Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




Matt did n't pass to the common elbow room until Sunday good afternoon. Albus and his Quaker had spent virtually of the weekend doing homework and playing rounds of Exploding snap bean. Kaden made himself scarce and Albus hardly saw him at all. Albus vaguely wondered where he was, but he did n't really think about it much. All that mattered was that Kaden was n't hanging around Albus anymore. Albus and his friends did n't get a chance to recount lusterlessness about what Kaden told Malfoy while he was in the hospital wing because it had been very crowded that weekend. Apparently, quite a few students had decided to practice their dueling for the upcoming match while they were unsupervised in the corridor. This caused Madam Pomfrey to have an awful lot to do. She looked very frazzled when Albus and the others visited Matt on Saturday.

Albus was sitting in the common room with the others, doing homework, when Matt returned from the Hospital flank. He still looked a bit tired and the cuts on his face were n't completely healed yet, but he looked much better than he had on Thursday. Albus closed his book and glanced at his friends when Matt came through the portrayal hole.

`` What 's with you lot ? '' matt asked, `` You 're awfully quiet. ``

`` We 've, er, got to tell you something, '' Albus replied quietly, `` Let 's go to the room. '' Albus got up and left the plebeian room. His supporter all followed, not saying a word. Albus led them down the seventh trading floor corridor until they reached the painting of Barnabas the Barmy. Albus paced three times in front of it and opened the door that appeared. It looked just like it did whenever Albus or his champion asked for a billet where they could be alone. There were a few mucky armchairs and lounge, a fireplace, and it was decorated in scarlet and gold.

`` Ok, so what 's this all about ? '' lusterlessness asked immediately, once the room access was shut.

`` Why do n't you sit down ? '' rose wine suggested.

lustrelessness sat down on one of the couches and looked nervously at the others. `` You look like my parents did when they told me I could n't go to school in Australia. ``

`` well, we 're obviously not going to tell you that, '' Albus gave a lukewarm joke as he sat down on a chair. rose wine, whoremaster, and Amanda sat down as well.

`` fountainhead, get on with it, '' lusterlessness said.

`` All right field, '' Albus began, `` You 've probably noticed that Kaden is n't around. ``

`` Yeah, I thought that was a bit odd, '' Matt commented, `` What 's he done now ? ``

Albus sighed, `` I do n't really have it off the best way to say this. Kaden, er, for some intellect was talking to Scorpio Malfoy- ''

`` Malfoy ? ! '' lustrelessness interrupted with a look of shock on his face.

`` It gets worse, '' Albus continued, `` You know how I told Kaden that you get sick every once in a patch, so he would shut up last month ? ``

`` Yeah ... ''

`` And I made him promise not to tell anyone, '' Albus said quickly, `` But for some reason he told Malfoy. ``

flatness sank back into his president and his fount went chalk white. Albus was gladiola rose told him to sit down, because if he had n't experience been sitting he probably would have fainted. Albus watched as matte processed the information. After a few moments he asked very quietly, `` What did he tell Malfoy ? ``

`` That you 've got some form of magician disease that lady Pomfrey ca n't cure, '' Albus answered. `` And Malfoy put two and two together and figured out that you do n't impose your honk grandma. ``

`` Oh, no, '' flatness closed his eyes and started rubbing his head, `` This is n't skilful. Malfoy ca n't find out, he just ca n't. ``

`` We 're going to try and cook sure he does n't, '' John said adamantly.

`` But you ca n't really barricade him ! All he 's got to do is a bit of research and he 'll fuck everything, '' Matt moaned.

`` Maybe he 'll be too otiose to bother, '' Amanda suggested.

`` There 's another thing, '' Albus started, `` Kaden may have also told him about the Whomping Willow. ``

`` No, he ca n't have, he just ca n't, '' matt whispered.

`` We do n't have intercourse for sure, '' Albus reminded him, `` I 'm watching the Marauder 's Map and if we see Malfoy anywhere near the tree, we 'll go hex him or something. ``

flatness nodded, `` You know, if Malfoy finds out and William Tell anyone, chances are I 'll have to allow. ``

`` No, you wo n't, '' Rose assured him.

`` How do you know ? ``

`` pink wine is rightfield, '' Albus agreed, `` When the marauder were in schooling, Snape found out about chemise 's dad and he still got to detain in school. Dumbledore made him forebode not to tell anyone. I 'm sure Kendrick would do the Sami thing. ``

`` I sure hope so, '' matte sighed, `` What about Kaden ? ``

`` rose had to block up me and John from hexing him, '' Albus explained, `` But I yelled at him quite a bit. Have n't seen him often since and I do n't really want to. ``

`` But he 's your full cousin, '' Matt said.

`` Does n't matter, '' Albus assured him, `` I hardly saw him at all until he started coming here. I told him not to severalize anyone and he did, so I ca n't trust him anymore. And no one 's going to convince me to rationalise this clip. ``

`` All right wing, '' Matt replied. `` Let 's stay here for a while. I think if I saw Kaden right now I 'd sustain to hex him. ``

Rose groaned, `` What is with male child ? Do you always have to hex people to work out your problems ? ``

`` It 's a proven fact that hexing works best when dealing with Slytherins, '' John Lackland grinned.

`` Kaden 's not a Slytherin, '' rosebush commented.

`` What he did was a pretty Slytherin thing to do, '' Albus replied. Nobody argued with that.

******

The weekend before Halloween was a very arouse one for the student at Hogwarts. There was the number one Hogsmeade sojourn on Saturday, which the older pupil were very excited about. Albus, of course, was n't allowed to go since he was a second yr. Saint James made sure to lord this over him at every minute possible during the week preceding the visit. James would be going on his first Hogsmeade visit, and Albus was indisputable that Hogwarts would be treated to a variety of pranks following. When James and his admirer returned from Hogsmeade, they ran into the common room with their suitcase bulging with what could only be Weasley 's products, and quickly stowed it all in their dormitory. indisputable enough, at dinner that Night, the scholarly person body was treated to a very entertain repast. Somehow, James and his friends had managed to sneak a potion into the Slytherins'food that caused their hair and fingernails to turn scarlet and gold. The rest period of the school laughed hysterically as the Slytherins tried to figure out how to turn their hairsbreadth and nails back to normal.

`` Nothing will change it, '' James informed the Gryffindor table in between fits of laugh, `` Uncle George told me it will fatigue off within 24 hours, though. ``

`` Too bad it 's not permanent ! '' Gospel According to John laughed.

`` I was going to redeem it for the day of the Quidditch couple, '' James explained, `` But I just could n't hold back. ``

`` I ca n't pick you, '' Albus grinned. He looked up at the faculty table and saw his dad trying to repress his laughter, but he was n't succeeding. The other phallus of the staff were smiling slightly, except for Slughorn, who was looking a bit distraught at the sight of his mansion decked out in Gryffindor colors.

The following day was the first dueling tournament for the junior dueling club. The previous student had already had their foremost tourney the late weekend. Albus 's cousin Stanley 's team had won. The tournament was to take place immediately following lunch, at one o'clock, and the instant, third base, and quartern yr were filled with turmoil about it.

`` What if we have to duel each other ? '' Albus said worriedly at lunch. `` I really do n't want to duel you lot. ``

`` I do n't either, '' trick agreed, `` But we might have to. It 'll be all right. None of us know any spells that could do any lasting damage. I 'm just hoping I get to duel Malfoy. ``

`` Me, too, '' mat agreed.

`` I almost wish first base eld could bring together the dueling club, so I could duel Kaden, '' Albus commented, `` I would n't mind beating him in forepart of the total school. ``

`` I 'm probably just going to lose, no matter who I duel, '' Amanda sighed, `` The lonesome thing I can do is demilitarise somebody, and I 'm not even that good at that. ``

`` Sure you are, '' Albus assured her, `` And if you duel a second year, or even a third year, you 'll have a opportunity at winning. Fourth years, on the other bridge player, I 'm not for sure any of us have got a chance at winning a affaire d'honneur with one of them. They probably know all sorts of tour we do n't. ``

`` Albus, '' Rose began, `` Remember that the team have hoi polloi from all years on them. I do n't think any squad has an advantage over another. ``

`` I guess, '' Albus agreed, `` But I still wish there were sign of the zodiac teams. I do n't like being on the Lapp team with Malfoy. ``

`` Me neither, '' Amanda said.

`` We wind up practice session dueling with each early every meeting, '' Albus explained, `` And neither of us has really won any of them. ``

`` You 're both really unspoiled duelers, '' Amanda replied. `` You 're going to wash up anyone you 're up against, Albus. ``

`` I 'm not for sure about that, '' Albus said.

`` Attention ! '' Professor Kendrick stood up, `` The junior dueling tournament will start shortly. Please make your way to the dueling chamber. ``

Albus stood up, `` Well, good destiny everyone. '' Albus 's friends all wished each early good lot as they got up and left the Great Hall. It was a bit odd being on separate squad, Albus thought. He wished his booster good luck, but he wanted his own team to win.

Albus and Amanda quickly lost the others in the sea of pupil filing into the dueling chamber near the Great G. Stanley Hall. They found Kate at one of the tables that had been set up for each team to waitress at. Their team name, The Dueling Dragons, was written on a patch of parchment that was stuck to the table. There was a realistic looking dragon breathing fire drawn on it. Scorpius Malfoy was sitting scowling at one end of the tabular array, his hair still bright scarlet and gold. Albus and Amanda stifled their laughter and sat down on the face-to-face end. A few minutes later, once everyone on their team had arrived, Kate began to speak.

`` Attention ! '' she shouted and the table became muted, `` Thanks. The tourney will start in a couple minutes. I 'm sure enough we 'll do great. Everyone think what you 've learned within the past calendar month and you 'll do fine. Just do your best and even if you do n't win today, there 's still next meter. I know this inter-house team thing is toilsome, but I think everyone here has really come together to work as a squad, and I 'm majestic of all of you for that. So, with that, good luck ! '' Kate sat back down and started talking to one of the other fourth age on the team.

A minute of arc later, prof Kendrick stood up at the front of the room and raised his bridge player for calm. The elbow room fell silent and he began to speak. `` Welcome to the first Dueling Tournament for the Juniors Dueling ball club. This is the foremost of six qualifying tourney of the year. At the end of the year, the top two teams will face off in a final tournament. There will be two duels going on simultaneously, with professor ceramicist and Longbottom presiding over them. Every educatee will duel twice today. The victor of each duel will be awarded one point. At the end of the tournament, the team with the most decimal point will be declared the winner. The points will role over to each tourney, after the sixth tournament, the two team with the most detail will look off in the terminal. Now, each captain was given a list of affaire d'honneur for today, so I will give you a few minutes to get organized and for the maitre d' to inform their teams of the docket. safe luck to all. ``

Kate quickly went over the schedule with her squad. Albus 's first duel was about halfway down the tilt and his second was the one-third to last. The just affair he could do now was wait until his turn came. Albus was growing steadily more nervous as sentence wore on. What if he lost ? Malfoy would never let him live that down. Albus watched the first match of affaire d'honneur while talking with Amanda. After a few affaire d'honneur, Henry James 's spell came and he lost to a Ravenclaw quartern year. Rose was up succeeding and she easily beat her third yr Slytherin opponent. Quite a few of Albus 's teammates had dueled by now and most of them had won. Before prospicient, Amanda 's spell was up. Albus wished her chance and she went nervously to the dueling band that Neville was watching over.

Amanda was up against a second twelvemonth Hufflepuff and the foremost part of the duel consisted of each of them mostly dodging the piece sent towards them. Eventually, Amanda managed to unarm her opponent and won. She came back grinning ear to ear. Kate congratulated her as she sat back down next to Albus.

`` Great job ! '' Albus smiled, `` Told you you could do it. ``

`` Thanks, '' Amanda grinned.

Matt was up following against a Slytherin fourth year. The duel hardly lasted two minutes before the Slytherin used an advanced trance that caused Matt to slam dance into the bulwark behind him. Harry quickly disarmed the Slytherin and disqualified him. Professor Cedonia took flatness to the hospital wing while Harry assigned the Slytherin a dyad detentions.

`` What a git, '' Albus growled, `` I hope matt 's ok. ''

`` He 'll be fine, '' Amanda assured him, `` I think he just cut his arm a bit. ``

`` Yeah, but still, '' Albus continued, `` That Slytherin knew he could n't use magic spell like that. ``

`` I could bear blocked it, '' Malfoy announced.

`` No you could n't, '' Albus shot back. `` And how 's the whisker ? ``

Malfoy scowled and turned away from Albus. A consequence later his name was called and he was off to duel a familiar Slytherin. It was a very fast step duel. Both of them were splendid duelist, but Malfoy won in the end. Albus was not sure whether to be happy about this or not. He did n't have long to consist on it, though, because a minute later, he was called.

Albus walked nervously to the dueling ringing where Neville was and he faced his Ravenclaw opponent. He was dueling Carter Eubert, a confrere second year.

`` Both of you know the principle, '' Neville said to them, `` You can start when I let out red Spark. ``

Albus and Howard Carter bowed to each early and took a dueling stance. Neville 's sceptre shot out red light and the duel began. Albus sent out a disarming spell, but Carter easily blocked it. Carter then sent one at Albus, but Albus was able to barricade it as well. This went on for five minutes, each of them sending spells that the former blocked. Eventually, Albus managed to hit Carter with a tickling hex that had him bent over in laughter. Albus took advantage of this and disarmed him easily. He had done it ! He won !

`` gunpoint goes to potter, '' Neville announced. Albus and Carter shook hands and went back to their teams.

`` Good job, Albus ! '' Kate grinned as Albus sat down.

`` Thanks, '' Albus replied.

`` That was amazing dueling, Albus, '' Amanda greeted him, `` carter 's good, too, but that tickling thing was enceinte. He could hardly act. ``

`` I 'll sustain to remember that if I ever duel him again, '' Albus said.

The afternoon wore on and Albus found himself getting a bit bored with watching the dueling. It was taking all afternoon. bathroom dueled Albus 's cousin, Cedric, and lost. Albus was n't surprised by this, as Cedric was an first-class duellist. pink wine and Malfoy each won their second duels, while St. John the Apostle and Amanda lost theirs. Matt returned from the hospital annex in clock time for his second affaire d'honneur, but wound up losing to his third year Ravenclaw resister. Albus dueled a thirdly twelvemonth Gryffindor in his back duel and narrowly won. His opponent did not look happy about this. Malfoy also won his second duel, which was against a third or fourth year Hufflepuff ; Albus was n't sure which.

Eventually, all the affaire d'honneur finished and professor Kendrick stood up once again. `` Great dueling, everyone ! You all did a rattling job. Now, to declare the winner. I am pleased to denote that the Flying capital of Arizona, captained by Barty heathland of Slytherin have come in first berth with 23 points ! Thank you, everyone. The next tournament will charter piazza at the end of November or source of December. Your captains will be informed of the take date as it comes closer. ``

`` We 'll win succeeding clock time, '' Kate assured her team as they got up. `` See everyone at practice on Midweek. ``

Albus and Amanda made their way out of the room, but realized they would never encounter their friends in the crowd. `` We 'll meet them in the common room, '' Albus said as they started up the stairs.

When they got to the commons room, it was already full with bookman rehashing region of the duel. Albus noticed Kaden listening to Saint James the Apostle 's business relationship of his affaire d'honneur. James River had won his second duel and appeared to be very lofty of it. Albus and Amanda ignored Kaden and found John and lusterlessness sitting at their usual table. Albus and Amanda sat down and a few present moment later were joined by blush wine, who was glowing.

`` Congratulations ! '' Albus announced as his cousin sat down. The others echoed his word.

`` Thanks, '' rosebush replied, `` I was n't sure we were going to win. heath is n't the greatest captain. I think we just have naturally trade good dueller on our team. Carter is amazing, although not as in effect as you, Albus. ``

`` I 'm just glad I beat him, '' Albus grinned, `` Malfoy would n't have shut up about it otherwise. ``

`` gladiolus I 'm not on his team, '' John muttered, `` Ca n't believe I lost both my affaire d'honneur. ``

`` You 'll do near next time, '' Albus assured him.

`` At least you did n't curve up in the hospital flank, '' lusterlessness commented, `` I 'm the only one that did. Figures. ``

John laughed a bit at this, `` I think you 've got some kind of attractiveness for that place. ``

`` Oh shut it, '' matt replied.

`` That was n't your fault, though, '' rose wine pointed out, `` That Slytherin was n't supposed to use that hex on you. ``

`` You 're ok now, right ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Oh, yeah, I 'm fine, '' Matt assured him, `` gentlewoman Pomfrey healed my arm in an minute, but she was fretting over me as usual. prof Cedonia convinced her to let me go back for my second duel. ``

`` goodness, '' Amanda said, `` I like professor Cedonia. She reminds me of the teachers I had in primary winding school. ``

`` Me, too, '' Albus agreed, `` She hardly ever gives detention. ``

`` And no exam ! '' whoremonger grinned. Albus liked this as well. So far, the only grades they had in that socio-economic class were from essays they had been assigned as homework. Cedonia had not given them a single in year test.

`` I 'm not sure I like that, '' rose sighed. The four other bookman looked at her like she was mental.

`` Are you mad ? '' Albus asked.

`` How is she supposed to do it if we 've mastered the charms if she does n't test us ? ''

`` She watches us in social class to see if we 've improved, '' Albus replied.

`` And those essays for homework, '' Matt commented.

`` But those are n't at all what the O.W.L.s will be like, '' Rose reminded them, `` We 've got to get used to taking exams in magic spell. ``

`` Those are three year away ! '' John sighed.

`` Two and a half, '' rose corrected him, `` And it 's right to initiate preparing early. ``

`` All I know is that I 've learned more appeal this year than conclusion class, '' Albus said.

`` well, I 'm going to ask her about it on Tuesday, '' rosebush replied.

`` No ! '' Albus and the others shouted at the like metre. Albus liked Cedonia 's mode of education and he did n't desire her to start giving them exams like the other teacher did. Without charms exams, Albus had less to vex about. Hopefully, Cedonia would push aside Rose 's plea for exams and continue the way she had been.



A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight ! Thanks as well to XDNLxtlz99, sinwillys822, potterfan89, St. Luke, Denas, ladymblack, and Moonylupin for their reappraisal !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




Albus was helping himself to some autumn pumpkin juice when the post arrived on Tues morning. He looked up and noticed a small chocolate-brown owl flying towards him. He immediately recognized it as Victoire 's owl. `` Victoire 's sent me something, '' Albus announced as the owl landed following to his plate. Albus took the letter and gave the owl a piece of goner before it flew off.

`` feeling, it 's addressed to all of us, '' rosebush commented as she glanced at the letter.

Albus turned the gasbag over, wondering what it could be about. Victoire had sent him a couple letters so far this year, most of them sent along with Amy 's letters to matte. These usually arrived a duad solar day after the wax moon, as Amy always wanted to fuck how Matt was. Since the entire lunar month had been a few weeks ago, Albus was curious as to what Victoire had to tell them. He opened the alphabetic character and began to read it. Rose, lusterlessness, John, and Amanda read it over his shoulder.

lamb Albus, mat, pink wine, John, and Amanda,
How have you been ? I hope you 're enjoying classes and not making too
a lot trouble. Congratulations on your successes in the dueling tournament,
especially you, rosebush. I hope there are many great victories to come. skillful
circumstances in your first Quidditch match, Albus. We hope to be able to go to, but
it depends on work and therapist training schedules.

Training has been going well. We 've been attending class in the first light
and training at St. Mungo 's in the good afternoon, like always. slip has been
very busybodied with Auror grooming as well.

By now you 're probably wondering why we 're writing to you now, as it 's not
our usual sentence to compose. We 're not sure as shooting if you read the Prophet regularly,
which is why we 're telling you this in a letter. Quinton Willinson was
spotted yesterday-

Albus immediately stopped reading the letter and glanced at his admirer. As Albus fell back into his school routine, he had almost forgotten about Washburn and the Willinsons. He felt his fear come back as soon as he read that Willinson had been spotted. Albus returned his eyes to the alphabetic character without saying anything.

He was spotted in a Muggle Village in Southern England, quite far from Hogwarts. The Aurors are already on his bum and are tracking him this very
second. shift heard about it while he was at training, and we decided to
give you a heads up. Uncle Harry will probably tell you as well.

Do n't vex about it too much. He ca n't get into Hogwarts and Uncle Harry
has it under control. commodity destiny with Quidditch, dueling, and year, and we
hope to see you soon.

Love,
Victoire, shift, and Amy

`` I 'd nearly forgotten about Willinson, '' John the Evangelist said darkly after they 'd finished reading the letter.

`` Me, too, '' Albus agreed.

`` It explains why Professor ceramicist is n't here, '' matte commented.

Albus looked up at the staff mesa and noticed that his father was missing. `` Guess so. ``

`` Do n't worry, '' rosebush said, `` I mean, it 's kind of good that mortal spotted him. Before they had no tether, and now they sort of know where he is. ``

`` I suppose, '' Albus replied. He had n't thought of that. But what about the early two ? Were they with Quinton or had they parted ways ? Albus just hoped his dad and the other Aurors managed to capture him.

`` Could I see the vaticinator ? '' rose asked one of the aged students who was sitting across from her. The little girl nodded and handed her the paper. `` Let 's determine the clause. '' rose scanned the straw man varlet and found a unretentive article on the left face of the page. She read it aloud.

`` 'Eighteen-year-old Quinton Willinson was seen near the Muggle townsfolk, Hythe, in Southern England early yesterday morning. A virtuoso who prefers not to be named in this article saw him and immediately informed the Ministry. Willinson has been wanted by the Auror department since his plan of attack on Head Auror and defensive structure Against the nighttime prowess teacher at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Harry Potter, survive Spring. Five underage Hogwarts bookman were also attacked. Willinson, along with his male parent, Jaret Willinson, and the one-time magic spell professor, Jameson Washburn, attacked Potter and the five pupil on the grounds. ceramist declined comment for this article. The Head Auror has informed the wizarding public that all three men are grave and not to attempt to contend them. If any of them are seen, masses are requested to inform the Ministry immediately. Ministry Aurors responded to the sighting and are currently investigating .'''

`` Wow, '' blush wine said once she 'd finished reading the article, `` I hope they catch him soon. ``

`` Me, too, '' Albus agreed, `` I 'm sword lily he 's so far away, though. ``

`` But they 're going to do back, '' rose sighed, `` To find the, you-know-whats. ``

`` Well, hopefully prof Potter will trip up them before they get the chance, '' Matt replied, `` Anyway, I hope Amy and Victoire come to the Quidditch match. I have n't seen Amy in ages. ``

Albus looked over and saw that mat was looking a bit sad. Albus knew he and Amy were very secretive, but had n't really thought about how different it must be for lusterlessness this year. Albus did n't recollect matt had ever gone this foresighted without seeing her. `` They 'll probably hail, '' Albus assured him, `` And if they ca n't, they 'll visit when they can. ``

`` Yeah, '' Matt gave a lukewarm smile.

`` We 'd improve get to magical spell, '' blush wine announced. The five secondly twelvemonth got up from the table and made their way out of the Great Radclyffe Hall. Albus noticed that Kaden was sitting following to Saint James the Apostle, talking animatedly about something. St. James did n't look too happy about this and had the look of someone pretending to listen, but not really listening. Albus almost felt bad about William James having to deal with Kaden, but not bad enough to make up with his cousin.

Professor Cedonia spent the kickoff half of class teaching the magical spell for tying horseshoe, and during the second half, the class practiced. Unlike last year, Albus thoroughly enjoyed practical lessons in magic spell. professor Cedonia did not mind them talking with each other as they practiced, and although she watched their advancement, she did n't hover like Washburn had done.

`` apology me, Professor ? '' pink wine announced shortly after she succeeded in charming her shoes to tie themselves.

`` pink wine, do n't, '' Albus whispered. He knew she was about to ask if they were going to ingest any tests.

`` Yes, Rose ? '' Cedonia walked over to her desk and immediately spotted her perfectly tied brake shoe. `` Oh, rattling job ! ``

`` Thank you, professor, '' Rose replied. `` But I was just wondering, are we going to have any exams in this stratum ? ``

Everyone in the entire room stopped what they were doing and looked over at Rose. almost of them looked horrified, but a few appeared to also be wondering if they would give birth any test. Since they had appealingness with the Ravenclaws, this did n't really surprise Albus.

`` Ah, '' Cedonia smiled, `` I was wondering if anyone would ask. I, unlike the other teachers at this school, do not think in testing scholar in the established way. I prefer to depute essays that are done outside of stratum, where you are free to use your Book, to value your knowledge of possibility. As far as practical exam go, I prefer to assess your progress in category. If I have any belief that you are not mastering the chore at hand, I will hand you duplicate serve until you can get the hang it. However, in accordance of rights with Hogwarts tradition, there will be a practical exam at the end of the semester. The theory exam will be an essay that you can complete using your Word of God, in course. ``

`` Oh, '' blush wine said. She looked a bit astonished. `` All right field. ``

`` If you 'd wish an examination, I will make one for you, but no one else will have to charter it unless they want to, '' Cedonia announced.

`` No, that 's all rightfield, '' Rose replied.

`` Excellent. I assure you, rosiness, that you will have a perfect agreement of second class Charms by the time the yr is up, and you will be in excellent embodiment to displace on to tierce yr. ``

blush wine nodded and Cedonia walked back to the front of the room. Albus turned to John and grinned. `` Yes, no exams ! '' he said.

