Harry Potter 08


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Albus spent almost of the solar day preceding Christmastime at rose wine 's family. Henry James was determined to use all of his spare time for Quidditch practice, and he had to go to pink wine 's house for that. Albus usually went with him and he and Hugo would help King James practice while Rose read.

Harry had to practically separate James from his broom by magic on Yule Eve so they could go to Godric 's holler. William James wanted to stay at Rose 's firm and keep practicing, but Harry refused to let him. The trip-up was quiet since James was rather sullen the entire time.

"Professor Patil says I 'm a natural at Transfiguration of Jesus,"Lily bragged to Albus as they walked towards the Burrow afterwards.

"That 's proficient,"Albus replied.

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

"You do n't get to select what kind of animal you transform into,"Albus told her.

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

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

Everyone else was already at the Burrow and Albus felt an immediate warmth come over him as he stepped inside. It had nothing to do with the fact that it was so common cold and snow-white outside, either. There was something so comforting about being at the tunnel surrounded by all his family. He was able to block all the event with the Quidditch tourney and Professor Killigan. All he could think about was how rapacious he was and how full some of his grandmother 's cooking would be in good order about then.

pink wine sat down following to Albus as he tucked into a large bowl of onion soup with a position of homemade bread.

"Uncle Charlie and Aunt Katherine are going back to Roumania this summer,"Rose announced.

"To tame more dragons ?"Albus asked. His uncle and aunt had n't done that since Stanley started Hogwarts, but they often talked about how they wanted to go back.

"Yeah,"Rose nodded,"They might stay even after the summer 's over, but ling and Mark will come back to go to Hogwarts."

"They get to go, too ?"

"Yup. Henry M. Stanley and Eddie are going, too. Henry M. Stanley 's quitting his job for it. He 's definitely staying in Romania after the summertime 's over. He wants to get into dragon training."

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

Stanley had been working at the Magical zoo since he finished Hogwarts, but knew he did n't need to do that his whole living. He just did n't know what he did want to do.

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

"Me, too,"rosebush agreed,"Imagine the history we could learn."

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

"Christmas Quidditch tomorrow ?"Teddy asked as he sat down following to Rose.

"Definitely,"Albus grinned.

"I would n't enumerate on it, Teddy,"Molly said as she handed Albus another lump of bread,"We 're supposed to get the blizzard of the decade tomorrow. The Muggle electrical energy is already out in town."

"Is it really ?"Chester A. Arthur popped his head into the way,"Fascinating ! I may possess to go see it tomorrow !"

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

"We do n't ask electrical energy to play Quidditch !"Teddy exclaimed,"It 'll be sodding training conditions ! If you can trip up a Snitch in the heart of a blizzard, you can take in one in any weather. It 's not like Kendrick ever calls off Quidditch because of snow."

"We 'll see tomorrow, shimmy,"mollie sighed.

Albus finished his soup and he and rise went into the den, where they were greeted by a forte chorus of 'Odo the Hero', sung by George, Alicia, Charlie, and Ron. greenback and Fleur were laughing while Hermione shook her head. Albus had a feeling the but ground why Fleur approved was because the singing was drowning out Celestina Warbeck.

"So then I said, I 'm not paying seven Sickles for that !"Walker Percy said to Katherine, who was only sort of paying tending,"And the fellow looked at me like I was mad. I say he 's mad, charging that practically for a tour of a questionably historical old edifice. There really should be regularization on such things. It 's one matter I 'll change if I 'm ever Minister."

Albus stifled a laugh. His Uncle Sir Henry Percy had been talking about running for Minister for the past ten yr, but still had n't done it. near of his uncles and aunts got disgorge of hearing him lecture about what he would and would not modify.

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

"Hi Victoire,"Albus made his way over to her,"How is healer breeding ?"

"Exhausting,"Victoire sighed,"And I have to visualise out which part of the hospital I want to do the residual of my preparation in by September. We 've been rotating throughout all the floors, but now we have to nibble one. I 'm nowhere near decided."

"You have until Sept,"Albus shrugged. It seemed like a long time to him.

"I know,"Victoire replied,"But Amy 's known where she wants to polish off training since we were in quaternary year."

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

"Thanks, slip,"Victoire smiled,"I 'm thinking either the gestation ward or enchantment Damage."

"There 's a busybodied ward,"Teddy grinned,"spell impairment. You 'll get all the funny injuries there."

"That 's not a good reason to peck a specialization,"Victoire groaned.

"goodness a intellect as any,"teddy shrugged.

The meter grew later and after Albus played numerous rhythm of Exploding Snap with his cousins, his gran announced that it was time for bed. Everyone argued, but there was really no point. Everyone, including the other adults, knew that arguing with mollie Weasley was useless.

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

The wind was so powerful that Albus could palpate it through the gaps in the windowpane. Every once in a while, the house would creak and shake. Albus sighed and put his pillow over his spike to try and drown out the ululation.

Albus did n't make do to drift off to kip until after Cedric got out of bed, swore loudly, and disregarded the no magic outside of shoal prescript to put a silencing charm on the room.

******

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

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

"Merlin !"James jumped off the top bunk and looked out the window,"There is ! And it 's still coming !"

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

"We could build the human beings 's biggest nose candy sensation later,"Ben suggested.

"We could build an integral snow thaumaturgist army,"Albus said.

"Presents first,"Epistle of James said as he located his flock of presents.

Albus descended upon his own pile of presents and began opening them. There were the usual Henry Sweet and Weasleys'mathematical product from his aunt and uncles. Another Weasley perspirer, this one scarlet and gold striped. He pulled it on over his jammies and opened the rest of the present from his aunts and uncles. His aunt Hermione had gotten him a few ledger he 'd probably never translate, including one about the history of home elves at Hogwarts.

Albus saved his parents'present for terminal, although he doubted they could top concluding year 's. There really was n't anything in the macrocosm that was better than the Invisibility Cloak.

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

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

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

Albus opened the box and saw two just the ticket. Two slate for the Quidditch World Cup that was taking topographic point this summer !

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

"I did n't even cognise they were on sales event this early on !"James IV said.

"You two get the serious present,"Cedric said.

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

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

Albus suddenly realized he had the same trouble. Two tag. Five friends he would want to film. Who was he going to choose ? Not Rose. They may deliver been friends since they were babies, but she just did n't ingest a Passion of Christ for Quidditch. Neither did Kaden. He was another to cross off the tilt. John and lusterlessness were the Quidditch fans. He 'd have to pick out between them. Amanda liked Quidditch well enough, but she did n't follow a team or anything.

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

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

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

"Yeah,"Albus and St. James the Apostle said at the same time.

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

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

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

"They were a gift from the Minister,"Harry replied,"The Cup is in Canada this twelvemonth and he 's honorable champion with their minister. Got him a lot of free tickets."

Albus grinned as he began to eat breakfast. Somehow his parents had come close to topping last year 's show. Now not only was he going to get to see the World Cup, he would get to travel to a different country.

blush wine came downstairs a little while later and was impressed with the tag. She had no desire to go to the Cup and had no suggestions on how Albus was going to choose between John the Evangelist and Matt.

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

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

"Maybe after lunch, then,"Teddy shrugged.

mollie shook her head word and sighed as she set a few more platter of eggs and toast onto the table.

There was a knock on the doorway that could only just be heard over the howling wind. Molly glanced at Arthur, who shrugged and got up to see who it was. Albus followed, very curious to see who would inflict on Christmas morning in the centre of a huge blizzard.

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

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

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

"trade good, but if you feel it 's too decrepit, just let me know and I 'll go get some of my Jutispy works. The leaves do marvel on old edifice. wee them like new. I just put a bunch into my place and it 's a expert thing, too. Of course, they tend to appeal Nargles ..."Xenophilius 's articulation trailed off.

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

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

"Then you must stay here a while. Molly 's cooked far too a good deal nutrient, like usual,"Arthur lead Xeno into the kitchen.

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

mollie was more than glad to provide Xenophilius with a with child platter of breakfast and he settled down to discuss the storm with the adults.

Albus spent most of the morn playing Exploding Snap, Wizard 's chess game, and Gobstones with his cousin-german. They tried to play hide and go seek, but the sign was too crowded to trifle it properly.

Teddy and James kept looking out the windowpane, willing it to give up snowing. Both of them were just itching to go play Quidditch. Albus would have gladly gone and played if it would bar snowing so much. He was dedicated to the game, but not enough to play in this tempest.

Lunchtime came and the coke was still falling. George went outside to measure it and came back with the tidings that it was three and a half human foot.

Teddy went upstairs after dejeuner and came back decked out in three jumpers, a thickheaded cloak, and a pair of bang. Under one arm was his ling and under the other was a box of Quidditch balls. James was correct behind him, dressed the same.

"Theodore Remus lupine !"Molly shouted,"I suppose I ca n't stop you from going out there and catching expiry of a dusty, but I will not let you drag James with you !"

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

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

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

"Excellent,"teddy grinned,"Anyone attention to join us ?"

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

The Dec 25 Quidditch lasted a half an 60 minutes. shimmy, James, GA, broom, and Fred all stumbled back into the house shivering with their faces red and covered in C and ice. Molly immediately descended upon them with countenance of hot deep brown and dry clothes.

"Told you, Molly,"Harry grinned.

"C-ca n't find out the Sn-Snitch,"teddy bear muttered.

Harry laughed."That does n't surprise me. You 'll retrieve it when the violent storm calms down. You put the appeal on it to stay in the curtilage, right ?"

"Y-yeah,"teddy replied.

Dec 25 dinner party came and went in its common topsy-turvyness. Xenophilius stayed for it and St. James snuck sneezing pulverization into his soup, which he found incredibly fishy. mollie was not as impressed and gave James quite the scolding. How she found out it was Henry James was beyond Albus.

The violent storm continued throughout the night and Cedric had to put the silencing appealingness back on their room in decree for any of them to get any sleep.

******

cipher left the tunnel until two 24-hour interval after Christmas. That was when the snow finally let up. It topped out at around four and a half base, which was a new disc for Albus 's life. The Burrow 's railyard had been decorated by dozens of snowfall hag and necromancer, along with hippogriffs, bird of night, and a variety of other charming fauna.

When Albus found out what his family was doing after they left the tunnel, he wished the Snow would get kept coming. They were going shopping for dress robes for the New Year 's party.

"Why ca n't I just wear my old dress robes ?"Epistle of James whined as they walked down Diagon Alley towards Madam Malkin's.

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

"Yeah, Victor-Marie Hugo 's the prosperous one,"St. James muttered. Victor Hugo was wearing James River 's old dress robes to the political party and therefore did not take in to go shopping.

"Mummy, I want purple gown,"Lily announced.

"If they have any,"Ginny replied.

Albus wanted to buy the low gear pair of dress robe he found, so long as they were n't pink or purple. The sooner they were done robes shopping the better.

rose and Lily made a beeline for the girls dress robe as soon as they walked in the door. Albus stood awkwardly next to Epistle of James while their mother found various gown for them.

"Here, try these on, Al,"Ginny handed him a pair of emerald green robes.

"Very Slytherin,"James I snickered.

"Shut it, James II,"Albus muttered.

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

Albus reluctantly tried on the Slytherin colored robes and then left the fertilization room for his mother to see.

"Too short,"she announced,"But the color is perfect. I 'll receive a heavy size."

James wound up with a navy blue devil pair of robe, which Albus would deliver preferred. Lily found her purple gown and Rose got a sky downcast span.

"Next metre you 're getting green robe,"Albus muttered to James, who was still making fun of the people of colour of Albus 's robes.

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

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

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


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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


The party was at the pastor 's hall, the family where all the Ministers of Magic had lived. Albus had been there a few times before, but not in a twain class. Usually all the political party the diplomatic minister held were while Albus was at Hogwarts.

A few hours before the company, Ginny made Albus, Epistle of James, and Lily all take showers and disentangle their hair properly. She spent a good fifteen minutes trying to get James 's haircloth to lie flat and another fifteen arcminute putting Lily 's up in some kind of elaborate bun type matter. Albus was very felicitous his own tomentum was far too short for that sort of thing.

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

"Absolutely no making trouble !"Ginny stared at James as she said this,"None at all ! This is the Minister 's star sign ! I will not have got you wreaking havoc in it."

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

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

"Let 's hope so,"Ginny sighed.

Albus and his crime syndicate Apparated to the Minister 's sign of the zodiac, which meant side-along shadow for Albus. He hated side-along Apparition. It felt like he could n't breath. It was worse when the person who was Apparating him was also Apparating another person, which was always the case in his family. It was the scourge of being the middle child. He was either with Epistle of James or Lily. This fourth dimension it was with Lily and Harry was Apparating them.

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

A long and winding sidewalk, framed with Dubya and lights on either side, lead up to the front doorway. Albus 's parents started walking up and Albus followed.

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

Harry rang the bell when they arrived at the door and it was answered by the diplomatic minister himself."Harry !"he shouted,"seed in !"

Minister Langston Hartwell was the third base government minister since the fall of overlord Voldemort. He was a marvelous, rotund man with very short hair left on his foreland. He did sport a rather large mustache, which caused Albus to think of him as a much taller version of Professor Slughorn.

Hartwell was one of those very educated wiz who spoke using very large word of honor that Albus could n't really understand. He was long-winded and near of his words could be condensed down into a few sentences, according to Harry, that is. He was a very gracious man, though.

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

Hartwell lead them through the sign of the zodiac, which was just as spick-and-span as Albus remembered, and into what could only be described as a grand ballroom. It was the same dance hall all the party Albus had been to were held.

The room was decorated with silver and black and was already filling up with mass. Albus spotted Rose and matte in the book binding of the elbow room and left his family in the doorway to go see them.

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

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

Albus rolled his eyes."Shut it."

"What do you remember, lusterlessness ?"blush wine turned to lustrelessness,"His mum says they match his eyes, but King James I says they 're Slytherin robes."

"Slytherin,"Matt said immediately.

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

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

"Yeah,"Albus replied.

"I 've been here for two hours already,"lusterlessness said,"We were the first ace here. Dad keeps introducing me to people and they all think I 'm a first base year."

"Bet that 's fun,"Albus laughed,"Do you screw most of these people ?"

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

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

"Dad never thought he would either,"Matt laughed,"Then we 've got your Uncle Sir Henry Percy, I think you probably know him. Those people are a few of Dad 's colleagues,"Matt gestured to a few more witches and whizz,"Then there 's a bunch of people from early departments, but I do n't call back any of their names."

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

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

"Like what ?"Albus asked.

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

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

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

"I have to accommodate, that 's really creative,"rosiness giggled,"What else ?"

"Mostly stuff with the food. Charm the chocolates to sample like vanilla, charm the serving utensils to affect every clip you go to break up them up, that sort of stuff and nonsense,"flatness explained.

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

"My parents never say that stuff to me,"Matt laughed,"They never suspect me of anything. The minute of arc they find out the alcohol 's been charmed out of the boozing, they 'll find Amy."

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

"It was my idea, though. She was n't originally going to do it at this company,"flatness explained.

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

"What exactly happens when you use this charm ?"rosiness asked.

"Oh, it 's great,"Amy grinned,"commencement, only a couple people notice and they make a very unruffled mention to another person and then that soul agrees that there 's something wrong with the potable. Then it just snowballs from there until it 's all they 're talking about. Then mortal will test the drinks, describe the inebriant 's been charmed away, replace it, and then everyone will root on. But some of them will act sot because they think there 's alcoholic beverage in the drinks."

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

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

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

"You never know,"Matt shrugged.

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

"I 'd be shocked if they did n't,"rosiness smirked,"Aunt Ginny has no Hope of stopping James."

"And I 'd bet my survive Galleon that Georgia and Bradley are talking about Quidditch,"Albus gestured to his early two first cousin, who were standing near the buffet.

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

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

Albus 's aunty Corrine was talking with two Wiccan Albus did n't know and his twin cousins were chasing each other around the room.

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

"Nope,"Albus shook his heading,"None of my former aunts and uncles work for the Ministry."

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

Albus and rose wine agreed. Amy left to go talk to someone else and the three friends walked over to the buffet. There was already a small waiting line in front of it.

"There go Samantha and lindy hop,"Rose said as they waited. The Twin ran out one of the doors and Corrine quickly followed.

The queue moved quickly and soon Albus was in front. He grabbed a plate and piled it eminent with just about everything. There was always the dear food at this variety of party.

They found an hollow mesa far enough away from St. James the Apostle and Cedric. Albus did n't want to be anywhere near them when they did whatever they were planning on doing.

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

more than and more people arrived as Albus ate his dinner. He recognized a few of them, but did n't remember any names. He also noticed that nobody was acting strangely due to Amy 's charm. They were all acting perfectly convention for adults who had had a few drinks.

Albus, lusterlessness, and rose wine wandered around the room once they finished their intellectual nourishment. A few adult stopped to exclaim how big they 'd gotten and to ask what yr they were at Hogwarts. Lily joined them because she did n't desire to be associated with James and Cedric 's mischief.

"hullo, everyone !"government minister Hartwell shouted from the podium at the front end of the room.

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

"Thank you,"he smiled,"I assume you all know why I 've thrown this party, and it 's not just to offload the orotund amount of vino I was given for Christmas !"

The adults all chuckled at Hartwell 's attempt at a prank and then quieted down once again.

"Yes, yes, well, this party is in award of none other than Walter Eckerton, whom I have appointed to the spatial relation of drumhead of the Department of Regulation and restraint of Magical animate being. There is no one else whom I would trust with such a job ...."

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

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

"Thank you, rector,"McVicar began,"That was quite an occupy actor's line. I, too, would like to pride Walter Eckerton on his promotion.

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

"However, the main rationality for my lack of an to begin with retirement was because there was not a single somebody employed in the Ministry whom I would get trusted with this job. Nobody had the capableness to stockpile out this placement in the way I would like. Like they always say, if you want something done right, do it yourself. That was my motto up until five years ago, that is.

"A fiddling over five class ago, a man came into the Ministry looking for a job in the department of the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures. He applied for a job in werewolf Support Services, a place that had been open for well over a year. I was ready to hire anyone who walked through the room access at that point, but I had no musical theme what was to total when I hired Bruno Walter Eckerton.

"Some of you may know that Walter has experience in this subject field. He was the Head of the Department of Regulation and Control of Magical brute in Australia for three geezerhood before leaving the posture in order to move to England.

"Walter revolutionized Werewolf Support Services as soon as he started. The approximation he had were ones that even I had n't thought of. In five short years, he has bettered animation for those plagued with lycanthropy more than anyone else in the department have in their entire careers.

"It took only six month for me to understand that I wanted Walter to take over for me when I retired. Not only does he cause the experience and intelligence agency for the job, but he also has dedication that I have never seen before. I even have to admit that his dedication surpasses my own. I have never seen anyone fight as hard for werewolf rights as he has.

"The but thing left for me to do was convince myself it was time to adjourn,"McVicar chuckled,"And yes, it did take the dependable component of five class to do that. But now, I feel very convinced as I bridge player the reins over to Walter."

Everyone clapped as McVicar stepped away and mat 's dad took the dais."That was quite the speech,"Albus muttered to Matt.

"I 'll say,"lusterlessness agreed,"And McVicar does n't usually praise people like that."

"Well,"Matt 's dad began,"Thanks for your vote of confidence, Rob. I certainly hope I can populate up to your expectations.

"I have to start out by saying how unexpected this was. I really had no intentions of becoming the head of the entire section again, no matter which state I was living in. Werewolf financial backing servicing has been such a great place to work these past few years. It truly is my passion.

"However, when Langston and Rob approached me about taking over when Rob retired, I found it difficult to say no. In the end, I said yes because I want to pass water Sir Thomas More of a difference.

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

"I 'm not one for longsighted speeches, so I 'll just say that I look forward to starting the job and I truly Leslie Townes Hope I can be at least one-half of the head of the department Rob has been."

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

"They 're too wino to consider much on it,"Rose smirked.

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

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

A good portion of the grownup were acting very drunk. In fact, if Albus had n't known about Amy 's appeal, he would say they all really were drunk. The uncanny affair was that everybody was acting drunk. There did n't seem to be anyone who was thinking there was something incorrect with the drinks.

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

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

"Amy,"matt whispered,"Why 's everyone acting pattern ?

"I do n't sleep together,"she whispered back,"Let 's go look at the drinks."

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

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

"You 'll suffer to drink a lot to a greater extent than that to get properly drunk,"Matt grinned.

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

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

"What did you do ?"Albus groaned.

"Cedric and I added some extra intoxicant to that wine,"James whispered.

Albus, pink wine, Matt, and Amy burst out laughing. Albus could not believe it. All of their prank had backfired. The wine was now perfectly normal.

"What 's so funny ?"Cedric asked.

"Amy pulled a frivolity, too,"Albus said.

"I put a charm on all the vino to remove the inebriant, while keeping the gustatory sensation,"Amy explained,"I did it rightfulness when the company started."

"So much for that prank,"James II groaned.

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

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

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

"want to explore the parson 's Mansion ?"Matt suggested.

"Is that allowed ?"Rose asked skeptically.

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

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

It was practically quieter in the rest of the firm. They started wandering through any elbow room that had undecided doors.

"This spot is so bloody fancy,"Albus said.

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

"Their house is this big ?"blush wine asked.

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

The three Quaker wound up in a very large living room filled with antique furniture. There was an oriental carpet on the undercoat and oak mesa and bookshelves around the margin. Atop the board were fancy vessel of flowers and crystal sculptures.

"We 'd better be careful in here,"Rose said as she walked into the way,"If we break any of this hooey, our parents would murder us."

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

"Do n't allude it !"Rose hissed.

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

"Look at all these books,"Albus gazed up at one of the bookcases,"Madam Pince would sleep with to get her hands on these."

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

"Mum would like them,"rose wine said

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

"Probably one-time than Aberforth Dumbledore,"Albus replied.

"Hey, Albus, Matt, come here,"Rose said as she looked out the window.

Albus and matt walked over to the window and leaned over the table that was in front end of it.

"What is it ?"Albus asked.

"facial expression, there's-"

lustrelessness leaned farther over the table and knocked one of the quartz glass sculpture off. rose wine gasped and managed to enchant it before it crashed onto the floor.

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

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

"There 's someone sneaking around out there,"Rose said.

Albus peered out the window into the darkness. He could just barely make out a phantom lurking around the George Walker Bush. It did n't look like the person was walking up towards the mansion to go to the party. Plus, why would he prove up three hours late ?

"There 's definitely individual out there,"mat said.

"Let 's go find out who it is,"Albus said. He did n't stimulate a clew as to who it was, but he wanted to bump out. There was no reason for person to be sneaking around the pastor 's Mansion at this time of night.

"Albus Severus ceramicist, are you blooming insane ?"Rose exclaimed,"I think you are !"

"Look, I just want to go see if we can find out who it is. I 'm not saying we should go duel them. Plus, there 's a whole elbow room full of Ministry officials in case whoever is out there is individual bad,"Albus said.

"That 's a well point,"Matt replied,"Why would someone cabbage around a theater that 's full of Ministry official, especially when the two top Aurors are inside ?"

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

Rose reluctantly agreed and followed Albus and flatness, muttering under her breath. They found the nearest door and went out into the common cold night, drawing their baton as they did so.

"If we are n't killed, we 'll immobilize to death,"pink wine muttered.

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

"Do you learn anything ?"he whispered to Matt.

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

"trade good,"Rose muttered,"Now let 's go back inside."

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

Albus continued creeping around the house, with his wand out in front of him. His heart was beating fast and his workforce were sweaty despite the cold. He did n't want to stop, though. Figuring out who this lad was was exciting and nerve wracking at the same time.

"Do n't act !"someone shouted and all of a sudden there was a smart luminance in Albus 's eyes. sceptre light.

Rose screamed and grabbed postponement of Albus 's arm. Albus held up his own verge, his hand shaking.

"Who are you ?"the mortal shouted.

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

"He sounds comrade,"Matt whispered,"Hang on. Bloody hell, that 's prof Balladanis !"

Albus thought for a irregular and the phonation did sound a lot like Balladanis. But why would he be sneaking around the Minister 's Mansion ?

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

"Er, yes,"Albus replied.

The wand luminosity lowered and Albus heard the man footmark through the snow towards him. Albus saw that he was indeed prof Balladanis. He breathed a sigh of respite as rosiness let go of his arm.

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

"Y-yes, sir,"Matt replied.

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

"Told you,"Rose whispered to Albus.

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

"And you 're golden it was me,"Balladanis barked,"The three of you could have been dead if that person had been a coloured wizard. Now, I 'm taking all three of you back inside."

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

"If you must get laid, the curate asked me to turn back the priming coat in society to make sure nobody was lurking around,"Balladanis replied.

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


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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


It was nearing midnight when Albus, matte, and Rose re-entered the building, escorted by prof Balladanis. Albus had been hoping the professor would just see them to the doorway and then continue his search of the perimeter, but instead he went back to the dance hall with them and marched them right up to Harry.

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

"Albus,"Harry groaned,"I thought we made it clear that you were to last out inside."

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

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

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

"Care to explain ?"Harry raised an eyebrow.

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

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

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

Harry went back to his conversation and Albus lead his ally back to the buffet.

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

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

"10 !"someone shouted.

Albus looked at the nearest clock and saw that it was almost midnight. Everyone else joined in the countdown, holding their glasses of bubbly in the air. Amy joined Albus, rosiness, and flatness.

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

The bunch began to thin out a little while later. to the highest degree of the people Albus did n't know left, along with his Uncle Sir Henry Percy, Aunt Corrine, and his cousins. Albus 's parents did n't depend like they were in any rush to leave, so he got a home plate of the leftover desserts and at them with his friends.

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

"Do you remember there 's any way for Hogwarts to win the Quidditch tourney ?"matt asked as he polished off a piece of cocoa cake.

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

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

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

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

"Yeah, see you on the train,"flatness said.

Albus waved goodbye and then joined his mum, dad, James I, and Lily. They all said congratulations to matte 's dad and then left the rector 's Mansion. Albus peered into the Bush as he left, but there was no sign of prof Balladanis.

******

The end of the Christmas holiday went by very dumb for Albus. He did all his homework, which was quite boring, and there was nothing to do after that. Rose was visiting her early grandparents and James was at Nathan 's theatre. Even Kaden was busy visiting his grandparents ( Vernon and petunia ). He sent Albus a letter complaining about it, since the visit was also with Aunt marge. Albus was very grateful that he did n't have to go. Neither of his parents had mentioned anything about visiting with Vernon and Petunia again.

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

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

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

"Consider yourself golden,"Kaden muttered,"I 'm guessing you lot had better vacation ?"

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

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

"I saw someone sneaking around exterior and Albus insisted we go look into,"Rose said,"Turns out it was Balladanis and the minister had apparently asked him to chequer the terra firma for trouble."

"Did he find you ?"John asked.

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

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

"Well, we could 've,"rose wine muttered.

"Weird though,"toilet said,"Why would the Minister think individual would be hiding around his house ?"

"Does n't he have guard around anyway ?"Amanda asked,"The Muggle parson does."

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

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

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

"Again, Wyrd,"John said.

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

"That settles it,"John the Evangelist announced,"Albus, you 've got to find out out what he did before he started teaching defense reaction ?"

"Why me ?"Albus asked.

"Because you 've got those special dueling object lesson with him. He likes you for some reason. Of path, he also likes Malfoy. But that 's probably just because Malfoy 's a goodness dueller, too,"John the Evangelist explained.

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

"You never know,"John said.

******

"repose, tranquillize !"Balladanis shouted the following Tuesday, their first day of defense mechanism after the holiday.

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

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

"showtime, I 'll say that there is no time to not be thinking about defensive magic trick, as the dark arts do not take breaks for lilliputian things such as holidays.

"mo, in this terminus we will commence to explore brute far more dangerous than hinkypunks and kappas. In this term we shall learn about those terrifying wight such as acromantulas, basilisks, werewolves, dragons, and vampires."

Albus could n't help but glint at Linda when Balladanis said lamia. Balladanis had glanced at her as well, and he also glanced at lusterlessness when he said loup-garou. Of line, he had looked at Albus when he said basilisks, so it did n't necessarily mean anything, but Albus had a feeling it did.

"As the master would obtain it highly inappropriate for a dragon to manifest itself in this classroom, we shall not be using the anamatek as often this term,"Balladanis continued,"But we will be using it a few meter. You will find that there are more lecturing in this full term, much to my disfavor. There is nix I would like unspoilt than to teach you about acromantulas and werewolves with pragmatic example, but there are both laws and shoal pattern that prevent such lessons."

Albus and flatness glanced at each other. It was functionary. Professor Balladanis was insane. What kind of instructor would need to instruct about dragons with hold out dragon ? Well, Hagrid would, but he was n't the Saame as Balladanis.

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

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

"Divination is such a joke,"John said as he tossed his bag onto the level and collapsed onto a couch,"We started quartz glass orchis gazing today. All I saw was a lading of fog."

"I told you not to take it,"Rose said as she pulled a batch of Holy Writ out of her own bag.

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

"palm reading was better,"Amanda said,"And Trelawney makes the whole thing worse."

"Trelawney could hold Defense bad,"Albus replied.

"Balladanis told us that he wished he could learn us about dark creatures using the anamatek,"Rose said,"Seriously, he wanted a basilisk to come along in the heart of the classroom."

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

"I know,"pink wine said,"Balladanis is insane."

"Do you conceive that anamatek could turn into a lycanthrope if the Moon was n't full ?"John the Divine asked.

"Probably not,"Matt answered,"It would just be a wolf. I think it would just be a masher any early time of the month, too, because there 's no way it could sprain someone into a lycanthrope by biting them."

"That 's estimable,"Albus said,"Because he did say that he 'd use the anamatek a few times this terminal figure. Wonder if he 'll hold it wrench into a vampire."

"No motivation,"can laughed,"We 've got Linda."

"If you think of it that way, there 's no point to have it bend into a faux wolfman either,"rosebush pointed out.

"Good stage, I guess,"John muttered.

******

The relief of the week went by quickly. Albus had Quidditch practice session Th evening, and woodwind instrument informed the entirely squad that they 'd gotten rusty over the holiday. He also told them that the next equal was in two weeks and they 'd be playing New York. If they won, they 'd be in indorse place.

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

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

"Mr. Potter,"Balladanis turned around and greeted Albus,"Is it rubber to take for granted that you did not go wandering about late at night alone after New yr 's ?"

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

"Mr. Malfoy,"Balladanis said as Malfoy walked into the room,"Now we may begin. I have decided that your sympathy of the Protego charm is satisfactory so we are going to propel on to something else.

"This particular spell, when performed correctly, manages to demilitarise and disorientate a soul at the same time. The sensation is often described as vertigo. Can either of you tell me what why this charm would be more useful than a standard disarming spell ?"

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

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

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

"Another good reason, but not the one I was thinking of,"Balladanis began to walk slowly around the room,"sensation who are expecting to have to duel other virtuoso often keep multiple wands on their person. There are enchantment that can be performed on these sceptre to keep on them attached to your robes or your actual eubstance, spells that Expelliarmus wo n't defeat easily. However, these spells require constant concentration.

"If a whizz is hit with the charm I am about to teach you, they will recede the compactness necessary to hold open their extra scepter affixed. Then, you can use Expelliarmus to get the extra wands."

"Can you teach us that good luck charm to save spear carrier baton in our gown ?"Malfoy asked.

"Perhaps towards the end of the class. It takes immense concentration and magical free energy to simultaneously do that spell while dueling soul,"Balladanis explained,"For now, you will learn the appealingness to disarm and disorient a person at the same time.

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

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

"Now, Mr. Malfoy,"Balladanis muttered.

"Confundo-Expelliarmus !"Malfoy shouted.

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

"support going,"Balladanis said to Malfoy.

"Confundo-Expelliarmus !"Malfoy shouted again.

The magical spell hit Albus 's shield a little harder this fourth dimension. Albus could sense beads of swither forming on his forehead.

Malfoy kept going and it took him five prison term to stop through Albus 's shield. When it happened, Albus felt his baton leave his mitt and was overcome by a undulation of vertigo at the same clock time. He felt exactly like he had when he had gotten the flu the late year, only without the fever.

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

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

"You did quite well with that shell,"Balladanis said as Albus stood up,"And I think it 's good to take on that you could n't have held concentration for any piece after Mr. Malfoy succeeded in breaking your shield."

"No, sir,"Albus shook his head.

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

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

Balladanis gave Malfoy a few arcsecond to get his shell up and then nodded at Albus to perform the charm.

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

Much to Albus 's delight, he managed to split the shield on the quarter try. One less try than Malfoy had needed for Albus.

The appeal hit Malfoy in the chest and his verge soared towards Albus. Albus caught it and watched as Malfoy bent over and fell to the flat coat, much like Albus himself had done.

Balladanis gave Albus one of his rarefied smiles and then pulled out his own wand. He waved it at Malfoy and Malfoy looked up.

"That was uncanny,"Malfoy muttered.

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

Balladanis kept them at it for the better contribution of an hour, past when Albus would have liked to drop out. It was exhausting to be hit with that spell time after time while trying to hold up a shield spell. Malfoy did n't look to be faring practically better and Albus thought he was even going to ask Balladanis to hold back after a one-half minute, but Malfoy closed his lip, obviously thinking upright of it.

The practice was n't for cypher, though. Albus managed to give Malfoy off foresighted and longer each time and although Malfoy was getting right at the screen charm as well, Albus broke through it a few more times.

"That 's enough for tonight,"Balladanis finally said after he performed the countercurse on Albus for what must have been the tenth time that night,"I 'll see you in socio-economic class on Tuesday."

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

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

Balladanis gave Albus the strangest look he had ever seen. It was a mixture of anger, sadness, and even regret. For a here and now, Albus wished he had n't asked. It was too personal. He should birth just told Gospel According to John they would n't be able to bump out.

"Now is not the time,"Balladanis said quietly,"All in good time, I will enjoin you."

Albus was taken aback. That was more than he had expected. He had thought Balladanis would take in told him to listen his own business sector and get back to Gryffindor column before curfew. Albus was going to find out, he was just going to give to be patient.

Albus left the room as quickly as he could in his exhausted Department of State, before Balladanis could change his head about eventually telling Albus about his previous career. The walk back to Gryffindor Tower seemed longer than usual and all Albus wanted to do was collapse into bed when he finally got there.

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

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

Rose opened her mouth to speak and then closed her eyes, unable to do so. Albus turned to John and raised his eyebrows.

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

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

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

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

"moldiness 've just happened,"John said,"They just found him. Madam Rosmerta heard a ruckus and Flooed here, to get the Auror on obligation. By the meter they got back, his shop was a complete pot inside and he was laying dead on the level. Avada Kedavra. They 're searching Hogsmeade, the forest, the soil, and the schooling. Nobody 's allowed out of their park rooms and dormitories."

"We thought Balladanis would lend you back here when it happened,"rosebush said.

"nonentity even came in to recount us,"Albus replied, still in shock.

