now, she was fantasizing about what they 'd do after. Albus had never been the type to do that. There would be plenty of time for the hereafter in the future.


A/N : Thanks for all the reviews ! For those of you who read Beyond the darkness, it made it through to the voting rung of the Dobbys ! Head over to the forums to vote for it. It was nominated in the Best OC category.


Apr went by quickly, as it usually did. The weather turned from chili and windy to warm and rainy, resulting in Thomas More than one muddy Quidditch recitation. Albus did n't beware the mud as much as he minded the duration of the drill. Both Fred and Heather seemed determined to win the Quidditch Cup now that it was their 7th year. They had n't won it yet, in all their years at Hogwarts. Albus wanted to win, too, but not enough that he enjoyed practicing for five hours straight.

When he was n't on the pitch, to the highest degree of Albus 's meter was spent at dueling practice. The final peer of the year was on the last Saturday in Apr and Albus 's squad was still in the running for a win of the entire tournament. They had n't won a unity match, but they were routinely in arcsecond station by only a few gunpoint. The teams that had gotten beginning home never did that well in early tournament, resulting in their overall point total being quite low.

When the last Saturday in April arrived, far sooner than Albus would 've liked, he found himself incredibly flighty. He was n't nervous at all about his duels, but he was nervous for the team. This was it. It was his in conclusion tournament in the Junior Dueling tourney. His last opportunity to demonstrate himself as master and earn a slur on Gryffindor 's dueling team following yr.

All four captains of the sign of the zodiac dueling teams were exhibit at this tournament because they would be hired man selecting participant for their teams next year. Unlike Quidditch, there were no try-outs for the dueling tourney.

"end tournament being on Malfoy 's team,"Amanda commented as Malfoy dueled a girl from Ravenclaw.

"Thank God,"Albus muttered. He could n't expect until he no longer had Malfoy on his squad."At least he 's acting normally today."

"At least he showed up,"Amanda pointed out.

"breaker point to Malfoy !"Neville shouted."Albus ceramicist and Matt Eckerton."

Albus groaned inwardly. He always felt dreadful when he had to duel Matt because their skill story were so drastically different. At the same time he did n't want to go easy on his supporter because the Gryffindor team headwaiter was watching.

Albus and lusterlessness bowed to each former and raised their scepter. Albus thought a still apology as he shot a Stunner at his best friend. Matt dodged it and sent one back. Albus threw up a shield and then sent three consecutive sweetheart. The 3rd one made contact and Matt collapsed onto the floor, frozen.

"stop to mess around !"Neville declared. He waved his baton at Matt and the magical spell lifted.

"Sorry, mate,"Albus said as he helped lusterlessness up.

"Do n't be,"matt replied."You 're definitely getting on the team next year."

Albus won his second duel as well. His team continued to win to the highest degree of their duels, with some of his teammates winning their first duels ever. Amanda had begun a reckoning of all the points on a spare bit of parchment and their team was winning, with only a few duel left to go.

Kaden wound up dueling one of the Ravenclaws from Albus 's team during the death affaire d'honneur of the day. Kaden lost spectacularly, which Albus was both happy and upset about.

A few minutes later Neville stepped into the center of one of the dueling rings."I am delight to announce that we have a success of both today 's tournament and the twelvemonth 's tournament overall. Congratulations to Team Seven for winning both today and the tournament overall ! captain Albus thrower, please come forward to take over the trophy."

Albus was momentarily stunned, until Amanda nudged him. The entire Great Hall was applauding as he stepped over to the dueling rings. They 'd done it ! After a class, they 'd finally done it !

Albus shook Neville 's manus while a Hufflepuff took their scene. The trophy was a bit humble than the Quidditch Cup, but certainly not pocket-size by any means. After a few Sir Thomas More characterization were taken, including one shot of the entire team, Albus joined Amanda and the two of them walked back to the common room.

"When will you ascertain out if you got on Gryffindor 's dueling team ?"she asked as they walked.

"Not until the summer,"Albus said."They send out letters."

"You 're pretty much guaranteed a speckle, after that win,"Amanda said."Malfoy, too, probably. And then you 'll get to duel each other."

"I 'm looking forward to that,"Albus said."Just a bit."

"Me, too,"Amanda agreed.

Albus 's booster were waiting in the uncouth room when he and Amanda arrived. They offered congratulations and Butterbeer, which Albus drank quickly before heading outdoors for Quidditch recitation.

Later that night, between his happiness about the win and exhaustion from Quidditch practice, Albus slept better than he had in months.
***


In April 's last remaining days the Daily oracle published at to the lowest degree one article a day on Laurentis and her upcoming swearing-in ceremony, as well as her pickaxe for top officials. Albus had n't recognized any public figure of the officials, or the names of their jobs. Mostly they were jobs such as the one his Uncle Percy held under Minister Hartwell. Laurenits, as it seemed, was waiting until she became Minister to give away the big positions, such as Albus 's dad 's attitude.

The Gryffindor table was unusually quiet the aurora of May first. Albus, along with all his cousins, were n't saying a Christian Bible. Albus was thinking of his uncle Hotspur and how this should 've been his day, not Laurentis 's, and he was for sure his cousins were thinking the Lapplander.

"I wish one of us could go to her ceremony,"Amanda said as she read the oracle."It 's not going to be the Saame reading material about it tomorrow."

"I heard they 're listening to it on the wireless in politics today,"John said."Wish we had it today. That would be much better than having actual class."

"I just want to know if my dad 's out of a job,"Albus said.

"Will he be completely sacked ?"Kaden asked.

"No. He just would n't be fountainhead Auror anymore,"Albus answered."It 'd still be unspeakable, though."

"Same here,"matte agreed."Amy said that Dad 's really flighty about it."

"What meter is it happening ?"rosebush asked.

"Ten-thirty,"Amanda said after consulting the paper.

"right hand after History of Magic,"Rose mused."So you lot will bear Care of Magical Creatures and I 'll ingest Arithmancy. Is anyone else thinking that we should give out out Uncle George 's best-selling product this sunrise ?"

Albus thought he heard her awry. Was his first cousin actually suggesting they skip course of study ?

"Wait, pink wine,"John said."Are you saying we should skive off class ?"

Rose grinned."I think this is going to be a bit more educational. I say we skive and meet in the marauder 's Den to listen on the wireless."

"I 'm in,"Albus said immediately. King John, lustrelessness, Amanda, and Kaden agreed.

"We 've got to plan it carefully, though,"rose said."We ca n't all get ill at the like time or it 'll look suspicious."

"I 've got a free period starting at ten-fifteen,"Kaden said."So I 'm all set."

rose wine nodded."That leaves five of us. Matt, do you suffer an result with skipping all of History of illusion ?"

lusterlessness laughed."Of track not."

"good. I think you ought to just skive off without using a Skiving Snackbox. No one will mistrust anything."

"Aw, why ca n't I do that ?"John asked.

"Because if someone finds out and asks it 'll be well-fixed for Matt go just say he felt ill, rather than you. I 'll use a epistaxis nougat in Arithmancy since I 'm the lonesome one of us in that class. Al, John, Amanda, two of you can use something in History of Magic and then the other one can use something right at the source of caution of Magical Creatures. We meet in the Marauder 's Den by ten-thirty."

With the program decided upon, they set off for their forenoon course. John begged to be the one who used a puking pastil first in History of Magic and Albus and Amanda let him. He seemed strangely excited about it. Albus was just going to use the fever fudge.

Professor Binns began droning on about the Giant warfare, a topic he seemed to enjoy for some reason. He taught it each and every year without fail. Albus doodled aimlessly on his eminence while taking underground glances at privy every so often.

"Um, Professor ?"St. John the Apostle announced ten minutes into the class.

Binns turned around, looking confused. It was rare that anyone ever interrupted him."Yes, Mr. Broggs ?"

"I do n't sense well-"John was cut off by his own vomiting. His table was now covered with a pile of puke.

"Yes, yes, off to the infirmary,"Binns said as he returned his attention to the blackboard.

bathroom hastily shoved the other end of the sweetness into his rima oris and vanished the vomit before grabbing his bag ( which he never unpacked ), and left the elbow room.

Amanda was side by side. She, like Albus, went the safe road and had decided upon the fever fudge. Professor Binns hardly seemed to notice that she felt ill, despite her announcing it to the class. He just waved her out and continued his speech. Albus could 've probably used his own febricity fudge right then and there, but he did n't reckon it was worth the small risk.

Albus decided to eat the fever fudge on his way to caution of Magical Creatures so he could leave immediately after arriving. The Marauder 's Den was quite a walk from Hagrid 's hut and he did n't want to overleap any of the ceremony.

He felt the effects of the fudge before even reaching Hagrid 's Hut. He had n't had a feverishness in years and had forgotten just how nasty they were.

"Hagrid ?"Albus asked as soon as he arrived.

"Albus !"Hagrid exclaimed."How are yeh ?"

"Not good,"Albus answered."I feel ill."

Hagrid 's face fell."Yeh don'look so well. Better go see dame Pomfrey."

Albus nodded and turned around, walking quickly up the path. Once he was out of deal of Hagrid, he shoved the other half of the feverishness fudge into his lip and felt immediately better. He 'd done it !

By the time he arrived at the vulture 's Den it was nearly ten-thirty. The remainder of his friends were already there, huddled around a very old looking wireless.

"Albus !"rose wine exclaimed."Nearly thought you would n't realise it !"

"I practically ran here,"Albus said as he tossed his bag onto the story and took a seat next to his cousin.

"Shhh !"Amanda said."It 's starting !"

"Good morning time, listeners. We are broadcasting go from Courtroom Ten in the Ministry of Magic, where just minutes from now Patricia Laurentis will be sworn in as curate of magic trick for the United kingdom. It is standing elbow room only in the courtroom, with additional spectator in the corridor."

Suddenly there was thunderous clapping, drowning out the commentator 's vocalism. It died down a few minutes later.

"Patricia Laurentis has entered the court. She is making her way down the aisle, greeting hoi polloi on her way.

"pastor Hartwell, along with members of the Wizengamot are seated on the dais. Three senior members of the Wizengamot will swear Laurentis in."

More applause. Then a new voice. Albus recognized it as Minister Hartwell.

"Welcome to the Ministry of magic. It has been my pleasure to assist you over the past ten year. I 'd like to take a present moment to give thanks my party, Merlinus, for their funding over the preceding decade, as well as all of my top officials and the rest of the Ministry employees. I 'll keep this poor and just say that I am going to drop serving you, but I have to admit that both my married woman and I are looking forward to taking a overnice, tenacious holiday."

Laughter, followed by applause.

