Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry ceramist.
Weasley Family Tree is in the generator 's note of hand at the bottom.


molly Weasley did n't presume serve dinner until after the Quidditch match had been completed because even she did n't have the ability to drag Weasleys away from Quidditch. teddy bear secured a win for his team by practically stealing the stool pigeon out James 's grasp and then everyone was off their brooms and sitting at the large crowd of table in criminal record time. After all, Quidditch was one of the respectable things one could do to make grow a big appetite. Albus was certainly quite athirst and in a very just mood as he had been on chemise 's team.

Albus and blush wine sat next to each other in the middle of the group of tables and unfortunately Walker Percy sat directly across from them. early on experience had taught them never to sit near Percy due to his drug abuse of talking politics during dinner, something that even bored blush wine. The two of them looked at each other as Harry Hotspur sat down and Albus readied himself for political conversation rather than Quidditch talk.

"I 'm telling you,"Sir Henry Percy said to no one in particular as he served himself some carrots,"something 's going to happen. I guarantee it. It 's been too quiet in the Ministry lately. Personally I thought thing would get a bit riled up last class when Walter Eckerton took over for MacVicar, but I suppose the two of them had similar views. More similar than I expected anyway ..."

farewell it to Percy to try and find something incorrectly with the Ministry when all was okay, Albus thought. He reached over Rose to catch a steak and kidney pie and served a heaping portion onto his home.

"What do you retrieve, Harry ?"Walker Percy turned to Albus 's dad, who happened to be sitting next to him."Any inspiration in the Auror department that I may not have heard about ?"

"matter are jolly calm, Percy,"Harry replied.

"Of course they are. I would 've heard if they were n't,"Percy decided.

Albus was n't exactly sure enough what his uncle Percy actually did at the Ministry. He knew it had something to do with the parson, but his actual deed was so yearn and complicated that Albus never bothered to remember it.

"Well, it 's an election year,"Percy pointed out."thing never stay calm during election years. Party declaration come foremost hebdomad of Sep and after that things will be chaotic around the Ministry. dozens of work to do. Let me tell you, when I run for Minister-"

"Oh, here we go again !"Ron said loudly."When Percy runs for pastor. It 's never gon na happen, Perce. Honestly."

"I would vote for you, Hotspur,"mollie assured him."You would make a wonderful minister. But this dinner is supposed to be about the kids. James ! And Ben and Cedric ! This is your O.W.L. class ! You three are going to do so wonderfully but you must sedate down a bit and study."

"grannie, really,"James IV muttered."We 're going to be hearing this from the teacher. Uncle Percy, why do n't you secern us more about your running for rector ?"

"Well, as a matter of fact."Percy stood up."I have a rather exciting announcement to cause and I feel I must tell my kinsfolk first, before the respite of the Wizarding World."He paused, presumably for spectacular core."I will be formally announcing on Monday, September second that I will be running for rector for April 's election."

There was absolute secretiveness for about five moment before a all lot of affair happened at once. Ron, George VI, and Charlie burst out laughing. Hermione raised her eyebrows as far as they could go. Ginny, broadsheet, and Chester A. Arthur all shouted loudly"Seriously ? ! ”. Molly shook her headway slightly and then jumped up from her chair, running towards Hotspur and finally enveloping him in a bombastic hug and kissing him squarely on the forehead.

"Oh, Walker Percy !"she exclaimed."I 'm so proud of you ! You 've been talking about it for years and I think it 's eminent clip you actually did it. I always wanted a son who was this successful !"

"Mum !"Ron groaned."It 's not like your other sons have n't done anything. I 'm an Auror for Merlin 's interest !"

"And you 're a amercement sound one, Ronald, but I ca n't ever see you being minister. You just do n't sustain the ambition Hotspur does,"Molly said as she patted him on the shoulder.

gold was exchanging hands at the former end of the table. Cedric was grinning madly, so Albus assumed he had won some kind of bet involving when Percy would run for minister. That bet must have been in the works for years.

Albus was personally stunned. He of grade had been on the receiving end of many a Percy rant about what he 'd do when he ran for Minister, but he had always believed Harry Hotspur would n't ever do it. If Albus was true with himself, he did n't really want Hotspur running. His family was famous enough without having an actual curate in it.

"Honestly, Mum, do you think he 's really going to win ?"Ron exclaimed."I mean, do n't get me wrong, Percy, I 'll vote for you, but what about the rest of the wizarding world ?"

"Sir Henry Percy, do you really think you 're cut out for this ?"Harry asked skeptically.

"Why would n't I be ? I 've been involved with the Ministry for decennary !"

"I think what Harry 's trying to say is that you 're all bark and no morsel,"Bill pointed out.

"I am not !"Walker Percy shouted."And I would 've expected More support from my own family."

"We are supporting you,"Molly assured him.

"Boys,"Chester A. Arthur warned."Percy 's rightfulness. If he wants to run for Minister he can without any of us making it difficult for him. You do n't have to vote for him, but I wo n't hold you arguing during dinner. You 'll upset your mum."

Everyone resumed their seats but Albus doubted they stopped talking about Hotspur running for minister of religion. They just continued to do so in low-pitched voices. For once, Albus was happy he had chosen a rear near Percy.

"Do you know who else is running ?"Hermione asked.

"Not certainly,"Walker Percy replied."Hartwell 's not running again, if that 's what you 're getting at. He 's had enough. But I 've got his funding. After all, I am the Senior Undersecretary for the Drafting and Editing of practice of law to the Minister."

So that 's what Percy 's title of respect was, Albus thought. He had no idea if that was a position that had a lot of power or not, but apparently it was enough to have support for a Minister run.

"Hey, Dad,"Empire State of the South shouted from a little ways down the tabular array."I figure this is as good a time as any to state you that I 'm moving out tomorrow."

Percy choked on whatever he was eating."You 're what ?"

"Moving out. You know, leaving the nest. I 've got a categorical with a supporter closer to the pitch. It 'll be more convenient, for work."

"Work,"Percy muttered."If Quidditch can be considered work."

"Look, I know how these elections work. You 're going to want to make yourself appear like a fellowship man, so you 're not going to want to count me your crazy daughter who only plays Quidditch and has no job. So you 'd ameliorate set off intellection of me as your daughter who 's the raw reservation Keeper for the Kenmare Kestrals. It 'll sound practiced to the press."

Walker Percy stared at her with his mouth agape love. He shook his headspring slightly and resumed eating, without another word to Georgia. Georgia looked smug, so Albus assumed she had won that little argument.

Albus turned to blush wine and grinned. Georgia certainly knew how to make Walker Percy 's running game for pastor work to her advantage.

"Rose, have you heard from Linda yet ?"Albus asked, deciding not to join the repose of his category in political conversation.

"Not yet."pink wine shook her head."Her mum might get wanted her to expect a bit after they settled in Canada, though. Have you heard anything about what the Ministry 's doing about Lubar ?"

"If anything 's changed Dad 's being really quiet about it,"Albus answered.

"It 's so wrong, though, that he can completely get away with what he did,"blush wine muttered."It 's like I could go to Anatole France, rob a bank, get back to England, and I 'd get away with it."

"You 're robbing a bank ?"King James shouted.

"Of course not,"Rose replied."It 's none of your business."

Albus and Rose did n't lay on the line talking about Lubar for the residuum of the eventide. sure, the rest of their family knew about what had happened but neither of them wanted to discourse their theory with any of them.

The residue of the evening was rather out of character for usual Weasley menage dinner party. All the late years'dinners had consisted of talk of Hogwarts and the adult exclaiming how big everyone had gotten and how everyone was growing up. Usually whomever was starting Hogwarts for the first time would get a bonnie bit of attention, but this year Angie, who was starting, seemed to be forgotten. Instead all of the tending was focused on Percy. The grownup were talking politics and Albus 's older first cousin were placing stake on whether he 'd win or not.

Stanley was the low gear to leave as he had to go back to Roumania the following morning. Charlie and Katherine had finished their year in Romania and had returned to England permanently the previous month. Victoire and slip left shortly after that since they both had to wreak the next day.

Percy was still discussing run tactics with Corrine, who was smiling and nodding the way Albus did when his cousins were low and he had to feign he was interested in what they were saying, when Albus 's parents decided it was time to get out. For the first time in his living, he was actually happy to lead and get back to Grimmauld seat. The before school dinner party was supposed to be about everyone who was at Hogwarts, a time to have fun all together before schooling started, and this clip it had n't been that. It had been about Percy.
******


By some cam stroke of luck or miracle that had never descended upon the ceramicist before, Epistle of James had packed his torso the night before they left for school. Albus was indisputable that some sort of apocalypse was going to arrive soon because Hotspur running for parson and the potter arriving early for the Hogwarts express mail were two events that nonentity ever thought would hap. Albus did n't call into question it, though. Instead he just used the opportunity to his advantage.

Kaden, who had met Albus at platform 9 ¾ prior to going through the barrier, was not early, so the ceramicist went through without him. rose and her fellowship were already there of course, so Albus said a warm goodbye to his parents before getting on the gear to determine rosiness. With any chance his acquaintance would n't be there yet and he could blab to Rose alone. Usually there was zilch he would n't sing to his champion about, but the unusual tactile sensation he had had about his sept was something he only wanted to talk to rosiness about.

rose was alone in a compartment about halfway down the train, reading one of her new text edition. It was Arithmancy and Albus did n't have the flimsy idea what any of the symbolisation in it meant. He chose the hindquarters side by side to her and waited for her to be done interpretation whatever it was she was deciphering.

"I 'm witnessing a miracle, apparently,"rose said after setting her book down.

"St. James packed last night,"Albus answered.

"Again, I 'm witnessing a miracle."She laughed."Your mum is favourable if St. James the Apostle packs earlier than five proceedings before you leave."

"It 's definitely odd,"Albus agreed."Listen, do you get the feeling things are changing ?"

"Changing ? Like what 's happening with Willinson and Lubar and their lot ? Yeah, I think so. It 's been over three age, Al, and they still have n't gotten all of them in Azkaban at the same time. I know they 're really stupefied when it comes to dueling but I think they 're bright than anyone 's giving them acknowledgment for. things are going to convert, Al. The world 's getting scarier,"rosiness said quietly.

Albus swallowed hard. That was in the back of his nous of course of instruction, but he had never voiced it before. Nor was it what he had set out to talk to climb up about.

"I guess,"Albus replied."But I was n't really getting at that. I was thinking about our family."

"Oh,"was all pink wine said. Both full cousin sat quietly for a minute before she continued."I know what you mean. What was up with that dinner at grandmother and Gramps 's ? It was all Harry Hotspur. O.W.L.s were mentioned once and no one said anything about Angie starting Hogwarts."

"I know. It was odd. It just seems like everything 's changing. There are less of us at Hogwarts now so I guess that 's what 's going to happen-"

"There 's still a lot of us here,"rose wine interrupted."And Eddie and the counterpart have n't even started yet. Plus it 's not like we even talked about Teddy, Victoire, Sir Henry Morton Stanley, and GA. We talked about Percy for Merlin 's rice beer !"

"What do you think will happen if he wins ?"Albus asked.

"I do n't know. I do n't think things will vary political-wise but I think it 's going to be really weird for Empire State of the South and Omar Nelson Bradley and Cedric. Even the twins will probably be effected. I mean, having your dad be the most important person in the wizarding world has got to be stressful."

"William Tell me about it,"Albus muttered."Can you guess if my dad ran for minister of religion ?"

"Hotspur would n't stand a chance."

"Dad 'll never run, though,"Albus pointed out."I just think that things are already unlike from lastly year. Everyone 's going to be focused on Uncle Percy 's campaign."

"Things never stay the Same, Al,"Rose said.

"What 's not staying the same ?"john asked as he entered the compartment, followed by Kaden."I 'm hoping you 're talking about my Divination mark, rose, because my parents nearly murdered me this past summer when they saw it."

"I think we 'll just have to administer with your execution, John, because that mark is not getting any higher,"Rose replied.

"Seriously, what were you talking about ?"Kaden asked as he sat down across from Rose.

"null,"Rose said quickly.

"I 'll tell you once Matt and Amanda get here,"Albus said, figuring he 'd tell them about Percy running for Minister.

"This is going to be the good year ever !"Kaden said excitedly as he pulled a while of sheepskin out of his bag."smell, it 's my Hogsmeade permission slip !"

"Excellent,"privy replied."Now I do n't have to buy your dungbombs for you."

"Do you really have to buy dungbombs this twelvemonth ?"matt asked as he entered the compartment."They 're so nasty."

"Just for the Slytherin common way,"John assured him."Our destination is to figure out how to get a few in there."

"Not going to work,"Amanda said as she entered and sat down on the early side of Rose."You ca n't get into someone else 's common room unnoticed."

"That 's what Albus 's cloak is for,"Kaden said.

"Not if it 's going to smack like dungbomb after,"Albus said.

"Told you we should have just asked for his cloak without telling him what we were doing with it,"John told Kaden.

Kaden shrugged."All right, everyone 's here. tell apart us what you and Rose were talking about before any of us got here."

"Fine."Albus took a deep breath."Well, my Uncle Percy 's running for Minister."

"Seriously ?"John replied.

"Cool !"Kaden exclaimed.

"Why ?"flatness asked.

"Is n't he the one who 's been talking about doing that for long time ?"Amanda asked.

"Yes,"Albus answered."He 's seriously running, it 's not that sang-froid, I 'm honestly not indisputable why, and yes he 's been talking about it for years."

"Why does n't your dad run ?"Kaden asked.

Albus and Rose both burst out laughing."Because that 's the last thing he 'd ever want to do. He would n't want anymore power than he 's already got. Whereas Hotspur, all of my uncles have always said is kind of business leader hungry,"Albus replied.

"Do you know who he 's running against ?"Amanda asked.

"Have n't a clue,"Albus said."They 're supposed to be announcing the candidates on the second."

"What 's that got to do with everything changing ?"Kaden asked.

"It 's our family,"blush wine said quietly."Uncle Harry Hotspur is so focused on the election and it has n't even really started yet. Georgia 's got it all figured out. Walker Percy 's going to pretend he 's completely happy with her Quidditch playing just to make himself seem like a phratry man, which he 's really not. He 's always been focused on work."

"That 's stupid,"Gospel According to John said."Georgia 's not going to like that."

"She 's the one who brought it up,"Rose pointed out.

"He 's right, you know,"Amanda said.

"What do you mean, he 's right ?"Albus stared at her. She had a knowing smile splayed across her face.

"You, rosiness, and lusterlessness are n't the just ones of us who have family in government,"Amanda said.

"But you 're a Muggle,"john replied.

"I never said the Ministry of Magic, lavatory. I meant the Muggle Ministry. My uncle 's the prime minister."

Albus continued to gaze at her. Amanda was always rather calm and rarely talked about her family. He always figured that was because she was so quiet and never guessed that it might be because her family was just as influential in the Muggle world as his was in the wizarding world.

"Michael Smythe, that 's my uncle. He 's my mum 's brother,"Amanda elaborated."Imagine my mum 's surprisal when she told him that I was a witch only to find out that he already knew about the wizarding world."

"So if Percy wins ...,"Albus began, his voice trailing off.

"He 'll get together my Uncle microphone,"Amanda finished."But as I was saying, Empire State of the South does have it all figured out. If word of honor gets out that Percy and her rowed about her Quidditch playing, it 's going to come off wrong in the public press and lose him votes. So, he 'll keep it to himself and will be in the front row of every I one of her matches, pretending to be a huge Kenmare Kestrals fan."

"Wow, that seems so wrong,"Rose muttered.

"It 's politics from the other side. The public wants people in big businessman to experience a certain image."

"Still, it 's like lying,"Rose went on."Just another reason I am not getting into politics."

"My cousin Leanne went a little unwarranted at university her showtime class, our first yr at Hogwarts, and the Ministry hushed it all up. She was out partying and the paparazzi got a photo of her and put it on the cover of some tab, but that was the only one. I know she partied more, but it was all hushed up."

"But it 's not like Georgia 's partying. She 's got Quidditch science and is using them to defecate an honest living,"Rose pointed out.

"I 'm not saying that 's bad. I 'm just saying your uncle wo n't want the populace to bonk he 's not well-chosen with her vocation choice so he 's going to make himself look like a give father."

"See, everything 's changing."Albus sighed."Sometimes I just wish I had a normal family."

"It 's not all it 's cracked up to be,"John said. Kaden nodded.

"It 's reliable, Albus,"Matt said."Amanda 's completely right. It 's the whole reason why my dad got sacked. The populace did n't like that I was a werewolf, which is part of why the Ministry hushed it up. When it got out, nobody wanted him in politics anymore."

Albus nodded, but did n't say anything. He never really thought about that before, but Matt was correctly. Amanda was, too, but he never really put two and two together before flatness mentioned that. And now the same thing was happening with his family line. Percy was going to pretend and while that did n't really directly effect him, how long would it withdraw before the public did n't like the persona he and the respite of his cousin-german were presenting ?


A/N : From now on, updates for this will happen on the starting time of every month and updates for Beyond the vestige will happen on the 15th. That way they 'll be spread out. Thanks to everyone who has read and reviewed this !

Here 's the Weasley-Potter Family Tree !

Bill-Fleur
Victoire- 20
Gabriella- 18
Ben- 5th year

Charlie-Katherine ( witch )
Stanley- 19
Heather- 7th year
Mark- 6th class
Eddie- 8

Percy-Corrine ( Muggle )
Georgia- 18
Bradley- 6th year
Cedric- 5th year
Samantha & Lindy ( twins ) - 9

George- Alicia Spinnet
Fred- 7th year
Angie- 1st class

Ron-Hermione
Rose- 4th twelvemonth
Hugo- 2nd twelvemonth

Ginny-Harry
James- 5th year
Albus- 4th yr
Lily- 2nd class

*All in Gryffindor*


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


There was no reference of politics or parson throughout the remainder of the power train misstep. Amanda did n't say anything else about her uncle being the prime minister of religion and how it had affected her family, but Albus was still really peculiar about it. How had she managed to restrain that a enigma for three year ? judgement by Rose 's reaction, she did n't even cognize about it. Matt had n't even managed to keep it a secret that he was a lycanthrope for a yr. Granted, Albus and the others had figured it out, but still. Maybe Amanda was the effective hugger-mugger keeper in their group.

The talk lightened considerably as they made their way to Hogwarts, soon turning to the intimate bailiwick of Quidditch and then to fantasizing about the new Defense instructor. John was hoping for someone who let them do whatever they wanted whereas rose wanted somebody who would actually teach, and not teach like Balladanis had. Albus did n't really wish, so long as the new instructor did n't bid to harm his students, physically or emotionally.

As the train neared Hogsmeade station, Albus and his friends changed into their robes and prepared to exit the train for the rocky carriage cod up to the school. The journey was now so workaday that they did so with fiddling yak and transferred to the pusher with none of the fanfare of the late two yr. They were 4th age now and Hogwarts was intimate district. As fourth yr, they were well on their way to being the older bookman of the school.

The Great Hall was filled with laugh and excitement as the students found their tush at their house table. Albus and his protagonist quickly found seating together at the Gryffindor tabular array and all five glanced up to the staff table to determine the new side that would be their Defense teacher. However, instead of the one unfamiliar face they expected, there were two unfamiliar faces.

"Which one 's the defence force teacher ?"Kaden asked.

"Have n't the slightest,"Albus replied.

There were two new wizards sitting at the table. One was cryptical in conversation with Professor Kendrick and the other was glancing around at the elbow room, his center never resting on the Sami thing or person for more than a few moment. The former was wearing what looked to be Ministry robe, which made Albus wonder if he was an Auror, but then he noticed one of the Aurors from last year standing off to the position in his common spot. The second new thaumaturgist was dressed in plain black robe and had nearly no hair atop his pass, but instead had a expectant beard and mustache, as if he was trying to compensate.

"I think the one talking to Kendrick is from the Ministry,"Albus said.

"That 's not a respectable polarity,"Saint John replied."What 's the Ministry doing here on the first day ?"

"It 's not necessarily a bad thing,"Rose pointed out."Maybe they just want to make sure enough everything is back to pattern after the contention last year."

whoremonger opened his mouth to reply but was silenced by the room access opening and Professor Patil entering with the new low gear class. They looked frighten away and midget, far small-scale than the previous twelvemonth 's first yr. It was weird how they seemed to get minor every year.

As with the former year, Albus did n't pay any attention to anyone 's sorting unless their finis name was Potter or Weasley. This year, of row, there was only Angie entering Hogwarts from Albus 's declamatory family. She ran up to the three-legged-stool with as much enthusiasm as the rest of the family unit had and jammed the hat onto her head.

It remained there for all of three instant before shouting"Gryffindor !"Angie ran from the stool to the excited yell of the Gryffindors, her pal Fred 's whistling ringing over the rest period. Everyone at Hogwarts would have bet money on Angie being a Gryffindor, but everyone still liked to cheer.

For once Albus wished that Kendrick would make announcements before the banquet was served just so he could find out why there were two new genius at the stave table, but like usual, Kendrick waited until after the feast. Thus, the duration of the banquet was spent speculating.

"The Ministry 's sent someone to notice,"James said confidently."Look at the past three years. Every 1 one at least one of Al and his friends have gotten kidnapped by insane hotshot. Clearly the Ministry does n't cerebrate the teacher can protect us enough."

"That 's what the Aurors are for,"rosebush pointed out."What 's some Ministry bloke going to do that an Auror ca n't do ? I really do n't think that fellow is another Auror."

"I bet he 's here to enroll mass for the Ministry,"Fred suggested."You know, spend a twelvemonth with us seventh class and try to win over us that we should take on boring Ministry Job. Bet Uncle Percy 's the reason for it. Probably does n't want anymore of his kin to take up Quidditch professionally."

"That 's idiotic,"a seventh-year girl replied."He 's probably just the new defense mechanism teacher."

"Then who 's that other bloke ?"lustrelessness gestured to the bald man sitting next to Slughorn.

"Slughorn 's long lost similitude ?"Kaden suggested."Seriously, knock off his whiskers and he 'll look just like Slughorn."

"Maybe Kendrick just wanted to invite someone to the Welcome Feast,"Amanda pointed out."It could be as dewy-eyed as that."

Albus doubted it. Nothing was ever dim-witted when it came to life at Hogwarts. Finally, after what seemed alike ages, the pudding disappeared and Kendrick stood to give his usual start of term speech.

"Welcome back to Hogwarts. I give a warm welcome to our new world-class years and hope you have enjoyed your maiden Hogwarts fete. I 'll remind everyone that the forest is out of bounds as well as the Whomping Willow. Those wishing to try out for their House Quidditch teams can founder their names to their head of house. Now, you may take noticed that there are two new staff members this twelvemonth even though only one placement is vacant. The first of all is simple to excuse and the s is a little more complicated.

"First, I would care to welcome Professor Elliot Brigham Young to Hogwarts. professor Danton True Young is going to be taking over the Defense teacher position."Kendrick gestured to the man with the byssus, while scattered clapping was received from the bookman and early professors.

"professor Ancient if you ask me,"St. John the Apostle muttered.

"Many of you may be cognizant and quite a lot of you I 'm sure are not mindful that this is an election class for the Ministry of Magic. Tomorrow the candidates running for curate of Magic will make their manner of speaking announcing their candidacy, which will begin a seven month run period. At the beginning of April, anyone who is of age will vote and the winner shall be announced. The fact that this is an election year is a wonderful educational opportunity and I was n't about to let it hap us by. Therefore I have decided to add another family to the programme. It will meet once a week and in it you will learn the ins and outs of our political scheme and its history.

"This is prof Richard Embry."Kendrick gestured to the bloke sitting adjacent to him, who then stood up."He is from the Ministry and has agreed to teach this new class that we have designed. The class will come along on your schedules that you will receive tomorrow. Now, I suggest all of you turn in early as classes begin bright and early on in the morning time. Prefects, please escort the first years to the common rooms."

Kendrick and the Ministry bloke both resumed their seats while Albus and his ally rose. The joined the mob of students making their way out of the Great Asaph Hall and towards the main staircase. The Hufflepuffs and Slytherins broke away from the mob to descend to their dormitories and then the Ravenclaws left for their tower. Soon, Albus and his friends were only amongst fellow Gryffindors.

The coarse room was abuzz with treatment about the new prof when they arrived. most of the younger students had gone to bed, but the older students were making no relocation to do so. Fred was posting a sign-up piece of paper for Quidditch try-outs on the notice control panel while Calluna vulgaris watched. Albus predicted that the two of them would act More like co-captains since there was no way heather mixture was going to let Fred clear all of the team conclusion this twelvemonth.

"So now we have another course of study,"John muttered as they sat down at a table near the fervour."more preparation. Sir Thomas More exams."

"It 's only once a hebdomad,"rosiness pointed out.

"But still, since when has anyone at Hogwarts had to take a course of instruction about politics ?"trick asked.

"Never,"Albus replied.

"Muggles take classes on politics,"Amanda pointed out."My sister took one death yr and my full cousin have taken them. I really do n't think it 's going to be that difficult."

"Yeah, it 's not like there 's going to be an O.W.L. for it,"rose wine said."Can you conceive that we 'll be taking O.W.L.s next year ?"

John the Evangelist groaned."Do we really have to talk about them already ?"

"Seriously,"Matt agreed."They 're a long way off."

"Well, I think I 'm going to turn in,"rosebush said as she stood up."division commencement tomorrow."

"You sound like Kendrick,"Albus said, but he was feeling slightly tired himself.

Rose and Amanda left for the girl'dorm a little while later. Albus and the other male child stayed up a while longer, but soon realized they were quite tired. They said goodnight to Kaden when they reached the third geezerhood'dormitory room and then continued on to their own. It had been a foresightful day and Albus was set to go to sleep, just so he would n't have to think about politics or the election anymore.
******


"Well, we 've got one of the new teachers today,"John said at breakfast the following aurora."We start off the day with Herbology and then have vindication right before lunch."

"When do we have that politics category ?"Matt asked as he scooped a mint of oatmeal onto his plate.

"Tomorrow, right before dinner,"John replied."Falco columbarius, that would 've been free time if we did n't have that blinking class."

"It could be fun, whoremonger,"rose said.

"I have n't got it until Fri morning,"Kaden lamented."I think it will be fun. Muggle government are boring but magic makes everything better."

"Bad news is we have it with the Slytherins,"Albus said.

"Of course of study,"Matt muttered."Would n't wait anything dissimilar. And we 've probably got potions with them again, right ?"

Albus glanced at his schedule."Yes."They had had potions with the Slytherins every class now. Surely that could n't be inadvertent. Albus would have preferred they have no course of study with the Slytherins, especially after what had happened in defense team the late twelvemonth. The final stage affair he and flatness needed was more physical contact with Scorpius Malfoy.

"Good news is that we 've got Defense with the Hufflepuffs this year,"Amanda pointed out.

"Bet Kendrick did that on purpose after last year,"John said."He 'd have to be an idiot to give us that class with the Slytherins again.

Everyone nodded in agreement. After the conniption that had developed between Albus, john, and Scorpio Kendrick would probably never have the three of them in defence class together again. Albus was grateful. He 'd spent the finally few weeks of his third year avoiding Malfoy and was fully prepared to avoid him for the residuum of his Hogwarts career. Unfortunately the Slytherin was on his dueling squad.

The radical hurriedly finished their breakfast and then parted fashion with Kaden before heading down to the glasshouse for Herbology. Herbology was one of those predictable classes where they never had to worry about anything awful happening when it came to subject matter or teachers. Neville was a fair instructor who made social class interesting. Albus never had to worry about anything odd happening while in the greenhouses, unlike potions and Defense.

Everyone was slightly untrusting of the new defensive measure professor and thus the backside in the back of the room were in luxuriously requirement. Unfortunately the Hufflepuffs had had transfiguration beforehand and had a much poor pass, so they claimed all of the far seats. Albus, mat, and privy had the misfortune of having to sit at one of the front mesa and all three male child were on border.

The professor ambled into the elbow room just as course of instruction was scheduled to start. He had a very tumid stack of parchment, which he set on the desk before beginning to call up roll.

"I am prof Whitney Young,"he began after he finished with curl."And welcome to fourth year Defense Against the shadow Arts. This year we will focus on nighttime curses, whammy, and general spells, all of which are detailed out in your schoolbook. You can require your books out now if you have n't already done so."

Albus rummaged in his bag and set his book on the board. prof Whitney Moore Young Jr. picked up the stack of lambskin and began passing it out to the students. Albus feared that it was a quiz, as he glanced down at its fill-in-the-blank interrogative and short response questions.

"Please read the showtime chapter of your books and fill out the worksheet by the end of the category,"Young said as he walked back to his desk. He said nothing more and began to read what appeared to be a novel while stroking his face fungus.

Albus glanced at John and Matt, unsure of whether Young would yell at him if he spoke in whispers to his friends. Actually, Young might not even hear him. He did appear to be quite old. But it was just so odd that Young assigned them reading and a worksheet on the showtime day of stratum. Would n't a chide make more sense ? Albus could n't remember a time when a professor had n't lectured on the 1st day of class.

Everyone else seemed thoroughly confused as well. For the next five minute of arc everyone sent each early bedevil flavor and glimpse before finally cracking open their textbooks, having realized that Young was n't going to do anything besides read his novel.

Albus began to read the outset chapter, which was dreadfully boring. It was about the most mundane of darkness hexes, if a wickedness hex could be considered mundane. The chapter did n't even mention unforgivable curses, which while frightful, were far more concern than the basic principles of what made a curse Dark.

Albus finished his worksheet a few minutes before Young put down his novel."Leave your worksheets here on my desk. There is n't any homework."

"That was the strangest class ever,"Albus said once they had left the elbow room."Who gives a worksheet on the first day of socio-economic class ?"

"mortal who just wants to read their account book all day,"John replied."Works for me, since he did n't give any homework."

"Still, it was horribly slow,"Albus replied.

"Honestly, I 'm glad it 's boring after dealing with Balladanis last year,"Matt said.

"Somehow I do n't think this bloke is going to be bringing any Anamateks to class,"Albus said.

"An Anamatek would probably finish him off,"John Lackland replied."I do n't think he could handle one."

"Not many citizenry could,"Albus pointed out.

When they arrived in the Great Hall, they were surprised to see Georgia hurrying Omar Nelson Bradley and Cedric out of the room.

"What 's wrong ?"Albus asked, extremely confused as to why Georgia was at Hogwarts.

"Dad wants us there when he makes his big announcement."She rolled her optic."We 're supposed to be there supporting him or something."

"What time is it happening ?"Albus asked.

"One,"Peach State replied."Which means we 're already going to be later than Dad wants. It 'll be in the evening Prophet."

"There is no way GA 's going to be able to venture everything is fine between her and Uncle Percy for the whole election,"Rose said once Sakartvelo and her brothers had left."She looked annoyed already and he has n't even announced he 's running yet."

"She probably has to overleap practice session for it,"Albus replied."I just want to know who he 's running against."

"Wish we could go watch,"rose wine said."I bet our parents are there."

"Of class they are,"Albus agreed."Matt 's dad is probably there, too."

"He is,"matt said."Has n't got a clue as to who 's running, though."

"surmisal we 'll find out tonight,"Albus said.
******


Albus did n't see Omar Bradley or Cedric until dinner. He had been hoping to catch one of them in between classes, but either their docket did n't allow them to cross paths or the announcement had gone until dinner. The noise in the Great Marguerite Radclyffe Hall was n't any meretricious than it usually was when Albus arrived, but then again he was n't quite sure how much the rest of the student cared about the election. However at the Gryffindor table, all of Albus 's cousins were clustered at one end of the table, their heads leaned in to one another.

"Looks like a sept meeting or something,"Albus said.

"We 'll see you in the plebeian room after dinner party, then,"Amanda said as she pulled can and Kaden towards the former end of the tabular array, Matt following.

Albus followed Rose to the far end of the board, where everyone else had already gathered. Albus squeezed his way in between Victor Hugo and King James I while blush wine found a seat next to Lily.

"Finally, you 're here,"William James said."Omar Bradley and Cedric wo n't say a word until everyone 's here."

"Otherwise we 'd just have to tell the story over and over again,"Omar Bradley muttered.

"well, go on,"Fred encouraged.

"It was basically a huge illusion party with a bunch of boring talking to,"Thomas Bradley began."A clump of Ministry masses and their wife or husbands and Dad was the center of aid, of row. Everyone knew he was running even though he had n't made his official announcement yet. It did n't get interesting until Dad and the beldame he 's running against made their announcement-"

"Dad 's was pretty tire,"Cedric cut in."Talked about how he 's seen the Ministry through so many changes and how we need strong leading to keep the wizard community together and loyal. Mentioned Uncle Harry and Voldemort, of line. Then everyone clapped politely and the foeman stood up."

"The witch who 's actually course looks like she was a hawk in a other life. Her nose is as pointy as a nozzle can get and she 's got this sleek black hair that was done up in a bun. She stood up there with a crew of people who she introduced as her cause team,"Bradley said."But it was her speech that got the crowd riled up. She kept putting trap in everything Dad said. Dad mentioned about how the wizarding macrocosm was a unattackable combine front but she talked about how rifts are forming and the Ministry is slipping and variety is needed again. She made all these subtle mentions of how the Aurors are n't as on top of affair and how if we do n't do something the magical humanity will come apart."

"That 's laughable !"Fred said."The magic humankind is fine."

"I thought they were just making their promulgation that they were running,"Rose said."actor's line do n't start yet."

"Neither of them are going to pine away an opportunity to get votes,"Heather pointed out."So do you two have to make anymore appearances ?"

"Yeah,"Omar Nelson Bradley answered."Dad wants us all there for his showtime talking to this weekend and he said there are going to be some public debate here, so we have to sit up straw man with Mum at those."

"And the prophet wants to do a immense article on our family line,"Cedric added."They 're doing one on the witch, too."

"What 's her name ?"Rose asked."And what does she do in the Ministry ?"

"Patricia Laurentis,"Cedric replied."She 's some sort of consultant to the stream minister. Her title 's just as confusing and long as Dad's."

"Weird that both the nominee were working under the electric current Minister,"rose said.

"Well the political party chose them."Cedric shrugged."I should get going, though. Have to go see Slughorn about what I missed earlier."

"Me too,"Omar Bradley said as he stood up."Patil probably wo n't be pleased that I missed the first lesson."

Cedric and Bradley left, leaving the residue of the first cousin to utter about what they had just been told. Albus mostly listened while pushing his intellectual nourishment around his home. What he had learned about Patricia Laurentis unnerved him a picayune and it was mostly because part of him thought she was right. Things were n't as perfect tense as his Uncle Walker Percy thought. Willinson was still on the loose and not to mention the issue with Lubar was still open.

But Albus 's dad and the other Aurors were doing all they could, were n't they ? What could Patricia Laurentis do if she got elected ? There would still be the Sami Aurors working at the Ministry.

"Maybe Uncle Percy is the the right way somebody to be Minister,"Heather said quietly."The Ministry has been working the same way since the final examination struggle, has n't it ? And there have n't been anymore Voldemorts trying to bring in power."

"But thing ca n't always stay the Lapp,"rose wine pointed out.

"Do you really think the Ministry needs to convert that much ?"Scots heather asked.

"I do n't know,"Rose said quietly."I just do n't call back citizenry are as connect as Uncle Percy thinks."

"I 'm going to the vulgar room,"Albus said as he pushed his plate away. He was n't athirst anymore.

Footsteps behind him told him that Rose was following, just like he hoped she would."What were you getting at ? People not being united ?"he asked once they were in an empty corridor.

"Not everyone agrees on everything, Albus,"Rose said."Far from it. I think Uncle Sir Henry Percy 's slightly delusional about that. And remember what you told me about that odd feller who gave your dad a word of advice at the Quidditch human beings Cup ?"

"That bloke ?"Albus laughed."He was insane !"

"I 'm not denying that, but he did experience a point. In an election year everything matters. Uncle Percy 's aligned his notion with the current Minister 's, which means if he 's elected he 's going to stay on doing things the same way. The Ministry has n't caught Willinson for good in the three yr they 've been searching and he 's slipped out of their appreciation legion multiplication. It 's not going to be difficult for that Laurentis lady to convince people we need to change tactics, even if her tactics are n't great either."

Albus said zilch for a few moments."How do you get laid all of this ?"

"I 've talked to Amanda more than than you have,"Rose replied."She knows how all of this works, and it 's really not that different in the Muggle world."

"So you think Laurentis is going to win ?"Albus asked.

rosebush laughed."I never said that and it 's far too soon to state. They have n't even debated yet. All I 'm saying is, Uncle Hotspur needs to open his eyes a bit."

Albus did n't reply. He knew that his Uncle Hotspur 's political horizon were slightly different than the quietus of his family 's, but they were still quite similar. If what rosebush was saying was rightful, that meant that his whole family needed to open their heart and Albus was n't sure how he felt about that.


A/N : Sorry about the late update. There were some land site issues. See the meeting place for more contingent about that. Thanks to everyone who has been reading and reviewing !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


"You know, this government class is taking away from our free periods,"whoremaster said the following sunup at breakfast. He shook his mind as he loaded his photographic plate high with scrambled eggs and bacon.

Albus nodded and waited for blush wine 's reply about how they needed to call for reward of any learning opportunities, even if they meant less detached time, but it did n't come in. Albus turned to look at her, thinking she might be ill. She was n't. Instead she was piling her own plate senior high school with eggs and toast. Albus raised his eyebrow at her.

"What ?"she demanded."fille get hungry, too."

"Not that,"Albus replied."John just complained about having another class and you did n't groan and secernate him off."

"I kind of agree with him."Rose shrugged.

"Are you ill ?"Albus asked as he felt her forehead.

Rose pushed his hand away."Stop it, Al. I 'm not saying I wo n't savour the socio-economic class. I 'm just saying that we 're fourth old age and O.W.L.s are closer than ever and we need all the time we can get to analyse. Not that John would use the clock time to study, mind you."

"There 's the Rose we all know."toilet grinned as he stuffed his boldness with bacon.

"I think it 'll be a Nice variety,"Matt put in."Something dissimilar. Notice they gave us chronicle of Magic on two successive mornings. marvel who the retard was who did that."

"Sami one who always gives us classes with the Slytherins, I 'll bet,"John said."two-fold Potions this morning and I 'd bet my right arm and both my peg we 'll be with the Slytherins."

"Why not both your arms and legs ?"Amanda asked.

"On the off-chance that I 'm wrong, I 'll involve some kind of limb to get around with,"John answered.

"I only had one class with the Slytherins last year,"Kaden said."You lot must have terrible luck. I 'd better be off. Defense this morning."

"goodness luck. That prof is eldritch,"Saint John said.

"Ca n't be worse than last year,"Kaden replied as he got up and left.

Albus, Matt, rosebush, and Amanda waited for john to finish his pile of eggs before setting off for the dungeons. When they arrived the door was already open and Albus saw that they were indeed wit the Slytherins again. Scorpio Malfoy was sitting at one of the social movement table, looking rather smug. Albus averted his middle and continued to the back of the classroom, where he sat down in between Matt and John.

"Wonder what he 's so happy about,"Albus muttered as the rest of the scholarly person entered the room.

"I do n't sleep with. But I do n't like it,"lav said.

Slughorn chose that minute to coggle into the elbow room so Albus and John could not continue their conversation."Welcome, welcome ! Ahh, my two favourite houses together again ! What circumstances. Well, well, welcome to fourth year Potions. This is the class that thing get hard since you 'll be sitting your O.W.L.s succeeding year ..."

"Why is it they 're talking about O.W.L.s this year ?"Albus whispered."They 're still over a twelvemonth off."

"... Since today is a double socio-economic class I thought we 'd set about brewing the beginning potion in your textbook and see where your skills lie after a summer of lounging about. Unless some of you happened to study your text books over the summertime !"

Albus glanced at Rose, who was sitting adjacent to Amanda at one of the front tables. She seemed to sit up higher in her seat.

"Let 's get started, then. You can work in yoke of your choosing. The pair that produces the best potion will win a bar of Honeyduke 's chocolate."

John Lackland set off to do work with Janie Creevey who lacked a partner while Albus and matt set up a caldron at their tabular array.

"Remember your gloves,"Slughorn announced."If you touch the terminate product your hand will immediately freeze."

"Does it seem odd to you that we have to concoct a freeze Solution with blast ?"Matt asked as he stuck his scepter under the cauldron to illumine the flame.

"Very,"Albus agreed."So now that we 've had Slughorn for three years, have you noticed that he always starts the twelvemonth with a contest ?"

"Yeah. I bet he uses the Sami programme every year,"Matt added."Ca n't imagine that much changes in terms of potion brewing."

"I bet our parents brewed the same potions,"Albus said.

"I wonder if it 's potential for this potion to blow up,"Matt mused as he tossed a few pieces of chop beet into the cauldron."

"Well, I suppose we 'll retrieve out,"came a drawling phonation from behind them. Albus turned around and saw Malfoy, carrying a few bottleful he must have gotten from the supply closet."I 'm sure you two will handle it, if it 's possible."

"Shut it, Malfoy,"Albus replied.

Malfoy glared at him and then stalked off towards his own table. Albus was slightly surprised that he had left so quickly. It was strange.

"Weird of him to leave so soon,"flatness said, as if reading Albus 's mind.

"Yeah, if you ask me, he 's afraid of you now."

Matt let out a laughter."Yeah, right. If anything he 's finally realized you 're a better duelist than he is and he 's got to view out. Speaking of which, you think you 're going to be police captain of your dueling team this class ?"

"It 's either going to be me or Malfoy,"Albus said.

With everything else that was going on that year, the last thing Albus needed was to be chieftain of his dueling team, but he did not need Malfoy as police captain either. He 'd take away the duplicate work if just to hold on Malfoy from being in tutelage. Malfoy needed power like a blast-ended skrewt needed a flame thrower.

Albus and lustrelessness did not blow up their potion by the end of the class. In fact, their potion had the same consistency that it was supposed to and while it was slightly off-colour, it did manage to freeze the quill Slughorn stuck in it. blush wine and Amanda won the hot chocolate, which was no surprise to anyone.

rose and Amanda shared their drinking chocolate with the boy as they walked up to the Great residence for lunch. Albus and flatness told the girls and John the Evangelist about Malfoy 's bizarre demeanor and Rose told them that they should just be glad he 's backing down, rather than analyze his motivation.

The Great Hall was buzzing with activity when they entered it a few minutes later. Albus sat down at the Gryffindor tabular array and no Oklahoman had he grabbed a paradiddle did Heather toss a copy of the seer onto his plate.

"What 's this ?"Albus asked as he lifted up the paper.

"This dayspring 's Prophet. The owl were later delivering it. Something about a storm in London,"Heather explained.

Albus set down his roll and opened the paper. There on the social movement page was a movie of his Uncle Percy, smiling all-inclusive, in rarify gown, shaking hands with a very marvellous cleaning lady, who was also smiling all-inclusive and wearing elaborate robes. Above the picture was the title,"nominee for minister of illusion Announced."

By this degree rose wine and Matt had crowded on either position of Albus, while Amanda and whoremaster hovered behind him, all trying to take the article. Albus 's optic traveled down the Sir Frederick Handley Page so he could do the same.

In front of the total Ministry of illusion,
minister hopefuls Percy Ignatius Weasley and
Patricia Leigh Laurentis announced their
candidacy on Sept 3rd, 2029. Both
candidates work under Minister Hartwell, yet
are running against each other for opposite
parties.

Weasley, elder Undersecretary for the
mechanical drawing and editing of Laws, has been
chosen to run for the Merlinus company,
which is the party that stream curate
Hartwell represents. Laurentis, Senior
adviser to Law Enforcement and Azkaban
functionary has been chosen to run for the
Paracelsus Party.

A with child crowd turned out for the annunciation,
which is only the commencement of many appearances
by both nominee. The for the first time public debate is
scheduled for September 8th, at the
Ministry of Magic.

"So that 's who your uncle 's running against,"Matt said.

"Guess so,"Albus replied.

"She looks a little like this maths teacher I had before I came to Hogwarts,"Amanda said."She was a scary Lady. I remember once I forgot to do my homework so I spent the entire morning in the loo before someone came looking for me."

"You can tell they both hate each other,"lusterlessness said as he gestured to the mental picture."Sure they 're shaking hands and acting nice but clearly they both want to hex each other."

"It 's just eldritch that she works for Hartwell if she 's the opposite party he is,"Rose mused."Why would Hartwell own hired her ?"

"Maybe she switched company ?"Amanda suggested."It happens in the Muggle world."

"Maybe,"Rose said."It just seems shady. Her trade parties and hinting at all these chemical group alteration. It just seems like something big is going to happen."

Albus could n't help but have the Lapp smell. But all he could do was desire that his uncle won the election and Laurentis would not have the chance to change everything.

"Hey, Al, done with that paper ?"James called from down the table.

Albus nodded and passed the Prophet down, then settling in to eat lunch. There was no point worrying about the election now. It was months away. Plus, the politics class was later that day and Albus was incredibly odd about it.

Transfiguration seemed to drag by since it was the same as it was every class. professor Patil explained about that year 's curriculum and how they needed to lead off thinking about O.W.L.s and the increased workload. It was all rather monotonous and all Albus wanted to do was get to politics since it was something new.

Finally Transfiguration Day was over and Albus and his friends hurried to the one-fifth floor to the classroom where politics was held. They slowed down when they reached the room as none of them wanted to be the first base to enter.

"We better not have this with the Slytherins,"John Lackland muttered as they neared the doorway.

Albus peeked in the door."Nope, Hufflepuffs."

John let out an audible suspiration of substitute and Albus pushed the door spread out as they entered. Only a few Hufflepuffs were there, seated towards the spine, and the professor was nowhere in sight. blush wine immediately claimed a desk in the figurehead and Amanda chose one future to her, while Albus and the other son headed to the group of Hufflepuffs in the vertebral column.

"Do you suppose there will be homework in this form ?"John the Evangelist asked as they sat down.

Albus raised his eyebrows."Is that a grave question ?"

John Lackland shrugged."wellspring it 's not like there will be an O.W.L. We probably wo n't even stimulate this class following yr. So why would there be homework ?"

"Because it 's a class and this is Hogwarts,"Albus replied."I guarantee there will be homework."

The quietus of the stratum filed in, filling in the seats that remained in the middle of the classroom. As the bell rang, Professor Embry entered, walking with an air that this class would be all body of work and no caper.

"Good afternoon,"Professor Embry began as he shuffled a few written document on his desk."Welcome to BASIC Wizarding government. I am professor Embry and you will plow me such."

Embry stepped out from behind his desk and began to rate the length of the classroom."I understand that most of you know absolutely cypher about political science and assume that the Minister of Magic is born the Minister and laws just magically come into existence. A select few of you,"his center rested on Albus, and then on Matt, and on two Hufflepuff girls,"have parents in the Ministry and may suffer slightly more knowledge than the rest, but that would be rather generous of me to assume.

"Hogwarts has not put practically bet in political educational activity before now, something that I feel is lacking in today 's Education and wish to rectify this twelvemonth. The programme will include account of how our government came to be the way it is today as well as how the government is currently run."

The grade let out a corporate grown at the Word history. Albus glanced at pink wine, who was on the edge of her seat.

"But sir,"a particularly gay Hufflepufff boy announced,"we 've already learned the chronicle. We take story of Magic."

Embry let out a unretentive laugh."With Professor Binns ? If I may be straight-from-the-shoulder, that man died before almost of the history happened. Along with that, he 'll put a rock to sleep."Embry chuckled. No one in the family dared to laugh."I 'm going to fall in you a right history of our Modern authorities, starting with a brief overview of what the political science was like before the reign of Voldemort and a more comprehensive overview of what it is like today.

"I will also devote a class period each to the way the government is run in Anatole France, the United States, and Australia. Now, since you were not aware that this class would withdraw place, you have not acquired books. Therefore I have purchased them for you. You are to care for them as library Christian Bible and return them to me in standardized consideration at the end of the year. Lest your parents be billed."

Embry flicked his wand and stacks of books flew out of a nearby closet. They landed softly in front of the students. Albus glanced down and read the title of respect. political relation and Government in Bodoni Wizarding U.K. by Beatrice Holden. It looked about as dull as the cupboard it had come out of.

"Very good. Now, get out parchment and quill pen. I 'm not going to let the ease of this class geological period go to thriftlessness,"Embry said as he tapped his verge on the board. promissory note immediately appeared on it.

Embry lectured for the residuum of the course about how the first authorities was formed in U.K.. It was incredibly dry. The just reason Albus stayed awake was because he had to take notes. Literally had to. Embry caught a John not taking note of hand and threatened him with custody this Saturday if he did n't start.

"That 's all for today,"Embry said after the bell rang."succeeding form we 'll fast forward in time and learn about the government pre-Voldemort. Read the first chapter for homework and fall up with three thoughtful questions to baffle to the relief of the family. Dismissed."

"How does Hogwarts draw the most bizarre instructor ?"Albus asked once they were out of earreach of the classroom.

"Kendrick must put it on the list of job requirements,"John replied."mustiness be out of your freaking mind to take this position."

"I think he 's professional,"Rose piped in."It seems like we 'll really memorize stuff."

"Why bother ?"St. John asked."It 's not like we 're old enough to experience a say in the government anyway."

"But we will one day,"Amanda pointed out."And to be good, I 'd be a bit afraid if everyone our age felt like you do, John. Muggles get politics course of instruction in shoal. It makes sense that we should, too."

"She 's got a full stop, mate,"mat said."Who has the power in your body politic matters. If you elect the wrong multitude, things can go horribly wrong. Not everyone gets to elect their drawing card, either. We do n't even get to do that fully. The stance that Albus 's dad has and my dad cause ? In the United States, those are elected placement. Not here."

"And before Voldemort, we did n't even elect our rector,"rose wine said.

"How do you lot even know this stuff ?"can asked as they drew closer to the Gryffindor common room.

"Parents."Amanda shrugged."It 's amazing what you pick up when your parents think you 're too Lester Willis Young to care to eavesdrop."

"Wait."St. John stopped in the centre of the corridor and looked at his friends."delay. Now that we know about your uncle, you lot all have family involved with the Ministry, wether it 's the magical ministry or the Muggle ministry."

Albus grinned sheepishly."Guess so."

bathroom groaned."This is insane. Why could n't I have picked normal protagonist ?"

"Normal is highly overrated,"lusterlessness said as they reached the Fat lady.

******


The respite of the week went by fairly quickly, in Albus 's opinion. Everyone, bookman and instructor, fell back into their usual Hogwarts modus operandi and by the time Friday arrived Albus had a mint of preparation as high as his bed and was Sir Thomas More than cook for a few days off. But when he saw the notice plug-in in the rough-cut room when he got back from magic spell on Fri afternoon, he knew that would not be entirely possible.

Fred had scheduled Quidditch praxis on Saturday at eight in the dayspring.

"Eight !"Albus exclaimed."In the daybreak ? Is he thoroughly insane ? It 's the offset calendar week back ! Even Sakartvelo was n't disturbed enough to do that."

"roughneck luck, mate,"John said as he tossed his bag onto a nearby couch."Eight in the forenoon. Let 's see, I 'll be snuggled up in bed. What about you, lustrelessness ? What will you be doing at eight in the morning ? Flying through the rain ? Trudging through the mud to the pitch ?"

"line not."Matt grinned."I 'll be cozy in bed, having an amazing aspiration where I 'm playing for the shank. In utter consideration of course."

"The Cannons are the only team you 'd ever have promise of playing for,"John replied.

Albus threw himself down on the sofa. Fred was insane. That was all there was to it. Well, he could apply for a professor position once he graduated. He 'd see the insanity requirement.

"Speak of the Beelzebub,"John said as Fred entered the usual room.

"You !"Albus shouted as he got up."Why in the name of everything Merlin owns did you schedule exercise at eight in the morning on a Saturday ? Not everyone 's a seventh year taking four stratum. We ca n't all sleep in every bloody day."

Fred shrugged."Had to. pitching is booked solid all weekend except for Saturday morning and evening. All the other houses are having try-outs. We ca n't even guard our Keeper try-outs until next weekend because of it."

"Why not the eventide then ?"

"Bradley 's got to get an show at Uncle Percy 's speech."Fred rolled his centre.

"Then why have practice at all ? We do n't ask to coach anyone new until we get a new custodian,"Albus pointed out.

"It 's been a whole summer. We 're rusty. We 've got to take up training early. I want that Quidditch trophy."

"We 've been playing Quidditch all summertime,"Albus said flatly.

"looking, Al, I 'm not changing it. only peck with it,"Fred said as he continued up to his dorm.

Albus spent the residual of the eventide fuming about exercise and cursing Fred under his breath, until blush wine suggested they all go to the Room after dinner. Albus reluctantly agreed, knowing that if they went to the elbow room he 'd be up half the night and would only get a few hr'rest.

In the end he was glad rose suggested it. They spent the evening performing Gobstones and Exploding Snap and listening to John and Kaden think up new ways to prank the Slytherins, and more specifically, Scorpius Malfoy. Eventually, Albus decided to name it a night and headed back to his dorm, leaving his friends to continue discussing whether it would be amend to turn Malfoy 's whisker red or purple.

Only a few short hours later Albus found himself sneaking quietly out of his dormitory at an minute of day that was only imply to be seen on weekdays. He grabbed his broom and went to fit his teammates in the common room.

No one looked well-chosen. Saint James the Apostle was nodding off on the couch while Ryan attempted to tie his shoes without opening his eyes. Calluna vulgaris 's hair was sticking up at odd Angle while she tried to subdue it into a ponytail. Tom Bradley was sulking in an armchair. Even Fred looked a picayune worse for wear. But they trudged through the castle, only seeing Peeves loosening a few door hinges and Filch 's cat skulking behind a courtship of armor.

The weather was at least overnice and the four hours they spent on the rake went by relatively fast. Albus and his teammates landed on the solid ground as the Slytherin Quidditch team made their way onto the rake. Albus glared at them as they passed.

Without going up to his dormitory room to change, Albus headed into the Great Charles Martin Hall hoping there would be something good for lunch. Having skipped breakfast, he was starving. He spotted his friends halfway down the Gryffindor mesa and after stowing his broom underneath the bench, he sat down and grabbed the nearest dish.

"You could at to the lowest degree rain shower first gear, Al,"Rose said."You stink."

"Too starved,"Albus replied.

"Albus !"Lily called from down the table. She got up and headed over to him."Mum and Dad sent this earlier."She handed him a piece of lambskin."They want us to go to the argumentation tonight since it 's the first one and all. We 're expected to Floo from Kendrick 's study to the Ministry at five."

Albus groaned as he read the letter."That gives me about four minute to slack up and possibly do homework."

"Are you going to have to go to every disputation ?"rose asked.

"Hope not,"Albus replied in between bite."You do n't have to go ?"

"Have n't gotten anything about it. Dad probably does n't even want to go himself so he wo n't make us. And Mum probably expects that it would just withdraw away from my studies."

"This says I have to hold out raiment gown,"Albus muttered.

"At least you can tell us if anything good happens,"lustrelessness said.

"And what about you ? Your dad 's high in the Ministry. Why are n't you going ?"Albus asked, heroic to find someone else who could keep him company.

"He already told me over the summer that I 'll only possess to go to one at Hogwarts. And then whatever political party the campaigner will confound for the functionary. Does n't intend an election should give very much issue on my life,"matte explained.

"Lucky,"Albus replied.

Albus made the most of the rest of the day. He and his friends took homework down to the lake, but it sat ignored under a beech tree while they sat by the boundary of the lake and dangled their feet in. Kaden swore the goliath Squid tried to eat his foot, but nonentity believed him. rose wine and Amanda took a manner of walking by themselves along the sharpness of the forest, insisting that none of the male child follow.

Kaden pulled a Fanged Frisbee out of his bag once the missy left and the boys began tossing it around. This was great fun until the Frisbee decided it had had enough of being thrown and took out a surgical incision of Kaden 's whisker, leaving his head bleeding rather profusely and Albus, can, and mat having to rush him to the hospital wing. By the time Kaden 's head had been bandaged up and all four had received a talk on the dangers of Fanged Frisbees ( dame Pomfrey somehow figured out that that was the cause ) it was time for Albus to head back to Gryffindor tugboat to get cook for the public debate.


A/N : Sorry for the lack of a May update. School was insane. But I only have a class left ! I 'm now home for the summer and am having issues getting my Internet to cooperate with HPFF. Things take a recollective time to load and I can not reply to reviews. I will still read every review, but answer will take a while since I have to be at the library to reply to them.

