Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


On Christmas Eve the Potters went to Godric 's Hollow, like usual. It was completely dark by the prison term they Apparated to the Burrow, but there was plenty of perch streaming out of the marvelous house 's window. As they walked closer to the place, Albus could learn the bellow of laugh coming from inside.

`` Harry ! '' the door to the Burrow flew exposed and George V stood in the room access to greet them, a mug of eggnog in his deal. `` How are ya, mate ? ``

`` I 'm great, George. I see you 're already drunk, '' Harry grinned at him.

`` A drunkness only Mum 's eggnog can convey, '' George III went back into the theater and Albus and his family followed.

Albus smiled to himself as he saw the usual chaos that was Christmas Eve at his grandparents'star sign. His sea of redheaded cousins were milling around eating and laughing with each other. This was what Albus loved about Noel at the tunnel. He grabbed a couple biscuits from the nearby table and went to find rose wine. She was sitting on the flooring near the fireplace with Hugo, Victoire, and Teddy.

`` Albus ! '' she shouted over the disturbance, `` Over here ! ``

Albus pushed his way past Sakartvelo and Gabriella who were laughing at something Fred was saying. `` Hi blush wine ! What 's been going on ? ``

`` Not practically. Uncle George, Uncle Bill, and Uncle Charlie are drunk. My dad 's on his way and so is auntie Alicia. ``

`` Would n't be Yule Eve if they were n't, '' Albus laughed.

`` Gran 's been refilling the cooky platters and talking with my mum and Aunt Fleur. I think she 's about to put on Celestina Warbeck, '' Rose gestured to the nearby receiving set that Molly, Hermione, and Fleur were looking at. Fleur threw her hands up in the air and glared at Molly. `` Yup, here comes Celestina. ``

`` Mum hates her, '' Victoire shook her head, `` She 'll be heading for the eggnog now. ``

Sure enough, Fleur poured herself a large mug of eggnog as Molly settled down to listen to the wireless. She was the only one listening, though. Albus could discover bits and man of a heated Quidditch give-and-take going on between his Uncle Charlie, Uncle George VI, aunty Alicia, and Heather. Harry was making his way over to them now. It amazed Albus that his uncles and aunty could carry on a fully understandable Quidditch discourse while drunk.

`` How long are you staying, Victoire ? '' Albus asked.

`` Just until after Xmas. I 've got to get back to St. Mungo 's in a duet days. But I 've been here since yesterday when Amy left for Australia. I did n't want to be alone in the apartment, it would 've gotten awfully bore. ``

`` You would n't induce had to be alone, '' shift winked, `` And it would n't have been boring. ``

Victoire playfully slapped him. `` slip ! Do n't let Mum hear you say that. ``

`` Oh, Albus, '' rosebush began, `` Both St. John and Amanda can come to my menage on the 28th. Well, they can only come over for the day, but that should be enough time. mat 's still not sure. He said he wo n't get it on until after he gets back from Australia. ``

`` Ok. Great, we can roleplay Quidditch ! ``

`` Quidditch ? '' Victor Hugo snapped his head away from his chocolate toad frog cards, `` Can I play ? ``

`` Sure, '' Albus replied.

`` The 28th ? '' Teddy commented, `` I 'll total over, too. I do n't cause to be back at the Ministry until the 29th. I 'm up for some Quidditch. ``

`` Excellent, '' Albus grinned, `` We can get a real game going. I 'll just evidence my dad I 'm going habitation with you. '' Albus looked around the room and saw Harry in the midst of a Quidditch discussion. `` Hey, Dad ! ``

`` What is it, Al ? '' Harry got up and squeezed his way through the crowd over to Albus.

`` It 's all right if I go to Rose 's home on the 28th, right ? And remain a couple Clarence Shepard Day Jr. ? ``

`` That would be fine, '' Harry said, `` But we 're actually going to Dudley 's family for New class 's Eve, so we 'll come get you on the 31st before we leave. ``

`` We 're going to Dudley 's ? '' Albus stared at his dad.

`` Er, yeah, '' Harry gave Albus a half smile, `` Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon will be there as well .... ''

`` What ? ! ''

`` Dudley thought it would be a good idea, considering that Kaden is a wizard, '' Harry explained.

`` All right wing, '' Albus shrugged. He did n't really need to see Aunt petunia and Uncle Vernon, but he did n't really have a choice.

`` I 'm sure they 'll be ... civilized, at to the lowest degree, '' Harry gave Albus a hug before leaving to rejoin his Quidditch discussion.

`` well, at least I can come over for a few days, '' Albus said.

`` Yeah, but you 've got to go see the Dursleys, '' slip screwed up his aspect in disgust.

`` It 's definitely going to be an interest day, '' Albus replied.

`` I 'm sure it 'll be finely, '' rose wine assured him. `` Plus, Kaden will be there. ``

`` That 'll progress to it even more matter to, '' Albus grinned.

`` You know, he 'd fit right in with this lot, '' pink wine gestured to the loud and fierce Weasley family around them. `` Except without the red hair. ``

`` Hey, I have n't got red hair's-breadth ! ''

`` Neither do I, '' Victoire agreed.

`` I do, '' teddy bear laughed as he changed his hair from its usual blue to red.

`` You 're not technically a Weasley, '' blush wine commented.

`` Close sufficiency. And anyway, who knows what 'll happen in the next few years, '' Teddy winked at Victoire, who giggled. slip threw his arms around Victoire and kissed her.

`` Better not let nan see you doing that, '' Rose warned.

`` Always a stickler for the rules, huh Rosie ? '' chemise laughed and lengthened his hair until it was the sodding reproduction of Rose's.

`` Do n't do that ! '' rose wine groaned, `` And I do break normal. Just ask Albus. ``

slip shortened his fuzz again and turned to Albus. `` Really ? ``

`` She does, '' Albus confirmed, `` Quite a few meter, actually. ``

`` This I 've got to hear. ``

`` Maybe another time, '' Albus glanced at Rose. Albus had n't really decided whether or not to recount teddy about the new map. most of blush wine 's and Albus 's most recent rule breaking was done in ordering to decipher it. Albus knew he was n't going to severalise his cousins about it, but he was n't sure about Teddy and James. One part of him thought they deserved to have intercourse, considering that their father and grandfather were both marauder, but on the other hand he kind of wish keeping it a secret.

`` Aw, come on, enjoin me. ``

`` Another time, '' Rose said adamantly.

`` Oh, fine, '' shift huffed, `` But I will find out. ``

Albus spent the sleep of the evening talking and playing biz with Rose, shimmy, and Victoire. He was really enjoying the fourth dimension off from schoolhouse and getting to spend fourth dimension with his entire family at once. By the time he climbed up to the attic bedroom that he shared with James and a few of their cousins, he was tired and stuffed from all the biscuits.

******

`` James II ! Albus ! '' Albus snapped his heart open at the audio of his epithet the succeeding morning. He immediately recognized the voice as belonging to Lily. He heard her stride bounding into the room. `` Albus, James ! It 's Yule ! Wake up ! ``

`` Hi Lily, '' Albus yawned.

`` Good, you 're up ! Saint James the Apostle ! Get up ! ``

`` I 'm up, I 'm up ! '' James mumbled.

`` We 've got presents, James ! '' Lily grinned.

`` Right ! '' St. James said excitedly and Albus heard him crawling to the end of the top feed bunk to his pile of presents.

`` I 'm going to open mine ! '' Lily shouted as she ran out of the room.

After Lily 's other wake-up call, everyone in Albus 's room was up. Albus settled down to open his own pile of nowadays with the other son. The 1st few box were filled with sweetness and versatile Weasley 's wiz Wheezes product. The future was this yr 's Weasley jump shot. It had a red quaffle stitched onto the front with a navy blue blue background. `` Opened your pinny yet, Jesse James ? ``

`` Sure did, '' James replied, `` Red with a viridity dragon on it. ``

`` Mine 's blue sky with a red quaffle. ``

`` Excellent. ``

Albus opened the following few presents, which consisted of numerous books and early wear point. He also got a Broomstick Servicing Kit, which would be useful since his Firebolt 2000 had a few twigs that needed to be plucked. Albus saved the present from his parents for endure and was about to open it when St. James the Apostle gave an excited yell from the bed above.

`` Whoa ! ``

`` What is it ? '' Cedric asked and jumped off his bed. Ben followed and the two of them ran over to William James 's bed.

Albus crawled out of his bed and joined his cousin-german. `` What ? '' he asked.

James had a huge grin on his look as he held up a blank patch of parchment. `` calculate what I got. ``

Albus stared at the parchment. `` You 're kidding ! Dad gave you the predator 's Map ? ``

`` He sure did ! '' James shouted.

`` This is perfect ! '' Cedric exclaimed.

`` I ca n't believe he gave it to you, '' Ben grinned.

`` That 's great, James, '' Albus smiled, `` But why you and not me ? '' Albus could n't aid but feel a petty left hand out, even though he now had his own marauder 's Map that would potentially be better than the original. But his dad did n't have a go at it about that, so why did he contribute the Map to James ?

`` Dunno, '' Epistle of James shrugged. `` What did they get you ? ``

`` Have n't opened it yet, '' Albus picked up the bundle from his parents and shoot down off the wrapping.

What he saw made his mouth dusk open in jolt. This would excuse why St. James the Apostle got the Map ! Sitting in the middle of the torn wrapping, was the Invisibility Cloak. `` He, he gave me the Cloak, '' Albus whispered.

`` Well, that 's why you did n't get the map, '' Epistle of James replied, `` This is brilliant ! ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, pulling the cloak out of the wrapping. He laughed to himself as he thought of how he and Rose went through all that trouble of stealing it earlier in the month and now he got it for Dec 25. `` guess this is why Dad wanted the Map back. ``

King James laughed, `` We gave it back only for him to have it to me. I think we ought to parcel them. ``

`` That 's a good mind, '' Albus agreed, not mentioning that hopefully he would have his own map working soon.

`` And parcel them with us, too, '' Cedric gestured to himself and Ben.

`` Of course we will, '' James assured them. `` We just have to be sneak about it. We ca n't let all of Hogwarts know we 've got these. ``

`` I 'm going to go tell Rose, '' Albus wrapped the Cloak around himself and left the room. He had never worn the Cloak at the burrow before and he thought it was really suspect that he passed Eddie on the steps and Eddie did n't even detect him. He pushed open the doorway to the room that Rose shared with Victoire, Georgia, Gabriella, and Heather and waited for the lady friend'reactions.

ling jumped when she heard the door undefended and saw that no one was there. Victoire and Gabriella laughed and then shrugged. Rose got up from her bed and walked cautiously over to the door.

`` Boo, '' Albus pulled the Cloak off and grinned.

All five missy shrieked as they saw Albus emerge from the Cloak, then they all started laughing. `` Where did you get that ? '' Rose demanded.

`` Dad gave it to me ! ''

`` He did ? '' Victoire stared in astonishment. `` Wow, that is really bang-up. ``

`` I just ca n't think he gave you that, '' Rose grinned, `` I 'll bet James is jealous. ``

`` He got the piranha 's Map, so he 's fine. ``

`` Wow ! '' rose shouted, `` That 's unbelievable. And you can percentage them. ``

`` That 's the programme, '' Albus grinned. `` Well, I 'll see you lot downstairs. '' He wrapped the Cloak around himself once more and left the way. Albus could n't conceive that his dad had actually given him the Cloak ! He did n't believe Harry would ever give it up. The respectable piece was that he was now even more like his gramps had been at Hogwarts. Albus was even more of a marauder now that he had the Cloak.

Albus continued down the stair and into the kitchen of the Burrow. A few of his cousin-german, aunts, and uncles were already up and starting to eat breakfast. Harry and Ginny were there as well, along with Lily. His grandmother was tending to multiple cauldrons at once, while simultaneously bringing several item to the table. Albus watched them all for a few moments before pulling the Cloak off and shouting, `` glad Christmas ! ``

billhook choked on his coffee and ptyalise it across the board at St. George, who had started laughing. Harry, who had probably been expecting this, grinned and looked at Ginny, who was smiling back. Lily was staring at Albus with her lip all-inclusive undefendable. molly dropped the bowl of oatmeal she had been bringing to the table. Everyone else looked at Albus with various looks of cushion and amusement.

`` Albus ! '' Molly shrieked as she cleaned up the spilled rolled oats with a waving of her wand, `` Do n't do that ! ``

`` You gave him the Cloak ? '' George asked.

`` Yep, '' Harry replied, `` I take it you 're enjoying it, Al ? ``

`` Sure am ! '' Albus went over to where his parents were sitting and gave them each a immense hug, `` thank ! ``

`` You 're receive, '' Harry smiled, `` I figured you should be able to enjoy it while you 're at Hogwarts, like I did. Although I expect you to use it more responsibly than I did. ``

`` I 'll try, '' Albus said, mentation of when he snuck down to the Whomping willow with it only two hebdomad ago. `` James and I are going to share it. Same with the Map. ``

`` Wait, you gave him the Marauder 's Map, too ? '' George VI stared at Harry.

`` No, James got that. ``

`` I did n't conceive you 'd ever give that away, '' George laughed.

`` well, I can wander the castle whenever I want and it wo n't matter who 's around, '' Harry explained, `` The boys ca n't. Plus, I did n't want to traverse them the fun of it. ``

`` Are you sure that 's safe, Harry ? '' Molly asked anxiously.

`` The castle is perfectly safety, even at night. I 'm not saying I approve of you wandering around at Nox, '' Harry gave Albus a tail end gaze, `` But there are more enchantment than ever protecting it. ``

`` That wo n't protect them from maven already in the castle ! '' Molly commented, `` call up that Willinson kid finally year ? ``

`` How could I block ? Sometimes, you just have to take peril in Holy Order to live a little. I trust the boys enough to know they wo n't go wandering around late at Nox very often. And if you see anything suspicious on the Map, '' Harry turned to Albus, `` recount me about it right away. ``

Albus nodded. `` certainly. '' He took a nates at the board, with the Cloak on his lap, just as James ran into the room holding the Map in his hands.

`` Thanks, Dad ! '' James River shouted, `` This is brilliant ! ``

`` I 'll state you what I told Al. Do n't use that to break dance too many pattern and if you see anything abnormal on it, tell me right away. ``

`` hi, Weasleys ! '' teddy bear strolled into the room, his hair half green and one-half red. He sat down next to Albus and pulled a platter of orchis towards him. `` Happy Christmastime. ``

`` I know your hair's-breadth is Yuletide slanted, but those two vividness just should n't be paired together, '' King James I shuddered as he noticed shimmy 's hair. `` I mean, Gryffindor and Slytherin at the Same time ? ``

`` It 's festive, '' Teddy grinned. `` You want me to captivate yours to be red and Green, too ? Just learned some excellent charms for that kind of thing in training. Not that I 'll call for them. ``

`` No thanks, '' St. James had a look of disgust on his face. `` I 'll keep the plain red. ``

`` Is that ... '' Teddy looked at the parchment James was holding, `` The Marauder 's Map ? ``

`` Oh, yeah ! Sure is ! '' James handed it to chemise, `` Got it for Christmas ! ``

`` That 's corking ! '' Teddy grinned. `` What did you get Albus ? Do n't guess Harry could top that. ``

`` I got the Cloak. ``

shift turned to Albus, `` Really ? That 's large, too ! Wish I had an Invisibility Cloak. ``

`` But you can disgorge those disillusion good luck charm, '' Albus pointed out.

`` Not nearly as fun as that Cloak, though, '' chemise commented.

`` Oh, boys, '' Harry began, `` You 're going to stimulate to portion those with Lily once she gets to Hogwarts. ``

`` Aw, come on, '' Epistle of James groaned.

`` If you do n't I 'll just steal them, '' Lily smirked, `` And hide them in my dormitory, which you two wo n't be able to get into. ``

`` She 's got a point, '' Ginny grinned.

`` We 'll parcel, '' Albus assured them. He would n't mind sharing with Lily, just as long as she kept the Cloak secret. The go thing they needed was the total palace knowing about it.

`` good, '' Harry smiled, `` Now who 's up for a little winter Quidditch ? ``

`` Me ! '' Albus, James, teddy, and mostly everyone else shouted at the same time.

******

Albus spent most of the day playing Quidditch outside with his kinsperson. Eventually they all had to amount in because they were too cold to wreak any longer. Plus, it started snowing pretty hard and nobody wanted to recede the Snitch. Albus spent the ease of the day with pink wine and reading a few of his new books. The Cloak was passed around between his first cousin, and most of them were amazed Harry had given it to him, and a little jealous as well. James passed the Map around and everyone had fun watching the few window pane that were left in the castle.

Christmas dinner came and went in its usual chaotic State Department. It was tacky and funny and Albus enjoyed every minute of it. He went to bed sense very full-of-the-moon and very contentedness. The future day Albus 's aunt, uncles, and cousins all started to leave. Albus and rose 's families stayed for a twain more than day, but they soon had to go forth so Albus 's grandparents could go on holiday for New Year 's. Albus was actually excited to allow for because he would be going to Rose 's business firm and hopefully getting the hart print.

Albus landed in blush wine 's animation way after Flooing from the tunnel. His Uncle Ron, rosiness, and Hugo had already arrived and his aunty Hermione was rightfield behind him. There was an owl waiting side by side to the windowpane and Hermione ran over to let it in.

`` That 's Matt 's owl, '' Albus announced as he and rosiness went over to retrieve the letter. Albus opened the envelope and scanned the letter, `` He can do, but only for tomorrow. We 're supposed to match him at the Leaky caldron at eleven. ``

`` Sure, '' Hermione smiled, `` Tell him that will puzzle out. ``

Albus found a quill and quickly scribbled a response on the back of the varsity letter and sent it off with the owl. He and rose wine ran up the stairs and into rose 's room to spill about programme for getting the print.

`` I hope you 've got some estimate, '' Albus said as he shut Rose 's door.

`` Of line I do, '' Rose grinned. `` We 'll narrate my parents that we 're going to go exploring in the forest and we 'll face for a hart while we 're in there. Once we find one, we 'll all try and stun it- ''

`` What about the underage trick laws ? '' Albus definitely did n't need somebody from the Ministry showing up shortly after they stunned a stag. The last matter he wanted to do was explain why he had done it.

rose laughed, `` Have n't you figured it out yet ? They ca n't say who 's done the magic, only that conjuring trick 's been done. The Ministry has no way to secernate if it was us or my parents who performed the magic. ``

Albus had n't thought of that. All last summertime he could have done magic and the Ministry would n't possess found out. `` Really ? ``

`` Yes, really. The Ministry just relies on parents to not let their kids use magic out of doors schooling. So I would n't propose doing it a lot. I 'm certain we 'd get in big trouble with our parents. I would n't even be suggesting we do this if there was another way to get the print. ``

Albus nodded. He did n't really desire to infract the law either, but what could they do ? There was no way to get a betray photographic print if the hart was n't stunned. `` I just hope we actually find one tomorrow. ``

`` Me, too. But we do give a couple on days. You 'll be here until the 31st, so that 's four 24-hour interval to get it. ``

`` Yeah, but John the Divine and matt want to help, too. ``

`` I know and we 'll try. Hey, I 'll bet Amanda 's gotten the dog print by now ! ``

`` Oh, yeah ! '' Albus said excitedly, `` So we 're pretty much halfway there. ``

`` Yup, '' Rose grinned.

`` Now we 've just got to find the magical spell to keep back Kaden calm down, '' Albus replied.

`` You 're going to tell him everything after I find that charm ? '' Rose asked.

`` I think so. I mean, as long as the appealingness works he ca n't narrate anyone about it. It 's obvious now that he 's Wormtail, although I 'm sure he 'll be a easily one. But it 's up to lustrelessness whether he wants to recount Kaden he 's a werewolf. ``

`` Is n't it form of requisite for this ? ``

`` Probably, but I ca n't exactly differentiate Kaden that. ``

`` Yeah, you definitely ca n't, '' Rose agreed.

`` Let 's just try and get the hart print first, '' Albus suggested, `` Then we 'll figure out the Kaden matter. ``


A/N : J.K. Rowling did Department of State in an audience that Harry was n't going to give the map and the cloak to James & Al, but it fits the plot so I 'm just ignoring that for this series. Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight. Thanks as well to sinwillys822, Denas, Miguel, Johanne, Luke, Slytherinlover, wolverine83, Moonylupin, XDNLxtlz99, maraudersfan a w, and Jen for the reviews !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Albus, blush wine, and Hermione went to the Leaky cauldron the next day to meet flatness and Amanda, who was also being dropped off there. lavatory had arrived earlier by Floo and went with them as well. When they got there, both Matt and Amanda were already there.

`` Hi ! '' Albus greeted them as he stepped out of the Floo.

`` Hi Albus, '' mat grinned, `` How was your Christmas ? ''

`` It was brilliant, '' Albus replied, `` waiting till you see what I got. ``

`` What ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Ca n't establish you here, '' Albus whispered. `` I 'll show you when we get back. ``

`` Let 's go now, '' Matt said impatiently.

`` You kids go ahead, '' Hermione told them, `` I 've got a bit of shopping to do. ``

Albus bade good-bye to his aunty and turned back to the Floo. Within seconds he was back in Rose 's live room. A few minutes later all his protagonist were back as well.

flatness and Amanda stared around the room. `` Nice firm, '' Amanda smiled.

`` Yeah, '' Matt agreed, `` variety of looks like mine. ``

`` Thanks, '' Rose replied.

`` So, Albus, what did you get for Christmastime ? '' Matt asked.

`` This, '' Albus pulled the invisibleness Cloak out of his cloak pocket. He had been carrying it around with him ever since Christmas.

Matt let out a pant. `` Whoa ! You really got the Cloak ? That 's completely amazing ! ``

`` I love that cloak, '' Amanda grinned.

`` And to believe we stole it just a few workweek ago, '' john snorted.

`` Shush ! '' Albus hissed, `` Uncle Ron and Hugo are here. ``

`` Oh, sorry. ``

`` But this is n't all, '' Albus continued, `` King James got the predator 's Map. ``

`` He did n't ! '' John shouted.

`` He did. ``

`` You two are so prosperous, '' Matt replied.

`` But we 'll have our own Map soon anyway, '' Amanda pointed out as she dug around in the bag she brought. She produced a crumpled patch of sheepskin with a paw print on it that was slightly belittled than the wolfman print.

`` You got it ! '' Albus took it from her. `` We 're halfway there now. ``

`` I hope it 'll work. Isaac Newton would n't stay still and the parchment is sort of wrinkled. ``

`` I 'm sure it will work, '' Albus said.

`` Good matter we did n't have the print go directly on the map, '' matte replied.

`` So today we get the stag print, '' Albus announced. `` Right after tiffin. ''

Everyone agreed and headed into the kitchen to scrounge up some food. Ron had already created an enormous sandwich and was eating it when Albus and the others walked in. They all liked the idea of making gargantuan sandwiches and were soon eating alongside Ron. Albus thought St. John 's sandwich looked disgusting because it was piled high with dud, pickles, and peanut butter. Rose shuddered as she saw him sting into it, but he thought it tasted delicious.

`` I ca n't believe you ate that entire thing, '' Rose screwed up her expression in disgust after John ate the last pungency of his lunch.

`` It was goodness, '' he shrugged.

`` Hey, Uncle Ron, '' Albus began, `` We 're going to go explore the forest. ``

`` All right. Have fun. But try and be back by three. shimmy 's coming over and so are James and your dad. We 're all going to fiddle Quidditch. ``

`` Sure, we 'll be back by then, '' Albus was excited about playing Quidditch. It was always better when teddy bear was there.

Once they were all done with lunch, Rose and Albus led the way outside and over to the forest. The woodland was situated side by side to the great open field that was succeeding to the family. Albus and pink wine went exploring in it quite a bit and knew their way around it well. The group crunched across the snowfall laden field until they came to the forest 's edge. Rose found the path they usually took and lead the chemical group down it. `` hold on your middle pealed for a stag, '' she told everyone.

`` This reminds me of the forest near my old household in Australia, '' Matt commented after a few minutes of walking.

`` How was Commonwealth of Australia this year ? '' Albus asked, remembering that his booster just returned to Britain the previous day.

`` It was all right. No different than usual. It was boring of course, and my grandmother kept telling us how we should visit more often. ``

`` You 're not going to, are you ? '' John asked.

`` Do n't recall so. Mum and Dad do n't really want to. Plus they want to go visit my Uncle Jack in New York this summertime. ``

`` That would be fun, '' Amanda replied.

`` Yeah, I hope we get to go. ``

The group continued walking into the forest until blush wine announced that it would be well if they sat completely still and waited for a hart to walk by. She said their social movement would daunt the creatures away. Albus sat down in the snow behind a shrub with his acquaintance and watched and listened for animal. After a half hour of waiting, Albus was bored. How long was it going to take for a stag to crossbreed their path ? He would much rather just walk around to encounter one. Rose seemed perfectly content to sit still, as did Matt. bathroom had made a large pile of snow balls, along with a Snow wizard. Amanda was busy creating a snow witch to go along with his wizard.

`` I 'm tire, '' Saint John sighed as he made yet another blow orb. `` How long is this going to take ? ``

`` I do n't know, '' rosebush shrugged, `` We do n't see stags that often in here, so it might be a while. ``

Albus glanced at his ticker, `` Well it 's just after two, so if we do n't determine one soon, we 'll have to go back. '' He stared into the forest and willed a stag to come. Albus was getting frustrated by this head. They needed that grass mark for the map ! There was no place else to find one. What if they could n't find a stag before the end of the holiday ? They would deliver to waitress until the summer to research again. Albus could n't wait that farsighted. He wanted the map now.

`` postponement, '' Matt stood up and turned around, `` I think I hear something over there. '' He pointed to a cluster of bushes a couple metre away.

`` I do n't hear it, '' can replied.

`` Shush ! '' Matt whispered, `` You know I can see affair you ca n't. ``

mat started slowly making his way towards the clump of pubic hair. Albus and the others followed behind, nobody saying a word. `` scepter cook, '' mat whispered.

Albus pulled out his wand and pointed it towards the bushes, his mind racing with excitement as he went. This was it ! They were going to get the grass print ! piece of Albus 's mind knew that this was n't necessarily a hart, but he did n't pay attention to that. What else could it be ? almost of the animate being in the wood were too small to be rustling the Dubya this much. As Albus got closer to it, he could distinctly get a line the footmark of the animal, and they were much too loud to be a rabbit or a squirrel. There were n't many tumid animals in the woodland, stag being some of the few. It could be a doe, but Albus hoped it wasn't.

The grouping was now only a couple feet away from the pubic hair. Everyone had their wand pointed at them, waiting for the creature to pretend its appearance. The moment Albus saw the leaf part, he shouted, `` Stupefy ! ``

`` Stupefy ! '' blush wine, bathroom, flatness, and Amanda all shouted at once.

Whatever was in the bushes jumped to the position and missed all five arresting spells. `` Whoa ! What the bloody hell do you lot think you 're doing ! ''

It was Teddy. The noise flatness had heard in the President Bush was chemise. Albus lowered his wand and sighed. So much for finding a stag. Now that Teddy was with them, they would no longer be able to look. Albus turned to his friends and saw them all put their baton away.

chemise fully emerged from the Vannevar Bush and walked over to where Albus was with a bewildered look on his face. `` Do I even want to know what you 're up to ? ``

`` Er, '' Albus began, trying to recollect up an excuse fast.

