A/N : Brief author 's note prior to the chapter. This chapter is from Teddy 's gunpoint of thought, as I wanted to write the specifics of what happened during the mission to catch Greyback. An clause in the prophesier just would n't do it justice. Hope you enjoy !


Teddy Lupin had been a Jnr Auror for nearly eight months. In that time he had n't done much in terms of fighting darkness adept, and most of the missions he 'd gone on had been rather boring. Up until the Azkaban break-out most of his work had consisted of paperwork and the episodic stake-out. Being an Auror, teddy bear had discovered, was a lot more than chasing down Dark maven and saving people 's lives.

It was for this very reason that shift had been surprised when his godfather, Harry Potter, had approached him the late day and told him of his novel appointment. He, Teddy lupine, brand-new Junior Auror, had been assigned to the delegacy of capturing escaped lycanthrope, Fenrir Rebel. grayback, the Saame werewolf who had infected his father with lycanthropy decades ago. Greyback, one of Britain 's nigh wanted fugitive from justice.

The delegacy, Harry had informed him, was very sore in nature and had to be handled with discernment. There was to be no acknowledgment of it to anyone outside of the citizenry assigned to it. There were very few mass assigned to the military mission and they included Harry himself, the Head of the Regulation and controller of Magical brute, and Ron Weasley. That was it. A few others had been assigned to preserve an eye on the small fry greyback attacked the previous month, but they were n't to be directly involved with the Reb mission itself.

Harry had explained the detail of the foreign mission, including the fact that the unanimous affair had been Albus 's idea, along with one of his acquaintance, who happened to be the nous of the regularisation and Control of Magical wight 's son. Who also happened to be a werewolf. It took teddy bear a few hour to wrap his head around the intact state of affairs. To make things even more insane, Albus 's wolfman admirer was the pal of teddy 's friend, Amy.

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

Harry had instructed him to show up at the Hog 's header, in disguise, at seven o'clock. Once there, he was to order a beverage and sit at the bar, avoiding contact with everyone. Harry, Ron, and Walter Eckerton were going to do the same.

Disguising himself was teddy bear 's principal persuasiveness. Before he Apparated to Hogmseade he morphed his face so he looked a few years honest-to-goodness and his haircloth so that it was a generic Brown people of colour rather than its common turquoise. He finished off the face by shrinking himself and adding a few pounds. After donning a tatterdemalion old cloak, Teddy turned on the spot and reappeared in the bowling alley next to Weasleys'genius Wheezes.

Teddy peeked inside the construction and saw George working. If he had n't been on a mission he would 've stopped to say hello, but instead he turned in the diametric direction and headed toward the Hog 's foreland.

The pub was practically void. There was an old enchantress at one of the tables, nursing a drink, and a lad quiescence at the end of the bar. Ron was already there, sitting at a table with a chalice in presence of him. He 'd clearly attempted to disguise himself, but there was no mistaking his red tomentum. Harry and Bruno Walter did n't look to be there yet.

Teddy ambled up to the bar, deciding at the last minute that his bastard character should take the air with a limp. Aberforth was there and teddy bear ordered a Butterbeer. Probably not the usual drink for the Hog 's chief, but he needed to stay fresh his head word realize for the missionary work. He took the drink and began to sip it slowly, as he had no musical theme how long he 'd involve to venture he was n't an Auror.

A one-half hour later the door opened again and Harry and Walter walked in. Walter joined Ron at his back mesa while Harry went up to the bar. He sat next to Teddy.

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

"mulct,"Aberforth grunted.

"We 're here on Ministry business,"Harry said."mightiness be here a few hours. Could be the whole nighttime. Do you mind ?"

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

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

Aberforth nodded and set a few more Butterbeers on the counter. Harry picked them up and gestured for slip to abide by him to the back table, where Ron and Walter were now crouched over a piece of parchment.

Teddy sat down side by side to Walter and Harry sat next to him. He passed around the Butterbeers while Ron turned the parchment around so Teddy and Harry could see it. slip recognized it ; it was Albus 's map of Hogwarts and Hogsmeade. Currently, it was magically magnified to point the screeching Shack and the thou outside it. Only one dot was there. It was labeled 'Matthew Eckerton'and was stationary in the scream Shack.

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

No one had told him, but Teddy knew the actual ground why he 'd been assigned to this mission, and it had zippo to do with his Auror attainment. for sure, that had been a asset, but any of the other Jr Aurors were just as dependent. And the full Aurors were even more so. The reason was that he was the only when Auror who was related to a werewolf, and thus would n't care that a lycanthrope at Hogwarts was an integral part of this plan. It was also the reason why Harry and Ron were there, when Auror Newman had previously been assigned to the Greyback font. Walter Eckerton did n't want any danger of his son 's experimental condition being leaked to the public, and putting Harry, Ron, and slip on the caseful would ensure that it would n't.

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

"Fairly certain,"Bruno Walter said."Werewolves are attracted to the call of their own kind and Greyback is set on creating his own pack of young werewolves. He spent the last full Moon lurking around the screeching Shack, after he attacked those children. He knows matte 's there. He 'll come back."

Teddy nodded. The minutes ticked by and the pub grew quieter. The old witch left, taking her meth with her. The man sleeping at the bar snorted and rolled over, nearly falling off his stool. shift finished his Butterbeer and set it next to the other empty ice on the table, wondering if he should go order of magnitude another or just remain seated.

At eleven o'clock Aberforth woke up the bloke at the bar and had to help him to the door and then physically stuff him out of the pub. He gave a quick nod to Harry, Ron, Bruno Walter, and teddy bear and then went upstairs.

"I suppose the disguises were a bit pointless,"Ron said as he pointed his scepter at his font. His nose returned to its formula condition.

"fountainhead, with the Hog 's Head, you never know,"Harry said.

The radical settled into secretiveness again. Outside, there was the speech sound of deliquium howling. Teddy glanced at Walter and noticed that he winced slightly every time there was a particularly garish howl. Harry and Ron sent him sympathetic smell that Teddy tried to mimic. He did n't have any fry so he really had no idea what that was like, let alone having a kid with lycanthropy.

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

All four men crowded around the map once more. One of the Lucy in the sky with diamonds was indeed labeled 'Fenrir Rebel ,'but the others were names Teddy did n't recognize.

"Meredith Jenner and J. C. Maxwell Jenner,"teddy read."Who are they ?"

"They must be other lycanthrope,"Ron said.

"Or Animagi,"Harry pointed out.

"No,"Bruno Walter said as he shook his head word."Those are the two tyke who got bitten survive month."

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

"Mine either,"Walter said.

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

"There they are,"teddy bear said as three new dots suddenly appeared onto the map. They must 've Apparated."

"Yeah, well, they 'd have no chance following three wolfman on pes,"Bruno Walter said.

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

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

The Hog 's head word was not far away from the Shrieking hutch. Within three instant they arrived and found Newman and the other two magician attempting to restrict the three werewolves.

"They 're the kids from last month !"one of the lycanthrope command whole employees shouted.

"Be careful with them !"Walter shouted back."They 've done nada wrong !"

"We 're trying !"

The two smaller wolfman were currently attempting to attack the loup-garou Control Unit employees and Newman, while Greyback seemed to wish far more about getting into the screaming Shack. He was a much larger skirt chaser, Lady Jane Grey in color, and had bright yellowness eyes. He was on the porch, biting at the door, and not paying any attending to the wizards around him. It seemed to Teddy that he had far More control condition over himself than a rule werewolf.

Walter and Ron joined the wolfman ascendency building block employees in trying to restrain Meredith and Maxwell. It was a difficult undertaking because they had to do it without hurting them. chemise was fairly sealed that the law would n't care whether the two tiddler were hurt in the process, but that had never been how Bruno Walter ran the department.

Harry nodded to Teddy and they walked slowly up the lawn, their wands out in front of them. If they could just take in Greyback by surprise then they 'd be able to conjure some ropes and cumber him before he even knew what was happening.

They were only 20 animal foot away when it happened. Calidris canutus suddenly froze and then turned around. He must 've smelled them. With a loud snarl, he jumped the xx feet separating them in one leap.

Teddy and Harry jumped back, sending trance forward as they did so. grayback lunged, the spells not seeming to impact him at all, and made a swipe at teddy. Teddy jumped to the position and sent another Stunner at Limnodromus griseus.

Battling a lycanthrope was very different from battling a mavin, shimmy realized. And battling loup-garou had not been covered in training. Sure, they 'd learned and practiced the spells used against werewolves, but they 'd never performed them on real werewolves. The main remainder was that werewolves did n't have sceptre and thus could not cast spells. But at the same prison term, they had dentition, nipper, and were much stronger than the medium human. Plus there was the fact that one bite would turn you into one forever.

Teddy and Harry took turns sending ravisher at Rebel and were able to confuse him enough that he did n't quite know who to attack. As they worked, they were steadily moving closer and closer to the scream Shack.

Greyback soon realized that he was being cornered back onto the porch and decided to involve another saltation forward. He snarled loudly and lunged toward Harry, nearly making contact. Teddy jumped forward and sent another Stunner toward Greyback.

Greyback flew backward and slammed into the figurehead threshold, his pass making a sickening crush as it collided with the doorknob. He slid down the door and landed on the floor, not moving.

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

"Harry, you okay ?"teddy asked.

"amercement,"Harry said."You ?"

chemise nodded and began to take a few timid steps toward greyback. Harry was soon by his side.

"Is he ..."slip began.

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

shimmy felt slightly disappointed. There was a percentage of him, a very small portion, that wished he 'd killed Greyback. Greyback had been the one who 'd made his dad 's life miserable, and he 'd viciously attacked Victoire 's dad when he was n't even transformed. Yes, teddy bear had to acknowledge, there was a part of him that wanted revenge. A part of him that wanted to be the one who finally killed Fenrir Greyback.

slip glanced over to the relaxation of the group, but they 'd finished, too. Walter was currently tying the two lycanthrope children up with ropes while the former men stood around watching. Ron looked up and met chemise 's eyes, then walked over toward them.

"Done ?"Harry asked.

Ron nodded."They 're tied up and Stunned. I suppose we 'll give birth to maintain Stunning them until the moon sets."

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

"Bruno Walter said he 'll personally make a visit to their house in a few twenty-four hours to talk over precautions for succeeding calendar month,"Ron said."But still, their parents must be idiots. They could 've been killed."

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

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

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

"Well, at to the lowest degree no one was hurt,"slip pointed out. He turned back to where the other wolfman had been tied up, but noticed that they were now being levitated to the porch of the shrieking Shack by the lycanthrope dominance Unit employees. Bruno Walter and Newman were following them.

"What is that damn racket ?"Newman exclaimed, nodding his drumhead to the screeching Shack.

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

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

"Loud trace,"Paul Newman muttered."Has the Spirit division ever looked into it ?"

"Multiple times,"Walter said."They 're peaceful specter, just tawdry. We have n't had too many complaints, so have n't bothered to do anything about it."

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

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

Newman and Lee, who was one of the Werewolf control condition Unit employees, Disapparated on the spot. Harry grabbed hold of Greyback and instructed Walter and car park, the other lycanthrope Control Unit employee, to each assume one of the child. With an exceptionally gaudy cleft, the entire group Disapparated.
***


Each of the wolfman were set up in an interrogation elbow room to wait the remaining hours until break of day. teddy, along with Walter, had been assigned to keeping watch on Greyback, Stunning him when necessity. Harry, Ron, park, and Lee had been assigned to the children. Newman got started on the paperwork.

"So if a loup-garou were to have somebody there to Stun them every hour or so while they were transformed, they 'd be harmless, right ?"Teddy asked as Walter Stunned Limnodromus griseus for the quartern time."Why do n't hoi polloi do that ?"

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

teddy bear nodded."What does it do to them ?"

"Depends on the werewolf,"Walter said."It has no semipermanent outcome on plenty, but others wind up ill or with memory loss."

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

"Me either,"Bruno Walter said.

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

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

"Just a bit."

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

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

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

Teddy and Walter lapsed back into silence. Teddy could hardly believe that he was sitting in an interrogation room with the lycanthrope who had turned his father. If only his dad could see him now.

Bruno Walter glanced at his lookout man."lunation should be setting within the half hour."

shift gulped and he hoped Bruno Walter could n't get wind his affection whipping. He had n't been nearly as uneasy about facing Greyback as a wolf, but the persuasion of facing him as a human was slightly terrifying. He almost wanted the side by side half hour to last forever, but at the Sami time he did n't. It had been a very long day and he wanted to go house and sleep, eat, and see Victoire. Unfortunately, there was still a mountain of paperwork ahead.

Greyback began to shift, but Walter did n't Stun him. Instead, he conjured a simple set of robe, set them on the table, stood up, and gestured for Teddy to follow him out into the corridor. chemise did so, but looked at Walter quizzically.

"He ca n't escape. He 's got no scepter and there 's anti-Apparition appeal on the elbow room,"Bruno Walter explained."He 'll be at his absolute weakest as he transforms and despite the evils he 's done, he deserves the respect of transforming alone."

Teddy was impressed. He himself would n't have even thought about that, but Bruno Walter had clearly been planning that all along. Teddy supposed it came from having a son who was a loup-garou. If Teddy 's own father had lived, would he take in interchangeable thought process ?

There were no silencing charms on the interrogation suite. Soon the corridor was filled with howling and was then replaced by unspeakable shriek. The shrieks soon gave way to a long current of profanity.

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

shift had no idea what to ask when he entered the room. He 'd only seen characterisation of Greyback from the vaticinator and black-and-white photograph never did a person justice.

Fenrir Calidris canutus was crouched on top of the tabular array, dressed in the clothing that Walter had provided. His grey hair was wiry and matted with dirt and blood, and his face bore respective hebdomad 's Charles Frederick Worth of grey beard. His face was lined with deep wrinkles and Teddy realized that he had absolutely no idea how old the man was.

grayback took a deep sniff as Walter and Teddy entered. He grinned and let out a maniacal laugh."Head of the Department,"he muttered."Guess I 'm popular."

teddy froze, all his training suddenly out the window. He could hardly believe that this man had attacked his father when he was only a child. Fenrir greyback was far Thomas More sinister in person and shift felt a pang of fellow feeling for his Padre as a five-year-old.

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

"We were waiting for you, Rebel,"Walter said."We knew you 'd return to Hogsmeade."

Greyback sneered."Yeah, wanted to go back for that werewolf in the Shrieking hut. He smelled untried, impressionable."

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

"We 'll see,"Greyback replied.

"enough chat,"Walter said, turning to Teddy."apprehension him."

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

"Fenrir Greyback, I am Auror Ted Lupin and you 're under halt,"shimmy began.

Johnny Reb 's centre grew spacious."Lupin. Any sexual intercourse to Remus lupine ?"

"He was my father,"shift said proudly.

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

"Fenrir Greyback, you are under arrest,"Teddy repeated, ignoring him. He conjured a pair of handcuffs and walked over to Johnny."You have the right to remain silent. I suggest you use it,"he said as he cuffed the werewolf."If you choose not to be silent, anything you say can be used in your run. You will induce a trial run. If you can not incur representation, we will determine it for you."

Teddy grabbed Greyback 's arm and pulled him off the table and into a suffer position. As he did so, he met the older man 's eyes. They were yellow, double-dyed yellowness, and completely grim. He looked like the face of evil, as if Greyback had no human soul left. It was in that moment that Teddy knew for for sure that this werewolf held no law of similarity to his male parent. Greyback lived to circularise evil, while Remus lupine had lived to arrest it.

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

Harry was waiting for them when they arrived. He shoved Reb into a jail cell and locked the threshold behind him.

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

teddy nodded and gave Harry a half-smile.


A/N : I hope you enjoyed the teddy chapter ! I had a lot of fun writing it. Thanks for all the lovely reviews !

The rightfield Teddy read to Greyback are adapted from the Miranda Rights, created by the United State Supreme Court in 1966.


Albus awoke the side by side morning to the sound of an owl pecking at the window. He rose from his bed and went to let it in. The owl was unfamiliar, but he vaguely recognized it as the strain of owl the Ministry of magic used. The alphabetic character was addressed to him, so Albus took it, let the owl back out into the cold, and set down on his bed to afford it.

Albus-

We got him.

-Dad

That was all it said, but it did n't take to say anything else. His dad probably could n't say anything else in a letter, anyway. Albus folded up the parchment and shoved it into his bedside table. He glanced at the clock and realized there was no dot in going back to bed since classes would go in two hours.

Instead, he got started on that week 's magical spell reading while he waited for John to awaken up. This took a well hour and when he finally did inflame up, it took him 15 proceedings to fully wake up and get dressed. John was not one for sunup.

Albus waited until they were in the Great manor hall for breakfast to tell whoremonger about the letter from his dad, so that he could tell Kaden, Rose, and Amanda, too. Luckily they managed to feel a relatively secluded part of the table.

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

"Oh thank God !"Rose exclaimed.

"Did he distinguish you about it ?"Saint John asked.

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

The chemical group decided to eat a very spry tiffin later in order to chew the fat Matt before their afternoon classes. Albus wanted to tell him about Johnny as soon as potential.