"Thank you, Minister Hartwell,"someone else said. Albus assumed it was one of the Wizengamot members."Ms. Laurentis, if you would delight step forward."There was a interruption."Please repeat after me. I do hereby sustain to serve the United Kingdom-"

"I do hereby avow to serve well the United Kingdom-"

"-to the best of my ability-"

"-to the skilful of my ability-"

"-and keep to the saint of the Paracelsus party-"

"-and retain to the ideals of the Paracelsus party-"

"I swear to hear to the people and do what is best for them-"

"I swear to heed to the mass and do what is best for them-"

"-regardless of whether it is best for myself or the Ministry."

"-regardless of whether it is best for myself or the Ministry."

"I hereby declare Patricia Laurentis as the third minister of Magic post-War as of the first base of May, 2020, at XI o'clock in the morning. Ms. Laurentis, congratulations. Please receive your new parson of conjuring trick, Patricia Laurentis !"

There was a smattering of polite applause, much quieter than the former clapping for Hartwell. Albus supposed it was a serious affair and no one wanted to look too ecstatic.

"That was warm,"Albus said.

"She 's going to hold a address now,"blush wine said."Shhh."

"Thank you,"Laurentis said as the clapping died down."It is an honour to be standing before you as your Minister of Magic. I would like to start by thanking the Paracelsus company for nominating me as candidate and supporting me throughout my successful campaign-"

"Does she really need to say it was a successful campaign ?"can asked."I mean, it 's obvious that it was successful."

"Shut up !"Rose said.

"-without your support I would never have made it this far. I hope I am able to populate up to the in high spirits expectations set by you and rector Hartwell. I am sure you are all uneasy to listen who I am appointing to read/write head of Department positions in the Ministry, so I wo n't waste any time getting to that."

Albus 's heart sped up. He glanced up and met Matt 's regard. matte looked just as nervous as Albus felt.

"First, the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. I am pleased to announce that Tethys Balladanis will be taking over for other headway, Reena Barnes."

"What ? !"Albus exclaimed."Did I hear her right ?"

"Balladanis ?"rosebush shouted at the Saame metre."But he did n't even like the Ministry, did he ?"

"He said it was too restrictive,"Albus said."I guess he likes Laurentis."

lusterlessness groaned."That means he 's going to be around all the time. Not here, but this country."

"I definitely did n't see that one coming,"John said.

"Laurentis, Balladanis, Malfoy 's dad ..."Amanda mused.

"Shh !"Albus said."I heard her say Auror Department."

"-Robert President Johnson will be replacing Harry Potter as Head of the Auror Department-"

There was an audible gasp from the audience. Albus sat stunned, processing the information. theatrical role of him had been expecting this, but now that it had actually happened, it was still a jolt. It was very similar to the election results.

"I understand that this is a controversial choice, but I feel that the Ministry needs to be a connect front. I assure you that Henry Martyn Robert Johnson is an first-class Auror and will produce a grand caput of Department."

Albus tuned the receiving set out once Laurentis went on to the department of Magical Transportation. He could hear his inwardness pounding in his head and the respite of the world seemed so far away. It was almost surreal.

"Albus ?"pink wine asked."Are you all right ?"

"I do n't have it away,"Albus said."She 's insane, right ?"

"Honestly, Albus, I 'm not surprised,"rosiness said quietly."And your dad still has a job."

"But it 's the assertion she made by doing it,"Amanda pointed out."She 's implying that he 's bad at his job."

"Exactly,"Albus said, glad that Amanda was able to put into Word what he felt."first gear Uncle Percy lost and now this."

"-Walter Eckerton will remain straits of the section for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures-"

"Thank God !"mat exclaimed.

"Good,"Albus said."At to the lowest degree there 's someone sane still in a head position."

Albus only paid vague care to the eternal sleep of the promulgation. He did n't agnize anyone, except for Malfoy 's dad when Laurentis reiterated that naming. One thing was take in by the end, and that was no one in Albus 's family was in any of the Head placement.

Rose switched the wireless off at the end of Laurentis 's speech. The wizard doing the program was interviewing a few people, but they were n't anyone of groovy importance.

"Do you want to go to lunch ?"blush wine asked after a few minutes.

"Yeah, I suppose so,"Albus said as he stood up.

It was clear that word had spread when Albus and his friends reached the Great Hall. Whichever class had had government during the speech must 've shared the news with the entire castling, because everyone stared at Albus as he walked in. He did n't earn eye contact with anyone and made a beeline for the Gryffindor table, where he sat down next to James.

"So you heard,"James said quietly.

"I skived off class to mind hot,"Albus explained."She wants a unify ministry. What a lode of Draco dung."

"This is bad,"St. James the Apostle said."This is really bad."

"She 's replaced more officials than any government minister, ever,"rosebush commented."She only kept three."

"I still have no idea why she kept my dad,"Matt replied."I mean, I 'm glad she did, but it does n't make any sense."

"null she 's doing makes a bit of sensory faculty,"Albus muttered."But I guess people must like her. She got elected."

"But now that she 's elected she can name who she wants,"Amanda said."I do n't imagine anyone actually thought she 'd replace your dad. I 've only been in the wizarding world for four years and even I know that everyone loves your dad."

That 's what Albus had always thought, too. He hated the fact that he was always in the spotlight because of it, but it was a constant. It was normal for him. Now, he did n't cognize what to think.

"feeling,"Amanda said as she pointed to the faculty table."I do n't call back the instructor expected it, either."

Albus glanced up. Every single prof was bass in conversation, some even ignoring their food. Neville in fussy looked stunned and disturbance. None of them looked glad.

Albus 's own plate was still empty and he had no desire to fill it. For as long as he could remember his dad had been Head of the Auror section, a job that he loved. Being the man who defeated Voldemort had given him an aureole of being the ultimate Auror, something that had stayed with him for over twenty years. Now, so many years later, it seemed to Albus that it was wearing off.

It was May first, 2020, almost exactly 23 long time after his dad had defeated Voldemort. Albus thought it was slightly dry that this had happened almost to the day, 23 years later.

Albus looked around at his familiar Gryffindors. He knew that more than a few of them had voted for Laurentis, and therefore most probable supported her conclusion to replace his dad as nous of the Auror section. Not everyone was talking in whispers, with worried verbalism. A few mathematical group were laughing, like they did n't have a care in the world. Either they just did n't care about Laurentis 's decision, or they supported it. The sentiment was very unsettle. Laurentis herself was unsettling to Albus, and the more he thought about it, the more he did n't like that she was now the parson of Magic. He did n't like it at all.


A/N : Thanks for all the lovely inspection !


The following week brought a slew of clause stating and re-stating everything Laurentis said in that first lecture. A list of the new Ministry officials was printed multiple times. Albus found the column more interest than the actual clause, mostly because there were quite a few proclaiming how stupid it was of Laurentis to clear Harry ceramicist. However, it was n't until nearly a workweek after Laurentis officiall became minister of religion that an article completely captured Albus 's tending was published.

DEMENTORS TO RETURN TO AZKABAN ;
HOGWARTS TO SEE CHANGES

Newly elected Minister of thaumaturgy
Patricia Laurentis officially signed
the law that will bring Azkaban back
under the control of the dementors
late final stage night. Laurentis hopes
to deliver the dementors back by tardily
side by side week. 'This has been a end
of mine for geezerhood and I am very
felicitous that it is finally happening.
The wizarding Earth will be far
safer now that our criminal will
be guarded once more by dementors .'

delivery the dementors back to Azkaban
is the first of many alteration the new
rector will be enacting over the
next few hebdomad. Laurentis 's succeeding
plan is to reenact variety at Hogwarts.
'Over the succeeding few workweek I will be
sending representatives from the
department of Magical Education Department to
observe each professor. Each
prof will be required to submit
their curricula to the representatives
as well .'professor planning on
retiring at the end of this year
will be exempt from this requirement,
as no changes will take up place before
the end of term.

"fountainhead, she 's done it,"Albus said as he set the clause down."A week from now Azkaban will experience dementors."

"Mad,"Amanda muttered."She 's mad !"

"And she 's sending people to observe the teachers,"Albus said.

Amanda grabbed the clause from Albus and scanned it quickly."Are any of them retiring ?"

"I did n't think so,"Albus said."But a few of them are quite old."

As if on cue, Professor Kendrick stood up."May I have your care ? Thank you. Most of you, I am sure, have read the Prophet. Over the next few weeks every professor will be observed during one of his or her classes. I ask you all to ignore the spokesperson and go about course of instruction as if they were n't there. That is how the Ministry will best get an understanding of how things work at Hogwarts. Now, prof Slughorn has an announcement to make."

professor Slughorn stood, although he was so short that it hardly made a difference. He looked a bit spooky and Albus got the tactual sensation that he rarely ever addressed the total student soundbox at once.

"Yes, thank you, Professor Kendrick,"Slughorn said."I just wanted to recount you all at once that I am going to retire at the end of term. I 've enjoyed my time at Hogwarts, but it 's high time I retire for good."

"Ten Galleons says he decided to retire after finding out he had to submit his program to the Ministry,"Rose whispered after Slughorn sat back down.

"I 'm for certain you 're right,"Albus agreed."Dad said he did n't even desire to fall back when our parents were in school."

"What about Young ?"Kaden asked."He doesn't even have a curriculum."

Albus burst out laughing."I had n't even thought of that. Bet he gets sacked."

"So that 'll be two new professor next year,"John the Divine said.

rose groaned."And in our O.W.L. year, too."

"Do n't say that word !"James, who was sitting about five nates down from Rose, shouted.

Rose raised her eyebrows."What discussion ?"

"O.W.L,"James IV said with a chill."They 're only a month away."

"Guess you should 've started studying earlier,"Rose said.

"Shut up,"James muttered.

James was n't the only one to have forgotten about O.W.L.s amidst all the election news. There seemed to be more frantic studying than usual, and not just from the fifth and seventh years. The entire castle had neglected to study for their end-of-term examination. Later that night Albus, John Lackland, Rose, Amanda, and Kaden joined the throngs of citizenry vying for tables in the library in order to cram in as much studying as possible. lustrelessness could n't get together them, as it was the total moon.

However, Albus had a hard clip concentrating. His every sentiment was focused on the dementors in Azkaban or his dad 's job or the Ministry representatives at Hogwarts. Rose, Amanda, and even Kaden were focusing on their studying. John was playing with his quill. Suddenly, he stood up.

"Kaden ?"he asked."Think now would be a good time ?"

Kaden grinned, setting down his script."Yeah, I think so."

"We 'll see you lot later,"John said as Kaden got up."Do n't ask."

"That was weird,"rosiness said once the two son left.

"It 's probably their prank,"Albus pointed out.