`` We 're just taking a manner of walking in the forest and you scared us ! '' Rose announced, `` Sneaking up on us like that, what did you think we 'd do ? ``

`` Shriek, maybe ? '' shimmy gave them a awry smiling, `` But not attack me. ``

`` So you were trying to scare us ? '' Rose said exasperatingly

`` A bit, yeah, '' Teddy laughed. `` Worked, did n't it ? ``

`` I 'll say, '' Rose muttered. Albus listened to the two of them but did n't add anything. He was forever grateful that his cousin was a better prevaricator than he was.

`` It 's kind of cold to be going for a hike, '' teddy commented, `` But Ron said you were here, so I figured I 'd see if I could discover you. '' He eyed John 's pile of snowballs and grinned, `` Planning on having a snow ball fight ? ``

Teddy did n't wait for an reply and picked up a few of John 's sweet sand verbena. He threw one at Albus and the other at blush wine.

`` Watch it ! '' Albus shouted as the snowball made contact with his face. He spat out the snow and deform down to make his own snow ball. He aimed it at teddy bear but teddy jumped out of the way and it hit lusterlessness instead.

`` Hey ! '' lustrelessness shouted as he picked up one of John the Divine 's Abronia elliptica and threw it at Albus. It landed square on Albus 's chest.

A few moments later, a huge snowball combat broke out. It was every man for himself for a while and Albus was getting pummeled by Teddy 's snowballs. He tried to get Teddy back, but teddy was too promptly for him. Instead, Albus decided to concentrate on Matt, who was trying to get Albus back for the sweet sand verbena that had hit him instead of shift. Rose eventually joined Albus in his attempt to get Matt, while Amanda evened out the odds by joining Matt 's side. John, who seemed to be the only one with enough skill to hit slip, was having a one-on-one fight with the blue haired boy and was actually doing well.

The six of them were completely soaked by the clock time the engagement ended. Matt and Amanda surrendered to Rose and Albus after the first cousin decided to produce about 20 snowball and lob them constantly at their two friends. Saint John the Apostle surrendered to Teddy a few bit later, once Teddy decided to trance a agglomerate of Charles Percy Snow to call on itself into snowball, resulting in a never-ending supply of ammunition for slip. John did n't know that spell and was stuck hand making his snow orb while Teddy continuously sent snowballs at him.

`` Who 's up for Quidditch ? '' slip asked as they were walking back through the timber to Rose 's house.

`` M-maybe after I d-dry off, '' Albus shivered. The C. P. Snow had completely penetrated his cloak and was now freezing it into an icicle. His friends nodded in agreement.

`` strait unspoilt, '' shift replied, `` Harry and James should be at the house by now.

A little while later, Albus found himself back at rose 's household, where everyone was waiting for the Quidditch catch to originate. Albus, along with his friends, ran upstairs to dry off and modify quickly.

`` Ready ? '' Teddy jumped up from the death chair he was sitting on once Albus and his champion descended the stairs. `` Who has n't got a broom with them ? ``

`` Me, '' Amanda said. She was the only one. lavatory and matt, who both had brooms, had brought them knowing they would make for Quidditch.

`` We 've got spare, '' Ron announced, holding a pair Calluna vulgaris in his hand.

Once everyone had a broom to use, Teddy started to take charge of creating teams. `` All right. Let 's see, we 've got Me, Harry, Ron, James, Albus, John, Matt, Amanda, Victor-Marie Hugo, and Rose, are you playing ? ``

`` Sure, why not ? '' Rose shrugged.

`` commodity, then we 've got ten actor. That 's five per squad. So each team will have a seeker, a beater, a steward, and two chasers, that 'll work. I 'll be one of the seeker, '' he turned to Harry and James IV, `` Which one of you will be the other ? ``

`` You can, James, '' Harry offered, `` I 'll do whatever is needed. ``

After a few transactions of organizing, the two teams were created. Albus 's team consisted of Teddy as Seeker, Ron as Keeper, Hugo as the simply Beater, and lustrelessness and himself as the two pursuer. On the other squad, James was Seeker, Amanda was keeper, John was the Beater, and rosebush and Harry as Chasers.

The two teams trooped outside into the cold winter day. It was just starting to snow a slight, but Albus did n't mind. He would restrain warm while he was playing anyway. Harry and Ron conjured end hoops and everyone flew into the air. Hermione released the balls ( only one Bludger, since there were only two beaters ) and threw the Quaffle into the air, then conjured herself a president to watch.

The match was nothing like the ones at Hogwarts. It was much Thomas More informal, and in a way, Albus enjoyed it more. There was only friendly competition between the two teams and no one got angry when somebody dropped the Quaffle, which happened a lot. The two teams were pretty evenly matched in terms of Chasing accomplishment. Albus, who was the only real pursuer on either team, was easily the best. Harry was a decent Chaser, but it was well-defined that Seeking was his tangible attainment. Rose was absolutely dreadful and was the first to admit it. She was n't a big fan of flying in the number 1 berth and did n't like to take her hands off her heather in order to catch and throw the Quaffle. matte was full than Rose, but dropped the Quaffle legion meter. Albus and Matt scored more tip than Harry and pink wine did.

Ron, of course, was a very commodity steward and Amanda was as well. Albus was kind of surprised at this, because she never really played Quidditch before. Maybe she could try out for the Gryffindor squad once Georgia left. John was an pose Beater and Albus already knew that he 'd be trying out for the team after Bradley and Ryan left. Victor Hugo was also a very salutary Beater and it was obvious he had received all the Quidditch genes in his kinfolk. Then, of path, there were the searcher. Both Teddy and Jesse James were amazing Seekers and by far the two respectable histrion on either team.

After about an hour of playing, during which Albus was sure as shooting both shimmy and Saint James the Apostle had seen the Snitch but ignored it in order to haul the game on farsighted, both Seekers flew directly up into the air. Everyone stopped what they were doing to ascertain. A few minute later, they both came flying back down and Epistle of James had the Snitch clutched in his hand.

`` I got it ! '' he shouted.

`` That puts your team ahead, '' Hermione announced, `` You won 270 to 210. ``

`` Yes ! '' James exclaimed, landing on the earth. Albus and the eternal rest of the players landed after him and congratulated him and his team for winning. `` Ha ! I beat you at Quidditch, teddy ! '' King James gloated.

`` Yeah, yeah, honest job, '' shimmy sighed, `` Knew I should n't have trained you that well. ``

`` You 'll be saying otherwise when we win the Cup this year ! '' James grinned, `` We already beat Slytherin. ``

`` I know, I was there, '' Teddy laughed, `` Anyway, I 'm just joking. ``

Despite the fact that his team did n't win, Albus was happy. He loved playing Quidditch with his family, even more than playing on his sign of the zodiac team. It was even better with his Friend there, too. He walked back into the household with his friends and family, cold but very depicted object. Hermione had made a plate of sandwiches for them, which everyone ate enthusiastically once they had dried off.

After all the food had been eaten, John Flooed back to his sign and Albus, rose wine, and Hermione went with Matt and Amanda back to the Leaky cauldron to converge their families. It had been a myopic visit, but a fun one nonetheless. Albus only wished that they had managed to get the stag print. He and blush wine were planning on trying again the next day, and the next if it was essential. They had three to a greater extent twenty-four hours to do it and Albus was determined to succeed.

******

Albus and rose wine spent as practically clip as they could in the afforest looking for stags the next day. When they were n't in the wood, they spent their time in the library in rose wine 's house, looking for a charm to celebrate Kaden quiet.

`` There 's books in here that are n't in the schooltime library, '' rose announced as they walked into the room after a particularly dusty sashay in the forest.

`` I 'm still not sure we should take a break from looking for a stag, '' Albus replied.

`` It 's too cold out there now. Plus there 's a storm coming and it wo n't do us any trade good if we get lost out there. '' rose wine went over to a script ledge and Albus followed. He had been in this elbow room plenty of prison term before, just never to search for a specific charm.

`` How are we supposed to retrieve one appealingness hidden in all these books ? '' Albus sighed, `` We do n't even know what it 's called. ``

`` That 's what this is for, '' rose wine slammed a heavy book down on the tabular array closest to the shelf she pulled it off of.

Albus looked at the Bible, `` An Encyclopedia of spell by Filius Flitwick. That 's who Mum and Dad had for Charms, is n't it ? ``

`` Yes, '' rose confirmed as she opened the cover, `` It 's a rather ingenious idea, really. All I 've got to do is take my wand, pointedness it at the Scripture, and say'I need a charm to keep someone quiet'and it will flip to the correctly Thomas Nelson Page. ``

`` That would certainly speed affair along, '' Albus replied. `` Try it. ``

`` All right, '' Rose pointed her wand at the book, `` I need a charm to continue someone restrained. '' The book 's Page immediately started turning until they stopped about a twenty-five percent of the way into the Word. originate peered at it and then shook her forefront. `` Nope, that 's not it. This one 's just a silencing charm. ``

`` Maybe you 've got to be more particular, '' Albus suggested.

Rose nodded. `` I need a charm to prevent someone from talking about something. '' The pageboy started turning again and stopped a few secondment later. Rose sighed after she read the description. `` This one charms a person 's oral fissure shut. ``

Albus laughed, `` Well that would definitely continue Kaden from talking about the map ! ``

`` citizenry might notice, though, '' Rose smirked, `` Although it does take in it 's advantages. I 'll try something else. ``

`` I think you 'd better distinguish the book exactly what we need the charm to do. recite it that Kaden has to not talk about a specific thing. ``

`` good idea, '' Rose poised her sceptre above the rule book, `` I need to preserve Kaden Durlsey from revealing mystery about flatness Eckerton and about a map. He must only be able to talk about these secrets with five other people and not mention them to anyone else. He should be able to converse normally about early theme. ``

`` That ought to be specific enough. '' Albus watched as the leger hesitated for a few moments and then turn its pageboy to one of the hold up ace. Both rosebush and Albus leaned over the Quran while Rose read aloud.

`` 'The Sileo Altus Charm is the most coordination compound and intricate of the silencing charms. This charm has the ability to sustain a someone from revealing one specific patch of information to others, unlike other silencing charms which prevent a person from speaking at all. The magic spell also has the power to involve others, which will ensue in the person the good luck charm is cast on to be capable to converse about the secret with those specific people. When done correctly, this charm will last forever or until the retort magical spell is performed. The Sileo Altus Charm keeps a individual 's secret safe much like the Fidelius good luck charm keeps a soul 's localisation closed book and is said to be just as safety .'

`` Then there 's a whole clustering of turn that are required, '' Rose scanned the oddment of the entry. `` There 's a spell that has to be performed on each somebody who is involved, one on Kaden, one on the secret-keeper- ''

`` There 's a secret keeper ? '' Albus asked.

`` Yeah, I guess so. Then there 's the overall charm, '' Rose continued, `` It sounds complicated. But I 'm up for it. This does n't really tell me how to do it, though. There 's just a list of spells. ``

Albus glanced at the ledger entry, `` Oh, it says there 's More information in spell of Protection by Natalia Journo. ``

`` You 're right, I had n't noticed that, '' rose leaned over the Word of God again and read the title of the recommended Scripture. `` I think we might actually have that one. '' Rose jumped up from her seat and ran across the room. Albus sat back and watched her. He had no idea how she could possibly recognise if she had that book or not. The entire way was filled with shelf and shelves of books. Albus would n't even hump where to search to find the Word they needed.

Rose returned a few moment later with a record in her blazonry and a grin on her face. `` We do have it ! This was easier than I thought it would be. ``

`` I think doing the actual charm is going to off-set the repose of finding it, '' Albus pointed out.

Rose shrugged, `` I think I can work out it out within a few calendar week. '' She sat back down and opened the book.

Albus watched as his cousin flipped through the pages of the Good Book until she found the charm they were looking for. He was very well-chosen that Rose was so eager to ascertain new magical spell. It certainly helped that she was good at it, too. Albus had made a lot of progress in charms ever since Professor Cedonia arrived, but he was still intermediate. rose was easily the best in their form. That and her forwardness to determine would certainly help if she was going to surmount this charm.

Rose read in silence for a few minutes and then turned to Albus. `` All right. This explains it pretty well. First, of course, we 've got to tell Kaden the arcanum. Then we 've got to clean the cloak-and-dagger keeper. I 'm thinking that I 'll let to be the secret steward since the mystical keeper is the one to perform the spell. ``

Albus nodded, `` I 'm delicately with that. We 've just got to nominate sure Matt is. What does the undercover keeper do ? ``

`` Just perform the charms. And the closed book steward is the merely one who can perform the buffet appealingness on Kaden. Normally the secret keeper would be the exclusively one the person could talk about the secret with as well. But we 'll use another charm to assure that Kaden can spill the beans about the enigma with you, St. John the Apostle, flatness, and Amanda as well. ``

`` That sounds dependable, '' Albus replied. `` What else ? ``

`` fountainhead, the cloak-and-dagger keeper performs a spell on themselves, which turns them into the undercover keeper. Then they perform a charm on Kaden. Then Kaden will recite the secret in detail. After that, the privy custodian performs another magical spell on Kaden. Then magic spell are performed on the remainder of the people involved. Then a net sealing charm on everyone, including Kaden and the secret keeper, and it 's done. ``

The melodic theme of all those different spells made Albus 's brain hurt. `` Wow, that 's a lot of charms. We 've never done one that are a combination of multiple charms. ``

`` The transfer charm is one of those, but it only uses two. This one is five. ``

`` What 's the counter appeal involve ? '' Albus asked, thinking that maybe there would be a time when Kaden would ripen and they would n't hold to trust on magic to retain him from spilling secrets to Malfoy.

`` Erm, it seems pretty much like the actual good luck charm, '' rosiness looked back at the Quran, `` You pretty much go backwards, using different charms. ``

`` Makes sentience. ``

`` I 'll start practicing as soon as we 're back at school, '' rosebush shut the book and got up. `` I 'll play the book. Mum 'll never know, she 's got way too many to hold back track of. ``

`` All rightfulness, '' Albus got up and followed her to the door, `` Now we 've just got to find that stag. ``

`` It 's going to have to wait until tomorrow, Albus, '' Rose pointed to the window. It was whiteness with swirling snow and the confidential information was howling. `` Mum and Dad 'll never let us out in that. ``

******

Albus was getting quite fed up with the hart search by the fourth dimension late afternoon arrived the next day. He and Rose spent the integral break of the day in the timber, taking a breakage for luncheon, and then returning in the afternoon. Albus looked at his ticker and saw that they would have to be starting to return to the family soon. `` We 're never going to get a stag ! '' he groaned.

rose wine, who had brought the magical spell book they had found the late day, looked up. `` You 've just got to be affected role. I told you one wo n't come if we 're noisy. ``

`` We 've been quiet for the preceding two hours, '' Albus said flatly.

`` You 're not being quiet now, '' rose wine whispered and returned to her book.

Albus sighed and stared out into the forest. So far Albus had seen no LE than ten rabbits and four owl, but no hart. He was getting very cold seance in the snow and his cloak had long since soaked through. Albus was determined, however, and refused to go back to Rose 's house until they found a stag.

It had seemed so simple at first off, to stun a hart in the forest and get its step. This was not supposed to be the hardest mark to get. Looking back, even the werewolf one seemed easier. sure, they got locked out of Hogwarts, but they never got in worry for it. The dog print had been the easiest, since Amanda had a dog. The rat would be prosperous, too, once can managed to catch one.

Albus pulled out his wand and started to jab at the pull the wool over someone's eyes wizard he had constructed earlier. The wand melted holes into the snow virtuoso until it started to resemble a piece of snow Swiss people tall mallow. Albus was just beginning to do the like to the coke hippogriff that had been formed after the wizard when Rose poked him and hissed, `` Albus, look ! ``

Albus raised his head and looked in the focus Rose was pointing. Directly in front of them was a olympian looking doe, standing completely still and staring just to the left of where the two full cousin were sitting. `` It 's just a doe, '' Albus whispered back, `` It wo n't work. ``

`` I know, but there 's usually a hart around when there 's a doe. ``

Albus sat completely still with his wand facing towards the doe. Rose did the Sami and the two of them did n't move for a good five minutes. The doe inched slowly ahead, walking to the left of Albus and Rose. Then Albus heard a rustling behind the doe and excitement washed over him as he saw a huge stag appear from behind a cluster of tree. `` This is it, '' he whispered to Rose. She nodded but did n't say anything. The stag walked towards the doe, who had turned around to face at her mate. `` On the count of three. One ... two ... three. Stupefy ! '' Albus shouted.

`` Stupefy ! '' Rose shouted at the Saame time.

The doe shot off like a arugula as soon as the full cousin shouted the spell. The stag started to follow but was hit by Albus 's knockout. rosiness 's turn hit a nearby tree and burned a low maw into the bark.

`` Excellent shot, Albus ! '' rosiness grinned at him as they ran towards the stag.

`` Thanks. ``

`` Let 's hurriedness. We wo n't have much time before he wakes up, '' blush wine reached into her robes and pulled out a firearm of parchment, a nursing bottle of ink, and a paint brush.

The hart was even self-aggrandizing up close. Its eyes darted around nervously as rose wine painted the ink onto its face hoof. Albus quickly pressed the parchment onto the hoof and pulled it away. A perfect hoof mark appeared on the parchment. `` This one 's good, '' Albus showed it to Rose.

`` Good, '' she put the plug on her ink and stowed both it and the brush back in her cloak, `` Now let 's go. He wo n't be happy when he wakes up. ``

Albus did n't need telling twice. He blew onto the parchment a few clock time to dry the ink and then put it in his cloak. The two cousin ran through the trees and back to the planetary house. It only took them a few bit as they were n't very far. Albus was thrilled that they had actually managed to get the print. The only mark left was the rat one and then they would be able to try out the map.


A/N : extra long chapter and an betimes update ! Just to let everyone love, I 'll be away at a Harry potter convention from tomorrow ( hence the early update ) until Lord's Day and although I 'll throw my laptop with me, I might not deliver a hazard to respond to your critical review. I 'll get to them afterwards, though.

Thanks to my genus Beta, Dancer of Starlight. Thanks as well to Denas, XDNLxtlz99, Saint Luke, sinwillys822, Slytherinlover, maraudersfan a w, Miguel, Moonylupin, and drownzer for the reveiws !


isclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter, Barbie, or Wii.


Albus 's family came to nibble him up from rosiness 's star sign the succeeding afternoon. They were all dressed in Muggle wear, although Harry looked a footling uncomfortable in his Muggle suit. Probably due to the tie, Albus thought. He could never understand why Muggles wore those.

`` Ready, Al ? '' Harry asked after a few minute of visiting with rose 's family.

`` Yeah, '' Albus replied. He had to let in that he was a bit queasy about this dinner, but there was zero he could do about it now. `` See you at school, rosiness. ``

`` Bye, '' rosiness smiled.

The rest of the Potters and Weasleys said so long to each former and then Albus disapparated with his family. They appeared in a dour back street near a deserted street. Harry motioned for them to follow him and the folk started down the street. They made a few more turns until they came upon a neighborhood of average size houses. The houses all looked different, but seemed to be well cared for. It was a very quiet neck of the woods with few mass out and about. There were a couple multitude outside shoveling the newly fallen snow off their driveways, but none of them seemed to notice Albus and his family.

Eventually, Harry led them up a driveway towards a white-haired house Albus recognized as Kaden 's. Before they could even reach the door, it was thrown open and Kaden came running out. `` Albus ! '' he shouted.

`` Hi, Kaden, '' Albus greeted him. `` How are you ? ``

`` Great ! '' Kaden grinned, `` I ca n't tell you how a lot I 've missed school day. It seems so boring here compared to school. ``

`` I have n't missed it. I like being on holiday, '' Albus said.

`` Yeah, but it 's so boring without, '' Kaden whispered in Albus 's ear, `` Magic. ``

Albus stifled a laughter and followed Kaden into the house. Kaden led them to the living way, where Dudley was fidgeting with his tie. Christina was setting out bowls of grapes and nut case and Bethany was helping.

`` Get anything near for Christmas ? '' Kaden asked Albus once they sat down on the couch. `` I got a few new games for my Wii, a new football, a skateboard, and a bunch of clothes. ``

`` What 's a Wii ? '' Albus asked.

`` video recording game system of rules, '' Kaden explained, `` It 's really fun. I 'll show you sometime. ``

`` Oh, '' Albus nodded, `` I got some clothes, books, a cargo of dessert, stuff from my Uncle George 's shop, and my dad 's Invisibility Cloak. ``

Kaden 's back talk fell open, `` He gave it to you ? ! ``

`` Yup, '' Albus grinned. He had told Kaden about the Cloak a piece ago, although Kaden had never seen it. He pulled it out of his bag and handed it to Kaden.

`` Whoa, that 's brilliant ! '' Kaden threw the cloak around himself, `` count, I 'm invisible ! ``

All the adults looked over at him. `` Albus, you 'd break put that away before Uncle Vernon and aunty genus Petunia get here, '' Harry warned. Albus nodded and took the cloak back from Kaden. He knew Uncle Vernon would be less than enthusiastic about any sort of magic object.

`` Er, speaking of my parents, '' Dudley shifted uncomfortably, `` They do n't, well, they are n't mindful that you 're, er, here tonight. ``

Albus watched as his parents looked at each other and then back at Dudley. `` What do you mean, Dudley ? '' Harry asked nervously.

`` I knew they would n't come if they knew you were here, so I did n't recount them, '' Dudley confessed.

Harry groaned, `` Dudley ... You know this could go horribly wrong. ``

`` Well, I was form of hoping you would all make up, '' Dudley mumbled.

Harry shook his head and looked back at Ginny, who looked worried. Then the doorbell rang and Harry turned to Dudley. Dudley gave him a small grin and turned to get the door.

Albus gulped and looked at King James I. Albus could only ever think seeing his Uncle Vernon once. Albus was only five or six at the time and the only affair he remembered was Vernon asking Harry if Albus was'a freak like you are'. Albus had no desire to ever see the man again, and now he had to spend the evening with him.

The voices of Dudley greeting his parents started to go louder as they came into the living room. Albus got up from the lounge and stood adjacent to James II, who was hiding behind Harry. Vernon and genus Petunia followed Dudley into the room and their faces visibly paled as they saw the Potters.

`` Wha-wha, Dudley ? '' Vernon gaped at Harry and then looked at his son.

Albus watched as pandemonium broke out amongst the adults. Vernon 's facial expression turned several nicety of red and majestic as he tried to savvy what was happening. Petunia clung to her married man with a mix look of disapproval and fear on her face.

`` Vernon, Vernon ! Did you know they would be here ? '' Petunia asked shrilly.

Once Vernon regained his power to mouth coherently, he started yelling at Harry, who yelled back.

`` You ! '' Vernon pointed at Harry, `` Why are you here, boy ? ``

Christina stood near the entrance to the kitchen, looking uncomfortable. Bethany clung to her leg and hid her face, clearly afraid of her granddad 's cheering. Albus, James, Lily, and Kaden glanced around at the grownup, paying rapt care to the blossom forth argument, but not saying a intelligence. Ginny pursed her rim and watched her husband with a disapproving look. Albus had to admit that his Uncle Vernon was a bit chilling right now and Albus had no desire to hybridize way with him. Dudley looked unquiet as he tried to name peace between his relatives. His representative was drowned out amongst Vernon and Harry 's yelling, and petunia 's screeching.

`` Mum, Dad, '' Dudley stood in figurehead of his parents, `` I invited them here, so we could all get reacquainted. ``

`` Why would you do that ? '' Vernon demanded.

`` Kaden 's a wizard, Dad, so Harry 's a part of his life now. You know he 's one of Kaden 's teachers. ``

Vernon 's face turned from ghostly white to a deep tincture of purple. `` What could he possibly learn ? Abnormalness ? ``

`` Magic, Dad, it 's called magic, '' Dudley sighed.

Vernon 's eyes narrowed and he glared at Harry. `` You 're filling his head with all that dust you learned as a child ! Do n't stomach for it, Dudley ! He 's got you tricked or something ! Send him to Smeltings ! ``

`` Dad, Harry did n't trick me. Kaden 's a wizard and you 're just going to have to survive with it, '' Dudley replied.

`` Nothing good will amount of this, Dudley ! I assure you of that ! '' Vernon shouted.

`` Vernon, '' Petunia put her hand on her husband 's arm, `` Let it go. ``

`` You do realize that this kind of abnormality is what got your Sister killed ! ``

`` I 'm fully cognizant of what happened to my sis, '' Petunia snapped. `` This does n't have anything to do with that. It 's about accepting your grandson for who he is. '' Vernon continued glaring at Harry, but he did n't say anything.

`` Let 's all sit down, '' Dudley suggested.

`` And I 'll get us some drinks ! '' Christina announced eagerly. She rushed into the kitchen and came back with a bottle of brandy, a bottleful of wine-colored, and a some glasses, along with fizzy drinks for the kids.

Vernon and Petunia regained their composure and genus Petunia gave Dudley a ivory crunching hug and smothered him with osculation. She then moved on and did the like with both her grandchildren, making sure enough to completely discount Albus, King James, and Lily. Albus sat down on the sofa and to his dislike, Vernon chose to sit future to him. After a few here and now of awkward secretiveness, Vernon turned to Albus. `` So, '' he began, causing Albus to climb up, `` You go to this, schoolhouse, too ? ``

`` Er, yeah, '' Albus replied quickly, not looking at Vernon.

`` Look at me when I 'm talking to you, '' Vernon bicker, `` I see manners are n't mellow on their priority list. What classes do you use up there ? ``

Albus forced himself to look at Vernon. `` I 'm taking Transfiguration, Charms, Potions, Herbology, astronomy, History of Magic, and DoD Against the darkness artistic production, '' he mumbled quietly.

Vernon seemed to squinch at the sound of those name calling. `` I see. And are you any secure at them ? ``

`` Um, I guess so, '' Albus replied. He was wishing Thomas More and more that he could have just stayed at Rose 's theater instead of coming here. Why was Vernon questioning him ? Why not James II or Kaden ?

`` What subject does your don teach ? '' Vernon barked.

`` vindication Against the Dark Arts, '' Albus muttered.

`` And what is that, exactly ? ``

`` Defensive spells, dueling, stuff you use to shoot down night mavin like Voldemort. ``

`` Yeah, and Professor Potter defeated Voldemort ! '' Kaden interrupted and for once Albus was grateful for his cousin 's big mouth.

`` So I 've heard, '' Vernon replied.

`` He 's a enceinte teacher, Grandpa ! I love my new school. It 's much better than Muggle schooling, '' Kaden grinned. `` I 'll be right field back. '' He ran up the stairs and came back a few seconds later with his sceptre. `` Look at this ! ``

Vernon narrowed his eyes and gazed at his grandson. `` You 've got one, too. ``

`` Of grade I do ! '' Kaden laughed, `` I wish I could picture you some conjuration, though. I ca n't do it outside school. Hey, Professor ceramicist can show you ! ``

`` No ! I ruddy hell think not ! '' Vernon shouted.

`` No thanks ! '' Petunia shouted at the same time.

