Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Albus spent virtually of the Day preceding Yule at blush wine 's house. James I was determined to use all of his spare part time for Quidditch practice, and he had to go to Rose 's house for that. Albus usually went with him and he and Hugo would help James practice while rose wine read.

Harry had to practically classify James I from his Calluna vulgaris by conjuration on Christmas Eve so they could go to Godric 's hole. James wanted to appease at Rose 's house and keep practicing, but Harry refused to let him. The trip was quiet since James was rather sullen the entire time.

"Professor Patil says I 'm a natural at Transfiguration of Jesus,"Lily bragged to Albus as they walked towards the tunnel afterwards.

"That 's trade good,"Albus replied.

"Yeah, so I 'm going to become an Animagus eventually. I want to be a cat."

"You do n't get to pick out what form of animal you transform into,"Albus told her.

"Oh,"Lily said,"But I think I 'll go a cat."

Albus nodded as Lily began to describe in great contingent what form of cat she would transmute into.

Everyone else was already at the Burrow and Albus felt an straightaway fondness come over him as he stepped inside. It had cypher to do with the fact that it was so cold and snow-covered outside, either. There was something so comforting about being at the burrow surrounded by all his category. He was able to bury all the outcome with the Quidditch tourney and Professor Killigan. All he could think about was how starved he was and how soundly some of his grandmother 's cookery would be right about then.

Rose sat down next to Albus as he tucked into a large bowl of onion soup with a slope of homemade bread.

"Uncle Charlie and auntie Katherine are going back to Romania this summer,"rosebush announced.

"To tame to a greater extent firedrake ?"Albus asked. His uncle and aunt had n't done that since Stanley started Hogwarts, but they often talked about how they wanted to go back.

"Yeah,"pink wine nodded,"They might stay even after the summer 's over, but Heather and stigma will come back to go to Hogwarts."

"They get to go, too ?"

"Yup. Henry M. Stanley and Eddie are going, too. Stanley 's quitting his job for it. He 's definitely staying in Romania after the summer 's over. He wants to get into dragon training."

"Wow,"Albus replied,"They 're lucky. I guess it 's skilful that Stanley decided what he wants to do."

John Rowlands had been working at the Magical Menagerie since he finished Hogwarts, but knew he did n't desire to do that his whole sprightliness. He just did n't bonk what he did want to do.

"I wish our parents would take us to some early commonwealth,"Albus sighed.

"Me, too,"Rose agreed,"Imagine the history we could learn."

Albus personally had enough of History from professor Binns, but he supposed learning story by traveling would be fun.

"Yule Quidditch tomorrow ?"Teddy asked as he sat down future to Rose.

"Definitely,"Albus grinned.

"I would n't count on it, teddy,"Molly said as she handed Albus another lump of gelt,"We 're supposed to get the snowstorm of the decade tomorrow. The Muggle electricity is already out in town."

"Is it really ?"Arthur popped his head into the room,"Fascinating ! I may have to go see it tomorrow !"

"You 'll do no such thing !"Molly shouted,"It 's come near impossible to Appparate during such a storm. Not to mention the fact that it 's Christmas and you should be here."

"We do n't need electrical energy to play Quidditch !"slip exclaimed,"It 'll be thoroughgoing training conditions ! If you can charm a Snitch in the centre of a blizzard, you can catch one in any conditions. It 's not like Kendrick ever calls off Quidditch because of snow."

"We 'll see tomorrow, Teddy,"molly sighed.

Albus finished his soup and he and originate went into the den, where they were greeted by a loud chorus of 'Odo the champion', sung by George, Alicia, Charlie, and Ron. Bill and Fleur were laughing while Hermione shook her top dog. Albus had a feeling the lonesome reason why Fleur approved was because the singing was drowning out Celestina Warbeck.

"So then I said, I 'm not paying seven Sickles for that !"Sir Henry Percy said to Katherine, who was only sort of paying attention,"And the bloke looked at me like I was mad. I say he 's mad, charging that much for a tour of a questionably historical old building. There really should be regularisation on such affair. It 's one affair I 'll change if I 'm ever Minister."

Albus stifled a laugh. His Uncle Harry Hotspur had been talking about running for diplomatic minister for the yesteryear ten years, but still had n't done it. nearly of his uncles and aunts got sick of hearing him talk about what he would and would not change.

"Hey, Albus, blush wine,"Victoire waved at him from across the room.

"Hi Victoire,"Albus made his way over to her,"How is Healer training ?"

"Exhausting,"Victoire sighed,"And I have to forecast out which part of the infirmary I want to do the rest of my training in by September. We 've been rotating throughout all the floors, but now we have to pick one. I 'm nowhere near decided."

"You have until September,"Albus shrugged. It seemed like a retentive clip to him.

"I know,"Victoire replied,"But Amy 's known where she wants to finish training since we were in fourth year."

"You 're not in Amy 's situation,"slip appeared and put his arm around her,"And I think you 'll do corking anyplace you decide."

"Thanks, Teddy,"Victoire smiled,"I 'm thinking either the Maternity ward or Spell Damage."

"There 's a busy ward,"slip grinned,"Spell Damage. You 'll get all the mirthful hurt there."

"That 's not a safe reason to pick a specialisation,"Victoire groaned.

"Good a reason as any,"chemise shrugged.

The time grew later and after Albus played numerous rounds of Exploding Snap with his cousins, his grandma announced that it was sentence for bed. Everyone argued, but there was really no point. Everyone, including the other adult, knew that arguing with mollie Weasley was useless.

Albus trudged up the stairs to the highest sleeping room that he shared with James, Ben, and Cedric. He climbed into bed and then realized just how big this impending blizzard was. The malarky was howling louder than he 'd ever listen before.

The wind was so powerful that Albus could feel it through the col in the window. Every once in a while, the house would creak and shake. Albus sighed and put his pillow over his spike to try and drown out the howling.

Albus did n't manage to swan off to log Z's until after Cedric got out of bed, swore loudly, and disregarded the no sorcerous exterior of shoal rule to put a silencing charm on the room.

******

Albus was awoken by his one-year Yuletide wake-up call, Lily. She breezed through the doorway shouting about how they all needed to inflame up and afford their present tense.

"And there 's three feet of snow outside,"Lily said as she left the room,"I checked."

"Merlin !"James jumped off the top bunk bed and looked out the window,"There is ! And it 's still coming !"

"Whoa, you ca n't see anything !"Cedric added.

"We could build the world 's biggest C. P. Snow wiz later,"Ben suggested.

"We could build an entire C whiz army,"Albus said.

"Presents first,"James River said as he located his bundle of presents.

Albus descended upon his own pile of present tense and began opening them. There were the usual sweets and Weasleys'products from his aunts and uncles. Another Weasley sweater, this one scarlet and gold striped. He pulled it on over his pyjama and opened the rest of the present from his aunts and uncles. His Aunt Hermione had gotten him a few books he 'd probably never read, including one about the history of planetary house hob at Hogwarts.

Albus saved his parents'present tense for last, although he doubted they could top last year 's. There really was n't anything in the world that was considerably than the Invisibility Cloak.

"Al, did you open Mum and Dad 's yet ?"James shouted.

"I 'm opening it now,"Albus said as he ripped the paper off the small box.

"You 'll never venture what they got us !"

Albus opened the box and saw two just the ticket. Two ticket for the Quidditch human beings Cup that was taking place this summer !

"Whoa !"Albus shouted,"World Cup tickets !"

"I did n't even have a go at it they were on cut-rate sale this too soon !"James II said.

"You two get the honest presents,"Cedric said.

"Hey, I got two tag,"James I replied.

"Yeah, two,"Ben sighed,"You can only cull one of us to go."

Albus suddenly realized he had the same trouble. Two tickets. Five friends he would want to take. Who was he going to choose ? Not blush wine. They may throw been friends since they were sister, but she just did n't receive a passion for Quidditch. Neither did Kaden. He was another to cross off the lean. John the Divine and flatness were the Quidditch fans. He 'd have to choose between them. Amanda liked Quidditch well enough, but she did n't follow a team or anything.

"Those are limited edition tag,"Ben said,"They do n't get laid who 's playing yet, so they do n't sell very many tickets ahead of time."

"They 're for the top box, too,"James said in awe.

Lily burst into the elbow room with a big grin on her aspect. She was holding two tickets as well."Did you get Quidditch just the ticket ?"

"Yeah,"Albus and Saint James the Apostle said at the Sami time.

"This is going to be bright,"Lily said and then ran out of the room.

Albus 's parents were already in the kitchen by the prison term Albus went downstairs. They were sitting at the table eating breakfast. Albus gave them each a Brobdingnagian hug and then sat down.

"How did you get the tickets ?"he asked.

"They were a endowment from the pastor,"Harry replied,"The Cup is in Canada this twelvemonth and he 's upright friends with their minister. Got him a lot of free tickets."

Albus grinned as he began to eat breakfast. Somehow his parents had come close to topping shoemaker's last yr 's portray. Now not only was he going to get to see the World Cup, he would get to journey to a unlike country.

Rose came downstairs a little while later and was impressed with the tag. She had no desire to go to the Cup and had no suggestions on how Albus was going to choose between John and Matt.

"Anyone up for Quidditch later ?"Teddy announced as he sauntered into the kitchen.

"Not under my watch !"Molly shouted,"You ca n't see a understructure in figurehead of you out there ! And it must be close to 15 below !"

"Maybe after tiffin, then,"teddy bear shrugged.

molly shook her head and sighed as she set a few Thomas More platters of eggs and toast onto the table.

There was a knock on the room access that could only just be heard over the howling winding. Molly glanced at Arthur, who shrugged and got up to see who it was. Albus followed, very odd to see who would chit-chat on Christmas morning in the middle of a huge blizzard.

"Xeno, is that you ?"Arthur shouted outside.

"Yes !"Xenophilius Lovegood shouted back. Arthur stood aside as the man walked in and then shut the threshold behind him."Quite the storm we 're having ! Just thought I 'd cease by and see if this office was still standing."

"Quite the violent storm, yes,"Arthur agreed,"I heard the Muggles lost electricity. Fascinating. I wonder what they do without it. But yes, the sign of the zodiac is still standing."

"commodity, but if you feel it 's too rickety, just let me bang and I 'll go get some of my Jutispy plant. The parting do wonders on old building. take a shit them like new. I just put a caboodle into my place and it 's a soundly affair, too. Of trend, they tend to draw in Nargles ..."Xenophilius 's voice trailed off.

"I 'll keep that in intellect,"Arthur smiled,"Are you spending the holiday alone ?"

"Yes, yes,"he replied,"Luna and Rolf are with his menage this Christmas."

"Then you must continue here a piece. Molly 's cooked far too practically food for thought, like usual,"Arthur lead Xeno into the kitchen.

Albus followed them. He always found Xenophilius Lovegood to be an interest wizard, if not a lilliputian mad. Always going on about Nargles or Nom-Noms or something.

molly was more than happy to provide Xenophilius with a large platter of breakfast and he settled down to talk over the storm with the adults.

Albus spent most of the dawn playing Exploding Snap, whiz 's Chess, and Gobstones with his cousins. They tried to play hide and go seek, but the house was too crowded to play it properly.

shift and James kept looking out the windowpane, volition it to stop snowing. Both of them were just itching to go play Quidditch. Albus would have gladly gone and played if it would lay off snowing so much. He was dedicated to the game, but not enough to play in this storm.

lunch period came and the Snow was still falling. George went outside to measure out it and came back with the news that it was three and a half substructure.

Teddy went upstairs after lunch and came back decked out in three jumpers, a thick cloak, and a brace of boots. Under one arm was his Scots heather and under the other was a box of Quidditch balls. Saint James was right behind him, dressed the same.

"Theodore Remus Lupin !"Molly shouted,"I suppose I ca n't stop over you from going out there and catching death of a moth-eaten, but I will not let you drag James with you !"

"He 's not dragging me, grannie,"James rolled his center,"I want to go !"

"Just let them, Molly,"Harry said,"They 'll get common cold soon enough and come back inside."

"amercement,"molly replied and went back into the kitchen.

"Excellent,"Teddy grinned,"Anyone maintenance to link us ?"

Georgia, Fred, and Heather suited up in warm clothes and joined Teddy and James IV. Albus decided against it. Quidditch was fun, but he did n't want to freeze when he could detain inside and be warm.

The Christmastide Quidditch lasted a half an minute. shimmy, Epistle of James, Georgia, Heather, and Fred all stumbled back into the house shivering with their faces red and covered in blow and ice. mollie immediately descended upon them with mark of hot chocolate and dry clothes.

"Told you, Molly,"Harry grinned.

"C-ca n't find the Sn-Snitch,"Teddy muttered.

Harry laughed."That does n't storm me. You 'll receive it when the storm calms down. You put the charm on it to stay in the K, right ?"

"Y-yeah,"shift replied.

Christmas dinner party came and went in its usual bedlam. Xenophilius stayed for it and James snuck sneezing powder into his soup, which he found incredibly funny story. Molly was not as impressed and gave James IV quite the scolding. How she found out it was James was beyond Albus.

The storm continued throughout the Nox and Cedric had to put the silencing charm back on their way in fiat for any of them to get any sleep.

******

Nobody left the tunnel until two days after Dec 25. That was when the snow finally let up. It topped out at around four and a half human foot, which was a new record for Albus 's lifetime. The Burrow 's yard had been decorated by dozens of snow witches and whizz, along with hippogriffs, owls, and a variety of former magical creatures.

When Albus found out what his family was doing after they left the tunnel, he wished the snow would suffer kept coming. They were going shopping for dress robes for the New Year 's party.

"Why ca n't I just wear my old dress robe ?"Epistle of James whined as they walked down Diagon Alley towards ma'am Malkin's.

"Because they 're five in too abruptly,"Ginny replied,"They 're even too small for Al."

"Yeah, Hugo 's the lucky one,"James muttered. Hugo was wearing Henry James 's old dress robes to the party and therefore did not have to go shopping.

"Mummy, I want purple gown,"Lily announced.

"If they have any,"Ginny replied.

Albus wanted to buy the first duet of attire robes he found, so long as they were n't knock or purpurate. The Sooner they were done robes shopping the better.

pink wine and Lily made a beeline for the female child dress robe as soon as they walked in the door. Albus stood awkwardly next to Saint James the Apostle while their female parent found various robes for them.

"Here, try these on, Al,"Ginny handed him a brace of emerald green robes.

"Very Slytherin,"James snickered.

"Shut it, James,"Albus muttered.

"They 'll bring out your heart, Al,"Ginny told him,"Now go try them on."

Albus reluctantly tried on the Slytherin colored gown and then left the dressing elbow room for his mother to see.

"Too short,"she announced,"But the color is perfect. I 'll find a braggy size."

James wound up with a navy blue yoke of robes, which Albus would ingest preferred. Lily found her purple robes and Rose got a sky blue pair.

"Next time you 're getting jet gown,"Albus muttered to James, who was still making fun of the coloring of Albus 's robes.

"No I wo n't. I do n't have green eyes,"James grinned.

"Then we 'll get you a nice red set,"Ginny said,"They 'll clash horribly with your hair."

"I do n't handle. They 'd be Gryffindor colored,"James laughed.


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as all the awing people who have read and reviewed this ! Also, for anyone who read In Moonlight 's phantom, the foremost chapter of the sequel, Beyond the Shadow, is now up !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


The party was at the curate 's Mansion, the house where all the Ministers of trick had lived. Albus had been there a few clock time before, but not in a duad geezerhood. Usually all the parties the Minister held were while Albus was at Hogwarts.

A few hr before the party, Ginny made Albus, James, and Lily all take shower bath and comb their tomentum properly. She spent a estimable 15 minutes trying to get James 's hair to lie flat and another fifteen minutes putting Lily 's up in some kind of elaborate bun case thing. Albus was very happy his own hair was far too short for that sort of thing.

Before they left, Albus 's parents sat him, James, and Lily down on the couch and proceeded to tell them the rules for the evening.

"Absolutely no making trouble !"Ginny stared at James as she said this,"None at all ! This is the Minister 's house ! I will not have you wreaking mayhem in it."

"We 're trusting you to continue yourselves occupied during this. I 'm going to have to commix with everyone and we wo n't be able-bodied to watch over you every endorse,"Harry added,"You 're all at Hogwarts now. You 're old enough to not be glued to us for the evening."

"Do n't worry,"James IV said,"I know when devilment is n't appropriate."

"Let 's hope so,"Ginny sighed.

Albus and his family Apparated to the Minister 's mansion, which meant side-along Apparition for Albus. He hated side-along Apparition. It felt like he could n't breath. It was worse when the mortal who was Apparating him was also Apparating another person, which was always the case in his phratry. It was the curse of being the halfway kid. He was either with James or Lily. This time it was with Lily and Harry was Apparating them.

When Albus had regained his ability to breath properly, he looked around at where they had landed. He was standing on the front lawn of what was the most profligate mansion he had ever seen. It could n't be considered a home ; it was just too monstrous.