Rose groaned."They 're right. I do n't want to know."

Albus had assumed that this would be a prank that would make itself known right away, as to the highest degree of St. John and Kaden 's trick worked that way. But by the next morning things seemed perfectly fine at Hogwarts. The Slytherins'hair was still normal coloring material and everything seemed tranquil and quiet. John and Kaden kept grinning at each former, so Albus was sure they 'd done something.

It took another full day for things to pick up. Albus first noticed it at breakfast, when some of the Slytherins seemed a bit unsettled. They were squirming in their bum and did n't seem able to sit still. But it was only a few of them.

Albus raised his eyebrows questioningly at lavatory and Kaden.

"Should we tell him ?"John asked.

"Oh, I suppose now we could,"Kaden said as he leaned over to Albus."Itching powder in their laundry. The house-elves are very helpful with pranks."

Albus started laughing."Seriously ?"

Kaden nodded."Completely untraceable and the effect wo n't all come at once. It all depends on when they send their laundry out."

"That 's genius,"Albus said. John and Kaden 's pranks were most definitely improving over the years.

"What 's genius ?"

Albus looked up from his breakfast to see matte nudging a first year over so that he could sit down in next to John.

"dame Pomfrey let you out ?"Albus asked.

Matt nodded."Yeah, I think she wanted me to continue longer, but I told her I needed to study. Why are these two geniuses ?"

"We did our prank on the Slytherins,"John the Evangelist explained and then lowered his voice."Itching powder in their washables. The house-elves helped."

"okey, that is pretty awful,"matt said."You wo n't get caught, either."

"Nope, it 's not belike,"King John said."So, what should we do today ?"

"Study."

Albus looked up once more and saw that this prison term Rose and Amanda had appeared, both heavily ladened down with books and stacks of parchment. They wore selfsame looks of determination.

"You 're all studying. All day,"blush wine continued."test are in a month and none of us are prepared. The election happened, it sucked, but it 's over. Nothing can be done. Albus, you 've been moping about your dad 's job for a hebdomad. bathroom, Kaden, I 'm determined that you do well this year. Matt, the good moon is over. All four of you are studying from now until exams."

"Aw, pink wine, c'mon-"

"No,"Rose said."Studying. All of you. Amanda and I are going to get a tabular array in the subroutine library and we expect all of you there in fifteen minutes."

Rose and Amanda left in a brandish of sheepskin and book of account, leaving Albus and the other male child to stare at each other open-mouthed. Albus knew his cousin was very academic and placed a high value on her own Education Department, but never before had she staged an intercession for his studying.

"She 's lost her mind,"john said."If she 's like this now, what will happen following year for O.W.L.s ?"

"Do n't say that Holy Scripture !"James II shouted from down the table.

"I suppose we have n't got a pick, do we ?"Matt asked as he shoved his nut into his sass."darn, I only just got back."

That was true, Albus thought. He and his friends quickly finished their breakfast and hurried up to the library, realizing once they arrived that they did n't have any of their Word. They ran up to their hall to recall them and made it to the library five moment later than Rose insisted they be there.

blush wine and Amanda had shoved two tables together and had spread all their books out over them. gentlewoman Pince was sitting behind the circulation desk, looking at them curiously, as if she could not think back a time mortal had frequented the library that early. The eternal rest of the tables were deserted.

"What 's with the extra professorship ?"Albus asked as he dumped his books onto the table."There 's only six of us."

"Oh, that 's for Elsie,"rosiness said as she set parchment down at each rump.

"As in Elsie Willinson ?"Albus replied.

"Yes, that 's the only Elsie we know,"pink wine said."She needs help studying and I 'm her tutor."

"But she 's Felix Willinson 's baby,"privy pointed out.

"And she needs assistance, John,"Rose said with a sigh."I 've been tutoring her all year and I 'm not going to stop now."

Matt nudged King John."It 's not a bad matter. Maybe she 'll tell us what her brother and Malfoy have been up to all year."

Albus had n't thought of that. Of form, rose had n't had any chance getting Elsie to talk all yr, so hazard were slenderize that he and the other boys would have success.

"Honestly, you lot are far too focused on Malfoy,"rose wine said."You 've hardly studied all class. Just sit down and start reviewing Transfiguration. I 've made study guides for every subject. You should receive them at your spots."

Albus picked a rump and sat down. Rose was organized to the point of insanity. There were in fact bailiwick guides for every subject, organized chronologically, from September until May. Albus was suddenly very grateful for his cousin, despite her obvious insanity. This was going to get studying so much easier.

"Wow, thanks Rose,"Albus said. The rest of the group muttered their agreement.

Rose smiled."See ? It was a good idea. Now, we 'll study until lunch and then throw a break."

Lunch was about two hr away. That was n't too bad. Albus opened his Transfiguration al-Qur'an and settled in with that and the study guide. It took him about a one-half time of day to work through distractions, but soon his mind was only focused on Transfiguration.

Around him, the library quickly filled up. fifth part and seventh yr seemed the most mad about finding tables and searching the peck, but students from every year and every house were gift. Madam Pince spent the morning weaving throughout the tables and looking over everyone 's shoulders to make sure they were working on school work. With exams so near, the library was now closed to everyone who was n't going to revise.

Elsie Willinson showed up a little after eleven. Albus watched as she tentatively made her way over to the table, clearly unsure of studying with so many the great unwashed. Albus was struck again by how alike she looked to Felix. It always sort of disport Albus when sibling looked so alike, since he did n't really resemble either of his siblings. But Felix and Elsie Willinson were incredibly similar in looks.

Once Rose noticed Elsie, she immediately stood up and beckoned the first year over. Elsie seemed less nervous now that Rose knew she was there, but she still avoided eye contact as she sat down and pulled her books out of her bag. rose wine whispered something in her ear and she began reading her charms ledger.

Albus sighed and returned to his own employment. Getting Elsie Willinson to talk was going to be much more difficult than he thought.
***


Rose 's revision session continued throughout the month of May. Albus did n't care to intromit it out loud, but they were incredibly helpful and he was n't sure he would pass his examination if it were n't for rosebush. As the calendar month progressed, the sessions grew both in length and the identification number of participants. By the end of the world-class week their study group had grown to admit James, Ben, Cedric, and their friend Nathan, who all now feared failing their O.W.L.s.

Albus and Epistle of James missed a few sessions for Quidditch drill, but as the Quidditch final John Drew closer, both of them agreed that Quidditch was just as significant as studying. Omar Nelson Bradley and Scots heather were becoming more than and more uneasy about the last, since it would set whether Gryffindor won the Quidditch Cup. They were currently only a few tip behind Ravenclaw and if they pulled off a win in the final, they would most likely win the cup as well.

The catch took place a week before O.W.L.s were scheduled to begin and Albus awoke more nervous than he had been for a Quidditch peer in ages. The lucifer itself was going to be bittersweet since it would be the endure time he played with heather and Fred as the other chaser on Gryffindor 's squad. Next year he 'd have two new Chasers and that was going to be incredibly strange.

Albus headed down to breakfast before his acquaintance and encountered a few particularly fretful Slytherins on his way. Giggling to himself and enjoying the fact that whoremonger and Kaden 's prank was still going on, weeks later, he entered the Great Hall. On his way to the Gryffindor table, he was distracted by the sight of Malfoy, speaking with Felix Willinson, while carrying an overnight bag.

decision making that breakfast could hold back, Albus crept over to the Slytherin table and attempted to crouch down behind a few 7th years. Unfortunately the Great foyer was too flashy for proper eavesdropping, and Albus made a vow to always throw an extendable Ear on his somebody from now on.

Malfoy stepped away from Felix Willinson and turned, allowing Albus to calculate at his face. He looked frightening. His eye were red and it looked like he had n't slept in days. Very foreign, Albus thought, as he rose to accompany Malfoy out of the room.

Once in the ingress residence, Malfoy immediately ran up the stairway, going far too fast for Albus to keep abreast. Albus stood following to the door to the Great foyer thinking about what Malfoy 's actions meant.

He was clearly upset about something, but what was it ? The overnight bag implied that he was going to be leaving the rook, but why ? Albus thought back to the dueling tournament that Malfoy missed. The two incidents must be connected, and it was quite possible that the missive Albus and Amanda saw Malfoy reading months ago was connected as well.

Albus did n't cite Malfoy to his friends when they came down to breakfast a few instant later. As lots as Albus wanted to talk about it with them, he knew that he needed to put it out of his creative thinker for the duration of the match. If there was ever a match for Albus not to be distracted, this was it.

The nerves on the team were palpable as they stood waiting to take the air onto the rake. Fred did n't even present a voice communication, since everyone knew how important the mates was, both to Fred and broom.

Ravenclaw had a good Quidditch team. They were easily the best team in the shoal, although virtually Gryffindors would disagree. But the Gryffindor squad was determined in this couple, causing them to encounter fiercer than ever before.

Albus flew faster than he ever had before. He, Fred, and Heather had always worked very well together, but during this mate it almost seemed like they were one entity, sharing one genius. Albus 's total mind was focused on Quidditch and Quidditch only. Gone were the thoughts of his dad 's job, Laurentis, and Malfoy.

The equal only lasted an hr. Albus had n't even realized that James caught the Snitch until the tin whistle was blown. Gryffindor won 420-260, their best win yet that yr.

"We did it !"Fred shouted as he landed."We 've won the Cup !"

Albus could n't even hear the commentary over the thunderous applause of the spectators. professor Longbottom was holding the Quidditch Cup high over his promontory and was making his way through the crowd to Fred. Fred took the Cup and held it out to Heather. Each held one incline and raised it up. The Gryffindors were storming the pitch and Albus was sept up in the crowd, making it difficult to reach his team. Once he did, somebody snapped their picture.

Albus was the happiest he 'd feel in workweek, ever since his team won the Dueling tournament. It was his third base class on the Quidditch team and they finally won the Cup. But he was even Thomas More happy for Fred and Heather than he was for himself since they 'd both been on the team since their second yr and had never won the Cup.

heather mixture had tears streaming down her face and Fred was grinning broad than Albus had ever seen him. While neither of them were pursuing a career in Quidditch, Quidditch had been their lives for the retiring six class. Winning the Cup in their 7th year seemed more affecting than it would have winning it any other yr. Albus hoped that Gryffindor 's team was still as dear as it was now when he got to seventh year. Winning again in his last year would be the skillful touch in the mankind.
***


"Malfoy really did will the palace,"Amanda announced at breakfast the adjacent day.

"How did you find that out ?"Albus asked.

"Weirdly enough, Moaning Myrtle."

"How would she know ?"

"I 've no estimation,"Amanda said as she grabbed a few slash of toast."I did n't ask."

