Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




Matt did n't return to the park way until Sunday afternoon. Albus and his friends had spent most of the weekend doing homework and playing rounds of Exploding snatch. Kaden made himself scarce and Albus hardly saw him at all. Albus vaguely wondered where he was, but he did n't really think about it much. All that mattered was that Kaden was n't hanging around Albus anymore. Albus and his Quaker did n't get a chance to tell Matt about what Kaden told Malfoy while he was in the hospital wing because it had been very crowded that weekend. Apparently, quite a few scholarly person had decided to practice session their dueling for the forthcoming mate while they were unsupervised in the corridor. This caused brothel keeper Pomfrey to have an awful lot to do. She looked very frazzled when Albus and the others visited lusterlessness on Saturday.

Albus was sitting in the common room with the others, doing prep, when matt returned from the hospital annexe. He still looked a bit tired and the cuts on his case were n't completely healed yet, but he looked much punter than he had on Th. Albus closed his book and glanced at his friends when Matt came through the portrait hole.

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

`` We 've, er, got to tell you something, '' Albus replied quietly, `` Let 's go to the Room. '' Albus got up and left the commons elbow room. His champion all followed, not saying a discussion. Albus led them down the seventh floor corridor until they reached the house painting of Barnabas the Barmy. Albus paced three times in front of it and opened the doorway that appeared. It looked just like it did whenever Albus or his friends asked for a shoes where they could be alone. There were a few squashy armchairs and couches, a hearth, and it was decorated in scarlet and gold.

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

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

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

`` Well, we 're obviously not going to tell you that, '' Albus gave a half-hearted laugh as he sat down on a professorship. rose wine, lavatory, and Amanda sat down as well.

`` well, get on with it, '' Matt said.

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

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

Albus sighed, `` I do n't really jazz the best way to say this. Kaden, er, for some cause was talking to Scorpius Malfoy- ''

`` Malfoy ? ! '' lusterlessness interrupted with a looking at of jar on his face.

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

`` Yeah ... ''

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

lusterlessness sank back into his chair and his face went chalk snowy. Albus was gladiola Rose told him to sit down, because if he had n't have been sitting he probably would take in fainted. Albus watched as Matt processed the entropy. After a few second he asked very quietly, `` What did he tell Malfoy ? ``

`` That you 've got some form of whiz disease that ma'am Pomfrey ca n't cure, '' Albus answered. `` And Malfoy put two and two together and figured out that you do n't gossip your tired of gran. ``

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

`` We 're going to try and produce for sure he does n't, '' toilet said adamantly.

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

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

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

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

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

Matt nodded, `` You know, if Malfoy finds out and Tell anyone, chances are I 'll have to pull up stakes. ``

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

`` How do you know ? ``

`` rosiness is the right way, '' Albus agreed, `` When the Marauders were in school, Snape found out about Teddy 's dad and he still got to persist in schooling. Dumbledore made him prognosticate not to secernate anyone. I 'm certain Kendrick would do the same matter. ``

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

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

`` But he 's your first cousin, '' lusterlessness said.

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

`` All right, '' matt replied. `` Let 's arrest here for a while. I think if I saw Kaden right now I 'd have to hex him. ``

Rose groaned, `` What is with boy ? Do you always have to hex the great unwashed to puzzle out your problems ? ``

`` It 's a raise fact that hexing workplace best when dealing with Slytherins, '' John the Evangelist grinned.

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

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

******

The weekend before Halloween was a very exciting one for the students at Hogwarts. There was the first Hogsmeade visit on Saturday, which the quondam students were very unrestrained about. Albus, of course, was n't allowed to go since he was a second year. James made sure to lord this over him at every bit possible during the hebdomad preceding the visit. Saint James would be going on his low Hogsmeade visit, and Albus was indisputable that Hogwarts would be treated to a variety of clowning following. When James and his friends returned from Hogsmeade, they ran into the mutual room with their bags bulging with what could only be Weasley 's products, and quickly stowed it all in their dormitory. sure enough enough, at dinner that Nox, the scholar soundbox was treated to a very entertaining meal. Somehow, Henry James and his protagonist had managed to purloin a potion into the Slytherins'nutrient that caused their pilus and fingernails to turn scarlet and gold. The rest of the school laughed hysterically as the Slytherins tried to figure out how to turn their hair and nails back to normal.

`` Nothing will change it, '' Saint James informed the Gryffindor table in between tantrum of laughter, `` Uncle George told me it will wear off within 24 hour, though. ``

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

`` I was going to save it for the day of the Quidditch mate, '' James explained, `` But I just could n't wait. ``

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

The come after day was the initiative dueling tournament for the junior dueling nightclub. The older students had already had their 1st tournament the previous weekend. Albus 's first cousin John Rowlands 's team had won. The tourney was to drive berth immediately following luncheon, at one o'clock, and the second, third gear, and fourth years were filled with excitement about it.

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

`` I do n't either, '' John agreed, `` But we might hold to. It 'll be all rightfulness. None of us know any magical spell that could do any permanent damage. I 'm just hoping I get to duel Malfoy. ``

`` Me, too, '' Matt agreed.

`` I almost wish first long time could unite the dueling club, so I could duel Kaden, '' Albus commented, `` I would n't take care beating him in front of the entire school. ``

`` I 'm probably just going to turn a loss, no subject who I duel, '' Amanda sighed, `` The merely thing I can do is unarm someone, and I 'm not even that good at that. ``

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

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

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

`` Me neither, '' Amanda said.

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

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

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

`` tending ! '' Professor Kendrick stood up, `` The Jr dueling tournament will commence shortly. Please make your way to the dueling chamber. ``

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

Albus and Amanda quickly lost the others in the sea of students filing into the dueling bedroom near the Great Radclyffe Hall. They found Kate at one of the tables that had been set up for each team to expect at. Their team name, The Dueling Dragons, was written on a piece of sheepskin that was stuck to the board. There was a realistic looking Draco breathing fire drawn on it. Scorpius Malfoy was sitting scowling at one end of the table, his hair still bright orange red and gold. Albus and Amanda stifled their laughter and sat down on the opposite end. A few bit later, once everyone on their team had arrived, Kate began to mouth.

`` Attention ! '' she shouted and the mesa became quiet, `` Thanks. The tournament will start in a couple minutes. I 'm sure we 'll do great. Everyone remember what you 've learned within the past times month and you 'll do ticket. Just do your best and even if you do n't win today, there 's still next clip. I know this inter-house team thing is hard, but I think everyone here has really come together to work as a team, and I 'm proud of all of you for that. So, with that, good chance ! '' Kate sat back down and started talking to one of the other fourth days on the team.

A minute later, prof Kendrick stood up at the front of the elbow room and raised his hands for lull. The way fell silent and he began to speak. `` Welcome to the first Dueling Tournament for the Jr Dueling Club. This is the first of six qualifying tournaments of the year. At the end of the twelvemonth, the top two teams will face off in a final tournament. There will be two duels going on simultaneously, with professor Potter and Longbottom presiding over them. Every bookman will duel twice today. The success of each duel will be awarded one point. At the end of the tournament, the team with the most points will be declared the winner. The points will office over to each tournament, after the sixth tournament, the two teams with the most points will front off in the final. Now, each captain was given a lean of duel for today, so I will give you a few hour to get organized and for the skipper to inform their squad of the schedule. Good luck to all. ``

Kate quickly went over the schedule with her squad. Albus 's first affaire d'honneur was about halfway down the lean and his minute was the tierce to last. The only matter he could do now was wait until his turn came. Albus was growing steadily more skittish as sentence wore on. What if he lost ? Malfoy would never let him hold out that down. Albus watched the first couple of duel while talking with Amanda. After a few duels, King James 's tour came and he lost to a Ravenclaw 4th year. blush wine was up next and she easily beat her third base twelvemonth Slytherin opponent. Quite a few of Albus 's mate had dueled by now and most of them had won. Before long, Amanda 's turn was up. Albus wished her destiny and she went nervously to the dueling ring that Neville was watching over.

Amanda was up against a second year Hufflepuff and the outset part of the duel consisted of each of them mostly dodging the spell sent towards them. Eventually, Amanda managed to disarm her adversary and won. She came back grinning ear to ear. Kate congratulated her as she sat back down next to Albus.

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

`` Thanks, '' Amanda grinned.

Matt was up next against a Slytherin fourth year. The affaire d'honneur hardly lasted two arcminute before the Slytherin used an advanced spell that caused Matt to slam into the wall behind him. Harry quickly disarmed the Slytherin and disqualified him. Professor Cedonia took matt to the infirmary wing while Harry assigned the Slytherin a couple detentions.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` Both of you know the formula, '' Neville said to them, `` You can take up when I let out red sparks. ``

Albus and James Earl Carter bowed to each other and took a dueling stance. Neville 's sceptre jibe out red sparks and the duel began. Albus sent out a disarming spell, but Carter easily blocked it. Carter then sent one at Albus, but Albus was able to close up it as well. This went on for five minute, each of them sending while that the other blocked. Eventually, Albus managed to hit Carter with a tickling hex that had him bent over in laugh. Albus took advantage of this and disarmed him easily. He had done it ! He won !

`` Point goes to ceramicist, '' Neville announced. Albus and Carter shook helping hand and went back to their teams.

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

`` Thanks, '' Albus replied.

`` That was amazing dueling, Albus, '' Amanda greeted him, `` Carter 's trade good, too, but that tickling thing was great. He could hardly incite. ``

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

The afternoon wore on and Albus found himself getting a bit tire with watching the dueling. It was taking all afternoon. trick dueled Albus 's cousin, Cedric, and lost. Albus was n't surprised by this, as Cedric was an first-class dueler. Rose and Malfoy each won their endorsement affaire d'honneur, while John and Amanda lost theirs. lusterlessness returned from the infirmary wing in clock time for his second affaire d'honneur, but wound up losing to his one-third twelvemonth Ravenclaw antagonist. Albus dueled a third year Gryffindor in his back duel and narrowly won. His opponent did not look happy about this. Malfoy also won his second duel, which was against a one-third or fourth year Hufflepuff ; Albus was n't sure which.

Eventually, all the affaire d'honneur finished and prof Kendrick stood up once again. `` Great dueling, everyone ! You all did a wondrous job. Now, to herald the achiever. I am please to announce that the Flying genus Phoenix, captained by Barty Heath of Slytherin have come in firstly place with 23 detail ! Thank you, everyone. The next tournament will take place at the end of Nov or get-go of December. Your headwaiter will be informed of the exact date as it comes closer. ``

`` We 'll win next sentence, '' Kate assured her team as they got up. `` See everyone at practice session on Midweek. ``

Albus and Amanda made their way out of the way, but realized they would never find their Quaker in the bunch. `` We 'll run across them in the common room, '' Albus said as they started up the stairs.

When they got to the commons elbow room, it was already total with scholarly person rehashing section of the duel. Albus noticed Kaden listening to James I 's account of his duel. James had won his sec affaire d'honneur and appeared to be very gallant of it. Albus and Amanda ignored Kaden and found whoremonger and Matt sitting at their common table. Albus and Amanda sat down and a few second later were joined by rose, who was glowing.

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

`` Thanks, '' rosiness replied, `` I was n't sure we were going to win. Heath is n't the greatest maitre d'hotel. I think we just have naturally good duelers on our squad. carter is amazing, although not as in effect as you, Albus. ``

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

`` sword lily I 'm not on his team, '' John muttered, `` Ca n't believe I lost both my duels. ``

`` You 'll do better adjacent sentence, '' Albus assured him.

`` At least you did n't wind up in the hospital wing, '' Matt commented, `` I 'm the alone one that did. Figures. ``

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

`` Oh shut it, '' matt replied.

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

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

`` Oh, yeah, I 'm fine, '' lustrelessness assured him, `` lady Pomfrey healed my arm in an instant, but she was fretting over me as usual. prof Cedonia convinced her to let me go back for my second gear affaire d'honneur. ``

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

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

`` And no exam ! '' Gospel According to John grinned. Albus liked this as well. So far, the only course they had in that class were from essays they had been assigned as homework. Cedonia had not given them a single in class test.

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

`` Are you mad ? '' Albus asked.

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

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

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

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

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

`` Two and a one-half, '' Rose corrected him, `` And it 's secure to initiate preparing early. ``

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

`` well, I 'm going to ask her about it on Tues, '' Rose replied.

`` No ! '' Albus and the others shouted at the Lapp metre. Albus liked Cedonia 's expressive style of teaching and he did n't want her to start giving them exams like the early teachers did. Without appealingness exams, Albus had to a lesser extent to worry about. Hopefully, Cedonia would brush off rose 's plea for test and continue the way she had been.



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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




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

`` Look, it 's addressed to all of us, '' blush wine commented as she glanced at the letter.

Albus turned the envelope over, wondering what it could be about. Victoire had sent him a brace letters so far this year, nearly of them sent along with Amy 's alphabetic character to Matt. These usually arrived a couple days after the wax moon, as Amy always wanted to have intercourse how Matt was. Since the entire moon had been a few calendar week ago, Albus was queer as to what Victoire had to separate them. He opened the letter and began to take it. rose wine, Matt, John, and Amanda read it over his shoulder.

Dear Albus, Matt, pink wine, John, and Amanda,
How have you been ? I hope you 're enjoying category and not making too
a great deal fuss. Congratulations on your success in the dueling tournament,
especially you, Rose. I hope there are many nifty victories to come. Good
fate in your for the first time Quidditch match, Albus. We hope to be able to attend, but
it depends on work and therapist training schedules.

grooming has been going well. We 've been attending classes in the morning
and training at St. Mungo 's in the good afternoon, like always. slip has been
very interfering with Auror training as well.

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

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

He was spotted in a Muggle village in Southern England, quite far from Hogwarts. The Aurors are already on his after part and are tracking him this very
minute. slip heard about it while he was at preparation, and we decided to
give you a heads up. Uncle Harry will probably state you as well.

Do n't occupy about it too much. He ca n't get into Hogwarts and Uncle Harry
has it under mastery. Good portion with Quidditch, dueling, and category, and we
hope to see you soon.

Love,
Victoire, teddy bear, and Amy

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

`` Me, too, '' Albus agreed.

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

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

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

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

`` Could I see the seer ? '' Rose asked one of the older students who was sitting across from her. The miss nodded and handed her the paper. `` Let 's find the article. '' pink wine scanned the front page and found a poor clause on the allow for position of the Thomas Nelson Page. She read it aloud.

`` 'Eighteen-year-old Quinton Willinson was seen near the Muggle township, Hythe, in Southern England early yesterday morning time. A mavin who prefers not to be named in this article saw him and immediately informed the Ministry. Willinson has been wanted by the Auror department since his attack on Head Auror and Defense Against the wickedness Arts teacher at Hogwarts School of witchery and Wizardry, Harry Potter, survive springiness. Five underage Hogwarts students were also attacked. Willinson, along with his father, Jaret Willinson, and the former Charms professor, Jameson Washburn, attacked ceramicist and the five pupil on the grounds. Potter declined comment for this article. The fountainhead Auror has informed the wizarding public that all three men are serious and not to essay to fight them. If any of them are seen, citizenry are requested to inform the Ministry immediately. Ministry Aurors responded to the sighting and are currently investigating .'''

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

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

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

`` Well, hopefully Professor ceramist will becharm them before they get the chance, '' Matt replied, `` Anyway, I hope Amy and Victoire come to the Quidditch match. I have n't seen Amy in geezerhood. ``

Albus looked over and saw that Matt was looking a bit sad. Albus knew he and Amy were very close, but had n't really thought about how unlike it must be for matte this yr. Albus did n't opine Matt had ever gone this hanker without seeing her. `` They 'll probably come, '' Albus assured him, `` And if they ca n't, they 'll confab when they can. ``

`` Yeah, '' Matt gave a half-hearted smile.

`` We 'd ameliorate get to Charms, '' rosiness announced. The five second years got up from the table and made their way out of the Great G. Stanley Hall. Albus noticed that Kaden was sitting side by side to James, talking animatedly about something. St. James did n't appear too well-chosen about this and had the face of someone pretending to listen, but not really listening. Albus almost felt bad about James II having to handle with Kaden, but not bad enough to make up with his cousin.

professor Cedonia spent the first half of class teaching the appeal for tying shoes, and during the irregular one-half, the socio-economic class practiced. Unlike finish class, Albus thoroughly enjoyed practical lesson in Charms. professor Cedonia did not mind them talking with each other as they practiced, and although she watched their progress, she did n't hover like Washburn had done.

`` Excuse me, professor ? '' Rose announced shortly after she succeeded in charming her horseshoe to tie themselves.

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

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

`` Thank you, professor, '' rosebush replied. `` But I was just wondering, are we going to get any exam in this class ? ``

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

`` Ah, '' Cedonia smiled, `` I was wondering if anyone would ask. I, unlike the early teachers at this school, do not believe in testing scholar in the conventional way. I prefer to portion essays that are done outside of course of study, where you are relinquish to use your books, to valuate your knowledge of hypothesis. As far as hardheaded exams go, I prefer to assess your advance in social class. If I have any belief that you are not mastering the task at paw, I will grant you special facilitate until you can dominate it. However, in conformity with Hogwarts custom, there will be a practical examination at the end of the semester. The theory exam will be an essay that you can make out using your playscript, in course. ``

`` Oh, '' rosiness said. She looked a bit stunned. `` All right. ``

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

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

`` Excellent. I assure you, pink wine, that you will cause a perfect understanding of second year Charms by the time the year is up, and you will be in fantabulous frame to make a motion on to third year. ``

Rose nodded and Cedonia walked back to the front of the way. Albus turned to John and grinned. `` Yes, no test ! '' he said.

`` Brilliant, '' whoremaster agreed, `` I really thought blush wine was going to convince her to test us. ``

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

`` Me, neither, '' John said.

