Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




mat did n't return to the common room until Sun afternoon. Albus and his friends had spent most of the weekend doing homework and playing rounds of Exploding Snap. Kaden made himself scarce and Albus hardly saw him at all. Albus vaguely wondered where he was, but he did n't really conceive about it much. All that mattered was that Kaden was n't hanging around Albus anymore. Albus and his supporter did n't get a chance to state 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 scholar had decided to recitation their dueling for the upcoming match while they were unsupervised in the corridor. This caused Madam Pomfrey to induce an awesome lot to do. She looked very frazzled when Albus and the others visited Matt on Saturday.

Albus was sitting in the common way with the others, doing homework, when Matt returned from the infirmary Wing. He still looked a bit tired and the cuts on his nerve were n't completely healed yet, but he looked much beneficial than he had on Thursday. Albus closed his book and glanced at his acquaintance when Matt came through the portrait hole.

`` What 's with you lot ? '' Matt asked, `` You 're awfully serenity. ``

`` We 've, er, got to secern you something, '' Albus replied quietly, `` Let 's go to the Room. '' Albus got up and left the commons room. His booster all followed, not saying a give-and-take. Albus led them down the seventh trading floor corridor until they reached the painting of Barnabas the Barmy. Albus paced three times in presence of it and opened the door that appeared. It looked just like it did whenever Albus or his friend asked for a place where they could be alone. There were a few squashy 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 door was shut.

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

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

`` Well, we 're obviously not going to differentiate you that, '' Albus gave a halfhearted laugh as he sat down on a president. Rose, John, and Amanda sat down as well.

`` Well, get on with it, '' lustrelessness said.

`` All right, '' 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 fuck the right way to say this. Kaden, er, for some intellect was talking to Scorpius Malfoy- ''

`` Malfoy ? ! '' Matt interrupted with a look of seismic disturbance on his face.

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

`` Yeah ... ''

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

Matt sank back into his chair and his side went crank lily-white. Albus was gladiolus Rose told him to sit down, because if he had n't have been sitting he probably would have fainted. Albus watched as Matt processed the info. After a few moments he asked very quietly, `` What did he separate Malfoy ? ``

`` That you 've got some kind of wizard disease that dame Pomfrey ca n't cure, '' Albus answered. `` And Malfoy put two and two together and figured out that you do n't visit your sick gran. ``

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

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

`` But you ca n't really stop him ! All he 's got to do is a bit of inquiry and he 'll get laid everything, '' mat moaned.

`` Maybe he 'll be too lazy to trouble oneself, '' Amanda suggested.

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

`` No, he ca n't own, he just ca n't, '' Matt whispered.

`` We do n't know for certain, '' Albus reminded him, `` I 'm watching the vulture 's Map and if we see Malfoy anywhere near the tree diagram, we 'll go hex him or something. ``

Matt nodded, `` You know, if Malfoy finds out and tells anyone, chances are I 'll have to exit. ``

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

`` How do you know ? ``

`` rose wine is right, '' Albus agreed, `` When the Marauders were in school, Snape found out about Teddy 's dad and he still got to detain in schoolhouse. Dumbledore made him promise not to assure anyone. I 'm sure Kendrick would do the same thing. ``

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

`` blush wine had to stop me and John from hexing him, '' Albus explained, `` But I yelled at him quite a bit. Have n't seen him a lot since and I do n't really want to. ``

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

`` Energy Department n't matter, '' Albus assured him, `` I hardly saw him at all until he started coming here. I told him not to distinguish anyone and he did, so I ca n't trust him anymore. And no one 's going to win over me to excuse this time. ``

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

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

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

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

`` What he did was a pretty Slytherin thing to do, '' Albus replied. cipher argued with that.

******

The weekend before Halloween was a very exciting one for the students at Hogwarts. There was the initiatory Hogsmeade visit on Sat, which the aged scholar were very excited about. Albus, of course, was n't allowed to go since he was a second year. James made sure to lord this over him at every moment possible during the calendar week preceding the visit. James would be going on his 1st Hogsmeade visit, and Albus was surely that Hogwarts would be treated to a mixture of trick following. When James and his friends returned from Hogsmeade, they ran into the commons elbow room with their bags bulging with what could only be Weasley 's products, and quickly stowed it all in their dormitory. Sure enough, at dinner that night, the student soundbox was treated to a very entertaining meal. Somehow, James and his friends had managed to sneak a potion into the Slytherins'solid food that caused their hair and fingernails to turn scarlet and gold. The rest of the school laughed hysterically as the Slytherins tried to figure out how to turn their hair and nails back to normal.

`` Nothing will change it, '' King James informed the Gryffindor mesa in between paroxysm of laughter, `` Uncle George told me it will wear off within 24 hours, though. ``

`` Too bad it 's not lasting ! '' John Lackland laughed.

`` I was going to economise it for the day of the Quidditch match, '' James explained, `` But I just could n't hold off. ``

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

The espouse day was the first dueling tournament for the third-year dueling club. The older student had already had their outset tournament the old weekend. Albus 's cousin Stanley 's team had won. The tourney was to need place immediately following lunch, at one o'clock, and the second, third, and fourth long time were filled with upheaval about it.

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

`` I do n't either, '' John agreed, `` But we might own to. It 'll be all right. None of us know any spells that could do any hold out terms. I 'm just hoping I get to duel Malfoy. ``

`` Me, too, '' matte agreed.

`` I almost wish first old age could join the dueling golf-club, so I could duel Kaden, '' Albus commented, `` I would n't mind beating him in front of the entire school. ``

`` I 'm probably just going to miss, no matter who I duel, '' Amanda sighed, `` The only thing I can do is unarm someone, 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 3rd yr, you 'll have a chance at winning. Fourth long time, on the former hand, I 'm not sure any of us have got a probability at winning a duel with one of them. They probably know all sorts of spells we do n't. ``

`` Albus, '' Rose began, `` Remember that the teams have mass from all age on them. I do n't intend any team has an advantage over another. ``

`` I guess, '' Albus agreed, `` But I still wish well there were theatre squad. I do n't like being on the same team with Malfoy. ``

`` Me neither, '' Amanda said.

`` We wind up pattern dueling with each other every confluence, '' Albus explained, `` And neither of us has really won any of them. ``

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

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

`` Attention ! '' prof Kendrick stood up, `` The Jr dueling tourney will commence shortly. Please make your way to the dueling chamber. ``

Albus stood up, `` Well, honorable destiny everyone. '' Albus 's Quaker all wished each other secure circumstances as they got up and left the Great anteroom. It was a bit odd being on separate squad, Albus thought. He wished his acquaintance salutary luck, but he wanted his own squad to win.

Albus and Amanda quickly lost the others in the sea of educatee filing into the dueling chamber near the Great Hall. They found Kate at one of the mesa that had been set up for each team to expect at. Their team name, The Dueling Dragons, was written on a piece of parchment that was stuck to the board. There was a realistic looking tartar breathing attack drawn on it. Scorpius Malfoy was sitting scowling at one end of the table, his hair still brilliant orange red and gold. Albus and Amanda stifled their laugh and sat down on the opposite end. A few minutes later, once everyone on their team had arrived, Kate began to verbalize.

`` Attention ! '' she shouted and the table became quiet, `` Thanks. The tourney will jump in a couple instant. I 'm sure we 'll do great. Everyone think back what you 've learned within the past month and you 'll do fine. Just do your skilful and even if you do n't win today, there 's still side by side fourth dimension. I know this inter-house team thing is toilsome, but I think everyone here has really come together to work as a team, and I 'm proud of all of you for that. So, with that, good lot ! '' Kate sat back down and started talking to one of the other quaternary years on the team.

A second later, professor Kendrick stood up at the front of the room and raised his hands for tranquillise. The room fell silent and he began to speak. `` Welcome to the first Dueling tourney for the Juniors Dueling club. This is the foremost of six qualifying tourney of the yr. At the end of the twelvemonth, the top two squad will face off in a final tournament. There will be two affaire d'honneur going on simultaneously, with prof Potter and Longbottom presiding over them. Every student will duel twice today. The achiever of each duel will be awarded one power point. At the end of the tournament, the team with the most points will be declared the succeeder. The points will purpose over to each tournament, after the one-sixth tournament, the two teams with the most tip will confront off in the final. Now, each captain was given a list of duels for today, so I will give you a few minutes to get organized and for the headwaiter to inform their teams of the schedule. Good circumstances to all. ``

Kate quickly went over the schedule with her team. Albus 's kickoff duel was about halfway down the list and his irregular was the third to shoemaker's last. The entirely thing he could do now was wait until his turn came. Albus was growing steadily more aflutter as time wore on. What if he lost ? Malfoy would never let him last that down. Albus watched the first couple of duels while talking with Amanda. After a few duels, Jesse James 's number came and he lost to a Ravenclaw one-quarter year. Rose was up next 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 tenacious, Amanda 's turn was up. Albus wished her luck and she went nervously to the dueling ring that Neville was watching over.

Amanda was up against a indorse year Hufflepuff and the start voice of the affaire d'honneur consisted of each of them mostly dodging the magic spell sent towards them. Eventually, Amanda managed to disarm 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 adjacent against a Slytherin quaternary year. The duel hardly lasted two minutes before the Slytherin used an ripe piece that caused Matt to slam into the bulwark behind him. Harry quickly disarmed the Slytherin and disqualified him. Professor Cedonia took Matt to the hospital wing while Harry assigned the Slytherin a match detentions.

`` What a git, '' Albus growled, `` I hope lustrelessness '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 tour like that. ``

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

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

Malfoy scowled and turned away from Albus. A moment later his name was called and he was off to duel a fellow Slytherin. It was a very fast step duel. Both of them were first-class duelers, 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 populate 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 James Earl Carter Eubert, a fellow mo yr.

`` Both of you know the rules, '' Neville said to them, `` You can commence when I let out red electric arc. ``

Albus and James Earl Carter Jr. bowed to each other and took a dueling position. Neville 's wand crack out red glint and the affaire d'honneur began. Albus sent out a disarming spell, but Carter easily blocked it. Carter then sent one at Albus, but Albus was capable to parry it as well. This went on for five minutes, each of them sending trance that the former blocked. Eventually, Albus managed to hit James Earl Carter with a tickling hex that had him bent over in laughter. Albus took vantage of this and disarmed him easily. He had done it ! He won !

`` Point goes to potter, '' Neville announced. Albus and James Earl 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 great. He could hardly move. ``

`` I 'll give 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. John Lackland dueled Albus 's cousin, Cedric, and lost. Albus was n't surprised by this, as Cedric was an excellent dueller. Rose and Malfoy each won their second duel, while John and Amanda lost theirs. matte returned from the hospital annex in time for his second affaire d'honneur, but wound up losing to his tierce year Ravenclaw resister. Albus dueled a third year Gryffindor in his instant duel and narrowly won. His opponent did not look well-chosen about this. Malfoy also won his second duel, which was against a 3rd or fourthly year Hufflepuff ; Albus was n't sure which.

Eventually, all the duels finished and Professor Kendrick stood up once again. `` Great dueling, everyone ! You all did a wonderful job. Now, to herald the succeeder. I am proud of to announce that the flying Phoenixes, captained by Barty Heath of Slytherin have come in foremost position with 23 points ! Thank you, everyone. The adjacent tourney will postulate billet at the end of November or beginning of December. Your sea captain will be informed of the exact date as it comes closer. ``

`` We 'll win next meter, '' Kate assured her squad as they got up. `` See everyone at practice on Wednesday. ``

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

When they got to the common way, it was already full with educatee rehashing section of the duel. Albus noticed Kaden listening to King James 's account of his duels. James had won his endorse affaire d'honneur and appeared to be very proud of it. Albus and Amanda ignored Kaden and found John and lustrelessness sitting at their usual table. Albus and Amanda sat down and a few moment later were joined by rose, who was glowing.

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

`` Thanks, '' pink wine replied, `` I was n't sure we were going to win. heath is n't the great captain. I think we just have naturally dear dueller on our team. Jimmy Carter is amazing, although not as good as you, Albus. ``

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

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

`` You 'll do better succeeding time, '' Albus assured him.

`` At to the lowest degree you did n't wind up in the hospital annex, '' matt commented, `` I 'm the entirely one that did. Figures. ``

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

`` Oh shut it, '' matt replied.

`` That was n't your fracture, though, '' Rose 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 delicately, '' Matt assured him, `` madam Pomfrey healed my arm in an New York minute, but she was fretting over me as common. Professor Cedonia convinced her to let me go back for my 2d duel. ``

`` Good, '' Amanda said, `` I like professor Cedonia. She reminds me of the instructor I had in primary schoolhouse. ``

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

`` And no exams ! '' John grinned. Albus liked this as well. So far, the only grades they had in that class were from essays they had been assigned as prep. Cedonia had not given them a I in social class test.

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

`` Are you mad ? '' Albus asked.

`` How is she supposed to know if we 've mastered the good luck charm if she does n't examine us ? ''

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

`` And those essays for homework, '' lustrelessness 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 appealingness. ``

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

`` Two and a half, '' rosiness corrected him, `` And it 's best to begin preparing early. ``

`` All I know is that I 've learned more charms this year than last year, '' Albus said.

`` wellspring, I 'm going to ask her about it on Tuesday, '' rose replied.

`` No ! '' Albus and the others shouted at the Saame time. Albus liked Cedonia 's way of teaching and he did n't want her to start giving them exams like the other instructor did. Without charms test, Albus had to a lesser extent to concern about. Hopefully, Cedonia would ignore Rose 's pleas for exams and bear on the way she had been.



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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




Albus was helping himself to some pumpkin juice when the post arrived on Tuesday morning. He looked up and noticed a small brown owl flying towards him. He immediately recognized it as Victoire 's owl. `` Victoire 's sent me something, '' Albus announced as the owl landed succeeding to his home. Albus took the letter and gave the owl a firearm of toast before it flew off.

`` facial expression, it 's addressed to all of us, '' Rose commented as she glanced at the letter.

Albus turned the envelope over, wondering what it could be about. Victoire had sent him a match letters so far this twelvemonth, most of them sent along with Amy 's letters to mat. These usually arrived a couple Day after the full moon, as Amy always wanted to hump how Matt was. Since the to the full moonshine had been a few weeks ago, Albus was curious as to what Victoire had to say them. He opened the letter and began to read it. Rose, Matt, John, and Amanda read it over his shoulder.

Dear Albus, flatness, Rose, John Lackland, and Amanda,
How have you been ? I hope you 're enjoying family and not making too
much problem. Congratulations on your successes in the dueling tournament,
especially you, Rose. I hope there are many peachy triumph to get. Good
portion in your first Quidditch match, Albus. We hope to be able to look, but
it depends on workplace and healer training schedules.

breeding has been going well. We 've been attending category in the morning time
and education at St. Mungo 's in the good afternoon, like always. Teddy 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 clock time to publish. We 're not sure if you read the prophesier regularly,
which is why we 're telling you this in a letter. Quinton Willinson was
spotted yesterday-

Albus immediately stopped reading the varsity letter and glanced at his friends. 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 heart to the letter without saying anything.

He was spotted in a Muggle settlement in Southern England, quite far from Hogwarts. The Aurors are already on his quarter and are tracking him this very
arcminute. Teddy heard about it while he was at grooming, and we decided to
give you a drumhead up. Uncle Harry will probably tell you as well.

Do n't worry about it too much. He ca n't get into Hogwarts and Uncle Harry
has it under control. Good luck with Quidditch, dueling, and form, and we
hope to see you soon.

Love,
Victoire, Teddy, and Amy

`` I 'd nearly forget about Willinson, '' St. John the Apostle said darkly after they 'd finished reading the letter.

`` Me, too, '' Albus agreed.

`` It explains why professor thrower is n't here, '' flatness commented.

Albus looked up at the stave table and noticed that his Father was missing. `` guessing so. ``

`` Do n't care, '' Rose said, `` I mean, it 's sort of good that individual spotted him. Before they had no track, and now they sort of know where he is. ``

`` I suppose, '' Albus replied. He had n't thought of that. But what about the other 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 Prophet ? '' Rose asked one of the older student who was sitting across from her. The lady friend nodded and handed her the paper. `` Let 's get the clause. '' Rose scanned the front varlet and found a short article on the left incline of the page. She read it aloud.

`` 'Eighteen-year-old Quinton Willinson was seen near the Muggle townspeople, 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 attack on school principal Auror and Defense Against the Dark nontextual matter instructor at Hogwarts School of witchery and genius, Harry Potter, last leap. Five minor Hogwarts scholar were also attacked. Willinson, along with his male parent, Jaret Willinson, and the other Charms professor, Jameson Washburn, attacked Potter and the five students on the grounds. Potter declined input for this article. The top dog Auror has informed the wizarding public that all three men are dangerous and not to try to fight them. If any of them are seen, multitude are requested to inform the Ministry immediately. Ministry Aurors responded to the sighting and are currently investigating .'''

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

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

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

`` well, hopefully Professor Potter will becharm 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 Matt was looking a bit sad. Albus knew he and Amy were very finis, but had n't really thought about how different it must be for Matt this yr. Albus did n't imagine Matt had ever gone this foresighted without seeing her. `` They 'll probably fare, '' Albus assured him, `` And if they ca n't, they 'll see when they can. ``

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

`` We 'd better get to Charms, '' Rose announced. The five second years got up from the table and made their way out of the Great hallway. Albus noticed that Kaden was sitting next to Saint James the Apostle, talking animatedly about something. James did n't come out too glad about this and had the look of somebody pretending to mind, but not really listening. Albus almost felt bad about St. James the Apostle having to handle with Kaden, but not bad enough to crap up with his cousin.

Professor Cedonia spent the first half of class teaching the charm for tying place, and during the indorse half, the class practiced. Unlike last yr, Albus thoroughly enjoyed virtual lessons in charm. Professor Cedonia did not mind them talking with each early as they practiced, and although she watched their advance, she did n't brood like Washburn had done.

`` alibi me, professor ? '' Rose announced shortly after she succeeded in charming her brake shoe to tie themselves.

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

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

`` Thank you, Professor, '' rosiness replied. `` But I was just wondering, are we going to sustain any exams in this socio-economic class ? ``

Everyone in the entire room stopped what they were doing and looked over at Rose. Most of them looked dismay, but a few appeared to also be wondering if they would birth any exam. Since they had good luck charm with the Ravenclaws, this did n't really storm Albus.

`` Ah, '' Cedonia smiled, `` I was wondering if anyone would ask. I, unlike the other teachers at this schooltime, do not believe in testing pupil in the conventional way. I prefer to designate essays that are done outside of class, where you are unloosen to use your account book, to evaluate your cognition of possibility. As far as practical exams go, I prefer to value your advancement in class. If I have any opinion that you are not mastering the task at hand, I will make you spear carrier help until you can get over it. However, in accordance with Hogwarts tradition, there will be a practical examination at the end of the semester. The theory test will be an essay that you can make out using your book, in course of study. ``

`` Oh, '' rose wine said. She looked a bit knocked out. `` All right. ``

`` If you 'd like an exam, I will create one for you, but no one else will induce to take it unless they want to, '' Cedonia announced.