People were n't just randomly killed in Hogsmeade. That kind of thing just did n't happen anymore. Not since Voldemort had been defeated. well, Professor Torro had been killed back before his first year and then that one witch from the Ministry had been killed over Yuletide, but their killer had never been found and nothing had happened since.

"Why would anyone kill him ?"Matt wondered aloud.

"Why would anyone kill anyone ?"blush wine replied.

The portrait cakehole opened and all the whispering stopped. Everyone looked to see who came in. It was professor Longbottom, looking unfit for the wear. His robes were disheveled and his tie was askew.

"Aurors are still searching the castle and the grounds,"he told them,"I suggest you all try and get some eternal sleep. The search will be long over by break of day, so you will be free to go forth the coarse room then."

Albus and his admirer looked at each former after Longbottom left. They wordlessly went up to their dormitories, Kaden going with Albus instead of to the s years'dorm. cipher said anything as he curled up on the floor with one of Albus 's save blankets. Albus got into bed and stared at the ceiling. He had been so exhausted earlier, but now there was no way he 'd get much quietus that night.


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as all the amazing proofreader and reviewers !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


lunch was very subdued the succeeding day. Most people had slept quite former since it was a Sabbatum. Every student of Hogwarts had their nose in a copy of the Prophet, be it their own or a friend 's. The stave table looked the same, with every prof either reading the Prophet or whispering with another professor, no doubtfulness about what they 'd read.

Albus was reading Georgia 's Prophet as she had finished with it and made a genial note to commence subscribing himself. All of his admirer were peering over his shoulders. Even Linda was hovering around them, a fundament or so away.

HOGSMEADE SHOPKEEPER MURDERED

A disturbance in Dervish and Banges late
yesterday evening that sent one Hogsmeade
house physician to Hogwarts to come up the Auror on
duty lead to the breakthrough of the death
of a storekeeper.

Leroy Wisander, 42, the ten-year owner of
Dervish and Banges was pronounced suddenly
on the scene by Ministry Aurors yesterday
evening. His shop had been broken into
and it showed signs of a struggle.
Wisander was discovered in the heart of
destroyed merchandise with his wand
laying a few feet away. Aurors confirmed
that he was killed with the killing curse.

An extensive hunt of Hogsmeade, the
timber, Hogwarts, and its grounds turned
up nothing despite the 60 minutes Aurors spent
searching. No fingermark were found on
the scene.

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

Leroy Wisander had owned Dervish and Banges
for a little over ten years, when he
purchased the shop from its old possessor
who retired. However, Wisander is more
known for the scathing newspaper column he writes
for this very newspaper.

Anyone who knew Wisander knew he was a man
of very strong persuasion and did not waver
to let others know his opinions. His most
recent column have explored the subject
of werewolf, vampire, and other so called
'half-breeds'rightfulness. Aurors have declined
comment on whether they believe Wisander 's
editorials are a possible need for his
slaying. Wisander 's obit can be found
on page five.

Albus set the paper down and his friends all resumed their bottom. Nobody said a word for a few minutes. Albus did n't know what to think. The article certainly made it seem like Wisander was killed because of his beliefs. However, it did n't exactly say what his beliefs were. Albus had n't ever read any of his editorials, so he could n't say either.

"What kind of editorials did he write ?"Matt asked quietly.

"I have no musical theme,"Albus replied, looking at his champion whose face was quite sick,"deficiency to go to the way ?"

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

Albus got up and was followed by all of his protagonist. John and Kaden each grabbed a mint of toast before leaving. Even rosiness and Amanda went with them instead of going off to study with Linda.

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

cypher had read them. Not even pink wine. Matt sighed and collapsed onto one of the couch."I 've got to find out what they were about. I do n't even know which would be better, him being for or against werewolf right hand. If he 's for them, that means some gent is on the loose killing people for wanting werewolf rights."

mat did n't even have to continue for Albus to know why that worried him. Matt 's dad was possibly the biggest exponent of werewolf right wing in all of U.K. and everyone knew it. If mortal had been killed just for writing about werewolf rights, what would happen to someone who was actually passing jurisprudence for them ?

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

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

"Why did individual putting to death Professor Torro ?"bathroom replied,"He was n't even writing any editorials or anything."

"To scare people,"Albus said quietly,"The Defense teacher position used to be cursed, back when our parents were in school."

"well, I do n't think you should vex until you find out what the column are about,"pink wine said to Matt.

"The other pick is n't much expert,"lusterlessness muttered,"If he did n't write editorial for werewolf rights, then he wrote them against them."

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

"Let 's go to the program library,"Rose said as she stood up,"They 'll take old transcript of the seer there."

Everyone agreed with this and they set off to the library. When they arrived, they were surprised to find how crowded it was. Usually Sat were the daytime everyone put off their homework and then Dominicus were spent in the library.

Once they stepped inside, Albus saw that everyone was looking through old copies of the seer. Nearly every board had a few newspapers on it and a few bookman poring over them. Madam Pince was bustling about, no doubt worrying about whether the scholar would rip her precious newspapers.

"mightiness not be any left,"Saint John muttered.

"This is skilful,"Albus replied,"Now it wo n't appear suspicious for us to be investigating."

John the Divine was almost right. There was a very small stack of newspapers left. Albus grabbed them all and then they went to a secluded table towards the book binding of the depository library. Albus, Matt, and Rose each took a paper while John, Kaden, and Amanda played tic-tac-toe on a plain bit of parchment.

Albus leafed through his newspaper, which was about two years old, until he got to the editorial section. In the very halfway, in the biggest face, was an editorial by Leroy Wisander.

HEALERS, BREWERS TO rap, NOT MINISTRY functionary

As I was locking up my shop class last night,
I noticed that it was a full moon. I
could not help but think of the poor people
people plagued with lycanthropy
currently shut up while attacking
themselves.

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

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

And what kind of jobs are lycanthropes
often stuck with ? Menial, low-paying
single. The business where they make hardly
sufficiency money to pay the rent and buy
food, let alone purchase a potion that
could alter their animation for the better.

I am absolutely shock that therapist
and potion brewer charge for this
important potion. They must be making
a nice net. They can use the earnings
to call for prodigal holidays while the
piteous witch and mavin who buy it
battle to afford it.

There is only so very much Ministry functionary
can do. Head of loup-garou Support serve,
Walter Eckerton, says he would have intercourse to
give away liberate Aconitum lycoctonum, but there just
is n't room for it in the budget.

What do I propose ? I propose that Healers
and potion brewers give it away for free.
They have the ability to brew it, not
the Ministry. most healer claim to be intimate
helping people, but often it is those who
need it most, such as those with lycanthropy,
are often forced to go without, all because
those with the ability to brew it like
to feature a lilliputian extra outgo money.

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

"This one 's got one about vampire,"lusterlessness said as he set his newspaper publisher on top of Rose's.

"Read this,"Albus handed lustrelessness his paper,"Wisander even mentions your dad."

Matt took the report and he and Rose began to register it. whoremaster, Amanda, and Kaden peered over as well. Albus sat and waited while they read.

"Let 's go back to the room,"matte said as soon as he 'd finished version it.

Albus nodded and they returned the newspapers and walked as fast as they could plunk for to the predator 's Den.

"Bloody Hades, that bloke must have got had so many enemies !"Gospel According to John shouted as soon as they were back.

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

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

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

"healer are n't like that. Most of the ones I 've met would chip in away free Wolfsbane, but it 's more complicated that that. The ingredients are expensive and it takes forever to brew. Not to mention how difficult it is. There are n't many therapist who can brew it and even about brewers ca n't brew it,"flatness explained.

"That bloke did n't have it away the half of it,"Saint John the Apostle agreed,"My dad 's a healer and he 'd love to give away innocent potions. It just does n't act that way."

"My dad 's linked with that chap,"lusterlessness said quietly,"And now that he 's head word of the entire department, he 'll be passing more laws. Whoever killed Wisander 's not going to be happy."

"Your dad 's a really respectable hotshot, though,"Albus pointed out to his worried friend,"Plus he works at the Ministry, where there are heaps of Aurors milling about. And your planetary house is more protected than any early house I 've seen, well, except the government minister 's Mansion."

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

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

******

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

The articles about Wisander were far more interesting. It seemed that his editorial about Wolfsbane Potion was one of the tamer ones. Each day little opus of his respective editorials were being published. In one, he stated the reason why werewolf should n't be locked up on wide-cut moonlight. The reasons were quite derisory, but the Prophet had printed it anyway. Another column talked about why vampires should be allowed access to mankind to bite. He suggested using prisoners and allowing vampire to suck them dry. Thus helping lamia and reducing prison costs at the same time.

"I reckon this bloke was off his rocker,"John announced at breakfast the following Sunday. He had just finished reading an clause about how Wisander spent a year living with a vampire tribe in bomb when he was young. They were some of the few the great unwashed actually up at an early on hour, as Albus had Quidditch pattern and John had a morning hold with Filch for putting dungbombs in the toilets in Moaning Myrtle 's toilet the previous day.

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

"What are you doing after Quidditch praxis ?"John asked.

"After Quidditch ?"Albus laughed,"You mean, I 'm going to get to bequeath eventually ? Mrs. Henry Wood wo n't draw us practice for the adjacent week ? I thought he was going to keep going until the actual match on Saturday."

"He 's got to let you out for course,"John the Divine grinned.

"What a shame,"Albus rolled his eyes,"Anyway, I 'll probably have to do homework, since practice will go until late. How about you ? Any architectural plan for after detention ?"

"Thought I might gain another custody,"John grinned,"But Kaden 's in use with chess golf club this afternoon-"

"Wait,"Albus nearly choked on his juice,"Kaden joined the cheat cabaret ? Kaden ? Kaden Dursley ?"

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

"I 'll tell Rose unspoilt portion with that,"Albus said.

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

"rightfulness,"Albus said, remembering that the full lunation was that night,"But you did the dungbombs on your own."

"But it 's not as fun,"John sighed,"I guess I 'll just give ear around the den with Matt. I can have a nice one-sided conversation."

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

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

"well, have fun in your detention. I 've got to get to practice session,"Albus said as he got up.

There were a few choice words Albus had for practice that day. Long, grueling, and intense. Wood was in his okay mannikin as he ordered the squad to do practice session 60 minutes after hour. He seemed to get more and more stressed as the day wore on.

Saint James did a lot of one-on-one breeding with shimmy and Albus was more than a little envious. teddy bear was a much more patient role captain than Wood was and yelled a completely lot less. President Tyler superhighway mostly helped Wood.

Wood let them receive a short jailbreak for dejeuner, making trusted they knew to come up back afterwards. Albus heard the Slytherins on the team talking about skipping out of the rest of practice, but they were back on the pitch at the time forest told them to be.

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

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

"Remember, practice Tuesday evening !"Ellen Price Wood shouted as the whole squad rushed to get off the pitch.

Albus trudged back to the castle tired and shivering. He went straight to Gryffindor towboat and took a very long, hot shower and then set off to find his friends.

rose wine, Amanda, and Linda were in the common way, but the male child were n't. Albus figured they were in the piranha 's Den and set off to expect for them after saying a quick howdy to the girls.

John the Evangelist and Kaden were in the middle of a heated biz of Exploding snapshot when Albus walked into the vulture 's Den a few arcminute later. John 's face was full of ash, but Kaden 's was rather clean. There was also a big grin on his facial expression which contrasted the frown on St. John the Apostle 's face. Matt was laying on the lounge facing them, like he had been watching the game, but he was reasoned asleep.

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

"Grueling. Wood 's ten fourth dimension worse than Georgia. Five hours we were out there. Five flaming hours in the cold !"Albus groaned as he collapsed onto the former couch.

"wagerer than scrubbing Moaning Vinca minor 's bathroom with a toothbrush,"John muttered,"I do n't cognize what was worse, the scrub or listening to Myrtle."

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

"Can you blame us ?"Albus muttered.

"No, not really,"Kaden shrugged.

"How was chess ?"Albus asked.

"I got beaten by every ace mortal in the chess baseball club,"Kaden shook his forefront,"But they think I have potential."

"Albus,"john said as the cards blew up in his aspect again,"Have you done that vindication essay ?

"No,"Albus groaned.

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

Albus groaned again and fished around in his own bag for his defending team book. Balladanis wanted a pes long essay about basilisks, which were the current glowering creature of the week.

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

"Do you think of the Gallus gallus egg under a frog or a frog ?"John asked.

"Toad,"Albus mumbled.

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

"Do n't even gravel,"Albus said. Even Rose would n't be capable to get him off the couch.

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

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

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

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

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

Albus managed to get in a somewhat well-situated position on the couch and wrote his essay with his book and parchment perched on his knees. It beat sitting at the table ; at least he was able to sort of lie down.

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

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

John got up and began to poke at lusterlessness 's arm. It took a secure two minutes for lusterlessness to spread out his eyes.

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

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

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

"I 'll go with you to the hospital backstage,"John said and lustrelessness did not object. Albus assured him they 'd chitchat him the next day and then they left, leaving Albus and Kaden alone in the room.

Saint John returned a piddling while later and the three of them went down to dinner. They returned to the Marauder 's Den afterwards and john and Kaden continued working on their preparation while Albus slept on the couch.

******

"Albus, get up !"

Albus mumbled something incoherently and rolled over in his bed. It felt far too betimes to come alive up.

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

Albus opened his oculus and saw teddy bear standing over his bed. A glimpse at the clock told him that, yes, it was far too early to arouse up. It was six in the morning. On a Saturday. Yes, it was the day of the Quidditch match against New York, but that was n't until one o'clock and Albus was only a reserve role player anyway.

"Albus, you 'd better get up now. Sir Henry Joseph Wood 's in the common room,"shimmy whispered.

That got Albus 's aid. His eyes shot back undefendable and he sat up."What ?"

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

Now Albus was wide awake."Seriously ? What about O'delle ?"Hailey O'delle was the other taciturnity pursuer, a one-seventh twelvemonth Slytherin.

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

Albus took that to mean that shimmy thought they were snogging and one got the other sick.

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

shimmy nodded and left. Albus threw on a tee shirt and a pair of blue jean before running down to the plebeian room, where he found Oliver Wood pacing in front of the evacuate fire.

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

Albus nodded and sat down for what was for sure to be a very farseeing speech. woodwind instrument paused and then launched into an explanation of tactics, which Albus had already heard during pattern that week. He could n't work out out why he had to be woken up at six to be told he was playing. Sir Henry Joseph Wood could have accomplished the Lapplander thing at ten.

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

Part of Wood 's speech had been on the weather, which was cold and slightly snowy. Could be worse, Albus thought. At least there was n't a blizzard. The experimental condition were very similar to those they had been practicing in all week.

Albus sat in the common way reading a record book he found laying around until his protagonist got up around ten.

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

"Six,"Albus muttered,"Teddy got me up. woodwind had to tell me I 'm playing pursuer today."

"What ?"Matt shouted,"That 's smart as a whip !"

"This is smashing, Albus !"John grinned,"But why ?"

"Henry Fielding 's sick and so is the early reserve pursuer,"Albus explained,"I 'm just glad we 're playing New House of York and not Australia."

Albus went to the Great Asaph Hall to eat lunch with his Friend, but he was n't really athirst. He did n't think he had ever been more queasy for a Quidditch peer. This was a really important equal, as Wood had pointed out numerous times. If they won by a wide enough margin, they 'd be in second place.

Word had gotten around that Albus was playing in the compeer and legion masses came over to the Gryffindor table to wish Albus luck.

"Al,"Harry sat down side by side to Albus.

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

"I 'll be watching the whole time. I 'm sure you 're going to do big. Just think of it as a match against another theatre. Ravenclaw, I guess, since their robe are blue,"Harry grinned,"Good luck."

"Thanks,"Albus replied.

Albus left with the balance of the Hogwarts team a few minutes later. All his friends wished him undecomposed lot as he left the Hall.

Nobody talked much as they changed into their gown. Everyone sat down afterwards, set for Wood 's pre-match speech.

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


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

Also, I wrote a new song fic ! It 's from Snape 's compass point of prospect, as I wanted to try something unlike. It 's on my Author Page if you want to mark off it out !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Ten minutes into the friction match, Albus decided there were four case of Quidditch in the world. free-and-easy Quidditch, like what he played with his cousins ; school Quidditch ; professional Quidditch ; and then there was the type of Quidditch he was playing now.

It was a combination of school Quidditch and professional Quidditch. The crowd was louder, the actor more determined, and the post were higher than a normal school Quidditch match.

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

Albus pushed his broom to fly faster and held the Quaffle tighter to his thorax. Then he plunged down to the undercoat, where nobody else was flying. He was back up eminent two minutes later when he had reached the New House of York goal position. After dodging a Bludger, he threw the Quaffle into the left goal position. The steward was too slow and the Quaffle soared through.

"potter of Hogwarts has scored !"Todd Joseph Smith shouted,"40-30 Hogwarts !"

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

The Quaffle continued to replace hands quickly as the match went on. An 60 minutes later there was still no sign of the sneaker and both team were neck in neck as far as gunpoint went. New York was up by ten.

Albus scored a few Thomas More goal and he began to loose a little. The match began to sense more like a shoal match and less like a professional person match, even though the wager were still senior high school.

Mrs. Henry Wood had repeated over and over again that they had to be up by at least fifty dot when James caught the stool pigeon, or they would n't be able to overcome New York as far as overall points went.

"New York 's quester has seen the sneaker !"Smith announced.

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

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

The crowd roared and James held the stool pigeon high above his straits. Both teams flew to the ground and Albus saw the trouble look on Wood 's nerve. They had n't won by enough to be in indorse place overall.

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

wood nodded in arrangement, but he still looked foiled. Albus chose to ignore this and helped the rest of the team to hoist Saint James onto all of their shoulders.

"To update everyone on the percentage point, the Australian school of Sorcery is in commencement place. New York and Hogwarts are currently tied for secondment. The next match will read place at the end of February !"Smith told the crowd.

Albus did n't meet up with his protagonist until they were back in the common room. teddy had gone to Hogsmeade and a party was currently underway in the Gryffindor coarse room. Teddy informed everyone that the three other houses were hosting company as well. The students from New York who had been sorted into Gryffindor, including their quester, were sulking in a corner.

"I think that was your comfortably match yet,"John said to Albus as they settled down at their usual table.

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

"Maybe fielding will still be sick,"John said.

"doubtfulness it,"Albus replied,"Plus, I 'm surely O'delle will get first dibs on the next lucifer if any of the former Chasers get sick."

"At least you got to fiddle in one match,"pink wine pointed out.

"Anyway, the next match you 'll probably be playing Australia,"Matt said.

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

The party continued until dinner party fourth dimension, when the great unwashed began to leave as nobody had snuck down to the kitchens to get nutrient. Harry came in to congratulate Albus and Henry James shortly before Albus and his booster left for dinner. He was also scheduled to patrol the school for the remainder of the weekend and wanted to let his kids know.

******

Life at Hogwarts returned to convention shortly after the Quidditch match. The prophet printed fewer and fewer articles about Wisander until there were none at all. Everyone seemed to forget about his end. Everyone except mat, that is, who was still worried about his dad.

However, the students at Hogwarts were reminded again of the unresolved execution when the next Hogsmeade trip arrived two 24-hour interval after valentine 's Day. A luck of the students were too lovesick to notice the boarded up shop of Dervish and Banges as they made their way to gentlewoman Puddifoot's.

Neither Albus, lavatory, or matte were too preoccupied to remark the forsake building, though. The three of them stopped to take care at it for a spell despite the biting wind. rose wine and Amanda were spending the day with Linda.

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

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

"It 's probably still part of the investigation,"matt pointed out,"addition, who would desire a building that person was killed in ? I do n't even need to go in it."

Albus did n't think it was a good clip to cue matte that Severus Snape had been murdered inside of the Shrieking Shack.

"commodity point,"Albus said,"But so far they have n't found anything."

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

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

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

Albus, matte, and can went to the trey Broomsticks a little while later because all three of them were frozen. They warmed up with Butterbeer and were just thinking about heading back to the castle when Albus heard mortal whisper his public figure behind him.

"Albus,"they said again.

Albus turned around, but no one was there. The voice sounded familiar, though. Albus slowly reached his hand out and it touched something solid state, but it looked like no one was there.

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

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

Albus immediately stood up and motioned for Matt and John, who were both looking confused, to follow him. He assumed Kaden would succeed as well. Albus lead them up senior high school Street until they reached the screeching shanty. cipher was hanging around it that day.

"Kaden !"Albus seethed,"You do agnise how dazed this was."

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

"Bloody Hell !"John shouted.

"You stole the cloak ?"Matt asked.

"Kaden, you idiot !"Albus shouted,"I know I first told you this would be a good prison term, but there was a reason I changed my mind and told you not to purloin in today. Most of the teachers come to Hogsmeade for the Feb head trip. My cousins told me. They want to take sure no one does anything stupid because they 're in love or whatever."

"Er,"Kaden muttered.

"How did you get in ?"Matt asked.

"One-eyed enchantress statue,"Kaden replied,"trail right into Honeyduke's."

"Kaden, do you know how unmanageable it 's going to be to get you back unnoticed ?"

Kaden 's face turned blank and his mouth dropped unresolved. Albus turned around to see what he was looking at and was met typeface to face with professor Balladanis.

"Quite difficult, I 'd expect,"Balladanis replied,"come with me, all of you."

Albus groaned inwardly as he followed Balladanis down the street. They had gone all year without Kaden getting them into problem, but Albus should have known serious than to think they could go the wholly year.

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

"Explain,"Balladanis said.

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

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

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

"Very well,"Balladanis said,"Mr. Potter, Mr. Eckerton, and Mr. Brickston, you may pass to your common way. Mr. Dursley will join you after I arrange his detention."

Albus, Matt, and John the Divine could not get out of there quick enough. They walked straight back to the rough-cut room, talking about how lucky they had been. It must get looked like all three of them had helped Kaden nobble into Hogsmeade. undecomposed thing Balladanis believed Kaden.

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

"Detention every Saturday for the adjacent month,"Kaden muttered,"Plus he gave me a lecture about how dangerous it was for me to pussyfoot out and if I did it again I 'd get a worse penalisation than detention. Did n't elaborate on that, though."

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

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

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

******

Kaden discovered what his detention was that night. Balladanis decided to ingest him alphabetize his buck private library, which was quite wide. Kaden returned to the Marauder 's Den ranting about the amount of books Balladanis had.

"He 's got more Christian Bible on night creatures than your dad 's got,"Kaden said to Matt.

"That 's impressive,"flatness replied.

"Wish he had less,"Kaden muttered.

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

The side by side full moon came and went, as did the side by side Quidditch peer. Albus was beginning to mistrust that the full moon were becoming worse for flatness, although he did n't know why.

New York lost miserably to Australia in the Quidditch match. They had been doing pretty well until Linda caught the snitcher a half hour in. Wood insisted that this was a good matter, though. It meant that if Hogwarts managed to make a proficient amount of destination before Linda caught the snitcher in their future peer, they would let more than boilers suit points than New York. Wood seemed to have lost any hope that James could tucker out Linda in seeking, something James fumed about on a come near daily basis.

March arrived and with it a three day rain down tempest that left the footing completely flooded. Both Herbology and Care of Magical Creatures had to subscribe to blank space inside, which resulted in incredibly boring lessons. Wood continued to hold Quiditch exercise and Albus returned to the castle completely soaked and covered in mud after each one.

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

Balladanis conducted his lessons as if end of condition exams did not exist. He changed nothing about his lesson except the dark creature they were learning about.

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

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

"So,"privy said as he flipped through his Defense book the play along eventide. Albus, lusterlessness, John, and Kaden were in the vulture 's Den and Saint John was just finishing the chapter on vampires."feeling what 's after vampires.

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

"Yeah,"flatness muttered,"It was bound to bump eventually."

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

Matt rolled his eyes."He expert. It 'll look suspicious if I do n't go in for extra assist. speechmaking of spare avail, we 're due to go in for it in fifteen minutes."

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

Albus managed to finish his Herbology preparation while whoremaster and matt were gone. Then it was meter for him to go in for his dueling lessons.

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

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

"Sir ?"Albus asked hesitantly.

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

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

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

Albus glanced nervously at Malfoy. Balladanis was n't one for explanations, but Albus would bear appreciated one correctly then.

"This is a pensieve,"Balladanis said,"It is used to research storage. That is exactly what we 're going to do. Albus, be given forward and put your head into the pensieve. Your body will be. Scorpio, you will follow. I will make out after you."

Albus 's impulse sped up a short bit as he leaned over the pensieve. Was this a stupid idea ? He did n't even screw what he was getting into. But it was just a remembering. Nothing could hurt him in a computer storage, right ?

Albus took a deep breath and plunged his aspect into the pensieve. He had never been in one before. He landed on the hard grass and looked around.

It was dusk and very quiet. There was a minuscule theatre in the distance, atop of a rocky hill. In fact, the whole orbit was mostly bouldered. Albus had landed on the one lone piece of grass in the whole place. It did n't look like any lieu in Britain.

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

"Follow me,"Balladanis said quietly.

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

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

"Ellas,"Balladanis replied.

This did nothing but increase Albus 's curiosity. Why were they in Greece of all billet ? But he did n't ask. It did n't seem like Balladanis was in an explaining climate, judging by his abruptly, one word resolution to Malfoy.

They walked quietly towards the small house. The entirely stochasticity was their footsteps. There were n't even any bird of night hooting or dogs barking. It struck Albus as very odd.

The house must bear been their finish. Balladanis stopped when they arrived at the broken down wooden fence surrounding it. The house reminded Albus of the Shrieking Shack, only minor. It was kind of broken down and did n't look like a piazza that would be good to live in.

Someone lived there, though. A lighter was on upstairs. It remained on for a few more moment and then somebody turned it off.

Balladanis made no move towards the house. Instead, he seemed focused on the woods that lay just beyond it. Albus decided the timber was as good a property as any to watch.

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

All was pipe down for two min. The figure entered the house, but did not wrick on any lights. Then the screams started. Albus jumped at the sound of the low gear one.

They were agonizing, farseeing screams. Albus wanted zip more than to go in and help whoever was screaming, but he knew he could n't. It was zip more than a memory. Instead, he looked again at Balladanis.

His professor 's face showed zilch. Nothing but the Same tempered looking he had seen on it so many time. Malfoy on the other hand, looked horrified. He looked exactly how Albus felt.

The screaming was coming from two dissimilar the great unwashed. There was a high one that must take been coming from a woman, and a abject one that must induce been coming from a man.

Then, they stopped. First the char, then the man. The hooded image left the star sign as quickly as they had entered and returned to the forest.

Balladanis, however, made no relocation to pull up stakes. Instead he stared at the planetary house. Two minutes later, someone fled from it.

They ran from the house, towards Albus, Malfoy, and Balladanis. As they drew cheeseparing, Albus could see that the somebody was a boy who looked no older than Albus himself. His fount was etched with a unhappiness Albus had never seen before. It was too dark to tell, but Albus was sure there were crying running down his face.

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


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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


professor Balladanis did n't say anything for a long time after he, Albus, and Malfoy returned to the Defense classroom. Albus landed next to Malfoy, still confused as to how he managed to get out of the pensieve, in front of Balladanis 's desk. Balladanis landed behind his desk, facing the wall, and did n't turn around for a few minutes.

Albus glanced nervously at his prof as he thought of questions he was just burning to ask. In fact, there was nothing about the vista he had just witnessed that did n't make Albus odd. Everything about it had been confusing.

Malfoy looked just as confused. They kept looking at each other and it was sort of strange. They were on the same side of meat. Both of them wanted Balladanis to explain.

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

It happened in a split up mo. Albus looked at his professor and immediately thought back to the face of the boy in the picture. That was why he looked companion. The boy was Balladanis. Then, Balladanis shifted slightly and the similitude was gone. But Albus knew it. That scene had been from Balladanis 's childhood.

"Sit down,"Balladanis said.

Albus and Malfoy sat down quickly at the board in battlefront of Balladanis 's desk. They were sitting right following to each early and Albus did n't care. At the moment, finding out what that scene was was more important than staying away from Malfoy.

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

Balladanis paused and walked around to the forepart of his desk. He began to pace in presence of it.

"There is a reason why I am telling you this now. Why I am not explaining to all of my classes what I did before pedagogy. The reason is that you two are unbelievable duelers. Both of you have skills beyond your old age that I have never seen before, and think me, I have seen plenty of exceptional duelist in my time. This may be a good metre to tell you how rarefied it is to receive two such skilled duelers in the same year at Hogwarts."

Albus turned to look at Malfoy. What was Balladanis getting at ? It sounded like the jump of some variety of house unity spoken communication or something.

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

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

"Back to what I was going to tell you,"Balladanis said,"That scene that I just showed you, in case you have not figured it out yet, took blank space while I was a boy of only XIII. It was the summer before my third class at school.

"I grew up in Greece, in that very business firm we just saw. My parents, although they loved me deeply, were very poor and could barely open to put food on the table. I think they were thankful when I went away to shoal, the fillet of sole cause being that they would n't have to worry about me getting enough to eat.

"I had two blissfully impeccant and fun years at the Greek schoolhouse of Magic. I returned dwelling house during summer wide of stories about my friends and all the mischief we 'd beat into."

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

"Everything changed the summer before my tertiary yr. It changed on the nighttime you just witnessed. A coven of vampires entered my house that night. They attacked my parents and imbibe them dry. I hid in a press, too scared to do anything. Then, once the lamia left, I fled. I ran until I could not run anymore. I wound up at the firm of one of my supporter. His parents took me in, but things were obviously never the same. I changed on that night."

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

"I returned to school that September hardened. Nothing was fun anymore. Nothing was amusing. It was then that I decided to devote my life to ridding the cosmos of such wickedness. Vampires, dark wizards, werewolf, anyone and anything that execution viciously."

Albus could n't avail but glare at Balladanis when he mentioned wolfman. Balladanis seemed to detect this and gave Albus the thin of smiles.

"However, I did realize that not all lamia, werewolves, giants, and other being are inherently evil. Not all of them want to vote out. It was for this reasonableness that I did not care to be employed by the Greek Ministry. The Greek Ministry prefers to deal with witching brute as a whole and not distinguish between them. Perhaps this is because Ellas has a very large population of vampires.

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

Albus 's heart sped up at this. Balladanis was going to sacrifice them career advice ? They were only xiii. But at the like clip, Albus felt excited. Balladanis thought he was a proficient enough dueller for this career, whatever it was.

"I am a Presuler,"Balladanis said,"I am trusted neither of you have heard of one. A Presuler is somewhat like an Auror, in that we seek out colored wizard and dark conjuring trick. However, we not only attempt out dark wizards and blue thaumaturgy, we seek out shadow and severe wight as well.

"The fully grown divergence is that Presulers are not employed by the Ministry. There are very few Presulers in the world and we are often sought out by various Ministries and hired on an as-needed footing. We travel from country to commonwealth, whenever we are needed. It is quite secretive. I suppose Presulers are a combination of Aurors and buck private investigators."

Balladanis was right in that Albus had never heard of a Presuler before. The thought intrigued him, though. A tightlipped variety of Auror who did not mold for the Ministry.

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

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

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

"That is one matter that is between myself and Professor Kendrick,"Balladanis replied.

"Are you coming back side by side yr ?"Malfoy asked.

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

Albus walked alongside Balladanis in silence on his way back to the Gryffindor towboat. His judgment was racing with what he just learned. He did n't know what to crap of it. It was just so much information at once.

The plebeian room was nearly empty when Albus climbed through the portrait hole. It must have been really late, since it was Friday night. Albus really did n't know what fourth dimension it was.

"There you are !"Rose shouted,"Merlin, you 've been gone for hr !"

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

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

Albus was vaguely aware of his ally suspiration of disappointment as he went up to his dormitory, but he did n't feel like talking about it right then. He was tired and his judgment was racing at the Sami time.

Albus tossed and turned the full night. He alternated thinking about what he had seen in the pensieve and about becoming a Presuler himself. Then he wound up thinking about Linda and what Balladanis cerebration of her. He had said he did n't throw a grudge against lamia that did n't down citizenry, but who knew what he really thought.

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

Eventually Albus fell into a restless nap, but his pipe dream were plagued by what he had seen in the pensieve.

******

"pigeon hawk, Albus, get up !"

Albus rolled over in his bed and put his pillow over his head. After waking up drenched in sweat at four in the morning after a nightmare in which his whole house had been killed by vampires, he had finally drifted off into a somewhat adequate sleep. One that he wished he was still in.

"It 's nearly one o'clock."

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

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

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

mortal pulled the curtains spread and took the pillow off Albus 's head. He looked up and saw John and Matt.

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

"No, it 's not that,"Albus muttered,"I 'll assure you, but I 'm only explaining it once, so one of you near find pink wine, Amanda, and Kaden. And I 'll recount you in the vulture 's Den because there is no way Linda can be around to hear this."

The girls and Kaden met them in the piranha 's Den after Albus, John, and Matt had lunch. John kept pestering Albus all through lunch, wanting to know why Linda could n't hear about it, but Albus said zip. He was n't even trusted if he was allowed to distinguish his friends about this, but Balladanis had n't really out him.

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

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

"And you neglected to tell us until now ?"john gaped,"I 've been wanting to jazz for the entire class !"

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

"Sorry,"John muttered.

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

"Really ?"rosebush looked impressed,"What was that like ?"

"Not that great, to be honest,"Albus said,"Probably would take been honest if it was a better memory.

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

"In Greece ?"Kaden asked.

"Yeah,"Albus nodded,"We watched the house for what seemed like time of day and then these bod broke into it and we heard this awfully scream. Then the figures left. Then this blighter who was about our age came running out with this frightful scared look on his aspect. Then we left."

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

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

nobody said anything for a long fourth dimension. Albus looked at his friends and they all wore touch looks of shock.

"And you watched it ?"lustrelessness asked.

"From a distance,"Albus replied.

"Merlin, no marvel Balladanis is so bloody insane,"privy let out a low whistle.

"He decided to consecrate his biography to ridding the world of evilness, whether it be vampires, dark whiz, or other darkness tool,"Albus continued.

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

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

"What is that ?"Kaden asked.

"It 's like an Auror, only they go after darkness animate being, too. And they are n't employed by the Ministry. They 're hired by Ministries all around the creation. They 're police detective as well. Apparently it 's all very secretive,"Albus explained.

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

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

"Only 1 that kill people,"Albus assured his lycanthropic friend.

"All werewolf have the capability of killing people, Albus,"matte said quietly.

"So does everyone,"Albus replied.

"Whatever his position on vampire and wolfman truly is, it 's going to be worry to see how he teaches us about them,"pink wine mused.

"dead reckoning this is why you did n't desire Linda to pick up about this,"John said.

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

"Who knows ?"Rose shrugged,"I doubt we 'll ever find out."

"Oh, I 've got to assure you what he said after he told us all of this,"Albus took a deep breathing space,"He thinks Malfoy and I should turn Presulers."