Albus nodded. All of his instructor in primary school had been like the 1 at Hogwarts, with established exams and homework. `` I went to a Muggle school and all of the teacher gave us exams. rear went to the same one. ``

`` Same here, '' Saint John replied, `` Normal Muggle school. ``

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

`` All the teacher were like Cedonia at my school, '' Amanda turned around to talk to the boys. `` We did n't have test or grad or anything like that. It was fun. I really liked going to schooltime. Except when I made strange hooey happen. People thought I was uncanny. Turns out I was, but in a good way, '' she laughed.

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

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

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

`` Who knows about side by side yr, though, '' Matt replied, `` We 'll start new discipline and who knows what those teachers will be like. ``

`` Hagrid Blackbeard precaution of Magical Creatures and he 's expectant, '' Albus told them.

`` What kind of wizardly tool ? '' John grinned at Matt.

`` Do n't even go there, '' Matt grinned back. `` Amy says the antediluvian Runes instructor is nice. ``

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

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

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

`` Well, undecomposed, '' Albus replied, `` But we 've got calendar month before we have to decide what new subjects we 'll lease. ``

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

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

******

Harry was back at Hogwarts in time for Albus 's Defense class on Th. Harry called Albus up to his desk after division. Albus had been anxiously waiting the unit class to see if Harry managed to charm Quinton Willinson. Albus had a feeling he had n't because there was n't any honorable mention of it in the Prophet that morning.

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

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

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

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

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

Albus 's face fell and he became more concern as he realized that not a great deal progress had been made. He had been so for sure that his dad would get Quinton this time. But he had n't. Washburn and both Willinsons were still out there. How long would it be until they went back to Hogwarts ? `` What if they come back here ? '' he asked quietly.

`` I 'm not going to deny it. They probably will come back here. But there is a orotund amount of aegis around the schooling. finally year, it was well-fixed for them to be on the primer coat since Washburn was a professor and Quinton was a student here. They do n't stimulate that going for them now. And I do n't cerebrate any of them could step foot in Hogsmeade without somebody alerting me or the Ministry. ``

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

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

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

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

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

******

Albus wandered sleepily into the vernacular room the next week completely tired out from Quidditch Practice. The first match, against Slytherin, was on Saturday and Peach State was having them drill every evening. It had been a drizzly eve and Albus 's robe were soaked. He went up to his dormitory to put away his Calluna vulgaris and variety. Once he was done, he grabbed his books and went back to the vernacular room to do his homework. When he got there, he could n't find his friends anywhere. Albus sighed. Where could they be ? They were n't in the dormitory, Albus had just been up there.

Albus squeezed his way through the crowded unwashed elbow room until he found Bilius and Ethan studying at a nearby table. `` Have you seen trick and mat anywhere ? '' Albus asked.

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

`` 'Course we are, '' Albus gave a sap smile, `` They 're pathetic. ``

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

`` Yeah, '' Ethan agreed, `` rose wine and Amanda were with them. mat did n't look so thoroughly. Maybe they went to the hospital wing. ``

Oh, yeah ! Albus had completely forgotten that the good moon was the following night. They must bear gone to the Room of Requirement. Albus had also momentarily forgotten about the elbow room due to the fact that Kaden was always hanging around them, and they did not want him to know about the Room.

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

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

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

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

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

`` Sounds secure, '' Albus agreed. He grabbed a electric chair and sat down adjacent to John the Divine. `` What are you lot working on ? ``

`` transfiguration, '' John the Evangelist groaned, `` Eight inch essay due tomorrow. I 've got four in so far. ``

`` chronicle of conjuration, '' Amanda said, `` Also due tomorrow. ``

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

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

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

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

`` That 's what we told him, '' Rose explained without looking up from her ledger. `` I think he gets sort of mad and does n't think straight at this time of the month. ``

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` Oh, skillful, '' Rose smiled. `` I really do n't think he 's going to enquire that Tree. ``

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

`` He 'll get in big trouble if he gets caught, '' pink wine reminded him.

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

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

Albus slowly lifted the map back out of his bag and stared at the corner. He had never seen any marks on the map after he wiped it clean and jerk before. But this mark was so belittled it could have easily been missed. He peered at the diminutive marking until he noticed what it was. It was four paw print. A woman chaser, dog, stag, and rat print. It obviously meant the Marauders. Albus knew he had seen it somewhere before, but where ? He continued to stare at the paw photographic print, wracking his brain to try and call back why it seemed so familiar.

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

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

Rose, John, and Amanda all leaned in to look at the mark. Rose furrowed her eyebrow and tilted her brain as she looked at it. `` Why did the vulture have this thing arrest on the map ? All the other ink disappears. Now it 's just a random piece of parchment with these paw prints on it. ``

Suddenly, Albus remembered where he 'd seen the paw mark before. The slice of lambskin that fell out of the photo album in the attic of Grimmauld Place ! Albus had completely forgotten about that during the course of action of the school year. The symbols were exactly the same. They must intend something, Albus thought. He jumped up from his seat. `` I 've seen it before ! Remember when we were exploring the attic at my home, John ? ``

John nodded his chief. `` Yeah ... ''

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

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

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



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

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

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

Be on the lookout for my newest story, Life Is Good, which is a prequel to Secrets Within that chronicles how Albus, Rose, matte, John, and Amanda received their Hogwarts letters. I 'm hoping to station the get-go chapter sometime next week, as I have Spring Break.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.



Albus ran all the way to the Gryffindor common elbow room, narrowly avoiding another prefect. He went to his dormitory room, dug through his trunk, and found the parchment. He was so glad he had n't left it in the attic. He knew it meant something ! Albus ran back through the common elbow room, ignoring the strange stares he was receiving from his associate schoolfellow. When he got back to the elbow room, John was in the process of explaining to Rose and Amanda about what they had found in the noggin. `` I 've got it ! '' Albus shouted. He ran back to the board and spread the parchment out on the table.

`` You 're right ! '' rosebush grinned, `` Exactly the same soft touch. ``

`` But it 's just a blank part of parchment, '' Amanda reminded him.

`` I know, but there 's definitely something cryptic about it. Why would the vulture put this symbol on it if it meant zippo ? ''

`` I think you 're the right way, Albus, '' Saint John the Apostle agreed, `` I do n't know much about the marauder, but from what you 've told me, there 's no way this is just a random piece of music of parchment. ``

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

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

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

'Nice try. Mr. Padfoot would like to congratulate you, as you have obviously found the predator 's Map and figured out how to use it. However, he assures you that the marauder would not use the Saame incantation for this item detail .'
Albus and Rose burst out laughing. This spell of sheepskin was sort of like the map ! There was something magical about it, but it obviously was n't the same as the map. John the Evangelist smirked and shook his head.

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

Albus grinned at her. He still often forgot that she was muggle-born. `` It 's wizard. The piranha either found or invented some kind of appealingness that enabled the Marauder 's Map to convey with people who try to use it and they 've done the Lapp thing with this. '' Albus pulled the vulture 's Map in front of him and tapped his wand to it, `` check this. I, Albus Severus Potter, requirement you to show yourself. ``

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

'Mr. Moony would like to would like to secernate Mr. ceramicist to restrain his dirty hands off the parchment.

Mr. Wormtail agrees with Mr. Moony and would wish to add that despite the fact that Mr. thrower shares a first figure with the master, it does not commit him the dominance do what he pleases.

Mr. Padfoot agrees with Mr. Moony and Mr. Wormtail and would like to add that Mr. Potter 's eye name has got to be the most inglorious epithet he has ever heard.

Mr. Prongs agrees with Mr. Moony, Mr. Wormtail, and Mr. Prongs, and would like to be able to insult Mr. Potter 's last name, but flavour he is ineffectual to do so .'
Amanda and John started laughing hysterically after they finished reading the map. `` Does it do that to anyone ? '' St. John asked.

`` Yup, '' Albus laughed.

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

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

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

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed.

`` You know, '' Rose began, `` If the piranha did n't want anyone else reading that map, they would possess just put a charm on it that prevented anyone except themselves to translate it. I reckon they hoped someone would eventually find out how to read it. ``

Albus contemplated that for a import. Rose was probably right. The Marauders were always hoaxer, and they would probably want others to recover the map and use it for mischief.

`` But, '' Rose continued, `` Do you think they might have got wanted another particular that only they could read ? ``

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

`` That other slice of parchment. Maybe it 's something that the piranha did n't need anyone to be able to read. ``

`` But then we could n't read it, '' Albus sighed. It did form of make common sense that the Marauders wanted something to be buck private. But then why did they put the same stain on both parchments ?

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

`` We do n't even know if rose wine is justly, '' Amanda argued.

`` Even if only the marauder could translate it, would they still have to say something to take care at it ? '' Albus asked.

`` I 'm not sure, '' rose replied, `` I mean, there 's probably some kind of magic that only enables a few people to read it. Kind of like a Fidelius appeal for books or something. ``

Albus grabbed the lambskin and pointed his wand at it. The only way to come up out if something would reveal it was to try. `` Hmm, I am going to make trouble. '' cipher happened. `` I want to hold mischief. I am going to force a joke on someone. I promise I will make trouble. '' Albus tried many different variations on the incantation for the Marauder 's Map, but aught worked.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Albus held his breath as he watched the parchment. trick, rose wine, and Amanda watched as well. Albus 's eye bugged out as he saw ink appearing across the parchment. `` It worked ! '' he whispered. His booster nodded, but did n't say anything. Albus began to read as the intelligence formed completely.

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

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

'Mr. Prongs disagrees with you and insists that you are not Prongs .'
`` merlin, '' Albus sighed. It had n't worked. The lambskin could greet dissimilar people.

`` postponement, '' Rose pointed at the lambskin. `` It 's not done. ``

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

`` What is this lambskin ? '' john asked curiously.

`` Either it 's a jape or a highly progress magical target, '' Rose remarked. The four friends continued to look out as more writing appeared.

'When four male child, who are Gryffindors, are linked together through friendship and mischief, they may show themselves as the following generation of Marauders .'
`` The what ? '' Albus stared at the parchment. The adjacent multiplication of Marauders ? What had his grandfather and his friends done ?

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

'These four ally must each stage one of the predator, for if even one is missing, this map will not knead. Before this goes any further, you must shew that you know the secrets of the Marauders. Prove that you know, and you may go along along the path of discovery .'

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

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

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

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

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

'The Marauders want you good luck .'

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

`` I think it 's something the Marauders invented to ensure that they would never be gone from this school day, '' Rose said in awe, `` It 's awe-inspiring. ``

`` I 'll say, '' Amanda grinned, `` Probably the best magical thing I 've seen yet. ``

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

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

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

`` We already know their vainglorious secrets, '' rose said, `` But how would we shew it to a art object of parchment. ``

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

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

`` Seems too simple, '' rosebush said.

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

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

Albus and the others watched the lambskin. A few words appeared on it. Could it have actually worked ?

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

`` We 'll just cause to think on it, '' Albus replied. He had no estimation how they were to shew to the new map that they knew the Marauders'secrets, but he had to recover out. This sheepskin was perhaps even more occupy and charming than the Marauder 's Map, and he was going to count on it out.

`` What are you lot doing ? '' mat sat up and was looking around with a confused spirit on his face. `` What clock time is it ? ``

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

Albus, King John, Rose, and Amanda spent the next few mo explaining about the new map to Matt. They told him about how Albus had noticed the symbolic representation on the piranha 's Map, how he had gotten the new map to depict the written material, and how they had to test that they knew the predator'enigma. Then they showed him the new map.

`` That is brilliant, '' mat commented.

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

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

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

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

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

`` Me, too, '' Albus 's face fell as he realized that someone was going to have to act Wormtail. nobody was going to need to be him.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` Hey, it 's not our fault the piranha wanted it to be son, '' Albus shrugged, `` But you can help oneself us figure the whole thing out. ``

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

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

The friend all looked at lusterlessness, whose case had paled at hearing this. Albus had n't thought about that. He did n't want anyone who resembled Peter Pettigrew finding out about matt. If that 's what it took to ascertain out the secret of this map, then the map would just stay secret.

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

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

`` No problem, '' John smiled.

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

Albus thought about this. It could solve. But could they really find someone they could trust enough to disclose matte 's secret ? Or, did they even have to let on it ? Was it possible to do this without telling the twenty-five percent soul ? `` Let 's just retain our eyes out for mortal who is anything like Pettigrew and we 'll mean about it. Who knows, we might not even have to let them roll in the hay about lustrelessness, at least not for a while. Is that all right wing, Matt ? ``

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

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

`` We 'd better get back to the common room, '' Rose looked at her spotter, `` It 's almost curfew. ``

Albus and the others left the room and walked back to Gryffindor tugboat. Albus thought about the new map and what it could possibly declare. It was obviously a more involved map than the Marauder 's Map. Albus could only imagine what was actually on it. The chance of finding out excited him, but he was wondering if they would even find out. What were the chance of them finding person who would be uncoerced to correspond Wormtail ? And if they did feel that person, could they figure out the map without telling that soul that lusterlessness was a loup-garou ? Albus hoped so, but he doubted it.



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

The prequel to Secrets Within, spirit Is commodity, has been posted and the first chapter is up. I 'll be updating it weekly, almost probable on Tuesdays.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Over the future few days, Albus constantly thought about the new map. He kept it in his bag all the meter and found himself looking at it whenever he got the hazard. He read the clew again and again, hoping to find something he missed before that would tell him how to examine that he knew the vulture'closed book. Albus found that he could n't really contract on anything else. He was sure he failed his Potions test on Friday because he had so much trouble settling down to study the Night before.

His school body of work was n't the merely affair excruciation, either. Albus was also having a difficult time paying attention during Quidditch practice session. Seeing as the mate against Slytherin was on Saturday, this could n't have happened at a worse time. Sakartvelo had to yell at him at least five times during practice on Friday, and he dropped the Quaffle quite a bit.

`` Albus, '' Georgia said once practice session was over and everyone was starting to go back to the castle, `` Stay here for a endorsement, I need to talk to you. ``

Albus trudged over to GA. She had a inexorable look on her face that made Albus feel abominable. He knew he had played ugly during praxis, but he just could n't get the map out of his caput. `` What is it ? '' he asked, knowing perfectly well what Sakartvelo wanted to talk to him about.

`` Albus, '' Empire State of the South began, `` I know you 're a howling Chaser. That is why I chose you to be on the team. It was not because you are my cousin. If one of the other people who tried out played dear than you, they would have gotten in. You know perfectly well that I do not bet favorites. ``

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

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

Albus glanced up when his cousin-german said this. To tell the truth, Albus had n't even thought about being neural. But he was Thomas More than uncoerced to charge his awful playing on nerves. `` Er, yeah, a bit. ``

`` I understand that. I was extremely queasy during my for the first time mates as well. But you are going to do very well. We 're going to vanquish Slytherin tomorrow. And we 'll prove all those people wrong who thought I was favoring my home, '' Georgia grinned.

Albus gave a halfhearted smile. He had to cease thinking about that map, if only just for tomorrow. If not, it could cost him his post on the squad. `` Thanks. I 'll try to lull down a bit. ``

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

******

Despite Albus 's lack of nerves the past times few days, he was certainly making up for it on Saturday morning. He woke up with butterfly stroke in his venter and could n't manage to eat anything for breakfast. Worse yet, he was still thinking about the map. Albus had to concentrate on this catch. His piazza on the squad rested on it.

`` Are you ok, Albus ? '' mat asked. He had returned from the hospital flank the late evening and was looking much better. Judging by his tone of phonation, Albus suspected that Matt looked better than he did.

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

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

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

Albus nodded, but did n't say anything. Albus was n't nearly as confident as Omar Nelson Bradley was. But he knew they had to win that equal. If they did n't, Albus would give birth to cope with Bourne, and he did not require to do that. Albus never thought so much would be resting on one mates of Quidditch, let alone his first match.

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

`` fourth dimension to go, everyone ! '' Georgia announced.

Albus grabbed his broom and followed the relief of the squad out onto the sales talk, with his heart pounding fast. He gazed up at the crowd, never realizing before how many people actually attended Hogwarts. It was one matter to play Quidditch during exercise, but in front of everyone ? Albus was certain he 'd shine off his broom and humiliate the entire team.

`` Here is the Gryffindor squad ! '' Albus heard the familiar interpreter of Sir Alexander Robertus Todd David Smith booming over the pitch. `` Ryan O'Malley, Albus thrower, Henry James Potter, Bradley Weasley, Fred Weasley, Georgia Weasley, and Heather Weasley ! Georgia is the new captain this year, and Albus Potter has replaced Samantha Meyers as Chaser. Will he be capable to survive up to her legacy ? Only metre will tell. ``

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

`` And here are the Slytherins ! Ferris Henry Fielding, Talan Flint, gig Goyle, Peyton Howard Hughes, Garth Octavius, Hailey Odele, and Jackson Naiser ! The Slytherins have replaced their Seeker since last year. Garth Octavius is the new Seeker. ``

Albus remembered Peach State telling them this. Glenna Dabney, the Slytherin Seeker from hold up twelvemonth, had been utterly unequal to of catching the snitch. Albus hoped that Garth would be just as inapt, but he doubted it.

`` Mount your brooms, '' Professor Oteski announced, `` prepare, go ! ``

Albus soared into the air on Oteski 's whistle. He took a few cryptic breath to clear his head and tried to close up out the crowd 's shouting and booing. He glanced around the pitch and saw that Fred had the Quaffle. Albus flew towards the other side of the area in lodge to get away from Odele, who was flying right following to him. With his faster broom, he was away from her in no time. He could do this, Albus thought.

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

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

`` Score ! Slytherin scores the first goal of the game, making it 10-0 Slytherin, '' Sir Alexander Robertus Todd announced.

Albus groaned and flew towards the Gryffindor end. He zigzagged through the early players, dodging both the Bludgers. Albus was very undecomposed at maneuvering his broom and avoiding early histrion. He saw that both Heather and Fred were covered by Slytherin chaser as everyone waited for the Georgia to throw the Quaffle back into looseness. Peach State faked to the rightfield and then threw the Quaffle to the left hand. Albus immediately flew towards it, and with his fast new broom, grabbed the Quaffle just as Fielding tried to take in it.