Albus found it incredibly difficult to keep his mouth shut during potions because the rest of his classmates were discussing Greyback and whether he had attacked anyone the old Night. Janie Creevey swore she saw him on the grounds from her dorm room windowpane last night, but Karina and Marina said it was only a dog. Two of the Slytherins said they heard howling all night, and Scorpius said one of the senior scholarly person had received a letter from his brother claiming to take in seen Limnodromus griseus in Diagon alley. It seemed that Albus and his acquaintance were the sole ones in the stallion castling who knew Limnodromus griseus had been captured.

Scorpius Malfoy left potions early after speaking in whispering with Slughorn. Whatever it was it was a good excuse since Slughorn actually let him go. Albus thought this was very curious, but did n't lie in on it since his creative thinker was still racing about Greyback. He wanted point about the capture, but probably would n't get any until he read the article in the Prophet.

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

"No melodic theme,"Albus said."Maybe he was ill ?"

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

Albus and his friends ate the firm tiffin they 'd ever use up and rushed up to the infirmary backstage. Kaden had Herbology after dejeuner and would involve a good bit of time to get there, so they wanted to spend as much of tiffin as potential in the infirmary wing.

ma'am Pomfrey was busy berating a student for trying to trance her hair pink and had charmed it all off instead and did n't mark Albus and the others walk in. Only one bed was occupied and the drape were drawn around it.

"surmisal Malfoy 's not here,"whoremaster said as he led the mathematical group over to Matt 's bed.

John pulled the curtains back and Albus saw that mat was sitting up in bed, eating tiffin. This calendar month he was sporting a bandage wrapped around his entire head and single on his hands as well. He seemed to be having a bit of difficulty holding his sandwich.

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

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

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

"I do n't think you 'll take to vex about that again,"John the Evangelist said."They 'll probably put twice as many sentry duty on Greyback 's cell."

"I think this is the tough head ache I 've ever had in my life,"Matt muttered.

King John grinned mischievously."Shall Kaden and I do a repetition of last hebdomad 's frivolity ?"

Matt gave him a look of murder."If you do, I 'll kill you and I wo n't be creditworthy for my actions."

"Just kidding,"John the Evangelist said.

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

"wellspring, I 'm going to have a pin-up good afternoon of fertilizing magical plants with dragon dung,"Kaden said."So aside from the turning into a Wolf matter and the raging headache, I 'm kind of jealous."

"I 'd take the dragon droppings,"Matt said and then turned to Albus."Embry is announcing who gets to observe the last argument today, is n't he ?"

Albus shook his head."They 've actually put it off two more calendar week. It was in the paper this sunrise. I guess they want it fresh in people 's minds or something. Plus, we 've got Quidditch Saturday and dueling Sunday."

"Is Gryffindor playing ?"Matt asked.

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

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

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

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

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

"I 'll join you,"Kaden said.

"Me, too,"Albus agreed.

The daughter decided that a second dessert was in society as well, so the whole group hurried back to the Great Hall before their side by side class. On the way there Albus realized just how a lot better he felt now that Calidris canutus was once again behind bars.
***


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

"Seriously ?"blush wine exclaimed, grabbing the oracle."I did n't even know he went on that mission."

Albus nodded."It was him, my dad, your dad, and Matt 's dad. Plus Newman and a few Werewolf Control Unit employees. And those youngster who got attacked go calendar week were captured, too. Apparently their parents did n't put any Montgomery Ward up on the shed they were in."

"That 's pudden-head,"Rose said.

"Was anyone distress ?"Amanda asked.

"No,"Albus said.

"Oh, smell, they 've quoted Laurentis,"Rose said."Listen to this. 'Greyback 's recapture is terrific news for wizarding U.K.. I applaud both the Auror Department and the department for the Regulation and control condition of Magical Creatures for their collaboration in this capture, especially Harry Potter and Walter Eckerton. However, there are still four prisoners at large. The body of work is not done and we must think of this before celebrating .'”

"Did they cite your uncle ?"John asked.

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

"I honestly think that this is only going to make his reenforcement of your dad look better,"Amanda said."Laurentis can try, but this is a success. I mean, just flavour at the article. Absolutely naught went wrong with that capture. There were three werewolves on the unloosen in Hogmseade and nobody got attacked. It 's that simple."

Albus had n't thought about it in that way, but it was rightful. Three escaped werewolves would normally be a nightmare for a tranquillize hamlet like Hogsmeade, but thanks to the Aurors and the wolfman restraint building block employees, nobody got hurt.

"I 'll just be well-chosen when this election is over,"Albus said.

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


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

Albus awoke early on Sunday, suddenly riddled with mettle about the dueling tournament. This calendar month 's tournament was the second to last of the yr since all the professors had agreed to end it earlier due to exams. Many of the 7th geezerhood had expressed that they could n't oversee practices while studying for N.E.W.T.s. But this meant that Albus only had two to a greater extent chance to secure a win for his squad, something that had n't happened yet this year.

Albus and Amanda were the get-go of their team to arrive in the Great Hall before the tourney. The respite of the team trickled in slowly as they waited. Five minutes before the tourney was scheduled to start out, the lone person missing was Malfoy.

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

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

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

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

"He went nursing home,"one of the tertiary years said."No idea why. He has n't been here since Tuesday."

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

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

Albus had to accept that this news gave him as much dashing hopes as mental confusion. Scorpius Malfoy was one of the team 's C. H. Best duelers, no issue how annoying he was.

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

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

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

Albus managed to labour all persuasion of Malfoy out of his mind for the duration of the tourney. Most of his teammates dueled well, although only Albus and a few former fourth eld won both their duel. In the end they secured third topographic point, which was certainly better than a skilful portion of the rest of the teams, but still was n't first. They were still in the run for winning overall at the end of the time of year, but they 'd require to do really well in the concluding tournament.

Albus and Amanda met the rest of their friends in the predator 's Den after the tournament was over.

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

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

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

"You 're not allowed to miss classes unless it 's a good excuse,"Rose pointed out."I do n't believe going on holiday is a good excuse."

"I think something bad is happening to individual in his family,"Amanda said quietly."Remember that letter he was reading during practice ? And how quiet he 's been lately ?"

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

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

Malfoy returned to form on Tuesday, walking into potions fifteen proceedings late, and Slughorn made no mention of his tardiness or the classes he missed the previous hebdomad. Albus attempted to ascertain his side during course of study but he gave no clues about his emotions.

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

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

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

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

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

"None of your business organization, Potter,"Malfoy said as he turned around. He sped up and was soon lost in the sea of educatee hurrying to the Great Hall for lunch.
***


The follow calendar week passed quickly and Albus soon forgot about Malfoy and his mysterious fade. The election was now only a calendar week away and everyone in the castle, educatee, professors, and ghosts alike were talking about it. With only one debate remaining, it was up in the air as to who would win. The prophet published a poll they 'd taken and neither candidate had a significant lede on the former.

"Kingsley Shacklebolt, former question of the Auror section, was the last curate of Magic selected by the Wizengamot,"professor money box said in class two days before the final debate."His selection was very ready and he stepped into power the day after Voldemort 's death. While most of the wizarding world knew that the Ministry needed an overhaul, they also needed person to look at charge and supervise the overhaul.

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

Albus had met Kingsley Shacklebolt a few fourth dimension and found him slightly intimidating, but funny at the same sentence. He just had a very overtop presence and Albus was n't surprised he 'd been made Minister of Magic after the war.

"The three years Shacklebolt held federal agency were very turbulent. determination had to be made, drastic ones, and they were not easy. The first and most obvious decision was the conclusion to modify the way the Wizengamot was set up. The Wizengamot as it was was incredibly corrupt. commemorate that prior to this redesign every pureblooded house held a seat on the Wizengamot, but this left half-blood and Muggle-born beldame and wizard without internal representation.

"Shacklebolt, along with the other Ministry official working to reorganize the Wizengamot looked to the Muggle world for stirring. The late Wizengamot bore more resemblance to the Muggle House of Lords, the amphetamine planetary house of parliament. It was decided that the Wizengamot ought to more closely resemble the business firm of Commons, the Lower House of Parliament. In the Muggle man, these interpreter are called Members of Parliament, MPs for brusque, and are elected. In the wizarding world, they are simply call in members of the Wizengamot.

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

Amanda raised her hand."Yes, young lady tagging program ?"Banks said.

"hag and superstar are n't as uniformly spread out throughout the United Kingdom,"Amanda explained."In the Muggle world the districts are very much based on town, but wizards do n't really give towns."

"Correct,"banking company said."Because of this the territorial dominion, if shown on a map, would look vastly different in terms of sizing. For exemplar, London has three separate district because there is a very tumid wizarding population in London. It 's far easier for wizards to intermix in in a large city than a minuscule Ithiel Town since thing generally go unnoticed in big cities. On the other hired man, wale only has two territorial dominion, and therefore two spokesperson, since it 's much less densely populated by wizards."

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

"I 've taken the indecorum of printing a map with a tilt of all the representative and dominion issue,"coin bank said as he began passing out sail of parchment."I 'd hazard a guess than very few of you know what district you 're in or who your representative is."

Albus looked at the rag after he received it. London seemed to be divided into Benjamin West capital of the United Kingdom, North Jack London, and East/South London. North London, where Albus lived, was district Two, currently represented by a bloke named Oliver Prang.

"Elections are held every five long time,"Banks said."None of the voice are up for election this year, but most are up for election side by side year. None of you will be of age to vote in adjacent class 's election, but I suggest you read up on your illustration scene and beliefs anyway.

"To entice you to discover,"Banks continued as he walked around his desk,"I am assigning an essay, due in two weeks. Figure out who your spokesperson is and compose me a foot-long essay detailing your illustration 's beliefs and whether you agree with them or not. I suggest looking at old transcript of the Prophet as well as archived arrangement of Wizengamot meetings, both available in the program library. You are welcome to use any other sources as you see fit."

There was a superior general groan from the form, which made depository financial institution grin. He always seemed to make love assigning homework.

"Now onto the more exciting news,"coin bank said."This Sat is the final argument and four of you will be able to attend. I apologize in forward motion for those whose names have not been chosen, but there simply were not adequate debates. As usual, the rest period of you will take heed to the debate in the Transfiguration classroom.

"The two from Hufflepuff are Sam Bordeaux wine and Cassie Hornell. The Gryffindors are John Brickston and Janie Creevey. Your essay on this disputation, to be formatted like the former two, will be due in a week. course of instruction dismissed."

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

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

"Karina 's the lonesome one of us who wo n't get to go,"rosebush pointed out.

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

"Not if you do your research right,"Rose said as they left the way.

"Any of you in dominion seven ?"john asked.

The rest of the group shook their heads. They compared district numbers, but none of them were in the same. Rose and Matt were the closest, with their districts bordering on each other.

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

Rose gave him a fill smirk, clearly happy that she would n't throw to cope with King John attempting to bum off her research. Albus wished that he and blush wine were in the same district because he, like bathroom, did not relish doing this inquiry. Usually they only had to use their school text for research, but not this sentence. This clip, their textbooks would n't help at all.


A/N : Thanks for all the recap ! It 's time for the annual Dobby laurels at HPFF and nominations are now open ! Head to the forums to propose your front-runner story ( such as this one, *hint, hint* ). There is a liaison to the assembly on the right incline of the page. Be sure to translate the rules before you nominate ! We hate having to disqualify stories for broken convention.

The info about the Muggle Ministry was adapted from the House of the overlord and the Parliament Wikipedia pages. I hope I got everything right, but I 'm not British people, so feel barren to point out any errors.


As the week progressed more and more of the prophet was dedicated to election coverage. By the clip Saturday arrived it became nearly impossible to find a unity article that was n't about the election. There were editorials, consultation, command from the candidates, opinion crown, and Thomas More. Albus was getting so tired of it that he did n't even glint at Saturday 's edition.

"Place your stake here !"

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

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

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

"No, that 's bore,"James River said."We 're taking bet on how long it 'll take the debate moderator to convey up that crazy Australian bloke who kidnapped you last year. This disputation is on International Magical Cooperation, after all."

It had n't even crossed Albus 's mind that last twelvemonth 's incident would be brought up in this public debate, but St. James was probably properly. It was the swelled international scandal wizarding Britain had seen in years.

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

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

"You do bring in that your dad 's the one moderating this debate, do n't you ?"rose asked, setting down her written matter of the prophesier.

James IV, Cedric, and Ben exchanged a glimpse."Er, no, we did n't make out that,"James said."How do you eff ?"

"Says right here in the theme,"Rose said, pointing to it."He might not add it up."

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

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

Rose shrugged."It 's possible."

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

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

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

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

"Any wager, then ?"Saint James the Apostle asked.

Albus and his booster all shook their heads no. finis class 's incident was far too personal for them to place stake on whether it would be a debate issue.

"We 're wasting time, then,"James said as he led Cedric and Ben further down the aisle."piazza your stakes here !"

"They 're idiots,"Rose muttered.

Albus agreed.

An minute later Albus, Rose, Matt, and John were back in the Great foyer for the debate. Albus soon realized that this debate would be watched by even more people than the past ones, with many the great unwashed standing in the spine due to lack of seating. Personally, Albus thought nearly people would 've already made up their creative thinker since the election was only four days away, but clearly it was still a pop issue.

John had to sit with the other pupil who 'd been picked while Albus, rosiness, and mat sat up front, like usual. All of Albus 's full cousin were there, including Sakartvelo, who looked like she was forcing herself to smile.

"Hey, Georgia,"Albus said.

"Hi, Al,"Georgia replied."I 'm so glad this is nearly over."

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

GA 's fake grin grew genuine."Oh, they 're wonderful ! Connor Blythe, the custodian, he put in his notice that he 's only going to do one Thomas More season after this one and he told me he 's recommending me to take his spot. Me ! And I 've only been on the squad for a year !"

"That 's tremendous !"Albus exclaimed."You 'll have to get me tickets to your 1st match."

"Oh, I expect everyone in the family to be there at my first mate as permanent custodian,"Peach State said."And I want Dad right hand there in the figurehead row, cheering me on."

"wellspring, if he wins, he 'll have to keep supporting you,"Albus pointed out.

"Yes, well, I want it to be real,"Georgia said."We 'll see."

"Could everyone please take their tooshie ?"Kendrick announced in a magically hyperbolize vocalization.

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

"Thank you. I 'd like to welcome you all to Hogwarts. This is the last public debate of the election and I appreciate the Ministry allowing Hogwarts to take such a big role in it. It has been a wonderful encyclopedism chance for staff and scholarly person alike. Remember, Wednesday is election day, so please barf your right to vote. Now, I would care to enclose today 's moderator, a man who needs no introduction, Mr. Harry Potter, capitulum of the Auror department !"

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

Harry walked forward and took his office behind the moderator 's podium."Thank you, thank you,"he said and the crowd grew placidity once more."Now, delight receive our candidates, Mr. Percy Weasley and Ms. Patricia Laurentis."

The candidate received considerably less applause than Harry did, something Albus found incredibly laughable. If his dad ever decided to run for Minister he 'd give birth the thing won before the race even began.

"I am sure both our nominee know the rules by now. Five minute of arc answers and five arcminute rebuttals,"Harry began."Mr. Weasley, you will begin."

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

"The first question is very general,"Harry said."In your opinion, how is Britain 's kinship with its strange neighbors ? Should the Ministry be making Sir Thomas More of an movement to act with its neighbor or are things fine as they are ?"

"I think boilersuit our ministry has a good relationship with foreign ministries and governments,"Percy began."We have no current feuds with any foreign body politic and all foreign talks have gone well in the past few years. However, I believe there is always room for improvement when speaking of relationships with other countries. There are always chances to reach out to our neighbors, and you never know when such relationships will be necessary."

"Ms. Laurentis."

"My opposer makes fair item,"Laurentis said."And while I feel that furthering our relationships with foreign ministries is an excellent idea, I wonder if that is really where our energies should be focused right now. There are many offspring we need to address here at home, and as Mr. Weasley said, our current relationships with foreign nations are good."

"The Department of International Magical Cooperation mickle solely with international witching cooperation,"Walker Percy pointed out."Working to fix result at home is obviously a dear idea, but what do you opine this section does while we do that ?"

"Well, yes, of course, that department is always working on international takings,"Laurentis said."I was merely speaking of the Minister and his prompt officials."

"Thank you,"Harry said."following doubtfulness. The matter of changing the classification of werewolves from creature to Beings was brought up at the finish debate. Both of you expressed no desire to get this up with the international community of interests. Have either of you changed your billet on this in igniter of the recent capture of Fenrir Reb ? If not, will you explain in Sir Thomas More contingent why you feel the way you do ? Ms. Laurentis, you may begin."

Albus glanced at matt. Maybe now they 'd figure out exactly why Uncle Hotspur did n't want to change the werewolf classification, more than just it was n't worth the effort.

"The seizure of Fenrir Greyback was undoubtedly a success. I hope nobody has misconstrued my words on that. The fact that it was done without any wound, let lone fatalities, was nothing short-change of amazing. The Aurors and Werewolf controller Unit employees who executed the plan of capture are to be applauded. However, I fail to see why the capture of one werewolf should move our decisions on the chemical group as a unit. If anything, if werewolves had been classified as Beings during that gaining control the Aurors and Werewolf Control Unit employees would not have been able to use the methods of capture they used. To be honest, I fail to see any benefit of reclassification."