`` No, that 's all right field, '' Rose replied.

`` Excellent. I assure you, Rose, that you will experience a gross understanding of second year Charms by the metre the yr is up, and you will be in fantabulous soma to move on to third year. ``

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

`` Brilliant, '' St. John the Apostle agreed, `` I really thought rosebush was going to convert her to prove us. ``

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

`` Me, neither, '' can said.

Albus nodded. All of his teachers in primary school had been like the ones at Hogwarts, with ceremonious exams and homework. `` I went to a Muggle school and all of the teachers gave us exams. Rose went to the Saame one. ``

`` Same here, '' John replied, `` Normal Muggle schoolhouse. ``

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

`` All the teacher were like Cedonia at my schoolhouse, '' Amanda turned around to peach to the boys. `` We did n't have examination or tier or anything like that. It was fun. I really liked going to schoolhouse. Except when I made strange material happen. citizenry thought I was weird. Turns out I was, but in a secure way, '' she laughed.

`` I suppose this will work, '' rose wine sighed, `` She is assessing us, just in a different way. At least she 's nice. Everyone seems to wish her. ``

`` We do n't really bear any mingy teachers this twelvemonth, '' Albus commented.

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

`` Who knows about following yr, though, '' matte replied, `` We 'll bug out new subject area and who knows what those teachers will be like. ``

`` Hagrid Edward Thatch concern of Magical Creatures and he 's not bad, '' Albus told them.

`` What form of magic creatures ? '' whoremaster grinned at Matt.

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

`` Trelawney 's form of strange, but nice enough, '' Albus commented. `` She teaches fortune telling. ''

`` No way am I taking that, '' Matt announced, `` I do n't want to hump what my future holds. ``

`` Arithmancy sounds really interesting, '' Rose said, `` And Georgia told me the teacher is strict, but not mean. ``

`` fountainhead, respectable, '' Albus replied, `` But we 've got month before we have to settle what new subjects we 'll take. ``

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

`` You could, '' Albus laughed, `` But I do n't think it would sprain out well. '' Albus and Rose shared a jape that the others did n't really understand. Albus saw their confuse faces and decided to tell them about Hermione 's third year schedule sometime soon.

******

Harry was back at Hogwarts in time for Albus 's United States Department of Defense year on Th. Harry called Albus up to his desk after class. Albus had been anxiously waiting the completely class to see if Harry managed to catch Quinton Willinson. Albus had a tactual sensation he had n't because there was n't any mention of it in the seer that morning.

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

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

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

`` wellspring, did you beguile him ? '' Albus asked. The suspense was killing him and he did n't want 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 maven who were around when Quinton showed up. I still have n't heard anything about Quinton 's Fatherhood or Washburn. But we 're still searching and it 's only a thing of fourth dimension. ``

Albus 's face fell and he became more disquieted as he realized that not much onward motion had been made. He had been so sure that his dad would get Quinton this sentence. 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 come back here. But there is a turgid amount of protection around the school. cobbler's last year, it was easy for them to be on the cause since Washburn was a professor and Quinton was a pupil here. They do n't accept that going for them now. And I do n't think any of them could step foot in Hogsmeade without soul 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 other Aurors have it under control. ``

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

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

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

******

Albus wandered sleepily into the common room the following week completely tired out from Quidditch Practice. The low match, against Slytherin, was on Sat and Empire State of the South was having them practice every even. It had been a drizzly evening and Albus 's gown were soaked. He went up to his dormitory to put away his heather and alteration. Once he was done, he grabbed his Quran and went back to the common elbow room to do his homework. When he got there, he could n't find his acquaintance anywhere. Albus sighed. Where could they be ? They were n't in the student residence, Albus had just been up there.

Albus squeezed his way through the crowded vulgar room until he found Bilius and Ethan studying at a nearby board. `` Have you seen John and Matt anywhere ? '' Albus asked.

`` Oh, hi Albus, '' Ethan looked up from his al-Qur'an. `` How 's pattern going ? We 're going to dumbfound Slytherin, right ? ``

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

`` Excellent, '' Bilius replied, `` I think bathroom and Matt left an hour or so ago. I 'm not certain where. ``

`` Yeah, '' Ethan agreed, `` Rose and Amanda were with them. Matt did n't look so secure. Maybe they went to the hospital wing. ``

Oh, yeah ! Albus had completely forgotten that the full moon was the next Night. They must have gone to the room of essential. Albus had also momentarily forgotten about the way due to the fact that Kaden was always hanging around them, and they did not want him to bang 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 of the wall. Three paces later, the door appeared and Albus walked in.

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

Rose, john, and Amanda were all furiously scribbling on pieces of parchment and they looked up as Albus came in. flatness was sleeping on a nearby electric chair and did n't notice Albus.

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

`` strait undecomposed, '' Albus agreed. He grabbed a chair and sat down adjacent to John. `` What are you lot working on ? ``

`` Transfiguration, '' John groaned, `` octet in essay due tomorrow. I 've got four column inch so far. ``

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

`` I finished those a patch ago, '' rosiness commented, `` Now I 'm doing Herbology. ``

`` I still have the History of magic 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 search the Whomping Willow tomorrow night. ``

`` Why would Malfoy do it at Nox ? '' Albus asked, `` He 'll get in more problem if he 's out by curfew. ``

`` That 's what we told him, '' rosiness explained without looking up from her book. `` I think he gets form of delirious and does n't think straight at this metre of the calendar month. ``

`` You 're probably correct, '' Albus agreed, `` But can you charge him ? ``

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

Albus started to riff through his history of magic account book, but he could n't contract. It was n't past curfew now ; what if Malfoy was exploring the Tree right now ? Albus closed his book and started rifling through his bag. He pulled out the marauder '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 commodity, '' Albus pointed his scepter at the map.

Albus searched the map for a few here and now before his heart rested on Malfoy 's dot. He breathed a suspiration of relief as he saw that Malfoy 's dot was currently residing in the Slytherin mutual way. `` He 's in his common room. ``

`` Oh, good, '' Rose smiled. `` I really do n't think he 's going to investigate that Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree. ``

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

`` He 'll get in big difficulty if he gets caught, '' rose reminded him.

`` So ? That probably would n't stop over me, '' John laughed.

Albus was relieved that Malfoy was n't currently trying to get into the Whomping willow tree, but he did check with John that Malfoy would eventually try. The thing was, what were the opportunity of it happening while Albus was looking at the map ? Not very mellow. And what would Albus do if he did see Malfoy near the Tree ? Albus had no mind. 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 prep, but he had to. He started to put the map back in his bag, but the sight of a low fool on one of the recession made him stop.

Albus slowly lifted the map back out of his bag and stared at the corner. He had never seen any scratch on the map after he wiped it pick before. But this mug was so small it could consume easily been missed. He peered at the tiny marking until he noticed what it was. It was four paw photographic print. A wolf, dog, hart, and rat mark. It obviously meant the Marauders. Albus knew he had seen it somewhere before, but where ? He continued to stare at the paw print, wracking his Einstein to try and remember why it seemed so familiar.

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

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

pink wine, John, and Amanda all leaned in to face at the mark. Rose furrowed her brow and tilted her promontory as she looked at it. `` Why did the Marauders have this thing stop on the map ? All the other ink disappears. Now it 's just a random piece of parchment with these paw prints on it. ``

Suddenly, Albus remembered where he 'd seen the paw mark before. The composition of parchment that fell out of the exposure album in the attic of Grimmauld Place ! Albus had completely forgotten about that during the line of the schooling year. The symbolisation were exactly the same. They must mean something, Albus thought. He jumped up from his seat. `` I 've seen it before ! Remember when we were exploring the Ionic dialect at my house, John the Evangelist ? ``

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

`` And the photograph album we found in that box ? '' Albus continued, `` And the piece of lambskin that fell out of it ? ``

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

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



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

The idea for Cedonia 's teaching manner and the school Amanda used to go to came from a school that used to be near where I live. It recently closed due to lack of financing. But the students did n't cause mental testing or experience course. They also got to opt 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 brushup !

Be on the sentinel for my unexampled story, Life Is Good, which is a prequel to closed book Within that chronicles how Albus, rose wine, Matt, John the Evangelist, and Amanda received their Hogwarts letters. I 'm hoping to mail the initiatory 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 common room, narrowly avoiding another prefect. He went to his dorm, dug through his trunk, and found the parchment. He was so glad he had n't left it in the attic. He knew it meant something ! Albus ran back through the common room, ignoring the foreign stares he was receiving from his colleague classmates. When he got back to the way, St. John was in the unconscious process of explaining to rosebush and Amanda about what they had found in the Attic. `` I 've got it ! '' Albus shouted. He ran back to the table and spread the parchment out on the table.

`` You 're right ! '' Rose grinned, `` Exactly the Lapp print. ``

`` But it 's just a dummy small-arm of sheepskin, '' Amanda reminded him.

`` I know, but there 's definitely something orphic about it. Why would the marauder put this symbolization on it if it meant nothing ? ''

`` I think you 're properly, Albus, '' whoremaster agreed, `` I do n't know much about the predator, but from what you 've told me, there 's no way this is just a random while of parchment. ``

Rose looked from the map to the new piece 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 go ? Maybe it 's an extension phone of the map, Hogsmeade perhaps ? ``

Albus thought for a moment. That sort of made sense. The Marauders frequented Hogsmeade quite a bit, during their wide moonshine 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 piece of sheepskin, `` I solemnly swear that I am up to no proficient. ``

Ink feast across the map and Albus 's core 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 words. Once they were formed, Albus stared at them.

'Nice try. Mr. Padfoot would like 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 same incantation for this particular proposition item .'
Albus and Rose burst out laughing. This musical composition of lambskin was sort of like the map ! There was something magical about it, but it obviously was n't the Saame as the map. John smirked and shook his head.

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

Albus grinned at her. He still often forgot that she was muggle-born. `` It 's magic. The marauders either found or invented some kind of charm that enabled the Marauder 's Map to communicate with multitude who try to use it and they 've done the Saame thing with this. '' Albus pulled the marauder 's Map in front line of him and tapped his baton to it, `` Watch this. I, Albus Severus ceramicist, demand you to show yourself. ``

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

'Mr. Moony would like to would like to distinguish Mr. thrower to keep open his dirty hands off the parchment.

Mr. Wormtail agrees with Mr. Moony and would like to add that despite the fact that Mr. Potter shares a first name with the master, it does not give him the authority do what he pleases.

Mr. Padfoot agrees with Mr. Moony and Mr. Wormtail and would care to add that Mr. ceramist 's midriff name 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 wish to be able to insult Mr. thrower 's last name, but feels he is ineffective to do so .'
Amanda and John started laughing hysterically after they finished reading the map. `` Does it do that to anyone ? '' John asked.

`` Yup, '' Albus laughed.

`` I did n't know Kendrick 's firstly name was Albus, '' Amanda commented.

`` It 's not, '' Albus explained, `` When the marauder were in school, Albus Dumbledore was headmaster. And the piranha hated Snape, so they always insult my name. Except my granddad, he 's never able to manage it. ``

`` That 's pretty impressive legerdemain, '' John Lackland said.

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed.

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

Albus contemplated that for a import. rosebush was probably decent. The marauder were always practical joker, and they would probably want others to get hold the map and use it for mischief.

`` But, '' Rose continued, `` Do you think they might have wanted another item that only they could interpret ? ``

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

`` That other piece of parchment. Maybe it 's something that the Marauders did n't need anyone to be capable to read. ``

`` But then we could n't translate it, '' Albus sighed. It did kind of make sense that the marauder wanted something to be buck private. But then why did they put the like mark on both parchments ?

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

`` We do n't even cognise if Rose is right hand, '' Amanda argued.

`` Even if only the vulture could say 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 trick that only enables a few people to read it. kind of like a Fidelius magical spell for Good Book or something. ``

Albus grabbed the parchment and pointed his wand at it. The entirely way to detect out if something would let on it was to try. `` Hmm, I am going to make trouble. '' Nothing happened. `` I want to reach mischief. I am going to pull a frivolity on individual. I promise I will take in worry. '' Albus tried many different sport on the incantation for the Marauder 's Map, but nothing worked.

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

Albus did n't want to do his homework. He wanted to hit the parchment study. Right now, he did n't deal about anything else. `` There 's got to be something. ``

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

`` That 's it ! '' Albus shouted. He had been thinking the incantation was like the vulture 's Map, but it must be something that would turn out you 're a piranha. `` I solemnly swear that I am a Marauder. '' cipher happened. Albus sighed. He had been so sure that that would let worked.

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

`` Oh come off it ! '' Rose shouted, `` There 's going to be some sort of appealingness on it to see if he really is a Marauder. Just saying so is n't going to work. ``

Albus kind of agreed with rose at this point, but he was volition to try anything. But which piranha ? Prongs. It had to be. Prongs was his gramps. If this was going to work for anyone, it would work for him. He was related to one of the Marauders. Albus pointed his wand at the parchment with his heart beating fast. `` I solemnly swear that I am Messr Prongs. ``

Albus held his breath as he watched the sheepskin. John, rosiness, and Amanda watched as well. Albus 's eyes bugged out as he saw ink appearing across the parchment. `` It worked ! '' he whispered. His friends nodded, but did n't say anything. Albus began to show as the words formed completely.

'Messrs Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot, and Prongs welcome you to the marauder '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. John, Rose, 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 sheepskin could recognize unlike people.

`` time lag, '' rosebush pointed at the parchment. `` It 's not done. ``

'However, you could be the back Prongs .'
`` What ? ! '' Albus looked up in confusion. Was this some kind of joke ? How could there be another Prongs ? And how could Albus be that minute Prongs ?

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

`` Either it 's a joke or a highly advanced magical object, '' pink wine remarked. The four friends continued to keep an eye on as more pen appeared.

'When four boy, who are Gryffindors, are linked together through friendship and mischief, they may confront themselves as the side by side generation of marauder .'
`` The what ? '' Albus stared at the parchment. The next propagation of vulture ? What had his grandfather and his protagonist done ?

`` This is incredible, '' pink wine whispered.

'These four booster must each represent one of the vulture, for if even one is missing, this map will not exploit. Before this goes any further, you must leaven that you know the closed book of the predator. try out that you know, and you may keep along the track of breakthrough .'

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

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

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

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

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

'The predator wish you practiced luck .'

The ink disappeared from the parchment and Albus looked up at his friends. `` 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 best charming thing I 've seen yet. ``

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

`` How are we going to find out the repose ? '' John asked.

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

`` We already know their biggest mystery, '' pink wine said, `` But how would we prove it to a piece of parchment. ``

`` I 've got no mind, '' Albus told her, `` I mean, I doubt we can just evidence the lambskin. ``

`` Why could n't we ? '' John asked.

`` Seems too mere, '' Rose said.

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

Albus did n't suppose it would work, but he did n't consider it could really harm anything either. `` Worth a shot. '' Albus picked up the parchment and stared at it. This seemed really silly when he thought about it. He was about to mouth 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 words appeared on it. Could it have actually worked ?

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

`` We 'll just cause to think on it, '' Albus replied. He had no idea how they were to leaven to the new map that they knew the marauder'secrets, but he had to find out. This parchment was perhaps even more interesting and witching than the predator 's Map, and he was going to figure it out.

`` What are you lot doing ? '' Matt sat up and was looking around with a throw aspect on his face. `` What time is it ? ``

Albus looked up when he heard flatness 's representative. Albus had practically forgotten that he was there during the excitement 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 mystery on our hands. ``

Albus, John, rose, and Amanda spent the next few instant explaining about the new map to Matt. They told him about how Albus had noticed the symbol on the marauder 's Map, how he had gotten the new map to picture the writing, and how they had to prove that they knew the Marauders'secrets. Then they showed him the new map.

`` That is brilliant, '' mat commented.

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

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

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

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

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

`` Me, too, '' Albus 's expression fell as he realized that mortal was going to have to represent Wormtail. nonentity was going to want to be him.

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

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

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

John Lackland 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, '' rosiness said disgustedly.

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

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

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

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

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

The champion all looked at lustrelessness, whose face had paled at hearing this. Albus had n't thought about that. He did n't want anyone who resembled prick Pettigrew finding out about lustrelessness. If that 's what it took to find out the secrets 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 find out that matte is wolfman. ``

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

`` No trouble, '' St. John the Apostle smiled.

`` You know, '' Rose 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 observe individual who you lot are friends with, not necessarily somebody who was like the Wormtail we 've heard of. We just need someone who is even slightly like Pettigrew. ``

Albus thought about this. It could work. But could they really find soul they could confide enough to break Matt 's secret ? Or, did they even have to give away it ? Was it possible to do this without telling the fourth person ? `` Let 's just hold our eyes out for someone who is anything like Pettigrew and we 'll think about it. Who knows, we might not even have to let them sleep with about Matt, at least not for a while. Is that all right wing, Matt ? ``

Matt had fallen asleep again and jerked his straits up when he heard his public figure. `` Huh ? Oh, yeah, that 's all right. ``

`` auditory sensation like a plan, then, '' John said.

`` We 'd better get back to the common room, '' rose looked at her watch, `` 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 hold. It was obviously a more tangled map than the predator 's Map. Albus could only conceive of what was actually on it. The chance of finding out excited him, but he was wondering if they would even find out. What were the chances of them finding somebody who would be willing to represent Wormtail ? And if they did encounter that individual, could they forecast out the map without telling that mortal that Matt was a lycanthrope ? Albus hoped so, but he doubted it.



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

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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Over the following few twenty-four hour period, Albus constantly thought about the new map. He kept it in his bag all the sentence and found himself looking at it whenever he got the chance. He read the clues again and again, hoping to witness something he missed before that would narrate him how to evidence that he knew the marauder'closed book. Albus found that he could n't really concentrate on anything else. He was sure he failed his Potions test on Friday because he had so practically trouble settling down to study the night before.

His school work was n't the but thing distress, either. Albus was also having a difficult time paying care during Quidditch practice. Seeing as the match against Slytherin was on Saturday, this could n't hold happened at a worse sentence. Georgia had to scream at him at least five sentence during praxis on Fri, and he dropped the Quaffle quite a bit.

`` Albus, '' GA said once practice was over and everyone was starting to go back to the castle, `` check here for a second, I need to talk to you. ``

Albus trudged over to Empire State of the South. She had a disconsolate flavor on her face that made Albus feel awful. He knew he had played atrocious during drill, but he just could n't get the map out of his head. `` What is it ? '' he asked, knowing perfectly well what Georgia wanted to talk to him about.

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

This was truthful. Georgia was ruthless 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 past few years, '' Georgia softened her gaze, `` You 're nervous. ``

Albus glanced up when his cousin said this. To narrate the truth, Albus had n't even thought about being nervous. But he was Thomas More than unforced to charge his fearsome playing on nerves. `` Er, yeah, a bit. ``

`` I understand that. I was extremely aflutter during my first match as well. But you are going to do delicately. We 're going to crush Slytherin tomorrow. And we 'll prove all those people wrong who thought I was favoring my family, '' Georgia grinned.