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

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

Albus ignored metalworker 's commentary and continued flying. He passed James IV, who gave him a thumbs up. Fielding was hot on his tail now. Albus looked around, he needed to snuff it the Quaffle. Calluna vulgaris was unfold and Albus gave the Quaffle a hard flip. Heather caught it and brought it down to the Slytherin goal posts. She threw it at the middle hoop and it sailed through.

`` grudge ! '' Smith announced, `` Heather Weasley has scored, making the plot tied with 10 stop each. ``

Albus grinned at Heather and flew to the Slytherin finish Post. He waited for Goyle to toss the Quaffle back out, and let his psyche wander to the map. Albus had n't really thought about it at all so far, which was good. Who could they get to represent Pettigrew ? Albus found himself thinking about this all the time. Every someone he passed in the manse made Albus wonderment, could he be the one ? No, he could n't, Albus always told himself. Because they 'd never find anyone. Albus, John, and lusterlessness were destined to just be a chemical group of three protagonist, and that was n't going to work for the new map. Why would n't it just take on Rose or Amanda ? Albus thought bitterly. Of course, neither girl would agree to representing the traitor that was Peter Pettigrew anyway.

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

During the remainder of the match, Albus found his mind drifting Sir Thomas More and more towards the map. He dropped the Quaffle to a greater extent than a few prison term, earning disapproving expression from Georgia. Although he had n't scored a single end, he did help oneself heather and Fred score a few each. Unfortunately this was n't enough, and soon Slytherin was ahead.

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

Albus groaned and looked around at his mate. Peach State looked tense, broom and Fred looked determined, Thomas Bradley and Ryan looked angry, and James looked like he was concentrating hard on finding the Snitch. Odele currently had the Quaffle and Albus followed her towards the Gryffindor finish station. Fred intercepted it as Odele tried to score.

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

Albus nodded and sped down the rake. He could do this. He just had to get his mind off the map. There would be plenty of clock time to figure it out later. Quidditch, Quaffle, scoring destination, that was what he had to think about now. Fred passed him the Quaffle and he continued flying towards Goyle. Fielding was on his tail again and he passed the Quaffle to Heather, who was open.

All of a sudden, James whooshed by Albus, heading straight for Ryan. Albus looked over quizzically and realized that Epistle of James must take in seen the sneaker. Garth Octavius followed Jesse James but he was n't straightaway enough. St. James grabbed the canary, which was idling near Ryan 's arm, and pulled out of the diva. He held it up with a triumphant grin.

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

Cheers erupted in the stands, with the Gryffindors storming the delivery. Albus landed happily next to James. It was over, his commencement Quidditch equal was over. He breathed a sigh of relief. They had won, Albus was not going to be kicked off the squad. He stood there grinning with the rest of the team as their beau Gryffindors clapped them on the backs and high-fived them. Albus had never been a fan of this variety of affair before, but he did n't really mind it right now.

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

`` Excellent, '' Matt grinned.

`` You were awing, '' Rose agreed.

`` good match, '' Amanda added.

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

`` DOE n't count, '' lusterlessness replied, `` You had quite a few help, and we won so it 's all respectable. ``

`` Party in the uncouth way ! '' one of the older students shouted. Everyone else cheered and the crowd started to motivate slowly to the castle.

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

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

`` Of course you will. The number 1 match is always the most nerve-wracking, '' Harry replied.

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

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

Albus laughed to himself as his dad left. His mother did interest a lot, although she did hold a well intellect. His family always seemed to appeal problem, and he was mildly surprised that he escaped his first equal with only a small-scale bruise from a Bludger.

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

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

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

`` Definitely, '' Amy agreed.

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

`` We left right after Saint James caught the canary to go to Hogsmeade to get party supply, '' Victoire gestured to the declamatory amount of food and butterbeer.

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

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

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

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

`` Good, '' Amy smiled, `` We 're able-bodied to cure minor gash and contusion right now, although well-nigh of the poppycock we 've learned is theoretical. It 's all quite entrancing, though. ``

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

Victoire laughed, `` Not for another two years. It 's a long mental process. ``

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

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

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

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

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

`` I much prefer Magical healing, '' Matt announced, `` Muggles use too many phonograph needle. incantation and potions are much better. ``

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

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

`` I think I 'd rather have someone wave their verge than have someone mystify me with a needle, '' Albus shook his head. Sometimes he just did n't understand the affair Muggles did.

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

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

`` What are stitches ? '' John asked.

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

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

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

`` Albus ! '' William James walked over to their board with a butterbeer in his hand. `` Great first mate ! ``

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

`` Thanks, '' James grinned, `` Ca n't conceive Octavius did n't see it. It was glittering in the sun. Oh, well, skillful for us if their new Seeker ca n't see the fink. ``

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

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

Albus was startled by the alteration in conversation. He had n't really thought about Kaden much the past times few sidereal day. He assumed that Kaden just realized that Albus did not want to be around him anymore and found his own protagonist. Albus had not really paid much attention to his slight cousin since he told Malfoy that Matt gets chuck every month. `` Er, Kaden ? ``

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` Be friends with him again ! ''

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

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

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

`` Kaden, '' Albus replied.

`` proficient job on the match. ``

`` Thanks. ``

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

`` Did n't guess he 'd start annoying Saint James the Apostle, '' Rose commented.

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

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

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

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

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

******

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

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

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

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

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

`` fountainhead, '' Amy began, `` When I first came here, I missed my old schoolhouse and my old friends. Little did I know that I would descend to love this home even more and make even better friends. ``

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

Albus sat down next to her, while his friends and Amy took seats on versatile former chairs and lounge. `` Have you ever met Kaden ? '' Albus asked his cousin.

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

`` Well, he 's very annoying, to say the least. He thinks everything about the magical populace is wonderful and that magic can work out everything, '' Albus explained.

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

`` Yeah, but he did n't seem to sympathize, '' Albus replied, `` Anyway, he latched himself onto me and started following us around everywhere. It got very nettle, but we tolerated it. Then, the day of the initiatory good moon, Kaden got regurgitate and dame Pomfrey gave him some potion and he was better instantly. This really amazed him and he came back to the unwashed room praising madam Pomfrey and her potions. He came over to where we were sitting and he noticed how ill mat looked. ``

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

`` Yeah, he insisted that Matt go see madam Pomfrey. I tried to excuse that thaumaturgy could n't fix everything, but he just would n't listen. We told him to finish going on and on about healing potions, but he would n't. Matt left because he had to go to the Hospital flank, and I yelled at Kaden. However, the fight did n't last long because we all agreed that Kaden did n't know about Matt, therefore he had no idea that what he said was hurtful. I explained to Kaden once again that there were things that magic could n't clear, and that flatness had a disease that magic could n't solve- ''

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

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

`` trade good. ``

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

`` What ? ! '' Victoire and Amy shouted at the accurate Saame time. Amy 's face lost all semblance as she stared at Albus.

`` He did. We were lying around the grounds after Quidditch practice and Kaden wanted to enquire it. We told him numerous times not to, but he did anyway. He got hit a dyad fourth dimension, but eventually he wound up inside the tunnel. ``

Amy turned to her chum with a look of fear on her side. `` Did he keep abreast it ? '' she whispered.

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

The girls nodded their heads. Albus had owled Amy and explained about the detention on the astronomy tug, but had not told her why they were in detention.

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

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

`` You 're rectify, '' Albus said darkly, `` He did. For some strange rationality, known only to my dazed cousin, he decided to state Scorpius Malfoy that lustrelessness gets sick every once and a spell, and tell him about the Whomping Willow ! ``

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

`` And Malfoy has been trying to feel out where I go every month and now he 's got more cue. Up until now we 've been telling him that I have to visit my mad nanna, but that wo n't work anymore, '' matt explained. `` It 's only a matter of prison term before he finds out. ``

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

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

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

`` No, '' Matt answered.

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

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

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

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

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

`` Albus, '' Victoire said quietly, `` I know what Kaden did was horrible. pit, I 'm mad at him now and I do n't really know him. But I really think there is More to this than meets the eye. I do n't know why he told Malfoy, but I do n't think he just randomly decided to severalise Malfoy. I really think you ought to think about forgiving him, or at least asking him why he told Malfoy. ``

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

`` I variety of agree with Victoire, '' rosebush whispered, `` I do n't believe he really meant to hold Malfoy clue about Matt 's lycanthropy. ``

`` I know that ! '' Albus shouted, `` Kaden does n't even know about it ! But I told him not to tell and he did n't listen. We ca n't intrust him with anything ! Everything I 've told him not to recite, he 's told someone, and it was Malfoy of all people ! You realize that if I forgive him, he 'll startle following us around again. He 'll get more funny about mat and eventually he 's going to receive out. And what do you cerebrate he 'll do then ? We 'll tell him not to say anything, and he will. He 'll probably assure Malfoy. ``

`` I agree with you, Albus, '' Gospel According to John said.

`` Me, too, '' Amanda replied.

`` mulct, '' Rose snapped.

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

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

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

Albus nodded. He knew what that was like. Harry was always leaving at random meter, only to retrovert in the dead of night. Aurors had some of the strangest hour he had ever heard of.

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



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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




Albus and his friends sat around the way of demand for the next one-half hr, waiting for lusterlessness to come back. Nobody said much, but Albus could order that they were all worried about what was going to happen. Albus certainly was. Albus looked up sharply as he heard the room access to the room candid. `` What happened ? '' he asked immediately.

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

`` You do n't cause to leave ? '' rosiness asked.

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

`` That 's bully ! '' Albus replied. He was very protruding. It would not have been bazaar for matte to have to leave Hogwarts just because of Kaden 's folly.

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

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

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

`` commodity, '' Amanda replied.

`` So, '' John said tentatively, `` cypher can get into the passage now ? ``

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

`` Oh, '' Saint John said, `` I was sort of hoping we could go explore it some clock time. ``

mat turned and glared at him, `` Are you mad ? There 's no way I 'd assume you into the scream hut. ``

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

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

`` All right, fine, '' John sighed, `` Would 've been aplomb, though. ``

******

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

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

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

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

`` Dunno, '' Albus shrugged. He looked up towards the ceiling as the mail service hooter started to arrive. Rose 's family owl made a beeline for her and stood waiting for her to guide the letter off.

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

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

`` You know, I never really think about the instructor having kinfolk, '' Matt commented.

`` wellspring, we met Professor Longbottom 's married woman at the Leaky Cauldron over the summer, '' whoremaster pointed out.

`` I know, but I do n't really call up her that well, '' matte explained, `` I did n't feel too swell that day. ``

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

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

matte laughed, `` I wonder about the other instructor, though. ``

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

`` May I have your attention ? '' Kendrick stood up and banged his spoon against his goblet. `` Thank you. I have two announcements this break of day. The outset one is that it has come to my attention that a few of you have not heeded my warnings about staying away from the Whomping willow tree. I must tell you again how dangerous it is. ``

Albus stole a glance at Kaden, who was steadily turning more pink. Albus glared at him and this made him bend a bright shade of red.

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

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

Most of the former students started whispering among themselves, no question wondering why this could be considered a 'lighter line'.

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

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

`` I believe that is all. I hope everyone has a in effect Sunday and is well rested for year tomorrow, '' Kendrick sat back down.

`` I hope Sprout is nice, '' Matt said as he and the others wandered around the background after breakfast. It was a very modest day for November and most of the scholar were out-of-door enjoying the weather.

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

`` Mine, too, '' John said.

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

`` Good, '' Matt smiled, `` It seems like we have n't got any mean teacher this yr. ``

The radical spent the morning wandering around the grounds, putting off the homework they should give been doing. They talked some more about the map, but cypher had any thought as to how to get it to work or who could exemplify Wormtail. Albus also thought a lot about what Victoire had said. He was beginning to wonder if he should just forgive Kaden. It would certainly be a hale lot promiscuous than trying to annul him, like he had been doing the by calendar month and a half.

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

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

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

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

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

`` I still do n't care him, '' John said adamantly, `` I mean, maybe if he 'd pick up how to shut his sass, I 'd like him better. ``

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

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

`` We probably should, '' mat replied quietly. `` No one can get into the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree now, and Malfoy 's going to find out eventually, '' he sighed, `` It 's only a matter of clip. He 'll encounter out whether Kaden gives him cue or not. He 's smart. Kaden wo n't see it out until someone tells him, but Malfoy will ascertain out on his own. It 's only a matter of when. ``

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

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

Albus sighed. He knew the properly thing to do was to just forgive Kaden. Albus knew that as soon as he made up with Kaden, Kaden would set about hovering around them again. He just wished Kaden would discover his own champion. But it did n't look like that was going to occur anytime soon. Every time Albus saw Kaden, he was either alone or with James.

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

`` Sure, '' Albus agreed.

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

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

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

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

`` wishing to go to the Room ? '' mat suggested.

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

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

`` I 've got to, privy, '' Albus sighed. `` He 's my cousin-german. ``

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

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

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

lusterlessness said null but pulled his two friends into a nearby abandon schoolroom. He shut the door and turned to face his friends. `` There 's people whispering just around the corner. ``

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

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

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

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

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

`` Oh, right field, '' Albus replied, remembering that werewolves did have Superior audience. `` Well, what was it ? ``

`` There 's at to the lowest degree two the great unwashed out there and one sound scared, '' mat explained.

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

`` Yeah, definitely bookman. ``

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

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

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

`` sustain out your wand, '' matt instructed as he opened the room access. The boy crept quietly out into the corridor and walked to the corner. As they got closer, Albus could start to make out bits of conversation.

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

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

Albus quickened his pace. person was going to hex individual. He had to block up them ! Albus vaguely recognized both the voices, but he could n't quite place them.

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

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

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

`` liar, '' Malfoy raised his wand a fiddling higher.

That was it. Albus could n't bear to watch Malfoy interrogating his cousin like that. All his biting thoughts toward Kaden flew out the windowpane the moment Albus saw Kaden 's panicked face. Albus ran forward and shouted, `` Expelliarmus ! '' Malfoy 's baton sailed out of his helping hand and landed on the floor a few feet down the corridor. John ran forward and grabbed it.

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

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

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

Albus did n't break eye contact with Malfoy, but he knew lusterlessness had gone Andrew D. White side by side to him. `` Why would you call back I know where it goes ? ``

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

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

At the Saami metre, John shouted, `` Expelliarmus ! '' and Willinson 's wand sailed neatly into John 's hand.

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

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

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

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

lav burst out laughing, `` unspoiled luck with that, seeing as I 've got your baton. ``

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Filch went through his common modus operandi of filling out forms and filing them in the correct cabinet. He smirked as he filed Albus 's form. `` Seems you 'll induce a file nearly as big as your father and grandfather 's by the metre you graduate. ``

Albus said nothing as Filch continued to replete out and file his strain. After what seemed like an hour, but was probably only a few minutes, Filch finished. `` You 'll have two dark 's detainment. Tonight and tomorrow dark. Meet me here. Now get out. ``

Albus did n't cause to be asked twice. He was the first one out the doorway, followed quickly by lustrelessness, Saint John the Apostle, and Kaden. After the two Slytherins left and started heading towards the dungeons, Albus began to lead his friend up the stairs. No one said much as they walked towards Gryffindor pillar. Kaden stuck to them like someone had affixed a permanent sticking charm on him, but Albus did n't mind. He needed to talk to Kaden anyway. Why were Malfoy and Willinson threatening him ? Was this the reason he told Malfoy about the passageway in the Whomping willow ?

When they got to the common room, it was packed. There was hardly any room for them. Albus wordlessly lead them up to his dormitory and shut the doorway behind them. can and Matt sat down on matte 's bed, but Albus and Kaden remained standing.

Albus was n't sure where to begin. Should he just recite Kaden that he forgave him ? Or ask him what was going on with Malfoy and Willinson ? But before Albus could make up one's mind, Kaden started the conversation.

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` And I 'm grim, Albus, '' Kaden 's eyes watered, `` I really am. They just both pointed their wands at me, and I do n't get laid any good hexes, and I just got scare off, and I know Gryffindors are supposed to be hardy, but they told me they 'd hex me if I did n't tell them what I knew. So I did, and before I realized it I mentioned the Whomping Willow. ``

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

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

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

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

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

`` I know, and I 'm really drear about everything, '' Kaden replied, `` I wanted to hold it all a unavowed, but- ''

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

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

`` No, '' Albus answered, `` Just enjoin me next time they do that. And try not to narrate anyone the thing I tell you in individual anymore. ``

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

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

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

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

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

`` Are you mad ? ! '' Saint John and Matt shouted at the same clock time. Both of them had looking of disgust on their faces.

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

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

`` We 'll take him to the Cup, '' Matt decided, `` No issue where it is. We 'll go and try to him that Quidditch is best. ``

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

`` Once you see the carom play, you 'll convert your mind, '' Matt told him as he stood up.

`` The carom ? '' John laughed and walked over to the room access, `` Are you the insane one now ? ``

`` Not at the moment, no, '' lustrelessness smirked. John and Albus burst out laughing at John the Evangelist 's choice of news and Kaden looked at them confusedly.

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

`` Yup, '' the three early male child said at the same time.

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

mat punched him playfully in the arm, `` Do n't insult my team like that. It 's not like Puddlemre United is doing much right. ``

This fourth dimension it was John 's turn to punch matt in the arm. `` Puddlemere is better than the Cannons can ever trust to be. ``

John and matt continued their argument all the way down into the coarse room, with Kaden paying rapt attention. Albus smiled as he watched them. Maybe Kaden could fit in with their radical after all.



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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.




It did n't take long for Kaden to fit himself back into Albus 's group of friends. By the end of the week, Albus, Kaden, and the others got back to their common routine of doing homework in the green elbow room after dinner. Of course of action, that did not start until after the boy served their detention with Filch. The caretaker had them uninfected almost every lav in the entire castle. This was a tense thing due to the fact that Malfoy and Felix Willinson were serving the detainment alongside them. Albus was quite happy when the custody was over.

