Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Pouring a can of pea soup into the sewer and pretending it was vomit ? No, he 'd done that the last clip. tomato ketchup on the nose, pretending it was blood ? No, that one was just stupid. Faking a headache ? Nope, his mum would just turn that around on him and tell him it was his own fault for staying up too late the previous night.

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

Ever since Kaden awoke at noon, he had been trying to think up a skilful excuse to skip going to dinner at his grandparents'house later that day. His grandparents were possibly the most insufferable mass on the face of the planet, deliver for his auntie oleo.

Kaden had never liked his grandparents. certainly, they 'd showered him with endless endowment on his birthdays and Christmas Day, but that was the just way they showed their warmness. Well, aside from his granny 's bone shattering hugs, which were surprisingly tight considering her humble frame of reference. His grandparents were downright boring, their conversations ranging from the atmospheric condition to what the adjacent door neighbors were doing that morning.

However, the absolute spoiled matter Kaden 's grandparents had done was insure that he had to go to Smelting 's in the fall. Smelting 's was an elect school that his grandfather and his begetter had both attended. Kaden had visited numerous multiplication and hated everything about it. He hated the abominable uniforms, the bigheaded professor, and the kids who constantly argued about whose father had the best job.

Kaden had told his parents that he did n't want to go. At beginning, his Father of the Church was willing to study letting him attend public shoal with all his friends, but after his granddaddy had his say, there was no discussing the matter. Smelting 's it was. And after that, he would surely be destined to work for Grunnings, the same drill company that his grandfather and father worked for. What a boring life.

Perhaps if he tried very hard, Kaden would be able to establish himself a febrility. He 'd done it once, a few class ago. His parents had wanted him to attend some variety of body of work related political party for his grandfather, and Kaden had been dreading it. Half hour before they were supposed to pass on, his temperature spiked to five degrees above normal and he 'd been able to decamp the party. The best part was, the pyrexia had been gone within the hour.

He had no idea how he 'd done it, though. Kaden concentrated hard, thinking of hot things such as volcanos and the Equator, but even after fifteen minutes of thought, he still felt perfectly normal. It must own been a fluke, the early meter. moldiness 've just been a random fever.

There was a soft knock on his door and Kaden hastily got out of his bed. He opened the doorway, revealing his mother standing in the doorway. She was a short woman with heterosexual brown haircloth, the Saami coloration as his own, that was level with her chin.

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

Kaden groaned."But I wore it close prison term I saw him."

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

"Fine,"Kaden muttered.

His mother left and Kaden shut the room access again. She had always been the peacekeeper in the kin. Whether dousing literary argument between Kaden and his seven-year-old sister, Bethany, or easing the tension between Kaden and his grandparents, she was always keeping the pacification.

Not ten minutes later the door burst open and Bethany practically flew into the elbow room. She never knocked, something Kaden would normally squall at her for. However, this time he was too shocked at her appearance to bother shouting.

Bethany was wearing a princess kit, nail with sparkly shoes and a poll. She was grinning ear to ear and her retentive blonde hairsbreadth was curled.

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

"nanna Petunia got it for me,"Bethany grinned,"It 's so much easily than the other princess costumes I 've seen. Now Grandpa Vernon can take word-painting of me, too."

"regard he 'd just learn pictures of you,"Kaden muttered.

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

"Lovely,"Kaden replied.

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

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

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

Kaden pushed her out of the way and peered out the window. There was a man standing on their social movement porch wearing an outfit even stranger than Bethany 's. In fact, it variety of looked like Bethany 's. It was a apparel. A black robe-like dress. Kaden had to stifle his laughter as he opened the door.

"how-do-you-do,"the man greeted them. He was brusque than Kaden 's father, but grandiloquent than Kaden. His blonde hair looked windswept and he had a happy smile on his face.

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

"Are your parents in ?"the man asked.

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

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

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

More rum than ever, Kaden glared at Bethany until she turned around and ran into the kitchen. Kaden turned back to the man and watched him. He seemed nice enough, still smiling as he stood on the stoop. Kaden assumed he was selling something, perhaps the strange dress-like outfit he was wearing ? If that was the slip, then he 'd stimulate no circumstances at the Dursley 's house. At to the lowest degree he had n't showed up at Kaden 's grandparents'sign of the zodiac, though. He certainly would n't be smiling after that. Petunia and Vernon hated anything abnormal and that would certainly let in men wearing dresses.

Bethany returned with their parents following behind her. Dudley was dressed in denim and a T-shirt that was stretched over his rather large belly. His blonde hair was neat and tidy, which Kaden was certain was due to the dinner with his grandparents. Normally Dudley did n't fuss around with his hair.

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

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

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

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

Kaden held the door undecided and Neville Longbottom stepped inside. Kaden followed as his parents guide them into the living room. Christina ran to fetch drink while Neville settled himself onto one of the sofa. Dudley sat in the chair across from him, looking confused and slightly shocked. Bethany was staring at Neville.

Kaden sat down in a beanbag president on the floor and waited for the grownup to begin talking. He was glad his parents had n't kicked him and Bethany out of the elbow room. He hated when they did that. It was rather pointless anyway since Kaden had become very adept at listening in on his parents'conversations.

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

"This may come as a bit of a shock for you,"Neville began."But I am a professor at Hogwarts."

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

Kaden was more scattered than ever. What was Hogwarts ? A school day ? Why would a prof from a school he 'd never heard of appearance up at his door ? His parents had obviously heard of it.

"That 's a stunned name,"Bethany announced.

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

"It 's not a jest,"Neville assured him."I 've come to extend Kaden a place at Hogwarts."

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

Kaden was fully awake now. What variety of schooltime was Hogwarts ? And what had he done to earn a post ? He had n't applied to any early schoolhouse besides Smelting 's. Of course, if this Hogwarts school really was offering him a place, he wanted to go. Anything was better than Smelting's.

"But what is Hogwarts ?"Kaden asked.

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

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

"Not much,"Dudley muttered.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Enough,"Christina said loudly."Look, Dudley, we knew this could happen. It runs in the gene ! He 's been making odd thing happen for old age. We tried to discount the planetary house, but we knew it might encounter. And frankly, I 'm happy. You and I both know he would n't have been felicitous going to Smelting 's. I also could n't worry less about what your parents think. You 're a farm man, Dudley, make decisions regarding your Thomas Kyd based on what you think, not what your parents think."

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

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

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

Dudley looked up and his middle met Kaden 's."Hogwarts is a school. A special school that Harry attended when we were kids. It 's a school of thaumaturgy, for witches and wizards-"

"time lag,"Kaden interrupted."Magic ? Like Abra Kadabra and magic sceptre and stuff ?"

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

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

"Holy Irish bull,"Kaden gasped."So I 've got magical running through my cistron ?"

"Apparently so,"Dudley said.

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

"You are n't trained,"Neville said,"but even then you wo n't be capable to make preparation do itself. Think, Kaden, has anything ever happened to you that you ca n't excuse ?"

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

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

"Er, yes,"Kaden said, avoiding his father 's oculus."But I did n't do it on role. Trust me, I 've tried to do it again and it does n't work."

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

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

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

"Voldemort,"Neville muttered.

"Right,"Dudley said."Harry was sent to dwell with my parents and I, who told him his parents died in a car clank. They told him cipher about magic or his parents. They thought if they ignored the magic, they could pigeonhole it out of him. They hate magic. When he turned eleven a man showed up to tell him all about it and volunteer him a shoes at Hogwarts."

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

"James and Albus are currently attending Hogwarts, but Lily is too Young,"Neville explained."And Voldemort was defeated years ago ; no need to worry."

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

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

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

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

He unfolded it and register it aloud to his parents and Bethany. It told him of his acceptance and was signed by the lieutenant headmistress, professor Padma Patil. Then it said that the Hogwarts Express would impart from Martin Luther King 's cross station on Sept first, from a political platform 9 3/4.

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

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

"Muggles ?"Kaden repeated.

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

"Oh,"Kaden replied as he unfolded the list of supplies. It was full of odd books such as Magical Herbs and fungus kingdom, brass scales, and even a pewter caldron. If his begetter had n't have already known about magic, he would 've thought the totally thing was a joke.

"I can pick out you to London and show you where Diagon back street is, if you would like,"Neville suggested.

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

"That 's fine,"Neville replied."Do either of you have anymore questions ?"

"Am I a beldam ?"Bethany asked.

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

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

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

"Thanks,"Dudley said as he shook Neville 's hand. He still looked in stupor and not all the color had returned to his face.

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

"What do you learn ?"Kaden asked.

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

Kaden watched as Neville left the sign of the zodiac and then turned his care to his parents. Dudley had slowly sat down on the cheeseparing chair and let out a small moan.
***


The only phone at dinner party was the Chinaman of utensils hitting the PRC home base and the loud burp that Kaden let out after chugging half a drinking glass of soda, earning him a severe gaze from his granny. It seemed that cipher could think of anything to utter about. Even the usual topics of the weather, sportswoman, and workplace had been exhausted.

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

Vernon and Petunia were still under the belief that Kaden was going to attend Smelting 's and Kaden had just endured an 60 minutes of having his pic taken by his grandfather while wearing his Smelting 's undifferentiated.

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

"I like football game,"Kaden muttered while wondering if Hogwarts would have football game. hotshot would still play sportsman, would n't they ?

"football ..."Vernon muttered."Better than nothing, I suppose. Smelting 's does feature an excellent football team. I 'll give way the private instructor a hoop and let him have it off you 'll be joining."

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

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

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

"I 've already been to the school twice,"Vernon said as he took another large draught of brandy."Spoke with all your prof and they 're quite excited to meet you. Long line of business of Dursley men who attended Smelting 's, you know."

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

"What was that ?"Vernon asked.

"Nothing,"Kaden muttered.

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

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

"No, no, I 'm very well,"Dudley said. His own brandy glass was still half-full.

"Every holiday, coming dwelling house with rattling fib of your admirer and all you 'd done during the by condition ..."Petunia smiled as she reminisced.

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

Not really, Kaden thought. More like he had the potter blood. Or perhaps not. He was n't technically related to the Potter face of the phratry, just the Sir Arthur John Evans side. So he had Herbert McLean Evans origin.

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

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

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

"This is ridiculous, Dudley,"Christina said."It 's not carnival to the kids."

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

Christina stood up."I 'd like to talk with you in private, Dudley."

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

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

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

Vernon dropped his brandy methamphetamine and it shattered onto the board. genus Petunia looked so shocked that she did not even move to clean it up."He 's WHAT ?"Vernon exclaimed.

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

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

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

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

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

"Public shoal ?"Vernon roared.

Public schooling ? Kaden thought. Was his dad really going to switch one lie for another ?

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

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

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

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

Kaden wished the footing would open up and swallow him whole. Was that the variety of thing he could do with magic ? It would be very utile for dinner party with his grandparents.

"You 'll regret this, Dudley,"Vernon said."Mark my Book. Smelting 's is the lone worthy school out there. He 's going to miss out on a lot."

Kaden glanced up and glared at his granddad, who luckily did not notice. Why was he so against any schoolhouse besides Smelting 's ? He knew the grounds why Dudley did n't want his granddaddy to recognise he was attending Hogwarts, but would it really be that awful if they told him ? Did he really hate conjuration that practically ? But he, Kaden, was a wizard. A mavin just like Harry, and Vernon hated Harry and all star. Did that mean his own grandfather would hate him, Kaden ? It gave Kaden a sickening belief in the pit of his stomach and he pushed his plate away.

"May I be excused ?"Kaden asked quietly.

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

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

Earlier in the day he 'd felt up so worked up about finding out that he was a wizard. It explained all the strange things he 'd done in the past. The fever was not the only time something incomprehensible had happened to him. Once, he had fallen off his bicycle, landed hard on his wrist joint, and suffered no more than a chicken feed. Another time he 'd go forth a library book at home that he had meant to institute back to school, only to find that it had appeared in his backpack during lunch.

Why had n't his dad told him about Harry being a magician ? Perhaps there was some form of law preventing star telling Muggles about magic ? That would excuse why nigh Muggles did not know about magic. But his mother had known. Dudley had clearly told her. Harry must give done strange things as a child and Kaden wondered if his own begetter had realized what Kaden was when he did unusual things.

There was a knock on the room access a few moment later. Christina popped her head into the room and told Kaden they were leaving. She looked angry. Kaden nodded and quickly followed her down the step and out the door, without even saying goodbye to his grandparents.
***


The next few weeks were both charge up and clumsy. Kaden put up a calendar on his rampart to numerate down the days until he got to pass on for Hogwarts. Harry had said he would fill them to Diagon skittle alley a few hebdomad before full term started and Kaden was very much looking forward to that.

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

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

The social occasion was very quiet at for the first time, with cypher knowing what to say and the exclusively phrases mentioned being"qualifying the salt"or"could I have some more brandy, delight ?"Kaden did not say a single discussion, which even he knew was uncommon, since he liked to talk a lot.

It was Vernon who finally broke the muteness."Still set on this world school day, are you ?"

Dudley and Christina exchanged glances."No, actually, Kaden was never going to attend public school,"Dudley said quietly."He 's been selected to go to a small-scale, secret schooling in Scotland. He did n't go for, but he 's been selected to attend."

"Then why did you tell us-"

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

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

Petunia squeaked again and Vernon slammed his fist down on the tabular array."That home ! That stead where the boy went. Where ABNORMAL people go. You ca n't honestly be thinking of sending Kaden there ? ! I wo n't have it, I wo n't !"

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

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

"A feel about what ?"Petunia asked.

"Kaden 's done unusual matter,"Dudley answered."Like Harry did when we were kids. We never told him about magic, but we half expected this."Dudley left out the region about him debating whether or not to let Kaden attend.

Vernon gave Kaden a very strange look, one that made Kaden sense mildly uncomfortable. It was a eldritch mix of muddiness, angriness, and the slender bit of horror, as if he could not stand to imagine that somebody actually related to him was a ace. Vernon had surely prided himself on the fact that he was not actually related to Harry.

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

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

"No, it 's not !"Vernon exclaimed."He 'll get mixed up that Same crowd that your aunty did and you know what happened to her."

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

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

Kaden could n't care less about Smelting 's. He was just well-chosen he 'd never have to set foot in the place again. Anything would be better than Smelting 's and what picayune he knew about Hogwarts was better. He just wished his grandfather would be a little to a greater extent accepting. Kaden may not have particularly liked his grandfather, but he still loved him and hated feeling as if it was not mutual.

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

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

Vernon chose to cut this and continued eating. The table settled into uncomfortable secretiveness once more and Kaden managed to choke down a few bites of chicken before Petunia brought out dessert. She served Kaden a very large helping of pudding, but he only ate a few bite before stopping.

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

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

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

Kaden lay in bed that night feeling very subject. His grandparents may not have been happy about his attending Hogwarts, but they did not seem to hate him for being a wiz, and that was as good as he expected. Plus, the following day he would get to go to Diagon back street with Harry and the ease of his witching cousins. It would be his first taste of the magical world and he could not wait.


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

If you enjoyed this, jibe out Albus Potter and the trail They Left rear, in which Kaden 's story is continued in.

Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




Albus Severus Potter stared out his sleeping accommodation windowpane and watched as an owl flew closelipped and near to Grimmauld piazza. The sun was just above the horizon and was already shining brightly into Albus 's way. Albus ran a deal through his mussy bootleg hair as he waited for the owl. True, he did n't really experience if the owl was for him or not, but he was eager to see. He was the only one awake at this hour anyway. His brother King James I was surely sleeping in, as he had been doing all summer. Albus slept in for the kickoff few calendar week, but after a while the novelty wore off and he started rising at an earlier hour. Albus watched the owl through his park eyes as it soared towards his window. Albus leaned over and opened the latch, and the owl landed on his desk.

It was a large John Brown shriek owl that Albus immediately recognized as his champion, flatness Eckerton 's. It stood proudly on top of Albus 's Transfiguration volume with its leg sticking out, waiting for Albus to unlace its letter. Albus went over to the owl and retrieved the alphabetic character. Once he did so, the owl flapped its flank and flew out the window once more. Albus flopped down onto his bed and ripped open up the envelope. It had been weeks since he had last seen his friends from Hogwarts and eagerly anticipated their letters. John Brickston and flatness Eckerton had each written him a couple fourth dimension. Albus unfolded the letter and silently read it.

Albus,

My parents said yes ! I can go to yours and blush wine 's birthday party !
I really was n't sure if they 'd actually let me, but they 've been
talking to your parents a lot and they finally agreed. They 've got
it all arranged. I 'm going to go to your house a couple twenty-four hour period before
the party, in about three weeks, and I can stay a couplet days after,
too. But then I 'll experience to go home ; you know why.

We 're going to gather up with you in Diagon Alley, since we 're not
on the Floo mesh. John the Divine tells me he 's visiting some of his
cousin mightily before your party, but that he 'll be able to stay at
your house after.

I ca n't wait until the party. Things at my house are dreadfully
boring. And my parents have been kinda depressed. Amy
moved out lowest week. You probably already experience that since
Victoire went with her. But Mum 's been crying a lot. She 's
talking about how her baby is all grown up.

Anyway, I 'll see you in a few calendar week !
Your friend,
Matt

Albus grinned broadly as he set mat 's letter down next to John 's most recent one. He was thrilled that both of his honest friends would be able to go to his birthday party. John had said yes right away, but matte 's parents were very protective of him and had to be convinced. Both of his friends would wander up spending about a week with Albus and he could n't look. Albus wondered what Mrs. Eckerton would do with herself while her son was at Grimmauld Place. Albus had only met the woman twice, but he got the feeling that she was even more protective of her children than his own grandmother was. He could only suppose what flatness 's mum was doing now that her daughter had moved out. Only a hebdomad before, matte 's sister, Amy, and Albus 's full cousin, Victoire, had moved into a flat in London. The two of them were beginning their healer breeding in September.

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

Albus sat down next to her and watched her as she fed the belittled beast hotshot O's.

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

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

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

`` speech sound undecomposed, '' Albus said as his stomach growled, `` I got a letter from Matt just now. He can come to the party and he 's coming a few days early. ``

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

`` Would young master like any Cucurbita pepo juice ? '' Kreacher appeared at Albus 's side carrying a flagon of juice and a cup.

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

Albus took the shabu of pumpkin juice and grabbed the written matter of the forenoon Prophet that was laying nearby. He immediately opened it to the Quidditch section. `` Ha ! '' he laughed when he saw the newspaper headline, `` I wonder if lustrelessness 's read this ! ``

Ginny glanced over at Albus 's shout and looked at him quizzically. `` The Chudley carom just lost another game. Their newest Seeker tripped over his own heather as he was kicking off from the earth and gave himself a Shirley Temple Black eye, '' Albus laughed. `` Matt supports the carom. ``

`` Who supports the carom ? '' James IV came slowly down the stair, yawning as he rubbed his eyes.

`` lustrelessness does, '' Albus said and he tossed James the theme, `` Read that. ``

James I read the paper silently for a few minutes and then collapse out laughing. `` They 're hopeless. ``

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

`` There 's burgoo in the cauldron, honey, '' Ginny smiled warmly at him and got up from the board. She planted a immediate kiss on his typeface as he reached for an vacate bowl.

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

`` Someday you 'll empathise, James River, '' Ginny laughed, `` Someday soon, young lady wo n't have cooties anymore. ``

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

`` Do you have to go into oeuvre today ? '' Ginny asked as Harry sat down adjacent to her at the table.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The unscathed Potter family unit played biz after game of Bromus secalinus, until James was declared the sensation. By the meter luncheon rolled around, Albus was mad of the game. `` Can we go bring Quidditch after dejeuner ? '' he asked.

`` Maybe, '' Harry said in between bites. Harry often took them to play Quidditch at rosebush 's house. Since the Potters lived in London, they really could n't play Quidditch at their own family. `` rosebush wo n't be there, though. They 're visiting aunt Hermione 's parents. ``

`` That 's all right, '' Albus said, `` Rose does n't really like Quidditch anyway. ``

`` I 'll never realize that, '' King James I sighed.

At that present moment, Albus heard a high pitched ring coming from the kitchen counter. He looked over and saw the small mobile earpiece that always sat succeeding on the windowpane sill. The ceramist did not have got many Muggle devices in their planetary house, but they did have one telephone in causa they had to get hold of any Muggles. Usually the phone was just used when Harry talked to his first cousin, Dudley. But Epistle of James and Albus had given the act to their Muggle Max Born friends. Amanda had called Albus earlier in the summer to state him that she would be able-bodied to go to his party.

Harry glanced at Ginny, who shrugged. It was obvious that neither of them were expecting a call. Harry wordlessly got up from the table and answered the phone. `` Hello ? '' he said. He went lull for a few mo while whoever was on the early end told him something. Harry 's eyes widened in shock and a grin spread cross his face. `` What ? Are you serious ? Dudley, that 's smart as a whip ! ``

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

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

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

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

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

`` You 'll never guess .... ''

`` So secern us ! '' Ginny replied.

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

Albus 's oral fissure fell open. Harry 's full cousin, Dudley, had two kids. The sometime one, Kaden, was a little untested than Albus. Dudley had never been a fan of magic and Albus could only imagine what he would think of his own son being a wizard.

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

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

`` I would retrieve not, '' Ginny said, `` pigeon hawk, they 're going to flip. ``

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

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

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

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

`` I 'd guess Hufflepuff, '' William James commented. Albus had to fit in with that. He had met his cousin-german, Kaden, before and he 'd seemed the Hufflepuff sort. James had managed to pull quite a few trick on him over the years and he did n't seem to be the sharpest quill in the box. Albus remembered the lowest time they 'd seen Kaden. It had been a couple years ago. Albus and his family tended to chitchat the Dursleys every mates of days, but the Dursleys had never been to Grimmauld Place. Albus guessed it was probably because Kaden and his sister did n't know about illusion. Well, they did now, Albus thought.

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

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

`` I ca n't expect to see him eat Bertie Bott 's Beans for the maiden time, '' Albus grinned mischievously, `` The first prison term Amanda had one of those, she spat it out in John 's face. ``

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

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

`` Just wait until Kaden asks for his first-class honours degree heather, '' St. James the Apostle grinned.