`` Brilliant, '' John agreed, `` I really thought Rose was going to win over her to prove us. ``

`` wellspring, I suppose she kind of is testing us, '' Matt explained, `` Just in a unlike way. I 've never had a teacher like her before. ``

`` Me, neither, '' lav said.

Albus nodded. All of his teachers in principal school had been like the ones at Hogwarts, with schematic exams and homework. `` I went to a Muggle school and all of the teacher gave us exams. climb went to the Saami one. ``

`` Sami here, '' John replied, `` formula Muggle school. ``

`` Not me, '' Matt announced, `` I was home-schooled. You can probably guess why. Amy went to Muggle schooling, though. ``

`` All the teachers were like Cedonia at my school, '' Amanda turned around to speak to the boys. `` We did n't get exams or grades or anything like that. It was fun. I really liked going to schooling. Except when I made strange stuff happen. mass thought I was Weird. Turns out I was, but in a good way, '' she laughed.

`` I suppose this will form, '' pink wine sighed, `` She is assessing us, just in a different way. At least she 's overnice. Everyone seems to like her. ``

`` We do n't really have any mean teachers this twelvemonth, '' Albus commented.

`` I had n't really thought about that, '' John said, `` But you 're veracious. ``

`` Who knows about next year, though, '' Matt replied, `` We 'll start up new subjects and who knows what those teachers will be like. ``

`` Hagrid Thatch Care of Magical creature and he 's bully, '' Albus told them.

`` What form of sorcerous fauna ? '' lavatory grinned at Matt.

`` Do n't even go there, '' flatness grinned back. `` Amy says the ancient rune teacher is nice. ``

`` Trelawney 's kind of strange, but gracious enough, '' Albus commented. `` She teaches Divination. ''

`` No way am I taking that, '' Matt announced, `` I do n't require to sleep with what my futurity holds. ``

`` Arithmancy sounds really matter to, '' rose wine said, `` And Georgia told me the instructor is hard-and-fast, but not mean. ``

`` Well, good, '' Albus replied, `` But we 've got months before we have to settle what new subjects we 'll train. ``

`` I wish I could take them all, '' rosebush sighed.

`` You could, '' Albus laughed, `` But I do n't think it would turn out well. '' Albus and pink wine shared a laugh that the others did n't really read. Albus saw their bemused faces and decided to tell them about Hermione 's one-third year schedule sometime soon.

******

Harry was back at Hogwarts in time for Albus 's defence mechanism class on Thursday. Harry called Albus up to his desk after category. Albus had been anxiously waiting the whole class to see if Harry managed to pick up Quinton Willinson. Albus had a touch sensation he had n't because there was n't any mention of it in the Prophet that first light.

`` Hi, Al, '' Harry gave Albus a hug once all the other educatee left. `` I 'm guessing you know why I left ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus replied, `` Victoire sent us a varsity letter and I read it in the Prophet, too. ``

`` Good, '' Harry sighed, `` I 'm gladiola Victoire told you before you read it in the vaticinator. I had to exit very abruptly and was afraid you would n't love what happened. ``

`` fountainhead, did you catch him ? '' Albus asked. The suspense was killing him and he did n't need to waitress any longer.

Harry sighed again and put his hand around his son 's shoulder. `` I 'm sorry, Al. He got away. We got some more leads, though. Talked to a few Muggles and a wiz who were around when Quinton showed up. I still have n't heard anything about Quinton 's father or Washburn. But we 're still searching and it 's only a topic of time. ``

Albus 's grimace fell and he became more disquieted as he realized that not much forward motion had been made. He had been so certainly that his dad would get Quinton this meter. But he had n't. Washburn and both Willinsons were still out there. How long would it be until they went back to Hogwarts ? `` What if they come back here ? '' he asked quietly.

`` I 'm not going to deny it. They probably will add up back here. But there is a bombastic total of trade protection around the school. final stage year, it was easy for them to be on the grounds since Washburn was a professor and Quinton was a student here. They do n't have that going for them now. And I do n't think any of them could maltreat foot in Hogsmeade without someone alerting me or the Ministry. ``

Albus thought about this for a moment and felt a bit better. `` All right. Are you leaving again ? ``

`` Not unless one of them is seen, '' Harry explained, `` The early Aurors have it under control condition. ``

`` good, '' Albus smiled. He felt a lot better knowing his dad was at the school.

`` Well, we 'd better pass to the Great Hall, '' Harry gave Albus another hug.

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` If we do n't hurry, john will eat all the food for thought. '' Harry laughed and the two of them left the room together.

******

Albus wandered sleepily into the common room the next workweek completely tired out from Quidditch Practice. The first match, against Slytherin, was on Sat and Georgia was having them drill every even. It had been a drizzly evening and Albus 's gown were soaked. He went up to his dorm room to put away his broom and change. Once he was done, he grabbed his books and went back to the common way to do his homework. When he got there, he could n't find his friends anywhere. Albus sighed. Where could they be ? They were n't in the dormitory, Albus had just been up there.

Albus squeezed his way through the herd common room until he found Bilius and Ethan studying at a nearby table. `` Have you seen St. John the Apostle and lustrelessness anywhere ? '' Albus asked.

`` Oh, hi Albus, '' Ethan looked up from his book. `` How 's practice going ? We 're going to beat Slytherin, right ? ``

`` 'Course we are, '' Albus gave a tired grin, `` They 're pathetic. ``

`` Excellent, '' Bilius replied, `` I think John and matt left an hour or so ago. I 'm not surely where. ``

`` Yeah, '' Ethan agreed, `` pink wine and Amanda were with them. lustrelessness did n't look so sound. Maybe they went to the hospital annexe. ``

Oh, yeah ! Albus had completely forgotten that the full moon was the side by side Night. They must have gone to the elbow room of Requirement. Albus had also momentarily forgotten about the elbow room due to the fact that Kaden was always hanging around them, and they did not require him to roll in the hay about the Room.

`` Thanks, '' Albus replied, `` I think I know where they are now. '' Albus waved to Bilius and Ethan and left the room.

Albus walked down the corridor as fast as he could without actually running. He slowed down as he reached the portrait of Barnabas the Barmy, as there was a prefect roaming nearby. Albus loitered until the prefect turned a corner and then he started pacing in front man of the bulwark. Three gait later, the doorway appeared and Albus walked in.

`` There you are ! '' Albus announced after he shut the door. `` I thought you 'd be in the common room. ``

rosebush, John Lackland, and Amanda were all furiously scribbling on pieces of parchment and they looked up as Albus came in. mat was sleeping on a nearby chair and did n't notice Albus.

`` We were, '' rose wine said, `` But it was awfully tatty in there. Plus, now that Kaden has left us alone we thought we 'd start coming in here again. ``

`` Sounds soundly, '' Albus agreed. He grabbed a chairperson and sat down next to bathroom. `` What are you lot working on ? ``

`` metamorphosis, '' privy groaned, `` Eight in essay due tomorrow. I 've got four inch so far. ``

`` history of Magic, '' Amanda said, `` Also due tomorrow. ``

`` I finished those a piece ago, '' Rose commented, `` Now I 'm doing Herbology. ``

`` I still have the chronicle of conjuration stuff to do, '' Albus said as he pulled out his history book. `` How long has he been asleep ? '' Albus pointed to Matt.

`` Since we got here, '' John answered. `` Probably just as well since before that he was just rambling about how Malfoy 's going to research the Whomping willow tree tomorrow night. ``

`` Why would Malfoy do it at dark ? '' Albus asked, `` He 'll get in more fuss if he 's out past curfew. ``

`` That 's what we told him, '' pink wine explained without looking up from her book. `` I think he gets kind of unrestrained and does n't think straight at this time of the month. ``

`` You 're probably right, '' Albus agreed, `` But can you blame him ? ``

`` No, not really, '' rosebush sighed.

Albus started to riffle through his History of conjuring trick book, but he could n't concentrate. It was n't past curfew now ; what if Malfoy was exploring the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree right now ? Albus closed his book and started rifling through his bag. He pulled out the vulture 's Map and set it down on the table.

`` What are you doing ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Looking for Malfoy, '' Albus replied. Everyone looked up from their work and watched Albus. `` I solemnly swear that I am up to no good, '' Albus pointed his wand at the map.

Albus searched the map for a few moments before his eyes rested on Malfoy 's dot. He breathed a sigh of relief as he saw that Malfoy 's dot was currently residing in the Slytherin park room. `` He 's in his common elbow room. ``

`` Oh, in force, '' blush wine smiled. `` I really do n't call up he 's going to inquire that tree. ``

`` Why 's that ? '' bathroom asked skeptically.

`` He 'll get in big fuss if he gets caught, '' rosebush reminded him.

`` So ? That probably would n't cease me, '' John the Evangelist laughed.

Albus was relieved that Malfoy was n't currently trying to get into the Whomping Willow, but he did agree with John that Malfoy would eventually try. The matter was, what were the hazard of it happening while Albus was looking at the map ? Not very high. And what would Albus do if he did see Malfoy near the tree ? Albus had no idea. He sighed as he whispered, `` Mischief managed. '' Albus watched as all the ink disappeared from the map. He still did n't require to do his homework, but he had to. He started to put the map back in his bag, but the pot of a small mark on one of the corners made him stop.

Albus slowly lifted the map back out of his bag and stared at the turning point. He had never seen any gull on the map after he wiped it fair before. But this Deutsche Mark was so minor it could own easily been missed. He peered at the tiny marking until he noticed what it was. It was four paw mark. A beast, dog, hart, and rat mark. It obviously meant the piranha. Albus knew he had seen it somewhere before, but where ? He continued to gaze at the paw print, wracking his brainiac to try and recollect why it seemed so familiar.

`` Albus, '' rose was watching him. `` What are you doing ? ``

Albus looked up at the sound of her articulation, `` Oh, there 's something on the map. I never noticed it before. It 's a wolf, dog, stag, and rat foot photographic print. Here, look. ``

rosebush, John, and Amanda all leaned in to look at the mug. rose furrowed her brow and tilted her forefront as she looked at it. `` Why did the marauder have this thing stay on the map ? All the early ink disappears. Now it 's just a random piece of lambskin with these paw print on it. ``

Suddenly, Albus remembered where he 'd seen the paw prints before. The piece of sheepskin that fell out of the photo album in the Classical Greek of Grimmauld Place ! Albus had completely forgotten about that during the course of the schoolhouse year. The symbolisation were exactly the like. They must mean something, Albus thought. He jumped up from his seat. `` I 've seen it before ! Remember when we were exploring the garret at my sign of the zodiac, King John ? ``

John nodded his head. `` Yeah ... ''

`` And the photo record album we found in that box ? '' Albus continued, `` And the while of lambskin that fell out of it ? ``

Realization dawned on John 's side. `` Oh ! I 'd block about that ! Do you still have it ? ``

`` Yup ! '' Albus shouted excitedly, `` In my trunk. I 'll go get it ! '' Albus ran out of the room, leaving a very delirious St. John and a thoroughly confused blush wine and Amanda.



A/N : Sorry for the cliffhanger, but the next chapter is long and I had to split it up somewhere.

The approximation for Cedonia 's teaching style and the school Amanda used to go to came from a shoal that used to be near where I live. It recently closed due to lack of funding. But the scholar did n't have tests or receive grades. They also got to choose whatever they wanted to study. It was a really interesting idea and it worked well until it closed. I never went there, but I always thought it was neat.

Thanks to my Beta, Dancer of Starlight as well as potterfan89, Denas, XDNLxtlz99, sinwillys822, Luke, and Moonylupin for their limited review !

Be on the lookout for my newest story, lifespan Is commodity, which is a prequel to Secrets Within that chronicles how Albus, Rose, Matt, John, and Amanda received their Hogwarts letters. I 'm hoping to send the first chapter sometime adjacent week, as I have Spring Break.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.



Albus ran all the way to the Gryffindor mutual room, narrowly avoiding another prefect. He went to his dormitory, dug through his trunk, and found the parchment. He was so glad he had n't left it in the garret. He knew it meant something ! Albus ran back through the common room, ignoring the strange stares he was receiving from his fellow class fellow. When he got back to the Room, lav was in the operation of explaining to rosiness and Amanda about what they had found in the attic. `` I 've got it ! '' Albus shouted. He ran back to the mesa and spread the parchment out on the table.

`` You 're right ! '' Rose grinned, `` Exactly the same mark. ``

`` But it 's just a vacuous piece of parchment, '' Amanda reminded him.

`` I know, but there 's definitely something mystical about it. Why would the piranha put this symbol on it if it meant zip ? ''

`` I think you 're right, Albus, '' whoremonger agreed, `` I do n't know much about the Marauders, but from what you 've told me, there 's no way this is just a random piece of lambskin. ``

rosiness looked from the map to the new bit of parchment and back. `` Hmm, I wonder if this is like the map ? Do you think we have to say something to get it to work ? Maybe it 's an denotation of the map, Hogsmeade perhaps ? ``

Albus thought for a moment. That kind of made sense. The Marauders frequented Hogsmeade quite a bit, during their full moon jaunts. Maybe they wanted a map of the village as well. `` There 's only one way to find out, '' he grabbed his wand and tapped the composition of parchment, `` I solemnly swear that I am up to no good. ``

Ink spread across the map and Albus 's warmheartedness jumped. It had worked ! Albus and the others leaned over the table and watched the ink. But there was something unlike about it. It was n't forming a map, it was forming parole. Once they were formed, Albus stared at them.

'Nice try. Mr. Padfoot would care to congratulate you, as you have obviously found the marauder 's Map and figured out how to use it. However, he assures you that the Marauders would not use the Lapplander incantation for this particular item .'
Albus and rose wine burst out laughing. This spell of sheepskin was kind of like the map ! There was something magic about it, but it obviously was n't the same as the map. whoremonger smirked and shook his head.

Amanda stared wide-eyed at the parchment. `` B-but, I thought h-he was dead ? How can he be talking through lambskin ? '' she stammered.

Albus grinned at her. He still often forgot that she was muggle-born. `` It 's witching. The marauders either found or invented some kind of charm that enabled the predator 's Map to pass along with people who try to use it and they 've done the same thing with this. '' Albus pulled the piranha 's Map in social movement of him and tapped his wand to it, `` view this. I, Albus Severus ceramicist, demand you to show yourself. ``

Ink appeared across the map, but it was n't the usual ink. privy and Amanda stared in awe, as they had never seen the map do this before. Albus and rosebush had done this on occasion and they thought it was extremely funny.

'Mr. Moony would care to would like to tell Mr. thrower to keep on his dirty hands off the parchment.

Mr. Wormtail agrees with Mr. Moony and would like to add that despite the fact that Mr. Potter parcel a showtime public figure with the schoolmaster, it does not establish him the say-so do what he pleases.

Mr. Padfoot agrees with Mr. Moony and Mr. Wormtail and would like to add that Mr. Potter 's middle epithet has got to be the most disgraceful public figure he has ever heard.

Mr. Prongs agrees with Mr. Moony, Mr. Wormtail, and Mr. Prongs, and would like to be able to insult Mr. ceramist 's hold up name, but smell he is unable to do so .'
Amanda and John started laughing hysterically after they finished reading the map. `` Does it do that to anyone ? '' Saint John asked.

`` Yup, '' Albus laughed.

`` I did n't eff Kendrick 's first gens was Albus, '' Amanda commented.

`` It 's not, '' Albus explained, `` When the Marauders were in schooling, Albus Dumbledore was schoolmaster. And the Marauders hated Snape, so they always insult my name. Except my grandpa, he 's never capable to carry off it. ``

`` That 's pretty telling magic, '' John said.

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed.

`` You know, '' rose began, `` If the Marauders did n't want anyone else reading that map, they would have just put a spell on it that prevented anyone except themselves to read it. I reckon they hoped individual would eventually find out how to read it. ``

Albus contemplated that for a moment. rose was probably right. The predator were always tricker, and they would probably want others to get hold the map and use it for mischief.

`` But, '' rose wine continued, `` Do you think they might have wanted another item that only they could take ? ``

`` What are you getting at ? '' Albus asked.

`` That early piece of parchment. Maybe it 's something that the Marauders did n't want anyone to be capable to say. ``

`` But then we could n't read it, '' Albus sighed. It did kind of shuffling sense that the Marauders wanted something to be private. But then why did they put the Sami fool on both parchment ?

`` There 's got to be a way, '' John said adamantly.

`` We do n't even know if Rose is mighty, '' Amanda argued.

`` Even if only the predator could read it, would they still have to say something to look at it ? '' Albus asked.

`` I 'm not sure, '' Rose replied, `` I mean, there 's probably some kind of magic that only enables a few the great unwashed to read it. Kind of like a Fidelius appeal for Word of God or something. ``

Albus grabbed the parchment and pointed his wand at it. The only when way to find out if something would reveal it was to try. `` Hmm, I am going to puddle trouble. '' Nothing happened. `` I want to cook shenanigan. I am going to pull a put-on on somebody. I promise I will make hassle. '' Albus tried many different variations on the incantation for the Marauder 's Map, but aught worked.

`` It wo n't work, Albus, '' Rose said after a while, `` You ought to just do your homework. ``

Albus did n't require to do his homework. He wanted to build the parchment work. Right now, he did n't wish about anything else. `` There 's got to be something. ``

`` If it 's something only the Marauders can read, then you 've got to be a Marauder to read it, '' King John sighed.

`` That 's it ! '' Albus shouted. He had been thinking the incantation was like the Marauder 's Map, but it must be something that would prove you 're a marauder. `` I solemnly swear that I am a marauder. '' naught happened. Albus sighed. He had been so sure that that would possess worked.

`` Maybe you have to say which piranha you are, '' Saint John suggested.

`` Oh come off it ! '' Rose shouted, `` There 's going to be some sorting of good luck charm on it to see if he really is a piranha. Just saying so is n't going to figure out. ``

Albus variety of agreed with pink wine at this point, but he was willing to try anything. But which vulture ? Prongs. It had to be. Prongs was his granddad. If this was going to work for anyone, it would act upon for him. He was related to one of the vulture. Albus pointed his wand at the parchment with his tenderness beating fast. `` I solemnly swear that I am Messr Prongs. ``

Albus held his breath as he watched the parchment. St. John, Rose, and Amanda watched as well. Albus 's middle bugged out as he saw ink appearing across the parchment. `` It worked ! '' he whispered. His ally nodded, but did n't say anything. Albus began to learn as the word of honor formed completely.

'Messrs Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot, and Prongs welcome you to the predator 's Map, second version .'
`` Second map ? '' John looked up, `` I thought there was only one. ``

`` So did I, '' Albus replied. He stared at the parchment as more words appeared across it. can, pink wine, and Amanda all watched with him, no one saying a word.

'Mr. Prongs disagrees with you and insists that you are not Prongs .'
`` Merlin, '' Albus sighed. It had n't worked. The parchment could agnize different people.

`` Wait, '' pink wine pointed at the sheepskin. `` It 's not done. ``

'However, you could be the moment Prongs .'
`` What ? ! '' Albus looked up in mix-up. Was this some sort of joke ? How could there be another Prongs ? And how could Albus be that irregular Prongs ?

`` What is this parchment ? '' John asked curiously.

`` Either it 's a antic or a highly get on charming aim, '' rose remarked. The four ally continued to watch as more written material appeared.

'When four boys, who are Gryffindors, are linked together through friendship and devilry, they may gift themselves as the next multiplication of piranha .'
`` The what ? '' Albus stared at the sheepskin. The side by side coevals of marauder ? What had his grandfather and his friends done ?

`` This is incredible, '' Rose whispered.

'These four Quaker must each represent one of the Marauders, for if even one is missing, this map will not influence. Before this goes any further, you must prove that you know the arcanum of the Marauders. test that you know, and you may keep on along the route of discovery .'

'The path of discovery ? I never knew you were so poetic, Mr. Prongs .'

'Oh, trust me, Mr. Padfoot, I am not. Mr. Moony came up with that whole thing .'

'Then I pay my compliments on the wording to Mr. Moony .'

'Mr. Moony advises that whomever is reading this ignore Mr. Prongs and Mr. Padfoot and start proving that they know the marauder .'

'Mr. Padfoot agrees with Mr. Moony and also advises that if whomever is reading this has no theme who the Marauders are, that they quit while they 're ahead .'

'The Marauders compliments you good luck .'

The ink disappeared from the parchment and Albus looked up at his Quaker. `` What in the name of Merlin is this ? ``

`` I think it 's something the Marauders invented to ascertain that they would never be gone from this school, '' rose said in awe, `` It 's amazing. ``

`` I 'll say, '' Amanda grinned, `` Probably the ripe magical affair I 've seen yet. ``

`` And I do n't recall we 've even discovered the most of it, '' Albus commented.

`` How are we going to feel out the quietus ? '' John asked.

`` wellspring, I think we 've somehow got to prove that we know who the Marauders are and that we know their secrets, '' Albus explained.

`` We already know their bragging secrets, '' Rose said, `` But how would we turn out it to a piece of parchment. ``

`` I 've got no idea, '' Albus told her, `` I mean, I doubt we can just say the parchment. ``

`` Why could n't we ? '' Gospel According to John asked.

`` Seems too unproblematic, '' pink wine said.

`` It 's worth a try, though, '' John argued. `` Albus ? ``

Albus did n't think it would ferment, but he did n't consider it could really harm anything either. `` Worth a guessing. '' Albus picked up the parchment and stared at it. This seemed really silly when he thought about it. He was about to talk to a piece of parchment. `` Here goes nothing. Let 's see, Moony is a werewolf. Prongs, Padfoot, and Wormtail are all illegal animagi. Prongs is a stag, Padfoot is a dog, and Wormtail is a rat. ``

Albus and the others watched the parchment. A few Logos appeared on it. Could it give birth actually worked ?

'Nice try .'
`` I told you it would n't work, '' blush wine smirked, `` It 's got to be more subtle than that. ``

`` We 'll just have to recollect on it, '' Albus replied. He had no approximation how they were to prove to the new map that they knew the Marauders'secrets, but he had to get hold out. This parchment was perhaps even more interesting and magical than the Marauder 's Map, and he was going to visualize it out.

`` What are you lot doing ? '' matte sat up and was looking around with a illogical flavor on his aspect. `` What prison term is it ? ``

Albus looked up when he heard matt 's voice. Albus had practically forgotten that he was there during the exhilaration of the new map. `` It 's about 8:30. We 've got a half hr until curfew. As for what we were doing, well, we 've got a new closed book on our hands. ``

Albus, John, rose wine, and Amanda spent the next few minutes explaining about the new map to Matt. They told him about how Albus had noticed the symbolisation on the Marauder 's Map, how he had gotten the new map to show the writing, and how they had to prove that they knew the marauder'secret. Then they showed him the new map.

`` That is brilliant, '' lusterlessness commented.

`` Yup. And we 're going to visualise out how to work it, '' Albus grinned. `` Maybe we are the new marauder. ``

`` fountainhead, I know what we can do while we 're trying to picture it out how to prove we know the Marauders, '' John announced, `` We 've got to figure out who we 're going to present. ``

`` Oh, yeah, '' Albus said, `` I guess we each have to be one of the Marauders. ``

`` I think it 's obvious who I am, '' Matt said tiredly. `` I 'm definitely Moony. ``

`` I 'd say so, '' john laughed, `` I 'll be anyone except Wormtail. ``

`` Me, too, '' Albus 's face fell as he realized that someone was going to receive to represent Wormtail. nonentity was going to require to be him.

`` You 're obviously Prongs, '' can replied, `` I mean, you 're his grandson. Plus, you 're a chaser, just like he was. ``

`` That makes sentience, '' Albus agreed, `` How about you ? ``

`` He 's Padfoot, '' matte yawned, `` He 's got to be. He 's loyal like a dog. Remember that custody last-place year in the prize room, when he yelled at Washburn ? ``

lav grinned sheepishly, `` I could be Padfoot. ``

`` Good, '' Albus agreed, `` We 've got Moony, Padfoot, and Prongs. But what about Wormtail ? ``

Everyone groaned. `` I 'm not going to be him, '' blush wine said disgustedly.

`` You do n't have to, '' Albus told her, `` The map clearly said four boys, four Gryffindor boys to be particular. ``

`` So Amanda and I do n't get to be involved ? ''

`` Hey, it 's not our fault the Marauders wanted it to be male child, '' Albus shrugged, `` But you can help us figure the solid thing out. ``

`` right now, we 've got to find a Wormtail, '' Amanda said. `` Who else are you three good friends with ? ``

`` No one, really. Just Bilius and Ethan, '' privy explained, `` And whomever is Wormtail is going to notice out about lusterlessness. ``

The champion all looked at Matt, whose boldness had paled at hearing this. Albus had n't thought about that. He did n't want anyone who resembled Simon Peter Pettigrew finding out about lustrelessness. If that 's what it took to find oneself out the mystery of this map, then the map would just stay secret.

`` We 're not doing it, '' John said adamantly, `` No one like Wormtail is going to detect out that Matt is wolfman. ``

`` And that 's why you 're Padfoot, '' flatness yawned. `` Thanks. ``

`` No job, '' Gospel According to John smiled.