All in all, shoal was going well for Albus. He was doing well in all his classes and Quidditch and the Dueling Club were going well, too. Albus managed to shove aside his thinking of the new map during Quidditch, which pleased Empire State of the South greatly. The downside to having Kaden backbone was that Albus and his other friends could n't really pinch off to the Room of necessary anymore, unless they wanted to work Kaden. They all liked Kaden well enough, but none of them really wanted the younger boy to sleep together about the way yet. That, and they did n't want Kaden to know about the map. He did n't even sleep together about the even Marauder 's Map. So, Albus had no pick but to just think about the map, rather than mess around with it.

As November turned into December, snow fell upon the grounds and student of all old age flocked to them to have snow ball scrap. Albus and his friends took part in quite a few, usually being crushed by the older bookman. Albus enjoyed these fights immensely, but opinion of the new map were always in the back of his nous. He just wished they could have some meter away from Kaden to investigate it some more. The opportunity to do just that arose one day in the beginning of December. Kaden was not doing too well in Transfiguration of Jesus and one of the older Ravenclaws had offered to tutor him and a few other first off twelvemonth in the library.

Albus immediately shut his good luck charm book after Kaden left the common room. `` All right, he 's gone. Let 's go to the room. ``

`` You 're awfully eager for him to depart, '' john smirked, `` I thought you did n't mind him so much now. ``

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

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

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

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

The radical left the herd common room and followed the associate path to the room. Once there, they took their usual tush and waited for Albus evidence them his idea.

`` fountainhead, '' Albus began. He took the map out of his bag and spread it out on the table. `` I think we should try writing on it. You know, remember what I tried to tell the map last clip ? I think I should write that on the map. ``

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

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

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

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

`` Have you got any ameliorate idea ? '' Albus asked.

`` Er, no, but- ''

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

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

`` Thank you, rosiness. ``

`` At least write it really small, '' matte suggested, `` That way if it is n't the redress way, it wo n't mess it up. ``

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

The familiar ink appeared on the parchment, telling Albus that he needed to essay he knew all the marauder'secrets. He looked up at his ally, who were all wearing feel of anticipation. Albus grabbed a quill and an ink pot. He poised his shaft over the lambskin and wrote in very tiny letters,

'Moony is a werewolf. Prongs, Padfoot, and Wormtail are all illegal animagi. Prongs is a stag, Padfoot is a dog, and Wormtail is a rat .'
Albus put the shaft down and stared at the parchment. Everyone watched in gross muteness. The ink disappeared into the map and Amanda let out a gasp. A few bit later, new quarrel appeared.

'Close, but not quite .'

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

`` We 're never going to see this out, '' lav sighed.

`` Does n't matter anyway, we do n't feature a Wormtail, '' flatness pointed out.

`` I think that would have been too obvious anyway, '' blush wine explained, `` It 's got to be something more subtle. ``

`` How do we subtly tell a piece of parchment that we know the vulture'secret ? '' Albus wondered aloud.

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

`` Good point, '' john said.

`` This most probably holds more than information about Hogwarts than the Marauder 's Map did, and possibly Hogsmeade as well, '' pink wine continued, `` So we 've got to think about this the way they would 've. ``

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

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

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

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

`` How can it be life-threatening to prove that we know their enigma ? '' trick asked.

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

`` What can we put on lambskin that shows they were all animagi and a wolfman ? '' matt asked.

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

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

`` Drawing paw mark ? '' John stared at her, `` How 's that dangerous ? ``

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

The approximation sounded ridiculous to Albus, but it did seem like the kind of thing the vulture would do. It would definitely be dangerous to get the paw photographic print, and difficult as well. Not many hoi polloi would actually be able to get them all. It was pernicious as well. No one would have any melodic theme what the paw print would mean unless they knew the Marauders'mystery. The alone thing he did n't wish about it was the melodic theme of a clump of animals trampling the map.

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

`` Not plus, '' Rose answered, `` There 's only one way to see out. What do you lot intend ? ``

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

`` Is that a Holy Writ ? '' rose wine laughed.

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

`` Good thought, Rose, '' privy agreed.

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

`` Makes mother wit, '' lusterlessness replied.

`` So it 's settled, '' rosiness announced, `` We shall put paw mark on the map. ``

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

`` Good spot, '' Rose sighed. Everyone thought about this for a few bit, then rosiness had another idea. `` What if we use unlike objet d'art of parchment and then use a transference appealingness to put them on the map ? ``

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

They all stared at each other and stir their straits. `` Er, that might be a job, '' Albus sighed, `` I 'm pretty sure that spell is well past O.W.L. ``

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

`` We 're lucky you 're such a record book worm, rose wine, '' Gospel According to John laughed.

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

`` The dog will be comfortable, '' Amanda announced, `` I 've got a dog, remember ? ``

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

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

`` Yule ? '' John sighed, `` I thought we 'd birth it done before that. ``

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

Albus had wanted to compute out the map before Dec 25 as well, but considering the fact that there were n't any dogs in Hogwarts, that would n't be possible. `` I think we can find out a rat somewhere in the castle. Probably near the dungeons. ``

`` Great, Slytherin soil, '' John the Evangelist groaned.

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

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

`` I 'll do it, '' lav said after a piece, `` It should n't be that hard. I just hope the spell lasts until I can get it up here. ``

`` It should, '' blush wine replied, `` Just try and get up here as soon as potential. ``

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

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

`` That 's what the marauder would hold wanted, '' Albus told her.

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

`` That is a superb idea, Rose, '' Albus smiled. He did not really want to go wandering around the Forbidden wood and not just because it was out of saltation. It would be very grave to go in there. `` And that just leaves- ''

`` The werewolf one, '' Matt whispered. Albus and the others turned to face at matt. He had been very quiet over the past few minutes and Albus noticed that he was paler than usual. Albus could understand why. The werewolf paw photographic print could possibly be the most unsafe one to get.

`` You know, '' blush wine said quietly, `` This is why the paw mark matter makes so much sense to me. I highly doubt a regular savage print is going to mould. And if this really is the way to get the map to work, the lone way to get a werewolf paw print would be if a werewolf was at Hogwarts. ``

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

The way fell quiesce as everyone tried to think of a way that they could safely get a loup-garou 's paw mark. Albus had no estimation. They could n't exactly try and stun mat while he was transformed like they were planning on doing with the rat and the stag.

`` All rightfulness, '' Matt sighed after a few min. `` I 've got an melodic theme. ``

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

`` We go down to the screaming Shack a couple Clarence Day before the full lunar month and stay a few composition of self-inking parchment to the floor. Hopefully I 'll step on one of them and we 'll have a paw print, '' Matt explained quietly.

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

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

`` We 'll get caught, '' rose wine said.

`` Not if we use my dad 's invisibility cloak, '' Albus grinned. `` I 'll sneak into his field of study sometime when he 's in form and borrow it. ``

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

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

`` You three can go, '' pink wine gestured to Albus, matt, and Gospel According to John, `` You 're going to be the new Marauders anyway. ``

`` Hang on, '' lavatory interrupted, `` I thought Kendrick put up Mrs. Humphrey Ward on the Whomping Willow. How are we going to get in without him knowing ? ``

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

`` Oh, right. ``

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

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

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

`` perfective tense, '' Rose grinned, `` And I 'll embark on searching the library for the charm. Hopefully we 'll deliver it figured out right after Christmas. ``

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

`` well, I 've got homework to do, '' Rose announced as she pulled out a few al-Qur'an from her bag.

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

The group worked silently on their preparation for a while, only talking when they needed to ask questions about it. Albus tried his best to reduce on his Transfiguration essay, but his head kept wandering back to the map. He wished they could get the paw prints faster. Albus was very anxious to find out what this map had in store for them. Of course of instruction, they still had to ascertain someone to be Wormtail, but Albus tried to tug that thought from his mind.

`` It 's so calm down, '' whoremonger said, tapping his quill on his book.

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

`` Not really, '' john replied, `` It 's too quiet. I 've variety of gotten used to Kaden 's loudness. ``

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

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

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

That 's it ! Albus dropped his quill and stared at pink wine. Of course ! Why had n't he realized it before ? Kaden did follow them around and practically hero-worship the undercoat they walked on. Kaden was Wormtail.

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

Albus shook his brain and looked at Rose. `` I 'm fine. respectable than that, actually, '' he grinned. `` You 've just given me an estimate as to who can be Wormtail. ``

`` Who ? '' toilet asked anxiously.

`` Kaden. ``

`` What ? ! '' John, lustrelessness, blush wine, and Amanda shouted at once.

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

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

`` Not really, '' John said.

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

`` Not really, '' John said after a few instant silence.

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

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

Albus looked at his Friend for a moment before responding. Albus talked the least about Wormtail than all the former Marauders. Obviously, Albus felt a rich hatred for Peter Pettigrew, and this resulted in him not wanting to talk about him. So Albus 's booster really did n't do it a unhurt lot about him. Just the division that had to do with him betraying Albus 's grandparents. `` Well, we 've got to remember that when the predator made this map they were friends with Wormtail. He had n't betrayed them yet. He did have salutary tone, as much as I hate saying that, '' Albus said grimly.

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

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

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

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

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

`` Definitely, '' John replied.

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

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

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

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

`` Oh, I do n't make out, '' Rose said, `` I think he wo n't listen as long as he gets to be a part of this. ``

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

This was the division that Albus had tried to avoid thinking about ever since he first realized what they had to do to cultivate the new map. Whoever was going to play Wormtail was going to find out that Matt was a werewolf, there was no avoiding it. It was part of the reason that Albus had n't really thought about who would be Wormtail. Albus knew matt did n't want anyone else to find out. He never even really told Albus and the others. They had found out on their own. Albus knew Kaden would never get hold out on his own ; he was just too forgetful. He needed to know, though, if he was going to be a character of this. Otherwise, he could n't really be one of the new Marauders. Albus just had a gut feeling about that. But was it worth it to severalise him ? Especially when he already told Malfoy everything Albus had told him to keep secret ? Albus sighed, `` I think so. If we 're going to do this, Kaden will ingest to know. ``

`` We ca n't do it then, '' Matt said adamantly, `` I ca n't secern him. I just ca n't. He 'll tell Malfoy and then the unit of Slytherin will know and then soon the unharmed school will have intercourse and they 'll order their parents and they 'll complain and Kendrick will stimulate to kick me out. But then it wo n't matter anyway because all of Wizarding Britain will make out and no one will want to be around me or my family again and it will be just like Australia- ''

`` Matt, '' Albus cut him off. He was getting hysteric. `` calm air down, that 's not going to happen. ``

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

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

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

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

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

`` Just listen to me for a min, '' rose said loudly. `` Remember what Amanda said about a spell to keep Kaden from giving away anymore secrets ? '' Everyone nodded. `` wellspring, I 'm moderately sure there is a turn like that, '' Rose grinned.

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

`` Yes. I vaguely think reading about it in a book. I 'm indisputable if I went to the program library I could find it, '' Rose explained. `` I 'll just front for it when I 'm researching the transfer appealingness. ``

Albus 's Bob Hope soared high again, `` fantabulous ! Would you be uncoerced to secern him if Rose found this charm ? ``

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

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

Albus grinned. They were onto something, he could feel it. They would unlock the enigma of this new parchment. Albus was so vibrate with the prospect of finally discovering what the new map held, he could hardly kip that night. He was n't the only one, either. Albus heard Matt and John tossing and turning all night, over the sound of Ethan and Bilius 's snoring. Although, Albus suspected Matt 's sleepless nighttime was more due to cheek than fervor. Judging by the look on his face as they went back to the common room that evening, he was still loath to let Kaden in on his fully grown secret.



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



Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.



When Albus woke up the next morning time, he found that he was overcome with mettle about stealing his Church Father 's invisibleness Cloak. Albus had been so caught up in the agitation about the map the night before that he had n't really given it a mo thinking. But now that the approximation had simmered overnight, he realized that the programme might go horribly wrong. What had he been thinking ? Stealing the invisibleness Cloak ? That was exactly what Washburn had been trying to do the previous class. Of course, Albus was technically only borrowing the Cloak, as he intended to abstract it back right after he was done with his late dark stroll to the screech shack, but still. What if his dad discovered it missing ? Was that even in all probability ? Albus had no idea how often Harry used his cloak nowadays. He probably did n't induce lots use for it at Hogwarts because teacher could roam around wherever and whenever they wanted.

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

Albus remained distracted throughout his morning category and by the metre dejeuner came, he was almost as unquiet as he had been for the first Quidditch match. nonentity said much as Albus picked at his solid food, well nobody except Kaden. Kaden rambled on about his morning time course of instruction until he had to leave for Potions a unretentive while later. Once he was gone, Albus was complimentary to talk about their plan. `` I 'm not certain if this is going to sour. ``

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

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

`` It 's got to play, '' lavatory insisted, `` How else will we nobble down to, '' he lowered his representative, `` you know, without being caught ? ``

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

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

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

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

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

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

`` Trust me, Albus, '' Rose said, `` It 'll work. We 'll lift the cloak back before Uncle Harry even knows it 's gone. ``

`` He 's leaving now, '' Amanda pointed to the staff table, `` We 'll just wait a span Thomas More second. ``

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

`` Good thought, '' Matt agreed, `` No one will think anything of it if the two of you go into his office staff. ``

Albus nodded. That was probably the best way to do it. If all five of them went, opportunity are they would relieve oneself enough haphazardness to attract another teacher. Albus was relieved that Rose was going to go, though. She was much better at summoning good luck charm than Albus was.

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

`` Bye, '' Rose grinned at them. She and Albus loitered a few minute longer at the Gryffindor table before Rose gestured that it was sentence to go.

Albus and rosiness had lingered long enough at the table that the corridors were practically empty, save for a few straggling students who were much more intent on making it to course than giving Albus and Rose a mo glance. They quietly made their way to Harry 's office, narrowly avoiding Peeves near Moaning Myrtle 's bathroom. Judging from the garish cries that were emitted from the bathroom, Peeves had just finished making fun of poor Myrtle.

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

pink wine did n't look in phased in the least. `` Just use Alohamora. ``

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

`` Just do it, '' rosiness insisted, `` He 's got a charm on there that recognizes his magical theme song. Yours will be close sufficiency to his that it 'll unfold for you, too. It worked with William James last year. It wo n't work with me, though. I tried. James thought it was incredibly laughable. ``

`` All right, '' Albus replied and pointed his wand at the lock. `` Alohomora. '' The whorl clicked and Albus turned the grip. It opened. The cousin-german quietly crept inside, carefully shutting the door behind them.

Harry 's office looked much like it had the last clock time Albus had been in it. Parchment, books, and other motley objects were strewn around all over the place, cluttering up the desk, couch, and death chair. The bedchamber door had been left open and Albus could see that that way was just as messy, with gown laying on the bed and copies of the oracle on the floor.

`` DOE he ever pick up ? '' rosebush asked disgustedly, `` I mean, really. This is unsound than Saint James the Apostle 's room. ``

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

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

rosiness must have been thinking the same matter. She wrenched the trunk open and pointed her baton at it. `` Accio invisibility Cloak, '' she shouted. Nothing happened.

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

`` postponement, '' Rose said as she crept closer to Harry 's torso, `` I 'm pretty sure Uncle Harry mentioned that you ca n't use a cite good luck charm on the cloak. ``

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

`` We 'll do it the hard way, '' pink wine sighed, `` You take the wardrobe, I 'll take on the body. ''

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

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

Albus felt an immense alleviation as Rose held up the cloak. They did it ! They actually found the cloak ! nothing was stopping them now. They were going to see out the secrets of the second map.

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

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

backup washed over Albus when he made it into the Room a few second later. They had n't been caught ! Albus 's heart still beat fast with adrenaline as he ran into the Room and grinned at his ally. The thrill of what he and rose had done was starting to hit him. He had taken the invisibility Cloak. It was the start Marauder-like affair he had done. He knew this was exactly what the piranha had wanted him to do. To break rules and not get caught.

`` Did you get it ? '' John ran over with a glimmer of agitation in his eyes. lustrelessness and Amanda were right behind him sporting identical smile on their faces.

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

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

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

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

flatness put the cloak on and disappeared from persuasion. He reappeared a few seconds later. `` That is so cool. ``

`` Let me try, '' St. John the Apostle took the cloak and wrapped it around himself. They spent the next few minutes passing the cloak around and trying it on.

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

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

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

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

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

`` Nope, '' rosiness said, `` Walk around the room a few time. ``

The boys walked slowly around the way, making sure not to bring out any of their limbs. lavatory and Matt started to get the knack of it after a few second of practice and they were soon able to go a little faster.

`` perfect tense, '' Amanda announced after the fourth fourth dimension they circled the room. `` I 'm still amazed by that cloak. ``

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

`` I say Sabbatum because I 've got Quidditch practice that aurora and I 'm going to take in to get some sopor Friday nighttime or Georgia will drop the whole time yelling at me to wake up, '' Albus explained, `` That good with you two ? ``

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

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

`` You 're turning into quite the difficulty Jehovah, Albus, '' pink wine laughed, `` The predator would be majestic. ``

******

The next day Rose decided to start her research on the transference charm. Albus and the others went with her and it did n't take long to get the in good order book. Rose found it in a copy of Advanced Charms and after she read a bit about the charm she decided that it was going to be unmanageable but not impossible for her to do. She decided to subdue that charm before trying to witness the charm to keep Kaden repose. That one was going to be punishing to find since they did n't even sleep with the figure of it. Rose checked out the Advanced Charms volume under the menacing glare of dame Pince. It looked to Albus like she was just burning to involve what they were up to and deny them the book. But, she could n't since the book was n't in the Restricted Section.

blush wine spent the next few days trying to picture the charm out. There was n't much Albus could do to help her, so he just did his homework and watched her. Albus thought the charm looked incredibly complicated and he was glad that rosebush had volunteered to instruct it. Rose was having a bit of trouble mastering the good luck charm, though. By the time Saturday Night rolled around, she still had n't managed to regurgitate much of anything. Albus kept reassuring her that she would eventually get it. The charm was well beyond the O.W.L. level and it stood to reason that it would be hard for her. This did not case blush wine well and she was quite frustrated by it. If there was one thing that drove Rose mad, it was having trouble learning something.