Kaden looked defeated. `` Sorry, Kaden, '' Harry with an apologetic feel, `` Maybe another day. ``

`` Or never, '' Vernon muttered.

cipher said much after that. Albus preferred it that way. He was very happy that Uncle Vernon appeared to have given up his question and answer session. Christina announced that dinner was ready a few minutes later, and everyone eagerly went into the dining elbow room. Albus made trusted that he was n't sitting next to Vernon and relaxed a little as he began to eat.

The Dursleys dominated near of the dinner conversation, with Vernon and Petunia asking Dudley and Christina about what was new in their life history. They wanted to know every finish detail, down to what range Bethany had gotten on her in vogue book report in school. Eventually they had exhausted this topic and the table descended into an uneasy secrecy before Vernon started drilling Harry about his life.

`` So, boy, what exactly do you do for a living ? '' Vernon barked.

`` I 'm the head of the Auror department at the Ministry of Magic, '' Harry smiled.

`` Auror ? '' Vernon repeated, `` What would that be ? ``

`` A Dark necromancer catcher, '' Harry explained.

`` Oh, like a policeman. Would n't sustain guessed you 'd be in law enforcement, what with all the trouble you caused as a minor. ``

Harry sighed, `` You know almost of that was n't my fault. ``

`` Like netherworld it was n't. It was all due to your mental defectiveness, '' Vernon replied.

`` Dad, ca n't you just unload it ? '' Dudley asked.

`` No, Duddy, I wo n't ! Vernon slammed his clenched fist on the table, `` He 's obviously done something to Kaden to induce him abnormal ! ``

That had to be the most ridiculous thing Albus had ever heard. A hotshot could not turn a Muggle into a wizard. If they could, there would n't be any Squibs in the existence, and there would certainly be more wizards.

`` Oh come off it, Dad ! '' Dudley shouted. `` Harry did n't do this ! Kaden was born a wizard ! ``

`` No he was n't ! '' Vernon yelled, his nerve turning purple again. `` And I want the boy to change him back ! ``

`` Uncle Vernon, listen to me, '' Harry announced, `` You ca n't turn someone into a maven, it just does n't cultivate. Kaden was born a wizard, which does n't surprise me at all. There is magical in his blood, the same thaumaturgy that was in my mother 's and is in mine. ``

`` Wonderful, '' Vernon pettifoggery, `` And I suppose you 're going to differentiate me that Bethany will be abnormal, too ? ``

`` There 's a probability she 'll be a witch, yes, '' Harry told him.

`` I am not going to abide for anymore abonormalness in this family ! '' Vernon roared.

`` Vernon, there 's cypher we can do ! '' Petunia shrieked, `` I do n't like it either, but the boy did not do this ! ``

`` How do you do it ? ``

`` Because my freak of a sis told me it 's not possible, that 's how ! ``

`` Do n't call her a monstrosity ! '' Harry glared at both of them.

Petunia ignored him. `` I asked her, when I was an self-important child. I asked her if soul could turn me into a beldame before I knew any intimately. She said no. There is not one affair we can do to convert Kaden. We just have to hope that he 's going to be voguish than my sister was and not get killed just out of school. ``

`` mulct, '' Vernon snapped, `` But I do n't care it. I do n't like it one bit. ``

`` Neither do I, neither do I, '' Petunia agree.

Albus glanced nervously from one adult to the adjacent, hoping that the combat was over. He realized now how lots Uncle Vernon and Aunt petunia hated magic now. The two of them were still going on about how Albus 's grandmother had been killed, thirty-some old age later. Albus was still amazed that Vernon had actually blamed Harry for Kaden being a champion. Albus knew Vernon disliked Harry, but he did n't call back Vernon would still blame Harry for affair he did n't like, this many long time later.

`` You 'd be in effect off just keeping him out of that schoolhouse, '' Vernon announced after a few minutes of secretiveness. `` There 's no law requiring him to go, is there ? ``

`` No, '' Dudley replied. `` But he likes it there, so he 's staying. ``

`` This is utterly ridiculous, '' Vernon muttered, `` Wait till Marge hears about it. ``

`` I hate Aunt Marge, '' Kaden said loudly, causing Albus to snort into his juice. `` All she talk about is breeding domestic dog. ``

`` Do n't say that about your auntie, '' Vernon scolded.

`` What ? '' Kaden shrugged, `` Professor Potter must not like her either. ``

Harry, who had been laughing behind his glass, immediately stopped and looked at Kaden. `` Really, Kaden, it 's not nice to say you hate people. '' He turned to Vernon, `` You have n't told her ? ``

`` Of course I have n't ! '' Vernon raised his vocalism, `` Can you imagine what she is going to cerebrate ? That mortal, like, like you is actually related to her ? She takes comfortableness in the fact that you are n't actually related to her ! But to sustain Kaden be one of your lot, she 'll be horrified ! And I should believe so after you blew her up years ago ! ``

`` What ? ! '' Kaden and Bethany shouted at the same time. Kaden spat his juice out and started choking. Albus slapped him on the rear, trying to control his own laughter. Harry told them this story a long clip ago and just thinking about it made Albus laugh.

`` That was n't his fault ! '' Ginny came to Harry 's defense, `` He could n't control it ! What your sister said about his parents was absolutely stinky and you know it ! ``

`` It was the truth ! '' Vernon shouted, rising to his feet.

`` No it was n't ! '' Ginny stood up as well.

`` What do you have in mind, bollix her up ? '' Kaden asked.

`` His parents were moron and that 's why they were killed ! '' Vernon continued.

`` No they were n't ! '' Harry stood and stared at his uncle. Albus had rarely ever seen his begetter so tempestuous before. `` They were working against Voldemort. ``

`` Another one of your lot who went on a killing rampage ! '' Vernon yelled.

`` They should have just ignored him and minded their own occupation, '' Petunia announced. Albus did n't really think she should be telling someone to listen their own business organization, when she thrived off of gossip.

`` You could n't ignore Voldemort ! '' Harry and Ginny said at the Saami time.

`` Can someone please evidence me how aunt Marge got blown up ? ! '' Kaden shouted again.

`` Dad, just forget about it, all right ? Harry 's parents were n't lazy, '' Dudley pleaded.

`` impart this to me, Dudley. You 're obviously under a bad influence right now. ``

Dudley heaved a huge sigh, `` Dad ... You 're forgetting that Harry saved my life once ! ``

`` Oh, from those dementy things ? They would n't have even been around if it were n't for the boy ! ``

`` The power point is that they were ! And Harry saved me from them ! He also kept us all safety while he was hunting down that Voldemort bloke. He did n't have to do that, you know. ``

`` What 's a dementy thing ? '' Kaden asked loudly.

`` Dementors, '' Albus corrected, `` They 're these cloaked animate being that suck out your soul. ``

Kaden stared at Albus, `` They what ? ``

`` Suck out your soul, '' Albus repeated, `` They feed on glad persuasion, until you 're only lead with the sad single. ``

Kaden shuddered, `` They sound blinking horrible. Professor Potter saved Dad from one ? ``

`` Yeah, when they were 15. There 's a charm, the Patronus Charm, that drives them away. It 's really advanced conjuration not taught until 7th class, but Dad learned in his third year. ``

`` Wow, your dad 's brilliant, '' Kaden grinned. `` But I do n't fancy running into one of those dementors. Have you ever seen one ? ``

`` No and I hope never to, '' Albus replied.

`` We would have been OK without those weirdos 'protecting'us ! '' Vernon raged.

`` No we would n't ! We 'd all be dead ! '' Dudley insisted.

`` What would that Voldemort bloke have wanted with us anyway ? '' Vernon bellowed, `` It 's not like we 're weirdos like him. ``

`` Do n't you get it ? '' Harry sighed, `` He did n't care about anyone ! He would 've killed anyone to get to me, including you. ``

`` Everybody, just shut it ! '' The five adult who were arguing turned to the source of the new representative that rang out brassy than theirs. It was Christina. Everyone stopped arguing and stared at her. `` Thank you. Now I only understand voice of this row, but everything you 're rowing about has happened in the past. Ca n't you just put it behind you and try to get along ? depend at you, you 're standing there arguing about stuff you ca n't change, in front of your shaver. What kind of example are you setting ? Put aside your departure, if not for yourselves, do it for the kids. ``

The grownup said nothing for a few present moment while Christina glared at every one of them. Eventually, Harry spoke, `` She 's right. We should just try and get along. '' Ginny nodded in agreement.

`` That 's what I was trying to differentiate you, '' Dudley commented.

`` Fine, '' Vernon fuss, `` I 'll stomach the boy. But you are making a sober mistake with Kaden, Dudley. ``

`` commodity, '' Christina replied and stood up. `` I 'll go get the pudding. ``

The residuum of the dinner was much more enjoyable. Harry quickly told the story of when he blew up oleomargarine to douse Kaden and Bethany 's curiosity, but there was no more honorable mention of deception throughout the rest period of the meal. The conversation centered on theme that could be equally congener to Muggles and wizards, such as the atmospheric condition. Albus did n't say anything, choosing instead to quietly eat his pudding while listening to the adult'strained conversations. He was just happy that they were no longer arguing with each former.

After dinner, Albus, James, and Kaden escaped to Kaden 's bedroom, which he was eager to express off. The entire thing was decorated with various football paraphernalia, with a lot of emphasis on Manchester United. Henry James found this highly entertaining and dog-tired quite a few minutes laughing at the posting, in which the musician remained completely still. Kaden spent a while showing off his Christmas present to Albus and James I and soon wanted to show them how to act his Wii.

Kaden led Albus and James back downstairs, where the adult were discussing cable car over java. Albus was very felicitous that he did not stimulate to sit through that discourse. Albus followed as Kaden went down another flight of stairs and they descended into the basement. The basement was clearly the playroom of the menage, as it was cluttered with all sorts of Muggle toys. Lily and Bethany were playing with Bethany 's Barbies in one corner and neither of them paid much attending as the male child entered the room.

The Wii was set up in the middle of the room and attached to a television that was against the rampart. Albus had never played a Wii before and was sort of curious about it. James was as well, although he got sidetracked by a remote dominance car. He drove it all over the room, completely amazed at how the car seemed to move by magic.

`` The things Muggles come up with, '' St. James grinned as he joined Albus and Kaden in front of the television.

Kaden spent the next hour teaching Jesse James and Albus how to play the Wii. They started with Kaden 's new racing game, which was actually pretty complicated. It took Albus the better part of an hour to picture out how to play it. Henry James caught on a bit faster, but neither of them could top Kaden in skill. Albus found that the plot was incredibly fun and almost wished he had one at his planetary house. Once they successfully learned the racing plot, Kaden went on to teach them how to play a dyad more plot. Lily eventually wandered over and wanted to memorize, too. By the fourth dimension midnight came around, all five of them were taking play playing biz and Albus was having a great time.

Albus was form of disappointed when his dad called them back upstairs to count down to the new year and hoped that everyone was still acting civilly. They were, as Albus found when he entered the living room. It did n't really bet like the grownup were enjoying themselves, but they were at least acting polite, which was safe enough for Albus.

Shortly after they rang in the new year, Albus 's parents decided it was time to leave. Albus had no arguments against this because he was tired and did n't really want to drop anymore time in the Saami house as Uncle Vernon. Harry politely shook manpower with Vernon, said goodbye to genus Petunia, and told Dudley he would owl him soon. Vernon kind of flinched at the citation of the word 'owl .'Albus completely ignored Vernon and Petunia, and told Kaden he would see him on the train drive back to school. Once the obligatory good day were said, Albus and his class left the house, only to Apparate back to Grimmauld Place a few streets away.


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


isclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Albus had to admit that he was felicitous to be going back to Hogwarts. After the nearly fatal dinner with the Dursleys, Albus spent his clip working on prep or goofing off with James and Lily. By the end of the holiday he was actually kind of bored and glad to be seeing his ally again. Plus, the sooner he got back to school, the Oklahoman he could try out the new map.

The thrower met the Weasleys and the Dursleys at King 's crossbreed and entered Platform 9 3/4 together. Both household were running late again and Albus, blush wine, James, and Kaden only just made it onto the train before it left. James River immediately left to encounter his friends while Albus, blush wine, and Kaden wandered around trying to determine their friends.

John and Amanda were sitting in one of the compartments in the middle of the train. Albus opened the room access and walked in, followed by rosiness and Kaden.

`` Hey ! '' whoremonger greeted them.

`` There you are, '' Amanda smirked, `` Almost miss the train again ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus laughed and sat down following to her. He wished more than anything that Kaden would leave so he could tell John and Amanda that he and Rose managed to get the stag photographic print. All the print were currently residing in Albus 's bag, just waiting to be transferred onto the map.

`` So how was your kin dinner ? '' John grinned and looked from Albus to Kaden.

Albus and Kaden exchanged glimpse. rosebush stifled a joke. She had already heard about the dinner shortly after it happened.

`` It was ... eventful, '' Albus said. `` Not something I want to do again. ``

`` What happened ? '' St. John asked eagerly.

`` My grandad went mad, '' Kaden shook his headway. `` And my grannie sort of did. ``

`` What did they do ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Well, they kind of did n't cognize we were coming, '' Albus began, `` So they started off by yelling about that. ``

`` Then they started shouting about how my dad should n't let me go to school here, '' Kaden continued.

`` And Uncle Vernon wound up claiming that Dad had somehow used a good luck charm to move around Kaden into a wizard, '' Albus explained.

john and Amanda burst out laughing. `` You 're kidding ! '' John exclaimed. `` He actually thought that ? ! ``

`` Sure did, '' Albus grinned. Now that the dinner was behind him, he was able-bodied to laugh about it. Looking back, his Uncle Vernon did seem mad, and not nearly as shuddery as Albus first thought.

`` And my grandma of all the great unwashed told him it was n't possible, '' Kaden laughed. `` Apparently she wanted to be a beldame when she was a kid. But the near parting was when Grandpa brought up aunt oleomargarine. ``

`` Who 's that ? '' Amanda asked.

`` My grandpa 's babe, '' Kaden explained, `` I ca n't stand her. But apparently Professor Potter blew her up when he was 13 ! ``

John and Amanda started howling with laughter. `` That is absolutely brilliant ! '' lav shouted.

`` This I 've got to hear ! '' Amanda grinned.

Albus smiled at them and told the story of his Aunt marge. bathroom and Amanda laughed even harder when they had heard the unanimous thing.

`` What happened side by side ? '' John the Evangelist asked once he had calmed down.

`` fountainhead, we went down to the basement and played with Kaden 's Muggle video biz, which was a lot of fun. ``

`` And the adults stayed upstairs, '' Kaden added. `` Which was probably flaming awkward. ``

`` Then we left shortly after midnight, '' Albus told them. `` Hey, Kaden, what happened after we left ? ``

`` Oh, yeah. grandfather tried to convert Dad to not let me go back to Hogwarts. He thought Dad would be more likely to correspond without you lot there. Dad told him to stop and eventually he gave up and left. ``

`` You going to do that again anytime soon ? '' John asked.

`` Hopefully not, '' Albus replied.

`` Let 's do it at your theater future, '' Kaden grinned, `` I want to see a thaumaturge house. ``

`` I doubt Dad will let Uncle Vernon and aunty Petunia in the firm, '' Albus told him, `` But you 're welcome to come. ``

`` Over the summer, then, '' Kaden said.

`` We 'll come, too, '' Rose announced. John and Amanda nodded. `` And lustrelessness. ``

Kaden looked around the compartment and then back at Albus. `` Where is he, anyway ? ``

`` Er, he had some, er, Healer appointments, '' Albus said quickly. Hopefully that would live up to Kaden 's curiosity.

`` Oh, for that disease he 's got ? ``

`` Yeah, the one you ca n't say a affair about to anybody, '' Albus glared at him, `` And that includes this. Do n't severalise anyone where he is. ``

Kaden nodded. `` I wo n't. I 'll hold open away from Malfoy and Willinson. ``

`` Good, '' Albus said.

******

Over the next few days, Albus kept trying to find some time to tell John and Amanda about the stag photographic print, but it was hard to shake Kaden off. It seemed the lone times they were away from him was when they were in socio-economic class or in their hall at Nox. Neither were sound opportunities to talk about the map.

In the meantime, Malfoy was trying to figure out why Matt was n't in school. The full phase of the moon Sun Myung Moon was n't until the observe week, so Albus was going to have to endure Malfoy 's questioning for a while longer. Nothing seemed to satisfy him. Albus was also preoccupied with what was going to happen this full moon. He was kind of disturbed about Matt taking the new Aconitum lycoctonum potion.

All the educatee and teachers seemed to be falling into their usual routines. Dueling and Quidditch practices started up again. Both Kate and Georgia were working their teams hard and Albus was feeling the core. Between that and the increased amount of prep the teachers were intent on assigning, he had hardly any time for anything else.

A couple days into the full term, Kaden finally had one of his tutoring Roger Sessions. Albus and his friends seized the opportunity and ran to the Room of prerequisite as soon as Kaden left the common room.

`` Finally ! '' trick exclaimed as he threw himself onto one of the lounge in the room. `` I thought I was going to die of oddment ! ``

`` I never thought we 'd get away from him ! '' Amanda said as she sat down side by side to him.

`` It 'll be easier once Rose figures out the charm to hold open him tranquilize, '' Albus replied.

`` You found one ! '' John sat up and stared at Rose.

`` Sure did, '' Rose grinned and pulled the volume of good luck charm from her family out of her bag. She opened it to the proper Page and handed it to toilet and Amanda.

The two of them read it for a few minutes. `` This is incredible, '' Amanda smiled, `` You think you can do it ? ``

`` Given a bit of drill, sure, '' rose replied. `` We just have to get to certain Matt agrees to it. ``

`` I 'm for sure he will, '' trick said, `` I mean, this appealingness will definitely save Kaden from telling anyone. ``

`` I 'll commence working on it now, '' Rose took the book back, `` I have n't started yet because I do n't want anyone to ask why I 'm trying to instruct it. ``

`` So, did you get the hart print ? '' privy asked eagerly.

`` Sure did ! '' Albus reached into his bag and pulled out the three print. `` We just need the rat now. ``

lav picked them up and looked at him. `` fantabulous ! I 'll try and get the rat soon. Then we can channel them. ``

`` We should wait for Matt, '' Albus told him, `` He 's a parting of this as much as we are. ``

`` Oh, yeah, that 's a good idea, '' Saint John set the prints down on a nearby table. `` You know, I think this is the low gear time we 've been in here without him. ``

`` I think you 're right hand, '' Albus commented. It was kind of strange, really. All the early clock time they had been in the Room, Matt had been the one to ask for it. Nobody said anything for a few minutes. Albus could tell that everyone was thinking the Lapplander thing he was, what would fall out with flatness 's new potion.

`` well, he 'll be back soon, '' John said after a while.

`` As long as nothing goes wrong, '' Albus said quietly.

`` Yeah, but just think if this potion works. That would be great, would n't it ? ``

`` Definitely, '' Albus agreed, but he could n't avail but think the new potion would n't work any better than the old one. Why should it ? If flatness was resistant to wolfbane potion, why should a different assortment of it work ?

The four of them spent the remainder of the evening in the Room. blush wine worked steadily on figuring out the charm, but did n't really get anywhere. It was an extremely unmanageable charm, after all. Albus, john, and Amanda worked on their homework and talked about what they thought the new map would have on it.

******

Albus became more and more anxious as the full lunation approached. His booster seemed to as well, and John especially developed a very short fuse. Kaden seemed to get the brunt of this but he took it in tread. The night of the genuine entire moon, Albus had Quidditch practice. He became so cark during it that Empire State of the South called for a geological fault during practice and demanded to eff why Albus was dropping so many Quaffles. He lied and told her he was worried about a Transfiguration exam the next day. Luckily she seemed to accept this and wished him luck on his exam. Albus tried surplus hard during the second half of practice but still missed a lot of easy passes.

Albus entered the common room after pattern feeling incredibly sore but not at all tired. He had been hit with legion bludgers due to his want of assiduousness. Normally Albus would have been exhausted after such a praxis but he was too anxious to be tired tonight.

His Quaker were sitting at their usual table which was covered in preparation. Not that much of it was being done. Kaden was the sole one feverishly working away at an essay. John Lackland, Amanda, and even Rose were staring off into nothing with their untouched homework in front of them. Albus quickly stowed his Calluna vulgaris in his hall and joined his Quaker at the table.

`` Hey, '' Albus said as he sat down next to Rose.

`` Hi, '' blush wine mumbled. privy and Amanda gave equally unenthusiastic greetings.

`` Hi Albus ! '' Kaden looked up, `` I 'm glad you 're back. This lot has been incredibly softened. ``

Even at a clip like this, Albus could n't help but joke at Kaden 's cluelessness. `` Hi, Kaden. ``

`` How was practice ? '' Kaden asked.

`` Not that groovy. I got hit with a distich bludgers. ``

`` Ouch, '' Kaden winced.

`` Yeah, my arm hurts pretty bad, '' Albus commented.

`` Just go see gentlewoman Pomfrey, '' blush wine suggested, `` Your arm looks nasty. ``

Albus glanced at his arm. It had turned a cover girl violet blue color in the clip since he had received the blow. `` All right, '' he stood up. `` I 'll see you in a bit. ``

Kaden stood up as well. `` I 'll occur with you. ``

Albus did n't find like telling Kaden not to inconvenience oneself, so he nodded and Kaden followed him out of the common way. Albus did n't verbalise much on the way to the hospital fender, but Kaden kept up a cyclosis commentary about what went on in his classes that day. Kaden must throw felt the indigence to share it even though cypher particularly exciting had happened that day. The corridors were utterly deserted and Kaden 's voice seemed awfully tatty. Albus glanced at his watch and saw that it was almost curfew. He wished he had brought his invisibleness Cloak. Of course of instruction, none of the teacher could fall in him detention for being out of his usual room in social club to go see madam Pomfrey, could they ?

Albus pushed the door to the hospital wing open slowly and saw that lady Pomfrey was sitting at her desk, writing something, and glancing out the window every few endorsement. The moonlight was streaming through and illuminating one of the seam. There were n't any affected role in the Montgomery Ward, which Albus thought was sort of strange. Albus rarely ever saw the seat empty. He walked quietly up to Madam Pomfrey and Kaden followed. The nurse did n't even appear to have noticed them do in.

`` Er, excuse me, Madam Pomfrey ? '' Albus said once he was a mate ft in front of the desk.

The nurse jumped and looked up, clutching her heart. `` Oh, Albus ! You scared me. What are you doing here ? ``

It suddenly occurred to Albus that Madam Pomfrey was probably thinking about Matt as well, since she usually took care of him after the fully synodic month. `` I got hit with a couple bludgers at practice tonight. I was, er, form of distracted. ``

Madam Pomfrey stood up and gave him a likeable look. `` I understand. Let me see. ``

Albus held out his arm and Madam Pomfrey clucked her tongue as she inspected it. She pulled out her wand and touched it to his arm, muttering a spell as she did so. Albus 's arm felt ardent and tingly, and then normal again. The pain was gone.

`` Thanks, '' Albus replied.

`` No problem. Anywhere else ? ``

`` I got hit on my back too and it form of trauma. I 've got no idea if it 's bruised or not. ``

Madam Pomfrey looked at Albus 's backrest and performed the Lapp healing charm. It felt immensely better.

`` I think that 's it, '' Albus said once she was done.

`` You 'd better be off to bed, then, '' she said. `` I 'm sure I 'll be seeing you soon. ``

Albus nodded and turned to leave behind. He and Kaden were soon back in the empty corridor.

`` Why were you distracted during practice ? '' Kaden asked loudly.

`` Shush, '' Albus hissed, `` Transfiguration exam tomorrow. ``

`` Oh, that 's probably why bathroom, rose, and Amanda were so muted. ``

`` Yeah, that was it. ``

The two of them continued their trek to the common way until they practically bumped into two other citizenry as they turned a corner.

`` Watch it ! '' a cold voice shouted and shoved Albus aside.

Albus pulled out his wand and lit it, shoving the brightness level in the faces of the two unknown. They were Malfoy and Willinson. `` You watch it, '' Albus muttered.

`` Get your verge out of my case, '' Malfoy seethed. `` What are you doing here anyway ? ``

`` What are you doing here ? '' Albus asked.

`` None of your stage business. ``

`` You just answered your own enquiry, then. ``

Malfoy turned to Kaden. `` Ah, it 's the Mudblood first cousin. ``

`` Do n't promise him that ! '' Albus shouted.

Malfoy ignored him and continued to glare at Kaden. `` Maybe you know where Eckerton is these days ? ``

Kaden glanced nervously at Albus before answering. `` Uh, no, I do n't. ``

`` Fine, '' Malfoy snapped. `` I know you wo n't say anything with ceramist around anyway. I 'll just hold off until you 're alone. C'mon, Willinson, we 're leaving. ``

`` You 'll do no such thing, Mr. Malfoy, '' someone said from behind Albus.

Albus jumped in fright and turned around to see Professor Patil. Great, he thought, now they were going to wind up in detention. Why did they always wind up in hold with Malfoy ?

`` What are you four doing out of bed ? '' Patil asked briskly, `` You know you 're not allowed to be wandering around after hours. ``

`` Uh, '' Malfoy stammered, `` We were, er, uh, well we just wanted to, um- ''

`` Do n't irritate, Mr. Maloy, '' Patil cut him off. `` Whatever lie you come up with is not going to win over me. '' She turned to Albus and Kaden, `` I 'm assuming you were not out for a saunter with Mr. Malfoy and Mr. Willinson ? ``

`` No, '' Albus confirmed, `` I was actually just in the hospital wing. I got hurt at Quidditch practice. Kaden was with me. ``

Patil looked at Kaden. `` Is that rightful, Mr. Dursley ? ``

`` Yes, ma'am, '' Kaden replied quietly.

`` We were there, too, Professor ! '' Malfoy shouted out, `` Willinson stabbed himself with his quill while we were doing homework. ``

Patil glanced at him skeptically. `` Well, we 'll just go see lady Pomfrey and confirm all your stories. ``

Any people of color that had been in Malfoy 's face drained. The four boys quietly followed Professor Patil to the hospital wing. Albus was very relieved. Madam Pomfrey would enjoin Patil that he and Kaden had been there, and then she would n't kick in them detention.

Patil opened the doors to the hospital offstage, but Madam Pomfrey was no yearner there. Patil motioned for the male child to stay put there and she strode over to the nurse 's office. She knocked lightly and waited for gentlewoman Pomfrey to appear.

`` I hope I 'm not bothering you, '' Patil said once Madam Pomfrey came out.

`` Not at all, Padma, '' ma'am Pomfrey smiled, `` I was n't asleep. Is there something you need ? ``

`` I was wondering if any of these four son, '' she gestured to Albus, Kaden, and the two Slytherins, `` Were here recently ? I caught them all out of bed and all of them insist they were here. ``

madam Pomfrey gazed at the boys. `` Well, Albus and Kaden were here about 15 minutes ago, but I have n't seen the former two in quite a while. ``

`` That 's what I thought, '' Patil nodded, `` Thank you. ``

`` Not a job, '' the give suck replied.

`` I 'll take you two back to your mutual room, '' Patil said to Albus and Kaden. `` As for you, '' she glared at Malfoy and Willinson, `` You will follow back to my office and we shall arrange for detention. ``

Malfoy and Willinson sulked and muttered under their breathing space as the five of them exited the Mrs. Humphrey Ward. Albus laughed to himself on their way back to Gryffindor Tower. Malfoy and Willinson were glaring daggers at Albus and Kaden the hale way back, but Albus just smirked at them. They could n't do anything now anyway, not with Patil around. But surely they would blame Albus and Kaden for their detainment and Albus would suffer to watch out the next few days.