"Seriously ?"Matt asked.

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

"You do n't have to know. You 're only XIII. And Albus, do n't decide anything until you 've read about this. Do n't just go on what Balladanis is saying. I think we 've finally discovered why he 's so passionate about fighting the darkness Arts, but it might cloud his judgment sometimes,"Rose warned.

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

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

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

"Because that 's not suspicious or anything,"John Lackland rolled his eyes,"There 's still something funny about Balladanis."

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

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

******

Not thinking about Presulers and what happened to Balladanis 's parents proved to be easier said than done, especially since Defense family was soon devoted to learning about lamia. Balladanis seemed to instruct that particular unit with much More enthusiasm than usual, a feat that nonentity thought potential. Everyone speculated as to why Balladanis was more enthusiastic than usual, but most just attributed it to the fact that he was crashing insane.

A lot of what Balladanis taught about lamia was farce Albus already knew due to what Matt had told them earlier in the school day class. It was still fairly interesting, though. Albus found that the more dangerous the creature they were learning about, the more concern it was. Not to mention the fact that they did n't use the anamatek anymore, a fact that nearly every scholar was grateful for.

However, partway through their bit calendar week devoted to vampire, the anamatek 's luggage compartment reappeared in the Defense classroom. There was an audible groan from every educatee who stepped into the room.

"If that thing turns into a vampire, I think I 'm going to get up and entrust,"Gospel According to John seethed as they took their seats.

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

"That would n't be any better. We 're doing werewolf next,"John reminded him,"And matt said that matter could n't turn into an actual werewolf. public speaking of Matt, he 's prosperous he 's missing this."

"I think he 'd say otherwise,"Albus replied. The total Moon had been the previous nighttime.

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

"He 's mental,"John muttered.

Balladanis drew his wand and pointed it at the torso. It snapped open and out stepped a very pale man with chiseled feature of speech. He did n't strike, but merely stared out at all the students.

"Vampires are the gross predator,"Balladanis announced,"They 're incredibly fast,"he pointed his wand at the lamia and it disappeared.

It reappeared in the spine of the classroom, but it had not Apparated. The lamia had moved so degraded that Albus had missed it in the blink of an eye.

"They 're agile,"Balladanis continued,"They 're proficient looking. They attract you in. Then they kill, they suck you dry until you are numb. The choice is not corking, either. From the moment their dentition break your skin, you begin to metamorphose into a vampire as well. You will become one if they do not suck you dry. There is no way to stop it, no potion to counteract it.

"vampire hunt at night when their vision is still fantabulous, but when human sight is compromised. However, that is not the only reason. Does anyone know the early ?"

rosiness raised her handwriting. Linda did not.

"Yes, fille Weasley ?"Balladanis said.

"Vampires are in nitty-gritty allergic to the sun,"rose wine explained,"When the sunlight hits them, it hurts them. The sun gives them cephalalgia and makes them feel sick."

"Precisely,"Balladanis gave her a rare smile,"There is no potion to subvert the effects of the sun on lamia. Therefore they tend to inhabit field that see less sun and domain of dense wood, such as the Northwestern and Northeastern United States, contribution of Canada, and parts of Russian Soviet Federated Socialist Republic. However there is also a pregnant vampire universe in Greece."

Balladanis pointed his baton at the vampire again and it retreated back into the trunk. Everyone breathed a collective sigh of relief. The object lesson continued until the bell rang. Balladanis made no mention of moving onto the next unit, nor had he assigned the usual end of the unit essay.

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

"You missed an excellent denial lesson today,"john said once Madam Pomfrey had gone back into her subject field after leaving to see who had entered her ward.

"Was it any dissimilar from the usual I ?"matt asked tiredly. He looked ready to fall asleep at any moment.

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

"He what ?"matte shouted, although since his part was hoarse it was n't very gimcrack,"We 're still doing lamia, are n't we ?"

"Yeah, he had it turn into a lamia,"John said,"We did n't have to fight it. He just used it to show up how fast vampires were and what they looked like."

"That is weird,"matt replied,"He assign the lamia essay yet ?"

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

"Well, the longer we spend on lamia, the more time we have before we start werewolves,"matt said quietly,"I really hope he does n't spend as lots time on them as he has on vampires."

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

"Thank Merlin for that,"matt yawned.

"You 're tired,"blush wine said,"We should leave."

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

"'Night,"flatness said.

They left the ward just as Madam Pomfrey was coming out of her field, presumably to tell them to leave and give Matt more potions. Albus and his friends headed straight for the usual elbow room, where they got started on all the preparation that had been piled on them that day.


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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.



A few of Albus 's cousins had begun to hold up bets on how long Balladanis was going to spend teaching the third long time about lamia. Fred was for sure he 'd drop the balance of condition, but Bradley was convinced he 'd act onto the next building block partway through Apr. None of the tierce years were actually participating in these wager because they were all afraid Balladanis would find out.

The vampire unit was still well underway when the adjacent Quidditch match came along. This one was the second Hogwarts versus Australian School of Sorcery mates, which meant Wood was in his prime of life when it came to practice session. Albus considered just moving his bed to the changing way since he spent Sir Thomas More of his time on the Quidditch pitching than in the Gryffindor uncouth room.

Albus awoke the day of the match to john 's flashy swearing instead of slip, which told him that he did not make to play during that match. He could n't help but palpate slightly disappointed. Figuring there was no pointedness in going back to sleep, he got up and asked John what happened.

"Tripped over Matt 's bloody cauldron,"John muttered, holding onto his properly understructure,"Why ca n't he just put that stupid thing away ?"

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

lav muttered something identical and shoved his cauldron under his bed. He went into the lavatory while Albus woke Matt up. The three of them met Kaden in the plebeian way a little while later and then went down to the Great Hall to get something to eat.

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

"Wonder how long it 'll occupy Linda to find the Snitch this fourth dimension,"Albus mused.

"I 'm betting on ten arcminute,"St. John said,"Hey, remember that prison term we eavesdropped on Killigan ?"

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

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

"She probably wo n't this time, either,"lustrelessness put in,"I mean, think about it, if James could fly that fasting, would he really slow down to a normal speed ?"

"Definitely not,"Albus sighed.

matt 's prediction proved correct. Linda did not decelerate down in the slightest. She flew at her usual abnormally fast speeding, beating James to the Snitch by a few railyard. Luckily for Hogwarts, they had been ahead of Australia at that percentage point and only wound up losing by XL full stop.

This put Hogwarts quite a bit ahead of New House of York as far as Quidditch points went. Australia was still in the lead-in, but they were not faring so well in the dueling tournaments. As of the most recent tournament, Hogwarts was winning. Australia was in final stage place and New York was somewhere in between. Albus was pretty sure that if the Quidditch and dueling tournament points were added up, Hogwarts and Australia would be neck in neck. Whatever the outcome of the remaining qualifying tournaments and mates, the finals for both were going to mold the victor of the contention. The power point were just too close.

Although there was obviously no jubilation in the Gryffindor vulgar elbow room after the match, nonentity was particularly dispirited either. Albus figured this was because nobody had really expected Hogwarts to win anyway.

******

Two hebdomad into April, Bradley along with quite a few other older Gryffindors, were able to Johnny Cash in on their bets about Balladanis. Fred and a few others grumbled loudly about it as they handed over Galleons to the winners.

Balladanis had assigned the long hoped-for essay on vampires on Th, officially making the vampire unit the farsighted unit they had done. They had spent an full month and a half on it. The essay seemed to match this length, as Balladanis wanted it to be two and a half feet.

Albus, Matt, and John saved their essays for the last possible minute, settling down to lick on them the day before they were due. It was n't a particularly hard essay because Balladanis had given them so often selective information on the subject. It was just a very long essay to write. rose wine and Amanda had done theirs over the weekend, presumably with Linda. Albus could n't help but be slightly envious of them because doing the essay with an actual vampire would make it the well-situated essay ever.

"Bet Linda 's sword lily this unit 's over,"Albus said as they worked on their essays in the Marauder 's Den Monday evening.

"She is,"Rose answered,"She hated every moment of those moral. Ca n't say I blame her."

"How long is your essay, Rose ?"John asked as he measured his own essay.

"threesome foot,"Rose answered.

Saint John the Apostle groaned."Do you think Balladanis will notice if mine 's three inches short ?"

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

"Maybe if we do n't finish it we can just skip division tomorrow,"flatness muttered,"After all, I would n't need to establish up in class without the essay done."

"But it 'll be speculative when you finally do go to grade,"rose pointed out.

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

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

"Finished,"Albus announced.

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

"You know,"Albus said quietly,"nobody found out about Linda being a lamia even after we 've spent a month and a half on them. I do n't consider anyone 's going to happen out you 're a loup-garou just because we 're learning about them."

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

"tone on the promising slope,"Kaden put in,"When you get assigned the wolfman essay, you 're sure to get a 100."

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

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

Albus, Matt, and whoremaster got a of late start since John had misplaced his vampire essay. After finding it under his bed ( no one was sure how it go there ), the three male child rushed down to the Great Hall to grab pieces of toast before running to Defense.

They walked into the way right on clip and barely had a chance to catch their breath before Balladanis asked for everyone to hand in their vampire essays. Albus passed his essay up and pulled out lambskin and a quill.

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

Balladanis began his usual tempo in presence of the classroom. He stopped in figurehead of Rose and Linda 's table and then stared out at the class.

"I thought I would begin with werewolf history,"he announced,"Nobody is sure when the number one werewolf came about, but they have existed in nearly every wizarding culture. Not only that, but even antediluvian Muggle cultures have lycanthropy in their histories.

"Hundreds of old age ago, before the Muggle field of operation of psychological science came about and prospicient before Muggles had any agreement of the homo judgment, they tried to urinate sense of people whom they deemed 'insane'.

"One way they did this was to ascribe the insanity to the moon. Over the yr, the myth of loup-garou came about. Thus, werewolves have had a significant role in Muggle stories. In world, the masses Muggles accused of having lycanthropy were merely suffering from dementia praecox or bouts of insanity."

Albus frantically tried to write everything down. He knew absolutely nothing about the Muggle view of lycanthropy. He glanced at flatness and saw that he was n't writing anything down, but his hand was shaking.

"Muggles of course know nothing about real lycanthrope,"Balladanis continued,"And their Hollywood created loup-garou have little in common with the real affair.

"lycanthrope are plagued with the illness lycanthropy. Does anyone love what that means ?"

rosebush was the only one who raised her hand. Balladanis nodded to her."It comes from the Hellene quarrel 'lykos'and 'anthropos',"Rose explained,"Lykos means Wolf and anthropos agency man."

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

"Lycanthropes have been shunned by wizarding society for as long as history has told us about them. In Holocene epoch years, there has been much surmisal about whether this is essential or even a good mind. However, it is difficult to change the intellect of the bulk when we have been taught to debar lycanthropes and ostracize them from wizarding bon ton for so long.

"It has not been for no reason that this general preconception has came about. When in wolf form, werewolf can not control their actions and thus lash out lost the great unwashed. This has long been construed as lycanthropes wanting to round people, wanting to infect them with the horrible disease.

"This can not be farther from the lawsuit when it comes to most werewolves. well-nigh do not wish to attack others. Within the yesteryear hundred days, werewolf have begun locking themselves up on the full Sun Myung Moon in gild to obviate attacking others. However, there is one significant drawback to this for the lycanthrope. Does anyone know this ?"Balladanis 's optic rested on Matt, but he continued staring down at his empty parchment.

blush wine and Linda raised their hands. This time Balladanis called on Linda."When werewolf do n't experience anybody to attack, they attack themselves,"Linda said,"They do n't have a pick and they often wind up really injured because of it."

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

"We 'll foot up following class with what happens before, during, and after full moon for a soul with lycanthropy,"Balladanis announced shortly before the bell rang,"If you have not register the wolfman chapter, please do so for succeeding clip. Mr. Eckerton, if you could please come see me."

matt looked, if it was possible, even more nervous at this outlook. The quietus of the course of study left and Albus tried to put away his matter as slowly as possible, but Balladanis shooed him, along with Gospel According to John, out of the room.

Malfoy was standing outside the classroom when Albus and John left. He had a slight smirk on his face.

"Interesting lesson, thrower,"Malfoy said quietly,"Very matter to indeed."

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

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

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

"If he does n't yet, he 'll cognize after following lesson. He 's onto it, that 's for sure,"Albus said.

"Onto it ?"whoremonger replied,"That 's a prissy way of putting it. The whole schoolhouse 's going to get it on in two daytime, after the adjacent class."

"What are we going to do ?"Albus groaned,"If we tell him what Malfoy said, he 's going to be too scared to do anything. I mean, did you see him during this lesson ?"

"Yeah,"John nodded,"We ca n't secernate him. Whatever Malfoy 's going to do, he 's going to do it whether Matt knows about it or not."

"I agree,"Albus nodded,"We wo n't tell."

"What are you two talking about ?"Matt appeared behind them, looking no better than he had before.

"goose egg,"John Lackland said,"What did Balladanis require ?"

"Told me I did n't have to go to the spear carrier help during this unit unless I wanted to,"Matt told them.

"What are you going to do ?"John asked.

"I do n't know,"matte said as they began walking to Herbology,"I know it 'll look suspicious if I do n't, but I really ca n't take many Sir Thomas More example like that. Merlin, Thursday 's lesson is going to be awful."

Albus saw no point in denying that. Matt did n't give a clue as to how awful it would be. They said nothing more about it the whole way to Herbology.

******

Albus had never been so happy about having ridiculously long Quidditch practices as he was Tues and Midweek evenings. He was perfectly well-chosen to spend all his disembarrass time on the Quidditch auction pitch and then be too tired to do much of anything else afterwards.

It was just so difficult for him to save what Malfoy said away from Matt. He wanted naught more than to warn his admirer about it, even though he knew that would carry through nothing. All it would do was build flatness care even more and then act even more dying during Defense.

Quidditch also kept Albus 's mind off of what would happen after Malfoy 's suspicions were confirmed. It would n't be anything like when Albus found out or even when Kaden found out. No, Malfoy was going to use this to his advantage. Albus was nearly one hundred percent sure Malfoy would herald it to all of Slytherin. Then, word would scatter and the entire schooltime would regain out. Merlin only knew what would befall when students'parents found out.

Albus knew that werewolf rights had come a foresighted way since Teddy 's dad was in school, but he also knew that most people would not be happy if their youngster were going to schooling with a werewolf, especially one that did not take wolf's bane. Not to mention the field day the printing press would sustain with it. Matt 's dad had just become pass of the section for the Regulation and control condition of Magical creature for pigeon hawk 's interest. It would be a repeat of what had happened when Matt and his family had lived in Australia.

Not to mention what it would do to Matt himself. Albus remembered when there had been a slight chance that Malfoy found out about the passage under the Whomping Willow. He had nearly had a scare approach. What would happen if Malfoy found out he was a werewolf ?

It did not help that the wide-cut moon was that Friday. lusterlessness barely spoke during the brief times that Albus was not occupied on the Quidditch tar. He sat in the marauder 's Den with everyone else, but he stared off into space or slept.

Yes, Wood 's long Quidditch practices took Albus 's mind off of all of that, but they did not cease Thursday from arriving and sooner than Albus would have liked he found himself sitting in Balladanis 's classroom.

Albus and whoremaster exchanged nervous glances as Malfoy walked in with a very self-satisfied look on his human face. Albus was so focused on Malfoy that he nearly missed the fact that the anamatek 's trunk was back in front end of Balladanis 's desk. Once he noticed it, he poked John in the side.

"What ?"John seethed. Albus gestured to the trunk."merlin 's whiskers,"John exclaimed,"I do n't even want to know what he 's going to do with that."

"tranquility down,"Balladanis said,"We 'll continue our werewolf discussion today by talking about what happens to a loup-garou when the moon waxes.

"Werewolves, in a similar way to vampires, are somewhat allergic to the moonshine when the moon waxes. For the few dark before the actual full Moon, when exposed to moonlight wolfman will feel ill. The moonlight gives them headaches and when exposed long enough, causes them to turn a loss consciousness."

Albus did n't bother writing any of this low, as he knew first hand what happened when a werewolf was exposed to too much moonlight shortly before the full-of-the-moon moon. Instead he stole quick glances at Malfoy and matte. Malfoy was furiously writing down everything Balladanis said and stealing quick glimpse at lusterlessness himself. Matt was staring down at his parchment and Albus was certain he was trying to cut everything Balladanis said. He was pale and ill, but Albus was n't sure if that was because of the example or because the full moon was the side by side day.

"Lycanthropes are often too ill to go about their day-after-day bodily function the day of the full Sun Myung Moon and occasionally the day before as well. Before I describe the factual transformation, I wish to show you what a person with lycanthropy looks like the day of the to the full moon."

For a brief second, Albus thought Balladanis was going to holler Matt to the front of the room, but then realized that as a professor, Balladanis must have promised Kendrick that he would n't do anything like that.

Balladanis pointed his sceptre at the bole and a small man stepped out of it. His achromasia looked exactly like matte 's and he looked just as ill. In fact, the two of them looked incredibly alike. Both of their faces bore scratch and had a sickly spirit to them.

Balladanis began to speak about what the anamatek looked like, but Albus paid no tending. Instead he looked to Malfoy. Malfoy stared at the anamatek for a minute of arc or so with shock and then he glanced at Matt. Finally, he met Albus 's gaze and Albus saw the biggest smirk he had ever seen on the Slytherin 's human face. That was it. Albus knew it. Malfoy had made the connection.

The remainder of the lesson passed by in a variety of fog for Albus. He and lav had exchanged glances and the look on trick 's face told him he had noticed Malfoy 's recognition as well. Albus heard Balladanis 's lecture, but he did n't process it.

The lesson seemed to drag on and f number by at the Saami meter. Albus wanted it to be over so he could get out of there, but at the same time he did not desire to know what was going to find after.

"Next moral will focalize on Wolfsbane Potion and the core it has had on werewolf rights,"Balladanis announced at the end of the lesson,"Class dismissed."

Albus and John looked at each other. Albus did n't jazz what to do. Should he face Malfoy ? Or should he state matte what happened ? lustrelessness seemed oblivious to the entirely thing.

They silently decided just to leave the schoolroom and decide what to do after. rosebush and Amanda had left with Linda with absolutely no idea what had happened.

Malfoy was waiting for them outside the room and Albus was not sure if this was a good or a bad thing. He had the sudden urge just to hex Malfoy right then and there.

"Another enlightening moral,"Malfoy smirked,"Oh, Eckerton, feeling a bit ill ?"

"None of your business concern,"Matt muttered. Albus and St. John the Apostle both stepped a bit closer to him and Albus clenched his hand around his wand.

"Bet you 'll be feeling even worse tomorrow,"Malfoy replied,"It 's about that time of the month, is n't it ? Tomorrow dark ?"

That got lusterlessness 's attention. His nous snapped up and he glared at Malfoy. Then he turned around and looked from Albus to Gospel According to John with the most panicked expression on his boldness Albus had ever seen.

"It 's going to be a fun fully moon, is n't it ?"Malfoy whispered, just aloud enough for Matt, Albus and trick to hear.

Matt did n't say anything. He shook his head and then ran. He pushed through the crowd, much to the dislike of the students who were trying to get to class, and disappeared in a issue of seconds.

Albus suddenly felt more hatred for Malfoy than ever. Not only had he worked out Matt 's secret, but he had used it to scare him. In essence, Malfoy had threatened him with it. That was one of the spoilt things he could have done.

Ignoring all the other educatee who were going to class, Albus pulled out his wand and had it against Malfoy 's chest in two seconds.

"If you tell anyone,"Albus growled,"I will personally make surely you 're so indistinguishable that even your own parents wo n't make out you."

"Is that a scourge, Potter ?"Malfoy pulled out his own wand.

"You need me to spell it out for you ?"Albus asked,"I think we 're about to find out just how much upright I am at dueling than you are."

"Rictumsempra !"Malfoy shouted.

"Protego !"Albus shouted at the same time.

"Expelliarmus !"John shouted.

The crowd moved away so that there was a circle of onlooker surrounding the duel. Albus ignored them. It was just him, John, and Malfoy. And Malfoy was outnumbered.

Malfoy deflected John 's disarmament spell and shot another spell at Albus. It bounced off Albus 's carapace and hit a nearby portrait. The portrait 's occupant shouted in disgust and moved into her neighbour 's frame.

Albus concentrated on his buckler appeal and glared at Malfoy."Petrificus Totalus !"he shouted through his shield.

Grateful for Balladanis 's dueling lessons, Albus watched as his carapace held up while the hex nip at Malfoy. Unfortunately, Malfoy dodged it and sent a tickling jinx at John.

This one hit St. John the Apostle and he collapsed onto the base in a fit of giggles. Albus dead reckoning another hex at Malfoy and this one collided with his face. Malfoy 's nose started bleeding and he rounded on Albus.

"What is going on out here ?"Balladanis shouted.

Albus did n't take down his wand and neither did Malfoy, but they did n't fire off anymore hexes either. Albus let his shield down and noticed that the crowd had dispersed. lavatory was still rolling around on the ground.

Balladanis pointed his wand at John and John immediately stopped giggling and stood up.

"Follow me,"Balladanis growled.

All three son followed Balladanis into his subject area. Albus looked nervously at privy. Of all the professor to catch them dueling, it had to be Balladanis. Of course, the one good matter about this was that Malfoy could n't declare Matt 's lycanthropy to the entire school day while Balladanis was lecturing them.


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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Albus and John sat as far away as possible from Malfoy in Balladanis 's study. Balladanis just stared at them before speaking.

"I can not begin to order you how thwarted I am in all of you,"Balladanis began,"Especially you, Mr. Potter and Mr. Malfoy. I am sure I taught you better than this. The two of you especially should know how uncalled for that was. You are well aware of your dueling attainment and what sort of responsibility lies with them. I have half a judgement to break our training sessions. However, I am willing to get wind all slope of this story before laying out any sort of penalty. You may go first, Mr. Malfoy."

"I was just walking to division and Potter pulled out his wand and attacked me. Then Brickston joined in. I was outnumbered, sir. I had to defend myself,"Malfoy said.

Albus had to try hard not to snort. He and John looked at each early and John rolled his eyes.

"Very well,"Balladanis said,"Mr. Potter, if you please."

Albus took a deep breath. He was going to tell apart the story. The unit report."Malfoy was threatening matt, sir,"Albus began.

"Mr. Eckerton ?"Balladanis asked,"I did not see him anywhere."

"He left after Malfoy threatened him,"Albus continued,"You see, Malfoy has figured something out about Matt, after listening to your public lecture on werewolves."

Balladanis 's eyes widened and he looked at Malfoy."Is that true, Mr. Malfoy ?"

"Yes,"Malfoy muttered,"And I was n't threatening him. I was asking him about it. I think I have the right hand to know if I 'm in schooling with a werewolf."

Malfoy said 'werewolf'with disgust and it made Albus want to hex him once more.

"Mr. Eckerton has the right to keep his medical exit to himself,"Balladanis replied,"His health is none of your business whatsoever. Please continue, Mr. Potter."

"After Matt left, I wanted to be sure Malfoy was n't going to go secernate the whole school about lusterlessness 's lycanthropy,"Albus explained,"And I guess we just wound up dueling."

"Just wound up dueling ?"Malfoy scoffed,"You had your sceptre on me."

"You sent the inaugural hex,"Albus muttered.

"Do you have anything to add, Mr. Brickston ?"Balladanis asked.

"No,"John replied,"Albus is telling the truth."

"Very well,"Balladanis replied,"I see this matter goes much promote than a affaire d'honneur. All three of you will receive four Night'detention starting tonight at eight. Each of you have lost ten detail from your respective houses.

"However, I am taking all three of you to see the headmaster. There are things more authoritative to discuss than hold,"Balladanis said as he stood up.

Albus knew full well what Balladanis was insinuating. He and John said nothing as they followed Balladanis to Kendrick 's study. Malfoy walked a few infantry behind them.

Albus had n't been to Kendrick 's study since his initiative year, when he went to sing to Dumbledore 's portrait. The property had n't changed in the tenuous. Everything seemed to be in the accurate Lapplander property. Both Dumbledore and Snape were awake and in their portraits.

Kendrick was behind his desk writing something when they entered. He looked up curiously at them. Albus, bathroom, and Malfoy stood near the door while Balladanis strode forward.

"We have a problem,"Balladanis said,"These three have been dueling."

"I trust you to handwriting out custody, Tethys,"Kendrick replied,"I am busy at the moment."

"It 's not the dueling,"Balladanis said,"It 's what they were dueling about."

"And what would that be ?"Kendrick asked.

"Mr. Malfoy has discovered that lusterlessness Eckerton is a werewolf,"Balladanis answered,"And I believe Mr. potter and Mr. Brickston have known for quite some time."

Kendrick dropped his quill and looked up."I 'll ingest this from here. I believe you have a lesson to teach."

"I believe I do,"Balladanis replied and left the room.

Kendrick conjured a few chairs and gestured for the three male child to join him at his desk. Albus sat down in the midway death chair and waited for Kendrick to start. He noticed that both Dumbledore and Snape were paying rapt attention.

"Well, well,"Snape said,"Deja vu."

"Not now, Severus,"Kendrick said,"Mr. Potter, perhaps you can tell me if anyone else knows about Matt 's lycanthropy ?"

"Er, yes,"Albus replied,"Rose Weasley, Amanda Tagger, and Kaden Dursley."

"I knew that Dursley kid knew something,"Malfoy muttered.

"Not now, Mr. Malfoy,"Kendrick said,"I 'll need to speak with them, as well as lusterlessness. I imagine they 're all in class."

"Sir,"Albus interrupted,"I do n't conceive mat 's in class."

"You may be mightily,"Kendrick sighed,"Do you have any mind where he might be ?"

"Yes,"Albus answered.

"Very well. Please go find him,"Kendrick said,"And Mr. Brickston, please go find the others."

Albus nodded and he and John left the report. Albus went straight to the piranha 's Den while John the Divine went to the keep as rosiness and Amanda would be in potions.

Matt was sitting on his bed in the marauder 's Den, staring at the paries and not moving a muscle.

"I suppose Malfoy 's told everyone,"lusterlessness said without turning to look at Albus. His voice was hollow.

"No,"Albus replied,"He has n't had the chance. bathroom and I dueled him after you left. Balladanis gave us all four nights of detention and took period away."

"He 'll distinguish everyone soon,"lusterlessness replied,"I should probably go pack. You know, I really thought I 'd get to eat up school. That 's not even the worst function. It 's going to be all over the Prophet. My dad 's going to lose his job again. We 'll probably have got to actuate to New York."

He finally turned around and looked at Albus. He no longer looked anxious. He looked absolutely terrified, yet sad at the same time.

"Why did Balladanis have to be such a thoroughly teacher ?"Matt groaned and laid back on the bed,"If he had been some sort of awed teacher then maybe Malfoy would n't have found out. He 's just so thoroughgoing ! He left nothing out ! Even the way he described the translation. It was so, it was just so, realistic.

"And that pudden-head anamatek !"flatness sat up and looked at Albus,"That affair looked just like me, only older. No curiosity Malfoy found out."

"You 're not going to get kicked out,"Albus assured him.

"How do you know ?"Matt shouted,"How do you really know ? I know teddy 's dad got to stay put after Snape found out, but this is different. That was when Dumbledore was here ! Everyone says Dumbledore was barking mad. Kendrick is n't. Kendrick 's perfectly sane and he 's not going to require to deal with this."

Albus did n't really know what to say to that. Everything matte said was rightful. Kendrick was not Dumbledore. cipher could compare to Dumbledore.

"Kendrick wants to see you,"Albus said,"He 's got Malfoy up in his subject. He wants to verbalise to all of us. Me, John, rosiness, Amanda, and Kaden."

"I do n't require to go up there,"Matt said,"I never want to see Malfoy again. I just want to continue here. Merlin, my head is killing me."

"I think you have to go,"Albus said quietly.

"I know,"matte groaned and got up off the bed,"This just is n't fair. I hate it. I hate this whole thing. I do n't want to be a bloody loup-garou anymore."

"I know,"Albus said, knowing just how miserable matte was at that second. Albus had never once heard him complain about being a werewolf. Not when he was too commonplace to do anything because of the full lunar month or when he was laid up in the hospital annex for daylight afterwards.

They walked quietly back to Kendrick 's bailiwick. Albus muttered the password, that he had catch Balladanis say, to the gargoyle and they ascended into the study.

Everyone else was already there and they all turned to Albus and flatness when they walked in. mat froze in post and Albus stopped and looked at him. He was staring directly at Malfoy.

"Take a place,"Kendrick gestured to the two empty chairs, one of which was succeeding to Malfoy's.

Albus took the buns next to Malfoy 's, but did n't look at him. Matt took the other one.

"low, I want to control you that you do not hold to leave alone Hogwarts,"Kendrick said to matt,"nobody else will be finding out about your lycanthropy."

Matt did n't look reassured by this. Malfoy looked mutinous.

"My forefather wo n't agree with that,"Malfoy muttered.

"Your father has no say whatsoever in which bookman I admit to this schoolhouse,"Kendrick replied,"He works in the Ministry, and may I point out that his posture is not very high."

"Matt,"Kendrick turned away from Malfoy,"Does anyone else lie with ?"lustrelessness shook his head."And did you say the others, besides Mr. Malfoy, willingly ?"Kendrick continued. Matt nodded.

"Very well,"Kendrick said,"And how long have they known ?"

matte seemed ineffective to speak. After a few moment of silence, Kendrick turned to Albus."How farsighted have you known, Mr. Potter ?"

"Two years,"Albus answered.

Kendrick repeated this question with blush wine, John, and Amanda, who all gave the Sami result as Albus. Then he moved onto Kaden and Albus suddenly remembered the Sileo Altus magical spell. He shared one horrified glance with rose and waited for Kaden 's reply.

Kaden looked at Kendrick and then turned to Albus. His mouth was agape and he looked a lilliputian panic.

"Are you all right, Mr. Dursley ?"Kendrick asked.

"Fine,"Kaden answered,"It 's just, well ...."

"Professor, Sir,"Rose began,"We sort of put this charm on Kaden, so he would n't tell anyone. He can only spill about it with us. He wo n't be able to say a thing about it around you or Malfoy."

Albus braced himself for Kendrick 's response, but before the master could say a Bible, Dumbledore chuckled in his frame.

"The Sileo Altus charm,"Dumbledore smiled,"Ingenious. Who performed it ?"

"I did,"rosiness answered.

"Remarkable,"Dumbledore said,"You must be an incredible hag, missy Weasley."

"Too smart for her own well, more like it,"Snape muttered.

"That is indeed quite the amazing effort, miss Weasley,"Kendrick said,"Can you tell me how prospicient Mr. Dursley has known ?"

"About a twelvemonth,"Rose said.

"Thank you,"Kendrick replied,"Now I have some things to discuss with Mr. Malfoy and Mr. Eckerton in private. The rest of you may go to the Great Hall. I believe there is still a half hour or so depart of lunch."

Albus did n't really want to go away without finding out what was going to happen to Malfoy, but he knew Matt would order him.

Matt never showed up in the Great manor hall for tiffin, nor did he go to antediluvian rune or appealingness. Albus could not concentrate on either of those classes and was very happy when Charms was over and he was capable to leave.

Wood was not very happy that Albus had acquired four custody. In fact, he was livid. He spent twenty dollar bill minute telling Albus how he should n't be picking fights with other student so close to the adjacent Quidditch match, especially in front line of teacher'classrooms. The speech had only ended when Albus told him he was lately for Charms. Albus had run into Wood in in between Ancient runic letter and Charms.

"What do you say Balladanis is going to pull in us do ?"whoremonger asked as they walked towards the Marauder 's Den.

"Have n't a clue,"Albus replied,"But whatever it is, it 's going to be bad since we have to do it with Malfoy."

"True,"toilet agreed.

pink wine, Kaden, and Amanda were with them. Albus wanted to go find lustrelessness before they went to dinner. They had to wait a while for the corridor to authorize out before they were actually able to get into the room, though.

matt was fast asleep on the couch when they entered."Good thing he does n't deliver detention tonight,"John pointed out.

"Yeah,"Albus agreed.

John the Evangelist gently shook lusterlessness 's shoulder until he cracked his eyes open."Wake up,"can said,"Or you 'll miss dinner."

"I 'm not hungry,"lusterlessness muttered.

"What 's Kendrick doing about Malfoy ?"Albus asked as he sat down on the former end of the couch.

"He should put that charm on him,"Kaden announced,"The one you lot put on me."

"I wish he would,"Matt sighed,"All he did was tell Malfoy how significant it was not to mention anything. He said telling his forefather would do zip. Then he told him that if he ever did narrate anyone, he would face up exclusion for revealing another student 's medical information. But that 's it ! I mean, Malfoy did call he would n't say anything, but who really knows ? surely, if he tells, he 'll be expelled, but that wo n't take it back. I 'd still have to leave."

"As much as a git as he is,"Albus began,"I do n't remember he 's going to secern anyone if it meant he 'd be expelled. That would be the ultimate pity in the Malfoy family, besides being a Squib or marrying a Muggle or something, getting expelled and not being a fully qualified wizard. Malfoy wo n't want that."

"I guess you 're right,"lustrelessness sighed,"It 's just so foreign, knowing that he knows."

"I know,"Albus said,"Do you require to go eat dinner ?"

"No,"Matt shook his head teacher,"You guys go on ahead. I 've got to charge an owl to my parents, let them know about this."

Albus nodded."We 'll see you later, then. John and I have got hold tonight."

"Oh, right. just circumstances with that,"matt replied.

******

Balladanis 's detention was a bit anticlimactic. Albus had been expecting him to conceive up some really creative and taxing detainment, but instead he assigned them lines. line of reasoning were possibly the most boring hold ever thought up, but they were preferable to cleaning the bathrooms or something.

"potter, Malfoy,"Balladanis said after they 'd been writing for ten minutes,"Your dueling lesson is canceled for tomorrow night due to your detention. Detention will be at nine, after my extra supporter session, something I 'll wait you to be attending, Brickston."

Balladanis said zippo more and began grading essays at his desk. He completely ignored the three boy, which Albus did n't really mind. He just wanted to get his lines done and get out of there.

"Where does he go ?"Malfoy hissed at Albus.

"What ?"Albus whispered.

"You know, on full-of-the-moon moons, where does he go ?"Malfoy elaborated.

"I 'm not telling you that,"Albus muttered.

"My dad said a wolfman used to teach here, and he got fired when everyone found out,"Malfoy drawled.

"He quit,"Albus corrected him,"He was n't fired. He was the unspoiled Defense teacher any of our parents ever had."

"placidity !"Balladanis shouted,"I did n't say you could talk."

Albus was thankful for Balladanis 's scolding. Malfoy stopped asking questions and went back to his lines. Albus sighed and went back to his own. How far was Malfoy going to go ? Why could n't he just be satisfied with having worked out Matt 's secret ?