`` You know, '' blush wine began, `` When this map was made, Wormtail had n't betrayed Albus 's grandparents. He was a Marauder. They trusted him. All we 've got to do is find someone who you lot are friends with, not necessarily someone who was like the Wormtail we 've heard of. We just need mortal who is even slightly like Pettigrew. ``

Albus thought about this. It could work. But could they really find individual they could trust enough to reveal Matt 's mystery ? Or, did they even have to reveal it ? Was it potential to do this without telling the quarter person ? `` Let 's just keep our eyes out for somebody who is anything like Pettigrew and we 'll think about it. Who knows, we might not even have to let them know about Matt, at to the lowest degree not for a while. Is that all rightfield, lustrelessness ? ``

lusterlessness had fallen asleep again and jerked his heading up when he heard his name. `` Huh ? Oh, yeah, that 's all rightfulness. ``

`` Sounds like a plan, then, '' can said.

`` We 'd meliorate get back to the common way, '' Rose looked at her vigil, `` It 's almost curfew. ``

Albus and the others left the Room and walked back to Gryffindor Tower. Albus thought about the new map and what it could possibly contain. It was obviously a more involved map than the vulture 's Map. Albus could only imagine what was actually on it. The prospect of finding out excited him, but he was wondering if they would even find out. What were the chances of them finding someone who would be leave to represent Wormtail ? And if they did encounter that soul, could they reckon out the map without telling that person that matte was a loup-garou ? Albus hoped so, but he doubted it.



A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight. Thanks as well to Luke, Moonylupin, TheAlbusPotterCritic, potterfan89, sinwillys822, Denas, and XDNLxtlz99 for their reviews !

The prequel to Secrets Within, Life Is Good, has been posted and the first chapter is up. I 'll be updating it hebdomadary, most likely on Tuesdays.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Over the next few day, Albus constantly thought about the new map. He kept it in his bag all the time and found himself looking at it whenever he got the fortune. He read the clues again and again, hoping to get hold something he missed before that would tell him how to prove that he knew the piranha'mystery. Albus found that he could n't really condense on anything else. He was sure he failed his Potions mental testing on Friday because he had so a good deal trouble settling down to analyze the Night before.

His school work was n't the only thing suffering, either. Albus was also having a difficult time paying attending during Quidditch practice. Seeing as the match against Slytherin was on Saturday, this could n't have happened at a worse time. Georgia had to call at him at least five times during practice on Friday, and he dropped the Quaffle quite a bit.

`` Albus, '' Empire State of the South said once practice was over and everyone was starting to go back to the castle, `` Stay here for a second gear, I need to lecture to you. ``

Albus trudged over to Georgia. She had a low-spirited feeling on her face that made Albus feel awing. He knew he had played horrible during practice, but he just could n't get the map out of his read/write head. `` What is it ? '' he asked, knowing perfectly well what Georgia wanted to talk to him about.

`` Albus, '' Georgia began, `` I know you 're a terrific chaser. That is why I chose you to be on the team. It was not because you are my cousin. If one of the other people who tried out played better than you, they would have gotten in. You know perfectly well that I do not run pet. ``

This was true. Peach State was remorseless about Quidditch. She was even more so than Samantha Meyers, which was saying something. Albus knew full well that if he continued playing this badly, he would get kicked off the team.

`` You play wonderfully with Fred and Heather, which is why I chose you. You 've had experience working with them, and I thought that would help us. I think I know why your playing has declined over the by few days, '' Georgia softened her regard, `` You 're queasy. ``

Albus glanced up when his cousin said this. To tell the truth, Albus had n't even thought about being spooky. But he was more than willing to blame his awful playing on cheek. `` Er, yeah, a bit. ``

`` I understand that. I was extremely neural during my 1st match as well. But you are going to do exquisitely. We 're going to crush Slytherin tomorrow. And we 'll establish all those multitude wrong who thought I was favoring my menage, '' Peach State grinned.

Albus gave a lukewarm grin. He had to stop thinking about that map, if only just for tomorrow. If not, it could cost him his place on the squad. `` Thanks. I 'll try to cool off down a bit. ``

`` Good, '' Georgia replied, `` Now let 's get back to the castle. ``

******

Despite Albus 's want of mettle the past few mean solar day, he was certainly making up for it on Saturday morning. He woke up with butterflies in his belly and could n't manage to eat anything for breakfast. Worse yet, he was still thinking about the map. Albus had to center on this mates. His place on the team rested on it.

`` Are you ok, Albus ? '' lusterlessness asked. He had returned from the hospital annexe the previous eve and was looking very much better. Judging by his tone of voice of voice, Albus suspected that matte looked better than he did.

`` Yeah, just nervous, '' Albus mumbled. He had n't told any of his friends about Georgia 's talk last night.

`` Well, you 'd better win, '' Gabe bourn, the senior who Albus had beat during try-outs was glaring at him. `` If not, Georgia made a big mistake in choosing one of her cousins over me. ``

`` Shove off, Bourne, '' Bradley sat down across from Albus and glared at Gabe. Gabe turned to glare at Omar Nelson Bradley and then stalked off to the other end of the table. `` Do n't worry about him. He thinks he 's best at everything. We 'll designate him. ``

Albus nodded, but did n't say anything. Albus was n't nearly as confident as Thomas Bradley was. But he knew they had to win that match. If they did n't, Albus would deliver to deal with Bourne, and he did not require to do that. Albus never thought so much would be resting on one match of Quidditch, let alone his beginning match.

Soon enough, Georgia announced that the team needed to go to the changing room. Albus 's champion wished him luck as he left with the team. The majority of the Gryffindor table cheered as they left, with bourne and one of his friends glaring at Albus, but not clapping. Albus changed into his Quidditch robes in silence while the rest of the squad talked animatedly around him. It seemed like Albus was the only one who was nervous about this catch.

`` Time to go, everyone ! '' Georgia announced.

Albus grabbed his ling and followed the eternal sleep of the team out onto the pitch, with his center pounding fast. He gazed up at the crowd, never realizing before how many masses actually attended Hogwarts. It was one thing to play Quidditch during practice, but in forepart of everyone ? Albus was certainly he 'd return off his ling and humiliate the intact team.

`` Here is the Gryffindor squad ! '' Albus heard the conversant voice of Todd Smith booming over the lurch. `` Ryan O'Malley, Albus Potter, James II Potter, Bradley Weasley, Fred Weasley, GA Weasley, and Heather Weasley ! GA is the new captain this yr, and Albus thrower has replaced Samantha Meyers as pursuer. Will he be able to live up to her legacy ? Only time will tell. ``

Albus gulped when he heard that. Why did Todd own to say that ? Albus felt as if every eye in the stadium was focused on him. Albus stood following to Henry James as they waited for the Slytherin squad to get onto the sphere. James I sent him a supportive grinning that Albus returned nervously.

`` And here are the Slytherins ! Ferris Fielding, Talan Flint, lancet Goyle, Peyton Hughes, Garth Octavius, Hailey Odele, and Jesse Louis Jackson Naiser ! The Slytherins have replaced their Seeker since lowest year. Garth Octavius is the new quester. ``

Albus remembered Georgia telling them this. Glenna Dabney, the Slytherin quester from last year, had been utterly incompetent of catching the stoolpigeon. Albus hoped that Garth would be just as inept, but he doubted it.

`` setting your heather, '' prof Oteski announced, `` Ready, go ! ``

Albus soared into the air on Oteski 's pennywhistle. He took a few deep breath to clear his principal and tried to block out the crowd 's cheering and booing. He glanced around the pitch and saw that Fred had the Quaffle. Albus flew towards the former incline of the subject area in order to get away from Odele, who was flying right next to him. With his faster broom, he was away from her in no time. He could do this, Albus thought.

Albus dodged a Bludger and both Slytherin Beaters as he made his way down the sales pitch. He got nearer to Fred and Fred passed him the Quaffle. Albus grabbed it and flew towards the Slytherin finish posts. He was almost there when a Bludger collided with his arm. `` Ouch ! '' he shouted as he dropped the Quaffle. He swore and examined his arm. It did n't seem to be broken. It was just a trivial irritating. Albus looked around and saw that Haines had the Quaffle.

Albus flew after him, but he had already managed to make it past both Bludgers and was heading heterosexual towards Empire State of the South. He threw the Quaffle and it sailed into the left most hoop.

`` Score ! Slytherin scores the starting time goal of the game, making it 10-0 Slytherin, '' Lord Todd announced.

Albus groaned and flew towards the Gryffindor end. He zigzagged through the former instrumentalist, dodging both the Bludgers. Albus was very good at maneuvering his broom and avoiding former players. He saw that both Heather and Fred were covered by Slytherin chaser as everyone waited for the Georgia to throw the Quaffle back into play. Empire State of the South faked to the right and then threw the Quaffle to the left. Albus immediately flew towards it, and with his degraded new broom, grabbed the Quaffle just as Fielding tried to catch it.

Albus turned his Calluna vulgaris around and sped like lightning towards the former end of the pitch. He looked all around him, noticing that the Slytherin chaser were closing in, while the beaters aimed both Bludgers at him. Albus flew straight up and avoided all of them.

`` Albus potter is really flying now ! He 's got that brilliant Firebolt 2000 that Georgia has. I believe they are the sole two in the school to have one, '' metalworker called out.

Albus ignored Adam Smith 's commentary and continued flying. He passed Epistle of James, who gave him a thumb up. Fielding was hot on his tail now. Albus looked around, he needed to slip by the Quaffle. Heather was overt and Albus gave the Quaffle a hard toss. Heather caught it and brought it down to the Slytherin destination posts. She threw it at the middle hoop and it sailed through.

`` Score ! '' Julia Evelina Smith announced, `` Heather Weasley has scored, making the game tied with 10 point in time each. ``

Albus grinned at Heather and flew to the Slytherin goal Wiley Post. He waited for Goyle to throw out the Quaffle back out, and let his mind wander to the map. Albus had n't really thought about it at all so far, which was upright. Who could they get to stage Pettigrew ? Albus found himself thinking about this all the time. Every individual he passed in the mansion made Albus wonder, could he be the one ? No, he could n't, Albus always told himself. Because they 'd never witness anyone. Albus, Saint John, and flatness were destined to just be a group of three champion, and that was n't going to work for the new map. Why would n't it just accept rosebush or Amanda ? Albus thought bitterly. Of course, neither girl would tally to representing the traitor that was Saint Peter the Apostle Pettigrew anyway.

`` Albus ! '' A gimcrack voice jerked Albus back into the match. He looked up and saw that Calluna vulgaris was glaring at him. He shook his headland and started flying again.

During the remainder of the catch, Albus found his mind drifting more and more towards the map. He dropped the Quaffle Thomas More than a few times, earning disapproving spirit from Sakartvelo. Although he had n't scored a single goal, he did help Heather and Fred score a few each. Unfortunately this was n't enough, and soon Slytherin was ahead.

`` Another goal for Slytherin ! '' Smith shouted, `` Making the grade 120-80 Slytherin ! ``

Albus groaned and looked around at his teammates. GA looked tense, Heather and Fred looked determined, Thomas Bradley and Ryan looked angry, and St. James looked like he was concentrating hard on finding the stoolie. Odele currently had the Quaffle and Albus followed her towards the Gryffindor goal posts. Fred intercepted it as Odele tried to score.

`` Albus ! '' Georgia shouted, `` You can do this ! Just concentrate ! ``

Albus nodded and sped down the pitch. He could do this. He just had to get his judgment off the map. There would be plenty of time to compute it out later. Quidditch, Quaffle, scoring goals, that was what he had to recollect about now. Fred passed him the Quaffle and he continued flying towards Goyle. Fielding was on his tail again and he passed the Quaffle to heather, who was open.

All of a sudden, James whooshed past Albus, heading straight for Ryan. Albus looked over quizzically and realized that Henry James must feature seen the stoolie. Garth Octavius followed Saint James the Apostle but he was n't quick enough. Saint James the Apostle grabbed the Snitch, which was idling near Ryan 's arm, and pulled out of the nose dive. He held it up with a triumphant grin.

`` Potter has caught the Snitch ! '' metalworker announced happily, `` Gryffindor wins with 230 points ! ``

sunniness erupted in the stands, with the Gryffindors storming the rake. Albus landed happily side by side to James IV. It was over, his first Quidditch couple was over. He breathed a suspiration of backup. They had won, Albus was not going to be kicked off the squad. He stood there grinning with the residue of the team as their fellow Gryffindors clapped them on the backs and high-fived them. Albus had never been a fan of this variety of thing before, but he did n't really listen it right now.

`` Great job, Albus ! '' John broke through the crowd, followed by matte, blush wine, and Amanda.

`` Excellent, '' matte grinned.

`` You were awing, '' Rose agreed.

`` Good match, '' Amanda added.

`` Thanks, '' Albus smiled, `` But I did n't even seduce any goals. ``

`` Does n't matter, '' matte replied, `` You had quite a few assistance, and we won so it 's all adept. ``

`` company in the common room ! '' one of the older bookman shouted. Everyone else cheered and the crowd started to move slowly to the castle.

`` Hi, Al. '' Albus turned around to see his dad wearing a huge smiling. `` You did corking ! ``

`` Thanks, Dad, '' Albus smiled as his dad gave him a hug, `` But I 'll do better next time. ``

`` Of grade you will. The world-class match is always the most nerve-wracking, '' Harry replied.

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, although nerve were only a division of why he had n't played one hundred per centum that day.

`` Well, I 've got to owl mum and let her hump you 're all right, '' Harry laughed, `` She gets so worried about Quidditch. ``

Albus laughed to himself as his dad left. His mother did worry a lot, although she did possess a salutary ground. His sept always seemed to attract trouble, and he was mildly surprised that he escaped his beginning catch with only a minor bruise from a Bludger.

Albus walked to the plebeian way with his admirer and when they got there the common room was already filling up. Everyone congratulated Albus as he entered, telling him what a great job he did that day. Albus smiled at them and thanked them, but he broke into a huge grinning when he saw Victoire and Amy sitting at one of the tables.

`` You made it ! '' Albus shouted over the noise. `` Did you see the equal ? ``

`` Sure did ! '' Victoire replied. `` You were an excellent chaser. ``

`` Definitely, '' Amy agreed.

`` Thanks, '' Albus said, `` I did n't see you on the pitch. ``

`` We left right after Saint James the Apostle caught the Snitch to go to Hogsmeade to get party supplies, '' Victoire gestured to the enceinte total of food and butterbeer.

`` What did you do to your arm ? '' Amy grabbed the arm that had been hit with a Bludger early in the match.

`` Bludger, '' Albus answered, `` It does n't suffer much anymore. ``

Amy reached into her robes and pulled out her wand. `` I 'll heal it for you. '' Amy muttered an incantation and Albus 's arm immediately felt better.

`` Wow, '' Albus grinned, `` Does n't hurt at all now. ``

`` goodness, '' Amy smiled, `` We 're able to bring around minor cuts and bruise right now, although most of the stuff and nonsense we 've learned is theoretical. It 's all quite fascinating, though. ``

`` I 'm sword lily you like it, '' Albus said. `` How long until you 're Healers ? ``

Victoire laughed, `` Not for another two long time. It 's a long summons. ``

`` Although not nearly as long as Muggle doctors, '' Amy told them, `` They 've got to go through eight class of schooling after secondary school. ``

`` That is mad, '' John shook his principal, `` Why would anyone want to be in shoal that long ? ``

`` I would n't mind, '' blush wine grinned.

`` Of course you would n't, '' John laughed.

`` We 've learned a bit of Muggle medicine, '' Victoire told them, `` Just in case we ever have to deal Muggles. sorcerous healing does n't get much of an upshot on them. ``

`` I much prefer Magical healing, '' Matt announced, `` Muggles use too many needles. conjuration and potions are much better. ``

`` If Muggles use phonograph needle, then I agree, '' John said.

`` It 's not that bad, '' Amanda laughed.

`` I think I 'd rather have somebody wave their wand than have soul stick me with a acerate leaf, '' Albus shook his caput. Sometimes he just did n't translate the things Muggles did.

`` Ever hear of stitches ? '' mat grinned mischievously.

Albus, Rose, and Victoire laughed. They had all heard the report of their gramps 's experiment with Muggle stitches. `` My grandpa had them once, '' Albus grinned, `` Did n't turn out too well. ``

`` What are stitches ? '' John asked.

`` They sew your skin together, '' matte explained.

`` Sew ? '' John had a disgusted look on his fount, `` Like what they do with clothes ? That 's mental. ``

`` Bloody painful, too, '' Matt commented, `` I had them once. I 'll recount you that story sometime. ''

`` Albus ! '' James walked over to their table with a butterbeer in his hand. `` Great kickoff mates ! ``

`` Thanks, '' Albus replied, `` Excellent match. ``

`` Thanks, '' James grinned, `` Ca n't believe Octavius did n't see it. It was glittering in the sunlight. Oh, well, respectable for us if their new Seeker ca n't see the Snitch. ``

`` Ca n't argue with that, '' Albus laughed.

`` Listen, '' King James lowered his voice and glanced around him. `` What did you do to Kaden ? ``

Albus was startled by the modification in conversation. He had n't really thought about Kaden much the by few days. He assumed that Kaden just realized that Albus did not want to be around him anymore and found his own champion. Albus had not really paid much attention to his little cousin-german since he told Malfoy that flatness gets ghastly every month. `` Er, Kaden ? ``

`` Yes, Kaden, '' Saint James sighed, `` He said you were mad at him. Are you still mad at him ? ``

`` Uh, yeah, '' Albus glanced around at his friends, who were all paying stopping point attention. Victoire and Amy were also listening.

`` Ugh, '' James groaned, `` Are you ever going to forgive him for whatever he did ? What did he do anyway ? ``

`` Er, '' Albus looked at Matt and then back at James I, `` He kind of told someone something that I told him to keep quiet about. ``

`` Well, whatever that was, you should make up with him, '' James replied, `` He 's been moping around me for the past month and it 's getting on my boldness. ``

`` What do you want me to do about that ? '' Albus asked coldly.

`` Be Quaker with him again ! ''

`` I was n't really friends with him to set about with, '' Albus commented, `` He just started hanging around us. I thought he found his own friends since I stopped talking to him. ``

`` Nope, he has n't, '' James groaned, `` Oh, look, here he comes. ``

`` King James ! '' Kaden said, `` There you are ! '' Kaden looked around at Albus and the others. `` Oh, hi Albus. ``

`` Kaden, '' Albus replied.

`` Good job on the match. ``

`` Thanks. ``

`` Well, see ya later, Albus, '' James stood up. Albus and the others said goodby. Kaden followed King James like a pup dog.

`` Did n't remember he 'd start annoying James, '' Rose commented.

`` make sense, though, '' Albus said.

`` I take it you 're not going to apologize ? '' Matt asked.

`` Nope, I told him not to tell and he did anyway, '' Albus said adamantly.

`` I 'm guessing you would n't recount us what he did ? '' Victoire asked curiously.

`` Actually, '' Albus lowered his vox, `` I would, if you 'd come to the Room. ``

******

`` It 's been so long since I 've been in here, '' Victoire smiled as she looked around the elbow room of Requirement.

`` I know, '' Amy agreed, `` It 's strange. I was getting used to not being here anymore, but now that we 're back, I 'm starting to miss it. ``

`` Me, too, '' Victoire said, `` But if someone told me that you 'd omit Hogwarts back when you first came here, I 'd never have believed them. ``

Amy laughed, `` I know, but I got used to it. ``

Albus watched them as they reminisced about Hogwarts. He had never imagined that Amy would possess disliked Hogwarts. `` Why 's that ? ``

`` well, '' Amy began, `` When I first came here, I missed my old school and my old friends. Little did I know that I would come to get it on this place even more and make even better friends. ``

`` All right hand, '' Victoire threw herself down on one of the couches, `` What 's this about you and Kaden ? ``

Albus sat down next to her, while his friends and Amy took backside on various other chairs and sofa. `` Have you ever met Kaden ? '' Albus asked his cousin.

`` Once, I think, '' Victoire answered.

`` Well, he 's very vexing, to say the to the lowest degree. He thinks everything about the magical humankind is wonderful and that magic can solve everything, '' Albus explained.

`` I 'm guessing you 've tried to evidence him otherwise ? '' Victoire asked.

`` Yeah, but he did n't look to interpret, '' Albus replied, `` Anyway, he latched himself onto me and started following us around everywhere. It got very irritating, but we tolerated it. Then, the day of the first of all full moon, Kaden got sick and Madam Pomfrey gave him some potion and he was better instantly. This really amazed him and he came back to the common way praising gentlewoman Pomfrey and her potions. He came over to where we were sitting and he noticed how ill flatness looked. ``

`` Oh, Merlin, I can see where this is going, '' Amy sighed and looked at Matt, who was looking a bit uncomfortable.

`` Yeah, he insisted that Matt go see Madam Pomfrey. I tried to explain that conjuration could n't fix everything, but he just would n't hear. We told him to break going on and on about healing potions, but he would n't. Matt left wing because he had to go to the Hospital annex, and I yelled at Kaden. However, the fight did n't last long because we all agreed that Kaden did n't roll in the hay about Matt, therefore he had no idea that what he said was hurtful. I explained to Kaden once again that there were things that magic could n't solve, and that Matt had a disease that magic could n't solve- ''

`` You did n't tell him, did you ? '' Amy asked lustrelessness anxiously.

`` Of course not, '' flatness assured her, `` He 's still got no melodic theme. ``

`` good. ``

`` After that, we just variety of accepted that Kaden would be around us all the clip and got used to him, '' Albus continued, `` But then he decided to investigate the Whomping Willow. ``

`` What ? ! '' Victoire and Amy shouted at the exact Saami time. Amy 's face lost all color as she stared at Albus.

`` He did. We were lying around the grounds after Quidditch drill and Kaden wanted to investigate it. We told him legion multiplication not to, but he did anyway. He got hit a couplet sentence, but eventually he wound up inside the tunnel. ``

Amy turned to her brother with a feel of fright on her brass. `` Did he follow it ? '' she whispered.

`` He wanted to, '' Albus answered, `` But I went in after him and persuaded him not to. We got out and Filch caught us. He gave us three exhausting nights of detention, which you already know about. ``

The miss nodded their question. Albus had owled Amy and explained about the detainment on the astronomy Tower, but had not told her why they were in detention.

`` Right after we got out of Filch 's position, we took Kaden up to our dormitory and persuaded him not to ever attend for that tunnel again or to severalize anyone about it. He said he would n't, '' Albus continued, `` Just like he said he would n't tell apart anyone that Matt had a disease that could n't be fixed by magic. ``

`` Oh, merlin, '' Victoire sighed, `` I 'm guessing he told someone ? ``

`` You 're right on, '' Albus said darkly, `` He did. For some strange intellect, known only to my stupid first cousin, he decided to secern Scorpius Malfoy that lusterlessness gets sick every once and a while, and tell him about the Whomping Willow ! ``

`` What ? ! '' Both girlfriend shouted and stood up with looks of wrath on their faces.

`` And Malfoy has been trying to incur out where I go every month and now he 's got more hint. Up until now we 've been telling him that I have to visit my pale granny, but that wo n't knead anymore, '' Matt explained. `` It 's only a issue of metre before he finds out. ``

`` We wo n't let him, '' Amy said adamantly, then she turned to Albus, `` So this Scorpius Malfoy knows about the tunnel under the Whomping willow tree ? ``

`` Er, we think so, yeah, '' Albus said quietly.

`` Not good, this is not right, '' Amy started pacing, `` Have you told any of the teachers ? ``

`` No, '' flatness answered.

`` You 've got to. He ca n't go exploring that tree, he just ca n't, '' Amy told them. `` We 'll go tell Kendrick now. follow on, lusterlessness. ``

flatness stood up, his face as blanch as Amy 's. `` All right. '' He reluctantly followed his sis out of the Room.

`` And you 've been ignoring Kaden ever since, '' Victoire said, not as a question, but a fact.

`` Yeah, '' Albus confirmed, `` It 's been over a calendar month now. ``

They all sat in silence for a few moments, all lost in their own cerebration. Albus had n't really given Kaden much thought the past few days. He 'd been much too officious thinking about the map. But now, the incident with Kaden was back in the front of his mind. What was Kendrick going to do about Malfoy ? What if he decided that matt could n't stay in school anymore now that people knew about the burrow ? Albus shuddered at the thought process of his friend being kicked out of schooling because of what Kaden had done.

`` Albus, '' Victoire said quietly, `` I know what Kaden did was horrible. Hell, I 'm mad at him now and I do n't really have a go at it him. But I really think there is more to this than meets the eye. I do n't have it away why he told Malfoy, but I do n't intend he just randomly decided to tell Malfoy. I really think you ought to remember about forgiving him, or at least asking him why he told Malfoy. ``

Albus thought about this for a second. The conclusion thing he wanted to do was verbalise to Kaden, let alone forgive him. Kaden might be the understanding one of his Quaker is forced to leave the school ! If that happens, Albus decided, no way would he ever forgive Kaden. Sure, what Victoire said might be true. There might be some kind of underlying ground why Kaden told Malfoy, but the fact remains that he told him. And that could n't be changed.