"Well, I just found out why he left,"rose said as she set down the Prophet."His grandfather passed away."

"As in Lucius Malfoy ?"Albus said, taking the paper."The ex-Death Eater ?"

"One in the Saami,"rosiness said."His obituary is in there."

"Why were you reading the obituaries ?"matte asked.

"I was n't trying to. I was flipping through and happened to see it. It says he 's been ill for a spell,"blush wine explained.

"That explains why he 's been acting so odd all year,"Amanda said.

"And that thigh-slapper he got month ago,"Kaden added.

Albus glanced at the obituary but did n't register it. As much as he disliked Malfoy, he could n't help oneself but find sorry for him. Albus could n't imagine what it would be like to lose his grandfather, and despite Lucius Malfoy 's obvious flaw, he was still Scorpio 's grandad.

"I feel sort of bad for yelling at him about skipping that dueling tournament,"Albus muttered.

"You did n't recognise,"whoremaster said."And it 's not like he explained."

"Is n't anyone else a bit preoccupied with the fact that Moaning Vinca minor knew about him leaving the castle ?"Matt asked."She never leaves her loo. We saw Malfoy going into her loo a few week ago. Does n't that look a bit too coincidental ?"

"You think he 's acquire chummy with Moaning Myrtle ?"Albus asked.

Matt shrugged."It looks like he has. Why else would she recognize about it ?"

"But why would he go into a girl 's loo ?"John asked, wrinkling his olfactory organ."That 's just bloody insane."

"auditory sensation like we need to pay a sojourn to Myrtle,"Albus said.

rosiness groaned."Really, Al ? He just lost his grandfather for God 's sake."

"We 're not going to rag Malfoy,"Albus said."We 're just going to tattle to Myrtle."

"Count me out,"Rose said, shaking her head.

"But you 're a lady friend,"Albus pointed out."You could get in there so much easier. Amanda ?"

"Sorry, Albus, but I 've really got to study,"Amanda said.

"We 'll go at night, then,"Albus decided."John, Kaden, lustrelessness ? Which of you is going with me ?"

"Not me,"lusterlessness said immediately.

"I 'll go,"Saint John said.

"You 're both mad,"Rose said quietly."Mad."

Albus may have been mad, but he could n't let this mystery go. His gut was telling him that Malfoy was up to something, despite his grandfather 's overtaking, and Albus was determined to find out what it was.


A/N : Sorry that the update is a day tardy ! I was really busy yesterday and did n't have a chance to update. Thanks for all the lovely brushup ! I am very behind on answering them, but I 'll finish eventually !


The plan to talk to Myrtle in the dead of night may make been a plan that belonged solely to Albus and John, but rosiness still had somewhat of a say over when it happened. test were now only a week away and Rose was only giving them one night off, for eternal rest and clearing stress from the mind. Neither Albus or John dared hybrid Rose and skip out on revise, which took place in the library until curfew and then in the green room until they all went to bed.

Their one Night off occurred the night before their first exam. O.W.L.s and N.E.W.T.s had been going on for a total week, but none of the fifth or seventh age were taking any Nox off, including William James. Despite blush wine 's insistence that he take a night off, Epistle of James insisted upon studying. It was quite a switch.

Albus and toilet spent the evening playing chess with Kaden. flatness had turned in early on, still tired from the full moon, which had taken place two Day earlier. rose wine and Amanda had disappeared into their dormitory, clearly set upon having some prison term away from the boys.

The mutual room emptied as the night progressed, and eventually John the Evangelist and Albus were the merely ones left. It had n't taken long since most people went to bed early because of examination. It was probably fairly stupid of Albus and lavatory to stay up so late, but neither of them cared.

They waited an additional fifteen minute in instance someone decided to devolve to the uncouth room, but no one did. Albus glanced at John and then pulled the invisibility Cloak and the predator 's Map out of his bag. He carefully unfolded the map and set it out on the board. The coast was clear.

Albus and lavatory stumbled out of the portraiture mess and once they righted themselves, Albus threw the Cloak over them, under the Fat Lady 's strict regard.

"Do n't have a bun in the oven me to let you in when you return,"she said."I 'm quite exhausted."

The Fat Lady was always threatening this but she never seemed to make skilful on any of her threat. Ignoring her, Albus and King John set off along the corridor. bathroom led the way while Albus kept his eyes glued to the Map, but the corridors remained empty. It seemed everyone, both student and professor, were getting a commodity night 's rest before test. Everyone that is, except for Albus and John.

Moaning Myrtle was the lone occupant of the second floor young lady 's lavatory. John quietly pushed the room access overt and Albus followed him in. Once inside, Albus pulled the Cloak off and held it under is right arm.

"Vinca minor ?"John shouted as he stepped into the room.

A splashing audio came from the last kiosk and then Myrtle 's ghostly human body floated through the closed in stall door."Boys ? Why do n't you go use your own-"Myrtle cut herself off with a giggle. She floated toward Albus and John and rested on the cesspool."Oh, it 's you. Albus ceramicist. And his friend Saint John the Apostle. Where 's matte ? I rather fancy him ...."

"He, er, was n't feeling well,"Albus said, hoping that Matt 's absence seizure would n't put myrtle off from talking to them.

On the contrary, Vinca minor 's font lit up."Oh my ! I 've been feeling rather nasty today myself. It 's a side event of dying, you know."

Albus did n't guess dying had any side event other than dying and had always assumed being a trace would n't be dreadful, but Myrtle was very odd.

"But why are you here ?"Vinca minor asked."You never visit me unless you 're in detention. It 's rather disappointing. No one ever thinks to claver wretched Myrtle. Oh, Vinca minor 's perfectly, they think, so she does n't need any visitant. Vinca minor does n't want any friends ! All because she 's dead !"

"No, Vinca minor, that is n't it at all,"Albus said quickly."It 's just, you live in a lady friend 's loo. We can only visit you now, in the middle of the night."

Vinca minor let out a loudly sigh."I suppose. You are n't the only boys who talk to me, you know. Some of them even dare come during the day. I suppose they 're a bit braver than you are, which is odd since they are n't Gryffindors."

Albus glanced at John. Maybe this was going to be promiscuous than he thought. Myrtle probably did n't ingest any loyalty to Scorpio Malfoy.

"Which boys ?"Albus asked carefully, taking a step closer to Vinca minor.

"I only know one of their names,"Myrtle said with a giggle."I know his epithet because his father used to fall and speak to me when he was in school. But his son is n't quite as talkative and he did n't seem to care at all about me or my destruction. He only wanted to know about the chamber of Secrets-"

"The bedchamber of closed book ?"Albus exclaimed."Scorpio Malfoy wanted to know about the bedchamber of Secrets ?"

myrtle brightened."Oh, you know him, too ! Yes, he did. He wanted to eff exactly where the entrance was. He 'd already done quite a bit of inquiry on it in the library. Rather odd, I thought, for a Slytherin, spending so much sentence in the depository library, but not in a bad way. But yes, he came in and asked me about the Chamber and I told him about my death and he did n't quite understand the connection at first. So I showed him the entranceway and told him that he had to speak like a Hydra to get in but he could n't picture it out."

"He tried to talk Parseltongue ?"Albus asked.

Vinca minor nodded."Sounded awful. Your dad was much better at it. Even that freckled boy managed to image it out during the battle of Hogwarts, but Scorpio Malfoy was truly nasty at it. That 's when I met the former boy. Scorpio left and came back a few days later with this other boy. He showed him the entry and then they started talking about this girlfriend named Elsie and the early boy thought that she would be able to afford the Chamber."

"And when was this ?"Albus asked. The other boy must have been Felix Willinson.

"Two weeks ago, maybe ?"Vinca minor said."Do you sleep together why he wanted to get into the sleeping accommodation of mystery ? He refused to recite me."

"No,"Albus said, shaking his headland."We want to know, too."

"wellspring,"myrtle began as she floated up to the cap."Please tell me when you find out. And next time, make certain that Matt comes to gossip, too."

"Er, sure,"Albus muttered."Is there anything else you know about Malfoy ?"

"No,"Myrtle said."You 're going to go forth now, are n't you ?"

"Yeah,"Albus said."examination tomorrow."

Albus threw the Cloak back over himself and Saint John the Apostle and they left. On the way back Albus explained the Chamber of secret to King John, who only knew the place by name. By the meter they returned to the commons room bathroom was just as shocked as Albus was about why Malfoy seemed to want to get into the Chamber of Secrets.

"Do you think Elsie Willinson can utter Parseltongue ?"John asked as they climbed through the portrait golf hole ( the Fat Lady had not refused them entry ).

"I do n't know,"Albus said."It 's very rare. I think we 're going to feature to ask Rose."

"Bet she 'll make love that, in the heart of examination,"John the Divine said with a laugh.
***


"Of course I have no idea if Elsie Willinson is a Parselmouth !"rose wine exclaimed the side by side day during their lunch respite in between exam. Albus had just finished explaining what myrtle had told them last-place night, as well as explaining the Chamber of closed book for Matt, Amanda, and Kaden 's sake.

"Are you certain she has n't mentioned anything ?"Albus pressed.

"Positive ! And honestly, Albus, you need to get this out of your nous. It 's exam week. It 's not the time to be focusing on Malfoy. Whatever he does, it really does n't strike you."

Albus knew that, but it did n't do a thing for his curiosity. The fact remained that Malfoy was acting oddly, and if Felix Willinson was involved, it could n't be anything good.

"They 're up to something, Rose,"Albus said."I 'm telling you."

rose groaned."Albus, I do n't care."

"Oi, Albus !"James shouted as he jogged over to Albus 's seat."Did you see the oracle this morning ?"

"No,"Albus replied. He, mat, and John the Divine had both slept too late to own breakfast before their first exam.

James slapped a written matter down on the mesa in front of Albus."That feller, Henry M. Robert Johnson ? The one who took Dad 's place ? He 's revamped the integral section, claiming that they 're going to have a 99 % seizure rate."

"99 % ?"Albus repeated as he looked at the newspaper publisher."That 's crazy."

JOHNSON REVAMPS AUROR DEPARTMENT

Newly appointed Head Auror, Robert
President Lyndon Johnson, has spent the past month
revamping and reorganizing the Auror
department. President Lyndon Johnson has rewritten
rules and regulation for the department
as well as reorganized how Aurors
work together. All Aurors have
attended workshops over the yesteryear month
to familiarize themselves with the
new prescript and policies.

'The Leslie Townes Hope is that we will be able to
seizure criminals faster and soft ,'
Lyndon Johnson said. 'The department has
been disorganized for years and this
has resulted in many criminals going
free for far longer than they should.
Between the new Auror department insurance policy
and the reinstatement of the dementors
in Azkaban, we should be able to conquer
more criminals and keep them where they
belong- behind measure .'