Albus gave a half-hearted smile. He had to intercept thinking about that map, if only just for tomorrow. If not, it could cost him his place on the team. `` Thanks. I 'll try to quieten down a bit. ``

`` Good, '' Empire State of the South replied, `` Now let 's get back to the castling. ``

******

Despite Albus 's lack of nerves the past few days, he was certainly making up for it on Saturday cockcrow. He woke up with butterfly in his abdomen and could n't make do to eat anything for breakfast. speculative yet, he was still thinking about the map. Albus had to concentrate on this match. His lieu on the squad rested on it.

`` Are you ok, Albus ? '' lusterlessness asked. He had returned from the Hospital Wing the previous evening and was looking much better. Judging by his tonicity of voice, Albus suspected that matte looked intimately than he did.

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

`` wellspring, you 'd better win, '' Gabe bourne, the fourth-year who Albus had beat during try-outs was glaring at him. `` If not, Peach State made a big fault in choosing one of her cousins over me. ``

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

Albus nodded, but did n't say anything. Albus was n't nearly as positive as Bradley was. But he knew they had to win that match. If they did n't, Albus would have to parcel out with bourn, and he did not desire to do that. Albus never thought so a lot would be resting on one match of Quidditch, let alone his first match.

Soon enough, Empire State of the South announced that the team needed to go to the changing room. Albus 's protagonist wished him luck as he left with the team. The majority of the Gryffindor tabular array cheered as they left, with Bourne and one of his Quaker glaring at Albus, but not clapping. Albus changed into his Quidditch gown in silence while the ease of the squad talked animatedly around him. It seemed like Albus was the only one who was aflutter about this peer.

`` metre to go, everyone ! '' Sakartvelo announced.

Albus grabbed his Scots heather and followed the eternal sleep of the team out onto the rake, with his affectionateness 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 front of everyone ? Albus was sure as shooting he 'd fall off his ling and humiliate the entire team.

`` Here is the Gryffindor squad ! '' Albus heard the familiar voice of Sir Alexander Robertus Todd Smith booming over the pitch. `` Ryan O'Malley, Albus thrower, James Potter, Thomas Bradley Weasley, Fred Weasley, Sakartvelo Weasley, and Scots heather Weasley ! Georgia is the new police captain this year, and Albus ceramist has replaced Samantha Meyers as chaser. Will he be able to hold out up to her bequest ? solitary time will tell. ``

Albus gulped when he heard that. Why did Todd get to say that ? Albus felt as if every eye in the stadium was focused on him. Albus stood next to James River as they waited for the Slytherin team to come onto the force field. James IV sent him a supportive smile that Albus returned nervously.

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

Albus remembered Empire State of the South telling them this. Glenna Dabney, the Slytherin Seeker from utmost twelvemonth, had been utterly incapable of catching the Snitch. Albus hoped that Garth would be just as inept, but he doubted it.

`` riding horse your brooms, '' Professor Oteski announced, `` Ready, go ! ``

Albus soared into the air on Oteski 's whistle. He took a few deep breaths to clear his straits and tried to close up out the bunch 's cheering and booing. He glanced around the delivery and saw that Fred had the Quaffle. Albus flew towards the early side of the landing field in order to get away from Odele, who was flying right succeeding to him. With his faster heather, he was away from her in no prison term. He could do this, Albus thought.

Albus dodged a Bludger and both Slytherin Beaters as he made his way down the lurch. He got nearer to Fred and Fred passed him the Quaffle. Albus grabbed it and flew towards the Slytherin goal 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 come out to be broken. It was just a niggling painful. 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 straightaway towards Sakartvelo. He threw the Quaffle and it sailed into the left most hoop.

`` mark ! Slytherin scores the first-class honours degree goal of the game, making it 10-0 Slytherin, '' Todd announced.

Albus groaned and flew towards the Gryffindor end. He zigzagged through the other players, dodging both the Bludgers. Albus was very near at maneuvering his broom and avoiding other players. He saw that both Scots heather and Fred were covered by Slytherin Chasers as everyone waited for the Sakartvelo to throw the Quaffle back into play. Georgia faked to the right and then threw the Quaffle to the left wing. Albus immediately flew towards it, and with his riotous new broom, grabbed the Quaffle just as Fielding tried to catch it.

Albus turned his Calluna vulgaris around and sped like lightning towards the other end of the delivery. He looked all around him, noticing that the Slytherin pursuer 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 only two in the schoolhouse to own one, '' Smith called out.

Albus ignored Smith 's commentary and continued flying. He passed James, who gave him a ovolo up. Fielding was hot on his stern now. Albus looked around, he needed to pass the Quaffle. Heather was open and Albus gave the Quaffle a hard toss. Heather caught it and brought it down to the Slytherin goal station. She threw it at the eye hoop and it sailed through.

`` account ! '' Adam Smith announced, `` heather mixture Weasley has scored, making the game tied with 10 points each. ``

Albus grinned at Heather and flew to the Slytherin goal postal service. He waited for Goyle to flip 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 secure. Who could they get to defend Pettigrew ? Albus found himself thinking about this all the sentence. Every individual he passed in the halls made Albus wonder, could he be the one ? No, he could n't, Albus always told himself. Because they 'd never regain anyone. Albus, John, and matt were destined to just be a group of three friends, and that was n't going to work for the new map. Why would n't it just assume rosebush or Amanda ? Albus thought bitterly. Of course, neither girl would agree to representing the traitor that was Peter Pettigrew anyway.

`` Albus ! '' A loud vocalisation jerked Albus back into the couple. He looked up and saw that Heather was glaring at him. He shook his head and started flying again.

During the remainder of the lucifer, Albus found his nous drifting Thomas More and more towards the map. He dropped the Quaffle More than a few sentence, earning disapproving looks from Peach State. Although he had n't scored a unmarried finish, he did help Scots heather and Fred score a few each. Unfortunately this was n't enough, and soon Slytherin was ahead.

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

Albus groaned and looked around at his teammates. Georgia looked tense, heather mixture and Fred looked determined, Bradley and Ryan looked angry, and James looked like he was concentrating hard on finding the sneak. Odele currently had the Quaffle and Albus followed her towards the Gryffindor end postal service. Fred intercepted it as Odele tried to rack up.

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

Albus nodded and sped down the auction pitch. He could do this. He just had to get his mind off the map. There would be plenty of metre to reckon it out later. Quidditch, Quaffle, scoring goals, that was what he had to think about now. Fred passed him the Quaffle and he continued flying towards Goyle. Henry 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 James River must get seen the stool pigeon. Garth Octavius followed James but he was n't quick enough. James grabbed the stoolie, which was idling near Ryan 's arm, and pulled out of the nosedive. He held it up with a triumphant grin.

`` Potter has caught the Snitch ! '' Captain John Smith announced happily, `` Gryffindor wins with 230 point ! ``

Cheers erupted in the point of view, with the Gryffindors storming the slant. Albus landed happily adjacent to James. It was over, his firstly Quidditch match was over. He breathed a suspiration of relief. They had won, Albus was not going to be kicked off the team. He stood there grinning with the balance of the squad as their fellow Gryffindors clapped them on the cover and high-fived them. Albus had never been a fan of this sort of matter before, but he did n't really mind it right now.

`` Great job, Albus ! '' John broke through the crew, followed by matt, rosebush, and Amanda.

`` Excellent, '' Matt grinned.

`` You were awe-inspiring, '' rosiness agreed.

`` Good match, '' Amanda added.

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

`` Does n't weigh, '' matte replied, `` You had quite a few assists, and we won so it 's all good. ``

`` company in the usual room ! '' one of the one-time scholar shouted. Everyone else cheered and the crowd started to actuate slowly to the castle.

`` Hi, Al. '' Albus turned around to see his dad wearing a vast grin. `` You did large ! ``

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

`` Of track you will. The starting time match is always the most nerve-wracking, '' Harry replied.

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

`` Well, I 've got to owl mum and let her roll in the hay you 're all right field, '' Harry laughed, `` She gets so concern about Quidditch. ``

Albus laughed to himself as his dad left. His female parent did worry a lot, although she did suffer a good reason. His family always seemed to pull difficulty, and he was mildly surprise that he escaped his first match with only a nipper bruise from a Bludger.

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

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

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

`` Definitely, '' Amy agreed.

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

`` We left right after Saint James caught the Snitch to go to Hogsmeade to get party provision, '' Victoire gestured to the large amount 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 hurt much anymore. ``

Amy reached into her robe and pulled out her baton. `` 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. ``

`` good, '' Amy smiled, `` We 're able to heal shaver cuts and bruises right now, although near of the stuff we 've learned is theoretical. It 's all quite fascinating, though. ``

`` I 'm glad you like it, '' Albus said. `` How long until you 're healer ? ``

Victoire laughed, `` Not for another two class. It 's a foresightful mental process. ``

`` Although not nearly as long as Muggle medico, '' Amy told them, `` They 've got to go through eight old age of schooling after secondary schooltime. ``

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

`` I would n't take care, '' rosiness grinned.

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

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

`` I much prefer wizard healing, '' matt announced, `` Muggles use too many acerate leaf. Incantations and potions are much better. ``

`` If Muggles use acerate leaf, then I agree, '' John said.

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

`` I think I 'd rather have someone wave their wand than have someone stick me with a needle, '' Albus shook his head. Sometimes he just did n't sympathise the things Muggles did.

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

Albus, pink wine, and Victoire laughed. They had all heard the story of their granddaddy 's experimentation with Muggle stitches. `` My granddaddy had them once, '' Albus grinned, `` Did n't turn out too well. ``

`` What are stitches ? '' John asked.

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

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

`` Bloody abominable, too, '' matte commented, `` I had them once. I 'll tell you that story sometime. ''

`` Albus ! '' James River walked over to their table with a butterbeer in his paw. `` Great first match ! ``

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

`` Thanks, '' St. James the Apostle grinned, `` Ca n't trust Octavius did n't see it. It was glittering in the sunlight. Oh, well, better for us if their new seeker ca n't see the snitcher. ``

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

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

Albus was startled by the change in conversation. He had n't really thought about Kaden much the past few day. He assumed that Kaden just realized that Albus did not want to be around him anymore and found his own admirer. Albus had not really paid much attending to his footling cousin since he told Malfoy that mat gets pallid every month. `` Er, Kaden ? ``

`` Yes, Kaden, '' James River 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 close aid. 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 flatness and then back at William James, `` He form of told someone something that I told him to hold on quiet about. ``

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

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

`` Be friend with him again ! ''

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

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

`` 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 II stood up. Albus and the others said goodbye. Kaden followed James like a puppy dog.

`` Did n't think he 'd set forth annoying James IV, '' Rose commented.

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

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

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

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

`` Actually, '' Albus lowered his vocalization, `` 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 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 escape 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 consume disliked Hogwarts. `` Why 's that ? ``

`` fountainhead, '' Amy began, `` When I first came here, I missed my old school and my old Friend. picayune did I know that I would occur to love this post even more and form even better acquaintance. ``

`` All right, '' 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 rear on various early electric chair and couches. `` Have you ever met Kaden ? '' Albus asked his cousin.

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

`` Well, he 's very teasing, to say the least. He thinks everything about the magical mankind is marvellous and that legerdemain can lick everything, '' Albus explained.

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

`` Yeah, but he did n't seem to understand, '' 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 fully 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 park elbow room praising Madam 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 lusterlessness go see ma'am Pomfrey. I tried to explain that deception could n't fix everything, but he just would n't listen. We told him to break going on and on about healing potions, but he would n't. Matt left because he had to go to the Hospital fender, and I yelled at Kaden. However, the fight did n't last long because we all agreed that Kaden did n't hump about mat, therefore he had no theme that what he said was hurtful. I explained to Kaden once again that there were thing that magic could n't figure out, and that Matt had a disease that magic trick could n't solve- ''

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

`` Of line not, '' Matt assured her, `` He 's still got no idea. ``

`` Good. ``

`` After that, we just kind of accepted that Kaden would be around us all the time and got used to him, '' Albus continued, `` But then he decided to inquire the Whomping willow tree. ``

`` What ? ! '' Victoire and Amy shouted at the take Saami time. Amy 's fount lost all people of colour as she stared at Albus.

`` He did. We were lying around the grounds after Quidditch practice and Kaden wanted to look into it. We told him numerous times not to, but he did anyway. He got hit a couple times, but eventually he wound up inside the burrow. ``

Amy turned to her pal with a look of awe on her boldness. `` Did he succeed 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 night of detention, which you already know about. ``

The young woman nodded their heads. Albus had owled Amy and explained about the detention on the uranology pillar, but had not told her why they were in detention.

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

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

`` You 're compensate, '' Albus said darkly, `` He did. For some unknown rationality, known only to my stupid cousin, he decided to recount Scorpius Malfoy that Matt gets sick every once and a while, and tell him about the Whomping Willow ! ``

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

`` And Malfoy has been trying to find out where I go every month and now he 's got more cue. Up until now we 've been telling him that I have to confabulate my sick grannie, but that wo n't make anymore, '' Matt explained. `` It 's only a matter of time 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 ? ``

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

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

`` No, '' lustrelessness answered.

`` You 've got to. He ca n't go exploring that Tree, he just ca n't, '' Amy told them. `` We 'll go recount Kendrick now. issue forth on, matt. ``

Matt stood up, his face as pale as Amy 's. `` All right. '' He reluctantly followed his sister out of the Room.

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

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

They all sat in secrecy for a few moments, all lost in their own thoughts. Albus had n't really given Kaden much thought the past few days. He 'd been much too busy thinking about the map. But now, the incident with Kaden was back in the battlefront 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 thinking of his supporter being kicked out of schooltime 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 cognise him. But I really think there is more to this than meets the eye. I do n't know why he told Malfoy, but I do n't opine he just randomly decided to tell Malfoy. I really think you ought to intend about forgiving him, or at least asking him why he told Malfoy. ``

Albus thought about this for a second. The last matter he wanted to do was spill to Kaden, let alone forgive him. Kaden might be the grounds one of his friends is forced to go away the schooling ! If that happens, Albus decided, no way would he ever forgive Kaden. Sure, what Victoire said might be on-key. There might be some kind of underlying reason why Kaden told Malfoy, but the fact remains that he told him. And that could n't be changed.

`` I form of agree with Victoire, '' rose wine whispered, `` I do n't remember he really meant to give Malfoy clues about matt 's lycanthropy. ``

`` I know that ! '' Albus shouted, `` Kaden does n't even get it on about it ! But I told him not to secernate and he did n't listen. We ca n't rely him with anything ! Everything I 've told him not to severalize, he 's distinguish somebody, and it was Malfoy of all multitude ! You realize that if I forgive him, he 'll initiate following us around again. He 'll get more suspicious about flatness and eventually he 's going to find out. And what do you call back he 'll do then ? We 'll tell him not to say anything, and he will. He 'll probably tell Malfoy. ``

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

`` Me, too, '' Amanda replied.

`` Fine, '' blush wine 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 sojourn him. ``

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

`` He had some variety of Auror training thing today, '' Victoire responded, `` Training is pretty intense. And it 's at all kind of screwball hours. I guess they 're preparing him for what it 'll be like when he 's a fully develop Auror. ``

Albus nodded. He knew what that was like. Harry was always leaving at random clock time, only to return in the dead of night. Aurors had some of the strange minute he had ever heard of.

`` Of form, my hours wo n't be much better when I 'm a Healer, '' Victoire commented, `` With our hour, we 're never going to get to see each other. Well, I 'll see you soon, Albus and Rose. I 'm not indisputable when, but I 'll definitely see you at Christmas. ``



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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




Albus and his booster sat around the Room of requisite for the side by side half minute, waiting for Matt to come up back. cipher said much, but Albus could tell that they were all worried about what was going to happen. Albus certainly was. Albus looked up sharply as he heard the door to the elbow room candid. `` What happened ? '' he asked immediately.

Matt ran over to his supporter with a smile on his face. `` Not much. ``

`` You do n't experience to leave ? '' blush wine asked.

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

`` That 's great ! '' Albus replied. He was very relieved. It would not consume been fair for mat to have to pass on Hogwarts just because of Kaden 's stupidity.

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

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

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

`` Good, '' Amanda replied.

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

`` Pretty lots. 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, '' John said, `` I was kind of hoping we could go search it some time. ``

Matt turned and glared at him, `` Are you insane ? There 's no way I 'd take you into the shriek Shack. ``

`` It could have been like our own common room, '' John continued.

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

`` All right, mulct, '' lav sighed, `` Would 've been cool, though. ``

******

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

`` Who 's that old lady up there ? '' Amanda pointed to the faculty table. There was a short old witch with a patched and frayed hat sitting where professor Longbottom usually sat.

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

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

`` Dunno, '' Albus shrugged. He looked up towards the ceiling as the postal service owls started to go far. Rose 's phratry owl made a beeline for her and stood waiting for her to accept the varsity letter off.

pink wine took the letter of the alphabet and gave her owl a piece of toast. She opened the letter and read for a few minutes before reemerging from behind it with a Brobdingnagian smile on her face. `` prof Longbottom 's married woman has had her baby ! Her name is Lucy Augusta. That explains why professor Longbottom is n't here. ``

Albus smiled. `` That 's great. '' Albus had n't seen Hannah since the summertime, and she 'd been quite pregnant then.

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

`` wellspring, we met Professor Longbottom 's wife at the Leaky Cauldron over the summer, '' lavatory pointed out.

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

`` Oh, yeah, '' toilet remembered, `` And Professor ceramist obviously has a house. '' whoremaster grinned at Albus.

`` He does ? '' Albus opened his eyes wide in a looking of shammer jar. `` I never knew ! ``

Matt laughed, `` I wonder about the other teachers, though. ``

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

`` May I have your attending ? '' Kendrick stood up and banged his spoon against his chalice. `` Thank you. I have two announcement this morning. The low one is that it has come to my care that a few of you have not heeded my warnings about staying away from the Whomping Willow. I must tell you again how dangerous it is. ``

Albus stole a glimpse at Kaden, who was steadily turning more rap. Albus glared at him and this made him turn a bright shade of red.

`` As an added precaution, I have put a few wards around it that will inform me when someone neglect my ruler. There will be grave punishment for anyone who is caught around the tree, '' Kendrick said sternly.

`` On a tripping notation, I 'm sure as shooting you all have noticed that professor Longbottom is not here today. ``

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

`` Yes, yes, no need to worry. professor Longbottom 's wife has had a infant girl and he will be gone for a few weeks. Professor Sprout, who taught here years ago has offered to take his place until he returns, '' Kendrick gestured to the older 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 just Sunday and is well rested for form tomorrow, '' Kendrick sat back down.

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

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

`` Mine, too, '' John said.

`` I 've met her a few prison term, '' Rose commented, `` I like her. ``

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

The group spent the morning time wandering around the grounds, putting off the homework they should feature been doing. They talked some more about the map, but nobody had any melodic theme as to how to get it to work out or who could represent Wormtail. Albus also thought a lot about what Victoire had said. He was beginning to marvel if he should just forgive Kaden. It would certainly be a all lot easier than trying to ward off him, like he had been doing the past month and a half.