******

Albus did n't sleep very well that night, despite his weariness from Quidditch practice. He fell asleep in the wee minute of the sunrise and woke up only a few hour later. whoremonger was just as exhausted and the two of them stumbled down into the mutual elbow room, only to find Rose slumped over a book of account at their usual table.

`` Rose ! '' Albus shook his cousin 's shoulder, `` Wake up ! ``

rose slowly lifted her nous and then jumped at the mass of Albus and John. `` Wha-what are you two doing ? ``

`` Uh, it 's morning, blush wine, '' Albus explained, `` We 've got to get to Transfiguration Day in an hour. ``

`` Oh ! '' Rose jumped up and pushed her shaggy whisker out of her aspect.

`` What were you doing down here ? Did you ever go to bed ? '' Albus asked.

`` No, could n't sleep, '' rose shrugged, `` So I came back down and worked on the Sileo Altus Charm. I just ca n't figure it out. It 's driving me mad ! ``

`` That 's a really senior high level charm, Rose. You know it 's going to take you a while, '' Albus reminded her.

`` I know, I know. I 'll get it eventually, '' Rose sighed, `` I guess I 'll go change and get Amanda. Then we can go down to breakfast. ``

A few minutes later, Albus and his supporter walked to the Great Hall. Albus noticed Malfoy and Willinson at the Slytherin tabular array as they walked by and both of the Slytherins were shooting dagger at Albus.

Kaden was already at the Gryffindor tabular array and immediately hailed Albus and the others to sit near him.

`` Did you see Malfoy this sunup ? '' Kaden asked once Albus had sat down.

`` Yeah, he 's not too happy. ``

`` admiration when his hold is ? '' Kaden asked.

`` Who knows, '' Albus shrugged. He did n't particularly care when Malfoy and Willinson were going to serve up detention.

Kaden began to verbalize about some potion he was going to be brewing that day, but Albus tuned him out. All Albus seemed to be capable to think about at the minute was whether the new potion mat had taken worked.

As if on cue, a large embrown owl flew down and landed neatly next to Albus 's plate.

`` You 've got a letter ! '' Kaden shouted eagerly.

`` I know, '' Albus rolled his eyes and pulled the letter off the owl 's leg. He gave the owl a few fleck of toast and the great boo flew off.

Rose, who was on Albus 's other side, looked over his shoulder as he looked at the envelope. bathroom and Amanda were leaning over the table and Kaden was leaning over Albus 's other shoulder.

`` admiration who it 's from, '' Kaden said.

`` It 's from lustrelessness, '' Albus told him. `` That was his owl. ``

`` Maybe he 's telling you when he 's coming back ! '' Kaden shouted.

`` Shush ! '' Albus, John, pink wine, and Amanda said at once.

`` wellspring, we 'd better be off to metamorphosis, '' Albus said and gave Rose a significant glance.

`` Yes, we 'd better, '' blush wine stood up.

`` Are n't you going to open it ? '' Kaden asked.

`` On the way, '' Albus told him.

`` I 'll fare, too ! ``

Albus sighed and got up from the tabular array. He could n't open that letter in presence of Kaden. rose wine, John, and Amanda got up as well and followed Albus out of the Great student residence. Kaden was right behind him, but Albus did n't make bold open it yet. Kaden stalled in the Entrance Hall, but eventually gave up and headed down to the dungeons for Potions.

`` fountainhead, now we have n't got time to translate it, '' Albus groaned and glanced at his watch. `` Why could n't he own left sooner ? ``

`` 'Cause he 's Kaden, '' John shook his head.

`` We 'll just read it after account of Magic, '' Rose said as they climbed the stairs, `` We 've got the entirely afternoon off. ``

The morning dragged by at an extremely tedious pace, in Albus 's judgment. Transfiguration was n't too bad, since it was a practical lesson. Malfoy descended upon Albus and the others after the class was over, wanting to get laid where Matt was. Albus lied and told him mat was having a late holiday with his grandparents and then took off for chronicle of deception, ignoring Malfoy 's ill about hold that followed.

History of magic trick was as tire as usual. Albus thought he saw the clock 's men go backwards at one point. He passed bank note with John the Evangelist and Amanda while rose wine took bank bill. She seemed to ingest inherited her mother 's power to stay awake during that class. John nodded off at one point and Albus had to poke at him awake with his quill. Professor Binns did n't even seem to notice.

After History of magic trick finally ended, Albus and his admirer went to the Great Marguerite Radclyffe Hall to grab a straightaway tiffin. Kaden was there when they arrived and immediately launched into an explanation of the potion he had just brewed. Apparently it was so impressive that Slughorn gave him a bar of Honeyduke 's umber and an invitation to the next clout gild meeting.

`` What ? ! '' Albus choked on his pumpkin juice.

`` Yup, '' Kaden grinned. `` The next meeting is this Sabbatum. He told me that a lot of your first cousin go. ``

`` Er, yeah, they do, '' Albus coughed. He had not been expecting Kaden to get invited to any Slug society meetings. Albus had n't even gone to any since the previous year. He just told Slughorn he had Quidditch practice or too much homework to go. Slughorn had n't even had his Christmas party this year. Albus was n't certain why, but he was guessing it was because he had n't been able to regain anyone noted to attend.

`` But he said you 're always too busy to go, '' Kaden said, `` volition you go to this one ? ``

Albus groaned inwardly, `` Oh, I do n't have it away .... ''

`` Please ? '' Kaden pleaded.

`` fine, '' Albus sighed. It could n't be that bad now that Quinton Willinson was gone. And it was just one merging. `` But just this once. And if Georgia calls for Quidditch practice, I wo n't go to the meeting. ``

`` Yay ! '' Kaden shouted.

Once Kaden left for his next class, Albus and his friends went straight for the way of essential. Albus and rosiness sat on one of the couches while John and Amanda sat on the opposite one. Albus reached into his bag and found the letter.

`` Here it goes, '' Albus whispered.

`` That potion better have worked, '' John said.

Albus tore open the envelope and unfolded the letter. He read it aloud.

beloved Albus, Rose, can, and Amanda,

live night lusterlessness told me to write you
and assure you what happened if he couldn't.
Since he ca n't, you have probably guessed
that the potion did not work.

`` shit ! '' John shouted.

Matt will explain more when he gets back to
Hogwarts. I 'll just say that it 's not worse
than usual. He 's at St. Mungo 's right field now so
the Healers can observe the after affects of
the potion and the transformation.

He only has to stay on in St. Mungo 's overnight
and then tomorrow he 'll be back at habitation. I 'm
pretty sure he 'll be back at Hogwarts on
Dominicus, but we 're not exactly sure.

Bob Hope you are all doing well. I 'll see you
soon, maybe at the next Gryffindor
Quidditch match.

From,
Amy

Albus folded up the letter and looked at his ally. `` Well, I guess that 's it, then. ``

`` At least it was n't any worse, '' Amanda said quietly.

`` Yeah, '' Rose agreed.

Nobody said anything for a few second. Albus felt very disappointed that the potion had n't worked, but he was sure it did n't even come close to what Matt was feeling.

`` Maybe he 'll let us turn Animagi now, '' can suggested.

Rose glared at him, `` He wo n't. He 's still in that study, which means he 's still got to consider that potion for the following two years or so. Then there 'll probably be another one for him to try out. And maybe that one will work. ``

`` wellspring, it would still be cool to become an Animagus. ``

`` Then you can do it when you 're older, '' Rose said, `` You could n't do it now anyway, it 's too supercharge. ``

`` Albus 's grandad did it. ``

`` When he was in one-fifth year, '' pink wine reminded him.

`` amercement, three to a greater extent year then, '' John shrugged.

pink wine sighed, `` Matt wo n't let you join him on the wide Sun Myung Moon, though. And I would n't suggest doing it behind his back. ``

`` I wo n't, '' lav assured her, `` I just think it would be a fun thing to do, be an Animagus. ``

`` Definitely, '' Rose agreed.

Albus and his friends spent the skillful share of the succeeding minute talking about what they would do if they could translate into animate being. They all agreed that listening in on people 's conversations and sneaking up on people like Malfoy would be top on the list of stuff to do. Eventually, rose wine insisted that they all start their homework, which took them near of the evening to complete.


A/N : Thanks to my Beta, Dancer of Starlight. Thanks as well to sinwillys822, XDNLxtlz99, Luke, Denas, Moonylupin, phoenixy friend, drownzer, and potterfan296 for their followup !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Despite the fact that Quinton Willinson was no longer at Hogwarts, Albus still dreaded the poke club meeting on Saturday. His rational incline told him that it would n't be nearly as bad with Willinson gone, but Albus still was n't looking forward to it.

Kaden, on the early hand, spent the days leading up to Sabbatum talking non-stop about the Slug ball club meeting. Albus had already explained in detail what they involved, but that did n't turn back Kaden from constantly wondering aloud about what the meeting would be like.

Saturday arrived quickly and Albus was still without an excuse to not attend the meeting. Georgia had not called for Quidditch pattern that day, mainly due to the fact that the Ravenclaws booked the tar all morning and the Slytherins had it all afternoon. The two theater were scheduled to encounter each other the keep up Saturday.

`` It 's time for the type slug cabaret group meeting, Albus ! '' Kaden shouted excitedly a few mo before eleven.

Albus sighed and got up out of his chair in the common elbow room. `` See you lot in a niggling piece, '' he said to John the Evangelist and Amanda.

`` Have lashings of fun ! '' can laughed.

`` See you later, '' Amanda grinned.

Albus, Kaden, and Rose, who had also decided to go, set off for the donjon. Albus hoped he would only bear to stay for a little patch, maybe an minute at about. Just long enough for Kaden to see what the meetings were like.

The meeting was held in the Potions classroom and a few bookman were milling about when Albus, Rose, and Kaden walked into the room. Albus recognized well-nigh of them from last year 's meetings. A few of his cousin were there as well, but not all of them. James IV was n't there, but Albus knew he had dueling practice that day. Albus was also felicitous to take note that Felix Willinson was not there. Of course, after what happened with Quinton and his father, Albus guessed he should n't be surprised that Quinton 's full cousin would n't be invited to the Slug Club.

There was a table full of food along one of the side walls and nigh everyone was crowding around it trying to get some lunch. Slughorn had a plate of solid food in front of him and was sitting at a large board in the front end of the room.

Albus led rosiness and Kaden over to the board and picked up a plate.

`` What is this poppycock ? '' Kaden pointed to a platter of some kind of meat.

`` Pheasant, '' Albus replied. Slughorn always served pheasant at his get together. Albus tried it hold out year and hated it.

Kaden shrugged and piled the pheasant onto his plate. Once Albus and his Friend had gotten enough solid food, they sat down at the table across from Slughorn. Shortly after, everyone else had sat down at the table as well.

`` safe to see you all again ! '' Slughorn greeted them and then turned to Albus. `` And Albus and pink wine ! I 'm very happy that you two decided to come ! How have course been going ? ``

`` good, '' Albus replied.

`` Excellent, excellent, '' Slughorn nodded, `` We also have mortal new here today. This is Kaden Dursley, '' Slughorn gestured to Kaden. `` He 's Albus 's cousin and is turning out to be quite the Potions beer maker ! Lily 's genes must be coming out in you ! ``

Kaden grinned, `` Potions is fun. Loads good than Transfiguration. ``

Slughorn laughed, `` Do n't let Professor Patil hear you say that. But I daresay I agree with you. ``

Kaden laughed as well and then took a large morsel of pheasant. Albus watched him as he did so, wondering if he 'd wish it. Kaden chewed for a few moments before a big grinning appeared on his face.

`` This stuff is excellent ! ``

`` I 'm glad you like it ! '' Slughorn said.

Albus chuckled to himself. Of course of action Kaden liked the pheasant. If there was one thing Albus had learned about his cousin over the past six calendar month, it was that he 'd eat pretty very much anything. This was obviously something he had inherited from his father.

Slughorn soon launched into a lengthy explanation of what he did over his holiday and who he had spent time with. ( `` Barry Ryan used to play for Ireland, you know. '' ) Albus found the whole thing rather wearisome but he noticed that Kaden seemed to hang up on Slughorn 's every parole. rose seemed to be paying attention as well, but probably only out of courtesy.

Albus let his nous wander as Slughorn continued talking about his dinner with Barry Ryan. mat was supposed to return to Hogwarts the adjacent day, which meant that in as little as 24 minute, they could be having the map working. Well, if they could abstract away to the Room of requisite, that is. Albus hoped Rose would deliver that spell working soon. Then they could just do all of this with Kaden. It would bring in it a whole lot loose. Of course, flatness still had n't said that he agreed to recount Kaden even with the charm. Albus kept forgetting about that part. But why would n't he harmonise ? The charm seemed like it would bring well.

Albus, Kaden, and Rose wound up staying until the end of the meeting. Kaden was enthralled by the entire thing and Albus knew he would refuse to leave early. Albus was incredibly bored by the sentence the matter was over and Rose looked as bored as Albus felt. Once the meeting was finally over, the three of them said goodbye to Slughorn and left the dungeons.

`` That was so cool, '' Kaden grinned.

`` Boring 's More like it, '' Albus replied.

`` How can you think it was boring ? '' Kaden stared at Albus, `` Slughorn knows so many far-famed multitude. ``

`` Trust me, it gets old after a patch, '' Albus said.

`` well, are you two going to the next one ? ''

Albus looked at blush wine. She did n't look like she wanted to go to the next one either. `` Er, well, I might have Quidditch praxis. ``

`` And I 'll probably induce too much homework, '' Rose explained.

`` I 'd go even if I did birth too much preparation, '' Kaden told them.

`` That really is n't a adept musical theme, '' Rose warned him. `` You 'll get behind. ``

Albus laughed as rosiness launched into a discussion about how significant time management is and how prep should always fall first. The three of them were nearly to the common room by the time Rose finished and Kaden was wearing a dummy flavour on his face, much like the one Albus had worn during the Slug order meeting.

******

`` Got any estimate what time he 's coming back ? '' John asked shortly after lunch the next day in the rough-cut room.

`` No idea, '' Albus shrugged.

Albus, John Lackland, Kaden, pink wine, and Amanda were all sitting around their usual table in the park room. rose and Kaden were playing chess and it was unmistakable that Rose was going easy on Kaden. The two of them had been playing the same plot for fifteen mo. If rose wine wanted to, she probably could have beat Kaden in five moment. John and Amanda were both working on the metamorphosis essay that was due the next day. Albus had already finished that particular essay and was watching Rose and Kaden 's cheat match.

`` Queen to D3, '' Kaden said. The queen gave Kaden a menacing glare and then reluctantly moved to the square.

`` Bishop to D3. '' rosebush 's bishop smashed Kaden 's queen to pieces. `` checkmate, '' blush wine grinned.

`` turd, '' Kaden muttered as his king dropped its brand in defeat.

`` You 're getting a bit better, '' Rose said as she repaired all the opus with a Wave of her wand.

`` Do you have Quidditch practice today, Albus ? '' trick asked.

`` Yeah. Georgia managed to earmark the pitch for an minute after dinner. The Hufflepuffs were n't too happy, but Sakartvelo got it first. ``

`` I hope matte gets back before you leave, '' Amanda said.

`` Me, too, '' Albus agreed. `` But Amy did n't say when he 'd be coming back. ``

`` He 's going to stimulate a cargo of homework to take a leak up, '' Kaden announced.

`` That sounds like something you 'd say, rose wine, '' John laughed.

`` How 's your essay coming, John ? '' rosebush smirked.

`` Yeah, yeah. I 've got the first paragraph done, '' John grumbled.

`` I 've only got one more to go, '' Amanda said.

`` want to playact again, Rose ? '' Kaden asked.

rose wine shrugged. `` surely, why not. ``

Rose and Kaden set up their pieces and started to play again. Albus watched them. It was pretty funny to determine the two of them diddle chess. Kaden would sit there forever figuring out what motility to form and once he made it, pink wine would smile and affect one of her own small-arm within seconds. rose 's motility usually involved killing one of Kaden 's pieces.

The portrayal hole to the common elbow room opened a few minutes later and Albus looked up. lusterlessness was just climbing through and headed straightaway for Albus 's table once he noticed them.

`` Hey, Matt ! '' Albus grinned, `` Welcome back ! ``

`` Hi Albus, '' Matt grinned back. He looked wear down, but happy. There was still a yellowish bruise on his brow, but other than that he looked fine.

trick, rosiness, Amanda, and Kaden all looked up from what they were doing and greeted Matt as well. mat grabbed a chair from a nearby table and sat down next to Albus.

`` How are you ? '' Albus asked.

`` All right, '' Matt shrugged.

`` Er, Kaden, '' Albus began, `` You know how you said Matt 's got a lot of prep to take up ? ``

`` Uh-huh, '' Kaden nodded as blush wine declared checkmate once again, `` crap ! ``

`` Well, it would probably be a undecomposed estimate for him to go see all the teachers now about it. So, we 'll all go with him to do that, since we 're in his classes. We 'll aid. You can stay here since you 'd probably be bored. ``

`` Ok, I 've got my own homework to start on anyway. ``

`` Good, '' Albus replied, `` lav ? Amanda, Rose ? You can derive with us. ``

`` Sure, anything to put off finishing this essay, '' John closed his book and stood up.

Once they were out of the plebeian elbow room and into the corridor, Matt turned around and looked at Albus. `` You 're not really making me go collect all my homework are you ? ``

Albus laughed, `` No. Just had to intend of an excuse for Kaden to detain there while we went to the Room. ``

`` Good, '' John said, `` I do n't really want to go collect your homework with you. ``

`` You wo n't cause to. I 've already gotten it. They owled it to me over the holiday. I 've already finished it all, '' Matt explained.

`` You 're farther along than Gospel According to John, then, '' rosebush laughed.

`` Shut it, Rose, '' john said.

The five friends continued their walk to the Room of necessary, which manifested itself in its usual grade for them. They walked into the Room and settled onto the usual scarlet and gold furniture.

`` So, '' Albus began, `` What happened with this new potion ? ``

`` well, it did n't mold the way it was supposed to, but Amy already told you that, '' Matt said.

`` Did it avail at all ? '' Rose asked.

`` Nope. ``

`` And you 'll still throw to observe taking it ? '' toilet asked.

`` Yeah, that 's what stinks, '' mat sighed. `` It did n't work the way it was supposed to, but it did other stuff. ``

`` I thought it was n't going to have any bad effects, '' Albus said.

`` They were n't really dangerous position effects. It just made me really tired. ``

`` But you 're always tired before the good moon, '' John pointed out.

`` I know, but the potion made it speculative. Usually I can at least go to first light classes on the day of the broad moon but with the new potion I 'll just sleep right through them. It makes me tired as soon as I start taking it, which is a week before the full moonshine, just like the regular wolfsbane was. ``

`` So you 'll be tired for an entire week ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Dunno, '' flatness shrugged, `` The healer are trying to encounter a potion to counteract the fatigue, but I doubt they 'll have one in time for following month. ``

`` I do n't get why you have to sustain taking it if it does n't even work, '' John shook his head.

`` Because they have to shit certain it was n't just a fluke or something. That 's the matter about these studies, they have to do multiple trials to analyze the upshot and poppycock. ``

`` There 's a chance it might form next month ? '' Amanda asked confusedly.

`` I suppose, but I doubt it. ``

`` You do n't look that turnover or anything, '' Rose commented.

`` I honestly did n't think it was going to form. My parents told me not to get my Bob Hope up about any of these experimental potions. Plus, this was only the first base one I 've tried. They 'll come in up with others. ``

`` I just hope one of them actually works, '' John replied.

`` Me, too, '' matte agreed, `` You 've got no idea how very much I wish that.

`` Let 's not talk about it anymore now, though. You 've got to tell me if you got the stag print ! It 's been driving me mad for weeks now. ``

`` Oh, yeah ! '' Albus grinned. He had almost forgotten about that. Almost being the key Son. The new map was always on Albus 's head now. `` We got it. Rose and I did. ``

`` splendid ! '' Matt exclaimed.

`` And I 've got the transference charm all worked out, '' blush wine told him.

`` John the Divine 's just got to get the rat mark, '' Albus said.

`` I 'm working on it ! '' whoremonger replied, `` It 's harder than you 'd think to spot a rat during Potions. ``

`` fountainhead, we 've got Double Potions tomorrow, so try then. Slughorn 'll be having us brew the unharmed class probably, so just preserve your eye out, '' Albus told him.

`` I will. I 'll pay more attention to electric potential stinker than to my potion, '' whoremonger grinned.

`` I would n't suggest that, '' rose wine smirked. `` It 'll break loose or something, since you 've got Goyle as a mate. ``

`` Eh, I 'll take one failing grade if I can get the rat print, '' lav shrugged.

`` well, try to get the rat without destroying your potion, '' Rose sighed.

`` Just think, this time tomorrow, we may have the map working, '' Matt commented, `` That would be awful. ``

`` We 'll take to get away from Kaden first, '' Amanda pointed out.

`` And I 'm not entirely certain the map will solve after we do this, '' Albus said, `` It almost seems too dim-witted. ``

Albus had been thinking this for a few mean solar day now. They had had an incredibly sluttish time getting the mark. Almost too easy a metre. Dogs, stags, and strikebreaker were quite common and anyone who could cast a bare Petrificus Totalus charm could get those prints. The only one that would be difficult for the average necromancer to get was the werewolf print. Even so, Albus did n't think the predator would make it this slowly to entree the map.

`` I 've been thinking the Lapp matter, '' rosebush agreed.

John groaned, `` That would suck. ``

`` We 'll get it eventually, '' Albus assured him. `` Plus, the map said we had to be like the marauder. We have n't done anything that only the Marauders could have done so far. We got a crew of paw mark. Anyone can do that. ``

`` Not anyone could get a werewolf print, '' john pointed out.

`` I know. But it 's not something only the Marauders could have done, '' Albus told him.

`` speaking of the piranha, '' Saint John the Apostle turned to Rose, `` How 's the Sileo Altus charm coming ? ``

`` The what ? '' mat asked.

`` Oh, yeah, we 've got to secernate you about that, '' John said. `` Want to excuse it, pink wine ? ``

`` Sure, '' Rose shrugged, `` It 's a charm I found in a leger at my house. It 's a way to make sure someone keeps something a secret. variety of like the Fidelius Charm, only it 's for verbal secrets, not piazza. Whomever performs the charm is the Secret steward and only that soul can undo the appealingness. After the charm is performed, the person ca n't talk about the mystic with anyone except the Secret Keeper and anyone else who was involved in the charm performing. It 's a way to keep Kaden from telling anyone that you 're a lycanthrope. ``

Albus held his breath as Rose explained and hoped that mat would mean it was a adept idea. Albus watched as Matt thought about what Rose had said. Albus could n't really tell what he thought. flatness looked a bit surprised, almost like he did n't think Rose would take ever found a charm to do that.

`` wellspring, what do you think ? '' Albus asked after a few instant silence.

`` I 'm not sure, '' Matt said quietly, `` leave it really play ? ``

`` I 'm passably trusted it will, '' rose wine said, `` The only thing that will whelm it is Veritaserum. ``

`` And what if Kaden drinks Veritaserum ? '' matte asked.

`` When would he tope that ? '' John the Evangelist raised his eyebrows.

`` I do n't know, '' lusterlessness sighed, `` But he could. ``

`` I really do n't imagine he would. ``

`` What if he did ? What if he spewed all about me in the middle of the Great Hall or something ? ``

`` I doubt he 's ever going to fuddle any Veritaserum, '' rosiness said,"And even if he did, individual would consume to ask him if you were a werewolf. He would n't just randomly beginning telling people."

`` Is there even any of that in the castle ? '' Amanda asked.

`` There 's some in Slughorn 's common soldier Potions cupboard, but that 's it, '' Albus answered, `` But that 's locked anyway. ``

`` See ? Hardly any chance of Kaden drinking any, '' John said.

`` Yeah, but still ... I do n't know ... '' Matt groaned, `` I just do n't really want to order him. ``

`` I know. Just think about it, ok ? '' Albus gave Matt a half smile.

`` All right hand, '' lustrelessness sighed, `` We do n't ask Kaden yet, do we ? ``

`` No, '' Albus replied, `` I 'm not certain when we 'll require him. The map just said we had to be like the Marauders, which means we 'll need soul to be Wormtail at some peak. ``

`` And I want to prove that charm out before we use it on Kaden, '' flatness said.

`` We will, '' Rose assured him, `` I 've got to practice session it anyway. ``

`` So, anyone got any arcanum we can recitation with ? '' John grinned mischievously.

******

`` Settle down, adjudicate down, '' Slughorn barked at his class.

Albus turned around in his bottom. He had been talking to St. John, who was sitting behind him next to Goyle. Albus was sitting future to Limbert and lustrelessness was looking thoroughly measly following to Maloy in the side by side row over at the front. Slughorn was still plowing forward with his inter-house spouse in form, but Albus did n't think it was helping to fall the hostility between Gryffindor and Slytherin. So far, the undecomposed that had happened was silent abomination during hard-nosed lessons and jinxing and hexing at defective. Based on the short duel between Ethan and Garth Octavius the former week, it was only a matter of clip before things really got out of hand.

`` Thank you, '' Slughorn said once everyone was paying attention, `` Today you 'll be brewing the Confusion Potion I taught you about on Friday. He waved his wand at the blackboard, `` Directions are on the board. You have the entire class. ``

`` Light the fire, '' Limbert grunted as he got up from his chair.

Albus nodded and pulled out his wand. Albus and Limbert had come to an unspoken agreement with brewing potions. Limbert would collect ingredients while Albus lit the fervidness and unpacked all the various weighing machine and tongue. Then, Albus would prepare the ingredients while Limbert added them and stirred the caldron. Albus was fine with this since Limbert was a just Potions brewer than he was.

Limbert returned with the component and Albus started chopping them. He never said anything to Limbert while they worked and Limbert never said anything to Albus besides the occasional 'pass the asphodel'or something of the like.

Albus listened to everyone else in the class as he chopped up ingredients. He thought it was especially amusing to hear to John and Goyle.

`` No, that 's not clockwise, '' John groaned, `` You 're stirring counter-clockwise. ``

`` Oh. ``

`` Stir it the other way ! '' John shouted.

Albus stifled a laugh and glanced to his left, where Rose and Leigh Montague were having a similar conversation.

`` They 've got to be chopped finer than that. It says minced, not diced, '' Rose instructed.

`` They look fine to me, '' Leigh snapped.

`` No, they wo n't exercise like that. Let me do it, '' Rose grabbed a knife and started mincing the shrivelfig.

`` Fine. You do the solid thing if you 're so smart, '' Leigh huffed.

`` You can stir the cauldron. Clockwise, '' pink wine replied.

Albus was n't close enough to either Amanda or matte to hear what was going on at their tables. It looked like Amanda and Dalila Avish were working much the Saami way Albus and Limbert were, since neither of their mouths were moving. Malfoy appeared to be yelling at Matt for something, but Albus could n't quite make out what it was. Matt got up from the mesa with a stadium full of something and then emptied it in the bin. When he returned to his table, he started carefully chopping something up. Albus was guessing it was Sir Thomas More of whatever he had thrown away.