While Johnson did not go into specifics
of the policies and normal, stating that
these are seal papers, he assured
the wizarding populace that they have
helped to streamline the department.
'With these new policy I do n't see why
we should n't have a 99 % capture rate
within a year .'

"What does that even mean, 99 % capture rate ?"Albus asked after setting the paper down.

"No idea,"Saint James the Apostle said."But I thought you 'd want to see it. I 've got to go. transfiguration practical this good afternoon and I need to practice."

"I wish they 'd say what the variety actually were,"Albus said as his chum left.

"They ca n't,"Rose said."The paper is right about that."

"It 's not like the department was nasty when Dad was in charge,"Albus continued."He captured Greyback, did n't he ?"

"I think Laurentis is crediting lusterlessness 's dad with that,"Rose commented."As much as it was both of them."

"That 's not fairly,"Matt said.

"No, it 's not,"Rose said as she glanced at her vigil."We 'd break get going. History of legerdemain exam."

Albus found it incredibly difficult to focalize on his History of trick exam, and while he was fairly sure he passed it, he knew he had n't done well. There was just too a great deal to focus on. Between Malfoy and the Auror Department, the last things Albus wanted to think about were goblin uprising and giant wars.

Later that nighttime rosebush held another cogitation sitting in the library. Albus managed to sit side by side to Elsie Willinson, who ignored him completely. Albus spent more fourth dimension staring at the Marauder 's Map and figuring out the trump way to bring up the topic of speaking Parseltongue with Elsie than any existent studying, but pink wine did n't seem to notice.

The espouse two Day were nearly identical to the beginning day of examination, with the exception of the subjects they were tested on. test in the morning, tiffin, exam in the afternoon, studying, dinner party, then more studying. The monotony was starting to get on Albus 's boldness, but they were only halfway through exam week.

Elsie Willinson did n't show up to the study academic term Wednesday even. Albus was disappointed since he was finally going to bring up the subject of speaking Parseltongue with her, no matter how effective it would be. Instead, he looked over his Potions bank bill while glancing at the Marauder 's Map every so often.

"Albus, what exactly are you looking for ?"Rose asked.

Albus did n't really need to say because he knew rose wine would just roll out her eyes, but he also knew she would n't let go of the subject until he explained."Malfoy. He 's going to go back to the female child 's loo, and when he does, I want to follow him."

"That would be stupid,"pink wine said."flavour at the yesteryear three years. You 've gotten yourself involved with something stupid person at the end of every twelvemonth. Following Malfoy would just be asking for trouble."

rose wine had a point, Albus knew, but he did n't like."It 's just Malfoy. He 's not going to abduct me."

"Famous last words,"Rose muttered."He 's probably just in his common room."

Albus checked the Map. Malfoy 's dot was definitely not in the mutual room. Albus 's heart sped up as he checked the sleep of the Map. It took him a spell, but then he spotted Malfoy 's dot, making its way down the second storey corridor. He was accompanied by none other than Felix and Elsie Willinson.

"He 's going,"Albus said."And he 's got Felix and Elsie with him. I 'm following him and you ca n't finish me."

rose groaned."Albus, don't-"

Albus ignored her and turned to the eternal rest of his friend."Are any of you coming with me ?"

"I am."Albus was shocked to see that the vocalism belonged to Amanda. Usually Amanda agreed with blush wine.

"Amanda, really ?"Rose asked.

Amanda shrugged."I want a breakage from studying and I 'm just as odd as Albus is."

"count me out,"flatness muttered, turning red."I 'm not going anywhere near Myrtle."

"She asked about you survive fourth dimension,"John said with a grin.

Matt turned even redder."I 'd rather not know that."

"We 're in,"St. John said, speaking for himself and Kaden.

"You 've got an hour,"Rose said."If you 're not back by then I 'm sending Professor Longbottom after you."

"We 'll be back,"Albus said as he stood up. As if to encourage convince rosiness of this, he left his books sitting on the table. John, Kaden, and Amanda did the same.

Albus did n't vex with the Invisibility Cloak since it was n't yesteryear curfew. They 'd just stimulate to lurk near the loo until the seacoast was clear and sneak in when no one was looking. All they needed was the Map for that.

The corridors were unusually vacate and Albus attributed it to the fact that to the highest degree of his gent students were doing some utmost minute rescript before the side by side day 's exam. It certainly made it easier to pilfer into a girl 's loo.

Albus watched the Map as they went and Malfoy and both Willinsons'acid entered Moaning Myrtle 's john. They remained there for only a few hour, and then disappeared off the Map.

"They must 've gotten into the sleeping accommodation of enigma,"Albus explained."I bet the piranha did n't know about it so they could n't have put it on the Map."

It took another five minutes for Albus, St. John the Apostle, Kaden, and Amanda to get to the loo. Once there Albus burst the door opened and ran inside. He stopped short-change in front of the sinks.

One of the sink was gone, having sunk into the floor. In its spot was a orotund, pitch black golf hole. myrtle was floating above it, her eyes bright.

"They did it,"Myrtle said excitedly."Are you going to play along them ?"

"I guess this answers the doubtfulness of whether Elsie Willinson can verbalize snake,"lavatory said.

"Is lusterlessness ill again ?"Vinca minor asked.

"Er, yeah,"Albus said.

"He 's ill an awful lot of the time,"myrtle said."Tell him to come see me when he 's better."

"Sure,"Albus said as he crept closer to the maw."I 'm going down there. You three are welcome to join me."Albus was determined. He 'd fare this far and he was n't going to hold back now. He needed to figure out what was going on.

"Is it a far drop ?"Amanda asked hesitantly.

"I think it 's to a greater extent of a slide,"Albus said."That 's what my dad said, anyway."

"There is n't a basilisk in there, is there ?"John asked.

"No,"Albus said."It 's dead."

"Then I 'm in,"John said.

"Me, too,"Amanda agreed.

"I 'd go down there even if there was a basilisk in there,"Kaden said."I 'll go first, if you want."

"Be my guest,"Albus said, gesturing to the hole.

"If you die, you can live here,"Vinca minor said, giggling."I told Scorpius that and he told me that was another reason why he ca n't die down there. I do n't think he likes me."

Albus ignored Myrtle and stepped aside so Kaden could jump into the hollow. Kaden did so without a second glance.

"Are you okay ?"Albus asked once he heard a thud.

"Yeah, I 'm fine !"Kaden shouted back.

Neither John or Amanda seemed lean to go next, so Albus stepped to the very sharpness of the hole and looked down. He could n't see a thing. Deciding that it was better to just do it and not think too hard, he took a trench intimation and jumped.

His dad had been right about it being more of a lantern slide than a drop-off down. The golf hole was more of a sloping pipe and it was n't a bad lantern slide at all. Soon, Albus landed at the bottom and saw Kaden, who had lit his wand.

Albus lit his own verge and took a flavor around. The place was very wet and it smelled fearful. The walls were dripping with murky piss and the floor was covered in rock, mud, and what looked care old snake tegument.

"I think we 're near the lake,"Albus said, nodding to the dribble water.

There was a whooshing noise behind Albus and something crashed into him, knocking him over. Albus let out a screaming and turned to see it was only John, who had n't landed gracefully.

"Sorry,"John muttered as he lit his own baton. There was now enough wand lighting to see clearly. The place was creepy. That was the only word for it.

Amanda landed without knocking anyone over and lit her verge. Albus and Kaden waited for Gospel According to John and Amanda to take a flavour around.

"What do we do now ?"Kaden asked.

"Does anyone find out anything ?"Albus asked. It seemed short silent to Albus.

John shook his head."mat should 've come. We need his werewolf hearing."

Albus nodded in agreement."I guess we just follow the pipe. It looks like it only goes one way."

The others agreed. Albus led the way, his wand pointed in front of him, and they set off. No one spoke. No one made any noise whatsoever. Albus had his ears poised to get a line even the still noise, hoping to listen some clue as to where Malfoy and the others had gone.

Ihey walked for what felt wish international mile before they heard even the faint of noise. Albus noticed numerous Snake River skins and the pearl from decades-old animals. Then, just when Albus had a feeling they were reaching the end of the handing over, he heard a voice, clearly, as if it was right next to him.

"Albus potter. Well, well, is n't this a pleasant surprise."

Albus recognized the representative. It was Jarrett Willinson.


Cliffhanger ! I know. I 'm evil. Thank you for all the marvellous revue ! I will respond to them, but I 've been quite meddlesome lately.

And now I 'll take a few here and now to shoot a line. On the 16th I went to NYC for J.K. Rowling 's upshot for The Casual vacuum. I got to satisfy her and get a signed copy of the book ! It was absolutely pose. I blogged about it on the forum, so please turn back it out !


Albus froze. He had n't heard that voice in over a twelvemonth and part of him thought he would n't ever listen it again. He always assumed Jarrett Willinson had stayed in Commonwealth of Australia, where absolutely no one was looking for him.

Slowly, Albus turned toward the phonation. He pointed his lit scepter in its direction and saw that there was a very small chess opening to his leftfield. It appeared to be another piping, but one much smaller than the one he and his Friend had just been in. Albus crept toward it, trying not to establish any dissonance.

He turned to John, Kaden, and Amanda."What do you think ?"

"I think we should get out of here,"Kaden said immediately, stepping back."I thought we were just going after Malfoy."

"I bet Malfoy 's down there with him,"John said.

"But why ?"Amanda asked as she walked over to the pipe. She stuck her head in, making her voice echoey."Why would he come back here ?"

"Can you see anything ?"Albus asked.

"Not much,"Amanda said, climbing fully into the pipe.

"We should just go back,"Kaden said, his vox wavering. All his fearlessness from being the starting time to enter the bedchamber was gone.

"I do n't know,"Albus said."We 've come this far ..."

"Albus, I think originate might 've been right,"Kaden said."Let 's just go-"

Kaden was interrupted by Amanda 's shriek. There was a cheap spattering, a clump, and then more shrieking. Albus turned quickly back to the tobacco pipe. Amanda was gone, a small pile of rubble in her place.

"Amanda !"Albus screamed, stepping over to the pipe.

"Albus !"she shouted back."Help !"

"What 's happening ?"bathroom asked.

"Told you we should 've gone back !"Kaden shouted.

"well, we ca n't go back now,"Albus said, climbing into the pipe."C'mon !"

Albus had to stoop as he walked in order to fit through the pipe. Saint John and Kaden followed him, occasionally tripping over rock music as they went. Albus splashed ahead of them, his wand lighting the few feet in front end of him. They followed Amanda 's shrieks until they grew muffled and disappeared all together.