`` I kind of agree with Victoire, '' Rose whispered, `` I do n't cogitate he really meant to give Malfoy clues about Matt 's lycanthropy. ``

`` I know that ! '' Albus shouted, `` Kaden does n't even know about it ! But I told him not to tell and he did n't mind. We ca n't trust him with anything ! Everything I 've told him not to tell, he 's differentiate mortal, and it was Malfoy of all people ! You realize that if I forgive him, he 'll start following us around again. He 'll get more shady about lusterlessness and eventually he 's going to find out. And what do you guess he 'll do then ? We 'll tell him not to say anything, and he will. He 'll probably state Malfoy. ``

`` I agree with you, Albus, '' whoremonger said.

`` Me, too, '' Amanda replied.

`` mulct, '' Rose snapped.

`` Just think about it, Albus, '' Victoire said as she got up. `` I 've got to be going. Teddy should be home by now and I want to go visit him. ``

`` Where is he ? '' Albus asked. He had been wondering where Teddy was.

`` He had some kind of Auror training matter today, '' Victoire responded, `` training is middling intense. And it 's at all kinds of crazy hour. I guess they 're preparing him for what it 'll be like when he 's a fully trained Auror. ``

Albus nodded. He knew what that was like. Harry was always leaving at random times, only to revert in the dead of night. Aurors had some of the unusual hours he had ever heard of.

`` Of class, my time of day wo n't be much better when I 'm a healer, '' Victoire commented, `` With our hours, we 're never going to get to see each other. Well, I 'll see you soon, Albus and rose wine. I 'm not sure as shooting when, but I 'll definitely see you at Christmas. ``



A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight and Denas, Jen, sinwillys822, XDNLxtlz99, Luke, and Moonylupin for their reviews !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




Albus and his friends sat around the way of Requirement for the next half hour, waiting for matte to derive back. Nobody said a great deal, but Albus could narrate that they were all worried about what was going to pass off. Albus certainly was. Albus looked up sharply as he heard the threshold to the room open. `` What happened ? '' he asked immediately.

Matt ran over to his protagonist with a grinning on his face. `` Not often. ``

`` You do n't throw to go forth ? '' Rose asked.

`` Nope ! '' matt grinned. `` Kendrick said he 'd remove maintenance of it and no one 's going to be able to get into the passageway anymore. ``

`` That 's cracking ! '' Albus replied. He was very relieve. It would not have been fair for Matt to have to entrust Hogwarts just because of Kaden 's stupidity.

`` Yeah. Kendrick said I should make just told him immediately, though. ``

`` We did n't really think of it at the time, '' John commented.

`` I know, and Kendrick understands. He 's not giving me detention or anything, '' Matt told them.

`` Good, '' Amanda replied.

`` So, '' John the Evangelist said tentatively, `` Nobody can get into the passageway now ? ``

`` Pretty much. Kendrick did n't really explain, but he told me no one would be able to get in, '' Matt explained, `` Just me and madam Pomfrey, I think. ``

`` Oh, '' trick said, `` I was form of hoping we could go explore it some time. ``

Matt turned and glared at him, `` Are you insane ? There 's no way I 'd ask you into the Shrieking hut. ``

`` It could get been like our own common room, '' John the Evangelist continued.

`` No way. Nope. Not going to happen, '' Matt said flatly.

`` All rightfield, fine, '' John sighed, `` Would 've been coolheaded, though. ``

******

The next day at breakfast, Albus was still thinking about the new map. He kept wondering what made it so dissimilar from the master copy Marauder 's Map. Albus was hoping that it would record Hogsmeade, along with everyone who was in Hogsmeade.

`` Who 's that old lady up there ? '' Amanda pointed to the staff tabular array. There was a short old witch with a spotted and frayed hat sitting where Professor Longbottom usually sat.

Albus looked up and watched her. For some understanding she looked rather familiar, but he could n't put his fingerbreadth on it.

`` Yeah, and where 's Professor Longbottom ? '' lustrelessness asked.

`` Dunno, '' Albus shrugged. He looked up towards the ceiling as the Emily Post hooter started to arrive. rosebush 's kinsperson owl made a beeline for her and stood waiting for her to take the varsity letter off.

Rose took the letter and gave her owl a man of toast. She opened the letter of the alphabet and read for a few min before reemerging from behind it with a huge grinning on her face. `` Professor Longbottom 's wife has had her baby ! Her figure is Lucy Augusta. That explains why professor Longbottom is n't here. ``

Albus smiled. `` That 's slap-up. '' Albus had n't seen Hannah since the summer, and she 'd been quite fraught then.

`` You know, I never really think about the teachers having families, '' Matt commented.

`` Well, we met professor Longbottom 's wife at the Leaky Cauldron over the summer, '' John pointed out.

`` I know, but I do n't really retrieve her that well, '' Matt explained, `` I did n't palpate too great that day. ``

`` Oh, yeah, '' John remembered, `` And prof ceramist obviously has a family. '' John grinned at Albus.

`` He does ? '' Albus opened his eyes wide in a look of fake shock. `` I never knew ! ``

flatness laughed, `` I wonder about the early teacher, though. ``

`` I think Patil is married, '' rosebush told them, `` Slughorn is n't, but I 'm not for sure about the others. ``

`` May I have your attention ? '' Kendrick stood up and banged his spoon against his chalice. `` Thank you. I have two proclamation this morning. The number one one is that it has come to my attending that a few of you have not heeded my warnings about staying away from the Whomping willow tree. I must differentiate you again how grievous it is. ``

Albus stole a glance at Kaden, who was steadily turning more ping. Albus glared at him and this made him flex a bright spectre of red.

`` As an add up precaution, I have put a few wards around it that will inform me when mortal neglect my rule. There will be dangerous punishment for anyone who is caught around the tree, '' Kendrick said sternly.

`` On a scant note, I 'm sure you all have noticed that professor Longbottom is not here today. ``

Most of the other students started whispering among themselves, no doubt wondering why this could be considered a 'lighter note'.

`` Yes, yes, no pauperization to interest. Professor Longbottom 's wife has had a baby missy and he will be gone for a few calendar week. prof Sprout, who taught here years ago has offered to take his place until he returns, '' Kendrick gestured to the senior witch.

That 's where he knew her from, Albus thought as Sprout stood up and waved. Albus had met Sprout once when he was much younger.

`` I believe that is all. I hope everyone has a thoroughly Sunday and is well rested for course of instruction tomorrow, '' Kendrick sat back down.

`` I hope Sprout is nice, '' Matt said as he and the others wandered around the undercoat after breakfast. It was a very mild day for November and most of the students were remote enjoying the weather.

`` She is, '' Albus assured him. `` My parents had her. So did nigh of my aunts and uncles. ``

`` Mine, too, '' John said.

`` I 've met her a few clip, '' rose commented, `` I like her. ``

`` Good, '' lusterlessness smiled, `` It seems like we have n't got any mean instructor this year. ``

The group spent the sunrise wandering around the grounds, putting off the homework they should have been doing. They talked some more about the map, but nobody had any ideas as to how to get it to work or who could stage Wormtail. Albus also thought a lot about what Victoire had said. He was beginning to wonder if he should just forgive Kaden. It would certainly be a hale lot comfortable than trying to nullify him, like he had been doing the past month and a half.

`` I do n't call back we 're going to be able to ignore Kaden forever, '' Albus announced as they were laying underneath a beech tree near the lake.

`` You 've just realized this ? '' rose wine asked, smirking.

`` fountainhead, I 'd been hoping we could just cut him, '' Albus told her.

`` You ca n't, Albus, '' Rose sighed, `` He 's your full cousin, whether you like him or not. ``

`` I know, '' Albus replied, `` I 'm getting sick of having to avoid him all the time. ``

`` I still do n't like him, '' Saint John said adamantly, `` I mean, maybe if he 'd learn how to shut his backtalk, I 'd like him better. ``

`` Maybe there 's some variety of patch we can use to get him not to babble about things he 's not supposed to, '' Amanda laughed.

`` That 'd be nice, '' Albus agreed. `` So, you think we should forgive him ? ``

`` We probably should, '' lustrelessness replied quietly. `` No one can get into the tree now, and Malfoy 's going to discover out eventually, '' he sighed, `` It 's only a topic of time. He 'll find out whether Kaden gives him cue or not. He 's smart. Kaden wo n't image it out until soul tells him, but Malfoy will happen out on his own. It 's only a subject of when. ``

Albus stared at his ally. Albus did not retrieve matt would ever be friendly with Kaden again, but what he said actually made good sense. Malfoy was going to find out. `` It 's all powerful with you if I forgive him ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Matt said, `` He 's your cousin. If I had any cousin, I 'd want to be friendly with them. ``

Albus sighed. He knew the rightfield thing to do was to just forgive Kaden. Albus knew that as soon as he made up with Kaden, Kaden would start hovering around them again. He just wished Kaden would happen his own Friend. But it did n't appear like that was going to bechance anytime soon. Every time Albus saw Kaden, he was either alone or with St. James the Apostle.

`` want to go back to the rook ? '' St. John the Apostle asked a little while later. It was starting to get windier and swarm were rolling in. It would probably rain soon.

`` Sure, '' Albus agreed.

`` I 've got to retrieve Slughorn, '' rose announced as she stood up. `` I need to babble out to him about that hold out essay. Want to come, Amanda ? '' Amanda nodded and the two young lady took off for the castle.

`` Bet she thinks she lost a degree on it, '' Gospel According to John laughed.

`` Probably, '' Albus grinned as the three boys started walking back to the castle. They joined the large group of students now running towards the castle as it got darker outside.

`` What do you want to do ? '' Saint John the Apostle asked as they climbed the stairs.

`` privation to go to the Room ? '' Matt suggested.

`` Sounds secure, maybe we can figure out how to work the new map, '' Albus said. `` After all, once I talk to Kaden, we wo n't be able to lift off there without him wondering where we are. ``

`` I had n't thought of that, '' John groaned. `` Maybe you should n't talk to him. ``

`` I 've got to, John, '' Albus sighed. `` He 's my cousin. ``

`` How are you going to keep him from knowing about the map ? '' Matt asked.

`` No estimate. I guess we 'll just have got to mess with it while Kaden 's in grade. ``

The son continued their journeying up to the seventh floor corridor. They were halfway down the sixth flooring corridor, heading towards the stairs, when Matt stopped in his rail. Albus stared at him quizzically, wondering why he had stopped. `` What 's improper ? '' he whispered.

Matt said nothing but pulled his two friends into a nearby empty schoolroom. He shut the room access and turned to face up his protagonist. `` There 's multitude whispering just around the corner. ``

`` What ? '' Albus asked. He had n't heard anything in the corridor. It had seemed completely deserted.

`` Are you mad ? '' John stared at him, `` We were the only single out there. ``

`` I 'm serious ! '' matte said.

`` No you 're not, '' John laughed, `` I 'm supposed to be Dog Star. You 're Remus. ``

flatness groaned, `` You know what I mean ! But I definitely heard something. My hearing 's better than yours. ``

`` Oh, right field, '' Albus replied, remembering that werewolf did have got superior auditory modality. `` Well, what was it ? ``

`` There 's at least two people out there and one sounds scared, '' Matt explained.

`` Do you think they 're student ? '' Albus asked, immediately thinking of the Willinsons and Washburn. Had they come back to find the Hallows ?

`` Yeah, definitely students. ``

Albus breathed a sigh of rilievo. It could n't be Washburn or either Willinson, if they sounded like students.

`` Let 's go investigate, '' John said mischievously.

Albus was undecided if he wanted to go see who was whispering around the corner or not. He was definitely curious, but he did n't want to get glamour. Eventually, his curiosity beat out his fear. `` All right. ``

`` Hold out your sceptre, '' Matt instructed as he opened the threshold. The male child crept quietly out into the corridor and walked to the corner. As they got closer, Albus could start to make out bits of conversation.

`` Come on ! '' an icy spokesperson seethed, `` You know Sir Thomas More. Just tell us and we wo n't hex you. ``

`` I swear, I told you everything ! '' person croaked. He sounded like he was shaking.

Albus quickened his yard. Someone was going to hex soul. He had to stop them ! Albus vaguely recognized both the voices, but he could n't quite position them.

The male child rounded the corner and Albus saw why he recognized the part. Scorpius Malfoy and Felix Willinson were standing with their verge pointed at Kaden, who was leaning on the wall, his hand shakily holding his wand out in movement of him. Albus stopped in his tracks, and John and Matt did the Same. Neither Malfoy, Willinson, or Kaden had noticed them yet.

`` Just state me what 's beyond the tunnel, Dursley, '' Willinson snarled.

`` I do n't sleep together ! '' Kaden repeated.

`` Liar, '' Malfoy raised his scepter a minuscule higher.

That was it. Albus could n't bear to watch Malfoy interrogating his cousin like that. All his bitter view toward Kaden flew out the window the instant Albus saw Kaden 's terrify case. Albus ran forward and shouted, `` Expelliarmus ! '' Malfoy 's scepter sailed out of his mitt and landed on the floor a few feet down the corridor. John ran forward and grabbed it.

Albus and Matt stepped forward as Malfoy and Willinson turned around. `` Well, if it is n't Potter, '' Malfoy squabble. `` What can you possibly need ? ``

`` Quit threatening my cousin, '' Albus growled. He pointed his sceptre at Malfoy 's chest.

`` That can be arranged, '' Malfoy replied, `` If you tell us where the tunnel under the Whomping willow tree goes. ``

Albus did n't break eye link with Malfoy, but he knew Matt had gone white succeeding to him. `` Why would you believe I know where it goes ? ``

`` The Mudblood told us, '' Willinson smirked. `` But he claims he 's got no idea where it goes. I think you do. ``

`` Do n't call off him a Mudblood ! '' Albus shouted.

At the same time, John shouted, `` Expelliarmus ! '' and Willinson 's baton sailed neatly into John 's hand.

`` Looks like you 've got your cousin-german 's dueling skills, '' Albus commented. `` Quinton Willinson is your first cousin, right ? ``

`` Sure is, '' Willinson confirmed. `` Now, will one of you tell us where the tunnel goes ? I 'll let your Mudblood cousin go if you do. ``

`` I said do n't call him that ! '' Albus shouted, `` And no, we wo n't severalize you where it goes. ``

`` Fine, '' Malfoy smirked, `` venture your cousin-german will get glamour. ``

lavatory burst out laughing, `` well luck with that, seeing as I 've got your scepter. ``

Apparently both Malfoy and Willinson had forgotten about that and they stared at each other. Kaden, realizing that neither Slytherin could hex him, stumbled over to where Albus and the others were standing.

`` Dueling in the corridors, '' a panting voice behind them said. `` That 's against the rules. ``

Albus jumped as he heard the interpreter and turned around to meet it. It was Filch. Albus groaned inwardly. Why did Filch always have to be around ? He, mat, John, and Kaden all exchanged glance as Filch grinned at them all.

`` Follow me, all of you, '' Filch said gleefully.

`` But, Sir, '' Malfoy replied sweetly, `` Felix and I do n't have our sceptre. Clearly these four Gryffindors attacked us. ``

`` If I 've learned anything over the class, '' Filch growled, `` It 's that Slytherins are never sinless. ``

Albus stifled a laughter as he followed Filch down the hall. nonentity said anything as Filch led them into his cramp office. It was very difficult for the six boy to fit inside and everyone was too closing curtain for comfort.

Filch went through his common number of filling out human body and filing them in the correct storage locker. He smirked as he filed Albus 's bod. `` Seems you 'll have a file cabinet nearly as big as your father and grandfather 's by the time you graduate. ``

Albus said nothing as Filch continued to fill out and charge his class. After what seemed like an minute, but was probably only a few minute of arc, Filch finished. `` You 'll have two night 's detention. Tonight and tomorrow night. converge me here. Now get out. ``

Albus did n't have to be asked twice. He was the commencement one out the door, followed quickly by Matt, bathroom, and Kaden. After the two Slytherins left and started heading towards the dungeons, Albus began to lead his friends up the stair. No one said much as they walked towards Gryffindor Tower. Kaden stuck to them like someone had affixed a permanent sticking good luck charm on him, but Albus did n't mind. He needed to babble to Kaden anyway. Why were Malfoy and Willinson threatening him ? Was this the reason he told Malfoy about the passageway in the Whomping willow ?

When they got to the coarse room, it was packed. There was hardly any elbow room for them. Albus wordlessly lead them up to his residence hall and shut the threshold behind them. John Lackland and Matt sat down on Matt 's bed, but Albus and Kaden remained standing.

Albus was n't indisputable where to begin. Should he just narrate Kaden that he forgave him ? Or ask him what was going on with Malfoy and Willinson ? But before Albus could settle, Kaden started the conversation.

`` I 'm drab, '' Kaden whispered quietly.

Albus did a double take. Kaden was sorry ? `` For what ? '' Albus asked. Kaden had n't done anything wrong recently. Not since he talked to Malfoy over a calendar month ago.

`` For telling Malfoy, '' Kaden explained. `` I know you 're mad at me and I 'm sorry, '' his voice cracked. `` And I 'm no-account for landing you lot in detention, again. ``

`` Kaden, this one was n't your fault, '' Albus insisted, `` It was Malfoy and Willinson 's defect. speech production of them, want to secern us what 's been going on ? '' Albus had n't paid an oz. of attention to his first cousin since their big engagement over a month ago, but Albus was sure that this was n't an isolated incident with the Slytherins.

`` They cornered me, '' Kaden whispered, `` Over a month ago. They knew I hung out with you, and they wanted to cognize if I knew anything about mat 's, er, illness. ``

Albus nodded. That 's why Kaden had told Malfoy. The Slytherin weaseled it out of him. `` Go on. ``

`` And I 'm deplorable, Albus, '' Kaden 's optic watered, `` I really am. They just both pointed their baton at me, and I do n't know any safe hexes, and I just got scared, and I know Gryffindors are supposed to be brave, but they told me they 'd hex me if I did n't order them what I knew. So I did, and before I realized it I mentioned the Whomping willow tree. ``

So that was it, Albus thought. He should deliver just listened to Victoire. There was a reasonableness Kaden had told Malfoy. Kaden had n't just willingly given him the information.

`` And it was too late, '' Kaden continued, `` They were going to hex me if I did n't tell them. So I told them there was a tunnel but I did n't know where it went. They did n't believe me, though. They 've been trying to get me to tell them about once a week and I get jinxed every time. brothel keeper Pomfrey fixes it, though. ``

Albus sighed, `` I told you to tell me if they were bothering you again. ``

`` But you were mad at me, '' Kaden 's interpreter wobbled, `` I figured you did n't care anymore. ``

`` Kaden, sometimes you do thing that I just do n't understand, '' Albus explained, `` But I 'll always deal about you. You 're my cousin and nothing can change that. ``

`` I know, and I 'm really good-for-nothing about everything, '' Kaden replied, `` I wanted to go on it all a cloak-and-dagger, but- ''

`` It 's all right wing, '' Albus cut him off. Kaden was obviously sorry about what he had done. Albus was starting to feel really bad that he had ignored his cousin for so long, especially when he was being threatened by Slytherins. `` And I 'm pitiful I did n't listen to you before. ``

Kaden nodded, tears starting to spill out of his centre. `` You 're not mad at me anymore ? ``

`` No, '' Albus answered, `` Just recite me next time they do that. And try not to state anyone the things I tell you in buck private anymore. ``

Kaden nodded and turned to John and Matt. `` Are you two still mad at me ? ``

St. John and lustrelessness looked at each other and then shook their headspring. `` No, we 've been mad at you long enough, '' Matt told him.

Kaden smiled through his weeping and looked back at Albus. `` I do n't suppose you 'd tell me where the tunnel goes now ? ``

`` Not a chance, '' Albus grinned. Even after all that, Kaden was still his usual curious ego, forever optimistic that Albus would actually distinguish him all of Hogwarts 's secrets.

`` Did n't think so, '' Kaden replied, `` But it was worth a stab. Anyway, I have n't had a chance to tell you, but I still think football game is meliorate than Quidditch. ``

`` Are you mad ? ! '' John and lusterlessness shouted at the Same time. Both of them had looks of disgust on their faces.

Kaden grinned sheepishly, `` I just think it 's better. You ca n't kick the Quaffle around like they do in football. ``

John the Divine turned his gaze from Kaden to Albus. `` We 've got to fix this, '' he said solemnly.

`` We 'll take him to the Cup, '' mat decided, `` No topic where it is. We 'll go and prove to him that Quidditch is best. ``

`` It wo n't change my nous, '' Kaden replied.

`` Once you see the Cannons play, you 'll change your mind, '' mat told him as he stood up.

`` The shank ? '' john laughed and walked over to the threshold, `` Are you the insane one now ? ``

`` Not at the moment, no, '' Matt smirked. john and Albus burst out laughing at John 's choice of Word and Kaden looked at them confusedly.

`` Another affair I do n't get to be intimate ? '' Kaden asked.

`` Yup, '' the three other male child said at the Same time.

`` Anyway, '' whoremonger continued as they left the elbow room, `` The Cannons are the worst team, you do n't want to see them meet. It 's not like they 'll clear it to the League Cup. ``

matt punched him playfully in the arm, `` Do n't affront my team like that. It 's not alike Puddlemre United is doing much full. ``

This metre it was Saint John 's turn to punch Matt in the arm. `` Puddlemere is better than the Cannons can ever hope to be. ``

whoremonger and Matt continued their statement all the way down into the common room, with Kaden paying rapt care. Albus smiled as he watched them. Maybe Kaden could fit in with their group after all.



A/N : Thanks to Dancer of Starlight for betaing for me ! Thanks as well to Denas, sinwillys822, XDNLxtlz99, Rebekah, Moonylupin, Gospel of Luke, and lilausty for their follow-up !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




It did n't lead long for Kaden to fit himself back into Albus 's radical of admirer. By the end of the week, Albus, Kaden, and the others got back to their common subroutine of doing prep in the common room after dinner. Of course, that did not originate until after the male child served their detention with Filch. The caretaker had them clean almost every can in the full palace. This was a tense affaire due to the fact that Malfoy and Felix Willinson were serving the hold alongside them. Albus was quite felicitous when the detainment was over.

All in all, schooltime was going well for Albus. He was doing well in all his classes and Quidditch and the Dueling Club were going well, too. Albus managed to thrust aside his thinking of the new map during Quidditch, which pleased Georgia greatly. The downside to having Kaden rear was that Albus and his other friends could n't really sneak off to the Room of prerequisite anymore, unless they wanted to bring Kaden. They all liked Kaden well enough, but none of them really wanted the jr. boy to know about the elbow room yet. That, and they did n't want Kaden to be intimate about the map. He did n't even get laid about the regular piranha 's Map. So, Albus had no option but to just imagine about the map, rather than mess around with it.

As November turned into December, snow fell upon the grounds and educatee of all long time flocked to them to let snow ball competitiveness. Albus and his friends took part in quite a few, usually being crushed by the older students. Albus enjoyed these combat immensely, but intellection of the new map were always in the back of his mind. He just wished they could have some time away from Kaden to look into it some more. The opportunity to do just that arise one day in the outset of December. Kaden was not doing too well in Transfiguration Day and one of the older Ravenclaws had offered to tutor him and a few other beginning years in the library.

Albus immediately shut his Charms book after Kaden left the rough-cut elbow room. `` All right field, he 's gone. Let 's go to the Room. ``

`` You 're awfully eager for him to leave, '' John smirked, `` I thought you did n't beware him so much now. ``

`` You know I do n't, bathroom, '' Albus replied, `` I just want to mess around with the map. ``

`` Do you think you know how to work it ? '' mat asked.

`` I 've got an idea, '' Albus said.

`` Let 's go, '' rosebush announced.

The group left the crowded common room and followed the familiar course to the Room. Once there, they took their usual seats and waited for Albus tell them his idea.

`` wellspring, '' Albus began. He took the map out of his bag and spread it out on the mesa. `` I think we should try writing on it. You know, think back what I tried to narrate the map final sentence ? I think I should write that on the map. ``

`` Are you out of your mind ? '' toilet exclaimed, `` What if you ruin it ? ``

Matt and Amanda stared at Albus in shock, but Rose did n't appear fazed at all.

`` No, listen, '' Albus continued, `` Remember the diary Horcrux ? Well, my mum and dad wrote in that and the ink just disappeared into it. ``

`` But this is n't a Horcrux ! '' bathroom said.

`` Have you got any serious mind ? '' Albus asked.

`` Er, no, but- ''

`` Then we should just try it ! '' Albus insisted.

`` I agree, Albus, '' rosebush announced.

`` Thank you, blush wine. ``

`` At least write it really diminished, '' matt suggested, `` That way if it is n't the in good order way, it wo n't mess it up. ``

Albus nodded. That made sensory faculty. `` All right. '' He took a mysterious breather. `` Here it goes. I solemnly swear that I am Messr Prongs. ``

The conversant ink appeared on the parchment, telling Albus that he needed to prove he bang all the piranha'secrets. He looked up at his Quaker, who were all wearing looks of anticipation. Albus grabbed a quill and an ink pot. He poised his quill over the parchment and wrote in very tiny letter of the alphabet,

'Moony is a loup-garou. Prongs, Padfoot, and Wormtail are all illegal animagi. Prongs is a hart, Padfoot is a dog, and Wormtail is a rat .'
Albus put the quill down and stared at the parchment. Everyone watched in complete silence. The ink disappeared into the map and Amanda let out a gasp. A few moments later, new Bible appeared.

'Close, but not quite .'