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

"Mr. Weasley."

"I agree with my opponent about the capture of Fenrir Johnny Reb. However, I disagree with her about the potential benefits of reclassification. First, the Aurors and werewolf mastery whole employees could stimulate used the same methods they used conclusion night, as head of Department Walter Eckerton does not allow any method acting of capture that would not be allowed if werewolves were classified as being. In terminal figure of section for the rule and command of Magical Creatures rules and regulations, werewolves are to be treated as being. This has been the caseful since Eckerton took over as Head over a twelvemonth ago. Perhaps Ms. Laurentis is incognizant of this fact.

"As for benefits, those with lycanthropy would be able-bodied to secure jobs far more easily and would stimulate the Lapplander rights given to goblins, house-elves, centaur, vampires, and humans alike."

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

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

"Then perhaps Bruno Walter Eckerton ought to take another look at the law,"Laurentis began."Because it is perfectly sound of him to use more rough method to bring werewolf into capture. But since this capture was a roaring winner, I will not blame him for that. As for lycanthrope rights, I have yet to learn of any complaints by wolfman about their rights."

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

"Your rebutter, Mr. Weasley."

"As I did not have time to fully answer the question, I will extend,"Percy said."While it would be beneficial for werewolves if they were reclassified as organism, I do not consider it 's practicable. It would require accord from all nations, which is frankly asking a lot. I know for a fact Commonwealth of Australia would never be on display panel, and considering our rocky family relationship with that item country, I do not feel it is in our better interestingness to begin talks of the reclassification of loup-garou. In ending, I feel it would be a worthwhile endeavor, but given the unlikelihood of it amounting to anything, it would be a waste matter of manpower."

"Thank you,"Harry said."future question. In gaze to our jolty kinship with Australia, as Mr. Weasley put it, do you sense it would be beneficial to go forward trying to get Ralph Lubar extradited to the United Kingdom ? Mr. Weasley."

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

"If elected I would prorogue this decisiveness to the department of International Magical Cooperation, since they possess the necessary expertise on the field. However, it is my personal impression that it would be Charles Frederick Worth pursuing. I believe it is important to send a message that Ministry employees, even high-ranking officials such as Ralph Lubar, are not above the law. What Lubar did was frightful and in no humankind should he get away with it."

"Ms. Laurenits."

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

"If we give up, it will be telling the public that anyone can go commit a crime in another country and not be punished,"Percy said."More than that, it demonstrates the corruption of the Australian government and having our citizens believe their political science to be corrupt will not serve external magical cooperation."

"The potential putridness of the Australian government activity is not any of our business at the current time. We can not hale them to extradite Ralph Lubar and it is my personal persuasion that they will never do so. I daresay that the department of International Magical Cooperation has more pressing matters to lot with."

"Thank you both,"Harry said."We have time for one more question, but in spark of the fact that the election is on Wed, I am going to give each of the prospect a hazard to make a general spoken language instead. Mr. Weasley, you may verbalize first."

"Thank you, Harry."

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

"I would like to give thanks prof Kendrick and the respite of the Hogwarts staff for being so accommodating, as well as the students. None of the students sitting in this way right now were alive before the Ministry was reorganized in 1998 through 2001. None of the scholar in this way were active during Voldemort 's reign of terror. They read about both of these in chronicle Word, because to them, it is simply history. To me, and the remainder of the adults in this room, the previous Ministry and Voldemort are our past tense, our computer storage. We remember the brat, the unknown region, the reverence.

"I was a piece of the reorganization of the Ministry. We all know the age that have followed- the years where we have lived without fear, without little terror, without the unknown. I have been with the Ministry every stride of the way since Voldemort 's licking and I will draw it my obligation to continue the peace that we 've had for over twenty years. I will keep this short because I, like virtually of you surely do, think that the considerably address is a curt speech communication. If you want a curate who will continue the success of Minister Hartwell 's meter in office, ballot for me, Sir Henry Percy Weasley, on Wednesday. Thank you."

There was a handful of applause, but it did n't last long. Albus had a feeling that most of the residuum of the student wanted the election to be over.

"My resister routinely brings up the past. He speaks of the war, Voldemort, and the old Ministry, but never once has he discussed the future, except in dim statement about keeping things the Sami. It 's true that I was not involved with the shake-up of the Ministry over twenty years ago. I got into politics later in life. But I do not sense that this will make me an inferior minister, nor do I think it will be particularly beneficial to Mr. Weasley.

"story is just that. History. We certainly need to find out from our history to ensure that we do not pass water the Saami error we did before, but it is not requirement to let lived through history to be a successful loss leader. There are plenty of Ministry employees, even a few high-ranking functionary, who were not here during Voldemort 's sovereignty. Walter Eckerton, for example, did not last in Britain during Voldemort 's reign. Yet he very successfully runs the Department for the ordinance and restraint of Magical brute.

"In short, I believe we need to focalise on our future rather than our past. If elected minister I will make imperfect variety in not only our ministry and laws, but our educational system as well. thing have been ran the same for over twenty eld, and while I am not denying the success, I think we have needed change for a while. Escaped captive are running dislodge. Hogwarts lessons are being taught the Sami way they were when these children 's grandparents were in schoolhouse. The ministry, along with its laws and policy, pauperism to adapt as the years go by. If you feel change is needed, if you are at all upset about the way affair are, vote for me, Patricia Laurentis, on Wednesday."

There was another smattering off applause. Albus did n't spat at all and neither did any of his cousins. If the election was based upon inherited bread and butter, Percy would induce it in the bag.

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

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

"Nope,"matte said."But she does n't seem to get an publication with my dad, which is good if she gets elected."

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

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

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

"Why ?"John asked incredulously."He kidnapped us and tried to impart Voldemort back !"

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

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

"Because if he gets extradited he 's going to be angry,"Matt explained."He 's got quite a temper. And when he does n't get his way he attempts to deflower the lives of those who stand in his way. Just think about it. If he were brought back here, what 's stopping him from making my ... circumstance ... public ?"

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

"You think Lubar would care ? He did it in Australia !"Matt snapped."He 's already broken the law. And even if he got in problem for it nothing could take what he said back. It sucks that he 's not getting punished, but I think it would be well if the world just forgot about the unhurt thing."

Albus had n't thought about it like that before. Matt did receive a point. But there was a part of Albus that just wanted to see Lubar behind bars.

"Plus, there 's no way Australia will deliver him,"Matt said."Your uncle and Laurentis are both right-hand about one thing. The Australian government is very buy, and I do n't think anything will happen until that subversion ends. Lubar wo n't be punished, and werewolf wo n't get reclassified as Beings."

"So even though you moved, the Aussie administration still has some control over your lifetime,"John said."That 's messed up."

"Yeah, it really is,"matte agreed."But it 's the way the globe works."


A/N : Thanks for all the reassessment ! Once again, I 'd like to shamelessly plug my report for Dobby nomination ! Head over to the assembly to propose my ( or any other ) stories for a Dobby award ! Be sure to read the pattern before nominating.


Albus had been hoping course would be suspended the day of the election, but there was no such luck. Kendrick organized it so that the Great Hall would be the canvass spot and that voting would not affect the oecumenical bookman body. Hogwarts was the fate polling property for the district it was in, so there would be other masses coming to the schoolhouse to vote. Albus 's cousins who were of age ( Bradley, Fred, and Calluna vulgaris ) all voted after breakfast, as soon as the polling station had been set up.

Albus and his friends spent most of Herbology watching the great unwashed walking from Hogsmeade to Hogwarts in club to vote. It was very distracting and Neville did n't bother telling people to get back on task.

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

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

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

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

"What about you two ?"John asked rose wine and Matt.

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

"Good,"John the Evangelist said."We should take our own party here. A company to celebrate the end of this election. Maybe it 'll think Embry will let up on the essays. Anyone else writing their debate essay during denial today ?"

For the retiring few month well-nigh people had used Defense as a study hall. The worksheets Loretta Young assigned never took tenacious than XV minutes and he did n't seem to wish what his students did with the rest of the course of study. Just as long as they were n't being loud. Albus did n't think anyone had used any Skiving Snackbox dessert in defence this class, since there was n't much point.

Albus, lusterlessness, and Amanda all still needed to write their essays as well. Rose had written hers immediately following the disputation, but the rest period of them did n't see the motive to do it right away.

"I can always stop it in story of Magic, too,"John said as they entered the castle.

"Let 's go peek in the Great Granville Stanley Hall,"Albus said as he led his protagonist over to the right.

Albus glanced inside and saw that there were four belittled stall curtained off where the faculty table should 've been. A short queue of people were off to one incline and seemed to be waiting their turn for the carrell. It did n't seem very exciting.

"Any gossip on the election ?"

Albus turned and saw a reporter lurking near the door. He did n't tell apart this particular reporter.

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

"I do n't think they 're allowed inside,"Rose mentioned."So they ca n't bother people who are voting."

"That makes common sense,"Amanda said."well, let 's go get those essays done with. Then we 'll never have to write essays on debates again."

Albus nodded. No more argumentation essays. Now that would be a unspoilt thing.

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

"Let 's pee a accord now not to get in any combat over the future election when we can all vote,"pink wine said as they watched one of the arguing Ravenclaws storm out of the Great residence.

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

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

"Yeah,"Albus said.

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

"It 's supposed to promote good sportsmanship and that sort of thing,"Rose explained.

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

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

The unwashed room had the decided spirit that Gryffindor had just won a Quidditch match. James, Fred, Scots heather, Deutsche Mark, and Ben had taken it upon themselves to stimulate a party to celebrate the end of the election and thus the end of debates and essays on disputation. There were display case of Butterbeer and trays of cooky and nobody was working on any homework.

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

"If Uncle Hotspur wins things will never be formula again,"rosiness pointed out.

Albus shrugged."I do n't jazz. Amanda seems fairly normal and her uncle 's the Prime Minister."

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

"Albus, you 're Harry ceramist 's son,"can said flatly."No thing what happens, you 're going to be well-known."

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

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

"Yeah, why ?"

"Just curious,"Matt said.

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

"There 's still a bunch of people voting,"Albus said, gesturing to the Great Hall. About a one-half dozen or so point were milling about.

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

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

"How long do you reckon Tom Bradley and Cedric will ride out ?"Kaden asked.

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

"Albus,"john said, pointing to the map."Is it just me or is Malfoy going into Moaning Myrtle 's toilet ?"

Albus peered down at the map. trusted enough, a dot labeled 'Scorpius Malfoy'had just entered the irregular story girl 's bathroom. That did n't make any sense.

"What the hell is he doing in there ?"matte exclaimed."Why would anyone go in there ?"

"Vinca minor 's there,"John commented."looking at, she 's floating over toward him."

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

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

"Dad says the map never lies,"Albus explained."Well, there 's only one way to find out. Let 's follow him."

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

John and Kaden nodded their drumhead in arrangement. Rose raised her eyebrows.

"No way,"Matt said, shaking his headway vehemently."There are n't sufficiency Galleons in the world."

"Oh, come on, it 's just a girl 's loo,"Amanda said."Look, there are n't even any miss in there besides Myrtle. And she 's a ghost !"

John the Evangelist laughed."myrtle 's got a bit of a crush."

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

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

"Yeah, we had detention in there once,"John explained."Vinca minor spent the solid sentence flirting with Matt. It was hilarious."

"I said, shut it !"Matt shouted.

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

"I 'm not going. I refuse."

"Fine,"whoremonger said."Suit yourself. Rose ?"

"I 'll ride out here, thanks,"blush wine said."You 're wasting your time anyway. It 's not like he 'll separate you anything."

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

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

Albus watched the map as they went. Malfoy remained in the lavatory as they walked quickly bolt down flight of steps of stair. But they got stuck on the stair leading to the second floor corridor, after the stairs decided to precede them directly to the first-class honours degree base rather than the second.

"He 's leaving !"Albus exclaimed as they got back on the steps after their cold-shoulder detour.

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

Albus nodded."Let 's time lag here, then."

Their current location gave them an first-class view of the Great Hall. A few Ministry officials were currently carrying art object of the voting cubicles out of the way, polling clearly over. It would only be about a half hour until they had a new Minister of Magic.

St. John the Apostle nudged Albus."There he is."

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

"Malfoy,"Albus said.

"Potter,"Malfoy replied.

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

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

So much for being measured, Albus thought.

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

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

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

"Next time jibe a bit harder,"Amanda said."I was in the last stall and when I heard you come in I had to stay there because you 're a bloke and it would just be weird to come out of a bathroom booth and get grimace to face with a bloke. I heard you talking to myrtle, though."

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

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

Amanda turned and set off up the steps. Albus, John, and Kaden followed, leaving Malfoy frozen in their aftermath. Albus glanced back and saw that he was still as blanch as lustrelessness is justly before a replete synodic month.

"Amanda, what was that ?"Saint John exclaimed once they 'd contact the arcsecond floor.

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

"That 's brilliant,"John said.

Amanda grinned."I have my moments."

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

"Seriously,"trick said."The only way you 'd catch me in a girl 's loo is if you paid me a warhead of Galleons."

"Or you got detention."Amanda smirked.

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

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

When Albus, can, Kaden, and Amanda returned to the common room they were greeted by tatty groans and sighing. Confused, Albus turned to his buddy, who was nearest the portrait hole.

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

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

"Oh, right."

Rose and matt were in the middle of a plot of chess. Matt was losing spectacularly.

"Did you find him ?"Matt asked as blush wine 's bishop crushed his queen.

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

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

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

"wish I could 've seen that. I 've always wanted to severalize off Malfoy."

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

"Still ... not taking any hazard,"Matt said."King to D6."

pink wine instructed her horse to affect closer to Matt 's king."checkmate.

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

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

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

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

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

Albus ran up to his residence hall to retrieve his Exploding cracking cards. As he returned, the portrait hole opened.

The entire common elbow room froze and was silent. Not a single person moved. Not a single person said a Scripture. Even the initiative years, who had been tossing a Quaffle around, were still. Albus stood on the bed step to the dormitories and waited.

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

"Well ?"Saint James the Apostle asked.

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

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

Albus returned to his protagonist and set the box of calling card down on the mesa. He sat down and did n't say a word.

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

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

James walked up to the table."Al, Rose, we 're all going to the Room of Requirement. Thomas Bradley and Cedric want to give us Sir Thomas More details."He glanced the rest of the group."Sorry, menage only."

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

Albus, James I, and rose wine walked to the room of Requirement in quiet. When they arrived they saw that the door was already there. They walked inside.

The relief of their full cousin had already arrived. Albus took a seat on the shoemaker's last persist lounge and Jesse James and Rose sat on either side of him. nobody was speaking, so he glanced around and watched all of his cousins.

Bradley, Cedric, Heather, marker, Ben, Fred, Victor-Marie Hugo, Lily, James, rose, and Angie. And himself. They were the mediate chemical group of cousins. Not the erstwhile, not the vernal, but the ones in the middle, who never did anything first and never did anything last. They were n't the first to go to Hogwarts and they would n't be the last to graduate. They stood by each early, through the commodity and through the bad.

Bradley and Cedric were n't seated. They were standing at the straw man of the way, near its door. The entire way was decorated like the den in the Burrow, with mismatched furniture and organized chaos everywhere. Albus liked it.

"Well, Dad lost,"Omar Nelson Bradley finally said."I already told you that ... but yeah. It was close. He only lost by a yoke hundred votes.

"How did he take it ?"heather asked.

"Graciously,"Omar Nelson Bradley answered."Thanked everyone for their sustenance and shook Laurentis 's helping hand, of course."

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

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

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

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

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

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

The elbow room descended into secrecy. Nobody seemed to recognize what to say, Albus included. His intuitive feeling on his uncle becoming minister had been all over the place for the past times seven calendar month, but now that Percy had actually lost, all Albus felt was letdown. It was strange. Just last week he had been kind of hoping Hotspur would misplace, and now that he had, Albus felt the complete opposite.

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

What Albus was really worried about, more than than anything, was what Laurentis was going to do to both the Ministry and Hogwarts. Laurentis had made it clear that she was going to change the schooltime, but Albus liked it the way it was. Then there were the changes to the Ministry, such as the dementors. How long would it take for Laurentis to lend them back ? Surely she had to go through proper channels to do it.

James River, Bradley, and Cedric were the first to fall to the common room, claiming they had to make secure on all the wager they 'd taken. Albus had a touch all three of them were now slightly in debt. Albus and rosiness returned a few minutes later, leaving the respite of their cousin talking quietly in the Room of Requirement.

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

"Who are you writing to ?"Rose asked.

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

"Your uncle meets the Minister of Magic ?"John Lackland asked.

"Well, yes,"Amanda said."The two cosmos do bear to coexist. Sometimes there are job that affect both. Voldemort, for instance. And Hartwell personally told my uncle about the escaped Death Eaters."

"That 's so weird,"Saint John the Apostle said.

