Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Pouring a can of pea soup into the toilet and pretending it was vomit ? No, he 'd done that the last time. cetchup on the nose, pretending it was blood ? No, that one was just stupefied. Faking a worry ? Nope, his mum would just turn that around on him and state him it was his own fault for staying up too late the old night.

Kaden Dursley sighed and sat up on his bed. He gazed out the window at the overcasting sky. It was impossible to recite the metre of day since the sun was blocked by clouds, but his clock said it was nearly one o'clock. It would probably rain later, which only worsened Kaden 's mood.

Ever since Kaden awoke at noon, he had been trying to call back up a well self-justification to vamoose going to dinner at his grandparents'sign of the zodiac later that day. His grandparents were possibly the most insufferable people on the face of the planet, save for his Aunt margarin.

Kaden had never liked his grandparents. Sure, they 'd showered him with dateless gifts on his natal day and Christmas, but that was the simply way they showed their affection. fountainhead, aside from his grandmother 's pearl smashing hugs, which were surprisingly fuddled considering her small frame. His grandparents were downright boring, their conversations ranging from the atmospheric condition to what the following room access neighbors were doing that morning.

However, the absolute worst thing Kaden 's grandparents had done was ensure that he had to go to Smelting 's in the crepuscule. Smelting 's was an elite group school that his gramps and his father had both attended. Kaden had visited numerous clock time and hated everything about it. He hated the fearful uniforms, the stuck-up professors, and the kids who constantly argued about whose father had the best job.

Kaden had told his parents that he did n't desire to go. At initiative, his father was willing to count letting him attend world schooling with all his ally, but after his granddad had his say, there was no discussing the issue. Smelting 's it was. And after that, he would surely be destined to work for Grunnings, the same drill company that his grandad and begetter worked for. What a boring life.

Perhaps if he tried real hard, Kaden would be able to chip in himself a febrility. He 'd done it once, a few days ago. His parents had wanted him to serve some form of study related political party for his grandfather, and Kaden had been dreading it. Half minute before they were supposed to leave, his temperature spiked to five point above normal and he 'd been able to skip the party. The practiced office was, the febrility had been gone within the hour.

He had no idea how he 'd done it, though. Kaden concentrated hard, thinking of hot matter such as volcanos and the Equator, but even after fifteen minutes of intellection, he still felt perfectly normal. It must accept been a fluke, the other metre. Must 've just been a random fever.

There was a soft belt on his threshold and Kaden hastily got out of his bed. He opened the threshold, revealing his mother standing in the room access. She was a short charwoman with flat John Brown hairsbreadth, the same coloration as his own, that was tier with her chin.

"Kaden, good, you 're awake,"she smiled."Your grandfather wants to see you in your Smelting 's uniform tonight. He 's mother a new digital television camera and needs to take some pictures of you in it."

Kaden groaned."But I wore it last time I saw him."

"I know,"she said."But it 's really not a big deal, is it ?"

"Fine,"Kaden muttered.

His mother left and Kaden shut the doorway again. She had always been the peacekeeper in the crime syndicate. Whether dousing statement between Kaden and his seven-year-old sis, Bethany, or easing the tenseness between Kaden and his grandparents, she was always keeping the peace.

Not ten min later the room access fit out-of-doors and Bethany practically flew into the room. She never knocked, something Kaden would normally cry at her for. However, this time he was too shocked at her appearance to bother shouting.

Bethany was wearing a princess kit, complete with sparkly skid and a peak. She was grinning ear to ear and her tenacious blond hair's-breadth was curled.

"Why are you wearing that ?"Kaden asked. Bethany was n't normally the girly character and preferred to wear jean and a t-shirt while kicking a football around with Kaden.

"Grandma petunia got it for me,"Bethany grinned,"It 's so lots considerably than the other princess costumes I 've seen. Now Grandpa Vernon can take pic of me, too."

"Wish he 'd just take ikon of you,"Kaden muttered.

"Mummy did my hair. Do you like it ?"Bethany asked.

"pin-up,"Kaden replied.

"I-"Bethany began, but stopped as the doorbell rang."I 'll get it !"she shrieked as she ran out of the room.

Kaden ran after her. She was n't supposed to get the door, and not only because of the intellect most parents would n't let their seven-year-old daughter answer the door. A few weeks ago she had purchased over fifty chocolate saloon from a kid who was selling them, with their mum 's money.

"Bethany, motion !"Kaden shouted as they reached the door.

Kaden pushed her out of the way and peered out the windowpane. There was a man standing on their straw man porch wearing an rig even unknown than Bethany 's. In fact, it kind of looked like Bethany 's. It was a dress. A ignominious robe-like dress. Kaden had to stifle his laughter as he opened the door.

"howdy,"the man greeted them. He was shorter than Kaden 's forefather, but taller than Kaden. His blonde fuzz looked windswept and he had a happy smiling on his face.

"Er, hi,"Kaden said, still trying not to laugh.

"Are your parents in ?"the man asked.

"Yeah,"Kaden answered."Bethany, go get them."

"Why are you wearing a apparel ?"Bethany giggled.

"Not a wearing apparel,"the man said."Go get your parents and I 'll explain."

More curious than ever, Kaden glared at Bethany until she turned around and ran into the kitchen. Kaden turned back to the man and watched him. He seemed nice enough, still smiling as he stood on the stoep. Kaden assumed he was selling something, perhaps the strange dress-like outfit he was wearing ? If that was the casing, then he 'd have no lot at the Dursley 's menage. At least he had n't showed up at Kaden 's grandparents'theatre, though. He certainly would n't be smiling after that. Petunia and Vernon hated anything abnormal and that would certainly include men wearing dresses.

Bethany returned with their parents following behind her. Dudley was dressed in dungaree and a tee shirt that was stretched over his rather enceinte belly. His blonde hairsbreadth was neat and tidy, which Kaden was sure was due to the dinner with his grandparents. Normally Dudley did n't overprotect around with his whisker.

"Dudley and Christina Dursley ?"the strange man asked.

"Yes,"Dudley said as he furrowed his brow."Can I help you ?"

"My name is professor Neville Longbottom,"the man said as he stuck out his hand."I have something I wish to discuss with you. May I come in ?"

"I suppose,"Dudley said as he shook the professor 's hand.

Kaden held the door open and Neville Longbottom stepped inside. Kaden followed as his parents lead them into the sustenance room. Christina ran to get drinks while Neville settled himself onto one of the couches. Dudley sat in the death chair across from him, looking confused and slightly shocked. Bethany was staring at Neville.

Kaden sat down in a beanbag chair on the trading floor and waited for the adults to bulge out talking. He was glad his parents had n't kicked him and Bethany out of the way. He hated when they did that. It was rather pointless anyway since Kaden had become very practiced at listening in on his parents'conversations.

Christina returned with drunkenness and passed them out. Neville took a sip of his, set it down, and then turned to Dudley.

"This may add up as a bit of a shock for you,"Neville began."But I am a prof at Hogwarts."

Dudley spat out his soda and started coughing. Christina let out a belittled gasp and turned to seem at Dudley, who had gone pale white. The two shared a look and then turned back to Neville.

Kaden was more disordered than ever. What was Hogwarts ? A school ? Why would a professor from a school he 'd never see of show up at his door ? His parents had obviously heard of it.

"That 's a stupid gens,"Bethany announced.

"You do n't intend,"Dudley began, ignoring Bethany."You ca n't be serious. This has got to be a joke !"

"It 's not a joke,"Neville assured him."I 've come to offer up Kaden a place at Hogwarts."

"But, but,"Dudley said faintly."Oh my God."

Kaden was fully alive now. What sort of school day was Hogwarts ? And what had he done to pull in a position ? He had n't applied to any other schoolhouse besides Smelting 's. Of course, if this Hogwarts school really was offering him a home, he wanted to go. Anything was punter than Smelting's.

"But what is Hogwarts ?"Kaden asked.

"Dudley,"Neville said quietly."What have you told your children about Harry ?"

Harry ? What did Harry birth to do with this ? Kaden had met his dad 's first cousin, Harry Potter, only a few time. All he knew was that Harry had three kids around his own age and that they lived in London. For whatever reason, Kaden 's family rarely visited them. Kaden found this rather odd since his grandparents had raised Harry after Harry 's parents were killed in a car crash.

"Not much,"Dudley muttered.

"You told them Harry 's parents were killed in a car clangoring, did n't you,"Neville said, more as a statement than a question.

"What else was I supposed to say ?"Dudley groaned.

Kaden stared at his male parent, who was looking More and more uncomfortable. Had Harry 's parents really not died in a car crash ? Why would his dad lie about that ?

"Well, you 're going to give to explain now,"Neville said."I 'll wait. Unless you 'd rather I do it-"

"No, no, I 'll do it !"Dudley exclaimed."But only if we decide that Kaden can attend this school."

"Of course I 'm going !"Kaden shouted."Dad, you know I do n't want to go to Smelting 's and here 's the stark grounds not to !"

"I do n't know,"Dudley sighed."What will my parents say ?"

Nobody said anything for a few moment. Kaden continued to glare at his Fatherhood. He was sick of having to do what his grandparents wanted. Why would n't his own father joint up for him ?

"enough,"Christina said loudly."Look, Dudley, we knew this could happen. It runs in the genes ! He 's been making odd things happen for years. We tried to ignore the signal, but we knew it might happen. And frankly, I 'm happy. You and I both know he would n't have been felicitous going to Smelting 's. I also could n't care less about what your parents think. You 're a full-grown man, Dudley, make determination regarding your kids based on what you think, not what your parents think."

What ran in his genes ? It could n't be intelligence. Kaden knew he was average, no better than near of the tiddler his age. Maybe it was football skills ? Kaden was a honest football player, but no one else in his family was particularly good. How would that run in his gene ?

"All right,"Dudley said quietly."He can go."

"Excellent !"Kaden exclaimed."Now can somebody tell me what Hogwarts is ? And what exactly I 've got running through my genes ?"

Dudley looked up and his optic met Kaden 's."Hogwarts is a school. A special school day that Harry attended when we were child. It 's a schoolhouse of magic, for beldam and wizards-"

"Wait,"Kaden interrupted."Magic ? Like Abra Kadabra and deception wands and stuff ?"

"Wands yes, but Abra Kadabra is not a spell,"Neville said as he pulled out a prospicient stick which Kaden assumed was a wand.

Kaden watched skeptically as Neville pointed his wand at his glass of soda. He muttered something in a different language and the chicken feed began to float. Kaden gaped as he glass floated around the elbow room and then back to Neville. Neville caught it and then pocketed his wand.

"holy place turd,"Kaden gasped."So I 've got magic running through my genes ?"

"Apparently so,"Dudley said.

"Then how come I ca n't do magic, like make my homework magically do itself ?"Kaden asked.

"You are n't trained,"Neville said,"but even then you wo n't be able to stimulate homework do itself. guess, Kaden, has anything ever happened to you that you ca n't explicate ?"

Kaden cerebration, then his eyes opened wide and he stared at Neville."What if a person really did n't want to go somewhere and they got a fever all of a sudden and then it went away once they did n't have to go where they did n't desire to ?"

Neville grinned."Yes, that would be magic. Did that happen to you ?"

"Er, yes,"Kaden said, avoiding his Father of the Church 's eyes."But I did n't do it on function. Trust me, I 've tried to do it again and it does n't work."

"Of course you did n't do it on purpose."Neville laughed."things like that happen to a lot of young witches and wizards."

"But what about Harry ?"Kaden asked."You said his parents did n't die in a car crash ?"

"They did n't,"Dudley said."They were murdered by an malign mavin, Maker something or the other-"

"Voldemort,"Neville muttered.

"right field,"Dudley said."Harry was sent to inhabit with my parents and I, who told him his parents died in a car crash. They told him nothing about legerdemain or his parents. They thought if they ignored the conjuring trick, they could pigeonhole it out of him. They hate illusion. When he turned eleven a man showed up to tell him all about it and extend him a place at Hogwarts."

"So, do James II, Albus, and Lily go to Hogwarts ?"Kaden asked."And is this Voldemort bloke still around ?"

"Saint James the Apostle and Albus are currently attending Hogwarts, but Lily is too young,"Neville explained."And Voldemort was defeated years ago ; no penury to worry."

Kaden nodded. Quite a few questions were going through his capitulum, but he could n't estimate out which to ask first.

"So,"Dudley said."He 's going to get to get a- a baton ?"Dudley 's face paled a bit when he said 'wand'.

"Yes,"Neville smiled,"Everything you need can be found in Diagon Alley in London."He rose from his death chair and pulled a letter out of his robes, handing it to Kaden."Your acceptance letter and leaning of supplies."

Kaden took the letter and ripped it open. It was printed on thicker paper than what he was used to, almost like the variety of composition he imagined people wrote on centuries ago.

He unfolded it and read it aloud to his parents and Bethany. It told him of his acceptance and was signed by the surrogate headmistress, prof Padma Patil. Then it said that the Hogwarts Express would depart from King 's crossbreed station on September first, from a program 9 3/4.

"9 ¾ ?"Kaden asked questioningly."That 's not a real platform, is it ?"

"It is,"Neville laughed."It 's hidden from Muggles."

"Muggles ?"Kaden repeated.

"citizenry who ca n't perform magic, such as your parents,"Neville explained.

"Oh,"Kaden replied as he unfolded the list of provision. It was full of odd Quran such as Magical Herbs and Fungi, administration scales, and even a pewter cauldron. If his begetter had n't take already known about thaumaturgy, he would 've thought the entirely thing was a joke.

"I can pack you to British capital and register you where Diagon bowling alley is, if you would care,"Neville suggested.

"No, no, I think I 'll ask Harry,"Dudley said.

"That 's amercement,"Neville replied."Do either of you have anymore interrogative sentence ?"

"Am I a enchantress ?"Bethany asked.

"Well, I 'm not sure,"Neville answered."If you get a missive the summer you 're eleven then you 're a Wiccan. If not, then you 're not a witch."

"Oh,"Bethany said disappointedly."I want to be a witch."

"I 'm sure Kaden will tell you all about Hogwarts once he 's there,"Neville assured her as he stood up."I 'm going to have to go, but if you 've got any doubtfulness, just get ahold of Harry."

"Thanks,"Dudley said as he shook Neville 's bridge player. He still looked in shock absorber and not all the colouring material had returned to his face.

"I 'll see you at Hogwarts,"Neville said to Kaden.

"What do you learn ?"Kaden asked.

"Herbology,"Neville replied."Magical plants."

Kaden watched as Neville left the theater and then turned his attention to his parents. Dudley had slowly sat down on the skinny chair and let out a small moan.
***


The only strait at dinner was the chink of utensils hitting the china home base and the loud burp that Kaden let out after chugging half a spyglass of soda, earning him a hindquarters gaze from his grandmother. It seemed that nonentity could think of anything to speak about. Even the common topics of the weather, athletics, and work had been exhausted.

Kaden and Bethany had been given strict orders by their Fatherhood not to mention anything about Hogwarts, Harry, or magic whatsoever. Kaden 's grandparents hated wizardly with a warmth, something that kind of diverted Kaden but seemed to frighten his father. Kaden has also learned that his grandparents did not like Harry due to his being a wizard, which explained why he rarely saw Harry or his children.

Vernon and Petunia were still under the notion that Kaden was going to assist Smelting 's and Kaden had just endured an hour of having his photo taken by his grandfather while wearing his Smelting 's uniform.

"You should get involved with boxing at Smelting 's,"Vernon said in between bites of potato."Your dad was a champion boxer when he was there."

"I like football game,"Kaden muttered while wondering if Hogwarts would consume football. thaumaturgist would still work athletics, would n't they ?

"Football ..."Vernon muttered."skillful than nothing, I suppose. Smelting 's does receive an excellent football game team. I 'll give the coach a ring and let him know you 'll be joining."

"well I 'm not sure yet what I 'll be joining,"Kaden said as he pushed his carrots around his plate.

"You 'll join a fun, though,"Vernon insisted."boy grow into proper men when they play a sport."

"We 'll call for to bulk you up, too,"petunia commented as she placed another pork chop on Kaden 's plate.

"I 've already been to the school twice,"Vernon said as he took another turgid gulp of brandy."Spoke with all your professor and they 're quite excited to meet you. longsighted channel of Dursley men who attended Smelting 's, you know."

"Yeah, you 've mentioned it five times,"Kaden said under his breath.

"What was that ?"Vernon asked.

"Nothing,"Kaden muttered.

Kaden really did n't like lying to his grandparents. His parents had always taught him that lying was wrong, but now he knew that they had been lying to him his unit lifespan about Harry. Now, he had to lie to his grandparents. How long would he give birth to keep lying ?

"Dudley had a marvellous sentence at Smelting 's,"Petunia commented as she refilled Vernon 's brandy deoxyephedrine."Another glass, Dudley ?"

"No, no, I 'm ok,"Dudley said. His own brandy trash was still half-full.

"Every holiday, coming home with wonderful taradiddle of your friends and all you 'd done during the past terminal figure ..."Petunia smiled as she reminisced.

"And that 's where he started his boxing vocation !"Vernon said proudly."You 'll do us proud, Kaden. You 've got the Dursley blood."

Not really, Kaden thought. More like he had the Potter stock. Or perhaps not. He was n't technically related to the Potter side of the family, just the Evans side. So he had Arthur Evans pedigree.

"You know what ?"Christina said."That 's it. Dudley, we 're telling them."

"Telling us what ?"Vernon asked, setting down his brandy glass.

"We ca n't,"Dudley hissed."We said we would n't distinguish them tonight."

"This is idiotic, Dudley,"Christina said."It 's not evenhandedly to the kids."

"Tell us what ?"Vernon asked, more loudly this time.

Christina stood up."I 'd like to let the cat out of the bag with you in private, Dudley."

Dudley got up and followed Christina out of the room. The two of them disappeared into the kitchen, leaving Kaden and Bethany alone with their grandparents. Petunia was sitting straight up, wearing a pinched expression, and staring at the kitchen door. Vernon was sipping on his brandy again. It was all very awkward. Kaden pushed his uneaten nutrient around on his plateful and tried to avoid his grandfather 's eye.

Christina and Dudley returned a few minutes later, Christina looking triumphant and Dudley looking anxious. They resumed their arse and Christina gave Dudley a knowing look.

Dudley sighed and glanced at Vernon, before staring at his home base."Mum, Dad, we 've got to tell you something. Kaden 's not going to Smelting's."

Vernon dropped his brandy looking glass and it shattered onto the table. petunia looked so traumatise that she did not even impress to clean house it up."He 's WHAT ?"Vernon exclaimed.

"He 's not going,"Dudley said quickly."It 's not for him. He has n't wanted to go there from the scratch and we 're not going to hale him."

Kaden felt his grandpa staring at him, despite the fact that he was not looking up from his plate."That 's not reliable, Kaden,"Vernon said.

"It is,"Kaden muttered. Kaden finally looked up and saw that his uncle was staring agape at Dudley. Petunia looked mildly uncomfortable.

"Then where 's he going ?"Vernon asked."Not public schoolhouse. You know the yield that exist with them."

"Yes, public schooltime,"Dudley said immediately. Christina turned and glared at him.

"populace school ?"Vernon roared.

Public school ? Kaden thinking. Was his dad really going to exchange one lie for another ?

"He wants to stay with his friends, Dad,"Dudley said."We just ca n't impel him to go somewhere that he does n't require to go."

"Every boy in our family has gone to Smelting 's !"Vernon exclaimed as he slammed his fist down on the table."You ca n't violate that tradition."

"Vernon ..."Petunia said quietly."Kaden is their son. It 's up to them."

"It 's outrageous, Petunia. The boy wo n't get a right education in world school,"Vernon insisted.

Kaden wished the soil would give up and unsay him whole. Was that the sort of thing he could do with deception ? It would be very utilitarian for dinner with his grandparents.

"You 'll rue this, Dudley,"Vernon said."chump my words. Smelting 's is the but suitable school out there. He 's going to miss out on a lot."

Kaden glanced up and glared at his granddaddy, who luckily did not notice. Why was he so against any schooling besides Smelting 's ? He knew the reason why Dudley did n't require his granddaddy to know he was attending Hogwarts, but would it really be that fearsome if they told him ? Did he really hate magic that practically ? But he, Kaden, was a genius. A wizard just like Harry, and Vernon hated Harry and all ace. Did that entail his own grandfather would hate him, Kaden ? It gave Kaden a sickening flavor in the pit of his venter and he pushed his home base away.

"May I be excused ?"Kaden asked quietly.

"Yes, that 's fine,"Christina said as Vernon continued to shout.

Kaden escaped the dining room and ran upstairs to the smallest bedroom. He knew it had been Harry 's bedroom, although it no longer contained any oddment of his wizard cousin. It was neat as could be, decorated in pastels and blossom. Kaden sat on the bed and stared out the windowpane.

Earlier in the day he 'd find so excited about finding out that he was a whiz. It explained all the strange matter he 'd done in the past times. The fever was not the only time something inexplicable had happened to him. Once, he had fallen off his bike, landed hard on his wrist, and suffered no More than a scratch. Another sentence he 'd left a program library book at home that he had meant to land back to school, only to line up that it had appeared in his backpack during lunch.

Why had n't his dad told him about Harry being a wizard ? Perhaps there was some sort of law preventing thaumaturgist telling Muggles about magic ? That would excuse why virtually Muggles did not know about magic. But his mother had known. Dudley had clearly told her. Harry must have done unusual things as a child and Kaden wondered if his own Church Father had realized what Kaden was when he did foreign thing.

There was a smash on the room access a few minutes later. Christina popped her caput into the room and told Kaden they were leaving. She looked furious. Kaden nodded and quickly followed her down the stairs and out the threshold, without even saying bye-bye to his grandparents.
***


The adjacent few calendar week were both exciting and bunglesome. Kaden put up a calendar on his wall to count down the day until he got to leave for Hogwarts. Harry had said he would get hold of them to Diagon alley a few weeks before term started and Kaden was very a great deal looking forward to that.

Kaden 's parents had a very big row in the days following the dinner at Vernon and Petunia 's. Christina insisted that they tell Vernon and Petunia about Kaden attending Hogwarts and Dudley still wanted to keep it a secret. In fact, during those few hebdomad, they did not see Vernon and Petunia at all, when they normally saw them once a calendar week.

It took a long clock time for Christina to convince Dudley that he should severalise his parents about Kaden attending Hogwarts, but she finally did. In fact, it was the evening before Kaden and his family were to go to Diagon alleyway with Harry that they went over to Vernon and genus Petunia 's for dinner once more.

The amour was very calm at starting time, with nobody knowing what to say and the only phrases mentioned being"straits the salt"or"could I stimulate some more brandy, delight ?"Kaden did not say a bingle countersign, which even he knew was rare, since he liked to talk a lot.

It was Vernon who finally broke the secrecy."Still set on this public school, are you ?"

Dudley and Christina exchanged coup d'oeil."No, actually, Kaden was never going to attend public schoolhouse,"Dudley said quietly."He 's been selected to go to a pocket-size, individual school in Scotland. He did n't apply, but he 's been selected to attend."

"Then why did you separate us-"

"He 's going to Hogwarts, Dad,"Dudley interrupted, clearly wanting to get it over with."There. I told you. He 's going to Hogwarts. Kaden is a virtuoso, just like Harry."

Kaden watched as both of his grandparents visibly paled. Vernon dropped his brandy glass. Petunia let out what could only be described as a belittled squeak. Vernon 's brass then turned the purplish color it did when he got angry.

genus Petunia squeaked again and Vernon slammed his fist down on the table."That stead ! That spot where the boy went. Where abnormal people go. You ca n't honestly be thinking of sending Kaden there ? ! I wo n't give birth it, I wo n't !"

"It 's not up to you,"Christina said shortly."He 's our son."

"He 's going, Dad,"Dudley said quietly."Christina and I, we had a tactual sensation ...."

"A tactual sensation about what ?"Petunia asked.

"Kaden 's done unknown things,"Dudley answered."Like Harry did when we were Thomas Kyd. We never told him about legerdemain, but we half expected this."Dudley left out the role about him debating whether or not to let Kaden attend.

Vernon gave Kaden a very strange look, one that made Kaden feel mildly uncomfortable. It was a eldritch mix of confusion, angriness, and the svelte bit of revulsion, as if he could not stand to think that someone actually related to him was a wizard. Vernon had surely prided himself on the fact that he was not actually related to Harry.

"You do n't induce to send out him there,"Vernon said, after he tore his oculus away from Kaden."It 's not required. You 're under no obligation-"

"He 's going, Dad,"Dudley said."It 's what 's effective for him."

"No, it 's not !"Vernon exclaimed."He 'll get integrate up that Lapplander gang that your auntie did and you know what happened to her."

"She was murdered !"Dudley exclaimed."You ca n't find fault her for being murdered. And the maniac who did it is gone."

"He 'd be better off at Smelting 's,"Vernon muttered as he poured himself another generous helping of brandy, in a new glass."Smelting 's wo n't be happy to take heed this."

Kaden could n't care less about Smelting 's. He was just happy he 'd never have to set foot in the billet again. Anything would be undecomposed than Smelting 's and what trivial he knew about Hogwarts was better. He just wished his grandfather would be a petty more accepting. Kaden may not have particularly liked his grandpa, but he still loved him and hated feeling as if it was not mutual.

Vernon sighed and stared at Kaden once more. Kaden immediately looked down at his shell of uneaten food.

"Vernon,"Petunia said quietly."He 's still your grandson. You may not like that he 's a hotshot, but he 's still your grandson."

Vernon chose to neglect this and continued eating. The table settled into uncomfortable secretiveness once more and Kaden managed to choke down a few sting of chicken before Petunia brought out sweet. She served Kaden a very enceinte helping of pud, but he only ate a few bites before stopping.

Kaden and his mob did not linger after pudding was finished. No one seemed tend to chaffer any longer. Vernon and genus Petunia walked them to the room access, but Vernon beckoned Kaden into the aliveness room before they left.

"Er,"Vernon began."Your nan 's right. You are still my grandson. I ca n't say that I 'm not disappointed you 're not going to Smelting 's and I absolutely hate that early ... school ... but you 're still my grandson."Vernon gave Kaden an unenviable one-armed hug.

Kaden nodded, smiling. As far as he was concerned, that was as undecomposed as an apology from his grandfather. He caught up with his parents and Bethany, gave his grandmother a hug, and they left.

Kaden lay in bed that night feeling very content. His grandparents may not make been well-chosen about his attending Hogwarts, but they did not seem to hate him for being a star, and that was as unspoiled as he expected. Plus, the following day he would get to go to Diagon Alley with Harry and the rest of his magical cousins. It would be his first taste sensation of the magical world and he could not wait.


A/N : Big thanks to my Skype writing radical who helped me descend up with a title for this ! Especially to Mikayla, who came up with the title I used.

If you enjoyed this, suss out out Albus ceramist and the Tracks They Left derriere, in which Kaden 's floor is continued in.

Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




Albus Severus potter stared out his sleeping room windowpane and watched as an owl flew tight and finisher to Grimmauld Place. The sun was just above the horizon and was already shining brightly into Albus 's room. Albus ran a hand through his messy black hair as he waited for the owl. True, he did n't really love if the owl was for him or not, but he was eager to see. He was the solitary one awake at this hour anyway. His brother James was surely sleeping in, as he had been doing all summertime. Albus slept in for the inaugural few weeks, but after a while the novelty wore off and he started rising at an before hour. Albus watched the owl through his super C eyes as it soared towards his window. Albus leaned over and opened the latch, and the owl landed on his desk.

It was a large brown screech owl that Albus immediately recognized as his friend, Matt Eckerton 's. It stood proudly on top of Albus 's August 6 Holy Writ with its leg sticking out, waiting for Albus to loosen its letter. Albus went over to the owl and retrieved the letter. Once he did so, the owl flapped its wings and flew out the window once more. Albus flopped down onto his bed and ripped open the gasbag. It had been weeks since he had cobbler's last seen his champion from Hogwarts and eagerly anticipated their alphabetic character. John Brickston and Matt Eckerton had each written him a twain times. Albus unfolded the letter and silently show it.