`` Why do n't you take a break ? '' Albus suggested while they were in the commons room on Saturday night. `` You 've been at it for twenty-four hours. ``

`` Maybe you 're mightily, '' rosiness sighed. She had been trying for the past hour to reproduce her name onto another small-arm of parchment. `` I 'll just relax for a while. '' She pulled out her transfiguration Holy Writ and opened it to one of the tardy chapters.

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

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

`` duplicate credit appeal homework, '' Rose lied.

`` Oh, '' Kaden looked vaguely shocked that blush wine would demand special credit.

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

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

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

Albus had no doubt that Rose would count on the charm out eventually. It was just taking her longer than she expected. Albus was in no rush because the charm would be useless until they got all the paw mark they needed. That would n't happen until after Xmas. John had n't managed to feel a rat in Potions on Fri, but he was keeping his eyes peeled.

The group stayed in the commons way for another duad time of day, waiting until it was completely empty. Albus thought Kaden would never go to bed, but shortly after eleven he finally gave in to his fatigue duty and went up to his hall. Eventually, Albus and his friends were the lonesome ace left.

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

`` Let 's do it, '' Gospel According to John stood up.

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

`` See you in a bit, '' rose told them as she held the portrait open for them to leave. `` Do n't get caught. ``

`` We wo n't, '' Albus assured her. `` I 've got the Map. '' Albus was n't nearly as nervous about sneaking out of the castle as he had been about stealing the cloak. And clearly he was breaking more than rules this eve than he had the other day. He figured it had something to do with the fact that stealing the cloak was something his father would be disappointed in, whereas sneaking out would just get him in trouble with another teacher.

Whatever the reason, Albus felt almost excited about this evening. The solely time he had really snuck out after curfew was when he had his outset Occlumency dream the former year. Tonight 's dangerous undertaking was a much break context. Besides, Albus was a bit excited about following the burrow to the Whomping Willow and seeing the inside of the Shrieking Shack. He felt sort of guilty about this because he knew Matt did n't want them to and was only agreeing to this for the sake of the new map.

Albus motioned for them to stop before they started down the steps. He took out the Map and scanned it for a couple minutes. Filch was currently striding along the third floor corridor. They would consume to be heedful about that. They could easily run right into him. Peeves was flitting around a classroom on the fourth story, no question wreaking havoc for one of the teacher to fix in the morning. Luckily, all of the teacher were in their offices. All they had to concern about were Filch and Peeves. Albus wondered when Filch slept. It seemed that he was always patrolling the corridors.

Albus, John the Evangelist, and mat continued their conservative trek down to the incoming dorm, with Albus glancing at the Map every few minutes. The son made it down to the third floor corridor without trouble, but Albus immediately noticed Filch creeping along the corridor, muttering about insolent children. Albus gave his friends a worried tone as they quietly moved towards the skinny stair case. Albus held his breath as Filch passed them. Filch continued on his way without even noticing the three inconspicuous boys. Albus was very happy when they made it onto the second gear floor and even glad when they got to the front doorway and found that Filch left them unlocked. That was the one thing that could accept gone wrong with their plan. Rose had tried to teach him a few more complex unlocking piece but he was n't very soundly at them and was hoping he would n't need to use them.

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

`` Not quite, '' lustrelessness replied.

`` Yeah, but at least we can talk now. I wish this cloak would shroud up noise, too. Reckon we can shoot the cloak off ? ``

`` No, '' Albus answered immediately. `` What if one of the instructor is looking out the window ? Or if Hagrid is wandering around ? '' Albus loved Hagrid, but he would n't want to receive to explain why he was sneaking down to the Whomping Willow in the dead of night if the lovable half-giant caught them.

The three boys continued along the path that lead them through the grounds. There was about six in of snow on the solid ground and the air was bitingly frigidity. Albus was gladiolus he remembered his cloak, but was still a bit chilly. He continued to check the Map every couple of minutes, but so far the undercoat were deserted. Albus had hoped they would be able to take the air riotous once they were on the priming coat, but he had been wrong. It was still awkward for the three of them to delay concealed under the cloak and it was even harder now because mat was slowing down. `` Are you all right ? '' Albus asked after the cloak almost slipped off of him.

`` fine, '' he panted. `` Just the moon. Let 's continue going. ``

Albus looked from his friend 's tired facial expression to the sky. The almost wax lunar month was shining down on the ground, illuminating it enough that Albus had n't bothered to light his wand. `` We should give birth done this earlier in the week, '' Albus commented, remembering the disastrous detention with Filch the other month.

`` No, I 'm fine, '' lusterlessness assured him, `` It wo n't be full until Tuesday. ``

Albus looked at him skeptically but did n't say anything else. He and john slowed down their tempo to jibe Matt 's, although Albus thought it would be practiced for them to speed up in guild to reach the Tree faster. Eventually, they reached the Whomping Willow. The three boys paused just beyond the reaching of the offset and Albus and privy looked to Matt for instructions.

`` We 're not going to be able to get into the fix wearing the cloak, '' lustrelessness explained. Albus nodded and took it off, stuffing it into his gown. `` All rightfield, '' Matt continued, pulling out his baton. `` I 'll just incapacitate the wards. '' He muttered something quietly and pointed his wand at the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree. Albus strained to listen to the magical spell but he could n't discover it.

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

Matt walked around to the other side of the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree with Albus and John following. Matt bent over, searched through the snow, and picked up a long stick, stumbling and shivering a trivial as he stood up. He pressed his hand to his head, wincing a petty. `` headache, '' he answered to Albus and John 's questioning stares. He dodged one of the Tree 's branches and stuck the long stick into the tree 's trunks. The branches immediately froze and the Whomping willow tree looked just as tame as any of the early tree on the grounds. `` Quick, before they start again, '' lusterlessness stumbled towards the Tree and disappeared down the passageway.

Albus, who had already been in the burrow once, gestured for privy to go first. Albus followed his supporter and made it into the hole just as the branches started flailing again. Albus and John lit their wands and looked around the hamper tunnel while mat put the wards back up.

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

`` This is honestly jolly cool, '' John said in awe as they started down the passage, `` Kinda spooky, but aplomb. '' lustrelessness sent him a dirty look. `` I mean, besides the whole loup-garou thing, '' John replied quickly.

Albus could see what john meant. It was kind of a neat tunnel, although very dark and sort of moistness. The effective thing was that it was slightly warmer than exterior. The ceiling was low and Albus had to crouch down a piffling in order to walk. There were rocks and roots along the track, but the whole atmospheric state was quite exciting. Albus loved wandering through occult passage and this one was n't any different. He was excited about finally being able to play along it. His dad had told him about this burrow and the screech hutch numerous times, but always said no when Albus asked if he could go explore it. Now he was finally getting to do it. Granted, he was breaking about a dozen shoal normal to do it, but it was worth it.

They followed the burrow for what felt alike at least a one-half hr. The quiver of it was beginning to wear off as Albus got colder. The month of December was not a convenient time to be doing this. By the sentence they reached the shriek hut, Albus was make to crawl into his warm four-poster bed and go to slumber. John 's turmoil had waned as well and he was looking disgruntled from the long, chilly walk. Matt, despite the fact that they were no longer being pelted by the moonlight, did n't appear much expert than he had earlier. He looked incredibly exhausted and was breathing as heavily as if he 'd just run a marathon.

`` How do you possibly make it here before the entire moonshine ? '' toilet asked, out of intimation. `` You 're practically falling asleep by the metre you go down here. ``

`` I 'm ... not really ... sure, '' lusterlessness replied in between breathing place, `` ma'am Pomfrey ... helps. ``

`` well, next time I ca n't sleep I 'll just walk up and down this a few times, '' John joked.

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

Albus was shocked at what he saw. Broken furniture lay everywhere, a lot of it covered in dry out pedigree. There was n't anything that remained unbroken. objet d'art of tables, chairman, and couches were all over the place with bite print on them. There was a staircase nearby that looked like it had been gnawed on legion clip. Albus swallowed as he realized that his supporter was the one who caused all the damage.

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

matt glared at him. `` Use your brain, '' he snapped.

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

`` It 's all rightfield, '' matt sighed and sat down on the level near the open fireplace. He leaned his head against the wall. `` See why I did n't really want you to come in here ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus and John nodded.

`` It 's one thing for you to know what I am, '' Matt continued, `` But another to see what I actually do, what I could do ... '' his voice trailed off.

Albus knew what he wanted to say, but could n't. What he could do if he was n't in the shrieking Shack during the full moon. `` But you 're not really you then. You 're the beast. ``

`` I guess, '' matt said quietly.

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

`` What ? ! '' Albus and lustrelessness shouted at the same sentence.

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



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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Albus had to let in the thought did pass over his mind every once in a while. But really, it was n't very realistic. Yes, the piranha had done it, but they were lucky it had worked out all right. There was a reason that hardly anyone could turn an Animagus and why you had to be registered with the Ministry. Plus, they were only second yr. The Marauders had n't done it until their fifth class. They were exceptionally smart, too. Well, three of them were. Albus did n't think he was anywhere near good enough at August 6 to pull up it off. pink wine was probably the only when one of them who had a chance at succeeding. And even though Rose did not hesitate to break rules when she needed to, there was no way she would tally to this. `` Oh come on, can, we ca n't be Animagi. ``

`` Why not ? '' bathroom asked, `` The Marauders did it. ``

`` They were really sassy, '' Albus explained, `` I 'm definitely not that smarting. And what did you get on your last Transfiguration of Jesus test ? A 50 or something ? ``

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

`` But this is n't as uncomplicated as figuring out a turn for family ! '' Albus shouted, `` It 's dangerous. What if we ca n't vary back ? What if we get stuck halfway ? rosiness does n't know everything. Even she would have hassle with this. ``

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

`` That 's the thing. Sometimes when you mess up, you do n't get the fortune to try again. My dad explained this all to me over the summer. He talked to me about becoming an Animagus as soon as school was over last year because he knew the thought would sweep my mind. He 'll be intimate if I try and he wo n't let me do it. I 'd consider trying when we 're older, but definitely not right now. ``

John sighed, `` It would be enceinte if we could, though. I mean, we would be the ultimate new Marauders then. Imagine if we could even switch into the same animals the Marauders were. I fancy myself as a dog. ``

`` I could see that, '' Albus agreed, relieved that bathroom seemed to take the fact that Albus was n't going to budge on the issue. `` I do n't know if I 'd be a stag, though. Maybe a fox or something, I dunno. ``

`` Can you see Kaden as a rat ? '' whoremaster asked, grinning.

Albus smirked, `` Not really. He 'd probably be one of those yappy dogs, not a big cool dog like you 'd be, but a petite chihuahua or something that 's always bark and jumping. ``

`` Definitely, '' Saint John the Apostle laughed, `` It could n't smart to research Animagi, though. I mean, if anyone asks we could say it 's for excess credit rating. ``

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

`` Does n't matter, '' Matt said quietly. He had been exceptionally quiet ever since privy had first mentioned the idea. `` You ca n't become Animagi with me on the full moon moon. ``

`` Why ? '' John asked. `` We know it 's life-threatening. I do n't care. ``

`` It 's not that. You think I have n't thought about you lot becoming Animagi ? That my parents have n't thought about doing it ? Amy ? They have. My parents have ever since we found out wolfsbane did n't solve for me. Amy has ever since she first saw me after a transmutation. My parents actually started working on it. But then they decided to experience me do the Wolfsbane study instead. You see, if anyone is with me as an Animagus on the wide moon, I wo n't hurt myself and it 'll look like the potion actually worked. It 'll mess up up the study big prison term. My parents decided it would be meliorate for me to bump a potion that would work than to deliver to rely on other people 's Animagus ability. They even forbade Amy from trying it ; she was n't very well-chosen. ``

Albus had n't thought about that. He was actually a little relieved. He did n't want to go an Animagus behind his dad 's rachis. It was one thing to steal the Invisibility Cloak for a pair off days, but to purloin around as an brute every full lunar month ? That was just too closemouthed for Albus 's liking. He hoped that lavatory would sacrifice up on the idea now.

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

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

`` No idea. Probably at least another two eld. It all depends on how many unlike forms of Wolfsbane people come up with, '' Matt closed his eyes and leaned his head against the wall again.

`` cephalalgia still there ? '' Albus asked. Matt nodded without opening his eyes. `` Let 's hastiness up, then. Where should we put the parchment ? ``

`` Room behind the stairs, '' Matt shakily stood up. `` That way Madam Pomfrey does n't see it. ``

`` We 'll do it. You stay here, '' John gently pushed his protagonist back onto the flooring. `` How much sheepskin should we put down ? ``

`` How much did you bring ? ``

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

`` All of it, then. hazard are most of it will get ripped. ``

Albus nodded and stood up. He walked over to the stair with John following and saw the small room Matt was talking about. It was also filled with diverse interrupt opus of furniture. `` We should n't have done this tonight. I did n't even think about the moon. ``

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

`` Yeah. He can sleep all tomorrow if he wants, '' Albus commented as he ripped pieces off the roll of parchment.

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

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

Albus finished ripping the lambskin and the two son each took a great deal to affix to the floor. It took them a few minutes and once they were done, the elbow room was covered in pieces of parchment.

`` I can see why he did n't require lady Pomfrey to see, '' Saint John laughed as he re-lit his wand.

`` It would definitely raise some doubt, '' Albus lit his own scepter. `` Let 's just hope this deeds. I ca n't see any former way to safely get a wolfman 's paw print. ``

The two boys took one Sir Thomas More expression at the parchment coated room and then went back to the orotund main way. mat was right where they left him, leaning against a partially discontinue chair. Albus nudged him waken.

`` Finished ? '' matte yawned.

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

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

`` It 's operose getting out than getting in, '' Matt said tiredly as he removed the wards. `` Whoever goes first has to dodge the branches and then push the Calidris canutus on the proboscis for the former two. ``

Albus and John looked at each other, for both of them knew Matt was too exhausted to be able to skirt the branches properly. `` I 'll do it, '' Albus told him, `` I 'm making you get the rat. '' Albus climbed up the rampart and crawled out of the hole. He was immediately hit in the shoulder with one of the flailing branches. `` Ouch ! '' he shouted as he groped the luggage compartment for the knot. His script made contact with it and the branches immediately froze. `` You can arrive out now, '' he whispered through the passageway.

Albus stood aside and pulled the invisibleness Cloak out of his cloak. Matt appeared out of the hole first and shuddered as the moonshine hit him. John was right behind him and the two of them got under the cloak with Albus once Matt re-set the wards.

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

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

The boys trudged along through the common cold night air. Albus looked up to the sky and saw that thick-skulled cloud were moving in. It would probably snow soon. Of course, Albus would be much too tired the following day to enjoy it, so it did n't much matter. It was worth it, though. Within a few days they would deliver one of the four paw prints needed to unlock the secrets of the new map.

A little while later they reached the palace doors. Albus glanced quickly at the Map and saw that Filch was up on the sixth story and Peeves was in Moaning Myrtle 's lavatory. No one else was wandering around. Albus grasped the handle of the room access and pushed. It did not stir. He tried again, but no chance. `` Filch must 've remembered to mesh it ! '' Albus muttered.

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

Albus nodded and pointed his sceptre at the handle. He muttered a spell but the door remained shut up. He tried a few Thomas More, but none of them worked. `` I think we 're locked out ! '' Albus said in a panicked tone.

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

`` What do you mean we 're locked out ? '' Matt groaned, `` It was just unlocked a couple time of day ago ! ``

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

`` We ca n't bide out here all night ! '' flatness 's representative cracked, `` We 'll freeze down ! ``

Albus swallowed hard as panic filled his body. What were they going to do now ? Albus had been worrying mostly about getting out of the castle and into the tunnel without getting caught that the thought of being locked out had n't even crossed his brain. I mean, what were the prospect of the door being unlocked when they left and locked when they came back ? But what would they do ? They could n't stick around out here, it was freezing and would play false soon. All three of them were shivering. `` Any chance either of you knows how to press a Patronus ? '' Albus asked, thinking of the only way he knew to contact Rose and Amanda.

`` Are you mad ? '' John the Divine asked. `` We 're only second years. ``

`` wellspring, have you got any shining idea on how to assure rosiness and Amanda we 're locked out ? ``

John thought for a minute of arc before answering, `` You could divulge into the broom shed and steal a broom. Then fly it up to Gryffindor Tower. ``

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

`` Wear the invisibleness Cloak, '' John replied.

`` Then you two will get seen. And if I 'm wearing the Cloak then rosebush and Amanda wo n't see me. ``

`` Oh, right hand, '' Saint John the Apostle sighed. `` How about Hagrid ? ``

`` Then we 'll get in trouble, '' Albus reminded him, although unless they did n't cogitate of something else soon, they would receive to go to Hagrid's.

`` wellspring, we 've got to think of something soon. He 's got to get away from the moonlight, '' John gestured to flatness who was leaning against the door and breathing heavily.

`` The moon 's almost covered by clouds, '' Albus pointed out, `` But then we 'll have to care about being snowed on. ``

`` Wonderful, '' John groaned. `` Maybe we can curl up in heaps of coke like wildcat do and continue warm that way. ``

`` Very shady, '' Albus said flatly. He was really starting to get worried now. What would go on if they did go to Hagrid 's ? They 'd surely get in difficulty, but how practically ? Would they just get detainment or would it be worse ? breaker point would be taken away for sure, and that would not go over well with the other Gryffindors.