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

`` Definitely, '' James agreed. `` This is going to be a outstanding year, I can palpate it ! ``

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

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

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

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

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

`` Or who 's goal in life is to turn the following Voldemort. ``

`` Or who stares at you so menacingly you ca n't even perform the simplest trance. ``

`` Or who gives you hold every other day. ``

King James and Albus continued to name off Washburn 's error, which quickly turned into insulting the way he looked, until they were both laughing so hard they were in split. They were still laughing hysterically when Harry came into the room a piece later.

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

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

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

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

`` Yeah ! '' the boys shouted at the same time. James grabbed his broom off the top of his desk and found a Quaffle, along with a practice Snitch.

Albus ran out of the way and grabbed one of his mother 's old brooms from the nearby cupboard. It was old and started vibrating if you flew too fast, but it worked. He was hoping he would get a new broom if he made it onto the Quidditch squad this class. `` ready, '' he said as he rejoined his dad and brother.

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

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

Albus followed his dad and Saint James down the steps and into the draft room. Harry grabbed a fistful of Floo pulverisation, threw it into the blast, and shouted, `` Ron and Hermione Weasley 's mansion ! '' James followed after him, and then Albus.

Albus landed in his Uncle Ron and auntie Hermione 's bread and butter room. Their planetary house was a minuscule, cozy seat in the middle of a discipline with a forest nearby. It seemed strangely quiet without anyone else in it. Albus, James, and their dad headed out the doorway and into the field of honor. Albus watched as Harry pulled out his wand and muttered a few spells that would hold on the Snitch from roaming too far.

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

Harry and James agreed and mounted their brooms as well. The two of them were up in the air before Albus was, due to their superior brooms. Albus saw Saint James issue the stoolpigeon and wait a few moment before taking off after it. Harry had the Quaffle in his hand and once Albus was in the air, he passed it to him. Whipping out his sceptre, Harry conjured a big wooden wicket and suspended it in mid-air.

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

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

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

`` Good one ! '' Henry James shouted as he caught the Quaffle on the former incline. He tossed it to Harry, who then tossed it back to Albus.

They continued playing for a couple hours, taking light breach to remain. Albus managed to score a lot of goals, with Harry only blocking a twosome. After a while of catching and releasing the fink, James joined Albus and the two of them teamed up against Harry. Harry was n't able to save many goals with both his son passing the Quaffle back and Forth. Eventually, they all got tired and decided to call it a day. Albus flooed back to Grimmauld billet tired, but happy.



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

Thanks to my Sister and beta, Dancer of Starlight. Thanks as well to my former Sister and my brother.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




`` Can we go now, Dad ? '' Albus asked impatiently. He was supposed to get together matt at the Leaky caldron in five arcminute, but Harry was on the telephone set talking to Dudley.

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

`` Dad ... '' Albus tapped his foot. Harry said he would take Albus to Diagon Alley a one-half hour ago, but then Dudley had called. The two of them had been talking for the past tense thirty minute.

`` Listen, Dudley, '' Harry began, `` I 've got to drive Albus to Diagon bowling alley. Yes, that 's the spot Kaden will go to get his stuff and nonsense. Ok, I 'll talk to you later. Bye. '' Harry closed the sound and set it down on the windowsill.

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

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

Albus followed his dad to the hearth and the two of them flooed to the Leaky caldron. The pub was very crowd since it was a Sabbatum. Albus tried to glint through the crowd in fiat to happen his friend, but he did n't see Matt.

`` Hey, it 's Harry ceramist ! '' someone sitting at the bar shouted. He was clearly drunk. `` Hi Harry Potter ! '' he waved lazily.

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

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

`` I 'm capital ! How are you ? ``

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The group ordered their food and a short while later it arrived. Albus and Matt spent the whole time telling each other about their calendar week apart while the grownup talked quietly with each other.

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

`` What ? '' matte asked.

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

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

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

`` What ? ! '' Matt spat out a mouthful of autumn pumpkin succus.

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

`` Sorry, Mum, '' mat wiped the pumpkin juice up off the board and turned back to Albus, `` Are you serious ? ``

`` Yup, he got his letter a couple weeks ago, '' Albus told him, `` Mad, is n't it ? Of course, it is n't that surprising. I mean, there 's obviously illusion in the category. ``

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

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

`` We 'd better be getting home, '' Harry stood up, `` See you in a few 24-hour interval, Walter and Julie. ``

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

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

`` I 'll be ok, Mum, '' matt replied once his mother stopped hugging him.

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

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

`` Er, yeah, but not in a couple year, '' Matt eyed the open fireplace nervously.

`` You 'll be mulct, '' Harry told him, `` Just throw the powder in and say 'Number 12 Grimmauld station .'''

`` 12 Grimmauld spot, '' Matt repeated, `` Got it. ``

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

Albus threw it into the fire and shouted, `` bit 12 Grimmuald seat ! '' He was whisked away in a swirl of green fire and came out in the draught elbow room of his house. He quickly stepped away and waited for Matt and his dad to appear.

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

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

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

`` Yeah, I think so, '' lustrelessness coughed, `` But I think I prefer phantasma. ``

`` You get used to it, '' Albus told him, `` Come on, you can neglect your stuff and nonsense in my room. ``

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

`` Yeah, it used to be Sothis 's house, '' Albus told him, `` It was a lot different then. It had a lot of creepy and Dark poppycock in it. The pitch blackness family unit was pretty involved in the Dark Arts. Except for Sothis, and his brother genus Regulus changed his sentiment at the end of his life sentence and tried to destroy a Horcrux. Anyway, my dad managed to get nigh of the dark stuff out. ``

`` well, that 's goodness, '' matt said as they entered the next floor.

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

`` Your blood brother 's not very neat, is he ? '' flatness asked as he stepped over a pile of dirty schooling robes and books.

`` Nope, he 's not, '' Albus said and walked over to one of the wall, `` Here 's what I wanted to show you, '' he pointed to a picture of four boys, `` Sothis put a clustering of pictures up on the wall and no one can get them off. My dad covered up most of them, but he left this one. It 's my grandpa, Sothis, Teddy 's dad, and Peter Pettigrew. ``

`` Wow, '' mat stared at the motion-picture show, `` So that 's Moony, the only other, you know, to have gone to Hogwarts ? ``

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

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

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

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

******

A few days later, John arrived at Grimmauld Place. The boy spent their prison term playing games and talking. King John was just as shocked as Matt was that Kaden was a wizard. Harry took them to Rose 's home to act Quidditch a few times. Amanda was there and the five of them managed to do a bit of homework after pink wine prodded them a few times.

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

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

`` Hmm, '' Albus caught the Quaffle and stopped to cerebrate. He had given his friends the grand tour of duty of Grimmauld Place as soon as they 'd arrived, but there was one stead he had yet to show them. `` Want to research the attic ? '' he grinned mischievously.

`` Yeah ! '' john jumped up from the bed. `` What 's in it ? ``

`` All form of old stuff, '' Albus replied. `` I do n't go up there very often, but it 's dandy for exploring. ``

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

Albus led his Quaker down the mansion and towards the stairs. They climbed all the way up to the top and opened the door. The garret of Number 12 Grimmauld position was a very with child room, filled with old boxes and furniture. It was drear, cramped, and cold and hard to move around in. `` Here we are, '' Albus announced and walked into the room.

`` Whoa, '' John exclaimed, `` What is all this hooey ? ``

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

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

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

`` Wicked ! '' King John shouted as he pulled out an old silver tea tray, `` I 'll bet this is Charles Frederick Worth loads of galleons. ``

`` Probably, '' Albus agreed and went over to examine the tray, `` It 's got the Black family tip on it, too. ``

`` What 's in there ? '' matt had walked over to the only door leading off the room, besides the one they had come in.

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

`` Why not ? '' flatness asked curiously.

`` There 's a portrayal of Sirius 's mum in there, '' Albus told them, `` She 's ugly. The portrait used to be in the hallway downstairs, but my dad managed to use a move appeal to get it up here. He could n't banish it from the sign, though. There 's some sort of magic spell on it that keeps it in the firm. ``

`` What did she do to build you preserve her up here ? '' John asked.

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

`` She sounds ugly, '' mat agreed.

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

`` Look at all this ! '' john grinned, `` The altogether box is filled with fancy stuff. Goblets, silverware. '' lavatory pulled out a very turgid candelabra and examined it. `` Are those, snakes ? '' he pointed to the persona of the candelabra that would hold candles. Each of them was a snake 's head, and the candle would sit in the snake 's mouth.

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

`` Not to observe the fact that it 's very Slytherin, '' John commented. Albus and John bent down and continued to expect through the box, while Matt watched them. `` Funny, '' lav announced as he picked up yet another silver item. It was an old teapot that looked like it went with the tray, `` There 's not a lot Au up here. If the Negro were so copious, why did n't they have any Au ? ``

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

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

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

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

`` Uh, yeah, all wolfman are, '' Matt explained.

`` That 's interesting, '' John the Evangelist said.

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

`` well, '' Matt grinned, `` There 's not very much flatware in the Gryffindor park room. It 's too Slytherin. '' The male child all laughed.

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

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

Gospel According to John agreed and put down the tray and teapot. flatness looked very thankful as they started wandering around the noodle. Albus and whoremonger peered into the boxes, looking for one that did n't consume any Ag in it.

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

`` Here ! '' Albus announced, pointing to a big box at the far end of the elbow room. `` This says 'Sirius'on the side of meat. I 'm sure there 's no silver in it. It would be too Slytherin. Plus, Sirius hated his family. ``

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

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

`` And this, '' John pulled out an old copy of 1000 Magical herb and Fungi. `` Bet it has n't changed in the to the lowest degree. ``

`` Broken Snitch, '' lustrelessness announced, `` Broken Sneakoscope, a few dungbombs, broken quills, zip too exciting. ``

`` postponement, what 's that ? '' Albus pointed to a small, worn out leather Book at the bottom. It did n't look much like a text ledger. Albus reached into the box and pulled it out. He opened it up in quiet, while John and lusterlessness looked over his articulatio humeri. On the first base page was a pic of four boys. `` It 's photo album, '' he murmured. He flipped through the following few pages, noticing that the photograph were always of the same four boy, though occasionally one or two of them were missing.

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

`` I think they 're the predator, '' Albus pointed to a moving-picture show of a messy haired boy with spyglass, `` Because that is definitely my grandfather. ``

`` Makes mother wit, since it was in Dog Star 's box, '' St. John agreed, `` Which one is Sirius ? ``

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

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

`` Dunno, '' Albus replied. He continued to wrench the pages, looking at each picture. It was a bit strange looking at all these pictures and seeing the predator at Hogwarts. There were motion-picture show of them in their dormitory, in the common room, on the primer, in Hogsmeade. There was even one of them with the Whomping Willow in the background. There were also a couple of St. James the Apostle playing Quidditch. In all the pictures, all four boys waved wildly at Albus, whoremonger, and matt. They all looked so happy. It felt weird to acknowledge that only a few years after these pictures had been taken, dick would fail James and Lily. The predator had trusted each other with their lives, literally. Kind of like how Albus trusted his Quaker. But they would never betray each other. Albus knew that. None of them were crumb like Pettigrew was.

Towards the end of the photo album, a girl started appearing in a lot of the pictures. She would suffer her weapons system wrapped around James and would osculate him every once in a while.

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

`` My granny, '' Albus explained. `` I think this has all their years of Hogwarts in it. '' Albus flipped to the very last page and saw that the survive picture was of all the predator, plus Lily, standing in front of the lake in their schooling robe, holding diploma. They all wore immense grinning on their faces.

`` commencement, '' John commented.

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

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

`` I think I 'll keep it, '' Albus replied. `` I mean, no one 's going to miss it if it 's up here. '' Albus closed the picture album and a folded up musical composition of parchment fell out.

`` What 's this ? '' Matt picked it up. `` smell lacuna. ``

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

whoremonger and Matt peered at the parchment and looked at the paw prints. `` What 's that mean ? '' John asked.

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

`` It 's blank, though, '' Gospel According to John commented, `` I mean besides that. Why would Sirius keep an old piece of parchment ? ``

`` Dunno, '' Albus shrugged. But in his gut, he had a feeling that it was n't a meaningless composition of parchment. After all, to the mediocre someone, the Marauder 's Map was just a meaningless art object of lambskin. Albus shoved the parchment back in the record album, which he then shoved at the rear of his luggage compartment once the boys returned to Albus 's room.

******

`` Are you kids set to entrust ? '' Harry shouted up the stairs, the day of Albus and rosiness 's birthday party.

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

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

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

`` Like my nowadays ? '' Albus hinted.

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

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

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

Harry was right. This time, matte did not inhale nearly as much smoke and managed to not settle over as he arrived at the burrow. When they got there, the house was already crowded with people.

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

`` Thanks, Grandmum, '' Albus replied.

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

`` Yeah, this is whoremonger Brickston and matt Eckerton, '' Albus gestured to his friends.

`` Nice to meet you, '' Molly smiled, `` Now, Ginny, I need your help in the kitchen. Harry, would you avail Ron set up the table in the chiliad ? ``

The adults quickly left to set up for the political party, leaving Albus and the other tyke alone.

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

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

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

`` Pretty a great deal, '' Albus laughed, `` If they 've got red hair, probability are they 're related. ``

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

The group managed to spend a penny it through the crowd and into the backyard. They saw Harry and Ron setting up the tables magically. A few of Albus 's cousins were in the air on Scots heather and a few others were playing with the dwarf in the garden. Albus spotted Rose and Amanda at a nearby table.

`` rose wine ! '' Albus ran over to them, `` Amanda ! ``

`` Hello, '' Rose and Amanda greeted them. `` Did you just get here ? '' Rose asked.

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

`` For about a half hour. We flooed, '' pink wine told them.

`` Us, too. ``

`` I hate flooing, '' Amanda groaned, `` Took me fifteen bit to turn back coughing. ``

`` It gets better, '' matt assured her, `` I had n't done it in years, but I did it to get to Albus 's house. Took me forever to stop cough. But then when we came here, I was fine. ``

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

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

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

`` Sure did. Apparently Uncle Vernon went mad. He was shouting and swearing. Said he was n't going to experience anymore junkie in the family. But auntie Petunia got him to blockade. She 's actually ok with it. ``

`` Wow, '' pink wine replied, `` Still ca n't believe it. ``

`` Me, neither, '' Albus laughed.

`` Hi, kids ! '' Bill had appeared adjacent to the table, holding what appeared to be a gigantic Gryffindor lion. `` Everyone 's arrived, so I think we 're going to do the pinata soon. ``

`` Brilliant ! '' Albus grinned.

measure set the pinata down on the tabular array and glanced out across the yard. `` Oi ! teddy ! Want to do the pinata ? ``

slip, who had turned his tomentum scarlet and amber for the juncture, came running over to the table. `` Sure ! We doing it in the middle of the yard ? ``

`` That would probably be best, '' Bill replied. The two of them set off to assoil a home for the pinata.

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

`` hang it on ? '' Albus asked.

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

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

`` Whoever wants to do the pinata can come over here now ! '' Teddy shouted. All at once, all of Albus 's cousins ran over to Teddy. Albus, Rose, and their friends managed to promote their way through the crew to the forepart.

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

rose went first. peak put a blind-fold charm over her center and handed her an old Calluna vulgaris. teddy levitated the pinata and flung it around Rose. After a few poorly aimed hits, her turn was over. Albus was up adjacent. He took the broom from rose and was blind-folded. He loved this part of his birthday parties, but he was never very good at it.

`` To the right ! '' someone shouted. Albus swung the Calluna vulgaris around to his right hand, but did n't make middleman with anything. shift always made it difficult.

`` I bet you anything that Bradley 's going to bristle it spread out, '' Albus said once his turn was over. `` He does at everyone 's party. ``

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

`` I know, '' Albus replied. The pinata bashing continued for a spell and no one had managed to even touch it. chemise was laughing hysterically as everyone flung the broom around. Soon, all the little Thomas Kyd had finished and Albus 's friends were up. Amanda was the first one to actually touch the pinata with the broom, but she did n't make any onward motion in smashing it spread out. matt actually managed to hit himself in the read/write head with the broom, instead of the large Gryffindor lion.

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

John was up next and he hit the pinata with a loud compaction that sounded like it should have smashed the unscathed thing. `` Yes ! '' he shouted.

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

As usual, Tom Bradley was the one to reach the final blow to the pinata. Everyone rushed forward to seize the sweets that had fallen out of it. Albus and his friends each got a large bagful of sweets.

`` Time for nowadays ! '' Molly shouted over the crowd. Albus and rosiness sat down at one one of the tables next to two large muckle of presents. They alternated opening them, each receiving a lot of book, sweets, Weasley Wizard Wheezes products, and various wearable particular. Soon, there was just one face left.

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

Albus took the box and tore the wrapper off. excitement washed over him as he saw what it was. `` A Firebolt 2000 ! '' he shouted, `` Wow ! This is bloody brainy ! Just like Peach State 's ! Thanks Mum and Dad ! ``

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

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

`` You will, '' James assured him.

`` I 'm going to try it out now ! '' Albus grinned. He ran to the middle of the grounds with his ally and cousin following. He mounted the heather and took off into the air. The evening pushover felt cool as he soared higher and higher. It flew just like Empire State of the South 's did. The quickening was rattling and it turned at the slightest touch. Albus flew around the yard for a few minutes, enjoying the bang that only flying could bring. Albus had loved flying and Quidditch for as long as he could call back. He had received his firstly toy broom on his first birthday. He promptly crashed into a Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree the succeeding day and broke it. Albus had gotten a lot proficient at flying since then, but he still was n't nearly as good as William James was. After a few Thomas More minutes, Albus descended and landed on the ground.

`` How is it ? '' John asked.

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

`` Of class ! '' John took the Scots heather and flew off into the sky. Albus spent the next half hour lending his broom to his cousins and ally. They all agreed that it was a superb broom and that Albus was sure to fix Chaser on the Gryffindor Quidditch team.

molly served dinner shortly after everyone had tried out Albus 's new Scots heather. The discussion centered mainly around Quidditch, like it often did when all the Weasleys got together. With such a large number of citizenry, there was always a dear bit of disagreement about which teams were the best. Matt was thrilled that Albus 's Uncle Ron was a Chudley Cannons fan and the two of them defended their squad to the rest of the group.

The evening ended with a magnificent Gryffindor Panthera leo shaped cake that Molly had made. Hermione had enchanted it to roar realistically when it was inaugural cut. Shortly after everyone finished their cake, they started going household. Albus 's menage were some of the last to leave.

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

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

Albus stepped out of the open fireplace at Grimmauld position and waited for John and mat. They appeared a few mo later, and the three of them went up to Albus 's room.

`` That was really fun, Albus, '' Matt yawned as they lay down to go to sleep, `` Your family is fun. shuffle me like I had some cousin-german. ``

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

`` Mine, too, '' John agreed, `` If you think Albus 's household is nuts, you should meet mine. You 'll forgather one of my cousin-german this twelvemonth. It 's her first-class honours degree year at Hogwarts. All my cousins are younger than me. ``

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

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

`` Yeah, we 're taking over, '' Albus joked. `` Well, undecomposed Night. ``

`` Nox, '' whoremaster replied.

`` dark, '' lusterlessness said.



A/N : Thanks to my sister and beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as my other sister and my brother. Thanks also to XDNLxtlz99, teddysxxgirl, Moonylupin, smirkyhaha, and ginnyweasleypotter87 for their revaluation !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




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

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

Albus sighed. He, Harry, bathroom, and Matt were all standing outside the Leaky caldron. The Muggle side. It was a few days after Albus and rosebush 's birthday party and Matt was meeting his parents to go home plate in a couple hour. Harry had agreed to read them a few minute early so they could buy their new record. Harry also decided that it would be a good time to take Dudley and Kaden shopping for Kaden 's supplies.

A few minutes later a wild blue yonder sedan pulled up to the curbing. A rather large blond-haired man stepped out, along with a forgetful brunet woman, and two child. Albus recognized the boy as Kaden. He was short circuit, only an column inch or so grandiloquent than lusterlessness, and a bit on the chubby side. His hair was brown and looked in need of a cut. Kaden 's younger babe, Bethany, had inherited her father 's blond hair and was about a head short than Kaden. Albus thought she was seven, but he was n't certain.

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

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

`` Why do n't we go inside the pub and we 'll spill more there ? '' Harry suggested and opened the door to the Leaky caldron. Everyone filed inside. The Durlseys stared around, gaping at everything in sight while they followed Harry out the rearward threshold. Harry took out his wand, tapped one of the bricks, and Diagon back street appeared in battlefront of them. `` This is Diagon bowling alley. ``

`` This is where you got all your, your magic stuff ? '' Dudley gaped.

`` Sure is, '' Harry grinned, `` The first thing you 'll want to do is set up an bill at Gringotts. '' He pointed to the large White building at the end of the street. `` Cypriot pound wo n't buy much here. You have to use sorcerer money, Galleons, Sickles, and Knuts. ``

Albus really did n't need to go to Gringotts and wait while the Durlseys learned about wizard money. `` Dad, can me, whoremonger, and lustrelessness go spirit at the shop by ourselves ? ``

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

`` Sure, '' Albus said, happy to not suffer to go to Gringotts, `` Let 's go. '' The boys set off down the street, none of them really sure where to go first. Kaden seemed to be gazing in awe at everything he saw. Albus led them to a work bench outside Quality Quidditch Supplies. `` Ok, Kaden, these are my Quaker, John and flatness. ``

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

`` Yeah, '' lav replied. Matt nodded.

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

`` A fair few, '' Albus answered, `` Our acquaintance Amanda has Muggle parents. ``

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

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

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

bathroom burst out laughing, `` Clean with heather ? No way. We fly on them ! ``

Kaden 's back talk fell open, `` Like crone do in movies ? ``

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

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

Albus, toilet, and Matt spent a goodness twenty minutes telling Kaden all about Quidditch.