A long and winding sidewalk, framed with George Bush and illumination on either side, lead up to the front room access. Albus 's parents started walking up and Albus followed.

The hall seemed to get bigger as they got closer. It was painted brown with a melanise ceiling and reminded Albus of a castle. It was n't nearly as big as Hogwarts, of course, but it was still huge.

Harry rang the bell when they arrived at the door and it was answered by the Minister himself."Harry !"he shouted,"Come in !"

diplomatic minister Langston Hartwell was the third minister since the fall of Maker Voldemort. He was a marvellous, rotund man with very minuscule haircloth left on his head. He did cavort a rather large mustache, which caused Albus to believe of him as a much taller version of professor Slughorn.

Hartwell was one of those very educated wizards who spoke using very expectant Logos that Albus could n't really infer. He was long-winded and most of his delivery could be condensed down into a few sentence, according to Harry, that is. He was a very nice man, though.

"Right this way,"Hartwell motioned for them to observe him.

Hartwell lead them through the house, which was just as undefiled as Albus remembered, and into what could only be described as a rarified ballroom. It was the same ballroom all the parties Albus had been to were held.

The room was decorated with silver and black and was already filling up with mass. Albus spotted Rose and Matt in the back of the elbow room and left his family in the doorway to go see them.

"Some topographic point, huh ?"Albus said once he reached them.

"This is the full-grown house I 've ever seen,"Rose agreed,"I see you 're wearing your Slytherin robes."

Albus rolled his eyes."Shut it."

"What do you think, mat ?"Rose turned to matt,"His mum says they match his center, but James says they 're Slytherin robes."

"Slytherin,"Matt said immediately.

"Then yours are Ravenclaw,"Albus pointed out, gesturing to Matt 's racy robes.

"I do n't care,"flatness shrugged,"So, did you just get here ?"

"Yeah,"Albus replied.

"I 've been here for two hours already,"lusterlessness said,"We were the first unity here. Dad keeps introducing me to multitude and they all think I 'm a first year."

"Bet that 's fun,"Albus laughed,"Do you know most of these people ?"

"Some,"mat said,"That 's the gent Dad 's taking over for,"he gestured to a very large thaumaturge,"McVicar."

"rightfulness,"Albus said,"I 've heard of him. Dad 's always said he would never retire."

"Dad never thought he would either,"matte laughed,"Then we 've got your Uncle Percy, I think you probably know him. Those multitude are a few of Dad 's colleagues,"mat gestured to a few more witches and champion,"Then there 's a bunch of multitude from early section, but I do n't call up any of their names."

"Looks like it 's going to be a fun night,"Albus said sarcastically.

"Oh, it will be,"lustrelessness grinned,"When I was really little, we went to company like this a few times a calendar month. You make your own fun."

"Like what ?"Albus asked.

"Charming alcohol out of the wine-coloured and champagne. It 'll still try out exactly the Saami,"Matt grinned mischievously,"By the clock time midnight rolls around, everyone will be wondering why they 're not drunk. It 'll be funny."

"You 've done this before ?"rose wine raised an eyebrow.

"Amy has,"matt said,"She 's here somewhere and she 's going to do it soon."

"I have to intromit, that 's really creative,"Rose giggled,"What else ?"

"Mostly stuff with the food. Charm the chocolates to taste like vanilla, charm the serving utensils to prompt every time you go to pick them up, that sort of stuff,"Matt explained.

"My parents gave us this speech about how we ca n't playact pranks here,"Albus said,"She was saying it mostly for Saint James the Apostle, but I think she should 've given it to you."

"My parents never say that material to me,"mat laughed,"They never suspect me of anything. The minute of arc they find out the alcohol 's been charmed out of the drink, they 'll recover Amy."

"She is the one who 's going to do it,"Rose pointed out.

"It was my idea, though. She was n't originally going to do it at this company,"Matt explained.

"intoxicant 's gone,"Amy said quietly as she came up behind Matt,"This is going to be interesting."

"What exactly happens when you use this appealingness ?"Rose asked.

"Oh, it 's corking,"Amy grinned,"First, only a couple hoi polloi notice and they make a very quiet cite to another someone and then that person agrees that there 's something wrong with the drinks. Then it just snowballs from there until it 's all they 're talking about. Then someone will test the drinks, discover the alcohol 's been charmed away, supersede it, and then everyone will exhort. But some of them will act rummy because they think there 's intoxicant in the drinks."

"Are n't your parents going to be upset ?"Rose asked.

"They might enjoin me they wish I had n't done it, but there 's not often they can do,"Amy shrugged,"That 's why I 'm doing it and not Matt."

"I could n't see your parents yelling at you anyway,"Albus laughed.

"You never know,"Matt shrugged.

"I bet Henry James and Cedric are going to do something,"Albus said as he scanned the crew. James and Cedric were sitting at one of the tables, heads close together like they were plotting something.

"I 'd be shocked if they did n't,"Rose smirked,"Aunt Ginny has no hope of stopping James."

"And I 'd bet my last Galleon that GA and Tom Bradley are talking about Quidditch,"Albus gestured to his other two full cousin, who were standing near the buffet.

"That 's all they talk about,"Rose said,"And Lily looks bored. Five sickle says she 's over here in about ten minutes or so."

"I would n't bet against that,"Albus said,"And Samantha and Lindy will abstract out of the room the following time auntie Corrine looks away."

Albus 's aunt Corrine was talking with two enchantress Albus did n't know and his twin cousins were chasing each other around the room.

"Are any of your other cousin-german coming ?"Amy asked.

"Nope,"Albus shook his head,"None of my other aunts and uncles work for the Ministry."

"Let 's go get something to eat,"matt said.

Albus and blush wine agreed. Amy left to go talk to soul else and the three friends walked over to the buffet. There was already a small queue in battlefront of it.

"There go Samantha and lindy,"Rose said as they waited. The twins ran out one of the door and Corrine quickly followed.

The waiting line moved quickly and soon Albus was in front man. He grabbed a scale and piled it high with just about everything. There was always the best solid food at this variety of company.

They found an empty board far enough away from James and Cedric. Albus did n't need to be anywhere near them when they did whatever they were planning on doing.

"I do n't even know what half this stuff is,"Matt said as he began eating,"But it 's good."

more and to a greater extent people arrived as Albus ate his dinner. He recognized a few of them, but did n't remember any names. He also noticed that cypher was acting strangely due to Amy 's charm. They were all acting perfectly normal for adult who had had a few drinks.

Albus, matt, and Rose wandered around the elbow room once they finished their nutrient. A few grownup stopped to promulgate how big they 'd set out and to investigate what year they were at Hogwarts. Lily joined them because she did n't want to be associated with St. James and Cedric 's mischief.

"hi, everyone !"Minister Hartwell shouted from the rostrum at the front of the room.

Everyone quieted down and turned to watch him. Albus, Rose, and Matt were somewhat close to the podium.

"Thank you,"he smiled,"I assume you all know why I 've thrown this party, and it 's not just to unload the large amount of wine-colored I was given for Christmas !"

The adult all chuckled at Hartwell 's attempt at a joke and then quieted down once again.

"Yes, yes, well, this party is in purity of none other than Walter Eckerton, whom I have appointed to the position of headspring of the section of regulation and mastery of Magical beast. There is no one else whom I would trust with such a job ...."

Hartwell 's oral communication soon descended into one of his usual speeches, which Albus could not sympathize. It was long, drawn-out, and Albus could 've sworn he saw his dad yawn at one point.

Albus clapped loudly when Hartwell finally finished and turned the soapbox over to McVicar.

"Thank you, rector,"McVicar began,"That was quite an interesting delivery. I, too, would like to pride Walter Eckerton on his promotion.

"I am certainly at to the lowest degree one-half of you were quite surprise to hear that I was retiring. I myself was surprised. In fact, I probably would n't have done it if it were n't for the fact that my wife has been begging me to for the yesteryear ten years.

"However, the primary cause for my want of an originally retirement was because there was not a one person employed in the Ministry whom I would consume trusted with this job. Nobody had the capabilities to transport out this side in the way I would like. Like they always say, if you want something done right, do it yourself. That was my motto up until five days ago, that is.

"A little over five years ago, a man came into the Ministry looking for a job in the Department of the Regulation and ascendence of Magical Creatures. He applied for a job in Werewolf financial backing Services, a place that had been clear for well over a year. I was ready to rent anyone who walked through the room access at that point, but I had no melodic theme what was to come when I hired Walter Eckerton.

"Some of you may jazz that Bruno Walter has experience in this field. He was the Head of the section of Regulation and control of Magical Creatures in Australia for three eld before leaving the perspective in order to move to England.

"Bruno Walter revolutionized lycanthrope Support Services as soon as he started. The ideas he had were ones that even I had n't thought of. In five curtly years, he has bettered life for those plagued with lycanthropy more than anyone else in the department have in their entire careers.

"It took only six months for me to realize that I wanted Walter to charter over for me when I retired. Not only does he have the experience and intelligence service for the job, but he also has dedication that I have never seen before. I even have to include that his dedication surpasses my own. I have never seen anyone fight as hard for lycanthrope right wing as he has.

"The just matter left for me to do was convince myself it was time to retire,"McVicar chuckled,"And yes, it did assume the salutary percentage of five years to do that. But now, I feel very confident as I hand the reins over to Walter."

Everyone clapped as McVicar stepped away and lusterlessness 's dad took the podium."That was quite the speech,"Albus muttered to Matt.

"I 'll say,"Matt agreed,"And McVicar does n't usually praise mass like that."

"well,"Matt 's dad began,"Thanks for your right to vote of confidence, Rob. I certainly hope I can dwell up to your expectations.

"I have to begin by saying how unexpected this was. I really had no design of becoming the heading of the entire section again, no matter which country I was living in. Werewolf bread and butter inspection and repair has been such a great post to work these past few years. It truly is my passion.

"However, when Langston and Rob approached me about taking over when Rob retired, I found it unmanageable to say no. In the end, I said yes because I want to fix More of a difference.

"Of track, I could not have gotten to this station without the help of my wife, Julie,"he gestured to lusterlessness 's mum, who was standing near the podium,"And my daughter, Amy, and my son, Matt.

"I 'm not one for retentive delivery, so I 'll just say that I look forward to starting the job and I truly hope I can be at least half of the head of the department Rob has been."

"I just hope none of them find out why my dad 's so consecrated,"flatness whispered.

"They 're too drunk to think much on it,"Rose smirked.

"They 're not really drink,"Albus reminded her.

"They 're certainly acting like they are,"rose pointed out.

A good constituent of the adult were acting very drunk. In fact, if Albus had n't known about Amy 's charm, he would say they all really were drunk. The weird thing was that everybody was acting drunk. There did n't seem to be anyone who was thinking there was something damage with the drinks.

"Let 's go ask Amy about it,"Matt suggested.

Amy was standing nearby, so Albus, Matt, and rose wine squeezed their way through the gang to get to her.

"Amy,"Matt whispered,"Why 's everyone acting pattern ?

"I do n't make out,"she whispered back,"Let 's go smell at the drinks."

James and Cedric were also standing near the drink table, looking nearly as confused as Albus felt about this charm. That was kind of strange.

Amy grabbed a glass of wine-coloured and tried it."Well, it tastes fine, but it 's supposed to."

"You 'll birth to drink a lot more than that to get properly rummy,"lustrelessness grinned.

"I 'm not doing that,"Amy rolled her eyes.

"Actually,"James grinned mischievously,"That might get you drunk."

"What did you do ?"Albus groaned.

"Cedric and I added some extra alcoholic beverage to that wine,"James whispered.

Albus, Rose, matte, and Amy burst out laughing. Albus could not trust it. All of their pranks had backfired. The wine was now perfectly normal.

"What 's so funny ?"Cedric asked.

"Amy pulled a joke, too,"Albus said.

"I put a appeal on all the wine-colored to remove the alcoholic drink, while keeping the sense of taste,"Amy explained,"I did it right when the company started."

"So much for that prank,"Saint James the Apostle groaned.

"Now you wo n't get in bother,"Albus pointed out,"Mum 's been watching you two."

"I know,"Henry James muttered,"That 's why we ca n't do it again."

"What do you want to do now ?"Albus asked as James, Cedric, and Amy left.

"Want to search the Minister 's Mansion ?"lustrelessness suggested.

"Is that allowed ?"Rose asked skeptically.

"I do n't see why not, I mean, this is my dad 's party,"Matt pointed out,"Plus, we 'd just be walking around."

"Let 's go,"Albus said and moderate them out of the ballroom.

It was much quieter in the rest of the firm. They started wandering through any rooms that had give doors.

"This blank space is so bloody fancy,"Albus said.

"It reminds me of my grandparents'house,"Matt said.

"Their house is this big ?"Rose asked.

"Nearly,"mat replied,"They 've got a ballroom and everything."

The three Quaker wound up in a very large living room filled with antique furniture. There was an oriental carpet on the priming coat and oak tabular array and bookshelves around the circumference. Atop the board were fancy vases of bloom and crystal sculptures.

"We 'd better be heedful in here,"rose said as she walked into the elbow room,"If we break any of this stuff, our parents would polish off us."

"Cinda 's got one of these,"Matt pointed to a crystal swan.

"Do n't touch it !"Rose hissed.

"I was n't,"matt assured her,"I broke Cinda 's once, but Mum fixed it."

"Look at all these Word of God,"Albus gazed up at one of the bookcases,"Madam Pince would love to get her hands on these."

"They 're all about political science, though,"lusterlessness pointed out,"Pretty boring."

"Mum would like them,"rosiness said

"I wonder how old this furniture is,"Matt said as he looked at a rather uncomfortable looking armchair.

"Probably honest-to-goodness than Aberforth Dumbledore,"Albus replied.

"Hey, Albus, Matt, come here,"blush wine said as she looked out the window.

Albus and mat walked over to the window and leaned over the tabular array that was in front of it.

"What is it ?"Albus asked.

"Look, there's-"

Matt leaned farther over the table and knocked one of the crystal sculptures off. blush wine gasped and managed to catch it before it crashed onto the floor.

"Merlin,"Rose whispered as she set it back on the table,"Be careful."

"Sorry,"matte replied,"What were you saying ?"

"There 's someone sneaking around out there,"rosiness said.

Albus peered out the window into the duskiness. He could just barely make out a tincture lurking around the bushes. It did n't face like the person was walking up towards the house to go to the political party. Plus, why would he show up three hours late ?

"There 's definitely individual out there,"matte said.

"Let 's go find out who it is,"Albus said. He did n't suffer a hint as to who it was, but he wanted to observe out. There was no rationality for person to be sneaking around the Minister 's planetary house at this clip of night.

"Albus Severus potter, are you blooming insane ?"rose wine exclaimed,"I think you are !"

"Look, I just want to go see if we can find out who it is. I 'm not saying we should go duel them. Plus, there 's a whole way broad of Ministry officials in case whoever is out there is someone bad,"Albus said.

"That 's a serious point,"lusterlessness replied,"Why would individual snarf around a sign of the zodiac that 's full of Ministry officials, especially when the two top Aurors are inside ?"

"I do n't roll in the hay,"Albus said,"But I want to find out who it is."

pink wine reluctantly agreed and followed Albus and Matt, muttering under her breathing time. They found the nearest door and went out into the cold-blooded Nox, drawing their wands as they did so.

"If we are n't killed, we 'll freeze to death,"Rose muttered.

Albus ignored her and started looking around. He stayed close to the sign and tried to keep himself concealed in the bushes as he looked for the chassis. However, he could n't see or hear anything.

"Do you hear anything ?"he whispered to Matt.

"No,"Matt replied,"It 's like they disapparated or something."

"trade good,"Rose muttered,"Now let 's go back inside."

"They could 've just moved,"Albus pointed out,"Let 's stay fresh going."

Albus continued creeping around the planetary house, with his wand out in battlefront of him. His heart was beating fast and his workforce were sweaty despite the cold. He did n't want to stop, though. Figuring out who this bloke was was exciting and nerve wracking at the same time.

"Do n't move !"someone shouted and all of a sudden there was a brightly sparkle in Albus 's eyes. verge light.

Rose screamed and grabbed hold of Albus 's arm. Albus held up his own wand, his handwriting shaking.

"Who are you ?"the person shouted.

"Wh-who are y-you ?"Albus stammered.

"He sounds comrade,"flatness whispered,"knack on. Bloody pit, that 's professor Balladanis !"

Albus thought for a mo and the phonation did sound a lot like Balladanis. But why would he be sneaking around the Minister 's Mansion ?

"Albus ceramist, is that you ?"the man shouted.

"Er, yes,"Albus replied.

The verge lighter lowered and Albus heard the man footfall through the snow towards him. Albus saw that he was indeed professor Balladanis. He breathed a sigh of relief as Rose let go of his arm.

"Mr. Potter,"Balladanis said and then waved his verge around,"And misfire Weasley, Mr. Eckerton. Oh, I suppose this party is for your father, Mr. Eckerton ?"