A one-half hr into their transmission line piece of writing, when Albus was contemplating switching mitt despite the fact that he wrote horribly with his right manus, there was a bang on the door. Albus looked up and saw Professor Kendrick standing in the room access, along with none other than lustrelessness 's dad. Albus set down his flight feather and turned to bathroom. King John had set down his own quill.

"Who 's that ?"Malfoy asked.

"Shush !"Albus hissed. The last thing they needed was for Balladanis to commend they were there and tell them to get out so he could suffer whatever conversation he was about to give birth in private.

"Tethys,"Kendrick said quietly,"This is Bruno Walter Eckerton."

"We 've met,"Balladanis muttered.

Albus turned again to John. mat 's dad knew Balladanis ? How ? Matt had never mentioned that before.

"That 's his dad ?"Malfoy whispered.

"Shush !"Albus said again.

"I wish to tattle to you about what happened earlier today,"lustrelessness 's dad said quietly.

"What about it, Eckerton ?"Balladanis asked.

"My son told me about your deterrent example,"Mr. Eckerton said,"How, informative they are."

"I teach my students what they 'll need to know in parliamentary procedure to defend themselves,"Balladanis replied.

"I think you go too far with that,"Mr. Eckerton disagreed,"Falco columbarius, showing them exactly what a werewolf looks like before a transformation with an anamatek ? Do you realize how dangerous those are ?"

"Of track,"Balladanis said, raising his vocalisation a bit,"You 're not the sole expert on charming brute. I have gross ascendance over my anamatek."

"cipher has thoroughgoing ascendance over an anamatek !"Mr. Eckerton said.

"The schoolmaster has already told me I 'm not allowed to use it anymore, so you really do n't involve to be lecturing me about this,"Balladanis seethed.

"Oh, it 's not only that,"Mr. Eckerton stepped a bit closer to Balladanis,"It 's how much you taught the tertiary yr about werewolves. The details about their transformations, how to blame one out of the general population, what happens before, during, and after transformations. Your lesson was far Thomas More detailed than a third year text edition book."

"You 'd detect that all my deterrent example are like that,"Balladanis replied,"Text books do not chip in enough details."

"I think giving enough item about identifying a wolfman so that a third year would be able-bodied to work on out that someone not even in their same house is one is going too far,"Mr. Eckerton seethed,"You knew about my son. You should have been a bit more cautious with your lesson."

"Withholding information from an entire class because of one student is not a good method of teaching,"Balladanis countered.

"It is when it could be life-threatening for that one student,"Mr. Eckerton said,"Fan of the greatest good for the big number, are we ?"

"There are times when that is a expert philosophy,"Balladanis replied.

"We 'll agree to disagree, then,"Mr. Eckerton said,"But if I find that your deterrent example are putting my son in danger anymore, you may find that the Ministry is inquiring into your teaching practices."

"I 'll learn however I like,"Balladanis muttered.

Mr. Eckerton ignored this and turned to the three boy, none of whom were writing strain any longer."Is that him ?"he asked.

"The one who found out ?"Kendrick replied,"Yes."

Mr. Eckerton strode over to the table Albus, John, and Malfoy were working at. He nodded hello to Albus and John before turning to Malfoy.

"I realize the headmaster has already gone over this with you,"Mr. Eckerton began,"But I feel the need to reiterate that there will be upshot if you make public my son 's condition."

Malfoy nodded."I know,"he muttered.

"Good,"Mr. Eckerton replied and returned to where Kendrick was standing. He turned once again to Balladanis."I 'll be returning to the castle tomorrow to research your survey and classroom for the anamatek. If it is still here, I will make it into custody."

Balladanis muttered something under his breathing space as matte 's dad left the elbow room with Professor Kendrick. Albus exchanged a glance with John the Divine. He wanted zero more than to pass on, so he could talk about what had just happened.

"That 's enough for tonight,"Balladanis barked,"Get out. Be back here tomorrow nighttime at nine."

Albus nearly spilled his ink in his haste to get up. He ran out of the way as fast as he could with John following. Malfoy made no move to try and verbalise to them again, so they headed straight to the Marauder 's Den.


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight as well as all of the adorable people who have read and reviewed this ! You guys are awe-inspiring !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Albus and bathroom burst into the Marauder 's Den a little while later to get hold that matte and Kaden were the entirely ace there. mat 's face was covered in ash and Kaden was grinning. They were in the heart of a secret plan of Exploding Snap.

"And that makes four wins for me and none for you,"Kaden announced as he collected the carte du jour,"Oh, Albus, trick ! How was your detention ? Want to play ?"

"Not now,"Albus said hurriedly as he sat down next to Matt,"lusterlessness, did you know your dad was just here ?"

"Yeah,"Matt nodded,"When he got my owl, he wanted to go talk of the town to Kendrick. I went with him."

"fountainhead, do you know where he went after ?"Gospel According to John asked.

"habitation, I guess,"Matt shrugged,"Why ?"

"He and Kendrick turned up in our detention,"John said.

"He what ?"Matt replied.

"Yeah, it was really odd,"Albus said,"He came in with Kendrick and Kendrick introduced him to Balladanis. Only Balladanis said 'we 've met'. You never told us your dad knew Balladanis."

"I never knew,"Matt shrugged,"Then what happened ?"

"Your dad was really tempestuous,"Albus continued,"He thinks Balladanis taught us too practically about how to visualize out if mortal 's a loup-garou and that 's why Malfoy found out. Then he told him how dangerous it was for him to use that anamatek in class-"

"Oh, yeah,"matt said,"I told my dad about the anamatek and that 's one of the reason he came here, to tell Kendrick about it. Kendrick 's making him get rid of it."

"Yeah, that 's what your dad said,"Albus replied,"He 's coming back to visit Balladanis 's elbow room tomorrow to make certainly he got rid of it. He also said that if any of Balladanis 's teaching puts you in risk again, the Ministry 's going to investigate him."

"It 's really not a good approximation to get on my dad 's bad side,"matte said,"What did Balladanis do during this ?"

"He kept saying that he was going to teach however he wanted,"Albus explained,"Honestly, he did not bet happy that your dad was there. I think something happened between the two of them."

"But what ?"Matt asked,"Dad 's never mentioned him before."

"Think he 'd tell you if you asked ?"Saint John the Apostle wondered.

"Probably,"lustrelessness said,"I 'll owl him about it."

"Oh, and then your dad told Malfoy he 'd improve not say anyone you 're a werewolf,"John said,"He looked pretty scary, too. I do n't remember Malfoy 's going to tell anyone."

******

It did not adopt very long for Book to spread that Balladanis had gotten in trouble for having an anamatek. Galleons exchanged hands the next morning at breakfast, as a few older students had bet on how long he would have it. Somehow everyone knew that Matt 's dad had showed up at Hogwarts the previous nighttime and informed Kendrick about it.

Kaden had Defense that morning and reported to Albus at lunch that Balladanis was even stricter than usual and seemed incredibly angry. That did not presage well for Albus 's detention that evening.

"He 's out-and-out shivery,"Kaden said as he piled steak and kidney pie onto his plate,"Yelled at one of the Ravenclaws in my class for spilling her ink. She was nearly in tears. But I 'd hate to be in your class, Albus, he 's going to be brutal. I mean, it 's pretty much because of Matt that he got in trouble."

mat had gone up to the marauder 's Den after they got out of Herbology since he felt ill and was n't in lunch. Albus knew that Kaden was mightily. Balladanis was going to take this out on matt, and possibly Malfoy as well.

"I do n't know why he cares so a great deal,"trick shrugged,"I mean, the Ministry could birth just taken that thing away. He 's lucky he just had to take it back to his family or whatever."

"I do n't think he likes the government,"Albus said,"That 's the feeling I got after listening to him spill the beans about what he did before teaching here. I think that 's why he did that, instead of becoming an Auror."

"Well, I think it 's a good theme for the Ministry to gain him rent that thing nursing home,"John said.

"Me, too,"Albus agreed,"I mean, he could 've turned it into a manticore next."

Kaden went to form after lunch while Albus and John went up to the Marauder 's Den with blush wine and Amanda.

"Think he 's owled his dad yet ?"John asked as he gestured to Matt, who was asleep in his bed.

"Doubt it,"Albus said,"He 's probably been asleep since he got up here."

"Merlin, I just want to know what happened between his dad and Balladanis,"whoremonger groaned.

"You 're so impatient,"Rose commented,"Just let him sleep."

"I was n't going to wake him up,"john muttered.

The balance of the good afternoon passed by quickly. Albus was dreading his detention later and John the Divine complained loudly about how he had to go to the extra help session about wolfman when he already knew so much about them.

Albus woke mat up shortly before dinner and he looked much bad than he usually did the day of full moons. They all escorted him to the hospital wing, where Madam Pomfrey rushed him into bed.

Just as they were about to result the hospital wing, the doors opened and in walk Matt 's dad. Albus assumed he was there to stop if Balladanis had gotten rid of his anamatek.

John nudged Albus."We should ask him about Balladanis,"John whispered.

"He 's not going to separate us now,"Albus muttered back,"Look at him."

Mr. Eckerton looked tired out and incredibly worried. He nodded to Albus and the others before rushing over to lusterlessness 's bed and talking to lady Pomfrey in hush whispers.

As it turned out, Albus had been worrying about the detention for nothing. He entered the elbow room before Malfoy and John was already doing his short letter. Balladanis said absolutely nothing to Albus as he handed him parchment. Malfoy arrived a little while later and still Balladanis said nothing.

Malfoy did not talk either. He did not ask anything about Matt and did n't even comment that the good Sun Myung Moon was that night.

Balladanis let them entrust at half past ten. Albus and John found Kaden in the vulture 's Den and spent the remaining time left until Astronomy playing Exploding ginger snap and champion 's Chess.

"Why, why do we have to hold this class with the Slytherins ?"John groaned as they made their way to the Astronomy tug,"If Malfoy does n't spend a penny a unmarried commentary about the full moon, I 'll eat an integral cauldron."

"I 'm going to hold you to that,"Albus laughed,"But I do n't think you 'll ingest to."

Malfoy went so far as to actually set his telescope up next to Albus 's. professor polo spent ten minutes telling them that they were to plat the situation of Red Planet, Urania, the moon, and a handful of headliner before turning them suffer to actually do so.

"The moon is so bright,"Malfoy whispered,"And big and ... full ...."

Albus looked at King John."Looks like I wo n't be eating my cauldron tonight,"John muttered.

"Just shut it, Malfoy,"Albus said.

"Is n't his dad the school principal of the department for the ordinance and ascendance of Magical brute ? Yeah, he must be, because he 's the one who made Balladanis get rid of the anamatek. Ca n't say I 'm really upset about that,"Malfoy said quietly,"But how ironic."

"Just end talking about it,"Albus muttered.

"Oh, issue forth on, Potter. Even you have to treasure the caustic remark,"Malfoy said.

"Will you just shut up,"Albus seethed.

"Quiet over there,"Polo said.

Malfoy smirked at Albus one more time before going back to his telescope. The eternal rest of the lesson passed without anymore commentary from Malfoy and Albus was quite well-chosen when he was able to return to his dormitory.

******

"It 's like back in initiatory year,"Albus sighed,"Remember when Madam Pomfrey locked the hospital wing ?"

"That 's why this is bad !"Rose said.

"Well, she did n't interlock us out this time,"John pointed out.

"She did n't exactly let us in either,"Kaden said.

Albus and his supporter had slept late on Saturday morning and after grabbing a quick bite to eat, had gone to visit matt in the infirmary wing. madam Pomfrey had n't let them in. They were currently in the marauder 's Den, trying to figure out why.

"She always lets us in,"John groaned.

"He obviously had a really bad Night,"Albus said quietly.

"Yeah, but why ?"Rose wondered.

"Have n't you noticed that the total lunation have been speculative the past few months ?"Albus asked,"He 's been taking longer to recover."

"I wish he 'd just let us go Animagi,"lav muttered.

"John, I honestly do n't think you could become an Animagus,"Rose replied,"You 'd meander up with a permanent tail affixed to your arse."

"That would n't be that bad,"toilet grinned,"Always thought it would be cool to hold a tail."

"You 're not helping,"Albus sighed,"What are we going to do ?"

"I think all we can do is just preserve going back to the hospital annexe,"John shrugged,"Until Madam Pomfrey lets us in."

Their efforts proved vain, though. They went to the hospital wing twice that afternoon and then right before Albus and John had to go to detention. Madam Pomfrey told them 'no'each time.

Billy Sunday, the live day of Albus and John 's hold, was the same. Madam Pomfrey was quite livid when they showed up for the third time that day.

"Nothing 's changed !"she shouted,"seminal fluid back tomorrow evening ! I 'll give the lot of you detention if you come back any early than that !"

With that, she strode back into the ward and slammed the door."Can she even give detention ?"Kaden asked.

"I dunno,"Albus shrugged,"I would n't put it past her."

Albus and Saint John broke away from the grouping to dispatch their last detention. Balladanis gave them lines, just like he had the by three Night. Albus sat quietly completing them, very grateful for the fact that Malfoy had n't said two words to him since Astronomy.

"You may arrest,"Balladanis said quietly after they 'd been writing for about an hour and a half.

Albus threw his quill down and leaned back in his hot seat. Finally, it was over.

"I hope you learned something,"Balladanis said, which shocked Albus. He had been expecting Balladanis to continue his silence."If I catch any of you dueling in the corridors again, the consequences will be much more dangerous than custody and lost points.

"Mr. thrower and Mr. Malfoy, I have given great thought to whether I should continue giving you extra lesson. I have decided to give you one Sir Thomas More chance. lesson will continue this Friday at their normal fourth dimension. However, if either of you disregard my pattern again, I will no longer take them. You may go. I 'll see all three of you in class on Tuesday."

"Merlin, I 'm happy that 's over,"John muttered to Albus once they were on their way to Gryffindor Tower.

"Me too,"Albus agreed,"He 's going to be awful in class, though."

"Yeah, ca n't say I 'm looking forward to that,"John said.

Albus could n't centralise at all in his classes the next day. All he wanted to do was go to the infirmary wing and find out how Matt was, but madam Pomfrey insisted that they wait until evening.

rosebush and Amanda ate dinner party with Linda, but they met Albus, john, and Kaden near the hospital wing afterwards. They had all eaten a very pelt along dinner due to Albus 's Quidditch practice at seven.

Albus cautiously opened the door to the hospital offstage, half expecting Madam Pomfrey to hollo at them again. He walked quietly inside, followed the the others. Madam Pomfrey was sitting at her desk and she visibly sighed when she noticed them.

"Go ahead,"she gestured to the entirely occupied bed, which had the mantle pulled around it.

Albus rushed over to the bed and yanked the curtain back. lustrelessness looked run through and there was a rather large bandage wrapped around his head.

"I was wondering when you 'd number sojourn me,"lustrelessness gave them a half smile.

"We 've been trying !"Saint John the Apostle said,"Madam Pomfrey has n't let us !"

"I know,"matt smirked,"I 've heard her yell at you. It 's kind of amusing."

"well, we 're here now,"Albus said,"How are you ? Why did n't madam Pomfrey let us descend visit ?"

"Because I did n't heat up until yesterday afternoon,"flatness answered.

"But that was-"whoremaster began.

"Nearly two days later ?"matte cut him off,"I know."

"But why ?"Rose asked.

"A caboodle of affair, really,"flatness sighed,"first, I was worried about Malfoy telling everyone and it 's always worse when I 'm worry about something. irregular, I hit my header really intemperately at some point that dark. It still hurts. Third, the translation in general are getting worse, because I 'm getting older."

That thought certainly had n't crossed Albus 's mind. Albus and all his friends were obviously getting honest-to-god and that brought batch of alteration, but he had n't even thought about how the Wolf would change when matt got older.

"So, are all of the full moons going to be this bad now ?"Kaden asked.

"No,"matt shook his top dog and then winced,"I mean, I do n't really acknowledge what 'll happen in the future, but this one was just a combination of bad things."

"That 's soundly, I guess,"Albus shrugged,"When do you get to depart ?"

"Tomorrow nighttime at the former,"Matt sighed,"Although that means I 'll miss Defense."

"want I could miss Defense,"John muttered,"Speaking of defence mechanism, did you owl your dad yet ?"

"privy, he just woke up yesterday,"rosiness pointed out.

"I did n't owl him,"mat said,"But he came to see me earlier and I asked him."

"Brilliant,"privy grinned,"And ?"

"And,"Matt said,"He told me all about it. He told me Balladanis was a Presuler and was really surprised that I already knew.

"Apparently, back when my dad had just been appointed read/write head of the Department for the Regulation and restraint of Magical Creatures in Australia, he hired Balladanis to overtake a band of lamia who were attacking Muggles on the outback. Balladanis caught them, but he thought Dad went too easy on them."

"What did he do to them ?"John asked.

"Sent them to prison. I think they got 20 year. Balladanis thought they should birth gotten life-time sentences. Dad and Balladanis got into this vast argument at the Ministry about it and Balladanis stormed out. The Aboriginal Australian Ministry did n't hire him after that,"flatness explained,"Although, I 'll bet Balladanis and Lubar would agree on penalty. I wonder if he 's hired Balladanis."

"That explains a lot,"Albus said,"Did your dad say anything else about him ?"

"No, not really,"lustrelessness replied,"Just that he 's got a lot of issues. Oh, and he wanted me to warn you not to listen to everything Balladanis says during those dueling lessons you 've got."

"I 'm not going to,"Albus assured him,"I think we 've all seen a different face of Balladanis during the past week."

******

Tuesday forenoon dawned quickly and Albus trudged to Defense with John. Neither of them really knew what class would be like, but judging from what he heard about recent Defense family in the common room, it would n't be fun.

Malfoy was back to his smug self now that detention was over. He sat next to Goyle wearing a smirk on his face. Albus ignored him and went to his usual table.

Balladanis stormed into the way a few minutes later. He waved his wand at the door and it slammed shut with a blast loud enough that it caused the Jordan-Bell twins, who had been sitting closemouthed to it, to jump.

"go your homework head forward,"he growled.

Albus handed his preparation to the tabular array in front of him and waited for Balladanis to collect it. He paused in straw man of the mesa in front of Albus's.

"ceramicist,"he began,"You can state Eckerton that his preparation is late and therefore I will not take it. If he wished to get credit for it, he could have got graced us with his presence."

Malfoy snorted at this, earning him glares from both Albus and Balladanis. Balaldanis tossed the prep unceremoniously onto his desk and then turned back to his students.

"Wolfsbane potion,"he barked,"Was created by a man by the name of Oliver Belby. He finished the creation in 1991. For most wolfman, the potion was a lifesaver. Who can excuse what it does ?"

nobody, not even rosiness and Linda, raised their hands. Albus stared down at his desk, hoping that Balladanis would n't call up on him.

"cypher ?"he said,"Pity. Wolfsbane potion renders a werewolf harmless during full moons. The lycanthrope turns into a wolf, but a harmless one. One that will just log Z's until the synodic month sets and will not accept the urge to bite and kill.

"The potion is a life belt to those plagued with lycanthropy. I had been hoping to show you what a werewolf would see like on Aconitum lycoctonum potion, but my anamatek has been banned from the castle,"Balladanis said with malice,"Therefore you will let to go without the ocular. It seems that sealed parents, Ministry functionary, and the headmaster do not O.K. of my methods of teaching. Unfortunately, it is all of you who are suffering for it."

"I would n't anticipate it suffering,"John muttered.

"Quiet, Brickston !"Balladanis shouted,"Unless you have something to contribute to the class."

"No, sir,"St. John replied.

"good,"Balladanis muttered,"Anyway, the anamatek will not be making anymore appearances in this schoolroom and your education is going to put up for it. Nothing, and I repeat zilch can replace work force on training."

Albus usually agreed with that, but he drew the billet at having what was in essence a inhabit manticore in front of him. There were some clock time when reading sufficed.

The object lesson continued with Balladanis talking about wolfbane. He spoke about how the potion does n't make for all loup-garou and Albus found his mind drifting. All in all, the lesson had n't been as bad as he 'd been expecting. Besides his brief rant about his anamatek being banned from the castle, he had been pretty normal. convention for Balladanis, that is.

"Next lesson will be the finish on lycanthrope,"Balladanis announced at the end of course,"We will learn about lycanthropy 's effect on children."

Albus groaned inwardly. Matt would be out of the hospital wing by then. Why could n't Balladanis just fetch up the werewolf building block already ?

"He wo n't be back next year,"John muttered as they walked to Herbology.

"I do n't doubt that,"Albus replied,"I just enquire who we 're going to get instead."


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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


"Place your stake here !"Fred shouted the succeeding day as he walked around the common room.

Albus had just climbed through the portrait hole with Peach State and James after a particularly difficult Quidditch practice. Ellen Price Wood was getting them prepared for the match against New York, which was to aim place in a little over a week.

"Georgia, James II, Albus !"Fred greeted them,"concern to place a bet ?"

"What are you taking bets about ?"Sakartvelo asked tiredly,"And if you keep betting on clobber, your mum is bound to find out."

"She wo n't like,"Fred shrugged. He was probably right. Albus 's aunt Alicia was the least strict out of all of his aunt. She 'd probably position a bet with Fred.

"You 'd just better hope Grandma does n't find out,"Georgia smirked.

Fred looked momentarily horrorstruck and Albus could n't charge him. Molly Weasley would probably send off him a riot if she knew he was gambling.

"She wo n't unless you tell her,"Fred muttered,"And broom and I are taking wager on how lots longer Balladanis is going to finally. Care to call for a guesswork ?"

"I suppose,"Georgia said as she pulled out some gold,"Two Galleons says he 's gone in a week. I heard he had three first years in tears today."

"He nearly had one-half of my course of study in bust,"Fred said as he took Empire State of the South 's atomic number 79,"James, Al ?"

"three Galleons says he 's gone in two weeks,"James said as he tossed Fred some gold and then left to go find his friends.

"Nope,"Albus shook his question.

"Suit yourself,"Fred shrugged and continued his pass around the common room,"Bets here, place your bets !"

Albus found his friends crowded around their usual table in the mutual room. Linda was with them. All three daughter were working on homework. bathroom and Kaden were trading cocoa toad frog cards.

"Fred 's going to get himself in trouble,"Rose muttered as Albus sat down,"You did n't bet anything, did you ?"

"No,"Albus shook his head,"How about you lot ?"

"I bet ten Sickles he wo n't last the year,"John said.

"You should sleep with exactly when he 'll leave, what with your taking Divination,"rose smirked.

"Divination 's a joke,"John the Evangelist muttered,"I ca n't hold off to drop it after twenty percent year."

"Told you so,"rosiness grinned,"Sick of making up stuff ?"

"It 's just so pointless,"John groaned,"We 're still doing crystallization musket ball. I just tell her that I see myself dying anytime she asks and it keeps her happy."

"That 's why I 'm not taking soothsaying,"Kaden announced,"Bloody waste of a class."

Kaden had chosen his classes for following yr a few days prior. He decided on guardianship of Magical brute, ancient rune, and Arithmancy.

"Easy preparation, though,"privy sighed,"I just hold open reminding myself about that."

"What 's got easy homework ?"Matt asked as he sat down in the chair next to John 's. He looked a bit better than he had the previous day, but still worn out.

"Pomfrey finally let you out ?"Saint John the Apostle asked,"And we 're talking about Divination."

"Yeah, just in clip for Defense tomorrow,"mat groaned,"I 'm influence to use a Fainting fondness to get out of it."

"I think half the first years are going to do that on Friday,"Kaden said,"I overheard them talking. Apparently Balladanis completely flipped out on one of them today, all over one uncomplete homework motion. Made her cry."

"That 's what Georgia was saying,"Albus replied,"Makes me want to use a Fainting Fancy. Two hebdomad. I know I did n't bet on it, but that 's really all I 'd give him."

******

John the Evangelist filled his pockets with Puking pastille before he set off to Defense the future morning. Albus did n't bother. His curiosity always trumped his dislike for certain classes. He 'd rather be there and know exactly what Balladanis was doing.

"wolfman,"Balladanis said as soon as the Alexander Bell rang,"When the term is used, most the great unwashed conjure up image of lonely adults, condemned to a pitiful life that revolves around the Sun Myung Moon.

"However, there is a whole group of lycanthrope that are mostly overlooked. Children. Ah, yes, tike do get attacked by werewolves. Very few survive. Found by their parents when it is too recent. Even few survive the initial transformation. loup-garou transformations, as you have learned, are incredibly taxing, both physically and emotionally. Very few baby are firm enough to defecate it through."

Balladanis paused and began to pace the room."Parents are faced with a decision after their child is bitten. They have three selection. bit one, they can deal with it. Deal with the monthly transformation and try and pull in living as convention as potential for the kid. Number two, they can abandon their child. force-out them to survive with a natural state pack of loup-garou, to grow up to kill. However, there is a 3rd option. Does anyone attention to guess as to what it is ?"

cypher raised their hand. Balladanis looked at his class until his eyes rested on flatness. A very creepy smirk appeared on his face.

"Mr. Eckerton, care to distinguish us ?"Balladanis asked.

Albus, who had been trying hard not to look at Matt throughout the lesson, stole a warm glance at him. He was staring at the desk, pinion in handwriting, shaking slightly.

"N-no,"mat stuttered.

"Very well,"Balladanis smirked,"The third option is to put the small fry down. Not a pleasant option, but one that a few parents select anyway. This option used to be readily suggested by Healers, but has now become quite controversial. It is not suggested very often anymore.

"Parents who choose the 1st pick, to continue to fire their child, are in for a very strong-armer life. Werewolf children are difficult to conjure up. It is a huge adjustment for parents and siblings if there are any. The bite affects the whole family. It changes lives, it can rip families apart."

Balladanis continued droning on and on about how lycanthropy affects children and Albus looked again at matte. His hand was shaking even harder and his boldness was as albumen as it had been when he had dressed up as a ghost.

Albus shared a spirit with John and whoremonger reached into his sack. He slid a Puking troche across the mesa towards Albus and then slid one to lusterlessness. Albus quietly unwrapped it and then waited until Balladanis had looked away to shove it into his mouth. bathroom and Matt did the same. Albus clutched his stomach as the Henry Sweet began to need affect.

"Lycanthropic children rarely, if ever, get to attend shoal,"Balladanis droned.

"Sir !"John shouted,"I do n't feel so well. May I go to the hospital Wing ?"

"I do n't experience too well either,"Albus added.

"Shut it, you two,"Balladanis shouted,"And no you may not go to the-"

Balladanis was cut off by the phone of all three boys vomiting at the same clock time. Albus leaned over his table and vomited right onto the floor. The year erupted into shouts and Balladanis tried to keep order.

"Fine !"he seethed,"Get to the Hospital extension, all three of you !"

Albus resisted the urge to upchuck again as he ran for the door. Matt and John followed. All three of them shoved the Orange River end of the dessert into their mouth as soon as they shut the threshold behind them. The affect was instantaneous. Albus immediately felt better.

"The man 's evil !"Saint John shouted,"How could he instruct that ?"

"Not here,"Matt muttered and took off down the corridor.

None of them said anything else until they reached the Marauder 's Den."As I was saying,"bathroom began,"What is awry with that blighter ?"

"I think a lot of things,"Albus muttered,"He 's a raving lunatic."

"He 's only doing it because you 're in the class,"john said to Matt as he paced around the room,"None of what he said today is actually in the Holy Writ. I mean, did you say the book ? There 's not much in there that Balladanis has actually taught !"

"He hates me because my dad made him get rid of his stupid anamatek,"lustrelessness muttered.

"But it started before that,"Albus pointed out,"He wants to spend a penny you miserable because of what your dad did with those vampires years ago."

"It 's just not fair,"matt groaned,"I mean, did you take heed to what he was talking about ?"

"It was hard not to,"Albus sighed,"Is it truthful ?"

"Yes,"matt said quietly,"And before you ask, one of the Healers did suggest that to my parents."

Albus suddenly felt more sick than he had when he ate the puking pastille. How could a Healer, individual whose job it was to fix people sizeable, actually suggest that to a child 's parents ?

"Seriously ?"John asked,"What happened after they asked ?"

"My dad and my Uncle doodly-squat hexed him at the same time,"flatness gave them a half-smile,"Put him in his own hospital bed for two days."

"You know, I 'd really like to meet your Uncle Jack,"John grinned,"He sounds like a great bloke."

"He is,"Matt smiled,"He would 've hexed Balladanis quite a spell ago if he were here."

"But he 's not,"Saint John sighed,"So what are we going to do about this ?"

"I 'm sending an owl to my dad,"flatness said as he stood up,"You two are n't going to sustain to do anything."

"leash days,"John said after Matt left,"I give Balladanis three more days."

******

"Your dad certainly does n't run off any prison term,"pink wine said to Matt as she unfolded her copy of the Prophet the next morning at breakfast.

Albus leaned over and read the paper over Rose 's shoulder.

HOGWARTS PROFESSOR TO BE INVESTIGATED BY MINISTRY
The section of Magical Education received an inquiry
late yesterday afternoon, requesting an investigation
of Hogwarts defending team Against the shadow Arts professor,
Tethys Balladanis. The query was submitted by none
former than the newly appointed question of the department
for the ordinance and Control of Magical tool,
Walter Eckerton, whose fourteen-year-old son currently
attends Hogwarts.

Professor genus Aplysia Balladanis has been teaching defence force at
the school since September, when he replaced chief Auror
Harry Potter. ceramicist had taught the subject for two
yr and wished to focalise solely on his Auror calling,
resulting in his resignation at the end of last school
year.

The impending investigation comes as hardly a surprise.
Earlier this week Walter Eckerton visited Hogwarts
after receiving a tip that Balladanis was holding an
anamatek in his classroom. This proved to be true and
Eckerton ordered him to remove it. The anamatek was
legally in Balladanis 's possession, so all he had to
do was remove it from school premise. Eckerton told
reporters that Balladanis complied.

However, Eckerton has claimed that the professor
repeatedly put students in danger and humiliated them
in front of their classmates.

'It 's not just the anamatek ,'Eckerton told newsperson,
'I 'm filing this interrogation as a parent, not as a Ministry
official. First and foremost, I wish to protect my son .'

The investigation will begin today and be carried out
by officials from the section of Magical training,
a department that was set up for this purpose after
the downfall of Lord Voldemort. functionary will visit
the school and interview both scholarly person and staff as
a part of their investigation.

genus Tethus Balladanis will continue to instruct defense Against
the Dark Arts during this time.

"He 's still going to learn ?"lav said incredulously after he finished reading the article.

"I 'm not going to Defense anymore,"matt said,"Not until he 's gone."

"They ca n't stop him from teaching until they do the investigation,"Rose explained,"Only Kendrick can halt him from teaching at the moment."

"Then why does n't Kendrick do that ?"Albus asked as he looked up at the staff table.

Kendrick was talking with Neville and there was a written matter of the prophet egg laying between them. Balladanis was not present.

"I do n't have a go at it,"Rose said quietly,"But Defense Department is just going to get worse."

"Which is why I 'm not going,"Matt said adamantly.

For once, Rose did not chastise him about skipping class. Albus could n't blame him. He himself was half tempted to skip, but he knew his curio would get the just of him.

"Somehow, I do n't think you 'll have the opportunity to skim,"rose muttered,"We do n't have Defense until Tuesday."

"Excellent,"lavatory grinned,"Now I wo n't have to do that lycanthrope essay."

"I never said that,"Rose replied,"You still ought to do it, just in case."

"flavour, Kendrick 's getting up,"Kaden pointed to the faculty table.

"May I have your attention !"Kendrick shouted and the yack in the hall immediately ceased,"Thank you. I trust by now that you 've all either read or find out about the article on the front page of the Prophet.

"Ministry officials will be visiting the schoolhouse today and tomorrow to conduct their probe. They will be selecting students to interview. If you are selected, I advise you to answer their doubtfulness truthfully.

"As of right wing now, Professor Balladanis is still your instructor, therefore you need to treat him with esteem and attend his classes. This is, at the moment, an investigation and nothing more. Now, you 'd scoop be off to class."

"Albus,"Rose whispered as they made their way out of the Great Charles Martin Hall to chronicle of conjuring trick,"You 're not going to that dueling moral tonight, are you ?"

"I dunno,"Albus shrugged. He had n't really thought about it until then.

"I do n't imagine you should,"Rose told him.

Albus nodded. He did n't require to go, but he also did n't want to find out what Balladanis would do when Albus did n't show up that evening.

cypher fell asleep during History of magic trick. It must have been a new record, one that was previously set back when Binns was still awake. However, the lack of fatigue was not due to Binns 's lecture. No, that was just as tiresome as usual. The scholarly person remained awake because they were talking about Balladanis. The classroom was filled with the hushed whispers of the Gryffindor and Ravenclaw third eld and Binns droned on without seeming to notice.

There were only six students in the palace who knew the particular grounds why Matt 's dad had submitted that inquiry. Albus, blush wine, toilet, Amanda, Kaden, and lusterlessness himself. Seven, if you counted Malfoy, but even Malfoy did not know that it had been Balladanis 's lecture on lycanthropic children that pushed Mr. Eckerton to submit the inquiry.

Everyone else speculated. About half the schooltime put the blame on the anamatek, even though Matt 's dad had come out and said that was n't the very reason. The prophet had only glazed over the cause, not getting into specifics. The Hogwarts educatee wanted specifics. They wanted to have it off what had pushed lustrelessness 's dad to render an inquiry when none of their parents seemed fazed.

The understanding the educatee fabricated ranged from plausible to outrageous. A few 7th yr, mainly Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws, speculated that Balladanis had gotten a bit overenthusiastic with his excess help sessions and perhaps use Matt as an example of someone who did not possess the accomplishment to defeat morose champion. Combine that with an overprotective parent ( what the seventh years claimed Matt 's dad to be, which was not actually an overstatement ), and the investigation was born. They believed that the investigation would blow over and within two calendar week everything would be back to normal, with Balladanis still teaching.

A few overexcited first years were the on the opposite slope of the spectrum. They believed that Balladanis had let a chimaera loose in his classroom while teaching the Gryffindor and Slytherin one-third geezerhood. Apparently they overlooked the fact that nonentity had turned up wound after class and the fact that Balladanis would have been sacked immediately if that had actually been the case.

lustrelessness had become somewhat of a famous person inside the Hogwarts walls. There was n't a single mortal, living, shade, or portrait, who did n't know it was his dad who launched the inquiry. He was stopped no less than six multiplication on the way from history of thaumaturgy to Herbology by people wanting to have intercourse the particular of the inquiry. It was something Albus could tell lustrelessness was extremely uncomfortable with.

"Merlin, when will they get wind that I do n't want to talk about it !"Matt groaned as they made their way back to the castle after Herbology. Two Ravenclaw second year had just run up to Matt, demanding to sleep together why his dad wanted to get Balladanis sacked. Apparently they actually liked him.