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

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

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

`` Well, there 's no football game at Hogwarts, '' John Lackland told him, `` It 's Quidditch or nothing. Just delay until you first fly a broom, you 'll interchange your intellect about football. ``

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

`` Not on my House squad. First old age are n't allowed to toy. And this twelvemonth the only opening is for a pursuer. My position is Beater. But Albus is trying out. ``

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

`` Yup. I hope I make it. King James is already on the team. He 's the quester. One of the salutary Gryffindor has ever had, '' Albus said.

`` What 's Gryffindor ? ''

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

Albus shook his head. `` Gryffindor is one of the sign of the zodiac at Hogwarts. You get sorted on your first day into one of the four family. Gryffindor is usually where you go if you 're brave, Ravenclaw if you 're chic, Hufflepuff if you 're loyal, and Slytherin if you 're malevolent. ``

`` What ? ! ''

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

`` How do you get sorted ? ``

`` Ca n't tell you, '' Albus grinned, `` It 's share of the fun not to have intercourse. ``

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

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

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

`` Let 's go to Weasley 's whizz Wheezes, '' John the Divine suggested. Although he looked a little taken aback that Kaden did n't desire to attend at brooms anymore.

The boys left the shop and made their way to Weasley 's sensation Wheezes. Kaden kept up a invariant watercourse of questions the altogether way there. By the time they made it to the shop class, Albus was getting a bit threadbare of answering them. Albus had remembered Kaden as being rather tranquillise, but now he seemed to be very hyper. Maybe the excitement of finding out he was a wizard had caused him to be More outgoing.

`` Whoa ! What is this property ? '' Kaden gazed around at the interior of George III Weasley 's shop class with a flavor of awe on his face.

`` Joke shop, '' can told him, `` skilful shop in Diagon Alley. ``

`` Why thank you, whoremonger ! '' George II greeted them. `` Hello, Albus ! Hi, flatness ! ``

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

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

Kaden nodded and stared at George III. After a few present moment, he asked, `` What on worldly concern happened to your ear ? ``

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

Kaden laughed, `` Holey, like a saint ! ``

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

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

`` I 'm sure as shooting that 'll switch after he sees Quidditch, '' Saint George replied. `` wellspring, I 've got to get back to work. See you later, Albus. ``

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` Extendable auricle, '' Albus told him, remembering when he used them conclusion Yuletide only to overhear his dad talking about the Hallows. `` You use them to listen in on conversations people are having. ``

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

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

The boys waved goodbye to George and left the shop. Albus, matt, and John the Divine listened as Kaden commented on everything they passed on their way to the record book store. Albus hoped that his cousin would calm down down once he was more used to the Wizarding World. They continued their walk to Flourish and Blotts while explaining about wizard forms of transportation to Kaden. He was amazed that ace could seem and disappear 'just care that', as he put it and snapped his fingers.

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

`` Yeah ! Albus has told me about Quidditch and spectre and Flooing and all variety of magical practical antic particular, '' Kaden grinned.

`` wellspring, let 's go get your Scripture now, '' Harry said as the group walked into the shop class. Flourish and Blotts was quite empty today. There were only a few former people inside, none of whom Albus recognized. Harry and the Dursleys took the boys'lists to a gross sales somebody while the boys started looking around.

Albus, Gospel According to John, and flatness had been to this book store legion times and did n't come up anything exciting about it. The three of them would rather ingest been in Quality Quidditch Supplies. Kaden, on the early bridge player, seemed as excited there as he had been in Saint George 's workshop. He ran all over the shop class, picking up random books and bringing them back to show the early boys.

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

`` Er, yeah, '' Albus replied wearily. He had already given this solvent in response to questions about charms, Transfiguration Day, and justificatory spells.

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

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

bathroom stifled a laugh, `` Just hold until he gets his for the first time Potions essay. He wo n't be too thrilled about it then. ``

`` Look at this Holy Scripture ! '' Kaden came running back a few hour later with a volume entitled, Dark Creatures : How to Protect Yourself. `` It 's got stuff about vampires and lycanthrope in it ! I did n't know those were real ! ``

Albus felt Matt stiffen future to him. Albus glanced at him and saw the expression of panic on his facial expression. Albus immediately took the book from Kaden, `` Yeah, they 're real. But they 're aught like the ace in Muggle fairy narrative. And you do n't want to read this book. It 's too get along. You 've got to start out with the staple. '' Albus quickly stuffed the book onto a nearby ledge. He did not want Kaden to interpret about the prejudices champion had about werewolves.

Kaden took off into another section of the storage and matte relaxed. `` That was close, '' he whispered.

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

`` Thanks. ``

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

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

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

Harry, Kaden, and the rest of the Dursleys walked ahead of Albus and his friends on their way to Ollivander 's. Kaden was practically skipping up the street in his excitement about his wand. In contrast, flatness was starting to bore out due to the approaching full Moon. By the clock time Albus, John, and lusterlessness got to Ollivander 's, Kaden was already trying out his initiatory wand. He gave it a moving ridge and one of the empty wand corner on Ollivander 's desk exploded. Kaden thought that the explosion was neat, but Ollivander disagreed. Kaden tried out wand for the next fifteen minutes before finding one that created gold flicker when he waved it. Dudley paid for the wand and the mathematical group left the shop class. The following stop was the chemist and then Madam Malkin 's. An hour later, Kaden was all set for his number one twelvemonth at Hogwarts.

Once they were done shopping, the group met Matt 's parents at the Leaky Cauldron. Everyone was thirsty, so they all decided to eat dinner together. Albus, John, lustrelessness, and Kaden sat at their own table while the adults and Bethany sat at the other.

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

`` I 'm going to impose some more of my cousins after I go nursing home, '' lav told them.

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

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

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

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

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

`` I 'll explain sometime else, when we 're alone, '' he gave a meaningful coup d'oeil at Kaden, `` Maybe on the gearing. But do n't worry about it, I 'm fine. ``

Albus was n't very reassured by this. He did n't recollect people went to St. Mungo 's when they were hunky-dory. But he did n't press for more information, he knew matt disliked discussing his condition, especially around so many people.

`` We should probably get going, '' Mr. and Mrs. Eckerton stood up and walked over to Albus 's tabular array. Mrs. Eckerton sent a worried smell at her son. lusterlessness was resting his head on his hired hand and had his heart closed. `` Are you all right, dear ? '' she asked quietly.

mat lifted his oral sex up and nodded. `` I 've just got a worry. I 'll see you on the train, Albus, John. Nice to meet you, Kaden. ``

Harry and the Dursleys got up and said their goodbyes to matte 's parents. Mr. Eckerton drew lusterlessness into a fuddled hug, and the three of them Disapparated.

Kaden gawked at the blank space that matte and his parents had been just moment before, `` That was glorious. I want to do that. ``

`` You 'll get to, '' Albus told him, `` When you 're in your one-sixth yr, you can take example. And then when you 're seventeen, you take a trial to get your license. ``

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

`` He just did side-along Apparition. someone who 's got their Apparition permit can take early people with them while they do it. ``

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

`` Yeah, but I prefer Flooing. ``

`` So do I, '' John the Evangelist told him, `` But Matt likes side-along Apparition wagerer. ``

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

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

Albus waved goodbye as the Dursleys left the pub to go back into the Muggle macrocosm. Albus was n't indisputable what to imagine about Kaden. He had n't seen him in years, but he 'd be seeing a lot of him now. Kaden was definitely a Lucille Ball of energy, that was for sure. Kaden seemed to intend that everything in the wizarding world was outstanding. He was going to be in for a rude awakening when he learned about Voldemort and other evil wizards.



Wealsey-Potter-Dursley class Tree

Bill-Fleur Charlie-Katherine ( witch ) Percy-Corrine ( Muggle )
Victoire, 18 Francis Edgar Stanley, 7th year Georgia, 6th class
Gabriella, 6th twelvemonth heather mixture, 5th year Bradley, 4th year
Ben, 3rd year scratch, 4th year Cedric, 3rd class
Eddie, 6 year old Samantha & Lindy ( twins ), 7 years old

George-Alicia Spinnet Ron-Hermione Ginny-Harry
Fred, 5th year rosebush, 2nd class St. James, 3rd year
Angie, 9 class old Hugo, 10 years old Albus, 2nd year
Lily, 10 years old

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

*all in Gryffindor*



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

I also want to invite everyone to check out my Meet the Author page on the forums. There 's a link to it in my profile. feeling free to ask about my fib or writiing in general there.


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


`` hurriedness up ! '' Ginny called back to Saint James the Apostle and Albus, `` It 's already quarter to eleven ! ``

Albus sped up as he pushed his trolley through the crowd King 's crossbreeding station. St. James the Apostle was right side by side to him, pushing his own tramcar. Their parents and Lily were in front end of them, walking as fast as they could without actually running. The Potters were running late, very late. It was Sep first and the Hogwart 's expressage would be leaving in exactly XV minute of arc. The whole morning had been very rushed. Albus woke up late and James woke up even later. Albus had stayed up until midnight the Nox before working on his transfiguration essay, and James always woke up late. Then, Henry James could n't discover his practice snitcher and refused to leave before he found it. Lily finally found it in a caldron that was in the kitchen. No one was really sure how it got there.

But because of all this, the thrower sept was now practically running through Riley B King 's Cross, trying to get to Platform 9 3/4 on time. This was earning them many strange feel from the Muggles, especially due to the fact that they had two irritated owls on their trolleys.

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` A bit ? ! The railroad train 's leaving in seven minutes ! ``

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

`` I 'll charge your automobile trunk, '' Ron appeared and took James and Albus 's trolley car to the train.

`` Be good, James, '' Ginny warned, `` You, too, Albus. ``

`` We 're always good, Mum, '' James grinned and slapped Albus on the cover, `` right hand, Al ? ``

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

Ginny gave them a tail end look, `` I do n't want any owls from prof Kendrick. ``

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

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

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

At that second, Kaden burst through the roadblock with a Brobdingnagian smile on his expression. Harry was behind him, pushing another trolley. Ron grabbed it and ran it over to the train.

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

`` You 've got to get on the train now ! '' Ginny shouted as she herded everyone over to one of the power train door. She gave James and Albus a spry hug and kiss. `` Bye, kids ! Be good, all of you ! ``

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

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

`` That was close, '' rosebush sighed as the train left the station.

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

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

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

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

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

Albus and Rose continued down the corridor, peeking into compartments as they looked for their friend. Kaden followed close behind, still wanting to lecture about the barrier. Anything remotely magical seemed to excite him, and Albus had to stifle a laugh as he thought about what Kaden was going to do when he saw the categorization Hat.

`` There they are, '' rose wine announced when they were halfway down the power train. blush wine pulled outdoors the door and they walked inside. John, Matt, Amanda, and a girl with long, black, curly hair Albus had never seen before were sitting inside.

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

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

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

`` Hey ! It was n't my fault. Jesse James would n't impart until he found his practice Snitch. ``

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

`` Yeah, good thing you did n't miss the wagon train. I suppose you could 've just Flooed, but the wagon train is better, '' bathroom told them. `` By the way, this is my cousin, Isabelle, '' he gestured to the female child Albus had n't recognized. `` She 's just starting this year. ``

`` Hi, '' Isabelle said quietly.

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

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

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

`` Wow, '' Isabelle replied.

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

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

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

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

`` Yeah. ``

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` Mine was good, '' whoremonger said, `` Visited Isabelle 's family and we all went to Diagon Alley together. Nothing too exciting. ``

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

`` Yeah, it 's a pretty bully place, '' Albus agreed, `` Went back there with James River after you left, lavatory. Other than that I spent the relaxation of my holiday doing homework and playing Quidditch. ``

`` Me, too, '' Rose said, `` Although I mainly watched James and Albus play Quidditch. ``

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

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

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

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

`` He was the Charms teacher, '' Albus told him, `` He got fired for trying to slip, er, sealed affair that would help oneself him attain Voldemort 's nonpareil. And he started a duel with me, John, Amanda, Matt, and rose. One of his supporter dueled with my dad, too. It was pretty bad. ``

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

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

Kaden stared at his cousin, lost for Word of God for the first of all time. After a few moment he whispered, `` Blimey. So that 's why your family 's notable ? Because my dad said you were, he just did n't evidence me why. ``

`` Er, yeah, '' Albus replied.

The group spent much of the rest of the journey talking about who the next Charms instructor would be, Quidditch, the Dueling Club ( which they 'd be allowed to bring together this yr, as moment years ), and a groovy mickle of former stuff. Around tiffin sentence, the beldame came around with the trolley car and everyone bought large measure of food. Everyone had a lot of fun watching Kaden try all the sorcerer Sweet. Kaden announced that he liked Bertie Botts Every tang Beans best, despite the fact that the inaugural one he tried was a vomit flavor. When he opened his first burnt umber Frog, he was shocked that it could hop and even more shocked when he saw the painting of Rowena Ravenclaw disappear from the card that came with it.

After they polished off the respite of the sweets, the conversation turned to which houses Kaden and Isabelle wanted to be in. Apparently john and Isabelle 's crime syndicate consisted of an equalise number of Gryffindors and Hufflepuffs. Isabelle 's dad had been a Gryffindor and her mum had been a Hufflepuff. Isabelle did n't really care if she was in Gryffindor or Hufflepuff, but she knew she did n't want to be in Slytherin. She decided that Ravenclaw would n't be bad, but she wanted to be some seat where her family had been. Kaden on the former hand, definitely wanted to be in Gryffindor. Albus was n't too sure he 'd scent up there, still thinking that his cousin was more of a Hufflepuff, but he did n't tell Kaden this.

Soon the train made it to Hogsmeade station and it was sentence for everyone to get off. Albus and his acquaintance joined the prominent bunch of bookman exiting onto the platform.

`` fir'years ! fir'class ! '' Hagrid called out.

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

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

`` My first cousin Kaden 's starting this twelvemonth, and John 's full cousin, Isabelle, '' Albus gestured to the two showtime years standing near him.

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

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

Kaden started laughing, `` I ca n't hold back to read how to do something like that. ``

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

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

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

`` wellspring, you 're variety of like him, John, '' Albus laughed and climbed into the nigh hollow carriage. `` Although you 're a bit less annoying, '' Albus turned around and grinned at his friend.

`` Gee, thanks, '' John laughed and sat down adjacent to Albus. Rose, Amanda, and matt followed after, and sat down on the butt across from them.

`` So, Matt, you were awfully quiet on the train, '' Albus began, `` Something pass off during the close part of the summer ? ``

matt sighed and glanced around at his friends, `` Yeah .... I just did n't want to tell you with Kaden and Isabelle around. ``

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

`` I 'm delicately, honestly. It 's just, retrieve over the summer when I said I was going to St. Mungo 's ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus said.

`` And think that subject area I told you about ? The one I 'm in ? ``

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

`` I know I did n't tell you a unanimous lot about it, but it 's the grounds I was at St. Mungo 's. Someone has to observe me after every transformation. Usually Madam Pomfrey or my parents do it, but the therapist like to do it at least twice a year. ``

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

`` That makes sentiency, '' Rose commented.

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

`` I wonder why, '' Albus said. He had been funny about this subject area ever since mat told him about it the premature term, but Albus had been loath to ask about it.

`` Dunno. No one does, that 's why they 're doing it, '' Matt told them, `` But anyway, the healer and Potion beer maker that are working on the wolfbane have come up with anther variety and I 'm going to take up trying it out. ``

`` When ? '' John asked.

`` I think in January, because I 'll be home on Christmas break. I 've got to take it a couple daylight beforehand and it 'll be dependable if someone can catch closely, '' Matt told them.

`` Has it been tested before ? '' pink wine asked.

`` No, '' Matt said quietly. `` That 's the point of the sketch, to prove the potions. ``

Albus glanced at lusterlessness. He looked a bit scared at the prospect of taking an untested potion. No wonder he had been hush on the train. Albus was n't certainly if he would want to convey an untested potion. Of class, if the potion worked, Matt 's life history would drastically commute for the better. But what if it did n't work, what if it had horrifying English effects ?

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

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

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

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

******

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

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, remembering how fearful he 'd been of being in Slytherin the premature class. He still had n't told his friends that the sorting Hat had considered it, and he was n't trusted if he ever would.

`` There 's Kaden, '' blush wine pointed to Albus 's cousin-german, who was standing right at the forepart of the group.

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

prof Patil motioned for the room to be lull and the Sorting Hat burst out in song. Albus had to suffocate a laugh as he saw Kaden 's back talk undetermined in blow. Albus knew that hat would puzzle his full cousin. Kaden turned around and whispered something to Isabelle, who nodded. Once the hat stopped singing, Professor Patil started the categorisation. The first two scholar were both sorted into Ravenclaw.

`` Brickston, Isabelle, '' Patil called, and John Lackland 's full cousin walked over to the can. Patil dropped the hat on her head and a few here and now later, it shouted out, `` Hufflepuff ! '' Isabelle got up and joined her young man Hufflepuffs.

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

`` Well, you said there are a lot of Hufflepuffs in your sept, '' blush wine pointed out.

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

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

Patil put the hat on his top dog and after a few minutes, it opened its brim wide and announced, `` Gryffindor ! ``

Albus turned to look at St. James, who was sitting a few buttocks down, wearing an identical look of shock to the one Albus was. `` Gryffindor ? '' he mouthed, shaking his head. He was so for certain that Kaden would wind up in Hufflepuff.

`` fountainhead, the hat did take an awfully long time to decide, '' Rose pointed out. `` Maybe he 's got facial expression of all the home. ``

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

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

`` Wo n't be the weirdest affair you 'll see here, '' Albus told him, thinking of Nearly Headless Nick, the portrayal on the rampart ( Sir Cadogan in special ), the Whomping Willow, Moaning Myrtle, and numerous other face of the castling that Kaden would have never seen before.

The sorting bear on and the chemical group of first years dwindled until there were only a duo bookman left. Albus had n't recognized any of the other first years, besides Kaden and Isabelle. He thought this must have been the 1st year in a recollective fourth dimension that a Weasley had n't been sorted.

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

`` Willinson ? '' Albus turned to bet at his Quaker, who were all starting at each other, `` You do n't think- ''

`` must be some relation, '' trick shrugged.

`` Maybe a cousin ? '' pink wine suggested, `` I remember Slughorn mentioning that Willinson was an only child at one of the Slug Club group meeting last year. ``

`` Great, '' Albus sighed, `` I thought we 'd be done with Willinson after last year, but now we 'll have to carry on with his cousin. ``

`` Felix Willinson might not be like his cousin, '' rose wine pointed out.

`` But he 's in Slytherin, '' Gospel According to John said adamantly.

`` May I have your attention, please ! '' Albus and his friends stopped talking and looked up to see that Kendrick had stood up. `` Thank you. I do have a few start of terminus announcements, but I think they can waitress until after the banquet. Enjoy. '' Kendrick waved his limb and food appeared on the golden platters.

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

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

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

`` Told you he was like you, '' Albus whispered to toilet as Saint John filled his own denture with as much food as he possibly could.

`` Wut, is'goob foob, '' John replied with his mouth full of potatoes.

`` That 's disgusting, John, '' Rose screwed up her font in disgust.

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

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

`` What ? '' lustrelessness asked Kaden.

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

lustrelessness glanced at Albus, clearly unsure about what to tell Kaden. Albus glanced at his other friend, who all shrugged. `` Er, '' Albus began, `` recall what I said about the appealingness teacher on the train ? '' Kaden nodded, while stuffing his grimace with the rest of his roll.

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

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

Throughout the sleep of the feast, Albus talked to his Quaker about Felix Willinson and whether or not he was anything like Quinton. rosiness wanted to give way him the benefit of the doubt and postponement and see if he shared the same views as Quinton. John, on the early hand, was gear up to hex him as soon as the feast was over. He figured that Felix must agree with Quinton, since he was in Slytherin. Matt and Amanda both agreed that Felix probably did agree with his cousin, but did n't retrieve they should start hexing him before they really met him. Albus was n't sure what to think, and he just thought they should quash Felix, not trying to be friendly with him or hex him.

Kaden received a nice shock when Nearly-Headless ding decided it would be his scale he would appear out of during the feast. Kaden dropped his roll in surprise, but another one of his huge grins appeared on his facial expression shortly after. He gazed around in astonishment and watched all the ghosts circling the way. Albus laughed and told him that they even had a touch teacher. Kaden was amazed by this and said he could n't hold off for that class.

`` It 's just chronicle of deception, '' mat told him, `` wearisome class in the school. Best one for sleeping, though. ``

`` You 'd acknowledge, would n't you ? '' John joked.

`` Oh, shut it, trick, '' matte laughed, `` But seriously, Binns is the most drilling professor here. ``

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

`` reliance me, the thrill wears off after the first day, '' lustrelessness said.

A few arcminute later the food disappeared and deserts appeared just minute later. Kaden and lavatory immediately piled their plates with every pudding there was. Albus and his friends informed Kaden about the rest of their professors and they all speculated about the new Charms teacher. Albus had noticed one new teacher sitting at the faculty table and assumed she was the new magic spell teacher. She was an old Wiccan, with her gray hair pulled back in a tight bun. She was very skinny and Albus was guessing she was quite tall, but it was surd to recite as she was sitting down. Albus thought she had an almost bird-like appearance.

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

Whispering immediately erupted in the room, as to what this big promulgation could be. Kendrick waited a few moments before continuing, `` Anyway, first I 'd like to insert you to our new magic spell teacher, professor Cedonia. '' The old beldam stood up and Albus noticed that she was, indeed, very tall. She gave a small moving ridge and sat back down again. `` I also need to remind you that the Forbidden wood is, as always, out of bounds, as is the Whomping Willow. ``

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

`` Mr. Filch has asked me to remind you that dueling in the corridors is nix. Also, that the list of forbidden objects now includes the new 'Extra-Strength droppings Bombs'that have just been released at Weasleys'whiz Wheezes. All other products available for purchase there are also forbid and students may inspect the full list on Mr. Filch 's room access. ``

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

`` If you want to try out for your house 's Quidditch team, please establish your epithet to your principal of household. I think those are all the common announcements. Now, onto the more exciting announcement, '' Kendrick paused and none of the scholar said a intelligence, `` It has come to my attending that the tensions between the theatre have been increasing over the past few years. I know that certain houses have always had rivalry, '' Kendrick turned to search at the Gryffindor and Slytherin tables before continuing, `` But I think the rivalry has gotten too declamatory. I believe we need Thomas More ace. A heavy Muggle man once said'A house divided against itself can not stand-'''

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

`` Thank you, Mr. Weasley, '' Kendrick said sternly, `` I was talking about Hogwarts as a unit. I, along with the early professor, believe that their is too a great deal House rivalry. Therefore, we will be taking stone's throw this year to alleviate it. ``

`` This wo n't be in effect, '' John muttered under his breather, `` I can see it coming, we 're going to stimulate to be friendly with the Slytherins. ``

`` We have decided to change the Dueling Club, '' Kendrick continued, `` This year, unlike past long time, we will have inter house squad. ``

`` What ! ? '' Most of the Great Hall erupted into shouts of verbalise astonishment. The Gryffindors were glaring at the Slytherins, and frailty versa.