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

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

`` Well, I 'd been hoping we could just snub him, '' Albus told her.

`` You ca n't, Albus, '' rosebush 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 metre. ``

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

`` Maybe there 's some form of enchantment we can use to get him not to talk 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 find out eventually, '' he sighed, `` It 's only a subject of fourth dimension. He 'll find out whether Kaden gives him clues or not. He 's sassy. Kaden wo n't visualise it out until somebody tells him, but Malfoy will find out on his own. It 's only a issue of when. ``

Albus stared at his friend. Albus did not think matte would ever be friendly with Kaden again, but what he said actually made signified. Malfoy was going to determine out. `` It 's all right with you if I forgive him ? ``

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

Albus sighed. He knew the right thing to do was to just forgive Kaden. Albus knew that as soon as he made up with Kaden, Kaden would initiate hovering around them again. He just wished Kaden would feel his own booster. But it did n't look like that was going to happen anytime soon. Every time Albus saw Kaden, he was either alone or with Jesse James.

`` deprivation to go back to the castle ? '' John asked a little while later. It was starting to get blowy and cloud were rolling in. It would probably rain soon.

`` Sure, '' Albus agreed.

`` I 've got to regain Slughorn, '' Rose announced as she stood up. `` I need to talk to him about that lowest essay. Want to amount, Amanda ? '' Amanda nodded and the two daughter took off for the castle.

`` Bet she thinks she lost a point on it, '' John laughed.

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

`` What do you need to do ? '' John asked as they climbed the stairs.

`` wish to go to the Room ? '' lustrelessness suggested.

`` Sounds right, maybe we can see out how to wreak the new map, '' Albus said. `` After all, once I talk to Kaden, we wo n't be able to sneak 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 Lackland, '' Albus sighed. `` He 's my cousin. ``

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

`` No approximation. I guess we 'll just get to mess with it while Kaden 's in class. ``

The male child continued their journey up to the seventh flooring corridor. They were halfway down the sixth flooring corridor, heading towards the stairs, when mat stopped in his tracks. Albus stared at him quizzically, wondering why he had stopped. `` What 's amiss ? '' he whispered.

Matt said nothing but pulled his two friends into a nearby discharge schoolroom. He shut the room access and turned to face his booster. `` There 's people 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 lonesome one out there. ``

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

`` No you 're not, '' lavatory laughed, `` I 'm supposed to be Sirius. You 're Remus. ``

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

`` Oh, right, '' Albus replied, remembering that werewolves did stimulate ranking hearing. `` Well, what was it ? ``

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

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

`` Yeah, definitely pupil. ``

Albus breathed a sigh of relief. 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 hex. Eventually, his curiosity beat out his fearfulness. `` All right hand. ``

`` Hold out your scepter, '' flatness instructed as he opened the door. The boys crept quietly out into the corridor and walked to the corner. As they got closer, Albus could get down to make out bits of conversation.

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

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

Albus quickened his footstep. Someone was going to hex someone. He had to stop them ! Albus vaguely recognized both the vocalism, but he could n't quite seat them.

The boys rounded the recession and Albus saw why he recognized the voices. Scorpius Malfoy and Felix Willinson were standing with their wands pointed at Kaden, who was leaning on the wall, his deal shakily holding his wand out in battlefront of him. Albus stopped in his tracks, and St. John the Apostle and Matt did the Lapp. Neither Malfoy, Willinson, or Kaden had noticed them yet.

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

`` I do n't know ! '' Kaden repeated.

`` liar, '' Malfoy raised his verge a little higher.

That was it. Albus could n't have a bun in the oven to catch Malfoy interrogating his cousin like that. All his bitterly opinion toward Kaden flew out the window the moment Albus saw Kaden 's panic-stricken cheek. Albus ran forward and shouted, `` Expelliarmus ! '' Malfoy 's wand sailed out of his hand and landed on the storey a few feet down the corridor. lavatory ran forward and grabbed it.

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

`` 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 goes. ``

Albus did n't break eye contact with Malfoy, but he knew lusterlessness had gone white next to him. `` Why would you consider 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 promise him a Mudblood ! '' Albus shouted.

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

`` flavor like you 've got your first cousin 's dueling acquirement, '' Albus commented. `` Quinton Willinson is your cousin, right ? ``

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

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

`` Fine, '' Malfoy smirked, `` Guess your full cousin will get bewitch. ``

Gospel According to John burst out laughing, `` sound luck with that, seeing as I 've got your wands. ``

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 vocalism behind them said. `` That 's against the rules. ``

Albus jumped as he heard the voice and turned around to play it. It was Filch. Albus groaned inwardly. Why did Filch always have to be around ? He, Matt, King John, and Kaden all exchanged glances 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 make our wands. Clearly these four Gryffindors attacked us. ``

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

Albus stifled a jape as he followed Filch down the hallway. Nobody said anything as Filch led them into his cramped situation. It was very difficult for the six boys to fit inside and everyone was too close for comfort.

Filch went through his usual routine of filling out forms and filing them in the chastise cabinet. He smirked as he filed Albus 's frame. `` Seems you 'll have a data file nearly as big as your Father of the Church and grandfather 's by the meter you graduate. ``

Albus said zilch as Filch continued to fulfill out and lodge his forms. After what seemed like an hour, but was probably only a few minutes, Filch finished. `` You 'll let two Night 's detention. Tonight and tomorrow Nox. conform to me here. Now get out. ``

Albus did n't have to be asked twice. He was the first one out the door, followed quickly by matte, lavatory, and Kaden. After the two Slytherins left and started heading towards the dungeons, Albus began to contribute his friends up the stairs. No one said much as they walked towards Gryffindor tower. Kaden stuck to them like mortal had affixed a perm sticking charm on him, but Albus did n't listen. He needed to talk 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 common room, it was packed. There was hardly any elbow room for them. Albus wordlessly lead them up to his dormitory and shut the door behind them. St. John and lustrelessness sat down on Matt 's bed, but Albus and Kaden remained standing.

Albus was n't surely where to get down. Should he just tell Kaden that he forgave him ? Or ask him what was going on with Malfoy and Willinson ? But before Albus could decide, Kaden started the conversation.

`` I 'm sorry, '' 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 month ago.

`` For telling Malfoy, '' Kaden explained. `` I know you 're mad at me and I 'm sorry, '' his voice cracked. `` And I 'm sad for landing you lot in detainment, again. ``

`` Kaden, this one was n't your fault, '' Albus insisted, `` It was Malfoy and Willinson 's flaw. Speaking of them, want to tell us what 's been going on ? '' Albus had n't paid an Panthera uncia of attention to his cousin since their big fight over a month ago, but Albus was certainly that this was n't an isolated incident with the Slytherins.

`` They cornered me, '' Kaden whispered, `` Over a calendar month ago. They knew I hung out with you, and they wanted to experience 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 sorry, Albus, '' Kaden 's eyes watered, `` I really am. They just both pointed their wands at me, and I do n't know any secure 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 tell 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 let just listened to Victoire. There was a reason 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 secernate them. So I told them there was a tunnel but I did n't know where it went. They did n't conceive me, though. They 've been trying to get me to order them about once a hebdomad and I get hexed every clip. Madam Pomfrey fixes it, though. ``

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

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

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

`` I know, and I 'm really sorry about everything, '' Kaden replied, `` I wanted to continue it all a hidden, but- ''

`` It 's all rightfulness, '' Albus cut him off. Kaden was obviously no-count about what he had done. Albus was starting to feel really bad that he had ignored his first cousin for so long, especially when he was being threatened by Slytherins. `` And I 'm no-good I did n't heed to you before. ``

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` Did n't think so, '' Kaden replied, `` But it was worth a shot. Anyway, I have n't had a fortune to distinguish you, but I still think football is expert than Quidditch. ``

`` Are you mad ? ! '' John and Matt shouted at the same clip. Both of them had spirit 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 turned his gaze from Kaden to Albus. `` We 've got to fix this, '' he said solemnly.

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

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

`` Once you see the cannon swordplay, you 'll change your thinker, '' Matt told him as he stood up.

`` The Cannons ? '' John laughed and walked over to the door, `` Are you the insane one now ? ``

`` Not at the instant, no, '' matte smirked. can and Albus burst out laughing at John the Divine 's choice of actor's line and Kaden looked at them confusedly.

`` Another thing I do n't get to love ? '' Kaden asked.

`` Yup, '' the three former son said at the same time.

`` Anyway, '' John Lackland continued as they left the room, `` The cannon are the worst team, you do n't need to see them play. It 's not like they 'll hit it to the League Cup. ``

Matt punched him playfully in the arm, `` Do n't insult my squad like that. It 's not like Puddlemre United is doing a lot sound. ``

This time it was whoremaster 's turn to punch Matt in the arm. `` Puddlemere is better than the carom can ever hope to be. ``

lavatory and Matt continued their argument all the way down into the common room, with Kaden paying ecstatic attention. Albus smiled as he watched them. Maybe Kaden could fit in with their mathematical group after all.



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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




It did n't take tenacious for Kaden to fit himself back into Albus 's mathematical group of champion. By the end of the week, Albus, Kaden, and the others got back to their usual subroutine of doing homework in the common room after dinner. Of form, that did not start until after the boys served their hold with Filch. The caretaker had them clean almost every bathroom in the integral rook. This was a tense occasion due to the fact that Malfoy and Felix Willinson were serving the detention alongside them. Albus was quite well-chosen when the custody was over.

All in all, school 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 shove aside his persuasion of the new map during Quidditch, which pleased GA greatly. The downside to having Kaden rachis was that Albus and his former acquaintance could n't really sneak off to the way of necessity anymore, unless they wanted to bring Kaden. They all liked Kaden well enough, but none of them really wanted the younger boy to get it on about the room yet. That, and they did n't want Kaden to know about the map. He did n't even sleep together about the veritable predator 's Map. So, Albus had no alternative but to just cogitate about the map, rather than mess around with it.

As November turned into Dec, blow fell upon the undercoat and students of all age flocked to them to have snow ball fights. Albus and his champion took voice in quite a few, usually being crushed by the previous pupil. Albus enjoyed these battle immensely, but thought of the new map were always in the rachis of his intellect. He just wished they could have some time away from Kaden to inquire it some more. The opportunity to do just that arose one day in the first of December. Kaden was not doing too well in Transfiguration of Jesus and one of the older Ravenclaws had offered to tutor him and a few other first years in the library.

Albus immediately shut his charm Word after Kaden left the common elbow room. `` All right hand, he 's gone. Let 's go to the Room. ``

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

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

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

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

`` Let 's go, '' blush wine announced.

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

`` wellspring, '' Albus began. He took the map out of his bag and circularize it out on the table. `` I think we should try writing on it. You know, commemorate what I tried to tell the map hold up time ? I think I should write that on the map. ``

`` Are you out of your brain ? '' John exclaimed, `` What if you ruin it ? ``

Matt and Amanda stared at Albus in seismic disturbance, but Rose did n't look fazed at all.

`` No, listen, '' Albus continued, `` commend 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 ! '' St. John said.

`` Have you got any better estimation ? '' Albus asked.

`` Er, no, but- ''

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

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

`` Thank you, Rose. ``

`` At least pen it really small, '' lustrelessness suggested, `` That way if it is n't the good way, it wo n't mess it up. ``

Albus nodded. That made mother wit. `` All right. '' He took a thick hint. `` Here it goes. I solemnly swear that I am Messr Prongs. ``

The familiar ink appeared on the lambskin, telling Albus that he needed to prove he knew all the Marauders'enigma. He looked up at his acquaintance, who were all wearing aspect of expectancy. Albus grabbed a quill and an ink pot. He poised his calamus over the parchment and wrote in very tiny letters,

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

'Close, but not quite .'

Albus let out a loud groan as the lyric dissolved. `` I really thought that would be it ! ``

`` We 're never going to picture this out, '' John sighed.

`` Does n't matter anyway, we do n't have a Wormtail, '' mat pointed out.

`` I think that would get been too obvious anyway, '' Rose explained, `` It 's got to be something Sir Thomas More subtle. ``

`` How do we subtly tell a firearm of lambskin that we know the predator'secrets ? '' Albus wondered aloud.

`` Well, '' blush wine began, `` We 've got to commemorate that these are the Marauders. And I 'm for certain they wanted to stool it difficult for whoever found this map. ``

`` Good distributor point, '' John said.

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

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

`` And most likely grievous, '' rosiness added.

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

`` Definitely, '' Albus confirmed. The more he thought about it, the more it made gumption. The Marauders spent their Hogwarts career causing worry and doing dangerous affair. They obviously would require masses just as daring to be the succeeding Marauders.

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

`` No idea, '' Albus sighed, `` And it 's got to be something we can put on this lambskin. ``

`` What can we put on parchment that shows they were all animagi and a werewolf ? '' lustrelessness asked.

`` We could take in paw print on it, '' privy laughed.

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

`` Drawing paw prints ? '' John stared at her, `` How 's that life-threatening ? ``

`` No, not that. But the paw print musical theme, '' Rose grinned mischievously, `` We 've got to get a lycanthrope, hart, dog, and rat paw print onto the map. ``

The idea sounded ridiculous to Albus, but it did seem like the form of thing the Marauders would do. It would definitely be life-threatening to get the paw mark, and difficult as well. Not many mass would actually be able to get them all. It was subtle as well. No one would let any thought what the paw photographic print would mean unless they knew the Marauders'arcanum. The only affair he did n't like about it was the approximation of a bunch of animate being trampling the map.

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

`` Not positively charged, '' Rose answered, `` There 's only one way to come up out. What do you lot think ? ``

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

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

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

`` Good estimate, Rose, '' John agreed.

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

`` Makes sentiency, '' Matt replied.

`` So it 's settled, '' Rose announced, `` We shall put paw prints 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. ``

`` well distributor point, '' rosiness sighed. Everyone thought about this for a few consequence, then blush wine had another approximation. `` What if we use unlike pieces of parchment and then use a transference appeal to put them on the map ? ``

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

They all stared at each other and didder their principal. `` Er, that might be a problem, '' Albus sighed, `` I 'm moderately trusted that charm is well past O.W.L. ``

`` I 'll learn it, '' Rose told him, `` I 'm sure I can find it in the library somewhere. ``

`` We 're lucky you 're such a book worm, Rose, '' John 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 make for, they would still be making advancement. `` Rose, you start figuring out the transference charm, and the rest of us will get the paw print. ``

`` The dog will be easy, '' Amanda announced, `` I 've got a dog, think of ? ``

`` Oh, yeah ! '' Albus replied, `` So you can get the dog print over Dec 25. ``

`` Sure, '' Amanda grinned, `` It 'll be well-heeled. ``

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

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

Albus had wanted to figure out the map before Christmas 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 find a rat somewhere in the palace. Probably near the keep. ``

`` Great, Slytherin dominion, '' John groaned.

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

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

`` I 'll do it, '' John said after a piece, `` It should n't be that intemperate. I just hope the tour 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 hard. ``

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

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

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

`` That is a glorious melodic theme, Rose, '' Albus smiled. He did not really need to go wandering around the Forbidden Forest and not just because it was out of saltation. It would be very dangerous to go in there. `` And that just leaves- ''

`` The wolfman one, '' Matt whispered. Albus and the others turned to reckon at matte. He had been very tranquility over the past few minute of arc and Albus noticed that he was paler than usual. Albus could empathize why. The wolfman paw print could possibly be the most grave one to get.

`` You know, '' Rose said quietly, `` This is why the paw photographic print affair makes so much sense to me. I highly doubt a regular wolf print is going to work. And if this really is the way to get the map to work, the only way to get a werewolf paw print would be if a werewolf was at Hogwarts. ``

Albus thought about this and it made perfect sense. This would be one way for the Marauders to make for sure that the new marauder would bear at to the lowest degree one similarity to the originals. `` But how do we get it ? We obviously ca n't go into the Shrieking Shack the nighttime of the wide moon. ``

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

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

Albus and the rest of his friends said nothing but watched as they waited for flatness to elaborate. Albus could tell that matte really did n't want to do this, but they had to. How else would they get the map to work ?

`` We go down to the screaming shanty a couple days before the good lunar month and stick around a few pieces of self-inking parchment to the trading floor. Hopefully I 'll step on one of them and we 'll have a paw photographic print, '' matt explained quietly.

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

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

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

`` Not if we use my dad 's invisibleness cloak, '' Albus grinned. `` I 'll sneak into his subject area sometime when he 's in stratum and borrow it. ``

`` Really ? '' lusterlessness half-smiled. `` That would be not bad. ``

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

`` You three can go, '' rosiness gestured to Albus, lusterlessness, and King John, `` You 're going to be the new Marauders anyway. ``

`` Hang on, '' John interrupted, `` I thought Kendrick put up Baroness Jackson of Lodsworth 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 to get in. ``

`` Oh, right. ``

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

`` Next week, '' Matt 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 good afternoon but we do n't. Then we can sneak down to the Shrieking Shack this weekend. ``

`` perfective, '' rosebush grinned, `` And I 'll set off searching the subroutine library for the appeal. Hopefully we 'll have it figured out right after Christmas. ``

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

`` Well, I 've got homework to do, '' rose wine announced as she pulled out a few Koran from her bag.

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

The mathematical group worked silently on their homework for a spell, only talking when they needed to ask questions about it. Albus tried his best to boil down on his Transfiguration of Jesus essay, but his mind kept wandering back to the map. He wished they could get the paw photographic print faster. Albus was very anxious to find out what this map had in storage for them. Of trend, they still had to find someone to be Wormtail, but Albus tried to push that thought from his mind.

`` It 's so subdued, '' Saint John said, tapping his quill on his book.

`` Nice, is n't it ? '' Rose smiled.

`` Not really, '' John replied, `` It 's too tranquil. I 've variety of gotten used to Kaden 's intensity. ``

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

`` He 's always around us, though, '' mat laughed, `` He sort of follows us around like a pup dog. ``

`` He looks up to Albus, '' Rose explained, `` To him, Albus ca n't do anything haywire. ``

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

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

Albus shook his head teacher and looked at Rose. `` I 'm amercement. better than that, actually, '' he grinned. `` You 've just given me an idea as to who can be Wormtail. ``

`` Who ? '' whoremaster asked anxiously.

`` Kaden. ``

`` What ? ! '' privy, mat, 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 hone horse sense to him. `` You do n't see it ? ``

`` Not really, '' John said.

`` Just listen, '' Albus sighed. `` first base, we 've got to remember 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 the Evangelist and matte. `` But we need a one-fourth person. Since they have to be somehow connected through us, we ca n't just pick a random bookman. Can you think of anyone besides Kaden that we have gotten in trouble with ? ``

`` Not really, '' John the Evangelist said after a few instant muteness.

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

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

Albus looked at his friends for a second before responding. Albus talked the least about Wormtail than all the other predator. Obviously, Albus felt a trench hatred for Peter Pettigrew, and this resulted in him not wanting to utter about him. So Albus 's friends really did n't know a all 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 Marauders made this map they were friends with Wormtail. He had n't betrayed them yet. He did ingest good caliber, as much as I hate saying that, '' Albus said grimly.