Albus,

My parents said yes ! I can go to yours and rosebush 's natal day company !
I really was n't sure if they 'd actually let me, but they 've been
talking to your parents a lot and they finally agreed. They 've got
it all arranged. I 'm going to go to your star sign a couple days before
the company, in about three weeks, and I can persist a dyad days after,
too. But then I 'll give to go home ; you know why.

We 're going to meet up with you in Diagon skittle alley, since we 're not
on the Floo web. John tells me he 's visiting some of his
cousins mighty before your party, but that he 'll be able-bodied to stay at
your business firm after.

I ca n't waitress until the political party. matter at my star sign are dreadfully
boring. And my parents have been kinda depressed. Amy
moved out last week. You probably already roll in the hay that since
Victoire went with her. But Mum 's been crying a lot. She 's
talking about how her baby is all grown up.

Anyway, I 'll see you in a few hebdomad !
Your ally,
lusterlessness

Albus grinned broadly as he set flatness 's letter down next to John 's most Holocene epoch one. He was thrilled that both of his best friends would be able to go to his birthday party. John the Evangelist had said yes right field away, but matt 's parents were very protective of him and had to be convinced. Both of his friends would wreathe up spending about a week with Albus and he could n't hold back. Albus wondered what Mrs. Eckerton would do with herself while her son was at Grimmauld home. Albus had only met the woman twice, but he got the feeling that she was even more protective of her children than his own grandmother was. He could only conceive of what flatness 's mum was doing now that her girl had moved out. Only a hebdomad before, Matt 's Sister, Amy, and Albus 's cousin, Victoire, had moved into a categorical in British capital. The two of them were beginning their therapist breeding in September.

Albus heard footsteps running down the mansion house that he recognized immediately as his little Sister Lily 's. He glanced at the clock and saw that it was nearly nine. His mother must be up, too. Albus got up from the bed and got dressed. He opened the door and went down to the kitchen. When he got there, he saw his mother standing near the fire tending to a cauldron. Lily was sitting at the board in her pajama, playing with her pet pygmy puff.

Albus sat down next to her and watched her as she fed the small-scale creature virtuoso O's.

`` Hi, Albus ! '' she said cheerfully, `` Wan na run Martin ? ``

`` Er, no thanks, '' Albus told her.

`` Hi, Al, '' Ginny looked up from the cauldron and smiled at him, `` I 'm cooking some oatmeal. ``

`` audio good, '' Albus said as his venter growled, `` I got a missive from lusterlessness just now. He can come to the political party and he 's coming a few daylight early. ``

`` That 's wonderful, '' Ginny smiled and went back to stirring the cauldron.

`` Would young professional like any pumpkin vine juice ? '' Kreacher appeared at Albus 's side carrying a flagon of succus and a cup.

`` Sure, thanks, Kreacher, '' Albus told the house elf. Albus liked Kreacher. He was always there to help oneself whenever Albus needed him. Harry had told him that Kreacher was not always this nice, but Albus could hardly imagine it.

Albus took the glass of autumn pumpkin succus and grabbed the copy of the daybreak Prophet that was laying nearby. He immediately opened it to the Quidditch surgical incision. `` Ha ! '' he laughed when he saw the headline, `` I wonder if lusterlessness 's read this ! ``

Ginny glanced over at Albus 's shout and looked at him quizzically. `` The Chudley cannon just lost another game. Their newest Seeker tripped over his own Calluna vulgaris as he was kicking off from the ground and gave himself a contraband eye, '' Albus laughed. `` matt supports the carom. ``

`` Who supports the Cannons ? '' King James came slowly down the stairs, yawning as he rubbed his eyes.

`` matte does, '' Albus said and he tossed William James the composition, `` Read that. ``

James read the report silently for a few minutes and then burst out laughing. `` They 're hopeless. ``

Albus nodded in agreement as he started eating the oatmeal that Ginny had served him. He discussed Quidditch with James and his mother for the adjacent one-half hour. All of them agreed that the shank had no chance of ever making it to the League Cup. When Albus had finished his burgoo, Harry came stumbling down the stairs in his pajamas.

`` There 's burgoo in the cauldron, dearest, '' Ginny smiled warmly at him and got up from the tabular array. She planted a prompt kiss on his face as he reached for an empty bowl.

Albus twisted his nerve up in disgust as James shouted, `` Mum ! Ca n't you do that when we 're not looking ? ``

`` Someday you 'll translate, King James, '' Ginny laughed, `` Someday soon, girls wo n't suffer cooties anymore. ``

`` That 's already happened, '' St. James muttered quietly so only Albus could get word him, `` It 's just I 'll never want to see my own parents doing that. ``

`` Do you throw to go into work today ? '' Ginny asked as Harry sat down next to her at the table.

`` No, thank merlin, '' Harry told her, `` First Sabbatum off in a calendar month. I had n't realized how far I got behind when I was teaching. ``

`` Have you decided if you 're teaching yet next year ? '' James asked. He and Albus had been asking their father this over and over again for the past month, but he had yet to make a decision.

Harry sighed, `` I 'm still not sure. Professor Kendrick is looking for another teacher, but he has n't found anyone yet. It would seem as if people think the job 's cursed again. If he does n't find anyone else, I guess I 'll do it. ``

`` I hope you do teach, Dad, '' Albus told him, `` I like having you for a teacher. ``

Harry grinned, `` I 'm gladiolus you like it. What do you say we have a Wizard 's Bromus secalinus tournament after breakfast ? ``

`` Yeah ! '' Albus shouted excitedly. `` power actually have a chance at winning since Uncle Ron and Rose are n't here. ``

The whole Potter family played plot after game of chess, until Epistle of James was declared the wiz. By the time lunch rolled around, Albus was sick of the plot. `` Can we go work Quidditch after lunch ? '' he asked.

`` Maybe, '' Harry said in between sharpness. Harry often took them to play Quidditch at Rose 's house. Since the Potters lived in John Griffith Chaney, they really could n't wager Quidditch at their own star sign. `` rosebush wo n't be there, though. They 're visiting Aunt Hermione 's parents. ``

`` That 's all right, '' Albus said, `` rose wine does n't really ilk Quidditch anyway. ``

`` I 'll never sympathize that, '' James sighed.

At that moment, Albus heard a heights pitched ring coming from the kitchen counter. He looked over and saw the pocket-sized Mobile River phone that always sat next on the windowpane sill. The Potters did not hold many Muggle devices in their house, but they did have one telephone in case they had to contact any Muggles. Usually the phone was just used when Harry talked to his cousin, Dudley. But James and Albus had given the numeral to their Muggle Born supporter. Amanda had called Albus earlier in the summer to say him that she would be able-bodied to go to his party.

Harry glanced at Ginny, who shrugged. It was obvious that neither of them were expecting a Call. Harry wordlessly got up from the table and answered the phone. `` hello ? '' he said. He went quiet for a few instant while whoever was on the other end told him something. Harry 's optic widened in shock and a smile bedcover cross his face. `` What ? Are you unplayful ? Dudley, that 's brilliant ! ``

Dudley ? Albus thought. Normally, Dudley only called around holiday and birthday. Even then, the conversations tended to be short and not filled with excitement like this one obviously was. Albus was very curious at this point and he glanced at Saint James the Apostle, who looked just as curious.

Harry 's excitement calmed down a bit as he continued the conversation. `` Well, you 'll have to tell them sometime. Yes, I know they wo n't be thrilled, '' he paused, furrowing his brow as he listened. `` No, I 'm not going to tell them for you ! ``

Harry listened for a few moments as he started to gait alongside the counter. `` Hmm, well, if you 'd like, we 'll take him to Diagon Alley with us when we go. You can come, too, of course. ``

Harry talked for a few more minute and then hung up the earphone. He started laughing as he sat back down at the table. `` Just spoken with Dudley .... ''

`` Yes, I 'd guessed that ! '' Ginny said quickly, `` What about ? ``

`` You 'll never pretend .... ''

`` So tell apart us ! '' Ginny replied.

`` Kaden is a magician, '' Harry grinned.

Albus 's mouth fell clear. Harry 's cousin, Dudley, had two kids. The Old one, Kaden, was a lilliputian younger than Albus. Dudley had never been a fan of magic and Albus could only imagine what he would guess of his own son being a wizard.

`` You 're kidding ! '' Ginny shouted.

`` Nope, he got his letter this dawning, '' Harry told them, `` The owl scared the heck out of Christina, but Dudley says Kaden is thrilled. '' Christina was Dudley 's wife. Dudley had told his wife about magic, but had not gone into great detail and neither of the fry knew anything about it. `` He 's not looking forward to telling Vernon and genus Petunia. ``

`` I would call back not, '' Ginny said, `` Merlin, they 're going to thumb. ``

`` Dudley actually asked me if I 'd severalise them, '' Harry laughed, `` I told them definitely not. ``

`` Good, '' Ginny agreed, `` I would n't even want to be in the same way as your aunty and uncle the moment they find out about Kaden. ``

Harry and Ginny continued to sing about Kaden even after Epistle of James and Albus left the table. The two of them went up to James 's way, where they spent a few minutes discussing it themselves.

`` Wonder what house he 'll be in, '' Albus said as he tossed around one of James II 's pattern Snitches.

`` I 'd pretend Hufflepuff, '' William James commented. Albus had to check with that. He had met his cousin, Kaden, before and he 'd seemed the Hufflepuff sort. James had managed to draw quite a few pranks on him over the twelvemonth and he did n't seem to be the sharpest quill in the box. Albus remembered the terminal prison term they 'd seen Kaden. It had been a yoke years ago. Albus and his family tended to chat the Dursleys every duet of eld, but the Dursleys had never been to Grimmauld Place. Albus guessed it was probably because Kaden and his sister did n't live about magic. Well, they did now, Albus thought.

`` Think he 'll be any good at Quidditch ? '' Albus asked.

`` Who knows ? '' James shrugged, `` He 's never been on a broom before, but look at Dad. ``

`` I ca n't wait to see him eat Bertie Bott 's Beans for the low gear time, '' Albus grinned mischievously, `` The start time Amanda had one of those, she spat it out in John the Divine 's grimace. ``

`` I guess he 's coming to Diagon bowling alley with us. Dudley, too, probably, '' James said, `` That 'll be interesting. ``

`` Yeah, I ca n't wait to see what Dudley thinks of the place, '' Albus laughed.

`` Just wait until Kaden asks for his kickoff Scots heather, '' James grinned.

Albus burst out laughing, thinking of the feeling on Dudley 's aspect when Kaden announced he was going to play Quidditch, `` We 'll have to teach him how to encounter Quidditch ! ``

`` Definitely, '' James agreed. `` This is going to be a great class, I can feel it ! ``

`` That 's because you get to go to Hogsmeade this year, '' Albus reminded him.

`` I know, '' King James grinned, `` I ca n't wait ! ``

`` plus, Washburn 's gone, '' Albus commented, `` Wonder who they 'll get to replace him ? ``

`` Hopefully someone who 's not a Slytherin-loving git. ``

`` Or who wants to steal the Hallows. ``

`` Or who 's goal in life-time is to become the succeeding Voldemort. ``

`` Or who stares at you so menacingly you ca n't even do the childlike spells. ``

`` Or who gives you detention every former day. ``

James IV and Albus continued to heel off Washburn 's faults, which quickly turned into insulting the way he looked, until they were both laughing so hard they were in tears. They were still laughing hysterically when Harry came into the elbow room a while later.

`` What 's so rum ? '' he asked.

Albus stopped laughing and looked up at him, grinning, `` We, er, were talking about Washburn. ``

`` Ever notice how he 's kind of got a unibrow ? '' James asked, laughing.

`` I guess, '' Harry smiled. `` Anyway, do you two want to go act as Quidditch ? ``

`` Yeah ! '' the boys shouted at the same meter. James grabbed his Calluna vulgaris off the top of his desk and found a Quaffle, along with a practice sneak.

Albus ran out of the room and grabbed one of his mother 's old Scots heather from the nearby cupboard. It was old and started vibrating if you flew too fast, but it worked. He was hoping he would get a new Calluna vulgaris if he made it onto the Quidditch team this year. `` Ready, '' he said as he rejoined his dad and brother.

`` Are Mum and Lily coming ? '' James asked.

`` No, they 've got some shopping to do in Diagon Alley, '' Harry told them as he left the room, `` I think we 'll Floo. ``

Albus followed his dad and James down the step and into the drawing way. Harry grabbed a smattering of Floo powder, threw it into the fire, and shouted, `` Ron and Hermione Weasley 's household ! '' James followed after him, and then Albus.

Albus landed in his Uncle Ron and Aunt Hermione 's support room. Their family was a small, tea cosy home in the middle of a sphere with a timberland nearby. It seemed strangely quiet without anyone else in it. Albus, James, and their dad headed out the room access and into the flying field. Albus watched as Harry pulled out his scepter and muttered a few trance that would continue the stoolpigeon from roaming too far.

`` Let 's do some Quaffle drills, '' Albus suggested as he mounted his ling, `` I need to practice for try-outs. ``

Harry and James I agreed and mounted their heather as well. The two of them were up in the air before Albus was, due to their superior brooms. Albus saw James give up the Snitch and wait a few moments before taking off after it. Harry had the Quaffle in his hand and once Albus was in the air, he passed it to him. Whipping out his wand, Harry conjured a boastfully wooden basketball hoop and suspended it in mid-air.

`` There you go, Al, '' Harry grinned, `` Try and put the Quaffle through that. I 'll Keep. ``

`` You 've got to conjure two Thomas More, Dad, '' Albus told him, `` Otherwise it 's too sluttish for you. ``

Harry laughed and conjured a few more hoops. Albus flew around him for a little while before sending the Quaffle into the left most hoop. Harry was too obtuse and the Quaffle sailed through.

`` expert one ! '' James shouted as he caught the Quaffle on the other side. He tossed it to Harry, who then tossed it back to Albus.

They continued playing for a couple hours, taking shortstop breaks to take a breather. Albus managed to rack up a lot of goals, with Harry only blocking a couple. After a while of catching and releasing the sneak, James joined Albus and the two of them teamed up against Harry. Harry was n't able to save many goals with both his Logos passing the Quaffle back and Forth. Eventually, they all got tired and decided to send for it a day. Albus flooed back to Grimmauld Place tired, but happy.



A/N : Well, here it is, the initiative chapter of the subsequence ! I hope everyone enjoyed it. Just a note to any new readers out there, I highly recommend you read Albus Potter and the mystery Within, which can be found on my writer page.

Thanks to my sister and Beta, Dancer of Starlight. Thanks as well to my other Sister and my brother.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




`` Can we go now, Dad ? '' Albus asked impatiently. He was supposed to touch mat at the Leaky cauldron in five instant, but Harry was on the phone talking to Dudley.

`` Dudley, you just have to recite them, all right ? '' Harry sighed, `` You ca n't keep it from them forever. ``

`` Dad ... '' Albus tapped his foot. Harry said he would fill Albus to Diagon skittle alley a half hour ago, but then Dudley had called. The two of them had been talking for the preceding thirty minutes.

`` Listen, Dudley, '' Harry began, `` I 've got to contract Albus to Diagon Alley. Yes, that 's the place Kaden will go to get his stuff. Ok, I 'll verbalise to you later. Bye. '' Harry closed the phone and set it down on the windowsill.

`` Finally ! '' Albus sighed, `` Can we go now ? ``

`` Yes, '' Harry told him, `` Sorry about that. Dudley still has n't told Uncle Vernon and auntie Petunia about Kaden. I 've told him he 's got to do it soon. ``

Albus followed his dad to the fireplace and the two of them flooed to the Leaky Cauldron. The pub was very crowded since it was a Sat. Albus tried to glance through the crowd in order to find his friend, but he did n't see Matt.

`` Hey, it 's Harry Potter ! '' individual sitting at the bar shouted. He was clearly drink. `` Hi Harry potter ! '' he waved lazily.

Everyone else in the pub looked over at the fireplace that Harry and Albus just came through. Harry nodded to the drunken wizard as he and Albus walked past the bar. The gang parted in order to tolerate them through. Once they made it through the crowd, Albus spotted lustrelessness and his parents at one of the table in the back. Albus hurried over to him with Harry following closely behind.

`` Matt ! '' Albus shouted as he sat down, `` How are you ? ``

`` I 'm bang-up ! How are you ? ``

`` Brilliant, '' Albus grinned, `` I 'm so glad you could make out. ``

`` Me, too. I 've been bored out of my thinker, '' flatness told him, `` I 've even started some of my homework. ``

`` Wow, you must 've been bored, '' Albus laughed.

Harry sat down next to Mr. Eckerton and the two of them stimulate workforce. `` Why do n't we get some lunch ? '' Harry suggested. Everyone agreed.

`` Hi, Harry ! '' A pregnant Hannah Longbottom walked over to their table.

`` Hannah, how 've you been ? '' Harry asked.

`` fine, '' Hannah grinned, `` Just a couple more months and there will be another Baby Longbottom ! So, what can I get you ? ``

The group ordered their nutrient and a short while later it arrived. Albus and matt spent the unhurt clock time telling each other about their week apart while the grownup talked quietly with each other.

`` So guess what ? '' Albus said while eating a bit of his sandwich.

`` What ? '' mat asked.

`` You know my cousin, Kaden ? '' Albus grinned.

`` Is he your dad 's cousin Dudley 's kid ? ''

`` Yeah, and he 's a wizard ! ``

`` What ? ! '' mat spat out a mouthful of pumpkin juice.

`` Matthew, '' Mrs. Eckerton scolded, `` Be polite. ``

`` Sorry, Mum, '' Matt wiped the pumpkin succus up off the table and turned back to Albus, `` Are you serious ? ``

`` Yup, he got his letter of the alphabet a couple calendar week ago, '' Albus told him, `` Mad, is n't it ? Of course, it is n't that surprising. I mean, there 's obviously conjuration in the family line. ``

`` Yeah, '' Matt laughed, `` But what did your Uncle Vernon say ? ``

`` Dunno, Dudley has n't told him yet, '' Albus said, `` That 's why we were a little late. Dad was on the earphone with Dudley trying to convince him to state Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia. ``

`` We 'd better be getting habitation, '' Harry stood up, `` See you in a few solar day, Bruno Walter and Julie. ``

Albus, Matt, and his parents stood up as well, `` See you then, '' Mr. Ecketon replied and turned to Matt, `` Have fun, and do n't stimulate too much trouble. ``

Mrs. Eckerton hugged Matt tightly, `` I love you, Matthew. Do n't waver to owl if you need us. ``

`` I 'll be fine, Mum, '' Matt replied once his female parent stopped hugging him.

`` Do n't worry, Julie, '' Mr. Eckerton put an arm around his married woman, `` Let 's go visit Amy before we go family. '' Mrs. Eckerton nodded and the two of them left the pub.

`` We 're flooing home, '' Harry said as they walked over to the open fireplace, `` Have you ever done that, flatness ? ``

`` Er, yeah, but not in a duet years, '' lustrelessness eyed the fireplace nervously.

`` You 'll be very well, '' Harry told him, `` Just contrive the powder in and say 'Number 12 Grimmauld Place .'''

`` 12 Grimmauld Place, '' lustrelessness repeated, `` Got it. ``

`` You can go first, Al, '' Harry handed him the bag of floo powder.

Albus threw it into the fire and shouted, `` bit 12 Grimmuald Place ! '' He was whisked away in a vortex of green flaming and came out in the drafting room of his household. He quickly stepped away and waited for Matt and his dad to appear.

A few minutes later, lusterlessness fell out of the fire and landed on the base. He was coughing and sputtering. `` I did n't like that, '' he groaned as he stood up.

`` You 'd better step away, '' Albus pulled flatness away from the firing just before Harry appeared.

`` Are you all right ? '' Harry asked when he saw Matt coughing.

`` Yeah, I think so, '' Matt coughed, `` But I think I prefer phantom. ``

`` You get used to it, '' Albus told him, `` ejaculate on, you can drop your hooey in my way. ``

`` Wow, this is a pretty big house, '' mat gazed around as he followed Albus up the stairs. `` Reminds me of the sign we had in Australia. ``

`` Yeah, it used to be Sirius 's house, '' Albus told him, `` It was a lot unlike then. It had a lot of creepy and nighttime hooey in it. The Black family was pretty involved in the wickedness Arts. Except for Sothis, and his blood brother Regulus changed his aspect at the end of his spirit and tried to destroy a Horcrux. Anyway, my dad managed to get most of the Dark stuff out. ``

`` Well, that 's good, '' mat said as they entered the next trading floor.

`` My room 's the last one on the right, but first I 've got to present you something, '' Albus led Matt into one of the early rooms, `` This is James 's room. But it used to be Sothis 's. ``

`` Your brother 's not very bully, is he ? '' Matt asked as he stepped over a pile of grime school gown and books.

`` Nope, he 's not, '' Albus said and walked over to one of the walls, `` Here 's what I wanted to show you, '' he pointed to a motion-picture show of four boys, `` Sirius put a bunch of pictures up on the rampart and no one can get them off. My dad covered up nigh of them, but he left this one. It 's my grandpa, Canicula, chemise 's dad, and Peter Pettigrew. ``

`` Wow, '' lusterlessness stared at the mental picture, `` So that 's Moony, the only other, you know, to birth gone to Hogwarts ? ``

`` Yup, '' Albus told him, `` Thought you 'd like to see it. ``

`` Yeah, thanks, '' matt said, still looking at the picture.

`` Well, do you need to go to my room ? '' Albus asked after a few minutes.

`` Sure, '' lustrelessness replied, turning away from the picture. `` Let 's go. ``

******

A few 24-hour interval later, John arrived at Grimmauld Place. The male child spent their time playing biz and talking. John was just as shocked as Matt was that Kaden was a hotshot. Harry took them to blush wine 's house to play Quidditch a few clip. Amanda was there and the five of them managed to do a bit of prep after rosebush prodded them a few meter.

`` So, what do you want to do now ? '' St. John asked. The three boy were lounging around in Albus 's room, tossing a Quaffle back and forth.

`` I dunno, '' matte threw the Quaffle to Albus, `` What do you want to do ? ``

`` Hmm, '' Albus caught the Quaffle and stopped to think. He had given his admirer the thou tour of Grimmauld place as soon as they 'd arrived, but there was one lieu he had yet to show them. `` Want to explore the Ionic dialect ? '' he grinned mischievously.

`` Yeah ! '' Gospel According to John jumped up from the bed. `` What 's in it ? ``

`` All sort of old poppycock, '' Albus replied. `` I do n't go up there very often, but it 's majuscule for exploring. ``

`` Let 's go, '' flatness agreed and got up.

Albus led his ally down the hall and towards the stairs. They climbed all the way up to the top and opened the doorway. The attic of Number 12 Grimmauld blank space was a very large room, filled with old boxwood and piece of furniture. It was dark, cramped, and dusty and intemperately to motivate around in. `` Here we are, '' Albus announced and walked into the room.

`` Whoa, '' privy exclaimed, `` What is all this stuff ? ``

`` Mostly old blackness family heirlooms and early stuff that belonged to the Black family. But some of it is my mum and dad 's. When they moved in, they moved a lot of the stuff that was here originally into the dome, '' Albus explained.

`` It 's not dangerous, is it ? '' matte asked as he peered into one of the boxes.

`` Nah, '' Albus assured him, `` My parents got rid of all the dangerous and dark clobber. ``

`` Wicked ! '' privy shouted as he pulled out an old silver tea tray, `` I 'll bet this is Worth consignment of galleons. ``

`` Probably, '' Albus agreed and went over to essay the tray, `` It 's got the blackamoor folk tip on it, too. ``

`` What 's in there ? '' Matt had walked over to the exclusively threshold leading off the way, besides the one they had come in.

Albus jumped over three boxes and threw himself against the door. `` Do n't go in there ! '' he shouted.

`` Why not ? '' lusterlessness asked curiously.

`` There 's a portrait of Sirius 's mum in there, '' Albus told them, `` She 's ugly. The portrait used to be in the hall downstairs, but my dad managed to use a resettlement magic spell to get it up here. He could n't cast out it from the house, though. There 's some sort of charm on it that keeps it in the house. ``

`` What did she do to make you stay fresh her up here ? '' John asked.

`` She insults everyone who comes into the menage. The shriek 's awful. My Uncle Percy came up here once looking for some spare kitchen utensils and we had n't told him not to go in there. It took three minute to shut out her up. ``

`` She sounds horrible, '' Matt agreed.

`` I bet she was tough when she was live, '' Albus commented. The two of them walked back over to the box John the Evangelist was rifling through.

`` see at all this ! '' John grinned, `` The solid box is filled with phantasy stuff. Goblets, silverware. '' john pulled out a very great candelabra and examined it. `` Are those, snakes ? '' he pointed to the voice of the candelabrum that would hold candles. Each of them was a snake 's head, and the candle would sit in the snake 's mouth.

`` I think so, '' Albus took it from John and stared at it, `` That 's sort of creepy. No wonder it 's up here. ``

`` Not to name the fact that it 's very Slytherin, '' Saint John commented. Albus and John bent down and continued to look through the box, while matt watched them. `` funny, '' John announced as he picked up yet another atomic number 47 particular. It was an old teapot that looked like it went with the tray, `` There 's not practically atomic number 79 up here. If the Negroid were so copious, why did n't they have any gold ? ``

`` It 's too Gryffindor, '' Albus laughed.

`` True, '' John replied. He examined the teapot more closely. `` Hey, matte, could you hand me that tray ? '' He pointed to the tea tray that he had set on the floor earlier.

`` Erm, '' Matt glanced from the try and then to bathroom, `` Sorry, I ca n't. I 'm allergic to silver. ``

`` Really ? '' John asked as he picked up the tray himself.

`` Uh, yeah, all loup-garou are, '' Matt explained.

`` That 's worry, '' can said.

`` How did we go a wholly year without knowing that ? '' Albus asked.

`` well, '' matte grinned, `` There 's not often silver in the Gryffindor vernacular room. It 's too Slytherin. '' The boys all laughed.

`` These definitely go together, '' privy announced, holding up the tray and teapot. `` I 'll bet there 's a unscathed set. ``

`` Probably, '' Albus agreed and stood up, `` Let 's find another box, one that does n't cause silver in it. ``

Gospel According to John agreed and put down the tray and teapot. Matt looked very grateful as they started wandering around the attic. Albus and John peered into the boxes, looking for one that did n't have any silver in it.

`` Are there any without ash gray ? '' John asked after they 'd looked at at least ten different boxes.

`` Here ! '' Albus announced, pointing to a gravid box at the far end of the way. `` This says 'Sirius'on the face. I 'm sure there 's no silver in it. It would be too Slytherin. Plus, Sirius hated his syndicate. ``

`` Excellent, '' John sat down and opened the box. Albus and lusterlessness joined him and started pulling stuff out.

`` calculate at these old gown, '' Albus held up a very old set of Gryffindor robes.

`` And this, '' can pulled out an old written matter of 1000 Magical herb and Fungi. `` Bet it has n't changed in the least. ``

`` Broken Snitch, '' Matt announced, `` Broken Sneakoscope, a few dungbombs, broken quill pen, nothing too exciting. ``

`` Wait, what 's that ? '' Albus pointed to a small-scale, worn out leather Scripture at the bottom. It did n't await much like a school text book. Albus reached into the box and pulled it out. He opened it up in silence, while John and Matt looked over his shoulder. On the first pageboy was a picture of four male child. `` It 's photo record album, '' he murmured. He flipped through the next few pages, noticing that the pictures were always of the same four boy, though occasionally one or two of them were missing.

`` Who are they ? '' King John asked.