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

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

`` Thank you for proving my full stop, '' Kendrick shouted over the randomness. The elbow room quieted down immediately, `` As I said, there is too often rivalry. I believe this will facilitate alleviate it. You will bear to work together with member of early houses in order to win the dueling championship. There will be more than details to follow during the get-go meeting of the Dueling golf-club. As always, the baseball club is open to second years and above. ``

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

`` No, '' Albus told him, `` Sorry. start years do n't know enough spells to fall in. But you can join future year. '' Kaden scowled and turned back to the headmaster.

`` What about Quidditch ? '' King James asked, `` That 's not inhume theater, is it ? ``

`` Of course not, Mr. Potter, do n't worry, '' Kendrick smiled, `` I believe I would be run out of the castle if I tried to start inter business firm Quidditch. ``

`` He probably would, '' Albus replied quietly, so only his admirer could hear him.

`` I think those are all the announcements I have for now. I suggest you all get a good Nox 's rest for classes tomorrow morning. first gear twelvemonth, delight fall out a Prefect to your green room. sound night, everyone, '' Kendrick sat back down.

`` Blimey, '' trick sighed and shook his straits as he stood up, `` Inter household dueling. ``

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

`` Oh, I do n't cognise, '' Rose shrugged, `` I kind of think it 's a good idea. ``

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

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

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

`` Definitely, '' Albus replied. bathroom, Rose, and Amanda all nodded their heads.

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

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

Albus and his admirer continued their trek to Gryffindor pillar, and the conversation turned to the new good luck charm teacher. None of them could venture what Professor Cedonia was like, but they all assumed she was nonindulgent. She had a very derriere look about her all during the feast. When they got to the common room, they all decided to subscribe Kendrick up on his advice and turn in early. They were all tired from the journey to Hogwarts. Albus got into his warm four-poster bed, and realized that with professor Washburn gone, he would n't have anymore of those Legilimency dreams he had cobbler's last year. With that happy view in his head, Albus drifted off into a restful sleep.



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

Quote that Kendrick said in his speech was said by Abraham capital of Nebraska and all credit goes to him.

I 've also written a new one-shot, That nighttime, which is about the dark Matt got bitten. If you want to learn it out, the nexus is in my profile.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




`` What have we got next ? '' Gospel According to John asked at lunch the future day. The Gryffindor second years had just gotten back from a particularly boring History of Magic class. Before that, they had Transfiguration, which was almost as boring as account of Magic.

Albus looked at his schedule, `` duplicate Potions. I hope we 're not with the Slytherins this twelvemonth. ``

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

`` Hi, everyone ! '' Kaden threw himself onto the bench next to Albus and started piling his scale with food, `` The classes are brainy here ! There is n't any maths or English class ! ``

`` English ? '' whoremaster laughed, `` Why in the name of merlin would they teach us to speak English ? ``

`` Muggles take English people course in school, John, '' Amanda sighed, `` They learn grammar and punctuation and read literature. ``

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

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

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

`` I ca n't expect to use my wand for something, '' Kaden pulled out his wand and started waving it around.

`` find out it ! '' flatness shouted as Kaden nearly poked his eye out.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` Oh, Merlin ! '' John Lackland shouted once they reached the keep, `` We 're with the Slytherins again ! ``

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

The educatee stood outside the dungeon, in branch groups of Gryffindors and Slytherins, waiting for Slughorn to arrive. He arrived a few minutes later and unlocked the door. Albus went inside with everyone else and sat down at one of the desks, succeeding to flatness.

`` Ah, my two favorite Houses together again ! '' Slughorn grinned and clapped his manus together, `` Just let me run through attendance real quick. '' Slughorn read off the names of all the student, `` Excellent, excellent, we 're all here !

`` Now, seeing as we have a double class today, I thought a little contest would be appropriate ! Let 's see how often you remember from hold out year. The partners that brew the Best Forgetfullness Potion will each get a large slab of Honeyduke 's drinking chocolate ! '' Slughorn glanced around at his educatee. The Gryffindors were on one side of the room, Slytherins on the former, often like it had been in the late year.

`` I 'm sure you all heard prof Kendrick 's speech last Night, about the fact that the school needs to be more unified, '' Slughorn continued in an uncharacteristically sober whole step, `` Therefore, I have decided that it would be a good idea to have inter-house pardner this class. ``

Albus turned to Matt and mouthed, Good melodic theme ? matte was looking as shocked as Albus felt. Neither of them wanted to work on Potions with any of the Slytherins. How could Slughorn suppose this would be a good estimate ? Albus thought it would most likely reason More plosion than usual.

Once the class stopped groaning, Slughorn continued, `` I, for one, agree with the headmaster in that there needs to be to a lesser extent tension between the home. So, please stop moaning. I 'm sure you 'll receive that you can ferment together for the good afternoon. I will read off the pairs and then you may locomote. ``

Slughorn picked up another piece of parchment and started reading off it, `` Dalila Avish is with Amanda Tagger, John the Divine Brickston is with Saint Francis Xavier Goyle, Janie Creevey is with Nessa Vaisey, Matt Eckerton is with Scorpio Malfoy. ``

Albus glanced at flatness who had a look of emit horror on his side. He was shaking his head and mouthing the parole 'no'. Albus knew that Matt would consume rather worked with any Slytherin other than Scorpio. Albus turned his head slightly and saw that Scorpius had a self-satisfied look on his face. He probably thought he 'd find out Matt 's mystery now. But he would n't, not if Albus could do anything about it.

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

Could be worse, Albus thought. He did n't really bang Jackson, although he did recognise that Jesse Jackson was an excellent Potions beer maker. Albus was decent with Potions, but not nearly as good as Jackson.

`` Bilius Katherine Mansfield is with Patrick Parlan and Leigh Montague is with rose wine Weasley, '' Slughorn looked up from his sheepskin and tapped his wand on the black circuit board. direction appeared on it. `` There you go ! ``

Albus gave Matt a lukewarm smile that lustrelessness did not retrovert, and Albus got up to join Old Hickory Limbert at his desk. Scorpius Malfoy got up and took Albus 's overturn arse. `` Limbert, '' Albus nodded as he set his caldron down on the desk.

`` Potter, '' Limbert nodded back. `` I 'll get the constituent, you light a firing. ``

Albus nodded and lit a fire beneath his caldron as Limbert joined the waiting line of scholarly person getting component from the cupboard. Limbert returned a few transactions later and he and Albus started to prepare the component. They worked in secrecy the unhurt time. Albus did n't cognise what Slughorn was thinking. The best he could probably hope for was what Albus and Limbert were doing ; working civilly with each former, but not talking. Albus dropped a few beetles into the cauldron and looked around at everyone else. It seemed like Albus and Limbert were some of the few who were getting along. Scorpius Malfoy was whispering something to flatness, that Matt was trying hard to ignore. rose was telling Leigh something and Leigh looked like she was ready to hex Rose. John was correcting Goyle, who was stirring his caldron in the legal injury focus, and can looked like he wanted to scream. Amanda and Delila seemed to be getting along all right, but like Albus and Limbert, were n't talking.

`` Time 's up ! '' Slughorn announced a while later. Albus stepped back from his cauldron as Slughorn started to study the potions. He inspected each one, telling its owner what they could hold done to stimulate it better. Slughorn was impressed with Rose and Leigh 's potion, but not with any of the others. Finally, he made his way to Albus and Limbert 's cauldron.

He leaned over the cauldron and prodded it with his wand. `` Excellent ! fountainhead done, boys ! I think we have a succeeder ! '' Slughorn produced two measure of chocolate and gave them to Albus and Limbert. `` Please read chapter one of your book and spell a six inch summary of it for next form. ``

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

Matt, toilet, and Rose all stared at him with looking of disgust on their faces. `` Speak for yourself, '' matt muttered. King John and rosebush both nodded.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` Worked out upright, '' john said, `` You got the coffee. ``

******

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

`` Gon na set her on fervour, too ? '' bathroom grinned at Albus.

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

`` serenity, please, '' prof Cedonia said in a restrained, but forceful, voice. `` Thank you. I 'll just run through the attendance. '' Cedonia called out all their names and when she was satisfied that everyone was there, she walked out from behind her desk. `` Now, I know your hold up year of pedagogy in this field was less than satisfactory, and I hope to change that for this year. I know some of you, '' her eyes fell upon Albus 's table, `` Spent more than time in detention with professor Washburn than in grade with him. I do not believe that that is a effective way of teaching. Now, do n't get me wrong, if there is any misbehavior, I will feed detentions, but I do not handwriting them out lightly. I would much rather retrieve out why a student is misbehaving and piece of work to fix it, than just pass out detainment like they 're free samples. ``

`` I think I 'm going to wish her, '' flatness whispered. Albus and John nodded.

`` For example, some pupil cause topsy-turvydom because they are bored with class. I do not want you to be bored in my schoolroom. If you are, delight feel unloose to let me know before you start causing any pandemonium.

`` Now, with that in mind, I 'd care to come out off with a critical review of last class. Please take out your sheepskin and quills. ``

The residuum of the class was rather enjoyable, Albus thought. They spent half of it taking annotation, which Cedonia actually made pretty fun. She kept everyone engaged, but did n't force you to answer a motion you did n't have it away, like Washburn had done. The other half was spent practicing charms they had learned utmost twelvemonth. Albus found that he was much near at magic spell when he was n't being watched by a teacher who hated him. He actually managed to levitate his textbook a couple feet in the air and he did n't set anything or anyone on fire.

`` I 'm going to care good luck charm this class, '' whoremaster announced as they walked out of the room.

`` Me, too, '' mat agreed, `` I wish we 'd had her lastly year. ``

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

`` Definitely, '' Albus nodded, `` I 'm going to have so much more free time this class without all the detentions, '' he joked.

`` You 'll just suffer to do other things to pull in detentions, '' lav laughed, `` Like pull pranks on the Slytherins. ``

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` Good, '' Albus said, relieved that lusterlessness would not be missing the first Dueling Club meeting.

******

The rest of the workweek passed by quickly. Albus and his supporter fell right back into their usual Hogwarts bit. They spent their evening in the common room either doing homework or just talking and playing plot. Kaden usually spent the eve with him. Kaden seemed to spend time with Albus 's chemical group rather than the other Gryffindor first long time. Albus was not sure why, and was starting to become a bit annoyed at the fact that Kaden was always around. The only time Albus seemed to get away from Kaden was during classes. course were going well so far. Albus was doing lots better in Charms with Professor Cedonia, and was doing about the same as the previous year in the relaxation of his classes.

When Saturday arrived, everyone was talking about the Dueling Club. The first encounter was taking plaza that afternoon, after lunch. Albus and his booster went immediately to the Dueling elbow room after they finished eating. When they got there, it seemed like everyone in the whole school day was joining. fountainhead, everyone except the starting time years.

`` Wow, '' Albus said as he looked around, `` Is everyone joining ? ``

`` Probably, '' Rose replied, `` There are n't many people who do n't connect. ``

`` silence, please ! '' Harry shouted out over the crowd. Everyone stopped talking and turned to look at him. `` Thanks. Now, like past years, we 're having junior Dueling as well as the habitue Dueling social club. If you 're second, tierce, or fourth yr, you have to link up the Junior night club. If you 're in fifth class or above, please keep an eye on Professor Longbottom to the next room where you will induce your meeting. ``

`` Well that 's a relief, '' lusterlessness commented as the quondam scholar left the room, `` I did n't fancy dueling with seventh years. ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` My cousin Stanley is a brilliant duelist. I would n't desire to be paired up against him. ``

`` Oh, I do n't know, '' King John grinned and pulled out his sceptre, `` I bet I could look at on a seventh year. ``

`` Yeah, sure, '' rosiness rolled her eyes.

`` Wands away ! '' Harry shouted, and John quickly stowed his wand. `` Now, as you know, prof Kendrick has decided that we will not suffer mansion teams this year. There will be eight teams, just like hold out yr, but they will have members from each planetary house on them. ``

There was a collective groan from the crowd. Everyone was standing in groups consisting of student of their own house. Albus sighed, he had kind of hoped that professor Kendrick would interchange his thinker, but it did n't appear that way.

`` Yes, I know none of you are well-chosen about it. And frankly, I 'm not sure as shooting if it will induce less stress between the houses, but it 's worth a try. Now, once we get everything organized, this will puzzle out much like Quidditch. Each team sea captain will set up practice session times, and there will be competitions throughout the class. Unlike Quidditch, there is no trying out ; everyone gets on a team.

`` First, I 'll tell apart you who the captains will be. professor Longbottom and I picked them at the end of last twelvemonth, based on your performance. All the senior pilot are fourth years. There are two from each house.

`` They are Bradley Weasley, Tasha Kasey, Kate Waverly, Leo Davies, April Finch-Fletchley, St. Paul Galivant, Nadine Neal, and Barty heath. ``

There was a expectant amount of money of shouting and groaning at the declaration of the senior pilot. Albus did n't screw any of the captain besides his cousin, Omar Bradley. He hoped he was on Bradley 's team.

The repose of the encounter consisted of Harry putting everyone onto a team. Albus found it rather boring and spent the whole time talking to his friends. Eventually, he was put on a team. He was on Kate Waverly 's team, along with Amanda. They were the only two Gryffindor first twelvemonth on that squad. Jesse James was n't on it either. Albus was happy he was on Kate 's team. She was a Ravenclaw and on the Quidditch team. Albus was very relieved that his captain was not a Slytherin. However, shortly after Harry told Albus he was on Kate 's team, he found out that Scorpio Malfoy was on his team. He was not looking forward to having to collaborate with Malfoy. He had hoped he would be able to duel Malfoy, but it did n't look like that would be happening.

`` I 'm so happy I 'm not on Malfoy 's team, '' Matt said, as they entered the common room after the meeting was over.

`` Yeah, well, me and Amanda are, '' Albus groaned and threw himself into one of the chairs.

`` But you are n't his Potions mate, '' Matt pointed out, `` I 'd go mad if I had to be on his dueling team, too. ``

`` Good point, '' Albus sighed, `` But you really lucked out. You have my full cousin for your captain. ``

`` At to the lowest degree you have n't got a Slytherin for your captain ! '' lavatory shouted. Rose nodded. She and John both had Slytherin police captain, but not the same single. Saint John the Apostle 's captain was Nadine Neal and rose wine 's was Barty Heath.

`` Oh, you 'll survive, '' Amanda laughed.

`` Easy for you to say, with your Ravenclaw sea captain, '' St. John the Apostle muttered.

`` Albus ! '' Kaden came running out of the threshold leading to the boys'dormitories, `` How was dueling ? Was it fun ? Did you win ? Was the other guy unconscious for a while ? Is he still unconscious ? '' Kaden sat down excitedly in the chair next to Albus's.

Albus sighed ; he had yet to see his cousin-german without his endless quantity of Department of Energy. Albus was beginning to marvel if Kaden could resolve down enough to sleep. `` Er, we did n't really duel today, Kaden. It was just an informational get together. We got assigned teams, though. ``

`` Neat ! Who 's on your squad ? ``

`` Me, Amanda, Cedric, and a bunch of Hufflepuffs, Ravenclaws, and Slytherins that I do n't bed. Our captain is Kate Waverly, she 's a Ravenclaw. ``

Kaden grinned, `` I ca n't hold off to join the Dueling nightclub side by side year. I 'll tucker out everyone ! '' He pulled out his wand and waved it around. It produced a trickle of water that landed on Albus 's head.

`` determine it ! '' Albus shouted and shook the pee out of his oculus, `` And put your wand away.

`` Sorry, '' Kaden replied and put his wand into his robe. `` What are you going to do now ? ``

`` Probably go down to the Quidditch pitch and practice for try-outs tomorrow, '' Albus told him.

`` Ooo ! Can I come, please ? Flying lesson start next week. I ca n't hold back ! Can I try out your Scots heather ? '' Kaden begged.

Albus did not desire Kaden on his new broom. Kaden had never flown before and Albus was sure he would dash it. `` You can descend ticker, I guess. But grim, you ca n't try out my ling. ``

Kaden 's face fell a bit, but he still looked mad, `` All right wing, let 's go ! At to the lowest degree I can check you work Quidditch. I still do n't see how it can be considerably than football game. ``

`` It is, '' Albus replied adamantly. He stood up and turned to his Quaker, `` You lot want to issue forth ? ``

`` Yeah, definitely ! '' King John stood up. `` I 'll institute my broom and help you practice. ``

`` I 'll derive, '' flatness agreed.

`` Do n't mean so, '' rose wine replied, `` I 'm going to do some homework. Want to stick around here with me, Amanda. '' blush wine gave Amanda a look.

`` Sure, '' Amanda said, `` See you later, Albus. ``

Albus and can grabbed their brooms from their student residence and the four boys left the common room.

`` Rose and Amanda are probably having girl talk of the town, '' John grinned.

`` Yeah, they 're probably talking about us, '' Albus laughed.

Albus, Saint John the Apostle, lusterlessness, and Kaden spent the eternal rest of the afternoon playing Quidditch. Kaden watched the altogether time, amazed that brooms could enable people to fly. He still thought football was better, but Albus assured him that after he saw a match, he would convert his head. John let Matt fly his broom for a little while and Albus practiced his Chaser science with both of them. By the time night fell, and Albus was exhausted, John and lustrelessness were sure he would get on the team.



A/N : Thanks to my Sister and beta, Dancer of Starlight ! Thanks as well to my other sister and my brother. Thanks to ginnyweasley98, XDNLxtlz99, sinwillys822, potterfan89, Moonylupin, and ladymblack for their critical review !

Just to let everyone know, the next chapter might not be up until Friday of adjacent week instead of Thursday. I might cause to tack my update day to Friday instead of Thursday from now on, since school is starting and my Thursdays are going to be quite busy.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




Albus woke up the next day feeling very nervous. The Quidditch try-outs were n't until the afternoon, but Albus did n't eat often breakfast anyway. He spent well-nigh of the sunup in the green way with his friends, trying to get some homework done, but found that he could n't concentrate. Eventually he gave up and played a few beat of Exploding Snap with King John, who was putting off his homework until the death minute.

Harry stopped by the Gryffindor table during lunch and wished Albus proficient chance. Shortly after tiffin, Albus headed down to the Quidditch slant with his new Calluna vulgaris over his shoulder. pink wine, john, lusterlessness, and Amanda went with him.

`` Albus, hey, Albus ! '' Albus turned around as he was leaving the castle to see Kaden running out of the Great Hall.

`` What ? '' Albus asked impatiently. He was unquiet to get down to the pitch and see how many other mass were trying out. He did n't want to be late.

`` Are you going to try-outs now ? '' Kaden asked excitedly.

`` Uh, yeah, '' Albus replied.

`` Oh, can I come ? '' Kaden asked hopefully.

`` Sure, '' Albus answered and stepped out of the castle. The group continued their walk of life to the rake, listening to Kaden talk animatedly about his number 1 week at Hogwarts. Albus did n't consider Kaden would ever run out of things to say, and found his constant quantity jabbering a bit irritating. Albus was n't in the modality to hear about how professor Patil had yelled at half of Kaden 's transfiguration class the late day. Soon, Albus just adopted the policy of smiling and nodding when Kaden paused, like he did with his other younger cousins. Right now, all Albus wanted to do was concentrate on his try-out.

John, Matt, blush wine, Amanda, and Kaden went to go sit in the standstill while Albus went down to the large crew of Gryffindors trying out. Albus turned his attention to the early Chaser hopefuls gathered around him. There was a 7th year boy who Albus vaguely recognized as one of Stanley 's ally, two buirdly looking sixth year boy who looked like they 'd hold practiced Beaters than Chasers, a couple fifth year little girl, quite a few quarter and third base years, and even a bunch of first twelvemonth. After a few more transactions of waiting, the Gryffindor team emerged from the cabinet room, lead story by Albus 's cousin, Peach State. Empire State of the South had become the new captain over the summertime. Albus distinctly remembered the morning time she got the letter informing her of her captaincy. Her head had appeared in the fireplace at Grimmauld Place, where she shouted the tidings so loudly, Ginny had dropped the ladle she was stirring porridge with.

`` Attention, please ! '' Georgia shouted over the crew. She had a very loud voice and everyone was quiet immediately. `` Thanks. Now, there 's only one available berth this year, for Chaser. And I 'm not kicking any of last year 's histrion off, so if any of you are seeking a position other than pursuer, readable off now. ``

There were a few groan from the crowd, and the two sixth year son stalked off the field of battle. One of the quarter years left as well.

`` Also, I 'm sorry but the rules have not changed since close year, and initiatory years are not allowed on the team. I encourage you to try out again when we next have available positions. '' The rather heavy group of starting time years scowled and left the pitch in a huff.

`` wellspring, now that that 's taken tending of, '' Peach State pulled out a clip card, `` First, I 'll need to see you all fly around the pitch. Fifth through seventh years first. ``

Albus watched as the honest-to-god students flew around the delivery a few prison term. Georgia watched them carefully and wrote note of hand on her cartridge clip board. Albus thought they all flew remarkably well except for one of the fifth twelvemonth young lady. She kept lurching downwards every time she accelerated, almost falling off her broom. After a few turns around the pitch, the quondam students landed next to Georgia.

`` Good. But I 'm sorry, Carrie, '' GA turned to the fifth year who did n't fly very well, `` I do n't intend you 're cut out for this. '' The little girl shrugged and went to sit in the stall. She did n't expect too discomfited and Albus suspected the sole rationality she tried out was because the other fifth year girl did n't want to do it alone.