Since I last updated I 've had some issuing with people plagiarizing my stories. I really hate that I have to severalize you guys this, but it is against the rules to assume anyone 's floor from here and put them on other land site. It 's also against the regulation to get plot of land, theatrical role, etc without license. I do not give my permit for anyone to take my plot of land or characters. I 'm really glad that you guys like my tarradiddle, but please do n't take them.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


If there was one affair Albus hated it was getting dressed up for Ministry result. He had always been slightly uncomfortable with his dad 's celebrity and Ministry position because he hated the attention. James had always been the type who would bask in the attention, enjoying when all the Ministry officials proclaimed how big he was getting and how he was for sure to be the star of Gryffindor 's Quidditch team. Lily was rather immaterial towards it. She never really expressed emotion about the attention one way or another. She enjoyed getting dressed up but once they were at whatever party, she would go off and do her own affair. Albus just did not like it. He did not like getting his cheeks pinched by old ladies and did not the like random people telling him how tall he was getting. As he got honest-to-goodness, he did not like it any more.

But it was a fact of life-time and so Albus found himself once again forcing himself into a set of emerald cat valium frock robes. They were wrinkled, but he did n't know any sort of ironing good luck charm so he let them be. It 's not like anyone would be focused on him anyway. This was his Uncle Hotspur 's night and it seemed like this entire yr was going to be his Uncle Percy 's class.

Albus tamed his hair with a bit of water and then met James, Lily, Thomas Bradley, and Cedric in the park room. James looked suave and perfectly comfortable in his blue dress robes, whereas Bradley and Cedric looked like they were being force fed crappy Pisces in their matching greyness robe. Lily was wearing a empurple dress and as usual, did n't seem to throw an opinion about going to the public debate.

"So you three got roped into this, too ?"Omar Bradley asked as they made their way to Kendrick 's study.

"Yeah, Mum sent us a alphabetic character this break of day,"Lily explained."I guess Dad thinks we should be at the start one."

"At to the lowest degree you do n't stimulate to go to all of them,"Bradley muttered.

The rest of the stumble to Kendrick 's study was still. When they arrived they saw that Kendrick was in dress robes as well and was apparently escorting them to the Ministry and would stay to watch the debate. He handed them each a bit of Floo powder and let them go first.

Albus stepped into the Floo after King James and soon found himself in the Ministry of Magic 's entry hall. The place was far quieter than it was the close sentence he had been there, the watch year, when he went with lusterlessness to tell his dad about Lubar being at Hogwarts.

Kendrick led them to the rhytidectomy and down to the court rooms."The only place big enough to accommodate everyone witnessing the argumentation. Even still, it 's an invitation only case. It 's being broadcasted over the wireless, however. Kendrick stopped in figurehead of court elbow room ten and opened the door. The room was about half full. Albus spotted his mother 's bright red hair in the first row of seating room. He followed Kendrick down the stairs.

Albus 's auntie Corrine was sitting with his parents, along with a rather lowering looking Georgia and the twins, who were both reading books. Kendrick began to speak quietly to Harry as Albus and the others filed into the row. James, Thomas Bradley, and Cedric immediately began to speak of Quidditch and Albus listened in. They were speculating on who would show up for Keeper try-outs the following weekend. Georgia immediately perked up and began giving the boys advice on who they should hold on an eye out for.

It soon became obvious that the will side of the front row of the seating area was reserved for Walker Percy 's family. They were joined by all of Albus 's aunts and uncles, as well as Victoire, chemise, and Stanley. In fact the only one of his older cousins that was not there was Gabriella. Albus wanted to ask Victoire where she was but she was too far away.

Albus assumed that the maiden row on the right side was reserved for Laurentis 's family, although Albus did n't recognize a unity one of the people in that row. He turned around and focused on the people filing in. He recognized a few of them including lusterlessness 's parents and a few other Ministry official he 'd met before. matte 's parents sat down behind Albus 's parents, next to prof Kendrick. Albus briefly wished that lusterlessness had been forced to go, but quickly erased that thinking because what form of admirer would wish their best Friend had to assist a political debate ?

The chatter in the room immediately subsided when Minister Hartwell entered followed by a few of his nighest adviser. Behind them were Hotspur and Laurentis, both wearing Ministry gown. Hartwell and his consultant sat along a table at the social movement of the room while Percy and Laurentis stood behind ambo, also at the nominal head of the room. The Minister spoke with his advisor briefly while Percy and Laurentis smiled and waved at the crowd. Then one of the advisor rose from his seat.

He was a portly man, whose robes stretched very tightly across his middle. He was completely denudate and had no whiskers, but a very panoptic moustache. Aiming his wand at his own pharynx, he muttered a turn and then set his scepter down.

"Welcome,"his voice boomed over the audience,"to the get-go argument of the 2020 election for Minister of Magic. Our two candidates, Hotspur St. Ignatius Weasley and Patricia Leigh Laurentis, join us tonight for an introductory public debate on a salmagundi of issues. My name is Wendell York and I am the head of the Department of Magical Transportation and will function as moderator for tonight 's debate. I will pose the topic and each candidate will get five proceedings to respond, then two moment for a rebuttal.

"The firstly topic is how our humanity is concealed from Muggles. Do you think the current Ministry is doing an adequate job ? What changes would you educe ? Mr. Weasley, you may go first."

Albus yawned. Why could n't it be an shake issue like catching darkness superstar ? Or at to the lowest degree something relevant to his life, like the deficiency of goodness Defense professors at Hogwarts. Now that would be a debate he 'd be interested in. Albus turned towards Sir Henry Percy and realized he had n't even been paying attention to lots of his uncle 's response.

"... electric current police force do a satisfactory job of concealing our world from Muggles. Magic sightings by Muggles are low in issue and when they do occur Obliviators do an fantabulous job of altering the retention of our Muggle neighbors ..."Harry Hotspur droned on.

Albus turned to King James I who rolled his eyes. Could they have come up with a more boring issue ? Albus seriously doubted it. Except perhaps cauldron bottom thickness, which was a report Percy had done when he first started at the Ministry, according to Harry. Albus glanced at his dad. He was paying attention, but in that certain way of paying attention that meant he was really tire but was trying to fake it. Even Corrine looked slightly bored.

"Thank you, Mr. Weasley,"Wendell York said."Ms. Laurentis, your turn."

"I disagree with Mr. Weasley,"Laurentis began."One sighting of our kind by Muggles is too many. Each time a Muggle catches mass of an act of deception puts our entire world at risk, and not only Great Britain 's wizarding populace. We have a province to the world that we celebrate our magic under wrapper. According to end year 's statistics we were in the top five rural area in terms of numbers of sightings. That 's not good ..."

Laurentis went on and on about various laws that could be enacted to ensure that Muggles did not see enactment of illusion until Wendell House of York cut her off. He then let Percy give his two minute rebuttal, during which he went on about how it was an impossible goal to try, to achieve no magic sightings by Muggles. Laurentis 's rebuttal was basically just a re-statement of her previous tilt.

Albus tuned much of the debate out, focusing instead on what he wanted to do during the flow school year. He was a quarter class, which meant he was no longer one of the young kids. He 'd been on the Quidditch team for two years and now he was hoping he 'd be able to have some say in how drill went and how equal were played. Then there was the Dueling Club. Each of the eight teams had a captain and the master were fourth days. prof, mostly Neville, picked the maitre d'. Albus knew it would be down to either him or Scorpio and as much as he did not really want the obligation of being senior pilot, he did not want Scorpio to accept power over him. He would use that to his advantage.

The argument wore on and Albus continued to not pay care until he heard the words 'education'and 'Hogwarts'. That got his attending. It was Laurentis 's turn to go first.

"I think educational reform is the best way to go. Hogwarts has been ran the same way for generations and while no one can deny that Headmaster Kendrick runs a wonderful school, we also can not ignore that alteration could be made to benefit the student. The world is a constantly changing place and educational activity needs to keep up in order for our educatee to be better devise.

"The family choices for object lesson. It is my agreement that a new class has been added this year about politics, which I think is greatly beneficial to pupil. But early than that the same classes are offered now as have been offered for decades. New classes need to be phased in while old ones that either no longer interest pupil need to be phased out. Obviously I am not talking about effect division such as Potions and magical spell, but electives.

"Teachers also need to be kept up to escort with late determination in their theatre. They should not be teaching the Same information I or my resister learned at Hogwarts. They should be teaching the newest valid data available-"

"Thank you, Ms. Laurentis, but your time is up. Mr. Weasley."

"My opponent brings up an interesting point, but even she admits that Headmaster Kendrick is running an excellent school. I believe that some government regulation is necessary, example being last twelvemonth 's incident with prof Balladanis, but we as politics officials do not receive the training nor experience needed to properly run a schooltime. I, as well as my antagonist, would be kidding ourselves if we believed we could do a better job running Hogwarts than professor Kendrick.

"Just as prof most probable believe it best to leave law devising and the run of the country to those such as my opponent and I, I believe it unspoiled to go out the running of Hogwarts to Professor Kendrick and the early professor. In end, I believe that Hogwarts is fine as is and if the headmaster thought he needed administration aid bringing about change in course of study he would ask."

"Thank you, Mr. Weasley,"the moderator said."Ms. Laurentis, your rebuttal."

"I in no way stated that I am trying to run Hogwarts. Nor do I think I would do a ameliorate job of it than professor Kendrick. I am merely stating that the students would benefit from more government intervention. If the Ministry had been more involved with teacher excerpt, for example, we could have possibly avoided hiring Professor Balladanis lastly year."

"Mr. Weasley."

"My opponent is speculating. There is no way for anyone to say whether government activity officials would own found prof Balladanis to be an inappropriate professor during his interview. In fact, I would lean towards the opposite, considering that neither I or my opponent have ever hired a professor before."

Both Hotspur and Laurentis were red in the font. Albus was surprised a Ministry sponsor debate could get so heated. He craned his head and turned around in guild to see what Kendrick 's chemical reaction to all this was, but found that Kendrick was hiding his emotions far better than either Percy or Laurentis. It also seemed that everyone in the room was paying rapt attention, including James and Lily. The only two people who were n't were Samantha and Lindy.

There was one final question about law fashioning that Albus did n't really sympathise, nor did he like to understand. He was far more worry in the Hogwarts query. Walker Percy 's argument was far better, in his thought. Hogwarts was finely the way it was. Why did Laurentis neediness to change everything ? What sort of modification was she talking about, anyway ? He supposed the topic would be explored more specifically at the training themed public debate which was scheduled to subscribe situation at Hogwarts the following month. But one intellection that Albus could not get out of his head was that if Laurentis won, what would happen to Hogwarts ?
******


"The only change I want to see at Hogwarts is less preparation and fewer examination,"John said as he walked with Albus and the rest of their admirer to the Great Hall.

A week had passed since the initiative public debate and educatee were still talking about the possible changes to Hogwarts. A very large full Page spread had appeared in the Daily prophet the day after the debate, proclaiming that Laurentis wished to change Hogwarts. This had both student and professors up in weaponry and things were only beginning to becalm down. The prof had been on edge the late calendar week, snapping at educatee for nada and assigning extra homework. This resulted in the scholarly person being very distressed. Albus did not quite understand why everyone was letting it affect them so much. It 's not similar Laurentis had won. Yet.

It was early on Sat morning and Albus and his champion were heading to the Great Hall for the first Junior 's Dueling Club meeting of the yr. Albus 's nerves were on end. It was at this first merging that the headwaiter would be announced.

"If Scorpius gets captain I 'm going to murder something,"John muttered as they entered the Great Hall.

"You 're not even on his squad,"rosebush said.

"I am and I could n't brook it if he won,"Amanda pointed out.

"If he 's captain, tournaments are going to be awful,"Saint John the Apostle countered."Plus, I 'm Al 's friend."

The Great Hall was in slew chaos, as it always was during the first gear merging of the yr. Two squad were congregated at each tabular array and much to Albus 's disdain, his team was holding court of law at the Slytherin mesa. He weaved his way through the jumble second class who had yet to be assigned a team and stood side by side to his team. Scorpius was seated across the mesa from him.

"Well, Potter, gear up to be under my captaincy ?"Scorpius greeted him.

"I could say the same to you,"Albus replied."What makes you so sure you 'll get it ?"

"I 'm the better dueler, obviously."Scorpius smirked.

"Quiet, quiet everyone !"Neville shouted.

Albus turned away from Scorpio and swallowed the desire to make a come back and paid attention to Neville instead. Professor Patil stood next to him. Albus supposed the new defense team professor had not had a desire to help with the Dueling social club. Somehow, Albus was not surprised.

"Thank you,"Neville said."First I 'd like to announce that professor Patil has graciously agreed to help me patronize this year 's Dueling nine. As a reminder, all squad must make a professor nowadays during practices and it is up to the team chieftain to coordinate practice times and locate a professor to sit in. The professor does not have to be myself or professor Patil. However, this year we are allowing seventh year Dueling Club members to supervise as well. So as an option, you may ask a seventh yr to supervise.

"First order of business is this class 's indorse twelvemonth. I 've already assigned you to squad and shall now read off the list."

Albus let his mind wander while Neville read off the list. The only second days he knew were his babe, and she was assigned to Matt 's team, as well as Hugo, who was assigned to John and Kaden 's team. A crop of shy looking indorse geezerhood had congregated at his own team 's maculation and he smiled at them, encouraging them to take seats next to the Old educatee. There were five of them. Two boys and three girls. Three Ravenclaws, a Slytherin, and a Hufflepuff. No Gryffindors, but Albus could dwell with that.

"And now, what I am sure all the quaternary years have been waiting for, senior pilot announcements ! Let me remind you that I, as well as the other professors who have been involved with this club have been watching you over the past two class and have chosen not only olympian dueler, but exceeding leaders. Without promote adieu.

"The senior pilot of team One is Marina Jordan-Bell."

Cheers erupted for Marina, mostly from the Hufflepuff table, where her team was seated. Albus grinned. Marina was very nice and would make an excellent captain.

"The captain of Team Two is Harvey Tucker."

Saint John the Apostle and Kaden 's team. William Harvey was a Ravenclaw and all Albus knew about him was that he knew every answer in every single class.

"The captain of team Three is Peter Smith."

A Hufflepuff. His sire had attended schooltime with Albus 's parents and they had n't liked him much.

"The captain of team Four is Lydia Thompson."

A rather snobby Slytherin whom was often seen with Scorpio. Scorpius grinned and clapped loudly for her.

"The captain of Team quintuplet is Jace Johnson."

Rose 's team. Jace was a Hufflepuff who did n't seem to ever be not happy. It was sort of bizarre, actually.

"The captain of team Six is Raisha Sweeney."

A Hufflepuff that Albus did n't know well. He swallowed hard. Team 7 was next and that was his team.

"The captain of Team Seven is Albus Potter."

whoremonger 's whistling could be heard above everyone 's cheering. Albus grinned. His integral team ( economize for Scorpio and his friends ) were clapping hard. He 'd done it. He 'd made captain ! All the incertitude he 'd had over the summer about it had disappeared. He, Albus thrower, was the new skipper of Team Seven.

"The captain of squad Eight is Dayton Coons."

matt 's team. Dayton was another Ravenclaw who had multiple encyclopaedia in his brain.

"That 's all for today. Captains, delight figure out a time for your first recitation, which should occupy space during the next two weeks. Once you have a date, please see me to get a schoolroom. Then find a professor or seventh year to supervise.

Scorpius did not say one countersign as Albus talked with the rest of his team and figured out a drill clock time that did not interfere with four different Quidditch teams, Gobstones Club, and Bromus secalinus lodge. Eventually he settled on the following Th evening. Neville assigned them to an empty schoolroom on the 6th floor. Albus figured he 'd ask a seventh class to supervise rather than a professor. It was less intimidating for his commencement practice.

Albus 's protagonist joined him at the door to the Great Radclyffe Hall. Scorpius brushed past them, but did not say a word. He looked like he was cook to dispatch someone. Albus thought he looked far too furious over a bemused captaincy. It was just the Junior 's Dueling Club anyway.

"Did Malfoy say anything to you ?"John asked on their way back to Gryffindor.

"Not a word,"Albus replied.

"Do n't think about him,"pink wine said."What 's the point ? You made captain and that 's all that matters."

Albus grinned."Most of the captains are jolly decent, too. I mean Lydia 's kind of irritating, but the rest are n't bad."

"It 's going to be a unspoilt year for dueling, that 's for sure as shooting,"Matt agreed.

The six Friend discussed dueling all the way back to the common elbow room. When they entered they saw a preindication that said 'Congratulations Albus and Marina !'Unopened butterbeers cluttered one of the board and all of Albus 's cousin-german were cracking them unfold. Marina was surrounded by her friends and Albus was accosted by his cousin as soon as he entered. mortal thrust a butterbeer into his hand and patted him on the back. He smiled as he looked out at the common room, at the political party that his full cousin had thrown together for himself and Marina. lusterlessness was not only properly about the fact that it would be a good year for dueling. It was going to be a secure year in general.


A/N : So I bet you 're all confused about the name alteration ! wellspring, I 've been doing some thinking and a plot change was needed. The chapters that are already posted wo n't be affected. The change only affects what I have n't written yet. But the old title was n't going to work with the new secret plan, so I had to commute it. I like the new one improve anyway. And do n't vex, Percy will still run for pastor. Actually, the new patch focuses more on that.

To answer in advance, because I know this will come up, I wo n't secern what the old plot was going to be. I 'd rather citizenry not compare the old plot with the one that will actually be written.

If any of you are on the meeting place, you 'll have a go at it about the tragedy we had last week. Liza Potter on the archives ( and lizzacc on the forum ) has died. She was a fan of my Albus serial and told me once that they were the first stories she ever read on HPFF. She will be missed. I am dedicating this chronicle to you, liza.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


The next day Albus found himself on the Quidditch lurch staring at all of the new Gryffindor Keeper hopefuls. There were a lot of them. Try-outs were scheduled to lead off in fifteen minutes, yet the sales talk had been packed since before luncheon. Albus speculated that some wannabe, including Hugo, had not even taken a fault for lunch. poor people Hugo need n't give birth bothered skipping his meal since even an extra half hour of practice would not have got helped him.

bookman from arcsecond through seventh year were hoping for a situation on the squad, including Janie Creevey. Albus recognized virtually of them, but there were a few older scholar whom he did not. Along with the Gryffindors, there were illustration from former teams, surely there to check over out Gryffindor 's new keeper.

Albus stood on the sales pitch a few measure from the crew, with his team. Fred was holding a clipboard and Heather was standing next to him, gazing out at the educatee hoping for a spot. James, Bradley, and Ryan were laughing about something.

"Quiet, please, everyone !"Fred shouted. The Gryffindors immediately settled down. A few flew back down to the priming and dismounted, some not very gracefully."Thank you. We only need a custodian this twelvemonth. And if you ca n't Keep, you 're not going to get on the team. If you 're hoping to get in as Keeper and then take another 's spot when they graduate, you might as well not waste your time."

Wow, Albus thought to himself, Fred was channeling both Georgia and Samantha Meyers. Usually he would joke around at try-outs, but Albus supposed since he was now in charge, things had changed.

A few of the young students walked slowly off the sales talk and into the bandstand, looking clearly disappointed.

"All right then, I 'm going to have you fly around the lurch to assess your basic flying skill. If you 're not up to par on that, you 'll be eliminated. Then we 'll move on to guarding the finish posts."

Albus stood back while Fred had the hopefuls fly overlap around the pitch. Quite a few could not even manage to fly straight or execute turns properly. About a quarter of them were eliminated during the offset ten minutes. half of the remaining Gryffindors were eliminated within the first off ten moment of goal keeping, including Hugo. He hung his point as he walked to the stands, broom trailing behind him. Albus felt bad for him.

The rest of the of the scholarly person took longsighted to eliminate. After about an hr the amount had been narrowed down to ten and they all seemed to be similar in skill.

"I think the simply carnival way to do this is to eliminate anyone who misses a save. Last one standing, er, flying, gets the dapple,"Fred announced.

It took another half hr to finish the try-outs. To Albus 's surprisal, the achiever was Janie Creevey. Albus had had no thought that she even played Quidditch until he saw her at the try-outs. She grinned as she dismounted from her broom and accepted the congratulation from the rest of the team.

"Nice to have another little girl,"Heather said."I thought I 'd be the only one after Empire State of the South left."

"I thought your cousin-german Hugo would get picked,"Ryan replied."Who knew he was the sole Weasley who ca n't play Quidditch ?"

"Have you seen Rose on a Calluna vulgaris ?"Albus asked.

Janie grinned."I 've played since I was picayune. So happy to sustain won the daub. When 's first base practice ?"

"right hand now,"Fred said."We 've got the pitch all afternoon."

Albus sighed. Fred was turning into Georgia. But Albus enjoyed Quidditch and it was a bright and sunny day, so it would n't be bad.

drill lasted a few hr and Albus was thoroughly exhausted by the time it was over. He immediately went back to his dormitory to engage a shower and then set off to locate his friend. Dinner would be served shortly and Albus was starved.

Albus 's supporter were in the piranha 's Den, just where he had predicted when he did n't see them in the Gryffindor common room when he had traipsed through after recitation. Saint John the Apostle and Kaden were playing chess and Kaden was trouncing toilet, like usual. rosiness and Amanda were sitting on the redact discussing an essay that Cedonia had assigned the previous week. Matt was not there since the full moon had been the previous night.

"Albus !"John exclaimed after Al had shut the door."So, who 's the new Gryffindor Keeper ?"

"You 're never gon na believe it, but Janie Creevey,"Albus answered as he collapsed onto a nearby chair."Apparently she has been playing Quidditch for ages and was just waiting for the custodian position to open."

"Seriously ?"John asked."She never mentioned it all these years that we 've been brewing potions together."

"She 's probably too busy making sure you do n't blow anything up,"pink wine replied.

"Hey, I 'm improve than Al and Matt are,"john muttered.

"public speaking of matte, have you lot been to see him today ?"Albus asked.

"Yeah, but he was asleep so madam Pomfrey did n't let us stay. Figured we 'd go after supper,"lav answered.

"Let 's get going now,"Albus said, standing up."Should be starting soon."

Everyone nodded in agreement and they set off towards the Great Hall. The corridors were filled with students who had spent the day outdoors and Albus felt very subject matter walking alongside his ally, despite how every single one of his muscles ached from recitation.

"Shhhh, look !"St. John the Apostle seethed as he grabbed the book binding of Albus 's shirt and pulled him into a doorway. Kaden, Rose, and Amanda followed, all looking curiously at John.

"What is it ?"rosebush asked.

"Shush !"King John whispered."It 's Scorpio and Willinson 's cousin. What was his name again ?"

"Felix,"Kaden muttered."Slimy git."

"Who 's that with them ?"Amanda asked.

Albus craned his head around the door frame. Scorpio and Felix were standing side by side to a few suit of clothes of armour, forefront leaned in towards each other. There was a girl about a brain curt than Scorpius with them. She and Felix had the Same color hair, except hers was foresighted and curly.

"She 's a first year. I remember seeing her a the Sorting but I do n't remember her epithet,"Rose answered.

"I have half a judgment to save her from the two of them,"John muttered."She 'd be better off not getting mixed up with the likes of them."

"She 's a Slytherin,"Amanda pointed out."She could be just like them for all we know."

Scorpius began walking down the corridor and Felix and the girlfriend followed. Albus and his friend watched them until they turned a niche, disappearing out of sight.

"Wyrd,"Albus said as they began walking to dinner once more."I 've never seen Malfoy befriending showtime long time, except for Willinson when he came here."

"You 're paranoid,"rosebush said."They were just talking and they 're in the same theatre. Maybe she had a question or something."

"He 's Malfoy,"Albus responded."He 's up to something."

"Oh Merlin."Rose let out an exasperated sigh."Two week into the term and you 're already picking a row with him."

"Remember last year ?"Albus asked."I 'm only trying to avert something like that again."

"Fine. But I 'm not getting involved,"Rose muttered.

Albus walked in silence the rest of the way to the Great mansion. Rose may give birth been right. Albus may have just been being paranoiac, but deep down he had a feeling that Malfoy and Willinson were n't just talking about homework.
******


flatness returned from the hospital wing two days later and the month wore on in its usual way. The professor were assigning more than and more homework and it took longer and longer to dispatch.

Once October arrived agitation began to brew when the inaugural Hogsmeade weekend was announced. The sojourn was scheduled for the Saturday before Halloween and Kaden in finicky was very excited. He never did manage to make it to Hogsmeade under the Invisibility Cloak the late year.

Albus 's first dueling practice had gone particularly well. Albus had been pleasantly surprised. Even Scorpio had cooperated and done what Albus had told him to do, although that may have been solely because prof Cedonia had been represent during the practice. His team was shaping up well and he had high up Leslie Townes Hope for them winning many tournaments. Quidditch had been going equally as well. Janie had fit seamlessly into their team.

Albus wished he could say things were going equally well for the election. Ever since the first argumentation diverse magazines and radio set show had been latching onto Percy 's affirmation about education and his lack of willingness to switch, as they had put it.

"Dad 's really stressed,"Bradley said one night at dinner. The Weasleys and ceramist were all eating together in club to discuss the election."Does n't write us as much and when he does it 's always about the election."

"Not to mention the five page spread that whiz magazine is doing about our kin,"Cedric muttered as he gnawed on a Republic of Turkey leg."That 's sure to fuel the fire."

"When is that ?"Albus asked.

"Tomorrow,"Omar Bradley answered."Only good division is we got permission to leave out all of our classes."

"Is it really going to be five pages ?"James asked."What are they going to put in it ?"

"Dad 's aliveness news report,"Cedric answered."Plus a few paragraphs on each of us and Mum about our life. Just a well-chosen article about how we all love each early and Dad 's a family unit man. That 's what his effort managing director wants to portray him as seeing that Laurentis does n't have any kids."

"And Uncle Percy has a solid lot,"James pointed out.

"Hey, you lot better ticker out. When Dad told us about this he mentioned that they 're going to do another on the entire Weasley-Potter clan,"Cedric announced.

"Did he say when ?"James asked.

"Around Christmas Day, I think. Adds to the happy house atmosphere,"Cedric explained.

"Then they ought to interview Uncle George III when he 's had a bit too much eggnog."St. James the Apostle laughed.

"When 's the next debate, anyway ?"Albus asked."Must be coming up soon."

"This weekend, actually,"Bradley replied."At the Ministry again. I think this one 's focusing on law origination and enforcement or something equally as boring."

"Do we give birth to go to it ?"Lily asked.

"I do n't think so,"St. James answered."Dad said we just had to go to the ace at Hogwarts from now on."

"oral presentation of elections, what does everyone think of that political relation class ?"Albus asked.

"prof 's very vivid,"James said in between snack."But it 's not nearly as awful as the early classes. There 's no O.W.L. in it so it 's my current favorite."

"Yeah and I think we 're at an advantage,"Cedric said."With our parents being in the Ministry and stuff. A few of my booster have absolutely no melodic theme about anything to do with the Ministry so they 're having a hard time."

Professor Embry seemed to be teaching the class in chronological order and thus was currently lecturing on how the Ministry was organized prior to the fall of Voldemort. Albus thought it was a picayune boring but he had a smell it would get more interest once Embry started on the fall of Voldemort.

"And that 's why the course of study is necessary,"Rose said."Think about it. No class like this has been taught before, so where did the flow Ministry officials learn the history of the Ministry ? Where did they learn about politics ? They learned it as they went, but did n't have sex much when they started. That 's a little shuddery. People should hump how their country is run."

Albus thought about what rose wine had said as he chewed on his roll. She had a skilful degree. Where had they learned it ? Had his Uncle Percy really known naught about the Ministry when he started ? No, he could n't feature. Sir Henry Percy 's own beginner had been in the Ministry as well. Still, it was weird to remember about.

Albus mostly listened during the relaxation of dinner. He always felt slightly unsettled when the election was discussed and he was n't indisputable why. Nor could he figure out whether he wanted Sir Henry Percy to win or not. Either way, animation would be drastically different after Election Day, and Albus liked matter the way they were.
******


"Now she wants to commute Azkaban ?"Albus asked at breakfast a few days later. The law enforcement argumentation had taken place the night before and the integral movement Thomas Nelson Page of the Prophet was devoted to it."Is n't changing Hogwarts enough ?"

Ministry hopefuls Percy Weasley and
Patricia Laurentis debated law creation
and enforcement finale night at the Ministry
of thaumaturgy. Like the late ecumenical public debate,
sparks flew in this one, with each candidate
speaking passionately about the topic.

'I 've worked in law origination for years ,'
Weasley began with. 'Since the defeat
of Voldemort, I think we can all fit that
things are running smoothly. I intend to
ensure that things save going the way they
are, with enforcement of laws that benefit
the entire wizarding community .'

Laurentis took a more radical posture, in
her response to Weasley 's opinions.

'Sure, the Pentateuch we have now are sufficient.
I 'm not denying that. But I think we need
to take a unspoiled hard face at how they are
enforced, or rather, not enforced. The
statistics are exonerate. Far more criminals
are being acquitted and even more are
being released from Azkaban. In my work
at the prison, I see many criminals being
released whom I do not think should be.
Not to mention the break-outs. There are
far too many. Law enforcement penury to change .'

Without a dubiety, affair are only going to
estrus up. The candidates seem to have
completely unlike opinions on everything
from Education Department to laws. The next argument,
which will be on education, will carry situation
at Hogwarts on Sabbatum, Nov the 9th at
two in the afternoon.

"Does n't she run Azkaban ?"Matt asked, taking the composition from Albus."So why has n't she changed it already ?"

"Probably does n't have the great power,"rosebush answered."The pastor has to bless off on most things, unless all representatives and functionary disagree with him or her."

"So clearly there 's citizenry who do n't agree with her,"mat replied.

"Think they 'll ever agree with each other ?"Albus asked.

"dubiety it,"Amanda said."It 's like this in the Muggle elections, too. They 're usually dispatch opposites. What I do n't sympathise is how she 's working under Hartwell when he and your uncle agree on everything."

"Me either,"rosebush agreed."surmise we 're watching the next debate."

"Yeah, it 'll be here,"Matt said."Embry will probably nominate us do an essay on it, too."

"It wo n't be bad,"rosiness said."That will be the debate that will directly affect us. The election 's in Apr which means we 're going to have over three years of Hogwarts under whichever candidate is elected. If it 's Laurentis, all those changes are going to involve us."

Thomas Bradley sat down next to Albus and threw a copy of Wizards magazine onto the table."clause 's out."

"That was fast,"Albus said.

"They wanted it to be out right around the argumentation,"Thomas Bradley muttered."You really ought to read it. It 's awful."

"Rita Skeeter did n't do it, did she ?"Albus asked.

Bradley shook his pass."This Lady 's almost unfit. Trust me."

pink wine, Amanda, John, lusterlessness, and Kaden crowded around Albus as he flipped through the cartridge. The article was in the centre, with the two varlet being a full colouring photograph of Uncle Percy, aunty Corrine, and their kidskin. Percy and Corrine were sitting on their living room couch, with Georgia in between them. All three were smiling and waving. Thomas Bradley and Cedric were leaning on either English of the couch and the twins were sitting in front of it. Albus flipped the pageboy and saw a very lengthy article, interspersed with various pictures of his family and boxes about each of those five cousin. The article finished up on the following page.

Upon entering the home of pastor of Magic
prospect Walker Percy Weasley 's Southampton home base
I am surprised to see that it does not look
like the home of a Ministry candidate. It is
not filled with wads and galvanic pile of written document and
Weasley 's campaign director is nowhere to be
found. Instead, the floor is cluttered with
toys belonging to the youngest Weasley children,
nine-year-old twins, Samantha and Lindy. A
plate of warm cooky sits upon the java
board and Weasley 's wife, Corrine, bustles
into the room carrying a tray of tea. Percy
enters as well, followed by the five Weasley
children.

'I prefer to proceed the campaign at the Ministry ,'
Percy explains after I ask where his campaign
cloth are. 'The movement is work. It is my
job. The mansion is for my family .'

"Really ?"Rose raised her eyebrows."She should 've seen his study. That 's where all his movement stuff is."

The article went on to discuss Harry Hotspur and his fathering skill. Albus grew more and more disgusted as it went on. Percy had and always would be a workaholic, but the article was painting him to be father of the yr. No wonder Bradley had not been pleased when giving Albus the article.

'I could not be more proud of Georgia ,'
Sir Henry Percy said, oral presentation of his eldest daughter,
who currently plays as Reserve Keeper for
the Kenmare Kestrals .'I 've been to a
number of her couple and it is pass
that she could make a yearn life history in
Quidditch .'

"What a load of dung !"Albus exclaimed."Uncle Percy has never once agreed with Georgia 's Quidditch career."

"Did he actually say that or was that reporter just saying he did ?"Matt asked.

"Oh he said it,"Bradley, who had taken a seat a short ways down the table, answered."Not that he really thinks it."

Albus had had sufficiency of the main article. His eyes glanced across the page and rested upon the small box that discussed Georgia.

Georgia Weasley, the firstborn girl
of Percy and Corrine, is 18 and
currently plays reserve Keeper for
the Kenmare Kestrals .'I love
Quidditch ,'Sakartvelo said when the
topic was brought up. 'It 's freeing
and I look forward to playing for
Kenmare as a full phase of the moon steward one day .'
Georgia 's dream is to play for England.

Next to Georgia 's box there was one for Bradley.

Bradley Weasley, the firstborn son of
Percy and Corrine, is currently in
his sixth year at Hogwarts. He plays
Beater on Gryffindor 's Quidditch team.
'I like Quiditch, but I do n't desire to
play professionally like Sakartvelo. I
want to shape for Gringotts some day .'

Then there was one for Cedric.

Cedric Weasley is in his 5th twelvemonth
at Hogwarts and is the hoaxer of
the kin. 'Every Weasley family
has to have someone who will work the
joke. It 's like a ruler or something.
I come up with the best ideas when I 'm
with my cousin James [ Potter ] .'Upon
asking Cedric what he wants to do after
Hogwarts, he replied, 'Have n't got a clue.
I think I 'll focus on getting through
my O.W.L.s first .'

The final box was for both Samantha and Lindy.

Samantha and Linda ( lindy hop ) Weasley are
nine years old and wait on a local anaesthetic
primary school for Muggles. Both twins
ca n't expect to enter Hogwarts in two
age .'I 'm going to be in Gryffindor,
just like my sister and crony ,'says
Samantha .'I do n't handle what sign I 'm
in, just as long as I can bet Quidditch.
Well, okay, I do n't require to be in Slytherin .'

"That,"Albus began as he set down the magazine,"was the forged clause I 've ever read in my life."

"I shudder to remember what the one about our full family will be like,"pink wine muttered.

"Nah,"whoremaster said."That one will be better because they wo n't have to pee-pee as very much up. Albus 's dad saved the altogether wizarding world. They 'll just play that up."

"It was n't only him,"Albus pointed out."Are people really going to conceive all this ?"

Amanda nodded."Yeah, they will. They know nix about your uncle 's category. certainly, they know all about your dad, but really, how lots do they cognize about Sir Henry Percy ? Not much. They 're going to want to believe it and why should n't they ? They have no mind Percy does n't approve of Empire State of the South 's Quidditch vocation. It 's the Same as in the Muggle human race.

"It would be nice if people voted on candidates who shared their Lapplander opinion, but it honestly comes down to who presents the best hunting expedition. People are n't going to need somebody in might who has issues with his own family."

"That 's stupid,"Kaden replied."glad my syndicate 's not involved with politics."

"My category is your category,"Albus pointed out.

"But I 'm not related to your Uncle Percy."

"You still call him Uncle Percy,"Albus said.

"Because he basically is. He 's just not my roue uncle."

"Well, I can honestly say my family 's not in politics and I 'm very glad about that,"toilet said.

Albus could not opine life without having family involved with the Ministry, but suddenly he felt slightly green-eyed of John. What would it have been like to have parents who were n't notable ?


A/N : Thanks to everyone who has read and reviewed this story ! You guy are all amazing. Just as another reminder, I ca n't reply to reviews while I am home for the summertime, but I read every one one. If you have some sort of interrogative sentence that you need answered about my stories, please use my Ask the source page at the meeting place or send me a PM there.

I have another chapter ready to go so that should be up shortly after I return from vacation next week. Hope everyone enjoys Deathly Hallows 2 this week !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


The following week brought a storm so long and so intense that Herbology and Care of Magical Creatures had to be canceled for the second base half of the workweek. It was thoroughly impossible to walk outside without being doubled over by the breaking wind and the younger bookman could not walk without being blown away. The rain was also so heavy that one would suit soaked within two minutes. The scholarly person secretly rejoiced, for the extra free periods were helpful to all.

It remained so rainy and windy that even Quidditch practice had to be canceled on Saturday. Not that Fred would feature canceled it himself, but Kendrick announced a ban on going out of threshold until the storm let up. Fred lamented this fact all of Fri evening and contemplated holding a scheme session in the common room instead, but broom convinced him just to let it go.

Albus decided to take the chance to spend the day at the library, something that John and Kaden reluctantly agreed with. Matt and Amanda joined them as well, for they had plenteousness of preparation as well. Rose had mentioned something about tutoring a youthful student and run off shortly after breakfast.

The library was absolutely packed with students, to the highest degree likely due to the weather and not a burning desire of the Hogwarts population to study, and it took a good five minutes for Albus and his friends to turn up an discharge mesa. It was a lot louder than usual and Madam Pince was glaring at each table of students in crook.

Albus set his pile of ledger down and got to crop on a Potions essay that was due the following calendar week. He had n't started it, of course, but he had a few days to do it. He thought he was ahead of the game anyway since he 'd normally be at Quidditch practice and not even thinking about homework.

John and Kaden, as common, were ineffectual to get started on their prep right away and were scolded by Madam Pince twice before finally opening their Book. Amanda immediately set to work on the same essay Albus was working on. Matt cracked open his appeal textual matter but stared at the same page for five minutes before Albus noticed that his centre had glazed over. The October full Sun Myung Moon was the following night, so Albus was not surprise.

"This is dead boring,"John muttered after they 'd been studying for an minute."Politics back before Voldemort is pointless. It 's completely different now, so why do we demand to disoblige reading it ?"

"So we do n't pee-pee the same mistakes,"Amanda said without looking up from her parchment."Simple, really."

"You 're channeling blush wine now,"John Lackland stated.

"someone has to when she 's not here,"Amanda said.

"Would you rather do my divination prediction ?"Kaden asked.

"Yeah !"John exclaimed."Let 's see, how about you get blown away by the wind while you 're ignoring Kendrick 's rule against going out-of-door ?"

"perfective tense. That 'd be something I 'd do,"Kaden said as he scrawled it down."And then I can total down with a nasty cold after being outside in the rain so long."

Albus rolled his eyes. The two of them had been insane to take Divination in the world-class place, but at least they seemed to love making up their fake predictions. Albus grinned to himself as John and Kaden snorted into their sheepskin, laughing over some idiotic prognostication.

An hour later Albus had finished his essay, as had Amanda. The two of them had moved on to Transfiguration reading. John the Divine and Kaden had given up on homework and were planning an elaborate trick that involved a wimp, birdseed, and the Slytherin common room. lustrelessness had been dozing on his appealingness book. Albus prodded him awake.

"How 's magic spell ?"Albus asked, grinning.

"Oh, er ..."Matt glanced at his book and quickly wiped it with the sleeve of his gown."Great, really. Think I 'll head to the Den, actually."

Albus nodded."I 'll be there in a bit. Want to get some of this recital done."

trick and Kaden rose to get together Matt. They 'd been yelled at two Sir Thomas More times and figured they 'd do right to plan in the Den.

"waiting,"St. John the Apostle said when he was only a few metrical foot from the table."Is that rosebush ?"He pointed to a forefront of shaggy-haired red hair at a nearby table."Who 's she with ? Is that-"He walked across the room and hid behind a book shelf to get a close-fitting look.

Albus craned his head. rose wine was sitting with a small miss. can returned a few mo later.

"I thought so. It 's that girl we saw with Malfoy and Willinson a few workweek ago."

"Wait, that Slytherin first class ?"Albus asked. He 'd nearly forgotten about her, finally deciding that Scorpius probably was n't up to anything that involved her.

"Yeah, that 's her all right field,"John said."What 's Rose doing with her ?"

"She 's tutoring someone. must be her,"Albus pointed out.

"Weird. Tutoring a Slytherin,"John the Evangelist replied.

"What 's it issue ?"flatness snapped."No breaker point in standing here watching them. I 'm going to the Den."He hiked his bag up on his shoulder and headed for the room access, not waiting for John Lackland and Kaden.

"What 's with him ?"John asked.

"You know what 's tomorrow. And honestly, what 's it matter if she 's tutoring that girl ?"Albus asked.

"You thought it meant something that she was with Scorpius but this you do n't care about ?"

"It 's the Hogwarts tutoring program. I do n't consider you get to control who you tutor,"Albus explained.

"I suppose."John sighed."wellspring, see you in a bit."

"See you,"Albus said as John and Kaden left.

Albus and Amanda studied for another hour before joining their ally in the Marauder 's Den. John Lackland and Kaden were having a serious give-and-take on how they were going to find a poulet and lusterlessness was audio asleep on the sofa. Albus and Amanda settled down with a deck of Exploding duck soup and played round after turn while listening to John and Kaden.

"I still say it 'll be easier to ingest an elderly student transfigure something into a chicken,"Kaden said a wide XX moment later."I 'll bet one of Albus 's cousin-german will do it."

"Yeah, but I want this to be our prank. We could just go adopt one of the chicken from Hagrid 's chicken hencoop,"John replied.

"More hazard of getting caught. No one 's going to suspect if one of Al 's cousin is practicing their transfiguration. But sneaking a chicken into the castle ? They 're fairly cheap with their squawking."

"Where 's the fun in no chance of getting caught ?"John asked.

"There will be plentitude of chance of getting caught when we 're getting into the Slytherin common room. Merlin only knows how we 're going to supervise that."

The room access opened and Rose walked in."Why are you lot trying to get into the Slytherin unwashed room ?"

"You do n't desire to know,"Amanda said."One of their pranks."

Rose rolled her center and sat down next to Amanda, picking up a few posting to bring together in on the side by side round.

"How was tutoring ?"John asked, abandoning the topic of chickens.

"Fine,"rosiness answered."Saami as always."

"How did you even get into tutoring ?"John replied.

"Why ? You want to tutor ?"Rose smirked.

Gospel According to John laughed."Definitely not. Just curious."

"Professor Longbottom contacted me over the summer. Fourth twelvemonth and above can be in the tutoring plan. The professors match you up with young pupil and I 've been tutoring a first year for a few workweek now."

"Yeah,"john said as he got up and walked over to where rose wine was sitting."We saw you earlier. That female child you 're tutoring ? That 's the same girl that Malfoy and Willinson were talking to a few workweek ago."

"Wait, that one clip that you and Al thought they were up to something ?"

"Yeah that time. I was just wondering who she was."

Rose sighed."She 's Willinson 's little Sister. Her name 's Elsie. She 's really gracious, actually. Quiet, does n't seem much like a Slytherin to me but her all class 's been in Slytherin."

"Oh,"john said."Guess that 's why she was with Willinson and Malfoy. What do you tutor her in ?"

"Bit of everything,"blush wine answered."You lot want to go to dinner ?"

Everyone, except mat, who just wanted to sleep, agreed and they headed down to the Great Charles Martin Hall. Rose had been right. null untrusting about Willinson 's Sister tagging after him and Scorpio. Albus 's inherent aptitude had been wrong on that occasion.
******


Never in Albus 's lifetime did he ever think there would be a professor who could top professor Binns in terms of oil production class. But Professor youth had done the impossible. Twice a workweek Albus and his Quaker traipsed to Young 's classroom to work on a undivided worksheet. young did zippo else, except manus out worksheets. Said worksheets did not even take an total social class menses to complete, resulting in students using the remaining time to overtake up on former prep, something that Loretta Young neglected to comment. The only unspoiled part about the class was that Lester Willis Young never assigned homework.

"You think he 'll last the year ?"Matt asked as they were leaving Young 's classroom.

"Do n't see why not,"Albus answered."Unless Laurentis is elected Minister and deems him unfit to teach."

"He does n't really teach,"rose pointed out.

"But still, he 's better than Balladanis,"matt reasoned.

The rest period of Albus 's classes were seemly, although most assigned too much homework for his liking, but that was not anything new. As the end of Oct drew nearer, Albus became very excited about the first gear Hogsmeade visit of the twelvemonth. It would be the first time that all of Albus 's friends would get to go together and possibly the last, given how busy everyone was this year.

Albus nearly did not get to go to Hogsmeade when the day finally arrived. Fred had sprung an extra Quidditch practice on that day in rescript to work up for the lost exercise due to the storm. However, the intact team was outraged and Calluna vulgaris threatened to hex Fred if he did not revoke the recitation. Albus was very relieved as it was a nice day and perfect for Hogsmeade.

"I 've got to get a new pack of dungbombs,"Kaden said as they walked down the course from Hogwarts to Hogsmeade."Used them up long time ago."

"That the pack I sent you over the summer ?"St. John asked.

"Sure is. Did n't final too long."

"I need another Skiving Snackbox,"John the Evangelist announced."And loads of other poppycock from Weasleys'."

"And we need to go buy bird source if we 're going to do that trick,"Kaden reminded him.

Albus and Matt exchanged looks. John and Kaden had finally agreed to ask one of Albus 's onetime full cousin to transfigure them a wimp that they would then somehow sneak into the Slytherin mutual room. The bird feed was to sprinkle throughout the space in order to irritate the Slytherins even more.

"You two enjoy that,"Rose said."And do n't descend complaining to us when you get a month of detentions, because there 's no possible way you can sneak into the Slytherin common way without getting caught."

"We 'll give birth Albus 's cloak, obviously,"Kaden said.

"When are you going to do it ?"Albus asked.

"Around Halloween,"lavatory answered.

"half-wit,"rosiness muttered.

Weasleys'Wizard Wheezes was packed with scholar. Being the starting time Hogsmeade weekend, most students had a sober deficiency of pranking products and needed to stock up. George was behind the buffet ringing up purchase after purchase and waved at Albus as he walked in with his protagonist. They quickly scattered, each heading towards the display that contained what they needed.

Albus wandered towards the Skiving Snackboxes and grabbed two, figuring that he would need to get out of Defense at least once and History of Magic a few times a month. John and Kaden each had about five boxes and Matt watched with a disgusted look on his look. Since he missed at to the lowest degree a day or two of course of study a month due to his lycanthropy, he never understood why anyone would make themselves ill to do so.

"Should 've gone there last,"St. John said as he lugged his base to the Three Broomsticks.

"Yeah, must remember that for next time,"Kaden agreed."But now, off to deliver a Butterbeer !"

Albus smiled. His cousin had had Butterbeer before when the great unwashed snuck it back to the Gryffindor green elbow room, but he 'd never had it in Hogsmeade before.

The tierce broomstick was crowded, but Matt managed to grab a mesa in the back. rose wine set off to get them all Butterbeers. They had been there for about 15 hour before Scorpius showed up, followed by Garth Octavius, Xavier Goyle, Felix Willinson, and Elsie Willinson. Scorpius surveyed the room and his eyes rested upon Albus. Smirking, he sauntered over towards them.

"Potter,"Malfoy greeted him. He nodded to each of Albus 's friends, glaring at Matt, and then turned back to Albus."I expect you lot are make to duel adjacent weekend."

"track we are,"Albus answered."The team 's plenty prepared. Last practice on Thursday."

"I 'll be there,"Scorpius replied."And I 'll be cook to carry the team on Saturday since the remainder of our team could n't win a duel against a first year."

"Shut it. Our team is fine,"Albus said coldly.

"Maybe if they had a decent captain ..."Scorpio 's vox trailed off."But the prof love anyone whose last name is ceramicist or Weasley, just like everyone else in the world."

"They chose based on skill,"Albus replied, staring him in the centre."Not name. Rose did n't make captain and she 's a Weasley."

"But you 're a ceramist and you get everything because your dad is the Boy Who Lived,"Scorpio spat, ignoring Albus 's remark."But I 've got news for you. Not everyone in the Earth likes that your entire sept runs the wizarding world and that nothing gets done without one of them signing off on it. Not everyone 's going to vote for your uncle, you know."

"Obviously,"Albus replied."And just so you know my family may be involved with the Ministry but it 's only because they want to help people. And they 're only there because people voted for them."

"No one voted for your dad,"Scorpio muttered. Then he turned to lusterlessness."Or yours."

"the great unwashed voted for Hartwell, who appointed them,"Albus said."And your dad works in the Ministry, too."

"That 's not the point."Scorpius took a gradation closer to Albus."The point is that your family might not be running this country much longer. So you 'd better sentry out."

Scorpius turned to go forth and his friends followed."My household does n't run the world !"Albus shouted after him.

Albus resumed his seat after Malfoy left, not even realizing that he had rose from it in the world-class place."He 's just so stupefied !"Albus exclaimed."My kinfolk does n't run the country."

"He 's just green-eyed,"Amanda said."You got made captain of our squad and he hates that. Your dad 's famous and he 's green-eyed of that."

"His dad 's famous too,"Albus said darkly."Just for the wrong reasons."

"And Scorpius probably wishes his dad was renowned for the correctly reasons,"Amanda replied.

"Do n't see why. Having a famous dad is n't always a ripe thing,"Albus muttered.

"Just ignore him,"rosebush said."He 's just trying to get you angry with him."

"Clearly Kendrick 's threats have worn off,"Matt said quietly."I liked it in September when he just variety of ignored us."

"It does n't entail he 's going to tell anyone,"Rose whispered."He 's just looking for a fight."

"It does n't matter what he 's looking for. One parapraxis of the tongue is all it takes and my life at Hogwarts is done."

"And so would his,"Albus reminded his admirer."Being at Hogwarts, becoming a licence virtuoso, is everything to a Malfoy. He 'd be zero more than a Squib if he were expelled."

"I guess."Matt sighed."What do you think he meant by your family not being in complaint of the wizarding world much longer ?"

"Probably thinks Laurentis is going to win."Albus shrugged."But that wo n't mean much. My dad will still be in charge of the Auror department."

"No,"rosiness whispered."Have n't you been paying tending in Politics ?"

"Mostly,"Albus said, staring at her."What do you mean ?"

"Okay, I guess Embry has n't really discussed it yet but I read ahead in the book. New diplomatic minister can name new heads of the department if they want to. Most do n't because so many new the great unwashed makes for a bad transition period, but it 's happened a few fourth dimension. If Laurentis win, she could exchange Uncle Harry,"Rose explained.

"Wait, seriously ?"Albus 's mouth fell open.

blush wine nodded."Seriously."

"And my dad, too,"Matt said.

"Yeah, yours, too,"Rose replied.

Albus stared at his half-finished Butterbeer. Having a new Minister was one matter, but having new headland of all the departments ? The Ministry would be run in a completely unlike way. naught would stay the Lapp. Nobody would supersede Harry Potter as forefront of the Auror section, though, would they ?

"No."Albus shook his head."No one would replace my dad. He 's a neat Auror."

"He 's a corking Auror, that 's true,"pink wine agreed,"but dandy is an belief. Hartwell thinks he 's a great Auror. Uncle Harry Hotspur undoubtedly thinks he 's a great Auror. But if Laurentis gets elected, none of that will matter. All that will weigh is whether she think he 's a great Auror. And the question is, does she ?"

Albus swallowed."But that would think of my dad would be out of a job."

"No, he 'd just go back to being a veritable Auror,"blush wine said."Look, you do n't necessitate to worry about it. I 'm for sure Uncle Harry knows this."

"They do n't do that in Australia. All the header have terms like the Minister. When their term is up, the flow Minister can supervene upon them or hold back them, but they ca n't get replaced when their term is n't up. Unless there 's a scandal and they have a hearing. Like with my dad."

"Energy Department n't seem fair,"Albus said.

"It works both ways. If Uncle Percy wins he 'll get to replace who he wants and he 'll no doubt supplant Laurentis,"Rose pointed out.

"I 'm storm Hartwell has n't done that,"John said.

"She 's probably go on quiet about her opinions so she could proceed her position while running,"Amanda replied.

"So why does n't he replace her now ?"can asked.

"It would front bad. Remember, half of politics is how you look to the populace,"Amanda said."Which is why according to the Muggle Ministry, I attend a secluded boarding school day in the United States, just in case anyone asks why the diplomatic minister 's niece disappears for nigh of the year. Which they have n't. Yet."

Albus shook his forefront."It 's so flurry. I do n't know how anyone keeps rails of it."

"Luckily we do n't possess to,"Kaden said."Let 's go to Honeyduke 's. I think we could all use with some chocolate."


A/N : Thanks to everyone who has read and reviewed this ! Also big thanks to darkladyofslytherin and onestop hpfan18 because this chapter is the solution of word war with them. You two are awing ! HPFF now loads properly on my net and I am capable to respond to critique, so I 'm slowly working through them. Keep a feeling out for responses !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


"I say we do it on Allhallows Eve,"Kaden said adamantly while inspecting individual Bertie Bott 's Every Flavor attic and tossing the nasty ace into a pile on the floor.

"That 's stupid,"lavatory countered."Everyone 's going to be expecting a prank on Halloween. We should do it the day before."

"Why not Saturday ?"Albus suggested, glancing up from the final stage minute essay he was working on."Maybe it 'll rattle them enough that they 'll lose the match."

The world-class Quidditch catch of the season, Gryffindor versus Slytherin, was scheduled to take on place on Saturday, two sidereal day after Hallowe'en.

"Again, the Prefects and professors will be expecting it,"whoremonger said.

"Why ?"Albus asked."We 've never pranked them before a peer before, have we ?"

"You know, I really ca n't remember."

"Clearly a planetary house you 've pranked them too much,"pink wine pointed out.

Albus and the rest of his friends were in the Marauder 's Den, attempting to decide on a day to put the chickens and poulet feed in the Slytherin park room. They 'd been arguing for a one-half hour and had n't agreed on anything. Albus and Matt, who had been leery on whether to participate in the prank at all, had decided that they would serve as look-outs while toilet and Kaden snuck into the plebeian way.

"I think Wednesday would be a expert option. Wednesday nighttime. We 've got to do it really of late, though. The kickoff twelvemonth have Astronomy on Wednesdays, so we have to expect until they 're back in their dormitories,"whoremaster explained."Night before Halloween-"

"By the clock time you manage to do it after astronomy, it 'll technically be Hallowe'en,"Amanda pointed out.

"But not Hallowe'en night,"John said."Pre-Halloween."

"Mischief Night,"Amanda said.

"What ?"Albus asked.

Kaden threw another bean onto his mint and started laughing."You 're right !"

"Mischief night,"Amanda repeated."It 's a Muggle matter. It 's when Muggles pull japery and make havoc. It 's traditionally the Nox before Halloween or the night before Guy Guy Fawkes Day, so if you pull this on Wednesday nighttime or betimes Thursday aurora, it 'll be on devilment Night."

bathroom grinned."perfective. Wizards do n't do that, so no one will be expecting a thing."

"Mostly it 's American language and Canadian who celebrate before Halloween, though,"Amanda explained.

"I 'd rather do it before Halloween,"John said."We have Astronomy on Tuesday so the dark before Guy Fawkes Day would be harder."

Everyone nodded in arrangement, except Rose, who rolled her eyes.

"Do you have everything you need ?"Matt asked.

"Not yet, but we have plans. Tonight I 'm going to linger by the Slytherin common room under the Invisibility Cloak to see their countersign. Wednesday evening we 'll ask Omar Nelson Bradley to transfigure us a few chickens. Then, Al and Matt will abide safeguard while Kaden and I let them loose in the rough-cut way,"bathroom explained.

"How in the name of Merlin are you going to prevent the chickens calm while you bring them to the dungeon ?"pink wine asked.

"Stun them, of course,"Kaden answered."By the meter they wake up, we 'll be long gone."
***


Midweek brought with it a huge thunderstorm which Albus saw as a rather ominous omen for Operation Slytherin Gallus gallus as the caper had been dubbed. As the day wore on Albus found himself having doubts about the totally affair. Previous pranks had been harmless and had not broken any major school linguistic rule, but this one broke at least ten. This could get them risky than a few custody.

John and Kaden seemed to possess no such reservations. Both of them were particularly gleeful the integral day and John even returned from Divination with a grin on his human face, which never happened. lusterlessness seemed neutral to the whole matter and acted as usual.

"You do realize we 'll be getting three hour of sopor, tops, tonight,"flatness said after dinner party, while they were attempting to do preparation in the piranha 's Den."And that we have history of Magic tomorrow morning."

John sighed."All right, maybe that was n't the outdo bit of planning."

"Clearly not,"lustrelessness agreed.

Albus had a very unmanageable clock time getting any prep done while they were waiting for the time to arrive. He found himself drawing awful motion-picture show of chicken in the borders on his transfiguration essay. No one else was having much circumstances either. bathroom and Kaden were playing chess game and lusterlessness was taking a nap. rose and Amanda had holed away in the subroutine library, neither one wanting to be associated with the son that Nox."We need alibis,"she had told Albus earlier."want to be seen by as many citizenry as possible so there 's no chance anyone will think we were with you."