"You should just stand up on the Gryffindor mesa and gain an announcement during tiffin,"John suggested.

"Definitely not,"matt said,"I 'm just glad we do n't have class this afternoon."

"Me, too,"Albus agreed,"Hey, spirit, I bet those are the investigators."Albus pointed to three official looking masses striding up towards the castle. There were two witches and a wizard.

"Probably,"can said,"I wonder who they 're going to interview ?"

"Ten Galleons says they consultation me,"lustrelessness replied,"And probably Albus since he 's had all those private lessons."

"Let 's just hope they do n't interview those two Ravenclaws,"lavatory said.

Albus, Matt, and can continued their trek to the Great Hall, where they ate a very fast lunch. None of them wanted to stay very long since everyone was still asking mat about the inquiry. After they finished, the boys went to Gryffindor Tower to posit their bags before going to the predator 's Den to put off their homework.

The park room was mostly evacuate when they arrived, but Albus spotted Lily, Hugo, and Ashtyn sitting around one of the tabular array.

"Do n't you three have class now ?"Albus asked, feeling very much like Rose.

"Yes,"Lily muttered,"We 've got Defense and we 're skipping. Do n't say anything about it. There 's nothing you can do to make me go, so do n't even try."

"I was n't going to,"Albus assured her,"Was n't it your class where Balladanis made someone cry ?"

"That 's why we 're not going,"Ashtyn replied,"And we do n't deal if we get detention either. Oh, and John, you 'd improve not tell Mum."

"I wo n't,"John the Evangelist said,"The three of us used Puking pastil to get out of Defense yesterday."

"You should have just skipped from the first,"Ashtyn told them.

"Well, you three enjoy your skipping,"Albus said as he continued to his dormitory.

"Oh, think me, we will,"Lily grinned.

The son quickly stowed their travelling bag in their dormitory and set off for the Maruader 's Den. Albus climbed out of the portraiture hole and ran straight into Gabriella.

"There you are, Al !"Gabriella exclaimed,"I 've been looking for you. Kendrick wants to see you in his discipline. Oh, hang on."Gabriella consulted the piece of sheepskin she was holding."He wants to see Matt, too."

"face like you two are getting interviewed,"Saint John the Apostle said as Gabriella went into the usual room.

"speculation so,"Albus shrugged. He really was n't surprised. Even if he had n't been receiving secret deterrent example with Balladanis, he probably would have been interviewed. It was one of those things that happened when your father was the most famous whizz in Britain.

"I 'll see you two later, then,"John the Divine replied,"Have fun."

"Oh, yeah,"Albus rolled his centre,"Loads."

Albus and mat left for Kendrick 's sketch while Saint John continued towards the Marauder 's Den. Albus had no idea what he was going to do while they were gone, but he would bet that John would be bored within fifteen minutes.


A/N : I hope you all enjoyed HPFF 's April tomfool 's Day Prank ! The staff really outgo themselves this twelvemonth. Thanks to my Beta, Dancer of Starlight, and everyone who has read and reviewed this story !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


There was another Prefect standing following to the gargoyle that concealed the entrance to Kendrick 's field. It was apparently his job to mutter the countersign to the gargoyle to let all the students being interviewed in. He looked incredibly bored.

Albus and matte ascended into the field and found three other scholarly person waiting in front of Kendrick 's fill up door. A very drill looking Hufflepuff, who was probably in sixth or 7th year, Scorpio Malfoy, and much to Albus 's dismay, one of those Ravenclaws they had encountered on the grounds earlier.

Albus was not at all surprise to see Scorpio Malfoy there. After all, he had private lesson with Balladanis as well. However, he chose to ignore Malfoy 's presence and leaned against the wall to get down the long wait.

What had been the point in sending them all to Kendrick 's study at the same time ? They were obviously only interviewing one someone at a time. Why could n't they have just summoned Albus later, when there were less the great unwashed waiting ?

Kendrick 's room access opened and a pale-faced Gryffindor first year walked out. She hurried out of the study and one of the Ministry officials motioned for the Ravenclaw to enter.

The Ravenclaw was in Kendrick 's study for about 15 bit. Then it was Malfoy 's turn. He took a bit more time, but finally came out and left without so lots as a glance towards Albus and Matt.

In the have in mind time, two more pupil had entered. One Albus recognized as Peyton Haines, one of the chaser from the Slytherin Quidditch squad. The other was a young Hufflepuff Albus did n't recognize.

Finally, after what must give birth been at least an time of day, Albus was finally called into the room.

Kendrick was not in his field. Only the three tec were. Albus was now able-bodied to see them up close. The one who had called him into the room was quite grandiloquent and wore a menacing glare. Her robes were perfectly pressed, without a single crinkle, and her hair was pulled into a sozzled bun. She reminded Albus of Minerva McGonagall.

The early witch was the complete opponent. She was curt and quite a bit fleshy. Her frizzy dark-brown hair stuck up at all sorts of odd angles and she had a small brace of glasses perched on her nose.

The remaining investigator was a hotshot and he was seated behind Kendrick 's desk, a quill feather in paw. He looked a bit bored by the full matter. He was gazing about the room and had the flavour of someone who was n't quite paying attention.

Two people who were paying ecstatic attention, or should he say portraiture, were Dumbledore and Snape. Both were sitting straight up and looking straight at the investigators.

The tall witch gestured for Albus to take a tail in front end of the desk. Albus did so.

"My name is Katherine Torenzo and this is Lorraine Smyth,"the marvellous crone gestured to the short witch,"And that is herb Cletus. He 'll be transcribing our interview."

No wonder he was so bored, Albus thought. He did n't even get to ask any of the questions.

"Please province your full phase of the moon epithet, age, year, and home for the disc,"Torenzo said briskly.

Albus raised his eyebrows. Would n't they already know all of that data ?

"It 's protocol, love,"Smyth told him.

"Albus Severus ceramist, XIII, tertiary twelvemonth, Gryffindor,"Albus answered.

"Excellent,"Torenzo replied,"Now, perhaps you can tell us what goes on in an average moral with prof Balladanis, in your own words."

"Er, all right,"Albus said,"fountainhead, he comes in and tells us all to stop talking. Then he 'll collect the prep. Oh, and you have to get the homework in on time, no matter what. He does n't withdraw late work, even if you 've got a good self-justification. You could be sick in the hospital offstage and he would n't take recent homework.

"Then he 'll learn us a new spell or about some new creature. Then we 'll take in to perform the spell."

"What happens if you do n't perform it properly ?"Smyth asked.

"He makes you do it again, and again, until you get it,"Albus answered,"If you do n't get it, he makes you go to extra avail sessions."

"Has this caused distress to any of the students in your form ?"Smyth asked.

"Not in my division, but I 've heard of other students crying because of it,"Albus answered.

"Have you attended any additional assist sessions ?"Torenzo asked.

"No,"Albus shook his nous,"professor Balladanis has never told me I had to."

"I understand you have been given dueling lessons by him, however,"Torenzo said,"Can you order us a bit about them ? What do they dwell of ?"

"Most times he just instruct me new spells, spells that are harder than the ones we learn in social class. Scorpius Malfoy is there, too, and we duel each other with the spells,"Albus explained.

"You said 'most'clock time,"Smyth said,"What else does he give birth you do ?"

"Er,"Albus shifted uncomfortably in his chairman,"One time he had us go into his pensieve."

"Did he,"Torenzo muttered,"Please elaborate."

"We watched his parents be murdered by lamia,"Albus said after a legal brief hesitation. He doubted Balladanis would be happy about this, but Kendrick had said to be truthful.

Both Torenzo and Smyth looked horrified. Cletus was writing away furiously on the parchment. Snape was smirking and Dumbledore 's nerve had seemed to harden.

"We did n't actually see it,"Albus said quickly,"We stood outside the mansion as it happened. Balladanis 's parents were in the theatre. Then we watched Balladanis, in the computer memory, run away from the house. He was thirteen."

"And then what ?"Torenzo prodded.

"We left the pensieve. Balladanis explained what we had seen-"

"He did n't tell you ahead of time ?"Smyth asked.

"No,"Albus shook his head,"He just told us to go in the pensieve."

"Did he explain why he wanted you to see this ?"Torenzo asked.

"Yeah. He wanted to show us why he became a Presuler,"Albus said.

"He told you he 's a Presuler ?"Torenzo raised her eyebrow.

"Yes, he thinks me and Malfoy should go Presulers,"Albus explained.

"Very well,"Torenzo said as she walked towards Albus,"I have one terminal dubiousness. Would you feel comfortable if Professor Balladanis continued to instruct here ?"

Albus thought about it for a consequence. Balladanis was certainly a motivated teacher and one Albus could study a lot from. But on the other hired hand, he was n't the variety of wizard Albus felt prosperous around.

"No,"Albus said quietly,"I guess not."

Torenzo nodded."Please return to your common elbow room. You are not to utter of this interview to anyone until after the investigation is completed."

Albus got up from the chair and Torenzo followed him out of the elbow room. She called Matt in as Albus left. Albus muttered a smooth 'good hazard'to him before descending from the room.

******

"Why ca n't you just tell us ?"John lamented as the male child sat around the vulture 's Den after dinner. pink wine and Amanda were currently in the girls'dorm room with Linda, who had recently been interviewed.

"I 've told you a million times,"Albus said,"The Ministry enchantress said we could n't talk about the interview."

"But how would they know ?"John Lackland asked,"It 's not like I 'm going to go telling the unit schooltime about it."

"Neither will I,"Kaden added.

Albus snorted."I 'll tell you about it after Balladanis is sacked, or is n't sacked. I do n't think it 's going to conduct long for them to decide."

"He 's going to be sacked,"Matt said adamantly and then turned to John,"You 're not going to his extra help session tonight, are you ?"

"Not if I was paid twenty Galleons,"John replied,"Well, ok, maybe if I was paid twenty dollar bill Galleons, but not for less than ten. What about you, Albus ? Going to go to your dueling lesson ?"

Albus shrugged. He still had n't decided. What he really wanted to know was whether Malfoy was going, but he could n't very well waltz down to the donjon, barge into the Slytherin common room, and ask.

"No idea,"Albus sighed.

"Do n't go,"Matt said,"If you go, I 'm going to embark on worrying about your sanity."

"Why would you want to go ?"Saint John the Apostle gave Albus a strange look.

"I might discover out something about how the investigation is going, or something,"Albus muttered.

lavatory opened his mouth to reply, but instead turned to the door. A tawdry squawking disturbance had seemed to emit from it.

"Did you hear that ?"John asked.

Albus nodded and got up from his seat. He walked over to the door and paused next to it. The squawking noise was repeated.

One thing Albus loved about the Marauder 's Den was that it was always very quiet. No interference could be heard from the corridor while he was inside. Albus rarely ever heard interference from the corridor, let alone squawking noises.

Albus cautiously opened the doorway and instead of the bizarre bird he had expected to see, rosiness was standing there with her sceptre out.

"Finally !"she groaned,"I thought you 'd never make out to the door."

"rose ?"Albus asked,"What is it ? Was that squawking you ?"

"Yes,"Rose said hurriedly,"I had to get you to number out of there. Uncle Harry 's looking for you. He 's waiting in the rough-cut way. I told him I 'd come up you."

Albus turned around and told Matt, John, and Kaden, all of whom had followed him out of the elbow room, that he would be back soon. He had no idea what his dad wanted, but it must have been important for him to go to the castle on a day he did n't have to patrol it.

Harry was sitting in one of the boggy armchairs in front of the fire when Albus arrived. Georgia and Fred were both talking with him, most likely about Quidditch judging by their exuberant use of mitt gesture, but stopped abruptly when Albus entered. Harry got up and met Albus near the portrait hole.

"Let 's public lecture outside,"Harry said. Albus followed him out of the portrait hole and down the corridor a little ways.

"What were you up to just now ?"Harry asked, grinning a bit.

"zippo,"Albus shrugged truthfully.

"wellspring, I 'm no longer a teacher here, so I wo n't say a Holy Writ about you causing trouble, if that 's what you were doing,"Harry told him,"But anyway, what I wanted to ask you is whether you were planning on going to Professor Balladanis 's dueling lesson tonight ?"

That seemed to be the question of the evening, Albus thought."I dunno,"Albus shrugged.

"I realize that the conclusion is completely up to you,"Harry said quietly,"But I would advise you not to go. Professor Balladanis is under a considerable sum of money of strain, of which you do n't know the half of. I 'd say the chances are gamy that he may take out this stress on you and Scorpius."

"Do you experience if Malfoy 's going ?"Albus asked.

"I really have no idea,"Harry answered,"But I tend to believe he won't."

"I do n't call up I will either,"Albus said.

"A wise decision,"Harry smiled.

Harry said good Night to Albus and then Albus went back to the vulture 's Den. Kaden was in the middle of showing Matt and John how to pull in a proper newspaper publisher airplane.

"What did your dad want ?"John asked without looking up from the parchment he was folding.

"To tell me it was n't a in effect theme to go to Balladanis 's lesson tonight,"Albus said as he flopped down onto the empty-bellied couch.

"And ?"Matt asked.

"I 'm not going,"Albus answered.

"goodness,"flatness replied.

"You know what was uncanny, though ?"Albus began,"My dad said Balladanis was under a lot of focus, most of which I do n't know about. So I 'm guessing it 's not only the investigation."

"Weird,"Kaden shook his head,"I 'll be happy when he 's sacked."

"We do n't know for sure that he 'll be sacked,"Albus pointed out,"I just wish I knew what else he was stressed about."

"Maybe he 's got to battle a beautiful adult female,"John smirked,"Remember his boggart ?"

"His boggart !"Albus shouted,"I ca n't trust I did n't put that together sooner. It was n't a beautiful charwoman ; it was a vampire. It 's so obvious now that we know what happened to his parents, too."

"Yeah, that does seem fairly obvious,"lustrelessness agreed,"But what 's that got to do with his stress ?"

"Probably nothing,"Albus shrugged,"I just realized it."

"You know,"St. John began,"This is the inaugural Friday we 've had to ourselves."

"You 're right,"Albus said,"What should we do ?"

"Let 's go down to the kitchens,"Kaden said.

"And expend the Nox here,"Matt added,"We hardly ever do that."

They did just that. The boys snuck down to the kitchens and were given as many sweets and puddings as they could carry by the house elves. Then they stayed up tardily eating all of it and playing various games. Albus was even capable to forget about Balladanis for a while, something that had not happened in quite a while.

******

The Ministry official remained a permanent reparation at Hogwarts throughout the oddment of the weekend. Albus overheard a lot of scholarly person mentioning that they 'd been interviewed, including John 's cousin Isabelle, one of the pursuer on the Ravenclaw Quidditch team, and Gabriella.

Professor Balladanis did not show up at a single meal. In fact, he was n't seen at all throughout the weekend. Nobody saw him, which raised the doubtfulness of whether he was even still in the castle.

Albus was hoping he ran for it. Got out before the Ministry had a opportunity to defecate their decision. Albus was More than a little nervous about going to Defense on Tuesday and hearing what Balladanis had to say about Albus 's absence from their dueling lesson.

It was on Mon morning that all the Hogwarts students knew a verdict had been reached. professor Kendrick rose partway through the meal, something that only happened when something crucial happened. He was flanked by the two witch from the Ministry. The wizard was no longer there.

The vestibule immediately quieted, without Kendrick even having to ask. Albus was slightly taken aback by Kendrick 's impending annunciation, since there had not been a single reference of Balladanis in that morning 's Prophet.

"A decision has been reached about Professor Balladanis,"Kendrick announced,"gentlewoman Torenzo will inform you of it. The Prophet has kindly agreed not to publish the article about it just yet, as I wished to inform you of it first."

"He 's sacked,"John muttered,"Otherwise he 'd be at breakfast."

"Good point,"Albus said.

Torenzo stood up and gazed out at the scholarly person with a neutral look on her face."Upon wide investigation of prof Balladanis 's teaching method acting and thorough interviews of selected students, the Ministry has seen it fit to remove him from his teaching place here at Hogwarts schooling of witchcraft and genius. Professor Balladanis packed his things late conclusion nighttime and no thirster resides in the castle. Professor Kendrick will inform you about what will occur with defence reaction category for the difference of the year. I would care to thank all of you for your cooperation during this time."

Torenzo sat back down and continued eating her breakfast like nothing had happened. The Great Hall immediately erupted into rustle, but they were quickly stopped by Kendrick.

"defending team Against the nighttime Arts classes will not take blank space until further notice. I will try and procure a suitable surrogate for Professor Balladanis as quickly as possible. Until then, please use the time to consider for your upcoming test,"Kendrick said and then resumed his rump. He began to talk with Torenzo and the students articulation rose in the Hall.

"I knew it !"matte exclaimed,"Best news I 've heard this month !"

"Yes !"Sakartvelo shouted and then turned to Fred,"Pay up !"

"Merlin !"James groaned,"Why 'd they possess to do that investigation so quickly ?"

Money began to interchange hands throughout the Gryffindor tabular array as Fred collected and handed out Galleons.

"Do you think Kendrick 'll receive a replacement ?"John asked.

"Dunno,"Albus shrugged,"No one really wanted that job to commence with."

"Glad I did n't do that werewolf essay,"can grinned.

"Maybe Kendrick wo n't feel a replenishment,"Kaden said,"Then we 'd have one LE exam."

"That would be brilliant,"John the Evangelist replied.

The atmosphere in the castling for the rest of the day was incredibly upbeat. Hardly anyone seemed at all sad that Balladanis had left. Quite a few scholarly person asked Matt to thank his dad for them. It seemed that the solely scholarly person upset by it were those who had lost bets because of it.

Argus Filch was another who was distressed. The general upheaval of the castling caused him more work. Peeves destroyed the Defense classroom in solemnisation ( Balladanis never liked Peeves ), James IV and his friends set off a few Weasley firework, and then there was the general pickle that was associated with students celebrating by playing out-of-door in the quaggy grass. Plus, Moaning Myrtle flooded her john when a few students told her that even she ought to be excited about it. Apparently she did not hold. For some odd reason it reminded her of her death.

One soul who seemed incredibly excited was Linda. Linda who rarely showed any emotion whatsoever walked around the castle with a big grinning on her side. Albus could only attribute this to the fact that Balladanis had taught so extensively about vampires. But he never taunted her the way he 'd taunted matte. Perhaps that was because his great fear was vampires.

There was even a company in the Gryffindor plebeian elbow room that dark. Rose thought it was a piffling silly, to celebrate the sacking of a teacher, but everyone else, including Linda, thought it was an excellent thing to celebrate.

"Just opine,"John Lackland said,"We do n't ever receive to listen to him go on and on about how bad the dark arts are. I mean, we all know they 're bad. We all know about Voldemort and what he did."

"And that bloody anamatek,"lusterlessness added,"I could 've gone my whole life without seeing one of those."

"What do you think he 's doing now ?"pink wine mused.

"Maybe some Ministry hired him,"Albus said quietly,"I hope it 's some place far, like Madagascar or somewhere."

"Yeah,"Matt agreed,"I bet he 's not even in Britain anymore."

"I do n't see why he 'd bother to bewilder around,"Albus replied,"I mean, he snuck out in the dark to avoid anyone seeing him."

"Wish we could 've seen him leave,"trick grinned mischievously,"Would 've been nice to throw him a proper send off."

"I 'm just glad it 's over,"rose muttered,"Maybe now you lot can digest on test. And maybe the castle will get back to normal."

"rule ?"Albus raised his eyebrows,"This place will never be rule. Plus, we 've got Quidditch on Saturday. It 's the close match before the final."

"When 's the final ?"Rose asked.

"kickoff of June, I think,"Albus answered,"Australia 's already so far ahead that they 'll be in it."

Albus, whoremaster, Matt, and Kaden all sent scathing looks at Linda, who looked down at the table.

"But if we beat New York in this match,"Albus continued,"We 'll be in it, too. So Wood is in full pattern this week. I 'm practicing every night starting tomorrow."

"Oliver Wood is harebrained,"rosiness muttered.

"Insane, but brilliant on the Quidditch pitching,"privy grinned,"I would love to get yelled at by him during a Quidditch practice."

"Excellent,"Albus said,"You can take my place."


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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Despite the fact that he did not have defense reaction Against the Dark artistic production the next morning, Albus was down in the Great residence bright and early because he wanted to read Rose 's Daily Prophet. Having Kendrick announce Balladanis 's sacking was one thing, reading it in the Prophet was entirely different.

rosiness was already there when Albus, Matt, and John sat down at the Gryffindor tabular array. Amanda and Linda were on either side of her and all three girls were reading the article. Albus drummed his fingers impatiently on the tabular array while he waited for them to be finished. Finally, rosebush handed him the paper without saying a Son and Albus read it, with flatness and lav looking over his shoulder.

HOGWARATS TEACHER REMOVED FROM spatial relation BY MINISTRY

In an upshot that causes much of the wizarding macrocosm to remember
back to Voldemort 's reign, Hogwarts Defense Against the shadow
fine art instructor, Tethys Balladanis, has been removed from his
position by the Ministry of conjuration 's section of Magical
Education.

During Voldemort 's reign, defense instructor rarely lasted more
than a twelvemonth at the shoal, a mystery that abruptly ended when
Voldemort was defeated on May 2, 1998. Up until two years
ago, Hogwarts had had only one denial teacher since that
fateful May day.

Professor Torro taught at Hogwarts for years until he was
mysteriously murdered nearly three years ago. He was
replaced by Head Auror, Harry ceramicist, who is rumored to
have only taken the place after cipher else agreed to
fill it.

Harry Potter left the position this past autumn and it was filled
by Balladanis.

Balladanis taught until two day ago, when he was removed
from his position. Approximately a week and a half ago, a
complaint was lodged by Head of the Department for the
Regulation and Control of Magical animal, Walter Eckerton,
whose fourteen-year-old son currently attends Hogwarts.

The ailment included harsh teaching methods, the use of an
anamatek as a instruction shaft, singling student out for lack of
science, and embarrassing students in front man of their peers.

An investigation by Ministry officials ensued and included
the interviewing of pick out students and staff. The section
concluded their investigation late Billy Sunday even and inform
both Balladanis and master Fabius Kendrick of their decision.
Balladanis left the castling willingly and will not be appealing the
decisiveness. When asked for a statement on the issue, both Kendrick
and Balladanis declined.

Upon hearing the news, Walter Eckerton said ,'I am very felicitous
with the decision and that the investigation was concluded in
a timely manner. I am not happy that it came to this, but I
feel that nothing should be put ahead of children 's refuge .'

Hogwarts students will not go to Defense classes until a substitution
is found. As of right now, one has not been found.

"I knew they 'd stick to your dad in there somehow,"John announced once they 'd finished reading.

"There was n't anything in there that we did n't already bang,"Albus muttered,"I was hoping Balladanis would 've said something or we 'd recover out what happened when he left the castle."

"Maybe he really did go quietly,"lusterlessness shrugged,"Maybe he wanted to get back to his anamatek."

"I wonder where he lives,"Amanda mused,"Think he lives in England ?"

"Doubt it,"Rose answered,"Even if he did before I doubt he does now."

******

life history soon returned to formula for the Hogwarts scholar, as it often does after something energize happens. Everyone talked about Balladanis the day the clause was published, but soon there was nothing left wing to say and the bookman focused on the forthcoming Quidditch equal, which was mere days away.

Albus had an easy time forgetting about Balladanis due to Quidditch practice. He was out on the pitch every eventide and was soon hearing Wood 's mastery in his head as he fell asleep, which was something that certainly could n't be deemed normal. Albus was almost glad that the class was drawing to an end because once the tournament was over, he would n't have to deal with Wood anymore. Thinking about that made Albus take in that Gryffindor would have a new captain the next yr since Georgia was graduating. Albus was sure as shooting it would be either Fred or ling, but he was n't sure which.

Albus trudged into the Great hall on Thursday morning sorely wishing that John the Divine had n't woken him up. They did n't induce a class maiden thing, so why 'd he bother doing that ? Albus was already running on little sleep.

"I 'm going to wake you up at five in the morning this Saturday,"Albus muttered to John as he poured himself some pumpkin juice.

"No you wo n't, you 'll still be asleep,"St. John the Apostle grinned,"I need you to help me finish that Herbology essay that 's due today."

"That 's the reason for you waking me up ?"Albus groaned,"Why ca n't come up help you ?"

"She 's a bit sore with me right now,"John muttered.

"What did you do ?"Albus asked.

"I may or may not consume accidentally set flak to her Potions notation last night,"Saint John said.

"And I should give birth to suffer because of that ?"Albus replied,"How did you manage that anyway ?"

"It was n't an chance event,"matte put in,"whoremonger and Kaden were tinkering with those super military capability dung dud finally Night in the Marauder 's Den. They stupidly decided to do this at the board right where Rose 's notes were. The dung turkey exploded and blush wine 's banknote caught fire."

"See, an accident !"trick exclaimed.

"No, stupidity,"Matt said,"You should 've done it somewhere else. Oh, Albus, I would n't propose going in the vulture 's Den anytime soon. It smells."

"I would n't have fourth dimension to anyway,"Albus muttered,"Quidditch practice again tonight."

"Oi, Albus !"Epistle of James shouted.

"What ?"Albus said.

"Is Dad patrolling here this week ?"James asked.

"I do n't sleep together, why ?"Albus replied.

"He 's here,"James IV pointed to the staff table.

Albus looked up and saw that his dad was talking with Neville. Except he was n't wearing his Auror robes, he was just wearing normal gown. Albus glanced back at James who shrugged.

"May I have your care ?"Kendrick announced,"Thank you. I just wish to inform you all that Harry Potter has kindly agreed to take over defence classes for the remainder of term. Because of this, defending team social class will sum up today."

"Good affair I woke you up,"John grinned.

"Guess you wo n't be able to finish that essay,"Albus shot back.

"Merlin,"can muttered.

Albus was n't that storm, nor did he deal that much. He 'd already had his dad Blackbeard for two yr and it had n't been bad at all. Plus, his dad was a far better teacher than Balladanis.

Albus walked with lustrelessness and John to defense. Rose was still not speaking to John and she walked with Amanda and Linda a footling ways ahead. Albus seriously hoped that this would n't release into what happened earlier in the year.

The entire class erupted in applause as soon as Harry entered the room and Albus noticed that this caused him to blush. Even Malfoy was clapping, albeit half-heartedly, but he was clapping nonetheless.

"Thanks,"Harry muttered,"well, I did not believe I 'd be back here. I do have to uphold with the curriculum, so I must ask that you complete the werewolf essay for next Thursday. However, it only has to be one foot of parchment."

There was a collective moan from the stallion class."Great,"trick muttered,"I was hoping to get out of it."

"It wo n't be that knockout,"Matt rolled his eyes.

"But it 'll be time consuming,"Saint John the Apostle replied.

"I know, I know,"Harry smirked,"But there is a calendar month and a one-half of term left and I ca n't just let you make this sentence to mess up around."

The class was the most enjoyable Defense class the third years had had in quite a while. Harry lectured for the entirety of the course of study, but it was n't wearisome. Albus did not mind in the slightest that his dad was going to be finishing out the term.

******

By the clip Saturday arrived, virtually no one in the castle was talking about Professor Balladanis. Quidditch was on the head of everybody 's thinker and the tensions ran higher than they had all year. The outcome of this match would determine who played Australia in the final.

Albus himself was not particularly worried. Hogwarts had already beaten New York once and they could easily do it again. The full team was in ripe wellness and none of the alternates were needed. Albus was perfectly content to sit in the standstill with his friends and just catch the couple, rather than bear to trifle in it.

It was a quick springiness day with a slight malarky and cloud screen, staring playing conditions. Wood had spoke of the weather during the previous night 's recitation, telling the team that a prominent storm had been predicted for that day. Luckily it had not appeared yet.

The match commenced with a lot of shouting and cheering from the crowd. Hogwarts scored five finish within the number 1 15 minutes of the match and New York scored two. The teams remained neck in neck for the residual of the friction match, until Henry James pulled out of a dive clutching the fortunate Snitch in his left hand.

The bunch erupted into cheerfulness and James was soon hoisted onto the shoulders of some of the previous students.

"I have an announcement to make !"Professor Kendrick shouted over the crowd,"Due to Hogwarts 's win, they will be competing against Australia in the concluding Quidditch match, scheduled to take billet on the first of June !"

The usual after Quidditch party ensued in the plebeian elbow room and everyone rehashed their ducky parts of the friction match. No one talked about the final exam peer, although Albus was sure it was in the spine of everyone 's judgement. Australia seemed unacceptable to beat.

Once the excitement from another Quidditch win abated, the Hogwarts students seemed to realize that exams were quite near. The program library soon became a pop post to be and fifth and seventh old age in particular could be seen there all hours of the day.

As the middle of May arrived, Gabriella demanded a still coarse room in the eve, much like her sis had two years prior. Albus and his ally spent more than time in the piranha 's Den after that, usually without Rose, Amanda, and Linda. The three lady friend seemed to like the quietness of the rough-cut room.

Rose did forgive John for messing up her notes, but she became more tense and snappish as examination drew nearer. It was n't something that surprised Albus or anyone else because it had become a sort of end of term tradition with Rose.

Defense deterrent example took a drastic turn for the better. Albus and all of his friends got pure marks on their loup-garou essays, to the surprise of no one. After that, the classes bared no resemblance to Balladanis 's.

"Aw, Merlin !"whoremonger shouted at breakfast one Fri in the heart of May. He had been reading the Prophet.

"What is it ?"Albus asked, thinking Balladanis had been reinstated as Defense teacher or something.

"England did n't bring in it into the World Cup final,"John sighed,"They were so close."

"Who did make it ?"Albus grabbed the paper from bathroom, suddenly remembering the ticket he 'd gotten for Christmas. He had n't picked who he was going to invite to go with him. Actually, he had n't even told his friends about the tickets.

"Portuguese Republic and Russia,"John groaned,"Russia ! They 've got a rubbish Quidditch team !"

"Obviously not,"pink wine smirked,"Albus, did you pick who you 're going to take when you go to the Cup ?"

"waiting, what ?"John gaped at Albus,"You got tickets ?"

"Er, yeah, for Christmas,"Albus said.

"And you did n't tell me !"John exclaimed.

"wellspring, I only got one extra and I did n't have intercourse how to beak. I had it narrowed down to you and matt. head you, if you hate Russia, I 'll just cull lusterlessness,"Albus smirked.

"No, no, I did n't say I hate Russia,"John said quickly,"They 've just got a bad team."

"How am I supposed to cull then ?"Albus asked.

"You do n't own to,"Matt said as he sat down next to Albus.

"Nice to see you arouse,"John grinned. Albus and Gospel According to John had attempted to wake Matt up before they went down to the Great Hall and had no luck. The wide-cut moon was the next day, so Albus had n't even been for sure if Matt was going to go to class.

"Why, is the Cup a bad time of the calendar month ?"Albus whispered.

"No,"Matt shook his head,"It 's just that my dad got tickets, so you can just sacrifice your extra one to John."

"Oh,"Albus grinned,"That makes affair easy."

"Where is the Cup ?"Amanda asked.

"Canada,"blush wine replied.

"How are we getting there, Albus ?"John asked,"Are we going to consume a Muggle airplane ?"john looked excited at that prospect.

"No idea,"Albus shrugged,"Dad might get a Portkey."

"That 's boring,"whoremaster said.

"Wish I could go,"Kaden sighed.

"Why, do n't you not like Quidditch ?"lavatory asked.

"It 's ok,"Kaden shrugged,"I just want to try out a Portkey."

"You 're unearthly, Kaden,"John laughed.

"So are you. Airplanes are boring,"Kaden argued.

"I 'm with Kaden on this one,"lusterlessness said,"I 'd take a Portkey any day."

******

Between studying for exams and Quidditch practice, Albus had no clock time for anything else. He managed to squeeze in time to gossip Matt in the hospital wing on Sunday, but only briefly before he went to Wood 's day long Quidditch practice.

The following weekend was the last match of the Junior 's Dueling Club, something Albus had been forced to disregard due to Quidditch practice. After begging Wood and a bit of help from teddy bear, Albus was able-bodied to attend the concluding. Albus 's team won, much to the pleasure of both Albus and Malfoy.

Albus had not spoken to Malfoy since the incident with Professor Balladanis. Nor had Malfoy said a Holy Scripture to Albus, or any of his friends. Malfoy remained mysteriously quiet around the full-of-the-moon lunation, not saying anything about it to either Albus or Matt. It was strange, but not something any of the son were going to kick about it.

Three daylight before the Quidditch concluding, the Great Hall was filled with whispering voices that reminded Albus of the day Balladanis had been sacked. Copies of the Prophet were being passed back and forth and quite a few students looked extremely scared.

"What 's happened ?"Albus asked Rose as he sat down.

"Willinson has broken out of Azkaban,"rosebush whispered, her grimace completely white.

"What ? !"Albus shouted as he grabbed the nearest written matter of the Prophet. flatness and John crowded around him as he read it.

AZKABAN prison-breaking

functionary have reported that three prisoners
broke out of Azkaban later last dark. It is
still unknown how it happened. Azkaban guards
have refused to mouth with newsperson, and the
Ministry does not wish to divulge info
at this time.

The names of the bunk captive have been
released and anyone with information reguarding
any of them are asked to meet the Ministry.

The oracle then gave detailed information about all three of the fly the coop prisoner. Albus only recognized Willinson. The early two had been imprisoned for more fiddling crimes.

"How did he get out ?"Albus wondered,"He 's an idiot !"

"I think everyone 's confused about that,"Rose said.

Any Hope Albus had of getting homework done that week was gone. He was lucky he was able-bodied to centre on Quidditch pattern. Willinson was out of Azkaban. He was galavanting about England, doing whatever he pleased. That in itself was not necessarily that bad, due to Willinson 's stupidity. If he somehow met up with his Fatherhood and Washburn, then it could be quite bad.

What worried Albus the most was the fact that he would be after the Hallows, all of which still resided somewhere in or around Hogwarts. Willinson was bound to come back, especially now that he was out of prison.

******

Before Albus knew it, the night before the Quidditch final arrived and Wood called the team into the changing room after ending practice.

"It has been incredibly rewarding to carry off this team,"Wood said as he began to gait in forepart of them,"There were difficulties in the beginning,"he paused and looked at the two Slytherins on the team,"But I am lofty to say that you came together as a team wonderfully.

"It still amazes me that a chemical group of bookman from all four houses can come together and play together on the same team. I am not sure this could accept been done when I was in Hogwarts.

"You have all come a long way over the year. You 've all made vast improvements in your acquisition. Quite a few of you are seventh years and I am very happy to distinguish you that there will be scouts from a couple Quidditch team watching tomorrow 's couple. I have high Leslie Townes Hope for the lot of you, when it comes to Quidditch.