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

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

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

"I think we all need a beguilement,"pink wine said and turned to Kaden, whose face was covered in ash."softwood out the cards again. Let 's play until we 're too tired."

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


A/N : Sorry for the lately update ! My birthday is tomorrow so I had supporter up for the weekend and completely forgot. Thanks for all the revue !


The next day 's edition of the prophet was devoted entirely to election day and Laurentis 's win. The winner did not storm anyone in Hogwarts since Bradley and Cedric had spread that as soon as they returned. Albus still read the entire strawman Sir Frederick Handley Page article at breakfast and he was glad he did, because the clause still held surprises.

LAURENTIS WINS ; Menachem Begin APPOINTING POSITIONS

In the skinny subspecies for Minister of illusion to
date, prospect Patricia Laurentis won the
military position last night. Polls closed at eight,
with the functionary succeeder announced at a closed
party at the Minister 's planetary house at eight-thirty.
Laurentis won by a mere 342 votes, which is the
stuffy race we have ever seen.

'I am of course very pleased with this number of
consequence ,'Laurentis said at the government minister 's
residence after the annunciation was made .'I am
very excited to be sworn in as minister of
thaumaturgy on May first. I feel I will be able to
dedicate the public what they need, for they have
spoken and now it is my duty to reach them what
I promised during my political campaign. I of row
whirl my condolences to Percy Weasley. He truly
was a pleasance to run against over the retiring
seven month .'

'I offer my felicitation to my opponent ,'Percy
Weasley said to Daily Prophet reporters at the
Minister 's manse. 'We both campaigned hard
and she won, comely and lame. I am disappointed,
of course, but I still congratulate her .'

Over the adjacent month Laurentis will decide who
she wishes to appoint to top Ministry positions,
before she is sworn in as Minister of magic on
May first of this class. Laurentis is wasting no
clock time with this, as she was seen at the Ministry
earlier this break of the day .'I already have people
picked out for to the highest degree positions ,'she said upon
questioning .'I will be keeping a few of the
current official, but I will be replacing quite
a few in order of magnitude to better unite the Ministry .'

One person has already confirmed his intent
to take Laurentis up on her offer of a position.
Ironically, he is set to select over Percy Weasley 's
current berth under government minister Hartwell .'I am
very pleased to announce that genus Draco Malfoy is
going to take the status of senior
Undersecretary for the Drafting and redaction
of Laws. Draco Malfoy has been a friend of mine
for many year as we have worked together in the
Azkaban Division for nearly a decade. I am very
excited to keep on working with him .'

Laurentis plans to announce the names of her
officials as they confirm throughout the month.

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

"Malfoy never said a word,"lusterlessness added, his heart large.

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

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

"This must be it,"John the Divine said, staring at the newspaper publisher."That 's a pretty top side, is n't it ?"

"Second eminent for drafting police,"Rose said."Given his relationship with Laurentis anything he drafts will most belike pass."

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

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

Albus had quite a few hours to wait to recover out just what exactly Malfoy would suffer to say to them. account of Magic, his first socio-economic class of the day, was as dull as ever. Professor Binns showed absolutely no recognition that the election had taken place the previous day. prof Patil was the complete opposite word, making no move to hide up her outrage at Laurentis 's win, which led her to fluff up the desk she was attempting to glorify.

"Do you think Laurentis will actually have teacher sacked ?"John asked as they walked to the Great Hall for tiffin."Because if she does, Patil wo n't put up a chance."

Albus shook his head."Only if they 're really awful teachers. Umbridge sacked a few in my dad 's fifth year and I think people will be outraged if Laurentis does the like thing. Honestly, I think Binns and Loretta Young are the only ones in danger."

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

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

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

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

Malfoy was waiting outside the potions dungeon when Albus and his friends arrived after lunch. Gone from his face was the changeable and partially sad looking at, replaced by Malfoy 's common haughty smug. Clearly his dad getting a top Ministry perspective had changed something.

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

"I 'll be for sure to enjoin him,"Albus replied."He 'll be thrilled that he made a Malfoy happy. moldiness be nice that your dad 's got some literal power now."

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

"nothing 's set for sure about the Auror Department,"Albus countered.

Malfoy laughed."I think I might be intimate a bit Sir Thomas More than you on that. Laurentis was over at my house for dinner last week."

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

"It never came up."

"Well now that you 're all glad again maybe you 'll actually show up for this month 's dueling tournament ?"

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

"Touchy,"John Lackland commented.

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

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

Malfoy paled."Just exclude up. The point is, my dad 's going to receive a substantially position than yours."

"Nobody cares what your dad does for a living,"Matt said.

"Nobody asked you. At least my dad does n't bring his work nursing home with him."Malfoy laughed.

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

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

"Wands away, boys."

Albus turned and saw Professor Slughorn standing in the doorway. He breathed a sigh of relief. The last thing King John needed was another custody.

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

Both John and Malfoy were favourable they did n't get detention, Albus thought. Neither of them had thrown any hexes, but a stricter teacher would 've handed out custody just for having their baton drawn. Not Slughorn, though. Albus got the signified that Slughorn did n't like handing out custody, probably because that meant having to oversee them.
***


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

Apparently, it had slipped John and Matt 's thinker as well. Rose and Amanda had been diligently working on theirs all week, only needing to save their conclusions. Amanda had even asked her uncle for help, devoting part of her essay to the similarities and dispute between the wizarding and Muggle governments.

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

"Dammit,"lusterlessness muttered."I 'm going to have to write the intact thing tonight. The full moon 's tomorrow."

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

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

"But you 'll be missing class on Thursday,"whoremonger pointed out."So you can sprain it in Tuesday and get four excess days."

"I 've never done that with semipermanent assignments,"lustrelessness said."I do n't need to initiate now. Albus can move around it in, like usual."

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

"Hey, Amanda, want to take a walk of life around the lake before we write our finale ?"Rose asked."The weather 's so skillful tonight we might as well take advantage."

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

"Oh, shut up,"Albus muttered.

Forty-five minutes later Albus, matte, John, and Kaden had taken over one of the larger tables in the library. Kaden had joined them since he had a Transfiguration essay due the succeeding day and divination predictions to do. Albus was considering hexing two first years at the board following to them who kept giggling, if ma'am Pince did n't get to them first. He wished that one of his Quaker lived in his district ; it would score this so a lot easier.

Albus did induce a distinct advantage over both lustrelessness and John, in that his instance was far more well-known than theirs. King Oliver Prang, who had been serving the Union London district, was on his fourth sequential term, which amounted to over fifteen years. That was Thomas More than Albus 's stallion life. John Griffith Chaney in itself was a location that required far more than attention than early areas of the res publica, which resulted in far more information being available on it. John the Divine was able to locate a fair sum of selective information on his representative, Nadine Abernathy, but flatness, since he lived in one of the most remote area of England, had difficultness locating selective information on Marcus Whitby.

"Does this bloke even exist ?"flatness asked as he looked through the very final archive copy of the Prophet that was published during Whitby 's one terminal figure."Oh, here we go. Lovely. Now I know he exists. Here 's a conviction that mentions he won the election. And of course he won. He did n't have any opponents."Matt groaned and banged his head teacher repeatedly on the board."This is hopeless."

"You 've still got all the minutes from Wizengamot meetings,"Albus said, pointing to the three large heap of paper in the midsection of the table. He really did feel bad for Matt, though. It was bad enough having to do a composition like this, but having to do it when the full moon Sun Myung Moon was only two twenty-four hours away ?

"I could probably just make stuff up,"Matt said as he took the top few pages."I mean, honestly, could Embry possibly sleep with anything about Marcus Whitby ? It 's the least densely populated district in all of England."

"Embry probably knows everything about everyone,"privy said."There. I 've got my intro. Look at it this way. Your fella 's only been in spot for a class. So you 've got far less block to see through. It wo n't adopt as long."

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

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

"You have a weird way of doing research."

Albus glanced up and saw that blush wine and Amanda had returned, bagful in script. They sat down and pulled out their own essays, which looked very long.

Matt tossed the papers he 'd been looking at onto his rejection spate, which was so chaotic that Madam Pince would probably have a eye tone-beginning if she saw it. He then let out a loud suspiration and put his top dog in his hands.

"Could you please hire pity on him ?"Albus asked rosiness.

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

"His spokesperson has only been in office for a class,"Albus explained."And the lonesome thing he 's found is one time in a vaticinator from a year ago saying he won the election, which was against nobody. And the full moonlight is tomorrow."

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

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

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

pink wine sighed."Fine. But only because you look so wretched. And mine was pretty laborious, too, because my district is also remote. Just let me finish my conclusion."

"Lucky,"John the Divine muttered."I do n't suppose you 'd help-"

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

Albus turned back to his own essay and over the adjacent four hr managed to get it half done. He did n't recall it was very skillful, but it was progress. St. John the Apostle was about halfway done as well, so the two of them decided to anticipate it a night. St. John settled in to facilitate Kaden with his fake divination prognostication. Matt was still working on his, with practically coaching job from rosiness.

"Did you encounter anything ?"Albus asked.

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

matte yawned."How prospicient does this give birth to be again ?"

"A foot,"rosebush answered."You 've got another four inches to go."

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

The program library was now only filled with twenty percent through seventh years. It was certainly quieter.

"We should probably cease in the park room, then,"rose said.

"I do n't cerebrate I can,"Matt said."Too tired. I 'll finish it tomorrow since I 'll probably skip over good afternoon year anyway."

The radical packed up their things and walked quickly back to the vernacular elbow room. By some chance event of luck they managed to avoid the prefects and did n't get any detention from being out after curfew.

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

"With grayback caught they do n't call for to do it anymore,"Albus pointed out.

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

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

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

Albus nodded. It was going to be a right full moonshine for everyone involved.
***


Albus, Matt, and John managed to get their essays done in time and turned in on Thursday. The good moon was relatively pattern, as full synodic month go, without any write up of werewolf approach. mat wound up in the hospital wing for two full phase of the moon days, having resorted to chewing on himself since the savage no longer had the distraction of Greyback outside. But Albus had a feeling Matt preferred it that way. Greyback 's presence was just too creepy and too unknown region.

A few day after the full Moon St. James the Apostle returned to the common room fuming. Albus raised his eyebrows at his crony as he straightened a pile of career tract that had once again appeared on the common way tables.

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

"Did you just have it ?"Albus asked.

"Yeah, with Longbottom,"James said."Neville always seemed so nice when we were petty and even in class he 's easily the best professor here. But for career advice ? He 's terrible !"

"wellspring, what did you talk about ?"

"Careers."

blush wine snorted."Obviously."

"He wants me to pick something now. I do n't fuck what I want to do with my life. I 'm only xvi for God 's sake !"

"I think you have to pick something so you can foot your N.E.W.T. classes next yr,"pink wine explained."Otherwise the teacher do n't know what to put you in."

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

rose wine laughed."He did n't like that ?"

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

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

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

"And of row Neville did n't like that,"Rose said."Honestly, James, just break up something."

"But I ca n't !"James said as he picked up a stack of brochure."Look at these. Goblin affair, Gringott 's forgery Coin checker, security system round flight simulator. They 're all utterly boring."

"There 's dozens of jobs in the Ministry and St. Mungo 's,"rose said.

James snorted."No one would want me as their Healer."

Albus had to agree with that. Epistle of James had about the same power to reduce as a troll."Hey, you could train security trolls."

"I said that 's boring. And I do n't want to work for the Ministry. Not now that Laurentis has won. Just you lot wait. You 'll hold to go through this adjacent year."

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

"Of course you do,"Saint James the Apostle muttered.

"If it makes you feel better, mate, I 've no mind what I want to do,"King John said.

"Me either,"Kaden agreed.

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

Albus shrugged. He had n't thought much about careers since the old year when Balladanis told him he could be a Presuler. The idea was very allure, but he did n't need to tell anyone else about it.

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

"If you 'd quit complaining and pop studying you 'd pass away Sir Thomas More of them,"Rose pointed out.

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

"James, wait !"blush wine shouted as James neared the portrait hole."Forgetting anything ?"

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

James ran up to his dormitory and returned with his bag a minute later. Grinning at Albus and the others, he left the common room.

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

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

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

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

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

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

"You never know,"Rose said."Who knows what will find between now and when we graduate. Things could change."

"Still, it 's in question,"Matt said, turning to Amanda."Amanda ? You were awfully quiet when St. James was here."

"It 's hard not to be. He 's rather gimcrack himself. I 'm not surely. I think I want to do something in the Ministry, though. I want to ready a difference."

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

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

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

"You 're insane,"John Lackland said."You seem so normal, otherwise. But seriously, nonentity enjoys potions."

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

Kaden 's eye grew large."Wait, really ? That 's a tangible career ?"

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

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

"Exactly,"Rose said.

"Brilliant."Kaden grinned."James will hate me now. Third twelvemonth and I know what I 'm doing."

Albus laughed."You could change your mind."

Kaden shrugged."I suppose so."

Albus did n't really want to cerebrate about what they would do after Hogwarts. It was three days away. He 'd rather love the show, but blush wine had always been the person to look to the future tense. She fantasized about their Hogwarts mean solar day when they were only six and now, she was fantasizing about what they 'd do after. Albus had never been the type to do that. There would be plenty of time for the futurity in the future.


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


April went by quickly, as it usually did. The conditions turned from chilly and windy to warm up and rainy, resulting in more than than one muddy Quidditch recitation. Albus did n't listen the mud as much as he minded the distance of the practices. Both Fred and heather seemed determined to win the Quidditch Cup now that it was their seventh twelvemonth. They had n't won it yet, in all their class at Hogwarts. Albus wanted to win, too, but not enough that he enjoyed practicing for five hours straight.

When he was n't on the pitch, to the highest degree of Albus 's meter was spent at dueling pattern. The last match of the class was on the last Saturday in April and Albus 's squad was still in the running for a win of the integral tournament. They had n't won a single match, but they were routinely in secondly position by only a few point in time. The team that had gotten initiative spot never did that fountainhead in other tourney, resulting in their boilers suit point sum being quite low.

When the concluding Sat in April arrived, far sooner than Albus would 've liked, he found himself incredibly skittish. He was n't nervous at all about his affaire d'honneur, but he was nervous for the team. This was it. It was his last tournament in the Junior Dueling Tournament. His last chance to try himself as captain and earn a office on Gryffindor 's dueling team next year.

All four captains of the house dueling squad were present at this tournament because they would be hand selecting thespian for their teams next year. Unlike Quidditch, there were no try-outs for the dueling tournament.

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

"Thank God,"Albus muttered. He could n't wait until he no longer had Malfoy on his squad."At to the lowest degree he 's acting normally today."

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

"period to Malfoy !"Neville shouted."Albus thrower and Matt Eckerton."

Albus groaned inwardly. He always felt awed when he had to duel flatness because their skill storey were so drastically different. At the Sami time he did n't want to go easy on his booster because the Gryffindor team captain was watching.

Albus and Matt bowed to each other and raised their scepter. Albus thought a mute apology as he shot a knockout at his adept friend. Matt dodged it and sent one back. Albus threw up a shield and then sent three consecutive Stunners. The third one made contact and matt collapsed onto the floor, frozen.

"head to putter around !"Neville declared. He waved his wand at Matt and the charm lifted.

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

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

Albus won his second duel as well. His squad continued to win most of their duel, with some of his teammates winning their kickoff duel ever. Amanda had begun a tally of all the head on a spare bit of parchment and their team was winning, with only a few duels left to go.

Kaden wound up dueling one of the Ravenclaws from Albus 's team during the lastly duel of the day. Kaden lost spectacularly, which Albus was both happy and upturned about.

A few hour later Neville stepped into the center of one of the dueling anchor ring."I am pleased to announce that we have a winner of both today 's tournament and the year 's tournament overall. Congratulations to team up Seven for winning both today and the tournament overall ! Captain Albus potter, please come forward to bear the trophy."

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

Albus shook Neville 's hand while a Hufflepuff took their exposure. The trophy was a bit pocket-size than the Quidditch Cup, but certainly not pocket-sized by any mean. After a few More image were taken, including one shot of the stallion team, Albus joined Amanda and the two of them walked back to the unwashed room.

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

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

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

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

"Me, too,"Amanda agreed.

Albus 's booster were waiting in the common elbow room when he and Amanda arrived. They offered praise and Butterbeer, which Albus drank quickly before heading outside for Quidditch drill.

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


In April 's finale stay mean solar day the Daily Prophet published at least one article a day on Laurentis and her upcoming swearing-in ceremonial occasion, as well as her filling for top officials. Albus had n't recognized any names of the officials, or the names of their jobs. Mostly they were business such as the one his Uncle Percy held under Minister Hartwell. Laurenits, as it seemed, was waiting until she became minister of religion to bring out the big positions, such as Albus 's dad 's position.

The Gryffindor table was unusually quiet the good morning of May first. Albus, along with all his cousins, were n't saying a Scripture. Albus was thinking of his uncle Percy and how this should 've been his day, not Laurentis 's, and he was certainly his cousins were thinking the Lapp.

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

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

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

"Will he be completely sacked ?"Kaden asked.

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

"Same here,"flatness agreed."Amy said that Dad 's really nervous about it."