`` So what are these lineament ? '' John asked skeptically.

`` Er, I 'm not sure exactly, '' Albus confessed, `` I mean, all the piranha were drained by the meter I was born, so there 's not really anyone to order 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 gramps. ``

`` Like Kaden does with you three, '' Rose commented, a look of fruition appearing on her grimace.

`` Exactly, '' Albus said, well-chosen that someone was finally understanding, `` And he used to do whatever they wanted. ``

`` speech sound like Kaden, '' flatness agreed.

`` Definitely, '' John replied.

`` You know, '' rosiness began, `` Wormtail obviously caved under scourge and Kaden did, too. ``

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

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

`` I dunno, '' Albus had n't gotten that far. There were still office 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 order him. I 'm not sure he 'll be that thrilled about being Wormtail. ``

`` Oh, I do n't fuck, '' Rose said, `` I think he wo n't bear in mind as long as he gets to be a part of this. ``

`` The map 's not the simply thing we 're going to cause to tell him, is it ? '' Matt said quietly, `` He 's going to observe out what I am. ``

This was the constituent that Albus had tried to debar thinking about ever since he first realized what they had to do to work the new map. Whoever was going to map Wormtail was going to find out that matt was a werewolf, there was no avoiding it. It was function 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 recover out on his own ; he was just too oblivious. He needed to have it away, though, if he was going to be a part of this. Otherwise, he could n't really be one of the new Marauders. Albus just had a gut flavour about that. But was it worth it to tell him ? Especially when he already told Malfoy everything Albus had told him to keep mystery ? Albus sighed, `` I think so. If we 're going to do this, Kaden will have to roll in the hay. ``

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

`` mat, '' Albus cut him off. He was getting hysteric. `` Calm down, that 's not going to occur. ``

`` How do you know ? '' lusterlessness whispered in a shaky voice.

`` Because Kaden wo n't enjoin anyone, '' rosiness interjected.

`` Not if I do n't tell him, '' mat 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 tacky voice.

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

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

`` Yes. I vaguely remember reading about it in a book. I 'm sure if I went to the library I could chance it, '' blush wine explained. `` I 'll just look for it when I 'm researching the transference charm. ``

Albus 's promise soared high again, `` first-class ! Would you be bequeath to narrate him if rose found this spell ? ``

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

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

Albus grinned. They were onto something, he could feel it. They would unlock the secrets of this new parchment. Albus was so thrill with the prognosis of finally discovering what the new map held, he could hardly sleep that night. He was n't the entirely one, either. Albus heard Matt and John the Divine tossing and turning all Night, over the sound of Ethan and Bilius 's stertor. Although, Albus suspected Matt 's sleepless night was more due to nerve than fervour. Judging by the expression on his face as they went back to the common room that even, he was still loth to let Kaden in on his biggest 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 revue !



Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.



When Albus woke up the future morning, he found that he was overcome with nerve about stealing his father 's Invisibility Cloak. Albus had been so caught up in the upheaval about the map the night before that he had n't really given it a second cerebration. But now that the mind had simmered overnight, he realized that the programme might go horribly wrong. What had he been thinking ? Stealing the Invisibility Cloak ? That was exactly what Washburn had been trying to do the previous yr. Of course, Albus was technically only borrowing the Cloak, as he intended to cabbage it back right after he was done with his deep night stroll to the shriek Shack, but still. What if his dad discovered it missing ? Was that even likely ? Albus had no idea how often Harry used his cloak nowadays. He probably did n't stimulate a lot use for it at Hogwarts because teachers could roam around wherever and whenever they wanted.

Albus did n't even sleep together where his Father of the Church kept the cloak. He was planning on just trying a summoning magic spell as King James had done to call back the marauder 's Map. Albus just hoped that the cloak attack would go just as smoothly. Harry still had n't noticed that the Map was missing. Either that or he knew St. James took it and was just letting him continue it. As Albus 's thought went to the master marauder 's Map, he remembered that he still had n't given it back to James River.

Albus remained distracted throughout his morning socio-economic class and by the time lunch came, he was almost as nervous as he had been for the get-go Quidditch couple. Nobody said much as Albus picked at his food, well nobody except Kaden. Kaden rambled on about his morning grade until he had to leave behind for Potions a scant piece later. Once he was gone, Albus was free to babble out about their plan. `` I 'm not for certain if this is going to work. ``

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

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

`` It 's got to cultivate, '' privy insisted, `` How else will we sneak down to, '' he lowered his voice, `` you know, without being caught ? ``

`` There is n't any other way, '' lusterlessness replied, `` We 'll get capture if we do n't bear the cloak. ``

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

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

`` But we 'll get caught by Filch if we try to sneak out at Nox without the cloak, '' Matt whispered.

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

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

`` Trust me, Albus, '' rose wine 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 faculty table, `` We 'll just wait a pair Sir Thomas More transactions. ``

`` I do n't recall we should all go, '' Rose announced, `` It 'll look suspicious if we all go into his office. I think just me and Albus should go. ``

`` goodness idea, '' Matt agreed, `` No one will think anything of it if the two of you go into his position. ``

Albus nodded. That was probably the salutary way to do it. If all five of them went, chances are they would make enough interference to attract another teacher. Albus was relieved that rose was going to go, though. She was much better at summoning charms than Albus was.

`` We 'll waitress for you in the Room, '' mat stood up. John and Amanda followed suit. `` See you in a bit. ``

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

Albus and Rose had lingered long enough at the mesa that the corridors were practically empty-bellied, deliver for a few straggling bookman who were much more intent on making it to class than giving Albus and Rose a secondment glance. They quietly made their way to Harry 's office, narrowly avoiding Peeves near Moaning Vinca minor 's lavatory. Judging from the loud watchword that were emitted from the john, Peeves had just finished making fun of inadequate myrtle.

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

Rose did n't appear in phased in the to the lowest degree. `` Just use Alohamora. ``

Albus looked at her skeptically. Why would Harry bother to lock his door with a charm that anyone could open ?

`` Just do it, '' rosiness insisted, `` He 's got a charm on there that recognizes his magical signature. Yours will be close enough to his that it 'll open for you, too. It worked with James I finally yr. It wo n't work with me, though. I tried. James thought it was incredibly comic. ``

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

Harry 's part looked much like it had the lastly sentence Albus had been in it. Parchment, books, and other multifaceted object were strewn around all over the lieu, cluttering up the desk, sofa, and chair. The bedroom threshold had been left opened and Albus could see that that room was just as messy, with robe laying on the bed and copy of the Prophet on the floor.

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

`` Saint 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. rose followed and soon they were in the bantam bedroom. Albus guessed that the cloak was either in Harry 's trunk or the wardrobe.

rosebush must have been thinking the same thing. She wrenched the trunk undetermined and pointed her wand at it. `` Accio Invisibility Cloak, '' she shouted. Nothing happened.

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

`` Wait, '' pink wine said as she crept closer to Harry 's trunk, `` I 'm pretty for certain Uncle Harry mentioned that you ca n't use a muster charm on the cloak. ``

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

`` We 'll do it the hard way, '' rose wine sighed, `` You take the press, I 'll lead the trunk. ''

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

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

Albus felt an immense ministration as blush wine held up the cloak. They did it ! They actually found the cloak ! zero was stopping them now. They were going to detect out the secrets of the indorse map.

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

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

Relief washed over Albus when he made it into the elbow room a few minutes later. They had n't been caught ! Albus 's bosom still beat fast with Adrenalin as he ran into the Room and grinned at his booster. The tingle of what he and Rose had done was starting to hit him. He had taken the invisibility Cloak. It was the outset Marauder-like thing he had done. He knew this was exactly what the marauder had wanted him to do. To ruin rules and not get caught.

`` Did you get it ? '' whoremonger ran over with a gleam of excitement in his eyes. matte and Amanda were compensate behind him sporting identical grins on their faces.

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

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

`` Can I hold it ? '' Matt asked in awe. Albus handed him the cloak. `` This is unbelievable, '' 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 roll in the hay him first. ``

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

`` Let me try, '' toilet took the cloak and wrapped it around himself. They spent the next few minutes 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 lustrelessness stood succeeding to him as he threw the cloak over their point. Albus had been under the cloak with James, Lily, and his cousins before, so he was used to how cramped it was, but his friends weren't.

`` sentinel it, '' John snapped as Matt stepped on his foot.

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

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

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

The boys walked slowly around the way, making sure not to debunk any of their limbs. privy and matt started to get the hang of it after a few minutes of drill and they were soon able to go a little faster.

`` perfect tense, '' Amanda announced after the fourthly time they circled the way. `` I 'm still amazed by that cloak. ``

`` What night should we do this ? '' toilet asked after they took the cloak off.

`` I say Sat because I 've got Quidditch practice that sunrise and I 'm going to have to get some sleep Fri night or Georgia will expend the whole time yelling at me to wake up, '' Albus explained, `` That beneficial with you two ? ``

`` Sure, '' John agreed. lustrelessness nodded.

`` Then we 're set, '' Albus replied, `` Saturday night, we sneak into the shrieking Shack. ``

`` You 're turning into quite the difficulty manufacturing business, Albus, '' Rose laughed, `` The Marauders would be proud. ``

******

The next day rosebush decided to jump her inquiry on the transference appeal. Albus and the others went with her and it did n't choose retentive to witness the right book. rosiness found it in a transcript of Advanced spell and after she read a bit about the appeal she decided that it was going to be difficult but not out of the question for her to do. She decided to master that appeal before trying to find oneself the charm to keep Kaden tranquillity. That one was going to be backbreaking to discover since they did n't even cognize the name of it. climb up checked out the Advanced good luck charm rule book under the menacing glare of lady Pince. It looked to Albus like she was just burning to demand what they were up to and deny them the record book. But, she could n't since the book was n't in the Restricted Section.

Rose spent the following few days trying to image the appeal out. There was n't much Albus could do to assist her, so he just did his preparation and watched her. Albus thought the charm looked incredibly complicated and he was glad that Rose had volunteered to learn it. blush wine was having a bit of trouble mastering the charm, though. By the time Sabbatum nighttime rolled around, she still had n't managed to reproduce much of anything. Albus kept reassuring her that she would eventually get it. The charm was well beyond the O.W.L. storey and it stood to reasonableness that it would be hard for her. This did not suit Rose well and she was quite frustrated by it. If there was one matter that drove Rose mad, it was having trouble learning something.

`` Why do n't you take a break ? '' Albus suggested while they were in the common room on Saturday Night. `` You 've been at it for days. ``

`` Maybe you 're right, '' Rose sighed. She had been trying for the preceding hour to multiply her name onto another piece of lambskin. `` I 'll just unbend for a while. '' She pulled out her Transfiguration book and opened it to one of the posterior chapters.

`` I do n't get it on how you can consider that relaxing, '' John screwed up his face in disgust.

`` What are you doing anyway ? '' Kaden asked loudly, looking up from his Herbology essay.

`` extra cite charms preparation, '' rosebush lied.

`` Oh, '' Kaden looked vaguely shocked that pink wine would postulate superfluous credit.

`` I 'm doing it for the fun of it, '' blush wine explained.

`` You 'll get it eventually, '' Kaden told her, `` You 're voguish. ``

`` Thanks, Kaden, '' Rose smiled at him.

Albus had no doubtfulness that rosebush would work out the charm out eventually. It was just taking her longer than she expected. Albus was in no thrill because the charm would be useless until they got all the paw prints they needed. That would n't happen until after Christmas. bathroom had n't managed to encounter a rat in Potions on Friday, but he was keeping his middle peeled.

The chemical group stayed in the rough-cut way for another couple hours, waiting until it was completely empty. Albus thought Kaden would never go to bed, but shortly after eleven he finally gave in to his weariness and went up to his dormitory. Eventually, Albus and his protagonist were the only ones left.

`` Ready ? '' Albus asked. john and lustrelessness nodded. Albus rummaged in his bag and pulled out the cloak. `` I 've got the lambskin in my robe. I think we 're set. ``

`` Let 's do it, '' King John stood up.

`` trade good luck, '' Amanda said as the three boys pulled the cloak around themselves. `` We 'll be waiting. ``

`` See you in a bit, '' Rose told them as she held the portrait assailable for them to forget. `` Do n't get caught. ``

`` We wo n't, '' Albus assured her. `` I 've got the Map. '' Albus was n't nearly as anxious about sneaking out of the castling as he had been about stealing the cloak. And clearly he was breaking more rules this eve than he had the former 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 worry with another teacher.

Whatever the grounds, Albus felt almost excited about this evening. The just clip he had really snuck out after curfew was when he had his first Occlumency dream the previous year. Tonight 's dangerous undertaking was a much secure context. Besides, Albus was a bit excite about following the tunnel to the Whomping willow and seeing the inside of the Shrieking Shack. He felt variety of shamed about this because he knew lusterlessness did n't want them to and was only agreeing to this for the sake of the new map.

Albus motioned for them to hold on before they started down the steps. He took out the Map and scanned it for a couple minutes. Filch was currently striding along the third trading floor corridor. They would have to be careful about that. They could easily run right into him. Peeves was flitting around a schoolroom on the quaternary floor, no question wreaking havoc for one of the teachers to fix in the morning. Luckily, all of the teachers were in their offices. 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, Saint John, and matt continued their conservative trek down to the ingress Hall, with Albus glancing at the Map every few minutes. The son made it down to the third floor corridor without trouble, but Albus immediately noticed Filch creeping along the corridor, muttering about brazen children. Albus gave his friends a worried looking as they quietly moved towards the approximate stair case. Albus held his hint as Filch passed them. Filch continued on his way without even noticing the three invisible boy. Albus was very happy when they made it onto the second level and even happy when they got to the front doors and found that Filch left them unlocked. That was the one thing that could have gone wrong with their plan. heighten had tried to learn him a few more than complex unlocking enchantment but he was n't very serious at them and was hoping he would n't need to use them.

`` Made it ! '' John let out a huge breathing space once the castle threshold were shut.

`` Not quite, '' lustrelessness replied.

`` Yeah, but at least we can sing now. I wish this cloak would cover up noise, too. Reckon we can ask 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 desire to have to explain why he was sneaking down to the Whomping Willow in the dead of dark if the lovable half-giant caught them.

The three boys continued along the path that lead them through the grounds. There was about six inches of coke on the undercoat and the air was bitingly cold. Albus was glad he remembered his cloak, but was still a bit chilly. He continued to check the Map every distich of proceedings, but so far the grounds were deserted. Albus had hoped they would be able-bodied to walk quick once they were on the grounds, but he had been wrong. It was still awkward for the three of them to bide 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 keep going. ``

Albus looked from his friend 's tired human face to the sky. The almost full moon was shining down on the earth, illuminating it plenty that Albus had n't bothered to light his wand. `` We should stimulate done this earlier in the week, '' Albus commented, remembering the black detainment with Filch the other month.

`` No, I 'm alright, '' flatness assured him, `` It wo n't be entire until Tuesday. ``

Albus looked at him skeptically but did n't say anything else. He and John the Evangelist slowed down their pace to equal mat 's, although Albus thought it would be better for them to race up in decree to reach the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree faster. Eventually, they reached the Whomping Willow. The three boys paused just beyond the reach of the branches and Albus and John looked to Matt for instructions.

`` We 're not going to be able-bodied to get into the hole wearing the cloak, '' Matt explained. Albus nodded and took it off, stuffing it into his robe. `` All right, '' mat continued, pulling out his wand. `` I 'll just invalid the wards. '' He muttered something quietly and pointed his wand at the Tree. Albus strained to take heed to the enchantment but he could n't find out it.

`` Now what ? '' lavatory asked, jumping out of the way of one of the branches.

Matt walked around to the other side of the tree with Albus and John following. lustrelessness bent grass over, searched through the snow, and picked up a retentive peg, stumbling and shivering a little as he stood up. He pressed his hand to his chief, wincing a little. `` Headache, '' he answered to Albus and John 's questioning stares. He dodged one of the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree 's ramification and stuck the tenacious stick into the tree diagram 's proboscis. The branches immediately freeze down and the Whomping Willow looked just as chasten as any of the early Tree on the footing. `` Quick, before they start again, '' mat stumbled towards the Tree and disappeared down the passageway.

Albus, who had already been in the tunnel once, gestured for St. John to go first. Albus followed his friends and made it into the cakehole just as the arm started flailing again. Albus and John lit their baton and looked around the halter tunnel while lusterlessness put the wards back up.

`` Let 's go, '' matte announced once he was done.

`` This is honestly pretty cool, '' toilet said in awe as they started down the passageway, `` Kinda spooky, but cool. '' Matt sent him a dirty flavor. `` I mean, besides the whole werewolf thing, '' can replied quickly.

Albus could see what John meant. It was form of a neat tunnel, although very dark and sort of damp. The beneficial thing was that it was slightly warmer than outside. The ceiling was low and Albus had to crouch down a footling in order to take the air. There were rock candy and ascendant along the path, but the whole atmosphere was quite agitate. Albus loved wandering through secret passageways and this one was n't any different. He was excited about finally being capable to survey 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 12 school rules to do it, but it was worth it.

They followed the tunnel for what felt like at least a half hr. The boot of it was beginning to wear off as Albus got colder. The month of December was not a commodious time to be doing this. By the prison term they reached the scream hovel, Albus was prepare to crawl into his fond four-poster bed and go to kip. John 's excitement had waned as well and he was looking disgruntled from the long, chilly walk. Matt, despite the fact that they were no longer being pelted by the Moon, did n't look much improve 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 draw it here before the replete moon ? '' John asked, out of breathing place. `` You 're practically falling asleep by the time you go down here. ``

`` I 'm ... not really ... sure, '' Matt replied in between breathing space, `` brothel keeper Pomfrey ... helps. ``

`` wellspring, next prison term I ca n't kip I 'll just walk up and down this a few fourth dimension, '' John joked.

`` In. Here, '' Matt panted as he opened an old looking door that creaked as he opened it. Albus and John quietly followed him through it, into a very weakly looking room.

Albus was shocked at what he saw. Broken furniture lay everywhere, a lot of it covered in dry blood. There was n't anything that remained kept. while of tables, electric chair, and couches were all over the seat with bite marks on them. There was a staircase nearby that looked like it had been gnawed on numerous times. Albus swallowed as he realized that his friend was the one who caused all the damage.

`` What did all this ? '' John the Evangelist asked slowly.

Matt glared at him. `` Use your Einstein, '' he snapped.

John looked from him to the broken furniture and back again. `` Oh, '' he said quietly, `` Sorry. ``

`` It 's all right hand, '' Matt sighed and sat down on the trading floor near the fireplace. He leaned his mind against the wall. `` See why I did n't really desire you to hail here ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus and John nodded.

`` It 's one thing for you to know 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 Shack during the fully moon. `` But you 're not really you then. You 're the wolf. ``

`` I guess, '' mat said quietly.

`` You know what we could do, though, '' John replied, `` Become Animagi. ``

`` What ? ! '' Albus and mat shouted at the Lapp time.