"I can not say whether we will win tomorrow. Australia is good, there is no denying that. However, I have faith in all of you. Tomorrow, go out there and sacrifice it your best. Now, I think you should all turn in early on and eat a proper breakfast tomorrow before the equal. slip, Tyler, anything to add ?"Wood turned to the boys.

Teddy and President Tyler both shook their heads and Wood turned back to the team."I 'll see you all down here tomorrow. dear night."

wood, Teddy, and Tyler stayed behind to discuss manoeuvre while the squad left. Albus and James were the last two to leave. Georgia had left with the other seventh old age, excitedly discussing the prospect of scouts.

"You think Georgia 's going to sign with one of the professional teams ?"Albus asked St. James the Apostle as they walked back to the castle.

"I 'd be surprised if she did n't,"James said,"I just hope it does n't suffer her chances when we lose."

"We might not lose,"Albus pointed out.

"We 're going to turn a loss,"James muttered,"Linda 's too skilful of a Seeker."

Albus said zero. He wished he could just tell Saint James that Linda was a vampire. It would be so a lot easier.

They kept walking, each lost in their own idea. Albus stopped abruptly when he heard a loud sally in the forest.

"What was that ?"he asked anxiously.

"Probably just a offset breaking,"James answered.

"It was too flashy,"Albus said as he looked into the forest,"It sounded like someone Apparating in there."

"I do n't remember you can Apparate in the woods,"Jesse James pointed out,"And it did n't sound that loud. You 're just tired from all the Quidditch practice."

"I guess,"Albus said as he and William James kept walking,"But what if it was someone Apparating ? What if it was Willinson ?"

"You worry too much, Al,"James groaned,"This place is filled with Aurors and Dad 's here full clock time now. You 'd make to be mad to Apparate here if you 're wanted by the Ministry."

"But Willinson is dazed enough to do that,"Albus replied.

"That 's just it,"Jesse James laughed,"If he 's stupe enough to do that, he 's going to get bewitch and sent back to Azkaban."

Albus nodded but he was n't reassured. Willinson may be stunned, but he did deal to kidnap Kaden the previous give, and he had been on the run for a class prior to that. He may be a rubbish dueler, but he was certainly safe at not getting caught for the most part.


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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


The atmosphere in the Great Hall the next morning was unlike anything Albus had seen before. The Hogwarts squad was sitting together at the Ravenclaw mesa, surrounded by educatee from all four houses. Teddy and Tyler seemed to be in the thick of it and were loudly discussing tactics.

The Australian team was sitting together at the Hufflepuff table, with a big aloofness between them and the Hufflepuffs. A small crowd of Australians had congregated around them.

Albus decided not to join the rest of the Hogwarts team at the Ravenclaw table. Nobody was unable to roleplay that day, so Albus 's solar day on the team were pretty much over. To be honest, he was form of relieved. There was just so much pressure.

"I think this tourney has been good for Hogwarts,"Rose mused,"Look at everyone. cypher seems to care who 's in what house."

"It 'll all go back to normal once the match is over,"Albus pointed out.

"Maybe not,"rose wine shrugged,"You never know."

"I do n't know, Rose,"Matt said,"I do n't think one year can change centuries of tradition."

"It 's worth a try,"blush wine said,"I think we should all try and get along."

"I do n't intend this has helped international magical cooperation,"John gestured to the Australian squad. The Hufflepuffs sitting nearby were glaring at them.

"Competition rarely does that,"pink wine muttered.

"well, they 'll all be going home soon,"mat said cheerfully.

Rose shot him a dirty look and then looked up at the faculty table. Albus 's gaze followed. The stave table was quite overcrowded that daybreak. There were sentry from Quidditch teams, Ministry officials including Albus 's Uncle Percy, and a potpourri of the great unwashed from Australia and New York.

"facial expression at that witch,"John pointed to a very marvellous, beautiful witch with wan E. B. White hide and long night hair.

"She 's Linda 's female parent,"Rose told them.

"Is she-"John began.

"Yes,"blush wine whispered,"She 's one, too."

"I thought so,"John said without taking his eyes off the witch.

There was a garish sunniness from the Ravenclaw table and the Hogwarts team began to result the Hall. Their suite followed until they reached the door and then they went to sit back down at various tables.

The Australian squad followed shortly. The excitement only seemed to increase now that the teams had gone down to the changing rooms.

A few minutes later masses began to leave behind for the pitch. The crowd at the staff board left first and the scholarly person followed.

"Albus,"John the Divine said as they got up from the mesa,"I 've got a few couple of omnioculars in my bole. I want to see it up close when Linda catches that Snitch."

"Let 's go get them, then,"Albus replied.

Rose rolled her eyes."Meet us down at the pitch."She and Amanda turned towards the door as the boys ran up the rarified staircase.

"Why did n't you just bring them to breakfast ?"matt asked.

"Forgot,"whoremonger said.

The castle was absolutely deserted as they made their way back to Gryffindor tug. Albus had n't seen it that empty during the day. It was almost disconcerting.

John had to empty out his intact trunk in fiat to regain the omnioculars. He had four span and handed one to each of the boys.

"Let 's go,"Albus said,"We 're going to miss the start of the match."

Albus completely ignored the no running play in the corridors linguistic rule as he made his way through the rook. There was n't anyone to call on the carpet him anyway. The pace behind him told him his booster were n't far behind.

Albus turned a nook and ran smack into something. He fell down onto his back and looked up, only to see that it was somebody. Not just anyone either. Albus had collided with matt 's boggart.

Only, it could n't be a boggart because if it had been a boggart, it would have manifested itself into what Albus was near afraid of. At that moment, it probably would deliver been Willinson.

The man sneered down at Albus and then smiled creepily. Albus scrambled up and turned back to look at his friends.

Matt had turned Andrew D. White and looked far More afraid than Albus had ever seen him before, including when he had faced the boggart and when Malfoy had found out about his lycanthropy. John was looking from matt to the man, an obvious revulsion on his boldness. Kaden was looking extremely confused.

Albus turned and grabbed all three of his friends, pulling them into the near classroom. He slammed the door and pulled out his wand, putting every lockup charm he knew onto the knob.

Matt collapsed onto the closest chair and put his headspring in his hired hand."Th-th-that's-"

"We know,"Albus whispered.

"What the Hades is he doing here ?"toilet ranted,"He 's got no business here !"

"Why 's he in the rook anyway ?"Albus began to pace around the way,"If he 's here to watch the Quidditch match, then why is n't he down there ?"

"What if he 's not here to watch over the Quidditch ?"john said darkly.

"Who the bloody hell is he ?"Kaden asked loudly.

Albus glanced at Matt before looking at Kaden. mat did n't appear to have heard Kaden 's question.

"His name 's Lubar. He 's the Head of the Department for the regularisation and ascendence of Magical animate being in Australia,"Albus explained,"He 's the rationality why mat had to move here, amongst other things."

"He 's a sick and distorted iniquity git,"Saint John muttered,"What are we going to do ?"

Albus walked over to the room access and peered out the small windowpane at the top. Lubar was no longer in sight.

"I 've g-got to go to the Ministry,"lusterlessness said,"I 've got to t-tell my dad. L-Lubar, he ca n't be here."

Albus paced back and forth in front of the door. The Ministry. How would they get there ? Brooms ? No, that would take too long. They 'd stimulate to use the Floo web, but none of the hearth at Hogwarts were hooked up, as far as Albus knew.

"We 're going to get to get to Hogsmeade,"Albus said,"You wait here. I 'll get my Cloak and the map. Then we 'll pilfer into Hogsmeade and Floo to the Ministry."

matt nodded."You guys do n't have to come. You can go to the match."

"Are you mental ?"Saint John the Apostle exclaimed,"That bloke out there is probably worse than Willinson. We 're not letting you do this alone."

Albus nodded in agreement before waving his wand and undoing the locking appeal. He cautiously looked out into the corridor before leaving. It was empty.

Much to Albus 's relief, both the Cloak and the map were right where he 'd go away them. He shoved them into his robe and ran back to the classroom. mat, whoremaster, and Kaden were all talking quietly. Matt did n't calculate any less scare away, but at to the lowest degree he did n't look to be in electrical shock anymore.

"We 're not all going to fit underneath it,"Albus said as he unfolded the cloak.

"You three get under it,"John said immediately,"I 'm tallest so I 'll take up the most room anyway. Plus, if we meet up with Lubar again, I 'm the best liar."

Albus could n't reason there. Both he and Matt were horrible liars and Kaden still had n't gotten over his inability to keep secrets.

"You take the map, then,"Albus handed the map to John,"We 've got to get to the one-eyed witch statue on the third floor.

Albus threw the Cloak over himself, matte, and Kaden, and the three of them followed John out of the room. The corridor was still empty, much to Albus 's substitute.

John the Evangelist set a very fast stride and he was soon quite a bit ahead of Albus and the others. Albus could n't say anything, though, as it would give away his presence. Instead he tried to run as fast as he could while making the least sum of money of noise possible.

The boys made it down the two flights of stairs necessary to get to the third storey and arrived at the statue without seeing anyone. Albus pulled the Cloak off of them and satiate it into his air hole. With a agile tap of his wand, he statue 's gibbousness opened and the boys climbed inside.

Albus lit his wand and took off down the small passageway. Matt, John, and Kaden followed suit.

"Why did Kendrick let him in ?"John asked as they ran,"Does n't he know what he did ?"

"Yes,"matt answered,"I do n't think Kendrick knows he 's here."

"What did he do ?"Kaden asked.

"You do n't think he came here to see you ?"Albus asked matt,"I mean, remember when Killigan saw us that one time and he seemed so interested in finding you ?"

"Of course I do,"matte muttered,"And it really would n't surprise me if that 's why he 's here. But I 'm betting there 's another reason."

"What did he do ?"Kaden repeated, a bit louder.

"Why else would he be here ?"Albus asked,"The match ?"

"Maybe, but I 'm betting it 's got something to do with Linda,"Matt replied,"I do n't know for indisputable, but it seems too coincidental for him to be here just to see me."

"What did he do ?"Kaden shouted,"Why would he want to see you ?"

Matt stopped running and wheeled around to look at Kaden."It 's a long account. Lubar 's got a grudge against my dad, one that he obviously still has even though we have n't lived in Australia for six yr,"lusterlessness paused,"He passed a bunch of laws against loup-garou and I wound up having to transubstantiate with a bunch of other werewolves. It was bad."

Matt resumed walking and did n't elaborate on the discipline. Kaden did n't ask him to.

"What 's your dad going to do about it ?"Kaden asked.

"I dunno,"Matt shrugged,"Maybe talk to Kendrick or something."

There was no doubt in Albus 's mind that Matt 's dad would be able to get Lubar to will Hogwarts, possibly even leave the country. Albus had known little about Mr. Eckerton prior to this year, but now he knew that you did not want to be on his bad side. When it came down to it, Mr. Eckerton was the one who had Balladanis sacked.

The passage finally began to rise until it came to an disconnected diaphragm at a gnarly wooden door. Albus pressed his ear to the door, but heard nothing. He carefully pushed it receptive, wincing as it creaked.

Seeing cypher in the storage elbow room beyond, Albus beckoned his friends forward. The room was dimly lit, enough for Albus to see a huge amount of box seat littering the floor. On the far wall he could see a fireplace.

The son climbed over the respective boxwood and stood in front end of the fireplace. Albus located a pocket-size sackful of Floo pulverization and then lit a flaming. He turned to his friends.

"You ca n't Floo directly into someone 's bailiwick at the Ministry. We 're going to suffer to go to the Atrium,"Albus told them,"I 'll go first, you follow."Albus took a handful of powder and then handed the bag to Matt.

He tossed the powder into the firing and stepped inside, shouting"The Ministry of magic !"

Albus stumbled out of a dissimilar fireplace seconds later. The Atrium was nearly deserted, save for a few sensation striding towards the lifts, clearly too meddling to notice Albus.

Matt landed rather ungracefully on the floor. He picked himself up, brushing stray ash off his robes.

"spot is deserted,"Matt said as he looked around.

"It 's a Sabbatum,"Albus pointed out,"Does your dad work Saturdays ?"

"Yeah,"lusterlessness nodded,"At least mornings."

lavatory was future to step out of the fire, doing so more elegantly than Matt had. He stood in front line of the flaming, staring around at the Atrium. His eyes rested on the natural spring of Magical Brethren.

"This is more fantasy than I imagined,"John said.

"Bloody snake pit !"Kaden shouted as he fell out of the flack,"This is the Ministry ?"

"Yes,"Matt said quickly,"But we have n't got time to explore. Let 's go."

Albus followed flatness towards the desk in the movement of the Atrium. There was an old genius leafing through a copy of the caviler, oblivious to his surround. Albus almost thought they 'd be able-bodied to sneak around him, but he looked up just as they were about to pass.

"Where do you recollect you 're going ?"he asked and then his eye rested on Albus,"Albus Severus thrower. Why are n't you in school ?"

"Er,"Albus began, a piddling unnerved that the man knew who he was.

lustrelessness stepped in front of Albus."We need to go see my dad. He 's the straits of the section for the regulation and ascendency of Magical puppet. It 's variety of an emergency."

"Very well,"the man looked at them oddly,"Put your verge up here."

Albus did as he was told and the others followed courtship. They waited impatiently as the old wizard tested their wands and then handed them back. He waved them on towards the lifts.

"What 's the point of that ?"Kaden asked as they waited for a lift.

"So if you murder anyone, they can distinguish whose wand did it,"Albus said bluntly.

"That 's cheerful,"Kaden replied.

Once the lift arrived, the boy piled in and matte pushed the act four. nobody said anything as the lift creaked its way to the fourth floor.

Matt took off at a run down the corridor after they left the ski lift. Albus had never been to this particular floor. It looked rather interchangeable to the Magical Law Enforcement 's floor, with nondescript sets of double door on one side.

Matt skidded to a halt in front of the sole door that was single and banged his hand loudly on it. When there was no reply after a few seconds, he banged again.

"cargo area your hippogriffs !"called a voice from the inside,"I 'm coming, I'm-"lusterlessness 's dad said as he opened the door.

Mr. Eckerton seemed to immobilise at the sight of his son and the early three boy. He gaped at them for a secondment before shaking his head.

"Matt ?"he asked and rubbed his eyes, as if he thought he was seeing a delusion,"But, why are n't you in school ? How did you get here ? Why are you here ? Albus ? What are you- and John, Kaden ?"

His eyes rested on Matt again."Matt ? What 's wrong ?"

Mr. Eckerton stepped aside and let the boys into his study. He shut the door quietly behind them.

The field reminded Albus of his dad 's. There were large windows on the side opposite the door, although the shot outside was not real, nor was the placate rain that was pattering onto it.

There was a vauntingly leather covered chair behind the huge oak desk and a few pocket-size electric chair in battlefront of it. Along the other two walls were shelves with scores of books. Most of them were about various magical creatures.

Albus, lustrelessness, and John took the seats that were in front of the desk while Kaden wandered around the field of study looking at things. Mr. Eckerton leaned against the front of his desk and looked at his son.

"What 's happened ?"he asked quietly.

"L-Lubar,"Matt said in barely More than a rustling,"He-he 's at Hogwarts."

"What ? !"Mr. Eckerton exclaimed.

"We were on our way to the Quidditch final examination,"lusterlessness said,"A-and we saw him."

"Bloody hell !"Mr. Eckerton stood up and slammed his fist loudly against his desk,"Did Professor Kendrick allow this ?"

"I do n't know,"Matt replied,"B-but everyone else was at the match and he was just lurking about the castle."

Mr. Eckerton 's boldness hardened. He looked just like he had when he talked with Professor Balladanis earlier in the term."Let 's go, boys,"he said darkly,"I 've got to have a word with Professor Kendrick."

Albus followed Mr. Eckerton out of his subject and down towards the lifts. John 's walking speed was zip compared to lustrelessness 's dad 's. The boy had to run to keep up.

"Where did you Floo from ?"Mr. Eckerton asked once they were in the lift.

"Honeyduke 's,"Albus answered.

"We 'll Floo there now,"Mr. Eckerton replied.

The wizard at the receive desk looked at them curiously as they rushed towards the fireplaces, but did n't say anything.

Mr. Eckerton handed Albus a bit of Floo Powder and gestured for him to go first. Albus stepped into the fire and shouted,"Honeyduke 's !"

Albus began to reel faster and faster. He saw glimpse of people 's houses, shop class in Diagon alley, and a assortment of other places he did not recognize. Then, out of one of the fireplaces, came a hand. Everything seemed to slow down, but Albus was n't sure if it actually did or not.

The script grabbed him. Albus fought against it, but it was too secure. All of a sudden he was laying on a dusty wooden floor, one that was not at all like the one in Honeyduke's.

Albus coughed and stood up. His bosom was beating fast. What had happened ? Why was n't he in Honeyduke 's ? Where was he ? Whose deal was that ?

Albus grappled for his wand and shakily held it up. He lit it and looked around the room, seeing no one.

"Nice to see you, Potter,"a dusty part said from behind him.

Albus jumped and turned around. There, crouching adjacent to the fireplace with his hand inside of it, was Lubar. He looked even more creepy in the dank room than he did in Hogwarts.

The fireplace glowed green and Lubar yanked his arm out of it. John came tumbling out of the ardor and scrambled too his feet, looking about.

Lubar muttered something underneath his breath and stuck his hired man in the fire again.

"What the ?"John whispered to Albus,"Where are we ? Is that ? Bloody hell !"

"Shut up !"Lubar shouted.

Albus gazed around the room. It looked vaguely familiar, but Albus could n't put his finger on it. The windows were boarded up, but it was definitely not the Shrieking hut. Albus doubted that was connected to the Floo network anyway.

The fireplace glowed immature yet again, this time sending Kaden onto the storey. This earned another vociferation from Lubar, who stuck his hand in the fire again.

Kaden gaped and then got to his human foot and stood next to Albus. He looked absolutely terrified, even before he laid middle on Lubar.

Albus wanted naught more than to run from the way, but he did not cognize where the building was even located. Plus, Lubar would probably stun him or something.

commons ignitor filled the way as the fireplace glowed once more. Albus knew even before it happened that mat would be the one to next fall out of the fire. Mere seconds later, that suspicion was confirmed.

Matt coughed and scrambled to his foundation. He gasped when he saw Lubar and ran over to Albus.

Lubar, finally satisfied, doused the fire and lit his wand, which illuminated his sinister face. He began to pace slowly in front of them.

"Well, well, you went crying to Daddy just as I expected,"Lubar grinned manically,"I do get laid when things work out the way I expect them to."

Albus could feel matte shaking next to him. He gripped his wand hard, debating whether to try and disarm Lubar.

"Any melodic theme where you are ?"Lubar asked,"Dervish and Banges. cover girl shop, pity about the proprietor. Yes, a really shame."

Lubar did n't seem at all broken about what happened to the shop owner. Albus looked around the shop class again and now he recognized it.

"Well, let 's not scourge our meter here,"Lubar said,"There 's a few people who 've been dying to see you."Lubar snapped his digit three multiplication and Albus heard footstep on the stairs.

Three sorcerer descended the stairs and strode into the room. They lit their sceptre at the Sami metre and Albus gasped when the visible radiation showed their faces. Jarrett and Quinton Willinson, along with Washburn. Three people Albus hoped never to see again.

Albus swallowed hard. He could see no way out of this. As good a duellist he was, he was up against four fully qualified wizards. Three of them did not own the skills to duel, but Albus had no musical theme what Lubar was capable of.

"Ah, yes,"Lubar smirked,"What a cover girl reunion. Unfortunately we have n't got time to chat."

Before Albus knew it, Washburn had him in a headlock with his baton pointed at his neck. Quinton Willinson had Kaden and his father had John. Matt, seeing his friends restrained, made a run for the nearest window.

"Not so fast, unseasoned lycanthrope,"Lubar caught him by the back of his robe and wrapped one of his arms around his middle.

Lubar reached into his gown with his unloose hand and pulled out an old tea kettle. He held it out to the other three men and each one put a free hand on it. Albus knew what was going to happen right before it did. He shared a affright glance with mat before feeling a jerk behind his belly button.


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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry potter.
A/N : I decided to do part of this chapter from Harry 's dot of view. It begins in his period of survey and then switches back to Albus 's. star indicate where the head of horizon switches.


"Spectacular relieve by Georgia Weasley !"the observer shouted.

Harry grinned as his niece threw the Quaffle back into romp. It was immediately taken into possession by Hogwarts, and all three Chasers threw it back and Forth as they flew to the Australian end of the pitch.

"Score ! Hogwarts has scored against Australia, bringing the total to 50-20 Hogwarts !"

Harry stood up and shouted as loud as the scholar. One thing he loved about the Quidditch tournament was that he did n't have to try and hold in his hullabaloo when Hogwarts scored. During firm mates, he had to try and pretend he was impersonal, even though he obviously supported Gryffindor.

As happy as Harry was about the Hogwarts Chasers being very skilled, he did not give birth hope that Hogwarts would actually win. Australia 's Seeker, Linda Morales, was the best Seeker Harry had ever seen outside of professional Quidditch. He knew that his son, James, was good, but he was n't delusional. Linda was brilliant.

There was something odd about her, though, and Harry could n't put his digit on it. Her amphetamine on a broom just did n't appear instinctive. Professional Quidditch instrumentalist would kill for her speed.

"I 'm surprised she has n't found the Snitch yet,"Neville muttered to Harry.

"Yeah,"Harry nodded as he watched Linda slowly circling above the pitch. King James was doing the same,"It 'll be soon, though."

Harry turned his regard to the rest of the staff who were sitting around him. Most of them were quite reserved. Nobody seemed to be showing the enthusiasm Harry was. He did n't care. Harry did n't share their belief that instructor could n't get overly excited about Quidditch.

A few professors stood up and then sat back down again as person squeezed their way past them. Harry craned his head and was surprised to see Walter Eckerton.

Harry did n't acknowledge the man well. They 'd met on occasion at the Ministry, although Harry had a feeling he 'd be seeing more of him now that he was Head of the department for the regulating and controller of Magical Creatures.

What Harry mostly knew about Walter Eckerton was more on a personal than pro level. Harry had never met a father who was more protective of his son than Walter Eckerton, although he did feature good reason. Never a more devoted father, either.

Walter continued his way past the former prof until he stopped in front of Harry. Harry was even more appal to see the aspect on his face. worry was etched in every contribution of his brass, bringing out the crease, but there was anger in his eyes.

"Walter,"Harry shook his hired man as he stood up,"What 's going on ?"

"Not here,"Bruno Walter muttered,"I need a give-and-take in private."

Harry told Neville he 'd be right back and he followed Bruno Walter out of the viewpoint. They continued walking until they were a brusk aloofness away from the pitch shot and then Walter stopped.

"The son have just been to see me at the Ministry,"Bruno Walter said as soon as he 'd stopped.

"hold, what ?"Harry asked,"You mean Albus and flatness ?"

"Yes, and the early two as well,"Walter said quickly,"You 've heard of Ralph Lubar, the Head of the department for the ordinance and Control of Magical Creatures in Australia ?"

Harry nodded, slightly confused at the alteration of subject."Yes, not a very patient of fella, is he ?"

Walter 's expression hardened."That 's a nice way of putting it. The blighter is sick and twisted and he 's got a grievance against me. Very farseeing news report and I have n't got metre to tell it. Short edition is that when mat was eight, Lubar passed a law that required him to transform in a construction with other werewolf, elder werewolves. Nearly killed him. It was right before we moved. For whatever reason, Lubar decided to confabulate Hogwarts today, possibly under the pretending of attending the Quidditch match.

"The boys saw him and Flooed to the Ministry from Honeyduke 's. flatness 's absolutely terrified of him, which is why they came to me. I came back with them. They Flooed before I did, but when I arrived at Honeyduke 's they were n't there. I 've already spoken with the owners of the shop as well as a few former Hogsmeade resident physician. No one 's seen them. We 've got to find them."

Harry 's heart sank."You do n't cerebrate Lubar 's got them, do you ? He 's not unsafe, is he ?"

"To Matt, yes, but I have n't the slightest idea as to why he 'd want the other male child,"Bruno Walter said.

"Even if he did only require Matt, he 'd make to get Albus as well because I know Albus would n't let him take Matt sitting down,"Harry replied, and started walking briskly towards Hogsmeade,"Let 's go. I 'll get every available Auror on this."

******

Albus tried as hard as he could to shift himself from Washburn 's grasp as he was Portkeying to who knows where. All Albus knew about the location was that it must be far away. Portkeying is usually mostly instantaneous, but this time there was a significant lag. Albus had time to try and get away, not that it did anything.

The second clue that their goal was far away was the fact that it was very darkness when Albus finally landed on the ground. Not dark like an impending tempest either. Dark as in night.

Washburn had let go of Albus as they landed and Albus hastened to get to his feet. gimcrack thump around him told him that his friend had landed as well.

The earth was damp and arduous and the foliage around them was dense. Albus assumed they were in some sort of woods. He gazed around and saw a lot of unfamiliar trees that seemed to unfold towards the starry sky.

There was no moonlight to enlighten the forest. Lubar, the Willinsons, and Washburn had walked a few 1000 away from the male child and were whispering to each other. All four had lit their baton, but it was n't decent wand light to give Albus a expert scene of his surroundings.

matte, John the Divine, and Kaden had all scrambled over to where Albus was and were standing quite close to him, their wands out. Albus pulled his own out as well, but did n't dare lighting it.

"Why is it night ?"Kaden whispered.

"Where the hell are we ?"whoremaster asked.

"We 're in Australia,"lustrelessness said in awe, as if he was just coming to terminus with that fact.

"We Portkeyed across an sea ?"Kaden gasped.

When Albus thought about it, it made sense. Lubar was from Commonwealth of Australia, so why should n't he aim them there ? It was quite far away from anyone who would be looking for them.

What did n't micturate good sense was why Lubar was with Washburn and the Willinsons. As far as he could tell apart, the four wiz seemed to be working together, but why ? Lubar lived halfway across the earth. How had he met the Willinsons ?

"Is this anywhere near your old house ?"john asked.

"How should I make out ?"Matt snapped,"Australia 's a huge land !"

"I just thought if we were near it, we could hide there,"John muttered.

"You would n't require to,"flatness said,"My stupid cousin owns it now."

"You have a cousin ?"Albus asked.

"Not important,"matt said quickly.

Albus nodded."How are we going to get out of this ?"

"They 're not paying aid,"privy whispered, gesturing to where the four maven stood huddled in a circle,"Maybe if we run for it."

"The Portkey 's rightfield there,"matt pointed to the tea tympanum, which was a few human foot away,"If we can just get to it."

"All right,"Albus whispered,"On the tally of three. One ... two ... three."

Albus ran as quietly as he could towards the Porkey. He was about to pick it up when it soared up into the air. Albus looked up and saw Lubar sneering at him, with the Portkey in his hand.

"That wo n't do,"Lubar said as he stowed the Porkey in his cloak. He turned to the other three men."They 're trying to get away."

"What do you expect ?"Jarrett said rudely,"There 's four of them ! Do you gain how much more unmanageable this is going to be now ? We only needed ceramist ! But no, you had to go and insist on bringing that werewolf kid as well."

"You would n't even have managed this if it were n't for me !"Lubar growled,"So do n't go telling me what I should and should n't have got done."

"fountainhead, now we 've wound up with two superfluous single as well,"Jarret muttered.

"They 're kids, how much fuss can they be ?"Lubar smirked.

"You do n't know this lot,"Washburn replied,"They 're the reason we have n't had luck before."

"I thought that was because of your unbelievable stupidity,"Lubar said.

Albus was very intrigued. Lubar was arguing with them as if he knew them well. Had Lubar really been working with them all along ?

What did they need him for anyway ? What had Willinson meant when he said 'we only needed Potter'?

"Shut it, Lubar,"Jarrett said.

"I 'll say what I like,"Lubar replied,"This is my bush, not yours."

"You own the timberland now ?"Jarrett asked.

"As a thing of fact, I do,"Lubar snapped.

"Ministry must be paying you well."

"Indeed they are,"Lubar said and turned to Matt,"So many years have passed. order me, what is it like pretending to be something you 're not ?"

To Albus 's surprisal, it was whoremonger and not Matt who went flying at Lubar. Lubar disarmed John with a otiose moving ridge of his wand, leaving King John stunned in nominal head of him. It appeared that Lubar was a significantly better dueler than either of the Willinsons or Washburn.

Pocketing Gospel According to John 's wand, Lubar turned back to matte, who was shakily holding his wand up.

"It does n't matter what rural area you 're in,"Lubar seethed,"You 're the Sami affair no matter where you live. The natural law do n't change what you are. profess as often as you like, but it wo n't change a thing."

Now Albus wanted to go after Lubar. The ire was boiling up inside of him and he did n't intend he had ever felt more furious in his entire life, and that included every encounter he had had with Scorpius Malfoy. Malfoy was like a fluffy kitten compared to Lubar.

However, Albus held himself back. John was already wandless. It would do them no good if Albus got disarmed as well. Something told him to waitress, to hold back until he could catch them off guard.

"What about your Father of the Church ? I hear he 's the head of the section in Great Britain now,"Lubar smirked,"shot it 's just a matter of meter until the same thing happens. You 'll receive to flee again."

Matt was visibly trembling now. Albus wracked his brain, trying to work out out what to do. What could they do ?

"Oh, for pigeon hawk 's sake !"Jarrett strode forward,"How is this helping things ? Did we really risk Portkeying a crowd of kids to Commonwealth of Australia just to emaciate time taunting one of them ?"

"Quiet !"Lubar shouted,"I 'll do what I like !"

"alibi me !"Kaden said loudly, turning to Lubar,"But how in the name of Falco columbarius do you recognize them ?"He gestured to the Willinsons and Washburn.

Albus held his breath, waiting for Lubar to put some kind of curse or curse on Kaden. Sometimes his cousin was quite dense. It seemed obvious to Albus that this was a time not to ask questions.

To Albus 's surprise, Lubar smiled. It was a worm variety of smile, but a smile nonetheless.

"I think that 's a carnival question,"Lubar said."My first cousin married this idiot,"Lubar pointed at Jarrett.

"You 're married ?"Kaden gaped at Jarrett, causing Albus to groan. Why would n't Kaden just shut up ?

"Not for much longsighted,"Jarrett muttered,"Can we delight just get on with this ?"

"Patience, cousin,"Lubar said as he began to take the air slowly around the other three,"We mus n't do this hastily. haste is the reason you three have failed prior to tonight."

Fail at what ? What were they going to do ? The exclusively thing Albus could suppose of was getting the Hallows, but all three Hallows were in England. If that was their plan, they would n't give taken them to Australia.

Albus glanced nervously at lustrelessness, who still looked scared out of his mind. Something was still telling Albus not to try and duel the men. Lubar seemed saucy, much bright than the other three, and that scared Albus more than anything else. There was a big difference of opinion between dueling someone who was chic and dueling individual who was an idiot.

******

The Ministry seemed deserted when Harry and Bruno Walter Flooed there a myopic while later. Harry had briefly questioned the owner of Honeyduke 's, but they had not seen any of the boys.

Harry and Walter ran towards the facelift at top hurrying, not pausing to answering the questioning stare of the blighter at the receive desk. The raise could not go fast enough for the two men. Harry nearly pulled the doors open when they finally arrived at Magical Law Enforcement 's floor.

The Auror situation was slightly more lively than the rest of the Ministry, but not much. Three Aurors were inside, two of whom hastily shoved away a mound of Exploding breeze cards and stood up upon seeing Harry get in. The other Auror, a rather curt but stocky beldame, shoved the book she was reading in the draftsman, and joined the other two.

"Potter, sir !"the witch said,"We thought you were at Hogwarts today !"

"I was,"Harry said darkly and explained the situation.

The three Aurors looked stern as they waited for Harry to sacrifice them instructions.

"Dabney,"Harry turned to the taller of the wizards,"Brighton,"he looked at the witch,"Get started with an extended search of Hogsmeade. I 'm calling in everyone who is n't meddlesome with anything else. Tiburon and Oswald are on duty in Hogsmeade today, inform them of the situation."

Dabney and Brighton nodded before dashing out of the way. Harry turned to the remaining Auror."Lewster, you will be searching the Forbidden Forest as soon as somebody else arrives."

Harry pulled out his wand and muttered a spell. An enormous silvery stag flew out of his scepter and Harry whispered to it. The Patronus glided out of the elbow room and Harry leaned against the nearest desk.

It was n't long before Harry heard footsteps in the corridor. He looked up at the door just as Ron was running through, followed by half a dozen other Aurors.

"Harry, what 's going on ?"Ron said in a worried tone.

Harry rehashed the entire position again. Ron 's face paled."What about blush wine, was she with them ?"

"No,"Walter shook his nous,"It was just the boys."

"Thank Falco columbarius,"Ron whispered,"But Harry, what about Willinson ? D'you think he 's got anything to do with this ?"

"It 's crossed my mind,"Harry muttered,"But I have n't got a clew as to how Lubar would know him."

"With obscure sensation, you just never know,"Ron pointed out.

"I know,"Harry nodded,"Ron, lead the hunt of the Forbidden Forest. Lewster 's going with you. And ingest Book of Daniel and smith with you."

Ron nodded and left the room, followed by Lewster and two early wizards. The remaining four Aurors looked to Harry.

"The rest of you can look the castle and grounds. Be discrete. I do not wish to interrupt the Quidditch mate unless it is absolutely requirement,"Harry instructed.

The Aurors left the elbow room and Harry turned to Walter. He slowly shook his mind. Why was it always Albus ? This was the third class he had gotten into difficulty. Albus 's long time at Hogwarts were reminding Harry dangerously of his own.

"I 'd better go Floo household and tell Julie what 's going on,"Walter sighed,"She 's going to fall apart."

Harry nodded as Walter left the elbow room. Ginny. Harry snapped his head up. She was going to be watching the match, but was going to be late. She 's probably there now, Harry thought. She 'd be looking for him.

Harry slowly left the room. How was he going to tell his married woman that Albus had been kidnapped and he did n't take a clue as to where he was ?

******

"You 're just too afraid to do it !"Jarrett shouted at Lubar,"What could possibly go wrong ? We 're middle across the universe from the Aurors that are looking for this lot !"

"Once again you have proved your foolishness,"Lubar replied,"Do you gain who we 've taken halfway across the world ? Harry ceramicist 's son ! You have n't a hint as to how things work in the Ministry !

"I can assure you that at this very second, the full Auror department is looking for them. Harry Potter 's probably got every Auror on this case. It wo n't acquire them long to realize that we 're not in England.

"And this one,"Lubar gestured to Matt,"He 's got the most meddling parents in the creation. They 'd sooner kill everyone in the world before letting something happen to him. Very irritating. They wo n't remain until they find him. Not to mention the fact that he 's the son of a Ministry official. We 've got two child of two of the most prominent Ministry official of U.K.. Think, Jarrett, think ! We 've got to be careful !"

"Well, you 're the one who wanted to remove the loup-garou, too,"Jarrett growled.