Finally, the pipework emerged into a small chamber, not unlike a small version of the sleeping accommodation they 'd just been in. It was wetter than the rest of the chamber of Secrets and the far wall contained a alloy grate that appeared to let out into the lake. But the piss was n't going through it.

Albus 's attention, however, was n't focused on the magically contained lake water supply. Instead, his optic drew to the collection of the great unwashed scattered throughout the bedchamber. He breathed a sigh of backup man when he saw Amanda, in the clutches of Jarrett Willinson, who had his sceptre pointed at her headway. Albus was just happy they found her. Jarrett was flanked by his son, Quinton, who was looking a bit worse for wear. Azkaban did n't look to bear agreed with him and he now looked far aged than his other twenties.

Scorpius, Felix, and Elsie were there as well, looking very uncomfortable. Elsie was shaking and had a death grip on her brother 's bridge player. Scorpius stood succeeding to them and he seemed very upset. The only one who seemed at all okay with the site was Felix, whose face seemed to be coming from his sister 's adhesive friction on his script, not on the situation.

Albus did n't recognize the other three adult at first. Then he remembered their characterisation from the Prophet. The shorter woman was Dolores Umbridge, her Lady Jane Grey hair greatly resembling a hive around her head. Her skin was deeply crumple and she did n't very much resemble the individual in the pic, but her eye and bizarre grin were the same. The other cleaning woman was about a ft taller and just as ugly. Her tomentum was stringy and mostly brown, with streaks of grey. Her nose was long, crooked, and boasted a large wart, giving her the spirit of a Greco-Roman Muggle 's version of a Wiccan. All that was missing was the green tegument. The man resembled her, although he was shorter and more dumpy. Both were sneering. Albus assumed they were the Carrows.

"What are you doing here, Potter ?"Scorpio asked, clearly trying to sound more surefooted than he was.

"Shut up, Malfoy,"Jarrett snapped."I 'll ask the questions. And I can only take on they followed you three. Whether it was knowing on your part, I have no idea."

"Ca n't we just go ?"Scorpio demanded."We did what you wanted-"

"No, no you did n't,"Jarrett break up."You did what your father wanted and then you did part of what we wanted. And therein lies the problem."

Albus was thoroughly confused. His eyes went from Jarrett to Malfoy and back again, attempting to figure out what was going on. What exactly had Malfoy 's father asked him to do ?

"I never said I 'd do what you wanted us to do,"Malfoy muttered, averting his gaze.

"And yet you did."Jarrett sneered.

"But I did n't want to !"Malfoy looked scared now. He pulled his scepter out of his robe and held it up shakily.

"Oh, are you going to duel me ?"Jarrett asked, shifting Amanda in his weapon system so that he could point his scepter at Malfoy.

"M-maybe."

Jarrett sighed."This is pathetic. I do n't care taking advantage of delicate nipper, and yet here I am-"

"I 'm not slight !"Malfoy shouted.

"You just fall back your grandfather,"Jarrett said."You 're slight. So is your forefather, and he 's well-off to deceive."

"He is not !"

At that point Elsie started crying. It started out as belittled sniffle but within ten sec blew up into loud breathlessness. Everyone in the room turned to stare at her. Albus felt bad. It was obvious she had n't wanted to be here.

"Oh, shut her up !"Jarrett said.

"Elsie, you have to be smooth,"Felix muttered.

"I just want to go out, Felix !"Elsie sobbed."I did n't want to do this. You know I did n't want to do this !"

"You did n't have a choice, Elsie. He 's our uncle and he needed our help."

"Could someone please just explicate what 's going on ?"Kaden asked loudly."Or even better, let go of Amanda so we can get out of here and let you lot get back to whatever it is you 're doing ?"

Jarrett laughed."Oh, she 's not going anywhere. You three are liberal to leave. I really do n't give care what the hell you do."

Albus exchanged coup d'oeil with St. John and Kaden, who both shrugged. None of them were going to leave, of course of action, but Albus was utterly confused. For the past four years Jarrett and Quinton Willinson had tried to kidnap him and now, all of a sudden, they wanted Amanda ? They 'd never wanted her before.

"Oh, you have n't put it together yet, have you Potter ? I thought you were smarter than that."

"Put what together ?"Albus asked, still confused.

Jarrett squeezed Amanda tighter."She 's the Prime Minister 's niece, who happens to be a witch. She 's currently the full bargaining chip I could possibly have. I only wish I 'd known about her earlier, but thanks to your uncle the entire wizarding cosmos knows she 's the Prime Minister 's niece. I must thank that newsperson.

"potter, do you agnise how bad Laurentis would look if anything happened to the Muggle Prime Minister 's niece a little over a month after she took situation ? And just days after her appointed Head Auror revolutionized the department ? Oh, it would look awful, thrower. So we, all of us, are going to sit compressed until the Aurors get here and then I 'll make my demands and the Aurors will gift in because if they do n't, I 'll vote down the Prime Minister 's niece."

Albus 's sassing fell give. He stared at Jarrett, whose grin resembled that of a person who just won the lottery. Amanda looked panic-struck, her eyes darting everywhere and a few stray tears running down her cheeks.

"Of path you can leave, Potter,"Jarrett said."Go get your dad. Go get the other Aurors. It 'll only bring them here sooner. And do n't even try to hex me because if you do, this lot-"Jarrett gestured to the Carrows, Umbridge, and Quinton,"-will hex you. Your dad is n't a Ministry official anymore, ceramist. It wo n't be as big of a crime if they hex you now."

Albus glanced at Umbridge and the Carrows. Umbridge did n't look like someone adequate to of hexing anyone, given that she more closely resembled an unstable mental patient than a serious crone. But the Carrows, they looked adequate to of murder. As for Quinton, he was n't much of a threat. Still, Albus, John, and Kaden were more outnumbered than they ever had been before.

"But why ca n't we leave ?"Malfoy asked, his voice wavering."Or at to the lowest degree me ?"

"Because I might require you to do something else,"Jarrett snapped,"and I want you here because if I let you leave I doubt you 'll make out back. I know you did n't wreak us the daughter. She came with Potter, following you."

"Why does it weigh ?"Malfoy asked."The peak is she 's here now."

"I do n't reckon you would 've ever brought her to me, Malfoy."

"You 're right, I would n't ! And do you desire to know why ? I never wanted to help you. That 's not why I agreed to this. I think you 're all idiots, to be honest."

Albus stared at Malfoy, completely shocked. Malfoy hated Albus, Amanda, and all their protagonist, so why would n't he give birth brought Amanda to Jarrett ?

"Then why are you here, Malfoy ?"

"To avail my dad !"Malfoy said, his scepter still pointed at Jarrett."I did n't acknowledge you idiots were going to sustain a patch of your own."

Jarrett laughed."Now you 're the idiot. You think we 'd give birth agreed to his plot if there had n't been something in it for us ? Meaning my son, here. Not these other three. I 'm not sure why they agreed to it. I 'm not even sure as shooting Umbridge knows where she is, actually. She has n't said a good deal of anything since the escape."

"Do you really think you 're going to get anything out of this ?"Malfoy demanded.

"Yes, I do,"Jarrett snapped.

Malfoy narrowed his eyes and then whipped around. In a issue of minute, he sent five back-to-back jinx at the Carrows and Umbridge. Umbridge collapsed immediately, not moving. The Carrows both went for their wands, but were too boring. Malfoy sent two to a greater extent Stunners and the Carrows fell over, one on top of the former.

Malfoy turned back to Jarrett, breathing heavily."Looks like the betting odds are a minuscule unlike now."

"Malfoy, what are you doing ?"Albus asked, still trying to wrap his mind around the fact that Scorpio Malfoy had just helped him.

"Shut up, potter,"Malfoy muttered."I 'm not doing this for you."

"Scorpius, what is your problem ?"Felix asked, breaking free of his sister 's grasp."I thought we were in on this together."

"I thought we were, too, until your uncle decided to do things his way,"Malfoy said."It 's like I told you at the showtime ; I only did this for my father."

Albus still did n't know exactly what"this"was, but all that really mattered now was that they were no longer outnumbered.

"The Aurors are coming,"Malfoy said to Albus."If we can just harbour them off-"

"How do you cognise the Aurors are coming ?"Albus asked.

"That does n't matter now,"Malfoy said as he sent a Stunner at Jarrett.

Albus turned to John and Kaden."Focus on Quinton and Felix. No offense, but you are n't the intimately duelers and I do n't need you to hit Amanda."

John and Kaden nodded. Albus glanced at Malfoy, attempted to sway off the weird feeling he had from being on Malfoy 's side, and started sending hex after hex at Jarrett. Jarrett, clearly unable to duel while holding Amanda, threw up a shield and did n't hex back. Albus and Malfoy silently agreed to hold on going, in an attempt to break the shield.

Albus heard a flashy crash and turned to his right wing. Dust was settling near where the Carrows and Umbridge lay. Once it settled, Albus saw that a big boulder had fallen from the cap and had landed on top of the female Carrow.

"I think she 's dead,"Kaden said.

Albus swallowed hard. death had never crossed his mind when he 'd come down here. Trying to push it from his thoughts, he returned to hexing Jarrett 's shield.

Kaden shouted something Albus could n't make out and Albus turned just in metre to see him shore against the paries. Albus ran over and knelt side by side to him."Kaden ! Kaden !"

Kaden stirred and looked at Albus."Albus ?"

"Kaden, thank God,"Albus whispered.

"I 've got an fearsome headache,"Kaden muttered.

"Do n't fall asleep,"Albus said."halt awake. You 've probably got a concussion."

Albus heard splashing and looked up. Five sensation stumbled through the pipework, their wands out.

"Wands up !"one of them shouted. Albus did n't recognise the voice."Nobody motion !"

"Are they all here ?"another asked.

"I believe so,"the kickoff one said as he walked around the way."smell like the tip was correct."

"Not so fast !"Jarrett shouted."I 've got a few demands."

"You 're in no position to realize demands,"the first of all Auror said.

"Albus ?"

Albus turned back to the pipe and let out a sigh of stand-in. His dad had been the twenty percent Auror to arrive."Dad. Kaden needs to go the infirmary wing. Now."

Harry knelt down next to Kaden and assessed him."We 'll have this lot rounded up soon. Then I 'll hold him."

"Let go of the girl, Willinson,"the first off Auror said. He took a few steps forward and Albus was able-bodied to see the side of his brass. It was Henry Martyn Robert Johnson, the new straits Auror.

"She 's the Prime Minister 's niece,"Jarrett said."You 'd better be heedful, or I 'll drink down her."

"You 're outnumbered, Willinson,"Johnson said."I would n't try anything if I were you."