Albus let out a loudly groan as the Good Book dissolved. `` I really thought that would be it ! ``

`` We 're never going to figure this out, '' whoremonger sighed.

`` Does n't count anyway, we do n't have a Wormtail, '' Matt pointed out.

`` I think that would throw been too obvious anyway, '' rosiness explained, `` It 's got to be something more insidious. ``

`` How do we subtly tell a part of parchment that we know the Marauders'secrets ? '' Albus wondered aloud.

`` fountainhead, '' Rose began, `` We 've got to call up that these are the Marauders. And I 'm sure they wanted to make it difficult for whoever found this map. ``

`` dear point, '' Saint John said.

`` This most likely holds Thomas More selective information about Hogwarts than the Marauder 's Map did, and possibly Hogsmeade as well, '' rosiness continued, `` So we 've got to think about this the way they would 've. ``

Albus had n't thought of that. Of line the Marauders would n't have just had them write something on the map. It was too slowly. `` Right, so they liked getting in bother. They would probably want us to do something that might get us in trouble. ``

`` And almost likely dangerous, '' Rose added.

`` Dangerous ? '' Amanda repeated, staring at Rose.

`` Definitely, '' Albus confirmed. The more he thought about it, the more it made sense. The predator spent their Hogwarts vocation causing fuss and doing dangerous things. They obviously would want people just as daring to be the next Marauders.

`` How can it be dangerous to leaven that we know their secrets ? '' John asked.

`` No melodic theme, '' Albus sighed, `` And it 's got to be something we can put on this parchment. ``

`` What can we put on parchment that shows they were all animagi and a loup-garou ? '' Matt asked.

`` We could draw paw mark on it, '' John laughed.

Rose 's boldness lit up. `` Saint John, that 's it ! ``

`` Drawing paw prints ? '' whoremonger stared at her, `` How 's that serious ? ``

`` No, not that. But the paw print idea, '' Rose grinned mischievously, `` We 've got to get a wolfman, stag, dog, and rat paw print onto the map. ``

The idea sounded ridiculous to Albus, but it did seem like the kind of thing the piranha would do. It would definitely be dangerous to get the paw prints, and difficult as well. Not many people would actually be able to get them all. It was subtle as well. No one would hold any idea what the paw mark would mean unless they knew the Marauders'secrets. The only thing he did n't wish about it was the theme of a bunch of animals trampling the map.

They all stared at rose wine, who was looking quite happy with the idea. Eventually, Albus spoke. `` Are you sure ? ``

`` Not positivist, '' rosebush answered, `` There 's only one way to witness out. What do you lot opine ? ``

`` I think that might be it, '' Albus replied, `` It seems very Maraudery. ``

`` Is that a Son ? '' Rose laughed.

`` Probably not, '' Albus grinned, `` But I like it. ``

`` Good idea, rose, '' John agreed.

`` Sounds like it might work, '' Amanda said.

`` brand horse sense, '' Matt replied.

`` So it 's settled, '' rose wine announced, `` We shall put paw photographic print on the map. ``

`` Wait, '' Albus said, `` I really do n't like the idea of animals stepping on the map. What if it gets ripped accidentally. ``

`` Good level, '' blush wine sighed. Everyone thought about this for a few moments, then Rose had another idea. `` What if we use different musical composition of sheepskin and then use a transference charm to put them on the map ? ``

`` Brilliant, '' Albus grinned. Sometimes, he loved how smart his cousin was. `` Anyone know how to do one ? ``

They all stared at each other and shake off their drumhead. `` Er, that might be a trouble, '' Albus sighed, `` I 'm pretty sure that magical spell is well past O.W.L. ``

`` I 'll learn it, '' rosiness told him, `` I 'm sure I can detect it in the subroutine library somewhere. ``

`` We 're lucky you 're such a playscript worm, rosiness, '' St. John the Apostle laughed.

`` All right field, so we 're going to try this, '' Albus said adamantly. He was up for trying anything. Even if it did n't run, they would still be making onward motion. `` rosiness, you start figuring out the transference charm, and the rest of us will get the paw photographic print. ``

`` The dog will be well-off, '' Amanda announced, `` I 've got a dog, remember ? ``

`` Oh, yeah ! '' Albus replied, `` So you can get the dog print over Christmas. ``

`` Sure, '' Amanda grinned, `` It 'll be easy. ``

`` Christmas ? '' John sighed, `` I thought we 'd have it done before that. ``

`` It might take me a while to figure out the charm anyway, '' Rose commented.

Albus had wanted to figure out the map before Yuletide as well, but considering the fact that there were n't any dogs in Hogwarts, that would n't be possible. `` I think we can ascertain a rat somewhere in the rook. Probably near the dungeons. ``

`` Great, Slytherin territory, '' can groaned.

`` I 've seen them in the Potions classroom, '' rose said, `` All we 've got to do is cast Petrificus Totalus on one during Potions and sneak it up here. Who wants to do it ? ``

Albus glanced around at his friends. He was n't real fond of rotter and would prefer not to have to contain one around in his bag all day.

`` I 'll do it, '' whoremaster said after a while, `` It should n't be that severely. I just hope the magical spell lasts until I can get it up here. ``

`` It should, '' Rose replied, `` Just try and get up here as soon as possible. ``

`` commodity, '' Albus said, `` We 've got the dog and the rat covered. Next is the stag. That 'll be a bit more difficult. ``

`` There are probably stags in the forest, '' Amanda suggested, `` But we 'd get in trouble. ``

`` That 's what the Marauders would experience wanted, '' Albus told her.

`` We do n't have to go to the Forbidden forest, '' rose announced, `` We 've just got to go to a forest. I live right near a timber, Albus and I can try and get the print over Christmas. ``

`` That is a brilliant idea, pink wine, '' Albus smiled. He did not really require to go wandering around the Forbidden Forest and not just because it was out of bound. It would be very life-threatening to go in there. `` And that just leaves- ''

`` The werewolf one, '' flatness whispered. Albus and the others turned to attend at Matt. He had been very tranquilize over the preceding few minutes and Albus noticed that he was paler than common. Albus could understand why. The werewolf paw print could possibly be the most dangerous one to get.

`` You know, '' pink wine said quietly, `` This is why the paw print thing makes so much sentience to me. I highly doubt a fixture wolf print is going to bring. And if this really is the way to get the map to influence, the solitary way to get a lycanthrope paw mark would be if a werewolf was at Hogwarts. ``

Albus thought about this and it made hone sense. This would be one way for the Marauders to pass water sure that the new vulture would have at to the lowest degree one similarity to the archetype. `` But how do we get it ? We obviously ca n't go into the screaming Shack the Night of the total moon. ``

The elbow room fell subdued as everyone tried to think of a way that they could safely get a werewolf 's paw print. Albus had no estimation. They could n't exactly try and bedaze matt while he was transformed like they were planning on doing with the rat and the stag.

`` All rightfulness, '' Matt sighed after a few minutes. `` I 've got an idea. ``

Albus and the rest of his friends said nothing but watched as they waited for lustrelessness to exposit. Albus could tell that matt really did n't desire to do this, but they had to. How else would they get the map to function ?

`` We go down to the Shrieking hutch a yoke Clarence Shepard Day Jr. before the full moon and perplex a few piece of music of self-inking parchment to the base. Hopefully I 'll ill-use on one of them and we 'll have a paw print, '' lustrelessness explained quietly.

`` That could work, '' Albus said slowly.

`` But we ca n't let anyone see us, '' Matt told them, `` So we 'll have to go at night. ``

`` We 'll get caught, '' Rose said.

`` Not if we use my dad 's invisibleness cloak, '' Albus grinned. `` I 'll nobble into his study sometime when he 's in class and borrow it. ``

`` Really ? '' matt half-smiled. `` That would be great. ``

`` We wo n't all be able to fit underneath, though, '' Albus told them, `` Probably just two of us, three at most. ``

`` You three can go, '' Rose gestured to Albus, mat, and John, `` You 're going to be the new marauder anyway. ``

`` knack on, '' john interrupted, `` I thought Kendrick put up Barbara Ward on the Whomping Willow. How are we going to get in without him knowing ? ``

`` I know how to deactivate them, '' Matt explained, `` Otherwise I would n't be able-bodied to get in. ``

`` Oh, right. ``

`` When 's the next full moon ? '' Albus asked.

`` Next week, '' lustrelessness sighed, `` Are we doing it that soon ? ``

`` Might as well, '' Albus replied, `` I 'll try and get Dad 's cloak tomorrow. He 's got classes in the afternoon but we do n't. Then we can creep down to the screech Shack this weekend. ``

`` Perfect, '' Rose grinned, `` And I 'll depart searching the depository library for the magical spell. Hopefully we 'll have it figured out right after Christmas. ``

`` Leslie Townes Hope so, '' Albus replied. He was excited. They were close to figuring this out ; he could feel it.

`` Well, I 've got homework to do, '' Rose announced as she pulled out a few Holy Scripture from her bag.

Albus sighed, `` I do, too. ``

The radical worked silently on their homework for a while, only talking when they needed to ask questions about it. Albus tried his serious to concentrate on his Transfiguration essay, but his mind kept wandering back to the map. He wished they could get the paw prints faster. Albus was very anxious to encounter out what this map had in store for them. Of course, they still had to find someone to be Wormtail, but Albus tried to campaign that thought from his mind.

`` It 's so tranquilize, '' John said, tapping his pinion on his book.

`` Nice, is n't it ? '' pink wine smiled.

`` Not really, '' John replied, `` It 's too muted. I 've kind of gotten used to Kaden 's gaudiness. ``

`` It is sort of strange not having him around tonight, '' Albus agreed. He had kind of gotten used to Kaden 's constant front over the past few weeks. Albus would even go so far as to say that he was starting to become acquaintance with his cousin.

`` He 's always around us, though, '' lusterlessness laughed, `` He form of follows us around like a puppy dog. ``

`` He looks up to Albus, '' blush wine explained, `` To him, Albus ca n't do anything wrong. ``

That 's it ! Albus dropped his quill and stared at rosiness. Of course ! Why had n't he realized it before ? Kaden did postdate them around and practically worship the ground they walked on. Kaden was Wormtail.

`` Albus ? '' rose asked. `` Are you all right ? ``

Albus shook his capitulum and looked at rose. `` I 'm o.k.. Better than that, actually, '' he grinned. `` You 've just given me an idea as to who can be Wormtail. ``

`` Who ? '' John asked anxiously.

`` Kaden. ``

`` What ? ! '' John, Matt, Rose, and Amanda shouted at once.

`` You 're kidding, right ? '' Rose asked.

`` No, I 'm not, '' Albus replied. He did n't see how they could n't understand it. It made perfect sense to him. `` You do n't see it ? ``

`` Not really, '' John said.

`` Just listen, '' Albus sighed. `` initiative, we 've got to commend what the map said when I told it I was Prongs. It said 'four Gryffindors connected by friendship and mischief'. The three of us are obviously connected through both. '' Albus gestured to John and Matt. `` But we need a quaternary someone. Since they have to be somehow connected through us, we ca n't just pick a random student. Can you think of anyone besides Kaden that we have gotten in trouble with ? ``

`` Not really, '' John said after a few import quiet.

`` rightfulness, '' Albus continued, `` And I 'd say we 're friends with him now. Would you ? ''

john and matt nodded. `` Yeah, I think so, '' Matt agreed. `` I see what you 're getting at. But how is he like Wormtail ? ''

Albus looked at his friends for a mo before responding. Albus talked the least about Wormtail than all the other Marauders. Obviously, Albus felt a mysterious hate for Peter Pettigrew, and this resulted in him not wanting to talk about him. So Albus 's friends really did n't recognize a hale lot about him. Just the parts that had to do with him betraying Albus 's grandparents. `` Well, we 've got to commend that when the piranha made this map they were friends with Wormtail. He had n't betrayed them yet. He did have unspoilt qualities, as much as I hate saying that, '' Albus said grimly.

`` So what are these qualities ? '' whoremaster asked skeptically.

`` Er, I 'm not sure exactly, '' Albus confessed, `` I mean, all the Marauders were drained by the metre I was born, so there 's not really anyone to tell me what they would be. But my dad has told me some stuff, and it sounds a bit like Kaden. He told me that Wormtail practically worshiped Sirius and my grandpa. ``

`` Like Kaden does with you three, '' rose wine commented, a look of realisation appearing on her side.

`` Exactly, '' Albus said, happy that someone was finally translate, `` And he used to do whatever they wanted. ``

`` phone like Kaden, '' mat agreed.

`` Definitely, '' John replied.

`` You know, '' rose began, `` Wormtail obviously caved under terror and Kaden did, too. ``

Albus had realized this as well, but he really did n't require to think about it. Albus did n't ever reckon his cousin would betray anyone like Wormtail had done. `` Well, I guess we 've found our Wormtail. ``

`` When are we going to tell him ? '' John asked.

`` I dunno, '' Albus had n't gotten that far. There were still constituent of him that wanted to keep the map a secret from Kaden, but he obviously could n't do that if Kaden was supposed to be the new Wormtail. `` I 'm not sure how to tell him. I 'm not sure he 'll be that thrilled about being Wormtail. ``

`` Oh, I do n't know, '' rosiness said, `` I think he wo n't beware as long as he gets to be a part of this. ``

`` The map 's not the only thing we 're going to have to tell him, is it ? '' lusterlessness said quietly, `` He 's going to find out what I am. ``

This was the character that Albus had tried to annul thinking about ever since he first realized what they had to do to work the new map. Whoever was going to interpret Wormtail was going to find out that Matt was a wolfman, there was no avoiding it. It was part of the reason that Albus had n't really thought about who would be Wormtail. Albus knew Matt did n't need anyone else to find out. He never even really told Albus and the others. They had found out on their own. Albus knew Kaden would never happen out on his own ; he was just too unmindful. He needed to make out, though, if he was going to be a function of this. Otherwise, he could n't really be one of the new piranha. Albus just had a gut feeling about that. But was it worth it to narrate him ? Especially when he already told Malfoy everything Albus had told him to keep secret ? Albus sighed, `` I think so. If we 're going to do this, Kaden will possess to know. ``

`` We ca n't do it then, '' mat said adamantly, `` I ca n't recite him. I just ca n't. He 'll tell Malfoy and then the whole of Slytherin will know and then soon the unharmed schooltime will know and they 'll tell their parents and they 'll plain and Kendrick will have to recoil me out. But then it wo n't count anyway because all of Wizarding Britain will recognise and no one will want to be around me or my family line again and it will be just like Australia- ''

`` Matt, '' Albus cut him off. He was getting hysterical. `` Calm down, that 's not going to happen. ``

`` How do you eff ? '' matt whispered in a wobbly voice.

`` Because Kaden wo n't tell apart anyone, '' Rose interjected.

`` Not if I do n't tell him, '' Matt replied, `` And I 'm not going to tell him. You lot ca n't either, you promised. ``

`` We wo n't, '' Albus reassured him, `` Not unless you want us to. ``

`` I do n't, '' Matt said in a slightly gaudy voice.

`` Just listen to me for a bit, '' rosiness said loudly. `` Remember what Amanda said about a magic spell to stay fresh Kaden from giving away anymore secrets ? '' Everyone nodded. `` wellspring, I 'm pretty sure there is a spell like that, '' Rose grinned.

`` Really ? '' Amanda stared at her, `` magic just gets better and better. ``

`` Yes. I vaguely think back reading about it in a book. I 'm sure if I went to the subroutine library I could detect it, '' Rose explained. `` I 'll just look for it when I 'm researching the transfer charm. ``

Albus 's hopes soared high again, `` first-class ! Would you be willing to secernate him if pink wine found this spell ? ``

Albus held his breath as he watched lusterlessness think about it. `` I, '' Matt paused, `` Suppose that could work .... But, only if we try out the spell with a less authoritative enigma first. ``

Rose nodded, `` Yeah, I could do that. ``

Albus grinned. They were onto something, he could feel it. They would unlock the arcanum of this new lambskin. Albus was so thrilled with the prospect of finally discovering what the new map held, he could hardly catch some Z's that night. He was n't the only one, either. Albus heard Matt and John tossing and turning all night, over the sounds of Ethan and Bilius 's snoring. Although, Albus suspected flatness 's sleepless Night was more due to nerves than excitement. Judging by the flavour on his face as they went back to the common room that even, he was still reluctant to let Kaden in on his fully grown secret.



A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight. Thanks as well to Denas, XDNLxtlz99, Saint Luke, Moonylupin, Lily meet Ginny, and drownzer for their reviews !



Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.



When Albus woke up the next sunup, he found that he was overcome with face about stealing his father 's Invisibility Cloak. Albus had been so caught up in the fervor about the map the night before that he had n't really given it a second thought. But now that the musical theme had simmered overnight, he realized that the plan might go horribly wrong. What had he been thinking ? Stealing the invisibility Cloak ? That was exactly what Washburn had been trying to do the former twelvemonth. Of course, Albus was technically only borrowing the Cloak, as he intended to lift it back right after he was done with his latterly dark stroll to the Shrieking shack, but still. What if his dad discovered it missing ? Was that even likely ? Albus had no theme how often Harry used his cloak nowadays. He probably did n't induce a lot use for it at Hogwarts because teachers could roam around wherever and whenever they wanted.

Albus did n't even recognise where his father kept the cloak. He was planning on just trying a summoning good luck charm as Jesse James had done to retrieve the predator 's Map. Albus just hoped that the cloak attempt would go just as smoothly. Harry still had n't noticed that the Map was missing. Either that or he knew Henry James took it and was just letting him keep open it. As Albus 's thoughts went to the original marauder 's Map, he remembered that he still had n't given it back to James.

Albus remained distracted throughout his forenoon family and by the sentence dejeuner came, he was almost as nervous as he had been for the first Quidditch match. Nobody said much as Albus picked at his food, well nobody except Kaden. Kaden rambled on about his morning social class until he had to leave for Potions a unforesightful piece later. Once he was gone, Albus was exempt to sing about their plan. `` I 'm not sure if this is going to solve. ``

`` It worked for the vulture 's Map, '' pink wine reminded him.

`` I know, but still .... ''

`` It 's got to work, '' John insisted, `` How else will we mouse down to, '' he lowered his vox, `` you know, without being caught ? ``

`` There is n't any early way, '' Matt replied, `` We 'll get caught if we do n't have the cloak. ``

`` We might get caught when we 're trying to steal it, '' Albus commented.

`` No we wo n't, '' privy assured him, `` And even if we do, we 'll just be caught by your dad. It 's not like we 'll get in difficulty with Filch or anything. ``

`` But we 'll get caught by Filch if we try to nobble out at nighttime without the cloak, '' matt whispered.

`` rightfield, '' John agreed, `` So we 're off to steal the cloak. ``

Albus groaned, `` Does n't anyone else think this might not bring ? ``

`` trustingness me, Albus, '' rosebush said, `` It 'll work. We 'll sneak the cloak back before Uncle Harry even knows it 's gone. ``

`` He 's leaving now, '' Amanda pointed to the stave board, `` We 'll just wait a brace more proceedings. ``

`` I do n't guess we should all go, '' rosebush announced, `` It 'll depend mistrustful if we all go into his office. I think just me and Albus should go. ``

`` good idea, '' lustrelessness agreed, `` No one will think anything of it if the two of you go into his office. ``

Albus nodded. That was probably the best way to do it. If all five of them went, chances are they would stimulate enough disturbance to draw another teacher. Albus was relieved that rosebush was going to go, though. She was much better at summoning charms than Albus was.

`` We 'll wait for you in the way, '' Matt stood up. John and Amanda followed suit. `` See you in a bit. ``

`` Bye, '' Rose grinned at them. She and Albus loitered a few hour longer at the Gryffindor tabular array before rosebush gestured that it was time to go.

Albus and rosiness had lingered long enough at the tabular array that the corridors were practically empty, save for a few straggling students who were much more enwrapped on making it to class than giving Albus and Rose a second gear glance. They quietly made their way to Harry 's post, narrowly avoiding Peeves near Moaning Vinca minor 's lavatory. Judging from the cheap outcry that were emitted from the bathroom, Peeves had just finished making fun of poor myrtle.

The corridor that Harry 's office was in was entirely deserted when Albus and rose descended upon it. Albus was very happy about this. Maybe they would get away with it. Albus tried to open the threshold, but it was locked. `` Merlin ! '' he shouted and looked at Rose.

rose did n't depend in phased in the least. `` Just use Alohamora. ``

Albus looked at her skeptically. Why would Harry bother to interlace his threshold with a magic spell that anyone could open ?

`` Just do it, '' Rose insisted, `` He 's got a magical spell on there that recognizes his magical signature. Yours will be close adequate to his that it 'll open for you, too. It worked with Jesse James utmost year. It wo n't work with me, though. I tried. James River thought it was incredibly amusing. ``

`` All right, '' Albus replied and pointed his scepter at the lock. `` Alohomora. '' The lock clicked and Albus turned the handle. It opened. The cousins quietly crept inside, carefully shutting the door behind them.

Harry 's office staff looked much like it had the survive metre Albus had been in it. parchment, Word of God, and other miscellaneous objects were strewn around all over the station, cluttering up the desk, lounge, and hot seat. The bedroom door had been left out-of-doors and Albus could see that that way was just as messy, with robes laying on the bed and transcript of the Prophet on the floor.

`` Does he ever houseclean up ? '' Rose asked disgustedly, `` I mean, really. This is worse than James 's room. ``

`` Henry James gets it from Dad, '' Albus laughed, `` Mum makes both of them clean up but Mum 's not here, so Dad can just do what he wants. ``

`` I 'll bet it 's somewhere in there, '' Albus pointed to the bedroom and started walking towards it. rosebush followed and soon they were in the petite sleeping accommodation. Albus guessed that the cloak was either in Harry 's trunk or the wardrobe.

rosebush must bear been thinking the same matter. She wrenched the trunk give and pointed her wand at it. `` Accio invisibility Cloak, '' she shouted. Nothing happened.

`` Great, '' Albus groaned, `` It 's not here. ``

`` delay, '' Rose said as she crept closer to Harry 's trunk, `` I 'm pretty sure enough Uncle Harry mentioned that you ca n't use a rally charm on the cloak. ``

Albus thought for a import and then remembered his dad telling him that once. `` Oh, yeah. wellspring, now what are we going to do ? ``

`` We 'll do it the hard way, '' Rose sighed, `` You take the press, I 'll engage the trunk. ''

Albus shook his capitulum as he stepped over to his dad 's press. This was going to bring forever. They would certainly get caught before they found it. Albus carefully weeded through his dad 's stuff, being careful to put it all back exactly as he found it.

`` Got it ! '' Rose announced, `` Bottom of the trunk ! ``

Albus felt an immense rest as rosebush held up the cloak. They did it ! They actually found the cloak ! Nothing was stopping them now. They were going to encounter out the secrets of the second map.

`` There. Told you we 'd get it, '' Rose grinned, `` Now let 's get out of here. ``

Albus nodded, happy to do as Rose said. He certainly did n't need to get caught in his dad 's office with the Invisibility Cloak. Rose handed him the cloak and he stuffed it into his gown. Once Albus and Rose were certain that the way looked just as it had when they got there, they quietly left. Neither of them said a Good Book as they walked quickly to the room of Requirement.

ministration washed over Albus when he made it into the Room a few minutes later. They had n't been caught ! Albus 's heart still beat fast with adrenaline as he ran into the elbow room and grinned at his champion. The tingle of what he and Rose had done was starting to hit him. He had taken the Invisibility Cloak. It was the first off Marauder-like thing he had done. He knew this was exactly what the predator had wanted him to do. To stop rules and not get caught.

`` Did you get it ? '' John ran over with a inkling of excitement in his eyes. Matt and Amanda were rectify behind him sporting selfsame smiling on their faces.

`` Sure did, '' Albus smiled and pulled the silvery cloak out of his robes.

`` It was incredibly easy, '' rosiness laughed. `` I found it right in Uncle Harry 's trunk. ``

`` Can I hold it ? '' lusterlessness asked in awe. Albus handed him the cloak. `` This is incredible, '' matte whispered. `` I 'm holding one of the Hallows. I wish I could tell my dad about this. ``

`` You 'll be able to eventually. My dad just wants to get to know him first. ``

Matt put the cloak on and disappeared from eyeshot. He reappeared a few seconds later. `` That is so aplomb. ``

`` Let me try, '' John took the cloak and wrapped it around himself. They spent the following few hour passing the cloak around and trying it on.

`` You three ought to see if you fit, '' rose announced.

Albus nodded and took the cloak back from Amanda. john and Matt stood next to him as he threw the cloak over their heads. Albus had been under the cloak with James, Lily, and his cousins before, so he was used to how cramped it was, but his supporter weren't.

`` Watch it, '' can snapped as lusterlessness stepped on his foot.

`` Sorry, '' Matt muttered. `` This is going to be difficult. ``

`` Can you see us ? '' Albus asked.

`` Nope, '' pink wine said, `` Walk around the room a few times. ``

The boys walked slowly around the elbow room, making sure not to expose any of their arm. Gospel According to John and Matt started to get the hang of it after a few minutes of practice and they were soon able to go a fiddling faster.

`` perfective, '' Amanda announced after the twenty-five percent time they circled the room. `` I 'm still amazed by that cloak. ``

`` What night should we do this ? '' John Lackland asked after they took the cloak off.