Next, it was Albus 's turn to fly around the pitch. He took off along with the third and quaternary yr. Once in the air, he started feeling better about the try-out. He could do this, he was a effective flier. He sped around the pitch, going faster than the other pupil. Albus noticed that they were great fliers as well, even better than the seventh and fifth twelvemonth who had flown earlier.

`` Excellent, '' Georgia grinned as Albus landed in nominal head of her. The others landed shortly after. `` Now I just have to see how well you work with Quaffles and the relief of the team. ``

During the side by side section of the try-outs, all the Chaser hopefuls went up into the air along with the rest of the team and passed the Quaffle back and forth. Albus only dropped it once. The Sami could n't be said for everyone else. Everyone else dropped it at least once. The only former person who only dropped it once was one of the fourth yr, Gabe Bourne.

`` You all did swell, '' Georgia smiled after they finished tossing the Quaffle around, `` But I have narrowed it down to Gabe Bourne and Albus potter. '' The other hopefuls sighed and left the pitch.

After this, Sakartvelo simulated a real number match, in decree to happen out who fit best with the team. Albus, who had played chaser with his cousin numerous times, worked quite well with Heather and Fred. Albus already knew the way they played and found that it was very easy to pass on with them while he was flying.

`` All right, '' Sakartvelo announced once everyone had landed, `` I 've decided on Albus Potter. I 'm dark, Gabe, feel free to try-out again another time. ``

`` Yes ! '' Albus grinned. The eternal rest of the team clapped him on the articulatio humeri and congratulated him.

`` I knew you 'd get it, Albus, '' James grinned.

`` pattern, '' Gabe muttered as he left the tar, `` Had to pick your cousin. Are n't there enough of them on the team ? ``

`` He 's just jealous, '' William James commented. `` You obviously worked better with Heather and Fred. ``

`` Thanks, James River, '' Albus grinned. He did n't care what Gabe bourne thought. He was on the squad !

`` Great job, Albus ! '' John shouted as he ran onto the pitch. `` I knew you 'd get it. ``

`` Yeah, kudos ! '' Matt agreed. pink wine and Amanda grinned.

`` glorious ! '' Kaden shouted, `` Maybe I 'll get to be on the team someday. ``

`` I thought you liked football, '' Albus laughed.

`` I do, football game 's still better than Quidditch, '' Kaden assured him, `` But flying is brilliant. ``

`` Quidditch is better, '' Albus replied adamantly, `` But I 'll see you lot up in the castle. We 're going to stay and practice a bit. ``

Albus and the rest of the team spent the whole afternoon practicing. Albus loved every bit of it. Georgia was very glad that Albus worked so well with heather and Fred. Usually, when a team got a new Chaser it took a couple weeks for the new pursuer to get used to the team, but Albus fit right in. Georgia was indisputable they would be ready for the first couple, and they might even be able to win the Quidditch Cup again.

******

Albus climbed through the portrait hole the play along Th feeling thoroughly worn out. The Quidditch squad had just practiced for two 60 minutes and Albus just got back from snagging a belatedly supper afterwards. The team was only practicing a couple nights a week, but it was enough that Albus hardly had any time for anything early than homework. He could only reckon what it would be like when they were practicing every Night of the workweek.

Albus immediately spotted privy and mat sitting at their usual table in the backbone. He looked longingly at the door leading to the dormitories. All he wanted to do was sleep, but they had Astronomy at midnight that Night. Albus ran up to the dormitory for a few minutes to deposit his ling and get his schooling bag, wishing all the while that he could just collapse into bed.

`` Hi, hombre, '' Albus said as he sunk into a chair at the table his friends were at.

`` Hi, Albus, '' lav greeted him, `` You look almost as bad as Matt does. ``

`` Thanks, '' Albus replied flatly, but he knew he looked exhausted. Although not nearly as beat as flatness did. The full phase of the moon lunar month was that nighttime matte was sleeping with his head on his metamorphosis book.

`` How was practice ? '' John asked, without looking up from her History of conjuration notes.

`` Exhausting, '' Albus replied, `` And I got hit with two Bludgers. ``

`` Ouch, '' John said.

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, massaging his left wing arm where both Bludgers had made contact. He heard the portrait open and saw Kaden coming in, looking Sir Thomas More subdued than he usually did. He made a beeline for Albus and sat down next to him.

`` Hi, Kaden, '' Albus said.

`` Hi, Albus. ``

`` Er, is something legal injury ? '' Albus asked. He was n't used to seeing Kaden so quiet.

`` Patil assigned another essay today. A foot long ! '' Kaden shouted so loudly that Matt woke up. `` A unanimous foot ! ``

Albus looked at bathroom and both of them explosion out laughing.

`` What 's so funny ? '' Kaden asked loudly, his articulation returning to its usual tone.

`` It 's just, '' Albus grinned, `` that you seemed so in love with everything wizard and it did n't seem like you thought anything was bad in the magical world and here at Hogwarts. You loved every single class and did n't deliver a complaint. I knew that would change once you 'd been assigned a farseeing essay. ``

`` Haha, '' Kaden replied flatly, `` But still ! I mean, get along on, how can I write a foundation long essay about transfiguring matchsticks into phonograph needle ? It 's not that complicated ! You mutter an incantation and your lucifer change, that 's all there is to it ! There 's no way I can stretch that into a foot unless I write as big as Bethany does and I do n't think Patil would like it if I wrote like a seven-year-old. ``

`` A animal foot is nothing, '' Albus told him, `` Eventually, you 'll be doing essays that are two peal of sheepskin. ``

`` Two rolls ! '' Kaden shouted, `` How is that potential ? It 's not ! I give up ! ``

`` Could you talk restrained ? '' Matt whispered.

Kaden paused long enough to attend at Matt. `` You look horrific. You should go see lady Pomfrey. You know legerdemain fixes everything ! It 's perplex. I had a frigidity the other day and she gave me a potion and it was gone in an instant ! ``

`` She ca n't fix this, '' lusterlessness muttered.

`` Sure she can. I saw her fix this bloke 's osseous tissue with her wand. It was superb. She 'll deliver you ripe in no fourth dimension, '' Kaden assured him.

`` No she wo n't, '' lusterlessness said quietly.

Albus and John pellet Kaden warning looks. Albus willed his cousin to stop talking now. Kaden had absolutely no idea what Matt went through every month. Albus was getting fed up with Kaden 's feeling that everything about the wizarding cosmos was marvelous and that illusion fixed everything.

`` Yeah she will, '' Kaden pressed, `` Just go ask her for a potion. ``

`` Just forget it, '' Matt replied a bit more loudly, and stood up. He turned to Albus and John, `` I have to go now. I 'll see you tomorrow, right ? ``

`` Of course, '' Albus assured him.

`` Yeah, we 'll see you then, '' John said, `` Want me to come ? ``

`` No, I 'm ok, '' Matt replied and left the common room.

`` Is he going to see Madam Pomfrey ? '' Kaden asked, `` I do n't know why he did n't go right when he got sick. Seems stupid to me. ``

That was the last straw. Albus had had it with Kaden. He turned to his first cousin with a look of cult in his center. `` Kaden, just shut it ! '' he shouted. `` Do n't call up him pudden-head ! You 've got no idea what illness he 's got, '' Albus whispered so that only Kaden and John could take heed him, but his interpreter was every bit as forceful as it had been when he was shouting. `` And get it through your head that magic does not fix everything ! There are some things that Madam Pomfrey ca n't fix with potions. Do n't ever tell him to just go see lady Pomfrey so she can make it all better. Because she ca n't. ``

Kaden stared at Albus and did n't say a Book. His usual cheery grinning faded away and was replaced by a tone of shock and hurt. `` Sorry, '' he mumbled and got up from the table. He ran over to the dormitories and went up the step without so much as a glance back to Albus.

Albus looked at John, who was wearing a look of shock on his face as well. `` I do n't think I 've ever heard you yell at anyone like that. Besides me, of course, when we were fighting over whether to distinguish Matt we knew he was a werewolf, '' John said quietly.

`` Yeah, well, he was really starting to get on my nerves, '' Albus replied, `` And this was it. He should n't have done that. He should deliver stopped talking when lusterlessness said brothel keeper Pomfrey could n't help him. ``

`` But how was he supposed to cognize ? '' John asked, `` Do n't you think you were a bit harsh ? ``

`` No, '' Albus answered, `` Not when it comes to this. He 's got to find out not to butt into mat 's malady, especially if he 's going to be around us all the time. ``

`` I 'm not sure he will anymore, '' King John replied.

The two ally sat in silence for the side by side few minutes. Albus thought about what St. John the Apostle had said. Maybe he had been too coarse. Maybe he should cause just told Kaden not to vex flatness. But Kaden had practically called lustrelessness stupid, had n't he ? That was uncalled for. Could what Albus said really been enough to deter Kaden from spending time with Albus and the others ? Albus was n't sure. He was n't even sure if he wanted Kaden to stop spending prison term with him. As much as Kaden annoyed him, he had grown used to his younger cousin being around.

`` You 're awfully placidity over here, '' rosebush said as she and Amanda sat down at the table. `` Oh, did Matt forget ? ``

Albus nodded. `` How is he ? '' rosiness asked.

`` He 'd have been comfortably if it was n't for Kaden, '' John pointed out.

pink wine groaned, `` What did he do ? ``

`` I was wondering why Kaden was n't here, '' Amanda said, `` It 's kind of odd seeing you without him around, Albus. ``

`` Kaden insisted that Matt go get a potion from lady Pomfrey because he looked sick, '' toilet told the young woman. Albus was perfectly bequeath to let John tell the tale. `` And of row he looked gruesome, considering what tonight is. But Kaden did n't cognize that, of row, and he would n't contain telling Matt how conjuring trick can fix everything. ``

`` Oh, did he really ? '' rosiness sighed, `` Then what happened ? ``

`` matt left. I think he really did hold to go away then, but I 'm for certain he was pretty irritated by Kaden, '' Saint John continued.

`` I 'll bet, '' Amanda said quietly, `` Your first cousin does n't always know the best thing to say, Albus. ``

`` That 's why Albus yelled at him, '' can announced.

`` What ? ! '' both fille shouted at the same time.

`` Yup, '' John the Evangelist replied, `` Probably would stimulate turned into a big row if Kaden had n't have just left. He 's in his dormitory right now. ``

`` Oh, Albus, you did n't, '' Rose sighed.

`` I did, '' Albus said, a trivial annoyed that pink wine seemed discomfited, `` And you would have to if you 'd been there. I just told him I was tired of him talking about how magic mend everything. I told him that there are some things that Madam Pomfrey 's potions wo n't fix and not to cite them around lusterlessness. I also yelled at him because he practically called matt stupid person. Kaden said Matt was stupid for not getting a potion when he first got sick. ``

`` I see your point, '' Rose replied, `` But honestly, Albus, you could have got said it without yelling. I think Kaden 's having a uncut time adjusting and making friends. Having you raging with him is n't going to assist matter. ``

`` Maybe if he learned to be quiet once and a while, he 'd make supporter, '' Albus muttered.

`` fountainhead, you can rationalize in the break of the day, '' rose told him, while taking out her homework.

`` Apologize ? He 's the one who 's got to apologize to Matt, '' Albus said adamantly.

`` He does n't even know why that overthrow lusterlessness, '' Rose insisted, `` And unless you plan on telling him, he 's probably not going to apologize. ``

Albus had n't thought of that. There was no way he was going to tell Kaden that Matt was a werewolf. `` All right hand, fine. I 'll apologize. But if he does that again, I 'll yell at him again and I wo n't excuse. ``

`` And I 'll be right there yelling with you, '' John assured him.

`` son, '' Rose muttered to Amanda, who nodded.

******

Albus was extremely tired when he trudged down to breakfast with his friends the next dawn. Due to uranology, he had n't gotten to bed until 1:30 am, and had had about six hour of nap. Albus had n't seen Kaden at all that morning, which was unusual because Kaden usually waited for Albus in the common room before breakfast. Albus figured he was probably still upset about the previous night. Albus really did n't require to apologize, but he supposed he would feature to.

Albus sat down and poured himself a Methedrine of orange succus. He was glad that it was a relatively soft day. forked Herbology in the morning and then a individual class of Potions after luncheon. Following Potions, Albus and his friends would go visit lustrelessness in the hospital Wing. Albus felt like he would rather spend the day in the hospital Wing sleeping instead of going to year, but he knew that would n't happen.

The post hooter flew into the room and Albus noticed his mother 's owl flying towards him. The owl landed next to Albus, Albus took the varsity letter, and the owl was off again.

`` Letter from aunty Ginny ? '' blush wine asked.

`` Yeah, '' Albus told her and opened the letter.

Dear Al,

How are you ? I hope your offset two weeks have gone well.
I 'm glad the new Charms instructor is nice, and I do go for
you 'll conduct yourself in her class.

Congratulations on making the Quidditch team ! I 'm so
proud of you. Lily is very emotional as well and is
telling me that she is going to become the new
steward after GA graduates. We 'll see about that.

Dudley called live on Nox and told me about the row
you had with Kaden lowest night. I realize that Kaden
may suffer been lupus erythematosus than charitable with matt, but
please excuse to him. Kaden is having a boisterous
prison term adjusting to Hogwarts. I know it seems like
he loves everything witching, but he has not made a
whole lot of friends. He needs you to be kind to
him and include him in your activities.

With love,
Mum

Albus folded the varsity letter and sighed. Even his mother wanted him to rationalize to Kaden. Did n't anyone understand that Kaden had been out of line live night ? lavatory seemed to guess so, but thought Albus should have been nicer about it.

`` aunty Ginny agrees with me, '' rosebush commented.

`` Her and everyone else, '' Albus muttered. He still did n't really want to apologize to Kaden.

`` Well, looks like you 'll have got to excuse later, '' Rose announced and stood up, `` We 've got to get to Herbology. ``

Relieved that he had an excuse not to excuse now, Albus made his way to the greenhouses with his acquaintance. Neville spent the moral teaching about devil's apples and helping the class to re-pot them. Albus found rather wanton, but not everyone in the social class did. One of the mandrake root attached itself to Karina 's tomentum and would n't let go until Neville stunned it.

Albus did n't see Kaden at lunch and did n't have prison term to go find him before Potions, not that he minded. He was still mad at Kaden and did not want to excuse. Potions was pretty boring because all Slughorn did was lecture. Albus felt himself nodding off a few fourth dimension, only to be prodded awake by Rose who was sitting next to him.



A/N : Thanks to my babe and Beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as my former Sister and my chum. Thanks as well to XDNLxtlz99, potterfan89, ginnyweasley98, and Moonylupin for their reappraisal !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




After Potions, Albus and his ally went to visit Matt like they usually did after a full lunation. Albus was relieved that they did n't run into Kaden on the way there. He was n't surely what he would say in order to shake off his full cousin if Kaden decided to try and chew the fat Matt with them.

`` Hello, kids, '' Madam Pomfrey greeted them as they entered the ward. She was used to them visiting by then and left them alone as long as they were n't too loud.

Albus made a beeline for the bed lustrelessness usually stayed in and pulled back the curtain. Matt was sporting numerous cuts all over his face and arms, a black eye, and bruises all along his coat of arms. He was also asleep.

`` Aww, he 's dormancy, '' John grinned mischievously as he shut the mantle behind them.

`` Well, that 's not really storm, '' Rose commented, `` Maybe we should come back later. ``

`` No, I 'm come alive, '' Matt mumbled hoarsely and opened his heart a bit. `` Is Kaden here ? ``

`` Nope, have n't seen him since last night, '' Albus told him.

matt breathed a sigh of relief, `` Good. I was trying to come in up with a something to recount him as to why I 'm here, but now I do n't have to. ``

`` I do n't consider you 're going to induce to concern about that, '' King John replied.

`` Why not ? I 'm sure he 'll ask. He 's always hanging around. And end night he was so bloody irritating. I think I would 've had a go at him if I had n't had a splitting headache. ``

`` Albus had a go at him, '' John told him, and proceeded to enjoin Matt what had happened after he left.

`` Wow, Albus, '' flatness said quietly when lav had finished, `` Thanks, I guess. ``

`` No problem. I 'm not going to let him march into why you 're sick all the clip, '' Albus said.

`` And you have n't seen him since ? '' Matt asked.

`` Nope. He got really upset, I think. And Mum says I 've got to apologize to him. I do n't really want to, though, '' Albus answered.

`` Well, you probably should. He is your cousin, after all. But I ca n't say I 'd mind if he did n't expend as often prison term with us, '' Matt told him.

`` I know, me too, '' Albus responded. `` Anyway, how are you ? ``

`` Been better, been bad, '' Matt replied, `` Got a few erupt ribs, but lady Pomfrey fixed them. I 'm just a bit sore. And tired, of track. ``

`` When do you get to leave ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Probably Sunday, '' Matt yawned.

`` Do you want us to leave so you can sleep ? '' Rose asked.

`` No, I 've got all night to sleep. Tell me what I missed in family. ``

`` Well, a mandrake attached itself to Karina 's hair in Herbology, '' Albus told him.

`` Bet she loved that, '' Matt stifled a laugh.

`` And Albus fell asleep in Potions, '' blush wine announced, `` I had to wake him up a few time. ``

`` I was n't numb. I was just closing my center for a bit, '' Albus insisted. `` Slughorn was just talking and it was boring. I had Quidditch drill yesterday and Astronomy. I 'm tired. ``

`` What did I miss in astronomy ? ``

`` Not a great deal. Just review, mostly. phase of the Sun Myung Moon, that kind of thing, '' Albus replied.

`` I think I 've got those down pretty well, '' Matt laughed. Everyone else started laughing, too. Albus was well-chosen that Matt was getting to be more well-heeled about talking and joking about his condition with them.

Albus and the others spent the remainder of the metre until dinner in the infirmary Wing with Matt. Once dinner clip came, Madam Pomfrey chased them out. Albus knew he 'd make to spill the beans to Kaden soon, but he did n't get the chance to during dinner party. After they finished eating, Albus and his supporter went up to the common room to get started on their growing pile of homework.

`` You should go talk to Kaden now, '' rose said as she looked up from her notes.

Albus sighed. He had just gotten started on an essay that he really did n't finger like written material, but he 'd rather write it than talk to Kaden. `` I do n't even see him in here, Rose. ``

`` He 's over there, sitting by himself, '' Rose pointed behind Albus.

`` Just get it over with, Albus, '' John told him as he twirled his quill around his digit, `` You 've got to do it sometime. Just apologize and tell him not to bother Matt anymore. Make for certain he knows that, because if he does that again I 'll call at him, too. And I 'm much gaudy than you, '' privy grinned.

`` He 's your cousin-german, Albus, you 've got to at least be cultivated to him, '' Amanda said, `` Even if you 're not best admirer. ``

`` That 'll never take place, '' Albus rolled his oculus. `` Oh, all right, I 'll go talk to him. ``

Albus got up from the table and squeezed his way through the crowded commons elbow room to the death chair Kaden was sitting in. Kaden was leafing through his potions text Bible and writing the occasional note down on a composition of sheepskin. `` Er, hi Kaden, '' Albus said and sat down in the chairperson opposite his cousin. `` Could I talk to you ? ``

`` Oh, hi Albus, '' Kaden replied quietly, `` I thought you were still mad at me. ``

`` That 's what I wanted to tattle to you about. ``

`` Oh, well, go ahead, '' Kaden closed his potions book.

`` I guess I just want to say I 'm no-count for yelling at you last night, '' Albus said as he picked at a wanton yarn on the professorship. `` I did n't really mean to bowl over you. I just wanted you to stop telling matt to go to the Hospital Wing. He told you to stop over and you did n't. ``

`` fountainhead, I thought brothel keeper Pomfrey could just give him a potion and he 'd be all better, you know, like illusion, '' Kaden gave a lukewarm jape, `` I just do n't get why anyone would n't go get a potion when they 're grim. ``

Albus sighed. He knew it was time for Kaden to read that magic did n't fix everything. `` Kaden, you 've got to understand that magic ca n't fix everything. I do n't reckon you get that yet. I know it 's tough to do into the witching world after living in the Muggle one for XI eld. Well, actually, I guess I do n't know that. You 'd be salutary off talking to Amanda about that, or my dad, or my Aunt Hermione- ''

`` I think magic is bloody brilliant ! '' Kaden interrupted.

`` That 's the affair ! '' Albus stared his first cousin in the eye, `` Not all magic is vivid ! And it wo n't fix everything ! ``

`` I do n't see why it ca n't, '' Kaden shrugged, `` It 's magic after all. ``

`` This is why most Muggles do n't screw about magic. Most of them think magic trick can fix all their problems, just like you do, '' Albus explained, `` But it ca n't. And I guess you 'll just have to learn that for yourself, if you do n't believe me. ``

`` I think I do think you, Albus, '' Kaden replied, `` And I already know that not all magic is skillful. I remember what you told me about Voldemort. ``

`` Yeah, I think you do know that, '' Albus agreed, `` But back to the early thing. You 've got to interpret that there are some, er, '' Albus chose his word of honor carefully so as not to give away mat 's secret, `` unwellness, that ca n't be fixed by magic. They 're speculative than your average cold or flu, and the healer, those are sorcerous doctors, have n't found cure yet. ``

`` Oh, '' Kaden said. Albus could assure he was giving this a good bit of thought. `` But why ca n't you just curl your wand and make it amend ? ``

Albus sighed. This was hard than he thought. He tried to think of a way of putting this in a Muggle position. Amanda would be better at this, he thought. Or even rosiness. `` I 'm not sure exactly why. It just wo n't work. I hypothesis charming healing is n't that different than Muggle medicine. Healers try to find therapeutic just like medico do. Doctors ca n't fix everything either, like cancer, '' Albus remembered a Muggle disease he heard his dad talking about once, one that was very hard to cure. `` Doctors try to fix it and sometimes they do, but there 's no cure. ``

Kaden 's eyes opened wide and he whispered, `` Matt 's got cancer ? ``

`` Oh, no ! '' Albus exclaimed, `` whiz do n't get that ; it 's a Muggle disease. And what he 's got is n't the superstar version of it. He 's not going to die from it. He just gets regorge every once and a patch. What you 've got to translate is that gentlewoman Pomfrey ca n't fix it with potions. So, you should n't narrate him to go get some. Just do n't observe anything like that. And definitely do n't call in him stunned for not going to see ma'am Pomfrey, '' Albus said sternly.