"It 'll be a Brobdingnagian malicious gossip if she dies down here."

"Oh for God 's rice beer,"Johnson muttered."Expelliarmus !"Jarrett 's baton flew in a hone arc out of his hand and Johnson caught it."Petrificus Totalus !"

Jarrett attempted to dodge the trance, but still keep hold of Amanda. He failed and collapsed to the trading floor. Amanda ran forward and Harry caught cargo deck of her, directing her to sit adjacent to Albus and Kaden.

The Aurors conjured roofy and tied up Jarrett, Quinton, the Carrows, and Umbridge. None of them said a word and none of them questioned any of the suspect. If Albus had n't known any beneficial, he would 've thought the Aurors knew exactly what they were going to find down here. It was all very confusing.

Johnson and the three unfamiliar Aurors grabbed handle of the felon and took them out of the chamber. Harry was left with Albus and the relief of the bookman.

"Dad, what 's going on ?"Albus asked.

"I have my suspicion, but unfortunately I do n't make any cogent evidence,"Harry said."Let 's get you up to the hospital wing."

Harry carried Kaden, who had since passed out, and led the odd group out of the chamber and back to the pipework that led to Moaning Myrtle 's bathroom. Once there, he pointed his wand at the pipe and it turned into stairs. A few minutes later, they were back in the loo. Albus blinked a few sentence at the vivid lights and then his eyes rested upon myrtle, who was floating near the far stall.

"You 're back !"she shouted."Is he dead ?"Myrtle gestured to Kaden.

"No,"Albus said."Just unconscious."

"Oh."Myrtle seemed rather disappointed.

"Let 's go,"Harry said."Hospital wing."
***


Albus had no real rationality to stick around in the hospital wing. After muttering about how Albus and his friends were always getting into hassle, Madam Pomfrey proclaimed him in perfect tense health. John the Evangelist, Amanda, Scorpius, Felix, and Elsie were also o.k.. Kaden, on the other handwriting, had a concussion and was not allowed to slumber. Albus, whoremaster, and Amanda remained in the hospital wing with him. rose wine and Matt joined them as well, despite the fact that it was well past curfew.

Harry left after delivering them to dame Pomfrey, but promised to return in a few hours. That had been three hours ago and Albus was still waiting for him to come back, and for an explanation. They 'd explained the stallion trial by ordeal to mat and Rose, who both agreed that Malfoy 's behaviour was very strange.

The doorway to the hospital wing finally opened and Harry walked in, looking incredibly exhausted. dame Pomfrey, upon seeing him, hurried off to her study.

"Kaden,"Harry said."How are you feeling ?"

"Like mortal ran my head over with a truck,"Kaden said.

Harry chuckled."You 'll feel better soon."

"What was that about, Dad ?"Albus asked."Why was it almost like the Aurors expected all the prisoners to be there ?"

Harry sighed."No one knows for sure. The functionary record is that they received an anonymous tip, but none of the prisoner are explaining why they were in the Chamber of secret or how they got in."

"When we were down there, Malfoy kept saying he was doing something for his dad, but he never said what it was,"Albus said.

"That helps confirm my theory,"Harry said."I suspect that Scorpius Malfoy, along with Felix Willinson, were instructed by Draco Malfoy to find a suitable localization to sign the prisoners for safe-keeping until Aurors could be brought in to becharm them. This, of row, had to be done after the Auror Department was reorganized by Robert Lyndon Johnson, in order to seduce both him and Laurentis look good. If Laurentis looks adept, Dragon Malfoy looks good."

"But that means that Laurentis and Draco Malfoy knew where the captive were,"Albus said.

"Yes, yes it does,"Harry said quietly.

"Uncle Harry,"pink wine began."You do n't think that Laurentis organized that break-out, do you ?"

"It 's crossed my mind,"Harry said."But it 's irrelevant, because I have no proof. Nor do I have proof of my theory about Dragon Malfoy and his son. Alecto Carrow is bushed, Dolores Umbridge is clinically mad, and Amycus Carrow is n't talking. Jarrett and Quinton Willinson are n't talking, either, and I somehow doubt Scorpius Malfoy will rat out his Father. So, for now at to the lowest degree, this will remain a theory."

"But Dad, it 's illegal,"Albus said.

"It is,"Harry replied."Do n't worry about it, Albus. The prisoners are back in Azkaban, which is all that subject right now."

"But Dad-"

"Albus. Worrying will do nix. In my experience, masses who are demoralise like this are never capable to keep it a secret long. Whatever happens will happen."

"What about Scorpio ?"Amanda asked."Why did he switch sides like that ?"

"Scorpio Malfoy has had a rough yr. His grandad has been quite ill for a long clip, which has put stress on both of his parents and thus, on him. I am sure he was pressured into this by his Father of the Church and then when it came time for him to get further into it, by helping Jarrett Willinson get hold of Amanda, he realized he did n't want to be involved, not would his father have wanted him to be involved."

"Is he going to get in trouble ?"Albus asked.

"No,"Harry said."As far as the record is concerned, Scorpio, Felix, and Elsie stumbled upon the prisoners just as you lot did."

"That does n't appear fair,"Albus muttered.

"No, it does n't,"Harry said."But on the other hired man, I think Scorpio Malfoy deserves a intermission this yr. I think he 's grown up a lot over the past tense few months. You might find that he 's not quite the bully he used to be."

"I 'll believe that when I see it,"Matt muttered."I guess that 's why he wanted to get into the screech Shack, though. Probably wanted it for the prisoners."

"I suspect that, too,"Harry said."I must say I 'm glad he chose the bedchamber of Secrets."

"Me, too,"mat agreed.

"I have to pass to the Ministry,"Harry said as he stood up."This will be in the paper tomorrow, although I have no musical theme what eccentric of story they 're going to spin or how involved you will be. Whatever they publish, do n't withdraw it too hard. delight do not mention my theory to anyone. The final stage affair we need is an article in the Prophet claiming that Harry ceramist is a conspiracy theorist."

Albus laughed and said good night to his dad. gentlewoman Pomfrey let them sleep in the hospital wing that night, considering how recently it was. Kaden, of course of instruction, had to remain come alive. Albus was surprised by how easy sleep came, considering what he 'd been through that night, but it was nearly two in the morning. He realized with a sinking feeling that he still had exams the side by side day. Herbology and Ancient Runes. He hoped they would n't go too horribly.


A/N : Thanks for all the lovely reviews ! I will be getting to them as soon as I can. The next chapter will the survive in this novel. I 'm not sure when the fifth novel will be up since I have yet to come up with a concrete plot of land for it. I 'm going to take a break to pen other stories that I 've had in my capitulum for a spell.

It 's the end of October, which means it 's nearly NaNoWriMo season ! I 'll be continuing to update Between Here and Somewhere throughout Nov, as well as posting the final chapter of this next Friday. But you wo n't see a good deal else from me until December, as I 'll be busy writing an master fic.


Albus, John, and lustrelessness overslept the next morning. Albus awoke ten minutes before their Herbology exam and had to wake up up lavatory and Matt, which is never a little feat. It took a entire five minutes to get them up, but soon they were running through the corridors knowing full wellspring that they would be late. Unfortunately for Albus, none of his mind was on Herbology. He could n't block off thinking about what happened last night.

The boys ran into greenhouse three five instant late and as soon as they shut the room access the intact class looked up from their exam and stared at them. Albus got the clear-cut feeling that they all knew about last night, whether from rumour or from the prophet. prof Longbottom got up from his stool and walked over to them.

"male child,"he said quietly.

"I 'm sorry we 're latterly, sir,"Albus said."We overslept-"

"Albus, it 's all right. I know what happened last nighttime. Just go admit your place. Your test are already laid out."

"Thanks,"Albus replied.

Albus was very thankful that Herbology had been the exam he was recently for. Longbottom was the most understanding professor in the intact school. Albus settled down and managed to claim the exam without falling asleep. While there were a few head that he was n't for sure about, he was quite confident that he at least passed.

By the clip the exam menstruation ended Albus was starving, as were John and matt. They, along with pink wine and Amanda, headed immediately to the Great mansion house for luncheon. As they walked in, Albus again got the distinct feel that everyone was staring at them.

"You should 've been at breakfast,"Amanda said."Everyone was talking about it and they kept coming over and asking me questions. There were a bunch of people crowded around Malfoy, too."

"Do either of you have the prophesier ?"Albus asked as they sat down.

"Yeah, here,"Rose said, handing it to him.

Albus unfolded the newspaper publisher and set it down on his plate. King John and Matt sat on either side of him and read over his shoulder.

convict CAUGHT AT HOGWARTS

Newly appointed Head Auror, Robert
Johnson, received an anon. tip
late finish night that led him and four
other Aurors to Hogwarts school day of
witchery and wizardry. The tip
told Aurors that escaped convicts
Amycus Carrow, Alecto Carrow,
Quinton Willinson, and Dolores
Umbridge could be found in the chamber
of arcanum deep under Hogwarts School.

The chamber of enigma, long since
regarded as a rumored hide out sleeping accommodation
beneath the school was proven to
exist in mid-1993. The bedroom has
remained abandon since then.

All four escaped inmate, along with
Jarrett Willinson, wanted for a year
by the Auror Department, were found in
the bedroom of arcanum by Robert Lyndon Baines Johnson
and four other Aurors. Amycus Carrow,
Quinton Willinson, and Dolores Umbridge
have been returned to Azkaban prison.
Jarrett Willinson is currently being held
in Azkaban prison without bond. Alecto
Carrow was pronounced dead by Healers
late last night, after the roof in
the sleeping room collapsed, crushing her
instantly.

Six Hogwarts educatee were found in the
Chamber as well. Johnson has released
very little info on this aspect
of the Night, but has said that Jarrett
Willinson captured one student with the
intentions of killing her if demand were
not met. The names of the students have
not been released.

It is unnamed how the convicts got into
the schooling. Weaknesses in the protective
Aaron Montgomery Ward are currently being addressed. 'We
want to insure the public that Hogwarts
School remains as rubber as ever. The problems
will be addressed quickly. There is no
need to panic .'

"Unknown how the convicts got into the school ?"Albus said incredulously."They 've covered the whole thing up !"

"What did you expect, Albus ?"rose asked, shaking her drumhead."Uncle Harry said it would happen."

"I bet that new oral sex Auror is in on it,"Albus muttered."He 'll probably say he investigated but all he 'll do is make up stories to cover up what Laurentis did."

"You 're probably powerful,"Rose said.

"Who 's right ?"Kaden asked as he sat down.

"Albus,"Rose said.

"Have you seen this rubbish ?"Albus asked, holding up the paper.