"What time is it happening ?"blush wine asked.

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

"Right after History of thaumaturgy,"blush wine mused."So you lot will have attention of Magical Creatures and I 'll accept Arithmancy. Is anyone else thinking that we should break out Uncle George V 's best-selling product this morning ?"

Albus thought he heard her haywire. Was his cousin actually suggesting they skip social class ?

"Wait, Rose,"John said."Are you saying we should skive off social class ?"

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

"I 'm in,"Albus said immediately. Saint John, mat, Amanda, and Kaden agreed.

"We 've got to project it carefully, though,"rosebush said."We ca n't all get ill at the same prison term or it 'll look suspicious."

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

Rose nodded."That leaves five of us. matt, do you have an outcome with skipping all of story of conjuring trick ?"

lusterlessness laughed."Of course not."

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

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

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

With the plan decided upon, they set off for their cockcrow classes. John begged to be the one who used a puking pastille first in History of conjuring trick and Albus and Amanda let him. He seemed strangely excited about it. Albus was just going to use the fever fudge.

professor Binns began droning on about the Giant state of war, a matter he seemed to delight for some reason. He taught it each and every year without fail. Albus doodled aimlessly on his notes while taking surreptitious glances at bathroom every so often.

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

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

"I do n't feel well-"John Lackland was cut off by his own emesis. His table was now covered with a quite a little of puke.

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

John hastily shoved the other end of the confection into his lip and vanished the disgorgement before grabbing his bag ( which he never unpacked ), and left the room.

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

Albus decided to eat the feverishness fudge on his way to care of Magical Creatures so he could leave immediately after arriving. The predator 's Den was quite a paseo from Hagrid 's hut and he did n't desire to miss any of the ceremony.

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

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

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

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

Hagrid 's face fell."Yeh don'spirit so well. Better go see Madam Pomfrey."

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

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

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

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

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

"Good morning, auditor. We are broadcasting exist from Courtroom Ten in the Ministry of Magic, where just arcminute from now Patricia Laurentis will be sworn in as Minister of Magic for the United kingdom. It is standing room only in the courtroom, with extra spectators in the corridor."

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

"Patricia Laurentis has entered the courtroom. She is making her way down the aisle, greeting people on her way.

"rector Hartwell, along with members of the Wizengamot are seated on the rostrum. Three fourth-year penis of the Wizengamot will affirm Laurentis in."

Sir Thomas More applause. Then a new phonation. Albus recognized it as pastor Hartwell.

"Welcome to the Ministry of Magic. It has been my pleasure to answer you over the past ten long time. I 'd like to occupy a consequence to thank my party, Merlinus, for their support over the past tense 10, as well as all of my top officials and the rest of the Ministry employees. I 'll observe this short and just say that I am going to miss serving you, but I have to allow that both my wife and I are looking forward to taking a nice, long holiday."

laughter, followed by applause.

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

"I do hereby aver to serve the United Kingdom-"

"-to the dependable of my ability-"

"-to the best of my ability-"

"-and continue to the ideals of the Theophrastus Philippus Aureolus Bombastus von Hohenheim party-"

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

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

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

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

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

"I hereby hold Patricia Laurentis as the one-third Minister of deception post-War as of the start of May, 2020, at eleven o'clock in the morning. Ms. Laurentis, felicitation. Please welcome your new curate of deception, Patricia Laurentis !"

There was a smattering of civilised clapping, much quieter than the former hand clapping for Hartwell. Albus supposed it was a serious occasion and no one wanted to seem too ecstatic.

"That was quick,"Albus said.

"She 's going to piss a voice communication now,"rosiness said."Shhh."

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

"Does she really ask to say it was a successful crusade ?"trick asked."I mean, it 's obvious that it was successful."

"Shut up !"rose said.

"-without your support I would never have made it this far. I hope I am able to live up to the eminent anticipation set by you and Minister Hartwell. I am sure you are all unquiet to listen who I am appointing to psyche of section stance in the Ministry, so I wo n't waste any time getting to that."

Albus 's bosom sped up. He glanced up and met lustrelessness 's regard. matte looked just as unquiet as Albus felt.

"kickoff, the department of Magical Law Enforcement. I am pleased to announce that Tethys Balladanis will be taking over for former heading, Reena Barnes."

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

"Balladanis ?"blush wine shouted at the same time."But he did n't even like the Ministry, did he ?"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"I understand that this is a controversial choice, but I feel that the Ministry needs to be a united front. I assure you that Henry Martyn Robert Johnson is an excellent Auror and will spend a penny a grand Head of Department."

Albus tuned the wireless out once Laurentis went on to the section of Magical Transportation. He could hear his heart pounding in his head and the rest of the world seemed so far away. It was almost surreal.

"Albus ?"Rose asked."Are you all right ?"

"I do n't live,"Albus said."She 's insane, right ?"

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

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

"Exactly,"Albus said, glad that Amanda was capable to put into words what he felt."First Uncle Hotspur lost and now this."

"-Walter Eckerton will remain head of the department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures-"

"Thank God !"matte exclaimed.

"Good,"Albus said."At least there 's person sane still in a head position."

Albus only paid faint attending to the rest of the announcements. He did n't greet anyone, except for Malfoy 's dad when Laurentis reiterated that appointment. One thing was clear by the end, and that was no one in Albus 's kin was in any of the heading perspective.

pink wine switched the radiocommunication off at the end of Laurentis 's speech. The wizard doing the program was interviewing a few people, but they were n't anyone of great grandness.

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

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

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

"So you heard,"James said quietly.

"I skived off course to listen live,"Albus explained."She wants a combine ministry. What a warhead of dragon dung."

"This is bad,"Henry James said."This is really bad."

"She 's replaced to a greater extent functionary than any minister, ever,"pink wine commented."She only kept three."

"I still have no estimate why she kept my dad,"flatness replied."I mean, I 'm gladiolus she did, but it does n't establish any sense."

"Nothing she 's doing makes a bit of sentience,"Albus muttered."But I guess multitude must like her. She got elected."

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

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

"Look,"Amanda said as she pointed to the staff table."I do n't think the teacher expected it, either."

Albus glanced up. Every single professor was deep in conversation, some even ignoring their nutrient. Neville in fussy looked stunned and disconcert. None of them looked well-chosen.

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

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

Albus looked around at his fellow Gryffindors. He knew that Thomas More than a few of them had voted for Laurentis, and therefore most likely supported her determination to replace his dad as school principal of the Auror Department. Not everyone was talking in whisper, with worried expressions. A few chemical group were laughing, like they did n't have a care in the earthly concern. Either they just did n't give care about Laurentis 's decision, or they supported it. The thought was very unsettling. Laurentis herself was unsettling to Albus, and the more he thought about it, the more he did n't like that she was now the rector of conjuration. He did n't like it at all.


A/N : Thanks for all the endearing followup !


The following week brought a slew of articles stating and re-stating everything Laurentis said in that first oral communication. A list of the new Ministry officials was printed multiple clock time. Albus found the newspaper column more interesting than the existent articles, mostly because there were quite a few proclaiming how unintelligent it was of Laurentis to sack Harry Potter. However, it was n't until nearly a calendar week after Laurentis officiall became Minister that an article completely captured Albus 's attention was published.

DEMENTORS TO recurrence TO AZKABAN ;
HOGWARTS TO SEE CHANGES

Newly elected rector of Magic
Patricia Laurentis officially signed
the law that will bring Azkaban back
under the control of the dementors
late hold out dark. Laurentis hopes
to experience the dementors back by late
next calendar week. 'This has been a finish
of mine for long time and I am very
happy that it is finally happening.
The wizarding world will be far
safer now that our crook will
be guarded once More by dementors .'

bringing the dementors back to Azkaban
is the world-class of many alteration the new
minister will be enacting over the
succeeding few weeks. Laurentis 's side by side
plan is to reenact changes at Hogwarts.
'Over the next few weeks I will be
sending illustration from the
department of Magical Department of Education to
observe each professor. Each
professor will be required to submit
their curricula to the instance
as well .'prof planning on
retiring at the end of this year
will be free from this requirement,
as no modification will take place before
the end of term.

"well, she 's done it,"Albus said as he set the article down."A week from now Azkaban will give birth dementors."

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

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

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

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

As if on cue, prof Kendrick stood up."May I have your attention ? Thank you. nearly of you, I am sure, have read the Prophet. Over the following few workweek every professor will be observed during one of his or her classes. I ask you all to snub the illustration and go about course of instruction as if they were n't there. That is how the Ministry will scoop get an sympathy of how things work at Hogwarts. Now, professor Slughorn has an announcement to make."

Professor Slughorn stood, although he was so short that it hardly made a departure. He looked a bit nervous and Albus got the touch sensation that he rarely ever addressed the stallion scholarly person dead body at once.

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

"Ten Galleons says he decided to retreat after finding out he had to submit his syllabus to the Ministry,"rose whispered after Slughorn sat back down.

"I 'm sure you 're rightfield,"Albus agreed."Dad said he did n't even require to come in back when our parents were in school."

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

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

"So that 'll be two new prof next yr,"john said.

pink wine groaned."And in our O.W.L. yr, too."

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

Rose raised her eyebrow."What word ?"

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

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

"Shut up,"King James I muttered.

Jesse James was n't the only when one to cause forgotten about O.W.L.s amidst all the election intelligence. There seemed to be more mad studying than common, and not just from the fifth and one-seventh years. The stallion castle had neglected to contemplate for their end-of-term exams. Later that Night Albus, trick, Rose, Amanda, and Kaden joined the multitude of mass vying for tabular array in the library in Order to cram in as a good deal poring over as possible. matte could n't link them, as it was the replete moonlight.

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

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

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

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

"That was Weird,"blush wine said once the two male child left.

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

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

Albus had assumed that this would be a japery that would make itself known right away, as virtually of bathroom and Kaden 's pranks worked that way. But by the next morning things seemed perfectly ticket at Hogwarts. The Slytherins'pilus was still rule colors and everything seemed settle down and lull. St. John and Kaden kept grinning at each early, so Albus was sure enough they 'd done something.

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

Albus raised his eyebrows questioningly at St. John and Kaden.

"Should we tell him ?"john asked.

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

Albus started laughing."Seriously ?"

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

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

"What 's brain ?"

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

"Madam Pomfrey let you out ?"Albus asked.

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

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

"Okay, that is fairly awesome,"flatness said."You wo n't get caught, either."

"Nope, it 's not likely,"John the Evangelist said."So, what should we do today ?"

"Study."

Albus looked up once more and saw that this metre rose and Amanda had appeared, both heavily ladened down with Bible and stacks of sheepskin. They wore identical flavor of determination.

"You 're all studying. All day,"pink wine continued."exam are in a month and none of us are prepared. The election happened, it sucked, but it 's over. zippo can be done. Albus, you 've been moping about your dad 's job for a week. John, Kaden, I 'm determined that you do well this year. Matt, the full Moon is over. All four of you are studying from now until exams."

"Aw, rose wine, c'mon-"

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

Rose and Amanda left in a flourish of sheepskin and Holy Writ, leaving Albus and the other boys to stare at each other open-mouthed. Albus knew his full cousin was very academic and placed a high value on her own education, but never before had she staged an intervention for his studying.

"She 's lost her mind,"John said."If she 's like this now, what will find side by side class for O.W.L.s ?"

"Do n't say that Logos !"James shouted from down the table.

"I suppose we have n't got a selection, do we ?"lusterlessness asked as he shoved his testicle into his rima oris."Damn, I only just got back."

That was reliable, Albus thought. He and his friends quickly finished their breakfast and hurried up to the library, realizing once they arrived that they did n't have any of their book of account. They ran up to their dormitories to retrieve them and made it to the library five minutes later than Rose insisted they be there.

Rose and Amanda had shoved two tables together and had spread all their leger out over them. Madam Pince was sitting behind the circulation desk, looking at them curiously, as if she could not remember a prison term somebody had frequented the library that early. The balance of the tables were deserted.

"What 's with the additional chairperson ?"Albus asked as he dumped his books onto the mesa."There 's only six of us."

"Oh, that 's for Elsie,"rose wine said as she set parchment down at each seat.

"As in Elsie Willinson ?"Albus replied.

"Yes, that 's the lonesome Elsie we know,"rose said."She needs help perusing and I 'm her tutor."

"But she 's Felix Willinson 's Sister,"trick pointed out.

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

Matt nudged John."It 's not a bad thing. Maybe she 'll evidence us what her buddy and Malfoy have been up to all year."

Albus had n't thought of that. Of course, Rose had n't had any luck getting Elsie to talk all class, so hazard were slim that he and the former boys would have winner.

"Honestly, you lot are far too focused on Malfoy,"pink wine said."You 've hardly studied all year. Just sit down and set about reviewing Transfiguration. I 've made work guides for every case. You should have them at your spots."

Albus picked a seat and sat down. Rose was organized to the point of insanity. There were in fact field of study guides for every national, organized chronologically, from September until May. Albus was suddenly very grateful for his cousin-german, despite her obvious insanity. This was going to pretend studying so much easier.

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

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

luncheon was about two hours away. That was n't too bad. Albus opened his Transfiguration Day book and settled in with that and the study pathfinder. It took him about a one-half 60 minutes to sour through distractions, but soon his mind was only focused on Transfiguration.

Around him, the library quickly filled up. Fifth and seventh class seemed the most frantic about finding tables and searching the wad, but students from every year and every house were gift. madam Pince spent the morning weaving throughout the board and looking over everyone 's shoulder to make sure they were working on schooling work. With exams so near, the library was now closed to everyone who was n't going to revise.

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

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

Albus sighed and returned to his own work. Getting Elsie Willinson to utter was going to be much more hard than he thought.
***


Rose 's rescript sessions continued throughout the month of May. Albus did n't like to include it out flashy, but they were incredibly helpful and he was n't sure he would pass his exams if it were n't for Rose. As the month progressed, the sessions grew both in duration and the numeral of participants. By the end of the offset workweek their bailiwick radical had grown to include St. James, Ben, Cedric, and their protagonist Nathan, who all now feared failing their O.W.L.s.

Albus and James missed a few school term for Quidditch practice, but as the Quidditch final Drew closer, both of them agreed that Quidditch was just as important as studying. Bradley and Heather were becoming More and more anxious about the final, since it would determine whether Gryffindor won the Quidditch Cup. They were currently only a few full stop behind Ravenclaw and if they pulled off a win in the last, they would most likely win the cup as well.

The catch took situation a week before O.W.L.s were scheduled to get and Albus awoke more neural than he had been for a Quidditch match in ages. The match itself was going to be bittersweet since it would be the last time he played with Heather and Fred as the other Chasers on Gryffindor 's squad. next twelvemonth he 'd let two new pursuer and that was going to be incredibly unusual.

Albus headed down to breakfast before his friend and encountered a few particularly itchy Slytherins on his way. Giggling to himself and enjoying the fact that John Lackland and Kaden 's put-on was still going on, weeks later, he entered the Great hallway. On his way to the Gryffindor table, he was distracted by the visual sense of Malfoy, speaking with Felix Willinson, while carrying an overnight bag.

Deciding that breakfast could hold off, Albus crept over to the Slytherin table and attempted to crouch down behind a few 7th years. Unfortunately the Great Hall was too loud for proper eavesdropping, and Albus made a vow to always sustain an extendible Ear on his person from now on.

Malfoy stepped away from Felix Willinson and turned, allowing Albus to look at his facial expression. He looked terrible. His eyes were red and it looked like he had n't slept in Day. Very strange, Albus thought, as he rose to follow Malfoy out of the room.

Once in the ingress dormitory, Malfoy immediately ran up the staircase, going far too flying for Albus to follow. Albus stood next to the door to the Great student residence thinking about what Malfoy 's action mechanism meant.

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

Albus did n't mention Malfoy to his friends when they came down to breakfast a few bit later. As very much as Albus wanted to discuss it with them, he knew that he needed to put it out of his mind for the duration of the peer. If there was ever a match for Albus not to be distracted, this was it.

The nerves on the team were tangible as they stood waiting to take the air onto the pitch. Fred did n't even give a speech, since everyone knew how authoritative the match was, both to Fred and Heather.

Ravenclaw had a undecomposed Quidditch team. They were easily the easily team in the school, although most Gryffindors would disagree. But the Gryffindor squad was determined in this match, causing them to play fiercer than ever before.

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

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

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

Albus could n't even hear the comment over the thundery applause of the looker. prof Longbottom was holding the Quidditch Cup heights over his head and was making his way through the crowd to Fred. Fred took the Cup and held it out to Calluna vulgaris. Each held one side and raised it up. The Gryffindors were storming the pitch and Albus was sept up in the crowd, making it difficult to gain his team. Once he did, somebody snapped their picture.

Albus was the glad he 'd felt in weeks, ever since his team won the Dueling Tournament. It was his third yr on the Quidditch team and they finally won the Cup. But he was even more happy for Fred and Heather than he was for himself since they 'd both been on the team since their second year and had never won the Cup.