At one in the morning the boys left the Marauder 's Den and headed back to the common room, where Bradley would be waiting for them. They encountered no one on their way back and only two or three lingering students were in the common way. All of them went to bed within 15 minutes and the boy were soon alone with Bradley.

Bradley pulled three pillows out from under one of the couches and set them on a tabular array."Three crybaby going to be enough ?"

trick nodded."I do n't think we 'll be able-bodied to cover any more."

"You lot are either incredibly brave or incredibly stupid,"Bradley said as he pulled out his sceptre."Even St. James the Apostle has n't gotten into the Slytherin vernacular room."

"According to rosiness, we 're incredibly poor fish,"John said."But I think it 's brilliant. Has anyone ever gotten into the Slytherin common room ?"

"My dad and Uncle Ron,"Albus said."But not to pull in a prank."

John, Matt, and Kaden turned to look at Albus."I 'll excuse later,"Albus said.

Tom Bradley muttered an incantation and flicked his wand at each of the pillows. All three turned into chickens. One browned one, one white one, and one boastfully black and John Brown rooster. The rooster opened its back talk to gloat and Thomas Bradley immediately silenced all three.

"Figured a rooster would be helpful,"Bradley said."Want me to stun them for you ?"

"Sure,"Albus said.

"Should last about a half 60 minutes and then you 'll deliver to re-stun them,"Bradley told them."I 'm going to guide off. Remember, if you get caught, I did n't get the crybaby for you. Ca n't yield another detention."

"Got it,"Albus assured him. Omar Nelson Bradley took off to the dormitories and Albus turned to his admirer. trick was holding the cock and Kaden was holding the two chickens."Back to the Den ?"

The male child spent the side by side two hours in the predator 's Den, playing Exploding cinch and re-Stunning the chicken every half hour. Shortly after three in the morning Albus re-stunned the chickens one more prison term and then threw the invisibleness Cloak over all four of them.

It was very hard for all four son to walk under the invisibleness Cloak.
existence 4th years, they were all a lot bigger than they had been in second year when Albus had first received the Cloak. In fact, Albus could n't even remember the last sentence all four of them had gone under it at once. Albus in particular had grown quite a few inches over the summer and was now as tall as John. The two of them had to walk with their knee joint knack to ensure their feet would n't demonstrate.

The pass was uneventful. The boys did not even see Peeves or any of the ghosts out for a Nox sentence promenade ( or float, which would probably be the more earmark terminal figure ). flatness tripped going down the stairs once and nearly dropped a Gallus gallus, but since the corridors were discharge, no one heard the auditory sensation.

Once they had reached the incoming to the Slytherin common room John and Kaden slipped out from under the Cloak and scurried over to the threshold. whoremaster whispered the word and it opened. Both boys slipped inside and shut the door behind them.

Albus and Matt stood against the bulwark a petty ways down the corridor, giving them a vista of the stairs as well as the corridor. Neither of them said a word while King John and Kaden were pulling their prank because Filch 's cat had turned up and was pacing in front of them.

The next five instant felt like an infinity and Albus was very allay when trick and Kaden exited the common room and hurried back under the Cloak. John Lackland 's bag, which had contained the volaille provender, was now considerably lighter. Neither boy said a Holy Scripture to Albus and matt as they walked back to Gryffindor towboat, for fearfulness that someone would find out them.

They were walking down the second floor corridor when Albus heard footsteps behind him. He turned and saw Professor Whitney Young walking slowly towards them, staring at the ceiling as he went. He appeared to be in deep thinking about something but then stopped and stared right where Albus and his friends were. They were n't being quiet enough.

All four male child froze and looked at each other. Kaden grabbed all three of their pinafore and pulled them through the nearest door, while Young happened to be looking the other way. Once inside, Albus noticed that they were in a loo. A miss 's loo. And the trading floor was soaked.

"Merlin,"Albus muttered."We 're in Moaning Vinca minor 's bathroom."

As if on cue, there was a splash and then Albus felt the unpleasant sensation of a ghostwriter floating through him.

"I know you 're there."myrtle giggled."Harry Potter had one of those cloaks, too. You might as well take it off."

Albus reluctantly took off the Cloak. Young would n't be going into a missy 's bathroom anyway.

"Ooo !"Myrtle shrieked."Harry ceramicist 's son ! What brings you to my crapper ?"She giggled again and batted her eyelashes.

"Er ..."Albus muttered, feeling very uncomfortable.

"We were just leaving,"John announced as he threw the Cloak over all four of them once more.

Thankfully professor Danton True Young had left by the time they exited the loo. The remainder of the journey back to Gryffindor was as uneventful as the trek down to Slytherin.

The usual room was deserted when they returned under the disapproving glare of the Fat Lady, who had not been pleased when they woke her up. whoremaster and Kaden immediately started laughing when they took the Cloak off.

"Epic !"Kaden exclaimed."There was no one in the common room and we spread the feed and put the chickens each on their own couch and leftfield. The Slytherins are going to have a rude awakening in a few hours."

"So are we,"flatness said as he looked at his spotter."Almost four. We 'll get three and a half hr sleep if we 're lucky."

The male child headed back to their dorm room, but Albus was not tired yet. Adrenaline was still racing through his system. They had n't gotten caught. Yet. Would there be any way to follow the chickens back to the four of them ? Only if someone saw them, but if anyone had seen them they would sustain gotten them in hassle right then and there, would n't they own ? Albus pushed the thought from his head teacher. He settled into bed and thought about the reactions from the Slytherins the play along morning.

Bilius 's alarm clock woke Albus up at eight the next sunrise and he rolled over and went back to log Z's. He woke up once more with twenty second left until account of Magic and had to skip breakfast. Albus woke Matt and John up and the three of them ran through the corridors in order to induce it to class on time.

They arrived with two moment to save and the way was filled with laugh and chatter. The Hufflepuffs and Gryffindors were clearly excited about something and Albus had a feeling he knew what it was.

Albus sat down and Bilius turned around in his seat, grinning at Albus."You three missed breakfast. Too bad. The Slytherins are all upset, fuming about chickens and muttering about getting retaliation. Turns out someone snuck a rooster and two wimp into their uncouth elbow room last night and spread chicken feed around. Apparently their vulgar room was a mess and it took all of their Prefects to Stun the chickens and convey them to Hagrid. wish I knew who pulled it off."

Albus attempted to affect shock and turmoil."Seriously ? That 's brilliant. Does anyone know who did it ?"

"Nope,"Bilius answered."All they know is that it was n't a Slytherin."

"They 'll never estimate it out then. That 's three-quarters of the school day to go through."

"And that 's what makes it so brilliant."

professor Binns floated through the chalkboard and began to drone on about some sort of hobgoblin rebellion. Albus rested his fountainhead on his hand and began to snooze off. Binns would n't even notice.

At luncheon, following Transfiguration, everyone was still talking about the chicken. The Slytherins were sullen and were glaring at all the other house tabular array. The teachers did n't seem at all upset about the all matter, probably because the volaille had n't done that lots damage. cypher that could n't be easily repaired with the film of a wand.

"Six in the morning !"Albus overheard a Slytherin mutter as he walked past the Gryffindor table."Can you opine ? And the morning after we 'd been on the pitch for three hours."

Albus smirked behind his forkful of stew. If the harlequinade had messed with the Slytherins'breeding schedule, all the better. Albus had finally begun to make relaxed. It did n't look like they were going to get in bother after all.

As Albus walked to the dungeons with John, flatness, Rose, and Amanda he realized that his nap in History of magic trick was most definitely wearing off. He was feeling the enervation and was very happy for the free menses after potions. But he did n't defy skip potions because he was quite excited to hear Malfoy talk about the chickens.

During this particular class they were finishing up an engorgement root that they had started on Tues. While Shrinking Solution was a rather elementary potion that they had learned in their offset year, its counterpart was more difficult and required simmering for forty-eight minute before the final ingredients could be added.

Albus retrieved all the necessary ingredients while his married person, Limbert, located their potion in the cupboard. Limbert, who was usually very nonchalant about everything, was scowling and glared at Albus as he joined him at their table.

Just as Albus was beginning to chop up his celery tooth root, Malfoy appeared in front of the mesa. Albus looked up from his works and looked Malfoy in the eye.

"ceramicist,"Malfoy muttered."You would n't happen to fuck which idiot Gryffindor put Gallus gallus in our plebeian room, do you ?"

Albus snorted."Chickens, Malfoy ? I 'd heard something about that."

"Bloody hoot,"Limbert muttered as he began to powderize the rat irascibility they were supposed to put into their caldron."Crowing at six in the bloody morning. Eating chicken feed all over the rough-cut elbow room. Getting their plume and other stuff everywhere ...."

"What he said,"Malfoy replied."head is, one of your lot got into our vulgar room and I want to know who."He folded his coat of arms across his chest.

"Was n't any of 'my lot'as you say,"Albus answered, hoping that Malfoy could n't pick up his heart pounding in his chest."We ca n't get into your coarse room. Do n't have the word. And even if we did, why would we require to ? It 's probably covered in Snake River slime."

"Well it was n't a Slytherin if that 's what you 're implying. And I doubt it was a Ravenclaw or a Hufflepuff. A Ravenclaw would n't do something that stupid and a Hufflepuff would n't be capable to count on out how-"

Albus rose from his chair."That 's rude. I know plenty of Hufflepuffs that are smarter than you, Malfoy. And they 're decent people, too."

"son, get to operate now. I believe your potion is overflowing in it 's caldron, Malfoy,"Slughorn said, gesturing to lusterlessness and Malfoy 's caldron, which was indeed overflowing. mat was frantically waving his scepter at it, trying to get it to stop.

"Oh for Merlin 's saki,"Malfoy muttered and stalked off towards his own table.

Albus breathed a suspiration of assuagement and continued to chop his celery root. Limbert retrieved another rat spleen, as the one he had been using was now hopelessly destroyed. He did n't talk to Albus for the remainder of the class except for the casual"pass the knife"or"turn down the fire ”.

followers potions Albus, matte, and John immediately went upstairs to the. Marauder 's Den to fill a much needed nap. Rose went to Muggle Studies and Amanda went to the library. Albus fell asleep as soon as his pass hit the pillow and did not wake up until John swatted him with a pillow when it was metre for dinner.

The Slytherins were still complaining about the chickens during dinner and Albus and his friend giggled every prison term they heard something about them. About halfway through dinner party, prof Kendrick rose from his tush. Albus turned to appear at lusterlessness, who shrugged. Kendrick rarely made dinner speeches when it was n't the start or end of term.

"Just a few announcement,"Kendrick said once the Great dormitory quieted down."First, I am certainly you are all cognizant of the clowning that took place in the Slytherin vulgar room last night. I, nor do any of the teacher, have any idea who is responsible, but if we do find out, be aware that those responsible for will be punished. Entering another house 's rough-cut elbow room is not tolerated and all pupil should involve this as a admonition, in case they have been inclined to do so themselves. Slytherins, please be advised that your password has been changed. If you are not aware of it, delight see a Prefect.

"minute. Next weekend Hogwarts will host a few Ministry official including the parson of Magic, the Head of Magical Law Enforcement, the Head of the Auror Department, the point of the section for the Regulation and ascendancy of Magical animal, as well as a few of the Minister 's closest advisor. In addition, both candidate for Minister will be here as well. They will arrive Friday night and stay until Sun cockcrow. Saturday they will be debating Education here in the Great Hall.

"All pupil will get the hazard to look on the disputation by a random drawing since we can not accommodate all of you in accession to the Ministry official and phallus of the universal population that will be attending. The ease will mind via wireless in a few schoolroom. All pupil are required to listen or watch. Sir Thomas More information about that, such as how to find out if you 've been selected to view and what assignments you will have on the argument, will be distributed by professor youth in your political sympathies class.

"I expect you all to acquit yourselves and demonstrate to our Ministry that this is a place of learning. You are all representing Hogwarts, whether you are students, teacher, or stave. You will not pull frivolity, especially not like the one that was pulled net Nox. You will respect the Ministry representatives. I will give you further information next week. In the meantime, start thinking up a few enquiry to ask our candidates in case they have time to do a doubtfulness and answer session."Kendrick resumed his butt.

"Blimey, I 've never seen Kendrick act so serious,"Gospel According to John said quietly.

"Can you blame him ?"Rose asked."Remember what Laurentis said about Hogwarts ? She all but said he was n't running the school properly. If she wins, chances are he 's out of a job. He 's got to put on a good show next hebdomad if he 's got any hope of staying here if she wins."

"That 's insane !"Albus shouted. A few first class looked over at him and he lowered his voice."I mean, Kendrick took over as Headmaster when McGonagall left and even before that he helped rebuild the place. How can she sack up someone who helped reconstruct Hogwarts ?"

"She ca n't if she 's not elected,"Amanda said."We just have to go for your uncle wins."

"Never thought I 'd say it, but I agree,"Albus replied."Georgia and Bradley and Cedric wo n't be happy but can you imagine what Hogwarts would be like if Laurentis won ?"

"I ca n't,"mat said."No one can because no one knows what she wants to do to change it."

"Guess we 're going to witness out next Saturday,"Amanda said."Think any of us will get to take in it ?"

"We will,"Albus answered, gesturing to mat and himself."Our papa are two of the example, so I bet we 'll have to sit with our families."

"I hope I get to,"Amanda said."It 's really engrossing, hotshot politics. In some ways it 's completely the Lapp as Muggle politics, only with thaumaturgy involved. Really shows that we 're all people."

"Me too,"pink wine agreed.

"You can have my ticket if I get one,"John told her."It 's going to be harder to doze off if I 'm in the Saami room."

"Saame here,"Kaden said.

Rose rolled her oculus."You lot done eating ? Anyone up for spending the evening in the subroutine library ?"

The boy reluctantly agreed. They had neglected their homework the previous night due to the prank and had multiple assignments due the next day that they had not even started on. Albus thought longingly of his bed in Gryffindor tugboat and then resigned himself to the fact that he 'd be in the library until curfew.


A/N : Thanks to all who have read and reviewed this ! You cat are awesome. Big thanks to all my writing friends that I word war with. There are now too many to discover individually, but they are awesome.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


The day after Halloween dawned with a violent thunderstorm, one that Albus hoped would make pass before Saturday, when he would have to face Slytherin on the Quidditch pitch. Albus was feeling often better after a properly Nox 's eternal rest, although he was dreading having to go to History of trick first matter in the morning time again. Whose shining idea was it to make them that grade two dawning in a row ?

The mail owls arrived as Albus was serving himself some eggs and he scanned the air for his mob owl. He did n't see it and resumed piling his crustal plate with food for thought. His parents only occasionally sent him spot now that he was in quartern year and no longer needed a letter from them every other day. However, Albus did see his Uncle Percy 's shriek owl making a beeline towards Cedric, who was sitting across from Albus. Cedric set his fork down and untied the varsity letter from the owl 's leg. The owl dipped his beak in Cedric 's succus and then took off.

Albus watched as Cedric read the alphabetic character and saw his look go from vague oddment to slight horror and then finally extreme disgust. Percy 's letters were always interesting and it seemed as this one was no exception.

"Unbelievable !"Cedric shouted.

"What is it ?"James asked as he snatched the letter out of Cedric 's hands."Is he making you sit side by side to him while he debates succeeding hebdomad ?"

"Worse !"Cedric exclaimed."He thinks I was the one who put the chickens in the Slytherin green room !"

"Seriously ?"Saint James the Apostle asked as he settled down to understand the letter of the alphabet."Let 's see ... Seriously disappointed in you ... taught you better than this ... stunts like these could hurt my probability for a win in Apr ... must memorise to cogitate about the effect of your actions ... fifth year is for studying for your O.W.L.s ... sentence to grow up ..."

"See ?"Cedric said as he stabbed his bacon with a bit too often force."He really believes I did it. And with no evidence !"

"Oh now he 's bringing up your bit from that clause. The persona where you mentioned that you like pulling pranks. Oh and now he 's brought me into it ... Oh wait, hey ! He 's going to tell my parents that I was in on it too !"James IV slammed the letter down."No way they 'll believe him without validation though."

"Which he has none of. Did you get to the part where he 's owling Kendrick, too ?"Cedric asked.

"Kendrick ca n't do anything without substantiation,"James said.

"Yeah but our platter are n't exactly clean,"Cedric pointed out."merlin, I wish I 'd thought up this prank. It was chronicle worthy. I mean getting into the Slytherin common room ? I 've been dreaming about doing that since before first year."

"I wish we knew who did it. I 'd care to get some crown,"James added."They 're going to go down as Hogwarts legends."

Albus hoped that his furious blushing was n't noticeable. He could not believe that Percy actually believed Cedric pulled the joke without any evidence. Cedric could n't get in hassle without evidence, could he ? If he did, Albus would feel terrible. He already felt horrendous that Percy had even had the nerve to accuse Cedric for something that Albus and his friends did, something Cedric had no part of.

"We 've just got to figure out who did it,"James decided."To clear our names."

Cedric nodded."Wo n't be that strong. No buffoonery can be done without evidence left behind. It 's impossible to do in this space. We 'll look for clues around our own common room because I think the Slytherins are right. It was a Gryffindor."

"We should talk to the ghostwriter, too,"William James said."They wander at all hours."

"right field,"Cedric agreed."advantageously be off to family now, though.

Albus turned to John after his brother and cousin had left the table. John and Matt had both been sitting close enough to Cedric and King James I to hear the entire conversation. Both boy were paler than usual and Albus was sure he was as well.

"Myrtle saw us,"matt whispered."We 'll be number one on their mistrust list."

"D'you think your own comrade would ferment us in ?"John asked.

Albus laughed."Of course he would. He 's my brother."

"good point,"toilet muttered."What are we going to do ?"

"Bob Hope Vinca minor does n't say anything,"Albus said.

"That 's it, we 're doomed."flatness sighed.

"On the plus side, we 'll be Hogwarts caption,"toilet said.

"Tell that to my parents,"matt replied.

Albus thought about Jesse James and Cedric 's quest to figure out who pulled the crybaby prank during the totality of History of Magic. They had n't left any traces behind except for talking to Vinca minor. And even that only proved that they were out of bed at four in the dawning, not that they 'd left chickens in the Slytherin unwashed way. certain, there might have been random chicken plumage in the plebeian room that morning but the theatre brownie would have already cleaned them up. Then there was Bradley.

Omar Bradley. Albus 's belly dropped. Would Bradley rat out Albus in parliamentary procedure to save his own blood brother from possible fuss ? Albus liked to intend not, especially since doing so would impeach Bradley as well. But it was possible that Omar Bradley would request Cedric to leave him out of it when he told Kendrick in return for the information in the 1st place. Albus rubbed his os frontale. It was all so confusing and there were too many hypothesis.

Matt and John Lackland looked equally disturbed by the possibility. Both boys were sitting completely still, staring at prof Binns but not looking at him. flatness was absentmindedly doodling in his notebook computer. John was twirling his calamus around in his bridge player and had splattered ink all over himself and his account of Magic Quran.

Albus was grateful that they had Care of Magical Creatures next, despite the steady torrent. They would be able to spill. Hagrid was currently teaching them about unicorns and this particular lesson he had an actual unicorn for them to observe and interact with. Luckily for Albus, John, and matte, unicorns did not like son and thus had an apology to hang back and talk.

"The only way they 're going to find out is if they talk to Bradley and Bradley tells them,"Albus said as they pretended to take Federal Reserve note on the unicorn, which was currently surrounded by the daughter of the class.

"Or if they talk to myrtle and put the clew together,"lustrelessness pointed out.

"What clues ?"John asked."We did n't leave anything behind."

"Not that you know of. But they were right when they said aught can be done at Hogwarts without mortal knowing about it. For all we know there was another ghost lurking by the Slytherin common room while we were there that we did n't notice,"flatness explained."Or the fact that we were n't in the common elbow room last night-"

"We 're rarely in the common elbow room,"John said."Not since we found the Marauder 's Den."

"True. They could also talk to Bilius or Ethan and find out that we got back at four in the morning. Ethan woke up when we got back and asked what we were up to, commemorate ?"Matt said.

"That would n't tell them anything more than Myrtle would,"Albus replied as he scrawled a few promissory note about how the unicorn was pawing at the ground.

"What if they find plumage or chicken feed or something ?"lustrelessness asked.

"That will have all been cleaned up by now. The house elves cleanse everyday,"john said."I think Albus is properly. The only way they 'll know is if they talk to Omar Bradley. Or if they just assume and ask us about it. Al, are you going to be able to lie to them if they ask you ?"

"Er ..."Albus 's phonation trailed off. He knew how often of a rotten liar he was."To be honest ? Probably not."

Nobody said anything for a few minutes. Each boy pretended to be absorbed in taking notes on the unicorn.

"There 's null we can do, then,"lustrelessness finally said."We ca n't stop them or severalise them not to inquire because that would front suspicious. All we can do is await and hope they do n't figure it out."

Albus nodded. Matt was completely right, of track. But what Albus did n't say was that James and Cedric would figure it out. They were the shoal tricker and for the first time they 'd been out-pranked. The two were the schooltime 's frivolity experts and could easily follow the lead that would lead them right to their own brother and cousin.
******


The trigger-happy electric storm that had plagued Hogwarts the day before cleared up by Saturday morning and the weather could not bear been better for Quidditch. It was sunny, with tenuous swarm cover and little steer. The temperature was mild for November. Weather would not be a constituent in this Quidditch match. No, the team that won would win solely based on their accomplishment.

The Hogwarts population, both pupil and professors alike, were very excited for the match. House Quidditch had been suspended the previous twelvemonth in order for the Quidditch and Dueling contender with the shoal from New York and Australia, although the final match in the Quidditch event had been a disaster. Everyone at Hogwarts was ready for things to go back to normal and that included mansion Quidditch.

Normal also included the taunting that went on between the Gryffindors and Slytherins at breakfast right before the match. Malfoy informed Albus that he needed to watch over out else he obtain himself in the hospital Wing for day. Albus ignored this because Malfoy was n't even on the Slytherin team and did n't own plenty Quidditch science to be on a shaver 's team. He tried his Best to discount the twit from the factual Slytherin team as well, but still found his belly was a bit too queasy to eat much more than toast.

The team gathered around Fred in the changing room shortly before the match, ready to listen his first team speech.

"I fully believe we can win this,"Fred began."Our practices have gone very smoothly and it feels like Janie has played with us for years rather than only a few weeks. Slytherin plays dirty, though, so determine yourselves. They also have two new players, a chaser and a Beater, whereas we only have one. The new pursuer is a mo year and the new Beater is a tierce year, so I do n't guess we 'll have much number there. I 've seen them pattern and they still do n't crop as a seamless team like we do. Just go out there and fiddle like we did two years ago and we 're sure to win."

The team stood up and followed Fred out onto the rake. The ground was soft beneath Albus 's feat, but not too muddy, which would cause for a right squawk off. He stood in between broom and James while Fred went to shake off work force with Fielding, Slytherin 's captain.

Oteski shouted his desire for a clean compeer and then the two skipper crunched each other 's hands. Oteski released the Bludgers and Snitch and then tossed the Quaffle into the air. Albus kicked off from the dry land and flew towards the Quaffle, which had unfortunately been caught by Fielding.

"And they 're off !"Sweeney Todd Kathryn Elizabeth Smith announced."first-class honours degree House compeer in two years due to the rift go twelvemonth, during the competitor with the other schoolhouse. Both team have some new faces this year. Slytherin has a new chaser, indorsement year Marshall Belby, and a new Beater, third year Devon Wright. Gryffindor has a new Keeper, quartern twelvemonth Janie Creevey ...."

Albus tore his attention from Smith as the buster Gryffindor began to denote the names of the rest of the players. Leaning forward on his broom, Albus soared to the other side of the rake, where Fielding was attempting to bewilder the Quaffle into one of Gryffindor 's destination posts.

"Spectacular save by Creevey !"Kathryn Elizabeth Smith shouted."Looks like she 's going to be an first-class custodian for Gryffindor. Gryffindor now in possession. Heather Weasley in possession, passes to Albus ceramicist ...."

Albus caught the Quaffle, wedged it under his arm, and sped down to the other incline of the tar. He dodged two of Slytherin 's chaser but was hit by a Bludger sent from Wright and dropped the Quaffle. It was intercepted by Peyton Haines.

Albus swore loudly and tailed Haines as he turned around and headed towards Gryffindor. Fred managed to catch the Quaffle after Haines was hit by a Bludger and tossed it back to Albus.

This meter Albus made it to the Slytherin goal C. W. Post and feigned right before sending the Quaffle soaring through the entrust hoop.

"account !"David Roland Smith announced."Albus potter scores the inaugural goal of the peer. Ten point in time to Gryffindor !"

The remainder of the mate continued in the Sami mode, with the Quaffle continuously exchanging handwriting, rendering it very unmanageable for John Smith to keep up with the commentary. Gryffindor maintained a approximate incessant score of XX breaker point ahead of the Slytherins. Albus scored two more goals and assisted on five more than. The Slytherin pursuer looked more and more disgusted as the mate wore on.

An hour and a half into the couple Albus saw James abandon his position above the rest of the histrion and fly towards the ground. hunting watch Pucey, Slytherin 's searcher, followed.

"Looks like Potter has seen the sneaker !"Smith exclaimed.

Albus watched while flying the Quaffle to the Slytherin goal stake. James II had his arm outstretched towards a glittering object when Devon Wilbur Wright slammed her Beater 's bat towards a nearby Bludger. But the Bludger suddenly soared upward, leaving nil in between the bat and James IV 's leg. Devon 's bat collided with King James I 's leg, sending him sprawling onto the earth. Albus stopped where he was.

The stallion crowd gasped, with the elision of the Slytherins, who were cheering. Pucey was flying around the pitch holding the struggling Snitch in his outstretched hand. Albus ignored this and flew directly to King James I, who was clutch his leg on the dry land.

Albus abandoned his broom once he landed and hurried towards James. He was surrounded by ma'am Pomfrey, Professor Oteski, prof Kendrick, professor Longbottom, the residue of the Gryffindor team, and surprisingly, Devonshire.

Albus paused to look at the little girl. She was minor, like to the highest degree second eld are, but mesomorphic. Her unclean blonde hair was in a messy bun and her face was streaked with weeping. As Albus got closer, he could hear that she was whispering"I 'm sorry"over and over again.

"Foul !"heather shouted."That 's a foul ! I want a rematch !"

"Let 's get James to the Hospital offstage and then we 'll worry about a rematch,"Neville said as Madam Pomfrey conjured a stretcher.

"Finally, someone with some sensory faculty around here,"Madam Pomfrey muttered."All of you, out of the way !"

The bunch quickly dispersed as gentlewoman Pomfrey guided the stretcher towards the castle, followed by the amass professor. After a few minutes, prof Patil ordered the eternal sleep of the bookman to get back to their coarse rooms. Albus walked back to the castling with his team, who were heading straight to the Hospital Wing.

James was resting once they got there, his leg bandaged but no longer let out. He no longer looked to be in nuisance, but looked like he wanted to hex the entire Slytherin team. Madam Pomfrey appeared in battlefront of them before they could reach James I 's bed.

"Ten minutes,"she said."That 's all."

"Are we getting a replay ?"was the first-class honours degree thing out of Henry James 's mouth."No one will tell me anything."

"They have n't said anything yet,"Fred replied."How 's the leg ?"

"fine, now. Just a little painful. Madam Pomfrey said I can will tomorrow good afternoon,"Epistle of James told them."We better get a rematch. That was a foul. I was two seconds from catching the canary when that new Beater went and hit me with her bat ! Who does she call up she is ? Does n't she know the rules of Quidditch ? Or is that how Slytherin 's training their instrumentalist these solar day ?"

"She was going for a Bludger,"Albus explained."You probably could n't see it because she was behind you, but there had been a Bludger. It flew up at the net second and she accidentally got your leg."

"How do they know that ?"King James asked."She might 've made that up."

"Everyone saw it,"Albus said quietly.

"It 's true,"Heather agreed."I do n't recognise if they 'll contribute us a rematch."

The room access to the hospital Wing opened, revealing the Beater in query. She walked tentatively interior and stopped when she saw the intact Gryffindor team. dame Pomfrey greeted her and they spoke in voices too quiet to catch before she walked slowly over to James 's bed.

"I know you probably detest me and I do n't find fault you,"she whispered."But I really am sorry. It really was an accident. I swear it. It was my beginning match."

Albus glanced at the remainder of his team. Their looks of confusion mirrored his own thoughts.

"Er, well, thanks for the apologia, I guess,"James said.

"Is your leg ok ?"she asked.

"It 's fine now,"St. James the Apostle replied.

Devon reached into her robes and pulled out a bar of Honeyduke 's chocolate. She handed it to Saint James, her eyes staring at his bed and not meeting his glance the entire time."Here,"she whispered.

"Er, thanks,"James said as he took the chocolate.

"Um, I 'm going to go now. Bye,"Devon said and turned to run from the ward, before any of the Gryffindor squad had clip to respond.

"That was foreign,"William James muttered after the door had slammed shut."Anyone illusion some chocolate ?"

"She 's got a crush on you,"Ryan announced.

"Department of Energy not,"James argued.

"Have we ever had a Slytherin apologize for injuring one of us before, let alone give us chocolate ?"Fred asked."I 'm with Ryan on this one."

"Well clearly some of them have sense of right and wrong,"Albus replied."But yeah, she likes you."

"She 's twelve,"James said flatly.

"Girls mature faster than blokes."Heather smirked."So, actually, she should be just about right for you."

"Shut up,"James River muttered."Not sharing my cocoa anymore."

"Ten second are up !"Madam Pomfrey announced as she returned to Saint James 's bed bearing a tray that contained a few foul looking potions."And these are for you, James."

Albus and the rest of the squad bade James goodbye and left the Hospital fender. They walked up to Gryffindor towboat together, but parted once they entered the rough-cut room. Albus found his Quaker at a table near the door to the dormitories and sat down to excuse the entire Devonshire Wright thing.

"So she was actually upset that she had broken King James I 's leg ?"whoremonger asked.

"And she apologized ?"Matt added.

"And gave him chocolate ?"Kaden continued.

Albus nodded."Strange, is n't it ?"

"Very,"John agreed."I 'm surprised she 's on the team. Is n't it a requirement for the Slytherin team to be a fan of fierceness ?"

"She might not be on a good deal long, mighty ?"mat asked.

"It was an accident,"Albus said."I already said that. The rest of the team saw it and so did half the professors. So there 's probably not going to be a replay either."

"That 's not fair,"St. John the Apostle muttered.

"It 's only the first compeer,"Albus pointed out."Plenty Sir Thomas More time to benefit those points back. And their Seeker is fearful anyway. He could n't have caught that Snitch if Henry James had n't deliver been hit."

Albus, Matt, and whoremonger spent the balance of the afternoon discussing Quidditch and Gryffindor 's opportunity of winning the Quidditch Cup. They factored in the skill level of all the players on all the houses and the head earned so far, along with the possible weather hinderances that were surely to come. Kaden paid attention, but did n't contribute much except for the occasional input about how something was dissimilar in football. Amanda did the same, write for the football game comments. ascend sighed and dug a volume out of her bag and record it until they had finished.

Professor Oteski was at supper that night, which was a rare natural event due to the fact that he has a wife and young children in Hogsmeade and normally was only at the castle for classes and Quidditch equal. Towards the end of the repast he rose, rendering the total foyer silent.

"The other professors and I have reviewed the outcome at today 's equal,"Oteski began."We 've taken into account statement a few select educatee'observations-"

"He interviewed me,"Fred said.

"-along with the professors'. I have come to the closing that the act of a Slytherin Beater hitting Gryffindor 's searcher with her Beater 's Bat was an unfortunate accident. No disciplinary military action will be taken against her, nor will a rematch be taking place."He resumed his seat.

All of Gryffindor groaned while Slytherin rejoiced. Albus glanced over at their table and saw that Devon Fanny Wright was the only Slytherin not shouting in upheaval. Instead she had her head on her helping hand and was picking at her dinner. She was a very odd Slytherin, that was for sure.

"I really did n't remember there 'd be a rematch,"Fred said."But listen, we can still win. Losing the outset match does n't mean we 'll lose the Cup."

"Someone 's going to take in to severalise James,"heather mixture replied."He wo n't be pleased. I 'm fairly sealed he can count the number of times he has n't caught the snitcher on one hand."

Albus thought back to the time James II had lost a mates against Linda the vampire and hid in the screech Shack. Luckily his brother had come a long way from that and would not feel the need to hide after missing the Snitch.


A/N : Thanks to everyone who has read and reviewed this ! I 'm back at school now, so I wo n't be writing as much. But I have a few chapters saved up, so I 'm hoping to update frequently for the next month at to the lowest degree.

If you are enjoying this story ( or any of my taradiddle ), header over to the assembly and nominate one for a Dobby award ! Be sure to show the rule before posting. : )


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Albus was very projecting that he was not given the task of telling James that there would not be a replay. Fred, being the skipper, took that job for himself and the rest of the team merely went with him. James was understandably upset, but did n't carry the news nearly as badly as Albus would have got expected. Perhaps he was maturing, if even a small amount of money. On Sunday, James was released from the Hospital Wing and lifespan at Hogwarts returned to normal if only for a few days.

After a doubly class of potions and single grade of transfiguration on Tues, Albus and his supporter had politics and this was the day where they would observe out who would get to sit in the Great Hall during the debate on Saturday. The Gryffindors and Hufflepuffs were understandably more chatty in the minutes before Professor Embry began class. Most of the students hoped that they would get to hang the argumentation, with the exception of John and a few of the Hufflepuffs. Albus and matte would be attending it either way, so they doubted either of them would be picked. Rose had also found out that since she was Sir Henry Percy 's niece, she would also get to attend to no subject what.

"settle down, settle down,"Embry said once the clock struck three. He smiled and then quickly took attendance."I 'm very happy to see how excited you are for Saturday 's debate. It 's very energize to see young multitude so interested in political sympathies. Since I know none of you will pay care during class unless I announce who gets to give ear before I begin, I will announce them now."

The class immediately began whispering until Embry located a piece of parchment on his desk and cleared his throat."Now, a few of you are able to attend the debate without being chosen. Matt Eckerton and Albus thrower, since both your Padre are drumhead of departments at the Ministry you will be able to attend. rosiness Weasley, since you are related to one of the campaigner, you may attend as well. And not to worry, everyone else, they will not take away spots from the regular student body.

"One boy and one girl were picked randomly from each class, for each theater. So eight pupil from each twelvemonth were chosen total. For Hufflepuff the favorable two are Olivia Price and Ronald Bones."

"Yes !"Ronald shouted. He was a rather loud, blonde haired boy, who reminded Albus a lot of Kaden. Olivia just smiled. She was calm, but as one of Hufflepuff 's Beaters, was quite forceful.

"And for Gryffindor we have Ethan Kesse and Marina Jordan-Bell,"Embry continued.

Both let out ecstatic yell and the eternal sleep of the class clapped before everyone settled down. All four winning students were still grinning when Embry began speaking once more.

"congratulation to all four of you. This will not be the solitary debate to get shoes at Hogwarts and for the next one, different students will be chosen. Now, on Saturday, you are to account to the Great Charles Francis Hall at ten o'clock in the dayspring. The debate will begin at eleven. You will give way your epithet to whichever professor is waiting by the room access and then a Prefect will show you to where you are supposed to sit. Same goes for you, Matt, Albus, and Rose."

Embry set the parchment down on his desk and smiled as he walked closer to the mesa of his scholarly person."Now, what Professor Kendrick has not told you yet, because it has only just been finalized, is that both campaigner will be hosting two joint question and resolution academic session. These will be for students and Hogwarts staff only. The same student chosen to see the debate will be able to serve the interrogative and answer academic term. It will take place at three in the Great Hall. Please arrive at two-thirty.

"Everyone else will be listening to the argument on the wireless. Fourth year Gryffindors and Hufflepuffs will be in the Transfiguration of Jesus classroom. Please report there by ten-thirty. Everyone, no matter whether they are attending the public debate or listening on the wireless are expected to write a foot long essay on which candidate you thought was more successful in making their point. It will be due at the beginning of next week 's class."

The entire class groaned at the quotation of the essay. Embry ignored this and began his public lecture. They had finally made it into the twentieth century, but were still far from learning about how everything in the Ministry changed after Voldemort was defeated.

The quietus of the workweek passed very slowly. The Hogwarts educatee were getting very excited at the prospect of the candidates arriving for their debate, with the exclusion of Bradley and Cedric. Even John and Kaden, neither of whom were going to give ear the debate, were catching a piffling bit of fervour. Albus was rather shocked at how the majority of the student were getting involved with the election. Being someone who had grown up with politics and the Ministry of Magic, he was not quite as thrilled with the medical prognosis, especially when reporters from the Daily Prophet showed up on Friday morning.

"wish to bring bets on how quickly they find you ?"John asked as they passed two reporter on their way to Care of Magical Creatures.

Albus glanced at the reporter. One was a very tall and lanky man, with messy brown hairsbreadth and considerable stubble on his face. He was frantically writing down questions that the other reporter, an equally marvelous cleaning lady with huge red brim and black hair, was asking an uncomfortable looking maiden year.

"Walk faster,"Albus nudged lav as they neared the oak doorway.

Albus had absolutely no desire to appear in any issues of the Daily Prophet. Neither of his parents liked reporters and that was a trait they had passed down to Albus. He made a mental banknote to warn Bradley and Cedric about them the next time he saw his two cousin-german.

In an effort to nullify the reporters, Albus, lustrelessness, and John spent their free point after spell in the Marauder 's Den. With any lot when the Ministry official arrived the newsman would give up trying to interview random Hogwarts scholarly person. Although Albus knew it was not random at all. At lunch, after concern of Magical Creatures, he found out that no to a lesser extent than four of his cousins, along with Lily, had been interviewed that forenoon.

The officials were arriving just as Albus and his friends were heading to the Great foyer for dinner party. They paused on the grand staircase while the blue-robed witches and wizards entered the Great Asaph Hall, gracefully avoiding the reporters that were standing next to the entranceway to the Great residence hall. Albus recognized nearly all of them, including his dad, Uncle Percy, and flatness 's dad.

The faculty table had been magically elongated enough to provide bottom for all of the Ministry officials, who had at sat down and began speaking with the professors. Albus and his friends all found rump at the Gryffindor table, near all his cousins. Cedric was scowling while reading a letter. He then crumpled it up and then set flak to it with his wand.

"Dad still thinks we pulled that buffoonery, James,"Cedric muttered."Says he 's going to induce clock time to speak with me before he leaves."

"We 'll notice out,"James II said."We still have n't talked to all the ghosts."

"All except Moaning Myrtle."Cedric shuddered."I do n't fancy talking to her."

"She 's our last hope,"Jesse James said."We 're going to find her. After all this public debate stuff and nonsense is over."

Albus let out a sigh of reliever. He had two more than Day. In all Lunaria annua, he 'd nearly draw a blank about Cedric and Saint James the Apostle 's quest to find out who put the chickens in the Slytherin common room. But apparently his chum and cousin-german had not.

Kendrick rose from his seat once the Great G. Stanley Hall was replete."On behalf of myself, the balance of the Hogwarts stave, and the Hogwarts pupil torso, I 'd like to welcome our Ministry example to Hogwarts. Before we eat, I 'd like to stick in everyone.

"number 1, our candidates,"Kendrick gestured to Percy and Laurentis, who were both sitting immediately to his left hand."Sir Henry Percy Weasley and Patricia Laurentis."Kendrick then gestured to the tall, rather portly man on his left wing."Our current Minister, Langston Hartwell."

The residual of the functionary were intersperse amongst the professors. Kendrick gestured to a Second Earl Grey haired witch sitting in between professor Patil and Cedonia."Head of Magical Law Enforcement. Reena Barnes."Next, Kendrick gestured to Matt 's dad who was sitting next to Albus 's dad and Professor Trelawney."principal of the department for the ascendency and Regulation of Magical Creatures. Bruno Walter Eckerton."

Half the Gryffindor table turned and looked at Matt, who gave a smile and shrugged. Never one to talk about his family, most of Gryffindor was unaware of who Matt 's dad was.

"I 'm for sure you all remember Harry ceramist, head of the Auror Department,"Kendrick said as he gestured to Albus 's dad. He received louder applause than anyone else had.

Kendrick then introduced three of Hartwell 's other adviser, who had statute title that were just as long and confusing as Percy 's stream job deed of conveyance. Then, finally, Kendrick waved his hands and food appeared on all the mesa.

During dinner Fred announced that he had reluctantly canceled Quidditch exercise for the next day since it was scheduled for the same clip as the interrogative and answer school term. The repose of dinner was spent figuring out which Gryffindors, besides the large amount that were related to Percy, were going to attend the disputation. Both John the Divine 's little sister, Asthyn, and James River 's outflank friend, Nathan, were getting to serve.

After sweet had been served and consumed, Kendrick reminded everyone of the meter of the next day 's debate and suggested they all turn in early. Albus wondered whether the ministry officials would be staying in the castling or Apparating back to their own homes for the night. Cedric took off for the common elbow room as soon as he had finished eating, in orderliness to forfend his father.

Albus and his friends decided to stay in the common room that Night since everyone was so lively and the excitement was catching. John brought a pack of cards of Exploding cinch down from his tree trunk and the six friends sat around a tabulate playing for at to the lowest degree an hour. Kaden had just had the cards explode in his boldness when the door to the coarse elbow room opened and someone gasped.

Everyone glanced over and the common room went silent. Percy was standing in the threshold, looking very awkward and uncomfortable. His eyes landed on Cedric, who had been organizing his stock of Skiving Snackboxes with James I and Nathan. Cedric went as pale as Moaning Myrtle.

"Cedric,"Hotspur said quietly."I need to speak with you."

"I did n't do it, Dad !"Cedric exclaimed."I swear it !"

Albus shifted uncomfortably in his seat, glancing at his friends. rose was giving him a disapproving flavour while Matt, Gospel According to John, and Kaden looked equally uncomfortable. Amanda had raised her eyebrow. This was derisory. Why could n't Percy let it go or believe his son ? Or at least deal with it privately ? It was unfair of him to surprise into the Gryffindor commons room and call out his own son like that.

Percy shook his head."Cedric, you 've pulled put-on like this ever since you were slight. This one has you written all over it. You, too, James."

"But Dad-"

"No buts,"Harry Hotspur said."This is not acceptable. Now I 'd wish to speak with you privately."

Cedric did n't budge. Albus swallowed firmly and looked at Matt, bathroom, and Kaden each in turn. Pranks were all in practiced fun, but not when innocent mass were punished for them. And Albus had no doubt that Percy would punish Cedric whether he had proof or not. Cedric 's yesteryear betrayed him and Percy was too focused on winning the election to give his son the welfare of the uncertainty. Albus did not like his cousin taking the fall for something he and his friends did. It just was not something he was comfortable with.

Matt gave a cold-shoulder nod of his head. John and Kaden both shrugged and Albus took that to intend"do what you have to do ”. Albus sighed and stood up."Wait, Uncle Percy."

"Albus, this is none of your vexation,"Sir Henry Percy said."Cedric has to face his consequences."

"But he did n't do it !"Albus exclaimed."It was me. I did it."

James burst out laughing."You, Al ? That 's Nice and all of you to try and keep Cedric out of trouble, but really ? You could n't get into the Slytherin uncouth room."

"It was n't only him,"lav said, standing up."Kaden and I did near of it. Al was just a face out."

"I was, too,"Matt announced."It was the four of us."

Fred and a few of his friends suddenly jumped up from their seats and bowed in front of Albus, lusterlessness, Saint John, and Kaden."Masters ! You are the kings."

The integral vulgar room exploded in applause and whistles. Albus could n't avail but grin despite the fact that he knew he was going to be in bother. William James gave Albus an odd flavor before breaking out in a wry smile himself. A few offset years ran up and high-fived them. Hugo was practically rolling on the story laughing.

"Enough, enough !"Hotspur shouted."Albus, you 'd ameliorate fall with me. You three as well."He gestured to lusterlessness, John, and Kaden.

Albus and his friends reluctantly followed Percy out of the common room to Kendrick 's survey. On the way there Albus could n't help but notice that his uncle did n't really walk. He strutted, almost like he owned the shoes. Albus supposed he was remembering back to his fountainhead Boy days. Head Boy was probably now well out of grasp for Albus, as was becoming a Prefect. Not like he really wanted to become a Prefect anyway.

Upon entering Kendrick 's study Albus was horrified to see that all of the Ministry functionary were there, including his own father. mat had paled considerably on seeing his father as well. This was bad.

Kendrick glanced at the son and then looked questioningly up at Percy."I think we need a mo of privacy,"Kendrick said to the functionary,"except Harry and Walter."

The rest of the functionary left the room, whispering to themselves as they went. Kendrick then resumed his butt behind his desk and conjured enough chairperson for the remaining masses. Albus took a buns in between Matt and Kaden.

"What 's going on, Percy ?"Kendrick asked.

"I went to Gryffindor to have a chat with my son about that prank finish calendar week and as it turns out he was telling the truth."Albus was pleased to see that Percy looked slightly ashamed."As I was asking Cedric for a buck private talk, my nephew and his Quaker announced that they were the pranksters."

"They what ?"Harry exclaimed, looking at Albus."Is this about the chickens in the Slytherin common elbow room japery ?"

"Yes,"Harry Hotspur confirmed."These four just confessed to it."

matt 's dad let out a sigh and shook his head.

"Is this straight, boys ?"Kendrick asked.

"Yes, sir,"Albus replied.

"I 'm very disappointed in you, Albus,"Harry said."This is the kind of thing I expect from James, not from you."

"As am I in you, Matthew,"Walter added."You 've never been one to root for pranks."

"It was our idea,"John said, gesturing to himself and Kaden."All they did was observe a look out while we were in their commons room."

"Nevertheless,"Kendrick said, folding his hands on his desk."All four of you broke schoolhouse prescript and you will be punished. Fifty percentage point from Gryffindor-"

Kaden gasped.

"-each,"Kendrick finished."And detention. As much as I 'd like to start your detention tomorrow we have other subject happening in this castle and none of the staff is destitute to superintend. You will start your detainment on Mon eve and you will have it for a week."

"But sir-"Albus and Matt said at once.

"No buts,"Kendrick said."You blatantly broke multiple school rules."

"But Quidditch and dueling ! That 's the hebdomad before the firstly tournament-"

"Your teams will have to hold practice without you, Mr. Potter,"Kendrick said shortly."You should have thought about that before you participated in this mischief."

"Sir ?"Matt asked quietly.

Kendrick sighed."Yes ?"

"The, er, to the full moonlight is Tuesday,"Matt muttered.

"Right,"Kendrick replied."Attend the detentions that you can and whichever unity you miss can be made up once you are better.

"Thank you,"Walter said,"for being understanding about that."

"Not a problem. Matt 's situation is vastly dissimilar from missed Quidditch practice."

Albus felt his cheeks reddening. It had been a valid period for him. Fred would murder him in his rest when he found out Albus would miss at to the lowest degree two practices for hold. He certainly would n't be applauding and bowing anymore.

"You 'll report to Filch 's office on Monday at seven. He 'll chip in you encourage direction on what your detention will fee-tail. Now, get back to Gryffindor towboat,"Kendrick said.

Albus rose from his seat. Harry did the same."Al, you realize I 'm going to cause to tell your mother about this."

Albus nodded."Yes."

"She wo n't be pleased. But I do want to evidence you that I 'm majestic of the way you owned up to this when you realized Cedric was wrongfully accused. As disappointed as I am that you pulled that prank, I am very felicitous to bear such an honest son. I 'll see you tomorrow. Have a good night and remember, I always love you,"Harry said and gave Albus a hug.

"dear you too,"Albus said quietly.

matte was having what was surely a similar talk with his own father and once they were finished, the four male child left Kendrick 's study and went immediately back to Gryffindor Tower.

"VII detention,"King John muttered as they walked up a set of stairs."sevener. This is high-risk than that time in second gear year when we were caught near the Whomping Willow."

"Not to observe the points,"Albus replied.

"And custody with Filch no lupus erythematosus,"Matt said."I 'll be doing at least two of them on my own, too."

Kaden shrugged."Still seems worth it."

John grinned."Most definitely worth it."

Albus and mat gave each former looks that clearly meant they disagreed. No, 200 breaker point from Gryffindor, seven detention with Filch, and no Quidditch exercise for a week was not worth it.
***


In true Hogwarts fashion by the succeeding morning at Breakfast the intact school knew that it had been three Gryffindor quartern twelvemonth and one Gryffindor tertiary year that had managed to sneak into the Slytherin common room and deposit two volaille and a rooster, as well as binding the full seat in snort seed. Hufflepuff was especially excited about this because Gryffindor 's exit of 200 points put them in the spark advance for the House Cup. Gryffindor was now dead last and the other Gryffindors were torn between their awe of Albus and his friends and their repulsion that the clowning had cost them so many points.

blush wine and Amanda had burst out laughing when the boys told them their destiny the late night. They were furious about the loss of degree, though. rose was especially disgusted by John and Kaden 's lack of remorse.

All the ministry functionary were at the faculty table, whereas the house table were not nearly as wax as the previous day. It seemed that some students had not heeded Kendrick 's proposition about going to bed early.

There was a whoosh of wings and Albus looked up to see that the billet hooter had arrived. His gist started beating faster and he swallowed hard upon seeing his mother 's owl holding a red gasbag in its mouth.

"Oh no,"Albus whispered as the owl grew secretive. His Friend glanced up and saw the riot just as the owl was preparing for landing. It landed in front of Albus 's plate of eggs and he took the howler in his hand before quickly running out of the Great mansion house for the nearest bathroom.

The envelope was already hot when he arrived in the thankfully hollow loo. He reluctantly opened it and the room was soon wax with Ginny 's high pitched shouting.

"ALBUS SEVERUS POTTER, WHAT HAS GOTTEN INTO YOU ? I AM ABSOLUTELY SHOCKED TO HEAR THAT YOU WERE IN THE SLYTHERIN COMMON room AND putt volaille IN THERE NO LESS. I DO NOT guardianship THAT YOU WERE ONLY THE LOOK OUT. YOU MAY AS WELL HAVE BEEN IN THERE YOURSELF. YOU WERE BLATANTLY break MULTIPLE shoal RULES INCLUDING BEING OUT OF BED AFTER 60 minutes.

I AM VERY let down. THIS IS THE SORT OF thing I EXPECT FROM James II, BUT eve St. James the Apostle KNOWS WHEN NOT TO CROSS THE personal line of credit. AND YOU DID N'T JUST CROSS THE LINE. YOU JUMPED WAY OVER IT. AND TO HAVE PERCY breakthrough OUT ABOUT THIS while HE IS AT HOGWARTS FOR A public debate ? ! YOU KNOW WE HAVE TO KEEP UP appearance IN fiat FOR HIM TO have A CHANCE AT THIS ELECTION AND THIS DOE NOT HELP.

I HIGHLY APPROVE OF THE detainment AND LOSS OF period. I CAN NOT SAY I WOULD BE foiled IF YOUR entire HOUSE WERE ANGRY WITH YOU OVER THIS. I EXPECT YOU WILL NOT DO THIS AGAIN. IF YOU DO YOU WILL own to a greater extent THAN JUST penalization AT SCHOOL."

The letter exploded with a brief powderpuff of smoke. Albus stood there staring at it for a few sec. His mother had not even mentioned how his confession had saved Cedric. There was no mention of how she was proud about his honesty, like his dad had been.

Albus heard a light laugh from behind him. He turned around and saw none early than Scorpius Malfoy leaning on one of the sinks, smirking.

"I knew it was one of you Gryffindors,"Malfoy said."Just did n't bear it to be you lot. Did n't think you 'd be voguish enough to figure out our password."

"Just shut up, Malfoy,"Albus muttered as he pushed his way past the Slytherin on his way out of the loo.

"Loved the howler, by the way."Malfoy gave another laugh.

Albus groaned inwardly. He hoped Malfoy had n't heard much of it, but highly doubted it. Albus took a cryptic breath and walked back to the Great foyer. Perhaps with the debate coming in an hour, the rest of the students would forget about the clowning and the loss of level and find something new to talk over.


A/N : Big thanks to my Skype writing group. You guy wire are all awesome ! Thanks for all the amazing recapitulation ! The new banner was done by violet ephemera at TDA. There 's a little under a week left to nominate stories for the Dobby accolade, so if you like this story, nous over to the meeting place and nominate it ! Just remember to study the rules first.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


There was a long queue of students waiting to get into the Great Hall after everyone left once breakfast was over. The Great Charles Francis Hall had been completely emptied in order for the prof to organise it for the public debate. Albus craned his principal in attempt to see it. As far as he could tell it looked the same except the long house tables had been replaced by rows of seating room. He, along with Matt and Rose, were only a few student away from the front of the queue.

Once they made it to the nominal head they gave their names to Professor Longbottom and then were lead inside by one of the Ravenclaw Prefects. Adults were milling about talking with each former and educatee were already seated. The outset few rows were cordoned off with roach and the Ravenclaw Prefect leading Albus, Rose, and matt to the tertiary roped off row. He lifted the Mexican valium and told them to charge all the way in, to the very end of the unoccupied row. Albus sat in between rose and matte. It appeared that the roped off rows were reserved for Ministry officials and their families. Albus noticed that his mum was sitting in the movement row along with the rest of his aunty and uncles. Sakartvelo was also in the nominal head row and was handing out coloring Christian Bible and crayon to Samantha and Lindy.

James River, Ben, Lily, and Hugo filed in next to Rose a few minutes later. Albus saw that Cedric and Thomas Bradley, who had walked in with his siblings, were being lead to the forepart row. Fred, Angie, heather, and cross finished out their row five bit later. Albus gazed around the elbow room and make out Victoire and Teddy sitting across the gangway. Francis Edgar Stanley walked in with Gabriella and took posterior next to Victoire and chemise. Albus had to accept he was storm to see them there. in conclusion he heard she was in France and he was in Rumania.

The room soon became packed with the educatee who had won seats as well as former witches and adept who had chosen to come. Albus recognized a few who worked in workshop in Hogsmeade including brothel keeper Rosmerta. He turned to the strawman of the room and noticed that the staff table had also disappeared and had been replaced with two podiums and a small table, just like the set up in the courtroom at the Ministry.

At exactly eleven o'clock the doors to the Great manor hall were shut and multitude began to sit down. prof Kendrick entered the room from one of its foyer, followed by the Minister, Albus 's dad, Matt 's dad, and the Head of Magical Law Enforcement, Reena Barnes. The former Ministry officials were seated in the social movement row.

Kendrick lead them to the pocket-size tabular array near the podium. All five, with the exclusion of Kendrick, sat. Kendrick walked to the front of the podium and the audience quieted.

"Welcome to the one-third debate. I welcome all of you to Hogwarts school of Witchcraft and genius. Today 's debate will be on breeding. I 'd wish to insert today 's moderator, the Head of the Department for the Control and regularisation of Magical Creatures, Walter Eckerton."

The audience clapped and Albus whispered to matte, asking him if he knew his dad was moderating. Matt shook his oral sex no and the two looked back to the figurehead.

Kendrick had taken his tooshie and lustrelessness 's dad had rose."Now I 'd like to welcome our two nominee. Percy Weasley and Patricia Laurentis."

There was more than applause as Percy and Laurentis walked out of the antechamber and took their spot behind the podiums. Once the applause subsided, mat 's dad began to speak.

"Today 's debate will run similarly to past debate, with five minute reception and two instant rebutter. All questions and prompts will be about education. The debate will run for an hour and a half. After it is over, the room will be cleared and then lunch will be served. After luncheon there will be a short breaking and then the scholar question and answer session will get berth in this same elbow room. Without further adieu, the first question. Mr. Weasley, you will do first.

"How do you sense about the Hogwarts physical surroundings ? Do you experience it is adequate and conducive to learning or do you experience changes should be made ?"

Hotspur took a footprint forward and smiled at the audience."I believe that the Hogwarts castle is very conducive to learning. Being in a secluded area provides little in the way of distraction to the students. Yet the law of proximity of the castling to Hogsmeade village gives scholarly person in third year and above a much needed break. The sole alteration I think need to be made are to update what needs to be updated and touch on what needs to be repaired."

"Thank you, Mr. Weasley,"Matt 's dad said. He turned to Laurentis."Ms. Laurentis."

"I agree with Mr. Weasley. The Hogwarts castle is very contributory to learning and I see aught wrong with it the way it is. All of Mr. Weasley 's period are very valid."

Albus turned to Matt and shrugged. That was odd. They actually agreed on something. mat 's dad seemed a little shocked by this as well, because he did not say anything for a few second after Laurentis quieted.

"All right. Since you two agree, I see no demand for rebutter. Moving on to the next question. Ms. Laurentis, this time you will go first. How do you feel about the current Hogwarts program ? Do you feel the form adequately prepare today 's immature masses for livelihood in British wizarding smart set ? What changes, if any, do you sense need to be made ?"