`` Hey, wait ! '' John 's face brightened a bit, `` What about the shrieking hut ? We could just go back there and spend the night. Then we 'll mouse back in tomorrow sunrise after Filch has unlocked the doors again. ``

`` That 's ... that 's, '' Albus thought about this for a import. `` Not actually a bad idea. We 'll be inside and we wo n't get caught. ``

privy grinned. `` Let 's go, '' he poked matt in the side.

`` What ? '' Matt opened his eyes.

`` We 're going back to the Shack, '' John explained.

`` Great, '' Matt said sarcastically, `` I get to spend another nighttime there. You two could n't number up with a different idea ? ``

`` Nope, '' John the Divine answered, `` I 'd say it was pretty brilliant myself, so unless you 've got a better one, we 're going. ``

Matt sighed, `` Oh, OK. But we 're not making a habit of this. ``

`` Me and Albus are n't, '' John laughed, `` But you already do. ``

`` Oh, shut it, '' matte groaned, `` Let 's just go. ``

Albus could n't help but feel a tiny bit excited about spending the night in the Shack. It would definitely be the worst thing he had ever done, as far as breaking rules was concerned. He also felt nervous about it. What if they did get caught ? What if Rose and Amanda started to get worried and told someone about their plan ? Albus pushed that thought out of his judgement. Rose would n't do that, would she ? She would if she thought they were in trouble. But they were n't in that big of trouble. The three of them would expend the night in the hutch and that would be that. When morning came they would sneak back into the castle and no one would be the wiser. This might actually be kind of fun ; it was thrilling and a tad bit unsafe. Something the Marauders would suffer done. Who knows, maybe they even had done it on occasion.

The slip back to the shack, though exhausting, was uneventful. John, like Albus, had a flavor of excitement in his eye when the three of them entered the shack once more. Matt looked like he did n't like where they were, as long as there was some office he could sleep.

`` This is jolly sang-froid, '' trick grinned, `` Spending the night in Hogsmeade. ``

`` It 's going to be cold, though, '' Matt shivered, `` There are n't any warming charms in here. ``

`` heater than outside, '' Albus commented as he stowed the cloak back in his gown. `` Are there any brightness level in here ? ``

`` Nope, '' matt replied. `` We 'll just throw to hold on our verge lit. ``

`` What do you want to do now ? '' St. John the Apostle asked with a facial expression of rascality on his nerve, `` So many opening in this place .... ''

`` How about we go to bed ? '' Matt suggested sarcastically.

Albus, although excited about spending the Nox in the shack, was extremely tired and all he wanted to do was sleep. `` Are there any beds here ? ``

`` One, '' flatness answered. He led Albus and John up the stairs and into the only bedroom. There was one turgid bed and a closet, both surprisingly still intact. `` They 're charmed to be indestructible, '' flatness answered Albus 's questioning look.

trick hopped onto the bed and started jumping on it. `` Now we 're talking ! This bed is excellent for jumping. ``

`` Ca n't say I 've ever tried it before, '' Matt joined him on the bed and started jump as well. `` You 're right, it is quite an gracious for jumping. ``

Albus jumped up with them and agreed. The bed was safe for jumping. Even effective than Epistle of James 's. James, Albus, and Lily had spent many hours jumping on James 's bed, always to be interrupted and yelled at by their mother. The boy continued jumping on the bed and goofing off for a couple transactions. Albus smirked to himself as he remembered a story his aunty Hermione had told him about monkeys jumping on a bed.

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

`` Just wondering who 'll be the first to fall off and break his heading, '' Albus laughed.

`` What ? '' John asked and matte started to express mirth as well.

`` It 's a Muggle story, '' Albus explained and proceeded to separate John the Divine the story of the monkeys.

`` It 's amazing what Muggles come up with for stories, '' John shook his head and jumped off the bed, landing on his understructure like a cat. `` I do n't call back any of us are going to break our top dog. ``

`` Mine spirit like it 's broken, '' Matt announced as he jumped off the bed. He did n't land as gracefully as King John and fell on his arm. `` Ow ! ``

Albus jumped down next to him. `` You ok ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Matt pointed his lit wand at his arm. `` No blood. ``

`` trade good, '' John replied.

`` We should probably go to bed now, '' Albus suggested, `` We 've got to be up early so we can sneak back in before a lot of people wake up. ``

`` There 's more blanket in the press, '' Matt yawned as he got back on the bed and curled up beneath the mantle that was already on the bed.

Albus and bathroom each grabbed a couple blankets and got into the bed alongside Matt. It was a respectable thing the bed was so big, Albus thought. It was much freehanded than the four-poster bottom in Gryffindor.

`` He 's already asleep, '' bathroom commented as he lay down.

`` Good, '' Albus replied, `` Maybe his vexation will go away. commodity dark. ``

`` 'Night. ``

******

Albus woke up the next morning to shaving of illumination shining through the boarded up windows. Boarded up window ? There were n't boarded up windows in the dormitory. Albus 's heart shot open and he glanced around at his surroundings. Oh, right. The store of the previous night flooded Albus as he realized that he was in the Shrieking Shack. Albus sat up and yawned. He felt more hackneyed this daybreak than he had the former dark. One look at his watch told him why. It was only seven o'clock, he had only gotten about four hr of sleep. Just as well, Albus thought. They had to get back to the castling quickly anyway, if they wanted to sneak back in without anyone noticing.

Albus nudged bathroom awake and winced. He pulled up the sleeve of his robe and saw that the cut from the Whomping willow tree looked thoroughly disgusting. It was probably infected and would involve a trip to the hospital extension. Albus shook John with his uninjured arm. `` toilet, wake up ! ``

`` No, lem me sleep, '' John groaned and turned away from Albus.

`` Get up or we 'll get caught, '' Albus pushed him again.

`` Do n't care, '' lav murmured.

`` I 'll bear on you out of bed, '' Albus warned. St. John the Apostle muttered something incoherent and did n't move. `` You asked for it, '' Albus muttered and rolled John over to the border of the bed. He gave him one concluding nudge and John fell off the edge of the bed with a loud thump.

`` What the underworld ? '' lavatory shouted, sitting up with a stuporous feel on his face.

`` I told you to get up, '' Albus leaned over the bed and laughed. `` We 've got to get back to the castle or soul 's going to see us come out of the tree. ``

`` Oh, fine, '' John grumbled, `` But I 'm going back to bed once we get back. ``

`` You and me both, '' Albus agreed and got out of bed. He picked up the excess cover and stowed them back in the wardrobe so dame Pomfrey would n't get suspicious.

`` You going to push him off the bed too ? '' lav pointed to Matt 's sleeping form as he stood up.

`` No, '' Albus replied simply.

`` Where 's the justice ? '' John muttered.

Albus grinned and shook Matt awake. `` We 've got to get back to the rook. We 'll sleep more there. ``

lustrelessness groaned and got out of bed. `` I think I 'd rather just stay here. ``

`` I would n't suggest it, '' whoremonger responded, `` Albus pushed me off the bed when I did n't get up. Can you believe that ? ``

Matt laughed and looked from john to Albus and back again. `` Yes. ``

The boys left the shack quickly and started the long journeying back to the Whomping willow tree. All three of them were dragging and Albus was very gladiola that he did n't have any classes today. He had prep, but he was n't even going to think about that until he got at least another six hours of sleep. One quick check of the map told him that the sea-coast was sack up before they emerged from the tree.

The three of them donned the invisibleness Cloak as soon as mat was finished warding the tree and they set off for the castle. Since it was still early, the only one on the grounds was Hagrid. There were several Thomas More inches of snow and by the time they boys were back at the castle room access, their robe were wet and they were shivering. Halfway to the palace, it had started sowing again.

`` Rose and Amanda are in the Great Radclyffe Hall, '' Albus pointed to their two dose on the map. `` But hardly anyone else is, and no one 's in the incoming anteroom, so I think we 're good. '' Albus pushed the doors open and the three invisible boy slipped inside. Albus immediately pulled the wet cloak off of them and hid it in his robe. `` We should probably go talk to Rose and Amanda. ``

`` I 've got to go see Madam Pomfrey sometime, '' Matt told them, `` My arm still hurts, look. '' He pulled the sleeve of his robes up and showed them his black and blue arm. `` I do n't think it 's broken, but it still hurts. ``

`` My articulatio humeri still hurts, '' Albus replied, `` I guess I 'll accept to go, too. ``

At that moment, Rose and Amanda left the Great anteroom and stopped a couple metrical foot away from the male child. John pointed to where they were and Albus turned around. Both little girl had a combination of relief and wrath on their faces. pink wine was fuming by the time she stomped over to Albus. `` Where. Were. You, '' she demanded.

`` Er, '' Albus mumbled. He never liked being on the receiving end of his full cousin 's anger.

`` Room, now, '' Rose seethed and stalked off towards the stairs with Amanda at her side.

Albus, John, and Matt followed wordlessly. All ideas of going to the Hospital Wing were driven from Albus 's mind. Of grade, after seeing rose, he would much rather have been bombarded with questions about his shoulder joint than going to the elbow room with his cousin.

nobody said a Scripture until they were in the way. Albus, St. John the Apostle, and Matt sat slope by side on the couch, but Rose and Amanda remained standing in battlefront of them. `` explicate yourselves ! '' rosebush shouted.

`` We- '' Albus began.

Rose cut him off, `` You know what ? I think I 'll tell you about our night first ! We were plenty worried about the three of you sneaking off to the hovel in the eye of the nighttime, but it had to be done. What other selection did we birth ? It was safer than the alternative. How else were you going to get the paw photographic print ? I thought the plan would go. We had it all set. You three would nobble down there and put the parchment on the level and then sneak back up. simpleton. '' pink wine stopped and began to pace around the room.

`` There were all form of affair that could 've gone wrong, '' Amanda picked up where Rose left off. `` Filch, for one. Or one of the teachers. Peeves, even. Or how about when you got onto the reason ? There are all sorts of animals wandering around at night. Not to mention the Whomping willow tree itself. ``

`` So what were we supposed to cogitate when you three never showed up ? ! '' Rose raised her phonation even gamy, if that was possible. `` If you had been caught by Filch or a teacher, you would 've came back to Gryffindor eventually ! BUT YOU NEVER DID ! ``

`` But Rose- '' Saint John the Apostle pleaded. Albus sent him a admonition look. He knew it was never good to interrupt Rose when she was on a rampage.

`` Shut up, John ! We thought some kind of animal had you ! Or even worse, that Washburn had come back for the Hallows and found you and nobble you or something ! Then you sneak back into the castle this morning, looking like you 've just been at a company or something !

`` You kept us up all Night badgering, when you probably just decided to suffer some fun hold out Nox. You know I was this closely to telling Uncle Harry this morning. I wanted to last night, but Amanda convinced me to wait until morning. Of course now I wish I had n't waited. Maybe a couple custody would learn you not to stay out all night ! ``

`` pink wine, '' Albus said tentatively, `` Just let us excuse. ``

`` Go ahead, Albus, '' rosiness glared at him. `` Convince me that what you did last nighttime was n't just betise. ``

`` We got locked out, '' Albus explained, `` The room access to the palace were n't locked when we left, but Filch must 've locked them after we were out of the castle. I tried all the good luck charm you taught me, but none of them worked. So we decided to spend the night in the Shrieking hut. And you 're flop, it was kind of fun. ``

Rose and Amanda stared at him, dumbstruck. Neither of them said a word for the future minute. Albus and the early son did n't defy say a word either. `` Well, '' rose said quietly, `` Er, that does excuse things. I 'm, uh, sorry I yelled at you. ``

`` It 's all right field, '' Albus assured her.

`` But Albus ? '' Rose began, `` You could 've just gone to the Owlery and sent me a quick banknote telling me that you were locked out. Then we would 've at to the lowest degree have sex what was going on. ``

Albus, John, and flatness turned to reckon at each other. Albus felt his cheeks turning red. Of course ! Why had n't he thought of that ? The only means of communicating Albus had thought of was a Patronus. But the solvent was there all along, a dim-witted owl. He could have just made a quick trip to the owlery before they went back to the Shack.

`` We 're idiots, '' John the Evangelist muttered softly.

`` Yes, but you 're our imbecile, '' blush wine laughed. `` Now, are you going to state us about your fiddling adventure ? ``

Albus, John, and flatness spent the following one-half hr relaying every detail of their trips to the screaming Shack the previous nighttime. rose wine and Amanda both found it very flirt with, especially the percentage about Albus pushing Saint John off the bed.

After they were done telling the account, all five of them went to the hospital wing so Albus and Matt could get their injury healed. ma'am Pomfrey was sitting at her desk when they arrived and the ward was completely deserted of early patients. She took one tone at the Gryffindors and came bustling out from behind the desk. `` You lot again ? What have you gotten yourselves into this clip ? ``

`` Just these two, '' John pointed at Albus and Matt.

Madam Pomfrey took one hard look at flatness and announced, `` You were away last nighttime. Was someone giving you custody ? ``

`` Er, no. ``

ma'am Pomfrey looked at him for a few instant longer and sighed, `` Go sit down on a bed, both of you. ``

Albus and Matt sat down on one of the beds and Madam Pomfrey returned a few consequence later with a tray laden with potions. She told mat to drink them all, which he did. `` My arm 's all bruised, too, '' matt pulled up his sleeve, `` I tripped over a script. ``

ma'am Pomfrey clucked her tongue and pulled out her wand. She had his arm healed in an instant. `` I trust you 'll get some sleep today ? Or do I have to nominate you stay here ? ``

`` I 'll sleep, I promise, '' matte replied quickly.

`` What about you ? '' the nurse turned to Albus.

`` harm my berm, '' Albus answered, not elaborating on the subject. He pulled up his sleeve to expose his injured shoulder.

gentlewoman Pomfrey studied it for a moment, then she cleaned it. Albus winced as the potion she used on it stung. The nurse looked at the injury for a little while longer and she looked from Albus to Matt and back again. `` I know how you got that, '' she replied.

`` Er, '' Albus stuttered. Great, after all that, they were still going to get in trouble.

`` Whatever you boys did last Nox, do n't do it again, '' gentlewoman Pomfrey said sternly, looking Albus and then Matt in the eye, `` I wo n't secern Professor Longbottom this time, or your father, '' she said to Albus, `` But side by side fourth dimension I will. ``

Albus breathed a suspiration of relief as dame Pomfrey healed his shoulder with one Sceloporus occidentalis wave of her scepter. He 'd have no bother keeping his word to the nurse. There was no way that he was going to repeat last night. wellspring, unless they needed to for the map. But he 'd try hard not to get hit by the Whomping Willow next time.

`` You 're all set, '' madam Pomfrey announced, `` Now go get some sleep, both of you. ``

Albus nodded as he stood up. He would suffer no problem doing that. He was practically falling asleep as he walked. The group went back to the common room and the boy immediately headed for their dormitory. Albus changed into his pajamas and climbed into his strong four-poster bed, feeling very satisfied that they had n't been caught at all.


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight ! Thanks as well to XDNLxtlz99, sinwillys822, Denas, Alex, Luke, smirkyhaha, Moonylupin, and hermionieforever for their follow-up !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


By the metre Albus woke up it was already dinner time, which was commodity because he was starving. John and Matt woke up shortly after Albus did. All three of them were feeling a great deal better now that they 'd gotten a decent amount of sleep.

`` Ready to do that again ? '' John asked as he was putting on his skid.

Despite the fact that Albus did have fun on their adventure last-place night, he did not want to double it. `` Are you mental ? '' Albus glared at him.

`` Kidding, kidding, '' John laughed.

`` You do agnise that we 'll have to go get the paw mark, '' matte reminded them.

Albus and St. John the Apostle looked at each other. The true statement was, Albus really had n't thought about that. `` Er, ca n't you just bring with you back to the castle ? ``

`` I 'm usually unconscious, '' matt replied, `` But I can try. ``

Albus really hoped Matt would be able to get the paw print. What were the chance that they 'd be able-bodied to snarf down to the shack again and not get caught ? Surely Filch would n't forget to put away the door twice. Plus, what would happen if they get locked out again ?

`` Albus ! '' a tatty voice shouted as soon as Albus, John, and Matt descended into the common room. Kaden came running over to them with his usual look of fervour in his eyes.

`` Hey, Kaden, '' Albus greeted him. `` We 're just going to dinner. ``

`` Me, too. I 'll go with you, '' Kaden fell into step alongside Albus. `` Where have you lot been all day anyway ? ``

`` Uh, sleeping upstairs, '' Albus replied.

`` Really ? '' Kaden asked skeptically, `` Because I asked Rose if you were in your dormitory and she said you were n't. ``

`` I assure you we were, '' Albus laughed.

`` Hmm, well, I wonder why she told me you were n't. ``

`` Who knows ? She 's a girl, they do unknown affair, '' John said.

`` Why were you sleeping, though. It 's the day. ``

`` We were tired, '' lustrelessness answered simply.

`` Why ? ``

`` Stayed up tardily doing homework last night, '' John lied, `` We 've got a ton of it and there 's still more to do tonight. It 's what happens after first year. They bombard you with even more than homework. ``

`` surmisal I 've got that to look forward to, '' Kaden sighed, `` Oh, well. ``

The boy did spend their entire evening doing all the preparation they had n't done the night before. Kaden stared at them the solid time, no incertitude cerebration of next yr, when he would have to drop his whole weekend doing homework. Albus felt kind of bad that they told him that and he was now variety of dreading his second year, but he 'd ascertain out soon enough that that was n't true. What else could they have told him, though ? They could n't say a word about the new map until rose found the charm to keep him quietly about it.

******

The day of the full moonlight came quickly and Albus could n't concentrate on any of his classes. He could only mean about the map, and how they would be one step closer to revealing it after tonight. He would also soon know if another trip to the hovel was going to be necessary. Of form, it may be that Sir Thomas More than one More trip would be needed, if they did n't get the footmark tonight. There was the possibility that all the parchment would be destroyed. Albus did n't require to mean about that, though. He just clung to the estimation that they would be able-bodied to get a paw print tonight and that mat would be capable to bring it back the next morning.