Kaden nodded his drumhead solemnly. Finally he seemed to be getting it, Albus thought. `` But what has he got ? '' Kaden asked curiously.

Albus groaned inwardly. He had hoped this would n't come up, but he knew it would. `` I ca n't tell you. That 's for him to tell you, if he wants to. And honestly, I do n't suppose he will. So do n't ask him, ever. ``

`` You know what it is, right Albus ? '' Kaden asked.

`` Yeah, I do, '' Albus replied. `` Oh, and do n't talk about this with anyone else, besides me. Not any of the former world-class years, or anyone. Do n't mention that you know anything whatsoever about him getting ghastly. Promise me you wo n't. ``

Kaden looked questioningly at his cousin. `` I wo n't. But why is it so closelipped ? ``

`` It 's all contribution of what it is, and that 's all I 'm going to say, '' Albus stood up.

`` All right, so you 're not mad anymore ? ''

`` No, '' Albus replied. `` I 've got to go fetch up an essay. You want to come sit with us ? '' Albus was n't for certain what his Friend would call up of Kaden sitting with them, heck he was n't really for sure if he wanted Kaden to sit with them, but it seemed like the correctly thing to do.

A huge grin appeared on Kaden 's face and he stood up. `` Yeah, of course ! ``

Albus walked back to his friends, Kaden following like a puppy, and he knew things were back to normal.

******

`` Hey, Albus, '' Kate Waverly sat down next to Albus at breakfast the following Mon.

`` Oh, hi Kate, '' Albus said once he 'd swallow up his mouthful of eggs.

`` Listen, I 've been trying to find a time for dueling pattern, '' she began, `` It 's been firmly than I thought it 'd be. I obviously ca n't do it during Quidditch practice. I do n't think the whole team will be able to meet at the Same time ; it just wo n't work. But that 's all rightfulness. The team I was on last yr rarely ever met at the same fourth dimension. I 've been talking to everyone and it looks like Wednesday evening will work for a lot of masses. Can you establish it ? ``

Albus thought for a moment. He had been wondering when the first dueling practice would take place. John and rosebush had already been to their first practices. flatness missed his because it took office while he was in the hospital flank. `` I should be able to seduce it, '' he told Kate.

Kate grinned, `` Great. How about you, Amanda ? '' she turned to Amanda, who was sitting across from Albus.

`` Sure, I 'll be there. I have n't gotten anything else to do besides homework, '' she laughed.

`` Perfect. The meeting will be in the dueling room, seven in the eve. I 've already talked to Professor potter and he said it 's relinquish. I 've got to go talking to the Slytherins now. I 've been saving them for finale, '' she groaned and walked over to the Slytherin table.

`` Finally, we 're having a meeting ! '' Albus said excitedly. `` I ca n't wait to start dueling hoi polloi. ``

`` Me too, '' Amanda grinned.

`` It 's moderately brilliant, '' John told them, `` We have n't really learned any new spells yet, but I got to disarm a couple people. ``

`` I disarmed a span third gear years at my merging, '' blush wine announced. `` I 'm excited about learning new spells, though. ``

`` Wish I had n't missed mine, '' Matt muttered.

`` You 'll cook it to the next one, '' Albus assured him, `` You heard Kate, not everyone makes it to every coming together. ``

`` Can I go with you to the meeting, Albus ? Please ? '' Kaden begged.

`` I do n't imagine you can, sorry, '' Albus told him, `` First years are n't allowed. ``

Kaden mumbled something that sounded like 'stupid rule'and left to go to his first class.

`` We ought to go, too, '' Rose announced. Albus and his Friend left the Great mansion and made their way to Transfiguration.

The adjacent few solar day seemed to get behind on for an eternity. Albus was very excited about the dueling practice and he did not feel like concentrating on anything else. He momentarily forgot about it during Quidditch practice on Tuesday, but once that was finished, he was back to waiting impatiently for dueling.

After dinner on Wednesday, Albus and Amanda said sayonara to their friend and made their way to the dueling room. When they got there, they saw 7 or 8 early students, along with Kate Waverly milling about. Albus noticed that the Gryffindors, Ravenclaws, and Hufflepuffs were all talking with each other, but the Slytherins were sulking by themselves in one corner.

A couple more bookman ran into the room as Albus and Amanda went over to the group of non-Slytherins. Harry walked in a moment later, and stood adjacent to Kate in the battlefront of the room.

Kate looked at the clock and then back at the team. `` All right, I think most of us are here. I 'm Kate Waverly, 4th year Ravenclaw, as most of you know. I know a lot of you are n't happy about the inter-house teams this year, but we 'll take in to deal with it. It 's not easy for me, either. finish twelvemonth, captains only had to accommodate one Quidditch team, this twelvemonth we have to accommodate four.

`` professor ceramicist, prof Longbottom, or one of the other prof will supervise the exercise, at least for the world-class few. But if you have an government issue, please get along to me first because I 'm the captain. Now, for our world-class meeting, I 'd just wish to measure what dueling skills you 've got. So pair off and demilitarize each former. Disarm only. ``

Albus and Amanda stepped a few feet apart and faced each other. `` Ready ? '' Amanda asked.

Albus grinned, `` You know, if this was a real affaire d'honneur, you would n't ask me if I 'm ready. ``

`` I know, '' Amanda laughed, `` I 'm just used to it. ``

`` It 's all right wing. ``

A few minute later, Amanda shouted out, `` Expelliarmus ! ``

Albus felt his scepter vibration in his helping hand, but it stayed there. `` That was a respectable try, '' he said.

`` I 've done it in class, '' Amanda told him.

`` I know. I 've seen you. ``

`` You try now. ``

`` Ok, '' Albus pointed his sceptre at Amanda and shouted, `` Exeplliarmus ! '' Amanda 's wand flew out of her hand and it landed at Albus 's feet.

`` Great job, Albus ! '' Kate shouted from across the room.

`` Nice one, '' Amanda told him.

`` Thanks, '' Albus replied, `` You try again. ``

Albus and Amanda disarmed each other for the next fifteen minutes. Amanda managed to disarm Albus a duad times, but she was n't nearly as good at it as Albus was.

`` All right ! '' Kate shouted, `` transposition mate, everyone ! Preferably someone who 's not in your house. ``

`` ceramicist, '' Malfoy appeared adjacent to Albus, smirking at him, `` Let me show everyone how much of a amend dueler I am. ``

`` Bring it on, Malfoy, '' Albus growled, suddenly wanting to hex Malfoy, rather than just unarm him.

`` Too bad we 're not on separate teams, '' Malfoy commented, `` Then I could wipe the floor with you in a actual duel. Oh, well, this 'll consume to do. ``

`` Bit total of yourself, are n't you ? '' Albus muttered, raising his wand.

`` Expelliarmus ! '' Malfoy shouted. Albus 's wand flew out of his hand and landed a duad feet away. `` Told you, '' he laughed. `` I am a better dueler than you. ``

`` I have n't tried disarming you yet, Malfoy, '' Albus replied, `` Do n't count your Snidgets before they hatch. ``

`` Give me your worst, ceramicist, '' Malfoy smirked.

`` Expelliarmus ! '' Albus shouted with all the force he could muster. Malfoy 's baton left his script and landed a couple invertebrate foot away, just as Albus 's had done. `` There, we 're even. ``

`` We 'll never be even, potter, '' Malfoy replied haughtily.

`` Great job, everyone ! '' Kate announced, `` That 's decent for now. I see we have some slap-up dueller in here. With a piffling drill, I 'm sure we 'll beat the other teams. I think for simplicity, I 'll hold practice session every calendar week this same day and meter. It might be in a different room occasionally, and I 'll let you know if it is. Do n't worry if you ca n't attain all the meetings. Just try and make as many as you can. I 'll see everyone future week. ``

`` That was pretty fun, '' Amanda said as they were getting ready to leave.

`` Yeah, although I could do without Malfoy, '' Albus replied

`` Hey, Al, '' Harry put his arm around his son, `` Could I talk to you for a bit ? ``

`` Sure, '' Albus said and then turned to Amanda, `` I 'll see you in the common room. ``

`` All right, '' Amanda left the room.

`` I have n't had a chance to talk to you much, '' Harry said once the elbow room was abandon. He walked over to a couple chairwoman and sat down in one. He patted the one following to him. `` How have you been ? ``

`` Great. I love Quidditch, '' Albus grinned and sat down in the chair next to his dad.

`` I 'm glad you made the team, although I heard some of the other Gryffindors were n't too well-chosen. ``

`` Yeah, a couple thought I just got on the squad because Empire State of the South 's maitre d'hotel. And Ryan 's the only one who 's not a Weasley or a potter on the team now, '' Albus explained.

`` I 'm sure as shooting that 's not why you made the squad, '' Harry assured him. `` You 're a majuscule pursuer. ``

`` And I 'm already used to working with Heather and Fred. ``

`` Exactly, you were the beneficial one, '' Harry agreed, `` How have classes been ? ``

`` Fine. appealingness is much better than lastly year. I like Professor Cedonia. ``

`` She 's very courteous. She 's definitely not the usual kind of instructor Hogwarts has, but that 's not really a bad thing, '' Harry commented.

`` Yeah, she has n't given out many detentions, '' Albus told him.

`` But she has her course of study under restraint. I think the other instructor could learn a lot from her. ``

`` I 'd bang it if nobody gave out detention anymore, '' Albus grinned.

`` That 's not really what I meant, but anyway, '' Harry continued, `` I heard you had some trouble with Kaden recently. Mum sent me an owl about it. ``

Albus felt his boldness turn red. `` Er, yeah, but it 's all worked out now. I 'm not mad at him anymore. ``

`` Glad to hear it, '' Harry smiled, `` If you have anymore problems, feel detached to come to me. I know Kaden can be a bit, er, exuberant, to put it nicely. ``

Albus laughed, `` I 'll say. He just does n't know when to lay off sometimes. ``

`` Some people are like that, '' Harry stood up. `` It 's getting late. You should probably go back to Gryffindor. ``

`` All right, '' Albus stood up as well and gave his dad a hug. `` G'night, Dad. ``

`` 'Night, Al, '' Harry gave his son a hug back and the two of them left the room.




Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry ceramicist. Nor do I own 'Bothering Snape'or anything else related to Potter Puppet Pals.




The second half of Sept passed the same way the first half had. Albus 's sidereal day were filled with classes, prep, Quidditch practice, and dueling practice session. Albus was really enjoying both Quidditch and dueling, although he liked Quidditch better. Kate had begun teaching them new spells in dueling, and it was fun, but Malfoy kept trying to partner up with Albus during practices. Albus suspected that Malfoy was trying to ticktack Albus in one of the practice duel, but he had yet to deliver the goods. The initiative dueling meet was n't until the end of October and Kate felt that the team would be fully prepared by then.

Kaden was quickly becoming a permanent fixture in Albus 's group of supporter. After Albus apologized and invited Kaden to sit with them in the common room, he just never left. He was always with them whenever they were n't in class and because of this, Albus and his friends were spending much less time in the Room of Requirement than they had the second half of their first yr. They seemed to throw come to an unspoken agreement not to show Kaden the Room, and Albus was perfectly happy with this. After all, there might eventually come up a day when Albus and the others needed to be alone, without Kaden, and the way might be the only place in Hogwarts where they could go.

The second Sunday of October, Albus found himself looking for his acquaintance after a particularly long Quidditch practice. He shouldered his heather, feeling very worn-out, and headed back to the castle. It was a warm fall day, not a cloud in the sky, and a cool breeze was blowing. It had been the perfect day for Quidditch practice. Albus had gotten his first taste of Quidditch practice in the rain a couple calendar week back and he had n't enjoyed it in the slightest.

On his way back to the palace, Albus noticed Saint John the Apostle and Matt sitting a couple yards away from the Whomping Willow, beneath another tree. Kaden was wandering around nearby, playing with what appeared to be a beat piece of plastic attached to a long twine. Albus went over to John and Matt and sat down next to them.

`` How was practice ? '' Matt asked.

`` Exhausting, '' Albus replied, `` What have you been up to ? ``

`` Sitting around, putting off doing our preparation, '' Saint John grinned.

`` And watching Kaden turn with that Muggle toy, '' flatness laughed.

`` What is that matter ? '' Albus stared at the musical composition of plastic as it went up and down on the string.

`` He calls it a 'yo-yo', '' John explained. `` Never seen anything like it. ``

`` I think I had one when I was really little, '' lusterlessness commented, `` But I must cause lost it ages ago. ``

`` How long has he been playing with it ? '' Albus asked, amazed that Kaden, who could n't sit still for XV minutes, could have the care distich to play with that toy.

`` About fifteen proceedings, '' lustrelessness told him, `` But I think he 's noticed you, Albus. ``

Sure enough, Kaden pocketed his yo-yo and ran over to Albus. `` Hi Albus ! How was Quidditch practice ? ``

`` Good, '' Albus told him, `` Tiring, but sound. ``

`` I was watching. I think I 'd wish to be a Beater, it looks like fun to wallop those Bludgers around, '' Kaden grinned.

Albus, who personally thought Kaden should not be allowed near a Beater 's bat after he nearly put someone 's eye out with his wand a twain fourth dimension, laughed. `` Well, we wo n't be needing a new Beater for a while, '' he turned to John and lusterlessness, `` Where are rosebush and Amanda ? ``

`` Up in the palace, doing homework, probably, '' John replied, `` They did n't want to issue forth outside. ``

Kaden stood up and stared at the Whomping Willow. `` D'you think that tree could defeat person ? ``

`` Probably, '' Albus said.

`` Wonder why they planted it, then, '' Kaden started to take the air a little faithful to the tree.

Albus glanced at his friends and saw a facial expression of terror appear in lusterlessness 's eyes. Why was it that Kaden always seemed to query the things that had to do with Matt 's being a werewolf ?

`` Er, Dumbledore probably thought it was funny, '' Albus lied.

`` He was mad, then, '' Kaden inched even closer to the tree, whose thrashing branches were now just a duet foot away from him.

`` A bit, yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` But he was brilliant, too. ``

`` It 's so foreign, though. I 've never seen a Tree like this, '' Kaden started to encircle the tree.

`` That 's because it 's magic, '' Albus told him.

`` You should probably tread back, Kaden, '' Matt warned him.

`` I 'll be careful, '' Kaden took a few Sir Thomas More steps towards the tree. He was now within compass of its branches. `` must be a strong tree diagram. '' He started to try and impact one of the arm, but the tree got there first and hit him on the leg with one of its subdivision. `` Ouch ! '' Kaden shrieked.

Albus, flatness, and John all stood up and ran over to him, but not close enough that they could get hit.

`` Kaden, I told you not to go near it ! '' Matt shouted.

`` It did n't even break the skin. I 'm fine, '' Kaden assured him and went back to inspecting the tree diagram. But the tree did n't like Kaden around it and started to hit him more forcefully. `` Ow ! ``

Albus rushed forward, dodging branches as he went. `` Kaden, movement ! ``

But Kaden did n't go away from the tree. A branch hit him in the head and knocked him over. He stood up a little and peered closer at the tree 's base.

`` Kaden, get away from there ! '' flatness screamed in a very trembling quality. `` I 'm dangerous, make a motion ! ``

`` I think there 's a hole down there ! '' Kaden shouted excitedly.

Albus saw all the color drainpipe from lustrelessness 's face, and he knew that Kaden had just found out how to get into the surreptitious passage that led to the screeching hut. Albus was about to go snap up Kaden away from the tree, when he disappeared from sight.

`` Oh, no, oh, no ! '' matt shrieked, shaking his chief back and forth.

Albus rushed forward towards the tree. It hit him on his articulatio humeri and his head as he tried to dodge the branches. He crept closer, still getting hit, and saw the fix Kaden was talking about. But it did n't seem like there was any way to get into it without being killed. Albus had no idea how Kaden had done it.

Matt ran forward and grabbed a long branch that was on the ground. He wordlessly shoved it into the base of the tree, and the subdivision stopped. Albus turned to look at him, but he said nothing. Albus quickly jumped into the hole and found Kaden crouching in the incoming of a long tunnel.

`` This is amaze ! '' Kaden grinned, `` I 've found a mystery passageway ! ``

`` Listen, Kaden, we 've got to get out of here, '' Albus said urgently.

`` Aw, come on, Albus. Let 's adopt it ! ``

`` No, Kaden, we ca n't, '' Albus insisted.

`` You do n't seem very excited, '' Kaden commented and he stared at Albus for a few second base. `` I know, you already know about this, do n't you ? ``

`` Er, I, '' Albus tried to believe up something to tell Kaden. He was n't a very good lier, `` amercement, I do already know about it. My dad told me about it. But I have n't been in it. educatee are n't supposed to go in it. That 's why we 've got to forget, we 'll be in huge difficulty. ``

`` Do you get laid where it leads ? '' Kaden asked.

`` No, '' Albus lied. He figured he 'd be able to extract that lie off, and he did n't need to say Kaden where the transit led to. `` Now let 's go. ``

Kaden sighed, `` Fine. But you 're ruining the fun. ``

Albus did n't say another Good Book. He quickly climbed out of the trap, hoping that whatever flatness had done to stop the subdivision was still working. Luckily, it was, and Albus was able to wax out without receiving anymore combat injury. Kaden climbed out behind him, the huge smile still on his face.

John and lustrelessness were standing nearby, but not near enough to be hit with subdivision. Matt was looking white-hot as a ghost, clearly worried that Kaden had found the Shrieking shack. Albus was just about to tell his friends that Kaden had n't gone down the tunnel when he heard a voice behind him.

`` Playing with the Whomping Willow. That is clearly against the rules. ``

Albus turned around and saw Filch making his way slowly towards them. Great, he thought, this is just what they needed.

`` Yes, yes, '' Filch wheezed, `` Follow me, delinquents. ``

Albus turned to look at lavatory and matte. John was looking pretty calm, but matt was still as blench as Nearly Headless snick. Kaden also looked a bit worried, but not nearly as practically as Matt. Albus was a little nervous as well. He had never gotten in fuss with the caretaker before. He had heard repulsion account about Filch and was n't sure which ace were true.

Albus followed Filch up to the castling in between John and matt. Kaden was walking a fiddling ways behind them. None of them said a password. Filch was muttering to himself as he slowly lead the group up to the castling. They continued following Filch through the castle while other scholar stared at them. The early scholarly person were whispering amongst themselves as Albus and the others passed. Albus stared at the soil and tried to brush off them. Why was his worry making always so publicized ? Of course, this was n't even his fault, Albus thought bitterly. It was all Kaden 's faulting. Why did he give to observe messing with the tree diagram ? He never seemed to want to let anything go. When he got an idea into his read/write head, he never seemed to let go of it until Albus either yelled at him or physically stopped him.

Filch led them into a small, cramped, dark office filled with various Muggle cleaning implements. There were only 3 death chair in the room, one of which was behind Filch 's desk and he sat in it immediately. lustrelessness took one of the former chairs, as he appeared so nervous that he might faint. Kaden immediately started snooping around the place, while Albus and bathroom remained standing and watching Filch 's every move.

`` It 's in here somewhere, '' Filch muttered as he rifled through a storage locker. `` Let 's see. B. battler towards teachers, bothering house pixie, bothering witching creatures, bothering Snape, bothering early students, ah, here it is ! Bothering the Whomping Willow. '' Filch grinned and pulled out a composition of parchment. He set it down on his desk and looked up at Albus and the others.

Albus glanced at St. John, who shrugged. None of them had ever been in Filch 's function before and had no idea what to expect. Albus was prepared for the worse, including being shackled to the wall, as his cousin Fred told him Filch had done.

`` Quite the group of difficulty makers you are, '' Filch muttered, `` I 've got the form right here, already made. Had quite a few others torment that tree in the past, especially after it was first planted. ``

Albus had his dubiousness as to whether Filch actually knew why the tree was planted. Matt seemed to be getting more skittish with every mention of the Whomping Willow, and Albus could n't find fault him.

Filch opened his oral cavity and was about to say something when there was a crash behind Albus. Albus turned around and saw Kaden standing with a few dozen Fanged Frisbees at his ft. He was holding one in his hired man and there was an empty-bellied box next to him.

`` Do n't adjoin anything ! '' Filch shouted and ran out from behind his desk. He yanked the Frisbee out of Kaden 's paw and picked up the others. He shoved the box back on the shelf and went back behind his desk.

`` Sorry, '' Kaden mumbled. Filch ignored him.

`` back to your penalisation, '' Filch continued, picking up a calamus. `` full-of-the-moon names ? ``

For a snag second gear, Albus considered giving Filch a fake name, but figured it would do no good with his dad as a teacher. `` Albus Severus thrower. ``

Filch wrote his gens down and a grinning spread across his face. `` Following in your male parent 's footstep ? And your grandfather 's ? Yes, yes, I have an entire drawer in my filing locker dedicated to your grandfather and his delinquent friend. I do believe he once bothered the Whomping Willow as well. ``

Albus ignored Filch 's reminiscing. He had not been bothering that tree. He had been saving Kaden from it. Although what Filch said had sparked his curiosity. Why had his granddaddy messed with the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree ? He knew his grandfather loved to make trouble, but that tree concealed one of his skillful friend 's secret. Maybe it had happened before he knew about it, Albus thought.

`` What about the rest of you delinquents ? '' Filch growled.

`` Saint John the Apostle Malcolm Brickston, '' trick replied. Filch wrote it down and glared at Matt.

`` St. Matthew the Apostle Conan Eckerton, '' Matt mumbled very softly.

`` And you ? '' Filch glared at Kaden after he wrote down Matt 's name.

`` Kaden Peter Dursley, '' Kaden announced.