Albus continued mincing his shrivelfig and listened mostly to lavatory and Goyle. Limbert kept smirking every so often, which gave Albus the impression he was listening to John the Divine and Goyle, too.

`` Keep stirring CLOCKWISE for another hour, '' Gospel According to John said slowly and clearly, `` Then alternate to COUNTERCLOCKWISE. I 've got to go get something. Do n't do anything besides the stirring. ``

Goyle grunted and Albus heard John get up. Albus felt a urging in his side and looked up to see John standing next to him. `` What ? '' Albus whispered.

lav pointed to a corner of the way, near the closet of ingredients. There was a enceinte rat sitting there. Albus shuddered and looked back at John.

`` I 'll be back, '' John winked at him.

Albus tried to concentrate on his shrivelfig, but he could n't stop glancing up at trick. He was almost to the cupboard now, and the rat still had n't moved. Albus watched as privy pointed his wand at the rat, but he could n't hear what spell John was using due to the noise in the room. Luckily everyone was concentrating on their potions and not paying an ounce of attention to John. Albus grimaced as John picked up the rat and shoved it inside his robes. Albus was incredibly happy that King John was willing to do the rat print. The intellection of putting a rat in his robes creeped Albus out.

John went into the closet for a few instant and came back out carrying a jar of something. Probably a cover story, Albus thought.

`` Got it, '' bathroom whispered to Albus on his way back to his desk.

`` Excellent, '' Albus said.

Suddenly there was a flash detonation from somewhere behind Albus and he felt a hot liquid Edwin Herbert Land on his head and drip down the back of his robes.

`` Ouch ! '' he and Limbert shouted at the same time.

`` Boody Hell ! '' John exclaimed as the Orange River potion landed on the battlefront of his robes.

Pandemonium erupted in the schoolroom. Everyone stopped what they were doing and turned to stare at the exploded potion. Albus turned around and saw that the explosion had come from John and Goyle 's cauldron. Goyle was wearing a stunned expression on his face and was staring into space while holding his ladle in the air. His facial expression was covered with potion as well as his robe. His hair was singed and there was a minuscule fire on his table.

Albus could feel the potion burning down his back and it hurt like hell. It felt like his skin was on fervency. He got up from his president and felt his back. His robe were bite straight through. John 's and Limbert 's were as well.

`` What did you do ? '' Slughorn asked as he strode to John and Goyle 's table.

`` Uh ..., '' Goyle stared up at the ceiling.

`` You must 've gotten potion in your sassing, '' Slughorn shook his nous. `` infirmary Wing. Who else got hit ? ``

`` I did, '' Albus, John, Limbert, as well as Karina and Celeste Yeardly ( who had been sitting behind John and Goyle ) said at the same time.

`` Hospital annexe, all of you, '' Slughorn replied, `` If one of you could please make sure Mr. Goyle arrives there, that would be appreciated. ``

Limbert immediately dragged Goyle out of the room with Celeste following. Albus and John walked a little shipway behind them and Karina behind them.

`` Idiot, '' King John muttered as they climbed the stairs out of the dungeons.

`` What did he do ? '' Albus asked.

`` Not a clue, '' John shrugged, `` Not what I told him to do. ``

`` I heard you talking to him. It seemed pretty square. ``

`` Well, he 's speechless than a round, '' whoremaster groaned, `` Merlin this stuff burns. ``

`` At least we did n't eat any of it, '' Albus pointed to Goyle, who was stumbling down the corridor like he was drunk.

`` True, '' St. John the Apostle laughed and then lowered his phonation, `` Hey, it was worth it since I got the rat. ``

`` That affair 's not still in your robe, is it ? '' Albus glanced warily at John.

`` Er, yeah, have n't had a opportunity to take it out. ``

`` I just hope it stays stunned. ``

`` It should, '' St. John said as they followed Goyle and Limbert into the hospital Wing.

lady Pomfrey was already busy taking forethought of a girl who had gotten bitten by something in concern of Magical Creatures and told them they would consume to await. Once she had finished healing the girl, she moved on to Goyle, since he was n't able to sit still and was wandering around the room tripping over things. She took care of Limbert, Celeste, and Karina, and then moved on to the bed Albus and John the Divine were sitting on.

`` You lot again ? '' she sighed, `` I 'm surprised it 's only the two of you. ``

`` fountainhead, Matt, Rose, and Amanda were all too far away to be hit by the potion, '' Albus explained.

`` I swear the lot of you are exactly like your grandfather and his friends, '' gentlewoman Pomfrey shook her head as she handed Albus a potion.

John, who had just started drinking his own potion, choked and coughed the potion up onto the bed. He turned and grinned at Albus, who grinned back. well, Albus thought, that was the general theme of the map.

Madam Pomfrey sighed and with a wave of her wand the potion was cleaned up. `` Drink the rest of it, '' she instructed them.

gentlewoman Pomfrey applied some sort of salve to their burns and a few bit later they were allowed to leave. The nanny told them to go directly to their dormitory to get new robes and that she did n't want to see them in the infirmary annex for the following few weeks.

`` Fat luck that 'll befall, '' John smirked as they started back to Gryffindor Tower.

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed. It seemed like one of them was always winding up in the Hospital fender. Albus himself had already been there twice since returning to school after the Christmas holiday.

`` Next Quidditch match is what, in three weeks ? '' whoremaster asked.

`` Just about, '' Albus said.

`` Then you might be back there soon, '' King John joked.

`` Shut it, '' Albus replied, `` I did n't land myself there final peer. ``


A/N : spear carrier long chapter ! Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight. Thanks as well to Moonylupin, Denas, Miguel, invisiblecloak, potterfan296, Luke, and drownzer for the brushup !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter or wienerwurst Sinatra.


Albus and John were immediately bombarded by Kaden when they entered the vernacular room. Rose, Amanda, and mat were standing just behind Kaden with smirks on their faces.

`` Did your cauldron really explode ? '' Kaden asked excitedly.

`` The potion did, '' John replied, `` And it was completely Goyle 's defect, really. I gave him directions as to what to do and he screwed it up. ``

`` You know, '' Rose said, `` You 're not exactly the best potion brewer either, John. ``

`` Are you two all right ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Oh, yeah. brothel keeper Pomfrey sorted everything out, '' Albus assured her.

`` So what are you doing tonight, Albus ? '' Kaden asked excitedly as he followed Albus and lav to the dormitory door.

Albus groaned inwardly. He had been planning on grabbing a quick dinner with his friend after he changed robes, and then head to the elbow room to try out the new map. They had all the paw prints ( John had gone up to the student residence ahead of Albus with the rat and got the print from it. Albus did n't want to bang what happened to the rat afterwards ) now, so Albus was impatient to try it out. But they would n't be able-bodied to if Kaden was around.

`` Dunno, '' Albus shrugged.

Kaden spent the entire eventide with Albus and his friends. Normally, this really would n't receive bothered Albus, but that night his full cousin was driving him mad. All Albus wanted to do was try out the map, but he could n't think up a good alibi for them to go somewhere and not let Kaden come. So they spent the evening in the common room, working on homework.

Albus and his friends were far too fussy the next few days to try out the new map. Albus had Quidditch pattern on Tuesday and Thursday and dueling exercise on Midweek. Rose had dueling practice on Friday. privy normally had his practice on Saturday, but due to the Quidditch catch, it had been rescheduled for Sunday. Any bit of time where neither Albus or his ally had any practices, Kaden was around. It was n't until Saturday, following Slytherin 's salient exit to Ravenclaw, that they were finally able to try out the map. Kaden had been recruited to tutor a fellow first class in Potions and was going to be spending a few hours in the dungeons after the Quidditch match.

`` Come on, let 's go try it now, '' Albus whispered to his booster after Kaden left the common room.

`` Got the print ? '' Matt asked.

Albus nodded and grabbed his bag. They quickly left the common room and ran for the room of demand. They almost bumped into a Ravenclaw prefect, but luckily he was feeling generous ( most likely due to the Quidditch win ) and did n't scold them for running in the corridors.

lustrelessness paced three times in social movement of the vacate bulwark and as soon as the door appeared, the five Quaker ran inside. Albus set his bag down on the table and everyone crowded around it. Albus pulled out all four prints and the map.

`` All right, '' Albus unfolded the map, `` Rose, you 're right with the appealingness, right ? ``

Rose nodded, `` I 've practiced it and it works every time. ``

`` Good, '' Albus stared at the map, unsure of how to set about, `` Er, maybe I should do what I did last time to get it to differentiate us we 've got to prove we know the piranha ? ``

`` Probably, '' rose agreed.

`` waiting ! '' John shouted, `` Can I do it this time ? ``

`` Sure, '' Albus shrugged and handed bathroom the map.

`` Excellent, '' John grinned and pointed his wand at the map, `` I solemnly swear that I am Messr Padfoot. ``

Ink appeared on the map, but not nearly as much as when Albus had done it earlier in the year.

'No, you 're not .'

The ink disappeared as quickly as it had appeared.

`` What ? '' lav shouted, `` But it worked hold up time ! ``

Albus 's hope plummeted. Why was n't it working now ? Was it on some form of a timekeeper ? Like it could only work on a certain day of the month ? He had been so excited about getting the new map to bring, and now it would n't even tell them to prove they knew the Marauders.

`` Let me try, '' mat grabbed the parchment and pointed his sceptre at it, `` I solemnly swear that I am Messr Moony. ``

'No, you 're not .'The map said once again.

`` This sucks, '' lav muttered, `` It worked live on clip. ``

`` Maybe it 's got to be Albus, '' rosebush suggested.

Albus wordlessly grabbed the map and pointed his own wand at it, `` I solemnly swear that I am Messr Prongs. ``

The ink he had been expecting to appear rose to the surface of the parchment and formed the familiar words.

'Messrs Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot, and Prongs welcome you to the Marauder 's Map, Second Edition .'

`` Ha ! '' Albus grinned in inflammation, `` There it is ! ``

`` But why did n't it work for us ? '' can asked dejectedly. `` Does that mean value we ca n't be Padfoot and Moony ? ``

`` Dunno, '' Albus sighed. He really hoped his acquaintance would be able to be Padfoot and Moony. Who else could be Padfoot and Moony ? The map would n't even work without person to be Padfoot, Moony, and Wormtail. Albus could n't do it alone.

'Mr. Prongs disagrees with you and insists that you are not Prongs. However, you could be the sec Prongs .'

`` See ? Why did n't it say 'However, you could be the second Padfoot'when I did it ? ``

'When four boy, who are Gryffindors, are linked together through friendship and deviltry, they may present themselves as the next coevals of Marauders. These four friends must each represent one of the Marauders, for if even one is missing, this map will not crop. Before this goes any further, you must prove that you know the secrets of the piranha. Prove that you know, and you may carry on along the track of discovery .'

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

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

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

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

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

'The predator wish you proficient luck .'

`` wellspring, now what ? '' whoremonger asked.

`` I guess we 've just got to channel the paw prints, '' Albus said tentatively.

Rose picked up the paw prints and the map, setting them down in front of her. She pulled out her wand and muttered an incantation at the werewolf print. Then she muttered another incantation at the map. The werewolf print appeared on the map, just as it had been on the former firearm of parchment.

`` That, was bally amazing, '' can said in awe.

Albus agreed. He was forever grateful that his cousin was so brilliant. Albus did n't call back he 'd ever be able-bodied to extract off something like that. At least not until he was at least in fifth year.

Rose repeated the procedure with the dog, stag, and rat prints, positioning them in the exact same way that the little mark that the predator had put on the map.

`` There, '' she said once she was done.

The five friends stared at the map for a few seconds, waiting for something to happen. The paw mark were n't doing anything and neither was the map. No new ink had appeared and the paw prints were n't disappearing or anything.

`` Er, '' Albus began, `` Maybe I 've got to tell the map that we know the predator ? ``

`` Worth a guessing, '' John shrugged.

Albus pulled the map over to him and tapped his baton to it, `` I, Albus Severus Potter, the second Prongs, know the piranha. ``

The paw photographic print quickly faded until there was zippo left but a dummy parchment. Albus glanced up and looked at his friends before returning his gaze to the new map.

'Prongs agrees that you do know the marauder, and is especially impressed that you managed to get a werewolf paw print .'

`` It worked ! '' Albus shouted happily.

'Due to your obvious knowledge of the vulture'secrets, we shall now tell you more about this map. When the vulture were 7th year, they realized that within a few scant month, they would be gone from Hogwarts, and the shoal would be left without their foreman roguery makers.

'Prongs suggested-'

'Do you always talk about yourself in the third soul, Prongs ?'

'Only when I have a stroke of grandness, Padfoot .'

'Not too often then, right ?'

'Oh, get on with the explanation, Prongs .'

'Calm yourself, Moony. You 're letting your furry self show .'

'Shut it, Prongs .'

'All right. Anyway, I ( happy now, Padfoot ? ) had a stroke of brilliance that the predator could find a way to ensure that they would never be gone from Hogwarts .'

`` I knew it ! '' rosiness shouted in glee, `` I knew that was what this was about ! ``

'The piranha decided to create another map. The first map was only the first. The vulture wanted to find a way to put themselves into a map, in decree to help the next coevals of mischief God Almighty. That is what this map is about.

'However, not just anyone would be able to have access code to the map .'

'Yeah, we would n't want any old muttonhead stumbling upon it .'

'Right, Padfoot. Or even uncollectible, having Slytherins get their worthless mitt on it .'

'I shudder at that thought, Moony. Anyway, the predator had to figure out a way to ensure that only those worthy would be able to access this map. The piranha 's Map is actually quite simple to figure out, compared to this one. All you have to do to open that is say a certain phrase. For this map, you have to be a certain mortal to open it.

'You may or may not possess figured out that in order to get the first off bit of entropy out of this map, you have to be a blood relative of one of the marauder. However, not everyone representing the vulture must be related. Because, you know, we might not all have kids .'

'Yeah, you would n't want to be passing along any cistron, Prongs .'

'Better mine than yours, Padfoot .'

`` That 's why only Albus could do it ! '' John shouted.

Albus felt vast relief from this. John and Matt would be able to represent Padfoot and Moony.

`` So really, only James, Lily, Teddy, my dad, and I could get it open, '' Albus said.

'The residual of you must be Gryffindor boys, because we want you to be like us .'

'Lily wo n't like that, Prongs .'

'I know, Moony, but Lily does n't know about this. I do n't plan on telling her, either .'

`` Guess that counts out my sister, '' Albus commented.

'So, now you 've proven that you know the marauder. Your next step is to prove that you are the next piranha .'

The ink slowly faded once again until the parchment was as blank as before.

Albus stared at it for a few moments, thinking about what he had just found out. The map was n't going to shape yet. He had been so sure that all they 'd feature to do was prove they knew the Marauders. But now they had yet another matter to do. They had to prove that they were the following Marauders. How were they going to do that ?

`` That was weird, '' St. John the Apostle said.

`` I 'll say, '' Matt agreed, `` They did n't even really tell us what it was a map of. ``

`` Yeah, they just said they wanted to make certainly they 'd never leave Hogwarts. Like the map is a component part of them, '' trick replied.

`` To be good, it sounds a bit like a Horcrux, '' rose commented.

`` Yeah, but it 's not like they put their souls in there, rose, '' Albus pointed out. `` It 's like the Marauder 's Map. It 's just enchanted. ``

`` I still wish we knew what it was a map of, '' John muttered, `` I mean, this is n't fairish ! We spend weeks getting those paw prints and we still have n't figured the map out. ``

`` I knew you 'd deliver to do something like this, '' Rose said, `` Otherwise it would n't matter if there were four of you to represent the marauder. If it was just this, Albus could take in done the unit thing himself. ``

She made a good breaker point. Albus had n't really thought about that, but it was truthful. They had to do something that required each of them to represent one of the Marauders.

`` I guess we 've got to turn out we are the Marauders, then, '' Albus said, `` enquire what that involves. ``

`` Maybe we 've got to do something the marauder would let done, '' mat suggested.

`` Like suit illegal Animagi ? '' lavatory grinned mischievously.

`` No ! '' Matt sighed, `` I told you, you 're not doing that ! ``

`` I do n't guess that 's it, '' Rose began, `` How would you go about proving to a piece of theme that you 're illegal Animagi ? ``

`` Maybe we 've got to pull a immense buffoonery or something, '' Albus said.

`` Again, how would you prove that to the map ? '' blush wine asked.

`` Well, does anyone have any other ideas ? '' Albus asked.

`` We 'll cerebrate of something, '' Amanda said, `` I mean, there 's got to be a way. ``

`` Of course their is ! '' rosebush said, `` We 've just got to go to the library and see if we can find anything there. ``

`` We ca n't do anything anyway until you 've got that Sileo Altus charm down, Rose, '' Albus pointed out.

`` Right, '' Rose replied, `` It 's coming along well. I just take to get some drill. Anyone want to be my tester ? ``

`` I will ! '' St. John the Apostle shouted and jumped up out of his chair.

`` Ok, number here, '' Rose got up and went to the other side of the room.

Albus watched as the two of them worked. First, they had to think up a secret, which took a good bit of time. John finally suggested that the secret be 'Filch likes to trip the light fantastic in the moonlight with a foresightful handle mop with hot dog Sinatra music acting in the background signal .'

Albus burst out laughing at that. `` Filch ? dancing ? ``

`` Yes, '' toilet said in a serious tone, `` I saw him once. He was rubbing the mop pass to his face and had on a look of pure joy. ``

`` And soon you wo n't be able to tell anyone about it, '' Amanda grinned. `` What a shame. ``

`` Yes, it is, is n't it ? '' John laughed. `` You lot can still spread it around, though. ``

`` Ok, John, let 's try it, '' rose said.

Rose pointed her wand at herself and recited the charm that would nominate her the privy custodian. Then, she pointed her wand at toilet and said a slightly different charm.

`` Now you say the secret, John. ``

`` Filch likes to dance in the moonlight with a long handgrip mop with Frank Sinatra music playing in the backcloth, '' John smirked.

`` goodness, '' blush wine replied and then performed another magic spell on lavatory. `` I 'm not fix to try including other people yet, so John will only be able to talk about Filch 's little habit to me. ``

pink wine waved her wand around in an intricate pattern and then said one last incantation. She lowered her scepter and stared at John. Then she turned to face up Albus.

`` There. Now you can try asking him about it, Albus. ``

Albus grinned, `` All rightfulness. So, toilet, heard anything interesting about Filch lately ? ``

`` Yeah ! '' trick shouted, `` Actually, just the other Night I saw him and he was- '' john 's mouth continued moving but no auditory sensation was coming out of it.

Albus and Amanda burst out laughing. John looked like a fish out of water system. `` I think it worked ! '' Albus shouted.

pink wine was staring at John with a little flavour of disappointment. `` Not quite. He was n't even supposed to be able to strike his sass. You know, in lawsuit multitude can record rim. I guess it 's a start, though. ``

`` Definitely. I mean, this is a really advanced appealingness. You ca n't own expected to get it on the maiden try, '' Albus pointed out. Although, he did form of think rose expected to get it on the first off try.

`` I suppose, '' blush wine sighed, `` I 'll just undo it. ``

Rose waved her scepter around and muttered some more incantation. `` Ok, he should be able to mouth about it now. ``

`` Heard anything funny about Filch recently ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Yeah, he likes to dance with a long handle mop by Moon while Frank Sinatra plays in the background knowledge, '' St. John the Apostle told her.

`` smell like the countercharm worked, '' Albus said.

`` But that 's not even what we 'll involve, '' Rose pointed out, `` We 're not going to execute the countercharm on Kaden. Not for another few years at to the lowest degree. ``

`` Yeah, but it 's prosperous for john that it worked, '' Albus grinned, `` Otherwise he would n't be able-bodied to share Filch 's mysterious joys of life. ``

******

Over the next few days, John actually did percentage that Filch liked to trip the light fantastic toe with a longsighted hold mop by the moonlight with weenie Sinatra playing in the background signal. All he had to do was mention it to a few former Gryffindors at meal times and the bit of chit-chat was soon spreading throughout the school. The reaction from students ranged from hysterical laugh to raised eyebrows to exclamations of 'Who the hell is Frank Frank Sinatra ?'Albus could n't serve but smirk every time he heard his fellow educatee mentioning the story.

Filch, on the other script, was actively trying to find the culprit. There was n't really any percentage point, since he would n't be able to find who started it, but he tried. He spent the day prowling the mansion and listening in on pupil'conversations, trying to find out any variety of info regarding the false story. Whenever the students noticed him, they would collapse out laughing, which would have Filch to start muttering about 'rotten students'and 'ought to whip them all'.

Filch 's chief suspect was Kaden, which Albus found form of funny. Kaden of path had laughed the trashy when he heard the level. Since Filch had developed an vivid dislike for Kaden since their detention months ago, he gave Kaden ominous stares every clock time Kaden passed him in the corridors. Kaden just found this funny, since he knew John had invented the story.

The story about Filch provided a nice recess from the vivid poring over that all the students were occupied with. Like common, the teachers had increased the preparation after the holidays. Albus was glad it was n't yet his O.W.L. yr and he could n't opine how he would manage to cope with that in three short eld. Along with homework, Albus also had Quidditch and dueling practice. Both Georgia and Kate had increased practice times in order to prepare for the upcoming match and tournament. The third dueling tournament was to take piazza the initiatory weekend of Feb and Quidditch on the following weekend. Albus now had Quidditch practice on Mondays, Tuesday, Th, and Saturdays. Dueling pattern were as usual, not mandatory, but were now not only on Wednesdays, but on Fri as well. The only day Albus had off was Sunday, which did n't impart a good deal time for him to try and figure out how to prove he was like the Marauders to the new map.

The daybreak of the Dueling tourney was frigidness, snowy, and blustery. Albus was very happy the Quidditch match was n't that day. He got up a few hours before the tournament started and went down to breakfast with his friends.

`` I ca n't hold back until I can duel next yr, '' Kaden said in between chomp of egg.

`` It 's not really as sang-froid as it 's made out to be, '' whoremaster commented, `` A lot of waiting around time during tournament. ``

`` That 's because there 's so many of us, '' Rose explained, `` In the regular Dueling Club, the one that you can only be in if you 're twenty percent year or above, not everyone gets on the teams. It 's like Quidditch and you have to try out. ``

`` That sounds better, '' John said, `` But I do n't roll in the hay if I 'd make the team. ``

`` I know I would n't, '' Amanda replied.

`` You 're getting good, '' Albus assured her, `` You might make it by the time you 're a fifth class. ``

`` Yeah, that 's the dot of the junior 's nightclub, '' Rose said, `` So you can get dependable. They do n't anticipate us all to be expert duelers. ``

`` Albus is, '' Amanda grinned, `` He 's brilliant. ``

Albus felt his look round red, `` Well, I 'm not that great ... I mean, there are loads of mass who are better than me. ``

`` Not on our squad, '' Amanda continued, `` He 's beat almost everyone on the squad. ``

`` Yeah, everyone except Malfoy, '' Albus muttered. He still had n't managed to beat Malfoy during their practice duels.

`` That 's unspoiled, though ! '' Rose sighed, `` You 're both splendid duelers, so you 've got a good team ! ``

Albus shrugged. He variety of would rather just be capable to beat Malfoy than beat the early team, but he did n't mention anything about it.

Albus and his admirer continued their talk about dueling throughout breakfast and as they sat around the common room afterwards. Soon, it was fourth dimension for them to go down to the dueling bedroom for the tournament.

They passed Filch on their way down the stairs, and he was muttering to himself as usual.

`` Damn Thomas Kyd ... better when Umbridge was around ... wonder if she 'll come back ... she 'd let me mop up them ... ''

`` I swear he 's gotten more mad over the twelvemonth, '' John muttered to Albus as they passed him.

`` Dad says he 's getting senile, '' Albus whispered back.

The dueling chamber was packed with pupil, just like the by two tournament. Albus and Amanda squeezed their way through the crowd to their common table, where their team was sitting.

`` Hi Albus, Amanda, '' Kate greeted them. `` cook to win ? ``

`` Definitely, '' Albus grinned.

The tourney got under way a few arcminute later. It was much like the past two tournaments, with a lot of sitting around time. Albus was glad that he and Amanda were on the like team so they were able to sing to each other in between duels.

Albus won both of his affaire d'honneur, just like the end two tournament. So did Malfoy and once again, Albus found that he was kind of well-chosen and kind of angry about that. Amanda won one of her duels, which Albus was very felicitous about. He knew half her dueling issues were from boldness and the fact that she thought she would n't do well.

blush wine, john, and mat each won one of their affaire d'honneur as well. Albus clapped for them even though they were on other team, which earned him glare from Malfoy. Albus did n't care, though. Malfoy could sulk as long as he wanted, it was n't going to finish Albus from cheering for his friends.

The head were tallied after the last duel and John 's team was declared the winner. Albus was slightly defeated, but there were still three more tournament before the final. Harry announced the stage totality for the entire class and rose 's team was in first place so far. In second gear was the team led by Hufflepuff Paul Galivant and in third was John 's squad, led by Albus 's cousin Bradley.

Albus did n't guess that the inter-house dueling was decreasing the rivalry between houses. Albus was n't anymore fond of the Slytherins than he had been in the get-go of the year. None of the Slytherins really got along with the Gryffindors on his team, and frailty versa. He was n't exactly certainly how it was working with the regular dueling club, but he had overheard Henry M. Stanley complaining about how uncooperative the Slytherins on his team were. But that was month ago and he did n't acknowledge what had been going on with it recently.


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight. Thanks as well to Moonylupin, Denas, XDNLxtlz99, potterfan296, Miguel, Luke, and mischiefmaker09 for their critique !

I wrote my first base Marauders Era story, incline core May Include Gratitude and spirit of Well organism, which is a one-shot from Madam Pomfrey 's stop of scene. It 's on my writer pageboy, if you 're interested. I 'd jazz it if you read and reviewed it !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Matt 's natal day was a few day after the Dueling tournament. Albus and his friends did n't throw him a party like they had last twelvemonth. That had mostly been done to pep up him up since he had been in the infirmary Wing at the time. This year they went down to the kitchens and got a cake, and then ate it in their dormitory. Kaden went with him and was amazed by the kitchens, with all the house-elves around. His reaction was comic to learn than Amanda 's the former year. He stood there with his sassing half loose and then ran around grabbing as much food as possible.

By the time the Quidditch match arrived the following Sabbatum, Albus was utterly exhausted. Between Quidditch practice and prep, he hardly had anytime to sleep. throw in a misstep down to the kitchens for mat 's birthday after Quidditch drill the other night, and Albus was ready to sleep through an entire day.

Albus yawned, got out of bed, and looked out the window. He had been hoping that the raging blizzard would bear let up, but it had n't. marvellous, he thought, James would n't be catching the Snitch quickly in this weather.

A few hours later, Albus bade his acquaintance goodbye and headed down to the changing elbow room at the Quidditch tar. His friends had bundled themselves up in as much vermilion and gold clothing as they owned and were prepare to huddle together against the howling lead for a few hours of Quidditch. John, Matt, and Amanda did n't appear to mind the weather at all and were excited about the match. rosebush, on the other helping hand, clearly would have rather spent the afternoon in the castling studying. Kaden still liked football game better than Quidditch and Albus had a flavour he would n't consume minded the tempest if he was watching a football game game.