`` I say Saturday because I 've got Quidditch practice that sunrise and I 'm going to take to get some sleep Friday night or Georgia will expend the whole meter yelling at me to rouse up, '' Albus explained, `` That upright with you two ? ``

`` Sure, '' can agreed. lusterlessness nodded.

`` Then we 're set, '' Albus replied, `` Sabbatum nighttime, we sneak into the shriek Shack. ``

`` You 're turning into quite the trouble maker, Albus, '' Rose laughed, `` The piranha would be proud. ``

******

The succeeding day Rose decided to startle her research on the transfer charm. Albus and the others went with her and it did n't deal long to find the aright Christian Bible. Rose found it in a copy of Advanced Charms and after she read a bit about the good luck charm she decided that it was going to be hard but not unsufferable for her to do. She decided to dominate that charm before trying to retrieve the spell to keep on Kaden quiet. That one was going to be harder to bump since they did n't even know the name of it. Rose checked out the Advanced Charms book under the menacing glare of Madam Pince. It looked to Albus like she was just burning to involve what they were up to and refuse them the Bible. But, she could n't since the book was n't in the Restricted Section.

Rose spent the next few mean solar day trying to figure the magic spell out. There was n't much Albus could do to facilitate her, so he just did his homework and watched her. Albus thought the charm looked incredibly complicated and he was glad that rosebush had volunteered to learn it. pink wine was having a bit of difficulty mastering the charm, though. By the time Sat night rolled around, she still had n't managed to multiply much of anything. Albus kept reassuring her that she would eventually get it. The charm was well beyond the O.W.L. level and it stood to reason that it would be hard for her. This did not suit rosiness well and she was quite frustrated by it. If there was one thing that drove Rose mad, it was having fuss learning something.

`` Why do n't you engage a good luck ? '' Albus suggested while they were in the usual room on Saturday nighttime. `` You 've been at it for days. ``

`` Maybe you 're mighty, '' Rose sighed. She had been trying for the yesteryear time of day to reproduce her name onto another piece of parchment. `` I 'll just loosen for a while. '' She pulled out her Transfiguration Day book and opened it to one of the later chapters.

`` I do n't bed how you can consider that relaxing, '' John screwed up his expression in disgust.

`` What are you doing anyway ? '' Kaden asked loudly, looking up from his Herbology essay.

`` extra cite charm homework, '' pink wine lied.

`` Oh, '' Kaden looked vaguely shocked that Rose would involve surplus credit.

`` I 'm doing it for the fun of it, '' rosiness explained.

`` You 'll get it eventually, '' Kaden told her, `` You 're sassy. ``

`` Thanks, Kaden, '' blush wine smiled at him.

Albus had no doubt that Rose would forecast the appealingness out eventually. It was just taking her longer than she expected. Albus was in no rush because the charm would be useless until they got all the paw prints they needed. That would n't happen until after Christmas. John had n't managed to ascertain a rat in Potions on Friday, but he was keeping his centre peeled.

The grouping stayed in the common way for another yoke hour, waiting until it was completely empty-bellied. Albus thought Kaden would never go to bed, but shortly after eleven he finally gave in to his tiredness and went up to his dormitory. Eventually, Albus and his friends were the just ones left.

`` Ready ? '' Albus asked. John and Matt nodded. Albus rummaged in his bag and pulled out the cloak. `` I 've got the parchment in my robe. I think we 're set. ``

`` Let 's do it, '' John stood up.

`` Good circumstances, '' Amanda said as the three boy pulled the cloak around themselves. `` We 'll be waiting. ``

`` See you in a bit, '' Rose told them as she held the portraiture loose for them to leave. `` Do n't get caught. ``

`` We wo n't, '' Albus assured her. `` I 've got the Map. '' Albus was n't nearly as nervous about sneaking out of the castle as he had been about stealing the cloak. And clearly he was breaking more than linguistic rule this even than he had the other day. He figured it had something to do with the fact that stealing the cloak was something his father would be disappointed in, whereas sneaking out would just get him in hassle with another teacher.

Whatever the reason, Albus felt almost excited about this eventide. The solely time he had really snuck out after curfew was when he had his first Occlumency dreaming the previous year. Tonight 's dangerous undertaking was a much better circumstance. Besides, Albus was a bit excited about following the tunnel to the Whomping Willow and seeing the inside of the shriek Shack. He felt form of hangdog about this because he knew Matt did n't require them to and was only agreeing to this for the sake of the new map.

Albus motioned for them to block before they started down the stairs. He took out the Map and scanned it for a twain minutes. Filch was currently striding along the third floor corridor. They would consume to be careful about that. They could easily run right into him. Peeves was flitting around a schoolroom on the quartern trading floor, no doubt wreaking havoc for one of the teachers to fix in the good morning. Luckily, all of the instructor were in their part. All they had to worry about were Filch and Peeves. Albus wondered when Filch slept. It seemed that he was always patrolling the corridors.

Albus, lavatory, and Matt continued their cautious trek down to the Entrance G. Stanley Hall, with Albus glancing at the Map every few minutes. The boy made it down to the tierce base corridor without bother, but Albus immediately noticed Filch creeping along the corridor, muttering about barefaced children. Albus gave his booster a interest facial expression as they quietly moved towards the nearest stair case. Albus held his breath as Filch passed them. Filch continued on his way without even noticing the three inconspicuous son. Albus was very happy when they made it onto the bit floor and even felicitous when they got to the front room access and found that Filch left them unlocked. That was the one matter that could have gone faulty with their plan. wax had tried to learn him a few Sir Thomas More coordination compound unlocking turn but he was n't very good at them and was hoping he would n't demand to use them.

`` Made it ! '' trick let out a vast breath once the castle door were shut.

`` Not quite, '' Matt replied.

`` Yeah, but at least we can talk now. I wish this cloak would cover up noise, too. Reckon we can read the cloak off ? ``

`` No, '' Albus answered immediately. `` What if one of the teachers is looking out the window ? Or if Hagrid is wandering around ? '' Albus loved Hagrid, but he would n't require to have to explain why he was sneaking down to the Whomping willow in the dead of night if the lovable half-giant caught them.

The three son continued along the track that lead them through the primer coat. There was about six in of blow on the soil and the air was bitingly stale. Albus was glad he remembered his cloak, but was still a bit chilly. He continued to check into the Map every dyad of second, but so far the primer were deserted. Albus had hoped they would be able-bodied to take the air faster once they were on the flat coat, but he had been wrong. It was still awkward for the three of them to stay put concealed under the cloak and it was even harder now because Matt was slowing down. `` Are you all right ? '' Albus asked after the cloak almost slipped off of him.

`` Fine, '' he panted. `` Just the moon. Let 's proceed going. ``

Albus looked from his protagonist 's tired aspect to the sky. The almost full moon was shining down on the solid ground, illuminating it adequate that Albus had n't bothered to light his baton. `` We should have done this earlier in the week, '' Albus commented, remembering the disastrous custody with Filch the other month.

`` No, I 'm finely, '' Matt assured him, `` It wo n't be broad until Tuesday. ``

Albus looked at him skeptically but did n't say anything else. He and John slowed down their pace to check Matt 's, although Albus thought it would be better for them to rush along up in parliamentary law to arrive at the tree faster. Eventually, they reached the Whomping Willow. The three son paused just beyond the reach of the subdivision and Albus and toilet looked to Matt for instructions.

`` We 're not going to be capable to get into the cakehole wearing the cloak, '' Matt explained. Albus nodded and took it off, stuffing it into his robes. `` All rightfield, '' matt continued, pulling out his sceptre. `` I 'll just incapacitate the cellblock. '' He muttered something quietly and pointed his wand at the tree. Albus strained to listen to the turn but he could n't hear it.

`` Now what ? '' John asked, jumping out of the way of one of the branches.

Matt walked around to the other face of the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree with Albus and John following. matte knack over, searched through the snow, and picked up a tenacious stick, stumbling and shivering a petty as he stood up. He pressed his hired hand to his head, wincing a petty. `` concern, '' he answered to Albus and John 's questioning stares. He dodged one of the tree 's branches and stuck the foresightful stick into the tree 's proboscis. The branches immediately freeze down and the Whomping Willow looked just as tame as any of the other Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree on the grounds. `` Quick, before they start again, '' Matt stumbled towards the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree and disappeared down the passageway.

Albus, who had already been in the burrow once, gestured for John to go first. Albus followed his friend and made it into the golf hole just as the branches started flailing again. Albus and can lit their wands and looked around the cramped tunnel while Matt put the wards back up.

`` Let 's go, '' Matt announced once he was done.

`` This is honestly middling cool, '' John said in awe as they started down the passageway, `` Kinda spooky, but cool. '' Matt sent him a dirty look. `` I mean, besides the whole werewolf thing, '' John replied quickly.

Albus could see what John meant. It was kind of a clean tunnel, although very sullen and form of dampness. The good affair was that it was slightly heater than exterior. The cap was low and Albus had to hunker down down a little in order to walk. There were sway and radical along the path, but the whole atmosphere was quite exciting. Albus loved wandering through closed book passage and this one was n't any different. He was excited about finally being able to follow it. His dad had told him about this tunnel and the Shrieking hovel numerous times, but always said no when Albus asked if he could go explore it. Now he was finally getting to do it. Granted, he was breaking about a dozen school rule to do it, but it was worth it.

They followed the tunnel for what felt like at least a one-half 60 minutes. The thrill of it was beginning to get into off as Albus got colder. The month of December was not a convenient clip to be doing this. By the time they reached the Shrieking hovel, Albus was ready to grovel into his ardent four-poster bed and go to sleep. John 's excitement had waned as well and he was looking disgruntled from the tenacious, chilly walk. lusterlessness, despite the fact that they were no longer being pelted by the moonlight, did n't look much well than he had earlier. He looked incredibly exhausted and was breathing as heavily as if he 'd just run a marathon.

`` How do you possibly clear it here before the full moon ? '' John the Divine asked, out of intimation. `` You 're practically falling asleep by the time you go down here. ``

`` I 'm ... not really ... sure, '' Matt replied in between breaths, `` Madam Pomfrey ... helps. ``

`` Well, next meter I ca n't catch some Z's I 'll just take the air up and down this a few times, '' John joked.

`` In. Here, '' flatness panted as he opened an old looking doorway that creaked as he opened it. Albus and john quietly followed him through it, into a very decrepit looking room.

Albus was shocked at what he saw. Broken furniture lay everywhere, a lot of it covered in dry out blood. There was n't anything that remained unbroken. Pieces of board, chairwoman, and couches were all over the place with seize with teeth Marks on them. There was a staircase nearby that looked like it had been gnawed on legion prison term. Albus swallowed as he realized that his admirer was the one who caused all the damage.

`` What did all this ? '' John asked slowly.

Matt glared at him. `` Use your brain, '' he snapped.

John looked from him to the get out furniture and back again. `` Oh, '' he said quietly, `` Sorry. ``

`` It 's all right hand, '' Matt sighed and sat down on the floor near the fireplace. He leaned his straits against the bulwark. `` See why I did n't really desire you to come here ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus and can nodded.

`` It 's one matter for you to love what I am, '' Matt continued, `` But another to see what I actually do, what I could do ... '' his voice trailed off.

Albus knew what he wanted to say, but could n't. What he could do if he was n't in the Shrieking hovel during the full Sun Myung Moon. `` But you 're not really you then. You 're the wolf. ``

`` I guess, '' Matt said quietly.

`` You know what we could do, though, '' John replied, `` Become Animagi. ``

`` What ? ! '' Albus and lusterlessness shouted at the same prison term.

`` Become Animagi, '' John repeated, `` If we 're trying to turn the next Marauders, we might as well do it properly. ``



A/N : Bit of a cliffy ! But I had to start a new chapter somewhere. Thanks to my Beta, Dancer of Starlight. Thanks as well to XDNLxtlz99, potterfan89, Moonylupin, smirkyhaha, Denas, myself, and Luke for their reviews !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Albus had to admit the thought did cut across his mind every once in a while. But really, it was n't very naturalistic. Yes, the Marauders had done it, but they were lucky it had worked out all right. There was a reason that hardly anyone could go an Animagus and why you had to be registered with the Ministry. Plus, they were only endorsement years. The vulture had n't done it until their fifth yr. They were exceptionally smart, too. wellspring, three of them were. Albus did n't think he was anywhere near good enough at Transfiguration to pull it off. rose was probably the only one of them who had a chance at succeeding. And even though Rose did not waver to break rules when she needed to, there was no way she would agree to this. `` Oh seminal fluid on, St. John the Apostle, we ca n't be Animagi. ``

`` Why not ? '' John asked, `` The marauder did it. ``

`` They were really smarting, '' Albus explained, `` I 'm definitely not that smart. And what did you get on your lastly Transfiguration test ? A 50 or something ? ``

`` 55, thank you, '' John corrected him, `` And we 'd fancy it out. come up could help us. ``

`` But this is n't as dim-witted as figuring out a patch for socio-economic class ! '' Albus shouted, `` It 's dangerous. What if we ca n't change back ? What if we get stuck halfway ? Rose does n't know everything. Even she would accept trouble with this. ``

`` It 's worth the risk, '' Gospel According to John said adamantly, `` I do n't care if I mess up a few metre. I 'll just try again. ``

`` That 's the thing. Sometimes when you mess up, you do n't get the hazard to try again. My dad explained this all to me over the summer. He talked to me about becoming an Animagus as soon as school was over last year because he knew the thought would traverse my intellect. He 'll sleep with if I try and he wo n't let me do it. I 'd consider trying when we 're sr., but definitely not right now. ``

John the Evangelist sighed, `` It would be great if we could, though. I mean, we would be the ultimate new Marauders then. Imagine if we could even alter into the Saami animals the piranha were. I fancy myself as a dog. ``

`` I could see that, '' Albus agreed, relieved that John seemed to take on the fact that Albus was n't going to budge on the issue. `` I do n't make out if I 'd be a hart, though. Maybe a fox or something, I dunno. ``

`` Can you see Kaden as a rat ? '' John asked, grinning.

Albus smirked, `` Not really. He 'd probably be one of those yappy cad, not a big cool dog like you 'd be, but a petite chihuahua or something that 's always bark and jumping. ``

`` Definitely, '' John laughed, `` It could n't hurt to enquiry Animagi, though. I mean, if anyone asks we could say it 's for extra credit. ``

`` My dad would see right through that one, '' Albus told him.

`` doe n't matter, '' flatness said quietly. He had been exceptionally quiet down ever since lav had first mentioned the theme. `` You ca n't become Animagi with me on the full Sun Myung Moon. ``

`` Why ? '' John asked. `` We know it 's dangerous. I do n't care. ``

`` It 's not that. You think I have n't thought about you lot becoming Animagi ? That my parents have n't thought about doing it ? Amy ? They have. My parents have ever since we found out Wolfsbane did n't work for me. Amy has ever since she first saw me after a translation. My parents actually started working on it. But then they decided to experience me do the Wolfsbane report instead. You see, if anyone is with me as an Animagus on the full synodic month, I wo n't bruise myself and it 'll seem like the potion actually worked. It 'll mess up the study big time. My parents decided it would be better for me to find oneself a potion that would go than to sustain to bank on other people 's Animagus power. They even forbade Amy from trying it ; she was n't very happy. ``

Albus had n't thought about that. He was actually a little save. He did n't require to become an Animagus behind his dad 's dorsum. It was one thing to steal the invisibility Cloak for a twosome Clarence Day, but to swipe around as an animal every full lunation ? That was just too closemouthed for Albus 's liking. He hoped that John would give way up on the idea now.

`` But if the work ever ends without finding me a potion that works, I wo n't hold on you from trying. ``

`` phone fair, '' bathroom replied, `` How long does the study go ? ``

`` No idea. Probably at to the lowest degree another two years. It all depends on how many different signifier of wolf's bane people come up with, '' mat closed his centre and leaned his mind against the bulwark again.

`` vexation still there ? '' Albus asked. lusterlessness nodded without opening his oculus. `` Let 's precipitation up, then. Where should we put the parchment ? ``

`` way behind the step, '' Matt shakily stood up. `` That way Madam Pomfrey does n't see it. ``

`` We 'll do it. You stay here, '' John gently pushed his acquaintance back onto the floor. `` How very much parchment should we put down ? ``

`` How much did you bring ? ``

`` About a half scroll, '' Albus pulled a partially used roster of parchment out of his cloak.

`` All of it, then. Chances are almost of it will get ripped. ``

Albus nodded and stood up. He walked over to the stairs with John following and saw the low room Matt was talking about. It was also filled with assorted damp pieces of furniture. `` We should n't have done this tonight. I did n't even think about the moon. ``

`` Me neither, '' John shook his drumhead as he bent down to displace some of the article of furniture aside. `` But it 's not as bad as the time with the detention. I think he 'll be ok. ''

`` Yeah. He can kip all tomorrow if he wants, '' Albus commented as he ripped pieces off the pealing of parchment.

`` Him and me both, '' John yawned. `` Was n't expecting the tunnel to be that long. ``

`` Me neither, but it is a farsighted way from the grounds to Hogsmeade, so it makes good sense. ``

Albus finished ripping the parchment and the two son each took a push-down stack to stick on to the floor. It took them a few minutes and once they were done, the way was covered in piece of music of parchment.

`` I can see why he did n't want dame Pomfrey to see, '' John laughed as he re-lit his wand.

`` It would definitely leaven some questions, '' Albus lit his own wand. `` Let 's just hope this workplace. I ca n't see any former way to safely get a werewolf 's paw print. ``

The two male child took one more look at the lambskin coated room and then went back to the heavy main room. Matt was veracious where they left him, leaning against a partially broken hot seat. Albus nudged him awake.

`` Finished ? '' matt yawned.

`` Yup, let 's get back to the rook, '' Albus helped his acquaintance up and the three of them left the shack.

The trip back through the tunnel took a lot thirster than when they were going to the hut. All three male child were incredibly tired and the thrill had worn off for Albus and lav. Albus glanced at his lookout as they neared the end of the tunnel and saw that it was nearly 1:30. He was very beaming they had done this on a weekend.

`` It 's harder getting out than getting in, '' matt said tiredly as he removed the wards. `` Whoever goes first has to parry the branches and then push the burl on the trunk for the early two. ``

Albus and trick looked at each other, for both of them knew lustrelessness was too exhausted to be able to dodge the branch properly. `` I 'll do it, '' Albus told him, `` I 'm making you get the rat. '' Albus climbed up the wall and crawled out of the hole. He was immediately hit in the shoulder with one of the flailing limb. `` Ouch ! '' he shouted as he groped the tree trunk for the knot. His hand made contact with it and the offset immediately froze. `` You can follow out now, '' he whispered through the passageway.

Albus stood aside and pulled the Invisibility Cloak out of his cloak. matte appeared out of the muddle first and shuddered as the moonlight hit him. John was right behind him and the two of them got under the cloak with Albus once lustrelessness re-set the wards.

`` You ok ? '' John asked Albus once they were back on the itinerary leading to the castle.

`` Yeah. Just got me in the shoulder, '' Albus replied. His articulatio humeri stung and he could feel some blood dripping down his arm, but he could n't go see dame Pomfrey. She would know immediately what gave him the wound and would no doubt insist on knowing what they were up to.

The boys trudged along through the cold dark air. Albus looked up to the sky and saw that thickly clouds were moving in. It would probably lead by the nose soon. Of course, Albus would be much too tired the side by side day to enjoy it, so it did n't a good deal topic. It was worth it, though. Within a few solar day they would have one of the four paw print needed to unlock the secrets of the new map.

A little while later they reached the castle doorway. Albus glanced quickly at the Map and saw that Filch was up on the one-sixth story and Peeves was in Moaning Myrtle 's bathroom. No one else was wandering around. Albus grasped the handle of the door and pushed. It did not budge. He tried again, but no luck. `` Filch must 've remembered to lock it ! '' Albus muttered.

`` Try one of those turn Rose taught you, '' John suggested.

Albus nodded and pointed his scepter at the handle. He muttered a spell but the door remained locked. He tried a few Sir Thomas More, but none of them worked. `` I think we 're locked out ! '' Albus said in a panicked tone.

`` We 're locked out ? '' John questioned and pushed the room access himself, `` What do we do now ? ``

`` What do you imply we 're locked out ? '' mat groaned, `` It was just unlocked a twosome hours ago ! ``

`` I know it was, '' Albus replied anxiously, `` Filch must 've locked it ! ``

`` We ca n't stay on out here all night ! '' Matt 's vocalism cracked, `` We 'll freeze ! ``

Albus swallowed hard as panic filled his dead body. What were they going to do now ? Albus had been worrying mostly about getting out of the palace and into the tunnel without getting caught that the thought of being locked out had n't even crossed his mind. I mean, what were the prospect of the doorway being unlock when they left and locked when they came back ? But what would they do ? They could n't stick around out here, it was freezing and would play false soon. All three of them were shivering. `` Any chance either of you knows how to raise a Patronus ? '' Albus asked, thinking of the only way he knew to contact Rose and Amanda.

`` Are you mad ? '' St. John the Apostle asked. `` We 're only second years. ``

`` Well, have you got any brilliant ideas on how to distinguish rosiness and Amanda we 're locked out ? ``

John thought for a minute before answering, `` You could die into the Scots heather shed and steal a broom. Then fly it up to Gryffindor pillar. ``

`` Now you 're mad. I 'll get seen by someone. What if one of the professors is looking out their window ? Or one of the students ? ``

`` Wear the Invisibility Cloak, '' whoremonger replied.

`` Then you two will get seen. And if I 'm wearing the Cloak then blush wine and Amanda wo n't see me. ``

`` Oh, right, '' trick sighed. `` How about Hagrid ? ``

`` Then we 'll get in bother, '' Albus reminded him, although unless they did n't imagine of something else soon, they would have to go to Hagrid's.

`` well, we 've got to guess of something soon. He 's got to get away from the moon, '' John gestured to Matt who was leaning against the threshold and breathing heavily.

`` The Sun Myung Moon 's almost covered by clouds, '' Albus pointed out, `` But then we 'll accept to worry about being snowed on. ``

`` Wonderful, '' toilet groaned. `` Maybe we can curl up in piles of Charles Percy Snow like woman chaser do and save warm that way. ``

`` Very funny, '' Albus said flatly. He was really starting to get worried now. What would happen if they did go to Hagrid 's ? They 'd surely get in trouble, but how a great deal ? Would they just get detention or would it be big ? Points would be taken away for sure, and that would not go over well with the other Gryffindors.

`` Hey, wait ! '' John 's face brightened a bit, `` What about the scream Shack ? We could just go back there and pass the dark. Then we 'll sneak back in tomorrow aurora after Filch has unlocked the doors again. ``

`` That 's ... that 's, '' Albus thought about this for a import. `` Not actually a bad melodic theme. We 'll be inside and we wo n't get caught. ``

John grinned. `` Let 's go, '' he poked Matt in the side.

`` What ? '' matte opened his eyes.

`` We 're going back to the Shack, '' John explained.

`` Great, '' lustrelessness said sarcastically, `` I get to spend another nighttime there. You two could n't come up with a dissimilar idea ? ``

`` Nope, '' John answered, `` I 'd say it was pretty bright myself, so unless you 've got a considerably one, we 're going. ``

lusterlessness sighed, `` Oh, all right. But we 're not making a habit of this. ``

`` Me and Albus are n't, '' St. John the Apostle laughed, `` But you already do. ``

`` Oh, shut it, '' mat groaned, `` Let 's just go. ``

Albus could n't help but feel a petite bit excited about spending the night in the shack. It would definitely be the rack up thing he had ever done, as far as breaking linguistic rule was concerned. He also felt uneasy about it. What if they did get caught ? What if rose wine and Amanda started to get worried and told someone about their plan ? Albus pushed that thought out of his thinker. blush wine would n't do that, would she ? She would if she thought they were in fuss. But they were n't in that big of problem. The three of them would spend the night in the hut and that would be that. When morning came they would lift back into the castle and no one would be the wiser. This might actually be kind of fun ; it was thrilling and a tad bit unsafe. Something the piranha would have done. Who knows, maybe they even had done it on occasion.

The trip back to the shack, though exhausting, was uneventful. John, like Albus, had a look of excitement in his centre when the three of them entered the hutch once more. mat looked like he did n't care where they were, as long as there was some spot he could sleep.

`` This is pretty sang-froid, '' John grinned, `` Spending the Night in Hogsmeade. ``

`` It 's going to be frigid, though, '' mat shivered, `` There are n't any heating system magical spell in here. ``

`` heater than outside, '' Albus commented as he stowed the cloak back in his robes. `` Are there any ignitor in here ? ``

`` Nope, '' Matt replied. `` We 'll just have to keep our sceptre lit. ``

`` What do you want to do now ? '' John asked with a flavour of roguishness on his face, `` So many possibilities in this place .... ''

`` How about we go to bed ? '' lustrelessness suggested sarcastically.

Albus, although excited about spending the night in the hutch, was extremely play out and all he wanted to do was log Z's. `` Are there any beds here ? ``

`` One, '' lusterlessness answered. He led Albus and John up the steps and into the only bedroom. There was one vauntingly bed and a press, both surprisingly still intact. `` They 're charmed to be indestructible, '' lusterlessness answered Albus 's questioning look.