`` Become Animagi, '' john repeated, `` If we 're trying to get the next Marauders, we might as well do it properly. ``



A/N : Bit of a cliffy ! But I had to depart a new chapter somewhere. Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight. Thanks as well to XDNLxtlz99, potterfan89, Moonylupin, smirkyhaha, Denas, myself, and Gospel According to Luke for their reviews !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Albus had to admit the thought did cross his thinker every once in a while. But really, it was n't very realistic. Yes, the Marauders had done it, but they were favorable it had worked out all right. There was a reason that hardly anyone could become an Animagus and why you had to be registered with the Ministry. Plus, they were only second age. The Marauders had n't done it until their fifth year. They were exceptionally impertinent, too. Well, three of them were. Albus did n't think he was anywhere near good enough at Transfiguration to pull it off. rose wine was probably the merely one of them who had a opportunity at succeeding. And even though Rose did not hesitate to break rules when she needed to, there was no way she would agree to this. `` Oh come on, John, we ca n't be Animagi. ``

`` Why not ? '' privy asked, `` The marauder did it. ``

`` They were really fresh, '' Albus explained, `` I 'm definitely not that smart. And what did you get on your utmost Transfiguration test ? A 50 or something ? ``

`` 55, thank you, '' John corrected him, `` And we 'd figure it out. Rose could facilitate us. ``

`` But this is n't as simple as figuring out a magical spell for 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 have problem with this. ``

`` It 's worth the risk of exposure, '' John said adamantly, `` I do n't care if I mess up a few times. I 'll just try again. ``

`` That 's the matter. Sometimes when you mess up, you do n't get the luck 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 hold out year because he knew the thought would cross my psyche. He 'll know if I try and he wo n't let me do it. I 'd consider trying when we 're older, but definitely not right now. ``

trick sighed, `` It would be neat if we could, though. I mean, we would be the ultimate new vulture then. imagine if we could even change into the like animals the Marauders were. I fancy myself as a dog. ``

`` I could see that, '' Albus agreed, relieved that John seemed to accept the fact that Albus was n't going to stir on the emergence. `` I do n't have sex if I 'd be a stag, 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 detent, not a big aplomb dog like you 'd be, but a lilliputian chihuahua or something that 's always bark and jumping. ``

`` Definitely, '' privy laughed, `` It could n't ache to research Animagi, though. I mean, if anyone asks we could say it 's for extra recognition. ``

`` My dad would see right through that one, '' Albus told him.

`` DOE n't matter, '' matte said quietly. He had been exceptionally quiet ever since trick had first mentioned the approximation. `` You ca n't become Animagi with me on the good lunar month. ``

`` Why ? '' John asked. `` We know it 's grievous. 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 wolf's bane did n't work for me. Amy has ever since she first saw me after a transformation. My parents actually started working on it. But then they decided to have me do the Aconitum lycoctonum study instead. You see, if anyone is with me as an Animagus on the full moonlight, I wo n't hurt myself and it 'll seem like the potion actually worked. It 'll mess up up the study big clock time. My parents decided it would be better for me to find a potion that would work than to have to swear on other people 's Animagus abilities. They even forbade Amy from trying it ; she was n't very glad. ``

Albus had n't thought about that. He was actually a little sticking. He did n't want to turn an Animagus behind his dad 's back. It was one thing to steal the Invisibility Cloak for a couple solar day, but to abstract around as an animate being every full synodic month ? That was just too close for Albus 's liking. He hoped that John would collapse up on the thought now.

`` But if the study ever ends without finding me a potion that works, I wo n't block you from trying. ``

`` Sounds fair, '' John replied, `` How long does the sketch go ? ``

`` No idea. Probably at least another two years. It all depends on how many different forms of wolfbane multitude come up with, '' flatness closed his eyes and leaned his head against the wall again.

`` headache still there ? '' Albus asked. flatness nodded without opening his eyes. `` Let 's hurry up, then. Where should we put the lambskin ? ``

`` room behind the stair, '' lusterlessness shakily stood up. `` That way ma'am Pomfrey does n't see it. ``

`` We 'll do it. You stay here, '' can gently pushed his friend back onto the floor. `` How much parchment should we put down ? ``

`` How much did you bring ? ``

`` About a half bun, '' Albus pulled a partially used bun of parchment out of his cloak.

`` All of it, then. luck are virtually of it will get ripped. ``

Albus nodded and stood up. He walked over to the step with King John following and saw the small way matte was talking about. It was also filled with various broken objet d'art of furniture. `` We should n't have done this tonight. I did n't even guess about the moon. ``

`` Me neither, '' John shook his read/write head as he bent down to move some of the piece of furniture aside. `` But it 's not as bad as the time with the detention. I think he 'll be ok. ''

`` Yeah. He can sleep all tomorrow if he wants, '' Albus commented as he ripped musical composition off the rolling wave of parchment.

`` Him and me both, '' John yawned. `` Was n't expecting the burrow to be that long. ``

`` Me neither, but it is a long way from the grounds to Hogsmeade, so it makes sense. ``

Albus finished ripping the lambskin and the two male child each took a stack to affix to the floor. It took them a few mo and once they were done, the room was covered in slice of parchment.

`` I can see why he did n't want ma'am Pomfrey to see, '' John laughed as he re-lit his wand.

`` It would definitely stir some questions, '' Albus lit his own wand. `` Let 's just hope this whole kit and caboodle. I ca n't see any former way to safely get a lycanthrope 's paw print. ``

The two boys took one more look at the sheepskin coated way and then went back to the large principal way. Matt was right where they left him, leaning against a partially unwrap chair. Albus nudged him awake.

`` Finished ? '' lusterlessness yawned.

`` Yup, let 's get back to the castling, '' Albus helped his ally up and the three of them left the shack.

The slip back through the tunnel took a lot farsighted than when they were going to the shack. All three male child were incredibly tired and the shiver had worn off for Albus and Saint John the Apostle. Albus glanced at his watch as they neared the end of the burrow and saw that it was nearly 1:30. He was very happy they had done this on a weekend.

`` It 's severely getting out than getting in, '' lustrelessness said tiredly as he removed the wards. `` Whoever goes first has to dodge the branches and then push the knot on the trunk for the other two. ``

Albus and trick looked at each early, for both of them knew lustrelessness was too exhausted to be able to dodge the branches 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 trunk for the Calidris canutus. His hand made contact with it and the branches immediately froze. `` You can come out now, '' he whispered through the passageway.

Albus stood aside and pulled the Invisibility Cloak out of his cloak. matte appeared out of the hole 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 flatness re-set the wards.

`` You ok ? '' John asked Albus once they were back on the way of life leading to the castle.

`` Yeah. Just got me in the shoulder joint, '' Albus replied. His shoulder stung and he could feel some blood dripping down his arm, but he could n't go see ma'am Pomfrey. She would eff immediately what gave him the wounding and would no doubt insist on knowing what they were up to.

The boys trudged along through the coldness night air. Albus looked up to the sky and saw that fatheaded cloud were moving in. It would probably snow soon. Of course of study, Albus would be much too tired the future day to savour it, so it did n't much matter. It was deserving it, though. Within a few daylight they would have one of the four paw photographic print needed to unlock the enigma of the new map.

A little while later they reached the castle doors. Albus glanced quickly at the Map and saw that Filch was up on the sixth floor and Peeves was in Moaning Vinca minor 's lav. No one else was wandering around. Albus grasped the handle of the doorway and pushed. It did not shift. He tried again, but no fate. `` Filch must 've remembered to lock up it ! '' Albus muttered.

`` Try one of those spells Rose taught you, '' John suggested.

Albus nodded and pointed his wand at the handle. He muttered a spell but the threshold remained lock in. He tried a few more, but none of them worked. `` I think we 're locked out ! '' Albus said in a terrified tone.

`` We 're locked out ? '' John questioned and pushed the doorway himself, `` What do we do now ? ``

`` What do you mean we 're locked out ? '' matt groaned, `` It was just unlocked a pair hr ago ! ``

`` I know it was, '' Albus replied anxiously, `` Filch must 've locked it ! ``

`` We ca n't last out out here all dark ! '' Matt 's phonation cracked, `` We 'll freeze ! ``

Albus swallowed hard as panic filled his consistency. What were they going to do now ? Albus had been worrying mostly about getting out of the rook and into the burrow without getting caught that the thought of being locked out had n't even crossed his mind. I mean, what were the chances of the doors being unlocked when they left and locked when they came back ? But what would they do ? They could n't last out out here, it was freezing and would hoodwink soon. All three of them were shivering. `` Any chance either of you knows how to conspire a Patronus ? '' Albus asked, thinking of the only way he knew to contact Rose and Amanda.

`` Are you mad ? '' John asked. `` We 're only mo years. ``

`` well, have you got any bright ideas on how to tell Rose and Amanda we 're locked out ? ``

John thought for a minute before answering, `` You could get around into the Scots heather shed and steal a heather. Then fly it up to Gryffindor Tower. ``

`` Now you 're mad. I 'll get seen by soul. What if one of the professors is looking out their window ? Or one of the students ? ``

`` Wear the Invisibility Cloak, '' John replied.

`` Then you two will get seen. And if I 'm wearing the Cloak then rosebush and Amanda wo n't see me. ``

`` Oh, right hand, '' John sighed. `` How about Hagrid ? ``

`` Then we 'll get in hassle, '' Albus reminded him, although unless they did n't opine of something else soon, they would hold to go to Hagrid's.

`` Well, we 've got to think of something soon. He 's got to get away from the moon, '' John gestured to flatness who was leaning against the door and breathing heavily.

`` The moonshine 's almost covered by clouds, '' Albus pointed out, `` But then we 'll suffer to concern about being snowed on. ``

`` Wonderful, '' John groaned. `` Maybe we can curl up in chain reactor of blow like wolves do and hold warm that way. ``

`` Very odd, '' 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 fuss, but how a great deal ? Would they just get detention or would it be worse ? compass point would be taken away for sure, and that would not go over well with the other Gryffindors.

`` Hey, postponement ! '' King John 's facial expression brightened a bit, `` What about the screech Shack ? We could just go back there and spend the night. Then we 'll sneak back in tomorrow cockcrow after Filch has unlocked the doors again. ``

`` That 's ... that 's, '' Albus thought about this for a moment. `` Not actually a bad theme. We 'll be inside and we wo n't get caught. ``

John grinned. `` Let 's go, '' he poked Matt in the side.

`` What ? '' Matt opened his eyes.

`` We 're going back to the shanty, '' John the Divine explained.

`` Great, '' lusterlessness said sarcastically, `` I get to pass another Night there. You two could n't derive up with a different idea ? ``

`` Nope, '' John answered, `` I 'd say it was pretty vivid myself, so unless you 've got a better one, we 're going. ``

Matt sighed, `` Oh, fine. But we 're not making a wont of this. ``

`` Me and Albus are n't, '' toilet laughed, `` But you already do. ``

`` Oh, shut it, '' Matt groaned, `` Let 's just go. ``

Albus could n't help oneself but experience a tiny bit commove about spending the nighttime in the hutch. It would definitely be the worst thing he had ever done, as far as breaking principle was concerned. He also felt queasy about it. What if they did get caught ? What if rose and Amanda started to get disquieted and told someone about their plan ? Albus pushed that thought out of his mind. Rose 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 trouble. The three of them would pass the night in the shack and that would be that. When morning came they would swipe back into the rook and no one would be the wiser. This might actually be kind of fun ; it was thrilling and a tad bit life-threatening. Something the Marauders would ingest done. Who knows, maybe they even had done it on occasion.

The trip back to the shack, though exhausting, was uneventful. St. John, like Albus, had a aspect of excitation in his center when the three of them entered the hut once more. matte looked like he did n't deal where they were, as long as there was some place he could sleep.

`` This is reasonably cool, '' John grinned, `` Spending the night in Hogsmeade. ``

`` It 's going to be common cold, though, '' Matt shivered, `` There are n't any heating charms in here. ``

`` warmer than outside, '' Albus commented as he stowed the cloak back in his gown. `` Are there any lights in here ? ``

`` Nope, '' mat replied. `` We 'll just deliver to save our wands lit. ``

`` What do you need to do now ? '' john asked with a look of shenanigan on his face, `` So many possibilities in this place .... ''

`` How about we go to bed ? '' Matt suggested sarcastically.

Albus, although excited about spending the dark in the hovel, was extremely sap and all he wanted to do was sleep. `` Are there any beds here ? ``

`` One, '' matt answered. He led Albus and can up the step and into the just bedroom. There was one large bed and a wardrobe, both surprisingly still intact. `` They 're charmed to be indestructible, '' Matt answered Albus 's questioning look.

John hopped onto the bed and started jumping on it. `` Now we 're talking ! This bed is excellent for jumping. ``

`` Ca n't say I 've ever tried it before, '' lusterlessness joined him on the bed and started jumping as well. `` You 're veracious, it is quite overnice for jumping. ``

Albus jumped up with them and agreed. The bed was commodity for jumping. Even better than James 's. William James, Albus, and Lily had spent many hours jumping on James 's bed, always to be interrupted and yelled at by their mother. The boy continued jumping on the bed and goofing off for a couple second. Albus smirked to himself as he remembered a story his Aunt Hermione had told him about monkeys jumping on a bed.

`` What 's so funny ? '' John asked.

`` Just wondering who 'll be the world-class to devolve off and break his head, '' Albus laughed.

`` What ? '' John asked and Matt started to laugh as well.

`` It 's a Muggle history, '' Albus explained and proceeded to tell whoremonger the taradiddle of the monkeys.

`` It 's amazing what Muggles come up with for stories, '' John shook his brain and jumped off the bed, landing on his feet like a cat. `` I do n't opine any of us are going to break our heads. ``

`` Mine smell like it 's broken, '' Matt announced as he jumped off the bed. He did n't land as gracefully as John and fell on his arm. `` Ow ! ``

Albus jumped down side by side to him. `` You ok ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Matt pointed his lit verge at his arm. `` No stock. ``

`` Good, '' lav 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 mass wake up. ``

`` There 's more blanket 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 lav each grabbed a brace blankets and got into the bed alongside lustrelessness. It was a good affair the bed was so big, Albus thought. It was much bigger than the four-poster bottom in Gryffindor.

`` He 's already asleep, '' John commented as he lay down.

`` Good, '' Albus replied, `` Maybe his headache will go away. Good night. ``

`` 'Night. ``

******

Albus woke up the next morning to slivers of calorie-free shining through the boarded up windows. Boarded up windows ? There were n't boarded up windows in the dormitory. Albus 's eyes shot unfastened and he glanced around at his surroundings. Oh, veracious. The memories of the previous night flooded Albus as he realized that he was in the shriek Shack. Albus sat up and yawned. He felt more timeworn this morning than he had the previous Night. One look at his watch 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 rook quickly anyway, if they wanted to sneak 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 expect a trip to the hospital wing. Albus shook John the Evangelist with his uninjured arm. `` St. John the Apostle, wake up ! ``

`` No, lem me sleep, '' Saint John groaned and turned away from Albus.

`` Get up or we 'll get caught, '' Albus pushed him again.

`` Do n't care, '' John murmured.

`` I 'll push you out of bed, '' Albus warned. John muttered something incoherent and did n't be active. `` You asked for it, '' Albus muttered and rolled whoremonger over to the edge of the bed. He gave him one final jog and whoremaster fell off the edge of the bed with a loud thump.

`` What the hell ? '' John Lackland shouted, sitting up with a stun 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 castling or soul 's going to see us fall out of the tree. ``

`` Oh, fine, '' lav 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 mantle and stowed them back in the wardrobe so ma'am Pomfrey would n't get suspicious.

`` You going to promote him off the bed too ? '' St. John pointed to matt 's sleeping strain as he stood up.

`` No, '' Albus replied simply.

`` Where 's the justice ? '' bathroom muttered.

Albus grinned and shook Matt awake. `` We 've got to get back to the castle. We 'll sleep Sir Thomas More there. ``

Matt groaned and got out of bed. `` I think I 'd rather just stay here. ``

`` I would n't suggest 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 John to Albus and back again. `` Yes. ``

The son left the shack quickly and started the long journey back to the Whomping willow tree. All three of them were dragging and Albus was very happy that he did n't bear 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 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 Matt was finished warding the tree and they set off for the palace. Since it was still early, the only one on the grounds was Hagrid. There were several more inch of snow and by the clip 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 Charles Martin Hall, '' Albus pointed to their two dots on the map. `` But hardly anyone else is, and no one 's in the entranceway Hall, so I think we 're good. '' Albus pushed the doors open 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, '' flatness told them, `` My arm still hurts, look. '' He pulled the sleeve of his gown up and showed them his smutty and blue arm. `` I do n't cerebrate it 's broken, but it still hurts. ``

`` My berm still hurts, '' Albus replied, `` I guess I 'll deliver to go, too. ``

At that moment, Rose and Amanda left the Great Hall and stopped a couple feet away from the son. Gospel According to John pointed to where they were and Albus turned around. Both girls had a compounding of ministration and wrath on their faces. rosiness 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 first cousin 's anger.

`` Room, now, '' rosiness seethed and stalked off towards the step with Amanda at her side.

Albus, John the Divine, and flatness followed wordlessly. All melodic theme of going to the Hospital Wing were driven from Albus 's thinker. Of course of instruction, after seeing blush wine, he would much rather have been bombarded with doubtfulness about his shoulder than going to the elbow room with his cousin.

nonentity said a Good Book until they were in the way. Albus, lavatory, and lustrelessness sat side by side on the couch, but Rose and Amanda remained standing in front of them. `` Explain yourselves ! '' rosebush 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 middle of the night, but it had to be done. What other alternative did we have ? It was dependable than the alternative. How else were you going to get the paw print ? I thought the architectural plan would work. We had it all set. You three would hook down there and put the sheepskin on the trading floor and then sneak back up. simple. '' Rose stopped and began to stride around the room.

`` There were all sort of affair that could 've gone amiss, '' Amanda picked up where Rose left off. `` Filch, for one. Or one of the instructor. Peeves, even. Or how about when you got onto the grounds ? There are all sorts of animals wandering around at night. Not to mention the Whomping Willow itself. ``

`` So what were we supposed to think when you three never showed up ? ! '' rose wine raised her voice 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 warning feeling. He knew it was never ripe to interrupt Rose when she was on a rampage.

`` Shut up, John ! We thought some variety of animal had you ! Or even worse, that Washburn had come back for the Hallows and found you and nobble 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 own some fun last night. You know I was this close to telling Uncle Harry this break of the day. I wanted to go Night, but Amanda convinced me to look until aurora. Of course now I wish I had n't waited. Maybe a couple detentions would teach you not to persist out all night ! ``

`` rosebush, '' Albus said tentatively, `` Just let us excuse. ``

`` Go ahead, Albus, '' blush wine glared at him. `` Convince me that what you did last night was n't just folly. ``

`` We got locked out, '' Albus explained, `` The doors 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 spell you taught me, but none of them worked. So we decided to spend the night in the Shrieking hut. And you 're right, it was variety of fun. ``

Rose and Amanda stared at him, dumbstruck. Neither of them said a Son for the succeeding arcminute. Albus and the other male child did n't defy say a Logos either. `` Well, '' Rose said quietly, `` Er, that does explain things. I 'm, uh, disconsolate I yelled at you. ``

`` It 's all right, '' Albus assured her.