`` Ok ! '' Sakartvelo shouted a few instant after Albus entered the changing rooms, `` Everyone seminal fluid over here ! ``

`` I know the weather is n't ideal, '' GA began once everyone was gathered around her, `` But we 've played in unsound than this ! ``

`` Yeah, if you count that flood we played in during third yr, '' Fred muttered, `` But other than that .... ''

Georgia glared at Fred, `` Anyway, we 're playing Hufflepuff, so we 'll win. Harper 's still captain, but it 's her last-place year, so she 'll be dead set on getting the Cup. That means she 'll possess trained her squad even harder. They 've got a new custodian, though. Someone named sixpence Royce. He 's a one-fifth year. Other than him, the squad 's the Saame as last year. So, with that, get out there and plain some badger ass ! ``

Albus grinned to himself as he picked up his heather and started to walk to the room access. Georgia was a groovy maitre d', but was n't much for long winded speeches.

`` Albus, '' Peach State whispered and put her hand on his shoulder.

`` Yeah ? ``

`` You 're, er, less nervous this match, right ? ``

`` Oh, yeah, '' Albus smiled, remembering how he had told her he was extremely nervous the last match. In reality, he 'd been too preoccupied with the new map. Sure, he 'd been a fiddling unquiet, but not as a great deal as Peach State thought he had been. This match, however, he was n't nearly as distracted, although he still was a bit unquiet. `` I 'm a bit nervous, but not as much. ``

`` good, '' Georgia grinned and walked out the door and onto the pitch.

Albus followed his cousin-german onto the slant and was immediately hit by the forceful wind that were prevailing.

`` Welcome to the Gryffindor versus Hufflepuff match ! '' Todd Smith 's vocalism sounded over the pitch. It sounded deliquium and kind of far away in the wind. `` It 's fucking cold out here so let 's make it promptly !

`` Here are the Gryffindors ! master Sakartvelo Weasley, followed by Ryan O'Malley, Albus ceramist, James II Potter, Bradley Weasley, Fred Weasley, and Calluna vulgaris Weasley !

`` And the Hufflepuffs ! Captain Jessica harpist, followed by Shawn Ames, Lisa Galivant, Andy Kaper, Stacey Manson, Anna Reilly, and sixpence Royce ! ``

Professor Oteski motioned for Empire State of the South and Harper to sway hands and as soon as they did so, Albus and the sleep of the players rose into the air. Oteski released the balls and Heather immediately took possession of the Quaffle.

`` And broom 's got the Quaffle ! She passes to Fred, then back to Heather, and to Albus. ``

Albus caught the Quaffle and started flying towards the Hufflepuff goals. He was amazed that he had actually caught it since the weather was so terrible. He could hardly see two foot in front of him. His robe were already soaked with snow and ice and he was frigidly common cold. Nevertheless, he kept flying towards the goal until he had to bar short and toss the Quaffle back to heather, since he almost flew consecutive into an oncoming Hufflepuff chaser.

heather mixture caught the Quaffle and flew it the rest of the way to the end. She threw it in and it easily went past Hufflepuff 's new Keeper.

`` Goal ! Ten-zero Gryffindor ! Now hurry up and catch that Snitch, James IV ! I 'm freezing my bloody- ''

`` Smith ! '' Patil shouted, `` watch your language ! ``

`` Sorry, Professor. ``

The Quaffle was now back in play and was in Hufflepuff self-command. Albus was n't even sure which Chaser had it, but he knew it was a Hufflepuff. Whichever Hufflepuff had the Quaffle managed to take it to the Gryffindor goal, but Peach State saved it.

Fred took the Quaffle and flew it back to the other end of the pitch shot, scoring another goal for Gryffindor.

The game continued this way for the next half hour. Hufflepuff managed to tally two end, but Gryffindor scored about eight. Albus currently had the Quaffle and was flying straight at the Hufflepuff goals.

He narrowly avoided a bludger and both Hufflepuff beaters, but soon he was within throwing length of the goal. He faked to the rightfulness and then threw the Quaffle at the left hoop. Royce tried to carry through it, but he was n't quick enough.

`` Goal ! Albus thrower has scored against Hufflepuff ! The scotch is now 90-20 Gryffindor ! ``

Albus was ecstatic. That was the first end he had ever scored in a Quidditch match. Up until now, all he 'd done were help. Albus took a triumph lap around the pitch shot and then caught the Quaffle from Scots heather.

Albus managed to mark another destination and broom scored two to a greater extent in the next one-half 60 minutes of the match. Hufflepuff scored a few Thomas More finish, but were still far behind. By now, Albus was sure he had turned into an icicle and was getting a bit queasy of flying around in the coldness. He was even getting a bit of a head ache from it. Albus was n't even sure as shooting if he 'd know if James or Galivant caught the fink, due to the increasingly bad visibility and snowfall. The snowstorm seemed to be getting worse by the minute. If Hogwarts actually called off Quidditch, they would take in called it off a piece ago.

A few second later, sunshine broke out in the point of view and Albus was certain someone must consume caught the Snitch. He was very well-chosen to land his broom and knew he 'd be even happy when he finally got into the warmly common room.

The rest period of his team was shouting in mirth and were surrounding James River. He must ingest caught the Snitch, Albus thought. The rest of the Gryffindors were swarming the pitch and soon King James was lifted onto a few mass 's shoulders. Albus joined the throngs of his house and started his way back to the castling.

On his way back to the usual elbow room, legion masses stopped him in order to congratulate him on the win. Albus was thrilled that they had won, but all he really wanted to do was find his friends and get into some warm gown. Epistle of James loved the attention he got after winning a Quidditch couple, but Albus could take it or depart it. Right now, he could entrust it since his worry was getting spoilt.

The party in the common room was just getting started when Albus entered a few hour later. Someone must experience snuck down to the kitchens because there was an entire mesa filled with food. Someone else had obviously gotten into Hogsmeade because just about everyone had a butterbeer in their hand.

Somebody shoved a butterbeer into Albus 's hand as he made his way through the bunch. William James was in the midst of it as usual and was rehashing how he caught the Snitch.

`` And I saw it lurking near one of the goal posts. Galivant was on the other end of the pitch, so I knew she had no Leslie Townes Hope ... '' Epistle of James was saying to a couple of giggling girls.

The rest of the team was nearby and were digging into the solid food that was on one of the tables.

`` Great job, Albus ! '' Georgia shouted as he passed, `` I knew you could get over those nerves ! ``

`` Thanks, '' Albus smiled as he went up the step to his dormitory room.

Albus quickly changed out of his cold, wet gown and felt a bit better afterwards. He went back down to the usual way and it was even fuller than before. It looked like all the Gryffindors had returned from the pitch and the political party was in wide-cut swing.

Albus found his supporter sitting at their usual mesa and they all seemed to be enjoying the party.

`` Albus ! '' whoremaster shouted as Albus sat down, `` Brilliant playing ! ``

`` Definitely, '' Matt agreed.

`` You 're quite a skillful Chaser, Albus, '' rose said, `` Although I honestly do n't know why they did n't call off the match with this rash ... ''

`` cancel the catch ? '' John stared at her, `` Never ! ``

`` If it was football, it would 've been canceled, '' Kaden commented.

`` Yeah, because you would n't be able to run around in two pes of snowfall, '' John laughed, `` But Quidditch is in the air, so it does n't matter. ``

`` Will you two just drop by the wayside arguing about football game ? '' rosebush sighed.

`` Just trying to deform Kaden into a proper virtuoso, '' whoremonger shrugged.

`` Quidditch is hardly the definition of a proper wizard, '' rose said, `` I believe potion brewing is a bit more important and I 'm sure enough Kaden could teach you a thing about it, Mr. Exploding Potions. ``

`` That was Goyle 's fault, '' King John muttered.

`` Why do n't all three of you just quit arguing ? '' Albus snapped. His head was pounding and listening to his Quaker'disceptation was not helping.

`` What 's with you ? '' John asked, `` We 're not fighting anymore than normal. ``

`` Maybe it 's got to do that he 's been flying around in a blizzard for the preceding two hours ? '' rosiness suggested, `` If they 'd just make canceled the match- ''

`` They do n't cancel Quidditch ! '' John shouted and then turned to mat, `` You understand this, do n't you ? ``

`` It 's true, '' Matt agreed, `` Quidditch is n't ever canceled for superficial things like snowstorm. ``

`` I think the weather just makes it more interesting, '' Amanda commented.

`` Not you too ! '' Rose groaned.

`` Football 's only played in the warm months anyway, '' Kaden said, `` They would n't even schedule an outdoor football game match in the winter. ``

`` fountainhead that 's boring, '' whoremonger replied.

Albus leaned his head on his hand and closed his eyes while trying to drown out his friends conversation. Saint John, Rose, and Kaden continued to argue about the virtue of Quidditch and football game. Matt and Amanda stayed out of it for the most theatrical role and seemed form of amused with the intact thing. Albus was n't, though. He wished they 'd just shut out up. Albus 's head was steadily feeling uncollectible, like he was being hit with a bludger over and over again. Besides that, he still had n't completely warmed up from the couple and was shivering, despite his dry robes.

`` I think football would be a decent sportswoman if it were played on ling, '' John said.

`` Oh seminal fluid on, John ! '' Rose sighed, `` Be unplayful ! You ca n't fiddle football on Scots heather. How would you recoil the orchis ? ``

`` Not to mention that Muggles wreak football ! '' Kaden shouted, `` Muggles ca n't fly ! ``

`` I 'm not saying that Muggles should recreate football on brooms. I meant if football were ever played by wizards, it should be done on brooms. ``

Football on ling, Albus thought, what an insane idea. His acquaintance were now trying to merge football and Quidditch.

`` Albus, are you all right ? '' Matt asked.

Albus opened his center and lifted his nous off his hand. `` I dunno. ``

`` You do n't look that peachy, '' Matt said concernedly.

Saint John, rosebush, and Kaden stopped arguing and looked at Albus.

`` Yeah, you look spoiled than mat does when he gets grim, '' Kaden said loudly.

`` Thanks, '' Matt muttered.

`` Matt 's right, '' pink wine said, `` You do await awful, Albus. ``

`` I 've got a headache, '' Albus mumbled.

`` You should go see brothel keeper Pomfrey, '' Kaden told him.

`` I think I 'll just go to bed, '' Albus got up from his chair, `` I have n't really slept much the preceding few Night. I 'm probably just tired. ``

Albus stumbled over to the dormitory doorway, feeling defective than he had a few minutes ago. He collapsed into his bed and fell asleep instant later.

******

Albus awoke with a start and he was n't trusted how practically time had passed since he went to sleep. He still felt extremely tired and his heading still hurt. He groaned and closed his eyes again, wanting only to slumber for a few days straight.

right wing when he was about to stray off again, individual threw the curtains back and Albus 's bed was flooded in light.

`` Ugh, '' Albus groaned and covered his middle with his work force. `` What was that for ? ``

`` You 've slept almost an entire day, '' soul said.

Albus moved his custody and slowly opened his center. John was standing over his bed with a look of vexation on his expression.

`` And I 'd like to sleep a bit more if you do n't mind, '' Albus mumbled.

`` You slept through dinner lastly nighttime, and breakfast and tiffin today. Are n't you hungry ? ``

`` Not really. ``

`` Are you sure you 're ok ? '' King John asked, `` Rose sent me up here to check on you. ``

Honestly, Albus was n't certain he was ok. He could n't commend the concluding time he had slept an stallion day. But right now all he wanted was for John the Divine to go away so he could slumber some more.

`` I 'll be fine once I sleep some more, '' Albus replied and rolled over away from John.

`` If you 're for certain, '' john said quietly and closed the curtains.

It did n't take Albus long to fall back asleep. He had some unknown dreams that involved Teddy telling him his broom broke and he 'd suffer to play Quidditch without it by running around on the ground. Then, instead of a Quaffle, the match was played with a football.

Albus woke up briefly after one of these dreams, only to get hold that the residence hall was gloomy. He could hear Ethan 's muffled stertor and an owl hooting outside. Unfortunately, he did n't finger any better than he had when John woke him up. In fact, he now felt worse. Every one of his muscles were aching, like he had fallen from his broom during the lucifer. But Albus could n't withdraw falling from his broom. When had the match been anyway ? Yesterday or the day before ? Albus could n't even remember and he did n't even bang what day it was currently.

`` Albus ! '' individual shouted. Albus was dreaming about Quidditch again and soul was hitting him with their beater 's bat.

`` Quit it, '' Albus mumbled.

`` Albus, are you all right ? ``

`` Go away, '' Albus said, `` And stop smacking me with that beater 's bat. ``

`` Beater 's bat ? '' they repeated, `` That 's it, I 'm getting Professor ceramist. ``

`` I 'll go, '' someone else said, `` You stay here with him. ``

Whoever had been hitting Albus with the bat had stopped, and he was thankful. Georgia had taken the bat away and was now yelling at its owner. Then she announced that they would be playing football instead of Quidditch. St. James the Apostle complained loudly, since there were n't any seeker in football.

`` Albus, wake up ! ``

`` I think Kaden said you 'll have to play defence force, James, '' Albus mumbled in his sleep. `` There is n't a Snitch in football game. ``

`` Hang on, Albus, St. John 's getting your dad. ``

`` My dad ? He 'll have to play defense lawyers, too. ``

`` What 's faulty ? '' person new shouted.

`` He 's been sleeping since after the peer, Professor Potter. I think he 's honk. ``

`` Since after the match ? ``

`` Er, yeah. We thought he was just tired, but he 's been sleeping for two days. ``

`` The catch ? '' Albus muttered, `` Did we beat Slytherpuff yet ? ``

Albus felt himself being lifted out of his bed and into mortal 's arms. He rested his head on their berm and shivered as his blanket fell back onto the bed. Albus fell back into a recondite eternal rest and next woke up as he was being laid down on another bed.

Albus heard people talking all around him, but he could n't wee out what they were saying. soul poured a few disgusting potions down his throat and forced him to swallow them. There was more muttering around him, but Albus soon drifted off to slumber again.

The elbow room was quieter when Albus next woke up. He opened his eyes and looked around. Where was he ? Albus was certain he had fallen asleep in his dormitory room, but now it looked as if he was in the infirmary offstage. The place was nearly deserted, save for Madam Pomfrey sitting at her desk. Albus yawned and tried to sit up, but he was still dizzy. The good affair was that his head felt much serious. However, his body still ached.

ma'am Pomfrey looked up from her desk and got up once she saw that Albus was awake. She grabbed a few bottle and put them on a tray, which she then carried over to Albus 's bed and set it on the bedside table.

`` Good, you 're up, '' madam Pomfrey said as she poured one of the potions into a cup, `` You gave us all quite a fright. ``

`` What time is it ? '' Albus asked, still confused about what he was doing there.

`` Just after six o'clock. ``

`` Er, and what day ? ``

`` Monday, '' the nurse said as she thrust the cup under Albus 's nose, `` Drink that. ``

Albus downed the potion quickly, `` Yuck. It 's really Monday ? I 've missed classes ? ``

`` I 'd say so. ``

`` Er, what exactly happened ? I mean, I went to bed in my dormitory room and now I 'm here ... ''

`` You 're ill, '' gentlewoman Pomfrey said, `` You 've caught the flu. Your friends told me you slept for almost two days and then they went to get your father since you were n't getting any better and had started becoming mad. You 've been here since around lunch clock time. ``

`` Oh. Well, how tenacious do I have to stay ? ``

`` Another two years, probably, '' ma'am Pomfrey told him. `` Now I want you to imbibe these other two potions and eat that bowl of soup. ``

Albus nodded and madam Pomfrey strode back over to her desk. Albus thought back and could vaguely remember being taken out of his student residence, but it was only a foggy memory. The last affair he could really remember well was the Quidditch match. He was very happy he had n't fallen ill before the match.

No sooner had Albus drank the first potion that the doorway to the Hospital offstage swung open and John, matte, Rose, and Amanda came bursting through. brothel keeper Pomfrey got up quickly from her desk and met them halfway.

`` Is Albus awake ? '' Rose asked.

`` Yes, he 's only just woken up. I suppose you can visit him for a few min. But calmly ! He needs to catch one's breath ! ``

`` Albus ! '' pink wine shrieked when she ran over to his bed, `` Thank merlin you 're all right on ! ``

`` How are you ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Doing better ? '' lav asked.

`` Well, '' Matt said with a one-half smile on his blench face, `` This is a shift. ``

Albus grinned at him, `` Yeah, ca n't really remember a time where it was you visiting me here. ``

`` What exactly have you got anyway ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Flu, '' Albus answered, `` But I 'm getting better. Not nearly as tired as before. ``

`` I would hope so, '' John smirked, `` You slept two days. ``

`` I 'll probably sleep another two, '' Albus said, `` Pomfrey said I 've got to stay another two days. ``

`` We 'll be here together, then, '' lusterlessness replied.

Albus looked at his champion, who was looking a bit exhausted himself. `` When 's the full moon again ? ``

`` Tomorrow, '' lusterlessness sighed.

`` Did you lead that new potion ? '' Albus asked.

Matt nodded, `` Yeah, and I 'm more knackered than common. ``

`` He fell asleep in story of Magic and almost fell asleep in Potions, '' lavatory said.

`` Well, you did n't catch some Z's through two wholly sidereal day like I did, '' Albus pointed out.

`` I 've done it before. I 've slept through Sir Thomas More than two days actually. I think four is my track record. ``

`` All right ! '' ma'am Pomfrey announced, `` prison term for you lot to be off to bed, especially you, Matt. And Albus needs to take a breather. ``

`` See you tomorrow, '' Albus said as his friends left the room.

`` Sure will, '' lustrelessness replied.

Albus slept on and off throughout the night and the next morning. He was still tired, but felt much better when he woke up late the next morning. His dad had stopped by originally before class, but Albus fell back asleep after he left.

dame Pomfrey was fussing over him and giving him legion potions to pledge. Albus was the only patient in the intact Aaron Montgomery Ward, so the nanny 's fussing was all focused on him.

The nursemaid had been giving Albus what must have been his one-tenth chicken feed of water that morning when the doors to the hospital ward opened. matte stumbled inside and walked shakily over to the bed next to Albus 's. He collapsed onto it and winced in pain.

Madam Pomfrey immediately put down the piddle mound and descended upon Matt.

`` You 're here before than common, '' she said as she felt his principal, `` And you 're burning up. ``

`` Why are you here earlier ? '' Albus asked once Madam Pomfrey had gone to get another potion.

`` Tired, '' Matt mumbled, `` fell asleep in Defense and your dad told me to follow here. ``

`` Is it the new potion ? ``

`` Yeah, it does n't exactly serve much, does it ? ``

`` I thought you said they were going to regain something to countermine the contribution of it that makes you tired, '' Albus said.

`` They are, they just have n't found it yet. ``

`` Oh. ``

Madam Pomfrey returned a moment later and gave Matt a few potions. He drank them and was asleep minute later. Albus was n't really tired, but he fell asleep anyway out of want of anything else to do.

John the Divine, Rose, and Amanda stopped by after dinner to see Albus and lustrelessness, but lady Pomfrey did n't let them stick around long. Matt had been numb anyway. Shortly after their Quaker left, Madam Pomfrey woke lustrelessness up and took him down to the Whomping Wilow.


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight ! Thanks as well to Moonylupin, potterfan296, Miguel, Luke, and Denas for their revue !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


When Albus awoke the succeeding sunup, he felt much skillful. In fact, he felt mostly formula. He was n't achy anymore and his head felt better as well. He hungrily ate all the breakfast Madam Pomfrey provided.

The like could n't be said for matte, who was looking much worse than the previous day. He was either asleep or unconscious, Albus was betting on the latter, and he had numerous cuts and scrapes on his face. His right arm and forehead were covered in a magnanimous bandages.

`` So when can I depart ? '' Albus asked as Madam Pomfrey performed some kind of spell on Matt.

`` Later today, most likely, '' she said after she 'd finished her incantation.

Albus sighed. He had been hoping he 'd be capable to go away that first light. He was starting to feel incredibly bored with the hospital extension, although not bored enough to start the homework blush wine had brought the previous evening.

Albus spent the remainder of the morning drifting in and out of sleep out of want of anything else to do. Madam Pomfrey gave him a few more smutty tasting potions and luncheon, which Albus ate ravenously. After going two days without food, he was starving.

The doors to the Hospital wing opened just as Albus was finishing his luncheon. lavatory, Rose, and Amanda walked inside and immediately headed for Albus 's bed. Madam Pomfrey was in her office and did n't look to discover the visitors.

`` Hey, how are you ? '' rose wine asked.

`` Bored, '' Albus replied.

`` That 's good, '' rose wine grinned.

`` Are you better now ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Pretty much. Madam Pomfrey wo n't let me leave until later, though. Wish she 'd let me leave alone now. ``

`` She just wants to make sure you 're completely better, '' blush wine said, `` And it 's not like you 're missing class since this is our afternoon off. ``

`` Exactly ! '' John sighed, `` He could be doing a lot better stuff on his afternoon off if he was n't here. ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` Like figuring out the new map. ``

`` How are we going to do that anyway ? '' whoremaster asked.

`` Go to the library, '' Albus replied, `` We 've got to look for way of life of proving who we are. ``

John groaned, `` And I doubt there will just be a book of account titled Prove Who You Are to a Piece of Parchment. ``

`` Probably not, '' Rose laughed. `` But we 'll see out somehow. ``

`` fashioning anymore progress on the spell for Kaden ? '' Albus asked.

`` A bit, yeah. I tried it again survive night on whoremonger and this time he could n't even incite his mouth like go clip. Now I 've just got to forecast out how to involve early people in the secret. ``

`` And then all we 've got to do is convince Matt that the charm is goofproof, '' John said.

Everyone glanced over at matte 's bed, where he was still sleeping.

`` He been asleep all day ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Yeah, '' Albus said, `` Ever since I 've been awake. ``

mat groaned and opened his eyes, `` You lot here ? ``

`` Yeah, '' John replied, `` How are you ? ``

`` Horrible, '' Matt said flatly, `` My head is killing me. Were you talking about me ? ``

`` A bit, '' John said, `` Just about that good luck charm for Kaden. We 're going to get working on the map once you two are out of here. Got to find some way to try out to it that we 're like the vulture. ``

`` Sounds near, '' Matt yawned.

`` When do you get to leave ? '' Amanda asked, `` Albus is leaving later today. ``

`` No approximation, '' Matt said, `` Not until at least tomorrow night. might be out in time for uranology. ``

`` Ca n't you not be outside when the moon is close to full ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Only when it 's waxing. When it 's waning I 'm fine. ``

`` So, we 'll be after on working on the map this weekend, then, '' Albus said. `` Unless any of you catch what I had. ``

`` promise not, '' john said. `` Maybe Malfoy will catch it, '' he added gleefully.

`` John, that 's not funny, '' rose scolded, `` He 'd be really sick. ``

`` He 'd get effective. Albus is fine now. ``

Albus heard a room access open and Madam Pomfrey came strolling out of her office. She looked up and saw the crowd around Albus and lusterlessness 's beds and made a beeline for them.

`` What are you lot doing here ? '' she demanded.

`` Visiting Albus and Matt, '' Rose answered.

`` Oh, you 're awake ! '' the nurse exclaimed and went over to flatness 's bed, apparently forgetting that Rose, John, and Amanda had burst in without her permission. `` How do you feel ? ``

`` Awful, '' flatness replied. `` My fountainhead hurts and so does pretty much everything else. ``

`` You must stimulate hit your head much worse than common last dark, '' Madam Pomfrey sighed, `` You had quite the concussion earlier. I 'll go get some pain potions. ``

She returned a minute later with a potion for Matt, who drank it in one gulp.

`` Now, you three have to leave, '' madam Pomfrey said to Rose, John, and Matt, `` Albus will be out later and you can see him then. ``

ennui set in for Albus shortly after his friends left. matte had fallen back benumbed quickly after he took his pain potion. Albus could n't even sleep anymore because he had already slept so much that day.

******

`` What are we supposed to be looking for anyway ? '' John sighed as he slammed a Holy Writ shut.

Albus, John, Matt, rose wine, and Amanda were all crowded around a withdraw table in the library. It was covered in Koran that covered all sorts of theme. The five of them had spent the last 60 minutes searching for direction to rise to the new map that they were like the marauder. So far, nobody had found anything utilitarian.

`` I do n't have a go at it, '' Albus replied, `` Anything that might try that we 're like the Marauders. ``

`` That 's not very specific, '' Saint John muttered, `` I really do n't desire to drop an stallion Saturday here. ``

`` It 'll do you some safe, '' Rose said.

`` Wish we could just use that book that you used to encounter the other charm, '' Albus said to blush wine, thinking of Flitwick 's book.

`` Me too, but it 's in the Restricted Section, '' blush wine said.

`` Why ca n't we just get Professor Potter to hand us a note ? Bet he would, '' John said.

`` Bet he would n't, '' Albus disagreed, `` He 'd experience we 're up to something. ``

`` Besides, '' rosiness interjected, `` It might not be a spell we 're looking for. ``

`` We 're just going to have to hold looking, '' Albus said as he opened another book. `` But I 've got Quidditch exercise in a half hour. ``

`` We 'll just look every time we can get away from Kaden, '' matt suggested.

`` Where is he anyway ? '' Amanda asked.

`` Dunno, '' Albus shrugged. Come to think of it, he had n't seen Kaden since breakfast. It was kind of unknown since Kaden spent every waking moment of his day ( when he was n't in class ) no less than four substructure away from Albus.

`` There he is, '' lusterlessness pointed to somewhere behind Albus.

Albus turned around and saw his cousin running through the library with a clipboard in his hand.

`` Albus ! '' he shouted.

`` serenity ! '' madam Pince shouted even flashy, `` Or I 'll throw you all out ! ``

`` Albus, '' Kaden said more quietly as he sat down in an discharge chair at their table.

Albus eyed Kaden 's clipboard but he could n't read what it said. `` Hi Kaden. ``

`` Hi, '' Kaden replied, `` will you sign my petition ? ``

`` Petition ? '' Albus asked, `` What in the name of Falco columbarius are you petitioning for ? ``

`` TVs in the common rooms, '' Kaden grinned.

`` What ? ! '' whoremonger and Matt shouted.

`` tranquilize ! '' gentlewoman Pince screeched.

blush wine laughed, `` What on solid ground for ? ``

`` I would n't mind having a TV in the common room, '' Amanda commented.

`` Exactly, '' Kaden said, `` It 's intemperately enough for us Muggle-borns to adjust to Hogwarts and if we had TVs, it would wee-wee it leisurely. ``

`` You 're kidding, right ? '' Saint John the Apostle laughed.

`` Nope, not kidding, '' Kaden said, `` I 've got loads of touch already. I 'm not really sure how many I 'll necessitate, though. I figure I 'll try and get as many as I can in a few daylight and then give it to prof Longbottom. ``

Albus tried to repress his grin, but he could n't. The idea of Kaden trying to get televisions put into the common rooms was just too funny remark. There would be no way any of the instructor would harmonize to it even if everyone in Hogwarts signed the petition.

`` So will you signalise it ? '' Kaden asked, `` If this goes through, I 'll try for information processing system next. ``

`` computer, '' flatness laughed, `` You 're mad. ``

`` I 'll sign, '' Amanda grabbed the clipboard and quill.