`` I think they 're the piranha, '' Albus pointed to a ikon of a messy haired boy with glasses, `` Because that is definitely my grandfather. ``

`` brand sense, since it was in Sirius 's box, '' bathroom agreed, `` Which one is Sirius ? ``

`` Probably him, '' Albus pointed to the tall, long haired boy. `` And the unawares chubby one has got to be Peter Pettigrew. So, that 's Remus, '' Albus pointed to the tight-fitting boy.

`` Wow, '' Matt whispered, `` enquire if your dad knows it was here. ``

`` Dunno, '' Albus replied. He continued to sprain the pages, looking at each scene. It was a bit unusual looking at all these pictures and seeing the Marauders at Hogwarts. There were pictures of them in their dormitory, in the common room, on the grounds, in Hogsmeade. There was even one of them with the Whomping Willow in the background. There were also a couple of James I playing Quidditch. In all the photo, all four boy waved wildly at Albus, John, and Matt. They all looked so happy. It felt weird to recognize that only a few age after these motion picture had been taken, St. Peter the Apostle would betray James and Lily. The vulture had trusted each other with their life, literally. Kind of like how Albus trusted his friends. But they would never cheat each other. Albus knew that. None of them were betrayer like Pettigrew was.

Towards the end of the photo album, a young lady started appearing in a lot of the icon. She would throw her weapon system wrapped around Saint James and would osculate him every once in a while.

`` Who 's that ? '' lustrelessness asked, pointing to the girl.

`` My grandmother, '' Albus explained. `` I think this has all their eld of Hogwarts in it. '' Albus flipped to the very go page and saw that the live painting was of all the vulture, plus Lily, standing in straw man of the lake in their schooling robes, holding diplomas. They all wore huge grins on their faces.

`` commencement ceremony, '' St. John commented.

`` Yup, '' Albus replied, `` They look very happy there. ''

`` What are you going to do with it ? '' John asked.

`` I think I 'll hold back it, '' Albus replied. `` I mean, no one 's going to omit it if it 's up here. '' Albus closed the picture album and a folded up bit of sheepskin fell out.

`` What 's this ? '' Matt picked it up. `` expression blank shell. ``

Albus took it from him, unfolded it, and examined it. It was almost blank. In one of the corners were four very small paw prints. `` No it 's not. Look, '' Albus pointed to the recess.

John and Matt peered at the parchment and looked at the paw mark. `` What 's that mean value ? '' Saint John asked.

`` I 've never seen it before, '' Albus replied, `` But I think it 's supposed to represent the vulture. I 'm guessing they 're a masher, dog, stag, and rat mark. ``

`` It 's white, though, '' John commented, `` I mean besides that. Why would Sirius keep an old patch of parchment ? ``

`` Dunno, '' Albus shrugged. But in his gut, he had a feeling that it was n't a nonmeaningful objet d'art of lambskin. After all, to the norm person, the vulture 's Map was just a meaningless piece of parchment. Albus shoved the sheepskin back in the album, which he then shoved at the bottom of his trunk once the boys returned to Albus 's room.

******

`` Are you kids ready to leave ? '' Harry shouted up the stairs, the day of Albus and rose 's birthday party.

`` Yeah ! '' Albus shouted back. He ran down the stairs with John and Matt following him. They ran into the drawing room, where Albus 's parents were, along with James River and Lily. `` We 're cook ! ``

`` Good, '' Harry replied, `` Have you got everything, Ginny ? ``

`` I think so. I took most everything to the Burrow earlier. ``

`` Like my represent ? '' Albus hinted.

`` Yes, like your present, '' Ginny laughed.

`` Are we going by floo ? '' Matt eyed the fireplace warily.

`` I thought we would, '' Harry told him, `` Do n't care, it 'll be better this time. ``

Harry was right. This meter, lustrelessness did not inhale nearly as very much grass and managed to not descend over as he arrived at the Burrow. When they got there, the house was already crowded with people.

`` Albus ! '' Molly Weasley came running over to them and gave Albus a big hug, `` Happy Birthday ! ``

`` Thanks, Grandmum, '' Albus replied.

`` Oh, are these your friends ? '' Molly asked.

`` Yeah, this is John Lackland Brickston and mat Eckerton, '' Albus gestured to his friends.

`` Nice to meet you, '' molly smiled, `` Now, Ginny, I need your help in the kitchen. Harry, would you help Ron set up the mesa in the yard ? ``

The adults quickly left to set up for the company, leaving Albus and the early kids alone.

`` I 'm off to find Cedric and Ben, '' James announced, `` See you later. ``

`` Let 's go to the yard, '' Albus suggested.

`` Is everyone here related to you ? '' matt asked as they walked through the house towards the back door.

`` Pretty much, '' Albus laughed, `` If they 've got red hair, luck are they 're related. ``

`` Wow, I ca n't ideate having this many cousins, '' Matt replied, `` Well, I have n't got any cousins. ``

The group managed to make it through the crowd and into the backyard. They saw Harry and Ron setting up the table magically. A few of Albus 's first cousin were in the air on brooms and a few others were playing with the gnomes in the garden. Albus spotted rose and Amanda at a nearby table.

`` Rose ! '' Albus ran over to them, `` Amanda ! ``

`` how-do-you-do, '' Rose and Amanda greeted them. `` Did you just get here ? '' rosebush asked.

`` Yeah, have you been here for a piece ? '' Albus asked as he sat down.

`` For about a half minute. We flooed, '' Rose told them.

`` Us, too. ``

`` I hate flooing, '' Amanda groaned, `` conduct me fifteen minutes to stop coughing. ``

`` It gets better, '' flatness assured her, `` I had n't done it in years, but I did it to get to Albus 's house. film me forever to kibosh coughing. But then when we came here, I was ok. ``

`` Did Kaden come up with you ? '' Rose peered around at the yard like she was looking for Albus 's cousin.

`` Oh, no. Dad invited him, and Dudley, too. But they were having dinner with Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia, '' Albus explained.

`` Did Dudley tell them ? '' Rose asked.

`` Sure did. Apparently Uncle Vernon went mad. He was shouting and swearing. Said he was n't going to induce anymore freaks in the house. But Aunt Petunia got him to stop. She 's actually ok with it. ``

`` Wow, '' Rose replied, `` Still ca n't conceive it. ``

`` Me, neither, '' Albus laughed.

`` Hi, shaver ! '' circular had appeared next to the mesa, holding what appeared to be a mammoth Gryffindor lion. `` Everyone 's arrived, so I think we 're going to do the pinata soon. ``

`` smart as a whip ! '' Albus grinned.

Bill set the pinata down on the table and glanced out across the yard. `` Oi ! shift ! Want to do the pinata ? ``

Teddy, who had turned his tomentum scarlet and atomic number 79 for the juncture, came running over to the board. `` sure ! We doing it in the centre of the railway yard ? ``

`` That would probably be trump, '' peak replied. The two of them set off to make a place for the pinata.

`` There 's no Tree there, '' Amanda commented, `` What are they planning to pay heed it on ? ``

`` hang it on ? '' Albus asked.

`` well, yeah. That 's what you do with pinatas. You hang them on tree diagram so they 're in the air, '' Amanda said.

`` Oh ! That 's how Muggles do it ! '' Albus realized, `` slip 's just going to levitate it. He 'll motivate it around and it 'll be really severe to hit. ``

`` Whoever wants to do the pinata can come over here now ! '' Teddy shouted. All at once, all of Albus 's cousin-german ran over to Teddy. Albus, Rose, and their friends managed to push their way through the crowd to the front.

`` All right ! '' bill shouted, `` Albus and Rose first, then youngest to oldest. ``

rosiness went first. poster put a blind-fold appealingness over her eye and handed her an old ling. Teddy levitated the pinata and flung it around Rose. After a few poorly aimed hits, her good turn was over. Albus was up next. He took the broom from rose wine and was blind-folded. He loved this part of his natal day political party, but he was never very good at it.

`` To the right ! '' person shouted. Albus swung the heather around to his right field, but did n't make contact with anything. Teddy always made it difficult.

`` I bet you anything that Omar Bradley 's going to burst it afford, '' Albus said once his bend was over. `` He does at everyone 's parties. ``

`` Well, this is the kind of thing a beater would be good at, '' Rose pointed out.

`` I know, '' Albus replied. The pinata bashing continued for a spell and no one had managed to even touch it. Teddy was laughing hysterically as everyone flung the broom around. Soon, all the little kid had finished and Albus 's champion were up. Amanda was the low one to actually touch the pinata with the broom, but she did n't get any advancement in smashing it overt. Matt actually managed to hit himself in the head with the broom, instead of the large Gryffindor lion.

`` See, I was n't exactly lying when I told you I was clumsy endure year, '' he whispered to Albus as he rubbed his head.

bathroom was up next and he hit the pinata with a loud crunch that sounded like it should consume smashed the totally thing. `` Yes ! '' he shouted.

`` Sorry, it 's a magically reinforced pinata since there 's so many of us, '' Teddy grinned, `` It 'll occupy a few more of those. ``

As usual, Bradley was the one to give the final bump to the pinata. Everyone rushed forward to grab the sweets that had fallen out of it. Albus and his friend each got a tumid bagful of sweets.

`` Time for presents ! '' Molly shouted over the bunch. Albus and blush wine sat down at one one of the tables next to two tumid mountain of present. They alternated opening them, each receiving a lot of al-Qur'an, dessert, Weasley Wizard Wheezes ware, and versatile clothing detail. Soon, there was just one present left.

`` It 's from us, Al, '' Harry smiled as he handed Albus a long, rectangular box.

Albus took the box and buck the wrapper off. inflammation washed over him as he saw what it was. `` A Firebolt 2000 ! '' he shouted, `` Wow ! This is bloody superb ! Just like Georgia 's ! Thanks Mum and Dad ! ``

`` You 're welcome, '' Harry grinned, `` It 'll be perfect for when you get on the Quidditch squad this year. ``

`` If I get on the team, '' Albus replied.

`` You will, '' King James assured him.

`` I 'm going to try it out now ! '' Albus grinned. He ran to the middle of the 1000 with his friends and cousins following. He mounted the broom and took off into the air. The even air felt cool as he soared in high spirits and high-pitched. It flew just like GA 's did. The acceleration was rattling and it turned at the thin touch. Albus flew around the railway yard for a few proceedings, enjoying the thrill that only flying could bestow. Albus had loved flying and Quidditch for as long as he could remember. He had received his first toy broom on his get-go birthday. He promptly crashed into a tree the next day and broke it. Albus had gotten a lot ripe at flying since then, but he still was n't nearly as good as James was. After a few Sir Thomas More minute, Albus descended and landed on the ground.

`` How is it ? '' St. John the Apostle asked.

`` Completely wonderful, '' Albus grinned, `` Want to try ? ``

`` Of row ! '' Gospel According to John took the broom and flew off into the sky. Albus spent the side by side one-half time of day lending his broom to his cousins and champion. They all agreed that it was a superb ling and that Albus was surely to get Chaser on the Gryffindor Quidditch team.

Molly served dinner shortly after everyone had tried out Albus 's new broom. The discussion centered mainly around Quidditch, like it often did when all the Weasleys got together. With such a turgid act of people, there was always a dear bit of disagreement about which teams were the right. Matt was thrilled that Albus 's Uncle Ron was a Chudley shank fan and the two of them defended their team to the rest of the group.

The evening ended with a magnificent Gryffindor lion shaped cake that Molly had made. Hermione had enchanted it to bellow realistically when it was first cut. Shortly after everyone finished their cake, they started going home. Albus 's kinsfolk were some of the hold out to leave.

`` I 'm going to Apparate home with Lily, '' Harry said as they walked to the fireplace. Lily was asleep in his arms.

`` All right, '' Ginny replied. Harry turned on the pip and disappeared. `` You boys go first, '' Ginny gestured to the pot of floo pulverisation.

Albus stepped out of the fireplace at Grimmauld property and waited for John and matt. They appeared a few minutes later, and the three of them went up to Albus 's room.

`` That was really fun, Albus, '' mat yawned as they lay down to go to kip, `` Your family unit is fun. Makes me wish I had some cousins. ``

`` You 're welcome to percentage mine, '' Albus laughed.

`` Mine, too, '' John the Evangelist agreed, `` If you think Albus 's category is nuts, you should see mine. You 'll meet one of my cousin-german this year. It 's her start class at Hogwarts. All my cousins are immature than me. ``

`` The solitary one of my cousin coming to Hogwarts this year is Kaden, '' Albus told them.

`` well, half of Gryffindor is your cousins, Albus, '' trick laughed, `` And if you make the Quidditch team, Ryan will be the only non-Weasley and non-Potter on the team. ``

`` Yeah, we 're taking over, '' Albus joked. `` Well, good night. ``

`` night, '' whoremaster replied.

`` Night, '' Matt said.



A/N : Thanks to my sister and genus Beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as my other sister and my sidekick. Thanks also to XDNLxtlz99, teddysxxgirl, Moonylupin, smirkyhaha, and ginnyweasleypotter87 for their reviews !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




`` Do you see them yet, Dad ? '' Albus asked.

`` No, not yet, '' Harry replied.

Albus sighed. He, Harry, John, and Matt were all standing outside the Leaky Cauldron. The Muggle side of meat. It was a few days after Albus and Rose 's birthday party and flatness was meeting his parents to go habitation in a couple hours. Harry had agreed to take them a few hour early so they could buy their new volume. Harry also decided that it would be a good metre to hold Dudley and Kaden shopping for Kaden 's supplies.

A few minutes later a blue sedan chair pulled up to the Curb. A rather large blond-haired man stepped out, along with a short brunette womanhood, and two kids. Albus recognized the boy as Kaden. He was short, only an inch or so improbable than lusterlessness, and a bit on the chubby English. His hair was brown and looked in need of a cut. Kaden 's younger sister, Bethany, had inherited her father 's blond pilus and was about a head shortsighted than Kaden. Albus thought she was seven, but he was n't certain.

`` Hello, Dudley, '' Harry extended his hand to his cousin.

`` Hi, Harry, '' Dudley took his hand and shook it.

`` Why do n't we go inside the pub and we 'll talk more than there ? '' Harry suggested and opened the door to the Leaky Cauldron. Everyone filed inside. The Durlseys stared around, gaping at everything in pot while they followed Harry out the back door. Harry took out his scepter, tapped one of the bricks, and Diagon Alley appeared in front of them. `` This is Diagon Alley. ``

`` This is where you got all your, your legerdemain clobber ? '' Dudley gaped.

`` Sure is, '' Harry grinned, `` The outset thing you 'll want to do is set up an business relationship at Gringotts. '' He pointed to the boastfully white building at the end of the street. `` Pounds wo n't buy much here. You have to use wizard money, Galleons, reap hook, and Cnut. ``

Albus really did n't want to go to Gringotts and wait while the Durlseys learned about superstar money. `` Dad, can me, Gospel According to John, and Matt go look at the shop by ourselves ? ``

`` I suppose so, '' Harry said after he thought for a moment, `` I 'll take Dudley and Christina to Gringotts and prove them around. Why do n't you strike Kaden with you ? '' he suggested. `` We can meet you at Flourish and Blotts in an hour. ``

`` Sure, '' Albus said, happy to not have to go to Gringotts, `` Let 's go. '' The male child set off down the street, none of them really surely where to go first. Kaden seemed to be gazing in awe at everything he saw. Albus led them to a bench outside quality Quidditch provision. `` Ok, Kaden, these are my friends, bathroom and mat. ``

`` Are your parents witches and wizards, too ? '' Kaden asked.

`` Yeah, '' John replied. flatness nodded.

`` Oh, '' Kaden said, `` Are there a lot of kids whose parents are n't witches and wizards ? ``

`` A honest few, '' Albus answered, `` Our friend Amanda has Muggle parents. ``

`` I wish I 'd known about magic earlier, '' Kaden told them. `` What 's a Muggle, anyway ? ``

`` Do n't worry, you 'll fascinate up fast. Muggles are people who ca n't do magic. Like your parents, '' Albus told him, `` Let 's go into the Quidditch shop. ``

`` What 's Quidditch ? '' Kaden asked as they walked into the shop class, `` Whoa ! There 's heather in here ! Are we going to be clean something ? '' he asked skeptically.

john burst out laughing, `` clean house with brooms ? No way. We fly on them ! ``

Kaden 's mouth fell open, `` Like witches do in movies ? ``

John laughed even harder, `` Yes, just like that ! ``

`` So what 's Quidditch ? '' Kaden asked again as he inspected a Firebolt 2000.

Albus, whoremaster, and Matt spent a good XX second telling Kaden all about Quidditch.

`` That sounds very complicated, '' Kaden announced once they 'd finished.

`` I suppose, '' John shrugged, `` But it 's fun, undecomposed than that sport Muggles play. Football or something ? ``

`` Hey ! I play football ! '' Kaden shouted, `` And it 's fun. ``

`` wellspring, there 's no football game at Hogwarts, '' John told him, `` It 's Quidditch or null. Just waiting until you first fly a broom, you 'll change your judgment about football. ``

`` Do you fiddle Quidditch ? '' Kaden asked.

`` Not on my House team. First years are n't allowed to wreak. And this year the just opening is for a chaser. My situation is Beater. But Albus is trying out. ``

`` Oh, really ? '' Kaden looked at Albus.

`` Yup. I hope I make it. James I is already on the squad. He 's the seeker. One of the good Gryffindor has ever had, '' Albus said.

`` What 's Gryffindor ? ''

`` Does n't know much about Hogwarts, does he ? '' John whispered to Albus.

Albus shook his fountainhead. `` Gryffindor is one of the business firm at Hogwarts. You get sorted on your first day into one of the four mansion. Gryffindor is usually where you go if you 're brave out, Ravenclaw if you 're chic, Hufflepuff if you 're loyal, and Slytherin if you 're malign. ``

`` What ? ! ''

`` fountainhead, technically Slytherins are cunning, but almost of the evil witches and wizards were in Slytherin. ``

`` How do you get sorted ? ``

`` Ca n't tell you, '' Albus grinned, `` It 's portion of the fun not to know. ``

`` Are you all in Gryffindor ? '' Kaden asked.

`` Yeah, '' Albus replied, `` All my cousins are, too. ``

`` I hope I 'm there, '' Kaden replied. `` Can we go somewhere else ? I 'm sick of looking at brooms.

`` Let 's go to Weasley 's virtuoso Wheezes, '' John Lackland suggested. Although he looked a little taken aback that Kaden did n't want to expect at brooms anymore.

The boy left the shop and made their way to Weasley 's Wizard Wheezes. Kaden kept up a never-ending watercourse of questions the whole way there. By the clock time they made it to the shop, Albus was getting a bit commonplace of answering them. Albus had remembered Kaden as being rather quiet, but now he seemed to be very hyper. Maybe the excitement of finding out he was a wizard had caused him to be More outgoing.

`` Whoa ! What is this blank space ? '' Kaden gazed around at the inside of George Weasley 's shop with a looking at of awe on his face.

`` jest shop, '' John told him, `` honest workshop in Diagon Alley. ``

`` Why thank you, John ! '' Saint George greeted them. `` hello, Albus ! Hi, Matt ! ``

`` Hi, Uncle George, '' Albus grinned, `` This is my cousin-german, Kaden. Dudley 's son. ``

`` Oh, yeah, Harry told me you 're a wizard, '' George turned to Kaden, `` If you 're ever in need of any pranking point at Hogwarts, just send me an owl, I 'll have what you 're looking for. ``

Kaden nodded and stared at George. After a few moments, he asked, `` What on globe happened to your ear ? ``

`` Lost it during the war against Voldemort, '' George I told him, `` I 'm a bit holey now. ``

Kaden laughed, `` Holey, like a holy person ! ``

George VI turned to Albus, `` You sure he 's not a Weasley ? ``

`` positive ; he thinks football 's better than Quidditch, '' Albus told him.

`` I 'm sure that 'll interchange after he sees Quidditch, '' George III replied. `` wellspring, I 've got to get back to study. See you later, Albus. ``

`` Bye, '' Albus said as George went back behind the counter. Albus started looking around the shop with King John and Matt while Kaden bounced from one presentation to the next, announcing how brilliant everything was and asking the other boy more questions.

`` What are these ? '' Kaden pointed to a few Skiving Snackboxes.

`` Skiving Snackboxes, sweets that make you ill, '' Matt told him.

`` Why would you desire to do that ? '' Kaden grimaced.

`` To get out of drilling course of instruction, '' Matt explained, `` Once you 've sat through one of Binns 's classes, you 'll interpret. ``

`` And what are those ? '' Kaden pointed to a display of Extendable Ears.

`` extendible spike, '' Albus told him, remembering when he used them lowest Christmastide only to overhear his dad talking about the Hallows. `` You use them to heed in on conversations citizenry are having. ``

`` Wish I had some money, '' Kaden sighed as he put back a computer software of Extendable Ears.

`` You will soon, once your parents are done at Gringotts, '' Albus told him, `` Speaking of which, we should probably head back to Flourish and Blotts. ``

The boys waved goodbye to George VI and left the shop. Albus, matt, and John listened as Kaden commented on everything they passed on their way to the book store. Albus hoped that his cousin would calm down down once he was more used to the Wizarding World. They continued their walk to fanfare and Blotts while explaining about magical physique of transportation system to Kaden. He was amazed that wizards could appear and disappear 'just like that', as he put it and snapped his fingers.

When they got to the fanfare and Blotts, Harry and the Dursleys were already waiting for them outside. `` Are you having fun ? '' Harry asked.

`` Yeah ! Albus has told me about Quidditch and specter and Flooing and all kind of wizardly virtual jest items, '' Kaden grinned.

`` wellspring, let 's go get your books now, '' Harry said as the grouping walked into the shop. Flourish and Blotts was quite empty-bellied today. There were only a few early people inside, none of whom Albus recognized. Harry and the Dursleys took the male child'lists to a sales somebody while the male child started looking around.

Albus, St. John, and Matt had been to this Holy Scripture computer storage numerous times and did n't find anything exciting about it. The three of them would rather have been in calibre Quidditch Supplies. Kaden, on the other bridge player, seemed as excited there as he had been in Saint George 's shop. He ran all over the shop, picking up random books and bringing them back to show the other boys.

`` seem at this ! '' he panted, running back to Albus for what must feature been the ten percent time, `` It 's a book about brewing potions ! Am I going to get to do that ? ``

`` Er, yeah, '' Albus replied wearily. He had already given this answer in reaction to dubiousness about magic spell, metamorphosis, and justificative spells.

`` I ca n't look ! '' Kaden shouted and disappeared into another row of books.

Albus turned to his champion and groaned. `` I do n't think he 'll ever run out of excitement. ``

can stifled a laugh, `` Just wait until he gets his first Potions essay. He wo n't be too thrilled about it then. ``

`` Look at this script ! '' Kaden came running back a few instant later with a book entitled, Dark Creatures : How to Protect Yourself. `` It 's got stuff about vampire and werewolves in it ! I did n't bed those were real ! ``

Albus felt Matt stiffen next to him. Albus glanced at him and saw the look of panic on his face. Albus immediately took the ledger from Kaden, `` Yeah, they 're literal. But they 're zippo like the one in Muggle pansy story. And you do n't want to read this book. It 's too advanced. You 've got to jump out with the basics. '' Albus quickly stuffed the Good Book onto a nearby shelf. He did not need Kaden to read about the preconception ace had about werewolves.

Kaden took off into another incision of the store and flatness relaxed. `` That was close-fitting, '' he whispered.

`` I 'm not going to let him buy into that lycanthrope preconception, '' Albus assured him, `` Even though he 'll probably never notice out about you. ``

`` Thanks. ``

`` I 've got everyone 's books ! '' Harry announced as he, Dudley, Christina, and Bethany walked back to where the boys were standing.

`` Can we go get my wand now ? '' Kaden asked excitedly as he ran back from the other section of the store.

`` Sure, '' Dudley replied, `` You lead the way, Harry. ``

Harry, Kaden, and the rest of the Dursleys walked ahead of Albus and his friends on their way to Ollivander 's. Kaden was practically skipping up the street in his excitement about his verge. In demarcation, Matt was starting to tire out due to the upcoming full phase of the moon Sun Myung Moon. By the time Albus, John, and Matt got to Ollivander 's, Kaden was already trying out his first sceptre. He gave it a wafture and one of the empty verge boxes on Ollivander 's desk exploded. Kaden thought that the explosion was neat, but Ollivander disagreed. Kaden tried out wand for the side by side fifteen mo before finding one that created gold sparks when he waved it. Dudley paid for the wand and the group left the shop class. The next stop was the Apothecary and then madam Malkin 's. An time of day later, Kaden was all set for his first year at Hogwarts.

Once they were done shopping, the group met lustrelessness 's parents at the Leaky cauldron. Everyone was hungry, so they all decided to eat dinner party together. Albus, John, flatness, and Kaden sat at their own tabular array while the adults and Bethany sat at the other.

`` Ca n't believe the summer 's almost over, '' Albus said as he took a swig of butterbeer. `` What are you laugh at doing for the rest of it ? ``

`` I 'm going to chaffer some Thomas More of my cousins after I go home, '' whoremonger told them.

`` That 's probably what I 'm doing, too, '' Albus told them, `` And the big party we have at the end of every summer. That 's always awesome. What are you doing matte ? ``

lustrelessness glanced up from his intellectual nourishment, which he was only picking at, and looked at Kaden before answering. Kaden was currently staring as a wizard at the side by side table cut his steak with his sceptre. `` I 've got to go to St. Mungo 's, '' he whispered.

`` What 's St. Mungo 's ? '' Kaden asked loudly and turned his care back to the other boys.

`` whizz hospital, '' Albus replied, hoping that Kaden would n't press for more information. Luckily, at that moment, a waitress came walking by while levitating two platters of solid food. Kaden immediately turned his attention to the levitating trays and did n't note ask anything about St. Mungo's.

`` Why have you got to go there ? '' Albus asked very quietly, as he leaned in closer to matte. John leaned over as well.

`` I 'll explain sometime else, when we 're alone, '' he gave a meaningful glance at Kaden, `` Maybe on the caravan. But do n't vex about it, I 'm ok. ``

Albus was n't very reassured by this. He did n't think masses went to St. Mungo 's when they were all right. But he did n't press for more information, he knew matte disliked discussing his condition, especially around so many people.

`` We should probably get going, '' Mr. and Mrs Eckerton stood up and walked over to Albus 's board. Mrs. Eckerton sent a disquieted look at her son. flatness was resting his head on his hand and had his center closed. `` Are you all right, dear ? '' she asked quietly.

Matt lifted his pass up and nodded. `` I 've just got a headache. I 'll see you on the geartrain, Albus, lavatory. Nice to meet you, Kaden. ``

Harry and the Dursleys got up and said their auf wiedersehen to matt 's parents. Mr. Eckerton drew lustrelessness into a tight hug, and the three of them Disapparated.

Kaden gawked at the place that matt and his parents had been just moments before, `` That was brilliant. I want to do that. ``

`` You 'll get to, '' Albus told him, `` When you 're in your sixth twelvemonth, you can read lessons. And then when you 're seventeen, you take a test to get your license. ``

Kaden sighed, `` That 's so far away. But how seed Matt got to do it now ? ``

`` He just did side-along specter. Someone who 's got their Apparition license can get other mass with them while they do it. ``

`` Have you done that before ? '' Kaden asked.

`` Yeah, but I prefer Flooing. ``

`` So do I, '' lavatory told him, `` But lustrelessness likes side-along Apparition better. ``

`` Time to go, Kaden, '' Christina Durlsey came over to the table.

`` All right, '' Kaden sighed and stood up, `` I 'll see you roast on the caravan. I ca n't wait ! ``

Albus waved bye as the Dursleys left the pub to go back into the Muggle universe. Albus was n't sure what to think about Kaden. He had n't seen him in days, but he 'd be seeing a lot of him now. Kaden was definitely a ball of push, that was for certain. Kaden seemed to think that everything in the wizarding universe was nifty. He was going to be in for a rude awakening when he learned about Voldemort and former evil wizards.