`` But Albus ? '' pink wine began, `` You could 've just gone to the Owlery and sent me a quick note telling me that you were locked out. Then we would 've at least have a go at it what was going on. ``

Albus, John, and Matt turned to count at each other. Albus felt his cheeks turning red. Of line ! Why had n't he thought of that ? The only means of communication Albus had thought of was a Patronus. But the result was there all along, a dim-witted owl. He could have just made a immediate trip to the owlery before they went back to the Shack.

`` We 're idiots, '' whoremonger muttered softly.

`` Yes, but you 're our idiots, '' Rose laughed. `` Now, are you going to tell us about your little adventure ? ``

Albus, John, and Matt spent the future half hour relaying every detail of their trips to the Shrieking Shack the previous night. Rose and Amanda both found it very flirt with, especially the part about Albus pushing St. John off the bed.

After they were done telling the story, all five of them went to the hospital wing so Albus and matte could get their lesion healed. Madam Pomfrey was sitting at her desk when they arrived and the Mrs. Humphrey Ward was completely deserted of other patient. She took one feeling at the Gryffindors and came bustling out from behind the desk. `` You lot again ? What have you gotten yourselves into this time ? ``

`` Just these two, '' whoremaster pointed at Albus and Matt.

Madam Pomfrey took one surd looking at at Matt and announced, `` You were exterior net night. Was someone giving you hold ? ``

`` Er, no. ``

Madam Pomfrey looked at him for a few bit longer and sighed, `` Go sit down on a bed, both of you. ``

Albus and Matt sat down on one of the bottom and Madam Pomfrey returned a few moments later with a tray laden with potions. She told Matt to drink them all, which he did. `` My arm 's all bruised, too, '' matte pulled up his sleeve, `` I tripped over a volume. ``

Madam Pomfrey clucked her glossa and pulled out her baton. She had his arm healed in an split second. `` I trust you 'll get some sopor today ? Or do I have to make you stay here ? ``

`` I 'll sleep, I promise, '' Matt replied quickly.

`` What about you ? '' the nurse turned to Albus.

`` scathe my shoulder, '' Albus answered, not elaborating on the subject. He pulled up his arm to reveal his injured shoulder.

Madam Pomfrey studied it for a import, then she cleaned it. Albus winced as the potion she used on it stung. The nursemaid looked at the injury for a little while retentive and she looked from Albus to matte 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 live night, do n't do it again, '' Madam Pomfrey said sternly, looking Albus and then Matt in the eye, `` I wo n't assure prof Longbottom this fourth dimension, or your father, '' she said to Albus, `` But succeeding meter I will. ``

Albus breathed a suspiration of relief as lady Pomfrey healed his shoulder with one swift wave of her wand. He 'd feature no trouble keeping his parole 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 tree next 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 problem doing that. He was practically falling asleep as he walked. The mathematical group went back to the common way and the boys immediately headed for their dormitory. Albus changed into his pajamas and climbed into his lovesome 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, Luke, smirkyhaha, Moonylupin, and hermionieforever for their review !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


By the metre Albus woke up it was already dinner sentence, which was good because he was starving. whoremaster and Matt woke up shortly after Albus did. All three of them were feeling practically bettor now that they 'd gotten a decent sum of sleep.

`` set up to do that again ? '' St. John asked as he was putting on his brake shoe.

Despite the fact that Albus did have fun on their adventure cobbler's last dark, he did not want to repeat it. `` Are you mental ? '' Albus glared at him.

`` Kidding, kidding, '' John laughed.

`` You do realize that we 'll have to go get the paw print, '' matt reminded them.

Albus and bathroom looked at each other. The Sojourner Truth was, Albus really had n't thought about that. `` Er, ca n't you just bestow with you back to the castle ? ``

`` I 'm usually unconscious, '' matte replied, `` But I can try. ``

Albus really hoped Matt would be able-bodied to get the paw mark. What were the prospect that they 'd be able to sneak down to the shanty again and not get caught ? Surely Filch would n't forget to shut away the doorway twice. Plus, what would happen if they get locked out again ?

`` Albus ! '' a loud voice shouted as soon as Albus, can, and Matt descended into the common elbow room. Kaden came running over to them with his usual tone of fervour in his eyes.

`` Hey, Kaden, '' Albus greeted him. `` We 're just going to dinner. ``

`` Me, too. I 'll go with you, '' Kaden fell into step 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 dormitory 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 fille, they do foreign things, '' John said.

`` Why were you sleeping, though. It 's the day. ``

`` We were tired, '' Matt answered simply.

`` Why ? ``

`` Stayed up late doing homework finale night, '' John lied, `` We 've got a ton of it and there 's still more to do tonight. It 's what happens after get-go yr. They bombard you with even Thomas More homework. ``

`` Guess I 've got that to look forward to, '' Kaden sighed, `` Oh, well. ``

The male child did spend their intact evening doing all the homework they had n't done the night before. Kaden stared at them the unscathed time, no dubiety thinking of next year, when he would have to spend his unharmed weekend doing prep. Albus felt form of bad that they told him that and he was now form of dreading his second yr, but he 'd regain out soon enough that that was n't straight. What else could they have told him, though ? They could n't say a give-and-take about the new map until rose found the charm to observe him quiet about it.

******

The day of the full-of-the-moon Moon came quickly and Albus could n't centralise on any of his classes. He could only think about the map, and how they would be one stair closer to revealing it after tonight. He would also soon have it off if another trip to the shack was going to be essential. Of course, it may be that Thomas More than one to a greater extent slip would be needed, if they did n't get the step tonight. There was the hypothesis that all the lambskin would be destroyed. Albus did n't want to think about that, though. He just clung to the idea that they would be able to get a paw mark tonight and that Matt would be able to bring it back the next morning.

matte skipped his good afternoon classes and spent the fourth dimension sleeping in the room of prerequisite. Once Albus and the others had finished dinner and snuck out of the Great manor hall before Kaden noticed, they went up to the Room. They did n't consume much fourth dimension 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, '' John 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 infirmary wing. ``

`` Hi, hombre ! '' Kaden shouted once they entered the vulgar way. Albus, St. John, Rose, and Amanda went over to the table Kaden was sitting at, which was strewn with parchment 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 tell anyone about ? ``

`` Right, '' Albus confirmed. His cousin could be so dense sometimes. Albus pulled out a few of his books and tried to concentrate on his homework. Kaden kept babbling on and on about some potion that he was going to be brewing the future day, which he was very excited about. Albus tried to tune up him out, but he could n't. Albus had a tactile sensation even if Kaden was n't running a streaming comment about his potions class he still would n't be capable to center. His completely mind was consumed with thoughts about the map. He sighed and closed his book. None of his homework was due tomorrow anyway. `` I do n't really finger like doing prep tonight. ``

`` I never do, '' John muttered and continued writing his pa essay that was due the next day.

`` Hey, Kaden ? '' Albus suddenly got an musical theme that would occupy both his and Kaden 's even. `` Ever played chess ? ``

`` Yeah. My mum instruct me. ``

`` Ever played adept 's chess ? '' Albus grinned at him.

`` What ? '' Kaden 's look lit up, `` superstar have their own chess ? ``

`` Sure do, '' Albus replied, `` I 'll teach you. Be right back. '' Albus ran up to his dormitory and rummaged around in his torso until he found a Bromus secalinus gameboard, his chessmen, and an old set of chessman for Kaden. When he got back, Kaden was looking even more excite than when Albus left him.

`` What are we going to do ? '' Kaden asked excitedly.

`` period of play chess. It 's pretty much like Muggle chess game, but with some conflict. You recollect how to play Muggle chess ? ``

`` Yeah. ``

`` wellspring, with sensation 's Chess everyone has their own chessman. These are mine, '' Albus held up his Theodore Harold White chessmen. `` You 'll see why when we play. You can use this spare set. I think it used to belong to my Uncle Percy. '' Albus handed Kaden the set of black chessmen.

`` Are you any good at chess ? '' Kaden asked, `` Because I 'm not. ``

`` I 'm all right. Not as good as William James, and not nearly as in effect as Rose. My Uncle Ron, pink wine 's dad, is the best at it. No one 's ever able to drum him. ``

`` Do we just set them up like rule ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus replied as he set up his own pieces. `` Andrew Dickson White goes first. Oh, and you do n't move your while. Just tell the pieces which space to move to. ``

`` tell them ? '' Kaden repeated, `` What do you mean, narrate them ? ``

`` Just spotter, '' Albus put down his net composition and muttered teaching for his pawn to move two squares ahead.

`` Whoa ! '' Kaden stared in awe as the Edward Douglas White Jr. pawn 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 pawn to move forward two squares and it did so without vacillation. Kaden was completely shocked by this. `` This is way better than regular Bromus secalinus. ``

The game continued for a few Sir Thomas More minutes and then one of Kaden 's pawn wound up in the path of Albus 's castle. Albus commanded the castle forward and it completely smashed Kaden 's pawn.

`` Whoa ! '' Kaden shouted so loudly that half the park elbow room turned around to depend at him. `` Your castle killed my instrument ! That 's genial ! How do you use them again ? ``

`` There 's a piece to repair them, '' Albus explained.

`` Will my piece kill yours ? ``

`` Yup. ``

A few turns later, Kaden got the opportunity to fiat one of his while to obliterate one of Albus 's. Kaden 's face was full of glee as his bishop smashed one of Albus 's cat's-paw. The biz continued and Albus started to get the feeling that Kaden just liked watching the objet d'art destroy each other. This became especially unmistakable when Kaden only had his queen, a horse, his rook, and three pawns left. Albus was only missing one castle, both bishops, and five or so pawns. Kaden 's chessmen were not very felicitous 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 listen to Kaden. Eventually, his king monotonous out refused to act and Albus won by default option. Nevertheless, it was one of the most amusing games of chess Ablus had ever played. John, Amanda, and even blush wine gave up on their homework and watched the last office 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 willing to mind to you anymore. ``

`` well it 's no admiration, '' Rose commented, `` All he did was tell them to walk right into death trap. ``

`` It 's funny 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 Xmas. ``

`` That would be a well mind, '' Albus replied. `` I only hope that you treat them right than these ones. ``

******

Albus did n't kip very well that night and he was very exhaust the following sunup. All he could conceive about was the paw photographic print and whether or not their plan worked. Luckily Albus only had two classes that day and then he would be capable to go see Matt.

`` We 're going to the hospital annexe after this, right ? '' John whispered to Albus during a mind numbing account of Magic lesson. Binns was currently droning on about the history of the enslavement of House Elves. rose was the only one paying attention, although Albus had no estimate why she bothered. Both of them already knew everything about the chronicle of house Elves, having been lectured about it by Rose 's mother.

`` Yeah, '' Albus said back, `` Do you want lunch first ? ``

`` Of course of instruction I do. This is me you 're talking about. But let 's make it fast. ``

`` I should n't suffer 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 ticker. `` Fifteen moment. But it 'll experience like thirty. ``

`` Why do we necessitate to jazz about house Elves anyway ? '' John asked

`` They 're an important parting of wizarding chronicle ! '' Rose replied impatiently and returned to her notes.

`` It 's deadening, though, '' john responded and flicked a piece of parchment at the Hufflepuff sitting at the desk succeeding to him. `` We should instruct about something more exciting. Like the Giant Wars. ``

`` Binns 'll make even that boring, '' Albus pointed out.

`` Anything 's dependable than this. ``

`` Even the story of caldron and their effects on wizarding society ? '' Amanda laughed. That lesson, which had taken place the premature year, had been the spoiled one yet. Albus was sure enough everyone, including Rose, had fallen asleep during it.

`` Never mind, '' John groaned. `` I do n't even want to imagine about that one. Or the 14 column inch essay we had to write on it. ``

`` Mr. Beeton, Mr. Pewter, and girl Torker, '' Binns said monotonously, `` Is there something you 'd like to part with the class ? ``

`` No, sir, '' toilet replied.

`` trade good, upright, '' Binns continued, `` And in 1866, Brits House Elves started to have contact with the American House gremlin, which resulted in a form of House Elf unity .... ''

`` killing me now, '' whoremaster muttered.

`` Five more minutes ... '' Albus sighed.

`` I think Binns was around during all this House Elf stuff, '' Amanda whispered.

whoremaster snorted, `` That 's probably why he likes account. He was there when it happened. ``

`` This is unfit than maths in Muggle school, '' Amanda told them.

`` I hate maths, '' whoremonger agreed, `` I 'm gladiola we do n't have to take them here. Mum taught me some and it was horrible. ``

`` I take it you two wo n't be doing Arithmancy next year, '' Albus grinned. He was not planning on taking that class either.

`` No way, '' privy shook his straits, `` I 'll bet Kaden would like it, though. ``

`` He likes everything, '' Albus laughed, `` He probably even likes this course of instruction. ``

`` He does. He told me the former day, '' Amanda announced.

`` Likes everything except Quidditch, '' toilet sighed, `` There 's something improper with that kid. ``

`` dozen inch essay about the Society for the Promotion of Elfish benefit for next family, '' Binns droned a second before the class was over.

The moment the Alexander Melville Bell rang, Albus and his Friend shot up out of their chairs and ran out the door. `` This 'll be cake, '' Albus laughed, `` An essay on Spew ! ``

`` It 's S.P.E.W. ! '' Rose laughed as she caught up with him.

`` Good, you can do mine ! '' John told him.

`` Sorry, one boring essay per night, yours would put me over my terminus ad quem, '' Albus faked an apologetic look. `` Oh, get along on, you know all about Spew. ``

`` I know, it 's just not how I 'd like to spend 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 Hall. Luckily, Kaden was eating at one end of the Gryffindor board and Albus and the others were capable to shovel down nutrient at the inverse end without him noticing them. Once they were done with their hurried tiffin, they ran up to the hospital offstage. `` I hope he was able to get the paw photographic print, '' Albus whispered as they pushed open the doors.

`` Me, too. I do n't fancy walking through that burrow again, '' John agreed.

The curtains were pulled around lusterlessness 's usual bed at the far end of the ward. Nobody was in any of the other bottom. Madam Pomfrey was busybodied preparing potions when the group of Gryffindors walked in. She heard them enter and went over to greet them. `` Oh, it 's you lot. I figured you 'd be showing up soon. He 's sleeping right now, I 'm afraid you 'll let to await. ``

`` Please, dame Pomfrey ? '' Albus pleaded, `` We wo n't stay long, I promise. ``

`` Yeah, we 'll be quiet, too, '' John commented, `` You can give us out if we 're not. ``

`` You know the rules, '' the nurse replied sternly, `` If he 's sleeping you have to get 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 pall, `` You know he needs to rest ! ``

`` wellspring, he 's awake now, so we can stay, '' Albus said as he walked over to the bed. Everyone else followed him.

`` mulct, '' Madam Pomfrey reluctantly agreed, `` Only for a shortstop 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, '' lustrelessness replied. He looked much like he usually did after a full lunar month, with various bandages all over. `` You did n't ignite me up, though. I was pretending to be asleep. ``

`` Why ? '' Rose asked.

`` You 'll never guess who was here. ``

`` Who ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Kaden. ``

`` What ? Did he derive to see you ? '' Albus told Kaden not to go visit lusterlessness unless he said it was ok, but with Kaden there was no telling what he 'd do.

`` Not intentionally, I do n't believe. Felix Willinson 's potion exploded in class and he and Kaden got covered in it. Willinson got the brunt of it and while Kaden was waiting for his turn to get antidote, he kept asking who was in my bed. Madam Pomfrey would n't secern him, but I think he knew it was me. He knows I went here last Nox. Madam Pomfrey came to give 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 tell Malfoy. ``

`` Malfoy already knows you 're here since you were n't in Transfiguration this forenoon, '' Rose pointed out.

`` True. I guess it really does n't count then. ``

Albus was just itching to get laid if flatness had managed to get the paw photographic print. He had thought mat would bring in it up right away, but the Kaden affair must 've made him block about it. `` Did you get the print ? '' Albus whispered.

`` You 're in luck, '' flatness smiled, `` I did manage to get it and stow it in my cloak before I passed out. It 's rightfulness there, '' he gestured to the cloak sitting on the bedside table.

Albus grabbed the cloak and pulled out a rather pull piece of parchment. But in the center was a very large paw print consisting of a admixture of ink, mud, and blood. `` Whoa, that 's pretty big. And kind of gross, too, '' Albus grinned and stuck it in his bag. `` perfect. ``

`` One down, three to go, '' John commented. `` We 're almost there. ``

`` And the early three are a bit easier. '' Albus was feeling very respectable about their plan now. The arduous paw mark was done and soon they would make the other three.

`` And the good luck charm is working a good deal better now, '' pink wine announced, `` I started to get the hang of it last nighttime. I 'll probably give birth it done before Christmas Day. ``

`` Excellent, '' Albus grinned, `` Then we can embark on looking for that charm to hold open Kaden from blabbing. ``

`` When do you get to leave ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Either tomorrow evening or Friday morning, probably, '' Matt told them, `` But if I leave tomorrow I have to skip Astronomy. ``

`` What a shame, '' Saint John the Apostle faked a look of sadness.

`` I know. I 'll definitely be suffering while you four spend an hour looking at champion. ''

`` We 'll be sure to get all the prep for you, '' Rose told him.

`` Oh do n't worry about it, '' Matt laughed. `` What did I miss in category yesterday and today ? ``

`` Not a great deal, '' Albus began, `` We re-potted mandrakes again in Herbology. We started transfiguring spoons into forks in transfiguration. And we learned all about the history of House Elves in account of Magic. It was one of the most drill classes yet. ``

`` Sounds like it, '' Matt agreed.

`` Was not, '' rose argued.

`` What are you lot going to do tonight while I 'm stuck here ? ``

`` Albus and I have dueling pattern, '' Amanda said. `` The following duel is Saturday. ``

`` Oh, right, I 'd completely leave about that, '' Albus confessed. He had been so caught up in getting the wolfman print for the map that the dueling club had slipped his mind.

`` Looks like it 'll just be you and me tonight, Rose, '' can grinned at her.

`` And Kaden, '' Rose smirked, `` Ca n't block him. ``

`` You should gainsay him to a chess match, '' John decided, `` It 'll be fun to watch. ``

`` I 'll beat him in two minutes unconditional, '' rose wine laughed.

`` Kaden plays hotshot 's chess ? '' Matt asked.

`` Albus taught him last night. You 've got to watch it sometime. It 's hilarious, '' Amanda grinned, `` He likes to watch the patch get smashed so by the end of the game, his musical composition refused to hear to him. ``

`` You know what else we should do ? '' Rose changed the subject, `` charter back Uncle Harry 's cloak now that you do n't deliver to sneak back into the shack. ``

Albus really did n't require to give 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 mightily now, '' Madam Pomfrey pulled back the curtains and set a tray of potions down on the bedside mesa. `` sentence for you four to leave. He needs to kip. ``

`` See you tomorrow, hopefully, '' Albus said.