"Y-yes, sir,"matte replied.

"What are the three of you doing sneaking around outside in the dead of night ? I thought I 'd teach you punter than that. You 're just asking for trouble,"Balladanis said sternly.

"Told you,"rosebush whispered to Albus.

"Er,"Albus began,"We saw soul lurking around out here and went to inquire. I guess that soul was you ...."

"And you 're favourable it was me,"Balladanis barked,"The three of you could stimulate been beat if that person had been a disconsolate hotshot. Now, I 'm taking all three of you back inside."

Albus nodded and followed Balladanis through the snow and towards the room access."Sir,"Albus said,"If you do n't heed my asking, what were you doing outside ?"

"If you must lie with, the pastor asked me to check the land in monastic order to establish sure as shooting nobody was lurking around,"Balladanis replied.

That did cypher but twinkle Albus 's rarity even more. He knew honest than to press further, though. Balladanis was not one to explain his motives.


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as everyone who has read and reviewed this !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


It was nearing midnight when Albus, matte, and blush wine re-entered the building, escorted by professor Balladanis. Albus had been hoping the prof would just see them to the doorway and then extend his search of the perimeter, but instead he went back to the ballroom with them and marched them right up to Harry.

"potter,"Balladanis interrupted the conversation Harry had been having with some wizard Albus did n't know,"I found your son, your niece, and their friend wandering around outside."

"Albus,"Harry groaned,"I thought we made it gain that you were to stay inside."

"I 'll give them with you,"Balldanis said,"Happy New Year."

"Happy New Year,"Harry replied,"And thanks."

Balladanis disappeared into the crowd and Albus shifted uncomfortably as his dad stared at him for a few moments.

"Care to explain ?"Harry raised an eyebrow.

"We were just, er, exploring,"Albus muttered.

"Do n't do it again,"Harry sighed.

"We wo n't,"Albus assured him.

Harry went back to his conversation and Albus lead his supporter back to the snack bar.

"I hope you 've learned your lesson,"Rose muttered,"I am not doing that again."

"We wo n't do it again. Not tonight, that is,"Albus grinned.

"10 !"mortal shouted.

Albus looked at the nearest clock and saw that it was almost midnight. Everyone else joined in the countdown, holding their meth of champagne in the air. Amy joined Albus, Rose, and lustrelessness.

"3, 2, 1, Happy New twelvemonth !"Albus shouted along with everyone else.

The crowd began to thin out a little while later. Most of the people Albus did n't sleep together left, along with his Uncle Percy, aunt Corrine, and his first cousin. Albus 's parents did n't look like they were in any hastiness to leave, so he got a shell of the remnant dessert and at them with his friends.

Rose 's class and Amy left, and then it was just the ceramist, lusterlessness, his parents, the Minister, and his wife left. All the adults were talking, James was teasing Lily about something, and Albus and lusterlessness were finishing off the last of the desserts.

"Do you think there 's any way for Hogwarts to win the Quidditch tournament ?"flatness asked as he polished off a spell of chocolate cake.

"Only if Linda 's sick the day of one of the equal,"Albus sighed.

"Maybe that 'll happen,"Matt said,"You never know."

"Al, we 've got to go,"Ginny tapped him on the shoulder.

"Ok, Mum,"Albus replied and then turned back to Matt,"I 'll see you soon."

"Yeah, see you on the train,"lusterlessness said.

Albus waved goodbye and then joined his mum, dad, James River, and Lily. They all said congratulations to Matt 's dad and then left the minister 's sign. Albus peered into the Vannevar Bush as he left, but there was no sign of professor Balladanis.

******

The remainder of the Yuletide holiday went by very slow for Albus. He did all his homework, which was quite boring, and there was nix to do after that. Rose was visiting her other grandparents and James was at Nathan 's house. Even Kaden was busy visiting his grandparents ( Vernon and petunia ). He sent Albus a letter of the alphabet complaining about it, since the visit was also with aunty marge. Albus was very grateful that he did n't sustain to go. Neither of his parents had mentioned anything about visiting with Vernon and Petunia again.

Finally the day to return to school arrived and the Potters made it to Platform 9 ¾ just in time. Albus found all his admirer in one of the compartments and once they kicked Lily, Ashtyn, and Hugo out, they told each other about their holidays.

"aunty marge has got to be the most atrocious aunt in the entire world,"Kaden fumed,"My dad told her about magic a few month ago and she 's been fearful ever since. I mean, she was always kind of horrible, but now she 's worse. She just hates magic so much. She 's defective than my grandparents."

"Wow,"Albus replied,"glad I 've never met her."

"Consider yourself prosperous,"Kaden muttered,"I 'm guessing you lot had salutary vacation ?"

"We found Professor Balladanis lurking around the Minister 's Mansion,"Albus announced.

"What ?"John, Kaden, and Amanda shouted at the same time.

"I saw someone sneaking around outside and Albus insisted we go look into,"rose said,"Turns out it was Balladanis and the Minister had apparently asked him to go over the grounds for trouble."

"Did he find you ?"John asked.

"Yeah,"Albus nodded,"He was n't to happy either."

"Told us we could 've been killed,"matte explained.

"wellspring, we could 've,"rosiness muttered.

"Weird though,"whoremaster said,"Why would the Minister think somebody would be hiding around his house ?"

"Does n't he make guards around anyway ?"Amanda asked,"The Muggle minister of religion does."

"Again, that 's why it 's weird,"trick replied,"He does give birth guards."

"Why would he ask Balladanis anyway ?"mat asked,"Why not ask an Auror ? Balladanis is a professor."

"He has n't always been,"Albus pointed out,"He had some sort of occult job before."

"Again, weird,"John said.

"Yeah, there were a bunch of Aurors at the company, not to note Albus 's dad,"Matt pointed out.

"That settles it,"privy announced,"Albus, you 've got to happen out what he did before he started teaching defense reaction ?"

"Why me ?"Albus asked.

"Because you 've got those peculiar dueling lessons with him. He likes you for some rationality. Of grade, he also likes Malfoy. But that 's probably just because Malfoy 's a good dueler, too,"Gospel According to John explained.

"I 'll try,"Albus sighed,"But I really do n't think he 'll tell me."

"You never know,"John said.

******

"lull, quiet !"Balladanis shouted the following Tues, their first day of Defense after the holiday.

Albus immediately stopped talking to matte and John and turned to front Balladanis. He was really hoping that the professor would say nil about what happened at the party and so far Balladanis was showing no reminiscence of it.

"I trust you all had superb holidays,"Balladanis said,"But the vacation are over and although I am certain none of you thought a bit about defensive magic during said holidays, it is now time to begin that thinking once again.

"First, I 'll say that there is no time to not be thinking about defensive illusion, as the dark arts do not take happy chance for piffling things such as holidays.

"Second, in this terminal figure we will begin to explore animate being far more dangerous than hinkypunks and kappas. In this term we shall learn about those terrifying creatures such as acromantulas, basilisks, lycanthrope, firedrake, and vampires."

Albus could n't avail but glint at Linda when Balladanis said lamia. Balladanis had glanced at her as well, and he also glanced at flatness when he said werewolves. Of course, he had looked at Albus when he said basilisks, so it did n't necessarily think of anything, but Albus had a feeling it did.

"As the schoolmaster would find it highly inappropriate for a tartar to manifest itself in this classroom, we shall not be using the anamatek as often this term,"Balladanis continued,"But we will be using it a few times. You will encounter that there are more lectures in this terminal figure, much to my disfavor. There is nothing I would wish better than to learn you about acromantulas and werewolves with practical lessons, but there are both laws and shoal dominion that prevent such lessons."

Albus and lusterlessness glanced at each other. It was official. professor Balladanis was insane. What kind of instructor would want to teach about firedrake with live on dragons ? Well, Hagrid would, but he was n't the Lapplander as Balladanis.

"yield out some lambskin,"Balladanis said,"We 're going to begin learning about acromantulas today ...."

The residual of the day went by relatively quickly. Albus actually did not have Quiditch practice that dark, so everyone went to the vulture 's Den after dinner.

"Divination is such a laugh,"John said as he tossed his bag onto the floor and collapsed onto a couch,"We started crystal ball gazing today. All I saw was a incumbrance of fog."

"I told you not to take it,"Rose said as she pulled a stack of Scripture out of her own bag.

"I did n't think it would be this bad,"lav groaned,"There is no way anyone could see anything in a lechatelierite ball."

"Palmistry was better,"Amanda said,"And Trelawney makes the wholly matter worse."

"Trelawney could nominate defense reaction bad,"Albus replied.

"Balladanis told us that he wished he could teach us about nighttime creatures using the anamatek,"rose wine said,"Seriously, he wanted a basilisk to appear in the midriff of the classroom."

"That would be dazed,"Kaden said as he unwrapped a coffee Frog,"Those can kill you with their eyes."

"I know,"rosiness said,"Balladanis is insane."

"Do you think that anamatek could wrick into a werewolf if the moon was n't full ?"whoremonger asked.

"Probably not,"mat answered,"It would just be a wolf. I think it would just be a wolf any former time of the month, too, because there 's no way it could turn mortal into a loup-garou by biting them."

"That 's good,"Albus said,"Because he did say that he 'd use the anamatek a few times this term. inquire if he 'll have it flex into a vampire."

"No need,"trick laughed,"We 've got Linda."

"If you think of it that way, there 's no point to have it turn into a role player wolfman either,"Rose pointed out.

"Good pointedness, I guess,"John muttered.

******

The rest of the week went by quickly. Albus had Quidditch drill Thursday evening, and Mrs. Henry Wood informed the solid team that they 'd amaze rusty over the vacation. He also told them that the next match was in two weeks and they 'd be playing New York. If they won, they 'd be in second place.

Albus had a dueling lesson with Balladanis the espouse evening and he had absolutely no melodic theme how he was going to ask what Balladanis 's previous job had been.

Albus arrived at Balladanis 's room before Malfoy and entered to notice Balladanis clearing all of the desks from the middle of the room.

"Mr. Potter,"Balladanis turned around and recognize Albus,"Is it safe to take on that you did not go wandering about late at night alone after New class 's ?"

"Yes, sir,"Albus muttered as he felt his face turn red. He was quite gladiolus Malfoy was n't there yet.

"Mr. Malfoy,"Balladanis said as Malfoy walked into the room,"Now we may begin. I have decided that your discernment of the Protego magical spell is satisfactory so we are going to move on to something else.

"This particular magical spell, when performed correctly, manages to disarm and disorientate a person at the Lapplander sentence. The whiz is often described as lightheadedness. Can either of you tell me what why this magical spell would be more useful than a standard disarmament spell ?"

"Because it 's well-to-do to duel someone who 's featherbrained than someone who is n't,"Malfoy said.

"More specifically than that,"Balladanis said,"Mr. thrower ?"

"Er, because you can get the person tied up while they 're disoriented ? If they 're a coloured magician you 're trying to catch,"Albus replied.

"Another skillful reason, but not the one I was thinking of,"Balladanis began to walk slowly around the room,"Wizards who are expecting to have to duel former wizards often keep multiple wands on their someone. There are spells that can be performed on these verge to keep them attached to your robe or your actual body, spells that Expelliarmus wo n't defeat easily. However, these magical spell require incessant assiduousness.

"If a wizard is hit with the charm I am about to teach you, they will lose the concentration essential to keep their additional verge affixed. Then, you can use Expelliarmus to get the surplus wands."

"Can you teach us that charm to keep back extra wands in our robe ?"Malfoy asked.

"Perhaps towards the end of the year. It takes immense concentration and wizard vitality to simultaneously execute that good luck charm while dueling someone,"Balladanis explained,"For now, you will learn the charm to unarm and disorient a person at the same time.

"The conjuration is 'Confundo-Expelliarmus'. A combining of Confundus and Expelliarmus. Mr. Malfoy, you will go first. When I say so, perform the charm against Mr. ceramist. Mr. ceramist, you may try and stop him using the Protego charm I taught you earlier."

Albus nodded, wishing he had been chosen to perform the new charm first, and faced Malfoy. He held his wand up and muttered 'Protego'under his breath. He focused all of his concentration on holding the buckler up.

"Now, Mr. Malfoy,"Balladanis muttered.

"Confundo-Expelliarmus !"Malfoy shouted.

Albus felt the magical spell hit his shield, but it did n't break through. He gripped his wand harder and stared at Malfoy.

"keep going,"Balladanis said to Malfoy.

"Confundo-Expelliarmus !"Malfoy shouted again.

The appeal hit Albus 's cuticle a picayune harder this time. Albus could sense bead of stew forming on his forehead.

Malfoy kept going and it took him five clip to break through Albus 's shield. When it happened, Albus felt his scepter leave his handwriting and was overcome by a wave of vertigo at the same time. He felt exactly like he had when he had gotten the flu the previous year, only without the fever.

Albus did n't pay any care to what Malfoy and Balladanis were doing. He felt like he was going to pass out and he had to sit down. He sat down right on the floor and was vaguely aware of Balladanis standing over him.

Then, all of a sudden, the dizziness was gone. Albus shook his chief and then looked up and saw Balladanis and Malfoy standing in social movement of him. Malfoy looked impressed and Balladanis looked like he always did.

"You did quite well with that shield,"Balladanis said as Albus stood up,"And I think it 's safe to usurp that you could n't have held assiduousness for any magic spell after Mr. Malfoy succeeded in breaking your shield."

"No, sir,"Albus shook his head.

"Normally the charm 's force would have lasted longer, but I performed the counter-curse because it looked like you were ready to pass out,"Balladanis explained,"When you 're ready, you can try the charm."

"I 'm ready,"Albus said as he took his verge back from Malfoy.

Balladanis gave Malfoy a few second base to get his buckler up and then nodded at Albus to execute the charm.

"Confundo-Expelliarmus !"Albus shouted. As he expected, the appealingness did not crack Malfoy 's shell.

Much to Albus 's joy, he managed to split up the cuticle on the fourth part try. One LE try than Malfoy had needed for Albus.

The charm hit Malfoy in the pectus and his verge soared towards Albus. Albus caught it and watched as Malfoy bent-grass over and fell to the flat coat, much like Albus himself had done.

Balladanis gave Albus one of his rare grin and then pulled out his own baton. He waved it at Malfoy and Malfoy looked up.

"That was weird,"Malfoy muttered.

"It 's supposed to be,"Balladanis said,"Now get up and we 'll do it again."

Balladanis kept them at it for the better share of an hour, past when Albus would sustain liked to throw in the towel. It was exhausting to be hit with that trance prison term after prison term while trying to concur up a cuticle good luck charm. Malfoy did n't look to be faring much honorable and Albus thought he was even going to ask Balladanis to stop after a one-half hour, but Malfoy closed his mouth, obviously thinking better of it.

The practice was n't for nothing, though. Albus managed to arrest Malfoy off longer and longer each time and although Malfoy was getting better at the shield charm as well, Albus broke through it a few more times.

"That 's sufficiency for tonight,"Balladanis finally said after he performed the countercurse on Albus for what must birth been the 10th time that night,"I 'll see you in class on Tuesday."

Malfoy made a beeline for the room access, but Albus turned to Balladanis instead. He might as well just get it over with. There was no good way to ask Balladanis what his previous job had been. He just had to do it.

"Er, Sir,"Albus began,"I was just wondering, what did you do before you began teaching here ?"

Balladanis gave Albus the strangest look he had ever seen. It was a miscellanea of ira, sadness, and even regret. For a moment, Albus wished he had n't asked. It was too personal. He should have just told John they would n't be able to find out.

"Now is not the metre,"Balladanis said quietly,"All in adept prison term, I will tell apart you."

Albus was taken aback. That was more than than he had expected. He had thought Balladanis would have told him to mind his own business and get back to Gryffindor towboat before curfew. Albus was going to determine out, he was just going to have to be patient.

Albus left the room as quickly as he could in his played out state, before Balladanis could change his brain about eventually telling Albus about his previous calling. The paseo back to Gryffindor pillar seemed longer than common and all Albus wanted to do was collapse into bed when he finally got there.

Instead, he was ambushed by all of his friends. All five of them looked shocked and Amanda looked like she was going to be sick. He looked around the plebeian room and saw that most people looked aghast and everyone was subdued. There was no joking around going on. Even Henry James was quietly sitting at one of the tables.

"What happened ?"Albus whispered as he followed them back to their usual tabular array.

rosebush opened her oral fissure to mouth and then closed her eyes, ineffectual to do so. Albus turned to John and raised his eyebrows.

"You know that bloke who owns Dervish and Banges ?"John asked quietly.

Albus nodded, having seen the man on numerous occasions when he was in Hogsmeade. He was slightly older than Albus 's parents, with greying hair and a very intense personality. He never hesitated to piss his opinions known

"Someone killed him,"John said in barely more than a whisper.

"Wh-what ?"Albus turned to count at all his friends in tour. Matt nodded ever so slightly and then put his top dog on his hands.