`` Right, '' Filch finished filling out the form and put it into his very declamatory filing cabinet. `` Your punishment. Three night'detention. Tonight you 'll be scrubbing cauldrons, Muggle style of course, in the Potions way. Tomorrow you can do dividing line. And Monday you 'll clean the astronomy Tower, without illusion as well. encounter me in the keep 8pm sharp tonight. Now get out of here. ``

Albus wrenched the door open and ran out of the office as fast as he could. Three nights of detention ! Two of which would be spent doing Muggle cleaning ! That was harsh. Albus was angry now. Why did Kaden have to go near that tree diagram ? None of them would be in this mess if he had n't. Albus stalked all the way up to Gryffindor Tower, with John and Matt succeeding to him, cipher saying a Word of God. Kaden ran along aside them, trying to get them to tattle to him. Albus knew what they had to do now. They had to name sure Kaden did not enjoin anyone about that tunnel.

When they climbed through the portrait hole, Albus was relieved to see that both Bilius and Ethan were in the common room. That meant the dormitory was give up and Albus could talk to Kaden up there. He wordlessly led the group to the dormitory and shut the door behind them.

`` Ok, what is wrong with you lot ? '' Kaden asked loudly, `` Why are you so tranquillize ? ``

`` We just got in trouble because of you ! '' Albus shouted.

`` wellspring, sorry ! '' Kaden responded, `` But it 's not that bad, it 's just cleanup. ``

`` Three dark Worth ! '' Matt groaned, `` And I did n't even do anything. Neither did whoremonger or Albus. ``

`` Albus was in that tunnel with me, '' Kaden pointed out.

`` Only to get you out ! '' Albus reminded him, `` And if you remember, we told you numerous times to leave that tree alone. This is what I was talking about terminal month, Kaden. You never stop when people ask you to. And I 've been in Hogwarts longer than you have, if I tell you to stop doing something, fortune are there 's a good reason for it ! And this one just seemed like common horse sense to me ! 'Do n't go near the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree that could kill you .'Why on dry land would n't you take heed to that ? ``

`` Jeesh, Albus, '' Kaden replied, a little quieter, `` I was just curious about it. ``

`` rarity killed the kneazle, '' John muttered.

`` What ? '' Kaden stared at him.

`` Kneazle, it 's a magical fauna, '' John explained.

`` Oh, well, Muggles just say curiosity killed the cat. ``

`` That 's strange, '' John said.

`` Anyway, '' Albus continued, `` You ca n't evidence anyone about that burrow and I mean anyone. Not your mum, not your dad, not your sister, not any of the other first years, no Muggles or Wizards, Brigham Young or old, '' Albus turned to John and matt, `` Have I left anything out ? ``

`` Do n't tell any creature either, '' Saint John the Apostle added, `` Or what appear to be nonliving physical object either, you never know in this seat. ``

Kaden stared at them with a confound tone on his look. `` Why not ? It looks to be a secret passageway ! ``

If it was possible, lustrelessness seemed to turn even whiter. `` Do n't recite anyone, '' he said forcefully. `` And do n't go back into it. Ever. ``

Kaden sighed. `` You lot take all the fun away. ``

`` Trust me, Kaden, what 's beyond that burrow is n't fun, '' Albus told him.

`` But you said you did n't fuck what was beyond it ! ``

Oh, right, Albus thought. This was why he was a bad lier. He could never keep the lie straight. Now what was he going to say ? `` Oh, er, well, I variety of do know. But trust me, it 's nothing thoroughly. It 's not even that exciting, pretty boring really. ``

`` And you 're not going to evidence me what it is, are you ? '' Kaden looked at all of them.

`` Nope, '' John replied.

`` So you all know where it goes ? ``

`` Er, yeah, '' John answered.

`` I just do n't get it. You lot look to be keeping quite a few things secret from me. Are they extra secrets only multitude with adept parents can cognize ? '' Kaden asked darkly.

Albus was shocked. Where had his cousin derive up with something like that ? `` No ! Of path not ! Why in the name of Merlin 's beard would you call back that ? ``

`` Certain people here seem to think Muggle-borns should n't be taught magic trick, '' Kaden explained.

Albus knew this, of course. He just had n't known that they were bothering Kaden. `` Who, Kaden ? And are they doing this to you ? ``

`` Um, yeah, a bit, '' Kaden muttered, `` Mainly Felix Willinson. ``

Albus groaned. He should have known. Felix had n't bothered Albus at all so far, but apparently he, like his cousin-german, enjoyed bullying other pupil. `` Just stay away from him. And if he bothers you again, just tell me. I 'll get my cousins to set him straight. ``

`` All right hand, '' Kaden replied, `` And I really am sorry about the Whomping Willow thing. ``

`` It 's ok, '' Albus assured him. `` We 'll just ingest you do virtually of the cleaning these next few Night, '' he grinned.



A/N : Thanks to my beta and sister, Dancer of Starlight, as well as my early sister and my buddy. Thanks as well to sinwillys822, Niki Lily, drownzer, XDNLxtlz99, Moonylupin, and potterfan89 for their reappraisal !


Diclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter. Nor do I own Monty python, Spamalot, or any of their concern material.




Albus never thought he would deliver a uncollectible detainment than the one he had cleaning the prize room the premature twelvemonth. He thought Washburn had been the worst somebody to have detention with, but he was wrong. Albus went through his whole first twelvemonth without getting in difficulty with Filch, and he was very happy about that. By the time he finished his second hold on Monday night, he was beginning to wish he was doing detention with Washburn instead. At least Washburn had n't breathed down his neck the total fourth dimension. Filch spent all of Billy Sunday night staring at them while they scrubbed cauldrons, and all of the late night staring at them as they churned out tune after telephone line. Filch seemed to demand joy in watching the students rub their manus raw while scrubbing the caldron. Of course, the pipeline could give been considered a nice break in between the two cleansing events.

By the time Albus trudged into the common way on Tuesday eve after Quidditch practice, he was gear up to be done with hold. But no such luck ; it was their terminal Nox and Filch was surely to relish every second of it. Albus quickly dropped his broom off in his dormitory room and went back to the common room to spend the ten minutes they had before they had to get out for detention.

`` The last thing I want to do is go clean something, '' Albus groaned.

`` facial expression like you need to make clean your clothes, '' John laughed.

Albus shot him a dirty look. `` What do you require ? It 's raining and it 's muddy and I just spent 45 second flying around. ``

`` I know, '' John grinned.

`` Peach State was n't happy about me leaving early, '' Albus told him. `` She 's ruthless. ``

`` I 'll bet, '' bathroom agreed.

`` Hey, where 's lustrelessness ? '' Albus asked, looking around the common room.

`` Room of necessary, '' Saint John the Apostle replied. `` Been there since right after you left for pattern. ``

`` Oh, right, '' Albus said, remembering that the full moon was the be evening. `` Why are n't you there with him ? ``

`` Wanted to, '' St. John sighed, `` Could n't shake Kaden. He 's been with me ever since you left. In fact, I think that 's why matt left. He could n't get any rest with Kaden around. ``

`` But he 's not here now, '' Albus commented, noticing that Kaden was n't in the common room.

`` He went to put his rule book in his dormitory, '' Saint John the Apostle explained, `` I 'm certainly he 'll be back at any bit. ``

As if on cue, Kaden came flying out of the door leading to the dorm room and made a beeline for Albus and John. `` prepare ? It 's the lastly dark ! '' Kaden announced.

`` Yes, we know, '' whoremonger said, `` You 've been telling us that all day. ``

`` Where 's lustrelessness ? Have n't seen him since dinner. He 'd better hurry up, wherever he is, '' Kaden peered around the room.

Albus and John exchanged looks. `` I 'll notice him, '' Albus replied quickly. `` You two go on ahead. ``

This fourth dimension it was whoremonger 's twist to give Albus a sicken facial expression. He clearly did n't want to be the one who had to go to custody with Kaden. `` Fine. See you later, Rose, Amanda. ``

`` Enjoy yourselves, '' Rose replied.

`` See you later, '' Amanda waved.

Albus gave whoremaster and Kaden a minute 's caput start before he left the common room and went to the Room of necessary. He did n't want Kaden to find out where he was going. Once the glide was readable, he paced three sentence in social movement of the blank wall on the seventh floor and waited for the door to seem. It materialized just comparable always and Albus went quietly inside. The room was dark and Albus could hardly see where he was going. He wished there was some light. Immediately, blowtorch lit up along the walls and revealed a four-poster bed in the center of the pocket-sized room.

Albus walked quickly over to the bed and wrenched the hangings open. Once he saw how exhausted Matt looked, he immediately felt guilty about how he had complained about being too tired from Quidditch drill to do detention. His exhaustion was nothing compared to Matt's.

`` C'mon, we 've got detention, '' Albus gently poked his friend.

Matt opened his center and sat up, wincing. `` Already ? All right. '' He slowly got up out of bed and stretched.

Albus led the way out of the way and to the Astronomy tugboat. Neither of them said anything for to the highest degree of the journeying, but Albus knew they were both thinking the same thing. They wished they did n't have to do detention that night.

`` Where are john and Kaden ? '' Matt asked, suddenly realizing that they were n't there.

`` They went on ahead. Did n't want Kaden to make love about the Room. ``

`` Oh, yeah, thanks for that, '' mat replied.

Albus and Matt slowly climbed the stairs leading to the column, and once they reached the top, Albus opened the room access and the two of them arrived. Luckily, it had stopped raining and the swarm had even dissipated. The almost full moon was shedding light upon the column, enough that Albus and the others would be able to do their detention with only a brace torches. Albus noticed Matt shudder and screw up his eyes as the moonlight hit him. Albus figured it was probably giving him a splitting headache at best.

`` You 're late, '' growled Filch, who gestured to John and Kaden. The two of them were already scrubbing telescopes.

`` Sorry, sir, '' Albus mumbled, not elaborating on why they were late.

`` Another nighttime 's detainment, I think, '' Filch replied, `` Tomorrow dark. You can remain cleaning cauldron. There are still some left. ``

Albus glanced at Matt who did n't even look to be paying attention to Filch. He looked too occupy trying not to be sick. There was no way that matt could possibly do detention the following evening. He would just deliver to order prof Longbottom about it the next day. Albus, however, groaned, as he would be capable of doing detention the next night. However, he would give to miss dueling practice. At to the lowest degree Kate was n't edgy about them missing pattern like Georgia was.

`` Well, what are you waiting for ? '' Filch growled at Albus and mat, `` showtime scrub ! ``

Albus picked up a rag out of the bucket that was standing nearby and ran quickly to where John the Divine and Kaden were scrubbing. He was partway there when he realized lusterlessness was still standing near the threshold. He did n't appeared to have moved since they entered the towboat. Filch was glaring at him, looking like he was set up to explode with fury. Albus grabbed Matt by the arm without looking at Filch and led him over to the telescopes.

`` Are you all right ? '' Albus whispered and started to clean the nearest telescope.

`` F-fine, '' mat stuttered. Albus looked at him and noticed that he was shivering.

Albus turned to look at Saint John the Apostle who shrugged with muddiness. `` It 's a lot worse than concluding dark, '' Albus muttered. During the previous night 's detention, flatness had nodded off a few times, but he had been capable of producing a good bit of rail line. Tonight, lustrelessness appeared to be frozen in situation and definitely would n't be getting much cleaning done.

`` Well, it is the night before, '' whoremaster whispered so quietly that Albus could barely hear him.

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` But he seems gruesome than most Nox before. ``

`` Dunno why, '' St. John replied, `` We 'd ameliorate obscure him from Filch, though. Filch will know he 's not cleanse. '' Albus nodded and moved to the other slope of Matt.

`` What 's wrong with him ? '' Kaden asked loudly, `` Is he retch again ? ``

Albus and trick snapshot Kaden ominous flavour and Kaden immediately shut up. `` I was just wondering, '' he muttered a arcminute later.

`` Remember what I told you lowest prison term ? '' Albus asked quietly, `` Do n't fetch it up. ``

`` Quiet ! '' Filch shouted loudly.

flatness jumped and looked at Albus with a look of confusion on his face. `` What 're we doing ? '' he mumbled.

`` Detention, '' Albus replied, `` Listen, d'you want to go to the hospital Wing ? ``

`` No, it 's not this night, it 's tomorrow dark, '' he said and slouched onto the scope he was supposed to be cleaning.

`` I said placidity ! '' Filch yelled and waltzed over to the son, `` Get to go Potter and Eckerton. ``

Albus and the others worked in secretiveness for the future half hour. John and Albus worked carefully down the row of telescope, making sure Matt was between them at all times so it would calculate like he was cleaning. Kaden worked on Albus 's other side of meat, looking much more cheery than the early three boys did.

`` Finland, Finland, Finland ... '' he sung quietly, `` That 's the country for me .... ''

`` What ? '' Albus whispered. Kaden had been humming that vocal for the past five arcminute and it was driving Albus mad. He had never heard it before and it sounded quite strange.

Kaden stopped singing and looked at Albus. `` Oh, get on ! You 've never heard of Monty Python ? Spamalot, the Broadway play ? ``

`` Uh, no, '' Albus replied, wondering what that song could have to do with a python. There had n't been any mention of Hydra in it.

Kaden sighed. `` I love the wizarding world, but you lot are really lacking in gamey timbre amusement. Would it kill you to watch TV and pic ? Monty Python is a flick, and a pretty funny one at that. You can view it at my theatre sometime. Spamalot is a Broadway free rein based on it. They turned it into a motion picture a few year back. ``

Albus was still a bit disconcert about the song, but he figured he 'd understand it if he ever watched the movie. He had seen a few Muggle films before, but never Monty python or Spamalot. His aunt Hermione had a TV, but she did n't let Albus keep an eye on it very often. `` You 'll rot your brains out ! '' she always told him, `` Now go understand a book ! ``

Albus and Kaden went back to their cleanup, and Kaden started humming a new Sung dynasty. Albus assumed it also was from Monty Python since it sounded just as confusing as the previous one. It had something to do with fish.

`` stoppage that infernal humming ! '' Filch screamed.

`` Sorry, sir ! '' Kaden replied. Filch scowled. Clearly he was angry about Kaden talking to him, but he could n't scold him again since what Kaden had said was polite.

The remainder of the detention was spent in almost all over silence. Every once and a while, Kaden would try to engage the others in conversation, but it was always stopped by Filch. Luckily, Filch never realized that matte had n't done an ounce of cleaning. He seemed to busy glaring at Kaden and telling him to keep out up. Albus realized that Filch probably had an eternal grudge against Kaden now, which Kaden seemed oblivious to. It would not surprise Albus if Kaden had a filing cabinet that rivaled his granddad 's by the time he graduated. By the clock time the custody was over, Matt was leaning against Albus, although he seemed thoroughly unaware of it. Albus had caught Kaden staring at Matt a few times, but as soon as Albus sent him a dirty flavour, Kaden went back to cleaning.

`` All right, you 're done, '' Filch growled, `` Get out of here or you 'll be out of bed after curfew. Then you 'll get another hold. '' He smirked. Filch picked up the cleaning provision and ambled down the stairs before Albus and the others.

`` We 're done now, '' Albus gently woke lustrelessness up.

`` Done with what ? '' mat mumbled without opening his eyes.

`` Detention, where we 've been for the last hour, '' Albus explained while looking at St. John. John pulled Matt off of Albus, but he stumbled fell against a telescope.

`` Ouch ! '' lusterlessness shouted and grabbed his head.

`` We 've got to get back to the common way, and quick, '' Albus said, more to toilet than to Matt, `` It 's almost curfew. ``

`` What 're we going to do with him ? '' John asked. Matt was now leaning on toilet. `` I wish we could levitate him. ``

`` You ca n't ? '' Kaden asked loudly.

`` No, that 's much more advanced than we 're able to do, '' Albus explained, `` And lower your vocalism. ``

`` Let 's just each get on one face of him, '' Gospel According to John threw one of lusterlessness 's arms over his shoulder and gestured for Albus to do the same.

Albus followed John 's lead and told Kaden to get the doorway. Albus, John, and Matt hobbled awkwardly down the stairs and back into the briny part of the castle. It was slow going and they 'd already missed curfew.

`` commodity thing he 's light, '' Albus commented.

`` Yeah, '' John agreed.

`` Ugh, '' matte winced and opened his eyes, `` I think I 'm going to be nauseated. ``

Albus and John looked at each early for a split indorse before lustrelessness retched onto the floor in social movement of them.

`` Ew, gross ! '' John exclaimed.

`` Told you he was sick, '' Kaden said. He had been walking a few paces ahead of them and kept looking back, wanting to say something but afraid to.

`` We knew that, '' Albus snapped.

Matt retched a second time and Albus felt him collapse onto the level. Albus and John both grabbed his arms as he went down and slowed the fall. Now what were they going to do ?

`` Matt ? '' Albus gently shook him and tried to get him to wake up up, but it was no use.

`` What happened to him ? '' Kaden stared as Albus tried to wake mat up.

`` Passed out, '' Albus said shortly. He was a bit annoyed that Kaden asked that. Was n't it obvious ?

`` I know that, '' Kaden replied, `` But why ? ``

`` How should I jazz ? '' Albus snapped.

`` volition you two stop arguing ? '' John interrupted. `` What are we going to do ? ``

Albus shrugged and thought. What were they going to do ? Panic overtook him as he assessed the situation. They were out of bed after curfew and lustrelessness was passed out on the floor. It could n't get tough than this. There was no way for them to get mat to the coarse room or the infirmary wing without levitating him. And none of them could levitate a individual. Albus looked at Matt and noticed he had begun shivering again. Albus took off his cloak and laid it over his protagonist. `` Kaden, '' Albus began, `` Go get lady Pomfrey. ``

`` Why me ? '' Kaden asked nervously. He looked around at the shadow corridor, clearly worried about walking through them alone.

`` Just do it ! '' Albus shouted.

Kaden looked taken aback at Albus 's loud tone. `` Ok, ok ! '' he replied and took off down the corridor, towards the stairs.

`` He 's going to be ok, right ? '' Albus asked quietly once Kaden was out of sight.

`` I dunno, '' John whispered back. `` But it 's been bad before and he 's always recovered fine. ``

The son sat in secretiveness for the next couplet minutes, watching for signs of consciousness in their booster. However, Matt remained unresponsive and very pale. Though he was still shivering, his frontal bone glistened with sweat in the moonlight that was streaming in through a nearby window.

`` What 's that ? '' privy asked, pointing down the corridor.

Albus looked where John was pointing and saw a figure floating towards him. He stood up and drew his wand and bathroom did the Lapp. The figure came closer and closer, and soon Albus was able to make it out. It was Peeves. Albus groaned inwardly. This was the last affair they needed, Peeves announcing their presence to the whole castle.

`` Students out of bed ! '' Peeves shouted gleefully as he noticed the boys.

`` Shut up, Peeves ! '' Albus replied, very irritated at Peeves 's happy tone.

Peeves peered down at lustrelessness and then looked at John and Albus. `` Dueling, have we ? It seems that you two have won. But Mr. Filch wo n't care this ! No he wo n't ! scholar out of bed and dueling, too ! ``

`` We have n't been dueling ! '' John Lackland insisted, `` Now get out of here ! ``

`` horselaugh ! '' Peeves laughed, `` Peeves does n't heed to student, no he does n't ! Peeves drive bother when educatee are around ! ``

`` No, lull ! '' Albus whispered.

Peeves cackled even louder and zoomed up and down the corridor. `` Students out of bed ! scholarly person out of bed ! ``

Albus and John gave each other panic-struck feeling. Albus had no estimation what to do to silence the poltergeist. But if he did n't hold back yelling, someone would surely find out that they were there. Albus 's fears were soon realized as he heard travel rapidly footsteps coming down the corridor. Albus wished he had his founder 's invisibleness cloak.

Peeves apparently heard them too, because he flew down towards them shouting, `` They 're over here ! Over here ! scholar out of bed ! ``

`` Go away, Peeves ! '' a loud stern voice shouted, `` Or I 'll get the Bloody top executive ! ``

`` Yes, ma'am nursemaid, mam ! '' Peeves saluted and sped down the corridor, cackling madly.

Albus breathed a sigh of relief. It was just Madam Pomfrey. Albus watched as the nurse ran the rest of the way down the corridor. She was surprisingly fast for someone her age. Kaden was panting behind her, trying to hold open up.

brothel keeper Pomfrey rushed over to Albus, John Lackland, and lusterlessness, and immediately deflect down and put her mitt on matte 's os frontale. `` What 's happened ? '' she asked briskly.

`` He collapsed, '' Albus told her.

The nursemaid clicked her tongue and conjured a stretcher. She waved her wand and Matt landed on top of it. `` Well, you can explain more once we get to the infirmary wing. Quickly now. ``

Albus, Saint John the Apostle, and Kaden ran behind ma'am Pomfrey all the way to the hospital fender. None of them said a word, although it looked to Albus like Kaden was trying to keep himself from asking more questions. Minutes later, the grouping arrived at the hospital wing. ma'am Pomfrey barged through the threshold and immediately deposited mat onto a bed. She bustled around the ward, gathering potions while asking the boy more questions.

`` Why were you out of your common room ? '' she asked.

`` Detention, '' Albus responded.

`` Where and with whom ? ``

`` Filch had us cleaning the entire Astronomy towboat, '' John replied with a disgusted tone.

Madam Pomfrey stopped rifling through her potion cabinet and turned to seem at John. `` Astronomy towboat ? ``

`` Er, yeah, '' John the Evangelist answered with a looking at of muddiness on his face.

`` Filch ! '' dame Pomfrey shouted as she ran back to matt 's bed, `` I 'll make him for this ! I thought I made it clear to him finis year when he had you scrubbing the bathroom ... I 'll hex him into next year ! Falco columbarius 's whiskers, the uranology Tower ! And tonight of all night ! '' The nurse continued to run back and forth from her office, potion cabinet, and Matt 's bed while muttering about Filch.

`` What 's she going on about ? '' Kaden whispered. Albus jumped. He 'd bury Kaden was there. `` What 's Filch got anything to do with him being sick ? '' Kaden asked.

`` I 'll get him for this ! '' Madam Pomfrey shouted as she waved her verge over matt. `` I swear I will .... ''

Albus looked at madam Pomfrey and then back at Kaden. He chose to cut Kaden 's question. The nursemaid was getting dangerously close to cluing Kaden into why lustrelessness was there. If she was n't careful, she 'd give away everything.