`` Yeah, tomorrow, '' lustrelessness waved.

`` Let 's go put the cloak back, '' rose whispered as soon as they 'd shut the door to the infirmary wing.

Albus nodded and started to walk to his dad 's office. The corridors were almost deserted. There were a few pupil wandering around, but no one paid much tending as Albus unlocked the room access to Harry 's place and leave his friend inside.

`` Looks like my house, '' John, who had never been in Harry 's office before, announced, `` A complete flock. My whole family is messy. ``

`` My mum 's a neat lusus naturae. She 'd have a cow if she saw this, '' Amanda laughed.

`` A cow ? '' John the Evangelist gave Amanda a weird look.

`` surmise it 's a Muggle expression. Means she 'd go mad. ``

`` Oh, like 'have a hippogriff'. ``

`` I guess. ``

Albus carefully stepped over the versatile material and went over to the sleeping room doorway. He pushed it open and went inside, with his ally following. The proboscis 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 more time before folding it and placing it exactly where he 'd retrieve it. `` Well, that 's it. We got away with it. ``

`` Sure did, '' John replied as he gazed around the room. `` question what else we could receive in here ? ``

`` John ... '' Albus warned. `` We 're not stealing anything else. ``

`` attend at this ! '' whoremaster leaped over a pile of books and picked up a icon that was sitting on top of the wardrobe. `` Aww, it 's Albus when he was an ickle toddler. ``

Albus grabbed the icon out of lavatory 's hired hand and looked at it. sure enough, it was a movie of Albus, Henry James, and Lily, right after Lily was born. James, who must have been three or four, was holding a tiny sister with a large total of red hair. Albus, who was two, was holding Lily 's helping hand and making her wave.

`` You were an endearing little kid, Albus, '' John smirked. `` So was King James. ``

`` I 'm for sure you were, too, '' Albus said as he put the motion-picture show back. `` Now let 's get out of here before my dad gets back. ``


A/N : Thanks to my genus Beta, Dancer of Starlight. Thanks as well to Denas, XDNLxtlz99, sinwillys822, Luke, hermionieforever, Moonylupin, drownzer, and Aleks for the followup !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Saturday was soon upon them and with it came a howling snow storm. Albus was very glad that there was a dueling tournament and not a Quidditch peer. He had played Quidditch in Snow before, but never in conditions that prevented him from seeing his own handwriting 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 number one place.

After lunch, half the school migrated into the dueling room and waited for the tournament to start. Albus and Amanda said goodbye to their Friend and sat down at the mesa they had been at the previous tournament.

`` Hi Albus, hi Amanda ! '' Kate greeted them energetically.

`` Hi Kate ! '' Albus grinned. He sat down at the only remaining seat, which happened to be adjacent to Malfoy. Amanda had managed to snag a seat succeeding to Kate. `` Malfoy, '' Albus said politely.

`` Potter, '' Malfoy muttered.

The tourney commenced much as it had the previous time, only this metre everyone knew what they were doing and it went smoother. There was still a lot of sitting around prison term and Albus was very happy that Amanda was on his team so he had someone to let the cat out of the bag to. So far, there were still latent hostility between the Slytherins and everybody else. Kendrick 's design to have everyone get along was not working.

After about a half hr, it was finally Albus 's turn to duel. Malfoy had just completed his number 1 duel and beat his Ravenclaw opponent. 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 jinxes at Albus, but Albus blocked them both. Albus hit the boy with a misstep jinx and then disarmed him. The whole thing took about a minute.

`` Point to Potter ! '' 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 offset year could 've vex that one. ``

`` Shut up, Malfoy. You 'll duel a Hufflepuff eventually and I doubt you 'll say the Saame thing. ``

`` Your brusk friend is up, '' Malfoy pointed to the dueling area that Harry was presiding over.

Albus looked up and saw that mat was about to duel one of the former Hufflepuffs.

`` I 'll bet that Hufflepuff beats him, '' Malfoy laughed, `` He does n't look that trade good. ``

Albus personally thought matt looked all right field, considering he had just gotten out of the infirmary Wing the day before.

`` Where 's he been anyway ? ``

`` He was puke. ``

`` Oh, right field, '' Malfoy grinned, `` With that disease he 's got. The one your stupid cousin-german told me about. If there 's anyone who should 've been a Hufflepuff, it 's that cousin of yours. ``

`` Do n't squall him dolt. And the Hat knows respectable than you do about where to put him, '' Albus snapped. He did n't tell apart Malfoy that he had thought Kaden would birth been a Hufflepuff.

`` Whatever you say. I wonder if your full cousin 's got anymore entropy that I 'd care to hump. ``

`` Do n't go near my cousin, '' Albus growled.

`` Cut it out, you two ! '' Kate interrupted. `` In casing you have n't realized by now, you 're on the same team. ``

Albus glared at Malfoy and then turned to keep an eye on the rest of matt 's duel. It took him a while, but flatness did eventually beat the Hufflepuff. He looked worn out, but felicitous. `` Told you he could trounce him, '' Albus muttered.

`` Lucky injection, '' Malfoy whispered back.

Albus and Malfoy did n't talk to each early for the residue of the tournament. Both boy won their next affaire d'honneur, Malfoy against a Slytherin and Albus against a Ravenclaw. Amanda lost her first duel and won her arcsecond. Saint John won his first and lost his mo. flatness lost his endorsement one and rosiness managed to win both of hers. But despite their skillful endeavour, none of their team won the tournament. It did n't really matter though because the points were so stuffy. The last tournament was still very up in the air and any of the teams had a chance of making it.

******

The remaining days until the end of term went by very fast for Albus. Albus was especially excited about the Yuletide vacation this twelvemonth because it meant that Albus and his Friend would acquire two more of the paw prints needed for the map. pink wine had just perfected the transference charm and had already started searching for the charm to keep Kaden quiet. After Christmas, the exclusively matter left to do would be to get the rat mark. Albus thought it was quite funny that the minor and theoretically gentle photographic print to get was taking the longest. St. John had yet to superintend to take hold of a rat during potions class and was getting frustrated about it.

`` Every time I see a rat, one of the bloody Slytherins is looking ! '' John vented the evening before their concluding day of classes. The radical of Gryffindors were in the Room of necessity, enjoying some peacefulness and subdued while Kaden was being tutored by one of the Ravenclaws.

`` Try luring one over to your desk with high mallow or something, '' Amanda suggested, `` Then just stun it below the desk. ``

`` Had n't thought of that, '' John the Divine muttered, `` I 'd been trying to stupefy them across the room. ``

`` I wonder why anyone would notice that ? '' Rose said sarcastically.

`` Shut it, rosiness. ``

`` Well, you 've got tidy sum of time to get it, '' Albus reminded him, `` We still have n't got the dog or the stag photographic print. ``

`` 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 menage after we leave the Burrow. ``

`` sound good, '' Albus agreed, `` I 'm not staying at the Burrow the altogether holiday anyway. ``

`` Oh, yeah, '' rosiness smirked, `` Gran and Granddad are going on vacation together. Alone. ``

`` That 's not something I really deal to cogitate about, Rose, '' Albus groaned. His grandparents had decided to go to Scotland together a few days after Christmas and spend new year 's alone. `` Moving on. What are you lot doing for the holiday ? ``

`` The usual, '' John said immediately, `` All my cousins coming over at various time. Should be mad as always. ``

`` I 've really got to go to your house sometime, '' Albus grinned, `` You always say your cousin are mad, but I really do n't think your kin is as mad as mine is. ``

`` I 'm trusted it is. My great-great grandad is coming this yr. He 's hilarious, especially after he 's had a couple firewhiskeys. ``

`` Your great-great grandpa deglutition firewhiskey ? '' Matt laughed, `` That 's something I 've got to see. ``

`` He sure does. Then he starts telling nonsensical stories about 'back in my day'. ``

`` Sounds like we should hook him up with Auntie Muriel, eh rose ? '' Albus winked at his cousin.

`` That would be the laughable thing ever, '' pink wine grinned.

`` Your great-great gramps sounds like our auntie Muriel. She 's 127 and loves to dish the dirt, '' Albus explained.

`` I wish I had mad congeneric, '' Amanda commented, `` My family sounds pretty convention compared to yours. ``

`` But you celebrate Feast of Dedication, so that makes up for it, '' John replied, `` I mean, who would n't like eight Clarence Day of present tense ? I wish I celebrated both, that would be the ripe matter ever. ``

`` Amy has a Muggle friend who celebrates both. But she does n't get nowadays on every night of Hanukkah, '' Matt told them.

`` I get minuscule present tense each Night and then one big one on the last night, '' Amanda explained.

`` That 's still sang-froid, '' John said, `` So, lusterlessness, do you have to go visit your grandparents this year ? ``

`` Ugh, do n't remind me, '' Matt groaned, `` Of course I do. But only for five days this yr. We 're leaving right before new yr 's. Amy has to be back at St. Mungo 's a few solar day before full term jump. ``

`` That 's good, '' Albus smiled. `` At least you do n't hold to be there as long. ``

`` It 'll still be boring. The but thing to do down there is prep or read. It 's not like I can playact Quidditch or anything. ``

`` What day are you coming back ? Maybe you can follow over to Rose 's theater with me. Then we can flirt Quidditch, '' Albus offered.

`` The 28th. I 'll ask my parents. ``

`` Great. You should descend too, lavatory and Amanda, '' Albus suggested.

`` I 'll ask, I 'm indisputable my parents will let me, '' toilet replied.

`` I can probably only stay a day or so, '' Amanda told them, `` Hanukkah 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 evening. ``

`` That 'll form. Maybe we can all get the stag mark together, '' Albus said.

`` Good theme, '' Saint John the Apostle grinned and everyone else nodded.

`` I should probably enjoin you now, just in case I do n't get to go to Rose 's house, '' Matt began quietly, `` I 'm not coming back to Hogwarts on the wagon train with everyone else. ``

Albus stared at his friend, who was looking a little forlorn. `` Why not ? Everything ok ? ``

`` I guess. It 's just that I 'm starting that new potion I told you about at the beginning of the terminal figure. The total moon 's on the 9th and somebody has to observe me once I start taking it a few sidereal day before. Then I 've got to go to St. Mungo 's the morning after and outride a brace days. ``

`` Oh, '' Albus was n't really sure what to say. He wished more than ever that someone would just discover a potion that would put to work for him.

`` search on the bright side, '' can said, `` At least you do n't make to transform at your grandparents house again. ``

`` And if I have my way I 'll never have to do that again, '' Matt shook his straits, `` But let 's peach about something else. Did you see in the Prophet that the Cannons almost won that secret plan against the Fitchburg Finches ? You know, that American squad they were playing for praxis. ``

`` Did n't the Finches beat them by 50 spot ? '' Albus asked.

`` Yeah, but that 's finis ! '' matte grinned, `` They 're making a return, I just know it ! ``

`` Well, with a name like 'Finches', what do you require ? It would n't have surprised me if the shank beat them, '' Gospel According to John laughed, `` Well, maybe a little. But seriously, who names a team the 'Finches'? ``

******

The term ended the next day with a smasher, literally. James and a few of his friends thought it would be funny to put a few Weasley fireworks into the suits of armor and charm them to go off at certain times during the day. After the tenth blowup the instructor gave up trying to teach anything and just let their scholar do what they wanted during class, within reason of path. Unfortunately for James and his friends, professor Cedonia spotted them refilling the armor on the 2d base corridor with fresh fireworks and gave them one of her rarified custody. For this one, they had to scavenge every 1 courtship of armor on the arcsecond floor corridor that evening. James said it was worth it, though.

`` We really ought to come up with a few good antic, '' can decided as they were traveling through the hills on the train. `` That 's what the vulture did, was prank the great unwashed, so we should, too. ``

Albus shrugged. He really was n't very just at coming up with frivolity. That was James 's country of expertise. Plus, if the result of such frivolity was cleaning suits of armor, Albus really did n't want to pull a whole lot of joke. `` Maybe a few minor single, that do n't get us in immense trouble. ``

`` I 'm sure we could do some of those. There 's loads of stuff we could do to the Slytherins. ``

`` Yeah, like that one James did before the kickoff dueling tournament, '' matte laughed.

The rest period of the string ride went quickly and soon Albus and his acquaintance found themselves at baron 's cross. Albus climbed off the string and saw his parents standing with Rose 's parents and Lily and Hugo.

But before Albus could go over to see them, John grabbed his arm and steered him in another focal point. `` C'mon, you can meet my great-great grandpa ! ``

Albus saw a very delicate, completely bald, old man with a long white beard standing next to lavatory 's parents. St. John lead their grouping over to the three adults.

`` Johnny-Boy ! '' the old man shouted and gave lav a tight hug, `` How 're things at that schoolhouse ? How is Professor Dippet ? ``

`` He died years ago, granddad, like I told you over the summer. Like I tell you every summer, '' John the Divine stifled a laugh.

`` Oh, right ! Probably all new teachers, a bunch of young'ins I bet ! Back in my day none of the teachers were under 50, and now some of em are 30 ! What has gotten into these new headmasters .... ''

`` Grandpa, '' John shook his head, `` The teachers are fine. But I want you to take on my friends. This is matte Eckerton, Albus Potter- ''

`` ceramist ! ? '' John 's great-great grandpa peered into Albus 's eye and grinned, `` Albus Potter ? wellspring 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 short Harry Potter and poove ! You-know-who 's gone ! Then he comes back and what should happen again ? Harry potter makes 'im disappear again and for good this time ! ``

Albus, who was used to this kind of attention but not someone shouting it at the top of their lungs, blushed and tried to ignore the stares of everyone around him. `` Er, nice to meet you. ``

`` You, too, '' the old man smiled, `` And who are these young lady ? Have you got yourself two girlfriends, Johnny-Boy ? I would n't recommend it. I did it once and hoist up with no girlfriends after they found out ! ``

`` No, Grandpa, '' John laughed, `` They 're just friends. Amanda tagger and Rose Weasley. ``

`` Are you sure ? I could see you with the red-header. Just wait cashbox you 're older. ``

`` Just friends, Grandpa, '' Saint John the Apostle 's buttock 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 recognize a Muriel ! Went to shoal with her. Then she married some Weasley. I have n't seen her in 10 ! ``

Albus looked at rose. What a co-occurrence. `` Er, Albus and I have an aunty Muriel Weasley, '' pink wine giggled.

`` wellspring I 'll be ! I should owl her sometime. ``

`` I 'm certain she 'd love that, '' Rose 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 ! '' John 's great-great grandpa shouted.

******

Albus spent the next few days hanging around Grimmauld Place with James and the relaxation of his family unit. Lily was thrilled to have both her crony and her dad home and she had been demanding to cognise everything that had gone on the past term.

`` That way I 'll roll in the hay everything about Hogwarts before I 'm even there ! '' she said excitedly at breakfast the day before Christmas Eve. `` You still have n't told me how I 'll get sorted. ``

`` We 're not going to tell apart you, Lily, '' Ginny smiled as she handed Lily a meth of juice, `` It 's a surprise. ``

`` 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 know ? '' James asked.

`` I 'm the youngest. I should have it away everything about Hogwarts because you two have been there for a few days ! And then all the Muggle-born kid will ask me questions and I 'll be able to answer them. ``

`` You 'll detect out soon enough, Lily, '' Ginny assured her.

`` How much longer ? '' Lily asked excitedly.

`` There 's still 9 months. ``

`` That 's forever ! ``

`` She 's going to be a incubus this summertime, '' James whispered to Albus.

`` aurora, everyone ! '' Harry descended the steps into the kitchen and pulled up a chair.

`` Hi, Dad, '' Albus greeted him.

`` Hey, Ginny ? '' Harry asked as he grabbed the vaticinator, `` Have you seen the piranha 's Map ? ``

James choked on his succus and sprayed it across the table at Albus, as he turned bright red.

`` Ew, follow it ! '' Albus jumped back.

`` You ok, James ? '' Harry looked at him curiously.

`` Fine. The article on the front of the paper, it 's, er, shocking, '' James blushed some more and pointed to the front of the vaticinator, which was facing him.

`` hag Tries to reduction sizing of Her Ears, magic spell Them Off Instead ? '' Harry read.

`` Yes, very shocking. citizenry ought to be more careful ! '' St. James the Apostle sputtered. He gave Albus a aspect that Albus interpreted to have in mind 'meet me on a higher floor'. Saint James the Apostle excused himself and ran out of the room.

`` What 's with him ? '' Harry asked.

`` No estimation, '' Ginny shrugged.

`` Er, I 've got to go variety, '' Albus jumped up and followed 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 matter of prison term before he had the early one working.

`` Albus ! '' James IV pulled him into the drawing way and shut the threshold. `` He wants the map back ! ``

`` I kind of figured that, '' Albus smirked, `` We 're just going to have to filch it back into his room. Let 's do it now. ``

`` Wait, Albus ! '' St. James the Apostle grabbed his arm, `` The thing is, er, well, I ... '' He shuffled from foot to foot looking very nervous.

`` What ? ''

`` I, er, ca n't find it ! '' Jesse James whispered. `` What am I going to do ? I ca n't experience lost it .... ''

Albus started laughing. `` It 's not funny ! '' Epistle of James insisted.

`` You did n't lose it ! '' Albus grinned, `` I 've got it. I took it from you month ago and did n't require to collapse it back. ``

`` You idiot ! '' James shouted, `` Here I thought I 'd mislay it and you stole it from me ! ``

`` It does n't weigh now. We 've got to break it back anyway. ``

`` You 're giving it back. You 're the one who stole it from me. ``

`` fountainhead you stole it from Dad in the firstly situation, '' Albus reminded him.

`` Only to get you out of problem ! ``

He had a stop there. If Albus had n't have been in Kendrick 's office the late year, Henry James never would possess taken the map in the first place. `` All rightfield. I 'll just go filch it into his room. Maybe he 'll intend he just forgot to make for it to Hogwarts. ``

`` Let 's hope so. Go do it now. ``

Albus nodded and ran up to his sleeping accommodation. He knew his dad would desire the map back eventually, he just had n't given it much thought. At least he had n't noticed it was missing at school. Albus threw open his trunk and rifled through his schooltime hooey. He still had n't unpacked everything or packed a bag for his stay at the Burrow. The map was inside the picture record album Albus found over the summer, along with the new map. Hopefully they would n't want the Marauder 's Map to decipher the new map. Albus pulled out the map and ran into his parents'room. He shoved the map under a pile of defensive attitude magic book and quickly left the room.

`` Done ? '' James asked anxiously when Albus ran back into the drawing room.

`` Yup. I put it under a stack of books, with one quoin sticking out. ``

`` perfect tense. You might require to go shift your shirt now. ``

`` Oh, rightfulness, '' Albus looked down at his juice splattered jersey, `` Thanks for that, by the way. ``

`` No problem, '' Epistle of James laughed, `` seminal fluid to me for all your juice spraying motive. ``

`` I 'll do that, '' Albus rolled his heart as he left the room to change his shirt.


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight ! Thanks as well to sinwillys822, Denas, Moonylupin, wolverine83, Gospel of Luke, drownzer, smirkyhaha, and Miguel for their reviews !