"must 've just happened,"John Lackland said,"They just found him. lady Rosmerta heard a disturbance and Flooed here, to get the Auror on duty. By the time they got back, his store was a complete spate inside and he was laying dead on the floor. Avada Kedavra. They 're searching Hogsmeade, the forest, the reason, and the school. Nobody 's allowed out of their common rooms and dormitories."

"We thought Balladanis would impart you back here when it happened,"Rose said.

"Nobody even came in to narrate us,"Albus replied, still in shock.

People were n't just randomly killed in Hogsmeade. That sorting of matter just did n't happen anymore. Not since Voldemort had been defeated. Well, prof Torro had been killed back before his first class and then that one witch from the Ministry had been killed over Xmas, but their killers had never been found and nix had happened since.

"Why would anyone toss off him ?"Matt wondered aloud.

"Why would anyone kill anyone ?"pink wine replied.

The portrayal hole opened and all the susurration stopped. Everyone looked to see who came in. It was Professor Longbottom, looking worse for the vesture. His gown were disheveled and his tie was askew.

"Aurors are still searching the castle and the priming coat,"he told them,"I suggest you all try and get some sleep. The search will be long over by morning, so you will be give up to leave the usual way then."

Albus and his champion looked at each former after Longbottom left. They wordlessly went up to their dormitory, Kaden going with Albus instead of to the back class'dorm. Nobody said anything as he curled up on the floor with one of Albus 's spare blanket. Albus got into bed and stared at the ceiling. He had been so exhausted earlier, but now there was no way he 'd get much slumber that night.


A/N : Thanks to my genus Beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as all the awesome reviewer and commentator !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


dejeuner was very subdued the next day. Most people had slept quite late since it was a Sat. Every student of Hogwarts had their nose in a transcript of the Prophet, be it their own or a friend 's. The faculty table looked the Saame, with every professor either reading the oracle or whispering with another professor, no question about what they 'd read.

Albus was reading Empire State of the South 's vaticinator as she had finished with it and made a mental note to bug out subscribing himself. All of his booster were peering over his berm. Even Linda was hovering around them, a foot or so away.

HOGSMEADE shopkeeper MURDERED

A disruption in Dervish and Banges late
yesterday evening that sent one Hogsmeade
resident to Hogwarts to rule the Auror on
responsibility lead to the breakthrough of the death
of a storekeeper.

Leroy Wisander, 42, the ten-year owner of
Dervish and Banges was pronounced dead
on the scene by Ministry Aurors yesterday
eventide. His shop had been broken into
and it showed augury of a struggle.
Wisander was discovered in the heart of
destroyed product with his sceptre
laying a few metrical unit away. Aurors confirmed
that he was killed with the killing curse.

An extensive search of Hogsmeade, the
forest, Hogwarts, and its grounds turned
up nothing despite the hours Aurors spent
searching. No fingerprints were found on
the scene.

Aurors will be devoting time to finding
Wisander 's sea wolf and a possible motive.

Leroy Wisander had owned Dervish and Banges
for a lilliputian over ten years, when he
purchased the shop from its previous owners
who retired. However, Wisander is more
known for the scathing newspaper column he writes
for this very newspaper.

Anyone who knew Wisander knew he was a man
of very hard opinion and did not hesitate
to let others make love his opinions. His to the highest degree
late column have explored the national
of wolfman, vampire, and other so called
'half-breeds'right hand. Aurors have declined
comment on whether they believe Wisander 's
editorial are a potential motif for his
murder. Wisander 's necrology can be found
on page five.

Albus set the theme down and his supporter all resumed their keister. cipher said a word for a few mo. Albus did n't know what to think. The article certainly made it seem like Wisander was killed because of his beliefs. However, it did n't exactly say what his opinion were. Albus had n't ever study any of his editorials, so he could n't say either.

"What kind of editorial did he write ?"matt asked quietly.

"I have no idea,"Albus replied, looking at his friend whose fount was quite pale,"Want to go to the room ?"

"Yeah,"mat nodded,"I 'm not really hungry."

Albus got up and was followed by all of his friends. John and Kaden each grabbed a tidy sum of toast before leaving. Even Rose and Amanda went with them instead of going off to study with Linda.

"Have any of you read his editorials ?"Matt asked as soon as they were in the Marauder 's Den.

Nobody had read them. Not even Rose. Matt sighed and collapsed onto one of the couch."I 've got to find out what they were about. I do n't even know which would be wagerer, him being for or against wolfman rights. If he 's for them, that means some fellow is on the loose killing people for wanting wolfman rights."

Matt did n't even have to continue for Albus to know why that worried him. lustrelessness 's dad was possibly the biggest advocate of werewolf rightfulness in all of Britain and everyone knew it. If somebody had been killed just for writing about loup-garou rightfulness, what would happen to individual who was actually passing jurisprudence for them ?

"That might not be why Wisander was killed,"Rose pointed out.

"Why else would someone have killed him ?"flatness asked,"He was just a shop owner in Hogsmeade."

"Why did someone putting to death Professor Torro ?"Gospel According to John replied,"He was n't even writing any editorials or anything."

"To scare masses,"Albus said quietly,"The Defense instructor military position used to be cursed, back when our parents were in school."

"fountainhead, I do n't think you should vex until you find out what the editorials are about,"Rose said to Matt.

"The other option is n't much better,"Matt muttered,"If he did n't write column for lycanthrope right wing, then he wrote them against them."

Albus thought flatness had a point, but he kept his mouth shut. Any way you looked at it, this murder pointed to the fact that things were changing. Aurors had been patrolling Hogwarts for calendar month, but Albus had quickly adjusted to that and did n't really mean much about it, but maybe there was more happening outside of Hogwarts than Albus was cognisant of.

"Let 's go to the subroutine library,"rose said as she stood up,"They 'll have old copies of the prophet there."

Everyone agreed with this and they set off to the depository library. When they arrived, they were surprised to find how crowd together it was. Usually Sabbatum were the days everyone put off their prep and then William Ashley Sunday were spent in the library.

Once they stepped inside, Albus saw that everyone was looking through old copy of the prophesier. Nearly every board had a few newspaper on it and a few educatee poring over them. madam Pince was bustling about, no doubt worrying about whether the students would rip her cute newspapers.

"Might not be any left,"John muttered.

"This is good,"Albus replied,"Now it wo n't reckon suspicious for us to be investigating."

John was almost rightfield. There was a very diminished push-down stack of newspaper left. Albus grabbed them all and then they went to a secluded table towards the spine of the library. Albus, Matt, and rose each took a newspaper publisher while John Lackland, Kaden, and Amanda played tic-tac-toe on a supererogatory bit of parchment.

Albus leafed through his newspaper, which was about two long time old, until he got to the editorial section. In the very midriff, in the biggest baptismal font, was an editorial by Leroy Wisander.

HEALERS, brewer TO BLAME, NOT MINISTRY functionary

As I was locking up my shop go night,
I noticed that it was a fully moonlight. I
could not help but recall of the poor
people plagued with lycanthropy
currently shut up while attacking
themselves.

Now, I know what you all are thinking.
Wolfsbane. The stuff works miracles
if taken correctly. However, it does
no undecomposed if it 's sitting in St. Mungo 's
and not being used by beldam and
hotshot with lycanthropy.

The poppycock is expensive. I myself did
the calculations and discovered that
it would be extremely difficult for
anyone with a low income to afford it.

And what kind of task are lycanthropes
often stuck with ? Menial, low-paying
ones. The Book of Job where they make hardly
sufficiency money to pay the rent and buy
solid food, let unequalled purchase a potion that
could alter their lifetime for the better.

I am absolutely horrify that therapist
and potion brewers charge for this
important potion. They must be making
a courteous net profit. They can use the winnings
to take excessive holidays while the
poor hag and ace who buy it
struggle to afford it.

There is only so much Ministry functionary
can do. Head of wolfman funding serving,
Walter Eckerton, says he would love to
impart away unblock wolfbane, but there just
is n't elbow room for it in the budget.

What do I propose ? I propose that therapist
and potion beer maker give it away for free.
They have the power to brew it, not
the Ministry. Most therapist claim to be intimate
helping people, but often it is those who
need it most, such as those with lycanthropy,
are often forced to go without, all because
those with the abilities to brew it like
to possess a little extra outgo money.

"cypher in this one,"Rose said as she shoved hers aside.

"This one 's got one about lamia,"Matt said as he set his paper on top of Rose's.

"Read this,"Albus handed Matt his paper,"Wisander even mentions your dad."

Matt took the report and he and Rose began to read it. John, Amanda, and Kaden peered over as well. Albus sat and waited while they read.

"Let 's go back to the way,"Matt said as soon as he 'd finished recitation it.

Albus nodded and they returned the paper and walked as fast as they could plunk for to the marauder 's Den.

"Bloody blaze, that bloke must let had so many enemies !"John shouted as soon as they were back.

"I know,"Albus agreed,"And that one 's from two years ago. guess what he 's written recently."

"Why did he take to mention my dad ?"Matt groaned,"He made it sound like my dad agrees with that editorial and he definitely doesn't."

"He was just trying to call forth something up,"Rose replied,"And calculate where it got him."

"therapist are n't like that. Most of the 1 I 've met would give away innocent Wolfsbane, but it 's more elaborate that that. The ingredients are expensive and it takes forever to brew. Not to mention how difficult it is. There are n't many healer who can brew it and even most brewers ca n't brew it,"Matt explained.

"That bloke did n't recognize the half of it,"John agreed,"My dad 's a Healer and he 'd love to cave in away free potions. It just does n't work that way."

"My dad 's linked with that gent,"Matt said quietly,"And now that he 's head of the total department, he 'll be passing more laws. Whoever killed Wisander 's not going to be happy."

"Your dad 's a really undecomposed wizard, though,"Albus pointed out to his occupy friend,"Plus he works at the Ministry, where there are loads of Aurors milling about. And your sign is more protected than any early sign of the zodiac I 've seen, well, except the Minister 's Mansion."

"I know, but it 's still not just,"Matt sighed.

Albus could n't argue with that. Something was going on outside of Hogwarts. Something far more crucial than the Quidditch tournament and the dueling tournament.

******

Albus and his friends scoured the Daily prophesier every morning the following week. Every day there was an article about Wisander, the investigating, or both. So far the investigation had turned up zilch. The Aurors had questioned quite a few hoi polloi, namely those very outspoken against wolfman and vampire right wing, but the hunt had proved fruitless.

The clause about Wisander were far more interesting. It seemed that his newspaper column about Wolfsbane Potion was one of the tamer ones. Each day trivial piece of his various editorials were being published. In one, he stated the reasons why lycanthrope should n't be locked up on wax moon. The reasons were quite absurd, but the Prophet had printed it anyway. Another newspaper column talked about why lamia should be allowed admission to human to bite. He suggested using prisoner and allowing vampire to suck them dry. Thus helping vampires and reducing prison house monetary value at the Lapplander time.

"I reckon this blighter was off his rocker,"John announced at breakfast the keep up Sunday. He had just finished reading an clause about how Wisander spent a year livelihood with a lamia tribe in Turkey when he was young. They were some of the few people actually up at an early 60 minutes, as Albus had Quidditch practice session and John had a morn detainment with Filch for putting dungbombs in the lav in Moaning myrtle 's bathroom the previous day.

"That 's a nice way of putting it,"Albus said as he served himself more eggs.

"What are you doing after Quidditch practice ?"whoremonger asked.

"After Quidditch ?"Albus laughed,"You mean, I 'm going to get to leave eventually ? woods wo n't make up us practice for the succeeding hebdomad ? I thought he was going to hold on going until the factual lucifer on Saturday."

"He 's got to let you out for class,"John grinned.

"What a pity,"Albus rolled his eyes,"Anyway, I 'll probably consume to do homework, since drill will go until late. How about you ? Any program for after detention ?"

"sentiment I might earn another detention,"John Lackland grinned,"But Kaden 's busy with chess club this afternoon-"

"Wait,"Albus nearly choked on his succus,"Kaden joined the chess club ? Kaden ? Kaden Dursley ?"

"Know any other Kadens ?"John laughed,"Rose said they want to learn him how to trifle properly, you know, like a challenge of sorts."

"I 'll tell rose wine good luck with that,"Albus said.

"Yeah, so both Kaden and blush wine will be busy with that. Not that Rose would want to earn detainment with me anyway. And Amanda 's doing something with Linda today, homework, I think. And I doubt Matt will be up for doing anything,"can continued.

"Right,"Albus said, remembering that the full Sun Myung Moon was that nighttime,"But you did the dungbombs on your own."

"But it 's not as fun,"John sighed,"I guess I 'll just hang up around the den with lusterlessness. I can accept a nice one-sided conversation."

"You can do your homework,"Albus told him.

"Nope, I 'm waiting until you get back for that,"John said.

"Well, have fun in your custody. I 've got to get to practice,"Albus said as he got up.

There were a few alternative wrangle Albus had for pattern that day. Long, grueling, and intense. Wood was in his finest grade as he ordered the team to do drills time of day after minute. He seemed to get more and more stressed as the day wore on.

James did a lot of man-to-man training with teddy bear and Albus was more than a piddling envious. Teddy was a much more patient police chief than wood was and yelled a whole lot less. John Tyler Pike mostly helped Wood.

Natalie Wood let them have a short break for lunch, making certain they knew to add up back afterwards. Albus heard the Slytherins on the team talking about skipping out of the relaxation of recitation, but they were back on the pitch at the fourth dimension Grant Wood told them to be.

The afternoon was very similar to the morning and Albus found that he could tune out Wood 's yelling quite easily. It was similar to tuning out his mum 's yelling.

Practice finally ended at three, when the New York team walked onto the lurch and demanded they leave, because they had booked the rake for three o'clock that day.

"Remember, practice Tuesday evening !"Wood shouted as the totally team rushed to get off the pitch.

Albus trudged back to the castle tired and shivering. He went straight to Gryffindor Tower and took a very long, hot shower and then set off to find his friends.

rose, Amanda, and Linda were in the common room, but the male child were n't. Albus figured they were in the predator 's Den and set off to look for them after saying a quickly hello to the girls.

whoremaster and Kaden were in the midsection of a heated game of Exploding Snap when Albus walked into the vulture 's Den a few minutes later. John 's face was full of ash, but Kaden 's was quite unclouded. There was also a big grin on his case which contrasted the frown on toilet 's grimace. Matt was laying on the frame facing them, like he had been watching the game, but he was sound asleep.

"Albus !"Kaden shouted,"How was practice ?"

"Grueling. Wood 's ten fourth dimension worse than Georgia. Five hours we were out there. Five bloody hours in the low temperature !"Albus groaned as he collapsed onto the other couch.

"bettor than scrubbing Moaning Vinca minor 's john with a toothbrush,"King John muttered,"I do n't live what was sorry, the scrub or listening to Myrtle."

"All three of you are so sunny today,"Kaden said,"So many complaints."

"Can you blame us ?"Albus muttered.

"No, not really,"Kaden shrugged.

"How was chess ?"Albus asked.

"I got beaten by every undivided mortal in the chess golf club,"Kaden shook his foreland,"But they think I have potential."

"Albus,"John said as the lineup blew up in his font again,"Have you done that defensive measure essay ?

"No,"Albus groaned.

"I need your helper,"John said as he got up and started digging around in his bag.

Albus groaned again and fished around in his own bag for his denial Holy Scripture. Balladanis wanted a foot long essay about basilisks, which were the current dark creature of the week.

St. John the Apostle sat down at the table while Albus lay on the sofa. He just could n't lend himself to get up and do his essay. Instead, he mumbled answer to bathroom whenever he asked a question.

"Do you hatch the volaille egg under a frog or a toad ?"trick asked.

"toad,"Albus mumbled.

"You know, I could rip a Rose and evidence you to do your essay,"John replied.

"Do n't even inconvenience oneself,"Albus said. Even rose wine would n't be able-bodied to get him off the couch.

"Quidditch seems less grueling than football,"Kaden commented,"I mean, you fly, you do n't run."

Albus lifted his head up and glared at Kaden."wood had us doing push-ups and running laps."

"Really ?"Kaden sounded storm,"Why ?"

"To get us into shape after the holiday,"Albus answered,"So yes, Quidditch is a lot of work."

"Ok, ok,"Kaden muttered as he located some of his own homework.

Albus managed to get in a somewhat well-heeled position on the couch and wrote his essay with his book and sheepskin perched on his knees. It beat sitting at the table ; at least he was able to sort of lie down.

A few minute later both Albus and John had their essays completed. Kaden was still scribbling furiously on whatever preparation he was working on.

"We should probably wake him up,"Albus gestured to matte, who had not moved one muscle since Albus had came back from practice.

St. John the Apostle got up and began to incite matte 's arm. It took a salutary two minutes for lusterlessness to give his eyes.

"It 's nearly six,"whoremonger told him.

"Then I should probably go,"Matt mumbled,"Oh, Albus, you 're back from practice."

"Yeah,"Albus nodded,"It was really long, though."