Wealsey-Potter-Dursley fellowship Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree

Bill-Fleur Charlie-Katherine ( hag ) Percy-Corrine ( Muggle )
Victoire, 18 Stanley, 7th year Georgia, 6th year
Gabriella, 6th year Heather, 5th year Bradley, 4th class
Ben, 3rd year Mark, 4th year Cedric, 3rd year
Eddie, 6 yr old Samantha & lindy hop ( twins ), 7 old age old

George-Alicia Spinnet Ron-Hermione Ginny-Harry
Fred, 5th year Rose, 2nd year James River, 3rd year
Angie, 9 twelvemonth old Victor-Marie Hugo, 10 years old Albus, 2nd year
Lily, 10 years old

Dudley-Christina ( Muggle )
Kaden- 1st year
Bethany- 7 years old

*all in Gryffindor*



A/N : Thanks to my sister and beta, Dancer of Starlight. Thanks as well to my other sis and my brother. And thanks to ginnyweasley98, smirkyhaha, sinwillys822, Moonylupin, and ladymblack for their reviews !

I also want to ask for everyone to check out my meet the Author Thomas Nelson Page on the forums. There 's a contact to it in my visibility. look absolve to ask about my stories or writiing in world-wide there.


Disclaimer- As always, I do not own Harry Potter.


`` Hurry up ! '' Ginny called back to St. James the Apostle and Albus, `` It 's already quarter to eleven ! ``

Albus sped up as he pushed his trolley through the push magnate 's Cross station. James was correctly next to him, pushing his own trolley. Their parents and Lily were in front of them, walking as fast as they could without actually running. The ceramist were running late, very late. It was September maiden and the Hogwart 's expressage would be leaving in exactly fifteen minutes. The whole dawning had been very festinate. Albus woke up belatedly and James woke up even later. Albus had stayed up until midnight the night before working on his Transfiguration of Jesus essay, and James always woke up late. Then, James could n't find his practice sneaker and refused to leave before he found it. Lily finally found it in a cauldron that was in the kitchen. No one was really sure how it got there.

But because of all this, the Potter family was now practically running through Rex 's Cross, trying to get to Platform 9 3/4 on time. This was earning them many strange flavor from the Muggles, especially due to the fact that they had two miffed owls on their trolleys.

`` James, you first ! '' Ginny shouted as they reached the barrier between platforms 9 and 10. Albus watched as his brother disappeared into a seemingly satisfying wall.

`` I 'll stay here and wait for the Dursleys, '' Harry said as he glanced at his watch. It appeared that the Dursleys were even later than the Potters.

`` All right, '' Ginny replied, `` Albus, you next. ``

Albus nodded and ran through the barrier. A few bit later, Albus was standing on platform 9 3/4, and Rose was running up to him.

`` Albus ! '' she shouted, `` There you are ! ``

`` Yeah, we 're running a bit late. ``

`` A bit ? ! The geartrain 's leaving in seven minute of arc ! ``

`` I know, '' Albus said as Ginny and Lily appeared behind him, `` But Kaden 's even later. ``

`` I 'll load your trunks, '' Ron appeared and took King James I and Albus 's trolley car to the train.

`` Be honorable, Saint James, '' Ginny warned, `` You, too, Albus. ``

`` We 're always good, Mum, '' Saint James the Apostle grinned and slapped Albus on the book binding, `` Right, Al ? ``

`` 'Course we are, '' Albus grinned back.

Ginny gave them a stern looking, `` I do n't want any owls from prof Kendrick. ``

`` Aw, do n't worry, Mum, '' James River laughed, `` You have n't gotten one yet. ``

`` Five minutes until the train leaves ! '' Hermione told them.

`` Kaden better haste up, '' Albus replied.

At that second, Kaden volley through the barrier with a huge grin on his face. Harry was behind him, pushing another trolley. Ron grabbed it and ran it over to the train.

`` That was splendid, '' Kaden announced as he joined the group.

`` You 've got to get on the train now ! '' Ginny shouted as she herded everyone over to one of the train doors. She gave Saint James and Albus a spry hug and osculate. `` Bye, nestling ! Be dependable, all of you ! ``

`` I 'll see you later at the feast, '' Harry gave each of his sons a hug.

`` Bye, Mum, bye Dad, bye Lily ! '' Albus shouted as he climbed onto the train. Kaden and Rose got on after him. James IV jumped on just as the geartrain was starting to propel.

`` That was closelipped, '' rose sighed as the string left the station.

`` Yeah, '' King James I agreed, `` But we made it. I 'll see you lot later. '' He ran down the gear corridor to find his friends.

`` C'mon, Rose, '' Albus started to walk down the corridor, `` Let 's go find John, Matt, and Amanda. ``

`` How does that piece of work ? '' Kaden asked while he followed Albus and pink wine, `` I mean, how on earth can you go through a solid brick wall ? ``

`` I dunno, '' Albus shrugged, `` It 's deception, you know. ``

`` Yeah, but still ... '' Kaden shrugged.

Albus and rosebush continued down the corridor, peeking into compartments as they looked for their friends. Kaden followed close behind, still wanting to talk about the roadblock. Anything remotely magical seemed to excite him, and Albus had to asphyxiate a laugh as he thought about what Kaden was going to do when he saw the Sorting Hat.

`` There they are, '' rosebush announced when they were halfway down the train. rosebush pulled open the threshold and they walked inside. John, matte, Amanda, and a girl with long, melanise, curly hair's-breadth Albus had never seen before were sitting inside.

`` I was wondering when you two would show up, '' John grinned.

`` Barely made it, '' Albus told him as he sat down next to John.

`` I was on time, '' blush wine announced, smirking at Albus.

`` Hey ! It was n't my fault. James would n't leave until he found his pattern snitch. ``

`` fountainhead, you made it, that 's all that matters, '' Amanda said.

`` Yeah, salutary thing you did n't lose the gearing. I suppose you could 've just Flooed, but the train is better, '' John told them. `` By the way, this is my cousin-german, Isabelle, '' he gestured to the fille Albus had n't recognized. `` She 's just starting this year. ``

`` Hi, '' Isabelle said quietly.

`` Hello, '' Albus smiled, `` I 'm Albus ceramicist. ``

Isabelle 's eyes opened wide and she stared at him. `` Really ? ``

Albus sighed, he was spue of going through this with everyone he met, `` Yes, really. ``

`` Wow, '' Isabelle replied.

`` I 'm Rose Weasley, '' rosiness told her, `` Albus 's cousin-german. '' Isabelle nodded, but did n't say anything.

`` Oh, Amanda, Isabelle, '' Albus said, `` This is my cousin, Kaden. He 's Dudley 's son. ``

`` Hi, Kaden, '' Amanda smiled at him. Isabelle again just nodded.

`` Hi, '' Kaden replied and sat down succeeding to Amanda. `` You 're, what 's the tidings ? Muggle-born, too, right ? ``

`` Yeah. ``

`` Were n't you amazed by the barrier, too ? '' Kaden asked, `` I mean, it was just so foreign, going through a solid brick paries. ``

`` I suppose. It was kind of scary at first off, but it does n't bother me much now. ``

`` He 's been going on about the barrier for the preceding ten minutes, '' Albus whispered to John and Matt.

`` Just wait until he first gets hexed, '' John whispered back, `` He wo n't be thinking everything 's brilliant then. ``

`` How was your holiday in Ireland, Amanda ? '' rose wine asked.

Amanda grinned, `` It was wonderful ! We went all over the place, just wandering around and seeing everything. I kissed the Blarney Stone, too. ``

`` I 've done that ! '' Kaden announced.

`` I hope we go back sometime, I had a really in effect time, '' Amanda told them, `` How were the rest of your summertime ? ``

`` Mine was dependable, '' John said, `` Visited Isabelle 's family and we all went to Diagon Alley together. zippo too exciting. ``

`` I love Diagon alley ! '' Kaden shouted, `` I ca n't look to go back there ! ``

`` Yeah, it 's a pretty not bad office, '' Albus agreed, `` Went back there with Jesse James after you left, john. Other than that I spent the rest of my holiday doing homework and performing Quidditch. ``

`` Me, too, '' pink wine said, `` Although I mainly watched Saint James the Apostle and Albus play Quidditch. ``

`` How about you, flatness ? Do anything exciting ? '' Albus asked, looking at his friend. Albus really wanted to have it off why flatness had been in St. Mungo 's, but he knew that mat would not elaborate on it while Kaden and Isabelle were in the compartment.

`` Not really, '' Matt replied quickly, giving Albus a look that meant he would tell apart him later. `` So, I wonder who the new Charms teacher will be ? '' matte asked, changing the subject.

`` Dunno, '' Albus shrugged, `` Anyone will be skillful than Washburn. ``

`` Who 's Washburn ? '' Kaden asked loudly, `` And what happened to him ? ``

`` He was the Charms instructor, '' Albus told him, `` He got fired for trying to slip, er, certain things that would facilitate him achieve Voldemort 's ideals. And he started a affaire d'honneur with me, whoremonger, Amanda, Matt, and Rose. One of his Quaker dueled with my dad, too. It was pretty bad. ``

`` Who 's Voldemort ? '' Kaden asked, `` And what things ? ``

Albus sighed and looked at Rose, who shrugged. It was going to be a long trip. Albus turned to Kaden and explained all about Voldemort. He left out the part about the Hallows, though, as he was n't sure enough if his dad would want him to tell Kaden. `` So you see, not all genius are good, '' Albus finished.

Kaden stared at his cousin-german, lost for intelligence for the foremost clip. After a few present moment he whispered, `` Blimey. So that 's why your category 's renowned ? Because my dad said you were, he just did n't tell me why. ``

`` Er, yeah, '' Albus replied.

The group spent much of the remainder of the journeying talking about who the side by side Charms instructor would be, Quidditch, the Dueling Club ( which they 'd be allowed to join this yr, as bit old age ), and a great hand of early stuff. Around luncheon time, the crone came around with the tram and everyone bought orotund total of intellectual nourishment. Everyone had a lot of fun watching Kaden try all the wizard sweets. Kaden announced that he liked Bertie Botts Every Flavor bean better, despite the fact that the first one he tried was a vomit flavor. When he opened his world-class umber Frog, he was shocked that it could hop and even more traumatise when he saw the picture of Rowena Ravenclaw disappear from the visiting card that came with it.

After they polished off the rest of the afters, the conversation turned to which business firm Kaden and Isabelle wanted to be in. Apparently Gospel According to John and Isabelle 's kinsperson consisted of an equal figure of Gryffindors and Hufflepuffs. Isabelle 's dad had been a Gryffindor and her mum had been a Hufflepuff. Isabelle did n't really manage if she was in Gryffindor or Hufflepuff, but she knew she did n't want to be in Slytherin. She decided that Ravenclaw would n't be bad, but she wanted to be some shoes where her family had been. Kaden on the other hand, definitely wanted to be in Gryffindor. Albus was n't too certain he 'd curve up there, still thinking that his full cousin was more of a Hufflepuff, but he did n't tell Kaden this.

Soon the gear made it to Hogsmeade place and it was prison term for everyone to get off. Albus and his friends joined the orotund crowd of students exiting onto the platform.

`` fir tree'days ! Firs'years ! '' Hagrid called out.

Albus lead his mathematical group over to him, `` Hi, Hagrid ! ``

`` 'Ello, Albus ! '' Hagrid greeted him.

`` My cousin Kaden 's starting this year, and john 's full cousin, Isabelle, '' Albus gestured to the two kickoff years standing near him.

Kaden gaped at Hagrid, `` Are you the one who gave my dad a pig 's tail assembly ? ``

`` Oh, yer Dudley 's son, then, '' Hagrid turned to Kaden, `` Tha'was me. ``

Kaden started laughing, `` I ca n't look to learn how to do something like that. ``

`` Soon enough, soon enough, '' Hagrid told him, `` Le 's go, then, '' he said to Kaden and Isabelle. The two of them waved to Albus and the others, and followed Hagrid to the lake.

`` Finally, '' Albus muttered as he lead his friends to the carriages, `` I thought he 'd never leave us alone. '' Albus liked Kaden, but found his constant company to be taxing.

`` I kinda like him, '' John laughed, `` He 's got spunk. ``

`` Well, you 're kind of like him, John, '' Albus laughed and climbed into the nearest void carriage. `` Although you 're a bit less irritate, '' Albus turned around and grinned at his friend.

`` Gee, thanks, '' privy laughed and sat down next to Albus. Rose, Amanda, and Matt followed after, and sat down on the seat across from them.

`` So, matte, you were awfully unruffled on the caravan, '' Albus began, `` Something occur during the last persona of the summer ? ``

lustrelessness sighed and glanced around at his supporter, `` Yeah .... I just did n't want to separate you with Kaden and Isabelle around. ``

`` I figured, '' Albus replied, `` What happened ? Are you all right ? ``

`` I 'm fine, honestly. It 's just, call up over the summertime when I said I was going to St. Mungo 's ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus said.

`` And remember that study I told you about ? The one I 'm in ? ``

Albus nodded and remembered back to earlier in the twelvemonth where Matt had briefly explained about a field as to why Wolfsbane Potion had no effect on him and other werewolves.

`` I know I did n't tell you a whole lot about it, but it 's the intellect I was at St. Mungo 's. Someone has to observe me after every translation. Usually madam Pomfrey or my parents do it, but the Healers like to do it at least twice a yr. ``

`` Oh, '' Albus replied, relieved that matt being severely injured was n't the reasonableness he was in the hospital.

`` That makes sentiency, '' pink wine commented.

`` Yeah, but that 's not all. I figure I should probably distinguish you a bit more about the study. It started when I was 8. For the first 2 year, I did n't get any Wolfsbane potion. The next 2 twelvemonth, I got regular Wolfsbane. Not that it made much of a conflict. ``

`` I wonder why, '' Albus said. He had been odd about this study ever since Matt told him about it the previous condition, but Albus had been reluctant to ask about it.

`` Dunno. No one does, that 's why they 're doing it, '' lustrelessness told them, `` But anyway, the Healers and Potion brewers that are working on the wolfsbane have come up with anther kind and I 'm going to start trying it out. ``

`` When ? '' lav asked.

`` I think in January, because I 'll be home on Christmas break. I 've got to fill it a twosome daylight beforehand and it 'll be better if someone can watch closely, '' Matt told them.

`` Has it been tested before ? '' Rose asked.

`` No, '' lusterlessness said quietly. `` That 's the distributor point of the subject field, to screen the potions. ``

Albus glanced at lustrelessness. He looked a bit scared at the prognosis of taking an untested potion. No marvel he had been quiet on the train. Albus was n't certain if he would want to take an untried potion. Of course, if the potion worked, mat 's life history would drastically exchange for the better. But what if it did n't work, what if it had horrifying side effects ?

`` But they 've been researching it, right ? '' Rose asked, `` I mean, they 're pretty trusted it wo n't do anything bad ? ``

`` Oh, yeah, they do n't think it 'll hurt me. They 're just not for sure if it will have the core it 's supposed to, '' Matt assured them, `` But it is a bit scary. ``

`` Yeah, '' Rose agreed, `` I 'd say so. ``

`` It 's worth it, though, if they ever find one that works for me. ``

******

`` Brings back memories, does n't it ? '' whoremonger said as the first years filed into the Great Hall.

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, remembering how awful he 'd been of being in Slytherin the previous year. He still had n't told his friends that the categorization Hat had considered it, and he was n't certain if he ever would.

`` There 's Kaden, '' Rose pointed to Albus 's cousin, who was standing right at the presence of the group.

`` And Isabelle 's right field behind him, '' John told them.

Professor Patil motioned for the room to be quiet and the Sorting Hat burst out in song. Albus had to stifle a joke as he saw Kaden 's mouth heart-to-heart in shock. Albus knew that hat would get his cousin-german. Kaden turned around and whispered something to Isabelle, who nodded. Once the hat stopped singing, Professor Patil started the Sorting. The first two students were both sorted into Ravenclaw.

`` Brickston, Isabelle, '' Patil called, and John 's cousin walked over to the ordure. Patil dropped the hat on her head and a few moments later, it shouted out, `` Hufflepuff ! '' Isabelle got up and joined her fellow Hufflepuffs.

`` Dang, '' toilet said, `` I thought she 'd be here. ``

`` well, you said there are a lot of Hufflepuffs in your kinsfolk, '' rose pointed out.

`` Yeah, I know, '' John sighed, `` Hufflepuff 's secure, too. But it 's not nearly as good as Gryffindor. ``

`` Dursley, Kaden, '' Patil announced. Kaden ran forward immediately and sat down on the can, with a big grinning on his face.

Patil put the hat on his heading and after a few mo, it opened its lip wide and announced, `` Gryffindor ! ``

Albus turned to expect at King James, who was sitting a few seats down, wearing an identical looking of jar to the one Albus was. `` Gryffindor ? '' he mouthed, shaking his head. He was so certain that Kaden would wind up in Hufflepuff.

`` Well, the hat did take an awfully long time to adjudicate, '' rosiness pointed out. `` Maybe he 's got face of all the houses. ``

Like me, Albus thought to himself. He looked up and saw Kaden running over to the Gryffindor table. Albus did n't think it possible, but his grinning was even wider now. A few of the aged Gryffindors congratulated him as he wedged his way in between Albus and matte on the bench. `` secure job, Kaden, '' Albus said.

`` Thanks ! I still ca n't consider that hat can talk. Weirdest matter I 've ever done, have a conversation with a hat, '' Kaden laughed.

`` Wo n't be the weirdest thing you 'll see here, '' Albus told him, thinking of Nearly Headless snick, the portraits on the walls ( Sir Cadogan in particular ), the Whomping willow, Moaning Myrtle, and numerous early view of the castle that Kaden would have never seen before.

The sorting continued and the grouping of first years dwindled until there were only a duo pupil left. Albus had n't recognized any of the other offset eld, besides Kaden and Isabelle. He thought this must bear been the first yr in a long sentence that a Weasley had n't been sorted.

`` Willinson, Felix, '' Patil announced. One of the two remaining son walked sullenly to the stool and waited for the hat to sort him. A few second later, the hat shouted, `` Slytherin ! ``

`` Willinson ? '' Albus turned to look at his friends, who were all starting at each early, `` You do n't think- ''

`` must be some relative, '' whoremonger shrugged.

`` Maybe a cousin ? '' Rose suggested, `` I remember Slughorn mentioning that Willinson was an simply shaver at one of the clout Club meeting last year. ``

`` Great, '' Albus sighed, `` I thought we 'd be done with Willinson after end yr, but now we 'll have to deal with his full cousin. ``

`` Felix Willinson might not be like his cousin-german, '' Rose pointed out.

`` But he 's in Slytherin, '' King John said adamantly.

`` May I have your tending, please ! '' Albus and his protagonist stopped talking and looked up to see that Kendrick had stood up. `` Thank you. I do make a few start of term announcements, but I think they can expect until after the fiesta. Enjoy. '' Kendrick waved his arms and food appeared on the golden platters.

`` Whoa ! '' Kaden shouted loudly, `` That 's bloody brilliant ! ``

`` That 's how the food always appears, Kaden, '' Albus laughed and served himself a orotund portion of steak and kidney pie.

`` I could definitely get used to this, '' Kaden grinned as he piled his plate high with everything within reach.

`` Told you he was like you, '' Albus whispered to John Lackland as bathroom filled his own plate with as much intellectual nourishment as he possibly could.

`` Wut, is'goob foob, '' St. John the Apostle replied with his mouth good of potatoes.

`` That 's disgusting, lav, '' blush wine screwed up her grimace in disgust.

`` Wut were you wis'ring abo befo ? '' Kaden asked with part of a roll in his mouth.

`` Ugh, he does it too ! '' Amanda commented.

`` What ? '' Matt asked Kaden.

Kaden swallowed, `` I said, what were you whispering about before ? You know, when Felix Willinson got sorted. ``

Matt glanced at Albus, clearly unsure about what to tell Kaden. Albus glanced at his other friends, who all shrugged. `` Er, '' Albus began, `` Remember what I said about the Charms teacher on the train ? '' Kaden nodded, while stuffing his aspect with the rest of his roll.

`` well, Professor Washburn was n't the only when one in on that affaire d'honneur. Some wizard named Jarett Willinson was fighting alongside Washburn ; we think he 's the one who was in complaint. He has a son, Quinton, who was a 7th year last year. Quinton drove us mad all last twelvemonth and then fought along with Washburn and his dad. We 're all trying to figure out if Felix is related. We think he is, only probably just a full cousin because Quinton does n't have any sib. ``

`` Oh, '' Kaden replied and served himself another helping of chicken. He clearly was n't too occupy about Felix Willinson.

Throughout the relaxation of the feast, Albus talked to his acquaintance about Felix Willinson and whether or not he was anything like Quinton. blush wine wanted to sacrifice him the benefit of the dubiousness and delay and see if he shared the Lapplander views as Quinton. whoremaster, on the other hand, was cook to hex him as soon as the fiesta was over. He figured that Felix must agree with Quinton, since he was in Slytherin. Matt and Amanda both agreed that Felix probably did agree with his full cousin, but did n't call back they should pop hexing him before they really met him. Albus was n't surely what to cogitate, and he just thought they should forfend Felix, not trying to be favorable with him or hex him.

Kaden received a nice shock absorber when Nearly-Headless snick decided it would be his plate he would appear out of during the feast. Kaden dropped his roll in surprise, but another one of his vast grin appeared on his face shortly after. He gazed around in amazement and watched all the wraith circling the elbow room. Albus laughed and told him that they even had a touch teacher. Kaden was amazed by this and said he could n't wait for that class.

`` It 's just History of Magic, '' Matt told him, `` Boringest class in the school. Best one for sleeping, though. ``

`` You 'd know, would n't you ? '' John the Divine joked.

`` Oh, shut it, lav, '' Matt laughed, `` But seriously, Binns is the most boring professor here. ``

Kaden looked a bit disappointed at this, `` Really ? How can a socio-economic class be boring if it 's taught by a wraith ? ``

`` combine me, the shudder wears off after the first day, '' lustrelessness said.

A few minutes later the food disappeared and comeupance appeared just moments later. Kaden and Saint John the Apostle immediately piled their plateful with every pudding there was. Albus and his friends informed Kaden about the rest of their professor and they all speculated about the new Charms teacher. Albus had noticed one new teacher sitting at the faculty tabular array and assumed she was the new Charms teacher. She was an old beldam, with her gray-headed hair pulled back in a fuddled bun. She was very close and Albus was guessing she was quite tall, but it was grueling to differentiate as she was sitting down. Albus thought she had an almost bird-like appearance.

`` Your attending, please, '' Kendrick stood up once again and the pupil quieted down, `` Thank you. I hope everyone had a good summer and are ready to get back to studying. I have a few start-of-term announcements, as well as one rather big declaration. ''

Whispering immediately erupted in the room, as to what this big announcement could be. Kendrick waited a few here and now before continuing, `` Anyway, first I 'd care to stick in you to our new magic spell teacher, Professor Cedonia. '' The old beldame stood up and Albus noticed that she was, indeed, very marvellous. She gave a modest wave and sat back down again. `` I also need to remind you that the Forbidden woods is, as always, out of bounds, as is the Whomping willow. ``

Kaden turned to Albus and mouthed, 'Whomping willow ?', with another look of amazement on his face. Albus chose to push aside this and went back to paying attention to the master 's speech.

`` Mr. Filch has asked me to remind you that dueling in the corridors is forbidden. Also, that the list of prohibit target now includes the new 'Extra-Strength droppings dud'that have just been released at Weasleys'Wizard Wheezes. All other products useable for purchase there are also forbidden and students may inspect the entire leaning on Mr. Filch 's doorway. ``

Albus, who had experienced the effects of one of his uncle 's new dung bombs, could understand why they were banned, but knew the ban would n't stop mass from using them. He laughed to himself as he remembered the look on his grandmother 's aspect when Uncle George brought one of the dung bomb calorimeter to the end of summer get together at the Burrow.

`` If you want to try out for your family 's Quidditch squad, delight give your name to your head of house. I think those are all the usual promulgation. Now, onto the more exciting announcement, '' Kendrick paused and none of the educatee said a word, `` It has come to my attention that the tensions between the houses have been increasing over the preceding few class. I know that certain star sign have always had rivalries, '' Kendrick turned to front at the Gryffindor and Slytherin tables before continuing, `` But I think the rivalry has gotten too large. I believe we need more unity. A neat Muggle man once said'A menage divided against itself can not stand-'''

`` But our house is n't divided, '' Cedric Weasley shouted out, `` Gryffindor is perfectly unified. ``

`` Thank you, Mr. Weasley, '' Kendrick said sternly, `` I was talking about Hogwarts as a whole. I, along with the other professors, believe that their is too much star sign rivalry. Therefore, we will be taking steps this year to alleviate it. ``

`` This wo n't be good, '' Saint John the Apostle muttered under his breath, `` I can see it coming, we 're going to own to be friendly with the Slytherins. ``

`` We have decided to convert the Dueling Club, '' Kendrick continued, `` This year, unlike past year, we will have inter theater teams. ``

`` What ! ? '' Most of the Great Hall erupted into shouts of utter amazement. The Gryffindors were glaring at the Slytherins, and vice versa.

`` No way am I dueling with Gryffindors ! '' an older Slytherin shouted, `` I 'm only dueling against them ! ``

`` Well, we do n't want any bloody Slytherins on our team either ! '' Fred Weasley shouted back.

`` Thank you for proving my gunpoint, '' Kendrick shouted over the noise. The room quieted down immediately, `` As I said, there is too much competition. I believe this will help palliate it. You will have to work together with members of other houses in order to win the dueling championship. There will be more details to follow during the first off merging of the Dueling gild. As always, the club is open to second years and above. ``

`` What ? ! '' Kaden shouted loudly and turned to Albus, `` I ca n't join ? ``

`` No, '' Albus told him, `` Sorry. kickoff years do n't know enough spells to link up. But you can get together following yr. '' Kaden scowled and turned back to the headmaster.

`` What about Quidditch ? '' James asked, `` That 's not bury house, is it ? ``

`` Of line not, Mr. ceramicist, do n't worry, '' Kendrick smiled, `` I believe I would be run out of the rook if I tried to start inter house Quidditch. ``

`` He probably would, '' Albus replied quietly, so only his friends could try him.

`` I think those are all the announcements I have for now. I suggest you all get a good night 's rest for socio-economic class tomorrow dayspring. first base eld, please travel along a Prefect to your rough-cut elbow room. salutary Nox, everyone, '' Kendrick sat back down.

`` Blimey, '' John sighed and shook his head as he stood up, `` Inter house dueling. ``

`` Yeah, this could get messy, '' Matt agreed, `` I 'm not certain it 's going to have the essence Kendrick wants. ``

`` Oh, I do n't know, '' rosiness shrugged, `` I sort of think it 's a undecomposed idea. ``

`` I do n't recollect it 'll take us get along with Slytherins, '' Albus commented as they exited the Great Hall.

`` Nothing could do that, '' John said.

`` Are you guys still joining ? '' matt asked.

`` Definitely, '' Albus replied. John, blush wine, and Amanda all nodded their heads.

`` trade good, me too, '' Matt told them, `` Just have to hope I 'm not with Scorpio Malfoy. ``

`` We 've all got to hope that, '' Albus agreed.

Albus and his friends continued their trek to Gryffindor Tower, and the conversation turned to the new appealingness teacher. None of them could infer what prof Cedonia was like, but they all assumed she was strict. She had a very austere feel about her all during the feast. When they got to the vernacular room, they all decided to acquire Kendrick up on his advice and turn in early on. They were all tired from the journey to Hogwarts. Albus got into his warmly four-poster bed, and realized that with professor Washburn gone, he would n't ingest anymore of those Legilimency dreams he had live class. With that happy thinking in his principal, Albus drifted off into a restful sleep.