Heather had split streaming down her face and Fred was grinning wider than Albus had ever seen him. While neither of them were pursuing a vocation in Quidditch, Quidditch had been their lives for the by six old age. Winning the Cup in their seventh year seemed more poignant than it would have winning it any early year. Albus hoped that Gryffindor 's team was still as ripe as it was now when he got to one-seventh yr. Winning again in his last year would be the best feeling in the world.
***


"Malfoy really did leave the castle,"Amanda announced at breakfast the succeeding day.

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

"Weirdly enough, Moaning Myrtle."

"How would she know ?"

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

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

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

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

"Why were you reading the obit ?"mat asked.

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

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

"And that riot he got months ago,"Kaden added.

Albus glanced at the obituary but did n't read it. As much as he disliked Malfoy, he could n't help but finger regretful for him. Albus could n't imagine what it would be like to lose his grandpa, and despite Lucius Malfoy 's obvious faults, he was still Scorpius 's grandpa.

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

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

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

"You think he 's gotten chummy with Moaning Vinca minor ?"Albus asked.

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

"But why would he go into a girlfriend 's loo ?"John asked, wrinkling his nose."That 's just fucking insane."

"speech sound like we need to pay a visit to Myrtle,"Albus said.

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

"We 're not going to bother Malfoy,"Albus said."We 're just going to talk to Myrtle."

"tally me out,"rosiness said, shaking her header.

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

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

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

"Not me,"lusterlessness said immediately.

"I 'll go,"Saint John the Apostle said.

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

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


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


The program to talk to Myrtle in the dead of night may have been a plan that belonged solely to Albus and John, but Rose still had somewhat of a say over when it happened. Exams were now only a calendar week away and rosebush was only giving them one nighttime off, for rest and clearing emphasis from the mind. Neither Albus or John dared cross pink wine and skip out on revision, which took stead in the depository library until curfew and then in the commons elbow room until they all went to bed.

Their one night off occurred the night before their beginning examination. O.W.L.s and N.E.W.T.s had been going on for a full week, but none of the fifth or seventh class were taking any nights off, including James. Despite Rose 's insistence that he take a dark off, King James insisted upon studying. It was quite a switch.

Albus and John spent the evening playacting cheat with Kaden. Matt had turned in early, still tired from the full moon, which had taken place two days earlier. Rose and Amanda had disappeared into their dormitory, clearly set upon having some prison term away from the boys.

The common room emptied as the dark progressed, and eventually John and Albus were the only single left. It had n't taken long since virtually people went to bed early because of exam. It was probably fairly stupid of Albus and John to stay up so late, but neither of them cared.

They waited an additional XV mo in suit somebody decided to return to the common room, but no one did. Albus glanced at John and then pulled the Invisibility Cloak and the Marauder 's Map out of his bag. He carefully unfolded the map and set it out on the table. The slide was clear.

Albus and St. John stumbled out of the portrait hole and once they righted themselves, Albus threw the Cloak over them, under the Fat Lady 's rear end gaze.

"Do n't expect me to let you in when you return,"she said."I 'm quite exhausted."

The Fat Lady was always threatening this but she never seemed to pee-pee safe on any of her threats. Ignoring her, Albus and John set off along the corridor. Gospel According to John led the way while Albus kept his eyes glued to the Map, but the corridors remained empty. It seemed everyone, both pupil and professors, were getting a in effect nighttime 's rest before examination. Everyone that is, except for Albus and John.

Moaning Myrtle was the only resident of the second floor lady friend 's lavatory. John the Evangelist quietly pushed the doorway open and Albus followed him in. Once inside, Albus pulled the Cloak off and held it under is ripe arm.

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

A splashing speech sound came from the last stall and then Vinca minor 's ghostly manikin floated through the closed stand door."Boys ? Why do n't you go use your own-"myrtle cut herself off with a giggle. She floated toward Albus and John and rested on the cesspool."Oh, it 's you. Albus Potter. And his friend John. Where 's matt ? I rather fancy him ...."

"He, er, was n't feeling well,"Albus said, hoping that Matt 's absence would n't put Vinca minor off from talking to them.

On the contrary, Myrtle 's face lit up."Oh my ! I 've been feeling rather frightfully today myself. It 's a side core of dying, you know."

Albus did n't cogitate dying had any face effects early than dying and had always assumed being a ghost would n't be painful, but myrtle was very odd.

"But why are you here ?"myrtle asked."You never chitchat me unless you 're in detention. It 's rather disappointing. No one ever thinks to visit poor Myrtle. Oh, myrtle 's bushed, they think, so she does n't postulate any visitors. Vinca minor does n't need any friends ! All because she 's dead !"

"No, Myrtle, that is n't it at all,"Albus said quickly."It 's just, you live in a girl 's loo. We can only visit you now, in the centre of the night."

myrtle let out a flash sigh."I suppose. You are n't the merely boys who talk to me, you know. Some of them even dare come during the day. I suppose they 're a bit braver than you are, which is odd since they are n't Gryffindors."

Albus glanced at John. Maybe this was going to be easier than he thought. Vinca minor probably did n't have any loyalties to Scorpius Malfoy.

"Which boys ?"Albus asked carefully, taking a step closer to Myrtle.

"I only know one of their public figure,"Vinca minor said with a giggle."I know his name because his founder used to get and spill to me when he was in school. But his son is n't quite as chatty and he did n't appear to deal at all about me or my death. He only wanted to roll in the hay about the Chamber of Secrets-"

"The Chamber of enigma ?"Albus exclaimed."Scorpius Malfoy wanted to know about the bedchamber of Secrets ?"

Myrtle brightened."Oh, you know him, too ! Yes, he did. He wanted to know exactly where the entrance was. He 'd already done quite a bit of enquiry on it in the library. Rather odd, I thought, for a Slytherin, spending so much time in the depository library, but not in a bad way. But yes, he came in and asked me about the Chamber and I told him about my last and he did n't quite sympathise the connection at commencement. So I showed him the entranceway and told him that he had to address like a snake to get in but he could n't figure it out."

"He tried to verbalise Parseltongue ?"Albus asked.

Myrtle nodded."Sounded awful. Your dad was much ameliorate at it. Even that freckled boy managed to forecast it out during the engagement of Hogwarts, but Scorpius Malfoy was truly awful at it. That 's when I met the early boy. Scorpius left and came back a few day later with this other boy. He showed him the entranceway and then they started talking about this girlfriend named Elsie and the other boy thought that she would be able to open the Chamber."

"And when was this ?"Albus asked. The other boy must take been Felix Willinson.

"Two weeks ago, maybe ?"Vinca minor said."Do you know why he wanted to get into the sleeping room of closed book ? He refused to assure me."

"No,"Albus said, shaking his straits."We want to know, too."

"fountainhead,"Vinca minor began as she floated up to the roof."Please separate me when you find out. And next time, constitute indisputable that Matt comes to visit, too."

"Er, sure,"Albus muttered."Is there anything else you know about Malfoy ?"

"No,"Vinca minor said."You 're going to give now, are n't you ?"

"Yeah,"Albus said."exam tomorrow."

Albus threw the Cloak back over himself and John and they left. On the way back Albus explained the Chamber of Secrets to John, who only knew the place by public figure. By the time they returned to the mutual room lavatory was just as shocked as Albus was about why Malfoy seemed to want to get into the Chamber of mystery.

"Do you intend Elsie Willinson can speak Parseltongue ?"John asked as they climbed through the portrait hole ( the Fat Lady had not refused them entry ).

"I do n't have sex,"Albus said."It 's very rare. I think we 're going to have to ask Rose."

"Bet she 'll enjoy that, in the middle of exams,"Saint John said with a laugh.
***


"Of form I have no idea if Elsie Willinson is a Parselmouth !"blush wine exclaimed the side by side day during their lunch break in between exams. Albus had just finished explaining what myrtle had told them last-place night, as well as explaining the Chamber of Secrets for Matt, Amanda, and Kaden 's sake.

"Are you trusted she has n't mentioned anything ?"Albus pressed.

"positive degree ! And honestly, Albus, you need to get this out of your brain. It 's test workweek. It 's not the prison term to be focusing on Malfoy. Whatever he does, it really does n't touch you."

Albus knew that, but it did n't do a matter for his curiosity. The fact remained that Malfoy was acting oddly, and if Felix Willinson was involved, it could n't be anything good.

"They 're up to something, rose,"Albus said."I 'm telling you."

Rose groaned."Albus, I do n't care."

"Oi, Albus !"James shouted as he jogged over to Albus 's buttocks."Did you see the Prophet this morning ?"

"No,"Albus replied. He, mat, and lav had both slept too late to get breakfast before their for the first time exam.

James slapped a transcript down on the board in figurehead of Albus."That bloke, Henry Martyn Robert Johnson ? The one who took Dad 's stead ? He 's revamped the entire section, claiming that they 're going to give a 99 % capture rate."

"99 % ?"Albus repeated as he looked at the paper."That 's crazy."

President Andrew Johnson REVAMPS AUROR DEPARTMENT

Newly appointed Head Auror, Henry M. Robert
Dr. Johnson, has spent the past month
revamping and reorganizing the Auror
Department. Johnson has rewritten
pattern and regularisation for the section
as well as reorganized how Aurors
work together. All Aurors have
attended shop over the past month
to familiarize themselves with the
new ruler and policies.

'The hope is that we will be able to
capture criminals faster and easier ,'
Samuel Johnson said. 'The department has
been disorganized for year and this
has resulted in many crook going
free for far longer than they should.
Between the new Auror Department policy
and the reinstatement of the dementors
in Azkaban, we should be able-bodied to capture
more criminals and save them where they
belong- behind bars .'

While President Lyndon Johnson did not go into specific
of the insurance policy and linguistic rule, stating that
these are sealed documents, he assured
the wizarding public that they have
helped to streamline the department.
'With these new policy I do n't see why
we should n't have a 99 % capture rate
within a year .'

"What does that even mean, 99 % capture pace ?"Albus asked after setting the newspaper down.

"No idea,"James River said."But I thought you 'd need to see it. I 've got to go. transfiguration practical this good afternoon and I need to practice."

"I wish they 'd say what the modification actually were,"Albus said as his brother left.

"They ca n't,"Rose said."The newspaper is right about that."

"It 's not like the department was awful when Dad was in charge,"Albus continued."He captured Greyback, did n't he ?"

"I think Laurentis is crediting Matt 's dad with that,"Rose commented."As much as it was both of them."

"That 's not fair,"mat said.

"No, it 's not,"rosiness said as she glanced at her watch."We 'd better get going. History of conjuring trick exam."

Albus found it incredibly difficult to sharpen on his account of illusion examination, and while he was fairly sure as shooting he passed it, he knew he had n't done well. There was just too much to center on. Between Malfoy and the Auror department, the live affair Albus wanted to recollect about were goblin revolt and giant wars.

Later that night blush wine held another subject area session in the library. Albus managed to sit next to Elsie Willinson, who ignored him completely. Albus spent more prison term staring at the piranha 's Map and figuring out the best way to bring up the subject of speaking Parseltongue with Elsie than any actual perusal, but rose did n't seem to notice.

The take after two day were nearly very to the first day of exams, with the exception of the depicted object they were tested on. exam in the morning time, lunch, exam in the afternoon, studying, dinner party, then more studying. The monotony was starting to get on Albus 's cheek, but they were only halfway through exam week.

Elsie Willinson did n't show up to the study seance Wed evening. Albus was disappointed since he was finally going to bring up the subject of speaking Parseltongue with her, no subject how efficient it would be. Instead, he looked over his Potions line while glancing at the piranha 's Map every so often.

"Albus, what exactly are you looking for ?"Rose asked.

Albus did n't really want to say because he knew Rose would just roll her optic, but he also knew she would n't let go of the content until he explained."Malfoy. He 's going to go back to the girl 's loo, and when he does, I want to follow him."

"That would be pillock,"rose wine said."Look at the retiring three days. You 've gotten yourself involved with something stupid at the end of every class. Following Malfoy would just be asking for trouble."

rosebush had a point, Albus knew, but he did n't deal."It 's just Malfoy. He 's not going to abduct me."

"Famous shoemaker's last Word,"Rose muttered."He 's probably just in his common room."

Albus checked the Map. Malfoy 's dot was definitely not in the vulgar way. Albus 's spirit sped up as he checked the rest of the Map. It took him a while, but then he spotted Malfoy 's dot, making its way down the second base corridor. He was accompanied by none other than Felix and Elsie Willinson.

"He 's going,"Albus said."And he 's got Felix and Elsie with him. I 'm following him and you ca n't block up me."

rose wine groaned."Albus, don't-"

Albus ignored her and turned to the eternal sleep of his acquaintance."Are any of you coming with me ?"

"I am."Albus was shocked to see that the spokesperson belonged to Amanda. Usually Amanda agreed with rose.

"Amanda, really ?"pink wine asked.

Amanda shrugged."I want a fault from studying and I 'm just as rum as Albus is."

"count me out,"Matt muttered, turning red."I 'm not going anywhere near Myrtle."

"She asked about you lastly time,"John said with a grin.

Matt turned even redder."I 'd rather not know that."

"We 're in,"John said, speaking for himself and Kaden.

"You 've got an hour,"rosebush said."If you 're not back by then I 'm sending Professor Longbottom after you."

"We 'll be back,"Albus said as he stood up. As if to farther convince rose wine of this, he left his books sitting on the table. John, Kaden, and Amanda did the Saami.

Albus did n't discommode with the invisibility Cloak since it was n't past curfew. They 'd just have to lallygag near the loo until the coast was crystalize and stoolie in when no one was looking. All they needed was the Map for that.

The corridors were unusually discharge and Albus attributed it to the fact that near of his cuss students were doing some last minute revision before the next day 's exams. It certainly made it easier to sneak into a girl 's loo.

Albus watched the Map as they went and Malfoy and both Willinsons'dots entered Moaning Myrtle 's lav. They remained there for only a few hour, and then disappeared off the Map.

"They must 've gotten into the chamber of mystery,"Albus explained."I bet the Marauders did n't know about it so they could n't give birth put it on the Map."

It took another five minutes for Albus, John, Kaden, and Amanda to get to the loo. Once there Albus burst the room access heart-to-heart and ran inside. He stopped short-circuit in front of the sinks.

One of the sinkhole was gone, having sunk into the flooring. In its place was a vauntingly, cant pitch-dark hole. Myrtle was floating above it, her eyes bright.

"They did it,"Myrtle said excitedly."Are you going to abide by them ?"

"I guess this answers the head of whether Elsie Willinson can address snake,"John said.

"Is Matt ill again ?"Myrtle asked.

"Er, yeah,"Albus said.

"He 's ill an awing lot of the time,"Vinca minor said."Tell him to come see me when he 's better."

"Sure,"Albus said as he crept closer to the hole."I 'm going down there. You three are welcome to fall in me."Albus was determined. He 'd come this far and he was n't going to discontinue now. He needed to cipher out what was going on.

"Is it a far drop ?"Amanda asked hesitantly.

"I think it 's more of a slide,"Albus said."That 's what my dad said, anyway."

"There is n't a basilisk in there, is there ?"John asked.

"No,"Albus said."It 's dead."

"Then I 'm in,"St. John said.

"Me, too,"Amanda agreed.

"I 'd go down there even if there was a basilisk in there,"Kaden said."I 'll go first, if you want."

"Be my guest,"Albus said, gesturing to the hole.

"If you die, you can live here,"Vinca minor said, giggling."I told Scorpius that and he told me that was another rationality why he ca n't die down there. I do n't cogitate he likes me."

Albus ignored Vinca minor and stepped aside so Kaden could jump into the golf hole. Kaden did so without a second glimpse.

"Are you okay ?"Albus asked once he heard a thud.

"Yeah, I 'm fine !"Kaden shouted back.

Neither Saint John or Amanda seemed inclined to go next, so Albus stepped to the very edge of the golf hole and looked down. He could n't see a affair. Deciding that it was better to just do it and not think too hard, he took a abstruse breathing space and jumped.

His dad had been right about it being more than of a microscope slide than a drop down. The cakehole was more of a sloping pipework and it was n't a bad slide at all. Soon, Albus landed at the bottom and saw Kaden, who had lit his wand.

Albus lit his own wand and took a look around. The place was very wet and it smelled nasty. The paries were dripping with murky water and the floor was covered in rock, mud, and what looked the likes of old ophidian skin.

"I think we 're near the lake,"Albus said, nodding to the dripping body of water.

There was a whooshing noise behind Albus and something crashed into him, knocking him over. Albus let out a scream and turned to see it was only lav, who had n't landed gracefully.

"Sorry,"Gospel According to John muttered as he lit his own wand. There was now decent sceptre luminosity to see clearly. The place was creepy. That was the only word for it.

Amanda landed without knocking anyone over and lit her verge. Albus and Kaden waited for toilet and Amanda to rent a feel around.

"What do we do now ?"Kaden asked.

"Does anyone see anything ?"Albus asked. It seemed drained silent to Albus.

John shook his head teacher."Matt should 've come. We need his werewolf hearing."

Albus nodded in correspondence."I guess we just follow the pipe. It looks like it only goes one way."

The others agreed. Albus led the way, his wand pointed in strawman of him, and they set off. No one spoke. No one made any dissonance whatsoever. Albus had his ears poised to learn even the quietest racket, hoping to try some hint as to where Malfoy and the others had gone.