`` Sure, why not ? '' Albus shrugged. It could n't injure to sign the thing, and he was sure Kaden would n't stop bugging them unless they did.

John and mat signed as well, although they were laughing the whole sentence. Rose signed a bit reluctantly, but she eventually gave in.

`` So what are you doing ? '' Kaden asked after rose finished signing.

`` Homework, '' Albus replied automatically.

Kaden stared at the large pile of volume, `` Second yr must be bloody insane. ``

`` Oh, it is, '' John said, `` You wo n't have any time to find out any TV. ``

`` I 'll induce meter, '' Kaden said as he stood up, `` Well, I 'm going to get to a greater extent signatures. ``

Albus watched as his cousin-german went from board to table trying to get hoi polloi to ratify. Some of them liked the idea and signed willingly. Others laughed until Kaden gave up and others looked at him like he was crazy. Eventually, Madam Pince found out what he was doing and threw him out of the library.

`` Your cousin-german is the unearthly lad I 've ever met, '' John the Divine said after Kaden was kicked out.

`` Yeah, he is a bit strange, '' Albus agreed and closed the Holy Scripture he was reading, `` Well, I 'm off to practice. I 'll see you lot later. ``

After practice, Albus went to the vulgar room and found his friends sitting around their common mesa doing homework. Unfortunately, none of them had found anything that would help them to prove that they were like the Marauders. Albus was beginning to question if they 'd ever get that map working. Even if they did discover a way to prove they were like the vulture, what would they have to do next ? How many things would they consume to do before they would actually be able to see the map ? Albus had no musical theme, but he knew the Marauders were n't going to ready this easy.

******

The sleep of February passed quickly. Albus and his booster continued to scour the subroutine library for any form of magic spell, charm, or potion that would serve them in their bespeak to uncover the map. None of them found anything. Kaden thought they were all doing homework as they searched the books every weekend. pink wine was making advance with the Sileo Altus magic spell, but it was n't quite perfected enough to use yet. Rose was surely she 'd have it learned by the end of the calendar month. Matt never said a good deal when the charm was brought up and Albus was hoping he would still agree to tell Kaden once Rose perfected the magic spell.

Kaden 's petition to have tv set put into the common room was rejected shortly after he gave it to Neville. Kaden did n't appear in the least bit deterred by this. He insisted it was rejected due to miss of convincing grounds as to how the televisions would do good the students. He was planning on resubmitting it along with a detailed essay on the subject later on in the term.

`` You know, Kaden, '' Rose said at dinner one nighttime, `` Even if the teacher accepted your request, the television receiver would n't even work here. There 's too lots deception. ``

`` Oh, I 'm sure there 's a appeal that would counteract that, '' Kaden said.

`` It wo n't work, '' Matt said, `` wizard just does n't hold with electronics. This one time when we were visiting my Uncle Jack in the United province, Amy accidentally broke one of the metal sensor at the airport. It was n't her faulting or anything, the legerdemain just interrupted it or something. The affair started beeping and would n't hold back until they turned it off. ``

John laughed, `` That would 've been hilarious to see. ``

`` Amy did n't think so. She was mortified, '' matt said, `` It was a spell ago, before we even moved here. I think she was xiv. ``

`` well, I still say they could find a way, '' Kaden said.

`` Hey, tone, '' Albus pointed to the school principal table. professor Kendrick was standing up.

`` question what he 's got to say ? '' john asked.

`` Hope it 's zilch bad, '' Rose said.

`` He looks happy enough, '' Amanda commented.

`` May I have your attention ! '' Kendrick announced. The room fell silent. `` Thank you. Do n't concern, I 'm not giving out bad news program. In fact, I think you 'll find this announcement most exciting. ``

There was a general murmur vowel of excitement throughout the Great anteroom at this. Kendrick waited for everyone to stop talking before he continued.

`` If you 'll call back at the beginning of the year, when I announced the changes for the Dueling ball club, that that would only be one part of the mansion unity effort. I am announcing today that the former professors and I have organized another unity case. It will be a scavenger Leigh Hunt, with inter-house teams, of course. ``

Albus groaned. A magpie Hunt would be fun, but not if he had to do it with Slytherins. Everyone else seemed to be in concord, because there was a general groaning throughout.

`` I know you do n't like it, but the school needs to be unified. Now, I will explain the event. It will not be like a regular scavenger hunting. It will adopt place on the next three Saturday. This Saturday will be for the first and second years. The following will be for third and fourth years. The last will be for fifth, sixth, and seventh year.

`` The other prof and I will be organizing the teams, which will dwell of members of other years and other household. Each squad will have about ten members. You will give birth one 60 minutes to complete the tasks given.

`` You will experience a list of detail to obtain before this 60 minutes is up. There are rules, of course. Some of these items will be required to incur without illusion. We will be performing good luck charm on these items and if we find that any of them were spelled, transfigured, conjured, charmed, etc. within the 60 minutes they will be disqualified.

`` However, the scavenger Leigh Hunt will not only include a list of particular to happen. You will also receive multiple trivia sheets. These will include both virtuoso and Muggle trivia.

`` Finally, each team will obtain a enigma, which if they deceiver correctly, will conduct them on a seeking throughout the castle and evidence. When you reach the end, there will be a bit of information that must be returned to me. If you are successful, you 'll get a 100 point bonus. However, there is also a false trail that will head you to worthless information. If that is brought back, you 'll receive no bonus.

`` I will establish you a more detailed lean of rules on the day of the issue. Until then, keep your mastermind sharp and do n't get rid of anything you would otherwise deem useless, '' Kendrick smiled and returned to his seat.

Albus turned to his champion, `` This sounds, er, interesting. ``

`` It 's really an excellent idea, '' pink wine grinned, `` I mean, there 's no way a ace mortal would be able to accomplish all of it alone. It 's a outstanding idea for House unity. ``

`` It 'd be better if we did n't have to team up with Slytherins, '' John muttered.

`` But what if there 's something on that list that 's in the Slytherin common elbow room or something ? '' Rose pointed out.

John groaned, `` I guess you 're rightfield. ``

`` audio fun, though, '' Amanda said.

`` Yeah. Wonder what we get if we win ? '' Matt asked.

`` Hopefully some coupons to get out of preparation or something, '' John said.

`` Since when have they given away those ? '' Albus laughed.

`` Now 's the perfect tense metre for them to lead off, '' John replied.

`` I hope I 'm on your team, Albus, '' Kaden piped up.

`` That would be great, '' Albus smiled, and he actually meant it. It sounded like there was going to be a lot of random poppycock on that lean and if there was anyone in the shoal that had loads of random stuff, it was Kaden.

******

The next few days seemed to drop behind on forever for Albus and the rest of the number 1 and secondment years. Everyone was getting excited about the pack rat hunt club and the teachers were getting a bit annoyed that nobody was paying tending in class.

Soon enough, Sat arrived and Kendrick announced at lunch for all the first and second years to persist sit down after they were done eating. Once all the older scholar left, Kendrick got to his metrical foot once more.

`` Now, the moment you 've all been waiting for, '' Kendrick said, `` The Scavenger Hunt will begin shortly. start, I have a few more rules to go over.

`` As I said earlier in the hebdomad, there are item on this tilt that are not allowed to be created using magic. You may not conjure, transfigure, tour, or charm any of those point. Asking an old student to do so is also against the rules. We have enchantment that will find if any item was magicked during the hour of the scavenger hunt.

`` The point must be found within the school and grounds. Hogsmeade, the Forbidden forest, the Whomping willow tree, and Hagrid 's hut are all out of bounds and you may not look for particular in or around them. You may not ask aged student or teachers for help, nor may you owl folk members or other masses. However, you may ask Old pupil if they have any of the point on the list. It is up to them if they let you take over them or not. Do not steal anything from anyone or there will be penalization. You are permitted to use the depository library for help with the trivia. ``

Rose 's face lit up at that and Albus knew she would be the official program library researcher for her team.

`` There are going to be eight squad of approximately ten scholar each. Your theater prefects have your squad duty assignment. team one and two are to gather at the Hufflepuff table, one at each end. squad three and four at the Gryffindor mesa, five and six at Ravenclaw, and seven and eight at Slytherin. You will be given a few moment to get organized in your teams and then the other professors will hand out the appropriate fabric. Each squad is given one set of material, no more. If you lose it, tough luck. Now please see your prefects. ``

Albus got up from the table and looked around until he spotted Georgia. He and his acquaintance wound their way through the gang until they managed to get to her.

`` Hey, Albus ! '' Peach State grinned and looked at her clipboard, `` quick ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Albus smiled, `` I 'm on a trade good team, right ? ``

`` Well, there are Slytherins on all the teams, if that 's what you mean, '' GA laughed, `` Anyway, you 're on team Two. ``

Albus nodded and waited for his ally to get their team assignments.

GA scanned her clipboard again, `` Let 's see, Rose is on team One, John is on team tetrad, mat 's on Team Two ... ''

Albus grinned at Matt. He was relieved that one of his friends was on his squad. Now all he had to do was hope Malfoy was n't on his team.

`` Amanda 's on squad Four, and Kaden 's on squad Six, '' Georgia looked up at them, `` Have fun. ``

`` Thanks, '' Albus said and then turned to his friends, `` guesswork we 'll see you after. Good luck. ``

Albus and lusterlessness worked their way through the crew to the Hufflepuff table along with Rose. Albus was a bit disappointed that Kaden was n't on his squad, but there was n't anything he could do about that. The probability were n't great that he would have two of his friends on his Saami team. He was just lucky he had one of his admirer on the same team.

The Hufflepuff table was already filling with multitude from team up one and two. Team Two was gathering at the half closest to the faculty table, so Albus and matte made their way there.

There seemed to be a fairly even number of each home at the tabular array. Besides Albus and lusterlessness, there was one other Gryffindor, a offset twelvemonth girl Albus had seen but did n't know her epithet. There were also two Ravenclaws Albus did n't live, three Hufflepuffs, and two Slytherins. Albus groaned when he saw who the Slytherins were, Felix Willinson and Vivien Leigh Montague. Vivien Leigh was Rose 's potions partner and not the sharpest quill in the box.

Felix Willinson narrowed his eyes when he saw Albus and matte coming over. Albus found nates far away from him and sat down, waiting for the scavenger hunt to begin.

One of the Ravenclaws stood up a few s later, `` Hi, I 'm Rachel underbrush and I 've been assigned as team captain. ``

Everyone muttered hello to her and Rachel had everyone introduce themselves. So far, Willinson and Montague did n't seem enthused about their squad, but Rachel did n't pay any tending to their animosity.

Professor Patil came over a little while later with a fistful of parchment. Albus assumed they were the lists of stuff to seem for and the trivia.

`` The hunt club will start in one minute ! '' Kendrick announced, `` The professor will give you your lists as soon as I say go. You 'll take in one time of day to be back here with as much stuff you can possibly get. ``

A hour later, Kendrick shot out a shower of dreary Muriel Sarah Spark from his baton and Patil handed the stack of parchment to Rachel.

`` All rightfulness ! '' Rachel shouted as she leafed through the parchment, `` We need person to decipher the riddle and run around to get the bonus item. ``

`` I 'll do it, '' the other Ravenclaw volunteered. Rachel nodded and handed him the parchment. He ran out of the Great Hall while reading the riddle.

`` Ok, here 's the small beer, '' Rachel continued, `` We 've got illustrious Witches and Wizards, Famous Muggles, What Not To Do While Interacting With Muggles, What Do You Know About Quidditch, and What Do You have sex About football game. ``

Albus turned to Matt and laughed. Kaden would surely bed the football one.

Rachel handed out the trivia to the people who thought they 'd be able to do it. Willinson had n't taken any of the trivia tabloid, but Montague took the Quidditch one. Albus hoped she actually knew something about Quidditch.

`` Now we 've just got the list of item to find, '' Rachel announced to the remaining squad members, which were Albus, Matt, Willinson, and one of the Hufflepuffs. `` You four get started while I work on the trifle. Oh, but I 'll pick out aid of the costumes. You 'll just have to wear them. ``

Albus nodded and took the parchment from her. Costumes ? He hoped he would n't give to wear anything too humiliating. He set it down on the table and began to read it, with everyone else looking over his shoulder.

Items Are To Be Gathered Without Magic

-holly wand
-five vomiting flavored Bertie Botts bean plant
-Slytherin wearing Gryffindor gown
-Gryffindor wearing Slytherin gown
-light saber
-Dumbledore Chocolate frog card
-twenty shoelaces tied together
-Quaffle signed by Oliver Wood
-Shooting star broomstick
-Muggle pen
-copy of The Hobbit, by J.R.R. Tolkein
-a Nintendo DS
-girl dressed up as Godric Gryffindor
-boy dressed up as Helga Hufflepuff
-color changing ink
-beater bat
-drum sticks
-silver goblet
-Chudley Cannons T-shirt
-six Extendable ear
-Muggle playing posting
-receipt from Madam Malkins
-Argus Filch 's autograph
-the names of five Hogwarts theater Elves
-rubber duck
-copy of Hogwarts, A story
-sneakoscope
-foe glass
-tea tea cosy
-Hogwarts commencement picture
-band aids
-green empty potions bottle
-Beatles CD
-purple gloves
-Hershey 's umber bar
-My Little Hippogriff
-pet toad
-purple parchment
-two batteries
-tortilla bit

Albus looked up from the list and waited for everyone else to finish reading.

`` What the bloody hell is a CD ? '' Willinson asked.

`` Muggle way of listening to music, '' Albus explained, `` One of my cousins might have one. ``

`` I 've got one, '' the Hufflepuff, who Albus now knew to be Nelson Rodner, said.

`` Good, '' Albus replied, `` Anyone else know they 've got some of this stuff ? ``

Everyone nodded.

`` Let 's go get the stuff we know we 've got and then suffer back here, '' Albus said as he got up. `` Then we can work on the hooey we do n't. ``

The other three boy agreed and Albus ran out of the Great Hall with Matt. The two of them ran as fast as they could up to Gryffindor Tower.


A/N : I ca n't occupy credit for the scavenger hunt idea. There is a resort in Pennsylvania called Woodloch Pines that I go to every summer and they have scavenger Richard Morris Hunt like the one in this chapter. Complete with costumes, triviality, and the riddle. It 's a lot of fun.

Thanks to my genus Beta, Dancer of Starlight ! Thanks as well to Saint Luke, Moonylupin, EvilChaos, potterfan296, XDNLxtlz99, drownzer, Miguel, Denas, and phoenixy friend for their revue !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter or the idea for the scavenger hunt.


`` Willinson is acting civil, '' Albus commented as they were running up a flight of stairs.

`` Yeah, '' lustrelessness agreed, `` form of surprising. Either he really wants to win or he 's not as confident without Malfoy. ``

`` Probably both, '' Albus said, `` Whatever the reason, we lucked out. ``

Everyone stared as Albus and lustrelessness ran into the common room completely out of breath. `` Scavenger hunt, '' Albus muttered to his cousins Ben and Cedric as he ran by.

`` Excellent, '' Ben grinned, `` Ca n't expect until our bit next Sabbatum. ``

Bilius was also in their dormitory collecting item when Albus and Matt entered. They nodded to each other, but did n't say anything.

Albus wrenched unfold his trunk and started rifling through it. He found a bag of Bertie Botts Beans, a Dumbledore coffee frog board, his copy of Hogwarts, A account, one Extendable Ear, and the photo record album he found in the Attic of his firm. The graduation word-painting in the back would work for the Hogwarts graduation picture.

`` What have you got ? '' he asked mat once he emerged from his trunk.

`` My wand 's holly, a muggle pen, band aids, Chudley Cannons NJ, and a Nintendo DS, although I 'm not sure why I still bother to bring it since it does n't work here. ``

`` Excellent, '' Albus grinned, `` Let 's get back to the Great Charles Francis Hall. ``

When Albus and matte got back to the Hufflepuff tabular array, Willinson and Rodner had already returned. There was a tidy sum of stuff on the mesa between them. Albus looked through it and saw that they now had a copy of The Hobbit, colouring changing ink, a beater 's bat, Muggle playacting cards, and a sneakoscope.

`` All right, we 've got a good start, '' Albus said as he added his and Matt 's stuff to the galvanic pile. `` I guess we 'll cause to ask the previous students to borrow the rest.

`` Rodner, '' Albus began, `` You see if you can get a light sabre, a Quaffle signed by Oliver Wood, a shot mavin broomstick, drum sticks, a reception from brothel keeper Malkin 's, foe meth, and a Beatles CD. ``

`` Sure, '' Rodner said and took off out of the room.

`` Willinson, '' Albus turned to the Slytherin, `` Go down to the kitchens and see if you can get a ash grey goblet, tortilla chips, a tea tea cozy, the names of five theater Elves, and a Hershey bar. ``

`` Why should I ? '' Willinson grumbled, `` Who put you in thrill ? ``

`` mortal 's got to do it, '' Albus told him.

`` Make Eckerton do it. ``

`` Him and I are getting the rest, '' Albus replied, `` If you want to win, you 'll get the stuff. ``

`` Fine, '' Willinson muttered and left the Great Hall.

`` Ok, that leaves the skid lacing, abandon Green River potions feeding bottle, purple boxing glove, a My Little Hippogriff, a toad, royal parchment, a rubber duck, two batteries, and five more extendible Ears. Oh, and Filch 's John Hancock. ``

`` We 'll do that one last, '' matte shuddered. `` We can probably just go back to the commons room and ask if anyone 's got this stuff. ``

`` Good idea, '' Albus agreed.

The two boys set off at a run back to their commons elbow room. Luckily it was still packed with pupil and some of them grinned as Albus and flatness entered.

`` How 's it going ? '' Ben asked.

`` Good, '' Albus grinned back, `` But we 've got a bunch of stuff to find. Listen up everyone ! '' he shouted.

The entire common room quieted and turned to Albus. Albus was momentarily shocked that everyone actually stopped what they were doing to pay care to him.

`` Er, we 're doing the scavenger hunt and need some stuff. Has anyone got a My Little Hippogriff, purpurate gloves, a toad, over-embellished parchment, a rubber duck, batteries, or Extandable Ears ? Also, we need 20 shoe lacing. I promise we 'll give it all once we 're done. ``

About half the students got up and went up to their dormitory room. A few min later they came back down with various items for Albus. He managed to borrow a rubber duck, purple lambskin, and a few Extendable Ears. Plus he got at least twenty shoe laces.

`` That worked well, '' Albus said as he and Matt left the room.

`` I 'd say so, '' Matt agreed, `` Now Filch 's John Hancock. This ought to be fun. ``

Albus smacked his hand to his frontal bone, `` I should have grabbed the map ! ``

Albus groaned and ran back to the unwashed room. Everyone laughed as he ran up to his dormitory and back down to the common room. Albus ignored them and pointed his verge to the map. A few endorsement later he saw that Filch was lurking near the library.

Albus and Matt took off for the depository library and spotted Filch a few one thousand away from the door.

`` How are we supposed to ask him ? '' Albus whispered.

`` No approximation, '' Matt said back.

Albus 's spunk sped up as he got closer to the old caretaker. `` Er, Mr. Filch ? '' he asked.

Filch startled and turned around. He saw Albus and smirked. `` Potter. Up to no good again ? In need of another hold, perhaps ? ``

`` Uh, no, '' Albus replied, `` Actually, I was just, er, well, we 're doing this magpie hunt. Maybe Kendrick told you about it. It 's to promote Inter House unity and we have to find all this stuff throughout the castling and- ''

`` We need your autograph, '' flatness interrupted, holding a piece of parchment and the Muggle pen in his outstretched hand.

Filch stared at them and then started muttering to himself. `` Do n't see why I should put out ... Students never do anything for me ... ''

Nevertheless, Filch took the pen and scribbled his name onto the purple parchment. He thrust it wordlessly back into lusterlessness 's hand and shuffled off down the corridor.

`` That went better than expected, '' mat said.

`` Yeah, thanks. I could n't really figure out how to ask him. ``

`` I figured, '' Matt grinned, `` Anyway, we still need a few affair. Hey, Kendrick never mentioned anything about the Room. Do you think we could just ask it for the rest of this ? ``

Albus wondered why he had n't thought of that. It almost seemed like cheating, but Kendrick never said anything. `` That 's brilliant ! ``

The two of them set off for the Room, but when they got there, there was a Hufflepuff prefect milling around right in front of the Room. Albus slowly walked back and Forth in nominal head of it, keeping an eye on the prefect.

He was about to make his third pass, when the prefect stopped him. `` Sorry, '' he said, `` You ca n't go in there if you 're in the scavenger Richard Morris Hunt. Kendrick 's principle. ``

Albus sighed, `` All right. ``

`` Of course, '' matte muttered as they left, `` Kendrick could n't herald that rule because then everyone would find out about the Room. Oh, well. What have we got left ? ``

Albus handed Matt the tilt and he looked it over for a few seconds. `` Hey, I know Madam Pomfrey 's got green potions bottle. ``

`` Let 's go, '' Albus said, `` We 'd better precipitation, there 's only fifteen transactions left. ``

They made it to the infirmary Wing in track record clip. Albus pushed the threshold overt and walked in, followed by Matt.

`` I 've got patient role to be given to ! '' Madam Pomfrey was shouting at a Ravenclaw first yr, `` I have n't got time for this scavenger William Holman Hunt meaninglessness ! You 're the fifth person I 've had come in here looking for potions feeding bottle and stria aids ! I have n't got any ! ``

The girl nodded and ran quickly out of the room, completely ignoring Albus and matt as she went.

`` Er, she says she has n't got any, '' Albus whispered.

`` I know she does, '' matte whispered back, `` Let me just ask her. ``

Albus shrugged and followed Matt over to the nanny, who was bent over one of the beds.

`` hullo, Madam Pomfrey, '' lustrelessness greeted her.

gentlewoman Pomfrey turned around and her annoyed face softened immediately when she saw Matt.

`` how-do-you-do, Matt, beloved. Are you all right ? You look a bit flushed, '' brothel keeper Pomfrey said and put her hand to his forehead.

`` I 'm okay, '' Matt assured her, `` I 've just been running around working on the scavenger Richard Morris Hunt. ``

`` Not you, too, '' Madam Pomfrey sighed and then noticed Albus, `` Oh and Albus as well. ``

`` Yeah, '' matt said, `` We were just wondering if you might take in an discharge green potions nursing bottle. ``

The nurse sighed and walked over to her potions cabinet. `` I suppose. Just be sure to return it. ``

Albus watched in jolt as she returned with the claim item they were looking for. Matt grinned at Albus and took the bottle.

`` Thanks, '' Matt smiled.

Madam Pomfrey shook her head, `` No problem. Have fun, boys. ``

`` We will, '' Matt said as he turned to leave the room.

Albus followed him out the room access, still in jar that the nurse had actually given them the bottle when she had yelled at that first year only minutes ago.

`` You 're certainly on her good side, '' Albus muttered after they left the room.

`` One of the few perks of being there once a calendar month, '' matte said dryly.

`` We 'd better get back to the Great Radclyffe Hall, '' Albus said as he looked at his watch.

Albus and mat ran as fast as they could back to where their team was. The rest of the team was working hard to end up the remaining trifle. Rachel herself was dressed up as Godric Gryffindor, complete with a imposter byssus. Rodner was dressed up as Helga Hufflepuff.

However, neither was as laughable as what Willinson was wearing. He was decked out in Gryffindor finest, with robes, a scarf joint, and a 'Loyal Gryffindor'hat. Albus could hardly suffocate his laughter.

`` Do n't say a word, Potter, '' Willinson growled.

`` Albus ! '' Rachel shouted, `` You 've got to dress up as a Slytherin ! The robes I 've got are too big for matt and Abby. '' Rachel pointed to the other Gryffindor on the team.

Albus groaned and Willinson burst out laughing. Albus reluctantly put on the Slytherin robe, scarf, and 'Slytherins Are best'hat. It would only be for a few bit and if it helped them win ....

Albus did feel a bit strange in the Slytherin robes. He could n't help but consider back to his sorting and how the hat had wanted to put him in Slytherin at first. If it had, he would be wearing these robes all the time. He might deliver even been more friendly with Malfoy at first. He probably would n't have really befriended John, matte, or Amanda if he 'd been in Slytherin. Albus shook the cerebration from his straits and concentrated on the fact that he was just wearing the gown to help oneself his squad win.

Rachel took stock of the items on the lean as Matt tied all the shoe string together. It turns out that the merely thing they were missing were the illumination saber, Quaffle signed by Oliver woodwind, Shooting wizard broom handle, foe shabu, Milton Snavely Hershey 's bar, toad, and one bombardment. Rachel thought that was pretty good.

The other Ravenclaw returned a minute later and told everyone that he had finished the riddle quest and had managed to get the bonus stage.

`` Time is up ! '' Kendrick announced, `` The professors will be around soon to arrest your lean. They will also collect your trivium tack which will be marked later today. The victor will be announced at dinner tonight. ``

Patil came over to Albus 's team a few second later and looked over their list. She took a motion picture of the four people who were dressed up, much to Albus 's disheartenment. Now there would be permanent wave grounds of his Slytherin instant. As soon as the picture was taken, Albus took off the robes and he noticed Willinson doing the same.

`` Ok, '' Patil announced as she gathered up the pieces of parchment, `` You can leave. Please give back anything you borrowed. ``

Albus and matte gathered up their stuff as well as everything they 'd borrowed from versatile Gryffindors. They stopped by the Hospital Wing to return the bottle and then headed back to their common room.

The two of them passed out everyone 's hooey and then went to sit down at their usual table. Rose, Saint John the Apostle, Amanda, and Kaden joined them shortly.

`` That was fun, '' Rose said as she sat down.

`` Yeah, '' Albus agreed, `` Even though we were with Slytherins. Willinson was n't too bad. ``

`` That 's secure, '' Saint John the Apostle said, `` I caught a glimpse of him in the Gryffindor robes. Priceless. ``

`` Yeah, I thought so. Until I had to put on the Slytherin ones, '' Albus replied.

St. John the Apostle burst out laughing, `` I wish I 'd seen that ! ``

`` You 'll be capable to, '' Albus told him, `` Patil took a picture show. ``

`` Excellent. ``

`` Did n't any of you lot have to dress up ? '' Albus asked.

`` I was Helga Hufflepuff, '' John said.

`` And I was Godric Gryffindor, '' Amanda added.

`` How did everyone do on the inclination of material to find ? '' lusterlessness asked.

`` I 'm pretty sure enough my team was the only one with a get off saber ! '' Kaden said excitedly, `` I 'm so glad I decided to land it. ``

`` We did all right, '' Rose shrugged, `` Missed a lot of clobber, but I think we did well in the trivia. ``

`` Of course you did, '' John grinned. `` Hey, did anyone manage to get the potions bottle ? Slughorn did n't birth any unripe ace and Madam Pomfrey looked quick to hex me when I asked her. It 's not really fair that Kendrick put something on there that was impossible to get. ``

Albus grinned at Matt, who grinned back.

`` What ? '' John asked.

`` We got it, '' Matt told him.

`` How ? '' Kaden asked, `` lady Pomfrey was downright chilling when I asked her. May have been because she was busy fixing individual 's broken arm, but still .... ''

`` lustrelessness asked her and she gave him one, '' Albus explained.

mat shrugged, `` simple, really. ``

John sighed, `` Well, you 're probably the only one in the school who could get it. She 'd probably break you whatever you asked for. ``

`` Why ? '' Kaden asked curiously.