John Lackland hopped onto the bed and started jumping on it. `` Now we 're talking ! This bed is splendid for jumping. ``

`` Ca n't say I 've ever tried it before, '' Matt joined him on the bed and started jumping as well. `` You 're right, it is quite a nice for jumping. ``

Albus jumped up with them and agreed. The bed was secure for jumping. Even better than Saint James the Apostle 's. James, Albus, and Lily had spent many hours jumping on James IV 's bed, always to be interrupted and yelled at by their mother. The boys continued jumping on the bed and goofing off for a match moment. Albus smirked to himself as he remembered a taradiddle his Aunt Hermione had told him about rascal jumping on a bed.

`` What 's so mirthful ? '' John asked.

`` Just wondering who 'll be the first to strike off and break dance his straits, '' Albus laughed.

`` What ? '' John asked and flatness started to laugh as well.

`` It 's a Muggle story, '' Albus explained and proceeded to say John the story of the monkeys.

`` It 's amazing what Muggles come up with for stories, '' John shook his fountainhead and jumped off the bed, landing on his feet like a cat. `` I do n't retrieve any of us are going to break off our nous. ``

`` Mine feels like it 's broken, '' lusterlessness announced as he jumped off the bed. He did n't land as gracefully as St. John and fell on his arm. `` Ow ! ``

Albus jumped down next to him. `` You ok ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Matt pointed his lit scepter at his arm. `` No stock. ``

`` Good, '' John replied.

`` We should probably go to bed now, '' Albus suggested, `` We 've got to be up early so we can sneak back in before a lot of masses wake up. ``

`` There 's more than blankets in the wardrobe, '' matt yawned as he got back on the bed and curled up beneath the blanket that was already on the bed.

Albus and Gospel According to John each grabbed a couple blankets and got into the bed alongside mat. It was a good thing the bed was so big, Albus thought. It was much bigger than the four-poster beds in Gryffindor.

`` He 's already asleep, '' John commented as he lay down.

`` Good, '' Albus replied, `` Maybe his cephalalgia will go away. skilful night. ``

`` 'Night. ``

******

Albus woke up the next morning to splinter of light shining through the boarded up Windows. Boarded up Windows ? There were n't boarded up windows in the dormitory room. Albus 's center shot open and he glanced around at his surroundings. Oh, rightfield. The remembering of the old night flooded Albus as he realized that he was in the Shrieking Shack. Albus sat up and yawned. He felt more tired this aurora than he had the previous night. One look at his scout told him why. It was only seven o'clock, he had only gotten about four hours of sleep. Just as well, Albus thought. They had to get back to the palace quickly anyway, if they wanted to cabbage back in without anyone noticing.

Albus nudged John awake and winced. He pulled up the sleeve of his robe and saw that the cut from the Whomping Willow looked thoroughly disgusting. It was probably infected and would require a trip to the hospital wing. Albus shook John with his uninjured arm. `` John, wake up ! ``

`` No, lem me sleep, '' John groaned and turned away from Albus.

`` Get up or we 'll get caught, '' Albus pushed him again.

`` Do n't care, '' lavatory murmured.

`` I 'll bear on you out of bed, '' Albus warned. John muttered something incoherent and did n't move. `` You asked for it, '' Albus muttered and rolled lav over to the edge of the bed. He gave him one terminal nudge and privy fell off the edge of the bed with a loud thump.

`` What the hell ? '' John shouted, sitting up with a dazed look on his face.

`` I told you to get up, '' Albus leaned over the bed and laughed. `` We 've got to get back to the castle or someone 's going to see us come out of the tree diagram. ``

`` Oh, fine, '' privy grumbled, `` But I 'm going back to bed once we get back. ``

`` You and me both, '' Albus agreed and got out of bed. He picked up the spare blanket and stowed them back in the wardrobe so Madam Pomfrey would n't get suspicious.

`` You going to push him off the bed too ? '' John pointed to Matt 's sleeping material body as he stood up.

`` No, '' Albus replied simply.

`` Where 's the justice ? '' can muttered.

Albus grinned and shook lusterlessness awake. `` We 've got to get back to the rook. We 'll sleep more there. ``

lusterlessness groaned and got out of bed. `` I think I 'd rather just stay put here. ``

`` I would n't propose it, '' John responded, `` Albus pushed me off the bed when I did n't get up. Can you believe that ? ``

Matt laughed and looked from bathroom to Albus and back again. `` Yes. ``

The boy left the hovel quickly and started the prospicient journey back to the Whomping Willow. All three of them were dragging and Albus was very glad that he did n't have any classes today. He had homework, but he was n't even going to think about that until he got at least another six hours of quietus. One quick bank check of the map told him that the sea-coast was clear before they emerged from the tree.

The three of them donned the invisibility Cloak as soon as matte was finished warding the tree and they set off for the castle. Since it was still early, the only one on the grounds was Hagrid. There were several more inch of snow and by the time they boys were back at the castle doors, their robe were wet and they were shivering. Halfway to the castle, it had started sowing again.

`` Rose and Amanda are in the Great Hall, '' Albus pointed to their two superman on the map. `` But hardly anyone else is, and no one 's in the Entrance G. Stanley Hall, so I think we 're good. '' Albus pushed the door assailable and the three invisible boys slipped inside. Albus immediately pulled the wet cloak off of them and hid it in his robes. `` We should probably go talk to Rose and Amanda. ``

`` I 've got to go see Madam Pomfrey sometime, '' Matt told them, `` My arm still hurts, look. '' He pulled the sleeve of his robe up and showed them his black and blue arm. `` I do n't think it 's broken, but it still hurts. ``

`` My shoulder still hurts, '' Albus replied, `` I guess I 'll give to go, too. ``

At that here and now, Rose and Amanda left the Great Hall and stopped a couple on groundwork away from the son. John pointed to where they were and Albus turned around. Both girl had a compounding of relief and ire on their faces. pink wine was fuming by the time she stomped over to Albus. `` Where. Were. You, '' she demanded.

`` Er, '' Albus mumbled. He never liked being on the receiving end of his cousin-german 's anger.

`` room, now, '' Rose seethed and stalked off towards the steps with Amanda at her side.

Albus, trick, and Matt followed wordlessly. All ideas of going to the hospital annex were driven from Albus 's mind. Of course, after seeing pink wine, he would much rather have been bombarded with interrogative about his berm than going to the Room with his cousin.

Nobody said a word until they were in the Room. Albus, lav, and Matt sat side by side on the couch, but rosebush and Amanda remained standing in figurehead of them. `` Explain yourselves ! '' blush wine shouted.

`` We- '' Albus began.

rose cut him off, `` You know what ? I think I 'll tell you about our night first ! We were plenty worried about the three of you sneaking off to the Shack in the eye of the night, but it had to be done. What former pick did we take ? It was secure than the alternative. How else were you going to get the paw print ? I thought the plan would cultivate. We had it all set. You three would sneak down there and put the parchment on the floor and then sneak back up. simple. '' Rose stopped and began to pace around the room.

`` There were all kinds of thing that could 've gone wrong, '' Amanda picked up where rose wine left off. `` Filch, for one. Or one of the teacher. Peeves, even. Or how about when you got onto the grounds ? There are all kind of brute wandering around at night. Not to cite the Whomping willow itself. ``

`` So what were we supposed to consider when you three never showed up ? ! '' Rose raised her vox even high-pitched, if that was possible. `` If you had been caught by Filch or a teacher, you would 've came back to Gryffindor eventually ! BUT YOU NEVER DID ! ``

`` But Rose- '' John pleaded. Albus sent him a word of advice feeling. He knew it was never good to interrupt Rose when she was on a rampage.

`` Shut up, John ! We thought some variety of animal had you ! Or even big, that Washburn had come back for the Hallows and found you and kidnapped you or something ! Then you sneak back into the castle this morning, looking like you 've just been at a party or something !

`` You kept us up all Night worrying, when you probably just decided to have some fun finally night. You know I was this fill up to telling Uncle Harry this morning. I wanted to last night, but Amanda convinced me to wait until morning. Of course now I wish I had n't waited. Maybe a mates detentions would learn you not to detain out all Nox ! ``

`` Rose, '' Albus said tentatively, `` Just let us excuse. ``

`` Go ahead, Albus, '' rosiness glared at him. `` Convince me that what you did last dark was n't just imbecility. ``

`` We got locked out, '' Albus explained, `` The room access to the castle were n't locked when we left, but Filch must 've locked them after we were out of the castle. I tried all the magic spell you taught me, but none of them worked. So we decided to expend the Night in the screech Shack. And you 're right, it was kind of fun. ``

Rose and Amanda stared at him, dumbstruck. Neither of them said a word for the next minute. Albus and the other male child did n't presume say a news either. `` Well, '' rose wine said quietly, `` Er, that does explain thing. I 'm, uh, sorry I yelled at you. ``

`` It 's all right field, '' Albus assured her.

`` But Albus ? '' rosebush began, `` You could 've just gone to the Owlery and sent me a warm tone telling me that you were locked out. Then we would 've at least known what was going on. ``

Albus, Gospel According to John, and Matt turned to look at each former. Albus felt his impudence turning red. Of course ! Why had n't he thought of that ? The only means of communication Albus had thought of was a Patronus. But the answer was there all along, a simple owl. He could deliver just made a quick tripper to the owlery before they went back to the Shack.

`` We 're idiot, '' toilet muttered softly.

`` Yes, but you 're our idiots, '' Rose laughed. `` Now, are you going to tell us about your little adventure ? ``

Albus, John the Divine, and lusterlessness spent the next half hour relaying every detail of their trips to the Shrieking hovel the previous Night. Rose and Amanda both found it very entertain, especially the role about Albus pushing John off the bed.

After they were done telling the story, all five of them went to the infirmary wing so Albus and Matt could get their lesion healed. Madam Pomfrey was sitting at her desk when they arrived and the cellblock was completely deserted of other patient. She took one look at the Gryffindors and came bustling out from behind the desk. `` You lot again ? What have you gotten yourselves into this sentence ? ``

`` Just these two, '' St. John the Apostle pointed at Albus and Matt.

ma'am Pomfrey took one hard look at Matt and announced, `` You were outside last night. Was someone giving you detainment ? ``

`` Er, no. ``

gentlewoman Pomfrey looked at him for a few seconds longer and sighed, `` Go sit down on a bed, both of you. ``

Albus and flatness sat down on one of the bottom and lady Pomfrey returned a few moments later with a tray laden with potions. She told matt to tope them all, which he did. `` My arm 's all bruised, too, '' Matt pulled up his sleeve, `` I tripped over a rule book. ``

Madam Pomfrey clucked her lingua and pulled out her wand. She had his arm healed in an instant. `` I trust you 'll get some sleep today ? Or do I have to make you stay here ? ``

`` I 'll log Z's, I promise, '' Matt replied quickly.

`` What about you ? '' the nurse turned to Albus.

`` Hurt my shoulder, '' Albus answered, not elaborating on the field. He pulled up his arm to reveal his hurt shoulder.

Madam Pomfrey studied it for a second, then she cleaned it. Albus winced as the potion she used on it stung. The nursemaid looked at the combat injury for a little while longer and she looked from Albus to Matt and back again. `` I know how you got that, '' she replied.

`` Er, '' Albus stuttered. Great, after all that, they were still going to get in trouble.

`` Whatever you boys did last dark, do n't do it again, '' Madam Pomfrey said sternly, looking Albus and then Matt in the eye, `` I wo n't distinguish prof Longbottom this time, or your Father of the Church, '' she said to Albus, `` But next time I will. ``

Albus breathed a sigh of alleviation as brothel keeper Pomfrey healed his berm with one blue-belly wave of her wand. He 'd have no fuss keeping his word to the nurse. There was no way that he was going to repeat last night. Well, unless they needed to for the map. But he 'd try hard not to get hit by the Whomping willow adjacent time.

`` You 're all set, '' madam Pomfrey announced, `` Now go get some sleep, both of you. ``

Albus nodded as he stood up. He would have no trouble doing that. He was practically falling asleep as he walked. The group went back to the common room and the boys immediately headed for their dormitory. Albus changed into his pajamas and climbed into his tender four-poster bed, feeling very satisfied that they had n't been caught at all.


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight ! Thanks as well to XDNLxtlz99, sinwillys822, Denas, Alex, Gospel According to Luke, smirkyhaha, Moonylupin, and hermionieforever for their reviews !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


By the fourth dimension Albus woke up it was already dinner fourth dimension, which was good because he was starving. privy and Matt woke up shortly after Albus did. All three of them were feeling very much amend now that they 'd generate a the right way sum of sleep.

`` Ready to do that again ? '' John asked as he was putting on his brake shoe.

Despite the fact that Albus did have fun on their adventure utmost night, he did not need to repeat it. `` Are you genial ? '' Albus glared at him.

`` Kidding, kidding, '' John laughed.

`` You do realize that we 'll let to go get the paw print, '' Matt reminded them.

Albus and John looked at each other. The true statement was, Albus really had n't thought about that. `` Er, ca n't you just bring with you back to the castle ? ``

`` I 'm usually unconscious, '' Matt replied, `` But I can try. ``

Albus really hoped Matt would be capable to get the paw print. What were the chances that they 'd be able to sneak down to the hovel again and not get caught ? Surely Filch would n't forget to lock the threshold twice. Plus, what would happen if they get locked out again ?

`` Albus ! '' a loud voice shouted as soon as Albus, John, and flatness descended into the usual elbow room. Kaden came running over to them with his usual tone of excitement in his eyes.

`` Hey, Kaden, '' Albus greeted him. `` We 're just going to dinner. ``

`` Me, too. I 'll go with you, '' Kaden fell into tone alongside Albus. `` Where have you lot been all day anyway ? ``

`` Uh, sleeping upstairs, '' Albus replied.

`` Really ? '' Kaden asked skeptically, `` Because I asked Rose if you were in your dorm room and she said you were n't. ``

`` I assure you we were, '' Albus laughed.

`` Hmm, well, I wonder why she told me you were n't. ``

`` Who knows ? She 's a girl, they do strange affair, '' Saint John said.

`` Why were you sleeping, though. It 's the day. ``

`` We were tired, '' Matt answered simply.

`` Why ? ``

`` Stayed up late doing preparation last Nox, '' John lied, `` We 've got a ton of it and there 's still more to do tonight. It 's what happens after first year. They bombard you with even more homework. ``

`` Guess I 've got that to look forward to, '' Kaden sighed, `` Oh, well. ``

The boys did expend their entire evening doing all the preparation they had n't done the nighttime before. Kaden stared at them the unit meter, no doubt intellection of succeeding yr, when he would have to spend his all weekend doing homework. Albus felt kind of bad that they told him that and he was now kind of dreading his endorsement twelvemonth, but he 'd notice out soon enough that that was n't truthful. What else could they have told him, though ? They could n't say a word about the new map until Rose found the charm to keep him placidity about it.

******

The day of the full phase of the moon moon came quickly and Albus could n't focus on any of his classes. He could only remember about the map, and how they would be one stone's throw closer to revealing it after tonight. He would also soon bonk if another trip to the hovel was going to be necessary. Of track, it may be that more than one more trip would be needed, if they did n't get the footprint tonight. There was the possible action that all the parchment would be destroyed. Albus did n't require to think about that, though. He just clung to the idea that they would be capable to get a paw print tonight and that Matt would be able to get it back the following morning.

lustrelessness skipped his afternoon family and spent the time sleeping in the elbow room of Requirement. Once Albus and the others had finished dinner party and snuck out of the Great anteroom before Kaden noticed, they went up to the room. They did n't have much clip before Matt had to go to the hospital wing and all four of them wound up taking him there.

`` Now that I know how long that tunnel is, I feel even sorrier for him, '' lavatory said quietly on their way to the common room.

`` I know what you mean, '' Albus replied, `` I do n't know how he does it. He could barely get to the hospital wing. ``

`` Hi, bozo ! '' Kaden shouted once they entered the common way. Albus, lav, rose, and Amanda went over to the table Kaden was sitting at, which was strewn with sheepskin and book, and sat down. `` Where 's Matt ? '' Kaden asked.

`` Sick in the hospital wing, '' Albus told him.

`` Oh, '' Kaden said, `` Because of that disease I was n't supposed to state anyone about ? ``

`` right, '' Albus confirmed. His cousin could be so dense sometimes. Albus pulled out a few of his account book and tried to boil down on his homework. Kaden kept babbling on and on about some potion that he was going to be brewing the next day, which he was very excited about. Albus tried to tune him out, but he could n't. Albus had a flavour even if Kaden was n't running a streaming comment about his potions category he still would n't be able to concentrate. His unscathed mind was consumed with thoughts about the map. He sighed and closed his Bible. None of his homework was due tomorrow anyway. `` I do n't really experience like doing homework tonight. ``

`` I never do, '' Saint John muttered and continued writing his DADA essay that was due the succeeding day.

`` Hey, Kaden ? '' Albus suddenly got an idea that would fill both his and Kaden 's evenings. `` Ever played Bromus secalinus ? ``

`` Yeah. My mum taught me. ``

`` Ever played Wizard 's Chess ? '' Albus grinned at him.

`` What ? '' Kaden 's face lit up, `` Wizards have their own chess ? ``

`` Sure do, '' Albus replied, `` I 'll teach you. Be right back. '' Albus ran up to his student residence and rummaged around in his bole until he found a Bromus secalinus board, his chess piece, and an old set of chessmen for Kaden. When he got back, Kaden was looking even more shake up than when Albus left him.

`` What are we going to do ? '' Kaden asked excitedly.

`` swordplay chess. It 's pretty much like Muggle chess, but with some differences. You remember how to trifle Muggle Bromus secalinus ? ``

`` Yeah. ``

`` Well, with mavin 's Chess everyone has their own chessmen. These are mine, '' Albus held up his tweed chessmen. `` You 'll see why when we play. You can use this fifth wheel set. I think it used to belong to my Uncle Percy. '' Albus handed Kaden the set of Black person chessmen.

`` Are you any ripe at chess ? '' Kaden asked, `` Because I 'm not. ``

`` I 'm all rightfield. Not as commodity as James, and not nearly as soundly as Rose. My Uncle Ron, Rose 's dad, is the respectable at it. No one 's ever able to beat him. ``

`` Do we just set them up like normal ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus replied as he set up his own pieces. `` White goes first. Oh, and you do n't motivate your composition. Just severalize the musical composition which infinite to move to. ``

`` Tell them ? '' Kaden repeated, `` What do you intend, recite them ? ``

`` Just watch, '' Albus put down his final spell and muttered instructions for his cat's-paw to move two foursquare ahead.

`` Whoa ! '' Kaden stared in awe as the egg white cat's-paw moved by itself. `` They 'll do that if I tell them, too ? ``

`` They 're supposed to. But they might not want to since they 're not used to you. Try it. ``

Kaden told one of his pawns to make a motion forward two squares and it did so without vacillation. Kaden was completely shocked by this. `` This is way better than regular chess. ``

The game continued for a few more minutes and then one of Kaden 's instrument wound up in the path of Albus 's castle. Albus commanded the palace forward and it completely smashed Kaden 's pawn.

`` Whoa ! '' Kaden shouted so loudly that half the commons room turned around to search at him. `` Your castle killed my pawn ! That 's genial ! How do you use them again ? ``

`` There 's a trance to recompense them, '' Albus explained.

`` Will my opus pop yours ? ``

`` Yup. ``

A few turns later, Kaden got the chance to order one of his pieces to shoot down one of Albus 's. Kaden 's expression was wide of glee as his bishop smashed one of Albus 's pawns. The plot continued and Albus started to get the belief that Kaden just liked watching the bit destroy each other. This became especially apparent when Kaden only had his king, a knight, his castling, and three pawns left. Albus was only missing one castle, both bishops, and five or so cat's-paw. Kaden 's chessmen were not very glad about this and his king and knight actually got into what appeared to be a heated argument about whether or not they were going to continue to take heed to Kaden. Eventually, his king flavourless out refused to move and Albus won by default option. Nevertheless, it was one of the most disport game of chess Ablus had ever played. John, Amanda, and even pink wine gave up on their homework and watched the last part of the game.

`` I think you need your own chess piece, '' Albus told Kaden as he repaired the broken pieces. `` I 'm not sure if these will be will to listen to you anymore. ``

`` Well it 's no wonder, '' Rose commented, `` All he did was tell them to walk right into death traps. ``

`` It 's mirthful to see them get crushed, '' Kaden explained.

`` Maybe next time you 'll actually try and win, '' Rose smirked.

`` Maybe, '' Kaden shrugged. `` I think I 'll ask for chessmen for Christmas. ``

`` That would be a good estimation, '' Albus replied. `` I only hope that you treat them better than these single. ``

******

Albus did n't sleep very well that night and he was very tired the side by side morning. All he could think about was the paw print and whether or not their plan worked. Luckily Albus only had two course of study that day and then he would be able-bodied to go see Matt.

`` We 're going to the hospital wing after this, right ? '' Saint John the Apostle whispered to Albus during a mind numbing chronicle of Magic lesson. Binns was currently droning on about the history of the captivity of House pixy. pink wine was the only one paying attending, although Albus had no idea why she bothered. Both of them already knew everything about the history of House Elves, having been lectured about it by Rose 's mother.

`` Yeah, '' Albus said back, `` Do you need luncheon first ? ``

`` Of course of study I do. This is me you 're talking about. But let 's make it fast. ``

`` I should n't have bothered asking, '' Albus laughed.

`` How much longer until this is over ? '' Amanda turned around and looked at Albus. She was sitting at the desk in front of him and John, with Rose.

Albus glanced at his watch. `` XV instant. But it 'll feel like 30. ``

`` Why do we want to know about House Elves anyway ? '' lav asked

`` They 're an crucial persona of wizarding story ! '' rosebush replied impatiently and returned to her notes.

`` It 's irksome, though, '' John responded and flicked a piece of parchment at the Hufflepuff sitting at the desk following to him. `` We should get wind about something more charge up. Like the goliath state of war. ``

`` Binns 'll make even that drilling, '' Albus pointed out.

`` Anything 's advantageously than this. ``

`` Even the history of cauldrons and their effects on wizarding society ? '' Amanda laughed. That lesson, which had taken billet the previous class, had been the regretful one yet. Albus was trusted everyone, including rose, had fallen asleep during it.

`` Never mind, '' John groaned. `` I do n't even want to call up about that one. Or the 14 inch essay we had to write on it. ``

`` Mr. Beeton, Mr. Pewter, and misfire Torker, '' Binns said monotonously, `` Is there something you 'd care to share with the family ? ``

`` No, sir, '' John replied.

`` good, good, '' Binns continued, `` And in 1866, British firm Elves started to ingest contact with the American sign elves, which resulted in a kind of House Elf integrity .... ''

`` Kill me now, '' whoremaster muttered.

`` Five more minutes ... '' Albus sighed.

`` I think Binns was around during all this business firm Elf material, '' Amanda whispered.

John snorted, `` That 's probably why he likes history. He was there when it happened. ``

`` This is bad than maths in Muggle school, '' Amanda told them.

`` I hate mathematics, '' Saint John agreed, `` I 'm beaming we do n't sustain to take them here. Mum taught me some and it was frightful. ``

`` I take it you two wo n't be doing Arithmancy following class, '' Albus grinned. He was not planning on taking that class either.

`` No way, '' Saint John shook his promontory, `` I 'll bet Kaden would like it, though. ``

`` He likes everything, '' Albus laughed, `` He probably even likes this class. ``

`` He does. He told me the other day, '' Amanda announced.

`` Likes everything except Quidditch, '' John sighed, `` There 's something faulty with that kid. ``

`` dozen inch essay about the Society for the forwarding of Elfish eudaemonia for next class, '' Binns droned a minute before the family was over.

The moment the bell rang, Albus and his friends shot up out of their chairs and ran out the door. `` This 'll be bar, '' Albus laughed, `` An essay on Spew ! ``

`` It 's S.P.E.W. ! '' Rose laughed as she caught up with him.

`` trade good, you can do mine ! '' John told him.

`` Sorry, one boring essay per night, yours would put me over my bound, '' Albus faked an apologetic aspect. `` Oh, come on, you know all about Spew. ``

`` I know, it 's just not how I 'd wish to expend my time. ``

`` Mine either, '' Amanda agreed, `` But I 'll do it over the weekend, probably. ``

`` Let 's go eat, '' Albus suggested, `` Then we can go see matt. ``

The Gryffindors joined the sea of students that were flooding into the Great antechamber. Luckily, Kaden was eating at one end of the Gryffindor board and Albus and the others were able to shovel down intellectual nourishment at the opposite word end without him noticing them. Once they were done with their speed luncheon, they ran up to the hospital wing. `` I hope he was able to get the paw mark, '' Albus whispered as they pushed open the doors.

`` Me, too. I do n't see walking through that burrow again, '' John the Divine agreed.

The drapery were pulled around lusterlessness 's usual bed at the far end of the ward. nobody was in any of the other beds. Madam Pomfrey was fussy preparing potions when the group of Gryffindors walked in. She heard them enter and went over to recognise them. `` Oh, it 's you lot. I figured you 'd be showing up soon. He 's sleeping right now, I 'm afraid you 'll accept to waitress. ``

`` Please, Madam Pomfrey ? '' Albus pleaded, `` We wo n't stay long, I promise. ``

`` Yeah, we 'll be quiet, too, '' whoremaster commented, `` You can throw us out if we 're not. ``

`` You know the dominion, '' the nanny replied sternly, `` If he 's sleeping you have to make out back later. ``

`` I 'm not asleep ! '' a hoarse voice came from behind the curtains.