"The Hogwarts curriculum has not been updated in decades. In fact, the just new division that has been introduced is this year 's class on politics. syllabus is something that needs to commute with the times and be re-evaluated at least every former yr. The world is a constantly changing place and what student learn needs to change with it. New socio-economic class should be offered and outdated grade should be removed. Curricula for classes that are kept needs to switch in order to save up with today 's research. Potions, for example, should not be taught the same way now as it was xl years ago, but unfortunately, that seems to be the case."

"Thank you. Mr. Weasley."

"The heart and soul curriculum of Hogwarts is standardised to that of magical schools all over the world. The division taught here offer canonic and advanced statement in topics that genius need in order to role in beau monde. We can not fend here and advocate getting rid of spell or Transfiguration in favour of some new subject that may or may not teach our scholar anything. Yes, the world is constantly changing, but the BASIC patch remain the Sami. student forty years ago used 'Alohomora'to unfold doors and the turn remains the Same today,"Walker Percy argued.

"Your rebuttal, Ms. Laurentis."

"I am in no way insinuating that we should get rid of appeal or Transfiguration."She looked offended at Walker Percy 's accusal."All I am saying is that we need to see at the electives that are offered. The staple nub classes should obviously be kept, although they should be updated. Today 's professors are using the like textbooks they used thirty long time ago, which is derisory considering how much has changed in their fields-"

"Your time is up. Mr. Weasley."

Percy seemed to huff out his chest a bit."Those textbook still teach the fundamentals ! How is a schoolbook written last twelvemonth going to be any just at teaching a scholar how to stir a cauldron ? Additionally, former textbooks have more used transcript uncommitted making it more affordable for students from lower income families to buy their books."

It seemed to Albus that they had gotten slightly off theme from the proposed doubt, but neither candidate seemed to detect or care.

"Next inquiry. How do you find about the way that teacher selection and evaluation is handled at Hogwarts ? Do you feel any changes are needed ?"Mr. Eckerton asked."You may go first, Mr. Weasley."

"Traditionally, the Ministry has taken a very hands-off glide slope to teacher extract and I believe this has worked well. Ministry functionary do not hold the expertise to choose teachers and leaving this up to the Hogwarts staff has resulted in a very educated and well-rounded stave at Hogwarts. Following the sovereignty of Voldemort, a minuscule Department of Education department was founded in the Ministry to oversee things and while it is still very hands-off, I believe the small total of regulation has served Hogwarts well,"Percy explained.

"Ms. Laurentis."

Laurentis smirked and then began."teacher survival, along with course of study variety, is the the face of Hogwarts that needs the most radical modification, in my opinion. While professor Kendrick is a fine headmaster, I think more direction is needed when it comes to choosing professors. For the past four age, Hogwarts has been unable to secure a defense force Against the shadow Arts prof for Thomas More than two twelvemonth. One only lasted a twelvemonth. Other professor have been here for decades and yet others have remained even beyond their own Death. There is zero unseasonable, of course, with sr. teachers, but Hogwarts appears to receive no way of evaluating these faculty members. They remain here, teaching, class after year, whether or not they are actually successful in providing students with an education."

"Your rebuttal, Mr. Weasley."

Walker Percy 's face had gained some coloring material that was not always there."I hardly think it is reserve to blame Professor Kendrick for the fortune of previous Defense prof. Upon interviewing them he had no way of knowing what would pass in the end. As for the other prof, if you would look at the statistics of the O.W.L. and N.E.W.T. effect of the past tense few twelvemonth you 'll see that the absolute majority of bookman are passing. Might I add that those are regulated by the Ministry."

"Ms. Laurentis."

"I would consort that the schoolmaster should not be held responsible for one or two professor who should not give birth been hired in the first place, but Hogwarts has seen More than its bazaar ploughshare of inadequate professors in the past few years. Clearly something is wrong. Thomas More people need to be involved with curriculum and teacher selection."

"Next query,"Mr. Eckerton said."Do you feel that the security at Hogwarts is decent ? If not, what should be changed ? Ms. Laurentis, you may begin."

If Albus was not mistaken, he could have sworn he saw Laurentis sigh and give a slight eye axial rotation before beginning."Let 's just cry it what it is, why do n't we ? want of security department at Hogwarts ! The surety here, if you can call it that, is sorely lacking. Might I bring up the fact that for the past three years there had been a stern breach in security here ? Three class ago, a mathematical group of number 1 days dueled the appeal professor, a seventh yr, and that seventh year 's father on the grounds for a important period of time before the professors stepped in. The stick with year, another first yr was kidnapped by that Lapplander seventh class, who had then graduated. Last year, those Saami students were kidnapped and taken to Australia of all places ! I think we could forgive one incident, but three-"

"Your time is up,"flatness 's dad said."Mr. Weasley."

Hotspur was looking to a greater extent and more disgruntled. His grimace now resembled his pilus."Might I remind my opponent that following the incidental three years ago, Aurors were stationed at Hogwarts and none of the pursuit incidents resulted in any lasting damage to any of the students. close yr, the Aurors were slightly preoccupied by the disastrous competition that took post here. Hogwarts is protected by many trance and all the professor are capable of protecting the scholarly person. live yr 's incident was an extremely unfortunate accident-"

"One that nearly resulted in student destruction !"Laurentis shouted.

"Ms. Laurentis."

Albus felt like the entire room was staring at himself and Matt. Glancing around, he saw that this was true.

Laurentis ignored Mr. Eckerton."I remind the wizarding biotic community that the Aurors have yet to enchant the Einstein of that incident. Which by the way was not the solely incident last yr. lowest year 's defense force Against the iniquity arts professor kept a highly severe animal in the rook for months before anything was done. And by the time it was discovered, it took Walter Eckerton stepping in to cause it removed ! Then, the professor was allowed to stay, despite the fact that later on it was discovered that he had been terrorizing and humiliating educatee in his class all year, not to bring up the fact that his syllabus were not allow. Following that abominable breech in security, regarding the animal, the same professor proceeded to divulge information that could compromise the life of another student-"

"That is enough, Ms. Laurentis !"Mr. Eckerton shouted."You are speaking out of turn."

Albus was unsure whether Matt 's dad was cutting her off because her metre was up or because she was getting dangerously close to talking about Matt. Come to intend of it, how did she even know about that ? She could n't possibly know about matte 's consideration, could she ? Albus glanced at Matt, who was looking extremely pale.

"I believe we are out of time,"Mr. Eckerton continued. He looked quite flustered."Please exit the elbow room while lunch is set up. You may return in a one-half hour."

Albus stood and waited for his play to leave the room. The entire crowd was whispering amongst themselves and pointing at Albus and mat every so often. He was tempted to skip lunch all together, except he was extremely hungry.
***


Albus managed to avoid speaking to any reporters before and during luncheon, which proved difficult because they seemed to have multiplied during the debate. All seemed keen on interviewing him, Matt, privy, and Kaden in particular due to their having been kidnapped the previous June. Albus was quite relieved when the nutrient in front end of them vanished and the majority of the mass in the room left in order for the question and result academic term to fill place.

Both campaigner seemed to have regained their composure during the meal because Sir Henry Percy 's face was no prospicient beet red and Laurentis had fixed her hair and was wearing a smiling. The newsperson had been banned from the room for the length of the academic term, much to their dismay. lustrelessness 's dad also looked better and was standing in the straw man of the way in front of the rostrum, waiting for everyone to sit down.

The way was often emptier now, considering that only the scholarly person chosen to listen to the argument and the professor were allowed in the room. Albus and Matt managed to get a few can in the front row. Saint James and Lily joined them.

Once the threshold had been shut and everyone had sat down, Mr. Eckerton stepped forward."Welcome to the interrogation and solution session. It will run for an hr and the candidates will answer as many questions as they can during that time. Please nurture your hired hand if you have a question."Nothing about the effusion during the argumentation was mentioned.

Albus could not think of anything to ask. He had absolutely no desire to mouth to Laurentis and anything that he would want to ask Percy he could just ask at Christmas or send him an owl. Not that he really had any questions for his uncle, either.

A marvellous Ravenclaw boy raised his helping hand and Mr. Eckerton pointed to him."This interrogation is for Ms. Laurentis,"the boy began."How exactly do you propose to make Hogwarts more secure ? I 'm nearly positivist that the most in advance turn are already used."

"That is very confessedly,"Laurentis answered."I believe that we need to look outside the world of spells and leave professor canonical training in defense against interloper. I think a syllabus, alike to very basic Auror training, would benefit all staff greatly."

A Hufflepuff in pigtails had a inquiry for both candidates next."Would either of you change the O.W.L. and N.E.W.T. exams if you were elected ?"

"Only to fit better with any possible program change,"Laurentis replied."The modification would come later. Not for at least two years."

"Most likely, no,"Hotspur said."The statistics prove that they work well as they are."

The question and answer session continued in the like way, proving itself very different from the public debate. It was quite the opponent, actually. Albus found himself very bored towards the end, his mind drifting towards what both candidates had said during the argumentation. He was very curious about what the vaticinator would say about it the next day.

"We have time for one Thomas More inquiry,"Mr. Eckerton finally said.

Albus let out a sigh of relief. A glance at Matt told him that his ripe Quaker was feeling the same way, since he was leaning back in his chair, his oculus nearly closed.

Mr. Eckerton pointed to a girl sitting in the far back. Albus did n't make out her, but she had Ravenclaw robes on.

"This is for both of you, if either of you know anything about it. Ms. Laurentis, you were talking about Professor Balladanis in the debate and you mentioned something about him giving educatee information that they could use to jeopardize another pupil. Is that really true ? And what exactly happened ?"

Albus prodded Matt in the English and whispered to him what the question had been. Given Matt 's reaction, which was a smell of verbalize affright, he almost wished he had n't bothered to fire up him up.

Mr. Eckerton stared at the student before turning to the campaigner."You may answer the get-go region of the interrogative sentence and that office only."

"It is true,"Laurentis said just as Percy had been opening his mouth to respond."Professor Balladanis was not cut out for teaching and did not understand the fact that there is a demarcation between teaching to spread noesis and teaching to endanger others."

"Does it have to do with the Anamatek ?"a Slytherin boy asked.

"Yes,"Percy said."The situations were related."

"This is why I believe teachers need to be evaluated so we can annul this case of spot,"Laurentis explained.

"But what kind of information could jeopardize someone ? Was it in the curriculum ?"the Ravenclaw who had originally asked the interrogative sentence said."Knowledge is power."

"It was not,"Laurentis answered."Which is exactly why it will be just for professors to suffer programme that they stick to."

"I just do n't sympathize,"the Ravenclaw went on."If people are kept in the wickedness they just blindly follow authority. I 've always believed that people should be taught everything possible."

Matt and his dad were both wearing standardized expressions. Both looked extremely uncomfortable and his dad was fiddling with a clasp on his robes. Matt looked like he wanted his chairwoman to swallow up him up.

"We 're all out of time,"Mr. Eckerton said."Thank you all for coming. The professors have requested that you all return to your common rooms and that you are detached to decline scuttlebutt to the reporter that are waiting outside."

There was a shuffling of electric chair as people got up and exited the room. Matt grabbed Albus 's arm without saying anything, leading him directly to his father, who was speaking to both the candidates.

"Dad,"Matt said quietly, not waiting for him to complete his conversation with Laurentis and Percy.

Mr. Eckerton turned around and his face became sympathetic. He turned back to Laurentis and Percy."Excuse me. My son. I believe you can lead up to Kendrick 's subject area and I will be there shortly."

Albus, matt, and Mr. Eckerton left Laurentis and Percy, who had now begun to argue about something, in the Great Hall and entered one of its vestibule. The elbow room was furnished with a few sofa and chairs. Albus chose an armchair while lustrelessness and his dad sat down on a couch.

"I 'm really disconsolate, flatness,"Mr. Eckerton said quietly."I did not expect final stage class to be brought up during this debate."

"It 's not your fault,"Matt replied as he picked at a slack thread on the lounge."It 's just the way she, Laurentis, was talking, I thought that maybe she .... Does she acknowledge, Dad ? She seemed to screw an unspeakable lot about what Balladanis did."

"She does n't cognize,"Mr. Eckerton said immediately."The only people at the Ministry who know are in my department. However, she and the residue of the Ministry did have to know why I was filing a theme on Balladanis hold out yr. I had to fall in ground as to why I wanted him investigated on that report."

"Did you list exactly what he did, with the Anamatek and his werewolf lessons ?"flatness asked.

"No."Mr. Eckerton shook his head."There are law protecting minors in this sort of billet and I was not legally required to mention your name. All I had to say was that an anon. bookman had felt threatened by a certain lesson that Balladanis taught. That was all that was needed to found the investigation. That alone would not have gotten him net, but adequate evidence was found through interviewing student about his teaching methods that zilch else was needed. It was n't even mentioned that it was a third gear class socio-economic class in my original report."

"But she seemed to know so very much,"Matt said.

"She does n't. Politicians decorate what they know in order to get elected. You do n't accept to worry. I suppose if she really wanted to she could look at the syllabus for Defense for that time of twelvemonth and research and physical body it out, but it would read a lot of work. And trust me, she does not have the meter for that. Nor does she really have any reason to care what lesson it was or why a student was threatened or who that scholarly person was."

"But she said my life had been at risk,"Matt said.

"Again, that 's her embellishment."Mr. Eckerton half-smiled."The only ones who are really curious are your comrade students and this will boast over. They have no way of finding out."

"good,"flatness replied, finally smiling a bit.

"I 'd meliorate get to the master 's field of study,"Mr. Eckerton said as he stood up.

Albus waited while Matt said adieu to his dad and then the two male child headed back to Gryffindor tower. The newsperson had either scattered or had found students will to be interviewed, for the male child came across no one but Prefects and a few first base year setting off dungbombs on their way back to the unwashed room. Albus was very beaming to learn that Laurentis did not have sex the specifics about what had happened with Balladanis the previous year, but he wished neither her or Percy would ever get it up again in a public debate. Somehow, though, Albus doubted that it would n't be.


Sorry for the late update ! meter has gotten away from me. Thanks to all who have read and reviewed. Big thanks to my Skype piece of writing group ; you guys are amazing !

I have a new meet the generator thread on the forums. There 's a contact to it on my Author page. Please check it out and ask me questions !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


The clause in the vaticinator on Dominicus proved to be just as outrageous as the factual argument had been. It took up the entire front page and was ripe with quotation mark from both nominee and a few students, although none of Albus 's first cousin had been quoted. The Ravenclaw who had asked the question about Balladanis at the enquiry and answer session had not only been interviewed, but she had received her own clause located on the irregular varlet. Albus groaned when he opened the page and saw it, dispatch with a moving picture of the Ravenclaw in question. His friends quickly crowded around the paper to record it over his shoulder.

CENSORSHIP AT HOGWARTS ?

Yesterday 's newsworthy argumentation at Hogwarts
shoal of Witchcraft and genius proved
not only to be a time to learn about the
campaigner'true legal opinion on magical
Education Department, but possibly uncovered an issue
of censorship that had been looked over
finis year.

Following the argument a enquiry and answer
session was held for those favorable few
Hogwarts students who had gotten to sit
in the Great Hall during the argument. The
finally head was asked by sixth year
Ravenclaw Elizabeth I House of York. During the argument
Patricia Laurentis brought up the topic
of the investigating of professor genus Aplysia
Balladanis, former Defense Against
the Dark liberal arts professor ( see article on
front Sir Frederick Handley Page ). House of York then questioned what
entropy had taught that according to
Laurentis"endangered a bookman 's life."

'I just wonder what selective information was being
taught because I 'm a firm truster that
students should never be denied
information. If it was bad enough
to endanger someone 's life, then sure,
it should not be taught, but no one is
saying what the information was .'York
said in an audience following the
session.

After the interrogative sentence was asked, debate
moderator and Head of the Department for
the Regulation and Control of Magical
Creatures Walter Eckerton told the
candidates that they could not say
what the information was, just confirm
that the incident had happened. Eckerton
quickly wrapped up the seance, stating
that they were out of time.

It is interesting to note that Eckerton
is the sorcerer who filed the complaint
thus launching the investigation of
Balladanis. When asked for a scuttlebutt,
Eckerton said'I 'm the capitulum of the
department for the Regulation and ascendency
of Magical tool. He had an Anamatek.
I was informed of the situation and had
to take action .'

The situation provided more questions
than solution and it will be interesting
to observe out whether this incident plays
a advance role in April 's election.

Albus set down the theme and pushed away his half-eaten breakfast. Why did the prophesier have to impress that ? It did n't seem relevant to the election. Balladanis had been sacked and was long gone. It was in the past.

"Your dad 's right,"Amanda said to matte later on when they were in the Marauder 's Den."She 's just trying to make things into a bigger hatful so she can win more votes. Politicians turn the bare things into immense deals."

"I know, but still,"Matt said as he picked through a pile of Bertie Bott 's Every Flavor noodle."It 's like none of them realize that it 's my life they 're making a big deal of."

"Honestly, I do n't call up it 's actually the information that people want,"Rose said, looking up from her Potions text."Think about it. If someone were to leak out the info, and say that Balladanis was teaching so very much about identifying lycanthrope that people could fancy out you were one, they 'd have nada else to talk about-"

"Yeah, because they 'd be talking about how there 's a werewolf at Hogwarts,"Matt said.

"No, that 's not what I meant,"Rose replied."They 're interested in the bigger topic. The fact that there might be censorship at Hogwarts. They do n't wish what the information is that 's been censored. They just deal that something 's been censored. And I think that if they really knew what it was, they 'd all agree that Balladanis had gone over the top."

"I guess,"Matt said."But that 's the matter, no one 's going to really know what it is."

"It 'll all blow over soon enough,"Albus said."succeeding debate 's on law enforcement. Aurors, Azkaban, that sort of affair, and Laurentis runs Azkaban."

Albus spent much of Sunday afternoon on the Quidditch pitch shot, which was a welcomed fill-in from discussing the debate and the election and Hotspur and Laurentis. He loved his admirer, but they all seemed to be able-bodied to talk about the election for years and he could n't. Fred would have had them on the sales talk longer, but Hufflepuff had reserved it for the eventide.

The discussion of the censorship article seemed to sedate down the succeeding day, if only because a ripe majority of the professors had all scheduled exam that day and everyone was busy with concluding minute studying. Albus had exams in both Herbology and Defense Against the Dark artistic production, although the latter was really no dissimilar from the common worksheets. Luckily there was no exam in Care of Magical Creatures and then Albus had a free period.

lustrelessness slept the stallion free period and up until dinner in hopes that he would be able to attend that dark 's custody. He had no desire to do detention on his own, so he was hoping that he 'd be able-bodied to get away with just missing the future dark 's. He still looked absolutely exhausted even after the nap.

"If we 're doing anything outside I 'll have to leave,"matt said as the four boys made their way to Filch 's discipline."Merlin I hope it 's not outside."

"Me, too,"John said."undercoat 's horribly muddy after final stage Nox 's storm."

"Bet the squad will love that."Albus said They had pattern that night and Albus was missing it.

The boys continued their way through the castle until they made it to Filch 's study. Albus knocked three times and then stood back, waiting for the ancient caretaker to afford the door.

Filch was holding his cat, Josie, in his arms when he appeared in the doorway. He was scowling, the crinkle on his face showing more than ever, and looked thoroughly disgusted at having to oversee the boys'detention. He let the cat down on the ground and she took a swat at Kaden 's robe before darting behind a nearby suit of armor.

"You lot again,"Filch muttered as he shut the door behind him, despite the fact that the four male child had n't had a reefer detention with Filch since mo year."You 're scrubbing the 2nd floor girl 's toilet. With toothbrushes, of course."Filch reached into his scoop and pulled out four grubby toothbrushes.

"That 's Moaning Myrtle 's bath,"Albus whispered to his friends as they distributed their cleaning implements and followed Filch down the corridor.

Filch shooed them into the bath and leaned against the room access, his branch across his bureau, and scowled at them as they began. Albus squatted down and began to scour the base, John and Kaden doing the like. The three had agreed to make water the detention as easy as potential for Matt and thus left him the sink.

Albus had n't been scrubbing for more than two mo when he heard a spattering behind him and a schoolgirlish giggle. He turned around and saw Myrtle, smiling and winking at him. She floated over until she was hovering over the section of floor that Albus was scrubbing.

"Albus Potter."She giggled again."You 're back to my toilet. Oh, but this time you 've been in hassle, have n't you ?"

"Er, yes,"Albus muttered.

"This is n't for what you did to the Slytherin common elbow room, is it ?"Myrtle asked."Your brother asked me about that. I told him that you 'd been in here that night, hiding under your Invisibility Cloak."

Albus flinched when she said the lyric"invisibleness cloak"and hoped that Filch had had some earreach loss in his old age. The cobbler's last thing Albus needed was for the caretaker to know he had an invisibility Cloak.

"I did n't have it away you were pranking the Slytherins, though,"Myrtle continued."I like boys who pull pranks, you know."myrtle giggled again and floated closer to Albus, so unaired that his hired man was now inside her arm. He moved it away.

"You know, some years I hardly get any boys coming in here,"myrtle said as she floated towards John."And this year there 's so many. I think you should total visit me more often. It gets lonely in here, you know."

"Yeah, I imagine it 's quite lonely, being bushed,"Kaden said.

myrtle let out an ear-piercing shriek and started wailing. She sped retiring Albus and into one of the stalls, where she plunged herself into the toilet.

"spiritualist type, is n't she ?"Kaden said.

There was another meretricious splash and Myrtle was suddenly right in front of Kaden."You would be too if you were abruptly !"she shouted.

"But could n't you leave the loo ?"John the Evangelist asked."The other ghosts float about the castle all the time."

"leave of absence the loo ?"Vinca minor repeated."Leave the loo ?"She said a bit louder."But this is where I died ! I find it 's best to think about my decease right here. Right where it happened."

"Would n't it be less lonely with the other spectre ?"John asked as he began to scrub one of the kiosk doors.

"The former ghosts do n't empathize,"myrtle lamented."They 're all satisfied being dead. Even the Second Earl Grey lady and she 's always seemed slightly miserable. But no, none of them are as miserable as me."Myrtle seemed lofty about that.

"Wyrd,"John the Evangelist muttered under his breath.

"Quiet !"Filch shouted."You 're in detention. No talking."

Myrtle resumed floating above the boys, letting out a aloud wail every so often. Kaden and Matt continued to scrub the level while John scrubbed the stalls. Matt was still scrubbing the cesspool, but was going very slowly and winced every so often.

"You look wretched !"Vinca minor exclaimed as lustrelessness 's script slipped and he dropped his toothbrush. He bent down to pick it up and leaned on the sink, squeezing his middle shut. Vinca minor floated down to vibrate just above the sink next to him and smiled.

matte said nada and turned from Myrtle, to get started on the swallow hole on the other side of meat. Vinca minor followed."You know, I 'm miserable here all the clip. I just sit here and think over my death ..."Vinca minor continued.

Myrtle continued to be Matt around the john while he was clearly trying to ignore her and put as much distance between them as possible. He had no luck with this since he was exhausted and Myrtle was a ghost. Albus caught John 's eye as Myrtle giggled for the 20th meter and the two shared a silent laugh.

After they 'd been scrubbing for nearly two minute Filch finally told them they could discontinue. Albus 's knees and hands were raw and he had a look he smelled strongly of dry cleaner. John Lackland and Kaden looked equally miserable and lustrelessness looked as bad as he did the morning after a full moon, only without the swing and raciness. Myrtle looked delighted at their misery.

"Visit me again soon !"she shouted after them as they left."Especially you,"she added to mat with another giggle.

"mortal has a crush on you,"John said to Matt as soon as they were out of earshot of Filch.

"Shut up,"flatness muttered.

"Matt and myrtle, what an endearing couple you 'd urinate,"John continued."You should go visit her. She seemed to be happier knowing that you were miserable."

"I said shut up about it !"lusterlessness shouted.

"Fine, was only making a caper,"John replied.

The boy walked in secretiveness the rest of the way to Gryffindor Tower. They did not come across anyone else, which Albus was grateful for since he was uncertain as to whether it was yesteryear curfew or not. Once back in Gryffindor, lustrelessness immediately went to the dormitory room without saying another Bible to Albus, St. John, or Kaden.

"Hope it 's not cleaning tomorrow,"can muttered as he sat down on the dear chair and pulled up his heave leg."Look at that. My knee joint 's all red."

"mate my finger,"Kaden added.

Albus would gladly suffer through another day of Muggle cleaning if it meant the rest of the detainment would be called off. He was missing two Quidditch drill and the finally dueling practice before the first of all duel. Some senior pilot he was, missing the last practice before their first tournament. Their terminal exercise was Thursday evening and Albus would be off in custody, doing who knows what. He was planning on having Amanda run the pattern, although he had n't talked to her about it yet.

The door to the usual way opened and the Gryffindor Quidditch team, minus Albus of class, trouped in. They all looked muddy, exhausted, and sweaty and Albus felt a pang of guilty conscience as he watched them head up to the dorm to shower.

"Missed you, Al,"Fred said as he passed."You 're missing on Wednesday, too, are n't you ?"

"Yeah,"Albus muttered."Sorry."

Fred nodded."Just do n't do it right before a match."

That was at least fortunate, Albus thought. They would n't be playing in another Quidditch compeer until after the vacation, seeing as the next match was Hufflepuff versus Ravenclaw. However, he couldn't assistant but feel that missing dueling praxis right before a tournament was worse than missing Quidditch practice right before a match.
***


Albus 's week did not amend the abide by day, when he began it with double potions. Matt, feeling too ill to brew potions all morning, stayed in the dormitory to kip, leaving Scorpius Malfoy without a cooperator to brew that day 's wart Removal Potion. Even worse, Albus 's pardner was also not in class. Slughorn saw this as the perfect chance to pair off Albus with Malfoy.

Albus set up his cauldron while Malfoy stalked off to the potions cupboard to get the fixings. He returned a short while later and began to chop up a shrivelfig into perfectly sized pieces. Albus took the rat quick temper, dumped it into the cauldron, and began to stir it.

"Bible is you and your champion got a hebdomad 's detention for that prank,"Malfoy said, not looking up from his shrivelfig.

"Yes. Not that it 's any of your business,"Albus responded.

"Oh, but it is."Malfoy smirked, finally looking up."You did n't by prospect get Thursday off from detention, did you ?"

"No,"Albus muttered. He took a few late breaths, trying to cool off himself down. He was stirring the cauldron far too quickly.

"That 's dueling practice,"Malfoy said, as if it had slipped Albus 's mind."Our own captain, missing practice because of detention. I do n't suppose you 've found someone else to run practice, have you ?"

"If you 're angling for the job you 're out of luck,"Albus said as he threw another rat short temper into the cauldron with more force than was necessary."Amanda already said she 'd do it."That was n't necessarily true, as Albus had slept too belated that morning to see Amanda at breakfast before they 'd had to go down to the keep.

"tagger ?"Malfoy scoffed."I think the skipper ought to stimulate at least some skill at dueling."

"Why does it matter so much ?"Albus asked."It 's one exercise ! It 's not like one practice would score you captain."

"When the prof see what a better job of it I do-"

"One reason, Malfoy,"Albus interrupted."move over me one cause why you should do it over Amanda."

Malfoy 's grimace broke out in a malicious grinning."One reason ? The Moon 's going to be in an interesting phase tonight."

Albus lowered his interpreter."You would n't. You ca n't. Kendrick would expel you."

"Only if he knew it was me who spilled the attic,"Malfoy pointed out.

Albus felt the line drain from his face. Why had he never thought of that ? Of course of action there were agency Malfoy could let it drop off without anyone knowing it was him."amercement,"Albus muttered."Fine. You captain the team on Thursday. But just that day. I do n't have detention on Sabbatum afternoon."

"Fair enough,"Malfoy said, clearly satisfied at how thing had turned out.

Albus took a Pastinaca sativa and began to chop it with as much force as he could muster, imagining Malfoy 's smirking fount upon the vegetable 's airfoil. Luckily, Malfoy did not say another Holy Scripture to Albus throughout the entire class, which gave Albus the restraint not to hex him into following hundred after they left Slughorn 's room.

The day continued in a downward spiral when Patil had them study on transfiguring rats into teacups and Albus 's teacup ran across his table and crashed onto the trading floor. Politics was no well because Professor Embry had the division discuss the yesteryear Sabbatum 's public debate, something Albus just wanted to put behind him. He could n't help but experience as if the entire socio-economic class was staring at him for the wholly hour since Embry brought up the theme of his kidnapping and the sacking of professor Balladanis.

Kendrick sent Albus, flatness, John Lackland, and Kaden an owl at dinner informing them that their hold would take place in Greenhouse Two, where Professor Longbottom needed assist transferring his tartar dung fertiliser from a huge pile outside to various smoke inside.

"Disgusting !"John exclaimed upon reading the note."I get enough of that in Herbology."

"At least we 're with Longbottom and not Filch,"Albus pointed out."matte will be missing this one, obviously."

John nodded."Where is he, by the way ? Have n't seen him all day."

"Probably still in the dormitory. He was sound asleep when I went up there to seize my Transfiguration book at tiffin,"Albus said.

Kaden glanced at his sentinel."We 're not even going to bear time to go back there before detention. It 's six-thirty."

Albus set his forking down. He had been picking at his beef cattle stew, but not really eating it. He still had n't told his champion that Malfoy was going to be running his dueling practice later that week. Add that to the fact that now he would n't get to see flatness before the to the full lunar month and it was just turning out to be an awful evening.

Rose seemed to read Albus 's psyche."We 'll go delay on him after dinner,"she said. Amanda nodded.

John and Kaden polished off the remainder of their meals and then the three boys set off for the greenhouses. The sun was just beginning to set as they walked across the grounds and Albus knew that meant that Matt would be heading to the Hospital annexe soon. He hoped Rose and Amanda would wangle to see him before he did.

Neville was waiting for them when they arrived, bearing four shovels and four sets of gloves.

"Matt ca n't come tonight,"Albus said once they reached Neville.

Neville glanced at the sky."Oh, right. I 'd forgotten."He handed the boy the spadeful and baseball glove."All of this,"he gestured to a with child pile of manure,"indigence to be moved into the pots in Greenhouse Two. You can leave once you 're finished."

Albus groaned inwardly as he looked at the hatful. It must have been at least six feet high and as big around as the broom shed near the Quidditch pitch. It would strike them at least an 60 minutes. He sighed as he pulled on his gloves and began to shovel the manure.

With all three boy working steadily it took them an hour and a half to incite all the manure. When they finally finished all Albus wanted to do was go up to Gryffindor towboat and take the world 's long shower. He felt tough than he did after a Quidditch practice in the pouring rain.

"Two down, five to go,"John said after Neville parted agency with them on the second floor."I 'd never thought I 'd say this, but I 'd really wish some lines."

"I just wish they 'd set off Thursday 's,"Albus muttered.

"Oh, right, what are you doing about your dueling practice ?"trick asked.

Albus felt anger boiling up in him again just thinking about it."Malfoy 's taking over for the practice."

"Wait, seriously ?"John exclaimed."But Amanda 's on your squad. She could have-"

"It 's complicated,"Albus muttered. For some reason he did n't desire to get into why Malfoy was going to be police captain for the night."And it 's only for a night."

John gave Albus a unknown tone."I guess, but still ... Malfoy ? It 's going to go to his head."

"I know !"Albus exclaimed."I know, all right ? It 's not like I wanted to make hold on Thursday and miss that recitation. I 'll remind you that this frivolity was yours and Kaden 's idea. Not mine."

"I know,"John said."But Malfoy ..."his articulation trailed off.

Albus spent a good one-half hour in the shower once he returned to Gryffindor and then collapsed into bed, wishing that he could heat up and find out that the day had been an awful dream. Instead, he dreamed that professor Kendrick decided to learn away Albus 's captaincy and chip in it to Malfoy.


A/N : Thanks to everyone who has read and reviewed ! This will be the only update this month as I am currently working on NaNoWriMo.


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


John got his regard the following evening when the male child spent an minute doing lines with prof Young, which was slightly pointless since offspring paid absolutely no attention to them. After they were released, Albus, John, and Kaden immediately went to the Hospital flank, as they had been unable to visit Matt earlier in the day.

madam Pomfrey was refilling potion bottles when they arrived a shortsighted spell later. The curtain were drawn around lusterlessness 's usual bed while all the early beds remained empty.

"hullo, boys,"the nanny greeted them."I 'll let you visit for ten mo, but curfew 's very soon."

Albus nodded and led Saint John the Apostle and Kaden to Matt 's bed, where he pulled back the curtains and entered the lowly sphere. matte was laying in bed with a bandage around his unexpended arm and another on his forehead.

"How are you feeling ?"Albus asked.

"Awful,"lustrelessness replied."But I do n't want to talk about it. What 's new with you lot ?"

"Just did an hour of lines,"John said."And last dark we had to shovel manure for Longbottom. You 're lucky you missed that one. I swear I still smell like flying lizard dung."

"But now I have to do two detentions by myself. Possibly three,"Matt lamented.

"3 ? You 're not going to get out of here tomorrow ?"Kaden asked. Usually matt got out of the infirmary Wing two days after the full moon.

"I will, but it just depends on what the detention is. If it 's personal credit line then I can go but if it 's cleaning again then I 'll have to skip over it. Madam Pomfrey wants me to rest tomorrow."

"Ca n't reckon of what else they 'd have us do,"John said."Guess what else ? Albus is having Malfoy run his dueling team 's practice tomorrow since he 'll be in detention."

"You 're what ? !"Matt exclaimed."That 's mad, Albus."

Albus sighed."It 's one day. One practice session. It 's not like I 'm giving him my team."

"Yeah, but there are other mass on your squad,"flatness pointed out."One of them could have captained it."

"As I told lavatory and Kaden, it 's complicated,"Albus said."And it wo n't happen again."

matte shrugged, but he did n't appear convinced. The last matter Albus wanted to do was severalise him the real reason why Malfoy was going to run the pattern. lustrelessness did n't require that on his dental plate.

"clip 's up !"Madam Pomfrey announced as she brought a tray of potions to flatness."hurry back to Gryffindor. The hold up thing the three of you need is another detention."

As it turned out, there were other thing that the professor thought of for the son'detention. Thursday evening they cleaned cauldron without thaumaturgy in professor Slughorn 's classroom, something that dame Pomfrey forbade Matt from doing, insisting that he turn in early instead. Albus spent the total custody thinking about what Malfoy was doing with his dueling team and counting down the minutes until he would be capable to ask Amanda about it.

"He was really nasty,"Amanda said once the male child were back in the common room after detention. Amanda had gotten out of dueling recitation before they 'd finished custody."A few of the endorsement twelvemonth were cursing him afterward. I heard them. Not that I blame them since he all out yelled at them for not being capable to execute a Jelly-Legs Jinx."

"What does he expect ?"Albus replied."They 're endorsement years !"

"I tried to tell him that, but he did n't care,"Amanda said."He even yelled at a Slytherin."

"Seriously ?"Albus said."Wow."

"I 'm really glad Longbottom made you captain and not him,"Amanda continued."I think I 'd quit otherwise."

"I would 've quit if he was on my squad, flow,"privy said.

"He would n't final stage as captain anyway,"Amanda pointed out."Professor Cedonia was supervising and she had to order him to inflect it down about five times and then once one of the mo years was close to tears, she called an end to the practice."

Albus could n't help but find a bit of gratification that Malfoy made such a bad captain, despite the fact that he did feel bad for his teammates. He doubted Malfoy would end insisting that he should have been made captain, but Albus doubted anything would stop that.

Sat brought with it a tawdry thunderstorm that rendered it nearly impossible to hear what anyone was saying in the Great anteroom at breakfast. Albus was quite happy that Fred had not scheduled a Quidditch exercise for that day, but hoped that the storm would calm down by the time the tournament began since his team would necessitate to be capable to hear each other speak.

Malfoy was already seated at team septenary 's spot at the Hufflepuff table when Albus arrived later that good afternoon. He was pleased to see that the relief of the squad was giving him a broad position, including a few of the new Slytherins.

"Albus !"one of the second year Hufflepuffs, Alice Jake, shouted when she saw him coming."So gladiolus you 're back."

"Me, too."Albus grinned as he sat down in between her and another Hufflepuff."You lot fix ?"

There was a refrain of"yes 's"and a few nods of mind from Albus 's team. The hold up few duelist ran into the room and snagged the last few seats, which were unfortunately next to Malfoy.

Albus glanced at his watch. Five minutes until the tournament began. He felt like he should make some sort of actor's line, like all of his Quidditch maitre d'hotel did before matches. But what was he supposed to say ?

"Er, well, here we are. The first tournament,"Albus began."You are all excellent duelers, each and every one of you. We 've all been practicing severely and you 've all made heavy improvements. We 're going to do corking, but remember, just deliver fun. But if you remember what you 've learned and duel like you do in praxis, I think we can definitely win this."

The ease of his team ( sans Malfoy ) gave a hearty cheer and then turned to Professor Longbottom, who had just called for care. Albus 's team immediately quieted down.

"Welcome to the first-class honours degree dueling tourney !"Neville announced."It will run as it has in the past tense, with two duel happening simultaneously. professor Cedonia is coming around with the tourney schedule, which will be given to each sea captain. Please pay attention and know when you are to duel. Everyone will duel twice. Professor Cedonia and I will each preside over a dueling circle and will announce the achiever. The first person to unarm their opponent will be given a point. Remember, you are only allowed to use spells you have learned in your course. The firstly duels will start momentarily."

Professor Cedonia handed Albus a patch of sheepskin and he set it down while his team crowded around him."I think it 'll be well-fixed for me to let you know when you 're to duel. I 'll differentiate you two duel before you 're scheduled. Alice and Sophie Tucker, you 're first."

Albus glanced down the list and noticed that he was the one-tenth duel in Neville 's ring and the seventeenth in Cedonia 's. That would give him plenty of time to get used to organizing his team. It was slightly overwhelming, having to constantly be paying attention to the listing and figuring out when everyone should be dueling. After a few duels, he managed to get the hang of it.

"Malfoy,"Albus said."You 're up in two duel, in Cedonia 's ring."

Malfoy nodded, but did n't say anything. He had not said a give-and-take the full tournament, which was very uncharacteristic, and the rest of the team seemed to be set on ignoring him.

Albus handed the list to Amanda and headed to Neville 's dueling ring, where he was set to duel john. Two Hufflepuffs from early teams were currently battling it out and Albus was next. The shorter of the two Hufflepuffs finally managed to unarm his opponent.

"compass point to team Four !"Neville shouted as the two Hufflepuffs left."Albus Potter versus King John Brickston."

Albus and bathroom gave each other apologetic smile before bowing and raising their scepter, waiting for Neville 's OK.

"Ready, affaire d'honneur !"Neville shouted.

Albus immediately sent a leg-locker curse at can, who easily deflected it. John sent the same at Albus who also avoided it. Albus continued sending tour at Saint John, who kept avoiding them, until he finally got hit with a Jelly-legs hex and nearly lost his footing. In the time it took him to perform the counter-curse, Albus was able to hit him with Petrificus Totalus.

"Expelliarmus !"Albus shouted as privy fell over. He caught St. John 's baton in his rightfield paw and then turned to Neville, who was smiling.

"Point to Team Seven !"

Neville performed the counter-curse on toilet and the two boy left the doughnut. Albus headed back to his table, where Malfoy was just heading to Cedonia 's dueling tintinnabulation.

Malfoy dueled a back yr and won within two minutes. He was smirking as he walked back to the Hufflepuff tabular array, but he returned to mediocre hand clapping. It seemed that the quietus of the team was still bitter about Th 's pattern.

The ease of the tournament went well. Both Albus and Malfoy won their second duel, although Malfoy had a lot more difficulty since he dueled a fellow quartern year.

"Attention, I 'd like to announce the achiever !"Neville shouted a brusque while after the terminal duel. The entire room immediately quieted and looked up at Neville."Thank you. In tertiary position with 44 points is squad four-spot !"

sunshine erupted from the Ravenclaw table, where squad quadruplet was currently seated. Once they quieted down, Neville spoke."In second plaza with 52 level is Team heptad !"

The rest of Albus 's team began to blackguard and jolly along, but Albus was too stunned to do much of anything. He could n't think it ! His first ever tourney as police chief and his team had gotten second place ! A few masses slapped him on the back and he broke out into a grin.

"And in number 1 place, with 55 pointedness is Team Six !"Neville announced.

There were cheer from the other end of the Hufflepuff table, but Albus ignored them. He was still shocked that his own squad had done so well.

"Great job, everyone !"he said once he regained his equanimity."I knew we could do it !"

The board was filled with excitement and chatter and it continued even after they got up and began to leave the way. Albus was unquiet to get back to Gryffindor tug where he could observe his near win with his friends.

"Nice going, potter,"Malfoy spat as soon as they left the Great Hall."I bet if I were the captain we would 've won."

"We got second gear,"Albus replied."That 's really good."

"First would 've been better,"Malfoy muttered."I 'm amazed we even got irregular considering how awful you are at practices."

"Better than you,"Albus said."No one liked your practice on Thursday. Did you notice how no one talked to you today ? They hated it."

"They 're just too used to you coddling them,"Malfoy said, taking a step closer to Albus.

"Well it does n't much thing because I 'm the captain and you 're not,"Albus said as he toyed with his wand, which he was still brandishing in his left hand.

"For now,"Malfoy replied, eyeing Albus 's wand."If you keep getting in hassle I bet they 'll replace you."

"C'mon, Albus."Matt had appeared next to Albus."Let 's get back to the commons room."

"Better listen to him."Malfoy gave a short laugh."You 'd think it 'd the former way around, though. Him attacking me rather than you. But I suppose that would only be in a certain time of-"Malfoy glared knowingly at Matt.

"Shut up ! And call for that back,"Albus seethed, raising his wand.

"Seriously, Albus, let 's go !"Matt grabbed the back of Albus 's robe and pulled him towards the staircase.

"Evil git,"Albus muttered, looking back at the crowd in the entering Hall. Malfoy was already gone."Why does he always have to bring it up like that ?"

"It does n't matter,"Matt said.

"Of course it matters !"Albus said indignantly."It 's disdainful !"

"I 'm used to it,"Matt said quietly.

"So what ?"Albus exclaimed."That does n't mean you should experience to spend the residue of Hogwarts having him bring it up every day."

"And you hexing him would get solved everything ?"Matt asked."You just would 've start another detention."

"Would 've been worth it,"Albus muttered.

"No, it would n't have,"Matt argued."You 've just got to snub him. I ignore him."

"I really hope that future year he 's not on my dueling team,"Albus said.

"I do n't consider he will. Did n't they go back to House team for dueling for fifth through seventh years this class ?"lusterlessness asked.

"Did they ?"Albus asked.

"That 's what one of the sixth twelvemonth said,"lustrelessness answered.

"goodness,"Albus said."Then I just have to suffer through this year."

Albus and Matt were the finally of their admirer to get back to Gryffindor, where it appeared that no one was doing prep. James had set a few pyrotechnic off out the window and everyone was watching them while eating disk upon platters of cookie.

"What are you lot celebrating ?"Albus asked Epistle of James as he took a biscuit.

James shrugged."Just the fact that we 've got a Saturday with naught to do. Well, Cedric, Ben, Nathan, and I that is."

"Where have you two been ?"Rose asked as she walked up to Albus and lustrelessness. John and Kaden were behind her, a cookie in each hand.

"Al nearly got into a duel with Malfoy in the Entrance foyer,"matte explained.

"Albus !"Amanda exclaimed."You ca n't get anymore custody !"

"I know, but he said something really despicable,"Albus said and turned to bathroom."You would 've hexed him."

"What did he say ?"pink wine asked.

"He said that he was surprised I was n't attacking him,"matte said quietly.

"You 're right,"John growled."I would 've hexed him."

"See ?"Albus said.

"And I told you that it was n't Worth detention over,"Matt repeated.

"But if it continues,"pink wine said,"you 've got to tell Kendrick."

"I 'm not telling Kendrick,"matte insisted."I think he 's got enough to worry about with the possibility of the entire schoolhouse getting changed if Laurentis wins this election."
***


"Why in the public figure of Merlin are we doing custody in the forest ?"Kaden asked at breakfast the next morning.

"Seriously,"whoremonger agreed."That 's not really hold, is it ? The timberland is cool. I 've always wanted to go in there."

"Are you two insane ?"Amanda asked."There 's all sorts of creatures in there."

"My baby did detention in the forest once,"matt said."She had to harvest these plants Slughorn needed and they could only be harvested the night of the replete moon."

"fountainhead that 's one detention you 'll never have to do."John laughed.

"Maybe we have to reap some other sort of plant ?"matt suggested, ignoring lav 's comment.

"Dunno."Albus shrugged. The letter they 'd received had not gone into particular. It just stated that they were to contact Hagrid near his hut at three that afternoon.

"At least you 're not going at night,"rose pointed out.

The few hours Albus and his friends had until detention went by rather quickly. They spent the minute in the green room alternating doing homework while participating in very prominent cycle of Exploding Snap with nearly all of Albus and Rose 's cousins. Everyone was covered in ash by the time three o'clock rolled around and the boy had to run up to their dormitory to wash away their faces before heading down to Hagrid 's hut.

Albus liked Hagrid. He had known the half-giant since he was slight and was slightly confused as to how detainment with Hagrid could possibly be considered detention. Perhaps professor Kendrick was incognizant that Albus and his admirer visited Hagrid every so often and bask spending prison term with him.

Hagrid was already outdoors when Albus and the other three boys arrived, armed with his crossbow and Fang by his side. Albus swallowed hard upon seeing the crossbow. Did Hagrid really think they would need that ?

"'Ello, boys !"Hagrid greeted them."Fairly simple-minded detention today. We 'll be collectin'unicorn derriere hairs."

"Like getting them from unicorns ?"Kaden asked."I thought they did n't like boys."

Hagrid gave a prospering laugh."No, no, Kaden. It 'd be a crime to take on 'em right from the unicorn, wouldn'it. No, we 'll be gettin''em from bushes and trees. As the unicorns run past they get snagged. Let 's get goin'."

Fang let out a loud bark as they made their way to the wood. Collecting unicorn tomentum. That was n't bad at all. But still, it was the forest and that was where Washburn and Willinson had spent a lot of their fourth dimension the previous twelvemonth. They would n't be back there, would they ? Obviously Washburn and Quinton Willinson were in Azkaban, but what about Quinton 's father ? Where was he ?

"What do we need unicorn hairs for ?"lavatory asked as they entered the forest."No one here makes wands."

"Used for a lot more'n sceptre, aren'they,"Hagrid answered."Potions, mostly. Tha 's what we need 'em for. Seventh long time are brewing somethin'that needs unicorn hairs so professor Kendrick volunteered you four to pile up 'em. Slughorn 's too old to do it himself."

"That 's for sure,"John muttered to Albus.

It was very glowering in the woodland, despite the fact that it was day. All four boys lit their wands and Hagrid 's pink umbrella was providing more visible radiation than two scepter combined. Hagrid had told them that they would n't obtain any hairsbreadth until they were at least fifteen mo into the forest since unicorns rarely ventured near the edge.

The forest was very slow and it was difficult for them to walk next to each other. Soon, they were forced to walk single single file through a very small itinerary that was riddled with tree arm and rock'n'roll. Albus stumbled every so often and Matt managed to fall over three metre before anyone found any unicorn rear fuzz. Galloping hooves could be heard in the space and Albus figured they were centaurs. His dad had told him that there was a ruck of centaurs in the wood, although Albus had never seen one before.

"Here we are,"Hagrid said after what had been at least a twenty hour walk. He gestured to a nearby bush."Jus'have a looking at around here and I 'm certainly we 'll find plenty. This is a jazz area where unicorns live. Don'wander too far."

Hagrid had provided them all with bucketful in which to collect the fuzz. Albus set off for the nearest Bush and found a few hair's-breadth snagged in the branches.

"final detention,"whoremaster said as he worked alongside Albus."Thank Merlin."

"Speak for yourself,"matte called out from a Tree a few measure away.

"Do you know what you have to do for your next I ?"Albus asked.

"argumentation, all three nights,"lustrelessness said."Easier, I suppose, than coming up with anything else when it 's just me."

"bettor than cleaning bathrooms again. Or digging up flying lizard dung,"Kaden said."Whoa, I just found a unscathed clump of hair."

After they 'd been working for a half hour Hagrid decided that they 'd collected enough. They set off re-tracing their step through the woodland. Albus found it a minuscule less shivery on the manner of walking back and he was n't sure whether it was because he had gotten used to the racket or because he could see the sunlight at the bound. He was very take over to receive that he did not see Jarrett Willinson anywhere in the wood, although now that the hold was passed he realized that Willinson would n't go back there now that the Resurrection of Christ Stone was no longer there. No, Willinson was most in all likelihood still in Australia, where no one was looking for him. At least, Albus hoped he was.


Thanks to everyone who has read and reviewed ! You guys are awesome ! Sorry for the deficiency of updates lately. NaNo gave way to a frantic finishing of all the newspaper I 'd neglected during November. But I won NaNo and classes are over so I 'm hoping to get a good bit of writing done within the succeeding month.


The hold up few week of November provided the Hogwarts pupil and stave with a much needed period of equanimity. The next election debate would not assume place until December and the the censorship at Hogwarts matter seemed to induce died out, with the Daily Prophet no longer publishing clause on it. Both Quidditch and dueling tournaments were over for the terminal figure, leaving the students with a bit more time to consecrate to their studies. The succeeding Hogsmeade visit was scheduled for the second Sat in December, a week before term ended.

Albus enjoyed the monotony of those few hebdomad. His days were filled with homework, Quidditch practice, and dueling praxis. squad Seven was very happy to have Albus back as their captain and most continued to ignore Malfoy during pattern. Malfoy still reserved a special glare of hatred for Albus and his friends, but he did not undertake to start anymore affaire d'honneur in the corridor, like he had after the dueling tournament.

December arrived with a hoodwink storm that caused the Ravenclaw Quidditch squad to cancel two of their practices. This gave Fred the opportunity to book of account the sales talk for two extra practices, something that earned him a levelheaded dot of U-No-Poo in his morning pumpkin juice courtesy of James and Bradley. Albus was happy to see that the job of schooling trickster had been rightfully returned to James II and his friends. The workweek of detentions had certainly dissuaded Albus from planning anymore pranks. The same could not be said for John and Kaden, who were plotting something, although Albus did not fuck what.

Albus, Matt, and Amanda spent the first-class honours degree Sat of December ignoring their homework in the marauder 's Den. The Slytherin team had the pitch for the entire day, which gave Albus a much needed rift from Quidditch. Gospel According to John and Kaden 's location would probably only be found with the marauder 's Map and blush wine was tutoring in the subroutine library.

There was a trashy bitch from outside the room, which was Rose 's signal that she was international and wished to be let in. Albus got up from his plot of Gobstones and let her in. She dropped her bag unceremoniously on the floor and flopped down on the couch.

"I 'm upset about Elsie,"rose said.

"Elsie ..."Albus prompted.

"Elsie Willinson !"she exclaimed."The for the first time year I 've been tutoring all year."

"Oh yeah, the one with the changeling for a Brother and a cousin and uncle who want to institute back Voldemort. Yeah, I 'd be worried, too,"Albus said as he returned to his biz.

"No, I 'm not concern about her stupid brother. I 'm worried about her."

"What, is she still failing all her subjects ?"Matt asked.

"No, she 's actually doing much better,"rose wine said."She 's just very tranquilize. She never talks about anything early than homework-"

"sound like you."Albus turned around and grinned at his cousin."Although you 're not quiet."

"I 'm serious, Albus,"Rose said flatly."Her comrade walks her to the library for our sessions and then picks her up when we 're done. I never see her with anyone other than him and occasionally Malfoy. I 've never seen her eat with anyone other than them, either."

"That is kind of strange,"Amanda said.

"See ?"Rose said."Amanda thinks it 's weird."

"So she 's shy."Albus shrugged."I just do n't see what it 's got to do with you."

"It does n't really,"Rose said quietly."But if she 's having egress. We all know about her family. If her brother 's keeping an eye on her there must be a reason."

Albus had n't thought about it that way. What if Felix Willinson was trying to keep an eye on his sister ?"If she 's doing something her menage does n't like I bet she 's going against something they want."

"That 's what I thought,"blush wine agreed."Which means she 's trying to do something dependable. Or he 's trying to make for certain she does n't pour forth family secrets."

"You think they have to a greater extent family secret than just wanting Voldemort back ?"lusterlessness asked.

"Of course they do,"blush wine said."We only found out finish year that they were related by marriage to Lubar. I mean, you never would 've guessed that in first or second year."

Matt shuddered."Probably a in force affair that I did n't. I probably would have refused to come to Hogwarts."

"Most pure-blooded class like them have dark arcanum,"Albus said as he fiddled with a Gobstone. It squirted him in the face and he rubbed the liquid on his robe."The ones that want the roue to remain virgin and choke up. Like the Malfoys."

"And I 'd bet my live Galleon that Elsie Willinson found out one of those closed book and wants to state soul,"rose wine stated.

"You think it 's got to do with what they 're trying to do ?"Albus asked.

"I 'm sure it does."

"The only trouble for them is that Jarrett 's on his own now,"Amanda said."With the other two in jail, what 's he going to do ?"

"You 're forgetting about Lubar,"matte said darkly.

Rose got up and started walking around the room."To be dependable, I do n't know how much he 's going to be involved, especially if this going to withdraw place in UK. Think about it, conclusion year he had the exculpation of the tournament to be here. He 's got no excuse this class. He 's a Ministry official. A horrific one, but still a Ministry official. It 's not in his best interest to be trying to bring back Voldemort."

"That did n't even work,"Albus cut in."They ca n't bring him back, even a specter of him, with the Christ's Resurrection Stone."

"Jarret Willinson was a Ministry official,"lusterlessness pointed out.

"He was a secretary for the Obliviator federal agency. That 's a piddling unlike from a capitulum position,"rosiness explained."Lubar has more to lose."

"I say we try and figure out what Elsie 's keeping enigma and I bet it 'll take something to do with what Willinson is planning now. Because I guarantee he 's planning something,"Albus decided.

"How are we going to do that ?"Amanda asked."She 's always with Felix."

"Not when rose is tutoring her."Albus turned to Rose."You think you could try and get her to spread out up ?"

"Well she 's not going to just issue forth out and tell me. I can try, but it 'll take a while,"pink wine said.
***


Albus told whoremonger and Kaden about the conversation about Elsie later that night. St. John proclaimed that he knew something had been weird about that girl from the moment they had seen her at the get-go of the year. Both boys agreed that they needed to determine out what it was she was keeping arcanum. Albus then asked them what prank they were planning, but Saint John the Apostle and Kaden mysteriously went quietly as soon as Albus brought the topic up.

Albus laid awake that Nox for a long clip thinking about Elsie Willinson. He could not sway the image of her with Felix and Malfoy in the beginning of the year from his mind. She had looked so timid and innocent, far too innocent and Loretta Young to be involved with anything like what her family was involved with. In fact, she reminded him a bit of Lily, although he was n't sure why since Lily was anything but timid.

sunrise arrived shortly after Albus had fallen asleep and despite the fact that he 'd only gotten a few minute sleep, he got up around six and decided to get a bit of reading done in the park room. He knew he would n't be able to light back gone.

Upon arriving in the common room, Albus thought he was still dreaming. He rubbed his center and pinched himself to try and wake up, but it was no use. He was in fact awake. The image before his eyes was real, and it was irritating to see at.

The Gryffindor common room was no longer red and gold. It was now decked out in green and ash grey. The comfy couches and professorship were gone and had been replaced instead with standard schoolroom chairs. various standard were hung up in the way that depicted snakes. In fact, the Gryffindor common elbow room now looked exactly as Albus imagined the Slytherin common way to look, except for it not being under the lake.

However, the sheer Slytherin-ness of the vernacular room was not the weirdest change, by a long jibe. The strange new addition to the Gryffindor common elbow room was a Lady Jane Grey and whitened stooge. It was standing in the middle of the elbow room, its chief down and buried in a book. The matter about Capricorn the Goat, though, was that they did not delight Book the way people did. Goats ate Word of God. This caprine animal was currently munching on The touchstone Book of Spells : Grade Two. Albus 's eyes drifted from the goat and around the room again, where he now noticed end of other Word of God, quill, preparation, and even a cloak.

The Capricorn looked up and stared at Albus. It let out a bleat and then went back to the account book. Albus crept a footling closemouthed and noticed that a sign was affixed to the goat. It said 'The Gryffindor Goat : Gryffindor 's new mascot. Gifted by the Slytherins. following time, think twice about putting Gallus gallus in our green room .'

Albus stood in the midsection of the room, his stare alternating from the goat to the note and back again. A butt ? That did n't even make any sensation. Not only that, they were clearly trying to imitate John and Kaden 's put-on. And changing the room into a Slytherin room ? It was horrifying, absolutely horrifying.