`` I thought I 'd made it pull in to him ! '' the nurse repeated while she poured a disgusting looking orangeness potion down Matt 's throat. `` No detention on these night and certainly not on the uranology towboat ! If he 'd been out there any recollective ... Well, I 'm not exactly sure what would have happened ! ``

Kaden looked throughly confused. `` What 's the Astronomy Tower got to do with this ? ``

`` Of all the nights of the month- ''

`` Madam Pomfrey ! '' Albus shouted, suddenly deciding that he had to get the nurse to stop ranting. gentlewoman Pomfrey looked up from what she was doing and glared at Albus. It generally was not a salutary estimation to disrupt her while she was working, but Albus had no choice. He ran over to where the nurse was standing. `` Sorry, lady, '' he whispered, `` It 's just, there are certain, er, things, that Kaden does n't bonk. '' Albus gestured to where his full cousin was standing. `` And I know Matt would prefer it if he did n't know, '' Albus gave her a pregnant look that he hoped would fetch his thoughts.

Madam Pomfrey stared at him for a few irregular and then realization came over her. `` Oh ! Oh, my ! '' she whispered back, `` I ca n't believe I, well, right. So sorry about that. I 'll be a bit quieter. ``

Albus went back over to where Kaden and privy were standing. John Lackland gave him a protruding look, but Kaden looked even more upset. `` What was that about ? '' Kaden asked.

`` goose egg, '' Albus gave Kaden another one of his 'shut up now'face. Kaden immediately closed his mouth. Albus was getting goodness at conveying those aspect now and Kaden seemed to obey right away, which was good.

`` All right, '' Madam Pomfrey walked back to the three male child after a few to a greater extent minutes, `` He 's going to be fine. He 'll just take to last out here for a couple days. '' She looked at Albus and John when she said this, and Albus knew she meant that he would be staying until after the full phase of the moon moon.

`` Ok, '' Albus nodded. `` We can claver him, right ? ``

`` Of course of study, lamb, '' Madam Pomfrey 's construction softened. `` You know what time are good. Now, you three best be off to your residence hall. It 's very late. If anyone stops you, just tell them you were with me. And do n't worry about seeing Filch. I 'm off to find him now, and he 's going to be busy for quite a while. ``

Albus nodded and had to stifle a laugh. He knew the nurse would be seeking out the caretaker and would be giving him a long and tacky scolding at best.



A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight ! Special thanks to my early sister and my Brother for help with the Monty Python stuff. Speaking of Monty python and Spamalot, I took some familiarity in deciding that Spamalot was turned into a movie sometime during the pose and 2017, when this takes place. Otherwise, Kaden could not have seen it as it sadly closed on Broadway net month ( before I got to see it, unfortunately ).

Thanks as well to XDNLxtlz99, Luke, Moonylupin, and potterfan89 for their limited review !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter or Spamalot



Albus and John did n't have a fortune to severalize pink wine and Amanda about the detention until after lunch the next day. It was their afternoon off and they were relaxing in the elbow room of Requirement for a few moment before they went to visit flatness. It was the offset clip since the hold that Kaden was n't around. Kaden had form all afternoon, so it was an paragon metre to talk about what had happened the late night. No one, not even rose, seemed to stimulate any idea why matt seemed so much sicker that Night than the other nights before full synodic month. Their simply dead reckoning was that he was already worn out from the detention on the old two Night. Eventually, they just decided to go to the hospital annex and ask Matt. Albus was sure he would tell them. After all, he told them all about that field of study he was in.

However, when they arrived at the Hospital fender, lusterlessness was auditory sensation asleep. Madam Pomfrey informed them that he had woken up for a short while former that cockcrow, but had fallen asleep soon after. He had been asleep ever since, and the nurse flat out refused to let them wake him up. She insisted that he needed all the rest he could get before nightfall and that they could travel to him the following afternoon.

Albus and his Friend were very subdued that evening. Albus had just returned to the common room after fulfilling his surplus detention with Filch. It was just as miserable as the start cauldron-cleaning custody had been. When he got back to the vulgar room, all his Friend were doing homework and not saying a lot. Amanda was already back from dueling practice session. Albus was worried about Matt and he could tell the others were as well. It kind of reminded him of that Nox of the wide moon they stayed up waiting for morning to come after Astronomy class the previous yr. Only this class, they had Kaden to fill in the quietness that surrounded them.

`` And then Slughorn had to give the unscathed social class antidote ! '' Kaden laughed as he relayed his most recent potions class. One of the early first eld had heated her caldron too much and caused the potion to break loose all over the intact division. Albus and the others nodded their heads, like they had been doing for the past half hour, and continued working on their respective homework.

`` Is n't it funny ? '' Kaden sighed, `` What 's wrongly with you lot ? You 've been sitting there not saying anything for the past 60 minutes ! I thought you 'd at least joke at the idea of everyone in my potions family having various parts of their torso rick bright pink. ``

`` We 're just worried about matt, '' Rose explained, not looking up from her Charms book.

`` lady Pomfrey said he 'd be fine, '' Kaden reminded her.

`` She does n't make love that, '' rosiness replied.

`` Sure she does. She 's the nurse, '' Kaden grinned, `` And she can fix anything. ``

Albus sighed loudly, `` Not this again ! Listen, you just do n't infer. She ca n't know for sure that he 'll be ok. ''

This time it was Kaden 's turn to sigh, `` Well, I 'm not going to understand unless you tell me what 's wrong with him. ``

`` Not going to happen, '' Albus muttered as he jotted down something on his parchment.

`` Someday I 'll weasel it out of you, '' Kaden said. A few seconds later he started to laugh. `` Weasel. Get it ? Weasley, weasel ! And you 're one-half Weasley ! ``

`` Very amusing, '' Albus murmured.

`` Oh, you 're no fun, '' Kaden said, still grinning at his own joke.

******

The next day after Herbology, Albus and his Quaker hurried up to their dormitory room to deposit their bags. Then they rushed to the Hospital Wing to see how matt was. Luckily, Kaden was still in form. When they arrived at the infirmary wing, Albus saw Matt 's usual bed with the curtains pulled around it and made a beeline for it. He was halfway there when Madam Pomfrey came out from behind the curtains and jumped as she saw Albus and the others.

`` Oh ! '' she clutched her breast, `` You scared me ! I was n't expecting you until later. ``

`` Sorry, '' Albus replied, `` We decided to come now since I 've got Quidditch pattern after dinner. ``

`` Is that all rightfulness ? '' rose asked.

`` Yes, that 's all right. Just for a few bit, '' the nurse regained her calmness and bustled into her office.

Albus ran the balance of the way to the bed and wrenched the drapery clear. matt was awake and propped up on his pillows. He looked timeworn and was covered in various pelf and bites, that looked a bit worse than usual. `` Hey ! How are you ? '' Albus asked.

`` I 've been better, '' lustrelessness said tiredly. `` It was bad. ``

`` It looks it, '' John commented.

`` John ! '' rosebush scolded.

`` What ? '' John shrugged.

`` It 's not that bad, '' Rose said to Matt.

`` It 's hunky-dory, really, '' Matt assured John.

`` So, '' Albus began, `` What happened during custody ? ``

`` Honestly, I 'm not even sure, '' Matt sighed, `` I do n't really commemorate it. ``

`` Really ? '' rosebush raised her supercilium, `` That 's odd. ``

`` Why do n't you two secern me what happened ? '' Matt laughed.

`` All right, '' Albus said, `` You kind of froze when we got up to the astronomy tugboat and you would n't locomote. Filch yelled at us for being late and assigned us another detention for live night- ''

`` L-last Nox ? '' Matt interrupted.

`` Yeah, scrubbing more cauldrons, '' Albus explained. `` I kinda figured something was wrong when you did n't object to it. ''

Matt groaned, `` I do n't even retrieve him saying that. Great, now I 've got another hold once I get out of here. Probably two since I missed it last night. ``

`` Oh, I do n't cerebrate you 'll have to do any custody, '' Albus assured him, `` Filch did n't mention anything about you doing custody the whole meter I was scrubbing cauldrons final stage nighttime. You see, gentlewoman Pomfrey was livid when we told her what we had been doing for detainment. ``

`` Yeah, '' John laughed, `` I 've never seen her so wild. She was storming around here, muttering and shouting and cursing Filch. It was kind of funny, really. ``

`` Anyway, she said she was going to verbalize to Filch after we left the former Night, '' Albus continued, `` I imagine she yelled at him quite a bit. I 'm trusted she insisted that you not do anymore detention. ``

`` That 's a relief, '' Matt replied, `` So, what happened after Filch gave us another custody ? ``

`` I pulled you over to where Saint John the Apostle and Kaden were cleaning telescopes and John and I stood on either side of you, so it seemed like you were cleaning too. It was almost like you were in a sort of enchantment. You did n't appear to know what was going on. So I asked if you wanted to go to the hospital flank and you said no. Then John, Kaden, and I cleaned for about an hour and a half. No one talked much except for Kaden. He kept humming random songs and Filch yelled at him. Then he told me what the songs were from. They were from a moving-picture show called Spamalot. Kaden insisted that I watch it sometime, '' Albus explained.

matte laughed, `` You should, it 's a really funny flick. ``

`` You 've seen it ? '' John asked.

`` Yeah. We 've got a TV at home, since my mum is Muggle-born and she did n't want to make up TV, '' lustrelessness replied.

`` I 've never seen it, '' Amanda commented, `` I 've heard of it, though. We should all see it sometime. ``

`` That would be fun, '' Albus agreed. `` Anyway, once we left the Astronomy tower, we tried to get back to the park room, but you got sick partway there and passed out. I told Kaden to get dame Pomfrey, and well, that was it. ``

`` And I do n't remember any of that, '' Matt groaned and stared down at the bed.

`` It 's all right, '' Albus said quietly, `` You were n't really yourself. ``

`` Why 'd it happen, though ? '' John asked after a few seconds, `` I mean, you 're usually tired the Nox before, but why was it that bad ? ``

`` Because I was in direct moonlight, '' Matt whispered, `` The reason I get tired and sick beforehand is because the moon is getting fuller. The Nox we did hold, it was practically wax. And I was outside in the moonlight for over an hr. ``

`` That would explicate why brothel keeper Pomfrey got so tempestuous, '' John said.

`` Yeah, '' Matt replied, `` Makes the transformation worse, too. Because I 'm already worn out from being in the moonlight so long the night before. ``

`` I do n't get it, though, '' rosiness said, `` Why did n't you just tell Filch you could n't do custody that dark ? ``

`` I do n't know, '' mat sighed, `` I guess I just did n't desire any sorting of peculiar treatment anymore. It makes people shady. I do n't want anyone to inquire why I can blame my detention Night. Plus, I did n't really screw that would happen anyway. I knew I 'd be tired, but I did n't really know I 'd go into a spell like that. It had never happened before. My parents always made sure as shooting not to let me go outside the night before. ``

`` Well, even so, you should n't do anymore detention like that the night before, '' rose wine insisted, `` It 'll induce you sicker. ``

`` I know, Rose, '' flatness assured her, `` And lady Pomfrey talked to Filch and he 's not going to give me anymore detention at bad times. ``

`` You mean, she told Filch ? '' Albus asked. He knew Filch did n't have it off about matt 's experimental condition, but he did n't think gentlewoman Pomfrey would actually assure him.

`` Oh, no, he does n't know. Madam Pomfrey just said that he needed to check with her before assigning me detention due to 'health payoff that will remain private'. And she made him bank not to order anyone that he was checking detention with her, or else she 'd make sure Kendrick kicked him out. ``

John let out a low whistle, `` Wow, cue me not to get on madam Pomfrey 's bad position. ``

`` She 's definitely forceful, '' Matt yawned and closed his eyes.

`` Are you all right ? '' Rose asked.

`` Umm-hmm, '' lustrelessness mumbled, `` I 've just got a headache. ``

At that moment, the curtains opened and Madam Pomfrey appeared with another potion. This one was a rich blueness and Albus thought it looked disgusting. The nurse took one look at Matt, shook her capitulum, and turned to Albus and the others. `` prison term for you lot to leave. You 're receive to visit again tomorrow. ``

Albus and his friend said so long to lustrelessness and left the hospital annexe. Albus had just enough meter to grab dinner before he had to be at the Quidditch pitch for practice. Georgia thought the team was doing wonderfully and was sure enough they would beat Slytherin in the fist mates in November.

******

`` So, where is my brilliant potions cooperator today ? '' Malfoy asked sarcastically as the Gryffindors and Slytherins left Slughorn 's donjon the stick with afternoon.

`` Visiting his sick grandmother, like usual, '' John replied shortly while glaring at Malfoy. `` Have n't you figured that out by now ? Whenever you ask where he is, he 's always visiting his gran. ``

`` Funny, that 's not what Potter 's cousin said, '' Malfoy smirked. Jackson Limbert and Xavier Goyle nodded on either side of him.

`` What ? '' Albus shouted. His full cousin, except for blush wine, probably did n't even know lustrelessness left every month, let alone where he went. And rose obviously would n't recount Malfoy anything. `` Which cousin-german ? ``

`` The mud-blood, '' Malfoy said simply.

Kaden, Albus thought. Of course ! Albus had told Kaden that flatness got cast every so often, he just had n't told him what the illness was. But why on terra firma was Kaden talking to Malfoy ?

`` Do n't call him that ! '' blush wine shouted, drawing her wand.

`` calm air down, '' Malfoy replied, drawing his own baton. `` I mean it in the nicest way. ``

`` You do not ! '' John shouted as he drew his wand.

`` Wait ! '' Albus stood in between them and stared at Malfoy. `` Before anyone hexes anyone, I 've got to find out what this is about. What did Kaden say ? ``

`` He mentioned that Eckerton is sick all the clock time. Apparently he 's got some disease that Pomfrey ca n't cure and you wo n't tell him what it is, '' Malfoy replied smugly.

Albus felt the color drain from his face. He told Kaden not to say anyone about this ! And what had Kaden done ? He told Malfoy of all mass ! Malfoy, the one mortal Matt did not want knowing where he went every month. Albus groaned. Malfoy now had a few more clues as to what was incorrectly with matt. With just a bit of research he was certainly to find out. `` When did he severalise you this ? '' Albus growled. furor and ira were building up inside of him, and not only towards Malfoy. If Kaden was anywhere near Albus right now, he was sure he 'd hex him.

`` Last Nox, '' Malfoy answered, `` Very occupy bit of data, if you ask me. ``

Albus did n't say another word to Malfoy. He turned and ran towards the stairs and out of the dungeon. The footsteps behind him told him that his booster were following. Albus did n't stop to let them catch up. All he cared about now was finding Kaden. He was angrier than he was the night he yelled at Kaden. Albus knew if he found Kaden now, he 'd do more than just yell. He 'd hex him into the side by side C. What in the gens of Merlin had possessed Kaden to recount Malfoy that Matt got sick ? Why Malfoy of all the great unwashed ? Albus knew Kaden was aware of the Gryffindor/Slytherin competition. Heck, Albus knew that Kaden himself did n't like Slytherins. Felix Willinson had made Kaden well cognizant of the prejudice many Slytherins felt. Yet, Kaden was obviously talking with Slytherins, and telling them things they should n't know.

`` Albus, where are you going ? '' Rose shouted, as Albus ran up a flight of steps of stairs.

`` To happen Kaden, '' Albus growled.

`` I 'm going with you, '' John said. He sounded, if it was possible, even raging than Albus felt. He sped up and fell into lieu beside Albus. `` I told you before that if he did this again, I 'd hex him. I 'm keeping my word. ``

`` Wait, Albus, John ! '' rosiness shouted again.

But Albus did n't wait. He continued up flights of stair towards the Gryffindor common room. scholar stared at them as they passed, but Albus did n't care. rose wine kept shouting after them, but both Albus and John ignored her. Amanda gave a few half-hearted shouts after them, but Albus could tell she did n't really care if they tried to hex Kaden or not. Eventually, Albus and John made it to the plebeian room. They gave the Fat Lady the password and ran into the room. Albus immediately spotted Kaden sitting in a chairwoman, playing with what looked to be another Muggle toy. It was a third power with legion emblazon squares all over it. It looked vaguely familiar. Albus thought he may deliver seen blush wine with one once. Albus ran over to Kaden and grabbed his arm, pulling him towards the dormitories while glaring at him.

`` Hey, what are you doing ? '' Kaden asked. He dropped his cube in surprise. `` What 's gotten into you, Albus ? ``

Albus said nothing as he dragged Kaden to his dormitory room. Saint John followed without saying a word, and shut the door behind them when they reached the hall. Albus let go of Kaden and glared at him for a few moments.

`` What is wrong with you, Albus ? '' Kaden asked, glancing from Albus to John.

`` I should be asking you that, Kaden, '' Albus replied in a low articulation. `` What were you doing talking to Scorpius Malfoy for ? ``

`` Scorpio Malfoy ? '' Kaden repeated as if trying to mean of who that was. Then a feel of realization appeared on his side. `` Oh. ``

`` Yeah, 'oh ,''' Albus said, `` You were talking to him survive night ! ``

`` Uh ... '' Kaden shifted uneasily on his feet.

`` I told you not to tell anyone about Matt getting regurgitate ! '' Albus erupted. `` You promised you would n't recount ! This is exactly why I did n't require to tell you in the first property ! You just ca n't keep your mouth shut ! And Malfoy ! He 's been trying to find out about lusterlessness since the beginning of first yr, and let me tell you naught good will happen when he does find oneself out. And you know what you 've done ? '' Albus paused for upshot, but Kaden did n't say anything. `` YOU MADE IT EASIER FOR HIM TO FIND OUT ! ``

`` I did n't intend to- '' Kaden 's voice cracked.

`` I do n't care, '' Albus interrupted, `` The degree is, you did ! How can you not have in mind to say someone something ? Especially somebody you never talk to in the clenched fist place ! ``

`` I- ''

`` Shut up, Kaden ! '' Albus shouted and drew his scepter. John, who had been letting Albus direct the lead, drew his as well.

`` Wha-what 're you g-going to do ? '' Kaden shakily drew his own wand.

Suddenly, the door burst open and blush wine and Amanda appeared, both of them clutching stitches in their sides and panting. `` Expelliarmus ! '' Rose shouted. Albus 's wand left his hired hand and landed on the floor near rose. Rose disarmed toilet and then gathered both wands.

`` open it to me, rosebush, '' Albus growled.

`` No, '' blush wine replied, `` I 'm not going to let you hex your own cousin. ``

`` You heard what he did ! '' Albus shouted.

`` I know, and I 'm not happy about it either, '' blush wine replied, `` But hexing him is n't going to fix it. You 'll just get detention. ``

On some horizontal surface, Albus knew Rose was right, but he still wanted to hex Kaden. Albus sighed. There was n't anything he could do now. All he could do is hope that Malfoy did n't put the clues together. That, and never trust Kaden to keep on a undercover again. `` Just get out of here, Kaden. ``

`` But- ''

`` I said, get out of here, '' Albus growled, `` Or I 'll resort to Muggle dueling. ``

Kaden bit his lip and turned towards the door. He looked back at Albus once before running out of the dormitory.

Albus threw himself down onto his bed after Kaden left. `` I 'm never telling him anything again. ``

`` I do n't pick you, '' John sighed, `` Why 'd he have to tell Malfoy anyway ? ``

`` I have n't got a clue, '' Albus replied, `` All I know is that this time, I 'm not forgiving him as easily. ``

`` I- '' Rose started.

`` Do n't get to, Rose, '' Albus interrupted, `` Nothing you say is going to make me apologize to him. ``

`` I was n't going to say that ! '' Rose shouted, `` I was going to say that I agree with you. I mean, he does n't merit to be friend with you if he 's going to go telling half the school things you told him in secret. You told him not to tell, right ? ``

`` Of course I did ! '' Albus said, `` I all but told him I 'd hex him if he told anyone. ``

`` Exactly, '' Rose replied, `` What if he tells Malfoy about the Whomping willow ? ``

`` Falco columbarius ! '' Albus suddenly sat up, `` I had n't thought of that ! ``

`` What if he already told Malfoy ? '' John said darkly.

`` Then he 's already investigated it, '' Amanda said quietly, `` Or at least tried. ``

`` And he 'll try again, '' Albus replied, `` I know, I 'll watch the map a lot. '' Albus got up from his bed and went to his tree trunk. He rummaged around in it until he found the Marauder 's Map. He took out his baton and tapped it, `` I solemnly swear that I am up to no good. ``

Ink appeared all over the map as Albus and the others crowded around it. Albus scanned it quickly for Malfoy. `` He 's in the Slytherin common room, '' Albus pointed to Malfoy 's dot in the dungeon. `` I 'll just check it every once and a while. ``

`` Good idea, '' John said.

`` What are we going to tell lusterlessness ? '' Rose asked quietly. `` We 've got to order him about this. ``

In all the topsy-turvyness of finding Kaden and trying to hex him, Albus had n't thought about what they were going to tell mat. `` We 'll just have to recount him what happened, that 's all. I 'm not going to hide that Kaden was the one who told Malfoy. If Matt wants to hex him, he can go right-hand ahead. ``

`` We 're not going to let him hex Kaden ! '' Rose insisted, `` He does n't need anymore hold. ``

`` Good point, '' Amanda agreed. `` We 'll differentiate him it was Kaden, but we wo n't let him hex him. ``

`` flatness will just give birth to stave off Malfoy, '' John the Evangelist commented, `` I mean, there 's naught we can do now. What 's done is done. We 'll all avoid Malfoy. ``

`` That 'll be hard, '' Albus announced, `` Malfoy is Matt 's potions partner. And he 's on mine and Amanda 's dueling team. ``

`` We 'll just have to try, '' privy sighed, `` Besides that, there 's not much we can do. That, and never trust Kaden with another secret. ``





A/N : Thanks to my genus Beta, Dancer of Starlight ! Thanks as well to XDNLxtlz99, sinwillys822, potterfan89, Luke, Niki Lily, Moonylupin, Denas, and drownzer for their recapitulation !