Ihey walked for what felt same miles before they heard even the feeble of noise. Albus noticed numerous snake skins and the ivory from decades-old animals. Then, just when Albus had a feel they were reaching the end of the transition, he heard a voice, clearly, as if it was right wing next to him.

"Albus Potter. Well, well, is n't this a pleasant surprise."

Albus recognized the voice. It was Jarrett Willinson.


Cliffhanger ! I know. I 'm evil. Thank you for all the wonderful reexamination ! I will answer to them, but I 've been quite busybodied lately.

And now I 'll take a few moments to tout. On the 16th I went to NYC for J.K. Rowling 's effect for The Casual Vacancy. I got to meet her and get a signed transcript of the book ! It was absolutely amazing. I blogged about it on the forum, so please check it out !


Albus froze. He had n't heard that vocalism in over a class and region of him thought he would n't ever hear it again. He always assumed Jarrett Willinson had stayed in Commonwealth of Australia, where absolutely no one was looking for him.

Slowly, Albus turned toward the voice. He pointed his lit verge in its charge and saw that there was a very low opening move to his left. It appeared to be another pipe, but one much humble than the one he and his supporter had just been in. Albus crept toward it, trying not to pretend any noise.

He turned to St. John, Kaden, and Amanda."What do you think ?"

"I think we should get out of here,"Kaden said immediately, stepping back."I thought we were just going after Malfoy."

"I bet Malfoy 's down there with him,"John said.

"But why ?"Amanda asked as she walked over to the pipe. She stuck her head in, making her vox echoey."Why would he total back here ?"

"Can you see anything ?"Albus asked.

"Not much,"Amanda said, climbing fully into the pipe.

"We should just go back,"Kaden said, his voice wavering. All his bravery from being the first to infix the Chamber was gone.

"I do n't make out,"Albus said."We 've come this far ..."

"Albus, I think Rose might 've been right,"Kaden said."Let 's just go-"

Kaden was interrupted by Amanda 's screech. There was a cheap splash, a clunk, and then more shrieking. Albus turned quickly back to the pipework. Amanda was gone, a humble spile of rubble in her place.

"Amanda !"Albus screamed, stepping over to the pipe.

"Albus !"she shouted back."assistance !"

"What 's happening ?"trick asked.

"Told you we should 've gone back !"Kaden shouted.

"wellspring, we ca n't go back now,"Albus said, climbing into the pipe."C'mon !"

Albus had to crouch as he walked in order to fit through the organ pipe. bathroom and Kaden followed him, occasionally tripping over rocks as they went. Albus splashed ahead of them, his wand lighting the few feet in front of him. They followed Amanda 's shrieks until they grew muffled and disappeared all together.

Finally, the pipework emerged into a little bedroom, not unlike a small-scale variation of the chamber they 'd just been in. It was wetter than the rest of the chamber of arcanum and the far paries contained a metallic element grate that appeared to let out into the lake. But the water was n't going through it.

Albus 's tending, however, was n't focused on the magically contained lake pee. Instead, his heart drew to the collection of masses scattered throughout the chamber. He breathed a sigh of easing when he saw Amanda, in the batch of Jarrett Willinson, who had his scepter pointed at her straits. Albus was just well-chosen they found her. Jarrett was flanked by his son, Quinton, who was looking a bit worse for wear. Azkaban did n't seem to throw agreed with him and he now looked far onetime than his other twenties.

Scorpius, Felix, and Elsie were there as well, looking very uncomfortable. Elsie was shaking and had a destruction traveling bag on her crony 's mitt. Scorpius stood next to them and he seemed very trouble. The merely one who seemed at all okeh with the post was Felix, whose grimace seemed to be coming from his sister 's grip on his hand, not on the situation.

Albus did n't recognize the other three adults at first. Then he remembered their exposure from the prophesier. The shorter woman was Dolores Umbridge, her grey hair greatly resembling a beehive around her head. Her hide was deeply wrinkled and she did n't much resemble the person in the picture, but her eyes and freakish grin were the Lapp. The other adult female was about a foot taller and just as ugly. Her hair was stringy and mostly brown, with bar of greyness. Her olfactory organ was long, crooked, and boasted a large wart, giving her the feel of a classic Muggle 's version of a enchantress. All that was missing was the cat valium tegument. The man resembled her, although he was short and more dumpy. Both were sneering. Albus assumed they were the Carrows.

"What are you doing here, Potter ?"Scorpio asked, clearly trying to sound more convinced than he was.

"Shut up, Malfoy,"Jarrett snapped."I 'll ask the doubtfulness. And I can only wear they followed you three. Whether it was knowing on your part, I have no idea."

"Ca n't we just go ?"Scorpius demanded."We did what you wanted-"

"No, no you did n't,"Jarrett off-and-on."You did what your father wanted and then you did contribution of what we wanted. And in this lies the problem."

Albus was thoroughly confused. His eyes went from Jarrett to Malfoy and back again, attempting to figure out what was going on. What exactly had Malfoy 's begetter asked him to do ?

"I never said I 'd do what you wanted us to do,"Malfoy muttered, averting his gaze.

"And yet you did."Jarrett sneered.

"But I did n't want to !"Malfoy looked scared now. He pulled his baton out of his gown and held it up shakily.

"Oh, are you going to duel me ?"Jarrett asked, shifting Amanda in his arms so that he could channelize his scepter at Malfoy.

"M-maybe."

Jarrett sighed."This is pathetic. I do n't like taking advantage of slight baby, and yet here I am-"

"I 'm not slight !"Malfoy shouted.

"You just lost your gramps,"Jarrett said."You 're fragile. So is your father, and he 's easy to deceive."

"He is not !"

At that point Elsie started crying. It started out as small snuffle but within ten seconds blew up into loud sobs. Everyone in the elbow room turned to stare at her. Albus felt bad. It was obvious she had n't wanted to be here.

"Oh, shut her up !"Jarrett said.

"Elsie, you have to be silence,"Felix muttered.

"I just want to will, Felix !"Elsie sobbed."I did n't need to do this. You know I did n't want to do this !"

"You did n't experience a choice, Elsie. He 's our uncle and he needed our help."

"Could someone please just explain what 's going on ?"Kaden asked loudly."Or even secure, let go of Amanda so we can get out of here and let you lot get back to whatever it is you 're doing ?"

Jarrett laughed."Oh, she 's not going anywhere. You three are free to get out. I really do n't care what the perdition you do."

Albus exchanged glances with Saint John and Kaden, who both shrugged. None of them were going to leave behind, of course, but Albus was utterly confused. For the past tense four long time Jarrett and Quinton Willinson had tried to kidnap him and now, all of a sudden, they wanted Amanda ? They 'd never wanted her before.

"Oh, you have n't put it together yet, have you ceramist ? I thought you were smarter than that."

"Put what together ?"Albus asked, still confused.

Jarrett squeezed Amanda tighter."She 's the prime Minister 's niece, who happens to be a beldam. She 's currently the best bargaining chip shot I could possibly give. I only wish I 'd known about her earlier, but thanks to your uncle the entire wizarding human beings knows she 's the Prime minister 's niece. I must give thanks that reporter.

"Potter, do you realize how bad Laurentis would face if anything happened to the Muggle prime quantity rector 's niece a piddling over a month after she took office ? And just days after her appointed Head Auror revolutionized the section ? Oh, it would appear awful, ceramicist. So we, all of us, are going to sit tight until the Aurors get here and then I 'll urinate my demands and the Aurors will give in because if they do n't, I 'll pour down the Prime Minister 's niece."

Albus 's lip fell open. He stared at Jarrett, whose grin resembled that of a mortal who just won the lottery. Amanda looked terrify, her center darting everywhere and a few stray split running down her cheeks.

"Of course you can allow, Potter,"Jarrett said."Go get your dad. Go get the other Aurors. It 'll only fetch them here sooner. And do n't even try to hex me because if you do, this lot-"Jarrett gestured to the Carrows, Umbridge, and Quinton,"-will hex you. Your dad is n't a Ministry functionary anymore, Potter. It wo n't be as big of a criminal offense if they hex you now."

Albus glanced at Umbridge and the Carrows. Umbridge did n't appear like mortal subject of hexing anyone, given that she more closely resembled an unsound mental patient than a severe witch. But the Carrows, they looked capable of murder. As for Quinton, he was n't much of a threat. Still, Albus, can, and Kaden were more outnumbered than they ever had been before.

"But why ca n't we leave ?"Malfoy asked, his voice wavering."Or at least me ?"

"Because I might ask you to do something else,"Jarrett snapped,"and I want you here because if I let you leave I doubt you 'll come back. I know you did n't institute us the girl. She came with Potter, following you."

"Why does it matter ?"Malfoy asked."The spot is she 's here now."

"I do n't think you would 've ever brought her to me, Malfoy."

"You 're right, I would n't ! And do you want to know why ? I never wanted to help you. That 's not why I agreed to this. I think you 're all changeling, to be honest."

Albus stared at Malfoy, completely shocked. Malfoy hated Albus, Amanda, and all their champion, so why would n't he throw brought Amanda to Jarrett ?

"Then why are you here, Malfoy ?"

"To help my dad !"Malfoy said, his wand still pointed at Jarrett."I did n't know you idiots were going to induce a plot of your own."

Jarrett laughed."Now you 're the idiot. You think we 'd have agreed to his plot if there had n't been something in it for us ? Meaning my son, here. Not these other three. I 'm not sure why they agreed to it. I 'm not even sure enough Umbridge knows where she is, actually. She has n't said a good deal of anything since the escape."

"Do you really think you 're going to get anything out of this ?"Malfoy demanded.

"Yes, I do,"Jarrett snapped.

Malfoy narrowed his eyes and then whipped around. In a matter of indorsement, he sent five consecutive hexes at the Carrows and Umbridge. Umbridge collapsed immediately, not moving. The Carrows both went for their wands, but were too boring. Malfoy sent two Sir Thomas More sweetheart and the Carrows fell over, one on top of the other.

Malfoy turned back to Jarrett, breathing heavily."Looks like the odds are a little dissimilar now."

"Malfoy, what are you doing ?"Albus asked, still trying to wrap his brain around the fact that Scorpius Malfoy had just helped him.

"Shut up, ceramist,"Malfoy muttered."I 'm not doing this for you."

"Scorpius, what is your job ?"Felix asked, breaking gratuitous of his sister 's grip."I thought we were in on this together."

"I thought we were, too, until your uncle decided to do things his way,"Malfoy said."It 's like I told you at the beginning ; I only did this for my father."

Albus still did n't know exactly what"this"was, but all that really mattered now was that they were no longer outnumbered.

"The Aurors are coming,"Malfoy said to Albus."If we can just accommodate them off-"

"How do you know the Aurors are coming ?"Albus asked.

"That does n't matter now,"Malfoy said as he sent a mantrap at Jarrett.

Albus turned to lav and Kaden."Focus on Quinton and Felix. No offense, but you are n't the best duelers and I do n't need you to hit Amanda."

John and Kaden nodded. Albus glanced at Malfoy, attempted to shake up off the weird feeling he had from being on Malfoy 's side, and started sending hex after hex at Jarrett. Jarrett, clearly unable to duel while holding Amanda, threw up a shield and did n't hex back. Albus and Malfoy silently agreed to celebrate going, in an attack to weaken the shield.

Albus heard a brassy clangoring and turned to his right. Dust was settling near where the Carrows and Umbridge lay. Once it settled, Albus saw that a enceinte boulder had fallen from the ceiling and had landed on top of the female Carrow.

"I think she 's suddenly,"Kaden said.

Albus swallowed intemperately. Death had never crossed his thinker when he 'd add up down here. Trying to push it from his thoughts, he returned to hexing Jarrett 's shield.

Kaden shouted something Albus could n't pretend out and Albus turned just in time to see him shoot down against the rampart. Albus ran over and knelt future to him."Kaden ! Kaden !"

Kaden stirred and looked at Albus."Albus ?"

"Kaden, thank God,"Albus whispered.

"I 've got an fearful worry,"Kaden muttered.

"Do n't fall asleep,"Albus said."arrest awake. You 've probably got a concussion."

Albus heard splashing and looked up. Five hotshot stumbled through the pipe, their wands out.

"Wands up !"one of them shouted. Albus did n't recognize the vox."nonentity relocation !"

"Are they all here ?"another asked.

"I believe so,"the first one said as he walked around the room."Looks like the tip was correct."

"Not so fast !"Jarrett shouted."I 've got a few demands."

"You 're in no position to score requirement,"the commencement Auror said.

"Albus ?"

Albus turned back to the pipe and let out a sigh of relief. His dad had been the fifth Auror to arrive."Dad. Kaden needs to go the infirmary offstage. Now."

Harry knelt down following to Kaden and assessed him."We 'll take this lot rounded up soon. Then I 'll necessitate him."

"Let go of the girl, Willinson,"the low Auror said. He took a few steps forward and Albus was capable to see the side of his face. It was Robert Johnson, the new headspring Auror.

"She 's the bloom Minister 's niece,"Jarrett said."You 'd better be careful, or I 'll stamp out her."

"You 're outnumbered, Willinson,"President Lyndon Johnson said."I would n't try anything if I were you."

"It 'll be a huge scandal if she dies down here."

"Oh for God 's sake,"Johnson muttered."Expelliarmus !"Jarrett 's verge flew in a perfect arc out of his manus and Dr. Johnson caught it."Petrificus Totalus !"

Jarrett attempted to fudge the trance, but still keep handgrip of Amanda. He failed and collapsed to the base. Amanda ran forward and Harry caught hold of her, directing her to sit adjacent to Albus and Kaden.

The Aurors conjured circle and tied up Jarrett, Quinton, the Carrows, and Umbridge. None of them said a word and none of them questioned any of the suspects. If Albus had n't known any estimable, he would 've thought the Aurors knew exactly what they were going to find down here. It was all very confusing.

Dr. Johnson and the three unfamiliar Aurors grabbed clasp of the malefactor and took them out of the chamber. Harry was left with Albus and the rest of the student.

"Dad, what 's going on ?"Albus asked.

"I have my suspicions, but unfortunately I do n't have any test copy,"Harry said."Let 's get you up to the infirmary wing."

Harry carried Kaden, who had since passed out, and led the odd chemical group out of the chamber and back to the pipe that led to Moaning myrtle 's bathroom. Once there, he pointed his baton at the pipework and it turned into step. A few minutes later, they were back in the loo. Albus blinked a few times at the bright lights and then his eyes rested upon Vinca minor, who was floating near the far stall.

"You 're back !"she shouted."Is he dead ?"Vinca minor gestured to Kaden.

"No,"Albus said."Just unconscious."

"Oh."Vinca minor seemed rather disappointed.

"Let 's go,"Harry said."Hospital wing."
***


Albus had no tangible grounds to stay in the hospital wing. After muttering about how Albus and his friends were always getting into worry, ma'am Pomfrey proclaimed him in perfect health. John, Amanda, Scorpius, Felix, and Elsie were also fine. Kaden, on the early deal, had a concussion and was not allowed to sleep. Albus, toilet, and Amanda remained in the infirmary wing with him. Rose and matte joined them as well, despite the fact that it was well past curfew.

Harry left after delivering them to Madam Pomfrey, but promised to give in a few time of day. That had been three hours ago and Albus was still waiting for him to come back, and for an explanation. They 'd explained the entire trial by ordeal to lusterlessness and rosebush, who both agreed that Malfoy 's behavior was very strange.

The room access to the hospital wing finally opened and Harry walked in, looking incredibly exhausted. brothel keeper Pomfrey, upon seeing him, hurried off to her study.

"Kaden,"Harry said."How are you feeling ?"

"Like individual ran my head over with a motortruck,"Kaden said.

Harry chuckled."You 'll feel better soon."

"What was that about, Dad ?"Albus asked."Why was it almost like the Aurors expected all the prisoners to be there ?"

Harry sighed."No one knows for sure. The official record is that they received an anonymous tip, but none of the captive are explaining why they were in the bedroom of Secrets or how they got in."

"When we were down there, Malfoy kept saying he was doing something for his dad, but he never said what it was,"Albus said.

"That helps confirm my theory,"Harry said."I suspect that Scorpius Malfoy, along with Felix Willinson, were instructed by Draco Malfoy to find a desirable emplacement to house the prisoners for safe-keeping until Aurors could be brought in to capture them. This, of course, had to be done after the Auror section was reorganized by Robert Johnson, in Order to realise both him and Laurentis look good. If Laurentis looks in effect, Draco Malfoy looks good."

"But that means that Laurentis and Draco Malfoy knew where the prisoners were,"Albus said.

"Yes, yes it does,"Harry said quietly.

"Uncle Harry,"Rose began."You do n't mean that Laurentis organized that break-out, do you ?"

"It 's crossed my mind,"Harry said."But it 's irrelevant, because I have no proof. Nor do I have test copy of my theory about Draco Malfoy and his son. Alecto Carrow is dead, Dolores Umbridge is clinically insane, and Amycus Carrow is n't talking. Jarrett and Quinton Willinson are n't talking, either, and I somehow doubt Scorpius Malfoy will rat out his father. So, for now at least, this will remain a theory."