Albus tore his eyes away from the goat and ran back up the spiral stairway until he got to his own dormitory. He flicked on the lights and Ethan, the lightest sleeper of the bunch, rolled over and groaned.

"Everyone get up !"Albus shouted."Up, get up !"

"What ?"Ethan asked shortly."It 's like six in the morning !"

"I know it 's six in the dawn !"Albus replied."Get up and go down to the coarse room. Now."

Ethan slowly got out of bed and went over to Bilius 's bed to get him up. Albus woke John up and then the two of them woke Matt up while Bilius and Ethan went down to the commons elbow room. Their vociferation of anger could be heard all the way in the dormitory.

"What is it ?"John asked as he and Matt followed Albus back down the stairs.

"The Slytherins have had their revenge,"Albus said, handing John the banker's bill.

Albus took a detour to the third twelvemonth 's dormitory to get Kaden up. Kaden 's roommates got up as well and soon there was a bombastic gang in the common room. By the time Albus entered the room again, the first, secondment, and sixth years were all there. The one-seventh and fifth years were right behind him.

The common room was in topsy-turvyness. James, Cedric, and Nathan were inspecting the Capricorn the Goat. The prefects were all congregated in one smear, clearly trying to figure out what to do. A stern of the student were standing frigid, with looks of repulsion on their faces. Another quarter were laughing, despite the fact that the prank had happened in Gryffindor. Hugo was wrestling the Capricorn the Goat for the transcript of the Standard Book of Spells : ground level Two, which evidently was his.

The girls'residence hall door opened and all the Gryffindor young woman flooded out of it. rosebush and Amanda made their way over to Albus and the residue of the male child, who were receiving numerous stares and brilliance from their fellow scholar. Clearly a few of them were blaming Albus and his booster for the Slytherins'need for retaliation.

"What in the figure of Merlin happened ?"rosebush asked.

John handed her the note."The Slytherins have had their revenge."

"Malfoy ?"Amanda asked.

"No way to have sex, is there ?"Albus replied.

"It 's got to be, though,"John said."No one else hates us like he does."

"I bet a lot of Slytherins wanted revenge,"rosiness said.

"All right, quiet down everyone !"Albus 's cousin-german, scar, shouted over the crowd. He was one of the sixth year Prefects."You 're all to get back up to your dormitories. I 'm going to fetch Professor Longbottom. Who 's the one who first saw this ?"

"I did,"Albus announced.

Deutschmark sighed, as if thought he should have known."Al, stay down here. The rest of you, back on a higher floor.

Rose handed Albus the notation back and she and the relief of Albus 's booster turned to go back to their dorm. There was a general grumble and whispers as everyone left. Soon, the common room was empty except for Albus, the goat, and the six Prefects. grade left in purchase order to go get Professor Longbottom.

The Prefects whispered amongst themselves while mug was gone. Albus stood off to the slope, as he did not recognize the Prefects very well. He recognized a few as friends of his first cousin.

German mark returned ten minutes later with prof Longbottom in tow. The herbology prof froze in mid-step when he entered the room. His gaze shifted from the new furniture to the goat to the streamer and back to the Goat.

"Albus discovered it,"Deutsche Mark said.

Longbottom turned to Albus."And it looked like this when you found it ?"

"Mostly,"Albus answered."The goat had been chewing on one of Hugo 's Koran so he took that. And someone 's cloak had been here, but it was a Gryffindor cloak."

Longbottom sighed."All right, Albus, you can go back up to your dormitory."He turned to the Prefects."Let 's go through all this and see if we can recover any cue to figure out who it was."

Albus reluctantly went back up to his student residence, where he found not only all of his roommates but Kaden as well, discussing the prank. They all turned to Albus when he entered.

"find anything out ?"lavatory asked.

"Nope,"Albus answered."The Prefects are helping professor Longbottom go through everything for clues."

The boys whiled away the time until breakfast by trading chocolate toad cards, playing beat of Exploding cracking, and discussing the Quidditch season. lustrelessness fell back asleep after defending the Cannons to everyone else, but no one else was able to go back to bed.

Mark knocked on their door a few hours later and told them they were innocent to get up and go to breakfast. Albus woke matt up and the boy went back down to the mutual room. It looked pattern once more than. All remainder of the Slytherins were gone and the Capricorn was nowhere in sight. The classroom chairs had disappeared and the regular comfy couch were back. Albus was relieved to see their vulgar room back to its common state, although that did nothing to satisfy his curiosity about who had done it.

"admiration what they did with the caprine animal,"Kaden said as they walked down tot he Great Hall.

"Probably gave it to Aberforth,"matt said.

"Aberforth ?"Kaden asked.

"Dumbledore 's brother. He owns the Hog 's Head in Hogsmeade. Keeps Capricorn the Goat in his pub. Weird bloke,"Matt answered.

"He keeps goats ? In his pub ?"Kaden repeated."Do they just wander around ?"

"Yeah,"Matt said.

The Great Hall was populated only by Gryffindor student, which did not surprise Albus in the slightest given the other 60 minutes and the fact that it was Sunday. The professor were all up having breakfast and were whispering amongst themselves. No question that Longbottom had told them about the prank. Slughorn in finicky looked unnerved.

Rose convinced the residue of the mathematical group that it would be a good theme to manoeuvre to the library after breakfast to pick out reward of the fact that it would be empty. Albus had a few essays that he 'd neglected and whoremonger and Kaden needed to make up some new predictions for Trelawney.

After a few hours of studying Albus felt his attending start to drift. The library had filled up since they had arrived and Madam Pince was watching over the place like a mortarboard. The doors opened and Albus was surprised to see Elsie Willinson manner of walking in, followed by her brother and Scorpio. Scorpius 's eyes met Albus 's and he veered from his little radical in rescript to waltz over to Albus.

"How 's your common room ?"he asked with a smirk.

"Is that a confession ?"Albus replied as he stood up.

"Of course of study not. It 's all over the school. Everyone knows that your common room looked like an extension of mine this morning. And that Capricorn the Goat, I heard it ate a few books. Serves you right after what you lot did to ours,"Malfoy said.

"We know you did it, Malfoy,"John said."Just waiting for the prof to prove it."

"If I did do it, and I 'm not saying I did, I would n't have left any evidence like you idiots obviously did."

"We did n't,"Saint John the Apostle said flatly."Albus confessed to salve his cousin and brother who had been wrongly accused."

"How noble."Malfoy laughed.

"Just tell me one thing,"Albus said."How did you get into the vernacular way ?"That was what had been bothering Albus the most. He and his admirer had used the invisibleness Cloak to estimate out the Slytherin password, but how had Malfoy done it ? As far as he knew he did not have an invisibility Cloak.

"I did n't,"Malfoy said."And if I did I would n't tell you how I did it."With one more glare at Albus, the Slytherin walked away towards the table that Felix and Elsie had found.

"How did he get into our common room ?"Albus asked as he sat back down.

"No estimation,"Matt said.

"I 'm betting he threatened a first year into telling him what it was,"John said."Would n't put it past him."

"You do n't know it was him,"Amanda pointed out.

"They 're never going to rule out who it was, either,"Rose said."Not unless they confess like you did. Otherwise no one would 've found out it was you."

"Guess it does n't really weigh at this point."Albus sighed."They 've had their revenge."

"Which means it 's fourth dimension for ours,"Kaden said as he grinned at John.

Rose groaned."Really ? It 's just going to turn over into a huge antic war if you have revenge."

"That 's the point,"bathroom replied.

If whoremonger and Kaden were trying to get going a joke war Albus did n't want any office of it. He had had enough detentions for a lifetime and did not desire expenditure anymore of his Hogwarts career scrubbing bathrooms or doing lines. Albus sighed and returned to his meter reading. John the Divine and Kaden got up and left the library, presumably to work on their adjacent harlequinade.

Later that day at dinner Professor Kendrick gave a very stern lecture to the entire schooling about breaking dominion, especially the linguistic rule about not entering plebeian rooms that were not yours. It was very similar to the lecture he gave after the volaille frivolity, except this time Albus could recount that the master was even more angry. Albus kept glancing at Malfoy during the speech but the Slytherin boy did not take care hangdog at all. In fact he seemed disinterested in Kendrick 's speech.

The talk of Gryffindor 's butt ( as the joke had now been dubbed ) died down by the middle of the workweek. most of the castle was excited about the upcoming Hogsmeade trip and then the wintertime holidays. Professor Longbottom sent around a sign-up sheet for those student who wished to quell home during the holiday, although none of Albus 's friends signed it.

"I 've always wondered what it would be like to quell,"Saint John said as professor Longbottom passed by.

"Me too,"Albus agreed."But my parents already said I ca n't this yr since there 's some big Ministry Christmas political party we 've got to go to. For the election and all."

"Same here,"Matt said."We 're not even going to Australia because of it."

"Wow, that 's the minute class in a row,"Albus replied.

lusterlessness nodded."My grandparents are coming here and then we 're visiting them over the summer."

"I think we should all stay next twelvemonth,"Kaden said."Then I can go a unhurt shoal year without seeing my grandparents. Or Aunt Marge."

Albus agreed that that was a unspoilt reason to stay at Hogwarts over the vacation."Yeah, that would be fun. My dad says the castle 's great at Christmas."

"It would be interesting to see what Christmas Day is like,"Amanda said. Amanda 's kinfolk was Jewish and famed Hanukkah.

"You 're welcome to add up to our grandparents'theatre for Christmas this year,"Rose suggested.

Amanda grinned."I 'll ask my parents. I 'm sure they 'll say yes since Hanukkah was early this year and I 've already missed it anyway."

"rosiness, you 've got post,"Albus said, gesturing to Rose 's family 's owl, which had just landed on the table.

"Oh, good !"rosebush said as she ripped open up the letter. She scanned it for a minute before smiling widely."I wo n't be going to Hogsmeade with you."

"You wo n't be ?"Albus gave her a quizzical look.

"No. Mum and Dad are taking me to the debate that 's that day. I owled them a few days ago to see if I could go and they said yes !"

"You want to go to another one ?"toilet asked.

"I 'd go to all of them if I could. They 're just so fascinating."She scanned the missive again."I 'm supposed to to to Kendrick 's study at ten on Saturday to floo home."

"What 's this one on ?"Albus asked.

"Law enforcement. The Auror Department. How it 's run and and how trials are run. I think it 's going to be the most interest one since both Uncle Percy and Laurentis have already hinted at their thought on that topic."

That was for for sure. This debate would probably be even more explosive than the one on training."You 'll have to let us sleep together all the details,"Albus said.

"Oh I will,"Rose replied."It 's why I wanted to go. I 'd rather not learn everything second hand from the Prophet."

She had a point there, Albus thought. Although he was beaming that Rose was the one going and not him. As often as he thought the election was interesting, he 'd rather be in Hogsmeade with his friends than sitting in a courtroom listening to politicians all day.


A/N : Thanks to everyone who has read and reviewed this so far ! I 'm almost done with shoal ( forever ! ) so I 'm hoping to update Thomas More often.


The workweek leading up to the Hogsmeade stumble dragged by very slowly. Albus was certain that Wednesday in special was at least twice as long as a normal day and by the time Fri finally decided to make an visual aspect Albus was for sure he would go insane from all the homework he had to complete. Tues had been the good moon, but luckily lusterlessness left the hospital wing Thursday afternoon and had been cleared by Madam Pomfrey to go to Hogsmeade.

When Saturday arrived there was a welcomed break of serve in the snowstorm that had blanketed the Hogwarts flat coat in two feet of C. Albus and his friend slept late and by the sentence they woke up rose had already left to go to that day 's debate. Albus, mat, and john quickly dressed and met Kaden and Amanda in the common room.

Fred accosted Albus as he was about to leave."Albus ! Glad I found you. I booked the pitch for today at three since there 's a break in the storm."

"But Fred, it 's Hogsmeade today,"Albus pointed out. As much as he loved Quidditch, Hogsmeade trips were rare occasions and he had Christmas shopping to do.

"Exactly !"Fred exclaimed."So none of the other teams have booked the pitch. It 's booked strong the rest of the calendar week and we need another drill in before break starts."

Albus sighed. Fred was flop, of course. He glanced at his vigil. It was noon, so if they hurried through lunch he would still have a effective two time of day in the village."All rightfield. I 'll see you at three."

"Excellent,"Fred said."Just take in to find oneself James ...."

Amanda snorted and started laughing. Fred, who had turned to depart, stopped and looked back at her."What ?"

Albus, John, Matt, and Kaden also looked questioningly at Amanda.

"Oh, I guess I forgot to tell you,"Amanda began."Rose and I were in the library hold out week and overheard James asking some Hufflepuff one-fifth class out. They 're going to Hogsmeade together today."

Fred burst out laughing."hold, James has a date ?"

"James asked a miss out in the subroutine library ?"Albus joined Fred in his laughter.

"Do n't tell him that Rose and I overheard him,"Amanda said."He 'd bump off us if he knew it was us who told."

"Bet he 's already in Hogsmeade, then,"Fred said, still laughing."They skilful not be in lady Puddifoot 's because I do n't fancy going in there to tell him about practice."

Albus was still laughing about the thought of James asking a girl out in the library of all berth. He wondered who the Hufflepuff was. Maybe he 'd wield to enamor a coup d'oeil of them in Hogsmeade together.

"He 's not actually going to pass on her to go to Quidditch practice,"Amanda shouted after Fred as he left the mutual room.

"He will if the date 's going poorly,"Fred shouted back and disappeared into the corridor.

"Well let 's hurry up and get to Hogsmeade,"Albus said."I want to see if I can figure out who this girl is."

Albus hurried out of the common room followed by his friends. They ate a very hurry dejeuner in the Great Hall and then ran outside and down the way to Hogsmeade. As they neared the Greenwich Village Albus kept his eyes peeled for his sidekick.

"Where to first ?"Matt asked.

"Weasleys',"John the Evangelist and Kaden said together.

Albus and mat shared a coup d'oeil. They should have known. They followed John and Kaden as the two mischievous boys led the way to Weasleys'Wizard Wheezes.

The store was packed to capacity as it always was on Hogsmeade weekends. Albus waved to his Uncle George who was behind the counter ringing people up as fast as the till would let him. Teddy was working that weekend and was restocking a ledge of Skiving Snackboxes. john and Kaden each grabbed two as the male child passed.

Albus grabbed a few extendable capitulum as his seemed to experience disappeared and a box of Deluxe whizbang for James for Christmas Day. He joined the long queue at the public treasury and was joined by John and Kaden who each had weapon system overflowing with products. lustrelessness and Amanda were n't buying anything and were playing with a few Pygmy comforter that were in a batting cage in the front of the store.

"Neither of you have seen James, have you ?"Albus asked.

"Nope,"John said."Bet they 're at the leash Broomsticks."

"Or that place that Fred mentioned. Madam whatever ?"Kaden put in.

"madam Puddifoot 's,"Albus said."Horrifying shoes. Covered in frilly things, and pink stuff."

"Let 's not go there,"Kaden said.

Albus and whoremonger both agreed. They would look for King James, just not at lady Puddifoot 's. The queue moved relatively quickly and soon Albus, lav, and Kaden had their provision.

The side by side stop was Honeyduke 's where everyone stocked up on confect and Albus bought a Xmas present for Lily. Then they made their way to the Quaffle Shop and then the trey broomstick. Albus had yet to see James, but his time was quickly running out. He had a half hour before he had to head back to the palace for Quidditch practice.

John went to the bar to get five Butterbeers while the rest of the group found a table. Luckily Scorpius Malfoy was nowhere in spate. Albus gazed around the bar until he spotted his blood brother 's intimate red hair. Unfortunately the girl he was with was facing away from Albus 's table so all he knew was that she had very long, very direct brown fuzz.

"There they are,"Albus whispered to Matt, Kaden, and Amanda."Any of you know who the girl is ?"

"That 's Gabby Ellis,"john said as he returned with the Butterbeers."My cousin knows her. She 's one of the fifth part twelvemonth prefects."

"Wait, so James not only asked her out in the library, but she 's also a prefect ?"Albus exclaimed.

"surmisal so."John shrugged."I 'll never ask out a prefect. Now he 's going to have to watch his step."

"You realize that there 's a good probability one of us might be a prefect following yr,"Amanda pointed out.

"Nah, they 'll break up Bilius or Ethan,"privy said."They 'd never pluck me, Al, or Matt after that prank."

"Well Rose is obviously going to be a prefect,"Amanda said.

"We 'll just have to sneak around more side by side year,"King John said."Ca n't have a prefect knowing about our pranks."

"Dervish and Banges is still unoccupied,"lustrelessness said, changing the subject."Do n't you think that 's kind of odd ?"

Albus had n't really thought about it."Yeah, but no one 's going to want to buy a shop class where mortal was murdered."

"Still, it 's just unusual,"Matt said as he sipped his Butterbeer.

"Someone might still own it,"Amanda pointed out."They might not desire to do anything with it or betray it."

"Guess that 's a near full stop,"flatness said.

"looking, James and the little girl are getting up,"Kaden said.

Albus turned and saw that James was indeed rising from his chair. Gabby did as well and the two of them walked slope by incline out of the pub. Gabby was pretty, Albus had to admit. Her eyes were shining and her face were pink. James was grinning. Neither of them noticed Albus or the others on their way out the door.

"Think he 'll show up to Quidditch practice ?"John asked.

"If he values his life,"Albus replied."oral presentation of that, I should probably get going."

Albus said goodbye to his Quaker and headed back out into the frigidity. The sun was out and there was no winding, but it was still bitingly frigidity. He trudged his way through the snow and back up to the castle, where he ran up to Gryffindor tower to drop off his purchase and change into his Quidditch robes.

The eternal sleep of the team was already on the pitch when Albus arrived. Fred was arguing with James about something while the rest of the team stood off to the English.

"She 's not even on their team !"Epistle of James shouted."She 's not going to steal any of our plays."

"But she 's still a Hufflepuff and this is a closed practice !"Fred argued.

Albus glanced over to the bandstand and saw Gabby sitting there, wrapped in a very large Hufflepuff blanket. She smiled and waved at Albus, who gave a thin wave back.

"I could n't just allow her. I promised we 'd spend the day together."

"And she wants to follow you play Quidditch ?"Fred asked."amercement, amercement. She can stay. Let 's just get going. We 're wasting time."

Fred and James joined the rest of the group."All right !"Fred shouted."Let 's fly around the rake a few times to get warm up."

Albus mounted his broom and soared into the air. He joined the rest period of the squad in their flight of stairs around the pitch and lost himself in flying. It was nice to just fly and forget about everything else that was on his mind.

The practice went incredibly well. It was their best practice in weeks since the weather was cooperating. The Gryffindor team did not give birth any progeny with performing, but the weather condition was usually awful whenever they practiced. Fred insisted this was a good thing since it would avail them read how to act in matches with bad weather condition but no one else agreed. Albus was very happy to bear a practice where the weather condition were nonpareil. It made Quidditch so much more enjoyable.

James and Gabby hurried off as soon as practice ended and the repose of the team walked back to the rook together. They were nearly back to Gryffindor tug when rosiness, lustrelessness, John, Kaden, and Amanda came running towards Albus, all five looking slightly terrified.

"What 's wrong ?"Fred asked.

"It 's nada,"Rose said."We just necessitate to talk to Albus."

"Meet us in the way after you stash your broom,"Matt whispered and the five of them hurried off.

Albus hurried into the common way and up to his dormitory. He had absolutely no mind what was going on, but it must have just had to do with his Quaker because everyone else in the common room was acting normally. Albus quickly put his heather away and ran back out to the corridor.

It did n't take him long to pass on the Marauder 's Den. All his friends were sitting quietly and looked up at him when he entered.

"What in the public figure of pigeon hawk is going on ?"Albus asked.

"Two affair,"Rose began."One, the argumentation. It was ... well ... insane is the exclusively Book to identify it, really. And two, I 'll let everyone else explain that first."

"Malfoy was lurking near the shrieking shanty,"Matt said."After you went to Quidditch exercise we walked around the village and noticed him. It looked like he was trying to get in."

"Did he ?"Albus asked.

"No, he ca n't,"Matt said."There 's wards. It 's just odd. He was alone."

"DOE he bonk that that 's where you go ?"Albus replied as he sat down next to Rose.

matte shook his head."I 'm not really worried about it, either. It 's just very weird."

"Malfoy is friends with Felix Willinson so anything Weird that he does needs to be remembered,"Albus said darkly.

"That 's what I said,"Saint John replied.

"He 's not the initiatory one to be peculiar about the Shrieking Shack,"Matt pointed out.

This was different, Albus thought. He would have expected mat to be the one worried about this, not John.

"But he 's Malfoy ! It 's not in force that he 's trying to get in,"lavatory said.

"Well he ca n't get in. And he already knows what I am,"Matt countered."Let 's just forget about it for now. What Rose has to say is far worse."

Albus turned to look at rosebush, who looked disturbance and slightly scared. That was strange in itself since Albus could hardly remember a time when Rose was scared.

"The debate was on law enforcement,"rose wine said quietly."She wants to completely change the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. She wants to look into every single Auror and reorganize the department because she does n't think thing are working as they are. She ... well ... she basically called your dad incompetent."

Albus stared at his cousin-german. He could not believe what he was hearing. Albus 's dad had been in charge of the Auror department for twelvemonth and there had never been any complaints. How could Laurentis just insult him like that ?

"Which means she 's going to lose,"John said confidently."No one 's going to vote for someone who insults Harry Potter."

"No,"pink wine whispered."They will. There 's been column in the Prophet for workweek about how the flow Ministry is n't working. She has support."

"That 's insane,"Albus said."What did Uncle Percy do ?"

"Argued with her,"Rose said."Talked about all the good your dad has done, but she argued right back."

"What about everyone there ? Did they clap for her ?"Albus asked.

"Everyone clapped for everyone. They were all polite about it and there was no way to assure who supported who,"Rose said."If you ask me, I think she 's going to replace all the headland of departments who do n't agree with her. She 's going to need people in index who are on her side."

"Which means my dad will be gone,"Albus said."Everyone knows he supports Uncle Percy. It 's obvious."

"So that leaves what, mat 's dad 's job, Head of Magical Law Enforcement, capitulum of Magical Transportation, and what else ?"John asked as he counted on his fingerbreadth."There 's got to be more."

"There are,"Rose said as she stood up and began pacing around the elbow room."International Magical Cooperation, Magical Accidents and Catastrophes, Magical Games and summercater, and then the section of Mysteries."

"Do you know anything about the promontory of those department ?"John asked.

"The lady who 's Head of Magical Law Enforcement was here during the public debate. She 's really old and Dad says Mum is a shoe-in for her job when she retires,"rose said."But I do n't hump much about the others. The bloke in charge of wizard Transportation moderated the initiative debate."

"That 's eight positions,"Matt said quietly,"and she could interchange all of them. That would wind up being an entirely new Ministry."

"Essentially, yes,"rosebush said as she sank into an armchair."That 's why it 's so bad. There 's a rationality most newly elected Ministers do n't supersede everyone. It 's too much excitement. But if she wants immediate change, it would be the easiest way to get it done."

"What 's the next debate on ?"Amanda asked.

"Azkaban,"Rose said."Originally they were going to debate Azkaban with law enforcement, but Laurnetis requested a break up Azkaban argument. She 's in charge of it, so I 'm not surprised."

"And when is it ?"Amanda replied.

"Just after the new year,"pink wine answered."Once we 're all back in school. Then February 's argument is on magical creatures-"

"Oh that 's going to be good,"Matt said."surmisal that 's when we 'll find out if my dad keeps his job after the election if she wins."

"And then in borderland they debate International Magical Cooperation. Then it 's the election at the get-go of Apr,"Rose continued."That one is going to accept place here. So is the Azkaban one."

"I still do n't cerebrate anyone 's going to vote for her,"bathroom muttered."Anyone who sacks Harry ceramicist would n't get enough votes."

"You 'd be surprised, John,"Amanda said."It sounds like she 's playing to everyone 's fearfulness. I mean, I have n't been in the witching world long, but it seems like everyone fears another Voldemort. If she makes it seem like the stream Ministry and Auror department are too lenient and hints at the possibility of another war, and then claims that she could crush it before it became a war, she would easily get the balloting. People are easily persuaded."

"That 's exactly it,"Rose agreed.

The room descended into uncomfortable silence. At the beginning of the school year, none of them had much pastime in the election or the Ministry in full general, but now, just a few calendar month later, Albus and his friends were learning just how practically the outcome of the election would touch them. The hypothesis of drastic changes to both Hogwarts and the wizarding populace did not sit well with Albus, especially if it meant both his and flatness 's dada were out of a job.
***


The remaining calendar week of school went by quickly. With the looming holidays and shift from school, hardly anyone in the castle was focusing on homework or the election. Instead, the chatter that filled the Great hallway during meals was about Christmas and snowball combat and spending meter with family line. Albus was sucked into the Yule cheerfulness as well, but the election was still on the back of his mind.

For Albus, Rose, and the eternal sleep of the Weasley/Potter clan, the Dec 25 vacation would be wrapped up in the election. A New yr 's company at the Minister 's manse was scheduled for New class 's Eve, for all of the high-ranking functionary and their families, as well as Percy, Laurentis, and their kinsfolk. All of Albus 's run family would be attending. But perhaps the most bizarre panorama of the holiday was the fact that Uncle Percy was going to permit a reporter from wiz magazine publisher to keep up him for not only the Ministry party, but Xmas at the Burrow as well.

"This is just weird !"Cedric exclaimed at breakfast the net day of term."A reporter ? At the Burrow ? And it says she 's going to be staying with us."

Cedric handed the letter back to Omar Bradley, whom it had been addressed to. Thomas Bradley pulled out his sceptre and burned it, which seemed to be his new way of dealing with post from his father.

"Did nan agree to this ?"James asked as he loaded his plate with bacon.

"She must 've,"Thomas Bradley said."Anything to get Dad elected, probably."

"I kind of agree with her,"Albus said."I do n't want that Laurentis woman to win."

"Neither do I, but I do n't want some reporter staying with us at the burrow,"Cedric said adamantly.

"speculation you wo n't be getting the tangible Weasley Christmas experience,"Albus said to Amanda, whose parents had given permission to stay with Rose for Christmas.

Amanda shrugged."Not a big mickle. With your sept, it 's bound to be interesting."

"You have no mind,"Albus said."We 'd better get to History of Magic."

Albus got up and his friends followed. Despite the fact that it was the lowest day of condition, professor Binns still gave a lecture. nobody paid him an apothecaries' ounce of attention. The rest of the professors did n't nark teaching any new material as they figured the students would just bury it over the break. professor Cedonia set them a practical object lesson, but did n't call on the carpet them when they stopped charming their teacupful to dance and instead talked about Yuletide. Hagrid had a vauntingly bonfire going to preserve them warm up, but did n't teach anything. Instead, he told the account of Norberta and bawled about how much he missed her. In ancient rune, there was an examination.

The travel along morning Albus and his friends climbed aboard the Hogwarts Express for the tripper back to London. On the Hogwarts Express, Albus felt weirdly immune to everything that was happening in the wizarding world. He felt safe from Jarrett Willinson and somehow the election did n't look as big a pot. The train was like its own little world with just scholarly person and sweets from the trolley ; on the train, nothing bad could happen.


Long reprieve ! I apologize for that. I am now working on this for the second half of June 's cantonment NaNoWriMo, so I 'm hoping to get a bunch of chapters written so I can go back to weekly updates. Thanks so much for all the reviews !


"Remember, do n't say anything in front of her you do n't require printed in the article,"Harry said as they walked toward the Burrow.

"Will she really impress anything ?"Lily asked.

"Yes,"Harry said.

It was Christmas Eve and Albus and the rest of the ceramist had just Apparated to the field behind the Burrow. Albus was a bit neural about being in the presence of a reporter from maven cartridge holder and was not at all keen about being in an article. He was relieved they were late, as usual, because by now the reporter would probably be involved in listening to somebody else 's conversation and might not even notice Albus.

"And James, do n't even think about slipping something into her soup,"Ginny said sternly.

Harry, who had just put his hand on the doorknob, turned around and stared at St. James the Apostle."Seriously, James, absolutely not."

"I was n't going to !"James said."I swear !"

Harry sighed."Empty your pockets."

"But I was n't going to-"

"James Sirius Potter, listen to your Padre,"Ginny said.

Albus put his hand over his mouth to hide his laughter while his crony pulled a handful of Ton-Tongue Toffees and a vial of Weasleys'Itchiest itchiness pulverisation out of his pocket. Ginny took them and incinerated them with her scepter. She brushed the ash onto the ground and Saint James the Apostle stared at it longingly.

"Shut up, Albus,"King James I muttered as Harry opened the door.

That just made Albus laugh even harder, earning him a slug in the berm from Epistle of James. Albus returned the poke while Lily rolled her eyes.

"male child, cut it out,"Ginny scolded.

"Ginny ! Harry !"Molly exclaimed as they stepped inside."Happy Christmas !"

"Happy Yuletide, Mum,"Ginny said as the two hugged.

Albus slipped past after giving his grandmother a quick hug, grabbing a fistful of biscuits on his way to the den. The starting time affair he noticed was that the reporter was sitting on a pot in the corner. She stuck out like a Weasley at a Malfoy gather, in her black skirt, flowery top, high-heeled shoe. Who wore dog to the burrow ? Weird, Albus thought. Her jet-black fuzz was done up in some sort of bun and her lip were smeared with vivid red lipstick.

The secondly thing Albus noticed was just how blank the tunnel was. He had n't noticed it in the kitchen, what with the many deal and dishes replete of fond, steaming food, but out in the den, it was very detectable. The tunnel was never unclean, exactly, but it was n't immaculately neat like Matt and Kaden 's theatre were. Instead it merely looked lived in, Albus always thought. It was cluttered with piles of script and stacks of circuit card games and various Muggle and magical devices. cover and pillows were thrown haphazardly onto couches and chairman, never being folded or stacked neatly. But today, everything was not bad. The stacks of Scripture had been shelved and the blankets folded. The sheer amount of stuff seemed to have been moved or vanished because Albus did n't see a undivided Muggle electronic device half-taken apart on the floor or mesa. It was bizarre. The burrow did n't look like the tunnel without its smother. You never knew what you 'd retrieve at the Burrow and Albus liked that.

Shaking his top dog slightly, Albus carefully stepped around a few of his cousins and walked over to where blush wine and Amanda were sitting on the floor. They had a boastfully platter of intellectual nourishment in straw man of them, making Albus see how hungry he was.

"So, what have I missed ?"he asked in between bites of roll."I see individual cleaned."

"Gran did. Said she wanted to make a good impression. Uncle Percy 's been bragging loudly to the reporter about all the jurisprudence he 's helped passing game,"rosiness said."But all the reporter wants to do is consultation the rest of us. I guess her article is all about where Uncle Percy came from and what his kin is like."

"Who 's she talked to so far ?"Albus asked.

"Aunt Corrine, grannie, grandpa, Uncle placard, Uncle Fred, both of my parents, Victoire, Samantha, and Lindy,"Rose said.

"Wow. Already ?"

"She has n't wasted any clip,"Amanda said.

"There 's a photographer around here somewhere,"Rose said as she glanced around the room."Oh there he is."

pink wine indicated to the step, where Percy was leading a scrawny bloke back into the den.

"Is he wearing-"

"Dress robes ?"Rose said."Yeah, he 's been wearing them all night."

"Let 's get a few shots of you playing a game with the twins,"the lensman said as he and Percy walked past Albus, Rose, and Amanda.

"Wonderful idea !"the reporter exclaimed as she hopped off her stool.

"How did she try that ?"Albus whispered to Rose.

"Harry thrower 's son !"the reporter said as she grabbed Albus 's arm, causing him to drop off the biscuit he was holding."Let 's get him in the shot, too. Hmm ..."she glanced around the elbow room, her centre finally coming to perch on Amanda."We 'll ask a snapshot with you and Percy as well. campaigner plays Exploding ginger snap with the Prime Minister 's niece ! Perfect ! I could not have planned this better."

"How did she know that I 'm the Prime Minister 's niece ?"Amanda asked.

"She knows everything,"rose said darkly."Creepy, really."

Albus soon found himself playing a tell on biz of Exploding cinch with Uncle Walker Percy, Samantha, and lindy. The unscathed thing was very absurd since none of them were photographed with ash on their faces. Then it was Amanda 's turn, but she was posed with a set of star 's Bromus secalinus,"for variety."

"Now that 's something Laurentis wo n't have,"Percy said jovially after the photographer finished."exposure with the blossom Minister 's niece."

"But cipher knows I 'm the Prime parson 's niece,"Amanda said once she, Rose, and Albus escaped into the kitchen."It 's supposed to be a secret."

"Maybe it wo n't get printed,"Albus said.

"God, I hope not,"Amanda muttered."So is this what Christmas Eve is usually like ?"

"Mostly,"Albus said as he walked over to the doorway. He peered into the den and took stock of what his family was up to.

His uncles Fred, Ron, Bill, and Charlie, were closest to the kitchen and were singing 'Odo the Heron .'All four had mark of eggnog in hand. Gran was listening to Celestina Warbeck while auntie Fleur glared at the radio set. It seemed to be distracting her from the conversation she was having with Aunt Katherine and aunt Hermione. to the highest degree of his cousins were eating or laughing about one matter or another. Samantha and Lindy were playing Exploding Snap for rattling now, along with Eddie and Angie.

In fact, the only if one who seemed to be acting any differently was Uncle Percy, who was talking with the reporter and the photographer. aunt Corrine was as well, but none of their older nipper were anywhere in sight.

"have you seen Bradley, Cedric, or Georgia anywhere ?"Albus asked Rose.

"Actually, no,"rosiness said."Let 's go find them."

Albus and Amanda followed Rose out of the kitchen and up the stairs. As they peered into each bedroom, Albus found out just where his nanna had stored all the stuff that used to be in the den. Every single room had a pile of random stuff and nonsense in it. They eventually found their three cousins hiding out in Uncle Ron 's old bedroom at the top of the sign. They were sitting on one of the layer and were deep in conversation.

"What 's going on in here ?"Albus asked as they shut the door.

All three startled, but then seemed relieved to find it was only Albus, blush wine, and Amanda.

"We 're avoiding the newsperson,"Sakartvelo said,"and talking about how much it will suck if Dad gets elected."

"But Laurentis is bloody insane,"Albus said as he stepped over a typewriter and sat down on the opposite bed."Uncle Hotspur has to win."

"well, I do n't want him to,"Thomas Bradley said."Do you realize how practically life will vary if he does ?"

"I 've got a bit of an idea,"Amanda said, sitting down next to Albus. pink wine sat on his other slope.

"Before his cause started no one really knew what Dad did,"Bradley said."Or even who he was. I mean, if they heard his name they would bang him, but he was just Percy Weasley. Do you know what I mean ?"

"He 'll be Hotspur Weasley, Minister of trick. Not just Percy Weasley, your dad,"Amanda said."pastor is n't a just a job. It 's not something he 'll leave alone at the office at five. It 's more a lifestyle."

"Exactly !"Bradley agreed.

"And you 'll always be the diplomatic minister 's son,"Amanda said.

"How do you make love all this ?"Cedric looked at Amanda strangely.

"My Uncle 's the prime Minister,"Amanda said casually.

"Of Great Britain ?"Omar Nelson Bradley exclaimed."And you 've kept this underground for four years ?"

"Yeah. It wo n't be for a good deal longer since that lensman just took a impression of me with your dad,"Amanda said."Anyway, you 're right that your spirit wo n't be the same if he gets elected. And even after his terminal figure is up you 'll still always be the rector 's son."

"And we 'd have to proceed into the curate 's residence,"Bradley said.

"You would n't. You 're going to graduate in June,"Cedric pointed out."And Georgia already moved out."

"You 'll be in Hogwarts most of the year,"Georgia pointed out.

There was a knocking on the door and then it swung wide open. Percy stood in the door flanked by the reporter and lensman. Percy had changed out of his robes and was now wearing a green Weasley jumper with a red'P'on the front. In his weapons system was a stack of what appeared to be more Weasley jumpers.

"There you lot are,"Hotspur said."We 're doing a image of the unit kin in our jumpers."He tossed one to each of his children and then one each to Albus and pink wine."Get changed and get downstairs."

"Are they all initial jumpers this yr ?"Georgia asked as she held hers up. It was grey with a purple'G .'

"Must be,"Albus said as he yanked off the jumper he was wearing and pulled on his new one. It was Amytal with a gold'A .'

"Bet it 's to make us look like a cheesy family,"Thomas Bradley muttered as he changed.

Once they 'd all changed Albus and rose wine followed their cousin-german back down to the den. Amanda followed as well, but she lingered on the stairs, clearly not wanting to be dragged into anymore photographs.

Albus 's total kinsfolk was posed in half the den. The photographer was running around making pocket-sized adaption, which Albus mentation was pointless. There was no way he was going to get xxxii people to all feeling at the camera and grin nicely at the same clock time.

The photographer noticed Albus, Rose, Georgia, Bradley, and Cedric and shoved Albus in between James and Lily, who were sitting right in the centre, on the floor.

"Lovely !"the lensman exclaimed a few transactions later. He ran to the early English of the room and stuck his head behind the camera."Everyone grinning ! Beautiful !"He took dozens of motion-picture show and Albus soon grew tired of sitting still and smiling.

"Wonderful !"the reporter shouted once the photographer finally finished."I think we 've got what we need. I wish you all a felicitous Christmas. The article should be out just after New Year's."

"I thought she was staying for tomorrow, too,"Albus whispered to Rose.

Rose shrugged."Maybe she got enough from just one night. Either that or she got overwhelmed."

Walker Percy walked the newsperson and photographer out of the burrow, thanking them profusely as he did so.

"Bedtime, everyone !"Molly shouted.

No one objected. It had certainly been the strangest Christmas Eve gathering the Weasley fellowship had ever had and Albus was very a great deal looking forward to tomorrow, when things would get back to some colour of rule. Albus walked up to bed with Rose and Amanda, wishing them both good night when they reached Uncle Charlie 's old bedroom, where the two would be staying. Jesse James, Ben, Cedric, and Bradley were already in Uncle Ron 's old way when Albus arrived.

"Quidditch tomorrow ?"James asked as all four boys climbed into their layer.

"You 're going down, ceramicist,"Omar Bradley replied.

"Is that a challenge, Weasley ?"

"Sure is,"Bradley said.

Yes, tomorrow would be a lot more normal, Albus thought. Quidditch was a Dec 25 tradition for his family and zilch, even his uncle running for Minister, was going to forestall it.
***


"And that 's how we do it in Kenmare !"Georgia exclaimed, having just saved a destination by spinning in midair and hitting the Quaffle back into play by the end of her heather."Kenmare Krazy steward relocation !"

"You 're still going to miss !"Bradley shouted as he hit one of the Bludgers toward Albus, who dodged it and caught the Quaffle."We 've got shimmy !"

"If shimmy were a real searcher he 'd be playing for a league squad and not studying to be an Auror !"Georgia shouted back.

"He 's still not as good as James II,"Tom Bradley said.

"Yeah, I taught James everything he knows !"slip said as he flew past, heading toward Peach State 's left end post."And that 's game !"he shouted, returning with the fink clutched in his hired hand."Aurors have to deliver constant vigilance, just like Seekers."

Albus flew to the ground, still holding the Quaffle. It had been a good plot, even though his team had lost, but the temperature was dropping and the clouds were rolling in. It was a good time to head up back inside for Yuletide dinner party, especially since the scent of knock turkey and potatoes had been drifting remote for the past half minute.

Tables, already covered in legion sweetheart of food, had been set up in the kitchen extending into the den while they played. Albus hurried upstairs to change and when he returned, everyone was drifting toward the tabular array. Albus hurried to the tail end Rose and Amanda had saved him, which thankfully was nowhere near Percy.

"How was Quidditch ?"rose asked.

"good,"Albus said."We lost, but Teddy 's pretty much invincible, so I was n't surprised."

"I 'm surprised he did n't flirt professionally,"Amanda said.

"He thought about it,"Albus explained."And he had pass, but he deferred them for a year because he was n't sure. Then he just decided to link the Auror Academy, because of his parents, you know."

"shuffling sensory faculty,"Amanda said.

"I 'd like to piss a toast,"Percy announced after everyone was seated. He held up his glass of Cucurbita pepo succus."I just want to say thank you, to all of you, for putting up with the reporter yesterday, and for everything you 've done for the campaign. We only have three months to go, so let 's produce the nigh of it. Keep up all the great work. Here 's to a win in Apr !"

Albus clinked glasses with Rose and Amanda and then served himself a large helping of turkey. This was what he enjoyed the most about Christmastide at the burrow. As he he ate, he listened in on the conversations his cousins, aunty, and uncles were having.

To Albus 's left, his aunt Hermione was giving Henry James, Cedric, and Ben study crest for their O.W.L.s. The boys were nodding as if they were listening, but Albus knew they were n't. Victoire and Teddy were holding manus under the board, which was variety of funny because Victoire was having to eat with her left helping hand, a science she clearly did not own. James, Bradley, and Sakartvelo were discussing Quidditch with Uncles George V and Ron. Eddie was showing the twins, Lily, and Victor Hugo just how many peas he could fit into his mouth at once. Harry Hotspur was, of course, discussing the mealy details of his cause with his wife and parents. Fred and Mark were telling Angie about the secret passageway that lead into the basement of Honeyduke 's. The rest of his kinfolk was too far away for Albus to try what exactly they were saying, but everyone seemed happy.

"This is what it 's really corresponding,"Albus told Amanda."Usually there are a few pranks."

"You missed one earlier,"Rose said while Amanda laughed."James put one of those wind-up Pygmy hassock in Gran 's biggest pot, so while she was chopping veg it jumped out and started screeching. Aunt Ginny knew it was St. James the Apostle, too. He got chewed out while you were upstair changing."

"She had no proof !"James River cut in."It could have been Cedric."

"But it was n't,"Rose said."It was you."

"James, did you get wind me ?"Hermione asked."I was just saying how you need to lead off with your weakest subjugate first. Honestly, you should 've started preparing last yr. Albus, Rose, Amanda, are you listening ? You should start revision now."

"I started weeks ago, Mum,"rosiness said.

Hermione smiled."That 's my girl."

"She 'll be lucky if James starts revising a month before,"Albus whispered to Amanda.

"That would be stunned,"Rose said."What does he want to do after Hogwarts ? He 'll need certain O.W.L.s to get into the rightfulness N.E.W.T. classes."

"He 's got no thought,"Albus said,"except he wants to take on Quidditch."

"He 'd break get going,"pink wine said.

"Oh, and I suppose you 've got it all figured out, rosiness ?"St. James asked.

"As a matter of fact, I 'm thinking of getting into psychological medicine,"pink wine said."Get my healing arcdegree, specializing in psychiatry."

"amercement, then,"James muttered.

"Really ?"Albus asked.

Rose nodded."I 've been thinking about it since summer and it 's really need I want to do."

"Do n't you think you 're a bit Young to have decided that ?"Albus asked.

"Matt 's sis had it all figured out in quartern year and facial expression where she is now,"rosebush pointed out.

She did get a point there, Albus thought. matt 's sister was well on her way to getting both her healing and brewing degrees, with only two and a one-half More twelvemonth to go. Albus did n't even need to think about what he would do after he graduated from Hogwarts. It was too far away.

"I have an proclamation to make !"Gabriella said as she stood up.

The room quieted and everyone turned to look at Gabriella. She was n't usually one to earn language or announcement during crime syndicate dinners. In fact, she was one of the quieter of Albus 's cousins, certainly not coming near to the level of boisterousness of Tom Bradley, Epistle of James, or Georgia.

"Thanks,"she said."None of you know this yet, since I figured I 'd just say you all at once today. I 've decided to travel to France."

The way was silent, often like it was after Percy announced his intent to run for Minister at the before school dinner. Then, as happened after Percy 's promulgation, everyone began to talk at once.

"You 're what ?"account exclaimed.

"Gabriella, dear !"Fleur shouted, dropping her shabu of wine-coloured."What prompted this ?"

"The political climate in French Republic is very unsteady,"Percy said."I would n't recommend moving there."

"What are you going to do there ?"ling asked.

Albus was n't at all surprised. Gabriella had spent a few weeks in French Republic that fall and seemed to savor it. He was n't sure why her parents seemed so surprised.

"If everyone could just let me mouth !"Gabriella shouted. The room quieted one more."I 've already cleared it with Grandmere and Grandpere. They 're going to let me stay with them until I get on my feet. When I painted there this capitulation it just felt so aright. My paintings there were so a lot better than the ones I 've painted here-"

"But what will you do for money ?"Bill asked."You know I could still get you that internship. This is crazy."

"Dad, it 's what I want to do. I do n't want to spend everyday in an government agency and miss out on spirit. No offense. house painting is what I love. I want to try this."

"But Gabriella, it 's not practical-"Bill began.

"Bill,"mollie said quietly."She 's just rebelling a bit. You did the Lapp when you were her age. think of the earring ? The hair ?"

posting 's facial expression reddened."It 's not the same, Mum. I had a job. I was n't learning the finer points of being a starving artist !"

"Dad ! I 'm a good artist ! I 'm not going to hunger !"

"You know my parents would never let her crave,"Fleur said.

"That 's not the point. The point is that she should be doing something productive. When Victoire was her age-"

"I 'm not Victoire !"Gabriella exclaimed. She turned and left the room, running up the stairs. A few moments later a doorway slammed.

invoice made to get up, but Victoire put her hand on his shoulder, forcing him back into his tail end."Dad, I 'll go."

The room lapsed into uncomfortable silence after Victoire took off after her sister. Albus was slightly shocked at his uncle 's disfavor of Gabriella 's design. Albus had always thought of account as his assuredness uncle, the uncle who would be supportive of whatever his tyke wanted to do. But now he was acting just like Walker Percy had about Georgia 's desire to be a Quidditch player.

"I support you, Bill,"Percy said pompously."Artist is not a life history. You 've got to fight this. Went through the like thing with Georgia-"

"Really, Dad ?"Georgia asked."After the by few months of going to my games and making the press think you 're supportive of my dreams, you still do n't remember I should play Quidditch ?"

"Quidditch, like house painting, is a spare-time activity,"Percy said."It 's not a career."

"You 're unbelievable !"Georgia exclaimed."The reenforcement, the cheering, it 's all fake, is n't it ?"

"Georgia-"

"You know what, Dad ? Do n't even bother."Georgia stood up and left the table in a exchangeable manner to Gabriella.

"This,"Albus whispered to Amanda,"is not normal."

"I thought Gabriella liked Uncle Percy 's fake support,"James II muttered.

"fountainhead, she did at number one but she probably thought there was no way he could fake it for so long and not begin to occur around. She surely thought it was real by now,"rosiness said.

"You 're going to bring in a dependable head-shrinker,"Albus said.

"Yeah, you can start with Uncle Hotspur,"King James I said.

"Department of Energy anyone want pudding ?"Gran asked.


A/N : Thanks for all the follow-up !


Never before had Albus experienced such an awkward Christmas dinner, and that included the metre his aunt Katherine went into labor with Eddie at the board. After Gabriella and Georgia stormed out, Gran served pudding to the remaining home penis, but everyone ate in secrecy. Albus, rose wine, and Amanda ate as fast as they could and then escaped to the one place they did n't think anyone else would go- the attic.

The noggin of the Burrow was similar to an archaeologic land site. It contained bed of Weasley kin account and if you dug deep enough you could even find pictures of Uncle poster when he was a baby. It used to mansion a body snatcher, but the ghoul died years before Albus was born. Albus did n't go up in the Classical Greek practically anymore, but when he was little it had made an excellent concealment dapple.

"I never realized how alike Gabriella and Sakartvelo were,"Albus said once they 'd shut the attic door.

"I never realized how likewise Uncle Percy and Uncle Bill were,"Rose replied."I never thought Uncle flyer would react like that."

"Me either,"Albus agreed."Let 's not babble about it. I just want to do something fun."

"Let 's play Monopoly,"Amanda said."It 's a Muggle biz. I brought it from my house."

Albus and rosebush readily agreed and soon the three were playing Monopoly in the loft. It took Albus and rose a petty while to get the hang of the money, which was based on Muggle money, but once they did, it was very fun. Albus 's favorite thing about it was how long it took. They spent hours on one game and by the fourth dimension Amanda beat him and Rose, almost all of his house was asleep.

By breakfast the next morning nearly everything had blown over. Half of his aunts and uncles had left because they had to go to function and the former half were in the procedure of getting ready to leave. Some of his cousin-german were still there, but quite a few had left. When Albus went downstairs he noticed his uncle Bill and aunt Fleur having a talk with Gabriella over platters of sausage balloon. Albus paused in the doorway, waiting for them to finish.

"We do n't desire you to think we are n't supportive of your art,"flier said."We are. Both of us. I just want to experience you 're going to be okay."

"I am, Dad,"Gabriella said."I 'll be staying with Grandmere and Grandpere."

"That 's reassuring,"Bill said."And I did overreact last night."

Fleur snorted."Yes, I 'd say you did."

"I certainly do n't want you to think I 'm anything like your uncle Sir Henry Percy,"notice whispered."I 'd never try and stop you from pursuing your dream."

"Well, painting in French Republic is my dream for now,"Gabriella said adamantly.

"Then we 'll keep going you,"Bill said. Fleur nodded in agreement."I 'm distressing for overreacting stopping point night. I think we were all on bound from the reporter."

"Thanks, Dad,"Gabriella said.

"When were you planning on leaving ?"Fleur asked.

"After that Ministry party. Ca n't miss that or Uncle Harry Hotspur would go insane."

"The weekend after that, then,"Bill said."We want to help you move."

Gabriella nodded."Thanks."

pecker stood up and gave his daughter a hug."I 've got to get to shape, but I 'll see you at home later. I love you, Gabby."

"Love you, too, Dad,"Gabriella said as she hugged him back.

Albus walked into the kitchen as his uncle left, grabbing a few sausage and a cinnamon bun on his way to the table. He was relieved that Uncle Bill and Gabriella came to an agreement, especially one that involved Gabriella still moving to Anatole France. He wanted his cousin to be happy and he still wanted to guess of Federal Reserve note as his cool uncle.

Albus returned to Grimmauld home later that day and it only took him a few minute of boredom to start his holiday reading. rose wine and Amanda had returned to Rose 's house, so without them, he was forced to be productive. In fact, Albus was actually looking forward to the Ministry party for the resole reason that he 'd get to see blush wine and Matt.

The few 24-hour interval in between Boxing Day and New twelvemonth 's Eve were fairly uneventful, especially compared with Christmas day. Sakartvelo and Uncle Percy still had n't made up and GA came over for a heart-to-heart with Albus 's mum the day before the company. Albus often forgot that his mum used to represent master Quidditch and would be the gross person for Georgia to seek advice from.

Albus attempted to listen in on their conversation via Extendable Ear, but his mum must 've put an interperbabble magic spell on the kitchen door because he could n't learn a matter. Dejected, he put away his extendable Ear and returned to reading his Transfiguration Day book.

Shortly after Empire State of the South left James walked in the back doorway with a grin on his look.

"What are you so happy about ?"Albus asked.

"Mum forgot to put the charm on the window,"William James said."I heard everything."

"wellspring, state me what you heard !"Albus said as he closed his book.

"I do n't know ...."

"Come on, Saint James the Apostle,"Albus said."If you do I wo n't tell Mum and Dad what you 're planning on doing to the punch at the party tomorrow."

"fine,"James muttered as he sat down."Basically, Peach State 's still mad at Uncle Percy and does n't want to go to the political party tomorrow. Mum convinced her that she needs to take the high road and be supportive of Uncle Percy even though he is n't being supportive of her. And she said there 's no secret to getting him to make out Quidditch as a valid career. He just has to realize it on his own and all Sakartvelo can do is be the best player she can and underpin herself and not ask him for money. But then she reminded Georgia that Gramps was very supportive of her Quidditch career."

"Nothing too exciting, then,"Albus said.

"Nope, not really,"James agreed."Going to make for an interesting company, though."

"That 's for sure enough,"Albus said.
***


"Is the Minister 's planetary house glowing blue ?"Albus asked as he followed his parents up the winding path to the mansion.

It was New Year 's Eve and the Potters were slightly lately for the party, as usual. This clip James had not been the grounds ; they were late because Ginny had had to lengthen Albus 's robes cobbler's last mo.

"It looks that way,"Harry answered."Wait until you see the inside. The election New yr 's Eve company at the Minister 's Mansion is one of the wonderful occasions the Ministry puts on, only beaten out by the party that will take place for the winner of the election. It 's going to be far enthusiast than the party for Mr. Eckerton hold up year."

Albus nodded. As they drew closer to the planetary house Albus noticed that the blue light seemed to staunch from the ground, illuminating the business firm as it went upward, but he could not see where the light came from. It looked to just appear out of the ground. The way of life itself was lined with silver candles.

The door was already open air when they reached the end of the path. A man dressed in a full moon dinner jacket with tush stood in the room access and he took Ginny and Lily 's wraps while another man led the Potters into the 1000 dance hall.

The dance palace was already filled to capacity and Albus noticed that nearly half of the the great unwashed in attendance were his auntie, uncles, and cousins. The ballroom itself was lit by silver candle similar to the ones that lined the path outside. The windows were draped in heavy navy curtain tied with flatware ropes and matching linen paper dressed the tables and chairs scattered throughout the room. Larger tables containing disk of nutrient stood in the center of the elbow room, each one holding an ice sculpture. The sculpture were of versatile historic building in wizarding United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, including one of Hogwarts.

Waiters dressed in the same tuxedos as the wizards by the doorway walked throughout the room carrying shell of food and drink. After taking a look at some of the food they carried, Albus wondered if there was anything pattern or if it was just fancy hors d'oeuvres.

"Before you all take off to find your first cousin,"Harry began, staring Thomas More at his sons than at Lily."St. James the Apostle, absolutely no harlequinade. Albus, no sneaking off to other persona of the sign or going outside this year. foretell me, both of you."

"I promise,"Albus and Jesse James each mumbled.

"All right, you may go,"Harry said."And prevent an eye out for your young first cousin. Make certainly they 're not getting into trouble."

Albus nodded and then slipped into the gang in search of matte, rose wine, and something to eat that did not resemble something his aunt Fleur 's mother would constitute. He finally wound up at the dessert table where he found both a gravid piece of burnt umber cake and his friends.

"Albus, there you are !"Rose said."We 've been here for an time of day already."

"Mum had to lengthen my robe,"Albus said in between sting of cake.

"I 'm not surprised. You grew a invertebrate foot in the past twelvemonth,"Rose commented.

"Seriously, you 've got to stop,"Matt said."You make me take care like a second year."

"Is everyone else here ?"Albus asked as they walked over to a mostly empty mesa. Its sole occupant was a very old man who seemed to be taking a nap.

Rose nodded."Even Georgia showed up. But I did detect out that the only intellect we were all invited was to make Uncle Percy look like more of a syndicate man."

"Really ?"Albus asked."I thought it was just because sept of the candidates were always invited."

"No. Usually it 's only prompt family unit members, plus all the Heads of section and top Ministry officials and their families. So not all of us were going to be invited at first. It 's to wee us seem like a very close knit family."

"You are a close knit menage,"mat said."It 's like you 're all chum and sisters rather than cousins."

"But Uncle Percy never really involved any of us in his Ministry calling before,"Albus pointed out."Anyway, matt, how was your Noel ?"

"commodity,"matte said."Rose already told me about yours. Sounded much more interesting than mine. My grandparents came to visit and they went home yesterday. Mum and Cinda argued over the fact that we do n't visit them enough anymore and then Mum and Amy argued over the fact that Amy never comes home except for holiday. Dad, Richard, and I just stayed out of it. I swear, those three could debate over nothing."

"Sounds like yours was interesting then,"Albus said.

matte shrugged."Honestly, it 's been rather boring at home."

"I 'm gear up to get back to Hogwarts,"Albus said."Is Amy here ?"

"Yeah, she 's off with Victoire and Teddy,"flatness said.

"Oh, by the way, do n't drink the clout,"Albus warned them."James is planning to put something in it."

"What ?"pink wine asked.

"I do n't eff, but it 'll probably be gross,"Albus said.

"If your uncle wins your first cousin will get to live here,"flatness said as he gazed around the elbow room."Weird to believe about. This place looks bigger than my old house."

"It probably is,"pink wine said."And you 're right, that is weird to mean about."

The old man let out a hoot and woke up. His eyes darted around until they rested on Albus, Rose, and flatness."Who are you three ?"he demanded.

"Er, I 'm Albus potter and that 's blush wine Weasley and flatness Eckerton,"Albus said.