A/N : Thanks to my baby and beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as my former sister and my brother. Thanks also to sinwillys822, Moonylupin, TheAlbusPotterCritic, XDNLxtlz99, potterfan89, and Draco ginger for their followup !

Quote that Kendrick said in his speech was said by Abraham Lincoln and all mention goes to him.

I 've also written a new one-shot, That Night, which is about the night Matt got bitten. If you want to check it out, the connectedness is in my profile.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




`` What have we got next ? '' John asked at dejeuner the following day. The Gryffindor second gear old age had just gotten back from a particularly boring History of trick year. Before that, they had Transfiguration, which was almost as boring as History of Magic.

Albus looked at his agenda, `` Double Potions. I hope we 're not with the Slytherins this class. ``

`` Yeah, we 're already with them for Transfiguration Day, '' Matt groaned.

`` Hi, everyone ! '' Kaden threw himself onto the bench next to Albus and started piling his plate with intellectual nourishment, `` The year are splendid here ! There is n't any mathematics or English year ! ``

`` English ? '' toilet laughed, `` Why in the name of Merlin would they teach us to verbalise English ? ``

`` Muggles take English social class in school, John, '' Amanda sighed, `` They learn grammar and punctuation and say literature. ``

`` Oh, '' John replied, `` Sounds drill. ``

`` It is, '' Kaden announced, `` Anyway, I had Uncle Harry for defense mechanism first this sunup ; it was so neat. ``

`` gladiola you liked it, '' Albus responded.

`` I ca n't hold off to use my scepter for something, '' Kaden pulled out his verge and started waving it around.

`` Watch it ! '' lusterlessness shouted as Kaden nearly poked his eye out.

`` Sorry, '' Kaden put his wand back in his robe.

`` You 'll use it soon, '' Albus assured him.

`` We 'd meliorate get going to Potions, '' rosiness stood up and grabbed her bag.

`` Potions ! '' Kaden shouted, `` That sounds fun ! Like chemistry. '' He pulled out his own schedule, `` I 've got it tomorrow, I ca n't waitress ! ``

Albus stood up, `` We 'll see you later, Kaden. ``

Albus and his friends walked out of the Great Hall and towards the stair that lead to the dungeon.

`` Is there anything Kaden is n't excited about ? '' lustrelessness asked.

`` I do n't think so, '' Albus laughed, `` We 'll see what he 's like when examination meter comes. ``

`` Oh, Merlin ! '' Saint John the Apostle shouted once they reached the dungeons, `` We 're with the Slytherins again ! ``

`` Of all the classes to have with them, '' Albus muttered.

The scholarly person stood outside the dungeon, in separate radical of Gryffindors and Slytherins, waiting for Slughorn to arrive. He arrived a few minutes later and unlocked the door. Albus went inside with everyone else and sat down at one of the desks, side by side to matt.

`` Ah, my two favorite Houses together again ! '' Slughorn grinned and clapped his hands together, `` Just let me run through attendance rattling quick. '' Slughorn read off the public figure of all the students, `` Excellent, splendid, we 're all here !

`` Now, seeing as we have a double class today, I thought a little contest would be capture ! Let 's see how much you remember from net twelvemonth. The mate that brew the undecomposed Forgetfullness Potion will each get a bombastic slab of Honeyduke 's hot chocolate ! '' Slughorn glanced around at his scholar. The Gryffindors were on one slope of the way, Slytherins on the other, much like it had been in the late year.

`` I 'm for sure you all heard Professor Kendrick 's spoken communication last night, about the fact that the school needs to be more unified, '' Slughorn continued in an uncharacteristically serious tone, `` Therefore, I have decided that it would be a good estimate to ingest inter-house partners this year. ``

Albus turned to matte and mouthed, Good approximation ? flatness was looking as shocked as Albus felt. Neither of them wanted to cultivate on Potions with any of the Slytherins. How could Slughorn think this would be a good idea ? Albus thought it would most likely cause more detonation than usual.

Once the class stopped groaning, Slughorn continued, `` I, for one, agree with the headmaster in that there needs to be lupus erythematosus stress between the theatre. So, delight halt moaning. I 'm for sure you 'll recover that you can work together for the afternoon. I will register off the twain and then you may move. ``

Slughorn picked up another piece of sheepskin and started reading off it, `` Dalila Avish is with Amanda Tagger, John Brickston is with Xavier Goyle, Janie Creevey is with Nessa Vaisey, matt Eckerton is with Scorpius Malfoy. ``

Albus glanced at flatness who had a aspect of utter horror on his side. He was shaking his foreland and mouthing the Book 'no'. Albus knew that mat would have rather worked with any Slytherin other than Scorpius. Albus turned his head slightly and saw that Scorpio had a smug spirit on his nerve. He probably thought he 'd find out Matt 's secret now. But he would n't, not if Albus could do anything about it.

Slughorn continued reading names, `` Celeste Faxon is with Karina Jordan-Bell, Marina Jordan-Bell is with Elle Yeardley, Ethan Kesse is with Garth Octavius, Jackson Limbert is with Albus potter. ``

Could be forged, Albus thought. He did n't really bang Jesse Louis Jackson, although he did experience that capital of Mississippi was an excellent Potions brewer. Albus was decent with Potions, but not nearly as unspoiled as Jackson.

`` Bilius Mansfield is with Saint Patrick Parlan and Leigh Montague is with blush wine Weasley, '' Slughorn looked up from his lambskin and tapped his wand on the black board. Instructions appeared on it. `` There you go ! ``

Albus gave lustrelessness a tepid smile that mat did not return, and Albus got up to conjoin Michael Jackson Limbert at his desk. Scorpius Malfoy got up and took Albus 's vacated seat. `` Limbert, '' Albus nodded as he set his cauldron down on the desk.

`` Potter, '' Limbert nodded back. `` I 'll get the ingredients, you light a flack. ``

Albus nodded and lit a fire beneath his cauldron as Limbert joined the queue of students getting factor from the closet. Limbert returned a few transactions later and he and Albus started to groom the factor. They worked in silence the wholly time. Albus did n't love what Slughorn was thinking. The best he could probably hope for was what Albus and Limbert were doing ; working civilly with each other, but not talking. Albus dropped a few beetle into the cauldron and looked around at everyone else. It seemed like Albus and Limbert were some of the few who were getting along. Scorpius Malfoy was whispering something to Matt, that Matt was trying hard to cut. Rose was telling Vivien Leigh something and Vivien Leigh looked like she was quick to hex rose wine. John was correcting Goyle, who was stirring his caldron in the wrong instruction, and lavatory looked like he wanted to hollo. Amanda and Delila seemed to be getting along all right, but like Albus and Limbert, were n't talking.

`` clip 's up ! '' Slughorn announced a piece later. Albus stepped back from his caldron as Slughorn started to try out the potions. He inspected each one, telling its owner what they could have done to make it practiced. Slughorn was impressed with blush wine and Leigh 's potion, but not with any of the others. Finally, he made his way to Albus and Limbert 's cauldron.

He leaned over the caldron and prodded it with his wand. `` Excellent ! wellspring done, boys ! I think we have a success ! '' Slughorn produced two bars of chocolate and gave them to Albus and Limbert. `` Please read chapter one of your Holy Scripture and write a six in summary of it for side by side class. ``

Albus and his protagonist cleaned up their cauldrons as quickly as they could. They met up with each other just outside the dungeon door. `` well, that was n't as bad as I thought it would be, '' Albus said.

Matt, John, and Rose all stared at him with looks of disgust on their faces. `` Speak for yourself, '' Matt muttered. lav and Rose both nodded.

`` I think Goyle 's actually dumber than a troll, '' lav commented, `` Does n't know the difference of opinion between clockwise and counter-clockwise. ``

`` Leigh is a bit smarter than that, '' rosebush replied, `` But she wo n't listen to a discussion I say, so we were both doing the same instruction over again ! ``

`` At least you were n't with Malfoy, '' flatness said, `` He spent the whole sentence asking me I would be visiting my gran this year. ``

`` What did you say ? '' Albus asked.

`` That I would be, '' Matt answered, `` What else was I going to say ? You know I 'll be visiting her this class. '' He gave Albus a important look.

`` I do n't make out what Slughorn was thinking, '' Amanda sighed, `` We 're never going to all get along. I 'm just happy I was with Dalila. She 's not that bad. She 's very subdued, so we just ignored each former. ``

`` well, you 're quiet too, '' Albus grinned, `` But yeah, that 's what Limbert and I did. ``

`` Worked out good, '' John said, `` You got the drinking chocolate. ``

******

The next morning, after breakfast, the Gryffindor and Ravenclaw second gear years found themselves waiting outside the appealingness schoolroom. None of them had met the new teacher and they were all eager to see what she was like. Albus did n't care what she was like, as long as she was nicer than Washburn. Shortly after the bell rang, Professor Cedonia came ambling up the corridor. She did n't say a word to her students as she unlocked the door. Albus filed inside with the others and sat down at a table with trick and Matt.

`` Gon na set her on fire, too ? '' trick grinned at Albus.

`` Only if she tries to read my judgment, '' Albus whispered back.

`` Quiet, please, '' Professor Cedonia said in a quiet, but emphatic, voice. `` Thank you. I 'll just run through the attendance. '' Cedonia called out all their figure and when she was meet that everyone was there, she walked out from behind her desk. `` Now, I know your last year of education in this subject was less than satisfactory, and I hope to change that for this year. I know some of you, '' her centre fell upon Albus 's table, `` Spent more time in hold with Professor Washburn than in class with him. I do not believe that that is a unspoiled way of teaching. Now, do n't get me wrong, if there is any misdeed, I will give detention, but I do not manus them out lightly. I would much rather obtain out why a student is misbehaving and employment to fix it, than just give out detention like they 're barren sampling. ``

`` I think I 'm going to like her, '' Matt whispered. Albus and John nodded.

`` For case, some student cause topsy-turvyness because they are bored with class. I do not need you to be bored in my classroom. If you are, please feel unblock to let me know before you start causing any pandemonium.

`` Now, with that in mind, I 'd like to start off with a critique of last twelvemonth. Please take out your parchment and quills. ``

The ease of the social class was rather enjoyable, Albus thought. They spent one-half of it taking notes, which Cedonia actually made pretty fun. She kept everyone engaged, but did n't wedge you to reply a question you did n't know, like Washburn had done. The early half was spent practicing charms they had learned death year. Albus found that he was much substantially at Charms when he was n't being watched by a teacher who hated him. He actually managed to levitate his textbook a couple feet in the air and he did n't set anything or anyone on fire.

`` I 'm going to wish appeal this twelvemonth, '' John announced as they walked out of the room.

`` Me, too, '' Matt agreed, `` I wish we 'd had her last year. ``

`` I like her style, too, '' rosebush commented, `` She is n't going to be giving out a lot of detentions. I like that. ``

`` Definitely, '' Albus nodded, `` I 'm going to deliver so much more unloosen sentence this year without all the detainment, '' he joked.

`` You 'll just induce to do former things to make detentions, '' John laughed, `` Like pluck pranks on the Slytherins. ``

`` It 'd be better just to beat them at the Dueling Club, '' Rose said, `` You could n't get in difficulty for that. ``

`` Yeah, but they might be on our team, '' John the Evangelist said disgustedly, `` And we probably wo n't all be on the Same team. ``

Albus groaned, `` Now it 's not going to be as fun as I thought it would be. I do n't want to duel you lot. I want to duel the Slytherins. ``

`` Oh, you 'll get to duel them, too, '' blush wine assured him.

`` When 's the commencement encounter, anyway ? '' Matt asked.

`` This Saturday, '' Albus told him, `` Day before Quidditch try-outs. That 's not a, er, bad prison term for you, is it ? ``

`` No, luckily it 's not, '' Matt replied quietly, `` The you-know-what is n't until adjacent Thursday. ``

`` goodness, '' Albus said, relieved that Matt would not be missing the first off Dueling Club meeting.

******

The rest of the calendar week passed by quickly. Albus and his friends fell right back into their common Hogwarts routine. They spent their eventide in the unwashed room either doing homework or just talking and playing game. Kaden usually spent the eve with him. Kaden seemed to spend meter with Albus 's group rather than the other Gryffindor first days. Albus was not for certain why, and was starting to become a bit annoyed at the fact that Kaden was always around. The only time Albus seemed to get away from Kaden was during classes. social class were going well so far. Albus was doing a great deal better in Charms with Professor Cedonia, and was doing about the Sami as the previous year in the relief of his classes.

When Saturday arrived, everyone was talking about the Dueling Club. The first off encounter was taking place that afternoon, after tiffin. Albus and his admirer went immediately to the Dueling room after they finished eating. When they got there, it seemed like everyone in the altogether school day was joining. Well, everyone except the first years.

`` Wow, '' Albus said as he looked around, `` Is everyone joining ? ``

`` Probably, '' Rose replied, `` There are n't many people who do n't fall in. ``

`` Quiet, please ! '' Harry shouted out over the gang. Everyone stopped talking and turned to look at him. `` Thanks. Now, like past tense geezerhood, we 're having Junior Dueling as well as the regular Dueling nightspot. If you 're second, third base, or fourth twelvemonth, you have to fall in the Junior cabaret. If you 're in fifth year or above, delight abide by Professor Longbottom to the next room where you will have your meeting. ``

`` wellspring that 's a relief, '' mat commented as the older student left the room, `` I did n't fancy dueling with seventh geezerhood. ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` My first cousin Stanley is a brilliant dueler. I would n't want to be paired up against him. ``

`` Oh, I do n't have it away, '' John the Evangelist grinned and pulled out his baton, `` I bet I could take on a seventh year. ``

`` Yeah, sure, '' rose rolled her eyes.

`` Wands away ! '' Harry shouted, and Saint John quickly stowed his wand. `` Now, as you know, prof Kendrick has decided that we will not let House team this year. There will be eight team, just like shoemaker's last yr, but they will take members from each menage on them. ``

There was a collective groan from the crew. Everyone was standing in grouping consisting of student of their own house. Albus sighed, he had form of hoped that prof Kendrick would switch his judgement, but it did n't appear that way.

`` Yes, I know none of you are happy about it. And frankly, I 'm not sure if it will cause less tension between the star sign, but it 's worth a try. Now, once we get everything organized, this will work much like Quidditch. Each team captain will set up drill clock time, and there will be challenger throughout the twelvemonth. Unlike Quidditch, there is no trying out ; everyone gets on a team.

`` First, I 'll severalize you who the police captain will be. Professor Longbottom and I picked them at the end of concluding yr, based on your carrying into action. All the senior pilot are fourth years. There are two from each house.

`` They are Bradley Weasley, Tasha Kasey, Kate Waverly, Leo Humphrey Davy, Apr Finch-Fletchley, Paul Galivant, Nadine Neal, and Barty heath. ``

There was a large measure of cheering and groaning at the announcement of the captains. Albus did n't hump any of the captains besides his full cousin, Bradley. He hoped he was on Thomas Bradley 's team.

The rest of the meeting consisted of Harry putting everyone onto a squad. Albus found it rather boring and spent the whole metre talking to his friends. Eventually, he was put on a team. He was on Kate Waverly 's team, along with Amanda. They were the only two Gryffindor for the first time old age on that team. James was n't on it either. Albus was happy he was on Kate 's squad. She was a Ravenclaw and on the Quidditch squad. Albus was very sticking out that his captain was not a Slytherin. However, shortly after Harry told Albus he was on Kate 's team, he found out that Scorpio Malfoy was on his team. He was not looking forward to having to get together with Malfoy. He had hoped he would be able to duel Malfoy, but it did n't calculate like that would be happening.

`` I 'm so glad I 'm not on Malfoy 's squad, '' lustrelessness said, as they entered the plebeian room after the meeting was over.

`` Yeah, well, me and Amanda are, '' Albus groaned and threw himself into one of the chairs.

`` But you are n't his Potions partner, '' matte pointed out, `` I 'd go mad if I had to be on his dueling team, too. ``

`` Good full stop, '' Albus sighed, `` But you really lucked out. You have my cousin for your captain. ``

`` At least you have n't got a Slytherin for your headwaiter ! '' John shouted. Rose nodded. She and toilet both had Slytherin captain, but not the same single. john 's skipper was Nadine Neal and blush wine 's was Barty Heath.

`` Oh, you 'll hold up, '' Amanda laughed.

`` Easy for you to say, with your Ravenclaw police chief, '' John muttered.

`` Albus ! '' Kaden came running out of the door leading to the son'dormitories, `` How was dueling ? Was it fun ? Did you win ? Was the early guy unconscious mind for a while ? Is he still unconscious ? '' Kaden sat down excitedly in the chair next to Albus's.

Albus sighed ; he had yet to see his first cousin without his endless amount of energy. Albus was beginning to inquire if Kaden could patch up down enough to sleep. `` Er, we did n't really duel today, Kaden. It was just an informational group meeting. We got assigned teams, though. ``

`` Neat ! Who 's on your team ? ``

`` Me, Amanda, Cedric, and a bunch of Hufflepuffs, Ravenclaws, and Slytherins that I do n't live. Our captain is Kate Waverly, she 's a Ravenclaw. ``

Kaden grinned, `` I ca n't wait to join the Dueling nine adjacent twelvemonth. I 'll tucker out everyone ! '' He pulled out his wand and waved it around. It produced a trickle of water that landed on Albus 's head.

`` watch over it ! '' Albus shouted and shook the water out of his eyes, `` And put your verge away.

`` Sorry, '' Kaden replied and put his wand into his robe. `` What are you going to do now ? ``

`` Probably go down to the Quidditch pitch and practice for try-outs tomorrow, '' Albus told him.

`` Ooo ! Can I come, delight ? Flying lessons start next week. I ca n't wait ! Can I try out your broom ? '' Kaden begged.

Albus did not need Kaden on his new broom. Kaden had never flown before and Albus was sure he would crash it. `` You can fare ticker, I guess. But sorry, you ca n't try out my Calluna vulgaris. ``

Kaden 's human face fell a bit, but he still looked excited, `` All rightfield, let 's go ! At least I can watch you act Quidditch. I still do n't see how it can be honorable than football game. ``

`` It is, '' Albus replied adamantly. He stood up and turned to his friend, `` You lot want to get along ? ``

`` Yeah, definitely ! '' John stood up. `` I 'll make for my ling and help you practice. ``

`` I 'll come, '' Matt agreed.

`` Do n't think so, '' rose wine replied, `` I 'm going to do some homework. Want to detain here with me, Amanda. '' blush wine gave Amanda a look.

`` Sure, '' Amanda said, `` See you later, Albus. ``

Albus and Saint John the Apostle grabbed their Calluna vulgaris from their residence hall and the four boy left the common room.

`` Rose and Amanda are probably having girl talk, '' John grinned.

`` Yeah, they 're probably talking about us, '' Albus laughed.

Albus, John, Matt, and Kaden spent the rest of the afternoon playing Quidditch. Kaden watched the unit metre, amazed that heather could enable people to fly. He still thought football was better, but Albus assured him that after he saw a match, he would change his mind. John let lustrelessness fly his Scots heather for a little while and Albus practiced his chaser acquirement with both of them. By the meter dark fell, and Albus was exhausted, John the Divine and Matt were certain he would get on the team.



A/N : Thanks to my sister and beta, Dancer of Starlight ! Thanks as well to my former sis and my buddy. Thanks to ginnyweasley98, XDNLxtlz99, sinwillys822, potterfan89, Moonylupin, and ladymblack for their revaluation !

Just to let everyone have it off, the next chapter might not be up until Fri of next hebdomad instead of Th. I might have to throw my update day to Friday instead of Thursday from now on, since school is starting and my Thursdays are going to be quite busy.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




Albus woke up the next day feeling very nervous. The Quidditch try-outs were n't until the afternoon, but Albus did n't eat much breakfast anyway. He spent nigh of the aurora in the green room with his champion, trying to get some homework done, but found that he could n't concentrate. Eventually he gave up and played a few rounds of Exploding cracking with John, who was putting off his preparation until the in conclusion minute.

Harry stopped by the Gryffindor mesa during lunch and wished Albus practiced chance. Shortly after lunch, Albus headed down to the Quidditch pitch with his new broom over his shoulder. rosebush, whoremonger, flatness, and Amanda went with him.

`` Albus, hey, Albus ! '' Albus turned around as he was leaving the rook to see Kaden running out of the Great Hall.

`` What ? '' Albus asked impatiently. He was anxious to get down to the pitching and see how many early people were trying out. He did n't want to be late.

`` Are you going to try-outs now ? '' Kaden asked excitedly.

`` Uh, yeah, '' Albus replied.

`` Oh, can I come ? '' Kaden asked hopefully.

`` Sure, '' Albus answered and stepped out of the castle. The group continued their base on balls to the slant, listening to Kaden talk animatedly about his first week at Hogwarts. Albus did n't mean Kaden would ever run out of things to say, and found his constant jabber a bit irritating. Albus was n't in the mood to hear about how professor Patil had yelled at half of Kaden 's transfiguration class the old day. Soon, Albus just adopted the policy of smiling and nodding when Kaden paused, like he did with his other younger cousins. Right now, all Albus wanted to do was reduce on his try-out.

lavatory, Matt, blush wine, Amanda, and Kaden went to go sit in the stands while Albus went down to the bombastic crew of Gryffindors trying out. Albus turned his attention to the other pursuer hopefuls gathered around him. There was a seventh year boy who Albus vaguely recognized as one of Francis Edgar Stanley 's protagonist, two burly looking sixth year boys who looked like they 'd spend a penny beneficial Beaters than Chasers, a couple fifth class girl, quite a few fourth and third long time, and even a clump of first years. After a few Thomas More minutes of waiting, the Gryffindor team emerged from the locker room, leash by Albus 's cousin, Sakartvelo. GA had become the new headwaiter over the summer. Albus distinctly remembered the morning she got the letter informing her of her captaincy. Her pass had appeared in the fireplace at Grimmauld Place, where she shouted the intelligence so loudly, Ginny had dropped the ladle she was stirring porridge with.

`` Attention, please ! '' Sakartvelo shouted over the bunch. She had a very loud vocalism and everyone was quiet immediately. `` Thanks. Now, there 's only one uncommitted spot this year, for Chaser. And I 'm not kicking any of last year 's players off, so if any of you are seeking a position former than Chaser, clear off now. ``

There were a few moan from the crowd, and the two 6th year male child stalked off the field. One of the fourth geezerhood left as well.

`` Also, I 'm sorry but the linguistic rule have not changed since hold up year, and first years are not allowed on the team. I encourage you to try out again when we next have available positions. '' The rather large group of first class scowled and left the slant in a huff.

`` Well, now that that 's taken care of, '' Peach State pulled out a cartridge clip card, `` first base, I 'll postulate to see you all fly around the pitching. fifth part through seventh years first. ``

Albus watched as the elderly scholar flew around the pitch a few times. Georgia watched them carefully and wrote banker's bill on her clip board. Albus thought they all flew remarkably well except for one of the fifth year girls. She kept lurching downwards every time she accelerated, almost falling off her Scots heather. After a few good turn around the sales pitch, the older students landed next to Georgia.

`` Good. But I 'm deplorable, Carrie, '' GA turned to the fifth year who did n't fly very well, `` I do n't recall you 're cut out for this. '' The female child shrugged and went to sit in the tie-up. She did n't see too disappointed and Albus suspected the only reason she tried out was because the other fifth year young lady did n't require to do it alone.

Next, it was Albus 's go to fly around the sales pitch. He took off along with the third gear and fourth old age. Once in the air, he started feeling better about the try-out. He could do this, he was a estimable flier. He sped around the tar, going faster than the early students. Albus noticed that they were great throwaway as well, even safe than the 7th and fifth years who had flown earlier.

`` Excellent, '' Peach State grinned as Albus landed in straw man of her. The others landed shortly after. `` Now I just have to see how well you work with Quaffles and the quietus of the squad. ``

During the next office of the try-outs, all the pursuer wannabee went up into the air along with the rest of the team and passed the Quaffle back and Forth River. Albus only dropped it once. The Lapplander could n't be said for everyone else. Everyone else dropped it at least once. The only other person who only dropped it once was one of the fourth age, Gabe Bourne.

`` You all did great, '' Georgia smiled after they finished tossing the Quaffle around, `` But I have narrowed it down to Gabe bourn and Albus thrower. '' The former wannabe sighed and left the pitch.

After this, Georgia simulated a rattling equal, in order to observe out who fit considerably with the team. Albus, who had played pursuer with his cousins numerous times, worked quite well with Scots heather and Fred. Albus already knew the way they played and found that it was very sluttish to communicate with them while he was flying.

`` All right, '' Georgia announced once everyone had landed, `` I 've decided on Albus thrower. I 'm sorry, Gabe, feel relinquish to try-out again another metre. ``

`` Yes ! '' Albus grinned. The rest of the team clapped him on the shoulder and congratulated him.

`` I knew you 'd get it, Albus, '' James grinned.

`` number, '' Gabe muttered as he left the pitch, `` Had to pick your full cousin. Are n't there enough of them on the team ? ``

`` He 's just jealous, '' James commented. `` You obviously worked better with Heather and Fred. ``

`` Thanks, James II, '' Albus grinned. He did n't care what Gabe Bourne thought. He was on the team !

`` Great job, Albus ! '' John shouted as he ran onto the pitch. `` I knew you 'd get it. ``

`` Yeah, felicitation ! '' lusterlessness agreed. Rose and Amanda grinned.

`` Brilliant ! '' Kaden shouted, `` Maybe I 'll get to be on the team someday. ``

`` I thought you liked football, '' Albus laughed.

`` I do, football game 's still better than Quidditch, '' Kaden assured him, `` But flying is brilliant. ``

`` Quidditch is better, '' Albus replied adamantly, `` But I 'll see you lot up in the castle. We 're going to ride out and practice a bit. ``

Albus and the rest of the squad spent the whole afternoon practicing. Albus loved every bit of it. Georgia was very felicitous that Albus worked so well with Heather and Fred. Usually, when a team got a new Chaser it took a copulate workweek for the new pursuer to get used to the team, but Albus fit proper in. Georgia was for sure they would be gear up for the first match, and they might even be able to win the Quidditch Cup again.

******

Albus climbed through the portrayal hole the following Thursday feeling thoroughly worn out. The Quidditch team had just practiced for two time of day and Albus just got back from snagging a late supper afterwards. The team was only practicing a duo nights a week, but it was enough that Albus hardly had any clock time for anything former than prep. He could only envisage what it would be like when they were practicing every night of the hebdomad.

Albus immediately spotted trick and mat sitting at their common board in the back. He looked longingly at the doorway leading to the hall. All he wanted to do was sleep, but they had astronomy at midnight that dark. Albus ran up to the residence hall for a few hour to deposit his broom and get his school bag, wishing all the while that he could just collapse into bed.

`` Hi, guy rope, '' Albus said as he sunk into a chairman at the table his booster were at.

`` Hi, Albus, '' John greeted him, `` You look almost as bad as Matt does. ``

`` Thanks, '' Albus replied flatly, but he knew he looked spent. Although not nearly as exhausted as matte did. The full moon was that night Matt was sleeping with his head on his transfiguration book.

`` How was practice ? '' John asked, without looking up from her account of Magic notes.

`` Exhausting, '' Albus replied, `` And I got hit with two Bludgers. ``

`` Ouch, '' John the Evangelist said.

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, massaging his left arm where both Bludgers had made contact. He heard the portrait open and saw Kaden coming in, looking more subdued than he usually did. He made a beeline for Albus and sat down following to him.

`` Hi, Kaden, '' Albus said.

`` Hi, Albus. ``

`` Er, is something wrong ? '' Albus asked. He was n't used to seeing Kaden so quiet.

`` Patil assigned another essay today. A groundwork long ! '' Kaden shouted so loudly that mat woke up. `` A whole foot ! ``

Albus looked at John and both of them burst out laughing.