"I 'll go with you to the hospital wing,"John said and lustrelessness did not object. Albus assured him they 'd visit him the next day and then they left, leaving Albus and Kaden alone in the room.

John returned a piddling while later and the three of them went down to dinner. They returned to the Marauder 's Den afterwards and Saint John and Kaden continued working on their homework while Albus slept on the couch.

******

"Albus, get up !"

Albus mumbled something incoherently and rolled over in his bed. It felt far too early on to wake up.

"Albus !"Whoever was shouting was now prodding him in the side.

Albus opened his eyes and saw shift standing over his bed. A coup d'oeil at the clock told him that, yes, it was far too betimes to awake up. It was six in the first light. On a Sat. Yes, it was the day of the Quidditch match against New York, but that was n't until one o'clock and Albus was only a reserve player anyway.

"Albus, you 'd amend get up now. woodwind instrument 's in the commons way,"Teddy whispered.

That got Albus 's attention. His center shot back unfastened and he sat up."What ?"

"Fielding 's sick,"teddy bear told him,"You 're playing today."

Now Albus was wide awake."Seriously ? What about O'delle ?"Hailey O'delle was the other military reserve Chaser, a seventh twelvemonth Slytherin.

"She 's pale, too,"chemise explained,"The two of them are going out, so it does n't surprise me."

Albus took that to intend that shimmy thought they were snogging and one got the other sick.

"I 'll be down in two minutes,"Albus muttered.

Teddy nodded and left. Albus threw on a t-shirt and a distich of blue jean before running down to the uncouth room, where he found Oliver forest tempo in nominal head of the void fire.

"Albus,"he said as soon as Albus stepped into the coarse way,"You 're playing Chaser today."

Albus nodded and sat down for what was certain to be a very retentive speech. Ellen Price Wood paused and then launched into an account of tactics, which Albus had already heard during practices that hebdomad. He could n't figure out why he had to be woken up at six to be told he was playing. Wood could stimulate accomplished the same thing at ten.

Wood and chemise left after Sir Henry Wood finished lecturing Albus and Albus considered going back to bed, but as he was wide awake, it would be pointless.

Part of Mrs. Henry Wood 's speech had been on the weather condition, which was moth-eaten and slightly snowy. Could be worse, Albus thought. At least there was n't a blizzard. The experimental condition were very standardized to those they had been practicing in all week.

Albus sat in the common room reading a Word of God he found laying around until his Quaker got up around ten.

"There you are,"matt, who was looking significantly better than he had a few daylight ago, said,"What time did you get up ?"

"Six,"Albus muttered,"Teddy got me up. Wood had to assure me I 'm playing pursuer today."

"What ?"lustrelessness shouted,"That 's brilliant !"

"This is great, Albus !"Saint John the Apostle grinned,"But why ?"

"fielding 's sick and so is the early reserve Chaser,"Albus explained,"I 'm just gladiolus we 're playing New York and not Australia."

Albus went to the Great Hall to eat dejeuner with his friend, but he was n't really hungry. He did n't think he had ever been more uneasy for a Quidditch match. This was a really important match, as forest had pointed out numerous time. If they won by a astray enough margin, they 'd be in indorsement place.

countersign had gotten around that Albus was playing in the couple and numerous people came over to the Gryffindor table to care Albus fortune.

"Al,"Harry sat down next to Albus.

"Dad,"Albus smiled. He had n't been sure if his dad was coming to the match or not.

"I 'll be watching the hale time. I 'm certainly you 're going to do bang-up. Just think of it as a mates against another house. Ravenclaw, I guess, since their gown are drear,"Harry grinned,"Good luck."

"Thanks,"Albus replied.

Albus left with the quietus of the Hogwarts team a few hour later. All his friends wished him estimable portion as he left the Hall.

Nobody talked much as they changed into their gown. Everyone sat down afterwards, ready for Mrs. Henry Wood 's pre-match speech.

However, Wood seemed to be all speeched out. He merely said that they 'd trained well and to give it their all. Albus was a little shocked by the gruffness of the speech, but quickly got over it as he walked out onto the rake.


A/N : Thanks to my Beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as all the awesome people who have read and reviewed this !

Also, I wrote a new song fic ! It 's from Snape 's item of sight, as I wanted to try something different. It 's on my source Page if you want to arrest it out !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Ten minute into the match, Albus decided there were four types of Quidditch in the world. Casual Quidditch, like what he played with his cousins ; shoal Quidditch ; professional Quidditch ; and then there was the type of Quidditch he was playing now.

It was a combining of school Quidditch and professional Quidditch. The crowd was louder, the players more regulate, and the post were high-pitched than a normal shoal Quidditch equal.

Albus dodged one of the New York Chasers and flew up to catch the Quaffle, which had been dropped by Waverly as he had been hit by a bludger. As soon as Albus had the Quaffle, he was flanked by the former two New York Chasers.

Albus pushed his broom to fly faster and held the Quaffle tighter to his chest of drawers. Then he plunged down to the ground, where nobody else was flying. He was back up high two min later when he had reached the New House of York end posts. After dodging a Bludger, he threw the Quaffle into the will goal post. The Keeper was too slow down and the Quaffle soared through.

"Potter of Hogwarts has scored !"Todd John Smith shouted,"40-30 Hogwarts !"

James grinned at Albus as he flew past. Albus smiled to himself and joined Waverly and Reilly, who were waiting for New York 's keeper to throw the Quaffle out. That had been his first of all goal of the match.

The Quaffle continued to commute hands quickly as the equal went on. An hour later there was still no planetary house of the fink and both teams were neck in cervix as far as points went. New York was up by ten.

Albus scored a few more destination and he began to relax a little. The match began to sense more like a school match and less like a pro equal, even though the stakes were still high.

Wood had repeated over and over again that they had to be up by at least l points when James caught the sneaker, or they would n't be able to overtake New York as far as overall spot went.

"New York 's quester has seen the Snitch !"Smith announced.

Albus, who had been following one of New York 's Chasers ( the one who had the Quaffle ), turned around and saw that their Seeker was making a beeline for the top of Hogwarts'middle goal.

James IV noticed as well and flew straight at the basket. He had been significantly closer than New York 's Seeker and flew away from the hoop with the struggling Snitch in his hand.

The crowd roared and Saint James the Apostle held the Snitch high above his head. Both squad flew to the land and Albus saw the pained look on Wood 's case. They had n't won by plenty to be in second place overall.

"I had no choice !"Saint James the Apostle shouted to him,"She was going to get it !"

Wood nodded in understanding, but he still looked frustrated. Albus chose to push aside this and helped the rest of the squad to hoist Henry James onto all of their shoulders.

"To update everyone on the distributor point, the Aussie School of sorcery is in first property. New House of York and Hogwarts are currently tied for second. The adjacent mates will fill berth at the end of February !"Smith told the crowd.

Albus did n't meet up with his booster until they were back in the common way. Teddy had gone to Hogsmeade and a company was currently underway in the Gryffindor plebeian way. teddy bear informed everyone that the three other houses were hosting parties as well. The bookman from New York who had been sorted into Gryffindor, including their searcher, were sulking in a corner.

"I think that was your near match yet,"John said to Albus as they settled down at their usual table.

"I think so, too,"Albus agreed,"I sort of wish I could roleplay in the adjacent match."

"Maybe Henry Fielding will still be sick,"John said.

"Doubt it,"Albus replied,"Plus, I 'm indisputable O'delle will get initiatory dibs on the next match if any of the other Chasers get sick."

"At to the lowest degree you got to play in one mates,"Rose pointed out.

"Anyway, the next match you 'll probably be playing Australia,"Matt said.

"Yeah,"Albus nodded,"If we win that one, it 'll be a miracle. But we 're not even playing in the next one. following equal is New York versus Australia."

The party continued until dinner prison term, when hoi polloi began to entrust as nonentity had snuck down to the kitchens to get food. Harry came in to felicitate Albus and Jesse James shortly before Albus and his friends left for dinner. He was also scheduled to patrol the school for the remainder of the weekend and wanted to let his kids know.

******

aliveness at Hogwarts returned to normal shortly after the Quidditch match. The Prophet printed fewer and few articles about Wisander until there were none at all. Everyone seemed to draw a blank about his death. Everyone except lustrelessness, that is, who was still worried about his dad.

However, the scholar at Hogwarts were reminded again of the unsolved murder when the next Hogsmeade trip arrived two days after Valentine 's Day. A circumstances of the scholar were too lovesick to notice the boarded up shop of Dervish and Banges as they made their way to brothel keeper Puddifoot's.

Neither Albus, John, or mat were too preoccupied to observe the abandoned building, though. The three of them stopped to look at it for a while despite the biting flatus. rose wine and Amanda were spending the day with Linda.

"Who owns it now ?"John asked as they looked at the empty building.

"Dunno,"Albus shrugged,"The seer never mentioned any family."

"It 's probably still component part of the investigation,"flatness pointed out,"Plus, who would desire a building that someone was killed in ? I do n't even desire to go in it."

Albus did n't conceive it was a good prison term to remind flatness that Severus Snape had been murdered inside of the Shrieking Shack.

"trade good point,"Albus said,"But so far they have n't found anything."

"They wo n't find who it was,"Saint John the Apostle said quietly,"They never found out who killed Torro."

"I really hope they find who it was,"matt replied.

"They will,"Albus said,"They 're still focused on it."

Albus, Matt, and Saint John the Apostle went to the troika broom handle a little while later because all three of them were frozen. They warmed up with Butterbeer and were just thinking about heading back to the castling when Albus heard individual whisper his name behind him.

"Albus,"they said again.

Albus turned around, but no one was there. The spokesperson sounded conversant, though. Albus slowly reached his hand out and it touched something solid, but it looked like no one was there.

"Kaden,"Albus groaned,"Is that you ?"

"Yeah,"Kaden whispered back,"I stole your cloak."

Albus immediately stood up and motioned for matt and John, who were both looking confused, to follow him. He assumed Kaden would follow as well. Albus lead them up senior high school Street until they reached the shrieking Shack. nonentity was hanging around it that day.

"Kaden !"Albus seethed,"You do bring in how stupid this was."

"Yes,"Kaden replied as he took off the cloak.

"Bloody Hell !"John shouted.

"You stole the cloak ?"Matt asked.

"Kaden, you idiot !"Albus shouted,"I know I first told you this would be a unspoiled time, but there was a reason I changed my mind and told you not to sneak in today. most of the teachers come to Hogsmeade for the February trip. My cousins told me. They want to reach sure no one does anything stupe because they 're in love life or whatever."

"Er,"Kaden muttered.

"How did you get in ?"Matt asked.

"One-eyed beldam statue,"Kaden replied,"lead story right into Honeyduke's."

"Kaden, do you know how difficult it 's going to be to get you back unnoticed ?"

Kaden 's face turned white and his mouth dropped undetermined. Albus turned around to see what he was looking at and was met aspect to face with professor Balladanis.

"Quite difficult, I 'd expect,"Balladanis replied,"Come with me, all of you."

Albus groaned inwardly as he followed Balladanis down the street. They had gone all year without Kaden getting them into hassle, but Albus should sustain known effective than to think they could go the hale year.

cypher spoke until they were shut in Balladanis 's study. Balladanis sat down in his chair and looked at Kaden.

"Explain,"Balladanis said.

"They had cipher to do with it,"Kaden said quickly,"Albus was just telling me how stupid I was."

"Then it would look that Mr. ceramist and I agree on something,"Balladanis replied,"Where 'd you get that cloak ?"

"It 's Albus 's,"Kaden said quietly,"I took it. He did n't give it to me to abstract in or anything."

"Very well,"Balladanis said,"Mr. Potter, Mr. Eckerton, and Mr. Brickston, you may return to your vernacular room. Mr. Dursley will conjoin you after I arrange his detention."

Albus, Matt, and John the Divine could not get out of there quick enough. They walked straight back to the common way, talking about how golden they had been. It must experience looked like all three of them had helped Kaden pussyfoot into Hogsmeade. secure thing Balladanis believed Kaden.

Kaden returned fifteen minutes later, looking quite unhappy. He collapsed onto a chairperson and stared mutinously at the table.

"custody every Saturday for the next month,"Kaden muttered,"Plus he gave me a lecture about how serious it was for me to hook out and if I did it again I 'd get a worse penalisation than detention. Did n't elaborate on that, though."

"He 'd probably get you kicked out,"John commented.

"Did he say what you have to do for detention ?"Albus asked.

"No,"Kaden said,"dead reckoning it 'll be a surprise."

******

Kaden discovered what his detention was that night. Balladanis decided to have him alphabetise his private library, which was quite extensive. Kaden returned to the vulture 's Den ranting about the measure of Quran Balladanis had.

"He 's got more account book on iniquity creatures than your dad 's got,"Kaden said to Matt.

"That 's impressive,"lusterlessness replied.

"Wish he had less,"Kaden muttered.

Kaden spent all four of his custody alphabetizing those books. He almost did n't manage to polish off and if that had been the typesetter's case, Balladanis would have given him a fifth detention.

The side by side entire moon came and went, as did the future Quidditch equal. Albus was beginning to surmise that the full moons were becoming defective for matt, although he did n't know why.

New York lost miserably to Australia in the Quidditch match. They had been doing pretty well until Linda caught the Snitch a half time of day in. wood insisted that this was a skillful thing, though. It meant that if Hogwarts managed to score a good total of goals before Linda caught the stoolpigeon in their next lucifer, they would have more overall points than New York. forest seemed to accept lost any Leslie Townes Hope that James could scramble Linda in quest, something James II fumed about on a near daily basis.

March arrived and with it a three day rain storm that left the flat coat completely flooded. Both Herbology and fear of Magical animal had to take spot inside, which resulted in incredibly wearisome object lesson. Natalie Wood continued to hold Quiditch exercise and Albus returned to the castle completely soaked and covered in mud after each one.

All of the teacher were piling on the homework and prof Patil had even gone so far as to bring up the O.W.L.s even though they were a whole two years away. The just teacher who was n't talking about the end of term exam was prof Balladanis.

Balladanis conducted his example as if end of terminal figure exams did not live. He changed nix about his example except the dark fauna they were learning about.

"We 're starting vampires next hebdomad,"Balladanis announced at the end of stratum on Thursday,"Please read the chapter on them by Monday."

Albus could n't avail but depend at Linda before he began packing up his things. He wondered if Balladanis would be teaching them enough about identifying vampires for anyone to see out that Linda was one.

"So,"John said as he flipped through his Defense Department book the take after evening. Albus, Matt, privy, and Kaden were in the Marauder 's Den and John was just finishing the chapter on lamia."Look what 's after vampires.

Albus looked through his own book."werewolf,"he said quietly and then looked at Matt.

"Yeah,"flatness muttered,"It was bound to happen eventually."

"I wonder if Balladanis is going to make you go in for special help during that unit,"bathroom grinned,"I 'm indisputable you 'll need piles of extra help in identifying werewolves."

matt rolled his eyes."He better. It 'll expect suspicious if I do n't go in for extra assistant. oral presentation of extra help, we 're due to go in for it in fifteen minutes."

"We 'd better go then,"John said,"See you two later."

Albus managed to wind up his Herbology homework while John and Matt were gone. Then it was time for him to go in for his dueling lessons.

The desks were n't pushed to the incline of the classroom when Albus entered. Balladanis was seated behind his desk and there was a stone washstand sitting on it. Balladanis was pulling silvery strings of something out of his head and placing them in the basin.

It was a pensieve and the bowed stringed instrument were storage, Albus realized. For a mo, he thought that maybe Balladanis had cancelled dueling and neglected to tell him.

"Sir ?"Albus asked hesitantly.

"Mr. Potter,"Balladanis said quietly,"seminal fluid in."

Albus stood awkwardly future to one of the forepart tables while he waited for Malfoy. Balladanis stared into the pensieve and acted like Albus was n't there. When Malfoy arrived, he looked up and stared at the two boys for a few minutes before speaking.

"We 're not dueling today,"he said,"Instead, I am going to show you something."He motioned for them to join him at his desk.

Albus glanced nervously at Malfoy. Balladanis was n't one for explanation, but Albus would have got appreciated one right then.

"This is a pensieve,"Balladanis said,"It is used to explore memories. That is exactly what we 're going to do. Albus, lean forward and put your principal into the pensieve. Your dead body will follow. Scorpius, you will follow. I will fall after you."

Albus 's pulsing sped up a short bit as he leaned over the pensieve. Was this a stupid mind ? He did n't even know what he was getting into. But it was just a computer storage. Nothing could hurt him in a memory, right ?

Albus took a deep breathing spell and plunged his face into the pensieve. He had never been in one before. He landed on the tough forage and looked around.

It was dusk and very quiet. There was a humble house in the aloofness, atop of a bumpy James Jerome Hill. In fact, the unscathed region was mostly rocky. Albus had landed on the one lone piece of grass in the whole place. It did n't look like any billet in Britain.