His face softened."Oh, skillful to meet you ! I 'm Bartolomeo Alberto Capillari Laurentis. My daughter 's track for diplomatic minister. Could not be prouder, but I suppose she 's running against your uncle. Albus Potter, Merlin 's face fungus ! I told Patty, I told her she was fruitcake to run against Percy Weasley what with him being related to Harry potter himself, but her party picked her to run so I suppose there was nil I could do about it. And she could n't turn down that chance ...."

Albus glanced at rosebush and Matt while Laurnetis 's dad continued to rattle on about how lofty he was of his daughter, yet marvel at her stupidity for running against someone related to Harry ceramicist. He was rather funny, Albus thought.

"This spot is too damn partiality,"Gregory Laurnetis muttered as he fingered the tablecloth."And the intellectual nourishment, my God, what I would n't give for some cracker and mash ...."

Albus stifled a jest, but he did check with the old man."I think I hear one of my cousins calling me,"Albus said."We 'd better go."

"Oh, right, right,"Gregory XIII Laurentis said."I do n't get a line anything, but then again my hearing 's so bad these mean solar day. fountainhead, good circumstances to your uncle, then. Not that he 'll need it !"

"Good fate to your daughter, too,"Albus said as he stood up.

All three burst out laughing as soon as they were out of earshot of Gregory XIII Laurentis. A few Ministry official looked at them strangely as they did so, but Albus did n't care.

"Albus !"mat suddenly whispered."Is that Balladanis over there ?"Matt pointed to the far back nook, where a man in apparently black gown stood with his arms folded across his chest.

Albus peered at the man for a few minute."Yeah, I think it is."

"What 's he doing here ?"mat asked.

"Probably in case of an attack,"rosiness said."Every prominent Ministry official is in this room right now. There 's probably Aurors stationed at every door outside, too."

"Do n't let him see us,"Matt said as he grabbed both Albus and Rose and pulled them behind a large mathematical group of people."Can we just go somewhere else ?"

Albus glanced at Balladanis and then back at mat, who looked Sir Thomas More than a little nervous. Albus did n't blame him. After terminal yr 's scandal with Balladanis, it was no wonder matt never wanted to see the man again. Albus thought briefly of what his dad told him when they got there, but pushed the promise from his mind. If matt did n't want to be in the Saami room as Balladanis, then Albus was just going to birth to wear his promise.

"Come on,"Rose said before Albus could reply. She took Albus and Matt 's hands and pulled them through the crowd. She let them go once they reached the corridor.

The corridor was much subdued than the ballroom. Albus had n't even realized just how loud the dance hall was until now. Between the music and mass 's vocalization, it was a wonder he 'd even been able-bodied to think in there.

"Thanks,"lusterlessness said quietly."He just gives me the creeps."

"No problem,"Rose said."Where should we go ?"

"We could try and find that subroutine library again,"Albus suggested.

rosiness and matte nodded and the three set off down the corridor. It took them 15 instant and three wrong turns to find the library and once they got there, they saw that it was already occupied by none other than Peach State, Omar Nelson Bradley, and Cedric.

"We 've got to stop using the same hiding home,"Georgia said with a joke as they entered."Just joking. number on in."

rose shut the door behind them and they joined Georgia, Tom Bradley, and Cedric on the former slope of the room.

"Sick of the company ?"Georgia asked.

"We saw Balladanis,"Matt said quietly as he sat down."Did n't require him to notice us."

Sakartvelo shuddered."Do n't charge you there, especially since your dad is the grounds he got sacked."

"I kind of liked him,"Bradley said.

mat looked at him like he was insane."Are you kidding ?"

Bradley shrugged."Nope. I 'm not terribly upset he 's gone, but he was variety of cool."

"You 're mad,"matt said.

"What about you three ? What drove you to the library ?"Albus asked, wanting to stave in off an controversy between his dependable booster and cousin.

"Decided to research the family,"Cedric said."If we 're going to stimulate to know here, we wanted to see what we 'd be getting into."

"And what do you remember ?"rose asked.

"livelihood here would n't be so bad,"Cedric said."Tom Bradley and I would n't have to ploughshare a room. Neither would Samantha and Lindy, for that matter."

"I told you, one of you can sustain my room,"Georgia said.

"Dad wo n't let us,"Tom Bradley replied."Says you 're going to come back when Quidditch stops paying off."

Peach State groaned."Really, the religious belief he has in me is incredible."

"We met Laurentis 's dad,"Albus said.

GA burst out laughing."Seriously ?"

Albus nodded and told the story. All three of his cousins were laughing by the time he finished.

"I may have to go back out there just so I can meet him,"GA said, still laughing.

"He sounds like a very occupy bloke,"Bradley said.

Matt got up from his professorship and began wandering around the library. He paused by the door, as if listening.

"What are you doing ?"Albus asked.

"I heard something,"Matt whispered."Shut up, all of you."

Empire State of the South immediately stopped laughing and all five of them stopped talking. Matt 's eyes grew big and he hurried back over."Someone 's coming !"

"I do n't hear any-"Bradley began.

"Sshhh !"Albus said as he jumped up."Trust him on this. We 've got to hide."

"There 's a W.C.,"rosebush said as she hurried to open the door."It 's not very big-"

"Does n't matter,"matt said."Hurry, get inside."

Albus just started hearing the representative as they hurried inside the closet. It was a very tight squeeze and rose wine was stepping on his left foot, but he said nothing as he shut the door. Two seconds later he heard the room access to the library surface.

"It 's not working !"a woman said. Her vocalism was muffled ; Albus could barely get to out what she said, let alone who she was.

"I ca n't see anything,"Cedric whispered."Is this door solid mahogany or something ?"

"Shut up !"Matt seethed. He had his ear pressed to the door.

"The one time I do n't bring any Extendables with me,"Cedric muttered.

Albus pressed his ear up against the door. The interpreter were still muffled, but he could hear.

"I told you they 'd eat up the whole family man thing,"another voice said. This one was Male."Not to bring up he 's Harry thrower 's brother-in-law for God 's rice beer !"

"Harry potter is an incompetent moron and you know it,"the woman replied."He 's far-famed for something he did as a child and the general public is stupid to still think of him as the hero sandwich of the wizarding reality. He 's gone soft."

"It 's Laurentis !"Matt said.

"How can you tell ?"Omar Bradley asked."This door is so damn thick."

"I just can,"Matt said.

Albus could n't tell that the articulation was Laurentis 's, but based on what she was saying, Matt was flop.

"Well, what am I supposed to do about it ?"the man said.

"We 've got to think of something,"Laurentis said."The Azkaban public debate is in a workweek. I 'm indisputable you can consider of something to do for that."

"I think that 's her military campaign handler,"flatness said.

"She sounds awful,"Albus said.

"It should n't be that hard. All we have to do is endanger Weasley for what he really is and get everyone to substantiate potter 's not the hoagy they all think he is,"Laurentis said.

"And who is Weasley, then ?"

"A pompous idiot !"Laurentis exclaimed."You do n't really buy the whole fact that he supports his daughter 's Quidditch career, do you ? I 've seen the way she looks at him and there 's no way that 's real."

"You ca n't really roll in the hay that-"

"I can,"she disturb."I can read people, Franklin Pierce. That 's why I got into politics. It 's all about reading people and figuring out the lies from the truths. See what you can dig up. We 'd break return to the party. I left my father alone with minister Langston. That wo n't plough out well."

"Yes, Ms. Laurentis,"Pierce replied.

Albus heard the sound of highschool dog on hardwood floor, the room access creak open, and then click shut again. He waited two wax minutes and then opened the door to the press. Everyone hurried out.

"What was that ?"matte demanded."What is she up to ?"

"How did you catch all that ?"Bradley asked."Do you have super homo earshot or something ?"

"Or something,"Matt muttered,"but never nous that. Laurentis knows your dad 's putting on an act and is going to try to expose him."He turned to Albus."And she is going to try and plow the wizarding world against your dad."

"She 's insane !"Albus exclaimed.

"You 've got to tell your uncle-"mat began.

"No way,"Georgia said loudly."confidence me, all he 'll do is charge me for not playing my section well enough. This is n't leaving this room."

"But she 's going to sabotage his campaign,"Albus said.

"Georgia 's rightfulness,"blush wine said."It wo n't serve anything. Campaigns are half about digging up grunge on the other candidate. Anything she says about Uncle Harry, no one will conceive it unless they 're an idiot. Anyone with half a mind knows he runs the Auror Department well."

"If anyone says anything he 'll just get mad at us for spying,"Bradley added.

"Not to mention we 're not technically allowed in here,"Cedric pointed out.

"Oh, right,"Albus said."My dad did make me promise not to leave the ballroom."

"No one 's saying anything,"Sakartvelo said."And I think we 'd all better get back to the ballroom, just in pillowcase anyone notices we 're all gone.


Thanks for all the followup ! Remember to keep them 12+. Props to all who caught the 'mahogany'hungriness Games mention. Credit for that goes to Suzanne Collins. If any of you are members of the forums ( and if you 're not, you should be, link on the proper face of the pageboy ! ), feel free to curb out my Meet the author pageboy ! It 's linked on my author Sir Frederick Handley Page. Please ask me interrogative sentence on my MTA page since I love answering them !


When they returned to the dance palace Albus was pleased to see that Balladanis was nowhere in sight. Perhaps he left to police the grounds. Albus did n't really care ; all that mattered was that he was n't there anymore. Judging by the crowd in the way, no one else had left yet, and they all seemed a bit more rumbustious, most likely due to the drinks.

Percy accosted them before they were even able-bodied to get to the desert table to reload their collection plate with patty. He walked with purpose, similarly to the way he had walked when he took Albus and his champion to Kendrick 's study. He seemed very at home in the government minister 's Mansion and it was n't even his yet.

"Georgia !"he said."There you are. I 've been looking for you everywhere."

"I was in the loo. Something you need, Dad ?"Sakartvelo asked.

"Er, yes, actually,"Percy replied."I need you to take Samantha and Lindy home. It 's nearly eleven and your female parent and I are going to be here well preceding midnight. Samantha ate too very much bar and look ill. I just think it would be best for them to go house and get some eternal sleep. They 're over at that table."Percy gestured to a nearby board, where Samantha and Lindy were sitting, both with their promontory in their deal, looking extremely bored.

Sakartvelo raised her supercilium, as if surprised that Harry Hotspur was actually going to not only let three of his children leave, but quest that they do so. Albus was surprised he 'd even guess about the fact that it was n't really a party for two nine-year-olds.

"Yeah, I can take them home,"Georgia said.

"What about us ?"Bradley asked, gesturing to himself and Cedric."Could n't we submit them home ?"

"I 'd rather Peach State do it,"Percy said."You do n't even give birth your Apparition license yet, Cedric. And Bradley, you just got yours. You 're not quick to side-along Apparate two people."

"They do have fireplaces here, Dad,"Thomas Bradley muttered.

"Sakartvelo 's taking them, and the two of you are staying here,"Sir Henry Percy said adamantly."Thank you, Georgia."

"You 're welcome,"Georgia said as Percy strutted off to spill the beans to some Ministry official."Ha !"she said once he was out of earshot."I get to leave."

"Shut up,"Cedric said."I 'm going to go bump James."

GA headed over to the mesa her sisters were sitting at while Bradley and Cedric disappeared into the crowd. Albus, matte, and Rose wandered over to the dessert table, piled a plate high-pitched with the biscuit a waiter had just set out, and then set off to find another table. They found one, which Victoire, chemise, and Amy were vacating.

"Where are you three off to ?"Albus asked.

"We 've got ahead of time rounds tomorrow,"Victoire said."Five in the good morning. If we 're golden we 'll get four hours of sleep."

"I do n't see much point in staying if they 're not here,"teddy bear said."Technically I was n't even invited, but seeing as I 'm Harry thrower 's Godson, no one was going to quetch me out."

Albus laughed."See you later, then."

After Victoire, shimmy, and Amy left Albus sat down and his protagonist sat on either side. He absentmindedly chewed on a biscuit and watched the crowd.

"Do these smack funny to you ?"Matt asked, holding up a partially eat biscuit.

Albus took another bite. They did gustatory perception weird."Yeah."

pink wine burst out laughing and started pointing at their heads."I think Saint James the Apostle messed with the biscuits instead of the punch. Al, your hair is low-spirited and Matt, yours is green."

Albus and Matt both started laughing. Albus took another looking at at the crowd."smell, that dame 's tomentum is purple !"He pointed to a crone a few thousand away. The fellow she was talking to was clearly trying not to stare at her head.

Over the next few hour people gradually began to realize that their hair was turning various colors and that the biscuits were the perpetrator. Wands appeared everywhere, as the guest charmed each early 's whisker back to its normal color. Another minute later Albus spotted both of his parents walking around the perimeter of the room, clearly looking for James River, but he was nowhere in sight.

"I like this caper,"Albus said."I 'm leaving my hair as is."

"Me too,"matt agreed. They both turned to Rose."You should eat one."

Rose sighed."power as well."She took a cookie and a mo later her formerly red hairsbreadth was a lovely shade of pink.

The residuum of the party was rather boring. Harry eventually found James and told him he 'd be staying in his room for the remainder of the vacation, only being allowed out for meals. When midnight rolled around Albus, lusterlessness, and Rose toasted to the new twelvemonth with Lily and Hugo. matt and his parents left immediately afterward and Albus and his menage left a light spell later. Albus was relieved to be going home since the night had been exhausting, and he still could n't get the conversation he overheard in the library out of his brain.
***


"It 's here !"Saint James shouted the next morning at breakfast, brandishing a copy of magician magazine. The front back was a word picture of Albus 's grandparents, his mum, Uncle Sir Henry Percy, Uncle measure, Uncle Charlie, Uncle St. George, and Uncle Ron.

"Let me see it !"Albus shouted.

"No, I got it first !"James shouted back.

"I want to understand it first !"Lily exclaimed.

"Kids, make up down !"Ginny said."James got it first. Al can read it succeeding, and then Lily."

"Not fair,"Lily muttered."I 'm never first."

That was a lie, Albus thought to himself. It was either James or Lily who got thing first, never Albus. hex of being the center tiddler, he figured.

Albus sat and ate his breakfast while James read the article. His chum let out groan and sighs and even laughter while he read, which made Albus even more unquiet to understand it. After what seemed like forever, it was finally Albus 's turn. He yanked the clip out of James 's hand and opened it up to the article.

The first page ( or rather, first two page ), contained the picture show of his entire household. Albus had been right in guessing that there was no way the photographer could 've gotten a video that they all looked good in. Albus himself at least appear middle decent. He was smiling and kept turning to seem at Rose and then back to the camera. Lily on the other hand, was caught mid-grimace and always returned to that pose every few indorsement. Across the photograph was the name of the article- 'Christmas With the Weasleys .'Albus turned the page and looked at all the other exposure that accompanied the clause before reading it. There was one of Harry Hotspur, Corrine, and their youngster. Another featured Walker Percy and Albus 's dad. Then there was the one with him playing Exploding Snap with the similitude and Hotspur, as well as the one with Percy and Amanda playing chess. The caption on that read 'Minister wannabe Percy Weasley challenges the Prime Minister 's niece to a game of chess .'Amanda was not going to be well-chosen, Albus thought as he turned his tending to the article.

When I first entered the childhood home of Percy
Weasley I immediately noticed the delectable olfactory perception
that filled the air. Molly Weasley, Hotspur 's mother,
was punishing at work cooking Dec 25 Eve dinner party. The
small, but tea cosy, abode was filled to capacity with
Weasleys, although it only grew more crowd with
the arriver of the Potters an hour later.

The Weasley sept gather for Xmas at the
home of Arthur and Molly Weasley every class.
King Arthur, a retired Ministry employee, says ,'I
screw having the entire family together. It 's
chaotic, but I would n't have it any other way .'
The evening begins with a repast, although eating
seems to submit plaza over many hours. The atmosphere
is homey and happy, with every exclusive family
member enjoying their time with each other.

Percy Weasley, a loving father of five, joins in
on the fun and Christmas spirit by challenging
his nine-year-old daughter Samantha and Lindy,
as well as nephew Albus Potter, 14, to a game
of Exploding Snap .'I feel it 's important to
spend time with my children, as well as my nieces
and nephews ,'Weasley said, 'we have such little
metre with them before they go off to Hogwarts.
My firstborn is already out on her own and my Logos
only have a little fourth dimension left at Hogwarts. The
twins are still Lester Willis Young, so I try to spend time
with them every single day .'When asked
about their beginner 's safari, Samantha said,
'I want him to win. He 's good at his job .'
Lindy merely shrugged, 'It would be cool down if he
wins, but he 'll still just be Dad to us .'

The rest home of Chester A. Arthur and mollie Weasley is not
only open to Weasleys at Christmas meter. This
year they were joined by a friend of Albus Potter
and pink wine Weasley, 14. Amanda Tagger, also 14, is
a fourth year student at Hogwarts. Tagger is no
stranger to political families since her uncle
is Michael Smythe, Prime pastor of Great
Britain .'I think it is just rattling that
the Prime Minister 's niece is a enchantress ,'Hotspur
said. 'We are always trying to push a
goodish relationship with the Muggle Ministry
and this will only help .'

Before posing for the picture found on pages
20 and 21, the Weasley kinfolk first donned
their Weasley pinny. Each member of the family
receives one of these jumpers for Yule
every yr. The traditional jump shot are knitted
by Molly Weasley .'I 'm not sure how it started,
really ,'molly said, when asked about the origin
of the jumpers ,'I suppose it was when Bill and
Charlie were little, before Percy was born. I
wanted to knit them matching jumpers and they
outgrew them by the be year, so I made
new 1. Then when Walker Percy was born he needed one
so it soon grew into a every year thing .'

If I had to choose one Holy Writ to account the Weasley
family, I would select 'laid-back .'Spending a
Christmas Eve with this family, you would never
think that they were famous for their endeavour in
the war against Voldemort. They are just so normal.
Even Harry Potter, Head Auror, is just your
average father. He spends Christmas Eve joking
around with his brothers-in-law and playing plot
with his shaver, nieces, and nephews. I asked
him what a distinctive Noel day is like in the
Weasley house and he responded with, 'Quidditch.
We live for Quidditch. No matter the weather we
get out there every Christmas and run a match or
two. Then we 'll come inside and have dinner, all
of us together. It 's bare, but perfect .'

There you have it. Christmastime with the Weasleys
summed up in one judgment of conviction by none other than Harry
Potter himself. I thoroughly enjoyed spending
Christmas Eve with Percy Weasley and his entire
folk. Next clock time I audience him, I really must
ask for his mother 's shepherd 's pie recipe. It
truly is wonderful.

"Really ?"Albus asked after handing the powder store to Lily."After all that ? She interviewed half the phratry and only quoted a few of us ?"

"I 'm guessing the rest could n't really be used for the type of article she was going for,"James pointed out."Notice how she only included stuff Samantha and lindy said."

"And she made it seem like the lensman just happened to fill mental picture of us playing biz with Uncle Harry Hotspur,"Albus said."All of that was staged."

"That 's journalism,"Ginny said."Not in force news media, mind you, but it is fairly common practice."

"I guess it could bear been worse,"Albus said.

"Yes, it could have been,"Ginny agreed."I think we 're all just grateful she did n't persist for Christmas dinner."

Saint James laughed."I wonder how she would 've birl that. I 'm amazed no one 's figured out that Uncle Percy does n't really wish that Peach State plays Quidditch."

"Keep your lip shut about that, James,"Ginny said quietly.

"Anyone with half a brain could see it,"James muttered.

Albus said cypher. He still was n't completely sure that saying zippo about Laurentis figuring that out was the mightily thing to do. But he could n't exactly say anything, not when all his full cousin and Matt had agreed not to.

"James,"Ginny said."Enough. And I suggest you use the remainder of your break to learn for those O.W.L.s. June is a lot preferably than you think."

James certainly did a good job of pretending to analyze for the residuum of the holiday, while shut up in his way for his punishment. Albus noticed that while he always had a book cracked open nearby, to grab when one of their parents walked into the room, it was always the Lapp Word of God, opened to the Same page. Albus was amazed neither of his parents realized that, but he supposed both of them had their brain on Percy 's election. Albus finished all his homework before the weekend, leaving him with two blissful days of doing cypher. On Saturday he, along with his parents, Epistle of James, and Lily, visited Kaden and his mob for a tardy Christmastide and New Year 's celebration. Albus was relieved that Kaden 's grandparents were n't there.

Monday arrived and it was time to go back to Hogwarts. Albus was quite happy about this because he had grown bored of staying at dwelling and doing nothing and was sick of being in such close quarters with St. James and Lily. At least in Gryffindor tower they kept to their own groups of Quaker. But mostly, Albus wanted to get Amanda 's take on the conversation they overheard at the diplomatic minister 's Mansion.

"Everyone 's staring at me,"Amanda said as she entered the compartment Albus, Rose, lusterlessness, lav, and Kaden were occupying."Took me ages to find you, just because people kept wanting to lecture to me. It 's that stupid magazine article. Now everyone knows I 'm the Prime Minister 's niece."

"It was bound to happen sooner or later,"blush wine pointed out."But I 'm sorry. If I 'd eff the reporter was going to talk about that, I would n't deliver invited you for Christmas."

"No, it 's okay,"Amanda said as she sat down."I 'm glad I went. It 's just annoying. Guess I know how it feels to be you lot."

"Except us,"toilet said as he gestured to himself and Kaden."We 're normal."

"You 're convention, lavatory,"Amanda said."But Kaden 's Harry Potter 's first first cousin once removed or something."

"And that really makes me wonder how I got wrapped up in all this,"John the Evangelist said."My parents just are n't nearly as ambitious as yours all are."

"How was that party, by the way ?"Amanda asked.

"Mostly drilling,"Albus said."But we did wind up in a tiny W.C. with my cousin-german Georgia, Thomas Bradley, and Cedric and overheard a conversation between Laurentis and her hunting expedition manager."

"You what ?"John exclaimed."And you did n't think that warranted an owl ?"

"We wanted to tell you in individual,"Albus said."The conversation was really weird."

"Tell us !"Amanda said.

Albus explained what he overheard, with assistance from Matt, who had been capable to see it a bit more clearly. John and Kaden looked slightly uncomfortable when they finished, but Amanda did n't appear at all surprised or upset.

"That ca n't be effective,"John said."What do you call up she 's planning ?"

"That 's just it, I do n't know,"Albus said."And all my cousins and Matt agreed not to say anything-"

"They 're right, of trend,"Amanda said."You 'd just raise up worry. Your uncle has got to focus on convincing people he 's the right hand one for the job, not discrediting everything Laurentis says."

"But she 's going to try and win over everyone my dad 's a bad Auror,"Albus pointed out.

"Your dad is n't running for Minister,"Amanda said."And honestly, I do n't cerebrate she 's going to be able-bodied to convince all of wizarding Britain that your dad 's incompetent person by April."

"But what about the GA thing-"

"Albus,"Amanda said as she stared directly at him,"this is what politico do. Half the campaign is spent trying to convince people the opponent is bad for the job. As much as it should just be spent on trying to convince masses they 're right for the job, candidates just do n't do that. Trust me. My uncle 's on his endorse term. I know how these matter work."

"I guess,"Albus said. He felt slightly better about it, now that he had Amanda 's opinion, but he still felt anxious."Something is going to happen at the Azkaban debate, though. She wanted her campaign handler to dig something up."

"Worst character scenario, she figures out that your uncle Percy does n't really O.K. of GA 's Quidditch vocation,"Amanda said."Then he 'll commit an interview and say that at first he was n't because he was disturbed about her future but then he saw her gaming and now he realizes how proficient she is and blah, blah, blah. It 'll be fixed."

"She 's right, Albus,"Rose said. The others nodded.

"How do you have intercourse all this ?"Albus asked."I mean, seriously."

"I 'm an excellent eavesdropper,"Amanda said with a grin."And all without Extendable Ears."

"Amazing,"whoremaster agreed.

"It 's simple, really,"Amanda said."Be the kid in your family that goes unnoticed. My Old sister is the dramatic event queen, so everything that happens to her, no matter how diminished, is a huge deal. My footling brother is a brat who demands constant attention. Me ? I 'm the quiet one. They 'll have totally conversations about stuff in front of me that they 'd never have got in social movement of either my chum or sister."

Kaden laughed."Bet that changed when you found out you were a witch."

"At initiative, but then me being a witch became normal,"Amanda said.

Matt let out a low whistle."care I had that skill. I still ca n't even go into the same way as my parents without one of them asking me if I feel okay. Bit of an exaggeration, but still."

"I think my parents expend too lots of their childhoods eavesdropping on multitude to feed me a decent luck at it,"Albus said."They know all the tricks."

"So do mine,"rosebush said."I swear my mum can smell out an Extendable Ear a knot away."

"I think I 'm too tacky,"can said.

"Same,"Kaden agreed.

"So, would you believe me if I said I actually wanted to go to the Azkaban debate ?"Gospel According to John asked as he opened a box of Bertie Bott 's Every feel Beans.

rosiness burst out laughing."Really, john ?"

"Yes, really,"John said, popping a bean into his rima oris."Butter, weird. If Laurentis is going to do something, I want to be right there to witness it."

"Maybe you 'll get lucky and you 'll get picked,"Amanda said."I hope I get picked for one."

"I bet they 'll let you go to all of them now, being the efflorescence parson's niece and all,"John said.

"Not necessarily,"Amanda said.

"You can always train my fleck, trick,"Matt said as he got up to steal a handful of Saint John the Apostle 's Bertie Bott 's."full phase of the moon moonshine 's on Fri, so I wo n't be going."

"Maybe you can convince dame Pomfrey, since it 's educational,"Kaden said.

flatness popped a bean plant into his backtalk and then promptly spat it out."Ew, dirt. Does n't matter what brothel keeper Pomfrey says. Day after the full moon lunation ? I 'll be asleep. You 'll just have to take bank bill and let me know what happens."

privy groaned."I 'll occur on your spot if I have to lead notes."

"somebody 's going to have got to take distinction either way,"mat said."I 'll need them for the essay that Embry will assign."

"Do n't worry, I 'll aim eminence,"Rose told him.

"Thanks,"Matt replied."Now, who 's wants this bean plant ? It looks just like malicious gossip, but it could be chocolate."Matt held up a suspiciously brownish bean.

"I 'll consider it !"John said. He took a diminutive nibble, screwed up his face, and threw the residue of the bean back at matt, hitting him square on the forehead."Thanks, first mate, another dirt."

Albus laughed and took a handful of bean. The residual of the trip was much more lighthearted than their conversation about the campaign tactic of Laurentis and Percy. They finished off John 's Bertie Bott 's, growing braver as the box emptied. Albus stopped after he got a vomit flavored one, but enjoyed it immensely when Kaden ate one of the Sami flavor. The wagon train ride went quickly and soon they arrived in Hogsmeade station with Hogwarts, Albus 's back home, just a short stroller ride away.


Sorry for the previous update ! My cousin got married on Friday so I was gone the whole weekend and did n't have my figurer with me. Thanks to my sis, Linda, who in my family, is just like Amanda and can listen in on everyone. She gave me the idea for that. Thanks for all the pin-up reexamination !


"This terminal figure we will focus on how the first and indorsement war against Voldemort shaped how the Ministry of Magic is organized today,"professor Embry announced after the campana rang for Tuesday 's politics class."This contribution of the division will overlap with your story of Magic class quite a bit, although I 'd take chances a guess that none of you pay attention in chronicle of conjuring trick, not that I blame you. I never could stay awake in that family either.

"First, we will take a closelipped look at exactly how the Ministry was organized prior to Voldemort 's rise to big businessman and why it was such a problem,"Embry continued."division of the grounds why Voldemort was capable to rise to superpower as quickly as he did was because the Ministry was susceptible to a takeover. Since then, care have been taken to forbid a similar situation. Does anyone know the briny difference between the Ministry before Voldemort and the Ministry now ?"

A few hands went up in the air, including Amanda 's. Albus knew the response, but he did n't really want to raise his hand. He preferred listening during class.

"Yes, Miss Tagger ?"

"The Minister was n't elected,"Amanda said,"which is odd because the Muggle Minister is elected, kind of. It 's not like in the United States, but the public votes on which company will be in power."

"Exactly,"Embry said."Prior to the reorganization of the Ministry of Magic in 1998, the Minister was appointed by the Wizengamot. Can anyone tell me why that is a trouble ?"

Amanda 's deal shot into the air once more. She was even faster than Rose in this class.

"miss tagging program ?"

"It was bad because the multitude had no power. Only the Wizengamot had any force in the Ministry, because they were the single who appointed the minister of religion, who then appointed all the former functionary. No one had any say in anything."

"Right again. Ten points to Gryffindor,"Embry said."The Wizengamot, prior to 1998, was a group of very influential witches and thaumaturge, mostly pureblood, who essentially ran the Ministry of conjuration. They also served as the judicial arrangement. These witch and wizards inherited their seats on the Wizengamot from family extremity because each influential family in the Brits wizarding cosmos once held a seat in the Wizengamot. The problem with this are obvious because it meant that only purebloods and a select few half-bloods had any likeness of power."

Albus was scribbling furiously. He knew the basics of the political system just from overhearing his parents'conversations, but the details were hazy. Now that he was learning the gritty details, he wondered why it took so long for the Ministry to be reorganized. It seemed like it was based solely on lineage condition and how a lot money someone had, which was n't right.

Embry continued to explain the old Ministry and the respective power that each somebody or group of the great unwashed in the Ministry had prior to Voldemort 's reign. By the end of the lecture Albus had just over a understructure of eminence, which was good because Embry had already set them an essay.

"Before you leave, I 'll announce who will be attending Saturday 's public debate,"Embry said after he finished lecturing."Like last clock time, Albus Potter, Rose Weasley, and Matt Eckerton will be capable to attend. The two Hufflepuffs who will be attending are Elaine Asterly and Parker Wieland. The two Gryffindors are Amanda Tagger and Ethan Kesse. You will cover to the Great Charles Francis Hall at ten and wait for direction from the prefects waiting by the doorway. Everyone else will be listening to the debate via receiving set in the metamorphosis schoolroom. I expect an essay on which prospect you feel made their point better by future grade. You are dismissed."

"I guess I wo n't get to go to all the debates after all,"Amanda said as they left the classroom.

"This one will be thoroughly, though,"Rose said."You 're lucky they picked you for it."

"Wish I got picked,"bathroom lamented.

"I 'm telling you, just go instead of me,"Matt insisted."Tell them I 'm ill and you 're taking my spot."

"I really do n't think they 'll let-"

"preparation on being ill on Saturday, are you ?"

Albus and his friends stopped in the middle of the corridor, turning around to see Scorpius Malfoy behind them, his arms crossed across his chest. He looked arrogant and vaguely annoyed as common, but there was something else there. He looked slightly upset and for some reason, that unnerved Albus.

"Give it a rest, Malfoy,"John said, stepping closer to the Slytherin."We get that you know. We 've gotten over it."

Scorpius stepped airless, ignoring John and turning to Matt."How do you get into the Shrieking shack ?"he demanded.

Matt 's face paled. Gospel According to John grabbed hold of Scorpius 's robes and dragged him into a nearby classroom. John had at least four in on Malfoy, so it did n't seem hard. Albus and the others followed, Rose shutting and locking the door behind them.

"Why do you want to know about the Shrieking hovel ?"John asked as he let go of Scorpio.

"None of your line of work,"Scorpio said, glancing at the locked door. He slowly drew his sceptre.

John drew his own wand."Put your sceptre away. And it 's his business which makes it all of our business."John gestured to Matt, who had sat down on one of the desks.

"There 's five of you. Like hell I 'm putting my wand away. So I am right, he does translate in the Shrieking shanty,"Scorpius said with a sly smile. The expression of sadness Albus thought he 'd seen was gone ; maybe he 'd imagined it.

"John !"Matt exclaimed."Now look what you 've done !"

"Sorry,"privy said."I did n't mean to-"

"Never mind,"Matt said, getting up from the desk and walk over to St. John and Scorpius."How did you cypher it out ?"

"Where else could you transubstantiate safely ?"Scorpius asked."I did a slight inquiry in the library and that was built the summer before Remus lupin started at Hogwarts and everyone knows he was a werewolf. No one ever lived in it, but people reported sense of hearing weird interference from it. Everyone said it was trace, but they went strangely placidity seven long time later, only to reappear four and a half years ago, when we started at Hogwarts. Quite a coincidence, I thought. And now I see that I 'm right."

Albus was kind of floor Scorpius had done all that research and put everything together. Perhaps he was smarter than Albus and his Quaker gave him credit for.

"well, you ca n't tell anyone, just like you ca n't tell anyone I 'm a werewolf,"Matt said."Kendrick would rout out you."

"I do n't care that it 's where you transform,"Scorpius said."The stage is that it 's empty except for one nighttime of the calendar month. How do you get in ?"

"I 'm not telling,"Matt said.

"mulct, I 'll visualise it out myself,"Scorpius said, pointing his sceptre at the doorway. The lock clicked and he strolled over to the door, opened it, and left.

"That was weird,"Albus said as soon as Scorpius was gone.

"Yeah,"matt said, sitting down on the nearest desk."Why does he want to get in the Shrieking shanty ?"

"Clearly he needs someplace that 's empty, but the interrogative sentence is what is he planning on doing ?"Rose asked."And did anyone else notice that he seemed a bit sad in the corridor ?"

"I thought I 'd imagined that,"Albus said.

"You did n't. He 's definitely upset about something,"Rose said.

lusterlessness groaned."He better not actually figure out how to get in there."

"If he does, he would n't be speechless enough to go in there during a full moon,"Albus pointed out.

"Yeah, but still. That 's my blank space,"Matt muttered."I need a nap. I think I 'm going to skip dinner and just go back to Gryffindor. I 'll see you later."

Matt hopped off the desk and left the room. Albus sighed. The last matter he wanted, amidst all of the election stuff and his family unit 's dramatic event, was another issue with Scorpius Malfoy, but it looked like things were heading in that direction.
***


The following morning when Albus and his friends entered the Great Hall for breakfast the students already eating were much louder than convention. Albus turned to blush wine, who shrugged in mix-up, as they walked inside. Everyone in the room, students and teachers alike, were talking ominously. copy of the Prophet were exchanging custody faster than the Quaffle during a Gryffindor/Slytherin match.

"Albus !"James shouted once they reached the Gryffindor tabular array."Read this. There 's been a break-out at Azkaban."

"Again ?"Albus exclaimed, hurrying over to where James was sitting. He took the paper and his friends crowded around him.

"Not like shoemaker's last meter,"Jesse James said darkly."High-profile prisoner and Sir Thomas More of them. Death Eaters. There has n't been a break-out like this in years. Not since our parents were our age."

Albus 's warmheartedness began to pound as he unfolded the paper. There it was, right on the front page. A big photo collage of five people, all gaunt and evil-looking, was right in the middle, with the words 'Five Prisoners Break Out of Azkaban'above them and an clause below them. Albus 's belly churned when he recognized the picture of the middle prisoner. It was Quinton Willinson. His optic drifted to the clause so he could figure out who the others were.

Early this morning Azkaban functionary
reported that five high security measures prisoners
escaped belatedly last night. It is unclear how
they managed to do so. The prisoners, all
imprisoned for felonies, should be regarded
as dangerous and should not be approached.

Four of the five prisoners have been in
Azkaban since 1998, having been imprisoned
for war crimes. They are Alecto Carrow,
Amycus Carrow, Fenrir Greyback, and Dolores
Umbridge. All but Umbridge are proven Death
Eaters. The fifth prisoner, Quinton Willinson,
has been in and out of prison since 2018,
having escaped and been recaptured just finally
twelvemonth.

'Finding and recapturing these individuals is
our top anteriority ,'caput Auror, Harry thrower,
said to newsman early this first light. Minister
campaigner and Head Azkaban official, Patricia
Laurentis, refused to notice on the break-out.
The Auror department has asked all those with
tips to report them to the Ministry via owl
immediately.

Albus sat stunned after reading the article. Three Death feeder, Dolores Umbridge, and Quinton Willinson had escaped from Azkaban. How did that happen ? How did five high security measure captive just escape with no one stopping them ? It did n't create mother wit.

"This is not going to make Laurentis expect goodness,"Amanda said quietly.

"Forget Laurentis, this is bad,"Albus said."Very bad. Umbridge is evil, twisted wickedness. My dad 's got scars on his hand from what she did to him when she was a teacher here. And the Carrows, they were teachers, too. They taught Dark Arts. Not refutation, but actual night Arts, and how to torture Muggles. Greyback-"

"Johnny Reb bites people, for fun,"lustrelessness said, his face pale white."He 's the one who bit Teddy 's dad."

"The four of them,"Albus began,"the four of them make Quinton Willinson look like a unicorn."

"That 's the weird thing,"rose wine said."The others are in prison for lifetime for war crimes. Willinson will be in there for a while, but he 'll get word of honor eventually and the lonesome intellect he 's a luxuriously security measure captive is because he escaped before. So why did he soften out with the others ? Why did they let him in on it ? They 're up to something."

Albus had n't even thought of that. Why was Quinton Willinson now connected with war criminals who had been in prison house since before he was born ? It did n't make sense. Albus thought about it throughout all his form that day, but did n't amount up with any answers.

It was obvious that the Azkaban break-out had unnerved the entire palace. Professors spoke in low whisper when they thought students were n't around, students no longer wandered the castle by themselves, and even Scorpius Malfoy seemed a bit more subdued during dueling practice on Th.

All five prisoners still remained at boastfully on Friday, when Ministry official began arriving for the argument. Laurentis still had yet to gloss on the break-out, which struck Albus as strange. Azkaban was her soil and yet she said nothing on the subject.

"Is it just me or are there even more reporters here than there were finish time ?"Albus asked.

"It 's not just you,"Amanda said.

Albus, lusterlessness, lav, and Amanda were walking back to the palace from fear of Magical puppet. It was slow up going since the full lunation was that night and Matt was exhausted, but luckily the weather was unseasonably warm for January. They 'd just been passed by a mathematical group of festinate looking newsperson coming up from Hogsmeade.

"There 's probably more because of the break-out,"matt said."Laurentis is going to have to finally say something about it tomorrow since the topic is Azkaban."

"doe anyone else think it 's Wyrd that there was a break-out three Clarence Shepard Day Jr. before the Azkaban public debate ?"Albus asked.

"I thought of that, too,"Amanda said."Very weird coincidence."

"wellspring, it 'll be expert for your uncle,"whoremonger said."Laurentis is going to seem like an cretin, not being able to continue five in high spirits certificate prisoner in Azkaban."

Albus nodded. He supposed that was one full affair that came from three Death eater escaping from Azkaban, not that there was anything skilful about it.

"I 'm skipping Charms,"Matt said through a yawn."And Ancient Runes."

"I 'm surprised you did n't skip Care of Magical puppet,"John said.

Matt shrugged."I felt okay earlier, probably because of the nap I took in chronicle of Magic."

John laughed."I felt much better after my nap in history of Magic, too."

"Very funny,"matt said as they reached the castle.

Albus found it increasingly difficult to concentrate on anything for the rest of the day. By the time he went to antediluvian Runes he was unable to call back about anything besides the break-out and the fact that Death Eaters were now roaming unloosen. Deep down he knew he was perfectly safe at Hogwarts, but it was still troubling.

Professor Kendrick welcomed the Ministry functionary to Hogwarts at dinner that night and Albus thought back to the final stage argumentation, when Hogwarts had housed the Ministry officials. He was very glad that this time he would n't be confessing to a clowning to his uncle in the Gryffindor common elbow room. Neither John or Kaden had done their revenge harlequinade to the Slytherins yet and Albus sort of hoped they would n't.

After a fitful slumber Albus woke early on Saturday aurora and contemplated visiting Matt before everyone else woke up, but figured that lusterlessness would be at rest and thus it would be senseless to visit. He 'd visit with everyone else later, after the debate. They 'd bear pile of time sine there was n't going to be a motion and answer session this time.

At ten o'clock Albus, Rose, and Amanda stood in phone line in front of the Great Hall, waiting to be let inside. John had decided not to bother asking if he could take matte 's plaza, since he did n't want to attract any tending to the fact that flatness was not there.

"Albus,"Rose whispered, poking him in the face."feeling. Malfoy 's here."

Albus glanced over to where Rose was pointing and saw that Scorpio was in fact waiting in line. He looked sullen and overthrow again and Albus wished he knew why. It was uncanny seeing Malfoy, the usually arrogant prick, upset.

"surmise he won the Slytherin touch,"Albus said.

The room access to the Great Hall opened and Albus and Rose said goodbye to Amanda before they were lead to the figurehead of the room by a Slytherin prefect. They were seated in the same row they were before, along with the rest of their Hogwarts cousin.

The Great Hall slowly filled up over the next one-half hr. The residual of Albus 's cousin, aunty, and uncles arrived, taking speckle in the front few rows. Albus caught Empire State of the South 's eye as she took her keister in the row on the paired side of meat of the room from him and she gave him a slight grin.

Albus wondered if Laurentis 's crusade manager had actually found anything on Uncle Percy and whether she would say anything during the argument. With the break-out, he hoped she 'd been too busy to dig up a lot dirt or even think about exposing anything.

Albus turned to the front of the way and watched a very little man accompany Professor Kendrick to the moderator 's podium. He was dressed in Ministry blue robes and had very little hair on his head word.

"aid, please !"Kendrick shouted. The crowd quieted."Thank you. I 'd like to welcome all of you to Hogwarts and introduce our moderator for this morning. superior Farleigh, head teacher of the Department of Magical Transportation."

"Thank you, professor,"the dead, balding man said."I 'd now like to acquaint our candidates, although I am sure you all know them. Mr. Harry Hotspur Weasley and Ms. Patricia Laurentis."

Percy and Laurentis walked into the room from one of the antechambers and took their blank space at each of the pulpit. Hotspur looked as sure-footed as always and Laurentis, despite the scandal of the break-out, looked poised and excited.

"Today we will be debating the judicial system, specifically Azkaban prison,"Farleigh announced."The usual rules apply. Five minute arguments, two minute rebuttals."

Laurentis inched unaired to her dais, as if she was readying herself to swoop on whatever Sir Henry Percy said. Sir Henry Percy remained calm and hoard, continuing to play the role of the coolheaded politician.

"Mr. Weasley, you will respond first. Do you feel that the judicial system as a whole is bonnie to both the accused and victim of criminal offense ? Are the conviction handed out by the Wizengamot carnival ?"

"I believe everyone is able to get a average tryout by the Wizengamot,"Percy began."I have reviewed many character, and while I am not nor do I pretend to be a solicitor, and I feel that the majority of the sentences handed out by the Wizengamot fit the crime. However, there is always a chance that a person guilty of a offense will go free, as there is an equal prospect that someone will be wrongfully imprisoned. The discriminative system works hard to earn sure this happens as infrequently as possible and corrects wrongs when they do occur."

"Ms. Laurentis ?"

"I disagree with my antagonist,"Laurentis said."most of the sentences handed out by the Wizengamot are not harsh enough. Ever since the defeat of Voldemort prison sentence have grown shorter, with the exclusion of those imprisoned for war offence. And one guilty person who roams discharge is too many. If I am elected Minister I will shape hard to ensure that no guilty the great unwashed get off. prisoner belong in Azkaban and the Wizengamot is far too lenient."

"Your rebuttal, Mr. Weasley."

"While a goal of not having any shamefaced people get set rid is suitable, it is unrealistic,"Percy said."The Wizengamot is composed of witches and wizards like you and me. They are not any more powerful than we are and do not have the ability to know for certainly that the accused are guilty. Mistakes happen and while we should go to downplay them, it is very unrealistic to say that we can get rid of them completely. Ms. Laurentis is offering put on hope."

"I am not offering false hope,"Laurentis said."There are spells, potions, agency to witness out if masses are guilty that the Wizengamot does not use. If I am elected parson I will okay use of these and they will assist the Wizengamot in ensuring that no guilty malefactor are set free."

Albus agreed with his uncle. There was no possible way Laurentis could guarantee that all criminals would be imprisoned.

"Next question,"Farleigh said."Ms. Laurentis, you will go first. Do you feel the parole arrangement is effective ?"

Laurentis gave a wry smile before beginning."Much like the Wizengamot, the word system of rules is too indulgent. I have seen criminals guilty of grand larceny get paroled after a bare two age in prison. The statistics are take in, well-nigh of these malefactor who are paroled early on in their sentences wind up back in Azkaban within a year, whether for breaking the principle of their parole or committing another criminal offence. As Head of Azkaban, I am capable to render my input of whether a prisoner is paroled or not, but in the end it is up to the Wizengamot."

"Mr. Weasley."

"As my opposer has said, many felon are paroled too quickly. However, I do not think that leaving them in Azkaban longer is the solution. If I am elected I will produce and defend a better system of rules for integrating crook back into society. Muggles have seen success with halfway planetary house and I feel we should try that in wizarding society."

"Halfway sign ?"Laurentis said with raised eyebrow."An intriguing idea. However, Mr. Weasley lacks the experience that I have with dealing with prisoner. Most are not fit for society and many never will be. Even with halfway star sign they will wrap up back in Azkaban. Why spend the money on trying to rehabilitate when it wo n't lick ?"

"It 's about giving people a chance,"Percy said."Not everyone is a miss cause and should be written off so quickly. Many captive have made a few bad pick as a result of bad childhoods and a bit of rehabilitation will set them straight."

"Thank you, Mr. Weasley,"Farleigh said."future question. Is Azkaban an set aside place to house prisoners ? Is the facility still doing its job ?"

Percy shifted a bit before answering."Azkaban is an appropriate facility for high security prisoners, but I have always felt that we need a less restrain building to house our humbled protection prisoners. Right now all crook, from those who committed footling larceny or skipped bail bond to those who have murdered citizenry, are all housed in Azkaban. I have been to Azkaban. Despite the fact that it is no longer in control of the dementors it is still a terrifying and high protection place. It also requires a lot of money for its upkeep. If we were to build a littler edifice located on the mainland to house lower security captive, we would be capable to lessen expenditure at Azkaban itself. We could then increase security at Azkaban without wasting drive and money on less dangerous criminals."

"Ms. Laurentis."

"How is building another adroitness going to economise money ?"Laurentis asked."Once again you show your ignorance in the juridic system and Azkaban. I believe that Azkaban is doing its job perfectly well. I am in bursting charge of the prison, including its upkeep and it is in utter condition. We are not spending an steep amount of money on the place. Further, I do not conceive that LE dangerous criminals deserve a modest security prison. They are all criminals and if they did not like to be in Azkaban, they should not give committed a crime."

"Maintaining Azkaban is expensive,"Walker Percy said."It is also extremely difficult to hire guards because of its localisation and general flavor of the piazza, not to remark the unsafe criminals. If we housed less dangerous criminal in another construction, it would be easy to find safety to work there. We could then use the guards willing to guard gamey protection prisoners only to guard high certificate captive. We would no longer feature to neutralise them on lower security prisoners."

"But we will still feature to maintain Azkaban, and then another building,"Laurentis pointed out."It just makes far more horse sense to keep all outlaw in one station and an island is a dependable seat to do that-"

"Obviously not that good, given the escape-"

"Mr. Weasley,"Farleigh interrupted."You are speaking out of turn. It is metre to strike on to the succeeding question. In light of the Holocene Azkaban break-out, what do you feel needs to be done to assure it does not happen again ?"

Laurentis gazed out over the crowd. Albus felt like she was looking directly at him, but assumed she just had that ability to appear to be looking every person in the eye at once. She then turned to Sir Henry Percy and gave him one of those creepy smile that seemed to cause become her signature facial facial expression. Albus turned to rosebush, who raised her supercilium and shrugged.

"I am well aware that I have remained quiet on the subject of the break-out,"Laurentis began,"and I have done that on function. I see that all of the newsperson in the back have their Quik-Quotes Quills poised and ready to write down my every Scripture on this subject. Surely you 're all hoping to be the number one to publish my thoughts.

"You 're probably all assuming I will traverse that there is anything wrong with the security at the prison and that the break-out was a mere fluke and it wo n't happen again. I am not going to say either. There is a trouble and if we do not fix it, it will happen again. Every undivided one of those escaped prisoner is highly grievous and if we do not retake them soon, who knows what will bump. When they are captured, we will need to have better security system in property. After all, what is more important that the safety of our minor ? With those five prisoner roaming free, every person in this way, in this palace, in this country is in danger.

"Fortunately, I have a solution. It is a controversial solution, but I feel we need to go to extremes to protect our families, especially our nestling. That is why if elected government minister, the first affair I will do is reinstate the dementors as Azkaban guards."


Sorry about the cliff hanger ! I did n't want to do it but the chapter was twice as long as they normally are and there really was n't a good place to split it. Thanks for all the lovely critique !


Albus let out a gasp, as did everyone else in the room. The Great Hall was suddenly in chaos. Everyone was whispering and a few people had let out vociferation of scandal or excitement. Albus could practically hear the reporter'quills scratching across roster of sheepskin, and Laurentis was grinning again. Hotspur stood behind his podium, his mouthpiece seeming to be frozen in a wide, gaping position. Farleigh was attempting to gain order, and failing.

"That is literally mad !"Rose exclaimed."Reinstate the dementors ? Is she mad ? Is she throwing the election ?"

"I do n't bang,"Albus said."But she must be mad. Will people actually approve of this ? Will she even be able to do it ?"

rose wine nodded."Whoever she gets to replace herself as Head of Azkaban will surely need the dementors back, too. Then she 'll approve it as Minister and it 'll pass."

"But it would be stupid to land them back,"Albus said.

"It would,"Rose agreed."They 're grave and their allegiance changes so easily. But to be honest, I 'm not for certain everyone will feel that way. Not with those prisoner on the loose."

"placidity, hush !"Professor Kendrick shouted. The crowd finally settled down.

"Mr. Weasley, it is your turn to speak,"Farleigh said exasperatingly.

Percy shook his head to regain his calmness. He 'd recede his cool, calm air, and collected pol feeling and now he looked more like he did after arguing with Georgia about her Quidditch calling.

"fountainhead, I, er, do not consider that dementors are the answer to the security system problem in Azkaban,"Percy said."What we need are more skilled guards in guardianship of eminent security prisoners as well as a revamp of the enchantment and enchantment currently keeping prisoners inside. It will also help to go over the establishment of the safety device schedule because at the time of the outflow, only three guard duty were maintaining that part of the prison house. That was surely an supervising that could induce been prevented."

"man error,"Laurentis said."It happens and it will happen again. Can we really risk the biography of our nipper in the chance that another error will occur ? Dementors were evidence guard who did not leave prisoners to escape. During their reign in Azkaban, before their allegiance changed, only one soul managed to run. Since their removal we have had numerous escapes."

"open grounds that we need to vamp prison security,"Percy said."But dementors are not the answer. They are dangerous creatures and as you said, their loyalty changed. What 's to say that wo n't happen again if, God forbid, another Voldemort were to prove to index ? If anyone offered those dementors a better mickle than we did they 'd have a whole prison of dangerous criminal at their garbage disposal to do their bidding. It 's not Worth the risk."

"Another Voldemort is not going to rise to office,"Laurentis said with a laughter."We have learned from our history and it wo n't occur again."

"You ca n't assure that,"Percy said."Even if there is a very small prospect of it happening, it is not worth risking having dementors guard Azkaban."

"Mr. Weasley, Ms. Laurentis,"Farleigh said."It is time to strike on-"

"You are talking about a suppositious !"Laurentis exclaimed, throwing her handwriting up in the air."I am talking about what is happening now ! Five dangerous criminals have escaped, four of whom were on Voldemort 's side during the war, and are out there, wreaking mayhem as we speak. If the dementors were guarding Azkaban this never would have happened."

"Now look who 's talking hypotheticals !"Percy shouted back, ignoring Farleigh 's vain effort to get both nominee to stop talking."For all we know they would 've escaped anyway !"

Laurentis let out a deep laugh."Five prisoner escape valve when the dementors are allied with the Ministry ? That 's amusing. Only one person was able to do that and it was because he was an Animagus. None of the prisoners are Animagi. We test for that before admitting anyone to the prison."

"Be that as it may, dementors are life-threatening magical creatures. Not to mention the ethics of subjecting captive to their effects-"

"captive have no rights,"Laurentis said."They give up their rightfield when they commit crimes-"

"staple human rights !"Percy exclaimed."There are staple human right field that everyone deserves ! Talk about learning from our history. History tells us what happens when someone believes they are above others. Or do you not call up the reign of Voldemort ?"

"I lost my mother to that war !"Laurentis said."Do n't you assure me that I do n't call up it."

Albus was on the edge of his seat. His uncle was so red in the nerve that he was starting to move around purple and resemble Kaden 's grandfather. Laurentis 's tomentum was breaking detached from its tight bun and there was a vein popping out in her frontal bone. Farleigh was still trying to get both prospect to stop talking and failing miserably, while every other somebody in the Great residence hall sat completely still, staring at Harry Hotspur and Laurentis.

"Silence !"prof Kendrick shouted in a magically amplified voice.

Both Harry Hotspur and Laurentis immediately quieted. The vena on Laurentis 's forehead continued to throb, and Sir Henry Percy still looked like an overripe tomato.

"I think we 've run out of fourth dimension,"Farleigh said, in a phonation barely more than a close call."Thank you all for coming."

"Students, please return to your park rooms,"Kendrick announced."Lunch will be in an hour. As a reminder, there is no question and answer session today."

The whispering rose up immediately after Kendrick stopped speaking and since everyone was whispering the stochasticity level rose very high. Albus, Rose, and Amanda joined the queue of people ambling to entrust the Great Hall, and without even talking about it, went immediately to the Marauder 's Den, where they found John and Kaden.

"What the bloody blaze is she trying to do ?"John asked as soon as Albus shut the door.

"She 's lost her judgement !"Rose shouted as she began pacing around the room."She has legitimately lost her mind. That 's the only explanation."

"Well there 's no way she 'll win now,"Albus pointed out."Dementors ?"

"It 's a bit convenient, do n't you think ?"rosebush asked."This break-out happens and then she announces she wants the dementors back ? It did n't fathom like a program she 'd just come up with."

"We 've got to find out if she 's tried to get them back before,"Albus said."If she has it 'll be in the seer tomorrow."

"Dementors ..."Kaden murmured."They 're what sucked all the felicity out of us when we were in Australia last year, right ?"

Albus nodded."They 're awful creatures."

"And they used to defend the prison ?"Amanda asked incredulously."That 's just wrong."

"It is,"rosiness said darkly."That 's why after Voldemort they stopped using them as guards. That and all the dementors changed allegiance and let end feeder escape."

"Would they even come back, though ?"Kaden asked."I mean, if they switched allegiance so easily ...."

"They 'll go wherever they 're offered the most humans to flow off of."pink wine shuddered."Voldemort offered them far more than even Azkaban could bid. But right now they do n't have a good source. They just travel around, feeding. They 'll guard if given the opportunity."

"Should n't people be against it ?"Amanda asked."It 's so ethically wrong."

"That 's why it was dim of her to announce it,"Albus pointed out.

"She would n't foretell anything if she did n't think it would get her votes,"rosiness said."nearly people our parents'age and older, who lost love ones in the war, will receive absolutely no sympathy for Death feeder and would n't handle if the dementors were brought back, especially if Laurentis could then assure no one would escape."

Albus had n't thought of that and apparently no one else did, either, because the room grew quiet. Albus sank onto one of the couch and started counting the figure of Bertie Bott 's Every-Flavor bean plant that were scattered on the level. He got to xxiii before anyone said anything.

"I wonder what Malfoy thinks of all this,"can mused."Was n't his dad a Death Eater ? So he should n't need the dementors back in Azkaban, but the way he was talking in the trinity Broomsticks a while back made it seem like he 's very against your uncle."

"Of trend he 's against my uncle,"Albus said."His unscathed family disapproval my whole kinfolk and it goes the early way, too. But his dad was never found shamefaced of his criminal offence so he never did time in Azkaban."

"Surely his dad 's got friends there,"John said.

Albus shrugged."Probably."To be honest, he did n't really wish what Malfoy thought about Laurentis and Uncle Percy.

"We should go to lunch and then see Matt,"Rose said."gimmick him up on all this."

Albus had completely forgotten that Matt was still in the infirmary wing, in the thick of Laurentis 's announcement. He felt vaguely shamefaced about it, but at least Rose had remembered.

Everyone gathered for lunch in the Great Asaph Hall was talking about Laurentis 's desire to bring back the dementors. Percy, Laurentis, and the Ministry official were still there, having lunch with the professors at the faculty table, and all were deep in discussion. Albus would 've loved to be able to heed in on their conversations, but wearing the Invisibility Cloak in the crowded Great Hall was n't a good idea.

"better get used to the estimate of your dad being Minister,"one of the seventh years was saying to Bradley."No one 's going to vote for Laurentis now."

Thomas Bradley muttered something under his breath that Albus could n't hear. Albus took a seat a few people down from his cousin and began to micturate a sandwich.