"Yeah,"Kaden replied."But honestly, I do n't care right now. I just want a sandwich. The soothsaying exam was brutal. I had to tell Trelawney 's future in tea leaves."

John laughed."What did you say ?"

"Told her she was going to see an prematurely death at the work force of a stray Quaffle,"Kaden said.

Rose groaned."Oh, Kaden, you didn't."

"She actually liked it,"Kaden said."Her vast centre lit up and everything."

"She likes death, Trelawney,"John said."Or at to the lowest degree the concept of it."

"Weird,"Albus muttered.

Albus 's remaining exams took place with petty fanfare. Despite his mind not being on the material, he thought he did fairly well, and when the marks were released he discovered that he had passed everything. His Transfiguration scratch was a bit low, but still passing.

The Hogwarts students, with their short memory duet, soon forgot about the walloping in the sleeping room of arcanum and moved on to other topic of discourse such as the summertime vacation and the current Quidditch season. Albus certainly did n't mind this because it meant he was no longer the nerve center of tending. Despite the fact that the Prophet never released the names of the students in the bedchamber, everyone knew it was Albus, John, Kaden, and Amanda, along with the three Slytherins.

"Look, Laurentis has released a argument about capturing the prisoner,"rose wine said at breakfast on their day in the castle.

Albus groaned."This ca n't be good. Let 's hear it."

“'I wish to applaud the Auror department for their workplace in recapturing the remaining escaped criminals. The timely retaking after the shakeup of the section only reinforces how important a decision it was to shake up. With the new regulations and insurance policy in the Auror section, organized by Robert Andrew Johnson, the Aurors were able-bodied to conquer the whitlow immediately after receiving the tip. We can most assuredly look forward to more successes from the Auror Department .'”

"What a load of shite,"Albus said."Of trend they were capable to recapture them quickly after receiving that tip. They organized for the convict to be in the bedroom in the first place."

"It 's like your dad said, though,"matt began."Everything will get revealed eventually. That 's not an easy secret to go along, what they did."

"Hey, it looks like Embry 's going to make a voice communication,"Kaden said, gesturing toward the staff table.

Professor Embry stood up and raised his handwriting for silence. This did nothing, of grade."Quiet !"Embry shouted."I have something I 'd like to say.

"Thank you,"he said, after everyone stopped talking."I just want to say what a pleasure it has been to teach you all this class. I never expected to instruct and I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed it. I hope you enjoyed taking my stratum as much as I enjoyed teaching it, and I hope you all have a with child appreciation and understanding of our government. Today is my go day at Hogwarts, as the political sympathies course will not continue side by side year, and I am once again needed at the Ministry. Please do n't pause to owl me if you wish to receive a tour of the Ministry for academic intent. I daresay that a few of you might have calling in politics yourselves."

Embry sat back down and the entire room fit into clapping. Albus was n't sure if the applause was for Embry or for the fact that political sympathies would no longer be a course of study. Albus had n't minded the class, but one fewer class was to be appreciated.

"I learned something about politics this twelvemonth, all rightfulness,"John muttered as the clapping settled down."And that 's that I never want to be a politician."

"Me, too,"Albus agreed.

"cheerfulness to that !"James shouted from a few rear end down.

"Oh, I do n't know."Amanda shrugged."I think it might be interesting."

Albus was n't at all surprised to get a line Amanda say that. If any of his Quaker were to become pol, it would be Amanda.
***


Later that day Albus found himself at yet another Hogwarts commencement ceremony ceremony. He and rose wine had attended every single gradation ceremony since starting Hogwarts, and one the yr before, too. It had gotten to the period where he did n't pay much attention to the oral communication because they all sounded very alike to the ones he 'd learn before. During this observance, the only part Albus paid attention to was the part where Fred and Heather accepted their sheepskin, which took all of two transactions.

"well, we survived,"Albus said to Empire State of the South after the ceremonial ended and everyone was milling around.

Georgia grinned."That we did. It 's kind of surreal, to be good. Dad did n't win, so things are no dissimilar than they were this metre live class, really."

Albus nodded."How is Uncle Percy doing ?"

Georgia shrugged."I 'm not for certain. He does n't lecture about it much. Actually, the weird thing is that whenever I go over there for dinner he spends a lot of metre asking about Quidditch. I think it 's mostly to keep me from asking about his want of employment, but I 'm not going to plain. Maybe he 'll even acquire to like it. The Quidditch, I mean, not the want of employment."

"He still has n't found a job ?"Albus asked.

"No. He could go back to the Ministry but he 'd throw to do something where he 's not an factual politician, since Laurentis would n't have him. I do n't opine he wants to do that. He 's been helping Uncle George with the workshop, but I do n't think Uncle George I really likes that. Says Dad 's too obsessive. But he 's too nice to tell Dad he ca n't help."

"Albus !"blush wine shouted."We 've got to go. The carriages are leaving."

Albus nodded to blush wine and then turned back to Sakartvelo."I 'd better go. Let me have sex when your adjacent match is. I want to go."

Peach State grinned."Sure affair. See you soon, Al."

"Bye, Peach State,"Albus said as he turned to trace rosebush back to the castle, where they would see the thestral-drawn carriages back to Hogsmeade.
***


"I say we go to John 's house this year,"Matt said as the Hogwarts limited hurtled back to London.

"Are you mad ?"John asked, unwrapping a drinking chocolate toad frog."I mean, really, are you ? You want to fare to my theatre, where I have three mad little sisters running about ?"

Matt shrugged."They ca n't be that bad."

"Says he who is the untried in his family,"John said, looking at Albus for support.

"He 's right,"Albus agreed."And I 've only got one niggling sister. Wait a arcminute, matt 's the only if one of us who does n't hold younger sib, is n't he ?"

The others nodded."All right hand,"toilet said."Let 's give mat a real horse sense of what having circumstances of sib is like. I 'll owl you and let you know when."

"Exploding crack ?"Kaden asked, holding up a deck of cards.

"Sure,"Matt said. Everyone else nodded.

Kaden began to cover the wag, but before he finished, the compartment room access slid give. Albus, expecting one of his cousins, turned to the doorway. It slid open the sleep of the way and Malfoy stood on the threshold, looking a bit unsure of himself. He was alone. Albus wondered where Felix was.

"What do you want ?"John asked.

"Er, can I just speak to you lot ?"he asked quietly, stepping interior and sliding the door behind him.

"Where 's Willinson ?"Albus asked, standing up.

"He 's no longer speaking to me,"Malfoy explained."After I hexed his uncle and as he put it, 'joined the early incline .'”

"What about Elsie ?"rose asked, clearly concerned about the girl.

Malfoy shrugged."She 's always with Felix. She never said much around me."

"Is she really a parselmouth ?"John asked."I assume she 's the one who got you into the chamber ?"

"Yeah, she did, but she 's not a parselmouth. She 's just really dependable with lyric so she was able to talk through one's hat it,"Malfoy explained.

There were a few second of embarrassing muteness. Malfoy shifted his free weight and leaned against the room access.

"So,"Albus said."Why are you here, exactly ?"

Malfoy sighed."This year sucked and I got caught up in a lot of things that I did n't want to do, which is exactly what happened to my dad when he was at Hogwarts."

Albus was utterly confused as to why Malfoy was telling them all of this. He exchanged looks with Matt and then focused on Malfoy once more.

"But it 's just not Charles Frederick Worth it anymore,"Malfoy continued."Hating you lot. I know it was you who somehow got itching gunpowder into all the Slytherins'laundry-"

"That was n't us,"Kaden said quickly, a little too quickly.

"And we know you put the butt in the vernacular room,"John added.

Malfoy nodded."As I was saying, it just does n't matter. Any of it."He turned to Matt."And I do n't care that you 're a loup-garou. Really. Sure, it 's unearthly and I have no idea why Kendrick even lets you be here-"

"I wo n't hesitate to hex you, you know,"John the Divine said, reaching into his robes for his wand.

Malfoy held up his hands."No, do n't. I guess what I 'm saying is that I think we should forebode a truce."

"A truce ?"Albus asked, raising his supercilium.

"Yeah, a truce,"Malfoy said."You all know my grandfather died this year. It makes all this fight we do appear really stupid."

"You 're not saying we should be friends, are you ?"John asked incredulously.

Malfoy screwed up his boldness."God no. I 'm saying you lot stop only pranking the Slytherins, do n't tell apart anyone that I dueled on your side in the sleeping room, and I wo n't order anyone Eckerton is a werewolf. I 'll really anticipate that, without any threats of expulsion."

Albus was skeptical. Could the death of Lucius Malfoy really prompt this modification in Scorpio ?

"C'mon, truce ?"Scorpius asked, sticking his handwriting out to Albus.

"Oh, just do it, Albus,"Rose said."We 've got O.W.L.s next year. You do n't need this stupid feud distracting you. Or any of us."

"Fine, truce,"Albus said, shaking Scorpio 's bridge player.

Malfoy nodded."I guess I 'll go, then. See you around, Potter."

Malfoy turned and left the compartment. Albus did n't move for a full bit."That was the unusual thing I 've ever seen,"he finally said, resuming his seat.

"I do n't think any of us will ever full-of-the-moon understand what happened there,"blush wine said."But I think it 's a good thing."

"Weird, though,"matt said."You think he means it ?"

The weirder thing was, was that Albus did actually think him. There had been something in Malfoy 's eyes that Albus had n't seen before. It was like Malfoy seemed older somehow. He was no longer a kid, whose biggest worry was arguing with Albus over stupid thing. Somehow, Malfoy had grown up.

Albus supposed they 'd all grown up that yr. They were going to be twenty percent years now, and Kaden would be a quartern yr, and that meant they were the older students in the schooltime. They were growing up. All of them. Even Malfoy.

"shuffle me wonder what succeeding year will be like,"Amanda mused."Everything about this year has been strange."

"We 've got Laurentis reforming Hogwarts,"Rose reminded them."I think it 'll be plenty strange."

Albus had nearly forgotten about that. He did n't desire Hogwarts to change. Despite all that was going on in the away humankind, Hogwarts had always remained the same. But now it was n't. Hogwarts was going to change.

Albus leaned back in his tail and stared out the window, watching the countryside fly by. He did n't experience what changes Hogwarts would see in the following yr, but he did n't want to think about it just yet. There was still a whole summertime before that would bechance, and Albus intended to enjoy it.


A/N : Thank you so much for all the documentation and reviews for this story ! You cat are amazing. I will be taking a break before continuing with this serial publication as I have other narrative floating around in my caput, but I 'll eventually get along back to Albus. I 've no melodic theme how long it 'll be, though.

In the meantime, please check out my vulture Era tale, Between Here and Somewhere ! And preserve checking back for my revaluation responses, because I will get to them.