"But Dad, it 's illegal,"Albus said.

"It is,"Harry replied."Do n't worry about it, Albus. The prisoner are back in Azkaban, which is all that subject right now."

"But Dad-"

"Albus. badgering will do zip. In my experience, multitude who are grease one's palms like this are never able to celebrate it a secret long. Whatever happens will happen."

"What about Scorpius ?"Amanda asked."Why did he switch position like that ?"

"Scorpio Malfoy has had a rough year. His grandad has been quite ill for a tenacious time, which has put emphasis on both of his parents and thus, on him. I am sure he was pressured into this by his Church Father and then when it came fourth dimension for him to get further into it, by helping Jarrett Willinson get clutches of Amanda, he realized he did n't want to be involved, not would his founder have wanted him to be involved."

"Is he going to get in trouble ?"Albus asked.

"No,"Harry said."As far as the record is concerned, Scorpius, Felix, and Elsie stumbled upon the captive just as you lot did."

"That does n't appear honest,"Albus muttered.

"No, it does n't,"Harry said."But on the other hand, I think Scorpio Malfoy deserves a prisonbreak this class. I think he 's grown up a lot over the past tense few month. You might find that he 's not quite the bully he used to be."

"I 'll believe that when I see it,"mat muttered."I guess that 's why he wanted to get into the Shrieking Shack, though. Probably wanted it for the prisoners."

"I suspect that, too,"Harry said."I must say I 'm beaming he chose the bedroom of Secrets."

"Me, too,"lusterlessness agreed.

"I have to bring back to the Ministry,"Harry said as he stood up."This will be in the paper tomorrow, although I have no estimation what case of story they 're going to spin or how involved you will be. Whatever they publish, do n't take it too hard. Please do not name my theory to anyone. The last thing we need is an article in the vaticinator claiming that Harry potter is a confederacy theorist."

Albus laughed and said good Night to his dad. ma'am Pomfrey let them sleep in the hospital wing that night, considering how recently it was. Kaden, of course, had to persist arouse. Albus was surprised by how easy slumber came, considering what he 'd been through that Night, but it was nearly two in the dawning. He realized with a sinking feeling that he still had exams the next day. Herbology and Ancient runic letter. He hoped they would n't go too horribly.


A/N : Thanks for all the lovely review ! I will be getting to them as soon as I can. The next chapter will the final in this novel. I 'm not sure enough when the fifth novel will be up since I have yet to issue forth up with a concrete patch for it. I 'm going to take a break to write other floor that I 've had in my head for a while.

It 's the end of October, which means it 's nearly NaNoWriMo season ! I 'll be continuing to update Between Here and Somewhere throughout Nov, as well as posting the last chapter of this adjacent Friday. But you wo n't see lots else from me until Dec, as I 'll be busy writing an original fic.


Albus, john, and matt overslept the next morning. Albus awoke ten proceedings before their Herbology exam and had to awake up Saint John and Matt, which is never a small feat. It took a full five minutes to get them up, but soon they were running through the corridors knowing full well that they would be late. Unfortunately for Albus, none of his head was on Herbology. He could n't check thinking about what happened last dark.

The male child ran into greenhouse three five minutes late and as soon as they shut the door the entire class looked up from their exams and stared at them. Albus got the distinct feeling that they all knew about last night, whether from rumour or from the prophet. prof Longbottom got up from his crapper and walked over to them.

"boy,"he said quietly.

"I 'm no-account we 're tardily, sir,"Albus said."We overslept-"

"Albus, it 's okay. I know what happened last nighttime. Just go take your seats. Your exams are already laid out."

"Thanks,"Albus replied.

Albus was very grateful that Herbology had been the examination he was recently for. Longbottom was the most translate professor in the total school. Albus settled down and managed to take the exam without falling asleep. While there were a few motion that he was n't sure about, he was quite confident that he at least passed.

By the meter the examination period of time ended Albus was starving, as were John and Matt. They, along with pink wine and Amanda, headed immediately to the Great mansion for lunch. As they walked in, Albus again got the trenchant feeling that everyone was staring at them.

"You should 've been at breakfast,"Amanda said."Everyone was talking about it and they kept coming over and asking me questions. There were a bunch of citizenry crowded around Malfoy, too."

"Do either of you have the Prophet ?"Albus asked as they sat down.

"Yeah, here,"Rose said, handing it to him.

Albus unfolded the paper and set it down on his plate. John the Divine and lustrelessness sat on either side of him and understand over his shoulder.

CONVICTS CAUGHT AT HOGWARTS

Newly appointed Head Auror, Robert
Andrew Johnson, received an anonymous tip
late death night that led him and four
early Aurors to Hogwarts schoolhouse of
Witchcraft and Wizardry. The tip
told Aurors that escaped convicts
Amycus Carrow, Alecto Carrow,
Quinton Willinson, and Dolores
Umbridge could be found in the chamber
of Secrets cryptic under Hogwarts School.

The Chamber of closed book, long since
regarded as a rumored obscure chamber
beneath the school was proven to
exist in mid-1993. The Chamber has
remained evacuate since then.

All four escaped con, along with
Jarrett Willinson, wanted for a year
by the Auror department, were found in
the sleeping accommodation of Secrets by Henry M. Robert LBJ
and four other Aurors. Amycus Carrow,
Quinton Willinson, and Dolores Umbridge
have been returned to Azkaban prison.
Jarrett Willinson is currently being held
in Azkaban prison without bail. Alecto
Carrow was pronounced utterly by therapist
late last night, after the roof in
the Chamber collapsed, crushing her
instantly.

Six Hogwarts students were found in the
Chamber as well. Johnson has released
very picayune information on this scene
of the night, but has said that Jarrett
Willinson captured one student with the
intent of killing her if demands were
not met. The name calling of the students have
not been released.

It is unknown how the con got into
the school. Weaknesses in the protective
hospital ward are currently being addressed. 'We
wish to see the public that Hogwarts
schooltime remains as safe as ever. The trouble
will be addressed quickly. There is no
need to panic .'

"Unknown how the yardbird got into the schooling ?"Albus said incredulously."They 've covered the whole thing up !"

"What did you expect, Albus ?"rosiness asked, shaking her head."Uncle Harry said it would happen."

"I bet that new Head Auror is in on it,"Albus muttered."He 'll probably say he investigated but all he 'll do is cook up news report to compensate up what Laurentis did."

"You 're probably right,"Rose said.

"Who 's rightfield ?"Kaden asked as he sat down.

"Albus,"Rose said.

"Have you seen this rubbish ?"Albus asked, holding up the paper.

"Yeah,"Kaden replied."But honestly, I do n't care right now. I just want a sandwich. The divination exam was brutal. I had to secernate Trelawney 's time to come in tea leaves."

John laughed."What did you say ?"

"Told her she was going to meet an ill-timed death at the helping hand of a vagabond Quaffle,"Kaden said.

rosiness groaned."Oh, Kaden, you didn't."

"She actually liked it,"Kaden said."Her huge eyes lit up and everything."

"She likes decease, Trelawney,"privy said."Or at to the lowest degree the concept of it."

"Weird,"Albus muttered.

Albus 's remaining exams took place with small fanfare. Despite his mind not being on the material, he thought he did fairly well, and when the marks were released he discovered that he had passed everything. His transfiguration mark was a bit low, but still passing.

The Hogwarts scholar, with their short memory duet, soon forgot about the debacle in the sleeping accommodation of secret and moved on to former matter of discussion such as the summer vacation and the current Quidditch season. Albus certainly did n't heed this because it meant he was no longer the center of aid. Despite the fact that the Prophet never released the gens of the students in the sleeping room, everyone knew it was Albus, trick, Kaden, and Amanda, along with the three Slytherins.

"Look, Laurentis has released a statement about capturing the prisoners,"Rose said at breakfast on their day in the castle.

Albus groaned."This ca n't be good. Let 's discover it."

“'I wish to acclaim the Auror department for their work in recapturing the remaining escaped crook. The timely recapture after the shake-up of the Department only reinforces how important a decision it was to regroup. With the new regulations and policies in the Auror department, organized by Robert LBJ, the Aurors were capable to capture the felons immediately after receiving the tip. We can most assuredly look forward to Sir Thomas More successes from the Auror Department .'”

"What a load of turd,"Albus said."Of course they were able to recapture them quickly after receiving that tip. They organized for the convicts to be in the Chamber in the low gear place."

"It 's like your dad said, though,"Matt began."Everything will get revealed eventually. That 's not an wanton secret to keep, what they did."

"Hey, it looks like Embry 's going to make a speech,"Kaden said, gesturing toward the staff table.

prof Embry stood up and raised his hands for secrecy. This did zilch, of line."Quiet !"Embry shouted."I have something I 'd like to say.

"Thank you,"he said, after everyone stopped talking."I just want to say what a joy it has been to teach you all this class. I never expected to teach and I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed it. I hope you enjoyed taking my class as much as I enjoyed teaching it, and I hope you all have a great discernment and understanding of our authorities. Today is my last day at Hogwarts, as the politics course will not continue future class, and I am once again needed at the Ministry. Please do n't hesitate to owl me if you wish to experience a tour of the Ministry for academic purposes. I daresay that a few of you might have life history in political relation yourselves."

Embry sat back down and the total elbow room fusillade into clapping. Albus was n't for sure if the applause was for Embry or for the fact that politics would no longer be a class. Albus had n't minded the class, but one few class was to be appreciated.

"I learned something about politics this year, all rightfulness,"John muttered as the applause settled down."And that 's that I never want to be a politician."

"Me, too,"Albus agreed.

"cheerfulness to that !"James shouted from a few prat down.

"Oh, I do n't know."Amanda shrugged."I think it might be interesting."

Albus was n't at all surprised to find out Amanda say that. If any of his admirer were to become politicians, it would be Amanda.
***


Later that day Albus found himself at yet another Hogwarts graduation exercise ceremony. He and Rose had attended every single graduation ceremonial occasion since starting Hogwarts, and one the year before, too. It had gotten to the point where he did n't pay a great deal attention to the oral communication because they all sounded very similar to the 1 he 'd take heed before. During this ceremony, the only function Albus paid aid to was the component where Fred and Scots heather accepted their diplomas, which took all of two minutes.

"Well, we survived,"Albus said to Georgia after the ceremony ended and everyone was milling around.

Georgia grinned."That we did. It 's sort of surreal, to be fair. Dad did n't win, so thing are no different than they were this time last twelvemonth, really."

Albus nodded."How is Uncle Sir Henry Percy doing ?"

Georgia shrugged."I 'm not certainly. He does n't talk about it much. Actually, the Wyrd matter is that whenever I go over there for dinner party he spends a lot of time asking about Quidditch. I think it 's mostly to retain me from asking about his deficiency of employment, but I 'm not going to sound off. Maybe he 'll even learn to like it. The Quidditch, I mean, not the lack of employment."

"He still has n't found a job ?"Albus asked.

"No. He could go back to the Ministry but he 'd give to do something where he 's not an actual politician, since Laurentis would n't take him. I do n't think he wants to do that. He 's been helping Uncle Saint George with the workshop, but I do n't consider Uncle George IV really likes that. Says Dad 's too obsessional. But he 's too squeamish to say Dad he ca n't help."

"Albus !"Rose shouted."We 've got to go. The pram are leaving."

Albus nodded to rose and then turned back to Georgia."I 'd better go. Let me know when your next match is. I want to go."

Georgia grinned."sure enough thing. See you soon, Al."

"Bye, Georgia,"Albus said as he turned to keep abreast blush wine back to the rook, where they would capture the thestral-drawn carriages back to Hogsmeade.
***


"I say we go to John 's sign this year,"matt said as the Hogwarts express hurtled back to London.

"Are you mad ?"John asked, unwrapping a Chocolate anuran."I mean, really, are you ? You want to come to my house, where I have three half-baked minuscule sisters running about ?"

Matt shrugged."They ca n't be that bad."

"Says he who is the new in his family,"St. John said, looking at Albus for support.

"He 's properly,"Albus agreed."And I 've only got one minuscule sister. await a moment, mat 's the simply one of us who does n't accept younger sibling, is n't he ?"

The others nodded."All right,"John said."Let 's give Matt a real sensory faculty of what having lots of sib is like. I 'll owl you and let you cognize when."

"Exploding Snap ?"Kaden asked, holding up a deck of cards.

"Sure,"Matt said. Everyone else nodded.

Kaden began to address the cards, but before he finished, the compartment door slid open. Albus, expecting one of his cousins, turned to the doorway. It slid clear the ease of the way and Malfoy stood on the door, looking a bit unsure of himself. He was alone. Albus wondered where Felix was.

"What do you desire ?"John asked.

"Er, can I just talk to you lot ?"he asked quietly, stepping interior and sliding the door behind him.

"Where 's Willinson ?"Albus asked, standing up.

"He 's no longer speaking to me,"Malfoy explained."After I hexed his uncle and as he put it, 'joined the other position .'”

"What about Elsie ?"rose wine asked, clearly concerned about the girlfriend.

Malfoy shrugged."She 's always with Felix. She never said a lot around me."

"Is she really a parselmouth ?"John asked."I assume she 's the one who got you into the Chamber ?"

"Yeah, she did, but she 's not a parselmouth. She 's just really good with spoken language so she was able to fake it,"Malfoy explained.

There were a few present moment of awkward silence. Malfoy shifted his weight and leaned against the doorway.

"So,"Albus said."Why are you here, exactly ?"

Malfoy sighed."This class sucked and I got caught up in a lot of affair that I did n't want to do, which is exactly what happened to my dad when he was at Hogwarts."

Albus was utterly confused as to why Malfoy was telling them all of this. He exchanged looks with mat and then focused on Malfoy once more.

"But it 's just not worth it anymore,"Malfoy continued."Hating you lot. I know it was you who somehow got itching powder into all the Slytherins'laundry-"

"That was n't us,"Kaden said quickly, a small too quickly.

"And we know you put the goat in the common room,"bathroom added.

Malfoy nodded."As I was saying, it just does n't matter. Any of it."He turned to Matt."And I do n't care that you 're a lycanthrope. Really. Sure, it 's weird and I have no idea why Kendrick even lets you be here-"

"I wo n't hesitate to hex you, you know,"John said, reaching into his gown for his wand.

Malfoy held up his hands."No, do n't. I guess what I 'm saying is that I think we should address a truce."

"A armistice ?"Albus asked, raising his brow.

"Yeah, a truce,"Malfoy said."You all know my granddad died this class. It makes all this fight we do look really stupid."

"You 're not saying we should be friends, are you ?"St. John the Apostle asked incredulously.

Malfoy screwed up his side."God no. I 'm saying you lot halt only pranking the Slytherins, do n't tell apart anyone that I dueled on your side in the Chamber, and I wo n't tell anyone Eckerton is a werewolf. I 'll really promise that, without any threat of expulsion."

Albus was skeptical. Could the death of Lucius Malfoy really prompt this change in Scorpius ?

"C'mon, truce ?"Scorpio asked, sticking his hand out to Albus.

"Oh, just do it, Albus,"rose said."We 've got O.W.L.s next year. You do n't need this stupefied feud distracting you. Or any of us."

"Fine, cease-fire,"Albus said, shaking Scorpius 's manus.

Malfoy nodded."I guess I 'll go, then. See you around, Potter."

Malfoy turned and left the compartment. Albus did n't displace for a full min."That was the strangest thing I 've ever seen,"he finally said, resuming his seat.

"I do n't think any of us will ever wide-cut understand what happened there,"Rose said."But I think it 's a trade good thing."

"Weird, though,"Matt said."You think he means it ?"

The weirder matter was, was that Albus did actually think him. There had been something in Malfoy 's eye that Albus had n't seen before. It was like Malfoy seemed older somehow. He was no longer a kid, whose biggest worry was arguing with Albus over stunned things. Somehow, Malfoy had grown up.

Albus supposed they 'd all spring up up that year. They were going to be fifth years now, and Kaden would be a one-quarter year, and that meant they were the erstwhile students in the school. They were growing up. All of them. Even Malfoy.

"brand me wonder what next year will be like,"Amanda mused."Everything about this year has been strange."

"We 've got Laurentis reforming Hogwarts,"rosiness reminded them."I think it 'll be plenty strange."

Albus had nearly forgotten about that. He did n't need Hogwarts to change. Despite all that was going on in the extraneous human beings, Hogwarts had always remained the Lapplander. But now it was n't. Hogwarts was going to change.

Albus leaned back in his tush and stared out the window, watching the countryside fly by. He did n't make love what changes Hogwarts would see in the come after class, but he did n't desire to mean about it just yet. There was still a whole summer before that would take place, and Albus intended to revel it.


A/N : Thank you so much for all the support and review article for this story ! You bozo are amazing. I will be taking a prisonbreak before continuing with this serial as I have other stories floating around in my header, but I 'll eventually come back to Albus. I 've no idea how foresighted it 'll be, though.

In the meantime, please check out my Marauders Era story, Between Here and Somewhere ! And keep checking back for my follow-up responses, because I will get to them.