He stood up as Malfoy landed next to him, followed quickly by Balladanis. Balladanis landed on his human foot and they waited for Malfoy to get up.

"Follow me,"Balladanis said quietly.

Albus did so, but he still felt like he deserved an explanation. Where were they ? Why were they there ? Whose computer memory was this ? What did it take in to do with dueling ?

"Excuse me, Sir,"Malfoy said,"Where are we ?"

"Greece,"Balladanis replied.

This did cipher but increase Albus 's curio. Why were they in Ellas of all home ? But he did n't ask. It did n't seem like Balladanis was in an explaining temper, judging by his curt, one Logos answer to Malfoy.

They walked quietly towards the small house. The only noise was their footsteps. There were n't even any owls hooting or frank barking. It struck Albus as very odd.

The house must have been their goal. Balladanis stopped when they arrived at the broken down wooden fence surrounding it. The star sign reminded Albus of the shrieking shanty, only humble. It was kind of broken down and did n't see like a piazza that would be good to live in.

Someone lived there, though. A light was on upstairs. It remained on for a few more arcminute and then somebody turned it off.

Balladanis made no movement towards the home. Instead, he seemed focused on the forest that lay just beyond it. Albus decided the woods was as good a plaza as any to watch.

They watched the forest for a half an hour before anything happened. Then five hooded figures practically flew out of the forest. They were at the house before Albus even realized it. He looked at Balladanis. His face was hardened.

All was quiet for two minutes. The figures entered the house, but did not turn on any Light. Then the screams started. Albus jumped at the sound of the beginning one.

They were agonizing, farseeing wow. Albus wanted goose egg more than to go in and avail whoever was screaming, but he knew he could n't. It was nothing more than a memory. Instead, he looked again at Balladanis.

His professor 's face showed nothing. Nothing but the same toughened feeling he had seen on it so many times. Malfoy on the other paw, looked horrified. He looked exactly how Albus felt.

The shriek was coming from two dissimilar citizenry. There was a high one that must have been coming from a char, and a blue one that must have been coming from a man.

Then, they stopped. First the fair sex, then the man. The hooded figures left the house as quickly as they had entered and returned to the forest.

Balladanis, however, made no relocation to leave. Instead he stared at the business firm. Two minutes later, someone fled from it.

They ran from the house, towards Albus, Malfoy, and Balladanis. As they drew closer, Albus could see that the soul was a boy who looked no former than Albus himself. His facial expression was etched with a lugubriousness Albus had never seen before. It was too dark to tell, but Albus was certainly there were binge running down his face.

The boy obviously did n't notice the three people watching him. He ran right past them, up the rocky Hill in the distance. It occurred to Albus after he passed that the boy looked somewhat familiar. There was something about his face that Albus recognized, but he could n't quite place it.


A/N : Thanks to my Beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as all of the awesome multitude who have read and reviewed this !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


professor Balladanis did n't say anything for a long time after he, Albus, and Malfoy returned to the Defense schoolroom. Albus landed adjacent to Malfoy, still confused as to how he managed to get out of the pensieve, in nominal head of Balladanis 's desk. Balladanis landed behind his desk, facing the wall, and did n't wrick around for a few minutes.

Albus glanced nervously at his professor as he thought of interrogation he was just burning to ask. In fact, there was nada about the scene he had just witnessed that did n't urinate Albus funny. Everything about it had been confusing.

Malfoy looked just as confused. They kept looking at each other and it was kind of strange. They were on the same side. Both of them wanted Balladanis to explain.

Balladanis finally turned around and looked at them. He put his hands on his desk and leaned forward, looking both Albus and Malfoy in the eye.

It happened in a split indorsement. Albus looked at his prof and immediately thought back to the face of the boy in the scene. That was why he looked familiar. The boy was Balladanis. Then, Balladanis shifted slightly and the similitude was gone. But Albus knew it. That shot had been from Balladanis 's childhood.

"Sit down,"Balladanis said.

Albus and Malfoy sat down quickly at the table in front of Balladanis 's desk. They were sitting right next to each other and Albus did n't deal. At the here and now, finding out what that shot was was more important than staying away from Malfoy.

"A few weeks ago you asked me what I did before I started teaching here, Mr. Potter,"Balladanis began,"I have always had the intent of telling you, of telling both of you. I was merely waiting for the right moment. I feel that that instant is now."

Balladanis paused and walked around to the front end of his desk. He began to pace in presence of it.

"There is a reason why I am telling you this now. Why I am not explaining to all of my form what I did before teaching. The reason is that you two are incredible duelers. Both of you have skills beyond your year that I have never seen before, and consider me, I have seen mountain of exceptional duelers in my clip. This may be a good time to tell you how rare it is to have two such skilled duelers in the same yr at Hogwarts."

Albus turned to look at Malfoy. What was Balladanis getting at ? It sounded like the kickoff of some sort of mansion unity speech or something.

"I know the two of you are n't the in effect of ally,"Balladanis continued,"But I must say how impressed I am that you seem to put the animus behind you when you step into my classroom for your lessons."

The sole reasonableness for that, at to the lowest degree for Albus, was because of Balladanis himself. Albus doubted he would brook Albus and Malfoy bickering with each other during lessons.

"Back to what I was going to order you,"Balladanis said,"That panorama that I just showed you, in case you have not figured it out yet, took home while I was a boy of only XIII. It was the summer before my third gear class at school.

"I grew up in Greece, in that very house we just saw. My parents, although they loved me deeply, were very poor and could barely give to put food on the table. I think they were thankful when I went away to schoolhouse, the sole reason being that they would n't have to worry about me getting enough to eat.

"I had two blissfully innocent and fun years at the Grecian School of trick. I returned home during summertime full of stories about my protagonist and all the mischief we 'd get under one's skin into."

Albus found it difficult to imagine Balladanis getting into bother at school or doing anything fun in general.

"Everything changed the summertime before my third base twelvemonth. It changed on the Nox you just witnessed. A coven of vampires entered my house that night. They attacked my parents and drank them dry. I hid in a closet, too scared to do anything. Then, once the vampires left, I fled. I ran until I could not run anymore. I wound up at the star sign of one of my Friend. His parents took me in, but affair were obviously never the Saami. I changed on that night."

Balladanis stopped talking and Albus sat in complete shock. Balladanis 's parents had been murdered by vampire ? That was one thing that had never crossed Albus 's mind.

"I returned to schooltime that Sept hardened. nil was fun anymore. Nothing was funny. It was then that I decided to consecrate my liveliness to ridding the human race of such evils. Vampires, moody adept, werewolves, anyone and anything that murder viciously."

Albus could n't avail but glare at Balladanis when he mentioned wolfman. Balladanis seemed to notice this and gave Albus the slightest of smiles.

"However, I did realize that not all vampires, lycanthrope, giants, and other beings are inherently evil. Not all of them want to kill. It was for this reason that I did not wish to be employed by the Hellenic language Ministry. The Greek Ministry prefers to deal with magical creatures as a unit and not secern between them. Perhaps this is because Hellenic Republic has a very magnanimous population of vampires.

"Thus, becoming an Auror was out of the question. Instead, I chose to enter a more secretive profession. One that you will not find pamphlets on when you get career advice from your nous of house. One that no one except me is going to evoke to you. Yet it is one that I believe the two of you are quite suited for."

Albus 's core sped up at this. Balladanis was going to give them career advice ? They were only thirteen. But at the like clock time, Albus felt excited. Balladanis thought he was a in force enough dueler for this career, whatever it was.

"I am a Presuler,"Balladanis said,"I am certain neither of you have heard of one. A Presuler is somewhat like an Auror, in that we seek out dark wizards and dark-skinned magic. However, we not only seek out moody whizz and dark conjuring trick, we seek out darkness and unsafe brute as well.

"The with child dispute is that Presulers are not employed by the Ministry. There are very few Presulers in the world and we are often sought out by various Ministries and hired on an as-needed footing. We travel from land to country, whenever we are needed. It is quite closemouthed. I suppose Presulers are a combination of Aurors and buck private investigators."

Balladanis was right in that Albus had never heard of a Presuler before. The thought intrigued him, though. A closemouthed kind of Auror who did not act for the Ministry.

"I never caught the vampires who killed my parents. I have met one vampire who knew them, but she is not like them. I am still searching for them, however."

Balladanis stopped pacing and leaned up against the social movement of his desk. He looked at Albus and Malfoy, but did not say anything else.

"Why are you teaching here, then ?"Malfoy asked.

"That is one thing that is between myself and Professor Kendrick,"Balladanis replied.

"Are you coming back succeeding class ?"Malfoy asked.

"As of right field now, I have no melodic theme,"Balladanis answered,"It is getting late. I 've kept you here much longer than pattern. If you think of anymore doubtfulness, do not hesitate to see me. I 'll walk you back to your common rooms."

Albus walked alongside Balladanis in secretiveness on his way back to the Gryffindor pillar. His mind was racing with what he just learned. He did n't get laid what to produce of it. It was just so much information at once.

The unwashed room was nearly empty when Albus climbed through the portraiture hole. It must have been really later, since it was Friday night. Albus really did n't bonk what metre it was.

"There you are !"rosiness shouted,"Falco columbarius, you 've been gone for hours !"

"What did he induce you doing ?"lustrelessness asked.

"I 'll secernate you tomorrow,"Albus muttered, realizing that all he wanted to do was lay in his bed and remember about what Balladanis had just said.

Albus was vaguely aware of his friends suspiration of disappointment as he went up to his dorm, but he did n't feel like talking about it right then. He was tired and his mind was racing at the Lapp time.

Albus tossed and turned the integral dark. He alternated thinking about what he had seen in the pensieve and about becoming a Presuler himself. Then he wound up thinking about Linda and what Balladanis intellection of her. He had said he did n't hold a grudge against vampire that did n't kill people, but who knew what he really thought.

Was Linda the vampire he had met who knew the vampire who killed his parents ? It was possible since vampires never aged. Or maybe she was a completely different vampire. Albus wondered how many vampires Balladanis knew.

Eventually Albus fell into a restless sleep, but his dreams were plagued by what he had seen in the pensieve.

******

"Merlin, Albus, get up !"

Albus rolled over in his bed and put his pillow over his nous. After waking up drenched in travail at four in the morning after a incubus in which his unit family had been killed by vampire, he had finally drifted off into a somewhat properly sleep. One that he wished he was still in.

"It 's nearly one o'clock."

"He 's like you are after full moons."

"Shut it. Seriously, Albus, get up."

"Yeah, we want to know what happened last night."

individual pulled the curtains open and took the pillow off Albus 's head. He looked up and saw John Lackland and Matt.

"Did you lose to Malfoy or something ?"John asked,"Because that would nominate me want to hole up in bed for the day."

"No, it 's not that,"Albus muttered,"I 'll narrate you, but I 'm only explaining it once, so one of you adept find Rose, Amanda, and Kaden. And I 'll recite you in the Marauder 's Den because there is no way Linda can be around to hear this."

The girls and Kaden met them in the Marauder 's Den after Albus, John, and Matt had lunch. John kept pestering Albus all through luncheon, wanting to know why Linda could n't hear about it, but Albus said zippo. He was n't even sure if he was allowed to state his Quaker about this, but Balladanis had n't really forbidden him.

"Albus, what in the figure of Falco columbarius happened last nighttime ?"Rose asked as soon as they were all in the Marauder 's Den.

"Balladanis told us what he did before he started teaching at Hogwarts,"Albus said quietly.

"And you neglected to tell us until now ?"St. John gaped,"I 've been wanting to know for the intact year !"

"I know, King John,"Albus snapped,"But it 's not anything what you 'd think."

"Sorry,"john muttered.

"Balladanis took us into a pensieve lastly night,"Albus began.

"Really ?"Rose looked impressed,"What was that like ?"

"Not that bang-up, to be honest,"Albus said,"Probably would have been better if it was a better memory.

"Anyway, he took us without any explanation of what we were going to see. He took us to this really old broken down firm in Greece. Kind of looked like a belittled more run-down interlingual rendition of the Shrieking Shack."

"In Ellas ?"Kaden asked.

"Yeah,"Albus nodded,"We watched the menage for what seemed like hours and then these figures broke into it and we heard this awed scream. Then the figures left. Then this bloke who was about our age came running out with this frightful pall expression on his face. Then we left."

"What does that have anything to do with what Balladanis does for a sustenance ?"King John asked.

"Everything,"Albus sighed,"That had been his house. The scream were his parents. The boy was him. He told us this after. His parents were killed by a coven of vampires."

cypher said anything for a long time. Albus looked at his Quaker and they all wore adequate looks of shock.

"And you watched it ?"lustrelessness asked.

"From a space,"Albus replied.

"pigeon hawk, no wonder Balladanis is so flaming insane,"John let out a low whistle.

"He decided to give his life to ridding the globe of evil, whether it be vampires, moody wizards, or other shadow creatures,"Albus continued.

"So he 's an Auror ?"blush wine asked.

"No,"Albus shook his head,"He 's a Presuler."

"What is that ?"Kaden asked.

"It 's like an Auror, only they go after dark creatures, too. And they are n't employed by the Ministry. They 're hired by Ministries all around the mankind. They 're investigators as well. Apparently it 's all very close,"Albus explained.

"Wow,"can said,"I thought he was an Auror or something."

"Me, too,"matte agreed,"Instead he just hunts down vampires. And, werewolves."

"Only ones that kill people,"Albus assured his lycanthropic friend.

"All werewolves have the capacity of killing people, Albus,"Matt said quietly.

"So does everyone,"Albus replied.

"Whatever his prospect on lamia and werewolf truly is, it 's going to be interesting to see how he teaches us about them,"rose mused.

"Guess this is why you did n't need Linda to pick up about this,"John said.

"Yeah,"Albus replied,"Apparently he still has n't found the lamia who killed his parents, but he knows a vampire who knows them. That vampire does n't kill people. I wonder if it 's Linda."

"Who knows ?"rose shrugged,"I doubt we 'll ever find out."

"Oh, I 've got to tell you what he said after he told us all of this,"Albus took a deep breather,"He thinks Malfoy and I should become Presulers."

"Seriously ?"flatness asked.

"Yeah, because we 're good duelers,"Albus explained,"But I do n't know."

"You do n't have to make out. You 're only thirteen. And Albus, do n't make up one's mind anything until you 've read about this. Do n't just go on what Balladanis is saying. I think we 've finally discovered why he 's so passionate about fighting the Dark Arts, but it might cloud his judicial decision sometimes,"rosebush warned.

"I know, that 's what I do n't get,"Albus said,"Why is he telling us this now ?"

"Maybe because he does n't plan on staying,"lusterlessness replied,"Why would he stop searching for the vampire who killed his parents to teach here anyway ?"

"Malfoy asked,"Albus told him,"But he would n't tell us. He said it 's between him and Kendrick."

"Because that 's not suspicious or anything,"John rolled his oculus,"There 's still something funny about Balladanis."

"What are you going to do, Albus ?"lustrelessness asked.

"I 'm not deciding anything now,"Albus replied,"I 'm just not going to mean about it."

******

Not thinking about Presulers and what happened to Balladanis 's parents proved to be easier said than done, especially since Defense class was soon devoted to learning about vampires. Balladanis seemed to teach that particular proposition social unit with practically more enthusiasm than usual, a effort that nonentity thought potential. Everyone speculated as to why Balladanis was more enthusiastic than common, but nigh just attributed it to the fact that he was bloody insane.

A lot of what Balladanis taught about lamia was stuff Albus already knew due to what Matt had told them earlier in the school class. It was still fairly interesting, though. Albus found that the more dangerous the tool they were learning about, the more worry it was. Not to mention the fact that they did n't use the anamatek anymore, a fact that nearly every pupil was thankful for.

However, partway through their second hebdomad devoted to vampires, the anamatek 's tree trunk reappeared in the Defense classroom. There was an audible groan from every scholarly person who stepped into the room.

"If that thing turns into a lamia, I think I 'm going to get up and leave,"lav seethed as they took their seats.

"Maybe we 're moving onto another beast,"Albus suggested even though he knew the luck were melt off to none.

"That would n't be any better. We 're doing werewolves next,"John reminded him,"And lustrelessness said that thing could n't turn into an actual werewolf. Speaking of Matt, he 's favourable he 's missing this."

"I think he 'd say otherwise,"Albus replied. The full moon had been the previous night.

"tranquillity,"Balladanis said,"We 'll be continuing our vampire lesson today. Today I wish to show you what a vampire looks like, which is why I have brought back the anamatek. However, you will not be fighting it. None of you have the skills necessary to defend a vampire."

"He 's mental,"St. John the Apostle muttered.

Balladanis drew his sceptre and pointed it at the trunk. It snapped undefendable and out stepped a very picket man with chiseled feature film. He did n't move, but merely stared out at all the students.

"Vampires are the perfect piranha,"Balladanis announced,"They 're incredibly fast,"he pointed his scepter at the vampire and it disappeared.