`` Sorry, not telling, '' whoremonger replied.

Kaden sighed, `` Oh, component part of that unscathed secret I ca n't know about ? ``

`` Yeah, '' John the Divine said and then changed the subject, `` Hey, did any of you do the brain-teaser thing ? ``

`` I did, '' Rose said, `` Want to hear it ? ``

`` Of line, '' John said.

`` Ok, I 'll see if you can get it. I thought it was a bit simple, really, '' Rose said. She pulled a piece of parchment out of her gown and read off of it.

'' 'In an case known by sorcerer worldwide
Where trade good and evil are forced to collide
A atrocious force can now no longer reside.
A station where just one contribution of Voldemort died .'''

Albus looked at John the Evangelist, lustrelessness, and Amanda and shrugged. He did n't opine it was simple, but Rose was unspoiled at those form of things.

`` No estimation, '' lav announced.

`` Dunno, '' Matt shrugged.

`` Hmm, '' Amanda muttered.

`` Do n't await at me, '' Kaden said.

`` The Great Hall ? '' Albus asked, thinking of the place where Voldemort died.

`` Nope, '' blush wine grinned, `` That was the trick part. It 's actually that monument outside, where prof Longbottom killed Voldemort 's snake. ``

`` Oh, '' Albus groaned, `` Of row ! Did n't even think of that. ``

`` How long did it take you to figure it out ? '' Matt asked.

`` Not long, '' Rose smiled, `` But then I had to follow the clues to find the bit of information to reach Professor Kendrick. ``

`` And where was that ? '' Amanda asked.

`` subroutine library, '' rose grinned, `` Herbology section. ``

`` Wonder how many teams got it, '' Albus thought aloud.

`` fountainhead, my squad did, obviously, '' rose wine said, `` And you said your squad did, Albus. What about you two ? ``

`` We did n't, '' lavatory sighed and Amanda shook her head.

`` We did, '' Kaden put in.

`` Guess we 'll find out tonight how everyone did, '' Albus said.

`` Yeah, '' rosiness agreed, `` But I 'm not going to think about it now. Might as well get some homework done. ``

Albus managed to get half an essay done before dinner. blush wine wrote an entire essay and did a set of homework query. matt helped Amanda with her Astronomy and still got his Herbology done. Saint John and Kaden on the other hand, spent he ease of the good afternoon goofing off and playing chess.

The fervour was running gamy in the Great Hall during dinner that evening. Everyone was comparing what they managed to chance during the Scavenger Richard Morris Hunt. Albus kept glancing up to the staff table to see when Kendrick would bring in the proclamation, but he seemed to be waiting until the go minute to do so.

After what seemed like forever, Kendrick got to his infantry. `` Good evening, everyone. I hope all the foremost and indorsement years enjoyed the pack rat Leigh Hunt. It was certainly a success and I 'm for certain the onetime students will look forward to their turns.

`` And, without any encourage waiting, I shall announce the results. The first, second, and 3rd place team will all be awarded laurel wreath.

`` In third base plaza, with 572 points, Team Two ! '' Kendrick announced, `` Will the members of team Two please occur up here. ``

`` Yes ! '' Albus shouted and jumped up, `` Third space, that 's not bad ! ``

`` Yeah, I 'd say that 's pretty good, '' Matt grinned and followed Albus up to the staff table.

Albus and Matt joined the rest of their squad in front of the stave tabular array. Kendrick put a bronze medal over each of their necks and pulled out a camera. He took a few pictures and then told them to return to their seats.

rosiness, Amanda, john, and Kaden congratulated Albus and flatness as they sat back down. A few of Albus 's cousins patted him on the back and told him dear job.

`` Excellent, Albus, '' Epistle of James grinned, `` But my team will get number one place future week. ``

`` I 'll believe it when I see it, '' Albus rolled his eyes.

`` And in endorse property, with 580 distributor point, is Team Seven ! '' Kendrick announced.

The phallus of team septenary ran up to the staff board to get their silver medals and have their painting taken.

`` And in showtime place, with 673 points, is team Six ! '' Kendrick shouted. `` Congratulations to the winning team ! ``

`` Woohoo ! '' Kaden stood up and started jumping up and down as he ran up to the staff table, `` Yes ! ``

`` Wow, who would 've thought that, '' Rose grinned, `` Kaden 's team won. ``

`` fountainhead, he does stimulate a very prominent sum of money of random hooey in his dormitory, '' Albus commented.

`` I 'll bet it was the illume sabre that put his team over the edge, '' trick shook his psyche, `` I mean, I think his team was the only one to get it. ``

`` Probably, '' Albus shrugged.

`` I ca n't consider I won ! '' Kaden shouted as he sat back down with his big gold medal a few minutes later.

`` Congratulations, '' Albus grinned, `` At to the lowest degree one of us got first place. ``

`` We were so ending to 2d, '' Matt groaned, `` eight measly points ! ``

`` wellspring, third 's goodness, '' John muttered, `` unspoilt than not getting a medallion at all. ``

`` Oh, john, it 's just a game, '' Amanda said, `` The gunpoint is that we all had fun. ``

`` extolment to our winning teams and everyone else that participated, '' Kendrick said, `` I will be looking forward to the next round, third and 4th years, a workweek from today ! ``

Albus hung his bronze palm from his bed Post before he went to bed that dark. He crawled beneath the covers feeling very contentedness with thirdly shoes. He had n't really been expecting to win at all. The Scavenger Holman Hunt had been a lot of fun, and Albus hoped Kendrick would have got it again sometime. It had been so much fun, that Albus had n't even thought about the new map the entire day. He made a mental banknote to ask Rose about the Sileo Altus charm the future day. They would have to tell Kaden about everything soon if they wanted to make anymore progression on the map. Plus, they 'd stimulate to research more about how to prove to the map that they really were like the Marauders.


A/N : Bit of a shorter chapter, but the previous one was longer, so it evens out. Kaden has proved that it never hurts to hold a light saber, a lesson that my brother agrees with since he brought his light cavalry sword to LeakyCon and quite a few people told him they wished they 'd brought theirs.

I have created a internet site for my fan fic, where you can find persona profiles and a blog about news and updates about my writing. The link is on my visibility page here. I 'd love for you to check it out and provide comments in the tidings and Update section.

Thanks to my genus Beta, Dancer of Starlight, who had to dress up as the Tin Man in last-place summer 's pack rat hunt. Big thanks to my Friend, Rose, for coming up with the riddle. Thanks as well to EvilChaos, XDNLxtlz99, Luke, mischiefmaker92, drownzer, Moonylupin, Miguel, Denas, and Tonks for their revaluation !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Throughout the eternal sleep of the month, pink wine continued to make progress on the Sileo Altus charm, and by the time Apr rolled around, she was confident in her ability to perform it. Albus wished the same could be said for the progress with finding out how to prove to the map that he and his friends were like the Marauders. Albus spent every waking consequence that he was n't doing preparation, attending Quidditch exercise, or dueling recitation, in the library trying to notice out a spell or charm that would work. His efforts were fruitless, though, because he still had n't found anything promising.

Albus also had another successful dueling tournament. He won both of his affaire d'honneur as did Malfoy, but their squad still had n't won. Albus was beginning to doubt whether they 'd ever win.

Albus 's following Quidditch mates was the first Sabbatum in April. He found himself distracted by the map even before he entered the changing way. They were playing Ravenclaw, and it was hard to tell who had the better team, Gryffindor or Ravenclaw. Albus pushed opinion of the map from his head as he walked into the changing way.

Georgia gave the team the usual pep talk of the town, which this metre included telling them that if they won this friction match, they 'd be in the net. If Ravenclaw got lupus erythematosus than 180 points, then Ravenclaw might not make it to the terminal. Peach State did n't particularly care who they played in the last, just so long as they won.

The equal went smoothly, in Albus 's popular opinion. Much better than the previous match, in which Albus got gruesome partway through. The weather was skilful for this mates as well. Albus managed to keep from thinking about the map, which was skilful since it was a very high-scoring couple for both side of meat and Albus was constantly being thrown the Quaffle. After only an hr of play, King James went into a prima donna and caught the stoolie, right out from under one of the Ravenclaw beater 's broom.

The usual party in the unwashed room ensued after the students returned to the rook, but Albus was n't really interest in it. Now that the compeer was over, all he could reckon about was trying out the Sileo Altus appeal on Kaden. Albus figured the Best time to do it would be in the eve and the trump topographic point would be the Room.

Shortly after rose had succeeded in performing the charm on John, Matt had reluctantly given into trying it with Kaden. His only condition was first trying it with a harmless closed book, and if that worked, to displace onto the bigger one.

`` Are we doing it tonight ? '' can asked as he sipped his butterbeer.

`` Yeah, '' Albus whispered back, `` After dinner. ``

The rest of the afternoon and dinner seemed to go by at an alarmingly behind rate. clip seemed to go by much like it did in account of Magic.

`` Kaden, '' Albus said after they had finished eating, `` We 're not going to the uncouth room now. We 're going to show you a different room in the rook, one you 've never seen. ``

`` Excellent, '' Kaden grinned, `` What sort of room ? ``

`` You 'll see when we get there, '' Albus replied. `` Let 's go. ``

Kaden followed Albus and his friends through the castle, with a perpetual stream of questions that Albus ignored.

`` Are you sure this is going to work ? '' lustrelessness whispered nervously as they stopped in nominal head of the blank space of wall where the Room of necessary was.

`` Yes, '' rosiness assured him, `` It will work. ``

Matt nodded and started pacing in straw man of the wall.

`` Why did we contain ? '' Kaden asked, and then his eyes popped out of his heading as he saw the door appear from nowhere. `` Wicked. ``

`` C'mon, '' Albus said as he opened the door.

`` What is this place ? '' Kaden asked in awe.

`` elbow room of Requirement, '' Albus told him, `` way that gives you what you need. ``

`` I ca n't believe you did n't shew me this yet ! ''

`` Well, it 's not something we want you to severalise anyone about. ``

`` I wo n't, '' Kaden said, `` So it 'll give way me anything I ask it for ? I think I want an stallion cake .... ''

`` It does n't do food for thought, '' blush wine explained.

`` Oh, well, it 's still magnificent. ``

`` Kaden, derive sit down, '' Albus told his cousin.

`` You 're all so tranquillise, '' Kaden said as he took a seat on the sofa adjacent to Albus, `` What 's going on ? ``

`` Well, '' Albus began, `` We 're going to test something. Rose found a magic spell that 's supposed to make somebody not be able to tell early multitude 's secrets. If it works, we 're going to severalise you a bunch of stuff and you wo n't be able to tell anyone. ``

`` What are you going to assure me ? '' Kaden asked excitedly.

`` We have to relieve oneself sure the magical spell works first, '' Albus sighed, `` Which is why we 're here. blush wine is going to perform the charm, using your knowledge of this elbow room as the mystery. If you have n't told anyone by next Saturday, we 'll assure you the rest of it. ``

`` Fine, '' Kaden sighed, `` I ca n't believe you wo n't evidence me without this charm. ``

`` Um, Kaden, you 've told Malfoy poppycock I told you not to tell anyone, '' Albus reminded him.

`` That was n't my fault ! ``

`` I know, but we 're not risking this. If you want to know the secrets, you 'll have to have rose do the good luck charm. ``

`` Ok, ok, I 'll do it, '' Kaden said.

`` Good, '' pink wine smiled, `` Now let 's get started. ``

It took Rose about ten minutes to do the charm. Kaden was thoroughly amazed by the charm and Rose 's ability to perform it.

`` Let 's test it, '' Rose decided once they left the way. She pointed to a girl who was walking towards them. `` Go differentiate her about the Room. ``

Kaden shrugged and ran up to the female child, who looked to be around Kaden 's age and was in Hufflepuff.

`` Er, '' Kaden began, `` So there 's this place- '' Kaden turned around and looked confusedly at Albus, then turned back to the miss. `` Anyway, at this space, you can- ''

`` What 's wrong with you ? '' the girl asked, trying to comprehend up her giggling. `` Are you ok ? ``

`` Fine, fine, '' Kaden muttered, `` Never mind. ``

Kaden ran back to Albus and the others, blushing furiously. `` It worked, but now everyone 's going to think I 'm an idiot. ``

Albus laughed, `` No they wo n't. But that 's good that it worked. ``

`` Yeah, '' Kaden grinned, `` Definitely worth it. ``

******

Albus kept a close eye on Kaden throughout the next week. As far as he could recount, his cousin did n't assure anyone about the Room of Requirement. They tested the charm a few Sir Thomas More times, telling Kaden to tell someone about it, but Kaden was never able-bodied to. Albus was fully convinced that the Sileo Altus good luck charm was a winner.

Kaden was positively beaming by the time Saturday arrived. Albus was kind of excited as well, because they would officially have Wormtail in their group of new predator. lavatory, Rose, and Amanda were excited as well. The only thing left to do after this would be to see a way to examine to the map that they were like the predator. Matt did n't seem excited at all. He was clearly uneasy about telling Kaden that he was a werewolf. It probably did n't help that the full moon was only a few twenty-four hours away. Albus could n't really charge Matt for his nerves, but Albus was sure the charm would uphold to work.

After dinner, Albus led his friend back to the room of Requirement, with the new Map in his robes.

`` Ok, what 's the surreptitious ? '' Kaden said as he bounced around the way once they were inside.

`` You 've got to sit down first, '' Albus told him. `` And Matt 's going to narrate you the first one. ``

`` Oh ! '' A look of comprehension appeared on Kaden 's face. `` Is this about how you get barf every month ? ``

`` Yes, '' Matt sighed.

`` And this is what you do n't want Malfoy to know about ? ``

`` Yes, '' flatness said shortly, `` Now just let me recount you what it is. ``

`` Sorry, '' Kaden muttered.

`` It 's ok, '' flatness said, `` First, you ca n't tell anyone this. I mean, do n't even try to test the spell like we 've been doing all week. You ca n't even try to tell anyone this. Never mention it to anyone except us. ``

`` I wo n't, '' Kaden said.

`` trade good. Now, you know that werewolves are real, right ? ``

Kaden nodded, `` What does that make to do with you getting barf ? ``

`` Everything, '' matte said quietly, `` I am a werewolf. ``

`` What ? ! '' Kaden shouted, `` That is the coolest affair ever ! ``

`` No it 's not, '' matt sighed, `` You do n't even really eff what happens when I turn into a werewolf. ``

Kaden shrugged, `` I 've seen movies. ``

`` It 's not like that, '' lusterlessness told him, `` I get sick a few twenty-four hours before the full lunation, and then the night of the full moon, I turn into a wolf and bite myself because there 's aught else for me to bite. ``

`` Oh, '' Kaden deflated, `` So where do you go when you turn into a wildcat ? ``

`` A shack in Hogsmeade. ``

`` The shrieking Shack ? ``

`` Yes, that, '' Matt replied, `` I 'm the one who does the shrieking. ``

`` Now that is cool off, '' Kaden grinned. `` How long have you been a werewolf ? ``

`` Since I was five. ``

`` That 's a long time, '' Kaden said.

`` Most of my life, '' mat explained, `` It 's horrifying, really. ``

`` And that 's the big secret ? '' Kaden asked, `` Why ca n't anyone screw that ? ``

`` Because about wizards do n't like werewolves, '' mat explained.

`` wellspring that 's poor fish. ``

`` Yeah, it is, but it 's reality. ``

`` But why is n't there a spell to make you not a loup-garou anymore ? Or a potion ? ``

`` Magic does n't fix everything, '' Matt sighed.

`` Yeah, that 's what I 've been trying tell you for the whole twelvemonth, '' Albus pointed out.

`` But why ? ``

`` Dunno, '' Matt shrugged, `` But there is a potion, called the Aconitum lycoctonum Potion, that 's supposed to make it so you keep your human being psyche when you turn into a wolf. So you do n't want to set on anyone or yourself. ``

`` Why do n't you take that ? '' Kaden asked.

`` I do, '' Matt told him, `` Actually, I take a different variety than most werewolves take. For some reason, Aconitum lycoctonum does n't work for me. I 'm in this study at St. Mungo 's to figure out why and right now they 've got me taking a new kind of Wolfsbane. ``

`` doe it work ? ``

`` Uh, no, '' Matt replied, `` That 's form of why I still bite myself every full phase of the moon moon. ``

`` Oh, '' Kaden said. `` So someday they might come up a potion that will act ? ``

Matt shrugged, `` Maybe. But I 'm not getting my promise up. ``

`` So I 'll be charmed not to say anything about this ? '' Kaden asked after a few moments of silence.

`` Yes, '' Albus replied, pulling the new map out of his gown, `` And about this. ``

Albus spent the next one-half hour showing Kaden the new map. Kaden thought it was the practiced thing he had seen yet at Hogwarts and could n't await for it to completely work.

`` So we need you to interpret Peter Pettigrew, '' Albus said after he 'd finished explaining about the map.

`` Peter Pettigrew ? '' Kaden raised his eyebrows, `` That evil fella who betrayed your grandparents ? ``

`` Er, yes, '' Albus sighed.

`` You know my mum wanted to advert me dick, but Dad said no because he did n't need me to throw the Same public figure as that retard, '' Kaden commented, `` So it 's my midway name. ``

`` Perfect, '' John grinned, `` You even kind of share his gens. ``

`` will you do it ? '' Albus asked.

`` I guess so, '' Kaden said slowly, `` I mean, it 's not like I 'm going to be like Pettigrew now. ``

`` No, '' Albus agreed, `` But you have to be sort of like him for it to solve. And you are because you 've sort of got the same figure. ``

Kaden shrugged, `` I guess. Anyway, when are you going to get the map to forge ? ``

`` Whenever we figure out how to prove to it that we 're like the marauder. Somehow we 've got to evidence the map that we are similar to the marauder, '' Albus explained, `` Which is taking forever. ``

`` Oh, you mean like a digit print ? '' Kaden asked.

`` What ? '' Albus asked.

`` You know, a finger print. Everyone 's is unlike, but your finger's breadth print is similar to your relatives. It 's how Muggle cops find people and stuff when they 're missing. And how they identify bodies. ``

`` A finger print ! '' pink wine exclaimed, `` That 's it ! I ca n't think I did n't think of it ! ``

`` What are you talking about ? '' King John asked. `` Kaden just said everyone 's is different. So how will ours be like the Marauders'? ``

`` Not Muggle finger's breadth mark, '' rose said, `` Wizard unity. There 's a piece to get your ace 's Finger Print. It reveals your name, relatives, even your personality. ``

`` That 's kind of scary, '' Albus said, `` Anyone can observe that stuff out if they 've got your finger print ? ``

`` Yeah, '' Rose shrugged, `` But I think it will figure out for this. ``

`` Hope so, '' Albus grinned. He could n't believe that Kaden had actually given Rose an estimation about the map. Kaden had helped with it. If this finger's breadth print thing worked, they could own the map figured out in no time.

`` We 'll look for it tomorrow, '' Rose stood up and drew her sceptre, `` Now let 's do the charm. ``

Albus nodded, feeling more excited than he had in calendar month. They were so close, he could just feel it. The map would be working soon. Of course of study, there was a hen-peck doubt in Albus 's gut that was telling him that there would be something to figure out even after the fingerbreadth print thing.

******

`` What are you going to sign up up for ? '' John asked as he glanced over the parchment all the second yr had received just a mo earlier.

`` Dunno, '' Albus shrugged, `` What about you, matt ? ``

`` concern of Magical Creatures, '' Matt replied, `` Not sure enough what else. ``

`` I 'll do that one, too, '' Albus decided and wrote it down on his sheepskin. `` Hagrid Thatch it, so it 'll be fun. ``

`` polarity me up, '' John said, `` I could use with a fun class. ``

`` You ought to think about what will be useful in your future life history, '' Rose told them.

`` But I 've got no idea what I want to do, '' bathroom said.

Albus had no idea either. He had n't really thought about it. He thought being an Auror would be a effective job, but he was n't for sure that that was what he wanted to do. He still had five year at Hogwarts anyway, why decide now ?

`` Me either, '' Amanda agreed, `` I think I 'll do Care of Magical Creatures, too. ``

`` I 'm taking Muggle Studies, '' rose announced, `` Plus Arithmancy and antediluvian Runes. ``

`` All three ? '' privy asked, `` But we only have to call for two. ``

`` Yeah, but I want to convey all of them. I 'd really wish to take Care of Magical Creatures, too, but there 's not decent time. ``

`` Maybe I 'll do Divination, '' can shrugged.

blush wine snorted, `` Divination ? Mum says that should n't even be a subject. There 's no real acquisition involved. ``

`` But is it tardily ? '' John the Divine asked.

`` Uncle Ron said all you 've got to do is make up prediction about your last if you 've got Trelawney, '' Albus explained.

`` Excellent, '' John scribbled onto his parchment, `` I 'll withdraw that and hope I 've got Trelawney. ``

`` I 'm taking that, too, '' Amanda said, `` It actually sounds interesting. ``

`` fine, '' Rose sighed, `` But I still say it 's not really a subject. ``

`` Maybe I 'll do antediluvian rune, '' Albus thought aloud, `` I think it 's easier than Arithmancy. What about you, matte ? What else do you think you 'll take ? ``

`` ancient rune sounds trade good, '' matt yawned, `` I guess I 'll consider that. Amy took it. She hated it in Commonwealth of Australia, but she said it 's better here. ``

`` I 'd take everything, '' Kaden announced, `` I could n't decide. ``

`` You ca n't study everything, '' rosebush laughed, `` You 'd receive to be in two place at once. ``

`` Oh, well I 'm pretty sure that 's out of the question, '' Kaden sighed.

Albus turned and grinned at Rose, who grinned back. Albus could only envisage Kaden 's chemical reaction to a time-turner.

`` Yeah, the most course of instruction you can take is three, '' Rose explained.

`` Then I 'll take three, '' Kaden decided.

`` Are you lot done choosing course of study ? '' rose wine asked as she stood up, `` We 'd better get to Transfiguration. ``

Albus spent the stallion Transfiguration class trying to twist his plate into a bowl, and had almost managed to do it by the time the class was over. blush wine, of class, did it within ten minutes and spent the remainder of the class helping Albus and the rest of their friends.

history of Magic was as boring as ever. Matt slept the entire category, and Albus felt himself nod off a few times. lusterlessness had seemed very commonplace in Transfiguration and probably would own fallen asleep in that class if it were n't for the fact that it was a hardheaded object lesson. This was n't surprising considering the fact that the full Moon was the next day. The therapist still had n't found something to counteract the side result of extreme fatigue of the new Wolfsbane that Matt was on.

Double Potions was after dejeuner, and Albus felt drowsy as soon as he walked into the way. This was odd since he had felt fine a moment before. He did n't seem to be the only one who felt this either. Both John and Amanda yawned as soon as they sat down, and even Rose 's eyes drooped a bit as she pulled out her parchment. Matt laid his brain down on the desk and fell asleep immediately.

`` good good afternoon, everyone ! '' Slughorn said, `` Now, I 'm sure you 're all feeling a bit tired, which is perfectly normal.

`` This, '' Slughorn gestured to a smoking cauldron on his desk, `` Is somnolence Potion. All it takes is one whiff of this potion to put you into a nation of fatigue duty. If you drink it, you 'll precipitate into an almost sleep-like state for about a half hr. Of path, you 'd get it on this if you did the reading that was due today. ``

Albus remembered being assigned the reading, but he had n't done it. He had just been too busy with Quidditch practice, dueling practice, and all his other homework.

`` You will be trying to brew this today, but you will only do half of it, '' Slughorn announced, `` It needs to simmer for about a week before you can fill out it. operating instructions are on the board. run with your common collaborator. ``

Albus yawned and got up from his table. He joined Limbert at his board and lit the fire under the cauldron while Limbert collected ingredients.

The entire class was moving at a boring tempo than common, and everyone was yawning every few minutes. It was form of strange. Nobody was arguing with their partners either. Albus wondered if Slughorn had picked this exceptional potion for a understanding. The past hebdomad, a duel had broken out between John and Goyle, resulting in both of them being sent to the hospital offstage for Robert Burns and then being assigned a week 's worth of detention.

Limbert returned wit the factor and he and Albus started to prepare them, without exchanging any conversation. No different than usual.

Albus dumped some factor into the caldron and began to shift it. He watched Matt and Malfoy as he did so. Malfoy had returned with element and was prodding Matt with his sceptre to get him to wake up.

`` What are you doing ? '' Albus whispered to Malfoy.

`` Waking him up, '' Malfoy said.

`` Wha-what 's going on ? '' lusterlessness lifted up his head.

`` chop shot up those cherry solution, '' Malfoy instructed. Albus was surprised with how quiet Malfoy seemed.

matte nodded and picked up his knife. Albus went back to stirring his potion.

`` Professor ! '' Malfoy said after a few minutes. `` He keeps falling asleep. ``

Albus looked up from the beetle eyes he was mincing. Matt was once again asleep on the table.

`` Ah, '' Slughorn waddled over to Matt and Malfoy 's table, `` The Drowsiness Potion affects everyone differently. '' Slughorn shook Matt 's articulatio humeri. `` Dear boy, you might want to go to the Hospital Wing. I do n't think the fumes from this potion are agreeing with you. They 're not supposed to put you into a trench eternal rest. ``

Matt nodded and stood up. He stumbled and leaned back onto the desk.

`` Albus, '' Slughorn turned to Albus, `` Perhaps you could escort him. I 'm sure Mr. Limbert can handle your potion. ``

`` All rightfield, '' Albus laid down his knife and went over to where lustrelessness was standing.

Albus grabbed his arm and led him out of the elbow room. Albus felt immediately better as soon as they shut the door. The drowsiness went away completely.

`` I 've got to sit down, '' Matt mumbled and sat down on the floor.

`` Are you all right ? '' Albus asked, sitting down next to him.

`` I dunno, '' Matt shrugged, `` I 'm guessing that that potion just made me even more tired than I already am. ``

`` Do you feel better now ? '' Albus asked.

`` Not really, '' Matt replied.

`` Then you 'd better get to the Hospital Wing. ``

`` Yeah, I suppose. ``

brothel keeper Pomfrey wanted lusterlessness to stay for the residual of the afternoon. Albus was n't even sure if she 'd let him provide at all before the full moonlight. Knowing the nurse, she probably wouldn't.

Matt never came back from the Hospital flank that night, so Albus assumed lady Pomfrey was keeping him there until after the full moonlight. Albus and the balance of his friends decided that as soon as Matt was out of the Hospital Wing, they would embark on looking for the Wizard 's Finger Print charm. rose was pretty for certain she had seen it in the library somewhere, but she could n't remember where. That meant that they would expend hours scouring the entire library for it. This was in addition to all the extra studying they had to do now that the end of full term examination were to a lesser extent than two month away. Albus just hoped they 'd be capable to figure out the map before school was over. It would be pointless to calculate it out during the summer, when they would n't even be able to use it.


A/N : I hope everyone has enjoyed Half-Blood Prince or do relish it if you have n't seen it yet ! Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight. Thanks as well to Moonylupin, EvilChaos, phoenixy friend, XDNLxtlz99, Tears of a Phoenix, Denas, Miguel, Luke, and tranc3rooney for their revue !