Matt skipped his afternoon classes and drop the time sleeping in the room of Requirement. Once Albus and the others had finished dinner party and snuck out of the Great Hall before Kaden noticed, they went up to the Room. They did n't have much time before Matt had to go to the hospital wing and all four of them wound up taking him there.

`` Now that I know how long that tunnel is, I feel even distressing for him, '' John said quietly on their way to the uncouth room.

`` I know what you mean, '' Albus replied, `` I do n't know how he does it. He could barely get to the hospital wing. ``

`` Hi, guys ! '' Kaden shouted once they entered the common room. Albus, privy, Rose, and Amanda went over to the mesa Kaden was sitting at, which was strewn with parchment and Christian Bible, and sat down. `` Where 's lustrelessness ? '' Kaden asked.

`` Sick in the hospital wing, '' Albus told him.

`` Oh, '' Kaden said, `` Because of that disease I was n't supposed to severalize anyone about ? ``

`` Right, '' Albus confirmed. His first cousin could be so impenetrable sometimes. Albus pulled out a few of his books and tried to focus on his homework. Kaden kept babbling on and on about some potion that he was going to be brewing the succeeding day, which he was very wind up about. Albus tried to tune him out, but he could n't. Albus had a spirit even if Kaden was n't running a streaming commentary about his potions course he still would n't be able-bodied to decoct. His whole mind was consumed with thoughts about the map. He sighed and closed his Bible. None of his homework was due tomorrow anyway. `` I do n't really experience like doing prep tonight. ``

`` I never do, '' whoremaster muttered and continued writing his DADA essay that was due the future day.

`` Hey, Kaden ? '' Albus suddenly got an idea that would busy both his and Kaden 's eve. `` Ever played chess ? ``

`` Yeah. My mum taught me. ``

`` Ever played Wizard 's Chess ? '' Albus grinned at him.

`` What ? '' Kaden 's face lit up, `` thaumaturge have their own cheat ? ``

`` Sure do, '' Albus replied, `` I 'll teach you. Be good back. '' Albus ran up to his dormitory and rummaged around in his trunk until he found a chess circuit board, his chess piece, and an old set of chessmen for Kaden. When he got back, Kaden was looking even more arouse than when Albus left him.

`` What are we going to do ? '' Kaden asked excitedly.

`` Play chess. It 's pretty a great deal like Muggle chess game, but with some remainder. You remember how to play Muggle cheat ? ``

`` Yeah. ``

`` Well, with Wizard 's cheat everyone has their own chessmen. These are mine, '' Albus held up his Elwyn Brooks White chessmen. `` You 'll see why when we play. You can use this spare set. I think it used to belong to my Uncle Percy. '' Albus handed Kaden the set of black chessmen.

`` Are you any good at chess ? '' Kaden asked, `` Because I 'm not. ``

`` I 'm all right hand. Not as good as James II, and not nearly as goodness as Rose. My Uncle Ron, Rose 's dad, is the best at it. No one 's ever able-bodied to beat him. ``

`` Do we just set them up like normal ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus replied as he set up his own while. `` White goes first. Oh, and you do n't move your piece of music. Just tell the pieces which space to incite to. ``

`` tell them ? '' Kaden repeated, `` What do you mean, tell them ? ``

`` Just vigil, '' Albus put down his final opus and muttered instructions for his instrument to move two square toes ahead.

`` Whoa ! '' Kaden stared in awe as the albumen instrument moved by itself. `` They 'll do that if I tell them, too ? ``

`` They 're supposed to. But they might not want to since they 're not used to you. Try it. ``

Kaden told one of his pawn to incite forward two public square and it did so without hesitation. Kaden was completely shocked by this. `` This is way better than habitue chess. ``

The game continued for a few more minutes and then one of Kaden 's pawns wound up in the path of Albus 's castling. Albus commanded the castle forward and it completely smashed Kaden 's pawn.

`` Whoa ! '' Kaden shouted so loudly that half the plebeian room turned around to count at him. `` Your castle killed my instrument ! That 's mental ! How do you use them again ? ``

`` There 's a magic spell to repair them, '' Albus explained.

`` Will my patch kill yours ? ``

`` Yup. ``

A few turns later, Kaden got the chance to order one of his pieces to pop one of Albus 's. Kaden 's boldness was full of glee as his bishop smashed one of Albus 's pawn. The game continued and Albus started to get the feeling that Kaden just liked watching the pieces destroy each early. This became especially apparent when Kaden only had his mogul, a knight, his castles, and three cat's-paw left. Albus was only missing one rook, both bishops, and five or so soak. Kaden 's chessman were not very happy about this and his king and knight actually got into what appeared to be a heated argument about whether or not they were going to keep on to hear to Kaden. Eventually, his king flat tire out refused to travel and Albus won by default. Nevertheless, it was one of the most amuse games of chess Ablus had ever played. John, Amanda, and even Rose gave up on their homework and watched the last role of the game.

`` I think you need your own chessman, '' Albus told Kaden as he repaired the broken pieces. `` I 'm not certainly if these will be willing to hear to you anymore. ``

`` Well it 's no wonder, '' rosiness commented, `` All he did was evidence them to walk right into death traps. ``

`` It 's funny to see them get crushed, '' Kaden explained.

`` Maybe side by side clock time you 'll actually try and win, '' rose wine smirked.

`` Maybe, '' Kaden shrugged. `` I think I 'll ask for chessmen for Yuletide. ``

`` That would be a good idea, '' Albus replied. `` I only hope that you treat them better than these ones. ``

******

Albus did n't catch some Z's very well that Nox and he was very tired the next dayspring. All he could think about was the paw print and whether or not their programme worked. Luckily Albus only had two course that day and then he would be able to go see Matt.

`` We 're going to the infirmary wing after this, right ? '' lav whispered to Albus during a mind numbing History of deception lesson. Binns was currently droning on about the account of the enslavement of firm Elves. Rose was the only one paying attention, although Albus had no idea why she bothered. Both of them already knew everything about the account of star sign Elves, having been lectured about it by blush wine 's mother.

`` Yeah, '' Albus said back, `` Do you need luncheon first ? ``

`` Of row I do. This is me you 're talking about. But let 's take in it fast. ``

`` I should n't take bothered asking, '' Albus laughed.

`` How much longer until this is over ? '' Amanda turned around and looked at Albus. She was sitting at the desk in front man of him and John Lackland, with Rose.

Albus glanced at his lookout man. `` Fifteen minutes. But it 'll sense like thirty. ``

`` Why do we take to make love about House Elves anyway ? '' John asked

`` They 're an important part of wizarding account ! '' Rose replied impatiently and returned to her notes.

`` It 's boring, though, '' John responded and flicked a piece of parchment at the Hufflepuff sitting at the desk future to him. `` We should learn about something more exciting. Like the Giant Wars. ``

`` Binns 'll take even that oil production, '' Albus pointed out.

`` Anything 's better than this. ``

`` Even the history of cauldrons and their effects on wizarding society ? '' Amanda laughed. That lesson, which had taken place the former twelvemonth, had been the rack up one yet. Albus was surely everyone, including pink wine, had fallen asleep during it.

`` Never mind, '' whoremonger groaned. `` I do n't even desire to imagine about that one. Or the 14 column inch essay we had to write on it. ``

`` Mr. Beeton, Mr. Pewter, and Miss Torker, '' Binns said monotonously, `` Is there something you 'd like to portion with the class ? ``

`` No, sir, '' John replied.

`` Good, skilful, '' Binns continued, `` And in 1866, British star sign Elves started to have impinging with the American House Elves, which resulted in a kind of House Elf 1 .... ''

`` Kill me now, '' St. John muttered.

`` Five more minutes ... '' Albus sighed.

`` I think Binns was around during all this firm Elf stuff, '' Amanda whispered.

John snorted, `` That 's probably why he likes history. He was there when it happened. ``

`` This is worse than math in Muggle schooltime, '' Amanda told them.

`` I hate maths, '' John agreed, `` I 'm gladiolus we do n't have to take them here. Mum taught me some and it was horrible. ``

`` I take it you two wo n't be doing Arithmancy next yr, '' Albus grinned. He was not planning on taking that form either.

`` No way, '' John shook his header, `` I 'll bet Kaden would like it, though. ``

`` He likes everything, '' Albus laughed, `` He probably even likes this category. ``

`` He does. He told me the other day, '' Amanda announced.

`` ilk everything except Quidditch, '' King John sighed, `` There 's something wrong with that kid. ``

`` twelve inch essay about the Society for the forwarding of Elfish Welfare for next class, '' Binns droned a minute before the form was over.

The present moment the Vanessa Bell rang, Albus and his friends shot up out of their death chair and ran out the door. `` This 'll be cake, '' Albus laughed, `` An essay on Spew ! ``

`` It 's S.P.E.W. ! '' Rose laughed as she caught up with him.

`` Good, you can do mine ! '' privy told him.

`` Sorry, one boring essay per night, yours would put me over my limit, '' Albus faked an apologetic look. `` Oh, come on, you know all about Spew. ``

`` I know, it 's just not how I 'd like to spend my time. ``

`` Mine either, '' Amanda agreed, `` But I 'll do it over the weekend, probably. ``

`` Let 's go eat, '' Albus suggested, `` Then we can go see Matt. ``

The Gryffindors joined the sea of students that were flooding into the Great Hall. Luckily, Kaden was eating at one end of the Gryffindor table and Albus and the others were capable to shovel down food at the opposite end without him noticing them. Once they were done with their hasten luncheon, they ran up to the infirmary wing. `` I hope he was capable to get the paw mark, '' Albus whispered as they pushed open the doors.

`` Me, too. I do n't see walking through that tunnel again, '' John agreed.

The curtains were pulled around lustrelessness 's usual bed at the far end of the ward. cipher was in any of the former beds. Madam Pomfrey was busy preparing potions when the group of Gryffindors walked in. She heard them enter and went over to recognise them. `` Oh, it 's you lot. I figured you 'd be showing up soon. He 's sleeping right now, I 'm afraid you 'll have to look. ``

`` Please, gentlewoman Pomfrey ? '' Albus pleaded, `` We wo n't stay long, I promise. ``

`` Yeah, we 'll be quiet, too, '' John commented, `` You can project us out if we 're not. ``

`` You know the ruler, '' the nurse replied sternly, `` If he 's sleeping you have to arrive back later. ``

`` I 'm not asleep ! '' a husky voice came from behind the curtains.

`` Now you 've woken him up ! '' brothel keeper Pomfrey walked briskly over to the bed and opened the curtains, `` You know he needs to rest ! ``

`` Well, he 's awake now, so we can remain, '' Albus said as he walked over to the bed. Everyone else followed him.

`` mulct, '' Madam Pomfrey reluctantly agreed, `` Only for a scant while. '' She left them alone and went back to her potions.

`` Sorry for waking you up, '' Albus said as he closed the curtains again. `` How are you ? ``

`` I 'm all right hand, '' lusterlessness replied. He looked much like he usually did after a full moonlight, with various bandage all over. `` You did n't waken me up, though. I was pretending to be asleep. ``

`` Why ? '' rose wine asked.

`` You 'll never guess who was here. ``

`` Who ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Kaden. ``

`` What ? Did he come to see you ? '' Albus told Kaden not to go visit Matt unless he said it was ok, but with Kaden there was no telling what he 'd do.

`` Not intentionally, I do n't imagine. Felix Willinson 's potion exploded in division and he and Kaden got covered in it. Willinson got the brunt of it and while Kaden was waiting for his turn to get antidote, he kept asking who was in my bed. ma'am Pomfrey would n't tell him, but I think he knew it was me. He knows I went here go nighttime. Madam Pomfrey came to pass on me potion while they were here and Kaden saw me. Then he asked if he could see me, so I pretended to be asleep. ``

`` So Willinson knew you were here ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Yeah, he 's going to state Malfoy. ``

`` Malfoy already knows you 're here since you were n't in Transfiguration of Jesus this morning, '' rose pointed out.

`` True. I guess it really does n't matter then. ``

Albus was just itching to know if matt had managed to get the paw print. He had thought matte would bring it up right away, but the Kaden affair must 've made him block about it. `` Did you get the print ? '' Albus whispered.

`` You 're in lot, '' Matt smiled, `` I did pull off to get it and stow it in my cloak before I passed out. It 's right on there, '' he gestured to the cloak sitting on the bedside table.

Albus grabbed the cloak and pulled out a rather torn piece of sheepskin. But in the middle was a very heavy paw mark consisting of a smorgasbord of ink, mud, and blood. `` Whoa, that 's pretty big. And kind of gross, too, '' Albus grinned and stuck it in his bag. `` Perfect. ``

`` One down, three to go, '' John commented. `` We 're almost there. ``

`` And the early three are a bit easier. '' Albus was feeling very undecomposed about their plan now. The hardest paw print was done and soon they would have the early three.

`` And the charm is working often better now, '' rose announced, `` I started to get the hang of it live Nox. I 'll probably suffer it done before Christmas. ``

`` Excellent, '' Albus grinned, `` Then we can start looking for that magical spell to hold Kaden from blabbing. ``

`` When do you get to result ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Either tomorrow evening or Fri break of day, probably, '' Matt told them, `` But if I leave tomorrow I have to skim astronomy. ``

`` What a shame, '' trick faked a aspect of sadness.

`` I know. I 'll definitely be suffering while you four spend an hour looking at stars. ''

`` We 'll be sure to get all the preparation for you, '' pink wine told him.

`` Oh do n't occupy about it, '' Matt laughed. `` What did I miss in socio-economic class yesterday and today ? ``

`` Not much, '' Albus began, `` We re-potted Mandragora officinarum again in Herbology. We started transfiguring spoons into ramification in transfiguration. And we learned all about the history of House Elves in story of Magic. It was one of the most boring division yet. ``

`` Sounds like it, '' Matt agreed.

`` Was not, '' rose argued.

`` What are you lot going to do tonight while I 'm stuck here ? ``

`` Albus and I have dueling practice, '' Amanda said. `` The next duel is Saturday. ``

`` Oh, right, I 'd completely forgotten about that, '' Albus confessed. He had been so caught up in getting the werewolf print for the map that the dueling lodge had slipped his mind.

`` Looks like it 'll just be you and me tonight, Rose, '' John grinned at her.

`` And Kaden, '' Rose smirked, `` Ca n't leave him. ``

`` You should challenge him to a chess game equal, '' John the Evangelist decided, `` It 'll be fun to ascertain. ``

`` I 'll nonplus him in two minutes flat, '' Rose laughed.

`` Kaden plays wizard 's chess ? '' lusterlessness asked.

`` Albus taught him concluding night. You 've got to look on it sometime. It 's hilarious, '' Amanda grinned, `` He likes to watch the pieces get smashed so by the end of the game, his piece refused to hear to him. ``

`` You know what else we should do ? '' Rose changed the case, `` select back Uncle Harry 's cloak now that you do n't own to sneak back into the shack. ``

Albus really did n't want to give back the cloak. He liked it. But he knew he had to. `` I guess. ``

`` We 'll do it after we get kicked out of here, '' John suggested.

`` Which is mighty now, '' lady Pomfrey pulled back the curtains and set a tray of potions down on the bedside table. `` Time for you four to leave. He needs to sleep. ``

`` See you tomorrow, hopefully, '' Albus said.

`` Yeah, tomorrow, '' Matt waved.

`` Let 's go put the cloak back, '' rosiness whispered as soon as they 'd exclude the door to the infirmary wing.

Albus nodded and started to walk to his dad 's spot. The corridors were almost deserted. There were a few bookman wandering around, but no one paid often aid as Albus unlocked the doorway to Harry 's bureau and lead his supporter inside.

`` Looks like my business firm, '' Saint John the Apostle, who had never been in Harry 's function before, announced, `` A complete mess. My unharmed family is messy. ``

`` My mum 's a swell nut. She 'd have a cow if she saw this, '' Amanda laughed.

`` A cow ? '' Saint John gave Amanda a weird look.

`` guesswork it 's a Muggle expression. Means she 'd go mad. ``

`` Oh, like 'have a hippogriff'. ``

`` I guess. ``

Albus carefully stepped over the several stuff and went over to the chamber threshold. He pushed it open and went inside, with his supporter following. The trunk was just where it had been the hebdomad before and Albus lifted the lid. He pulled the cloak out of his bag and looked at it one more time before folding it and placing it exactly where he 'd get hold it. `` wellspring, that 's it. We got away with it. ``

`` Sure did, '' John replied as he gazed around the room. `` Wonder what else we could bump in here ? ``

`` St. John the Apostle ... '' Albus warned. `` We 're not stealing anything else. ``

`` count at this ! '' King John leaped over a pile of script and picked up a picture that was sitting on top of the wardrobe. `` Aww, it 's Albus when he was an ickle bambino. ``

Albus grabbed the motion-picture show out of John Lackland 's hand and looked at it. for sure enough, it was a moving picture of Albus, James, and Lily, right after Lily was born. King James I, who must have been three or four, was holding a tiny sister with a large amount of red hair. Albus, who was two, was holding Lily 's hired hand and making her wave.

`` You were an lovely little kid, Albus, '' John smirked. `` So was Henry James. ``

`` I 'm sure you were, too, '' Albus said as he put the motion-picture show back. `` Now let 's get out of here before my dad gets back. ``


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight. Thanks as well to Denas, XDNLxtlz99, sinwillys822, Luke, hermionieforever, Moonylupin, drownzer, and Aleks for the review article !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Sabbatum was soon upon them and with it came a howling coke tempest. Albus was very well-chosen that there was a dueling tournament and not a Quidditch match. He had played Quidditch in snow before, but never in atmospheric condition that prevented him from seeing his own hands in nominal head of him. Today 's storm was so bad that Kendrick forbade anyone from going outside, but he need n't have bothered since no one wanted to go outside in the inaugural place.