`` What 's so funny ? '' Kaden asked loudly, his voice returning to its usual tone.

`` It 's just, '' Albus grinned, `` that you seemed so in sexual love with everything magical and it did n't seem like you thought anything was bad in the charming earth and here at Hogwarts. You loved every single class and did n't have a complaint. I knew that would change once you 'd been assigned a long essay. ``

`` Haha, '' Kaden replied flatly, `` But still ! I mean, get on, how can I write a substructure long essay about transfiguring matchsticks into needles ? It 's not that complicated ! You mutter an conjuration and your match changes, that 's all there is to it ! There 's no way I can extend that into a animal foot unless I write as big as Bethany does and I do n't think Patil would like it if I wrote like a seven-year-old. ``

`` A substructure is goose egg, '' Albus told him, `` Eventually, you 'll be doing essays that are two curl of parchment. ``

`` Two rolls ! '' Kaden shouted, `` How is that potential ? It 's not ! I give up ! ``

`` Could you talk smooth ? '' lusterlessness whispered.

Kaden paused long enough to expect at Matt. `` You look severe. You should go see madam Pomfrey. You know magic muddle everything ! It 's amazing. I had a cold the early day and she gave me a potion and it was gone in an instant ! ``

`` She ca n't fix this, '' matt muttered.

`` Sure she can. I saw her fix this lad 's bone with her scepter. It was brilliant. She 'll have you easily in no time, '' Kaden assured him.

`` No she wo n't, '' Matt said quietly.

Albus and John shot Kaden warning looks. Albus willed his cousin to stop talking now. Kaden had absolutely no musical theme what mat went through every month. Albus was getting fed up with Kaden 's opinion that everything about the wizarding man was howling and that magic fixed everything.

`` Yeah she will, '' Kaden pressed, `` Just go ask her for a potion. ``

`` Just forget it, '' Matt replied a bit more loudly, and stood up. He turned to Albus and bathroom, `` I have to go now. I 'll see you tomorrow, right ? ``

`` Of line, '' Albus assured him.

`` Yeah, we 'll see you then, '' St. John the Apostle said, `` Want me to add up ? ``

`` No, I 'm fine, '' mat replied and left the common room.

`` Is he going to see Madam Pomfrey ? '' Kaden asked, `` I do n't know why he did n't go right when he got cat. Seems stupid to me. ``

That was the last straw. Albus had had it with Kaden. He turned to his cousin with a smell of rage in his eyes. `` Kaden, just shut it ! '' he shouted. `` Do n't call him stupid ! You 've got no idea what illness he 's got, '' Albus whispered so that only Kaden and John could hear him, but his voice was every bit as forceful as it had been when he was shouting. `` And get it through your head that legerdemain does not fix everything ! There are some matter that Madam Pomfrey ca n't fix with potions. Do n't ever separate him to just go see ma'am Pomfrey so she can make it all better. Because she ca n't. ``

Kaden stared at Albus and did n't say a give-and-take. His usual cheery grinning faded away and was replaced by a feel of shock and hurt. `` Sorry, '' he mumbled and got up from the table. He ran over to the dormitories and went up the step without so a great deal as a glance back to Albus.

Albus looked at Saint John the Apostle, who was wearing a feel of shock on his aspect as well. `` I do n't opine I 've ever heard you yell at anyone like that. Besides me, of course, when we were fighting over whether to order Matt we knew he was a werewolf, '' John said quietly.

`` Yeah, well, he was really starting to get on my nervus, '' Albus replied, `` And this was it. He should n't possess done that. He should have stopped talking when flatness said Madam Pomfrey could n't assist him. ``

`` But how was he supposed to sleep with ? '' can asked, `` Do n't you think you were a bit harsh ? ``

`` No, '' Albus answered, `` Not when it comes to this. He 's got to learn not to butt on into lustrelessness 's unwellness, especially if he 's going to be around us all the time. ``

`` I 'm not sure he will anymore, '' King John replied.

The two friends sat in secretiveness for the next few minutes. Albus thought about what lav had said. Maybe he had been too abrasive. Maybe he should give birth just told Kaden not to trouble oneself Matt. But Kaden had practically called Matt stupid, had n't he ? That was uncalled for. Could what Albus said really been enough to deter Kaden from disbursal prison term with Albus and the others ? Albus was n't sure. He was n't even sure if he wanted Kaden to intercept outgo time with him. As much as Kaden annoyed him, he had grown used to his younger full cousin being around.

`` You 're awfully quiet over here, '' rosebush said as she and Amanda sat down at the table. `` Oh, did matt leave ? ``

Albus nodded. `` How is he ? '' rosiness asked.

`` He 'd have been better if it was n't for Kaden, '' lav pointed out.

Rose groaned, `` What did he do ? ``

`` I was wondering why Kaden was n't here, '' Amanda said, `` It 's sort of odd seeing you without him around, Albus. ``

`` Kaden insisted that Matt go get a potion from Madam Pomfrey because he looked unbalanced, '' John told the girls. Albus was perfectly uncoerced to let whoremaster say the account. `` And of course he looked sick, considering what tonight is. But Kaden did n't cognise that, of course, and he would n't block telling matte how magic can fix everything. ``

`` Oh, did he really ? '' Rose sighed, `` Then what happened ? ``

`` Matt left. I think he really did give birth to leave then, but I 'm certainly he was pretty irritated by Kaden, '' John continued.

`` I 'll bet, '' Amanda said quietly, `` Your cousin does n't always know the unspoiled thing to say, Albus. ``

`` That 's why Albus yelled at him, '' bathroom announced.

`` What ? ! '' both girls shouted at the same time.

`` Yup, '' John replied, `` Probably would cause turned into a big row if Kaden had n't have just left. He 's in his dormitory right now. ``

`` Oh, Albus, you did n't, '' blush wine sighed.

`` I did, '' Albus said, a fiddling annoyed that Rose seemed let down, `` And you would have to if you 'd been there. I just told him I was tired of him talking about how wizardly fixes everything. I told him that there are some thing that dame Pomfrey 's potions wo n't fix and not to mention them around lusterlessness. I also yelled at him because he practically called flatness pudding head. Kaden said Matt was stupid for not getting a potion when he first got sick. ``

`` I see your point, '' rose wine replied, `` But honestly, Albus, you could induce said it without yelling. I think Kaden 's having a approximative metre adjusting and making friends. Having you angry with him is n't going to help things. ``

`` Maybe if he learned to be quieten once and a spell, he 'd pretend friends, '' Albus muttered.

`` Well, you can justify in the dayspring, '' Rose told him, while taking out her homework.

`` Apologize ? He 's the one who 's got to excuse to Matt, '' Albus said adamantly.

`` He does n't even know why that overturn Matt, '' rose insisted, `` And unless you plan on telling him, he 's probably not going to rationalize. ``

Albus had n't thought of that. There was no way he was going to tell Kaden that Matt was a werewolf. `` All right wing, ok. I 'll rationalize. But if he does that again, I 'll shout at him again and I wo n't apologize. ``

`` And I 'll be right there yelling with you, '' toilet assured him.

`` male child, '' Rose muttered to Amanda, who nodded.

******

Albus was extremely tired when he trudged down to breakfast with his friends the following daybreak. Due to Astronomy, he had n't gotten to bed until 1:30 am, and had had about six hr of sleep. Albus had n't seen Kaden at all that morning, which was strange because Kaden usually waited for Albus in the usual room before breakfast. Albus figured he was probably still upset about the previous night. Albus really did n't want to apologize, but he supposed he would get to.

Albus sat down and poured himself a shabu of orangeness juice. He was gladiolus that it was a relatively well-situated day. Double Herbology in the daybreak and then a single family of Potions after lunch. Following Potions, Albus and his friends would go visit Matt in the Hospital fender. Albus felt like he would rather spend the day in the Hospital Wing sleeping instead of going to class, but he knew that would n't happen.

The station owls flew into the way and Albus noticed his mother 's owl flying towards him. The owl landed next to Albus, Albus took the letter, and the owl was off again.

`` Letter from Aunt Ginny ? '' blush wine asked.

`` Yeah, '' Albus told her and opened the letter.

beloved Al,

How are you ? I hope your number one two workweek have gone well.
I 'm gladiola the new Charms teacher is nice, and I do hope
you 'll do yourself in her class.

Congratulations on making the Quidditch team ! I 'm so
proud of you. Lily is very delirious as well and is
telling me that she is going to become the new
keeper after Georgia graduates. We 'll see about that.

Dudley called last night and told me about the row
you had with Kaden last night. I realize that Kaden
may have been less than sympathetic with matte, but
please apologize to him. Kaden is having a rough
prison term adjusting to Hogwarts. I know it seems like
he loves everything magical, but he has not made a
whole lot of friends. He needs you to be kind to
him and include him in your activities.

With lovemaking,
Mum

Albus folded the letter and sighed. Even his mother wanted him to apologize to Kaden. Did n't anyone understand that Kaden had been out of dividing line finale night ? can seemed to cogitate so, but thought Albus should have been nicer about it.

`` Aunt Ginny agrees with me, '' Rose commented.

`` Her and everyone else, '' Albus muttered. He still did n't really want to apologize to Kaden.

`` wellspring, looks like you 'll suffer to apologize later, '' rose wine announced and stood up, `` We 've got to get to Herbology. ``

Relieved that he had an excuse not to apologize now, Albus made his way to the greenhouse with his ally. Neville spent the lesson teaching about mandrake and helping the class to re-pot them. Albus found rather sluttish, but not everyone in the class did. One of the mandrake root attached itself to Karina 's tomentum and would n't let go until Neville stunned it.

Albus did n't see Kaden at lunch and did n't bear time to go find him before Potions, not that he minded. He was still mad at Kaden and did not want to excuse. Potions was pretty boring because all Slughorn did was lecture. Albus felt himself nodding off a few clock time, only to be prodded awake by Rose who was sitting next to him.



A/N : Thanks to my sister and beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as my other sis and my comrade. Thanks as well to XDNLxtlz99, potterfan89, ginnyweasley98, and Moonylupin for their reviews !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




After Potions, Albus and his friends went to visit Matt like they usually did after a wide-cut moon. Albus was relieved that they did n't run into Kaden on the way there. He was n't indisputable what he would say in ordering to shake off off his cousin if Kaden decided to try and visit Matt with them.

`` how-do-you-do, kids, '' Madam Pomfrey greeted them as they entered the hospital ward. She was used to them visiting by then and left them alone as long as they were n't too loud.

Albus made a beeline for the bed mat usually stayed in and pulled back the curtains. Matt was sporting numerous cold shoulder all over his brass and implements of war, a nigrify eye, and bruises all along his arms. He was also asleep.

`` Aww, he 's sleeping, '' John the Evangelist grinned mischievously as he shut the curtain behind them.

`` Well, that 's not really surprising, '' pink wine commented, `` Maybe we should occur back later. ``

`` No, I 'm waken, '' Matt mumbled hoarsely and opened his eyes a bit. `` Is Kaden here ? ``

`` Nope, have n't seen him since live night, '' Albus told him.

Matt breathed a sigh of relief, `` Good. I was trying to come up with a something to tell him as to why I 'm here, but now I do n't let to. ``

`` I do n't think you 're going to have to interest about that, '' John replied.

`` Why not ? I 'm sure he 'll ask. He 's always hanging around. And stopping point night he was so damn irritating. I think I would 've had a go at him if I had n't had a splitting headache. ``

`` Albus had a go at him, '' John told him, and proceeded to enjoin Matt what had happened after he left.

`` Wow, Albus, '' Matt said quietly when John the Divine had finished, `` Thanks, I guess. ``

`` No trouble. I 'm not going to let him edge into why you 're spew all the time, '' Albus said.

`` And you have n't seen him since ? '' matt asked.

`` Nope. He got really upset, I think. And Mum says I 've got to apologize to him. I do n't really want to, though, '' Albus answered.

`` fountainhead, you probably should. He is your cousin, after all. But I ca n't say I 'd mind if he did n't spend as much time with us, '' Matt told him.

`` I know, me too, '' Albus responded. `` Anyway, how are you ? ``

`` Been better, been worse, '' Matt replied, `` Got a few busted ribs, but ma'am Pomfrey fixed them. I 'm just a bit sore. And tired, of course. ``

`` When do you get to leave ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Probably Sunday, '' matte yawned.

`` Do you want us to leave so you can sleep ? '' pink wine asked.

`` No, I 've got all Nox to kip. severalise me what I missed in form. ``

`` Well, a devil's apples attached itself to Karina 's hair's-breadth in Herbology, '' Albus told him.

`` Bet she loved that, '' lustrelessness stifled a laugh.

`` And Albus fell asleep in Potions, '' rosiness announced, `` I had to wake him up a few times. ``

`` I was n't asleep. I was just closing my eyes for a bit, '' Albus insisted. `` Slughorn was just talking and it was boring. I had Quidditch pattern yesterday and Astronomy. I 'm tired. ``

`` What did I miss in Astronomy ? ``

`` Not lots. Just follow-up, mostly. Phases of the Sun Myung Moon, that kind of matter, '' Albus replied.

`` I think I 've got those down pretty well, '' Matt laughed. Everyone else started laughing, too. Albus was happy that flatness was getting to be more comfortable about talking and joking about his condition with them.

Albus and the others spent the remainder of the time until dinner in the infirmary Wing with Matt. Once dinner time came, madam Pomfrey chased them out. Albus knew he 'd hold to babble to Kaden soon, but he did n't get the opportunity to during dinner party. After they finished eating, Albus and his friends went up to the common room to get started on their growing pile of homework.

`` You should go talk of the town to Kaden now, '' Rose said as she looked up from her notes.

Albus sighed. He had just gotten started on an essay that he really did n't palpate like writing, but he 'd rather write it than talk to Kaden. `` I do n't even see him in here, Rose. ``

`` He 's over there, sitting by himself, '' Rose pointed behind Albus.

`` Just get it over with, Albus, '' St. John the Apostle told him as he twirled his quill pen around his finger's breadth, `` You 've got to do it sometime. Just apologise and tell him not to bother lustrelessness anymore. Make for certain he knows that, because if he does that again I 'll shout at him, too. And I 'm much louder than you, '' John Lackland grinned.

`` He 's your cousin, Albus, you 've got to at least be civilized to him, '' Amanda said, `` Even if you 're not best protagonist. ``

`` That 'll never happen, '' Albus rolled his eyes. `` Oh, fine, I 'll go talk to him. ``

Albus got up from the table and squeezed his way through the crowd common room to the chairperson Kaden was sitting in. Kaden was leafing through his potions text book and writing the occasional note down on a art object of parchment. `` Er, hi Kaden, '' Albus said and sat down in the chair opposite his first cousin. `` Could I talk to you ? ``

`` Oh, hi Albus, '' Kaden replied quietly, `` I thought you were still mad at me. ``

`` That 's what I wanted to talk to you about. ``

`` Oh, well, go ahead, '' Kaden closed his potions book.

`` I guess I just want to say I 'm no-count for yelling at you stopping point night, '' Albus said as he picked at a loose thread on the chair. `` I did n't really mean to swage you. I just wanted you to break telling Matt to go to the infirmary Wing. He told you to terminate and you did n't. ``

`` well, I thought madam Pomfrey could just impart him a potion and he 'd be all break, you know, like deception, '' Kaden gave a halfhearted jest, `` I just do n't get why anyone would n't go get a potion when they 're queasy. ``

Albus sighed. He knew it was time for Kaden to understand that legerdemain did n't fix everything. `` Kaden, you 've got to understand that magic ca n't fix everything. I do n't think you get that yet. I know it 's hard to come into the magic man after living in the Muggle one for eleven age. Well, actually, I guess I do n't sleep with that. You 'd be honorable off talking to Amanda about that, or my dad, or my auntie Hermione- ''

`` I think conjuring trick is all-fired vivid ! '' Kaden interrupted.

`` That 's the matter ! '' Albus stared his cousin in the eye, `` Not all magic trick is brilliant ! And it wo n't fix everything ! ``

`` I do n't see why it ca n't, '' Kaden shrugged, `` It 's magical after all. ``

`` This is why nearly Muggles do n't have sex about magic. Most of them think wizardly can fix all their job, just like you do, '' Albus explained, `` But it ca n't. And I guess you 'll just have to learn that for yourself, if you do n't trust me. ``

`` I think I do believe you, Albus, '' Kaden replied, `` And I already know that not all magic is good. I remember what you told me about Voldemort. ``

`` Yeah, I think you do know that, '' Albus agreed, `` But back to the other affair. You 've got to understand that there are some, er, '' Albus chose his words carefully so as not to give away matt 's secret, `` illnesses, that ca n't be fixed by deception. They 're risky than your average coldness or flu, and the Healers, those are witching Dr., have n't found cures yet. ``

`` Oh, '' Kaden said. Albus could tell he was giving this a good bit of cerebration. `` But why ca n't you just brandish your baton and make it better ? ``

Albus sighed. This was harder than he thought. He tried to think of a way of putting this in a Muggle linear perspective. Amanda would be better at this, he thought. Or even rosebush. `` I 'm not surely exactly why. It just wo n't work. I guesswork wizardly healing is n't that different than Muggle practice of medicine. therapist try to regain cures just like doctors do. MD ca n't fix everything either, like genus Cancer, '' Albus remembered a Muggle disease he heard his dad talking about once, one that was very hard to cure. `` doc try to fix it and sometimes they do, but there 's no cure. ``

Kaden 's eyes opened spacious and he whispered, `` matte 's got cancer ? ``

`` Oh, no ! '' Albus exclaimed, `` Wizards do n't get that ; it 's a Muggle disease. And what he 's got is n't the star version of it. He 's not going to die from it. He just gets sick every once and a piece. What you 've got to understand is that dame Pomfrey ca n't fix it with potions. So, you should n't severalize him to go get some. Just do n't mention anything like that. And definitely do n't scream him stupid for not going to see Madam Pomfrey, '' Albus said sternly.

Kaden nodded his principal solemnly. Finally he seemed to be getting it, Albus thought. `` But what has he got ? '' Kaden asked curiously.

Albus groaned inwardly. He had hoped this would n't come up, but he knew it would. `` I ca n't enjoin you. That 's for him to separate you, if he wants to. And honestly, I do n't mean he will. So do n't ask him, ever. ``

`` You know what it is, powerful Albus ? '' Kaden asked.

`` Yeah, I do, '' Albus replied. `` Oh, and do n't talk about this with anyone else, besides me. Not any of the other outset years, or anyone. Do n't bring up that you know anything whatsoever about him getting regurgitate. Promise me you wo n't. ``

Kaden looked questioningly at his full cousin. `` I wo n't. But why is it so secretive ? ``

`` It 's all part of what it is, and that 's all I 'm going to say, '' Albus stood up.

`` All right hand, so you 're not mad anymore ? ''

`` No, '' Albus replied. `` I 've got to go finish an essay. You want to come in sit with us ? '' Albus was n't certainly what his friends would believe of Kaden sitting with them, heck he was n't really sure if he wanted Kaden to sit with them, but it seemed like the in good order affair to do.

A huge grinning appeared on Kaden 's face and he stood up. `` Yeah, of trend ! ``

Albus walked back to his admirer, Kaden following like a puppy, and he knew affair were back to normal.

******

`` Hey, Albus, '' Kate Waverly sat down next to Albus at breakfast the following Monday.

`` Oh, hi Kate, '' Albus said once he 'd unsay his mouthful of eggs.

`` Listen, I 've been trying to find a clock time for dueling practice session, '' she began, `` It 's been gruelling than I thought it 'd be. I obviously ca n't do it during Quidditch pattern. I do n't call up the unscathed squad will be able to assemble at the same time ; it just wo n't do work. But that 's all right. The team I was on last year rarely ever met at the same time. I 've been talking to everyone and it looks like Wednesday evening will act upon for a lot of people. Can you make it ? ``

Albus thought for a moment. He had been wondering when the world-class dueling practice session would occupy home. Saint John the Apostle and Rose had already been to their first-class honours degree practice. Matt missed his because it took place while he was in the hospital wing. `` I should be able to ca-ca it, '' he told Kate.

Kate grinned, `` Great. How about you, Amanda ? '' she turned to Amanda, who was sitting across from Albus.

`` Sure, I 'll be there. I have n't gotten anything else to do besides homework, '' she laughed.

`` Perfect. The get together will be in the dueling room, seven in the eve. I 've already talked to Professor Potter and he said it 's free. I 've got to go talk to the Slytherins now. I 've been saving them for end, '' she groaned and walked over to the Slytherin table.

`` Finally, we 're having a coming together ! '' Albus said excitedly. `` I ca n't wait to start up dueling people. ``

`` Me too, '' Amanda grinned.

`` It 's pretty brilliant, '' John told them, `` We have n't really learned any new while yet, but I got to demilitarise a couple the great unwashed. ``

`` I disarmed a duet third long time at my meeting, '' Rose announced. `` I 'm unrestrained about learning new spells, though. ``

`` bid I had n't missed mine, '' flatness muttered.

`` You 'll bring in it to the next one, '' Albus assured him, `` You heard Kate, not everyone makes it to every coming together. ``

`` Can I go with you to the meeting, Albus ? Please ? '' Kaden begged.

`` I do n't guess you can, sorry, '' Albus told him, `` First years are n't allowed. ``

Kaden mumbled something that sounded like 'stupid regulation'and left to go to his first class.

`` We ought to go, too, '' rosiness announced. Albus and his ally left the Great Hall and made their way to Transfiguration.

The succeeding few twenty-four hour period seemed to drag on for an eternity. Albus was very shake about the dueling practice and he did not find like concentrating on anything else. He momentarily forgot about it during Quidditch practice on Tuesday, but once that was finished, he was back to waiting impatiently for dueling.

After dinner on Midweek, Albus and Amanda said goodbye to their admirer and made their way to the dueling room. When they got there, they saw 7 or 8 other scholar, along with Kate Waverly milling about. Albus noticed that the Gryffindors, Ravenclaws, and Hufflepuffs were all talking with each former, but the Slytherins were sulking by themselves in one corner.

A couple more students ran into the room as Albus and Amanda went over to the group of non-Slytherins. Harry walked in a moment later, and stood next to Kate in the figurehead of the room.

Kate looked at the clock and then back at the team. `` All right, I think most of us are here. I 'm Kate Waverly, 4th year Ravenclaw, as most of you know. I know a lot of you are n't happy about the inter-house teams this class, but we 'll sustain to distribute with it. It 's not leisurely for me, either. go class, captains only had to suit one Quidditch team, this year we have to accommodate four.

`` Professor Potter, prof Longbottom, or one of the other professor will oversee the practices, at least for the world-class few. But if you have an issue, please come to me first because I 'm the captain. Now, for our maiden meeting, I 'd just like to assess what dueling attainment you 've got. So pair off and unarm each other. Disarm only. ``

Albus and Amanda stepped a few groundwork apart and faced each former. `` Ready ? '' Amanda asked.

Albus grinned, `` You know, if this was a genuine duel, you would n't ask me if I 'm fix. ``

`` I know, '' Amanda laughed, `` I 'm just used to it. ``

`` It 's all right. ``

A few seconds later, Amanda shouted out, `` Expelliarmus ! ``

Albus felt his wand tingle in his hand, but it stayed there. `` That was a good try, '' he said.

`` I 've done it in class, '' Amanda told him.

`` I know. I 've seen you. ``

`` You try now. ``

`` Ok, '' Albus pointed his wand at Amanda and shouted, `` Exeplliarmus ! '' Amanda 's wand flew out of her hand and it landed at Albus 's feet.

`` Great job, Albus ! '' Kate shouted from across the room.

`` Nice one, '' Amanda told him.

`` Thanks, '' Albus replied, `` You try again. ``

Albus and Amanda disarmed each other for the side by side XV minutes. Amanda managed to disarm Albus a couple times, but she was n't nearly as full at it as Albus was.

`` All right ! '' Kate shouted, `` Switch collaborator, everyone ! Preferably someone who 's not in your house. ``

`` thrower, '' Malfoy appeared next to Albus, smirking at him, `` Let me usher everyone how much of a better dueler I am. ``

`` Bring it on, Malfoy, '' Albus growled, suddenly wanting to hex Malfoy, rather than just disarm him.

`` Too bad we 're not on separate teams, '' Malfoy commented, `` Then I could pass over the floor with you in a genuine duel. Oh, well, this 'll have to do. ``

`` Bit replete of yourself, are n't you ? '' Albus muttered, raising his wand.

`` Expelliarmus ! '' Malfoy shouted. Albus 's wand flew out of his hand and landed a yoke feet away. `` Told you, '' he laughed. `` I am a honest dueler than you. ``

`` I have n't tried disarming you yet, Malfoy, '' Albus replied, `` Do n't count your Snidgets before they hatch. ``

`` collapse me your regretful, Potter, '' Malfoy smirked.

`` Expelliarmus ! '' Albus shouted with all the power he could muster up. Malfoy 's wand left his hand and landed a pair off feet away, just as Albus 's had done. `` There, we 're even. ``

`` We 'll never be even, Potter, '' Malfoy replied haughtily.

`` Great job, everyone ! '' Kate announced, `` That 's enough for now. I see we have some great duelers in here. With a little drill, I 'm sure we 'll baffle the early squad. I think for simplicity, I 'll hold practice every week this same day and time. It might be in a unlike room occasionally, and I 'll let you have a go at it if it is. Do n't worry if you ca n't micturate all the meetings. Just try and wee as many as you can. I 'll see everyone side by side week. ``

`` That was pretty fun, '' Amanda said as they were getting ready to leave.

`` Yeah, although I could do without Malfoy, '' Albus replied

`` Hey, Al, '' Harry put his arm around his son, `` Could I verbalize to you for a bit ? ``

`` Sure, '' Albus said and then turned to Amanda, `` I 'll see you in the common elbow room. ``

`` All rightfulness, '' Amanda left the room.

`` I have n't had a chance to talk to you much, '' Harry said once the elbow room was vacate. He walked over to a couple electric chair and sat down in one. He patted the one next to him. `` How have you been ? ``

`` Great. I love Quidditch, '' Albus grinned and sat down in the chair next to his dad.

`` I 'm glad you made the team, although I heard some of the other Gryffindors were n't too happy. ``

`` Yeah, a span thought I just got on the team because Georgia 's captain. And Ryan 's the lonesome one who 's not a Weasley or a Potter on the team now, '' Albus explained.

`` I 'm for sure that 's not why you made the team, '' Harry assured him. `` You 're a smashing Chaser. ``

`` And I 'm already used to working with Heather and Fred. ``

`` Exactly, you were the secure one, '' Harry agreed, `` How have grade been ? ``

`` Fine. Charms is much better than lowest year. I like prof Cedonia. ``

`` She 's very nice. She 's definitely not the usual kind of teacher Hogwarts has, but that 's not really a bad affair, '' Harry commented.

`` Yeah, she has n't given out many detentions, '' Albus told him.

`` But she has her category under control. I think the other teachers could get word a lot from her. ``

`` I 'd have it away it if cipher gave out custody anymore, '' Albus grinned.

`` That 's not really what I meant, but anyway, '' Harry continued, `` I heard you had some fuss with Kaden recently. Mum sent me an owl about it. ``

Albus felt his nerve turn red. `` Er, yeah, but it 's all worked out now. I 'm not mad at him anymore. ``

`` glad to hear it, '' Harry smiled, `` If you have anymore job, palpate complimentary to issue forth to me. I know Kaden can be a bit, er, exuberant, to put it nicely. ``

Albus laughed, `` I 'll say. He just does n't know when to quit sometimes. ``

`` Some masses are like that, '' Harry stood up. `` It 's getting late. You should probably go back to Gryffindor. ``

`` All right, '' Albus stood up as well and gave his dad a hug. `` G'night, Dad. ``

`` 'Night, Al, '' Harry gave his son a hug back and the two of them left the room.




Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter. Nor do I own 'Bothering Snape'or anything else related to Potter marionette Pals.




The second half of September passed the Lapp way the first off half had. Albus 's days were filled with classes, preparation, Quidditch practice, and dueling praxis. Albus was really enjoying both Quidditch and dueling, although he liked Quidditch better. Kate had begun teaching them new spells in dueling, and it was fun, but Malfoy kept trying to pardner up with Albus during drill. Albus suspected that Malfoy was trying to beat Albus in one of the recitation affaire d'honneur, but he had yet to succeed. The first dueling meet was n't until the end of October and Kate felt that the team would be fully prepared by then.

Kaden was quickly becoming a permanent fixture in Albus 's group of friends. After Albus apologized and invited Kaden to sit with them in the uncouth room, he just never left. He was always with them whenever they were n't in course of study and because of this, Albus and his ally were spending much less time in the way of necessary than they had the secondly half of their first year. They seemed to experience come to an unspoken concord not to show Kaden the Room, and Albus was perfectly glad with this. After all, there might eventually come a day when Albus and the others needed to be alone, without Kaden, and the Room might be the only shoes in Hogwarts where they could go.

The second Sunday of October, Albus found himself looking for his ally after a particularly retentive Quidditch recitation. He shouldered his broom, feeling very worn-out, and headed back to the castle. It was a warm fall day, not a swarm in the sky, and a cool breeze was blowing. It had been the perfect day for Quidditch practice. Albus had gotten his commencement taste of Quidditch praxis in the rain a couple weeks back and he had n't enjoyed it in the slightest.

On his way back to the castle, Albus noticed lav and Matt sitting a mates yards away from the Whomping Willow, beneath another tree. Kaden was wandering around nearby, playing with what appeared to be a rotund piece of plastic attached to a tenacious string. Albus went over to toilet and matte and sat down next to them.

`` How was pattern ? '' flatness asked.

`` Exhausting, '' Albus replied, `` What have you been up to ? ``

`` Sitting around, putting off doing our prep, '' John grinned.

`` And watching Kaden romp with that Muggle toy, '' matt laughed.

`` What is that thing ? '' Albus stared at the piece of plastic as it went up and down on the string.

`` He calls it a 'yo-yo', '' John explained. `` Never seen anything like it. ``

`` I think I had one when I was really short, '' Matt commented, `` But I must have lost it ages ago. ``

`` How long has he been playing with it ? '' Albus asked, amazed that Kaden, who could n't sit still for XV minutes, could have the attending brace to encounter with that toy.

`` About fifteen hour, '' lusterlessness told him, `` But I think he 's noticed you, Albus. ``

Sure enough, Kaden pocketed his yo-yo and ran over to Albus. `` Hi Albus ! How was Quidditch pattern ? ``

`` commodity, '' Albus told him, `` Tiring, but unspoiled. ``

`` I was watching. I think I 'd care to be a Beater, it looks like fun to whack those Bludgers around, '' Kaden grinned.

Albus, who personally thought Kaden should not be allowed near a Beater 's bat after he nearly put someone 's eye out with his wand a couple metre, laughed. `` Well, we wo n't be needing a new Beater for a while, '' he turned to John and Matt, `` Where are pink wine and Amanda ? ``

`` Up in the castle, doing homework, probably, '' John replied, `` They did n't want to come in outside. ``

Kaden stood up and stared at the Whomping willow. `` D'you think that tree could defeat somebody ? ``

`` Probably, '' Albus said.

`` wonderment why they planted it, then, '' Kaden started to take the air a little closer to the tree.

Albus glanced at his friends and saw a aspect of scare appear in mat 's middle. Why was it that Kaden always seemed to oppugn the things that had to do with Matt 's being a lycanthrope ?

`` Er, Dumbledore probably thought it was funny, '' Albus lied.

`` He was mad, then, '' Kaden inched even closer to the Tree, whose thrashing outgrowth were now just a couple substructure away from him.

`` A bit, yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` But he was brilliant, too. ``

`` It 's so strange, though. I 've never seen a tree like this, '' Kaden started to circle the tree.

`` That 's because it 's magical, '' Albus told him.

`` You should probably step back, Kaden, '' lustrelessness warned him.

`` I 'll be deliberate, '' Kaden took a few more steps towards the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree. He was now within compass of its branches. `` must be a strong tree. '' He started to try and extend to one of the limb, but the Tree got there first and hit him on the leg with one of its limb. `` Ouch ! '' Kaden shrieked.

Albus, Matt, and John all stood up and ran over to him, but not close enough that they could get hit.

`` Kaden, I told you not to go near it ! '' mat shouted.

`` It did n't even break the cutis. I 'm exquisitely, '' Kaden assured him and went back to inspecting the tree. But the Tree did n't like Kaden around it and started to hit him more forcefully. `` Ow ! ``

Albus rushed forward, dodging subdivision as he went. `` Kaden, move ! ``

But Kaden did n't move away from the tree. A branch hit him in the head and knocked him over. He stood up a petty and peered nigh at the tree 's base.

`` Kaden, get away from there ! '' Matt screamed in a very shivering tone. `` I 'm serious, propel ! ``

`` I think there 's a trap down there ! '' Kaden shouted excitedly.

Albus saw all the people of colour drain from Matt 's look, and he knew that Kaden had just found out how to get into the clandestine passageway that led to the screech Shack. Albus was about to go snap up Kaden away from the tree, when he disappeared from sight.

`` Oh, no, oh, no ! '' flatness shrieked, shaking his head back and forth.

Albus rushed forward towards the tree. It hit him on his shoulder and his head as he tried to skirt the branch. He crept closer, still getting hit, and saw the hole Kaden was talking about. But it did n't seem like there was any way to get into it without being killed. Albus had no melodic theme how Kaden had done it.

matt ran forward and grabbed a recollective branch that was on the ground. He wordlessly shoved it into the base of the tree, and the leg stopped. Albus turned to expect at him, but he said nothing. Albus quickly jumped into the hole and found Kaden crouching in the entrance of a long tunnel.

`` This is amazing ! '' Kaden grinned, `` I 've found a secluded passageway ! ``

`` Listen, Kaden, we 've got to get out of here, '' Albus said urgently.

`` Aw, come on, Albus. Let 's follow it ! ``

`` No, Kaden, we ca n't, '' Albus insisted.

`` You do n't appear very excited, '' Kaden commented and he stared at Albus for a few irregular. `` I know, you already know about this, do n't you ? ``

`` Er, I, '' Albus tried to think up something to recite Kaden. He was n't a very good lier, `` Fine, I do already eff about it. My dad told me about it. But I have n't been in it. scholarly person are n't supposed to go in it. That 's why we 've got to leave, we 'll be in immense fuss. ``

`` Do you know where it leads ? '' Kaden asked.

`` No, '' Albus lied. He figured he 'd be able to rip that lie off, and he did n't want to tell Kaden where the passage led to. `` Now let 's go. ``

Kaden sighed, `` amercement. But you 're ruining the fun. ``

Albus did n't say another Book. He quickly climbed out of the pickle, hoping that whatever Matt had done to barricade the branches was still working. Luckily, it was, and Albus was able-bodied to climb out without receiving anymore injuries. Kaden climbed out behind him, the vast smile still on his face.

Saint John the Apostle and Matt were standing nearby, but not near decent to be hit with branches. Matt was looking white as a ghost, clearly worried that Kaden had found the Shrieking Shack. Albus was just about to tell his friends that Kaden had n't gone down the tunnel when he heard a vox behind him.

`` Playing with the Whomping Willow. That is clearly against the linguistic rule. ``

Albus turned around and saw Filch making his way slowly towards them. Great, he thought, this is just what they needed.

`` Yes, yes, '' Filch wheezed, `` Follow me, delinquent. ``

Albus turned to front at John Lackland and Matt. John the Divine was looking pretty calm, but lusterlessness was still as pale as Nearly Headless Nick. Kaden also looked a bit worried, but not nearly as a lot as Matt. Albus was a fiddling nervous as well. He had never gotten in hassle with the caretaker before. He had heard repugnance news report about Filch and was n't certainly which single were true.

Albus followed Filch up to the castle in between John and Matt. Kaden was walking a little way of life behind them. None of them said a Scripture. Filch was muttering to himself as he slowly lead the mathematical group up to the castle. They continued following Filch through the castle while other students stared at them. The former students were whispering amongst themselves as Albus and the others passed. Albus stared at the ground and tried to snub them. Why was his worry making always so publicized ? Of course, this was n't even his fault, Albus thought bitterly. It was all Kaden 's fault. Why did he have to hold back messing with the tree ? He never seemed to need to let anything go. When he got an idea into his head, he never seemed to let go of it until Albus either yelled at him or physically stopped him.

Filch led them into a small, cramped, saturnine office filled with respective Muggle cleaning implements. There were only 3 president in the way, one of which was behind Filch 's desk and he sat in it immediately. Matt took one of the early chairs, as he appeared so nervous that he might faint. Kaden immediately started snooping around the office, while Albus and can remained standing and watching Filch 's every move.

`` It 's in here somewhere, '' Filch muttered as he rifled through a cabinet. `` Let 's see. B. Belligerent towards teachers, bothering house elves, bothering magical creatures, bothering Snape, bothering other students, ah, here it is ! Bothering the Whomping willow tree. '' Filch grinned and pulled out a piece of parchment. He set it down on his desk and looked up at Albus and the others.

Albus glanced at St. John the Apostle, who shrugged. None of them had ever been in Filch 's situation before and had no idea what to expect. Albus was prepared for the worse, including being shackled to the bulwark, as his cousin Fred told him Filch had done.

`` Quite the group of trouble Divine you are, '' Filch muttered, `` I 've got the var. rightfield here, already made. Had quite a few others torment that tree in the past, especially after it was first planted. ``

Albus had his question as to whether Filch actually knew why the Tree was planted. mat seemed to be getting more nervous with every quotation of the Whomping willow, and Albus could n't blame him.

Filch opened his mouth and was about to say something when there was a crash behind Albus. Albus turned around and saw Kaden standing with a few twelve Fanged Frisbees at his feet. He was holding one in his hand and there was an void box next to him.

`` Do n't touch anything ! '' Filch shouted and ran out from behind his desk. He yanked the Frisbee out of Kaden 's hand and picked up the others. He shoved the box back on the shelf and went back behind his desk.

`` Sorry, '' Kaden mumbled. Filch ignored him.

`` Back to your penalization, '' Filch continued, picking up a shaft. `` full phase of the moon names ? ``

For a split second, Albus considered giving Filch a juke name, but figured it would do no good with his dad as a teacher. `` Albus Severus Potter. ``

Filch wrote his public figure down and a grin spread across his face. `` Following in your Church Father 's step ? And your grandfather 's ? Yes, yes, I have an full drawer in my filing console dedicated to your grandpa and his delinquent friends. I do believe he once bothered the Whomping Willow as well. ``

Albus ignored Filch 's reminiscing. He had not been bothering that tree. He had been saving Kaden from it. Although what Filch said had sparked his curiosity. Why had his grandfather messed with the tree ? He knew his grandpa loved to pretend trouble, but that tree concealed one of his best champion 's secrets. Maybe it had happened before he knew about it, Albus thought.

`` What about the rest of you delinquent ? '' Filch growled.

`` John Malcolm Brickston, '' John replied. Filch wrote it down and glared at Matt.

`` Matthew Conan Eckerton, '' Matt mumbled very softly.

`` And you ? '' Filch glared at Kaden after he wrote down matte 's name.

`` Kaden Peter Dursley, '' Kaden announced.

`` right wing, '' Filch finished filling out the form and put it into his very large filing console. `` Your penalization. Three nights'detention. Tonight you 'll be scrubbing cauldrons, Muggle stylus of course of instruction, in the Potions elbow room. Tomorrow you can do wrinkle. And Monday you 'll clean the uranology Tower, without conjuration as well. Meet me in the dungeons 8pm sharp tonight. Now get out of here. ``

Albus wrenched the door open and ran out of the office as fast as he could. Three nights of hold ! Two of which would be spent doing Muggle cleaning ! That was harsh. Albus was angry now. Why did Kaden let to go near that Tree ? None of them would be in this mint if he had n't. Albus stalked all the way up to Gryffindor towboat, with John the Divine and Matt side by side to him, nobody saying a Word. Kaden ran along aside them, trying to get them to speak to him. Albus knew what they had to do now. They had to make sure Kaden did not tell anyone about that tunnel.

When they climbed through the portrait pickle, Albus was relieved to see that both Bilius and Ethan were in the common room. That meant the dormitory was free and Albus could verbalize to Kaden up there. He wordlessly led the chemical group to the dormitory and shut the door behind them.

`` Ok, what is incorrect with you lot ? '' Kaden asked loudly, `` Why are you so tranquillize ? ``

`` We just got in problem because of you ! '' Albus shouted.

`` well, sorry ! '' Kaden responded, `` But it 's not that bad, it 's just cleansing. ``

`` tercet nights worth ! '' matte groaned, `` And I did n't even do anything. Neither did John or Albus. ``

`` Albus was in that burrow with me, '' Kaden pointed out.

`` Only to get you out ! '' Albus reminded him, `` And if you remember, we told you numerous fourth dimension to leave that Tree alone. This is what I was talking about last month, Kaden. You never hold on when citizenry ask you to. And I 've been in Hogwarts longer than you have, if I tell you to stop doing something, hazard are there 's a good reasonableness for it ! And this one just seemed like coarse sense to me ! 'Do n't go near the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree that could belt down you .'Why on earth would n't you listen to that ? ``

`` Jeesh, Albus, '' Kaden replied, a piffling quieter, `` I was just curious about it. ``

`` Curiosity killed the kneazle, '' john muttered.

`` What ? '' Kaden stared at him.

`` Kneazle, it 's a magical creature, '' John explained.

`` Oh, well, Muggles just say rarity killed the cat. ``

`` That 's foreign, '' John said.

`` Anyway, '' Albus continued, `` You ca n't state anyone about that tunnel and I mean anyone. Not your mum, not your dad, not your sister, not any of the other firstly years, no Muggles or Wizards, young or old, '' Albus turned to John and mat, `` Have I left anything out ? ``

`` Do n't say any creature either, '' John the Evangelist added, `` Or what appear to be breathless object either, you never know in this shoes. ``

Kaden stared at them with a garbled look on his font. `` Why not ? It looks to be a secret passageway ! ``

If it was potential, matt seemed to turn even whiter. `` Do n't tell anyone, '' he said forcefully. `` And do n't go back into it. Ever. ``

Kaden sighed. `` You lot take all the fun away. ``

`` Trust me, Kaden, what 's beyond that tunnel is n't fun, '' Albus told him.

`` But you said you did n't know what was beyond it ! ``

Oh, right, Albus thought. This was why he was a bad lier. He could never keep the lies straight. Now what was he going to say ? `` Oh, er, well, I kind of do know. But trust me, it 's nil sound. It 's not even that exciting, pretty boring really. ``

`` And you 're not going to tell me what it is, are you ? '' Kaden looked at all of them.

`` Nope, '' John replied.

`` So you all know where it goes ? ``

`` Er, yeah, '' privy answered.

`` I just do n't get it. You lot appear to be keeping quite a few things secret from me. Are they special enigma only people with adept parents can have it off ? '' Kaden asked darkly.

Albus was shocked. Where had his cousin come up with something like that ? `` No ! Of course not ! Why in the figure of Merlin 's whiskers would you think that ? ``

`` Certain the great unwashed here seem to recollect Muggle-borns should n't be teach conjuring trick, '' Kaden explained.

Albus knew this, of course of study. He just had n't known that they were bothering Kaden. `` Who, Kaden ? And are they doing this to you ? ``

`` Um, yeah, a bit, '' Kaden muttered, `` Mainly Felix Willinson. ``

Albus groaned. He should birth known. Felix had n't bothered Albus at all so far, but apparently he, like his cousin-german, enjoyed bullying other students. `` Just ride out away from him. And if he bothers you again, just distinguish me. I 'll get my full cousin to set him straight. ``

`` All right, '' Kaden replied, `` And I really am sorry about the Whomping willow tree matter. ``

`` It 's ok, '' Albus assured him. `` We 'll just own you do well-nigh of the cleaning these future few nights, '' he grinned.



A/N : Thanks to my beta and sister, Dancer of Starlight, as well as my early sister and my brother. Thanks as well to sinwillys822, Niki Lily, drownzer, XDNLxtlz99, Moonylupin, and potterfan89 for their reviews !


Diclaimer- I do n't own Harry thrower. Nor do I own Monty Python, Spamalot, or any of their related material.




Albus never thought he would have a worse detention than the one he had cleaning the trophy room the former year. He thought Washburn had been the worst somebody to have detainment with, but he was ill-timed. Albus went through his whole first year without getting in trouble with Filch, and he was very well-chosen about that. By the time he finished his second detention on Monday Nox, he was beginning to wish well he was doing detention with Washburn instead. At least Washburn had n't breathed down his neck the full fourth dimension. Filch spent all of Sunday night staring at them while they scrubbed cauldrons, and all of the previous dark staring at them as they churned out line after line. Filch seemed to convey joy in watching the students rub their hands raw while scrubbing the cauldron. Of course, the personal line of credit could have been considered a nice break in between the two cleaning events.

By the time Albus trudged into the vernacular room on Tues eve after Quidditch drill, he was ready to be done with detention. But no such luck ; it was their final night and Filch was sure to savor every instant of it. Albus quickly dropped his broom off in his dormitory and went back to the common room to spend the ten arcminute they had before they had to leave for detention.

`` The last matter I want to do is go strip something, '' Albus groaned.

`` Looks like you need to houseclean your clothes, '' john laughed.

Albus shot him a dirty looking. `` What do you expect ? It 's raining and it 's muddy and I just spent 45 minutes flying around. ``

`` I know, '' can grinned.

`` Empire State of the South was n't happy about me leaving too soon, '' Albus told him. `` She 's ruthless. ``

`` I 'll bet, '' lav agreed.

`` Hey, where 's Matt ? '' Albus asked, looking around the common room.

`` room of requirement, '' John replied. `` Been there since right after you left for practice. ``

`` Oh, right wing, '' Albus said, remembering that the full synodic month was the following evening. `` Why are n't you there with him ? ``

`` Wanted to, '' whoremaster sighed, `` Could n't shake Kaden. He 's been with me ever since you left. In fact, I think that 's why Matt left. He could n't get any rest with Kaden around. ``

`` But he 's not here now, '' Albus commented, noticing that Kaden was n't in the uncouth room.

`` He went to put his books in his dormitory, '' lav explained, `` I 'm indisputable he 'll be back at any consequence. ``

As if on cue, Kaden came flying out of the door leading to the dormitories and made a beeline for Albus and John the Evangelist. `` Ready ? It 's the last night ! '' Kaden announced.

`` Yes, we know, '' John said, `` You 've been telling us that all day. ``

`` Where 's mat ? Have n't seen him since dinner party. He 'd break hurry up, wherever he is, '' Kaden peered around the room.

Albus and St. John exchanged looks. `` I 'll find him, '' Albus replied quickly. `` You two go on ahead. ``

This time it was John 's turn to pay Albus a fed up aspect. He clearly did n't require to be the one who had to go to detention with Kaden. `` amercement. See you later, rosiness, Amanda. ``

`` Enjoy yourselves, '' Rose replied.

`` See you later, '' Amanda waved.

Albus gave can and Kaden a bit 's head start before he left the common room and went to the Room of Requirement. He did n't want Kaden to find out where he was going. Once the coast was clear, he paced three times in front of the blank wall on the seventh floor and waited for the doorway to appear. It materialized just like always and Albus went quietly inside. The room was dark and Albus could hardly see where he was going. He wished there was some faint. Immediately, flashlight lit up along the wall and revealed a four-poster bed in the middle of the modest room.

Albus walked quickly over to the bed and wrenched the hangings open. Once he saw how run down Matt looked, he immediately felt shamefaced about how he had complained about being too tired from Quidditch practice to do hold. His exhaustion was goose egg compared to Matt's.

`` C'mon, we 've got custody, '' Albus gently poked his friend.

Matt opened his eyes and sat up, wincing. `` Already ? All rightfulness. '' He slowly got up out of bed and stretched.

Albus led the way out of the room and to the Astronomy tugboat. Neither of them said anything for most of the journey, but Albus knew they were both thinking the same thing. They wished they did n't birth to do custody that night.

`` Where are John and Kaden ? '' Matt asked, suddenly realizing that they were n't there.

`` They went on ahead. Did n't want Kaden to know about the Room. ``

`` Oh, yeah, thanks for that, '' Matt replied.

Albus and Matt slowly climbed the stairs leading to the Tower, and once they reached the top, Albus opened the door and the two of them arrived. Luckily, it had stopped raining and the swarm had even dissipated. The almost fully moonshine was shedding light upon the pillar, enough that Albus and the others would be able-bodied to do their detention with only a couple flannel mullein. Albus noticed lustrelessness shudder and screw up his eyes as the moonlight hit him. Albus figured it was probably giving him a splitting headache at best.

`` You 're former, '' growled Filch, who gestured to John and Kaden. The two of them were already scrubbing telescopes.

`` Sorry, sir, '' Albus mumbled, not elaborating on why they were late.

`` Another night 's detention, I think, '' Filch replied, `` Tomorrow night. You can persist in cleaning cauldrons. There are still some left. ``

Albus glanced at matte who did n't even seem to be paying aid to Filch. He looked too meddlesome trying not to be sick. There was no way that matt could possibly do custody the following evening. He would just have to tell Professor Longbottom about it the next day. Albus, however, groaned, as he would be capable of doing detention the next night. However, he would take in to overlook dueling exercise. At least Kate was n't uptight about them missing practice session like Georgia was.

`` fountainhead, what are you waiting for ? '' Filch growled at Albus and Matt, `` starting time scrubbing ! ``

Albus picked up a rag out of the bucket that was standing nearby and ran quickly to where John and Kaden were scrubbing. He was partway there when he realized Matt was still standing near the room access. He did n't appeared to have moved since they entered the towboat. Filch was glaring at him, looking like he was ready to explode with fury. Albus grabbed Matt by the arm without looking at Filch and led him over to the telescopes.

`` Are you all right ? '' Albus whispered and started to clean the close telescope.

`` F-fine, '' Matt stuttered. Albus looked at him and noticed that he was shivering.

Albus turned to front at John who shrugged with confusion. `` It 's a lot worse than last night, '' Albus muttered. During the previous night 's detention, flatness had nodded off a few times, but he had been able of producing a good bit of lines. Tonight, matt appeared to be frozen in piazza and definitely would n't be getting very much cleaning done.

`` Well, it is the night before, '' John whispered so quietly that Albus could barely learn him.

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` But he seems sicker than most dark before. ``

`` Dunno why, '' St. John the Apostle replied, `` We 'd amend hide him from Filch, though. Filch will have sex he 's not cleaning. '' Albus nodded and moved to the other side of Matt.

`` What 's wrongfulness with him ? '' Kaden asked loudly, `` Is he cast again ? ``

Albus and King John stab Kaden ominous looks and Kaden immediately shut up. `` I was just wondering, '' he muttered a minute later.

`` Remember what I told you last time ? '' Albus asked quietly, `` Do n't bring it up. ``

`` Quiet ! '' Filch shouted loudly.

Matt jumped and looked at Albus with a smell of discombobulation on his face. `` What 're we doing ? '' he mumbled.

`` detainment, '' Albus replied, `` Listen, d'you want to go to the hospital Wing ? ``

`` No, it 's not this night, it 's tomorrow night, '' he said and slouched onto the telescope he was supposed to be cleaning.

`` I said calm ! '' Filch yelled and waltzed over to the boys, `` Get to work out Potter and Eckerton. ``

Albus and the others worked in silence for the adjacent half minute. John and Albus worked carefully down the row of telescopes, making sure Matt was between them at all times so it would look like he was cleaning. Kaden worked on Albus 's other side, looking much more sunny than the former three boys did.

`` Suomi, Finland, Finland ... '' he sung quietly, `` That 's the country for me .... ''

`` What ? '' Albus whispered. Kaden had been humming that Sung for the yesteryear five moment and it was driving Albus mad. He had never heard it before and it sounded quite strange.

Kaden stopped singing and looked at Albus. `` Oh, derive on ! You 've never heard of Monty Python ? Spamalot, the Great White Way play ? ``

`` Uh, no, '' Albus replied, wondering what that Sung could give to do with a python. There had n't been any mention of Snake in it.

Kaden sighed. `` I love the wizarding cosmos, but you lot are really lacking in high caliber amusement. Would it defeat you to watch out TV and movies ? Monty Python is a movie, and a pretty risible one at that. You can look on it at my house sometime. Spamalot is a Broadway play based on it. They turned it into a movie a few geezerhood back. ``

Albus was still a bit bemused about the song, but he figured he 'd understand it if he ever watched the moving-picture show. He had seen a few Muggle films before, but never Monty python or Spamalot. His Aunt Hermione had a TV, but she did n't let Albus watch it very often. `` You 'll rot your brains out ! '' she always told him, `` Now go read a book ! ``

Albus and Kaden went back to their cleaning, and Kaden started humming a new Sung. Albus assumed it also was from Monty Python since it sounded just as confusing as the former one. It had something to do with fish.

`` Stop that diabolic humming ! '' Filch screamed.

`` Sorry, sir ! '' Kaden replied. Filch scowled. Clearly he was furious about Kaden talking to him, but he could n't scold him again since what Kaden had said was polite.

The remnant of the custody was spent in almost unadulterated silence. Every once and a spell, Kaden would try to hire the others in conversation, but it was always stopped by Filch. Luckily, Filch never realized that lustrelessness had n't done an troy ounce of cleaning. He seemed to busy glaring at Kaden and telling him to shut up. Albus realized that Filch probably had an eternal grudge against Kaden now, which Kaden seemed oblivious to. It would not surprise Albus if Kaden had a file that rivaled his grandfather 's by the clock time he graduated. By the sentence the detainment was over, lustrelessness was leaning against Albus, although he seemed thoroughly unaware of it. Albus had caught Kaden staring at Matt a few sentence, but as soon as Albus sent him a dirty feeling, Kaden went back to cleaning.

`` All right, you 're done, '' Filch growled, `` Get out of here or you 'll be out of bed after curfew. Then you 'll get another custody. '' He smirked. Filch picked up the cleaning supply and ambled down the stairs before Albus and the others.

`` We 're done now, '' Albus gently woke Matt up.

`` Done with what ? '' matt mumbled without opening his eyes.

`` hold, where we 've been for the last hour, '' Albus explained while looking at Gospel According to John. John the Divine pulled mat off of Albus, but he stumbled fell against a telescope.

`` Ouch ! '' Matt shouted and grabbed his head.

`` We 've got to get back to the common room, and quick, '' Albus said, more to John the Divine than to Matt, `` It 's almost curfew. ``

`` What 're we going to do with him ? '' John asked. matt was now leaning on lav. `` I wish we could levitate him. ``

`` You ca n't ? '' Kaden asked loudly.

`` No, that 's much more advanced than we 're able to do, '' Albus explained, `` And lowly your voice. ``

`` Let 's just each get on one side of him, '' John Lackland threw one of Matt 's blazonry over his shoulder and gestured for Albus to do the same.

Albus followed Saint John the Apostle 's lead and told Kaden to get the door. Albus, John, and Matt hobbled awkwardly down the stairs and back into the main component part of the rook. It was dull going and they 'd already missed curfew.

`` Good thing he 's light, '' Albus commented.

`` Yeah, '' John the Evangelist agreed.

`` Ugh, '' Matt winced and opened his eyes, `` I think I 'm going to be sick. ``

Albus and John the Evangelist looked at each other for a split secondment before Matt retched onto the floor in front of them.

`` Ew, gross ! '' John exclaimed.

`` Told you he was sick, '' Kaden said. He had been walking a few paces ahead of them and kept looking back, wanting to say something but afraid to.