It reappeared in the back of the classroom, but it had not Apparated. The lamia had moved so fast that Albus had missed it in the blink of an eye.

"They 're agile,"Balladanis continued,"They 're expert looking. They attract you in. Then they kill, they suck you dry until you are dead. The alternative is not capital, either. From the moment their teeth break your skin, you begin to metamorphose into a vampire as well. You will become one if they do not take up you dry. There is no way to cease it, no potion to counteract it.

"lamia Hunt at Night when their vision is still excellent, but when man sight is compromised. However, that is not the alone understanding. Does anyone know the other ?"

rosebush raised her hand. Linda did not.

"Yes, missy Weasley ?"Balladanis said.

"lamia are in perfume allergic to the sun,"Rose explained,"When the sunshine hits them, it hurts them. The sun gives them headaches and makes them feel sick."

"Precisely,"Balladanis gave her a rare smile,"There is no potion to weaken the effects of the sun on vampires. Therefore they tend to inhabit areas that see LE sun and areas of dense forest, such as the Northwestern and Northeastern United province, parts of Canada, and component part of Russian Federation. However there is also a significant vampire population in Greece."

Balladanis pointed his wand at the vampire again and it retreated back into the body. Everyone breathed a corporate sigh of succour. The lesson continued until the bell rang. Balladanis made no quotation of moving onto the next unit, nor had he assigned the usual end of the unit essay.

Albus and his admirer went to visit Matt late that Night after Albus got out of Quidditch praxis. They only had a half hour or so until curfew, but they had n't visited at all yet.

"You missed an excellent defence reaction lesson today,"John Lackland said once ma'am Pomfrey had gone back into her survey after leaving to see who had entered her ward.

"Was it any unlike from the usual ace ?"Matt asked tiredly. He looked fix to fall asleep at any moment.

"Balladanis brought back the anamatek,"Albus told him.

"He what ?"matt shouted, although since his vox was husky it was n't very flash,"We 're still doing vampire, are n't we ?"

"Yeah, he had it change state into a lamia,"John said,"We did n't have to fight back it. He just used it to show how fast vampires were and what they looked like."

"That is eldritch,"lusterlessness replied,"He assign the vampire essay yet ?"

"Nope,"John the Divine shook his head teacher,"I think we 're in for a few more twenty-four hour period of vampires."

"Well, the longer we spend on vampires, the more time we have before we start loup-garou,"lustrelessness said quietly,"I really hope he does n't expend as a good deal fourth dimension on them as he has on vampires."

"I do n't mean he will,"Albus said,"His parents were n't killed by werewolves."

"Thank Merlin for that,"Matt yawned.

"You 're tired,"rose said,"We should leave."

"We 'll be back tomorrow after luncheon,"Albus told him,"unspoilt night."

"'Night,"matt said.

They left the Baroness Jackson of Lodsworth just as gentlewoman Pomfrey was coming out of her subject area, presumably to secern them to leave and give Matt More potions. Albus and his Quaker headed straight for the common room, where they got started on all the homework that had been piled on them that day.


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as all the awing people who have read and reviewed this !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.



A few of Albus 's full cousin had begun to take up stake on how long Balladanis was going to spend teaching the thirdly days about vampires. Fred was sure he 'd spend the remnant of full term, but Omar Bradley was convinced he 'd move onto the next unit of measurement partway through Apr. None of the thirdly years were actually participating in these bets because they were all afraid Balladanis would retrieve out.

The vampire social unit was still well underway when the next Quidditch catch came along. This one was the second Hogwarts versus Australian School of sorcery match, which meant Wood was in his prime when it came to practice session. Albus considered just moving his bed to the changing room since he spent Thomas More of his sentence on the Quidditch slant than in the Gryffindor common room.

Albus awoke the day of the mates to John 's tatty swearing instead of Teddy, which told him that he did not let to represent during that lucifer. He could n't help but sense slightly foiled. Figuring there was no point in going back to sleep, he got up and asked John what happened.

"Tripped over lusterlessness 's bloody cauldron,"John muttered, holding onto his right fundament,"Why ca n't he just put that stupid matter away ?"

"Like you always do ?"Albus smirked and gestured to lav 's own caldron, which was sitting only a few feet away from Matt's.

John muttered something indistinguishable and shoved his caldron under his bed. He went into the john while Albus woke Matt up. The three of them met Kaden in the common elbow room a little while later and then went down to the Great Hall to get something to eat.

A few hours later the son were in the Quidditch stands, waiting for the match to begin. rose and Amanda were with them.

"Wonder how yearn it 'll take Linda to regain the stoolpigeon this metre,"Albus mused.

"I 'm betting on ten minutes,"John the Evangelist said,"Hey, retrieve that time we eavesdropped on Killigan ?"

"Yeah,"Albus replied,"Was n't Linda supposed to start flying ho-hum after that ?"

"That 's what I thought,"John shrugged,"But she did n't during the last match."

"She probably wo n't this time, either,"Matt put in,"I mean, think about it, if James I could fly that fasting, would he really slow down down to a normal speed ?"

"Definitely not,"Albus sighed.

matt 's prediction proved correct. Linda did not slow down in the slightest. She flew at her usual abnormally fast speed, beating St. James to the Snitch by a few yards. Luckily for Hogwarts, they had been ahead of Commonwealth of Australia at that dot and only wound up losing by forty stage.

This put Hogwarts quite a bit ahead of New York as far as Quidditch points went. Australia was still in the lead, but they were not faring so well in the dueling tournaments. As of the most recent tournament, Hogwarts was winning. Commonwealth of Australia was in last place and New York was somewhere in between. Albus was pretty certainly that if the Quidditch and dueling tournament points were added up, Hogwarts and Australia would be neck in neck. Whatever the event of the remaining qualifying tourney and match, the final for both were going to watch the succeeder of the rivalry. The points were just too close.

Although there was obviously no celebration in the Gryffindor common room after the couple, cypher was particularly depressed either. Albus figured this was because cypher had really expected Hogwarts to win anyway.

******

Two workweek into Apr, Tom Bradley along with quite a few other older Gryffindors, were able-bodied to cash in on their bets about Balladanis. Fred and a few others grumbled loudly about it as they handed over Galleons to the winners.

Balladanis had assigned the yearn awaited essay on vampires on Th, officially making the lamia unit the farseeing whole they had done. They had spent an entire month and a half on it. The essay seemed to match this length, as Balladanis wanted it to be two and a half feet.

Albus, flatness, and Gospel According to John saved their essays for the hold out possible minute, settling down to work on them the day before they were due. It was n't a particularly laborious essay because Balladanis had given them so often information on the subject. It was just a very long essay to write. Rose and Amanda had done theirs over the weekend, presumably with Linda. Albus could n't aid but be slightly envious of them because doing the essay with an actual lamia would make it the wanton essay ever.

"Bet Linda 's glad this unit of measurement 's over,"Albus said as they worked on their essays in the marauder 's Den Monday evening.

"She is,"pink wine answered,"She hated every minute of those lessons. Ca n't say I blame her."

"How long is your essay, Rose ?"John asked as he measured his own essay.

"trinity foot,"rosiness answered.

John groaned."Do you believe Balladanis will notice if mine 's three column inch short ?"

"Yes,"rosebush said,"If there 's any essay he 'll be extremely picky about, it 'll be this one."

"Maybe if we do n't eat up it we can just cut class tomorrow,"flatness muttered,"After all, I would n't want to demo up in class without the essay done."

"But it 'll be speculative when you finally do go to grade,"Rose pointed out.

"I still do n't particularly want to go to class tomorrow,"Matt said,"Whether I 've finished the essay or not."

"You 're going to finish it,"pink wine told him,"You 've got two column inch left."

"Finished,"Albus announced.

"Excellent,"King John said as he grabbed Albus 's essay,"I 'll replicate bits of yours."

"You know,"Albus said quietly,"cypher found out about Linda being a vampire even after we 've spent a month and a half on them. I do n't conceive anyone 's going to discover out you 're a werewolf just because we 're learning about them."

"I know, I 've just got a bad feeling about it,"Matt sighed.

"smell on the promising side of meat,"Kaden put in,"When you get assigned the werewolf essay, you 're sure to get a 100."

"I do n't really give care about the essay,"Matt said flatly.

Both matte and John managed to terminate their essays before curfew and they returned to Gryffindor tug, and they soon went to bed. Albus did n't think Matt slept much, though. He heard him tossing and turning all night.

Albus, Matt, and John got a tardily get-go since John had misplaced his lamia essay. After finding it under his bed ( no one was sure how it go there ), the three son rushed down to the Great Hall to grab small-arm of toast before running to Defense.

They walked into the room right wing on metre and barely had a chance to enamour their breath before Balladanis asked for everyone to hand in their vampire essays. Albus passed his essay up and pulled out parchment and a quill.

"Well, our unit on vampires is over,"Balladanis said once everyone had handed in their essays,"I trust you have all read the chapter on werewolf for today ? If you had for some reason decided not to do that, I highly suggest doing it tonight."

Balladanis began his usual pacing in front man of the classroom. He stopped in front of rosebush and Linda 's mesa and then stared out at the class.

"I thought I would lead off with werewolf account,"he announced,"Nobody is sure when the maiden werewolf came about, but they have existed in nearly every wizarding culture. Not only that, but even ancient Muggle cultures have lycanthropy in their histories.

"Hundreds of years ago, before the Muggle field of psychological science came about and long before Muggles had any understanding of the human mind, they tried to shit sense of multitude whom they deemed 'insane'.

"One way they did this was to attribute the insanity to the synodic month. Over the yr, the myth of werewolf came about. Thus, werewolves have had a significant function in Muggle stories. In reality, the hoi polloi Muggles accused of having lycanthropy were merely suffering from schizophrenic disorder or bouts of insanity."

Albus frantically tried to write everything down. He knew absolutely nothing about the Muggle view of lycanthropy. He glanced at Matt and saw that he was n't writing anything down, but his hand was shaking.

"Muggles of course of study know nix about very werewolves,"Balladanis continued,"And their Hollywood created loup-garou have small in common with the rattling thing.

"Werewolves are plagued with the illness lycanthropy. Does anyone experience what that means ?"

blush wine was the only one who raised her deal. Balladanis nodded to her."It comes from the Greek words 'lykos'and 'anthropos',"rose explained,"Lykos means wolf and anthropos means man."

"Very unspoiled,"Balladanis replied,"Lycanthropy refers to the disease and those who have it are called lycanthropes.

"wolfman have been shunned by wizarding society for as long as history has told us about them. In late years, there has been a great deal speculation about whether this is necessity or even a full idea. However, it is difficult to transfer the minds of the bulk when we have been taught to avoid lycanthropes and blackball them from wizarding smart set for so long.

"It has not been for no reason that this general preconception has came about. When in masher form, werewolf can not control their actions and thus aggress helpless people. This has long been construed as werewolf wanting to attack multitude, wanting to infect them with the horrible disease.

"This can not be farther from the case when it comes to most loup-garou. nigh do not wish to assault others. Within the past hundred old age, lycanthropes have begun locking themselves up on the wide-cut moon in order to avoid attacking others. However, there is one meaning drawback to this for the lycanthrope. Does anyone acknowledge this ?"Balladanis 's oculus rested on Matt, but he continued staring down at his empty parchment.

rose wine and Linda raised their hands. This time Balladanis called on Linda."When wolfman do n't have anybody to attack, they attack themselves,"Linda said,"They do n't have a choice and they often wind up really injured because of it."

Balladanis took Linda 's thought further, but Albus did n't hear what he said because lustrelessness had knocked over Albus 's ink. He looked incredibly nervous and Albus was glad that the class was almost over. He quickly cleaned up the ink and tried to pay attention to the ease of the lecture.

"We 'll clean up side by side class with what happens before, during, and after full moon lunar month for a person with lycanthropy,"Balladanis announced shortly before the bell rang,"If you have not read the loup-garou chapter, delight do so for next fourth dimension. Mr. Eckerton, if you could delight come see me."

Matt looked, if it was possible, even more spooky at this scene. The rest of the class left and Albus tried to put away his things as slowly as possible, but Balladanis shooed him, along with John, out of the room.

Malfoy was standing outside the schoolroom when Albus and John left. He had a slight smirk on his face.

"Interesting lesson, Potter,"Malfoy said quietly,"Very interesting indeed."

"What do you want, Malfoy ?"Albus asked, knowing perfectly well what he wanted.

"Oh, cypher. Just a very sort out lesson. I 've learned so a great deal,"Malfoy replied and then sauntered off down the corridor.

"Merlin,"toilet muttered,"He knows."

"If he does n't yet, he 'll know after future deterrent example. He 's onto it, that 's for sure as shooting,"Albus said.

"Onto it ?"John replied,"That 's a nice way of putting it. The whole schoolhouse 's going to experience in two days, after the next class."

"What are we going to do ?"Albus groaned,"If we tell him what Malfoy said, he 's going to be too scared to do anything. I mean, did you see him during this object lesson ?"

"Yeah,"whoremaster nodded,"We ca n't tell him. Whatever Malfoy 's going to do, he 's going to do it whether matte knows about it or not."

"I agree,"Albus nodded,"We wo n't tell."

"What are you two talking about ?"Matt appeared behind them, looking no better than he had before.

"Nothing,"bathroom said,"What did Balladanis want ?"

"Told me I did n't feature to go to the extra service during this unit unless I wanted to,"Matt told them.

"What are you going to do ?"John asked.

"I do n't have it off,"lustrelessness said as they began walking to Herbology,"I know it 'll attend suspicious if I do n't, but I really ca n't take many more lessons like that. pigeon hawk, Thursday 's lesson is going to be awful."

Albus saw no point in denying that. lusterlessness did n't ingest a hint as to how awful it would be. They said nothing more about it the whole way to Herbology.

******

Albus had never been so well-chosen about having ridiculously long Quidditch pattern as he was Tuesday and Wednesday eventide. He was perfectly happy to spend all his free clip on the Quidditch delivery and then be too tire out to do much of anything else afterwards.

It was just so difficult for him to retain what Malfoy said away from lusterlessness. He wanted nothing more than to monish his booster about it, even though he knew that would accomplish cypher. All it would do was hit Matt worry even more and then act even more anxious during Defense.

Quidditch also kept Albus 's mind off of what would find after Malfoy 's suspicions were confirmed. It would n't be anything like when Albus found out or even when Kaden found out. No, Malfoy was going to use this to his advantage. Albus was nearly one hundred percent sure Malfoy would herald it to all of Slytherin. Then, word would overspread and the entire schoolhouse would find out. Falco columbarius only knew what would happen when students'parents found out.

Albus knew that werewolf rightfulness had come a foresighted way since Teddy 's dad was in school, but he also knew that virtually mass would not be happy if their children were going to schoolhouse with a werewolf, especially one that did not engage Wolfsbane. Not to mention the field of battle day the press would consume with it. mat 's dad had just become Head of the Department for the Regulation and ascendancy of Magical fauna for pigeon hawk 's saki. It would be a repetition of what had happened when mat and his family had lived in Australia.

Not to mention what it would do to Matt himself. Albus remembered when there had been a tenuous chance that Malfoy found out about the enactment under the Whomping Willow. He had nearly had a affright attack. What would bechance if Malfoy found out he was a wolfman ?

It did not help oneself that the full moon was that Friday. matte barely spoke during the brief times that Albus was not occupied on the Quidditch tar. He sat in the Marauder 's Den with everyone else, but he stared off into space or slept.

Yes, Wood 's long Quidditch practice session took Albus 's psyche off of all of that, but they did not break Thursday from arriving and earlier than Albus would have liked he found himself sitting in Balladanis 's classroom.

Albus and John exchanged spooky coup d'oeil as Malfoy walked in with a very smug look on his face. Albus was so focalize on Malfoy that he nearly missed the fact that the anamatek 's body was back in front of Balladanis 's desk. Once he noticed it, he poked John Lackland in the side.

"What ?"John seethed. Albus gestured to the tree trunk."Merlin 's beard,"whoremonger exclaimed,"I do n't even need to know what he 's going to do with that."

"Quiet down,"Balladanis said,"We 'll preserve our werewolf discourse today by talking about what happens to a lycanthrope when the moon waxes.

"wolfman, in a alike way to lamia, are somewhat supersensitized to the moonlight when the moon waxes. For the few Nox before the actual full moon, when exposed to moonlight lycanthropes will palpate ill. The moonlight gives them headaches and when exposed long enough, causes them to suffer consciousness."

Albus did n't bother writing any of this dispirited, as he knew offset hand what happened when a werewolf was exposed to too much moonlight shortly before the full moon. Instead he stole straightaway glances at Malfoy and Matt. Malfoy was furiously writing down everything Balladanis said and stealing quick coup d'oeil at Matt himself. lusterlessness was staring down at his lambskin and Albus was sure he was trying to push aside everything Balladanis said. He was blanch and ill, but Albus was n't for certain if that was because of the lesson or because the full moon was the next day.