"She 's got my completely category 's balloting now,"one of the other seventh years said."Both of my grandparents were killed by Fenrir grayback. If the dementors will catch him and keep on him in there forever, it 'd make all of us sleep better."

There were a few nods from former one-time student sitting nearby. Albus was slightly shocked. If this many scholarly person approved of her estimate, a lot of adults probably did, too. And these were seventh years ; they could vote.

"hold, the dementors find malefactor, too ?"Kaden asked."I thought that 's what Aurors did."

"Only the really awful escaped prisoners,"Albus said."My dad 's Godfather, Canicula, when he escaped, the dementors were given permission to give him the Dementor 's buss if they caught him."

"What 's the Dementor 's buss ?"Amanda asked.

Albus shuddered."It 's where they suck out person 's soul."

"And they die ?"Amanda asked quietly.

Albus shook his pass."No, they live without a soul. Everyone says it 's sorry than dying."

"And they were going to do that to Sirius ?"Kaden replied.

Albus nodded."He was the get-go to fly the coop Azkaban. He 's the one Laurentis was talking about and at the meter everyone thought he murdered xiii Muggles and gave my grandparents up to Voldemort."

"That 's absolutely horrible !"Amanda exclaimed. She turned to the few sixth and seventh years who had said they 'd vote for Laurentis."How can you wish that on someone ?"

"If your grandparents were murdered by expiry feeder you would, too,"one of the girls snapped.

"Albus 's grandparents were murdered by Voldemort and he does n't desire the dementors back at Azkaban,"Amanda pointed out.

"Well, Voldemort 's drained,"the girl said."Maybe if Rebel were dead I 'd sense differently. But he 's not so I want the dementors back."

"I do n't think she 's going to mislay as easily as we thought,"Amanda said quietly.

"Of course she 's not,"blush wine said."This is probably better for voting than digging up dirt on Uncle Percy."

"It 's absolutely barbaric,"Amanda said, shoving her home plate forward."Sucking out someone 's person ? And they just take in your happy remembering out ?"

"Yeah,"Albus answered, thinking back to the old June. He shuddered."You 're forced to relive your worst memories."

"That 's all you can reckon about ?"Amanda asked."Just the bad I ?"

Albus nodded."My dad said it makes you go mad after a while."

"Of course it does !"Amanda shouted."That 's just not right ! Are you lot done eating yet ? I ca n't sit here anymore."

Albus was storm Amanda had had such a warm reaction to the dementors, but he supposed coming from the Muggle cosmos, where she had n't even known such fauna existed, it would be a bit of a jounce. He was even more surprise that she 'd nearly gotten into a shouting match with a one-seventh year over them, when she was normally so quiet.

"I 'm done,"blush wine said.

"Me, too,"Albus said as he got up.

whoremonger and Kaden each grabbed the remaining halves of their sandwiches and followed the others out of the Great hallway. Amanda lead the way, stomping her groundwork a bit more forcefully than was necessary.

"It 's just wrong on so many degree !"she said as she led them to the Hospital wing."It 's torture, honestly. That 's what it is. excited torture. Ca n't they just be killed off or something ?"

"They do n't die,"Rose said."They ca n't. They just sort of ... exist. Once my mum gets word of this, well, she 's not going to stay quiet."

"And she should n't,"Amanda said."Can she stop Laurentis ?"

"Not if Laurentis is pastor,"rosiness answered."Right now Mum 's the elder supporter of Magical Law Enforcement, so if Laurentis tried to get this to extend now, my mum could avail stop it. But diplomatic minister Hartwell would never put something like this through."

"They 're contaminate creatures,"Amanda continued."Having them guard duty anything or anyone is a terrible idea."

Albus decided now would not be a good clip to recount Amanda that when his dad was a third gear year Hogwarts was guarded by dementors.

"A dementor went after my dad once,"Kaden announced as they continued to the Hospital backstage."Albus 's dad saved him with a Patronus. Then he nearly got expelled for doing nonaged magic trick in the front of a Muggle."

"You 're kidding,"Amanda said."God, the Ministry really was screwed up when your parents were at Hogwarts. This is the sort of thing Embry should be using as examples."

"I doubt it 's a well-known fact,"Albus said."That the illustrious Harry potter nearly got expelled."

"It 's a grievous example of injustice,"Amanda said.

"You sound just like my mum,"Rose said."It 's creepy-crawly. Does n't she ?"

Albus agreed."You do fathom just like her mum."

"Your mum has the right theme,"Amanda said as they reached the hospital Wing.

Matt was the exclusively patient in the ward. The pall were n't drawn around his bed and he was sitting up and eating a stadium of soup, which was a undecomposed sign. Madam Pomfrey was sitting at her desk, working on charts, and muttering to herself about something.

"Hey, how are you feeling ?"Albus asked when they got to his bed.

"Fine,"flatness said."Three cracked ribs and a lot of foul cut, but I 'm very well. Listen, I heard the disputation. Madam Pomfrey had it on on the radio. How insane is Laurentis ? ! You should have heard brothel keeper Pomfrey ranting about her earlier."

"You 're not to repeat what you heard,"Madam Pomfrey said."But Albus and rosebush, you can tell apart your uncle that he 's got my right to vote. Always thought he was a little overblown when he was at Hogwarts but at least he 's not dumb enough to use dementors as precaution of Azkaban."

"Amanda 's on a rampage,"Albus said.

"It 's kind of funny,"lav added.

"It is not queer !"Amanda exclaimed."It 's serious."

"It 's just that you 're so quiet, but you got into it with that seventh year."

"I did not get into it with a 7th year !"Amanda shouted and turned to Matt."Saint John 's exaggerating. She announced that she and her family unit were all going to vote for Laurentis because her grandparents were killed by grayback and she wants to make sure as shooting he stays in prison."

Matt toyed with his blanket and did n't meet Amanda 's eye.

"What ?"she asked."Do n't tell me you want the dementors in Azkaban."

"I do n't,"lustrelessness said quickly."It 's not that. It 's the hale Greyback thing, I can sort of see where she 's coming from. It 's got to be shivery, knowing he 's out there when he killed her grandparents .... I mean, I guess I 've always been sort of lucky. The fella who bit me is in prison and has been since he bit me."

Albus had never heard lustrelessness talk about the wolfman who bit him, except for mentioning that he 's in prison.

"He gets out next year,"Matt said quietly."He can get paroled."

"Do you cognize much about him ?"Albus asked.

"Just his name and how old he was,"Matt said."My parents know a bit more but they 've never told me and I 've never asked."

"Is the Aboriginal Australian prison house guarded by dementors ?"Amanda asked.

flatness shook his head."No, and it never has been. And I do n't believe prisons should be guarded by dementors. But Reb ... he 's scary. He 's high-risk than Silas Humphrey, that was the bloke who bit me. Humphrey 's attack on me, that was an accident. Greyback bit mass on intention. He 'd bite people and then raise them in his pack. That 's why he liked going for tike. Teddy 's dad ... Greyback bit him and tried to get his parents to give him up. They did n't, of course, but a lot of parents did."

Albus swallowed hard. He had n't known that about shift 's dad and was n't even sure if Teddy knew that. Teddy 's dad 's parents died long before shift was born and Albus doubted his nan knew that.

"How 'd you obtain that out ?"Albus asked.

"When we first moved here Amy learned about teddy bear 's dad when she was catching up on Brits chronicle of deception. She told me all about him and how successful he wound up being just to attain me feel better. But then I decided to research early werewolves and found out about Greyback in one of my dad 's Book. It talked about his completely thing with biting kids. It never said shimmy 's dad specifically was one of those tyke but I figured he must 've been."

"That 's horrible,"Albus said quietly. The others nodded.

"He had a whole pack of loup-garou to do his summons,"Matt said."And now he 's out. What if he wants to do that again ?"

"Bite masses and get to a multitude ?"Albus asked.

Matt nodded."That or bump people who 've already been bitten."

Albus saw where this was going now."He 's not going to find you. Hogwarts is safe."

"That 's what everyone always says, but the yesteryear few twelvemonth it really has n't. Remember last twelvemonth ?"

"Technically we were n't in the castle when we got taken to Australia. We were in the Floo. So if we just quell in the castle ..."Albus pointed out.

"It 's still not a warrant,"Matt said."I wonder how many people he bit last night."

Albus did n't do. There was no way of knowing what Fenrir Greyback did during the full Sun Myung Moon, just like there was no way to assure that Hogwarts would be safe. All Albus and his friends could do was hope that it would be safety and that the escaped Death Eaters would be recaptured soon. Albus still thought having dementors sentry go Azkaban was an absolutely terrible thought, but after listening to mat lecture about Silas Humphrey and Fenrir Limnodromus griseus, he kind of understood why some people might want the dementors back at Azkaban and thus vote for Laurentis. She might even get elected just because of this. And that, when it came down to it, was what scared Albus the most.


A/N : No cliffhanger this time ! Thanks for all the terrific reviews ! If you like vulture era, please check out my new novel, Between Here and Somewhere !


"I guess Laurentis has been trying to get the dementors reinstated in Azkaban for years,"Albus said the following morning at breakfast, as he set down a copy of the Prophet.

The article on the debate had been a long one, taking up nearly the entire front page. It featured a photo of Percy and Laurentis arguing with each former, and Albus was able to see his uncle 's look turning steadily more purple, despite the fact that the picture was in black and white. The article that followed detailed Laurentis 's apparently years-long campaign to bring the dementors back. She had put the proffer up for suffrage four times and it was shot down by curate Hartwell each time.

"Of row he shot it down,"Rose said after skimming the clause."It 's a pillock idea. Oh, look, they 've quoted my mum. I 'll read it. 'Hermione Weasley, senior help of Magical Law Enforcement, when asked about Laurentis 's marriage proposal, said, 'It 's absolutely barbaric. Everybody, including prisoner, have basic human right field that can not be broken. I thought we 'd moved past the sidereal day when the Ministry sanctioned emotional insult of its prisoners and the thought that a woman running for Minister is proposing this is quite honestly horrifying. It is my solemn Bob Hope that the people of wizarding Britain will remember long and hard about the effect this will have, not only on prisoners, but on our society as well, before they cast their suffrage in April. ''"

"Always one to verbalise her mind, your mum,"Albus said.

"I could n't agree more,"Amanda replied."Although if Laurentis wins I bet she gets sacked."

"She ca n't,"Rose said."Her job is n't appointed solely by the minister of religion. If she were head of the section, then yes, but she is n't pass yet. It 's confusing."

"Good,"Amanda said."We 'll need some sane people in there if Laurentis is elected."

"What are you lot doing today ?"John asked, steering the conversation away from the election."Kaden and I are going to spend the day plotting our new prank."

"I do n't want to recognize,"rosebush said, holding up her bridge player."I 'm probably going to go to the library."

"I 'll go with you,"Amanda said."I want to research dementors and their use in Azkaban."

"Quidditch drill,"Albus replied."All day. We 've got to get ready for the match on Saturday against Ravenclaw. After the survive match, we 've got to make for sure we we win by a in good order amount of money of peak if we 're going to coup Slytherin 's place for the Cup."

"Oh yeah,"Kaden said."Whatever happened with that Olivia girl ? She had a vast crush on James IV, did n't she ?"

Albus laughed."I 've no idea."

"She sent James a box of chocolates for Dec 25,"Cedric, who had been sitting next to Albus, whispered."But you did n't learn that from me."

"I was there when he opened his presents,"Albus said.

"She gave them to him before we went menage for the holiday,"Cedric explained."She hijacked our thestral carriage and roll up riding to the train with us."

"How awkward was that ?"Albus asked, still giggling.

"Very,"Cedric said as he glanced over his shoulder."She stared at him the solid time."

"Creepy,"Albus said.

"Shh,"Cedric said."He 's coming over."

"I think I 'm going to go visit Matt before Quidditch practice,"Albus said."I 'll see you later ?"

"Sure,"Rose said."You know where to find me."

"And us !"St. John announced."predator 's Den. Prank planning."

"I do n't want to be involved,"Albus said as he got up.

John shrugged."wooing yourself."

Albus hurried up to the Hospital backstage and managed to get inside without brothel keeper Pomfrey noticing, although the nurse would n't have minded him being there. But she was very preoccupy with two scholar who had somehow fused their leave arms together. Matt was already waken and much gay than he had been the previous day, when talking about Calidris canutus. He was pretty sure ma'am Pomfrey was going to let him out that Night, so they agreed to adjoin in the marauder 's Den just before dinner party.

Quidditch practice went very well and Albus was fairly certain they would stick Ravenclaw on Saturday. No one mentioned the election or Laurentis 's wanting to fetch back the dementors, which was a sure sign that things were getting back to normal at Hogwarts. Albus spent the respite of the day in the predator 's Den working on his homework with Matt while trying to annul hearing any component of John and Kaden 's new prank.

The hebdomad went by quickly since Albus spent every moment he was n't in class on the Quidditch pitch. But the atmospheric condition remained decent so it was gratifying. The only day Albus was n't on the pitch was Thursday, when he had dueling practice.

"When 's the next tournament ?"Amanda asked as she and Albus walked into the Transfiguration classroom, where they were were scheduled to practice. Calluna vulgaris was there to oversee, sitting in a street corner. A few of the team fellow member were there already, including Malfoy.

"Weekend after this one,"Albus said."I think we 'll do well."Albus glanced over to Malfoy, expecting some sort of snarky comeback from him. But he was n't even paying attention. Instead he was hunched over a long piece of parchment."admiration what he 's doing ?"

Amanda shrugged."last minute homework ?"

Suddenly, Malfoy sat up consecutive and crumpled the patch of parchment. He shoved it into his air hole and stood up, staring at Albus as he did so. He looked sour and averted his eyes after only a few seconds.

"I do n't imagine that 's homework,"Albus said.

"Weird,"Amanda said.

"Very,"Albus agreed."Let 's get started ! I think we should praxis blocking."He took a sidelong glance at Malfoy, expecting him to scoff and take that they already knew how to halt, but instead Malfoy just turned to the bookman dear to him and began to do as Albus said. What was even unearthly was that the student he partnered with was a irregular year Hufflepuff. Albus blinked to make sure he was n't seeing things and then began shooting spell at Amanda while she blocked them.

The practice sitting got stranger as the Night went on, in terms of Malfoy 's behavior. Not once did he second guesswork what Albus said and he did n't say one word to anyone that was n't directly related to dueling. Calluna vulgaris raised her eyebrow at Albus on numerous occasions since she had supervised Albus 's recitation before and recognize how lots Malfoy usually tried to be the police captain. He ran out of the elbow room as soon as the practice was over, looking vaguely upset, as he had at the argument.

"That was the unusual thing ever,"Amanda said as she and Albus walked back to the Gryffindor common room."And I witnessed my comrade attempt to brew a potion this past summertime and drink it, thinking that it would become him into a wizard."

Albus burst out laughing."Was he really disappointed that he did n't get a Hogwarts missive ?"

Amanda nodded."I never thought he would but did n't recite him that. But do you have any musical theme why Malfoy did n't indicate with you tonight ?"

"I 've no idea,"Albus said."But I really hope he stays this way."

"I bet it had something to do with whatever he was reading when we walked in."

"I wonder what it was."

Amanda shrugged."No musical theme, but I wish I did. It 's just so odd."

"Whatever it is, I hope it keeps him like this during next week 's tournament."

"Albus ! What if it 's something really awful ?"Amanda asked.

Albus had n't thought about that."Well, we do n't know that it is, so I do n't have to think about it."

"Albus, I doubt anything dear would make water Malfoy close up like that,"Amanda reasoned."I 'm just saying, it might be something awful."
***


Gryffindor 's tendency to roleplay Quidditch during really bad weather condition came up in full force on Saturday, when the unseasonably fond temperatures decided to desolate Hogwarts. In its space were freezing cold temperatures and a howling snow storm that probably should have resulted in the match being canceled. But since Hogwarts never canceled Quidditch, Albus was preparing himself for a abject match. He wished they could have nice atmospheric condition, like they had when they played Slytherin in November.

The last clock time Albus had played in a storm this bad he 'd been in his sec year and twine up in the hospital wing with the flu afterward. He certainly did not require a repeat of that so he was hoping that James would charm the Snitch Sooner rather than later.

"Fred, this is crazy,"Ryan said as they stood in the threshold of the changing rooms, waiting for the catch to set out."There is literally no way to see the Snitch in this."

"There 's nothing I can do about it,"Fred snapped. Everyone could severalise he was stressed about this match, since they 'd lost to Slytherin."We have to play unless Kendrick calls it off."

Ryan was right. Albus stared out onto the pitch and all he saw was white. The snow was swirling and blowing and Albus could n't tell if more snow was actually falling or if it was all just getting blown around. But either way, finding a Snitch in it was going to be near impossible.

"I 'll hitch it,"James said confidently."Do n't worry."

"We 're not going to be able to hear the commentary,"Fred said."Just see it as soon as you can. Do n't occupy about catching it after we 're up a certain number of points. We just call for a win at this point."

There was a very leaden, quiet boom of hand clapping and Fred led the team out onto the auction pitch. The Ball were released and Albus flew up into the raging storm. Soon, he did n't know which way was up or down, let alone where the Quaffle was. After about ten transactions of meandering around the pitch, not knowing where he was going, the Quaffle suddenly appeared. Albus caught it, but had no idea where the goal posts were.

Albus flew straight ahead, hoping it was in the rectify steering, but instead of reaching the finish posts, he reached the stands. Groaning, he turned and headed toward the goal mail service. At least he now knew where they were. He managed to score, mostly because Ravenclaw 's Keeper did n't see him.

The mates continued in topsy-turvyness, with no one knowing where anyone else was. Albus did n't see a unity Bludger the whole time and assumed the Beaters were just trying to maintain cut of them rather than trying to get them to hit the diametrical squad 's players. Fred had been right about the commentary ; Albus could n't hear a word of it.

It felt like he was playing a catch by himself. The only other musician he saw were the Ravenclaw Seeker, Fred, and ling. They had given up chasing as a team and instead, when one of them got the Quaffle, they flew it down to the end posts as Best they could.

"Albus, Albus !"mortal shouted.

Albus turned and squinted, but he could n't make out anyone flying near him.

"Albus !"

Albus continued flying in a circle trying to figure out who it was. He did n't even recognize their voice, but it could have been distorted by the wind. Finally, he began to make out a figure flying toward him. It was Heather.

"Albus !"she shouted once she reached him."The couple has been canceled. We 're all to render to our common room rightfulness now."

Albus nodded, figuring that Kendrick finally came to his sens. It was just unsufferable to play a good biz of Quidditch in a tempest like this.

When Albus and Calluna vulgaris finally reached the changing elbow room they found the rest of the squad sitting in their wet Quidditch gown, their faces pale. Albus noticed that even Heather looked slightly afraid.

"What 's going on ?"Albus asked.

"You were flying so high, you probably did n't hear,"Fred said as Albus sat down."The match was n't canceled because of the weather."

"But it 's so bad out there,"Albus said."That match was pointless."

"One of the Ravenclaw first age,"Fred continued, ignoring Albus,"she was late to the match and on her way down she saw-"Fred paused, swallowing hard."She saw Fenrir Greyback on the grounds."

"What ?"Albus exclaimed, suddenly feeling nauseous."But it 's so snow-white. How could she possibly know for sure ?"

"She ca n't, of course,"Fred said."But she went running to prof Longbottom as soon as she reached the pitch and told him. That 's when they canceled the equal and sent everyone back to the castle."

As if he heard Fred citation his name, prof Longbottom walked into the changing way, looking scared himself."I 'm going to escort you all back to the common room. Wands out as we walk."

Albus drew his baton and followed the rest of his teammate out of the changing way. They were all quiet on the walk back to the castle since the violent storm was still raging. No one would experience been able to get a line anything anyone said, even if anyone felt like talking. Albus felt too ill to spill. The thought of Fenrir Johnny being at large was bad enough, after hearing what Matt knew about him, but the thought of him being here, on the Hogwarts grounds, was too atrocious to even retrieve about.

As they walked up to the castle and then up to Gryffindor tower Albus kept telling himself that it was fully possible that the Ravenclaw girl had n't seen Fenrir Johnny Reb. She was probably just thinking about the escaped captive and imagined something. Albus had n't even been able to take in out his own cousin when she 'd been calling his public figure in this storm. What were the chances of a first year being able to pick out Fenrir Johnny ?

But still ... what if it had been Johnny ? He had to be somewhere, so why not Hogwarts ?

The vernacular way was buzzing with chatter when the team entered a poor while later. Albus avoided everyone, including his acquaintance, until after he went up to his student residence to take a shower. He was shivering and felt awful and did n't need to tattle to anyone until after he was in dry clothes.

To his surprisal his friends were all gathered in his student residence after he got out of the shower. Bilius and Ethan were n't there, and the door was shut.

"We ca n't go to the Marauder 's Den,"matte explained."We 're not allowed to impart our common rooms until further notice."

"Are they doing an investigation ?"Albus asked as he sat down on his bed."And what exactly happened ? Fred only explained a little before Longbottom came to take us back to the castle."

"It was weird,"rosebush said."No one really knew what was happening because it was so snowy and the wind was so trashy. We could n't see the compeer, so we were just standing there using a lot of heating charms and hoping thing would be over soon. But then we started hearing whisperings about Greyback on the dry land. Then, probably two minutes later, Kendrick magically amplified his voice and told us all that we 're to report back to our uncouth rooms immediately and to walk back with our baton out and in bombastic groups.

"So then, even though Kendrick never said for certainly, we knew that person had seen Greyback on the grounds. It was so scary. Eventually we found out that one of the Ravenclaw first-class honours degree years thought she saw him on her way to the couple and told professor Longbottom. But besides that we do n't know much. No one 's told us anything for sure and we 've just been hanging out here and talking."

"But what 's he doing here ?"Kaden asked."And I thought there were Aurors guarding Hogwarts."

"It was planned,"lusterlessness said."Do n't you see ? That storm out there is so bad that no one can see three pes in presence of them and the wind is so gaudy no one can learn anything either. It was the perfect day for him to nobble onto the grounds, and if that little girl had n't seen him who knows what he would 've done."

"So you think she really saw him ?"Albus asked skeptically."You said it yourself, no one can see anything."

"For all we know he said something to her,"mat said."No one knows the wide story yet."

"But why ?"Kaden asked."Seems really stupid to me. If he escaped he should be hiding out in the pile, not going to Hogwarts where there are Aurors."

"Remember what I said after he escaped ?"Matt asked quietly."This just confirms it. He 's going to try to create his own werewolf U. S. Army again. He was insane before Azkaban ; imagine how crazy he is now. They do n't postulate dementors in prison to work people go insane."

"And you think-"

"That he came to try and calculate out how to best position himself to burn child during the full moon ?"mat interrupted."Yeah, I do."

Albus shuddered."That 's sick."

"That 's what he does,"flatness said. He looked more distressed than everyone else."But what I do n't get is why it seems like he 's trying for Hogwarts kids. Last time he went for really Brigham Young kids."

"But we do n't even do it for sure that 's what he 's up to,"Saint John pointed out."I mean it makes sense, but we still do n't know."

"Still,"flatness said."You have to promise me you wo n't go outside during the full phase of the moon moon. I do n't want any of you joining me in the Shack."

John looked skeptical."There 's other intellect why he could be here."

"hope me,"lusterlessness repeated, staring directly at John."It 's not Charles Frederick Worth the risk."

Saint John the Apostle shrugged."Yeah, I promise."Everyone else nodded.

"What about the relief of them ?"Amanda asked."Do you think they 're working together ?"

"I do n't know,"Albus began."I 'm surely the Carrows are together and Umbridge might be with them. But I doubt Willinson and Reb are with them. The Carrows were Death feeder, but Johnny Reb was n't technically a demise Eater. Voldemort used him, but always thought he was scum because he 's a werewolf. The Carrows probably agreed. And Willinson, he 's got no connection, which is why I 'm still confused as to why he broke out with them."

"For all we know they left the threshold clear and he followed,"Saint John the Apostle said with a laugh.

Amanda groaned."Everyone 's got their own cell in high security."

"Oh, yeah, I suppose you 're powerful,"John said.

"Two Death eater, a war criminal, a werewolf, and Willinson,"Albus said."It 's so random. Why them ?"

"auditory sensation like the starting time of a put-on,"John said."Two dying Eaters, a war felon, a werewolf, and Willinson walk into a pub ...."

Matt groaned."Do n't even go there. I just really hope they catch him before the future full moon. There was n't anything in the Prophet about him biting anyone this last replete moon, but I do n't think he 'd go two moon without biting. And there 's no way he 'd go on Aconitum lycoctonum, even if he could get some."

"I wonder where the others are,"Rose mused."You think they 're just hiding out ?"

"They must be,"Albus said."There have n't been any sightings."

There was a knock on the door and then it opened. Saint James the Apostle walked inside and sat down on the end of Albus 's bed.

"Longbottom just came to blab out to us,"he said."We 'll be allowed to leave the common room for dinner party, but not before that."

"Did they catch him ?"Matt asked anxiously.

"No,"James said."But, Longbottom said the possessor of dame Puddifoot 's also saw him, so the Ravenclaw young woman probably did see him. They 've scoured Hogsmeade and there 's no sign of him, though."

"Are they rescheduling the mates ?"Albus asked.

James nodded."Next Saturday. respectable thing, too, because I do n't retrieve that one would 've ever ended. Do n't order Fred, but there 's no way I would 've seen the Snitch."

"One top side to greyback being on the grounds, I guess,"Albus said.

"Lucky he did n't assault that girl,"lusterlessness said as St. James left."He attacks mass even when he 's not transformed."

"He did that to my uncle invoice,"Albus said.

"Really ?"lustrelessness asked.

Albus nodded."At the end of my dad 's one-sixth year, the night Dumbledore was killed. He does n't transform, but he likes really rare sum. Like hardly cooked at all meat."

"Eww !"Kaden exclaimed."That 's gross. waiting, Matt, do you like really rare pith ?"

Matt grinned."Yeah. I hardly ever get it, though. Mum refuses to let me eat it because she thinks it 'll realise me ill. And they do n't serve it here."

"My uncle eats it all the time,"Albus said."aunty Fleur likes her steaks pretty rarefied, too. So does shimmy for that matter."

"I like mine well done,"Kaden said.

"Now that 's what 's porcine,"Matt replied."I should ask the house elves to realize me rarified steak."

"They probably would,"Rose said."They make you pretty practically whatever you want."

"Let 's go tonight,"Matt said."We have n't been down there in ages."

Kaden groaned."So we 're going to accept to find you eating a piece of raw center ?"

"Not raw,"flatness said."Slightly cooked, bit of parentage dripping out."

"Oh, megascopic !"Kaden shouted."I 'm going back down to the commons room."

Albus laughed and matte grinned as Kaden ran out of the room. There was nil like a trip to the kitchens to get their minds off of Johnny Reb and the early escaped convicts.


A/N : Sorry for the late update ! I totally forgot it was Fri. Thanks for all the marvellous reviews ! Please check out my marauder fic, Between Here and Somewhere.


The first year who saw Greyback on the priming became an minute Hogwarts celebrity. By the next day her entire tarradiddle had spread throughout the student consistence like wildfire, and every 1 person in the castling knew her name. She was Quinn Gregory, a tiny girl who looked like she belonged in the Weasley clan with her farseeing red hair and nebulizer of freckle across her boldness. Quinn seemed to be enjoying her newfound fame and always had a crowd of people around her, asking her to recount the story.

Albus, himself, had heard the storey at least five clip. Quinn had been running to the auction pitch, late, because she 'd spent a half hour trying to win over one of her roommates to go to the equal, but in the end her roomy had decided she did n't want to endure the storm. Quinn then spotted someone lurking near the greenhouses and went to enquire, but instead of finding another bookman, she found Fenrir Greyback. Apparently Rebel had said 'hi, niggling girl'to Quinn, who then took off running even faster for the Quidditch rake. Greyback then escaped to Hogsmeade and who knows after that.

As the workweek progressed Quinn 's story grew until it ended with her disarming Greyback after a twenty minute duel and running to the Quidditch pitch in order to warn the eternal rest of the bookman, rather than because she was scared. Albus was very happy that, for once, this had n't happened to him or one of his friends.

"Guess what I heard today,"Kaden said as he entered the marauder 's Den Friday evening, after dinner.

"What ?"Albus asked, looking up from the predator 's Map, which he 'd expend the last ten moment studying. John and Matt were in the way as well, Matt studying and John sorting Chocolate anuran carte du jour. rose wine was tutoring Elsie Willinson again and Amanda had gone with her.

"Quinn,"Kaden said as he sat down side by side to Albus."She 's now saying that Johnny Reb stole her wand and she got away from him by kicking his kneecaps."

Albus burst out laughing."That 's ridiculous. She 's still got her wand."

"She claims Ollivander 's sent her an exact reproduction,"Kaden replied.

"But no two scepter are the Same,"John Lackland pointed out."Everyone knows that."

"She 's Muggle-born,"Kaden pointed out."She might not."

"But still,"Albus said."She 's taken it too far. No one 's going to conceive her now and it 's all going to die down."

Albus laughed as he looked back at the predator 's Map. He 'd been checking it, both the Hogsmeade and Hogwarts sections, looking for Calidris canutus every so often since stopping point Saturday. He 'd yet to find anything remotely interesting on it, least of all Rebel or one of the other hightail it convicts.

"Scorpius is leaving the castle,"Albus said, noticing the dot labeled 'Scorpius Malfoy'was no longer in the Slytherin common room, but instead slowly making its way across the reason.

"What ?"Matt asked, closing his Scripture."But it 's eight o'clock. And it 's snowing."

"It 's him all right,"Albus said."Come see."

Matt, toilet, and Kaden all crowded around Albus and they watched Scorpius 's dot change of location further and further from the castle. There were no early dots on the terra firma, except Hagrid 's, and his was remaining stationary behind his hut. It did n't look that Malfoy was meeting anyone outside, nor did anyone go with him. It was odd, especially in visible radiation of his other odd behavior.

"I wonder what he 's up to,"Albus mused.

"We should survey him,"John said."See what he 's up to."

"I agree,"Kaden said."No one goes outside at night during a storm for no grounds at all. He 's up to something."

"We 'd get caught,"Albus pointed out.

"And it 's block,"lusterlessness added.

"We 'll take your invisibleness Cloak,"John said.

"I do n't reckon we all fit anymore,"Albus said, not taking his public figure off Malfoy 's dot.

"Then Kaden and I can go,"lav replied.

"No way,"Albus said."It 's my cloak and I do n't want you having it when Filch catches you. He 'll confiscate it."

"Who says we 'll get caught ?"John asked.

Albus laughed and turned to front at Saint John."Of course you 'll get caught. And then my cloak will get taken away and I 'll never see it again and my dad will murder me."

"Your dad 's Harry Potter,"John said."He 's not going to murder his own son."

"If he did Laurentis would enjoy it."Kaden laughed."I can see the newspaper headline now. 'Harry ceramicist slaying Own Son, Clearly Unfit For Duty. Weasley Still Supports Him .'”

"Oh shut it,"Albus muttered.

"wait,"matte said, staring at the map."He 's going to the Whomping Willow."

Albus looked back at the map and saw that Matt was right. Malfoy 's dot was slowing down and circling the Tree, giving it a wide berth."What 's he doing ?"

"You do n't suppose he 's figured it out, do you ?"mat asked.

"Well now we have to go after him,"lavatory said, standing up.

matt nodded."Come on, Albus, let us take your cloak."

"fine,"Albus said, knowing that the struggle was lost. Malfoy was at the Whomping Willow, which meant that this was now personal for Matt, and therefore, for all of them."But I still do n't know if we 'll all fit."

Albus walked over to his bed and located the cloak in one of the drawers beneath it. He rarely kept it in his dormitory anymore, since he and his friends spent far more clock time in the Marauder 's Den than they did in the common room.

"Let 's try it,"Albus said as his Friend walked over to him. They stood close and Albus threw the cloak over them.

"Half my eubstance is showing,"John said, turning to look at his still seeable arm.

"And all our groundwork are showing,"Matt pointed out.

"That 's because Albus and John are giants,"Kaden asked, glancing up at the five inches of space that separated his head word from the top of the cloak.

"Both of you are going to have to bend down,"Matt said.

"But what about the fact that half my organic structure is showing ?"Saint John the Apostle asked, yanking on the cloak.

"Now I 'm not under it at all,"mat said, yanking it back.

"I wish we could do disenchantment magical spell,"Albus muttered."Too bad we do n't learn those until one-seventh year."

"rosebush could probably figure them out,"John said."We should own her determine them."

"well we do n't possess time for that now and we 're wasting time arguing. Malfoy could be in the tunnel by now,"mat said.

"There are Aaron Montgomery Ward,"Albus pointed out.

"Still ..."Matt muttered.

"amercement,"John said."Albus and Matt can go and Kaden and I will rest here."

"What ?"Kaden shouted."Why 'd you volunteer me to stay ?"

"fountainhead, Albus is n't going to let anyone rent the cloak without him going and lusterlessness has to go since Malfoy 's by the Whomping willow,"John said."That leaves you and me. I do n't think More than two of us are going to fit."

"Let 's go, then,"lusterlessness said, yanking the cloak off of John and Kaden and repositioning it over himself and Albus."See you in a bit."

Albus nearly had to run to go along up with matte and proceed himself crouched down enough to stay hide out, and that was saying something since usually Albus was much faster than Matt. The two of them said nothing on their way down to the front door and were n't noticed by any of the students or professors they passed.

"Remember, we 've got to be back before curfew,"Albus said once they shut the front door."We do n't want to be locked out like back in second year."

"This is total deja vu,"lustrelessness added."Two years ago we caught Kaden messing with the Whomping willow. That 's when Kendrick added the wards."

"But unlike with Kaden, I do n't think we 'll wander up friend with Malfoy after,"Albus pointed out.

The grounds were very placid, the merely strait being the crunching of their feet in the snow. Albus carefully vanished their step as they walked, while flatness led them down the way to the Whomping Willow. It was very inhuman and snowy, which reminded Albus even more of the time they got locked out of the castle after sneaking into the Shrieking Shack.

"Is he even still there ?"Matt asked quietly when they were halfway to the tree diagram.

Albus paused and pulled the predator 's Map out of his pocket. Scorpius 's dot was still walking methodically in a circle around the Tree."Yeah, he 's there."

lustrelessness nodded and they continued walking. Neither of them had lit their wands, so they slowed down in order to not be hit by the Willow 's boastfully branches. Finally they reached it and stood just outside its hit range, waiting for Malfoy to come back around.

The Slytherin boy was wrapped in a thick cloak and pacing with his foreland always turned toward the tree. He had his scepter out and did n't seem to notice that he had been joined by Albus and Matt. Albus glanced at Matt as Malfoy walked past them, unsure of whether to call his attending to their bearing. Since they were invisible, they could just stand there and determine him.

"There 's got to be a way,"Malfoy muttered."Every Mrs. Humphrey Ward has a weak point. They do n't all live on forever."

Albus could now see that Malfoy was sending several jinx and jinxes into the wards, but they were all deflecting away. As he rounded the tree once more, a hex bounced off the ward and nearly hit Albus, who had to jump out of the way to avoid it. His leg slipped out from underneath the cloak in the cognitive operation, but Malfoy did n't see it.

"It 's got to work,"Malfoy said."There 's no former way in ...."

"Into where ?"lustrelessness mouthed. Albus shrugged.

They waited for Malfoy to make another set around the tree and this time one of the hexes reflected off the wards and toward matt, who jumped to get out of the way, but tripped over a partially buried tree root instead. He fell over, yanking the cloak down with him, leaving both himself and Albus exposed. matt let out a current of swearing and a cry of pain in the neck. Albus heard a sickening crunch as he fell and hoped it was the tree rootage and not Matt 's leg.

"Who 's there ?"Malfoy shouted, aiming his wand at Albus and matt. He lit it and his typeface visibly paled."What are you two doing here ?"

Albus lit his own wand. matt was still sitting in the C."I could ask you the Saame thing, Malfoy,"Albus said.

Albus pointed his wand at matte and reached down to help him up. He was clutching his articulatio radiocarpea and his face was as pale as Malfoy 's, although for different reasons.

"I said, what are you two doing here ?"Malfoy repeated, not sounding very confident.

"Following you,"Albus said simply, thinking honesty would be the best policy here. After all, all three of them were breaking the rules. Not much full point in denying it or making up apology.

"How did you know I was here ?"Malfoy asked. His wand arm was now trembling, although Albus did n't get it on if it was from the frigidness or fear.

"Saw you leave the castle,"Albus said."Figured we 'd see what you were up to."

"What do you require with the Tree ?"matt demanded. His vocalization sounded pained.

Malfoy 's mouth turned up in a sly grin."Once again, you just confirmed my distrust. This tree 's how you get into the Shrieking hut. I did a little more research, and turns out this thing was planted the Saame year the shrieking Shack was built. The Lapplander year Remus Lupin started going to Hogwarts. That Shack 's all boarded up so I figured there must be some kind of tunnel leading to it and what better way to hide a tunnel than to put a homicidal tree diagram above it ? Trouble is, I ca n't disable the wards. Bet you can, though."

"Why ?"Matt asked. Albus heard him inhale sharply and began to inquire if his wrist was broken."Why do you want to get in there ?"

"Ca n't say you,"Malfoy said.

"Well, I 'm not disabling the Baroness Jackson of Lodsworth,"matte said.

"I 'll image it out eventually,"Malfoy said.

Albus wanted to ask him about his behavior at dueling practices so badly. They 'd had another practice the old day and again, Malfoy had n't said two words to anyone. It was just foreign. Bur Albus figured that even if he asked, Malfoy would n't serve.

"It 'd be dumb, you know,"lustrelessness said."Going into the Shrieking Shack."

"wellspring I would n't go in on a broad moon, idiot,"Malfoy said."Believe it or not this has nothing to do with you or your evil side. I could n't deal less that you 're a filthy wolfman. I have better things-"

Albus jabbed his scepter into Malfoy 's thorax, nearly knocking him over in the unconscious process. His heart was pounding and he could finger heat rising up in his body."You. Take. That. Back,"he seethed.

"Albus, do n't,"flatness said.

Malfoy scowled."No. I wo n't, because it 's confessedly. I do n't deal. It was the enigma that I liked and nothing More. You do n't know the half of what 's going on or why I want that Shack. He only uses it one dark out of 28. I want it the early twenty-seven. I do n't get why that 's such a vast deal."

"What 's going on over there ?"a brassy voice boomed over the footing."Eh, what 're yeh doing ?"

Albus quickly moved his verge and pointed it elsewhere. It was one affair to get caught on the undercoat after dark but another to be caught threatening another pupil. He pointed his sceptre in the direction of the voice and saw Hagrid making his way toward them, his large Newfoundland, Fetch, at his incline.

"Albus ?"Hagird asked as he drew nearer."Matt ? What 're yeh doing out here ? And Malfoy ?"

"Er, naught,"Albus muttered.

"Well, yer breaking the ruler so I 'm going to get to accept yeh to Longbottom,"Hagrid said and then turned to Malfoy."And you 'll have to see Slughorn."

"Hospital wing,"matt said."First."

Hagrid turned to matte and looked at his radiocarpal joint."O'course,"he said."What did yeh do ?"

"Tripped over a theme,"Matt said."Landed on a rock."

Hagrid nodded and clapped Matt on the vertebral column, a gesture clearly meant to comfort him but instead nearly knocked him over again. After he recovered they set off for the castle, walking next to Hagrid. Malfoy followed at a scant distance. Hagrid did n't ask them what they were doing by the Whomping willow tree again, although Albus had a feeling he probably knew. After all, he knew why the tree was there and the fact that matt was a werewolf.

The castle was much vacuous when they returned than when they had left. Albus only saw a few prefects doing their rounds and realized that curfew must take in passed. So much for not getting in hassle.

Hagrid walked them to the infirmary extension and left Albus and flatness there while he then escorted Malfoy to Slughorn 's subject. Malfoy had remained quiet during the entire base on balls, but lost the sneer he 'd worn when he insulted Matt.

"I thought you lot had grown out of this,"madam Pomfrey said as she examined Matt 's wrist joint."This sneaking about in the dead of night, following hoi polloi. At least you did n't get locked out this clock time.

"Yes, your articulatio radiocarpea is definitely low. But I can mend it quickly."

Madam Pomfrey took her wand out of her robe and pointed it at Matt 's wrist. She muttered a patch and instantly, his articulatio radiocarpea was healed.

"Thanks,"Matt said, bending his wrist.

"You 're welcome,"the nurse replied. She hurried over to a cabinet and returned with a chalice of potion."Take this for the painfulness and you 'll be good as new. No need to stay the night. I know you stay here enough as it is. You 're to wait here until Professor Longbottom comes to collect you."

matt nodded and downed the potion in one large swig. Albus sat down following to him on the bed and they waited for Longbottom. Albus did n't think Hagrid had seen him with his scepter pointed at Malfoy, so his penalty should n't be too bad.

"You do n't think he 'll cause you overlook Quidditch tomorrow, do you ?"Matt asked.

Albus had n't thought of that."I hope not. Fred would kill me."

The door to the ward opened and Professor Longbottom walked inside. He looked run down and slightly annoyed. He sighed and shook his pass when he saw Albus and Matt.

"You two again ?"he asked."Hagrid said you were on the earth after curfew ?"

"Yes, sir,"Albus replied. He always felt Weird calling Professor Longbottom 'sir', but figured it could n't pain in this situation.

"Should I bother asking why ?"Longbottom replied.

Albus shook his capitulum, knowing that telling Longbottom why would n't get them any fewer detainment, nor would it terminate Malfoy from trying to cypher out how to get into the screeching Shack.

"I 'll make this easily, then,"Longbottom said."Ten stage from Gryffindor, each. And you 'll both help detention tomorrow, immediately following the Quidditch match. melody, in my office. I 'll see you then."Longbottom turned to provide. He nodded to Madam Pomfrey as he walked to the door."Good night, Poppy."

"commodity nighttime, Neville,"Madam Pomfrey said.

Albus and mat said proficient night to the nurse and then left the ward, both automatically going back to the common room rather than the Marauder 's Den. If they were caught outside of Gryffindor tower twice in one night they 'd get a a good deal worse penalization than twenty lost points and a detainment. Albus thought they 'd induce off easy, to be honest. He wondered what Slughorn had set for Malfoy.

John, Kaden, Rose, and Amanda were waiting for them when they got back. John and Kaden were smirking.

"Do n't say a watchword,"Albus muttered."I knew whoever followed him would get caught."

"Figured you did, seeing as you 've been gone for over an hour,"whoremonger said."What 's your punishment ?"

"Detention tomorrow after Quidditch and we each lost ten decimal point,"Albus said.

"You got off easy,"Kaden replied."If it had been me and toilet we would 've gotten three detentions."

"I think Longbottom took pity on us because Matt broke his wrist while we were out there,"Albus said.

John laughed."Of course he did."

"Shut it,"mat said."It really offend. I was dodging a curse that Malfoy sent to the willow that reflected off the wards."

"Did you find anything utilitarian out ?"Rose asked."Not that I approve of this."

Albus and Matt explained what had happened, including the character where Malfoy insulted flatness and Albus nearly hexed him.

"Very odd,"Rose mused."What can he possibly want the hovel for ? And what did he mean when he said he had other stuff going on ? What other stuff could he possibly have going on besides schooltime ?"

"Whatever he 's got going on with Willinson ?"John suggested."Surely Felix knows what his cousin are up to and Malfoy 's always involved with that."

Albus shrugged."Maybe. But why would he need the shanty ?"

"Who knows,"St. John the Apostle said.

"I bet it 's got something to do with that letter,"Amanda said."And why he 's acting so strangely lately."

"Speaking of acting strangely, Elsie Willinson is still acting weird,"rose said."I thought she would 've adjusted by now, but she has n't. She does n't appear to have any friends."

"DOE her sidekick still pick her up from tutoring ?"Albus asked.

"Yeah,"pink wine replied."It 's very odd. I asked her if she wanted to fall out with me and Amanda until curfew, but she said she could n't. So I said maybe another metre and she said probably not."

"That 's odd,"John said."Clearly they 're up to something."

"They 're always up to something,"Albus pointed out."I 'd love to eff what it is, though. I wonder if they 've been in liaison with Quinton."

"They 'd be stupid to be,"Rose said."Kendrick did n't penalize Felix for what happened to Kaden two years ago, telling him if he did it again he 'd get expelled."

"I still say you 've got to figure out what 's up with Elsie,"John said.

"I 'm trying,"rosiness insisted."It 's not as well-heeled as you 'd think. She hardly lecture at all."

"Just retain trying,"St. John the Apostle said.

"squad !"Fred suddenly shouted from across the unwashed room."Off to bed, all of you ! We 've got a back chance at this and let 's not ruin it by staying up all night."

Albus did n't argue. Turning in early was a good idea and he was actually quite hackneyed after his junket to the Whomping willow tree. He bade good night to his friend and went up to his tranquil, empty dormitory room. It did n't rent him long to flow asleep and he dreamt of playing Quidditch with Malfoy while the two of them dodged the Whomping Willow on brooms.


A/N : Thanks for all the reviews ! I am doing ingroup NaNoWriMo again this calendar month ( probably not a near idea ... ), and I 'm writing this for it, so hopefully I 'll cease it !



The weather for the replay was vastly different from the previous Sat 's weather. The sky seemed to be all out of snow and the sun was shining. Although it was still bitterly cold, there was short wind. Albus hoped the compeer would be a long one since as soon as it was over, he had to dish up hold with Professor Longbottom.

Albus went down to the Great mansion by himself for breakfast. His former dark had given way to him waking up far sooner than he normally did. It was nice being able to lounge over breakfast, though, and condense on the upcoming mates rather than interact with his friends. As he ate, the Great Marguerite Radclyffe Hall slowly filled. He had just finished the cobbler's last of his eggs when the post owls arrived.

Albus observed the owls and did n't recognize any of them. Clearly he was not receiving any post today, which was a good thing because he was fairly certain Longbottom had owled his parents about his detention. But then he noticed a very tumid owl holding a red envelope in its mouth ; it was a howler and the owl was heading toward the Slytherin mesa. Albus continued watching it and saw it set ashore right in front of Scorpio, who yanked the envelope off the owl 's leg and tripped over the bench in his haste to exit the way. Albus actually sympathized with him ; it was awful opening a howler in public. From the sound of it, Malfoy did n't quite make it to a loo or empty schoolroom. Muffled shouting could be heard coming from the Entrance Hall.

Malfoy did n't return to the Great Hall. Albus figured it must possess been a particularly awful howler and was wondering what it could possibly have said when his friends sat down future to him.

"Malfoy got a wow,"John said as he started loading his home plate with bacon.

"I know,"Albus said."Saw him get it."

"wellspring, we heard the bum end of it,"privy said.

"It was abominable,"Rose replied.

"What did it say ?"Albus asked."Who was it from ?"

"His dad, I 'm guessing,"John said."It was a man 's voice. We crouched down on the stairs when we saw him. Basically his dad was yelling at him for getting in trouble for stupid things when he should be studying and concentrating on his shoal work and keeping his head down. Then he said something about how Malfoy knows that they, meaning his parents, have far more authoritative things on their minds than worrying about Malfoy getting in difficulty in school. And how they ca n't care about him at schoolhouse when they 're engaged worrying about other things."

"That 's vague,"Albus said."He did n't say what the former matter were ?"

"Nope,"John said."But Malfoy obviously knows what they are because he was shaking and he ran for the dungeons after the belly laugh blew up."

"I told you the letter of the alphabet he read at practice was about something bad,"Amanda said.

"And now we know it 's got something to do with his family,"Albus said.

"Maybe they 're going to join up with Willinson and the Carrows and all them,"mat said."His dad was a last Eater, was n't he ?"

"Sort of,"Albus said."His grandfather was, but his dad sorting of got caught up in it and he got off. So did his grandfather, actually. No one really knows why, but my dad vouched for them at their hearing."

"Now that is weird,"Matt said."Maybe his grandfather is planning on joining them."

Albus shrugged."Maybe, but it just does n't sound right. Listen, I 've got to get to the delivery. I 'll see you after."

"Yeah, for hold,"Matt muttered."Going to be a blast."

Albus 's wish for a farseeing compeer came true. Since the weather was cooperating, Epistle of James put off catching the stoolpigeon until Gryffindor was up by 200 power point, instead focusing his efforts on faking dives to keep Ravenclaw 's quester away from the Snitch. It worked, and three and a one-half time of day later James caught the sneaker and won the match for Gryffindor. Albus was sorely disappoint that he 'd take in to overleap the resulting party in the common room, but figured that 's what Longbottom was going for when he scheduled detention for right after the match.

Matt was waiting for Albus in the Great entrance hall and the two of them grabbed a ready luncheon before hurrying to Longbottom 's spot. They spent the next two hours writing'I will not sneak out of the castle after iniquity'over and over again. By the time they were done Albus wanted to curl up and take a nap, since the Quidditch compeer itself had exhausted him. He and mat decided to spend the afternoon in the Marauder 's Den, just relaxing if not actually sleeping.

When they arrived they found John and Kaden in the center of plotting their new frivolity. Rose and Amanda were in the library, apparently avoiding John and Kaden and their prank.

"Are you two sure you do n't want to be involved with this ?"toilet asked."It 's going to be legendary."

"It wo n't be worth the detentions,"Albus said.

"Seriously,"Matt agreed."If it 's legendary it 's going to signify a lot of detentions."

"fine,"John said.

trick and Kaden lowered their voices, but Albus distinctly heard the language 'Weasleys '', 'itching powder ,''Slytherins ,'and 'alarm clocks .'At that dot, he really did n't require to know. He and Matt decided to start a secret plan of cheat and attempted to tune out privy and Kaden 's whisperings.

"I was thinking the other night and realized if my dad loses his job when Laurentis is elected it 's going to be just like Australia,"lustrelessness said as he captured one of Albus 's pawns.

"I had n't thought of that,"Albus said."Does that have in mind you 'd move again ?"

"I do n't roll in the hay,"matte said quietly."I really hope not. I guess I do n't consider so because the really reason we moved here was so I could go to schooling, not for Dad to get a new job."

"Then you probably wo n't,"Albus replied, taking one of flatness 's bishops.

"But if he does suffer it, it 's going to probably mean Laurentis disagrees with him on werewolf issues,"Matt pointed out."That could be really bad."

"You never know,"Albus said."There 's other things your dad deals with that they might take issue on."

"But my dad 's the most vocal on werewolf rights. Everyone knows that,"mat said."If they 're going to disagree on something, that 's going to be it."

"I guess you 'll have to wait until the debate,"Albus said.

"I 'm thinking of going,"flatness said quietly."It might be fearsome, but I want to fuck what she says firsthand, not from the Prophet."

"That makes sense,"Albus said."When is it ?"

"In three weeks,"matte said."Feb 15th. That 's the lone thing ; it 's the day of the Hogsmeade trip."

"That happened last Hogsmeade weekend,"Albus said,"when pink wine went. Sucks that they do that."

matt nodded."I think I 'll go anyway. I mean, it is the Valentine 's Hogsmeade trip. Speaking of that, is James still going out with that Hufflepuff female child ? I forgot her name."

"Gabby Ellis,"Albus said."I 've no approximation, to be good. I guess we 'll find out when the Hogsmeade trip comes."

"Just as long as Fred does n't schedule Quidditch pattern for that day again,"lustrelessness pointed out.

Albus laughed."He wo n't. None of us minded too much since the weather was so gracious, but I think if he did it again the entirely team would hate him."

"That would make an awkward kinsfolk dinner, considering over half the squad are your first cousin,"matte said.

"family dinners with my family have become uneasy by definition,"Albus said."Luckily the side by side one wo n't be until far after the election."

"Only a short over two months to go,"Matt said."You can nominate it."

"I hope so,"Albus replied, as he moved his queen in the direct subscriber line of Matt 's big businessman."Checkmate."
***


"Rufus Scrimgeour was the conclusion Minister of Magic to be appointed by the Wizengamot,"prof Embry said as he strolled around his classroom. It was the first of all workweek of February and the year had finally gotten to the point where they were beginning to talk over the back war."He was appointed quickly, after Cornelius Fudge resigned.

"minister Fudge is commonly known as the least competent government minister ever to hold power,"Embry continued."He refused to believe evidence that was laid out plainly in figurehead of him, for fear of being known as the parson who held part when Voldemort returned. Somehow, he thought that if he ignored what was right in front line of him, it would just simply go away. This backfired, of form, because he is now known for being the least competent minister of religion.

"Scrimgeour is seen in a slightly sound light than Fudge, although he was Minister when the Ministry fell to Voldemort in August of 1997 ...."

Albus knew all of this, of course. He 'd maturate up listening to his parents gag at the incompetency of Fudge and the pointlessness of Scrimgeour being considered a government minister at all. Nevertheless, he listened to Embry and took detailed tone since the essays Embry set were often long and difficult.

"The time of the second war was a prison term of fear and chaos,"Embry said as he reached the presence of the room again."No one knew what was going on or who to trust. Many people heartily believed Fudge and what he said, believing Albus Dumbledore to be a fraud or even senile. When this reality was shattered for them in June of of 1996, they did n't know what to do or who to turn to, or even what to trust. They 'd been fooled for a total yr, believing what their Ministry and newspaper told them. Now that they knew they 'd been lied to for a year, what were they to do ? They did n't trust anyone, let alone the Ministry. near multitude 's goals were to protect their family and ally and that was it.

"It was the reverence and topsy-turvydom that allowed Voldemort and his followers to take control of the Ministry. Without the support of wizarding United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the Ministry was weak and susceptible to a takeover. It was round-eyed for Voldemort to slip in and coup d'etat in a matter of weeks."

"self-justification me, Professor ?"Olivia cost said, raising her hand.

"Yes, Miss Price ?"Embry replied."You have a head ?"

"Yes, sir,"Olivia replied."I was just wondering, and you do n't have to answer, but what were you doing during the second war ?"

If Embry was surprised that Olivia asked him a interrogative sentence about his personal life, he did n't show it. Instead he gave a thin smile and began to walk around the classroom again.

"I do n't beware answering that,"Embry said."Many of your parents were involved with the war effort, so of course you 're curious. When the Ministry fell I 'd been working there for about six years. I got a job as an undersecretary in the section of Magical Transportation when I was just out of Hogwarts and worked my way up the rank and file.

"I 'd received a promotion shortly before rector Fudge resigned and worked to draft police force, but I quit after Scrimgeour got appointed because I saw that the Ministry was weak and grease one's palms and no longer wished to ordinate myself with it. After Voldemort 's defeat, I was approached by Kingsley Shacklebolt asking if I would like to be involved with rebuilding the Ministry, and I said yes."

Albus was impressed. Embry had n't mentioned what sort of job he did at the Ministry and Albus had had no idea he had been so involved with its rebuilding after the war.

"So you can see why I believe it is so important to educate all of you about the story of the Ministry and how it is organized now,"Embry finished."flavor like we 're out of time for today so please write an eight inch essay on Rufus Scrimgeour 's term as Minister for prep, due next Tuesday."

Albus packed up his bag and headed back up to Gryffindor pillar with his ally. When they arrived, there was a bunch around the notice board, which was strange. The Hogsmeade weekend particular date had already been announced and rarely did former card garner such a crowd around the notice board.

Albus shrugged at his friends and they squeezed through the gang until they could read it. It was a large poster, covering the bulk of the board, imposing an early curfew Sunday night. Everyone, first through one-seventh years, were to be back inside the castle by five in the evening, no exceptions. Below that it warned that Filch was going to mesh the front room access at exactly five and that everyone was to account to their park elbow room at five-thirty.

"That 's weird,"Albus said as he and his friends retreated."I do n't think they 've ever imposed a curfew so early on before, and for everyone ?"

"It 's because Greyback has n't been caught,"flatness said quietly."Sun 's the broad moon."

"They must think he 's going to get back,"Albus replied.

"Scary,"John added."Do you really think he will ?"

"I do n't get laid,"flatness said."But I 'd bet my parents'unharmed Gringotts vault that he 's going to bite someone Sun night."

"postponement,"Rose said."You do n't usually go to the Shrieking shanty until six or seven."

"They 're probably doing it early just to be safe,"Matt said."In case some people do n't follow it or something. It says on there that the prefects are going to do a forefront tally. That 's why we all have to come back to the green room at five-thirty."

rosebush nodded."Then you 'll have to leave later, after the doorway are locked."

"Either that or madam Pomfrey will take in me go ahead of time,"Matt replied."I really hope not, though. I hate sitting out in the Shrieking Shack."

"I hope not, too,"Albus said quietly.

Albus and his friends were probably the only student who knew the grounds why a curfew had been imposed on Sunday. Even the prefects seemed clueless, since Albus overheard a few of them trying to fancy it out. More than a few students were angry about it, although Albus had no idea why since it was n't unwashed for bookman to take a amble on the grounds on a Sunday night in February. He supposed they liked the choice, though.