"And you 're the one who insisted we take potter 's son !"Lubar shouted,"Why do we even need him ?"

"We just do !"Jarrett shouted back.

"If both of you idiots had n't wanted to work the fry, we could 've done this unscathed thing without the Ministry finding out,"Washburn cut in.

"Shut up !"Lubar and Jarrett said at the same time.

Maybe if they kept arguing, they would n't have a chance to do whatever it was they wanted to do before the Aurors found them, Albus thought. He could only hope that the adept would have enough to argue about.

"Are we going to do it here ?"Jarrett asked,"Or go to the house ?"

"rich person you learned nothing ?"Lubar shouted,"When they find out that we 're here, the first of all property they 'll wait is the house."

"Got any better theme ?"Jarrett seethed,"Have you got a secret little shack somewhere in this country ?"

"No,"Lubar snapped,"We 're taking them to the outback. Plenty of places to hide, not very inhabited. Perfect place."

Before Albus could even study running away, Jarrett had his arm in a vice grip again. matt was once again in the clutches of Lubar, and whoremonger and Kaden were both caught by the Willinsons.

Albus knew very little about the Aboriginal Australian outback, just that it was n't desirable for lots man habitation. However, the one piece of data he did cognize about it was that it was where most of the dementors that used to ward Azkaban had gone. That, and it was a somewhat popular place for vampires.

Lubar and Jarrett had stopped bickering. Albus had two sec to realize what was happening before he felt the comrade but unpleasant maven of side-along Apparition.


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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.
A/N : Like the former chapter, this one goes back and forth between Albus 's and Harry 's perspectives.


Albus stumbled as he landed, breaking disembarrass of Jarrett 's compass. He tripped over a rock and landed face first in the sand. Spitting the grittiness out of his mouth, he stood up and glanced around.

It was still far too dark to see anything but the scheme of peck in the length. The outback seemed very vacate and very smooth. There was a very humble thud of bushes and trees nearby, but besides that, Albus did not see much else in the way of plant life.

Albus immediately knew why Lubar had taken them there. He had never been in such a deserted place in his life. There was absolutely aught around them. Even if Albus had decided to run away, he would n't have gotten very far. As dangerous as staying with Lubar was, Albus knew he would have no chance of surviving if he ran off into the outback.

Lubar seemed to know that Albus and the others would n't run away. He neglected to use any sort of ropes to tie them up or put any piece around them. Instead, he walked a poor length in the direction of the mount and gestured for the Willinsons and Washburn to follow them.

"What are we going to do ?"John the Divine seethed,"Has anyone got any idea where we are ?"

"The outback 's huge,"Matt replied,"I bet we 're redress in the eye of it. The nearest culture 's probably statute mile away."

"So we 're done for,"Saint John groaned,"What do they even want with us anyway ?"

"No estimate,"Albus said,"But if they keep arguing, we might not have to find out."

"Do you really suppose your dads are going to be able to find us ?"whoremaster asked skeptically.

"Lubar 's right,"Albus said,"The whole Ministry 's going to be looking. I think they 'll feel us."

"Does shove like this happen every twelvemonth ?"Kaden asked,"I mean, last year I got kidnapped by Willinson and now we all were. What 'll happen next year ?"

"Hopefully nothing,"Albus said.

"If there is a next year,"lav muttered.

"Shut up over there !"Lubar shouted as he walked back over to the boy,"I did n't say you to mouth !"

"Lubar !"Jarrett seethed as he pointed to someplace in the space,"There 's mass gathering over there ! We 've got to go somewhere else !"

Albus looked towards where Jarrett was pointing and his heart leapt a bit. There was a small gathering of digit a few thou away. Could his dad have found them already ?

"calm air down,"Lubar said,"They 're just vampire. They wo n't discommode us. I know that coven. They know better than to mess with me. I 'll make life pretty execrable for them if they do."

"clipping deals with vampires now ?"Jarrett asked.

"Proving to be helpful, is n't it ?"Lubar answered.

Albus 's Hope sank once again. Lubar seemed more confusing than ever. He cut bargain for vampires but passed restrictive Torah on werewolves ? It did n't relieve oneself sense.

The men lowered their voices again and Albus wished he had a few Extendable Ears with him. He did n't dare talk to his friends, just sent them queasy glimpse every now and then.

A common cold flatus blew over them and Albus shivered. It was the kind of cold that chilled him to the bone. Hoping that it was n't going to rain, or Baron Snow of Leicester ( was n't it winter in Australia ? ), he looked to the sky. There were no swarm, but what Albus saw was a lot sorry than clouds.

Five or six cloaked figures were slowly circling above them. Although he had never before seen one, Albus recognized them as dementors immediately. Despite the darkness, Albus could clearly make out their material body. As they got closer, he could even try their rattling breath.

The man in forepart of him began to swim. He felt like he was going to pass out, but he knew it was just the dementors sucking all the happiness out of him. Albus was left with all his unhappy thoughts.

His dad was n't going to detect them. They would be stuck on the Australian outback until Lubar and the others did what they were going to do. Then who knew what would befall ?

"No, no, no !"lusterlessness shouted.

Albus squeezed his center shut and then opened them, forcing himself to bet towards his champion. mat was kneeling on the ground, shaking violently. Both Gospel According to John and Kaden were looking at him anxiously, neither seeming to be that affected by the dementors.

Of course the dementors would touch on Matt the sorry. He had gone through things that Albus, John the Evangelist, and Kaden could n't even reckon. It probably did n't serve that Lubar was actually present, either.

Without even thinking, Albus pulled his verge out of his robes. He 'd heard the incantation for the Patronus charm before and figured it was worth a guess. What else could he do besides try ?

"Expecto Patronum !"Albus shouted, pointing his scepter at the sky. goose egg happened.

A happy thought ! How could he accept forgotten that ? It was difficult to think of one with dementors flying over heard and listening to Matt shouting on the ground.

When the Sorting Hat put him in Gryffindor ! Albus pointed his sceptre to the sky again."Expecto Patronum ! Expecto Patronum !"

Albus kept shouting the incantation while using diverse happy computer storage. Nothing was happening, but mat 's yelling was decreasing. Then it stopped. Albus stopped and looked towards the ground. It looked like lusterlessness had passed out.

cerebration of the day Balladanis had been sacked, Albus pointed his wand at the dementors once again."Expecto Patronum !"he shouted.

A silvery blob exploded from his wand and went after the dementors. Albus stood shocked for a few seconds. He had sort of done a Patronus magic spell !

"Bloody hell,"John whispered.

"Expecto Patronum !"someone shouted from the distance.

Albus looked up and saw Lubar run at them with his verge pointed at the dementors. A silvery squirrel was floating ahead of him and the dementors scattered as it reached them.

Albus 's foggy mastermind immediately cleared and the felicity returned. He quickly stowed his scepter in his robe before Lubar thought to disarm him.

"Leave him,"Lubar growled at John the Evangelist and Kaden, who were bent-grass to the footing trying to get matt to awaken up.

"Dementors !"Washburn shouted sarcastically,"This was a fucking brilliant plaza to come."

Lubar paid no attention to Washburn 's remark. His heart were focused on Albus and he was giving him a very curious look. Albus took a queasy whole tone back, but Lubar did not turn away his gaze. Albus immediately closed his mind.

******

"Potter, sir !"

Harry, who had been walking up High Street in Hogsmeade with Ginny, turned around and saw Lewster striding towards him. Harry stopped, hoping he had some undecomposed news.

"What is it, Lewster ?"Harry asked.

"Just talked to a few of the Centaurus,"Lewster said,"They saw three wizards in the forest a few hours ago. They recognized one of them as Washburn."

"I 'd bet my go Galleon the other two were the Willinsons,"Harry replied,"Did the Centaurus know anything else ?"

"Just that Washburn and the others were looking for something. Apparently they were scouring the afforest floor for something,"Lewster answered.

Harry nodded. That did n't surprise him. The Resurrection Stone was someplace in the woods."Did you see anything ?"

"No,"Lewster shook his head,"And the Centaurus are moderately sure enough they 've left."

"Very well,"Harry said,"See what else you can find out."

Lewster left and Harry turned to Ginny, who looked afraid.

"Harry, you do n't call up that Washburn is with Lubar, do you ?"Ginny asked.

"There 's no doubt in my mind,"Harry answered,"It 's just a issue of finding them. heed, I 've got to go search Dervish and Banges. I 've got this hunch about the shoes. Seems like the perfect place for Washburn to take them."

Ginny nodded."I 'll go grab the end of the match. I wo n't note anything to Jesse James and Lily yet."

"goodness,"Harry said,"I 'll be in touch soon."He kissed her lightly on the forehead."We 're going to see him."

"I know,"Ginny replied softly,"Stay safe."

Ginny turned around to walk back to the Hogwarts flat coat while Harry picked up the stride and walked the short space to Dervish and Banges.

The edifice looked utterly abandoned. The windowpane were still boarded up, the green goddess overgrown around it. It certainly did n't count like anyone was hiding inside, but Harry had to check.

Pulling out his verge, he crept cautiously to the door. He carefully pulled the boards off of it and quietly wrenched the room access open. Without lighting his wand, he walked inside.

The spot had the aroma of a recent fervor in the fireplace. individual had been there. However, there was not a sound from anywhere in the construction. Harry lit his wand and saw that it was deserted.

After a thorough check mark of the full edifice, in which Harry found no living creatures, he returned to the briny way. The fireplace was filled with nearly utterly embers and there was a minor pile of Floo pulverization spilled out onto the floor.

The Floo had been used recently. Harry bent down and muttered an incantation that would say him where the finally person to use the open fireplace had Flooed from. He waited for the incantation to crop, his warmness pounding.

Soft red smoke emitted from his scepter, curling together to form the words 'Ministry of Magic .'Harry breathed a sigh of relief. He was getting somewhere. Without hardly a uncertainty, Harry knew that Albus and the other boys had wound up in Dervish and Banges after going to the Ministry. The only dubiousness was, where had they gone after that ?

******

"How old are you, Potter ?"Lubar asked.

"thirteen,"Albus replied, still a bit nervous as to why Lubar was looking at him like that. It reminded him of how Balladanis had looked at him during the irregular dueling tournament.

"And they teach the Patronus appealingness to thirteen-year-olds at Hogwarts ?"Lubar replied.

"No,"Albus shook his point, although when he thought about it, Balladanis may sustain taught him and Malfoy Patronuses if he had n't gotten sacked."That was the first time I 'd tried it."

"Very intriguing,"Lubar said as he turned to the other three men,"This lot did n't tell me you were skilled at defensive magic."

"You never asked,"Jarrett muttered,"But is Potter 's aptitude for Patronuses really relevant to what we 're doing ?"

"It matters if they decide to try and hex us !"Lubar snapped,"I think it might be best if they 're all wandless."

Albus gulped and clenched his wand harder. He glanced at Matt, who was still unconscious mind. John did n't receive his wand. Kaden was n't very safe at dueling. It would be up to him, to Albus, if this came to a duel.

"The only when one who 's got any acquirement is Potter,"Jarrett said,"The early three are n't going to be difficult."

"Fine,"Lubar muttered,"We 'll get started, but I need to babble to you three away from them first."

Jarrett nodded and the men walked a few yards away and began whispering too quietly for Albus to hear.

Albus bent down to where flatness had collapsed, wishing he knew a healing magical spell or two."Matt, matt,"he whispered,"Wake Island up."

After a minute or two, Matt 's eyes fluttered assailable and he sat up."What happened ?"he asked, looking around confusedly.

"You passed out,"Albus told him,"When the dementors were here."

"But Albus cast a Patronus !"John said excitedly.

"You what ?"matte gaped at him.

"It was just silver mist,"Albus told him,"Lubar 's actually the one who got rid of them."

"Probably just for his sake,"Matt shuddered,"Did anyone else pass out ?"The former three boys shook their foreland."physique,"lusterlessness muttered.

"You need some deep brown or something,"Albus said,"Anyone got some ?"

"Might,"Kaden began fishing around in his air pocket. He produced a cocoa frog and handed it to matt, who took it without saying a word.

"Listen,"Albus said,"Whatever it is that they want to do here, they 're doing it soon. Do you think you can get up ?"

Matt nodded and Albus helped him to his feet. Lubar and the others were walking towards them again. Albus slowly pulled his wand out of his robes and held it to his side, hiding it partially behind his back.

Lubar conjured a wad of woodwind and set ardour to it, illuminating himself, Washburn, the Willinsons, and the boys. Albus was now clearly able to see the wrench looking on Lubar 's face.

"Are you mad ?"Jarrett seethed,"flaming 's going to draw in attending !"

Lubar laughed."Fire 's going to insure that those vampires stay away and we 've got to see what we 're doing !"

Albus glanced towards where the lamia had been congregating. They were currently walking farther away from Albus and the others. Thinking back to Linda 's boggart, he remembered that vampires are destroyed by blast. Albus turned back to the men.

Jarrett was holding something out in his paw, but Albus could n't make out what it was. Jarrett, along with Quinton and Washburn, looked quite excited. Lubar looked mildly annoyed and impatient.

"Do you have it off what this is, Potter ?"Jarrett asked gleefully.

"No,"Albus said, trying not to sound too nervous.

"It 's the Resurrection endocarp,"Jarrett answered.

Albus could hardly hold in his gasp as he peered unaired at Jarrett 's outstretched paw. There was a very small stone sitting in it. The Resurrection of Christ Harlan Stone. One of the Deathly Hallows. Jarrett had finally succeeded in getting one of the three aim he had been after for age. But how ?

"How ?"Albus asked, trying to fathom confident.

"Ancient magic trick is a beautiful thing, thrower,"Jarrett answered,"There are long leave spells, spells that piece of work very nicely with long forgotten magical target such as this Stone. It was merely a matter of finding the correct while, getting to the Forbidden woods, and putting it to use. Quite wide-eyed now that I look back on it."

"Only because you did n't do any of the oeuvre,"Lubar muttered,"It was I who found the spell !"

"The early Hallows will evidence to be well-fixed to obtain with the supporter of this,"Jarrett went on, ignoring Lubar 's mutterings.

Albus did not like the sound of that. The Harlan Stone itself did one matter and that was bring back the spirits of masses who had passed on. How would that help Jarrett get the former Hallows ?

The invisibleness Cloak. Albus 's stomach plummeted. It was still in his robe. He really hoped Jarrett would n't substantiate that.

"Another affair that I thought of !"Lubar seethed.

"You think this lot cares who did what ?"Jarrett laughed.

"Oh, just get on with it,"Washburn rolled his eyes.

Jarrett sidestepped past the firing and strode closer to Albus. Albus took a pace back as his tenderness started beating faster. He had a very bad feeling about what Jarrett was going to do with that Stone.

"Ah, yes, thrower. You should be afraid,"Jarrett 's gaze swept over all four boys,"You should all be afraid."

"Quit taunting them and just do it,"Washburn said impatiently.

"With this stone,"Jarrett said a bit louder,"I will fetch back Lord Voldemort."

******

Harry burst out of Dervish and Banges, not caring that he had blasted the doorway completely off its hinges as he did so. He had to find Walter. He had to find Walter and then go to the Ministry. The fireplace did not show signs that it had been used to Floo away from the abandoned workshop. That left either Apparition or a Portkey, both of which would have left shadow that he 'd need the Department of Magical Department of Transportation for.

Harry rounded a corner as he ran towards Honeyduke 's and nearly ran headlong into a beldam. He stepped back and saw it was Ginny. She wore a unusual look of confusion and shock, mixed with mingled fear.

"Ginny,"Harry said,"Sorry."

"Not a problem,"she said quickly,"Have you found anything ?"

"Yes,"Harry answered,"Is the match over ? How badly did we recede by ?"

"Only a hundred gunpoint,"Ginny said,"But we might not stimulate actually lost. Listen, did you know Commonwealth of Australia 's searcher is a vampire ?"

"Wait, what ?"Harry gaped at her, trying to wrap his judgement around that fact while still focusing his intellect on Albus.

"I 'll explain after we 've found Albus,"Ginny said.

"rightfield,"Harry agreed,"I 've got a lead. soul was in Dervish and Banges. They Flooed there from the Ministry ; I 'm sure it was Al and the others. I 've got to get hold Walter and go to the Ministry. I 'm not sure where that will direct us, but I might not be back for a while."

"Just be careful,"Ginny said as she gave him a kiss,"And lend him back."

"I will,"Harry said as he kissed her back,"I 'll see you soon."

"Harry !"

Harry turned and saw Walter striding out of Honeyduke 's. With one in conclusion smell at Ginny, Harry met Bruno Walter half-way.

"We 've got to get to the Ministry,"Harry said immediately, and explained about what he had found at Dervish and Banges and what Lewster had learned from the centaurs.

Walter nodded and the two men Disapparated on the spot. They reappeared a little while later in a small Apparition bedchamber in the Ministry.

Passing the bewildered looking security guard for the third sentence that day, Harry and Bruno Walter ran to the lifts. Neither of them said a Word as the lift clattered to the Department of Magical Transportation.

The department was nearly deserted, salvage for one very world-weary looking witch sitting at a desk.

"Mr. ceramist, Mr. Eckerton !"she exclaimed as she took her feet off the desk,"Something I can do for you ?"

"Yes,"Harry answered,"I need to know if anyone 's Disapparated from Dervish and Banges in Hogsmeade. Or used a Portkey from that same locating. And if you 're able to, I need to sleep together where they went."

"Of course, Mr. Potter, of track,"the enchantress said as she got up. She disappeared into another room, shutting the door behind her.

Harry sighed and sat down on the approximate chair. Bruno Walter sat down in the adjacent one, looking thoroughly miserable.

"We 'll find them,"Harry said quietly.

"I do n't doubt that,"Walter replied,"However, that is not the solitary thing I am worried about. The last time flatness had an altercation with Ralph Lubar, he wound up in therapy for calendar month afterwards."

Harry was not expecting that. He did not know much about therapy, except that wizards did not normally use it. Whatever had happened, it must have been bad.

"Do you mind if I ask what happened ?"Harry asked, not sure as shooting if he was overstepping some sort of boundary.

Walter did not speak for several seconds."It 's ok,"Harry said,"You do n't have to explain."

"I will,"Walter said quietly,"Shortly after Matt was bitten, I became the Head of the Department for the Regulation and ascendance of Magical Creatures in Australia. Nobody outside of the department knew about his condition, of course. Ralph Lubar was given my old situation of nous of the loup-garou ascendency Unit, and was quite jealous that I was given the Head position. He could not get over the fact that I was given it, even when my own son had lycanthropy.

"It was a grudge he held against me for many years, until the day finally came when he cracked and let it luxate that Matt was a loup-garou. A bit of legislation had been passed that required all post of transmutation be inspected by the Ministry. Lubar inspected Matt 's and it failed on a trifle. Ministry shopping center were set up for loup-garou to transubstantiate in, together. Matt was required by law to transmute there since his rubber room did not pass. I refused to give birth him transubstantiate there. The papers were all over it. I lost my job. Lubar was appointed to the forefront position.

"more than legislation was passed. A law that stated that Ministry officials could physically push werewolves into the transformation centers. On the day of the full moon, Lubar Flooed into our house and took Matt to the heart. By the metre I figured out which pith it was, the Moon had risen. It was too late.

"Matt spent weeks in St. Mungo 's. By that sentence we were nearly ready to incite here. He was so traumatize, it took months for him to get over it. To be honest, I do n't think he 's fully over it.

"The merely grounds Lubar did it was to try and get to me. That 's why he 's so sick and twisted,"Walter finished as he put his head in his hired hand,"I swore I 'd never let him near Matt again. Swore I 'd kill him if he went near Matt again.

Walter gave an odd sorting of laugh."Listen to me, I 'm telling the head of the Auror Department that I 'd institutionalize murder."

"Just so long as you do n't actually do it when we go keep open the male child,"Harry said, still processing what Walter had told him. It certainly explained a lot- why they were so loath to let lustrelessness out of their sight, why they were n't on the Floo Network.

One thing that Harry could order was that Walter blamed himself for everything that had happened. Honestly, Harry was n't surprised. If something like that had happened to King James, Albus, or Lily, he would 've blamed himself, too.

"That was n't your fault,"Harry said quietly,"And this is n't either."

"If I had just Flooed ahead of the boys-"

"It would n't consume mattered,"Harry interrupted,"And it 'll do no soundly to lie in on it now. It 's in the past."

"That 's exactly what my chum said when Matt was in St. Mungo 's,"Walter said wryly.

"Mr. ceramist !"the crone came bustling out of the way she had gone into, brandishing a piece of parchment, which she handed to Harry.

Harry stood up as she handed them the sheepskin. His middle scanned the parchment. Portkeys. Four Portkeys had left Dervish and Banges a few unawares hr ago. That in itself did not outrage Harry, especially compared to where the Portkeys had gone.

"Australia,"Harry read as he turned to Walter, who had visibly paled at the word,"They 're in Australia."


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight as well as all of the awesome citizenry who have read and left such lovely brushup !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.
A/N : Like the previous chapters, this one is also split between Albus and Harry 's perspectives.


Never had Albus wished so unvoiced that he could Apparate. Why did you hold to be xvii to get your Apparition license anyway ? If he ever worked in the Department of Magical conveyance, he would commute that law. fantasm would 've enabled him to get out of Australia, away from Jarrett Willinson, who was trying to add back Lord Voldemort with the Resurrection Stone.

Albus could not remember being more scared in his spirit. This was far worse than when he had dueled Washburn on the Hogwarts grounds two years ago, far worse than when Quinton kidnapped Kaden the premature year. Lord Voldemort was far scarey than Lubar, Washburn, and the Willinsons combined.

What would Voldemort look like when Jarrett brought him back ? Harry had said the Stone could n't actually bring people back to liveliness. Albus guessed he 'd be more like a ghost. But would he be able-bodied to do magic, to perform the scourge and whammy he did when he was alive ?

Albus held his breath as he watched Jarrett become the stone over in his hands. Albus had no idea how it worked, but judging by how quiet all of the adult were, Jarrett was trying to use it.

Over and over again Jarrett turned the Harlan Stone. He did it for so farseeing that Albus had to let out his breath. The excited glimmer on Jarrett 's boldness slowly dissipated until it was replaced by frustration.

"Why wo n't it work ?"Jarrett shouted,"Are you positive this is the right Stone ?"

"Of line I am !"Lubar shouted as he grabbed the Stone,"The while said it was !"

"wellspring, it 's not working now, is it ?"Jarrett mocked.

Albus breathed a sigh of relief. Either they had the incorrect Harlan Fiske Stone or for whatever reason, Voldemort could n't be brought back with it. Albus was hoping for the former.

Lubar turned the gemstone over in his hands. On the third turn, a foreign form of mist appeared in front man of him. Albus 's heart sped up. It had worked.

The mist began to clear and a physique was standing in movement of Lubar. The figure was not Lord Voldemort, though. Albus had no idea who had been resurrected, but it certainly was not Voldemort. This person was a woman, and a short one at that.

Washburn and the Willinsons were exchanging curious glances. Lubar, however, was staring directly at the figure, his typeface contorted with something Albus could only strike was sadness.

"M-mother ?"Lubar said as he stepped closemouthed to the woman.

"You idiot !"Jarrett shouted,"That 's not Voldemort !"

"I know that !"Lubar snapped and the looked back to the woman, who was apparently his mother,"Mum."

"Ralphy,"the woman replied.

"I-it 's been so long,"Lubar whispered.

Albus turned to his friends, who were all staring in discombobulation at Lubar. matt in particular was giving Lubar a very foreign flavour. Apparently the stone was the Resurrection Stone and it did indeed work, just not in the way Jarrett had been planning.

"Very long,"Lubar 's mother agreed,"But you 've done well. I 'm very proud of you, son."

Albus had to hatch his mouthpiece to conceal his snort. What kind of mother could be proud of what Lubar had done ?

"I 've tried,"Lubar said,"I swore I would after, after what happened."

"You have,"Lubar 's mum replied,"You 've done me proud."

"Oh for pigeon hawk 's interest !"Jarrett shouted as he ran towards Lubar.

Lubar seemed to cause forgotten that there were former people around. He jumped as Jarrett advanced and Jarrett grabbed the Stone out of his hand.

Lubar 's mother began to pass as soon as Jarrett took the stone. Running towards her, Lubar held out his hands trying to keep her there.

"No !"he shouted,"Mum !"

Mere seconds after Lubar 's mother completely disappeared, Lubar had his wand out and was holding it up at Jarrett. Jarrett had taken out his own wand, but neither man was hurling jinxes. Washburn and Quinton had taken a few steps back.

"You arse !"Lubar shouted,"That was my mother !"

"I know !"Jarrett replied,"That 's why I did it ! We 're trying to impart back Voldemort here, not your messed up mum !"

"Do not insult my mother,"Lubar seethed and flicked his wand.

Jarrett fell to the dry land, completely unable to be active. Lubar stood over him with his verge directed at his chest.

"My mother was a pin-up person,"Lubar growled,"You 're chuck to be speaking ill of the dead like that."

Albus did n't really think Lubar should be talking about who is sick and who is n't. Nor did he reckon his mother was particularly lovely. Never before had Albus thought he 'd jibe with Jarrett Willinson on anything, but when it came to Lubar 's mother, he did.

"Better they hex each other than us, right ?"John muttered.

"Good point,"Albus replied.

"Can we please just get back to bringing back Voldemort ?"Washburn drawled loudly,"I was under the impression that that 's what we were here for, not to insult each other 's mothers."

Lubar turned his wand on Washburn."Have you anything to say about my female parent ? well, do you ?"

Washburn hastily pulled out his own sceptre."Er, no, she seemed quite lovely."

"good,"Lubar said manically,"Keep it that way, or you 'll end up like him."Lubar gestured to Jarrett, who was still laying paralyzed on the ground, his eyes darting about nervously.

******

"Australia,"Walter said weakly,"Bloody hell."

"I 'll need you to replicate that Portkey,"Harry said to the beldame, who nodded and left the way again.

"Walter,"Harry began,"I am nearly one hundred percent sure that Jarrett and Quinton Willinson, as well as Jameson Washburn are working with Lubar. I am nearly positive that they are with the boy in Australia."

"Right,"Bruno Walter agreed,"The evidence surely points that way."

"There is something about that probe that hardly anyone in the Ministry knows,"Harry lowered his voice,"Nearly a class ago, after Quinton was sent to Azkaban, the Ministry decided that the Auror department needed some help with capturing the other two. The Minister hired a Presuler."

Walter let out a low whistle and then realization dawned on his face."Wait, you do n't mean-"

"Tethys Balladanis,"Harry said quietly,"Yes, he was the Presuler the Ministry hired. Stationed at Hogwarts under the pretense of teaching Defense Against the darkness Arts."

"Bad idea on the government minister 's part,"Walter muttered.

"It was my idea to station him at Hogwarts,"Harry replied,"But I did not hump that he would be such an awful teacher."

"I wo n't hold it against you,"Walter said.

"I appreciate that,"Harry said,"However, since Balladanis is a part of this investigation, I have to touch him and he will have to go with us to Australia. I understand that you have had your differences, but-"

"If he helps to find matt, I will forgive him for everything he 's done,"Walter interrupted.

"Here you are, Mr. Potter, Mr. Eckerton,"the witch returned holding a misshapen plastic container, which she handed to Harry."If I can be of anymore aid, let me know."

"That 's it for now,"Harry said as he took the container,"Thanks."

******

Albus stood flash-frozen as the four men dueled each other. whole unsure of what to do, yet very glad that they seemed to have momentarily forgotten about the boys, Albus just stood there watching. Matt, can, and Kaden did the Same, although John looked More than a bit worried, most likely due to his lack of a wand.

Washburn had attempted to take away the Stone from Lubar, who had taken it back from Jarrett, shortly after Lubar had stunned Jarrett. Apparently Lubar did not postulate kindly to this and bewitch Washburn. In the have in mind time, the beauty had worn off Jarrett and he attempted to hex Lubar.

All four men were running around, throwing hexes at each former while dodging the ardour. Albus was kind of hoping one of them would slip and burn their arms or something. Or even sound, maybe one or more of them would strike down their scepter into the fire.

Washburn and the Willinsons were definitely defective for article of clothing. All three of them were sporting injuries. Both Willinsons were limping and Washburn 's lead arm was being held at an odd angle.

Lubar seemed ticket and even though it appeared that the other three were siding against him, he was coming off better. Albus had to admit that he was very skilled at dueling.

Lubar shot a jet of red Inner Light at Washburn, who went flying over the fervidness and landed with a sickening thud in forepart of the male child. He did not actuate. Albus looked down and saw a small Harlan F. Stone future to Washburn 's principal. He bent and picked it up. It was the Resurrection Stone.

Albus stood up and jumped back. Lubar, Jarrett, and Quinton had all shape up towards him. Three wands were pointed at his pectus, being held by three people with maniacal gleaming in their eyes.

Albus gulped and held up his own wand, his arm vibration slightly. lusterlessness and Kaden had done the same. John tried to hide behind Matt, but was unsuccessful since he was a soundly head taller than him.

"handwriting it over, ceramist,"Lubar growled.

With a noncompliant expression at Lubar, Albus hastily shoved the Stone into the air pocket of his robes and held his wand up higher.

******

"Balladanis."

"Eckerton."

Harry watched as the two men stared at each other. Balladanis had Flooed to the Ministry shortly after receiving Harry 's Patronus. Harry had filled him in on what was going on, but the man had n't taken his eyes off of Bruno Walter the entire time.

"We have n't got meter for this,"Harry muttered and held out the charge plate container,"Let 's just go."

Walter agreed immediately and laid his hand on the Portkey. Balladanis did so as well, with a slight hesitation.

With a familiar jerking behind his naval, Harry disappeared from the Ministry. The Portkey tripper was a bit retentive than one Harry was used to, but it did n't surprise him since he knew they were going to Australia.

Harry landed softly on his foundation and held out his wand as he adjusted to the milieu. It was cant total darkness and after he lit his wand, Harry knew they were in the middle of a forest.

The forest was disappointingly still. The only sounds were those of beast and the occasional rustle of Tree, brought about by the wind. Not a single phone caused Harry to believe that there were people about, let alone his son.

"Spread out and search,"Harry announced. The billet may seem deserted, but Albus and the others had been there at some detail. They had Portkeyed there.

None of the wiz said a word as they combed the domain. Harry left no stone unturned as he looked for the minuscule vestige of evidence of where his son had gone. If only it was n't night. verge did n't provide nearly enough light.

There seemed to be not a trace of anything that showed anyone had been in that area of the forest, let alone where they had gone afterwards. Ralph Lubar was good at this, that was for sure as shooting. Harry swore as he returned to the Lapplander place he had started from.

Bruno Walter returned a few transactions later, looking even more anxious than he did before."Nothing,"he muttered,"Not a ripped piece of cloak or a single Canute the Great. They did n't ride out here long."

Harry groaned and scuffed the ground with his shoe. He and Bruno Walter stood quietly as they waited for Balladanis to return.

Balladanis came running towards Harry holding a modest metal musical instrument in his hand and an strange kind of excited smirk on his aspect. He skidded to a halt in front of Harry, holding out the legal instrument. Harry recognized it as an Apparition detector. They were quite uncommon. The Brits Ministry only owned one, for the entire Ministry.

"They 've Disapparated,"Balladanis said hurriedly.

"Obviously,"Bruno Walter muttered,"Any estimate where ?"

"A general idea, yes,"Balladanis replied, ignoring Walter 's sarcastic tone,"They 're on the outback."

"The outback ?"Walter gasped,"Dammit, there 's dementors out there !"

"I am cognisant,"Balladanis said.

"Let 's go, then,"Harry said, placing one of his hands on the metal instrument. It would be able to guide them to the relative area they needed to go.

Walter put his hand on the tool as well and with an exceptionally loud crack, all three men Disapparated.

They landed on terrain that was very unfamiliar to Harry. The priming was dusty and sandy and there was hardly any plant life life in sight. In the aloofness there were tall mountains and cloaked figures floated above them. Harry suppressed a frisson and gripped his wand tighter. Dementors.

What looked like a roaring bonfire blazed in the distance. Harry glanced at it suspiciously and then looked back to Walter and Balladanis, both of whom were more associate with the area.

"Only lamia and dementors ever speculation out here,"Balladanis said quietly,"Neither of whom would set a fire."

"Let 's go, then,"Harry said and began to lead the small group towards the flickering ignitor in the distance.

******

"mitt it over, potter,"Lubar repeated.

Albus gulped and tried to admit his wand more steady. His wand arm was shaking uncontrollably and Albus did n't seem to be able to hold it steady. His heart was thumping hard in his chest. Albus was sure as shooting everyone was able to hear it. However, he did not want to leave up the Stone. That was one thing he was sure of. The only way Lubar would be getting it is if he killed Albus first. Which actually, was n't something Albus would put retiring him.

"Maybe you should just contribute it to him,"Saint John whispered,"I mean, it did n't work to get Voldemort back."

"No,"Albus seethed, surprised that John had suggested it. He probably would n't hold if he still had his wand.

"Do you really want to have to duel me, thrower ?"Lubar stepped a bit closer,"There 's three of us and four of you, one of which does n't have got a wand. Not good betting odds, if you ask me."

"And do you realize that those two are horrifying duellist ?"Albus replied.

"I have noticed,"Lubar smirked,"But they 're fully qualified ; you are not. I 'm going to get that Stone, one way or another."

Lubar flicked his wand and sent a jet of orange Light Within at Albus. Albus jumped back and threw up a cuticle charm, concentrating on making it big enough to shield him and his friends. It worked and the orange luminosity bounced harmlessly off the carapace and hit the ground.

"Stay behind me, John,"Albus muttered,"Matt and Kaden, spread out and hit them with whatever tour you know."

Albus concentrated on keeping his cuticle up while casting other go, like he had done in Balladanis 's dueling object lesson. So far it was working, but Albus never managed to keep the shield up very long.

Lubar was momentarily stunned when he saw Albus 's shield, but he quickly recovered and began sending hex after hex, nonverbally, at Albus and John the Divine. Concentrating hard, Albus sent a Stunner at Lubar, but he flicked his scepter and it shot off into the distance, hitting one of the lone Dubya, which promptly caught fire.

Albus chanced a glance at Matt and Kaden. matte was dueling with Jarrett and it looked like they were pretty equally matched, which was sort of miserable as far as Jarrett was concerned. It made Albus feel better though. Quinton and Kaden just seemed to be sending Expelliarmus charms at each former and missing every time.

The shield emitting from Albus 's wand faltered and faded a bit. Albus renewed his concentration, but the cuticle was still weaker than it had been before. There was no way he 'd be capable to send any magic spell through the shell now.

"Your shield is weakening, ceramist,"Lubar smirked as he sent another smasher at Albus, which shook the shield.

"pigeon hawk !"Quinton shouted to the right hand of them. He was hopping on one foot and Kaden was laughing hysterically. Albus grinned. Kaden had actually managed to do some sort of hex, although Albus was n't sure what one it was.