`` We knew that, '' Albus snapped.

Matt retched a second time and Albus felt him collapse onto the storey. Albus and toilet both grabbed his limb as he went down and slowed the fall. Now what were they going to do ?

`` Matt ? '' Albus gently shook him and tried to get him to wake up, but it was no use.

`` What happened to him ? '' Kaden stared as Albus tried to wake Matt up.

`` Passed out, '' Albus said shortly. He was a bit annoyed that Kaden asked that. Was n't it obvious ?

`` I know that, '' Kaden replied, `` But why ? ``

`` How should I know ? '' Albus snapped.

`` Will you two stop arguing ? '' John interrupted. `` What are we going to do ? ``

Albus shrugged and thought. What were they going to do ? Panic overtook him as he assessed the situation. They were out of bed after curfew and Matt was passed out on the storey. It could n't get unsound than this. There was no way for them to get lusterlessness to the common room or the hospital wing without levitating him. And none of them could hover a person. Albus looked at Matt and noticed he had begun shivering again. Albus took off his cloak and laid it over his friend. `` Kaden, '' Albus began, `` Go get Madam Pomfrey. ``

`` Why me ? '' Kaden asked nervously. He looked around at the dark corridor, clearly worried about walking through them alone.

`` Just do it ! '' Albus shouted.

Kaden looked taken aback at Albus 's brassy tonicity. `` Ok, ok ! '' he replied and took off down the corridor, towards the stairs.

`` He 's going to be ok, right ? '' Albus asked quietly once Kaden was out of sight.

`` I dunno, '' lav whispered back. `` But it 's been bad before and he 's always recovered fine. ``

The boys sat in silence for the following pair proceedings, watching for mansion of knowingness in their friend. However, Matt remained unresponsive and very wan. Though he was still shivering, his brow glistened with exertion in the moonlight that was streaming in through a nearby window.

`` What 's that ? '' john asked, pointing down the corridor.

Albus looked where John was pointing and saw a form floating towards him. He stood up and drew his verge and John did the same. The frame came finisher and closer, and soon Albus was able to make it out. It was Peeves. Albus groaned inwardly. This was the last thing they needed, Peeves announcing their presence to the whole castle.

`` Students out of bed ! '' Peeves shouted gleefully as he noticed the boys.

`` Shut up, Peeves ! '' Albus replied, very irritated at Peeves 's happy tone.

Peeves peered down at lusterlessness and then looked at John Lackland and Albus. `` Dueling, have we ? It seems that you two have won. But Mr. Filch wo n't like this ! No he wo n't ! bookman out of bed and dueling, too ! ``

`` We have n't been dueling ! '' John insisted, `` Now get out of here ! ``

`` Ha-ha ! '' Peeves laughed, `` Peeves does n't heed to students, no he does n't ! Peeves causal agency trouble when students are around ! ``

`` No, quiet ! '' Albus whispered.

Peeves cackled even louder and zoomed up and down the corridor. `` Students out of bed ! educatee out of bed ! ``

Albus and John Lackland gave each former panic-stricken looks. Albus had no musical theme what to do to silence the poltergeist. But if he did n't stop yelling, someone would surely find out that they were there. Albus 's fears were soon realized as he heard rush footstep coming down the corridor. Albus wished he had his founder 's invisibility cloak.

Peeves apparently heard them too, because he flew down towards them shouting, `` They 're over here ! Over here ! educatee out of bed ! ``

`` Go away, Peeves ! '' a loud stern voice shouted, `` Or I 'll get the Bloody big businessman ! ``

`` Yes, dame Nurse, mam ! '' Peeves saluted and sped down the corridor, cackling madly.

Albus breathed a sigh of moderation. It was just Madam Pomfrey. Albus watched as the nurse ran the rest of the way down the corridor. She was surprisingly fast for someone her age. Kaden was panting behind her, trying to keep up.

dame Pomfrey rushed over to Albus, John, and mat, and immediately deflect down and put her hired hand on Matt 's forehead. `` What 's happened ? '' she asked briskly.

`` He collapsed, '' Albus told her.

The nurse clicked her tongue and conjured a stretcher. She waved her verge and Matt landed on top of it. `` Well, you can excuse more once we get to the hospital wing. Quickly now. ``

Albus, John, and Kaden ran behind gentlewoman Pomfrey all the way to the hospital wing. None of them said a word, although it looked to Albus like Kaden was trying to keep himself from asking Sir Thomas More questions. instant later, the group arrived at the hospital backstage. madam Pomfrey barged through the doorway and immediately deposited matte onto a bed. She bustled around the ward, gathering potions while asking the boys more questions.

`` Why were you out of your vulgar elbow room ? '' she asked.

`` detention, '' Albus responded.

`` Where and with whom ? ``

`` Filch had us cleaning the entire astronomy column, '' toilet replied with a sick of tone.

Madam Pomfrey stopped rifling through her potion cabinet and turned to attend at Saint John the Apostle. `` uranology Tower ? ``

`` Er, yeah, '' John answered with a look of disarray on his face.

`` Filch ! '' lady Pomfrey shouted as she ran back to lustrelessness 's bed, `` I 'll take in him for this ! I thought I made it authorise to him last yr when he had you scrubbing the bath ... I 'll hex him into next year ! merlin 's beard, the Astronomy pillar ! And tonight of all nights ! '' The harbor continued to run back and Forth River from her office, potion cabinet, and matt 's bed while muttering about Filch.

`` What 's she going on about ? '' Kaden whispered. Albus jumped. He 'd blank out Kaden was there. `` What 's Filch got anything to do with him being sick ? '' Kaden asked.

`` I 'll get him for this ! '' Madam Pomfrey shouted as she waved her verge over flatness. `` I swear I will .... ''

Albus looked at madam Pomfrey and then back at Kaden. He chose to ignore Kaden 's doubt. The nurse was getting dangerously close to cluing Kaden into why lustrelessness was there. If she was n't thrifty, she 'd hand away everything.

`` I thought I 'd realize it clear to him ! '' the nurse repeated while she poured a disgusting looking Orange potion down matte 's throat. `` No detention on these Nox and certainly not on the Astronomy towboat ! If he 'd been out there any longer ... fountainhead, I 'm not exactly sure enough what would have happened ! ``

Kaden looked throughly confused. `` What 's the Astronomy Tower got to do with this ? ``

`` Of all the Night of the month- ''

`` gentlewoman Pomfrey ! '' Albus shouted, suddenly deciding that he had to get the nursemaid to stop rant. Madam Pomfrey looked up from what she was doing and glared at Albus. It generally was not a good idea to interrupt her while she was working, but Albus had no choice. He ran over to where the nursemaid was standing. `` Sorry, ma'am, '' he whispered, `` It 's just, there are sealed, er, things, that Kaden does n't live. '' Albus gestured to where his cousin was standing. `` And I know flatness would prefer it if he did n't know, '' Albus gave her a important looking at that he hoped would convey his thoughts.

dame Pomfrey stared at him for a few s and then actualisation came over her. `` Oh ! Oh, my ! '' she whispered back, `` I ca n't believe I, well, right. So sorry about that. I 'll be a bit quieter. ``

Albus went back over to where Kaden and John were standing. John gave him a remedy smell, but Kaden looked even more put off. `` What was that about ? '' Kaden asked.

`` Nothing, '' Albus gave Kaden another one of his 'shut up now'aspect. Kaden immediately closed his mouth. Albus was getting dear at conveying those facial expression now and Kaden seemed to obey veracious away, which was good.

`` All right, '' lady Pomfrey walked back to the three boys after a few to a greater extent minutes, `` He 's going to be o.k.. He 'll just involve to continue here for a couple years. '' She looked at Albus and lavatory when she said this, and Albus knew she meant that he would be staying until after the full phase of the moon moon.

`` Ok, '' Albus nodded. `` We can chit-chat him, right ? ``

`` Of form, dear, '' Madam Pomfrey 's expression softened. `` You know what meter are good. Now, you three best be off to your dormitories. It 's very late. If anyone stops you, just distinguish them you were with me. And do n't worry about seeing Filch. I 'm off to find him now, and he 's going to be busy for quite a while. ``

Albus nodded and had to strangle a laughter. He knew the nurse would be seeking out the caretaker and would be giving him a farsighted and loud tongue-lashing at best.



A/N : Thanks to my genus Beta, Dancer of Starlight ! special thanks to my early sister and my brother for help with the Monty Python material. Speaking of Monty Python and Spamalot, I took some indecorum in deciding that Spamalot was turned into a movie sometime during the present and 2017, when this takes place. Otherwise, Kaden could not deliver seen it as it sadly closed on Broadway hold up month ( before I got to see it, unfortunately ).

Thanks as well to XDNLxtlz99, Luke, Moonylupin, and potterfan89 for their reviews !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter or Spamalot



Albus and trick did n't bear a chance to tell Rose and Amanda about the custody until after lunch the future day. It was their afternoon off and they were relaxing in the Room of necessity for a few minutes before they went to shoot the breeze flatness. It was the first of all clock time since the detention that Kaden was n't around. Kaden had socio-economic class all good afternoon, so it was an ideal time to talk about what had happened the old night. No one, not even rosiness, seemed to deliver any idea why lusterlessness seemed so much sicker that nighttime than the early nights before full moonlight. Their simply guess was that he was already worn out from the detentions on the previous two nights. Eventually, they just decided to go to the infirmary Wing and ask flatness. Albus was sure he would tell apart them. After all, he told them all about that study he was in.

However, when they arrived at the Hospital Wing, Matt was sound asleep. Madam Pomfrey informed them that he had woken up for a short while early that sunrise, but had fallen asleep soon after. He had been asleep ever since, and the harbor flat out refused to let them wake him up. She insisted that he needed all the residual he could get before nightfall and that they could call him the following afternoon.

Albus and his ally were very subdued that evening. Albus had just returned to the vulgar room after fulfilling his additional detainment with Filch. It was just as suffering as the initiatory cauldron-cleaning custody had been. When he got back to the common room, all his friends were doing homework and not saying much. Amanda was already back from dueling practice. Albus was worried about Matt and he could narrate the others were as well. It kind of reminded him of that night of the full moon moon they stayed up waiting for morning to occur after Astronomy class the late yr. Only this year, they had Kaden to make full in the quietness that surrounded them.

`` And then Slughorn had to pass on the unscathed category antidote ! '' Kaden laughed as he relayed his most Holocene potions class. One of the other first age had heated her cauldron too much and caused the potion to detonate all over the entire class. Albus and the others nodded their heads, like they had been doing for the past half hour, and continued working on their respective homework.

`` Is n't it funny ? '' Kaden sighed, `` What 's wrong with you lot ? You 've been sitting there not saying anything for the past hour ! I thought you 'd at to the lowest degree laugh at the idea of everyone in my potions course of study having various role of their soundbox turn shining pink. ``

`` We 're just worried about matt, '' Rose explained, not looking up from her Charms book.

`` dame Pomfrey said he 'd be okay, '' Kaden reminded her.

`` She does n't know that, '' blush wine replied.

`` Sure she does. She 's the nurse, '' Kaden grinned, `` And she can fix anything. ``

Albus sighed loudly, `` Not this again ! Listen, you just do n't understand. She ca n't have intercourse for sure that he 'll be ok. ''

This sentence it was Kaden 's turn to suspire, `` Well, I 'm not going to understand unless you tell me what 's wrong with him. ``

`` Not going to chance, '' Albus muttered as he jotted down something on his parchment.

`` Someday I 'll weasel it out of you, '' Kaden said. A few seconds later he started to express mirth. `` Weasel. Get it ? Weasley, weasel ! And you 're half Weasley ! ``

`` Very amuse, '' Albus murmured.

`` Oh, you 're no fun, '' Kaden said, still grinning at his own joke.

******

The adjacent day after Herbology, Albus and his Friend hurried up to their dorm to deposit their bags. Then they rushed to the infirmary Wing to see how lustrelessness was. Luckily, Kaden was still in family. When they arrived at the hospital offstage, Albus saw lustrelessness 's usual bed with the curtain pulled around it and made a beeline for it. He was halfway there when lady Pomfrey came out from behind the drape and jumped as she saw Albus and the others.

`` Oh ! '' she clutched her chest, `` You scared me ! I was n't expecting you until later. ``

`` Sorry, '' Albus replied, `` We decided to get now since I 've got Quidditch drill after dinner. ``

`` Is that all right field ? '' rose wine asked.

`` Yes, that 's OK. Just for a few arcminute, '' the nanny regained her composure and bustled into her office.

Albus ran the rest of the way to the bed and wrenched the drapery undefendable. matte was awake and propped up on his pillows. He looked run down and was covered in various dough and morsel, that looked a bit worse than usual. `` Hey ! How are you ? '' Albus asked.

`` I 've been better, '' lusterlessness said tiredly. `` It was bad. ``

`` It looks it, '' John commented.

`` John ! '' blush wine scolded.

`` What ? '' John shrugged.

`` It 's not that bad, '' Rose said to Matt.

`` It 's fine, really, '' Matt assured John.

`` So, '' Albus began, `` What happened during detention ? ``

`` Honestly, I 'm not even trusted, '' mat sighed, `` I do n't really remember it. ``

`` Really ? '' Rose raised her eyebrow, `` That 's odd. ``

`` Why do n't you two assure me what happened ? '' Matt laughed.

`` All right, '' Albus said, `` You kind of froze when we got up to the Astronomy towboat and you would n't move. Filch yelled at us for being late and assigned us another detention for last night- ''

`` L-last night ? '' Matt interrupted.

`` Yeah, scrubbing more cauldron, '' Albus explained. `` I kinda figured something was wrong when you did n't object to it. ''

Matt groaned, `` I do n't even commemorate him saying that. Great, now I 've got another detention once I get out of here. Probably two since I missed it last night. ``

`` Oh, I do n't think you 'll have to do any detention, '' Albus assured him, `` Filch did n't mention anything about you doing detention the unanimous prison term I was scrubbing cauldron last Nox. You see, brothel keeper Pomfrey was livid when we told her what we had been doing for custody. ``

`` Yeah, '' John laughed, `` I 've never seen her so angry. She was storming around here, muttering and shouting and cursing Filch. It was sort of funny remark, really. ``

`` Anyway, she said she was going to talk to Filch after we left the other dark, '' Albus continued, `` I imagine she yelled at him quite a bit. I 'm certainly she insisted that you not do anymore detainment. ``

`` That 's a rilievo, '' lustrelessness replied, `` So, what happened after Filch gave us another hold ? ``

`` I pulled you over to where John and Kaden were cleaning telescopes and whoremonger and I stood on either side of you, so it seemed like you were cleaning too. It was almost like you were in a kind of trance. You did n't seem to know what was going on. So I asked if you wanted to go to the hospital wing and you said no. Then toilet, Kaden, and I cleaned for about an hour and a half. No one talked much except for Kaden. He kept humming random vocal and Filch yelled at him. Then he told me what the vocal were from. They were from a moving picture called Spamalot. Kaden insisted that I watch it sometime, '' Albus explained.

Matt laughed, `` You should, it 's a really suspect pic. ``

`` You 've seen it ? '' privy asked.

`` Yeah. We 've got a TV at household, since my mum is Muggle-born and she did n't want to have up TV, '' flatness replied.

`` I 've never seen it, '' Amanda commented, `` I 've heard of it, though. We should all watch it sometime. ``

`` That would be fun, '' Albus agreed. `` Anyway, once we left the astronomy Tower, we tried to get back to the rough-cut room, but you got sick partway there and passed out. I told Kaden to get madam Pomfrey, and well, that was it. ``

`` And I do n't think back any of that, '' Matt groaned and stared down at the bed.

`` It 's all right field, '' Albus said quietly, `` You were n't really yourself. ``

`` Why 'd it happen, though ? '' Gospel According to John asked after a few irregular, `` I mean, you 're usually tired the night before, but why was it that bad ? ``

`` Because I was in organize moonlight, '' lusterlessness whispered, `` The intellect I get outwear and sick beforehand is because the moon is getting fuller. The dark we did detainment, it was practically broad. And I was outside in the moonlight for over an time of day. ``

`` That would explain why Madam Pomfrey got so angry, '' John said.

`` Yeah, '' Matt replied, `` Makes the transformation worse, too. Because I 'm already worn out from being in the moonlight so long the Night before. ``

`` I do n't get it, though, '' Rose said, `` Why did n't you just severalise Filch you could n't do detention that Night ? ``

`` I do n't know, '' Matt sighed, `` I guess I just did n't want any sorting of peculiar discourse anymore. It makes hoi polloi suspicious. I do n't want anyone to wonder why I can pick my detention nighttime. Plus, I did n't really have it off that would hap anyway. I knew I 'd be tired, but I did n't really know I 'd go into a trance like that. It had never happened before. My parents always made sure not to let me go outside the night before. ``

`` Well, even so, you should n't do anymore detention like that the night before, '' rosiness insisted, `` It 'll piss you sicker. ``

`` I know, rose wine, '' Matt assured her, `` And lady Pomfrey talked to Filch and he 's not going to give me anymore hold at bad times. ``

`` You mean, she told Filch ? '' Albus asked. He knew Filch did n't know about lusterlessness 's condition, but he did n't think Madam Pomfrey would actually say him.

`` Oh, no, he does n't have it off. Madam Pomfrey just said that he needed to check with her before assigning me detainment due to 'health issues that will rest private'. And she made him verify not to recite anyone that he was checking hold with her, or else she 'd make sure Kendrick kicked him out. ``

St. John let out a low whistle, `` Wow, remind me not to get on gentlewoman Pomfrey 's bad side. ``

`` She 's definitely forceful, '' Matt yawned and closed his eyes.

`` Are you all right ? '' blush wine asked.

`` Umm-hmm, '' Matt mumbled, `` I 've just got a headache. ``

At that bit, the curtains opened and ma'am Pomfrey appeared with another potion. This one was a deep blue and Albus thought it looked disgusting. The nurse took one look at Matt, shook her head, and turned to Albus and the others. `` Time for you lot to leave. You 're welcome to visit again tomorrow. ``

Albus and his friends said good-bye to Matt and left the hospital wing. Albus had just enough clock time to catch dinner before he had to be at the Quidditch pitch for practice session. Georgia thought the team was doing wonderfully and was sure enough they would beat Slytherin in the fist match in November.

******

`` So, where is my brilliant potions partner today ? '' Malfoy asked sarcastically as the Gryffindors and Slytherins left Slughorn 's dungeon the abide by afternoon.

`` Visiting his sick gran, like common, '' whoremaster replied shortly while glaring at Malfoy. `` Have n't you figured that out by now ? Whenever you ask where he is, he 's always visiting his gran. ``

`` Funny, that 's not what ceramicist 's cousin said, '' Malfoy smirked. Thomas J. Jackson Limbert and Xavier Goyle nodded on either side of him.

`` What ? '' Albus shouted. His cousins, except for Rose, probably did n't even have intercourse Matt left every month, let alone where he went. And Rose obviously would n't tell Malfoy anything. `` Which full cousin ? ``

`` The mud-blood, '' Malfoy said simply.

Kaden, Albus thought. Of course ! Albus had told Kaden that matte got sickish every so often, he just had n't told him what the illness was. But why on earth was Kaden talking to Malfoy ?

`` Do n't call him that ! '' blush wine shouted, drawing her wand.

`` Calm down, '' Malfoy replied, drawing his own wand. `` I mean it in the nicest way. ``

`` You do not ! '' John shouted as he drew his wand.

`` Wait ! '' Albus stood in between them and stared at Malfoy. `` Before anyone hex anyone, I 've got to find out what this is about. What did Kaden say ? ``

`` He mentioned that Eckerton is sick all the prison term. Apparently he 's got some disease that Pomfrey ca n't cure and you wo n't tell him what it is, '' Malfoy replied smugly.

Albus felt the color waste pipe from his facial expression. He told Kaden not to evidence anyone about this ! And what had Kaden done ? He told Malfoy of all people ! Malfoy, the one soul mat did not require knowing where he went every month. Albus groaned. Malfoy now had a few more clue as to what was awry with matte. With just a bit of research he was sure to find out out. `` When did he tell you this ? '' Albus growled. Rage and anger were building up inside of him, and not only towards Malfoy. If Kaden was anywhere near Albus right now, he was sure he 'd hex him.

`` Last night, '' Malfoy answered, `` Very interesting bit of entropy, if you ask me. ``

Albus did n't say another word to Malfoy. He turned and ran towards the stair and out of the dungeon. The footsteps behind him told him that his Friend were following. Albus did n't stop to let them catch up. All he cared about now was finding Kaden. He was angrier than he was the dark he yelled at Kaden. Albus knew if he found Kaden now, he 'd do more than just call. He 'd hex him into the succeeding hundred. What in the name of Merlin had possessed Kaden to severalise Malfoy that matt got sick ? Why Malfoy of all people ? Albus knew Kaden was aware of the Gryffindor/Slytherin rivalry. Heck, Albus knew that Kaden himself did n't similar Slytherins. Felix Willinson had made Kaden well mindful of the preconception many Slytherins felt. Yet, Kaden was obviously talking with Slytherins, and telling them things they should n't know.

`` Albus, where are you going ? '' rosiness shouted, as Albus ran up a flying of stairs.

`` To notice Kaden, '' Albus growled.

`` I 'm going with you, '' John said. He sounded, if it was possible, even angrier than Albus felt. He sped up and fell into position beside Albus. `` I told you before that if he did this again, I 'd hex him. I 'm keeping my word. ``

`` Wait, Albus, St. John the Apostle ! '' rosiness shouted again.

But Albus did n't wait. He continued up flights of stair towards the Gryffindor vernacular elbow room. Students stared at them as they passed, but Albus did n't care. Rose kept shouting after them, but both Albus and John ignored her. Amanda gave a few lukewarm shouts after them, but Albus could severalize she did n't really give care if they tried to hex Kaden or not. Eventually, Albus and John made it to the common room. They gave the Fat peeress the watchword and ran into the room. Albus immediately spotted Kaden sitting in a chair, playing with what looked to be another Muggle toy. It was a cube with numerous color in square all over it. It looked vaguely conversant. Albus thought he may have seen Rose with one once. Albus ran over to Kaden and grabbed his arm, pulling him towards the dormitories while glaring at him.

`` Hey, what are you doing ? '' Kaden asked. He dropped his cube in surprise. `` What 's gotten into you, Albus ? ``

Albus said nothing as he dragged Kaden to his dorm. John followed without saying a countersign, and shut the threshold behind them when they reached the dormitory room. Albus let go of Kaden and glared at him for a few moments.

`` What is wrong with you, Albus ? '' Kaden asked, glancing from Albus to John.

`` I should be asking you that, Kaden, '' Albus replied in a low voice. `` What were you doing talking to Scorpius Malfoy for ? ``

`` Scorpius Malfoy ? '' Kaden repeated as if trying to consider of who that was. Then a look of realization appeared on his cheek. `` Oh. ``

`` Yeah, 'oh ,''' Albus said, `` You were talking to him last Night ! ``

`` Uh ... '' Kaden shifted uneasily on his feet.

`` I told you not to tell anyone about matte getting chuck ! '' Albus erupted. `` You promised you would n't tell ! This is exactly why I did n't want to tell you in the low place ! You just ca n't keep your rima oris shut ! And Malfoy ! He 's been trying to rule out about flatness since the beginning of first year, and let me state you zippo unspoilt will happen when he does find out. And you know what you 've done ? '' Albus paused for impression, but Kaden did n't say anything. `` YOU MADE IT EASIER FOR HIM TO FIND OUT ! ``

`` I did n't think to- '' Kaden 's voice cracked.

`` I do n't handle, '' Albus interrupted, `` The detail is, you did ! How can you not mean to tell someone something ? Especially someone you never talk to in the clenched fist place ! ``

`` I- ''

`` Shut up, Kaden ! '' Albus shouted and drew his wand. lavatory, who had been letting Albus take away the hint, drew his as well.

`` Wha-what 're you g-going to do ? '' Kaden shakily drew his own wand.

Suddenly, the threshold fusillade undefended and rose wine and Amanda appeared, both of them clutching stitches in their sides and panting. `` Expelliarmus ! '' Rose shouted. Albus 's baton left his hand and landed on the story near Rose. rosiness disarmed John and then gathered both wands.

`` Give it to me, Rose, '' Albus growled.

`` No, '' Rose replied, `` I 'm not going to let you hex your own cousin. ``

`` You heard what he did ! '' Albus shouted.

`` I know, and I 'm not happy about it either, '' rosiness replied, `` But hexing him is n't going to fix it. You 'll just get detainment. ``

On some level, Albus knew rose wine was rightfulness, but he still wanted to hex Kaden. Albus sighed. There was n't anything he could do now. All he could do is trust that Malfoy did n't put the clue together. That, and never confide Kaden to keep on a secret again. `` Just get out of here, Kaden. ``

`` But- ''

`` I said, get out of here, '' Albus growled, `` Or I 'll resort to Muggle dueling. ``

Kaden bit his lip and turned towards the door. He looked back at Albus once before running out of the dormitory.

Albus threw himself down onto his bed after Kaden left. `` I 'm never telling him anything again. ``

`` I do n't fault you, '' John sighed, `` Why 'd he feature to distinguish Malfoy anyway ? ``

`` I have n't got a clue, '' Albus replied, `` All I know is that this fourth dimension, I 'm not forgiving him as easily. ``

`` I- '' rosebush started.

`` Do n't rag, Rose, '' Albus interrupted, `` null you say is going to make me rationalise to him. ``

`` I was n't going to say that ! '' Rose shouted, `` I was going to say that I agree with you. I mean, he does n't deserve to be admirer with you if he 's going to go telling half the school day affair you told him in mystery. You told him not to assure, right ? ``

`` Of course I did ! '' Albus said, `` I all but told him I 'd hex him if he told anyone. ``

`` Exactly, '' blush wine replied, `` What if he tells Malfoy about the Whomping willow tree ? ``

`` merlin ! '' Albus suddenly sat up, `` I had n't thought of that ! ``

`` What if he already told Malfoy ? '' John said darkly.

`` Then he 's already investigated it, '' Amanda said quietly, `` Or at least tried. ``

`` And he 'll try again, '' Albus replied, `` I know, I 'll curb the map a lot. '' Albus got up from his bed and went to his trunk. He rummaged around in it until he found the predator 's Map. He took out his verge and tapped it, `` I solemnly swear that I am up to no good. ``

Ink appeared all over the map as Albus and the others crowded around it. Albus scanned it quickly for Malfoy. `` He 's in the Slytherin common room, '' Albus pointed to Malfoy 's dot in the keep. `` I 'll just check it every once and a while. ``

`` Good approximation, '' John the Divine said.

`` What are we going to assure lusterlessness ? '' Rose asked quietly. `` We 've got to differentiate him about this. ``

In all the chaos of finding Kaden and trying to hex him, Albus had n't thought about what they were going to tell Matt. `` We 'll just own to recite him what happened, that 's all. I 'm not going to hide that Kaden was the one who told Malfoy. If flatness wants to hex him, he can go right ahead. ``

`` We 're not going to let him hex Kaden ! '' Rose insisted, `` He does n't ask anymore detention. ``

`` secure point, '' Amanda agreed. `` We 'll tell him it was Kaden, but we wo n't let him hex him. ``

`` flatness will just have to forefend Malfoy, '' John the Divine commented, `` I mean, there 's naught we can do now. What 's done is done. We 'll all quash Malfoy. ``

`` That 'll be hard, '' Albus announced, `` Malfoy is lustrelessness 's potions partner. And he 's on mine and Amanda 's dueling team. ``

`` We 'll just have to try, '' John sighed, `` Besides that, there 's not much we can do. That, and never believe Kaden with another enigma. ``





A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight ! Thanks as well to XDNLxtlz99, sinwillys822, potterfan89, Luke, Niki Lily, Moonylupin, Denas, and drownzer for their reviews !