As Sunday drew secretive lusterlessness became quieter and even more closed off than he normally was. In fact, it reminded Albus a lot of the way he was in first year, before Rose figured out why he disappeared once a month. Both Albus and Rose tried to get him to open up about it, but he shrugged them off and insisted he was fine. John and Kaden did n't look to notice any difference in Matt, and Amanda was n't one to ask about it when he closed himself off.

Saturday 's Dueling tournament proved uneventful. Albus spent the intact few hours worrying about flatness because he had elected to skip the tourney in order to sleep, which was odd since he 'd normally at to the lowest degree try to participate. At least Malfoy made Albus 's lifetime well-situated by remaining quiet throughout the tourney and not blaming Albus when the team came in third place. Albus himself won both of his duel, as did Malfoy.

On Sun Albus and his friends spent the day in the Marauder 's Den, working on homework and playing plot. matt slept for much of the day and he still was n't saying anything. While Albus was worried, he was fairly certain the reason Matt was so quiet was knot. When a quarter to five rolled around, they had to return to Gryffindor to raise they were in the palace. Matt was still deceased, so Albus told everyone else go to on ahead and that they 'd follow.

"Matt,"Albus whispered as he shook his Quaker awake."We 've got to go back to the common room."

"This is stupefied,"Matt muttered."They 're counting everyone to cook sure no one gets attacked by a lycanthrope when they 've got one life in the castle."

"Is that why you 've been so quiet this workweek ?"Albus asked as Matt got up. He did n't reply."You and grayback are n't the same."

"I know,"Matt said as they left the room. The corridor was empty, so he continued to let the cat out of the bag."It 's just the fact that we 're both werewolves. That 's the same. What if they start doing this curfew thing every full Moon, all because of me ?"

"They wo n't,"Albus said."You 're not dangerous because you 're in the screech hovel. It 's all sealed up."

"I guess, but it 's still possible."

"You and Greyback are different because he wants to burn mass. He purposely transforms near people, not on Wolfsbane, so he can taint people. You hide yourself away to protect everyone. That 's a huge difference."

"But what if he does get along to Hogsmeade,"Matt continued."He 'll hear me howling and know there 's a werewolf in the Shrieking shack and he 'll try to get in."

"But he wo n't be able to,"Albus pointed out.

"And then if he does burn someone, and let 's present it, he will,"Matt said."It 's going to expect bad for all werewolves. All it 'll drive is a few attacks and people will start believing we should throw our rights taken away. That 's what happened in Australia."

"You 're getting ahead of yourself,"Albus said as they reached the unwashed elbow room."Right now you do n't know that any of that 's going to happen. Wandering banshee."

"You 're nearly late,"the Fat Lady said as she swung her portrait open.

Albus and Matt climbed inside and found the unwashed room the most crowded they 'd ever seen it. Prefects were milling about attempting to get everyone to calm down down, but everyone was still trying to figure out why such an other curfew had been set. The room was so crowded that Albus and mat could n't receive the respite of their protagonist and since being in a crowded way was not the unspoilt idea for flatness right before the full moon, they quit searching and instead sat down near the dormitory doors.

"Everyone, pipe down, delight !"Calluna vulgaris announced in a magically amplified voice. The way finally quieted down."I know you 're all discompose about the curfew but they have n't even assure us prefects why it 's been imposed. It 's not that big a sight since it 's February, dark, and freezing outside. None of you would be outside anyway. Now just remain quiet while we take roll so we can all get downstairs for dinner. After we 're done you 'll be allowed to tramp the palace until your rule curfew."

Heather began calling out names in alphabetical order by year. It took her fifteen or so minutes to get to the fourthly days and after that Albus tuned her out. Fifteen minutes after that she finished and all the Gryffindors had been accounted for. The common way emptied out quickly, since everyone wanted to get to the Great Hall for dinner party. Matt had fallen asleep and after Albus prodded him awake, he went up to the dormitory to sleep until he had to go to the infirmary flank.

When Albus and his booster returned from dinner mat had already left for the hospital wing. They decided to just nonplus around the common way since it was fairly empty and spent the evening working on their essays for Professor Embry.

"Any chance you lot have it off why we 're stuck inside ?"James asked as he snagged the last-place death chair at Albus 's table."Cedric, Ben, and I are asking everyone."

Albus exchanged a glance with Rose. He supposed it could n't hurt to tell James the grounds why, just so long as he did n't severalise him why they knew. Of course, as soon as he told James it would spread around the castling like flying dragon pox at a wizarding nursery school, but again, that would n't really injure anything.

"We 've got a hunch,"Albus said."Remember how Quinn Gregory saw knot on the background during the Quidditch match ?"

"Yeah,"James said.

"fountainhead, tonight 's a wide Moon,"Albus said."Put it together."

James I was understood for a minute and then his heart grew big."You think Kendrick thinks he 's going to amount here tonight ?"

"That 's our guess,"Albus said and his protagonist nodded.

"Makes good sense,"King James I said."Can you imagine what kind of trouble Kendrick would be in if someone got bitten by a werewolf on the priming ?"

Albus did n't want to think about it. He doubted matt wanted a companion in the shriek shanty.

"Scary,"William James said,"thinking about Greyback transformed while wandering around the basis. I wonder why they did n't just tell us. No one would be angry about it if they 'd told us the reason."

"Probably did n't want anyone to panic,"Albus said.

"guessing so,"Henry James agreed."But still, everyone 's going to sleep together now."He grinned and then got up to go find Ben and Cedric. The fact that the curfew was due to grayback would be common knowledge in the castle within ten minutes, Albus guessed.

Albus managed to finish his essay and decided to bid it a night shortly after. He did n't feel like talking, not with the possibility that Greyback was either running around the Hogwarts background or setting himself on some unsuspecting village, wanting to infect small tyke with lycanthropy. It was awful to think about. Albus laid awake for minute, trying not to think about it, but try as he might, he just could not push the thought from his mind.


It was a rare social function that Albus witnessed the sun rising slope. Being fourteen-years-old, Albus preferred to sleep until the very late morning or too soon good afternoon, but this particular cockcrow he was up before the sun. He had n't slept much that night due to his worries about Fenrir Limnodromus griseus and Matt, and decided that it was pointless to try and sleep when he 'd just own to be up in an hour anyway.

Albus sat at the windowpane and watched as the sun slowly rose over the horizon. The grounds looked peaceable, and not at all like the place where a loup-garou could 've been roaming just a few hours before. The moonlight had set and both lustrelessness and Greyback would be back in their human forms by now. Whatever had happened was over now and there was nothing anyone could do to convert it. Albus wondered just how retentive it would take for the seer to publish some sort of clause on any attacks Reb might 've been the suit of.

Bilius and Ethan awoke before John did and busied themselves with talk of the Balycastle and Kenmare match that had taken place Saturday, completely unworried about knot. Albus was n't surprised since neither of them had any sort of personal connection with the get off werewolf. But they at to the lowest degree knew that the previous night had been a full lunar month, since James had spread that info around the castle.

John finally rose shortly after Bilius and Ethan left for breakfast. Albus was relieved since they could now speak freely.

"What clip is it ?"toilet asked as soon as he sat up."Have we got time to visit Matt before Herbology ?"

"Just after eight, so not really,"Albus said."And there 's no peak in visiting him now as he 's probably unconscious or sleeping. The moon just set two hours ago."

"Yeah, but he might know something,"lavatory said as he closed the suspension on his bed while he dressed."He might 've heard grayback concluding night."

"He never remembers anything about full moonshine,"Albus pointed out.

"It 's still worth a shot,"Gospel According to John replied.

Albus thought it would be form of pointless, but they did n't suffer sentence before Herbology anyway. After John finished, the two hurried out of the dormitory room and down to the Great Hall for a quick breakfast before course. Rose, Amanda, and Kaden were already there.

"Anything in the Prophet ?"Albus asked as he grabbed a stack of toast.

blush wine shook her principal and swallowed her bacon before answering."No. Absolutely nothing, but that does n't signify much. It could just be too soon for enough particular to sustain emerged."

"Well, we 've got a free period this afternoon, so we can go ask Matt,"John said.

"I told you that he 's not going to know anything,"Albus reminded him.

John shrugged."You never know."

The eternal sleep of the scholar organic structure seemed to have already forgotten about the early curfew and the wide-cut moon. Albus did n't hear anyone discussing it on his way to Herbology or at dejeuner later that day. Since there had n't been anything in the paper about an attack, it was old newsworthiness for the Hogwarts students. Everyone that is, except for Albus, john, blush wine, and Amanda.

Albus, Saint John, and Amanda were still discussing it on their way to aid of Magical beast that good afternoon. When they arrived they found Hagrid surrounded by coop filled with small, black, fluffy creatures.

"'ello !"Hagrid shouted."I 've got nifflers for yeh today. Can anyone tell me what makes nifflers unique ?"

Albus raised his hand.

"Albus,"Hagrid said.

Albus grinned."Nifflers find treasure. They like shining things."

"Tha 's right,"Hagrid said."So if you 've got scout or jewelry on, train it off. I 've buried a load of leprechaun gold and your job for today will be to use the nifflers to discover it. Everyone pair off and then come get a niffler. Whichever pair finds the most gold gets a pack of Chocolate Frogs."

There was a ado as everyone hurried to take away off their jewelry and find a niffler that looked like it would be a particularly treasure hunter. Albus took off his watch, shoved it into his pocket, and followed can and Amanda over to the nifflers. With Matt in the hospital flank, Albus was without a partner and decided to just join John and Amanda.

John grabbed the niffler with the farsighted snout and held the end of the lead while they followed it around the evidence. Every so often the niffler would discontinue and dig through the snow, revealing a small mass of coins. Albus collected them and shoved them into a bag Hagrid had provided.

The entire procedure was rather entertaining. Albus enjoyed watching not only his niffler, but the rest of the course of study 's nifflers as well. They were adorable, laughable animate being. At one point, Janie Creevey and Karina Jordan-Bell 's niffler managed to sniff out a set of scales in Bilius 's bag resulting in all three of them playing tug-of-war with the niffler.

"Why 's he got his scurf in there anyway ?"John asked as they watched."We have n't got potions today."

Albus shrugged."No idea."

"Albus, John, look !"Amanda shouted, pointing toward the castle.

Albus turned around and saw two figure of speech walking toward Hagrid 's hut. It took a few mo, but he soon realized that he knew both of them. One Albus recognized as a young Auror from his dad 's department. His figure was Cardinal Newman and he 'd been one of the Aurors to help when Kaden was kidnapped two years ago. The second man was none former than Matt 's dad.

"What 's Matt 's dad doing here ?"Gospel According to John asked.

"Yeah, and who 's that other feller ?"Amanda asked.

"He 's an Auror,"Albus said."But why are they here ?"

The two wizards walked preceding Albus, John, and Amanda without making any sort of eye tangency, acting as if they 'd never seen them before. By now, the rest of the category was looking at them strangely. Matt 's dad and Newman kept walking until they reached Hagrid, and they began speaking with him in low voices.

"C'mon,"Albus said as he began walking toward Hagrid.

John tugged the niffler 's spark advance and he and Amanda followed Albus. Albus stopped once they were within earshot, hiding behind a bush. Saint John the Apostle and Amanda crouched down on either side of him.

"I s'ppose I did hear some funny interference las'Night,"Hagrid said."More'n usual, that is. Always suspect noises from the timber. A bit more howling than normal las'nighttime, coming from Hogsmeade. Could 've been a werewolf, but I don'know for sure."

"And did you see anything roaming the grounds ?"matt 's dad asked. His representative sounded serious.

"No,"Hagrid said."Wasn'outside late. What 's this about ? grayback ?"

Matt 's dad and Newman glanced at each other."Yes,"lustrelessness 's dad said."We have rationality to consider Greyback was in the arena endure night and we 're looking for anyone who might 've seen something."

Hagrid shuddered."regard I could help yeh. But yeh know, that howling from Hogsmeade could 've just been-"

"Yes, I know,"Mr. Eckerton cut him off, with a quick glance at Newman."We 've had write up of more brutal, louder howling. Howling that seems to change location."

"Oh !"Hagrid exclaimed."Yeah, well, again, bid I could help. I 'll pay a bit More attention next full moon."

"We 'd appreciate it,"Mr. Eckerton said."Thanks for your time."

Matt 's dad and Newman turned and left, without a second glance at Hagrid or the class. The rest of the social class had long since returned to their nifflers and all had bags of amber far larger than Albus, John, and Amanda 's. But Albus no longer cared about winning the Chocolate toad. It seemed that something did bechance go night, but nonentity knew exactly what.

At the end of the class, Albus, John, and Amanda came in absolutely finally for amount of coins collected. Hagrid seemed discomfited, but said that their niffler must 've just been tired. After returning it to its John Cage, the three hurried back to the castle, anxious to stow their bags and go sojourn matt.

"If knot is n't on Aconitum lycoctonum should n't he be easy to find after the full moon ?"St. John asked as they walked to the hospital annexe."Would n't he be injured ?"

"Not necessarily,"Albus said quietly."Matt only bites and attacks himself because he has nothing else to snipe. If Reb 's out roaming the countryside, he can attack animals and people."

"But what about the existent transformation ?"John replied."Even werewolves on Wolfsbane are achy the next day because of that, right ?"

"I think so, yeah, but I bet if you 're being chased by Aurors that 's the in conclusion thing on your intellect,"Albus pointed out."I 'm not sure. Matt would probably know."

lusterlessness was the only patient in the hospital flank and gentlewoman Pomfrey was busy in her bailiwick, so Albus and his friend were free to discuss whatever they pleased. Albus was happy to see that Matt was awake, although he did look slightly unsettled.

"Was there anything in the Prophet ?"Matt asked as soon as Albus, John, and Amanda had taken derriere on his bed."And I 'm fine, so do n't bother asking."

"Er, no,"Albus said."Why ?"

"utmost Night was weird,"Matt said.

"Told you he 'd eff something,"John said to Albus.

"But I do n't,"lusterlessness replied."It was just weird. I do n't know how else to delineate it."

"What happened ?"Albus asked.

"I do n't recognise,"matt said quietly as he pulled his manpower out from under the cover. They were completely bandaged."Look. My hands are the only part of me that 's injured. I mean, I ache all over from the translation, but I did n't seize with teeth myself at all net night."

Albus looked at the bandages."But your hired man. You did n't bite them ? Then why are they bandaged ?"

"Splinters,"lustrelessness said."ma'am Pomfrey thinks I spent the night scratching at the door and trying to get out. I 've never done that before. I never remember anything from when I 'm the masher, but I do sometimes remember notion. Like if the wolf was really raging or something. finally night it was desperate, although I have no thought what for. I guess to get outdoors, if Madam Pomfrey is right."

"And your wolfy self has n't done that before ?"Albus asked.

"No,"Matt shook his head."I 've been transforming in the Shrieking hut for three and a half years and the wolf has never done that before."

"I 'll tell you something weirder,"John said."Your dad was here earlier."

"What ?"Matt exclaimed."When ?"

"Just now,"John said."During Care of Magical Creatures, he and some Auror came to babble out to Hagrid. We listened in-"

"Of course,"Matt cut in.

"Your dad and the Auror, they were asking Hagrid if he 'd seen or heard anything weird lastly night. Hagrid said he did n't see anything, but he thought he heard more noise than common from Hogsmeade. Then he said that it may have just been you, but your dad cut him off, probably because of the Auror. Then your dad said that there had been written report of more vicious howling than usual."

"They definitely think that Johnny Reb was in Hogsmeade last night,"Albus said.

"What would 've happened if you got out ?"Amanda asked.

"Out of the Shack ?"matt asked."naught good. But now he knows that I was there. He 'll keep coming back until he 's captured. I wo n't actually be able-bodied to run from the Shack. The wards are too good."

The door to the ward flew capable and Matt 's dad came striding inside, still looking as serious as he had earlier. After a quick coup d'oeil around the room, he strode over to lustrelessness 's bed.

"Dad,"matt said.

"You do n't bet surprise to see me,"Mr. Eckerton replied as he gave his son a hug."How are you feeling ?"

"I 'm all right,"Matt said with a shrug."Albus, John, and Amanda saw you talking to Hagrid. Well, they heard you, too. Where 's the Auror ?"

Mr. Eckerton let out a short jape and then turned to Albus."I saw you in the scrub. future sentence you 're trying to hide, do n't hide with a niffler. They 're infamous giveaways. Yours was trying to sniffle out Paul Leonard Newman 's pocket watch."

"I missed nifflers ?"Matt asked, clearly thwarted.

"Yeah,"Albus said."I bet Hagrid would let you see one after you 're meliorate, though."

"I need to speak with you about survive Nox, lustrelessness,"Mr. Eckerton said quietly."In buck private, perhaps ?"

Matt shook his principal."I already told them about net dark, so they might as well stay."

"All right,"Mr. Eckerton said."I need you to try and call up if you heard or saw anything strange lowest nighttime. I know you never retrieve anything, but try."

Matt held up his bandaged hands."gentlewoman Pomfrey thinks I tried to get out of the Shack death night. That never happens. Whatever was international kept the wolf occupied all night. I did n't aggress myself."

Mr. Eckerton 's eyes grew bombastic and Albus noticed that the serious look had dissipated. It was replaced with a facial expression Albus had seen quite often on his own father. It was a father 's shock and worry.

Matt explained the relaxation, including the percentage about the wolf notion desperate. Mr. Eckerton seemed to contemplate this for a few second before sighing and shaking his head.

"What 's going on, Dad ?"lustrelessness asked.

Mr. Eckerton sighed once more."I suppose it could n't suffer to severalise you. It 'll be in the Prophet tomorrow anyway. Two children were attacked in Little Shingleton last Nox. It 's a town about five knot away, on the other side of that mountain next to Hogsmeade. We 've been trying to forecast out whether it was Greyback or not, since he left immediately after biting them."

"Were they Muggles ?"lustrelessness asked.

"No,"Mr. Eckerton said."Which makes me believe that this was a carefully planned flak. Little Shingleton is a Muggle village, with these two children and their parents being the only beldame and wizards in the area. It 's too cooccurring. And why fire both children ? Most werewolves take off immediately after biting someone, their instinct telling them to get as far away as possible, as quickly as possible."

"And did they ... survive ?"lusterlessness replied.

"They 're both in stable term at St. Mungo 's. Once their morsel heal, they 'll be fine, write for the fact that they now have lycanthropy. The collation were white and small, not normal lycanthrope insect bite. These bite were inflicted just to taint. Another signaling toward Greyback."

"But what about Hogsmeade ?"Albus asked.

"Five miles is not an impossible journey for a wolfman in a dark,"Mr. Eckerton explained."well-nigh likely Reb heard lusterlessness 's howl conclusion night and followed the sound. Once there, he probably spent the relief of the night attempting to get inside the Shrieking hutch, which is impossible."

"So you really think it was him ?"mat asked.

"I do, and Auror Newman agrees with me. I left him in Kendrick 's cogitation, after telling him I needed to impose you since we were already here. But what you 've told me just solidifies it."

"But ca n't you just go get him ?"Saint John the Apostle asked."He ca n't be that far. No offense, Matt, but if you were outdoor you would n't get very far."

"None taken."

"The thing that makes lycnathropy so difficult to canvas, and also most potential the reason why Wolfsbane does n't work for all werewolves, is that each person 's lycanthropy is vastly unlike from others. Its effects depend a lot upon a someone 's sentiment toward their own lycanthropy. Fenrir Greyback has spent his life embracing his lycnathropy and living for that one Nox a month where his on-key nature emerges. He embraces his wildcat side so much that he even attacks people when the moon is not full.

"You, Matt, on the other script, key about with your human side. As you should, considering you 're only a woman chaser one Nox out of twenty-eight. Therefore, you resist the translation. You fight it with your every fiber, every month. Greyback embraces it, and probably agitate a lot well-situated than you do. His shift most likely do not cause him the Saami pain."

"I guess that makes sentience,"Matt said.

"But still,"John said."They should be combing the forest for him."

Mr. Eckerton chuckled."They are. Trust me. They have the entire Werewolf Control whole searching for him, along with six Aurors, and a handful of Junior and trainee Aurors. They do n't normally slay Aurors to capture rogue werewolves, as that 's usually the loup-garou Control Unit 's job. And it 's not usually my job to investigate werewolf attacks. But this is a high visibility case, so they want many people on it, including hoi polloi in charge. We 'll get him."

Albus wondered if Teddy was on the caseful. He was a third-year Auror now. Knowing Teddy, he 'd want to be on the case since greyback had turned his dad into a werewolf.

"I 've got to get back to the Ministry and fill out a report,"Mr. Eckerton said as he stood up from his chair."If you think of anything else, Matt, ask to use Professor Longbottom 's Floo. Owls are easily intercepted."

Matt said au revoir to his dad and soon the male child and Amanda were alone in the infirmary wing once more. Albus did n't sleep with what to say. Fenrir Rebel, it seemed, was up to his old tricks and somehow Matt had gotten involved.
***


Fenrir greyback 's flak on the two tike took the whole front varlet of the vaticinator the following sunrise. The entire Great manor hall was talking about it, professor, students, and touch. written matter of the newspaper publisher were being passed faster than platter of Baron Verulam. Albus managed to snag a copy from his first cousin Ben.

FENRIR GREYBACK blast IN LITTLE SHINGLETON

Fenrir Greyback, escaped convict and werewolf,
was sighted last nighttime in Little Shingleton,
Scotland. Little Shingleton is nearly an
entirely Muggle village, save for one
wizarding family unit. The family, whose
names have not been released due to the
Underage Lycanthrope auspices Law,
suffered an extreme tragedy last nighttime,
when Fenrir Greyback attacked both of
their children. Both fry are
reportedly in stalls condition at St.
Mungo 's.

An investigation, organized by both the
Auror Department and the Department for
the regulating and Control of Magical
Creatures, headed by head of that section,
Bruno Walter Eckerton, concluded late yesterday.
'We 've interviewed several eyewitnesses
who saw or heard a werewolf in Hogsmeade
during the full moon. Hogsmeade is only
about five miles from Little Shingleton .'
Investigators said that legion former
clues led them to consider that the fire
was by Fenrir Greyback, despite not having
actually seen him in Little Shingleton.
'We are not cook to unwrap all details
of the investigation. But we are convinced
that this was an flak by Greyback. A team
of Aurors and Werewolf Control unit employees
are working around the clock to beguile
Johnny Reb .'

The article was followed by a recap of Greyback and the offense that had landed him in Azkaban in the first plaza, along with a awful photograph of him. Even in his human form he looked rather wolf-like, which was such a drastic contrast compared to Matt, who did n't resemble a brute at all, spare for his eyes. Albus glanced up from the article and his eye fell on lusterlessness 's. They had a yellowish tint to them, with flecks of gold amidst their natural downcast vividness. They were indeed the but wolf-like trait he possessed when the moon was n't full.

"This is why people want stricter werewolf control Laws,"flatness said quietly.

"Even those could n't have got stopped this,"Albus pointed out.

"multitude wo n't believe about that. All they 'll mean about is how their kid are n't good, and they 're mightily. It 's just dirty timing. Laurentis is going to use this to her advantage."

Albus wanted to ensure lusterlessness that everything would be all right, that Laurentis would n't botch everything out of balance, but he could n't. He knew that Matt was veracious, that Laurentis would once again use a terrible tragedy to line Sir Thomas More backup from the wizarding Earth. If his uncle Sir Henry Percy was going to stand a chance against her, he was going to consume to drastically change his campaign strategy.


A/N : So I just realized that I uploaded the haywire chapter end Friday. This is the real chapter 25 and the one I uploaded last Fri is chapter 26. Sorry about that !


The matter about lycanthrope attack was that they were only capable to fall out once a month. There was absolutely no fortune of a werewolf attack during the rest of the month, so it was easy for the Hogwarts educatee to soon draw a blank about Fenrir Greyback, or at least button him into the furthest turning point of their judgement. After the initial article about Reb 's tone-beginning on the two Edward Young children, the newspaper returned to its common election coverage, although both candidates were being very quiet about the plan of attack. Neither Sir Henry Percy nor Laurentis made a argument, which did n't surprise Albus. The disputation on regulating of sorcerous puppet was scheduled for Saturday, so both candidate would establish statement then. There had been a few editorials in the newspaper publisher written by people pushing for stricter werewolf police force, but that had been it.

Saturday was also the day of the next Hogsmeade trip, and this gave the Hogwarts bookman a much needed distraction from the out of doors domain. Word spread amongst Albus 's cousins that James was once again taking Gabby Ellis to Hogsmeade, and quite a few of his early cousin-german had dates as well. Albus himself did not, and was planning on spending the day with toilet, Kaden, rosiness, and Amanda. lustrelessness had arranged to attend the debate with his dad, and would miss the trip.

"Are you sure you want to go to this debate ?"Albus asked Matt as they played Bromus secalinus in the Marauder 's Den.

"What ?"Matt asked, turning to Albus. He 'd been staring at the wall under the pretence of taking his play for the by five minutes.

"You were zoning out,"Albus said."I asked if you 're sure enough you want to go to that debate Saturday."

matt had seemed distracted all week and whether it was from Johnny Reb being so near during his transformation or the upcoming argumentation, Albus did n't sleep together.

"Yeah, I 'm sure,"Matt said."I 'd rather hear it straight from her than show it in the Prophet."

"What about your dad ?"Albus asked."Is he going to speak out against her if she wants stricter laws ?"

Matt shrugged."I do n't lie with. That did n't work too well in Australia."

The doorway to the Den burst open and John and Kaden came barging in, both wearing identical smile. It was slightly preternatural, how similar they looked.

"We 've finished,"bathroom announced.

"Finished what ?"Albus asked. He was slightly worried. It was never a trade good sign when John and Kaden were that well-chosen about something.

"Our frivolity,"Kaden answered."We 've finished planning. We 're not quite sure when to do it, though."

"Yeah, any suggestions ?"toilet asked."Or are you two still being all prefecty on us ?"

Albus burst out laughing and turned to matt, who smirked."Prefecty ?"Albus repeated.

"Yeah,"can said."Everyone knows it 'll be one of you who makes prefect next year. And you 're getting started early by not liking our pranks."

"We just do n't desire custody again,"matt explained."Honestly, I could n't care less if you prank the Slytherins. Malfoy 's a git. Prank him all you want."

"Are you sure you do n't want to know what it 's going to be ?"lav asked.

"No,"Albus said.

"Not a opportunity,"Matt said.

John shrugged."All right. But when should we do it ?"

"Let 's just waiting and see when the time feels right,"Kaden suggested."It 's not, er ... time-sensitive ...."

lavatory and Kaden burst out laughing."Sure,"whoremaster said."Not time-sensitive at all."

Albus and lusterlessness exchanged a glance.

"We could secern you why that was so funny story,"John the Divine said.

"Or you could just wait and see like the rest of the castle,"Kaden added.

"We 'll look,"Albus said. He was curious about it, but not odd enough to possibly wind up with another hebdomad 's detainment.

Whatever the prank was, John and Kaden did n't implement it before the next day. Sabbatum brought blue skies and bitterly inhuman temperatures and Albus put on two Weasley jumpers in formulation for walking around Hogsmeade.

Matt left other for the argumentation, Flooing from Professor Longbottom 's study. Albus and John slept of late and met Kaden, rosebush, and Amanda in the Great Hall for a quick dejeuner before setting off for Hogsmeade.

The February Hogsmeade trip was always an matter to one. The village became filled with new couples either snogging passionately in front line of the store or staring awkwardly at each early across a table in the Three broom handle or lady Puddifoot 's. Having never been on a particular date before in his life, Albus found it really funny to check. whoremaster and Kaden found it amusing as well, but Rose and Amanda seemed to stare wistfully at the couples and did n't retrieve them at all funny remark.

"Where to first ?"Albus asked.

"Not madam Puddifoot 's,"bathroom said immediately, grimacing as a few love-struck couples headed toward the situation.

"I plan on never setting foot in there,"Kaden said."I do n't handle how many girls ask me to go there with them."

John laughed."You 'd have to get a lady friend to like you first."

"Shut up,"Kaden said."Let 's just go get some Butterbeer."

The quietus of the radical agreed and they were soon crowded around one of the only void tables in the Three broom handle. Albus was hoping to enchant a coup d'oeil of Jesse James because despite the fact that James had been out with Gabby Ellis before, Albus could n't get over the fact that his brother was going out on dates. It was just weird.

After finishing their Butterbeer, the chemical group went to Honeyduke 's and Weasleys'in order to stemma up on Skiving Snackboxes and deep brown salientian. By then it was nearly dinner time and they decided to call it a day. The wind was picking up and none of them fancied being caught in a storm.

"Albus !"privy shouted just as they were setting off on the path back to the castle.

"What ?"Albus asked, turning to see what lav was pointing at.

"James River and Gabby Ellis,"john said.

Albus squinted and just made out his brother, leaning against the outside of Honeyduke 's, his oral fissure attached to Gabby Ellis 's. They were so close that they almost looked like one person.

"Oh my God,"Albus said quietly.

"That is disgusting,"Rose added."I could 've gone my stallion life without seeing someone snog James."

John and Kaden were both laughing."Looks like they 're enjoying it,"whoremonger said.

"Oh megascopic !"Albus exclaimed as he turned back to the path."Let 's go."

"I think it 's safe to say they 're together,"Amanda said as they walked back.

"What she could possibly see in Jesse James ..."Rose muttered.

"well, he does trifle Quidditch,"Amanda pointed out.

"So do over half my full cousin,"Rose said."So does Albus."

"Can we change the theme ?"Albus asked."Please. C'mon, let 's festinate up. I bet mat 's book binding from the debate."

That seemed to get his friends'minds off of James 's romantic sprightliness. Albus himself wanted to put the simulacrum of his brother kissing someone out of his mind forever. At least she was a Hufflepuff and he 'd never possess to see them kissing in the common elbow room. If he did he may suffer to spend all of his time in the piranha 's Den.

dinner party had n't started yet when they arrived at the palace, so the group decided to go find Matt first. They found him right where Albus figured he 'd be, in the vulture 's Den. Albus was slightly nervous about what had happened at the debate, but Matt was sitting on the put casually reading his appealingness book of account, seeming hardly upset at all.

"How was Hogsmeade ?"Matt asked as he set his al-Qur'an down.

"Disgusting,"Albus said as he sat down succeeding to Matt. John, Rose, and Amanda pulled up chairs.

Matt raised his eyebrows."Disgusting ?"

"We saw James snogging his new girlfriend,"rose wine said with a shudder."cartel me, there 's nix pleasant about seeing the boy you remember eating a mud pie kissing a female child while pressed up against Honeyduke's."

lustrelessness laughed."I have n't got any first cousin, so I 'll take your Good Book for it."

"Consider yourself lucky,"Albus muttered."But what happened at the debate ?"

"It was n't as bad as I thought it would be,"Matt said."Well, okey, parts of it were n't as bad as I thought they 'd be. It was at the Ministry, in one of those court way in the basement. Mostly it was mass who work at the Ministry there, but there were some other the great unwashed there, too, because the room was so big.

"I 'm not sure how much you know about the section for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures, but every creature is divided into one of three categories. being, feel, and animal. Spirits are ghosts and poltergeists and boggarts. organism are creature that are n't human, but have human intelligence. Beasts are everything else. The bloke who was running the debate started by asking Harry Hotspur and Laurentis how they feel about the rights given to organism. You know, goblins, house-elves, centaur, those sorts of creatures. They did n't have much to indicate about that because neither of them think any of those creatures should have their rights taken away. And rosebush 's mum has worked so intemperately to get them rights.

"Then they moved on to the Spirit division and there was n't much controversy with that, either, since there 's not much that can be done about intent. They 're just sort of there. Ghosts do n't harm anyone and poltergeists it all depends on the specific poltergeist. Laurentis brought up the matter of Peeves, which was odd, but Hotspur did n't seem to have an opinion on Peeves."

Albus had n't expected practically controversy with the Being division. There had been a lot of debate back and Forth River about the rightfield of Beings back when his parents had been in schooling and his aunt Hermione had dedicated her work life toward giving rights to being, especially house-elves. Over the years she 'd done a very unspoiled job with it and had n't met much foeman. As for the Spirit division, Albus did n't think there had ever been practically argument there. Ghosts were just ghosts. They pretty much did as they pleased.

Matt paused."Then there was the animate being section. Throughout history both werewolf and lamia have sometimes been in the existence section and sometimes been in the animate being part. classification in the Beast division is the understanding why werewolf have been stripped of their right field and how the Ministry can get away with it. If they 're not seen as Beings, then legally, they do n't have to be given the Lapp right wing as human. It 's a trifle, really.

"A recollective metre ago werewolves were in the Being sectionalisation, but they got reclassified in the 1950s, after a vast werewolf onslaught on an integral town. It was atrocious. But ever since then, no one has wanted to classify them as Beings again. My dad has been an advocate for classification as organism ever since he started in Australia.

"The thing about assortment is that, for the near part, Ministries all over the world have to accord. That 's why reclassification is such a time-consuming and hard thing to do. soul has to bring it up and ordinate negotiations between commonwealth and it requires a lot of elbow grease. When Voldemort came to power no one in Britain had the clock time or energy to put toward the reclassification of werewolves. Not to mention they could n't dispense with the people to put the time into it. Since the cruel onset in the 50s happened in England, the other land have n't wanted to touch the idea. Although I 'd wager that Australia would put up a serious fight if it was ever brought up again.

"So, basically, my dad has been trying to do this for historic period, but he does n't have the support. Even parson Hartwell has n't wanted to touch it since it 's such a controversial event and he does n't possess much time left."

"Wow,"Albus said."Binns did n't instruct us any of that in account of Magic."

"And he probably wo n't,"matte said."It 's not a well-known yield since nearly citizenry probably do n't worry to put in the cause to reclassify werewolf. The only people who 'd want to are werewolves."

"That 's awful,"Amanda said."But what happened at the argument ?"

"The sorcerer in charge of the public debate dodged the question of Rebel for a while, asking interrogative about other animal like thestrals and dementors and the comparable. But he finally brought up the topic of Greyback and Laurentis basically said that it was n't a topic of loup-garou control laws, but a matter of Azkaban security-"

"well, that 's near,"Albus said. He would n't induce expected that of Laurentis.

"Sort of,"matt replied."I have n't finished. Anyway, your uncle agreed with her, but he of path said that putting the dementors back would be stupid. Laurentis said that if the dementors had been there then knot would n't have escaped and those Kid would 've been good. Then they started arguing about Azkaban and dementors again. But the bloke in charge cut them off.

"Then he finally brought up the fact that my dad 's been pushing for the reclassification of werewolves as being for days and how he 's got the support of Rose 's mum and asked what their opinion of it was."

"But if my mum was able to help house-elves and goblins, then why could n't she do it for werewolves at the Sami time ?"rosiness asked.

"House-elves and goblin have always been classified as existence,"matte explained."They were being denied right hand that they technically already had. It was just a issue of reworking the laws and enforcing them properly. None of the werewolf rightfulness constabulary can be changed unless their classification is changed-"

"But that 's just stupid,"John said.

lustrelessness shrugged."It is, but there 's cipher anyone can do about it."

"wellspring, what did Laurentis say ?"Albus asked.

"Laurentis said that reclassifying wolfman as Beings would render the current werewolf control laws unenforceable and that it would give the Ministry far less control over werewolf. Which is true,"flatness said."Not that it would be a bad thing."

"Of path not,"Albus agreed.

"Then she said that if wolfman were currently classified as organism it would cook it difficult to even catch Limnodromus griseus and prosecute him for what he 's done, which is n't straight at all. My dad was turning purple at this point. She really knows zero about the way his section works."

"What about Uncle Percy ?"rosiness asked.

Matt did n't say anything for a full moon hour."He was n't as bad as Laurentis, but well, your uncle does n't require to commute anything. I 'm surely you 've noticed that he says everything 's fine the way it is and we do n't ask to shift anything, whether it 's Azkaban or Hogwarts. He thought the same about werewolves."

"What do you mean ?"Albus asked."He thinks that-"

matt averted his gaze, looking at Kaden rather than Albus and blush wine."He thinks that 'putting energy into reclassifying werewolves as Beings would be a poor idea, given the other outcome facing the expectant wizarding community .'And that is a direct quotation. I ca n't ever block that."

Albus wished he was storm. He really did. But the fact remained that Uncle Hotspur did n't like to evoke the caldron, so to verbalise. If things were working the way they were, he would n't change them. He 'd rather go on affair the Sami then speak out openly either for or against anything, if it would cost him support or votes.

"Then he went on to explicate,"lusterlessness continued."He said that werewolf classification does n't bear upon a large number of crone and wizards and that it 's very complicated and would necessitate a lot of effort, which is true up. But it 's like he did n't think it was worth it, just because it would n't regard a lot of people."

"It does n't storm me,"rosiness said quietly."The election is so soon. I do n't think he 's going to say anything too controversial."

"Honestly, it was almost worse than Laurentis,"lustrelessness said, turning back to Albus and rose wine."Sorry. I know he 's your uncle-"

"Do n't apologise,"Albus said, suddenly glad he was n't of age and would n't have to choose between the two candidates.

"It 's like he does n't even have a strong opinion on it. He does n't want to have a strong opinion on it,"lustrelessness added."Laurentis at to the lowest degree has a reason. Your uncle does n't even have that. Honestly, Albus, I 've no musical theme who my parents will vote for now. Saami with Amy."

"I do n't know who I 'd vote for now,"Albus said quietly.

"But either way, I do n't call up wolfman will get reclassified,"Matt replied."nix will happen without support of the British people Minister at this point."

"That 's just not fair,"Amanda said."What exactly does the law say now ? What are you not allowed to do ?"

matt averted his regard once more. This was another topic that Matt had n't ever verbalise of before and Albus had n't dared ask.

"Well, technically,"Matt began,"I 'm not allowed to be at Hogwarts."

"What ?"Albus shouted. The rest of his friends let out similar exclamation of shock.

"But Teddy 's dad-"Rose began.

"Not legal,"Matt said."Dumbledore frequently broke the law and that was no different. prof Kendrick follows the law a bit more but he liked the idea of allowing me to serve. It 's sort of murky, to be fair. It 's in the law that werewolves can not attend Hogwarts, but at the Same clip, Hogwarts headmasters have complete control over who they admit. So as long as it 's hold quiet-"

"But what about Malfoy ?"Rose asked."If he were to let it slip-"

"Then Kendrick would rout him,"lusterlessness explained."And he 'd be allowed to, since it would be detrimental to another student 's didactics for him to reveal my status. I told you ; it 's very murky."

"What else ?"Amanda asked.

"The rest has mostly to do with employment,"Matt said."fountainhead, that and the Ministry is allowed to keep werewolves for questioning about wax moon attacks without actually arresting them. Werewolves as prisoner have virtually no right field.

"But anyway, utilization. I 'm legally obligated to inform any potential drop employers of my condition. If werewolves were classified as organism, that would n't be required, because lycanthropy would be seen as a medical circumstance and employment can not be terminated based on a person 's health check conditions."

"That is the most obscure thing in the world,"Albus said. His head was spinning."How do you keep all that straight ?"

Matt shrugged."It 's my life. That 's the early affair, Albus, your uncle really has no approximation how things are run in the department for the Regulation and ascendancy of Magical animate being. He 's not really qualified to say what effect the reclassification would own on everything. Because, honestly, it would only touch on werewolves."

"That seems obvious,"Albus said.

"So someone can not hire you just because you 're a loup-garou ?"Amanda asked incredulously.

lustrelessness nodded."Does n't even matter if they 're on Wolfsbane or not, either."

"What will you do after Hogwarts ?"Amanda asked.

"No estimate,"Matt said."I 'm trying not to imagine about that. But this whole feigning to be normal thing that I 'm doing at Hogwarts ? It 's temporary. That 's all there is to it."

No one quite knew what to say after that. Albus certainly did n't. He wished more than anything that his uncle would support the reclassification of loup-garou as beingness, despite the fact that it might recede him a few votes. It might even cost him a few not to feature spoken up, because now, flatness 's parents and Amy might not vote for him. But this had such a larger upshot than just the election. Matt was right ; this was his spirit, and Uncle Walker Percy and Laurentis were just seeing it as a way to bone up to a greater extent ballot. Maybe Uncle Percy was n't the right man for the job, after all. But Laurentis certainly was n't, and since no one else was running, what would go on after the election ?


A/N : Thanks for all the awesome follow-up !


The debate on the regularisation and command of Magical animal did not seem to be a hot topic of give-and-take amongst the Hogwarts educatee. Unlike the argument on education, this particular debate did not colligate directly to Hogwarts pupil, and thus there was n't much discussion beyond a few judgement at breakfast the next day. The article on the public debate was much More tame than the former articles, well-nigh likely because Hotspur and Laurentis had n't disagreed on the topic. In fact, the article mostly focused on the dementor issue.

Albus and his friends kept penny-pinching ticker on the Prophet in case there were any updates on the escaped prisoners, but the ease of February passed without any sightings or captures. It was sort of strange since the prisoners had to have been hiding out somewhere. Yet they 'd been loose for nearly two months and the only one who had been sighted was Greyback. Willinson, Umbridge, and the Carrows were nowhere, it seemed.

In the meantime, Laurentis used the lack of captures to her reward, by publishing a new statement every few days declaring how incapable the Auror department was. These statements were usually followed up with another declaration of how the prisoners would n't have escaped if the dementors had been in control of Azkaban.

When border district arrived, the prophesier began putting a countdown until the election at the top of the breast Sir Frederick Handley Page, every single day.

"Apr Fool 's Day,"John commented as he pointed to the countdown, which read '29 day .'“ Does n't that seem a bit weird, to do an election on that day ?"

"A piddling,"Albus said."But I doubt the Ministry cares."

"We should do our trick that day,"Kaden said.

"Do n't,"rose wine said."Hogwarts is a polling place. You 'll mess it up."

"No, we wo n't do it then,"trick said as he exchanged a mischievous smiling with Kaden."Want to know why ?"

"Not really,"Albus said.

"They 'll bump out soon enough,"Kaden said.

"Does this have anything to do with why you two disappeared all eventide yesterday ?"Matt asked.

"Possibly,"John said."Oh, face at the clip. We 've got to get to potions."

Kaden burst out laughing."Oh, yes, looks like it 's time for me to go to Divination."

Albus looked at lusterlessness and shrugged. John and Kaden had been laughing at every mention of 'time'or 'clocks'for the preceding few weeks, but had yet to share why. Albus could only assume that it had to do with their prank.

Albus, flatness, John the Divine, rosebush, and Amanda said bye to Kaden and headed for the dungeons. Since it was a double class, Slughorn gave them a potion to brew and sat at his desk grading essays while they worked.

Albus and flatness partnered on their potion and worked quietly, chopping and mixing. Halfway through the 2nd course of study they were chopping asphodel when Matt suddenly stopped.

"Did you hear that ?"he asked Albus.

"Hear what ?"Albus replied. He had n't heard anything.

"Never intellect,"mat muttered."Could 've sworn ... guess I 'm hearing things."

A few minutes passed and Matt stopped again."I swear there 's something ringing exterior. It sounds like an alarm clock."

Albus glanced around the classroom, but nonentity else seemed to have heard it. Everyone was working quietly, except Saint John the Apostle, who was staring at the door for some strange reasonableness. Then Albus heard it. The weak ringing.

"Do you hear it now ?"flatness asked.

"Yeah,"Albus said. It was becoming louder, too. The relaxation of the class was beginning to notice as well, and whoremonger suddenly turned around to look at them. He grinned widely and then returned to his potion.

"It 's their prank,"matt hissed."It 's got to be."

cipher was paying any attention to their potions now and a few of them were boiling over. Slughorn got up from his desk and left the way, without saying a word to the stratum. He returned a few minutes later.

"Bottle your potions as is,"he said."It seems there is some sort of alarm clock going off all over the rook. After you 're done cleaning up you may allow for early."

Albus and flatness worked quickly, wanting to talk to whoremaster as soon as they could. They met him, along with blush wine and Amanda, outside the classroom a few minutes later, and headed to the Great Hall. John still had n't said anything.

Kaden was already there when they arrived."Trelawney let us out as soon as the alarms started. I think it was driving her mad. I mean, more mad than she already is."

"Are you going to separate us what you 've done ?"Albus asked as he began making a sandwich.

"Yeah, we might as well,"John said."We put an alarm clock inside every single courting of armor and charmed them to go off at five minute intervals."

Albus started laughing."That 's glorious !"

"That 's actually really beneficial charm work,"pink wine said, clearly impressed.

"It gets better,"Kaden said."The teachers wo n't be able to flex them off with one tour. We charmed them so they have to be manually turned off. It 's going to strike them ages."

"I feel bad for whoever 's got Transfiguration of Jesus next,"Saint James the Apostle said as he sat down next to Albus."There must be 20 causa of armor across the corridor from the Transfiguration elbow room. It 's so aloud in there you can barely hear yourself think."

"Damn,"Albus said."We 've got metamorphosis next."

"facial expression, Kendrick 's standing up. Bet he cancels classes."John pointed to the staff mesa.

"repose !"Kendrick shouted."Very amusing frivolity. It would seem that the alert clocks have to be manually turned off, so I am canceling classes for the afternoon while the staff and prefects turn off all the alarms."

There was a forte cheer as Kendrick resumed his seat. The staff tabular array was only half-full, as the rest of them must deliver been already turning the warning signal off.

"He does n't seem upturned,"Albus said."This is actually kind of tame. I thought you were going to get revenge on the Slytherins."

lav grinned."Oh, we are. That 'll descend another day."

After dejeuner Albus and his friends went to the Marauder 's Den with the intention of spending the day there, but the incessant warning device quickly grew too annoying. Despite the low temperature, they decided that outside would be preferable to inside. The snow had melted, so they were able to find a dry spot to sit.

"I still hear the sonority,"matte said as they settled down under a huge beech tree by the lake."It 's like my head is an warning device clock. I think if you had done this around the full Moon I would 've murdered you."

"That 's why we did n't do it around the full moon,"John the Evangelist said.

"Really ?"Matt asked skeptically.

John laughed."No. Had n't even thought of that, to be honest."

"We did it today because I had a story of illusion exam this afternoon,"Kaden said."I 'm hoping Binns will bury about it."

"It 's soon, though, is n't it ?"John asked.

"The broad Moon ? Yeah, it 's Mon,"Matt answered."I 've been thinking about it. About Greyback. He 's probably going to hail back unless the Aurors catch him before."

"Probably,"Albus agreed.

"I had an mind,"lusterlessness said quietly."I think we can aid overtake them, using my wolfy side."

"As bait ?"Albus asked, shocked."Then you 'd be in danger."

"No, I would n't,"Matt said."I would n't be doing anything different. I 'd just be in the screaming hut like usual. Albus, the vulture 's Map labels Animagi as their human name, right ?"

Albus nodded."Yeah, of class. That 's how teddy 's dad found out about Pettigrew."

"wellspring, should n't it be the same for werewolves ?"matte asked.

Albus had n't thought about that before. In all his prison term of having the minute variation piranha 's Map, he 'd never checked the shrieking hut during a full moon."I think it should."

"Then all the Aurors have to do is follow the new edition of the marauder 's Map during the full moon, delay for Greyback to show up, and then enamor him."

Albus thought for a few moments. It seemed so uncomplicated, almost too simple-minded to work."lusterlessness ... that 's brilliant."

"When did you mean of this ?"Rose asked.

"Few week ago,"Matt answered."Greyback was there by the screeching hut for nearly the full Nox. It would 've been gentle to get him if soul just knew he was there."

"time lag,"Rose said, looking at Albus."You are n't proposing that you do this, are you ? Because that would be stupid."

"Of course not,"Matt said."It would be my dad and Albus 's dad."

"I do n't think my dad 's in flush of the greyback seizure,"Albus pointed out."It 's that early Auror, Newman."

"If I 'm going to go along with this and tell them my architectural plan then it 's got to be your dad,"matt said adamantly."He already knows I 'm a loup-garou. Newman does n't. I do n't know what he 'd do if he knew there was a wolfman at Hogwarts."

Albus thought back to what lustrelessness had told them about how it was n't take in whether admitting loup-garou to Hogwarts was legal or not."All right. That make sense."

"But why are you so sure he 's going to follow back to this same touch ?"Amanda asked."If he were smart he 'd metamorphose someplace completely different."

"He 's got a hangup about wolfman pretending to be homo,"Matt said quietly."He thinks that we 've all got to embrace our wolf-selves and live together in packs. I do n't think he 's going to present up easily on finding me. He did the Lapplander matter with Teddy 's dad."

"Then he might be transforming near those kids he attacked conclusion month,"Rose pointed out."They should station Aurors there, too."

mat nodded."Let 's go direct some owls."
***


Albus and Matt did n't say much in their missive to their fathers, wanting to save near of the point for later. Both of them replied saying they would receive the boys at Hogwarts Fri evening in order to process out the details.

The week went by very slowly and Albus noticed that Matt drew quieter and quieter as it progressed. He never said it out loud, but Albus had a feeling he was incredibly queasy about the programme and his character in it, despite his saying he would be fine. By the metre Friday arrived he was completely silent, except for the few times he snapped at John and Kaden for being irritating.

"You know if this plan actually works and Greyback is captured it 's going to lay down Uncle Harry reckon very good,"blush wine said."Which will be good for Uncle Percy."

"I thought of that,"Albus said."And since the election is only three hebdomad away, it 's staring timing."

"When are you meeting your dads ?"lav asked.

"septet,"Albus answered as he glanced at his spotter."We should probably go."

Albus shoved the live chomp of his cake into his sassing and left the Great Hall with flatness at his side. professor Longbottom had leant them his study for the meeting, so Albus and Matt walked up to the quartern floor.

Professor Longbottom was n't there when they arrived but the door was partially undecided. Albus led Matt inside and they sat down on a couch to wait. Albus had always loved Longbottom 's field of study. It was filled with all sorts of exotic plants that you never wanted to tinct because some of them bit. The article of furniture was mismatched and the unharmed place was pleasantly cluttered. It felt very safe.

Harry and Walter walked in a few bit later and shut the door behind them. Both looked very intrigued and slightly confused.

"Al,"Harry said as he gave his son a quickly hug."What 's going on ?"

Albus glanced at Matt, who had just been let go of by his own Father-God. This was his design to explain.

"I know how you can hitch Greyback,"matt said quietly, and then proceeded to explain the entire design."See ? Good plan, right ?"

Harry and Walter exchanged glances. Walter looked incredibly worried."matte, expression, I know you want to help and I know the fact that Calidris canutus 's out there scares you out of your mind-"

"I 'm not that scared,"mat interrupted, but everyone in the room knew he was."flavor, he 's going to make out to Hogsmeade anyway. You might as well be there waiting for him."

Bruno Walter sighed."Yes, I suppose you 're right-"

"So what 's the problem ? I 'll be in the screeching Shack with all the wards up."

"There really is n't a job,"Walter said."It just sounds bad on the surface, me using my son as lure. What do you think, Harry ?"

"I think it 's up to you,"Harry said."You 're in bursting charge of this search. I 'm not even on it. I assigned it to Newman."

"Newman ca n't be there,"matte said quickly as he turned to his dad."He ca n't be. He does n't recognise about me."

"He 's right,"Walter said."It 's got to be you and me if it 's going to be anyone. Whoever works this is going to find out there 's a werewolf at Hogwarts."

Harry sighed and began to pace the room."I had n't thought of that. But there 's got to be more of us. I 'll bring Ron in, and Teddy."

"Ron ?"flatness asked.

"Rose 's dad,"Albus explained."My uncle."

Matt breathed a suspiration of stand-in."Oh, all right then."

"They 'd be fine,"Walter said."Four of us should be capable to address it. What about those kids in Little Shingleton ?"

"I 'll assign Newman to them,"Harry decided."And you can pick a few masses form your department to go with him."

Walter nodded."What about the villagers ? We ca n't pay heed around the Shrieking hutch all night. It 'll seem suspicious."

Albus suddenly remembered the map. He pulled it out of his air hole and handed it to his dad."Use the map. Then you can watch until he gets there."

Harry grinned."I 'd forgotten about this."He turned to Walter."Map of Hogwarts and Hogsmeade, created by my dad, Sirius Black, Remus Lupin, and Peter Pettigrew. It shows where everyone is, so it should picture us when Greyback turns up. We can hold back at the Hog 's principal until then. No one there will pay us any attention."

"And in the report ? In the paper the next day ?"Walter asked.

"No mention of Matt or his being in the screaming hutch,"Harry said."We 'll say we got an anonymous tip that he 'd shew up in Hogsmeade."

"Can I wait with you ?"Albus asked.

Harry laughed."Absolutely not. You 'll stay in the castle, where it 's safe. I believe they 're doing a mandatary early curfew again ?"

Albus nodded. They 'd put up posters in the common rooms a few daytime ago. This time, no one seemed disordered about it.

"I wish they 'd do it in Hogsmeade,"Walter said."But getting something like that set up takes weeks."

"Well, if people are ache they 'll stay on inside with wards up,"Harry pointed out.
***


Never before had Albus heard so many multitude talking about the wide-cut moon. All weekend, everywhere he turned, he heard someone mentioning either the full moonlight or Greyback or both. Suddenly, werewolves were the hot topic of discourse at Hogwarts.

to the highest degree people, from what Albus could gather, did n't feature a strong notion on werewolves one way or another. But a few multitude, most having had a relative murdered by Fenrir Limnodromus griseus, told anyone who would listen how happy they were that neither candidate wanted to change the classification of lycanthrope from Beasts to Beings. It only took lustrelessness overhearing one of these conversations to resolve to pass the rest of the weekend in the Marauder 's Den.

"It 'll all be over in three weeks,"Amanda said."Once the election takes situation no one is going to care as much. But these past few weeks have certainly made me wonder if I should go into the section for the regularisation and control of Magical Creatures."

It was Lord's Day night and Albus and his Quaker were in the Marauder 's Den, yet again, working on their preparation that was due tomorrow.

"You could put to work with my dad,"flatness announced from the couch."That 'd be weird."

"fountainhead, it 's just painful,"Amanda said."And it does n't work mother wit. Why should hob and house-elves be Beings but not wolfman ? You 're more human than a house-elf."

Matt laughed."Tomorrow night I wo n't be, and that 's what it comes down to. House-elves are n't that grave. Werewolves are."

"I do n't sleep together,"Albus began."When my dad was a s year a house-elf charmed a Bludger to separate his arm. That 's fairly dangerous."

"What about vampire ?"rosebush asked."I ought to owl Linda."

"Vampire are Beings,"mat explained."It 's because they do n't have to drink human blood to survive. It 's a pick. Werewolves, when we bite someone, it 's not a pick. We ca n't control it."

"Except with Wolfsbane,"Rose pointed out.

"Yeah, and maybe if someone invents Wolfsbane that works for all werewolves we might get reclassified,"Matt said.

"What about lamia who bite people ?"Amanda asked.

"They 're put in prison,"mat said.

"So can vampires go to school and defy jobs ?"Kaden asked.

"I suppose they could. Linda went to school. But they live forever so most do n't require to go to school or already give, because most lamia are older. As for jobs, they do n't have to secernate employers what they are, so yeah, they could."

"It 's so bloody confusing,"John said."Does n't make a bit of sense."

"It really does n't,"lusterlessness said with a yawning."But it 's life."

lusterlessness slept the relaxation of the evening and about of the adjacent day, not attending any of his classes. Albus could n't fault him, what with all the werewolf talk of the town that was going around the schooling. Albus himself found it unmanageable to concentrate on any of his classes or homework since there was the clear-cut possibility that Fenrir Calidris canutus would be captured that night.

Albus and his friends reported to the common elbow room at five, as per the curfew, and then went to dinner. Matt did n't link them. He was gone when they returned. Albus gave up on preparation for the dark and played a few half-hearted rounds of Exploding breeze with John and Kaden before deciding to go up to his dormitory early. He knew he would n't catch some Z's, but figured it would be slightly more rich than cleaning ash off his face.

Instead of sleeping, Albus sat in the windowsill and watched the sky. It was top, giving him a very good view of the stars. After locating a few configuration Albus watched the horizon and the swoon lambency that was above it. Then, the moon rose.


A/N : So, some of you may experience noticed that I screwed up concluding week 's update. I accidentally skipped chapter 25 ( full moon moonlight tone-beginning ) and went right to chapter 26 ( Spirits, Beings, and fauna ). If you have n't already done so, go back and say the literal chapter 25. The story will draw much more sense after that.

I am pleased to harbinger that I have finished this report ! It topped out at 37 chapters. I may take up updating this twice a calendar week, but have n't quite decided yet. A lot of you are asking in reviews when the next update will be, so I 'll restate that I update every Friday. The demand time will motley. Thanks for all the follow-up !