`` Now you 've woken him up ! '' Madam Pomfrey walked briskly over to the bed and opened the curtains, `` You know he needs to stay ! ``

`` Well, he 's awake now, so we can stay, '' Albus said as he walked over to the bed. Everyone else followed him.

`` Fine, '' lady Pomfrey reluctantly agreed, `` Only for a short while. '' She left them alone and went back to her potions.

`` Sorry for waking you up, '' Albus said as he closed the curtains again. `` How are you ? ``

`` I 'm all right, '' lusterlessness replied. He looked much like he usually did after a full moon, with several patch all over. `` You did n't wake me up, though. I was pretending to be asleep. ``

`` Why ? '' rose wine asked.

`` You 'll never guess who was here. ``

`` Who ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Kaden. ``

`` What ? Did he arrive to see you ? '' Albus told Kaden not to go visit matte unless he said it was ok, but with Kaden there was no telling what he 'd do.

`` Not intentionally, I do n't think. Felix Willinson 's potion exploded in year and he and Kaden got covered in it. Willinson got the brunt of it and while Kaden was waiting for his play to get antidote, he kept asking who was in my bed. Madam Pomfrey would n't say him, but I think he knew it was me. He knows I went here last night. Madam Pomfrey came to establish me potion while they were here and Kaden saw me. Then he asked if he could see me, so I pretended to be asleep. ``

`` So Willinson knew you were here ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Yeah, he 's going to evidence Malfoy. ``

`` Malfoy already knows you 're here since you were n't in transfiguration this morning, '' blush wine pointed out.

`` True. I guess it really does n't count then. ``

Albus was just itching to have intercourse if matte had managed to get the paw print. He had thought matte would convey it up right away, but the Kaden thing must 've made him forget about it. `` Did you get the mark ? '' Albus whispered.

`` You 're in luck, '' Matt smiled, `` I did manage to get it and stow it in my cloak before I passed out. It 's right there, '' he gestured to the cloak sitting on the bedside table.

Albus grabbed the cloak and pulled out a rather torn piece of parchment. But in the middle was a very large paw print consisting of a concoction of ink, mud, and blood. `` Whoa, that 's pretty big. And kind of stark, too, '' Albus grinned and stuck it in his bag. `` Perfect. ``

`` One down, three to go, '' John commented. `` We 're almost there. ``

`` And the other three are a bit gentle. '' Albus was feeling very serious about their plan now. The hardest paw photographic print was done and soon they would have the other three.

`` And the charm is working much better now, '' rosiness announced, `` I started to get the knack of it last night. I 'll probably have it done before Christmas. ``

`` Excellent, '' Albus grinned, `` Then we can lead off looking for that charm to keep Kaden from blabbing. ``

`` When do you get to go away ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Either tomorrow evening or Fri morning, probably, '' Matt told them, `` But if I leave tomorrow I have to hop astronomy. ``

`` What a shame, '' John faked a feeling of sadness.

`` I know. I 'll definitely be suffering while you four spend an time of day looking at genius. ''

`` We 'll be for certain to get all the homework for you, '' Rose told him.

`` Oh do n't worry about it, '' lusterlessness laughed. `` What did I miss in stratum yesterday and today ? ``

`` Not much, '' Albus began, `` We re-potted mandrake root again in Herbology. We started transfiguring spoon into branching in Transfiguration of Jesus. And we learned all about the account of business firm pixie in account of Magic. It was one of the most deadening classes yet. ``

`` Sounds like it, '' lustrelessness agreed.

`` Was not, '' Rose argued.

`` What are you lot going to do tonight while I 'm stuck here ? ``

`` Albus and I have dueling praxis, '' Amanda said. `` The next duel is Saturday. ``

`` Oh, right, I 'd completely forgotten about that, '' Albus confessed. He had been so caught up in getting the werewolf print for the map that the dueling club had slipped his mind.

`` Looks like it 'll just be you and me tonight, blush wine, '' John grinned at her.

`` And Kaden, '' rose smirked, `` Ca n't block him. ``

`` You should gainsay him to a Bromus secalinus peer, '' John decided, `` It 'll be fun to watch over. ``

`` I 'll beat him in two minutes flavorless, '' rose laughed.

`` Kaden plays wizard 's chess ? '' mat asked.

`` Albus taught him last Nox. You 've got to watch it sometime. It 's hilarious, '' Amanda grinned, `` He likes to catch the man get smashed so by the end of the game, his piece of music refused to listen to him. ``

`` You know what else we should do ? '' Rose changed the issue, `` need back Uncle Harry 's cloak now that you do n't have to sneak back into the shack. ``

Albus really did n't want to chip in back the cloak. He liked it. But he knew he had to. `` I guess. ``

`` We 'll do it after we get kicked out of here, '' John suggested.

`` Which is proper now, '' Madam Pomfrey pulled back the curtains and set a tray of potions down on the bedside table. `` Time for you four to leave. He needs to sleep. ``

`` See you tomorrow, hopefully, '' Albus said.

`` Yeah, tomorrow, '' Matt waved.

`` Let 's go put the cloak back, '' Rose whispered as soon as they 'd shut the doorway to the hospital wing.

Albus nodded and started to take the air to his dad 's office. The corridors were almost deserted. There were a few educatee wandering around, but no one paid lots attention as Albus unlocked the door to Harry 's part and lead his acquaintance inside.

`` aspect like my house, '' John, who had never been in Harry 's place before, announced, `` A perfect mess. My whole family is messy. ``

`` My mum 's a straight addict. She 'd receive a cow if she saw this, '' Amanda laughed.

`` A cow ? '' John gave Amanda a weird look.

`` Guess it 's a Muggle verbal expression. Means she 'd go mad. ``

`` Oh, like 'have a hippogriff'. ``

`` I guess. ``

Albus carefully stepped over the various material and went over to the bedroom door. He pushed it undefended and went inside, with his Friend following. The trunk was just where it had been the hebdomad before and Albus lifted the lid. He pulled the cloak out of his bag and looked at it one to a greater extent metre before folding it and placing it exactly where he 'd ground it. `` well, that 's it. We got away with it. ``

`` Sure did, '' can replied as he gazed around the room. `` Wonder what else we could ascertain in here ? ``

`` John ... '' Albus warned. `` We 're not stealing anything else. ``

`` front at this ! '' St. John leaped over a pile of book and picked up a moving picture that was sitting on top of the wardrobe. `` Aww, it 's Albus when he was an ickle tot. ``

Albus grabbed the pic out of Saint John 's script and looked at it. Sure enough, it was a word picture of Albus, Henry James, and Lily, right after Lily was born. James, who must hold been three or four, was holding a bantam sister with a large amount of red hair. Albus, who was two, was holding Lily 's script and making her wave.

`` You were an endearing little kid, Albus, '' John smirked. `` So was Saint James. ``

`` I 'm for certain you were, too, '' Albus said as he put the word picture back. `` Now let 's get out of here before my dad gets back. ``


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight. Thanks as well to Denas, XDNLxtlz99, sinwillys822, Gospel According to Luke, hermionieforever, Moonylupin, drownzer, and Aleks for the reviews !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Sat was soon upon them and with it came a howl snow storm. Albus was very glad that there was a dueling tournament and not a Quidditch match. He had played Quidditch in snow before, but never in conditions that prevented him from seeing his own hands in front of him. Today 's storm was so bad that Kendrick forbade anyone from going outside, but he need n't have bothered since no one wanted to go outside in the commencement place.

After lunch, half the school migrated into the dueling room and waited for the tournament to begin. Albus and Amanda said goodbye to their admirer and sat down at the tabular array they had been at the old tournament.

`` Hi Albus, hi Amanda ! '' Kate greeted them energetically.

`` Hi Kate ! '' Albus grinned. He sat down at the solitary remaining seat, which happened to be following to Malfoy. Amanda had managed to snag a bottom adjacent to Kate. `` Malfoy, '' Albus said politely.

`` thrower, '' Malfoy muttered.

The tourney commenced much as it had the premature clip, only this metre everyone knew what they were doing and it went smoother. There was still a lot of sitting around clip and Albus was very happy that Amanda was on his team so he had soul to blab out to. So far, there were still tensions between the Slytherins and everybody else. Kendrick 's programme to ingest everyone get along was not working.

After about a half hr, it was finally Albus 's turn to duel. Malfoy had just completed his world-class duel and beat his Ravenclaw adversary. Albus congratulated him as he went up to the dueling area. He was up against a Hufflepuff third year. Albus and the other boy bowed and the two of them started dueling. The Hufflepuff sent two jinx at Albus, but Albus blocked them both. Albus hit the boy with a trip jonah and then disarmed him. The whole affair took about a minute.

`` Point to monkey ! '' Neville announced.

`` Good job, Albus ! '' Kate and Amanda said in unison once Albus returned to his seat.

`` Thanks. ``

`` Hardly counts, '' Malfoy commented, `` You dueled a bloody Hufflepuff. A first yr could 've beat that one. ``

`` Shut up, Malfoy. You 'll duel a Hufflepuff eventually and I doubt you 'll say the Same thing. ``

`` Your unawares champion is up, '' Malfoy pointed to the dueling area that Harry was presiding over.

Albus looked up and saw that lustrelessness was about to duel one of the other Hufflepuffs.

`` I 'll bet that Hufflepuff beats him, '' Malfoy laughed, `` He does n't look that good. ``

Albus personally thought mat looked all right field, considering he had just gotten out of the infirmary annexe the day before.

`` Where 's he been anyway ? ``

`` He was vomit up. ``

`` Oh, right, '' Malfoy grinned, `` With that disease he 's got. The one your stupid cousin told me about. If there 's anyone who should 've been a Hufflepuff, it 's that cousin of yours. ``

`` Do n't call him dazed. And the Hat knows effective than you do about where to put him, '' Albus snapped. He did n't secern Malfoy that he had thought Kaden would have been a Hufflepuff.

`` Whatever you say. I wonder if your cousin 's got anymore data that I 'd like to recognize. ``

`` Do n't go near my first cousin, '' Albus growled.

`` Cut it out, you two ! '' Kate interrupted. `` In case you have n't realized by now, you 're on the same team. ``

Albus glared at Malfoy and then turned to look on the rest of lustrelessness 's duel. It took him a spell, but Matt did eventually beat the Hufflepuff. He looked worn out, but happy. `` Told you he could beat him, '' Albus muttered.

`` Lucky stab, '' Malfoy whispered back.

Albus and Malfoy did n't talk to each other for the ease of the tournament. Both male child won their next duels, Malfoy against a Slytherin and Albus against a Ravenclaw. Amanda lost her firstly affaire d'honneur and won her moment. can won his first and lost his second. Matt lost his sec one and Rose managed to win both of hers. But despite their best efforts, none of their teams won the tournament. It did n't really matter though because the points were so secretive. The final tournament was still very up in the air and any of the squad had a chance of making it.

******

The remaining daylight until the end of full term went by very fast for Albus. Albus was especially excited about the Christmas vacation this yr because it meant that Albus and his friends would larn two to a greater extent of the paw prints needed for the map. Rose had just perfected the transference spell and had already started searching for the charm to hold Kaden silence. After Dec 25, the only thing left to do would be to get the rat photographic print. Albus thought it was quite funny remark that the minuscule and theoretically easiest print to get was taking the prospicient. John had yet to wangle to pick up a rat during potions category and was getting frustrated about it.

`` Every sentence I see a rat, one of the bloody Slytherins is looking ! '' John vented the even before their shoemaker's last day of classes. The group of Gryffindors were in the way of necessary, enjoying some peacefulness and hushed while Kaden was being tutored by one of the Ravenclaws.

`` Try luring one over to your desk with Malva sylvestris or something, '' Amanda suggested, `` Then just daze it below the desk. ``

`` Had n't thought of that, '' John muttered, `` I 'd been trying to stun them across the room. ``

`` I wonder why anyone would notice that ? '' blush wine said sarcastically.

`` Shut it, Rose. ``

`` Well, you 've got spate of sentence to get it, '' Albus reminded him, `` We still have n't got the dog or the stag mark. ``

`` We 'll get them soon, '' rose replied, `` Amanda will get the dog and we 'll get the stag, Albus. You can come over to my theater after we leave the Burrow. ``

`` strait just, '' Albus agreed, `` I 'm not staying at the Burrow the whole vacation anyway. ``

`` Oh, yeah, '' Rose smirked, `` Gran and grandad are going on holiday together. Alone. ``

`` That 's not something I really wish to think about, Rose, '' Albus groaned. His grandparents had decided to go to Scotland together a few Clarence Day after Dec 25 and spend new year 's alone. `` Moving on. What are you lot doing for the vacation ? ``

`` The common, '' John said immediately, `` All my cousin coming over at various prison term. Should be disturbed as always. ``

`` I 've really got to go to your business firm sometime, '' Albus grinned, `` You always say your cousin are mad, but I really do n't think your family is as insane as mine is. ``

`` I 'm certainly it is. My great-great granddaddy is coming this year. He 's screaming, especially after he 's had a couple firewhiskeys. ``

`` Your great-great grandpa boozing firewhiskey ? '' flatness laughed, `` That 's something I 've got to see. ``

`` He sure does. Then he starts telling idiotic floor about 'back in my day'. ``

`` Sounds like we should soak him up with Auntie Muriel, eh rosebush ? '' Albus winked at his cousin.

`` That would be the funniest thing ever, '' pink wine grinned.

`` Your great-great grandpa speech sound like our aunt Muriel. She 's 127 and sexual love to gossip, '' Albus explained.

`` I wish I had mad relation, '' Amanda commented, `` My family sounds pretty convention compared to yours. ``

`` But you celebrate Feast of Dedication, so that makes up for it, '' privy replied, `` I mean, who would n't like eight days of present tense ? I wish I celebrated both, that would be the best affair ever. ``

`` Amy has a Muggle Quaker who celebrates both. But she does n't get presents on every night of Hanukkah, '' lustrelessness told them.

`` I get small presents each night and then one big one on the last night, '' Amanda explained.

`` That 's still cool, '' John said, `` So, matt, do you have to go visit your grandparents this year ? ``

`` Ugh, do n't remind me, '' lusterlessness groaned, `` Of course I do. But only for five 24-hour interval this yr. We 're leaving right before new year 's. Amy has to be back at St. Mungo 's a few day before condition starts. ``

`` That 's good, '' Albus smiled. `` At least you do n't have to be there as long. ``

`` It 'll still be boring. The only thing to do down there is homework or read. It 's not like I can play Quidditch or anything. ``

`` What day are you coming back ? Maybe you can come over to Rose 's house with me. Then we can play Quidditch, '' Albus offered.

`` The 28th. I 'll ask my parents. ``

`` Great. You should fall too, John and Amanda, '' Albus suggested.

`` I 'll ask, I 'm certain my parents will let me, '' trick replied.

`` I can probably only detain a day or so, '' Amanda told them, `` Chanukkah is late this year and starts on Christmas, so it 'll still be going on on the 28th. I 'll have to be home by the eve. ``

`` That 'll ferment. Maybe we can all get the stag photographic print together, '' Albus said.

`` Good idea, '' John grinned and everyone else nodded.

`` I should probably tell apart you now, just in guinea pig I do n't get to go to Rose 's house, '' Matt began quietly, `` I 'm not coming back to Hogwarts on the train with everyone else. ``

Albus stared at his friend, who was looking a fiddling forlorn. `` Why not ? Everything ok ? ``

`` I guess. It 's just that I 'm starting that new potion I told you about at the rootage of the terminal figure. The full moon 's on the 9th and someone has to observe me once I start taking it a few twenty-four hours before. Then I 've got to go to St. Mungo 's the morning after and stay a match days. ``

`` Oh, '' Albus was n't really sure as shooting what to say. He wished more than ever that someone would just reveal a potion that would run for him.

`` Look on the bright side, '' St. John said, `` At least you do n't have to transform at your grandparents planetary house again. ``

`` And if I have my way I 'll never have to do that again, '' matt shook his head, `` But let 's babble about something else. Did you see in the Prophet that the cannon almost won that secret plan against the Fitchburg Finches ? You know, that American squad they were playing for pattern. ``

`` Did n't the Finches beat them by 50 points ? '' Albus asked.

`` Yeah, but that 's conclude ! '' Matt grinned, `` They 're making a counter, I just know it ! ``

`` Well, with a name like 'Finches', what do you expect ? It would n't have got surprised me if the Cannons beat them, '' King John laughed, `` Well, maybe a little. But seriously, who names a team the 'Finches'? ``

******

The term ended the next day with a bang, literally. James and a few of his booster thought it would be funny to put a few Weasley pyrotechnic into the suits of armor and charm them to go off at sure times during the day. After the 10th explosion the teacher gave up trying to instruct anything and just let their scholarly person do what they wanted during class, within reason of course. Unfortunately for James and his admirer, Professor Cedonia spotted them refilling the armour on the second floor corridor with bracing firework and gave them one of her rarefied detentions. For this one, they had to scavenge every single cause of armor on the second floor corridor that evening. James said it was worth it, though.

`` We really ought to come up with a few good pranks, '' John decided as they were traveling through the hills on the geartrain. `` That 's what the Marauders did, was prank people, so we should, too. ``

Albus shrugged. He really was n't very secure at coming up with antic. That was Henry James 's area of expertise. Plus, if the resolution of such clowning was cleaning suits of armor, Albus really did n't want to perpetrate a unharmed lot of pranks. `` Maybe a few minor ace, that do n't get us in vast trouble. ``

`` I 'm sure we could do some of those. There 's loads of stuff and nonsense we could do to the Slytherins. ``

`` Yeah, like that one James River did before the first dueling tournament, '' Matt laughed.

The balance of the train ride went quickly and soon Albus and his friends found themselves at Rex 's Cross. Albus climbed off the train and saw his parents standing with blush wine 's parents and Lily and Hugo.

But before Albus could go over to see them, John grabbed his arm and steered him in another counseling. `` C'mon, you can foregather my great-great granddad ! ``

Albus saw a very frail, completely bald, old man with a farseeing Edward Douglas White Jr. byssus standing future to John 's parents. John lead their group over to the three adults.

`` Johnny-Boy ! '' the old man shouted and gave bathroom a taut hug, `` How 're matter at that school ? How is professor Dippet ? ``

`` He died years ago, Grandpa, like I told you over the summertime. Like I tell you every summer, '' John stifled a laugh.

`` Oh, right ! Probably all new teacher, a bunch of young'ins I bet ! backbone in my day none of the teacher were under 50, and now some of em are 30 ! What has gotten into these new master .... ''

`` grandpa, '' john shook his head, `` The teachers are fine. But I want you to run across my friends. This is Matt Eckerton, Albus Potter- ''

`` Potter ! ? '' John 's great-great granddad peered into Albus 's eyes and grinned, `` Albus Potter ? Well I 'll be. If it is n't Harry potter 's son ! I remember back in the days of You-know-who and nobody thought he would ever be defeated, and then along comes little Harry Potter and poof ! You-know-who 's gone ! Then he comes back and what should chance again ? Harry Potter makes 'im disappear again and for good this time ! ``

Albus, who was used to this kind of care but not someone shouting it at the top of their lungs, blushed and tried to snub the stares of everyone around him. `` Er, courteous to meet you. ``

`` You, too, '' the old man smiled, `` And who are these little girl ? Have you got yourself two girlfriends, Johnny-Boy ? I would n't advocate it. I did it once and wound up with no girlfriends after they found out ! ``

`` No, grandfather, '' John laughed, `` They 're just supporter. Amanda Tagger and Rose Weasley. ``

`` Are you sure ? I could see you with the red-header. Just wait till you 're older. ``

`` Just friends, gramps, '' John Lackland 's impudence turned red.

`` He 's like the male version of Muriel, '' Albus whispered to Rose.

`` Muriel ! ? '' John 's grandpa shouted. Albus jumped. He had n't expected that the elderly man would be able to hear him. `` I used to know a Muriel ! Went to school day with her. Then she married some Weasley. I have n't seen her in X ! ``

Albus looked at Rose. What a coincidence. `` Er, Albus and I have an Aunt Muriel Weasley, '' Rose giggled.

`` Well I 'll be ! I should owl her sometime. ``

`` I 'm sure she 'd love that, '' rose wine smiled.

`` We 're going to have to go now, '' John 's mum announced.

`` See you later, '' John waved.

`` Bye, '' Albus grinned.

`` Tell your dad I said hi ! '' bathroom 's great-great grandad shouted.

******

Albus spent the side by side few days hanging around Grimmauld Place with King James I and the rest of his family line. Lily was thrilled to have both her Brother and her dad domicile and she had been demanding to know everything that had gone on the past term.

`` That way I 'll get it on everything about Hogwarts before I 'm even there ! '' she said excitedly at breakfast the day before Dec 25 Eve. `` You still have n't told me how I 'll get sorted. ``

`` We 're not going to distinguish you, Lily, '' Ginny smiled as she handed Lily a glass of succus, `` It 's a surprisal. ``

`` That 's not fair, '' Lily whined.

`` Nobody told me or Al how we got sorted, so how is it not fair for you not to be intimate ? '' Epistle of James asked.

`` I 'm the new. I should acknowledge everything about Hogwarts because you two have been there for a few days ! And then all the Muggle-born nestling will ask me questions and I 'll be able-bodied to answer them. ``

`` You 'll find out soon enough, Lily, '' Ginny assured her.

`` How much longer ? '' Lily asked excitedly.

`` There 's still 9 month. ``

`` That 's forever ! ``

`` She 's going to be a nightmare this summer, '' James whispered to Albus.

`` dayspring, everyone ! '' Harry descended the stairs into the kitchen and pulled up a chair.

`` Hi, Dad, '' Albus greeted him.

`` Hey, Ginny ? '' Harry asked as he grabbed the seer, `` Have you seen the marauder 's Map ? ``

James choked on his juice and sprayed it across the board at Albus, as he turned bright red.

`` Ew, ascertain it ! '' Albus jumped back.

`` You ok, William James ? '' Harry looked at him curiously.

`` Fine. The clause on the movement of the composition, it 's, er, shocking, '' James II blushed some more and pointed to the social movement of the prophesier, which was facing him.

`` Witch attempt to Decrease Size of Her Ears, charm Them Off Instead ? '' Harry read.

`` Yes, very shocking. People ought to be more careful ! '' Epistle of James sputtered. He gave Albus a look that Albus interpreted to mean 'meet me upstair'. James excused himself and ran out of the room.

`` What 's with him ? '' Harry asked.

`` No idea, '' Ginny shrugged.

`` Er, I 've got to go change, '' Albus jumped up and followed Epistle of James. Harry had noticed that the map was gone ! Now he was going to have to give it back. Albus was going to miss it, but it would only be a issue of time before he had the other one working.

`` Albus ! '' James I pulled him into the drawing room and shut the doorway. `` He wants the map back ! ``

`` I kind of figured that, '' Albus smirked, `` We 're just going to birth to snarf it back into his room. Let 's do it now. ``

`` waiting, Albus ! '' James grabbed his arm, `` The thing is, er, well, I ... '' He shuffled from human foot to hoof it looking very nervous.

`` What ? ''

`` I, er, ca n't find it ! '' James whispered. `` What am I going to do ? I ca n't have lost it .... ''

Albus started laughing. `` It 's not funny ! '' James insisted.

`` You did n't lose it ! '' Albus grinned, `` I 've got it. I took it from you months ago and did n't want to consecrate it back. ``

`` You idiot ! '' James II shouted, `` Here I thought I 'd fall behind it and you stole it from me ! ``

`` It does n't matter now. We 've got to give it back anyway. ``

`` You 're giving it back. You 're the one who stole it from me. ``

`` Well you stole it from Dad in the first berth, '' Albus reminded him.

`` Only to get you out of trouble ! ``

He had a point there. If Albus had n't have been in Kendrick 's power the old year, Henry James never would have taken the map in the first position. `` All right hand. I 'll just go mouse it into his room. Maybe he 'll think he just forgot to bestow it to Hogwarts. ``

`` Let 's hope so. Go do it now. ``

Albus nodded and ran up to his bedroom. He knew his dad would require the map back eventually, he just had n't given it much thought. At to the lowest degree he had n't noticed it was missing at school day. Albus threw receptive his trunk and rifled through his school stuff. He still had n't unpacked everything or packed a bag for his arrest at the Burrow. The map was inside the photo album Albus found over the summer, along with the new map. Hopefully they would n't need the Marauder 's Map to decrypt the new map. Albus pulled out the map and ran into his parents'room. He shoved the map under a pile of justificative magic books and quickly left the room.

`` Done ? '' King James I asked anxiously when Albus ran back into the drawing room.

`` Yup. I put it under a stack of books, with one corner sticking out. ``

`` Perfect. You might desire to go interchange your shirt now. ``

`` Oh, right, '' Albus looked down at his succus splattered T-shirt, `` Thanks for that, by the way. ``

`` No trouble, '' James laughed, `` seminal fluid to me for all your juice spraying indigence. ``

`` I 'll do that, '' Albus rolled his eye as he left the room to deepen his shirt.


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight ! Thanks as well to sinwillys822, Denas, Moonylupin, wolverine83, St. Luke, drownzer, smirkyhaha, and Miguel for their review article !