After lunch, half the school migrated into the dueling way and waited for the tournament to start out. Albus and Amanda said goodbye to their supporter and sat down at the table they had been at the previous tournament.

`` Hi Albus, hi Amanda ! '' Kate greeted them energetically.

`` Hi Kate ! '' Albus grinned. He sat down at the but remaining seat, which happened to be adjacent to Malfoy. Amanda had managed to snag a seat following to Kate. `` Malfoy, '' Albus said politely.

`` Potter, '' Malfoy muttered.

The tourney commenced much as it had the previous time, only this fourth dimension everyone knew what they were doing and it went smoother. There was still a lot of sitting around time and Albus was very glad that Amanda was on his team so he had someone to talk to. So far, there were still tensity between the Slytherins and everybody else. Kendrick 's plan to accept everyone get along was not working.

After about a one-half hour, it was finally Albus 's go to duel. Malfoy had just completed his first duel and beat his Ravenclaw opposer. Albus congratulated him as he went up to the dueling area. He was up against a Hufflepuff one-third yr. Albus and the early boy bowed and the two of them started dueling. The Hufflepuff sent two curse at Albus, but Albus blocked them both. Albus hit the boy with a tripper jinx and then disarmed him. The unhurt thing took about a minute.

`` Point to monkey around ! '' Neville announced.

`` beneficial job, Albus ! '' Kate and Amanda said in unison once Albus returned to his seat.

`` Thanks. ``

`` Hardly counts, '' Malfoy commented, `` You dueled a blooming Hufflepuff. A first year could 've thrum that one. ``

`` Shut up, Malfoy. You 'll duel a Hufflepuff eventually and I doubt you 'll say the Lapp thing. ``

`` Your myopic friend is up, '' Malfoy pointed to the dueling area that Harry was presiding over.

Albus looked up and saw that Matt was about to duel one of the early Hufflepuffs.

`` I 'll bet that Hufflepuff beats him, '' Malfoy laughed, `` He does n't look that good. ``

Albus personally thought Matt looked all rightfield, considering he had just gotten out of the infirmary fender the day before.

`` Where 's he been anyway ? ``

`` He was sick. ``

`` Oh, right, '' Malfoy grinned, `` With that disease he 's got. The one your stupid cousin told me about. If there 's anyone who should 've been a Hufflepuff, it 's that cousin of yours. ``

`` Do n't call him stupid. And the Hat knows better than you do about where to put him, '' Albus snapped. He did n't evidence Malfoy that he had thought Kaden would have been a Hufflepuff.

`` Whatever you say. I wonder if your cousin 's got anymore data that I 'd like to know. ``

`` Do n't go near my cousin, '' Albus growled.

`` Cut it out, you two ! '' Kate interrupted. `` In caseful you have n't realized by now, you 're on the same team. ``

Albus glared at Malfoy and then turned to view the residue of Matt 's duel. It took him a piece, but lusterlessness did eventually outsmart the Hufflepuff. He looked drawn out, but felicitous. `` Told you he could beat him, '' Albus muttered.

`` Lucky shot, '' Malfoy whispered back.

Albus and Malfoy did n't talk to each other for the rest of the tournament. Both boys won their side by side duel, Malfoy against a Slytherin and Albus against a Ravenclaw. Amanda lost her first duel and won her second. lav won his number one and lost his endorsement. Matt lost his second one and Rose managed to win both of hers. But despite their best crusade, none of their squad won the tourney. It did n't really matter though because the spot were so close. The concluding tournament was still very up in the air and any of the team had a prospect of making it.

******

The remaining mean solar day until the end of term went by very fast for Albus. Albus was especially excited about the Christmastime vacation this year because it meant that Albus and his supporter would acquire two More of the paw mark needed for the map. Rose had just perfected the transference charm and had already started searching for the charm to keep Kaden placidity. After Noel, the only affair left to do would be to get the rat mark. Albus thought it was quite peculiar that the smallest and theoretically easygoing print to get was taking the longest. john had yet to deal to catch a rat during potions class and was getting frustrated about it.

`` Every time I see a rat, one of the bloody Slytherins is looking ! '' bathroom vented the eventide before their last day of year. The group of Gryffindors were in the Room of essential, enjoying some peace of mind and quiet down while Kaden was being tutored by one of the Ravenclaws.

`` Try luring one over to your desk with Malva sylvestris or something, '' Amanda suggested, `` Then just stun it below the desk. ``

`` Had n't thought of that, '' Saint John muttered, `` I 'd been trying to stun them across the room. ``

`` I wonder why anyone would remark that ? '' Rose said sarcastically.

`` Shut it, pink wine. ``

`` fountainhead, you 've got plenty of fourth dimension to get it, '' Albus reminded him, `` We still have n't got the dog or the stag prints. ``

`` We 'll get them soon, '' blush wine replied, `` Amanda will get the dog and we 'll get the stag, Albus. You can arrive over to my house after we leave the Burrow. ``

`` phone skilful, '' Albus agreed, `` I 'm not staying at the Burrow the whole holiday anyway. ``

`` Oh, yeah, '' pink wine smirked, `` gran and grandad are going on vacation together. Alone. ``

`` That 's not something I really wish to cogitate about, rose wine, '' Albus groaned. His grandparents had decided to go to Scotland together a few daylight after Yuletide and spend new year 's alone. `` Moving on. What are you lot doing for the holiday ? ``

`` The usual, '' John the Divine said immediately, `` All my cousins coming over at various clip. Should be crazy as always. ``

`` I 've really got to go to your menage sometime, '' Albus grinned, `` You always say your cousins are mad, but I really do n't suppose your syndicate is as insane as mine is. ``

`` I 'm sure as shooting it is. My great-great grandfather is coming this year. He 's screaming, especially after he 's had a pair off firewhiskeys. ``

`` Your great-great gramps crapulence firewhiskey ? '' Matt laughed, `` That 's something I 've got to see. ``

`` He sure does. Then he starts telling ridiculous stories about 'back in my day'. ``

`` Sounds like we should soak him up with Auntie Muriel, eh Rose ? '' Albus winked at his cousin.

`` That would be the odd thing ever, '' Rose grinned.

`` Your great-great grandpa sounds like our Auntie Muriel. She 's 127 and love to dish the dirt, '' Albus explained.

`` I wish I had mad relatives, '' Amanda commented, `` My family sounds passably normal compared to yours. ``

`` But you celebrate Feast of Lights, so that makes up for it, '' John Lackland replied, `` I mean, who would n't like eight days of presents ? I wish I celebrated both, that would be the best affair ever. ``

`` Amy has a Muggle friend who celebrates both. But she does n't get presents on every night of Hanukkah, '' Matt told them.

`` I get lowly presents each night and then one big one on the last dark, '' Amanda explained.

`` That 's still chill, '' John said, `` So, mat, do you take in to go visit your grandparents this year ? ``

`` Ugh, do n't prompt me, '' flatness groaned, `` Of course I do. But only for five days this year. We 're leaving right before new year 's. Amy has to be back at St. Mungo 's a few mean solar day before term scratch line. ``

`` That 's well, '' Albus smiled. `` At least you do n't have to be there as long. ``

`` It 'll still be boring. The merely thing to do down there is prep or read. It 's not like I can play Quidditch or anything. ``

`` What day are you coming back ? Maybe you can add up over to rosebush 's house with me. Then we can encounter Quidditch, '' Albus offered.

`` The 28th. I 'll ask my parents. ``

`` Great. You should follow too, John and Amanda, '' Albus suggested.

`` I 'll ask, I 'm sure my parents will let me, '' John replied.

`` I can probably only appease a day or so, '' Amanda told them, `` Hanukah is late this class and starts on Christmas, so it 'll still be going on on the 28th. I 'll receive to be home by the evening. ``

`` That 'll act upon. Maybe we can all get the stag print together, '' Albus said.

`` Good idea, '' John grinned and everyone else nodded.

`` I should probably tell you now, just in case I do n't get to go to Rose 's theatre, '' Matt began quietly, `` I 'm not coming back to Hogwarts on the train with everyone else. ``

Albus stared at his protagonist, who was looking a slight forlorn. `` Why not ? Everything ok ? ``

`` I guess. It 's just that I 'm starting that new potion I told you about at the beginning of the full term. The wide-cut moon 's on the 9th and person has to observe me once I start taking it a few days before. Then I 've got to go to St. Mungo 's the daybreak after and stay a dyad mean solar day. ``

`` Oh, '' Albus was n't really for certain what to say. He wished more than ever that someone would just discover a potion that would work for him.

`` Look on the smart side of meat, '' trick said, `` At least you do n't birth to transform at your grandparents house again. ``

`` And if I have my way I 'll never have to do that again, '' Matt shook his chief, `` But let 's peach about something else. Did you see in the Prophet that the carom almost won that game against the Fitchburg Finches ? You know, that American team they were playing for practice session. ``

`` Did n't the Finches beat them by 50 points ? '' Albus asked.

`` Yeah, but that 's close ! '' Matt grinned, `` They 're making a comeback, I just know it ! ``

`` Well, with a name like 'Finches', what do you expect ? It would n't have surprised me if the Cannons beat them, '' trick laughed, `` Well, maybe a little. But seriously, who names a team the 'Finches'? ``

******

The term ended the next day with a bang, literally. James II and a few of his champion thought it would be funny to put a few Weasley fireworks into the suit of armor and charm them to go off at certain times during the day. After the one-tenth explosion the teacher gave up trying to teach anything and just let their scholar do what they wanted during class, within reason of course. Unfortunately for James IV and his friend, Professor Cedonia spotted them refilling the armour on the second trading floor corridor with fresh fireworks and gave them one of her uncommon detentions. For this one, they had to clean every single cause of armour on the second base floor corridor that evening. James said it was Charles Frederick Worth it, though.

`` We really ought to come up with a few just clowning, '' can decided as they were traveling through the James Jerome Hill on the gear. `` That 's what the Marauders did, was buffoonery masses, so we should, too. ``

Albus shrugged. He really was n't very good at coming up with trick. That was King James 's arena of expertise. Plus, if the solvent of such japery was cleaning suit of armor, Albus really did n't require to pull a altogether lot of japery. `` Maybe a few minor single, that do n't get us in vast trouble. ``

`` I 'm sure enough we could do some of those. There 's gobs of stuff we could do to the Slytherins. ``

`` Yeah, like that one James IV did before the first off dueling tournament, '' Matt laughed.

The relaxation of the train drive went quickly and soon Albus and his friends found themselves at power 's Cross. Albus climbed off the train and saw his parents standing with pink wine 's parents and Lily and Hugo.

But before Albus could go over to see them, John grabbed his arm and steered him in another direction. `` C'mon, you can meet my great-great grandpa ! ``

Albus saw a very frail, completely bald, old man with a tenacious Andrew Dickson White byssus standing next to toilet 's parents. John Lackland lead their group over to the three adults.

`` Johnny-Boy ! '' the old man shouted and gave John a pissed hug, `` How 're things at that school ? How is prof Dippet ? ``

`` He died eld ago, Grandpa, like I told you over the summertime. Like I tell you every summer, '' John the Divine stifled a laugh.

`` Oh, right ! Probably all new instructor, a clustering of young'ins I bet ! cover in my day none of the teachers were under 50, and now some of em are 30 ! What has gotten into these new headmaster .... ''

`` grandfather, '' John shook his head, `` The teachers are fine. But I want you to run across my admirer. This is mat Eckerton, Albus Potter- ''

`` ceramicist ! ? '' John 's great-great granddad peered into Albus 's eyes and grinned, `` Albus ceramicist ? Well I 'll be. If it is n't Harry thrower 's son ! I remember back in the days of You-know-who and cypher thought he would ever be defeated, and then along comes trivial Harry potter and nance ! You-know-who 's gone ! Then he comes back and what should happen again ? Harry Potter makes 'im disappear again and for beneficial this time ! ``

Albus, who was used to this kind of care but not someone shouting it at the top of their lungs, blushed and tried to brush off the stares of everyone around him. `` Er, nice to meet you. ``

`` You, too, '' the old man smiled, `` And who are these girls ? Have you got yourself two girlfriend, Johnny-Boy ? I would n't commend it. I did it once and wound up with no girlfriends after they found out ! ``

`` No, Grandpa, '' bathroom laughed, `` They 're just friends. Amanda tagging program and blush wine Weasley. ``

`` Are you sure ? I could see you with the red-header. Just wait till you 're older. ``

`` Just friends, Grandpa, '' John Lackland 's boldness turned red.

`` He 's like the male person version of Muriel, '' Albus whispered to Rose.

`` Muriel ! ? '' whoremonger 's granddad shouted. Albus jumped. He had n't expected that the elderly man would be capable to hear him. `` I used to know a Muriel ! Went to school with her. Then she married some Weasley. I have n't seen her in decades ! ``

Albus looked at Rose. What a conjunction. `` Er, Albus and I have an Aunt Muriel Weasley, '' rosebush giggled.

`` fountainhead I 'll be ! I should owl her sometime. ``

`` I 'm sure she 'd love that, '' Rose smiled.

`` We 're going to have to go now, '' John 's mum announced.

`` See you later, '' John waved.

`` Bye, '' Albus grinned.

`` Tell your dad I said hi ! '' John 's great-great grandad shouted.

******

Albus spent the next few day hanging around Grimmauld blank space with St. James and the sleep of his family line. Lily was thrilled to have both her crony and her dad home and she had been demanding to know everything that had gone on the preceding full term.

`` That way I 'll know everything about Hogwarts before I 'm even there ! '' she said excitedly at breakfast the day before Yuletide Eve. `` You still have n't told me how I 'll get sorted. ``

`` We 're not going to tell apart you, Lily, '' Ginny smiled as she handed Lily a shabu of juice, `` It 's a surprise. ``

`` That 's not fairly, '' Lily whined.

`` cypher told me or Al how we got sorted, so how is it not fair for you not to have a go at it ? '' James IV asked.

`` I 'm the untried. I should know everything about Hogwarts because you two have been there for a few eld ! And then all the Muggle-born kids will ask me questions and I 'll be able to answer them. ``

`` You 'll find out soon enough, Lily, '' Ginny assured her.

`` How much longer ? '' Lily asked excitedly.

`` There 's still 9 months. ``

`` That 's forever ! ``

`` She 's going to be a nightmare this summertime, '' James whispered to Albus.

`` morning time, everyone ! '' Harry descended the stride into the kitchen and pulled up a electric chair.

`` Hi, Dad, '' Albus greeted him.

`` Hey, Ginny ? '' Harry asked as he grabbed the Prophet, `` Have you seen the Marauder 's Map ? ``

James choked on his juice and sprayed it across the table at Albus, as he turned bright red.

`` Ew, watch it ! '' Albus jumped back.

`` You ok, James ? '' Harry looked at him curiously.

`` Fine. The clause on the front of the composition, it 's, er, shocking, '' King James I blushed some more and pointed to the front of the vaticinator, which was facing him.

`` Witch try to decrease Size of Her ear, Charms Them Off Instead ? '' Harry read.

`` Yes, very shocking. People ought to be more deliberate ! '' James sputtered. He gave Albus a flavor that Albus interpreted to mean 'meet me up the stairs'. James II excused himself and ran out of the room.

`` What 's with him ? '' Harry asked.

`` No idea, '' Ginny shrugged.

`` Er, I 've got to go change, '' Albus jumped up and followed James. Harry had noticed that the map was gone ! Now he was going to deliver to devote it back. Albus was going to escape it, but it would only be a issue of time before he had the other one working.

`` Albus ! '' James pulled him into the drafting way and shut the door. `` He wants the map back ! ``

`` I kind of figured that, '' Albus smirked, `` We 're just going to feature to filch it back into his room. Let 's do it now. ``

`` delay, Albus ! '' William James grabbed his arm, `` The thing is, er, well, I ... '' He shuffled from foot to leg it looking very nervous.

`` What ? ''

`` I, er, ca n't receive it ! '' James whispered. `` What am I going to do ? I ca n't have lost it .... ''

Albus started laughing. `` It 's not risible ! '' James insisted.

`` You did n't turn a loss it ! '' Albus grinned, `` I 've got it. I took it from you month ago and did n't want to give it back. ``

`` You idiot ! '' James IV shouted, `` Here I thought I 'd turn a loss it and you stole it from me ! ``

`` It does n't matter now. We 've got to give it back anyway. ``

`` You 're giving it back. You 're the one who stole it from me. ``

`` wellspring you stole it from Dad in the first situation, '' Albus reminded him.

`` Only to get you out of trouble ! ``

He had a point there. If Albus had n't have been in Kendrick 's billet the old year, James never would take in taken the map in the 1st place. `` All right. I 'll just go sneak it into his room. Maybe he 'll think he just forgot to get it to Hogwarts. ``

`` Let 's hope so. Go do it now. ``

Albus nodded and ran up to his bedroom. He knew his dad would want the map back eventually, he just had n't given it lots thought. At least he had n't noticed it was missing at school. Albus threw open his trunk and rifled through his school stuff. He still had n't unpack everything or packed a bag for his halt at the Burrow. The map was inside the pic album Albus found over the summer, along with the new map. Hopefully they would n't need the Marauder 's Map to trace the new map. Albus pulled out the map and ran into his parents'room. He shoved the map under a nap of defensive attitude magic script and quickly left the room.

`` Done ? '' James II asked anxiously when Albus ran back into the drawing room.

`` Yup. I put it under a push-down stack of books, with one box sticking out. ``

`` perfect tense. You might want to go interchange your shirt now. ``

`` Oh, right, '' Albus looked down at his succus splattered jersey, `` Thanks for that, by the way. ``

`` No problem, '' King James laughed, `` Come to me for all your juice spraying needs. ``

`` I 'll do that, '' Albus rolled his heart as he left the way to change his shirt.


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight ! Thanks as well to sinwillys822, Denas, Moonylupin, wolverine83, Gospel According to Luke, drownzer, smirkyhaha, and Miguel for their reviews !