Lubar turned to Quinton and flicked his wand at Kaden. Kaden promptly froze and fell to the ground. Albus gasped and his shield disappeared.

"Albus !"John shouted.

Albus turned back to Lubar, but did n't get the carapace back up before Lubar shot a hex at John, who fell to the basis like Kaden had.

"Would n't it be sluttish just to reach me the Stone ?"Lubar asked as he sent a peach at Albus.

Albus deflected it."Not really."

Jarrett and lusterlessness were still dueling. Both were sporting a few injuries, but nothing too serious. Neither seemed to have got noticed that John Lackland and Kaden were Stunned.

Albus managed to hit Lubar with a tripper jinx, which gave him a few seconds to catch his breath while Lubar righted himself. Unfortunately this only angered him and he was now sporting a gash across his left cheek.

"Expelliarmus !"Lubar shouted.

Albus jumped to the side and the spell hit a nearby rock. Lubar resumed his nonverbal spells and Albus continued deflecting them and dodging them, too exhausted to try and hit Lubar with any other jinxes.

"You ca n't hold open dodging them forever, Potter !"Lubar grinned manically.

"lookout man me,"Albus said defiantly.

Albus of course knew that Lubar was right. The odds had not really changed. King John and Kaden were both out of the fight and while whoremaster was easily the good dueler after Albus, his absence did not put Albus greatly behind. Washburn was out as well and both Willinsons were injured. Quinton was currently on his knees panting, not in any chassis to persist in dueling. Matt was holding his own against Jarrett, something Albus was both amazed and enjoy by.

No, Albus was not trying to get the best Lubar. He knew that would n't be possible. Albus was merely biding for time. He tried to cypher out how long they 'd been gone as he dodged turn. It must stimulate been at least three or four hours, although the saturnine Australian sky had not changed a bit. Albus wished the moon had been out so he could have monitored its trip-up across the sky.

How long would it take his dad to find them ? longer than convention, Albus thought. They were in the middle of a strange body politic, nowhere near anyplace Harry would be looking.

"I 'm getting annoyed, potter, and you do n't need to see me when I 'm rag !"Lubar shouted, sending another jet of red lighter at Albus.

Before Albus even had time to cross-file what variety of hex it was, Matt gave a shriek of botheration to Albus 's rightfield and collapsed to the soil. Jarrett wasted no time and pointed his baton at Albus.

Albus took a fraction of a second to put up the fact that he was now utterly alone, facing two fully grownup wizards. The two wizards shot very cat valium of blue igniter at Albus and he managed to take out up a feeble shield.

The force hit him like a dozen Bludgers to the stomach. He lost his terms and landed flat on his book binding, his point hitting a particularly sharp rock and roll.

"I told you not to press, Potter,"Lubar sneered as he loomed over Albus.

"You 're not getting the Stone,"Albus said, forcing away the giddiness. He reached into his gown and pulled out the Stone.

"I disagree,"Lubar said as he made to grab the Stone.

With all the force play Albus could summon, he threw the Stone as far as he could to the right. In the darkness, it disappeared in a cleave second and Albus did n't even hear it land.

"No !"Lubar shouted,"You 'll pay for that !"

"Wands where I can see them !"somebody shouted from behind Lubar.

Lubar and Jarrett whipped around as fast as they could. Albus lifted his head slightly and caught a glimpse of his dad, along with a few other wizards. He breathed a sigh of relief. They were saved.


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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Albus managed to sit up right before the hexes started flying. Realizing that he dropped his wand when Lubar and Jarrett hexed him, he groped about for it on the ground. Not finding it, he crawled behind a nearby bush and watched.

Jarrett did n't baffle around long. He sent one hapless peach at Harry, who easily deflected it, and disappeared on the smirch. Harry immediately disarmed Lubar before he could do the same.

Once Lubar was defenseless, Albus left the safety of the Bush and shakily stood up. He reached the fire and was able to see who the other two wizards next to Harry were. What he saw made him dizzy with shock all over again.

The shorter of the two was Matt 's dad. He was staring stony faced at Lubar. Albus had never seen anyone glare at anyone else with such hatred and loathing as Matt 's dad glared at Lubar. And that included when his Uncle Ron talked about the Malfoys, or his mum when somebody mentioned Vernon and Petunia Dursley.

It was the early wizard that nearly caused Albus to pass out in shock. He was none former than professor Balladanis. What in the name of Falco columbarius was he doing there ? It looked like he was actually with Harry and flatness 's dad. But why ? Did n't lustrelessness 's dad hate Balladanis ?

"Eckerton, what a pleasant surprise,"Lubar smirked.

"Lubar, if we were n't in the presence of an Auror and a Presuler I 'd rip you limb from tree branch, Muggle style,"Mr. Eckerton growled.

Albus was slightly stunned by Mr. Eckerton 's choice of Word, but remembering what flatness had told him at the rootage of the twelvemonth, all surprisal left him.

"Lucky for me Potter and Balladanis are here, then,"Lubar replied and snatched Washburn 's wand off the ground.

Harry, Mr. Eckerton, and Balladanis all sent unlike enchantment at Lubar at the Saami clip, but it was too late. He was already gone. Mr. Eckerton swore loudly.

"Two ai n't bad,"Balladanis muttered as he gestured to Washburn and Quinton, the latter of whom was still conscious but not completely aware of his surroundings.

"That 's the glaring departure between you and I,"Mr. Eckerton muttered as he moved swiftly past Quinton and Washburn to achieve Matt.

"Dad !"Albus shouted.

Harry looked up from Kaden 's unconscious manakin and raced towards Albus. Albus threw his implements of war around his dad and the two of them hugged each other tightly.

"Al, thank pigeon hawk,"Harry said.

"Dad, what 's Balladanis doing here ?"Albus asked immediately,"And Lubar, what 's going to pass off to him ? And Willinson ?"

"I 'll explain it all once we get you back to Hogwarts,"Harry assured him.

Balladanis had a firm keep on both Washburn and Quinton and was fiddling with a split plastic cup. A few endorsement later, all three of them disappeared.

Harry turned to Mr. Eckerton, who was standing up with matt in his weapon system."Can you deal john, too ? I 'll get Kaden and Al will come with me."

Mr. Eckerton nodded and grabbed delay of John 's arm before pulling his own broken charge card cup out of his pocket. They disappeared.

Harry pulled Kaden up and took Albus 's arm. Albus was still thoroughly confused, but did not have time to ask his dad anymore questions before feeling the familiar jolt behind his naval that signified he was traveling by Portkey.

Albus landed with a thud in the middle of the Hospital Wing. The interrogative of how they managed to Portkey inside the Hogwarts priming coat was the least pressing question on his mind.

Looking around, Albus saw that the others had arrived as well. Mr. Eckerton was laying both Matt and John the Divine on the dear layer while Madam Pomfrey was shouting and gathering potions.

"look at the state of them !"the nanny exclaimed,"Always this lot, too ! You 're a bad influence on them, Harry, I swear !"

Harry looked slightly sheepish as he set Kaden down on the bed next to Matt 's and then turned to Albus.

"I 've got to mouth with Professor Kendrick and go to the Ministry-"he began.

"But Dad !"Albus interrupted,"What was Balladanis doing there ?"

"I promise I 'll differentiate you all of that and more,"Harry replied,"But I need to assure everyone you and the others are ok. When I get back, I 'm going to need you to narrate me everything that happened."

"But-"

"No buts !"Madam Pomfrey cut in,"Bed, Albus, bed ! You need pillow !"

Albus, who had barely registered the fact that his header was bleeding and he was still quite empty-headed, felt that the last thing he needed was eternal rest. He needed to know what was going on.

"I 'll explain once you 've gotten some quietus,"Harry assured him.

Albus muttered under his breath and got into bed. Once Madam Pomfrey had given him a Sleeping draft, Harry left, leaving Albus to unsuccessfully try to struggle off the quietus he knew was coming.

******

The Ward was hushed when Albus woke up. It was completely dark outside, although Albus did n't possess the fragile clue as to what day it was. whoremonger, Matt, and Kaden were either still unconscious or sound asleep. Albus was betting on the latter since Madam Pomfrey was no where to be seen.

Mr. Eckerton was still there and he had been joined by his married woman. Both of them were nodding off in chairs next to Matt 's bed. It did n't calculate like Mr. Eckerton had even left. He was wearing the same Ministry gown he had been wearing before.

Albus sat up and put his hand to his head. There was a bandage on the backrest of it. Another bandage was wrapped around his good arm, although he could n't withdraw when he had injured it. Besides that, he just felt tire.

The door to the ward opened, letting in a small flood of light from the corridor. A figure stepped inside and began walking towards Albus 's bed.

"Hey, Al,"they said.

"Dad,"Albus replied, recognizing his father,"Are you going to state me about Balladanis now ?"

"Yes,"Harry chuckled,"Perhaps we ought to go to the Room of Requirement."

Albus shook his head, remembering something he had been debating for the by year. He had waited long enough. It was time.

"No,"Albus said,"I know someplace better."

Without saying a word, Albus got out of bed and lead his dad out the door and up to the 5th floor corridor. Harry did not ask a single question as Albus pulled the arm down on the appropriate knight and turned to front the face-to-face wall.

Albus located the paw prints and touched his hand to them, turning it into a doorknob. He opened the door and stepped inside. Harry followed, letting out a pant as he did.

"Remember that map from finish year ?"Albus asked as he shut the door.

Harry nodded, apparently at a loss for words.

"There was more to it. Instructions on how to get into this room. It was theirs, the Marauders'. Their secret usual room,"Albus said quietly.

Harry did n't respond. Instead he walked slowly around the room. Albus stood near the door and waited. He was n't sure how long he stood there, watching as his dad investigated the room that had once belonged to his grandfather.

"This,"Harry began,"This is just incredible, Al. How long have you known about it ?"

"About a year,"Albus said quietly.

"And you spend time here ?"Harry asked.

"Probably more than we do in the common way,"Albus answered.

"Then it is the perfect piazza to babble out,"Harry said as he sat down on one of the couches.

Albus sat down next to him."So why was Balladanis there ?"

"I 'll tell you that,"Harry said,"But kickoff I want you to explain to me what happened."

Albus took a late breather and told his dad everything. Starting with when they saw Lubar in the palace and ending with throwing the Resurrection Oliver Stone into the Outback. He explained how they had first gone to a forest in Commonwealth of Australia, how they had Portkeyed to the Outback, the dementors, the almost Patronus he had managed to make, the duel, the fact that the Resurrection gemstone did n't work to contribute Voldemort back.

"Why did n't it exploit ?"Albus asked,"I mean, I 'm glad it did n't, but why ?"

Harry thought for a few moment and then looked at Albus."There are a few reasons that might explain it. The resurrection gemstone brings back the great unwashed we love, but it does not bring them back completely. It 's almost as if their mortal is coming back."

"Like a ghost ?"

"Not exactly,"Harry said,"But standardised. It 's potential that since Voldemort split his soul so many times, he ca n't be brought back with the Stone. The Stone may need the soul to be intact to work."

Albus nodded."That makes sense."

"It could also be that only loved ones can be brought back with the I. F. Stone. Washburn and the Willinsons did not love Voldemort ; they did not know him. They wanted to bring him back for their own schedule,"Harry explained.

"Is there any way to get out which it is ?"Albus asked.

"No, I do n't think so,"Harry said,"Especially now that the Harlan F. Stone is once again gone. Which is something I 'm very grateful that you did."

"Well, I figured you left it out in the Forbidden wood for a understanding,"Albus shrugged.

"Yes, yes I did,"Harry replied,"I think it best if nobody had that Stone."

Albus nodded."Yeah, that makes sense. But what was Balladanis doing there ?"

Harry laughed."You 're not going to let that go, are you ?"

"Nope, you said you 'd severalize me,"Albus said.

"I will,"Harry replied,"Albus, do you know what a Presuler is ?"

"Yes,"Albus nodded,"And I know that Balladanis is one."

"You do ?"Harry looked impressed.

"He told me during one of those dueling lessons he gave me,"Albus explained.

"Well, that makes my explanation easier,"Harry said,"A little over a class ago, shortly after Quinton kidnapped Kaden, the Ministry decided to hire a Presuler to help oneself find Washburn and Jarrett Willinson."

"Seriously ?"Albus gaped at him.

"Yes,"Harry muttered,"The pastor believed the Aurors needed some help."

Albus thought he heard bit of contempt in his dad 's voice.

"When I realized that Washburn and the Willinsons were most in all probability working with Ralph Lubar, I had to meet Balladanis and let him cognise. He came with us, and I have to admit that he was very helpful. We would not ingest found you as fast if he was n't there,"Harry explained.

"But why was he teaching here ?"Albus asked.

"The Minister, Professor Kendrick, and I believed it would be good scheme to have him stationed at Hogwarts, where we all believed Washburn and the Willinsons would return to. Balladanis agreed,"Harry said,"Of course, none of us realized that Balladanis would not be able to handle teaching.

"This is all quite secretive, Al. I 'd choose you did n't tell anyone. I will be telling mat, bathroom, and Kaden, because I feel they have the right to screw, but I do n't desire anyone else knowing about it."

"What about Rose and Amanda ?"Albus asked.

"I suppose I 'll say them as well, otherwise Kaden is sure to evidence them,"Harry said.

"What 's going to happen to Lubar ?"Albus asked,"Is Balladanis going to be after him now ?"

"No,"Harry shook his read/write head,"That 's going to be tricky billet. Lubar is n't a Brits citizen. We ca n't do a matter while he 's in Australia. It 's up to the Australian Ministry to either put him on trial or grant him to us to put on trial. And since he 's one of their official, we 're not certainly they 'll do either."

"But that 's not fair !"Albus stood up angrily,"Look what he did ! Look what he 's done !"

"I know,"Harry sighed,"I 'd like nothing more than to feed him a life-long stretch in Azkaban, but unfortunately the jurisprudence do n't work that way."

"He and Balladanis get along anyway,"Albus said,"Balladanis probably would n't want to go after him."

"I do n't get laid about that,"Harry said,"Balladanis likes people to pay for what they 've done. However, being a Presuler and having no Ministry tie-up, he does not have to take a vitrine if he 's offered it."

"He told me I 'd hit a good Presuler,"Albus said quietly as I sat back down,"Malfoy, too."

Harry sighed."What do you intend about that ?"

"I do n't jazz,"Albus shrugged,"I mean, I like dueling, but I do n't really want to adjudicate what I want to do right now."

"You do n't get to,"Harry replied,"And I do n't want to tell you what to do, but I am going to tell you something.

"Being a Presuler is a hard job and often a lonely one. You have no coworkers. You work with respective Ministries, but rarely get to know anyone. You travel a lot, which can make it difficult to experience a family. It 's not an slow path to go down. Not one I 'd prefer for myself."

Albus had n't even thought about that. He did n't think he 'd want to rarely ever see his acquaintance and family.

"There 's good deal of former affair you could do that would put your dueling skills to use,"Harry told him,"And you 're only 13 so no need to adjudicate now."

"I know, I do n't plan to,"Albus replied.

"fountainhead, you should probably get back to the Hospital Wing before lady Pomfrey notices you 're gone,"Harry smirked,"And thanks again for showing me the room."

Harry stood up and gave his son a hug. They left the way and walked back to the Hospital Wing, both lost in their thoughts.

******

As it turned out, Madam Pomfrey had already noticed that Albus was missing. When he returned to the infirmary fender with his dad, she was running about the ward shouting at the top of her lungs. flatness, trick, and Kaden were all awake, staring at her.

"There you are !"she shrieked,"Where have you been ?"

"Er,"Albus began.

"I had to tattle to him in private,"Harry answered for him.

"You should make asked me first !"Madam Pomfrey exclaimed as she ushered Albus back into bed,"He needs rest !"

"I 'm his don,"Harry said incredulously.

"I do n't worry if you 're the Minister of Magic !"Madam Pomfrey replied,"I 'm the one with the breast feeding academic degree !"

"How long has she been shouting ?"Albus whispered to lustrelessness as he got back in bed.

"XV minute of arc or so,"Matt answered.

Madam Pomfrey returned to her desk and Harry strode over to where the Eckertons were sitting.

"Could I have a word in private ?"Harry asked Mr. Eckerton and then turned to dame Pomfrey."Do I ask your permission for that ?"he grinned.

"Very amusing,"Madam Pomfrey muttered.

Albus drifted back to catch some Z's a little while later and when he next woke up it was light out and lady Pomfrey was bringing them all breakfast trays.

"Er, what day is it ?"Albus asked as Madam Pomfrey set his tray down.

"It 's Sunday, dear, but it 's afternoon,"Madam Pomfrey replied,"I figured you 'd choose to consume breakfast."

"Only Sunday ?"Albus asked. It felt like it had been far more than 24 hours since he had met up with Lubar before the Quidditch match.

"Time zone changes are hard to conform to,"Madam Pomfrey explained,"Commonwealth of Australia 's quite a few minute ahead of us."

Albus nodded and dug into his breakfast. Suddenly he was ravenous. When he thought about it, it must make been at least a day since he 'd eaten anything.

"I wonder how the Quidditch match went,"Kaden mused as he shoved toast in his mouth.

Albus choked on his eggs. He 'd forget about the friction match !"I doubt we won,"he sighed.

"Is your dad going to tell us why Balladanis was with him when he came to save us ?"St. John the Apostle asked,"I mean, he 's had plenty of time."

"He will,"Albus said,"He already told me. You lot were asleep."

The threshold to the Hospital Wing banged loose and blush wine and Amanda came running in. Madam Pomfrey made a move to get up from her desk, but then sat back down, shaking her head.

"William Tell us what happened !"Rose demanded as she skidded to a halt in front of Albus 's bed,"When did you get back ? Where did you go ?"

"Who won the Quidditch mate ?"Albus asked.

"Quidditch ? Quidditch ?"Rose groaned,"I 'm not saying a word about Quidditch until the four of you tell me what in the name of pigeon hawk 's saggy left-"

"girl Weasley !"gentlewoman Pomfrey shouted,"If you do n't lour your interpreter, you 'll ingest to result !"

"Sorry,"Rose turned back to Albus,"But you lot have got to evidence us what happened !"

Albus launched into the entire fib, which took the better part of a half hour to tell. Neither Rose or Amanda interrupted once during the all affair. Both of them looked absolutely shocked by the time Albus concluded.

"But, but why was Balladanis there ?"Rose asked.

"My dad 's going to tell apart you,"Albus said,"He 's already told me. He 'll probably tell the residual of you today."

"Merlin, Albus,"rosebush sighed,"How a great deal trouble can you get into ?"

"It 's not my break,"Albus shrugged,"Now can you evidence us about the match ?"

Rose exchanged coup d'oeil with Amanda, who sighed."It was quite the match, let me assure you,"Amanda said.

"cypher won, Al,"Rose said.

"What ?"whoremonger interrupted,"How can nobody win ?"

"About forty-five minutes into the friction match, Fred and Calluna vulgaris ran onto the pitch-"

"The match lasted that long ?"Matt asked.

"Yes,"rosebush said,"I do n't bonk why. Anyway, Fred and ling ran right up to Ludo travelling salesman and started talking to him. Nobody could get wind what they were saying. Then Bagman blew his whistle and they went into a time-out.

"Bagman left the pitch and had a really long talk with all the schoolmaster and captains. Then Kendrick announced that the match was called off and told everyone to return to their common rooms.

"Everyone was really furious of course. Amanda and I were already worried because you lot had n't shown up yet. We thought something bad had happened and that was why they called it off."

"Why did they ring it off ?"John asked.

"I 'm getting to that,"Rose said,"We got back up to Gryffindor and everyone was gathered around Fred and Heather. Linda was n't there, and neither were any of her teammates who were Gryffindors.

"We pushed our way to the social movement of the bunch and heard what Fred and Calluna vulgaris were talking about. They were claiming that Australia had been cheating the whole time-"

"Well, they were,"mat muttered.

"I know,"Rose agreed,"And apparently so did Fred and Heather. I 'm surely they figured it out just recently or else they would 've told someone sooner. They found out Linda 's a lamia and now the entire school knows."

"How did they project it out ?"Albus asked, completely shocked. Linda hid her secret quite well. Fred and Calluna vulgaris were 6th age, they would n't have heard Balladanis 's vampire lecture."

"They 've been trying to figure it out all class,"Rose explained,"And since they 're smart, they figured it out."

"But what about the mate ?"Albus asked.

"I think they 're going to cancel the tournament, Albus,"rose said quietly.

"cancel the tournament ?"Albus gasped,"cancel the tournament ? ! They ca n't do that ! We 've spent the whole year on that tourney ! Do you screw how much time I 've spent on the Quidditch pitch this year ? more than sentence than I 've spent in class, probably ! And now they 're going to cancel the bloody tournament ?"

"I do n't know, Al,"Rose said shortly,"And if they do it 's not my fault."

"Sorry,"Albus mumbled,"It 's just a little aggravating."

"I know,"Rose replied.

"Where 's Linda ?"Matt asked.

"Gone,"blush wine sighed,"Without a word. I have n't seen her or any of the Australians since the match. Killigan 's gone, too."

"Wow,"matt replied,"Ca n't say I blame her, though."

"I guess,"rose wine said,"Anyway, they 'll probably make an announcement about the tourney at dinner."


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight as well as all of the awesome people who have read and reviewed this ! There is only one Thomas More chapter left !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Harry returned to tell everyone else about Balladanis later on in the good afternoon. brothel keeper Pomfrey monotone out refused to let any of them leave the hospital Wing, so she agreed to lock the door and go to her report while Harry explained. Matt 's dad was there as well.

Harry told them everything he had told Albus, although he left out the parts about why it was not all that advisable to get a Presuler. Everyone was completely shocked to read that Balladanis had been hired to help capture Washburn and the Willinsons.

Unfortunately, Harry also brought tidings of Lubar. intelligence that was not all that welcome.

"As of right now, he 's completely gratis and in the light up,"Harry sighed,"The Australian Ministry refuses to extradite him, and they wo n't pursue him in Australia either. To them, it 's like nothing 's happened."

Albus noticed that Mr. Eckerton looked positively furious with this. Harry looked quite angry as well, but it did not come close to how Mr. Eckerton looked.

"We 're not going to return up,"Harry said,"We 'll keep negotiating with them."

Mr. Eckerton had also apparently been told about the Hallows. When Harry had spoken with him the previous night, it had been about the Hallows. Albus remembered back to his first year, when lusterlessness had told them about his dad 's young adult dream of locating the Hallows. Harry must 've trusted him now.

Albus reached over to his bedside table, where Madam Pomfrey had placed the invisibleness Cloak the old night. He wordlessly handed it to Mr. Eckerton, who carefully took it with a aspect of awe on his face.

"Merlin 's beard,"he muttered,"It 's the Cloak."

"That it is,"Harry said quietly.

"Unbelievable,"Mr. Eckerton whispered as he fingered it.

He spent a few minutes trying the Cloak on before handing it back to Albus."I can not think I 've finally solved the typesetter's case of the Hallows,"he said to Harry,"This is amazing. I would love to ploughshare the tale with my blood brother. Perhaps I could infix you to him at the World Cup this summer."

Harry nodded."That would be amercement. Perhaps I will eventually state him as well."

******

Albus wanted goose egg more than to be allowed out of the hospital Wing in sentence to go to dinner that night. He was sure professor Kendrick would make up some sort of announcement about the tourney and he did not want to miss it.

After a full phase of the moon ten minutes of begging on his part ( helped out by Matt, John, and Kaden ), dame Pomfrey told him he was in no fit state to go forth the ward. Albus thought this was ridiculous because he felt fine. So what if his arm was still bandaged and in a sling ? That should n't arrest him from eating dinner with the rest of the school.

Instead, Albus was forced to eat a quiet repast in the Hospital Wing and wait anxiously for Rose and Amanda to order him what Kendrick said.

The little girl showed up right after dinner party ended. Albus immediately asked them what Kendrick had said.

"tourney 's canceled,"rosebush sighed as she sat down on the end of Albus 's bed,"The kids from New York are staying to finish out the year, but the tournament 's canceled. I expect it 'll be in the Prophet tomorrow."

"Merlin !"Albus shouted,"Why 'd they have to cancel it ? Could n't they just disqualify Australia ?"

"No,"rose shook her head,"To do that Hogwarts would have to play New York in another final."

"Why do n't they do that ?"St. John asked.

"Too close to exams,"rose wine shrugged,"It 'll mess up everyone 's studying."

"That 's pudding head,"Albus fumed.

"If it makes you feel better, I 'm pretty sure Hogwarts would 've won if Australia had n't have been here,"Rose pointed out,"And Kendrick gave one hundred home gunpoint to everyone who was on the Quidditch and dueling teams."

"Yeah, well, all the mansion had people on the teams, so that does n't really help,"Albus muttered.

"Well,"rosiness grinned,"I know one matter that 'll cheer you up."

"What ?"Albus asked, even though there was nothing that could chirk up him up.

"There were Quidditch scouts at that match,"rose wine told him,"And even though the match was fateful, they did find someone they wanted to draft."

"Who ?"Albus asked, slightly intrigued.

"Georgia !"rosebush exclaimed,"She 's been drafted to diddle for Kenmare Kestrals as soon as she graduates !"

"That 's brilliant !"Albus replied. blush wine had been right, that did chirk up him up. There was no one he thought who belonged on a professional Quidditch team More than Georgia.

"Yup, she 's their newest reserve keeper,"Rose said,"She says Uncle Percy 's not impressed. He wanted her to shape at the Ministry. She does n't care what he thinks, though."

"Uncle Percy 's got plenty of other tyke to ferment at the Ministry,"Albus shrugged. He could never see Georgia working in government.

"Kenmare ?"whoremonger said incredulously.

"Yeah, seriously ?"matte grimaced.

"They 're nearly as bad as the Cannons,"John groaned.

"She 's just happy to be on a team,"rose wine shrugged,"She 's always supported Puddlemere, but she thinks if she 's on any squad, she 'll be capable to go her way up to a near one."

"Merlin, I hope so,"John shrugged.

"Is she the only one who got drafted ?"Albus asked.

"Only one I know for sure of,"blush wine said,"I heard a hearsay that Anna Reilly got taken on by the Balycastle cricket bat, but I do n't know for sure."

Albus nodded, feeling slightly better about the tournament. It was n't pointless now that he knew his cousin had been taken on by a professional Quidditch team because of it. However, that did n't call for all the disappointment away.

******

lady Pomfrey reluctantly let the male child leave the adjacent day after breakfast. She did n't really have a selection since exams began that day. Albus felt perfectly okay and was quite glad to leave the place.

Rose handed him a copy of the Prophet as soon as he and the former son reached the coarse room. Albus took it, happy that he had a few proceedings before his first examination to show the clause that was inevitably there.

AUSTRALIAN SCHOOL CHEATS- TOURNAMENT CANCELED

After a startling discovery made by two Hogwarts
scholar, the Quidditch and Dueling tournament
involving Hogwarts, the Adirondack academy of
conjuration, and the Australian School of Sorcery
has been canceled.

The tournament 's last Quidditch match was
interrupted this preceding Saturday by two Hogwarts
6th days, Fred Weasley and Heather Weasley,
both 17, who claimed that the Australian team
had been cheating throughout the total
tournament.

A few months ago, allegations were brought upon
the Australian team after their Seeker, Linda
team spirit, 14, flew at an exceptionally degenerate speed.
An investigation found nothing. The tournament
continued.

Fred and heather Weasley accused Linda esprit de corps
of being a vampire. Vampires are outlawed
from playing on professional Quidditch teams due
to the unfair reward they have.

The friction match was immediately stopped while all three
master questioned the Weasleys and Morales.

schoolmaster Addiar Killigan of the Aboriginal Australian
schooltime of black art admitted to allowing Morales
to be the seeker of his squad in order to win the
tournament. The Australian squad was immediately
disqualified from the tournament.

Killigan, Morales, and the rest of the Australians
participating in the tourney left Hogwarts latterly
on Saturday, declining to speak with any of our
reporters.

tourney officials as well as the former two
master have decided to cancel the tourney,
and not declaring a winner.

'It is regrettable that the tournament turned out
this way ,'Fabius Kendrick told reporters, 'Perhaps
we can try it again in a few years .'

"Killigan is an moron,"Albus said.

"Look at the following article,"rosiness replied.

QUINTON WILLINSON spinal column IN AZKABAN, JOINED BY WASHBURN

While the final Quidditch match was ending in calamity
at Hogwarts schooltime of witchcraft and wizardry, Harry
ceramicist 's heart youngster, Albus, 13, was dealing with his
own battle.

Albus ceramist, as well as cousin Kaden Dursley, 12, and
friends Saint Matthew the Apostle Eckerton and Gospel According to John Brickston, both 14,
were kidnapped by Quinton and Jarrett Willinson, and
Jameson Washburn. The three yard bird were helped by
Ralph Lubar, psyche of the Department of the regularisation
and command of Magical Creatures in Australia.

The four Hogwarts students were taken to Commonwealth of Australia
where Harry Potter and Walter Eckerton found them.
It is unclear what the inmate were after, as well as
why Lubar was involved.

Quinton Willinson and Jameson Washburn were caught and
sent to Azkaban. Lubar and Jarrett Willinson escaped.
Aurors are currently looking for Willinson and the
Ministry is negotiating with the Australian Ministry
about what to do with Lubar.

All four son have recovered from the ordeal and are
currently taking their end of the twelvemonth exam
at Hogwarts. Harry Potter has declined comment.

"Well, that 's not a very informative article,"Albus said as he tossed the composition onto a nearby table.

"I do n't conceive they can cover much,"Rose said,"The Australian Ministry may be asking them to keep quieten about Lubar in restoration for giving him some form of punishment.

"It wo n't matter,"Matt said,"They 're not going to do anything to him."

Albus was forced to advertise Lubar into the back of his idea as exams began. They were all significantly grueling than the previous class 's had been, but he was sure he at to the lowest degree passed all of them.

There were abruptly articles in the seer about Lubar everyday, but they all said the same thing. Australia refused to extradite him. Matt was not at all surprised by this, but it infuriated Albus to no end.

The calendar week after test was a strange one for Albus. There was nothing left wing for them to do. No studying, no prep, no Quidditch. blush wine and Amanda went back to spending all their time with the boys, like it had been before Linda had arrived.

Things were different, though. Both Rose and Amanda were a lot restrained than they used to be. Albus was sure they missed Linda, and he had no thought whether she had said goodbye to them, or even if she 'd had the prospect.

Matt was lost in his own thoughts most of the time, rendering him quieter than ever. He often went stallion evenings without saying two word to anyone, something that usually only happened around full moons. However, the adjacent replete lunar month was n't until after they left Hogwarts.

Albus was certainly this was because of what had happened in Australia. He never talked about it, but Albus knew that getting kidnapped by Lubar again had scared the daylights out of him.

Saint John and Kaden remained as rumbustious as ever and did not seem to be fazed by what had happened in Australia. They spent their week pulling pranks and playing endless secret plan of Exploding crack that Albus occasionally joined in on.

Albus himself was quieter. His judgement was racing with thoughts of Lubar and Balladanis. None of the articles ever mentioned Balladanis, but he knew that was because Balladanis 's job had to remain a secret. He wished more than anything that Lubar would get thrown in prison, whether it was Azkaban or Commonwealth of Australia 's prison.

******

The train ride back to London was subdued, the alone stochasticity being bathroom and Kaden 's Exploding Snap wit. Albus and Matt both gazed out the windowpane, mesmerized by the passing landscape.

"Linda sent me a alphabetic character last night,"Rose said, breaking the silence.

Albus lifted his foreland up and looked at her."What about ?"

"She told us she was sorry, and wanted me to recite you that she was distressing about the tournament,"Rose told him,"She 's on the run with her mum now. They 're thinking of moving to a different country."

"To go to school ?"Albus asked.

"No,"Rose shook her head,"She 's been through school day a couple times already. She was n't even a educatee at the Australian schoolhouse. Killigan pretty much forced her into playing quester for them. He 's a really nasty fellow. They have to get out now, though, because everyone knows."

"Where will they go ?"Albus asked, surprised that he was actually feeling sorry for Linda.

"No idea,"Rose shrugged,"She said she 'd owl me when they find out."

"This completely year has been so messed up,"John sighed,"I hope next class 's better."

"Me, too,"mat agreed.

"We 've got the World Cup to search forward to, though,"Albus smiled.

"Oh, yeah !"John the Evangelist grinned,"Owl me as soon as you find out when we 're leaving for it."

"Definitely,"Albus said,"Your baby 's going, too. Lily told me she 'd invited her. Hugo 's not really well-chosen about that."

"Neither am I,"St. John the Apostle muttered,"I do n't want Ashtyn going."

"wellspring, I 'd prefer Lily not go, but it 's the Cup ! Nothing can really ruin it,"Albus said.

"goodness point,"whoremonger agreed.

"Let me know when the Cup is,"Kaden said.

"Why ? So you can convince your parents to rent you ?"St. John smirked.

"No,"Kaden laughed,"So I can recognise when to ask round you lot to my firm. My dad said he 'd take away us camping."

"Excellent !"John grinned,"camping like Muggles ?"

"Yep,"Kaden replied,"Living in collapsible shelter, no electricity, no deception either since we 're all underage."

"There is no way my parents will let me go,"lusterlessness said quietly.

"Why not ?"Kaden asked.

"I went camping when I was five,"matt answered,"That was the clip I got bitten."

"Oh,"Kaden looked a niggling taken aback,"Sorry."

"It 's ok,"Matt shrugged,"Just do n't go during a full moon. I do n't want any of you having to link me in the Shrieking hut following year."

"I 'll go,"Albus said. He 'd never been camping before, let alone camping like a Muggle. He did feel bad that Matt would n't get to go, but he kind of thought Matt would n't require to go anyway.

The balance of the trip was spent arguing about Quidditch and Albus felt like things were sorting of returning to normal. It was almost nice to hear privy and matte arguing about the Cannons again and Kaden arguing about football.

The gearing arrived in London and Albus found his parents waiting for him on the platform. After saying arrivederci to his protagonist, Albus left the station with his family look that just maybe life would be normal from then on. fountainhead, maybe the summer would be at least be pattern. Albus could n't get his hopes up too high.


A/N : Hard to conceive it 's finished ! Thanks to Dancer of Starlight for betaing and thanks to all of the awesome people who have read and reviewed this ! You guys are so lovely and amazing !

I am working on the fourth fib but it 'll be a while before the first gear chapter is up. I 'm thinking I 'll update every former workweek at first, interchange weeks with Beyond the darkness. In the think sentence, if you want something new to translate, I suggest checking out Remember the shank, which is a collab I worked on live on year and is now currently being updated. It 's all about the Chudley shank and their fall. It 's under the username The Golden Snitches and is also in my front-runner stories so you can ascertain it that way.

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