"wolfman are often too ill to go about their day-to-day activities the day of the full phase of the moon Moon and occasionally the day before as well. Before I describe the actual transformation, I wish to show you what a mortal with lycanthropy feel like the day of the wide moon."

For a abbreviated second, Albus thought Balladanis was going to scream matte to the front of the way, but then realized that as a professor, Balladanis must feature promised Kendrick that he would n't do anything like that.

Balladanis pointed his baton at the trunk and a low man stepped out of it. His pallidness looked exactly like Matt 's and he looked just as ill. In fact, the two of them looked incredibly alike. Both of their faces tidal bore scars and had a sickly look to them.

Balladanis began to speak about what the anamatek looked like, but Albus paid no attention. Instead he looked to Malfoy. Malfoy stared at the anamatek for a arcminute or so with shock and then he glanced at flatness. Finally, he met Albus 's gaze and Albus saw the biggest smirk he had ever seen on the Slytherin 's face. That was it. Albus knew it. Malfoy had made the connection.

The residuum of the lesson passed by in a sort of fog for Albus. He and John had exchanged glances and the look on John the Divine 's grimace told him he had noticed Malfoy 's realization as well. Albus heard Balladanis 's public lecture, but he did n't process it.

The lesson seemed to scuff on and speed by at the same time. Albus wanted it to be over so he could get out of there, but at the same time he did not want to get it on what was going to bechance after.

"Next lesson will focus on wolfsbane Potion and the effects it has had on werewolf right hand,"Balladanis announced at the end of the lesson,"Class dismissed."

Albus and John looked at each former. Albus did n't know what to do. Should he confront Malfoy ? Or should he state Matt what happened ? Matt seemed oblivious to the unanimous thing.

They silently decided just to leave the classroom and resolve what to do after. Rose and Amanda had left with Linda with absolutely no thought what had happened.

Malfoy was waiting for them outside the room and Albus was not certain if this was a good or a bad thing. He had the sudden urge just to hex Malfoy the right way then and there.

"Another enlightening lesson,"Malfoy smirked,"Oh, Eckerton, feeling a bit ill ?"

"None of your stage business,"Matt muttered. Albus and John both stepped a bit closer to him and Albus clenched his bridge player around his wand.

"Bet you 'll be feeling even spoilt tomorrow,"Malfoy replied,"It 's about that clock time of the calendar month, is n't it ? Tomorrow night ?"

That got Matt 's aid. His head snapped up and he glared at Malfoy. Then he turned around and looked from Albus to John with the most panicked look on his face Albus had ever seen.

"It 's going to be a fun full-of-the-moon moon, is n't it ?"Malfoy whispered, just gimcrack enough for Matt, Albus and John to hear.

mat did n't say anything. He shook his school principal and then ran. He pushed through the crowd, much to the dislike of the students who were trying to get to division, and disappeared in a matter of seconds.

Albus suddenly felt more hatred for Malfoy than ever. Not only had he worked out flatness 's secret, but he had used it to scare him. In nitty-gritty, Malfoy had threatened him with it. That was one of the high-risk things he could have done.

Ignoring all the other students who were going to class, Albus pulled out his verge and had it against Malfoy 's bureau in two seconds.

"If you tell anyone,"Albus growled,"I will personally take a crap sure you 're so indistinguishable that even your own parents wo n't recognize you."

"Is that a menace, thrower ?"Malfoy pulled out his own wand.

"You need me to import it out for you ?"Albus asked,"I think we 're about to get out just how a good deal just I am at dueling than you are."

"Rictumsempra !"Malfoy shouted.

"Protego !"Albus shouted at the same time.

"Expelliarmus !"toilet shouted.

The crowd moved away so that there was a Mexican valium of looker-on surrounding the affaire d'honneur. Albus ignored them. It was just him, John, and Malfoy. And Malfoy was outnumbered.

Malfoy deflected lavatory 's disarmament magic spell and shot another patch at Albus. It bounced off Albus 's carapace and hit a nearby portraiture. The portraiture 's occupant shouted in disgust and moved into her neighbor 's frame.

Albus concentrated on his shell charm and glared at Malfoy."Petrificus Totalus !"he shouted through his shield.

Grateful for Balladanis 's dueling object lesson, Albus watched as his buckler held up while the hex shot at Malfoy. Unfortunately, Malfoy dodged it and sent a tickling curse at John.

This one hit privy and he collapsed onto the floor in a fit of giggles. Albus shot another hex at Malfoy and this one collided with his face. Malfoy 's olfactory organ started bleeding and he rounded on Albus.

"What is going on out here ?"Balladanis shouted.

Albus did n't take down his verge and neither did Malfoy, but they did n't dismiss off anymore hexes either. Albus let his shield down and noticed that the crowd had dispersed. can was still rolling around on the ground.

Balladanis pointed his wand at John and John immediately stopped giggling and stood up.

"Follow me,"Balladanis growled.

All three boys followed Balladanis into his study. Albus looked nervously at lavatory. Of all the professor to captivate them dueling, it had to be Balladanis. Of course, the one good affair about this was that Malfoy could n't announce lustrelessness 's lycanthropy to the entire school while Balladanis was lecturing them.


A/N : Thanks to my genus Beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as all the awful people who have read and reviewed this !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Albus and John sat as far away as possible from Malfoy in Balladanis 's written report. Balladanis just stared at them before speaking.

"I can not lead off to tell you how disappointed I am in all of you,"Balladanis began,"Especially you, Mr. ceramicist and Mr. Malfoy. I am sure I taught you sound than this. The two of you especially should acknowledge how uncalled for that was. You are well mindful of your dueling acquirement and what variety of responsibility lies with them. I have half a mind to discontinue our grooming sessions. However, I am willing to take heed all incline of this story before laying out any sorting of punishment. You may go first, Mr. Malfoy."

"I was just walking to class and ceramicist pulled out his wand and attacked me. Then Brickston joined in. I was outnumbered, sir. I had to defend myself,"Malfoy said.

Albus had to try hard not to snort. He and Saint John looked at each other and John rolled his eyes.

"Very well,"Balladanis said,"Mr. Potter, if you please."

Albus took a deep breathing time. He was going to secernate the story. The whole story."Malfoy was threatening Matt, sir,"Albus began.

"Mr. Eckerton ?"Balladanis asked,"I did not see him anywhere."

"He left after Malfoy threatened him,"Albus continued,"You see, Malfoy has figured something out about Matt, after listening to your lecturing on werewolves."

Balladanis 's eyes widened and he looked at Malfoy."Is that dead on target, Mr. Malfoy ?"

"Yes,"Malfoy muttered,"And I was n't threatening him. I was asking him about it. I think I have the right to recognise if I 'm in shoal with a werewolf."

Malfoy said 'werewolf'with disgust and it made Albus want to hex him once more.

"Mr. Eckerton has the right wing to keep his medical government issue to himself,"Balladanis replied,"His health is none of your business concern whatsoever. Please continue, Mr. Potter."

"After matte left, I wanted to be sure Malfoy was n't going to go tell the unit school about Matt 's lycanthropy,"Albus explained,"And I guess we just wound up dueling."

"Just wound up dueling ?"Malfoy scoffed,"You had your wand on me."

"You sent the first hex,"Albus muttered.

"Do you have anything to add, Mr. Brickston ?"Balladanis asked.

"No,"lavatory replied,"Albus is telling the truth."

"Very well,"Balladanis replied,"I see this matter goes much further than a duel. All three of you will receive four nighttime'custody starting tonight at eight. Each of you have lost ten points from your several houses.

"However, I am taking all three of you to see the headmaster. There are things more authoritative to discuss than detentions,"Balladanis said as he stood up.

Albus knew full well what Balladanis was insinuating. He and John said nil as they followed Balladanis to Kendrick 's sketch. Malfoy walked a few feet behind them.

Albus had n't been to Kendrick 's written report since his first of all year, when he went to talk to Dumbledore 's portrait. The place had n't changed in the thin. Everything seemed to be in the exact Same spot. Both Dumbledore and Snape were awake and in their portraits.

Kendrick was behind his desk writing something when they entered. He looked up curiously at them. Albus, John the Divine, and Malfoy stood near the doorway while Balladanis strode forward.

"We have a problem,"Balladanis said,"These three have been dueling."

"I trust you to hand out detentions, Aplysia,"Kendrick replied,"I am busy at the moment."

"It 's not the dueling,"Balladanis said,"It 's what they were dueling about."

"And what would that be ?"Kendrick asked.

"Mr. Malfoy has discovered that Matt Eckerton is a werewolf,"Balladanis answered,"And I believe Mr. Potter and Mr. Brickston have known for quite some time."

Kendrick dropped his quill and looked up."I 'll take this from here. I believe you have a lesson to teach."

"I believe I do,"Balladanis replied and left the room.

Kendrick conjured a few chairs and gestured for the three boys to join him at his desk. Albus sat down in the center electric chair and waited for Kendrick to begin. He noticed that both Dumbledore and Snape were paying enraptured attention.

"wellspring, well,"Snape said,"Deja vu."

"Not now, Severus,"Kendrick said,"Mr. ceramist, perhaps you can tell me if anyone else knows about Matt 's lycanthropy ?"

"Er, yes,"Albus replied,"rose wine Weasley, Amanda tagger, and Kaden Dursley."

"I knew that Dursley kid knew something,"Malfoy muttered.

"Not now, Mr. Malfoy,"Kendrick said,"I 'll need to speak with them, as well as Matt. I imagine they 're all in class."

"Sir,"Albus interrupted,"I do n't think matt 's in class."

"You may be right,"Kendrick sighed,"Do you have any idea where he might be ?"

"Yes,"Albus answered.

"Very well. Please go find him,"Kendrick said,"And Mr. Brickston, please go find the others."

Albus nodded and he and lavatory left the study. Albus went straight to the Marauder 's Den while St. John went to the dungeons as Rose and Amanda would be in potions.

flatness was sitting on his bed in the vulture 's Den, staring at the wall and not moving a muscle.

"I suppose Malfoy 's told everyone,"Matt said without turning to wait at Albus. His voice was hollow.

"No,"Albus replied,"He has n't had the prospect. John and I dueled him after you left. Balladanis gave us all four nights of detention and took points away."

"He 'll tell everyone soon,"Matt replied,"I should probably go pack. You know, I really thought I 'd get to end up shoal. That 's not even the worst component. It 's going to be all over the prophet. My dad 's going to mislay his job again. We 'll probably bear to affect to New York."

He finally turned around and looked at Albus. He no longer looked anxious. He looked absolutely terrified, yet sad at the Lapp time.

"Why did Balladanis give to be such a in effect teacher ?"mat groaned and laid back on the bed,"If he had been some sort of terribly teacher then maybe Malfoy would n't sustain found out. He 's just so thoroughgoing ! He left zero out ! Even the way he described the transformation. It was so, it was just so, realistic.

"And that stupid anamatek !"lustrelessness sat up and looked at Albus,"That thing looked just like me, only older. No marvel Malfoy found out."

"You 're not going to get kicked out,"Albus assured him.

"How do you know ?"Matt shouted,"How do you really know ? I know shift 's dad got to ride out after Snape found out, but this is dissimilar. That was when Dumbledore was here ! Everyone says Dumbledore was barking mad. Kendrick is n't. Kendrick 's perfectly reasonable and he 's not going to want to contend with this."

Albus did n't really bang what to say to that. Everything lusterlessness said was rightful. Kendrick was not Dumbledore. nobody could compare to Dumbledore.

"Kendrick wants to see you,"Albus said,"He 's got Malfoy up in his study. He wants to talk to all of us. Me, John, Rose, Amanda, and Kaden."

"I do n't need to go up there,"lustrelessness said,"I never want to see Malfoy again. I just want to stay here. merlin, my head teacher is killing me."

"I think you have to go,"Albus said quietly.

"I know,"matt groaned and got up off the bed,"This just is n't fair. I hate it. I hate this whole thing. I do n't desire to be a bloody werewolf anymore."

"I know,"Albus said, knowing just how miserable Matt was at that mo. Albus had never once heard him complain about being a werewolf. Not when he was too wear down to do anything because of the full moon or when he was laid up in the hospital wing for days afterwards.

They walked quietly back to Kendrick 's study. Albus muttered the password, that he had overheard Balladanis say, to the gargoyle and they ascended into the study.

Everyone else was already there and they all turned to Albus and Matt when they walked in. Matt froze in post and Albus stopped and looked at him. He was staring directly at Malfoy.

"direct a seat,"Kendrick gestured to the two void hot seat, one of which was next to Malfoy's.

Albus took the backside next to Malfoy 's, but did n't seem at him. Matt took the other one.

"start, I want to reassure you that you do not receive to allow for Hogwarts,"Kendrick said to matte,"Nobody else will be finding out about your lycanthropy."

Matt did n't count reassured by this. Malfoy looked mutinous.

"My forefather wo n't harmonise with that,"Malfoy muttered.

"Your Fatherhood has no say whatsoever in which students I admit to this schooling,"Kendrick replied,"He works in the Ministry, and may I point out that his office is not very high."

"Matt,"Kendrick turned away from Malfoy,"Department of Energy anyone else roll in the hay ?"Matt shook his oral sex."And did you order the others, besides Mr. Malfoy, willingly ?"Kendrick continued. lusterlessness nodded.

"Very well,"Kendrick said,"And how long have they known ?"

Matt seemed unable to speak. After a few moments of quiet, Kendrick turned to Albus."How yearn have you known, Mr. Potter ?"

"Two years,"Albus answered.

Kendrick repeated this question with rose wine, lavatory, and Amanda, who all gave the same answer as Albus. Then he moved onto Kaden and Albus suddenly remembered the Sileo Altus magical spell. He shared one horrified coup d'oeil with Rose and waited for Kaden 's reply.

Kaden looked at Kendrick and then turned to Albus. His back talk was agape and he looked a little panic-stricken.

"Are you all right, Mr. Dursley ?"Kendrick asked.

"Fine,"Kaden answered,"It 's just, well ...."

"prof, Sir,"Rose began,"We sort of put this magical spell on Kaden, so he would n't secern anyone. He can only talk about it with us. He wo n't be able to say a thing about it around you or Malfoy."

Albus braced himself for Kendrick 's response, but before the master could say a word, Dumbledore chuckled in his frame.

"The Sileo Altus charm,"Dumbledore smiled,"Ingenious. Who performed it ?"

"I did,"Rose answered.

"Remarkable,"Dumbledore said,"You must be an incredible crone, Miss Weasley."

"Too sassy for her own proficient, more like it,"Snape muttered.

"That is indeed quite the amazing exploit, Miss Weasley,"Kendrick said,"Can you separate me how tenacious Mr. Dursley has known ?"

"About a year,"blush wine said.

"Thank you,"Kendrick replied,"Now I have some things to talk about with Mr. Malfoy and Mr. Eckerton in private. The relief of you may go to the Great Hall. I believe there is still a half hour or so left of lunch."

Albus did n't really require to result without finding out what was going to materialise to Malfoy, but he knew Matt would secern him.

Matt never showed up in the Great vestibule for dejeuner, nor did he go to Ancient rune or spell. Albus could not centre on either of those classes and was very glad when Charms was over and he was able to leave.

Wood was not very happy that Albus had acquired four detentions. In fact, he was livid. He spent twenty minutes telling Albus how he should n't be picking fights with other educatee so close to the next Quidditch match, especially in front of teacher'classrooms. The lecturing had only ended when Albus told him he was late for Charms. Albus had run into woodwind in in between Ancient runic letter and Charms.

"What do you suppose Balladanis is going to work us do ?"John asked as they walked towards the Marauder 's Den.

"Have n't a clue,"Albus replied,"But whatever it is, it 's going to be bad since we have to do it with Malfoy."

"True,"John agreed.

rose, Kaden, and Amanda were with them. Albus wanted to go find Matt before they went to dinner. They had to hold back a piece for the corridor to elucidate out before they were actually able to get into the room, though.

matt was fast asleep on the couch when they entered."respectable thing he does n't have detainment tonight,"John the Evangelist pointed out.

"Yeah,"Albus agreed.

John gently shook lusterlessness 's articulatio humeri until he cracked his oculus open."Wake up,"John said,"Or you 'll overlook dinner."

"I 'm not hungry,"Matt muttered.

"What 's Kendrick doing about Malfoy ?"Albus asked as he sat down on the other end of the couch.

"He should put that magical spell on him,"Kaden announced,"The one you lot put on me."

"I wish he would,"mat sighed,"All he did was severalise Malfoy how crucial it was not to advert anything. He said telling his Father of the Church would do nada. Then he told him that if he ever did tell anyone, he would face expulsion for revealing another bookman 's health check entropy. But that 's it ! I mean, Malfoy did promise he would n't say anything, but who really knows ? sure as shooting, if he tells, he 'll be expelled, but that wo n't read it back. I 'd still have to leave."

"As much as a git as he is,"Albus began,"I do n't consider he 's going to severalise anyone if it meant he 'd be expelled. That would be the ultimate shame in the Malfoy family, besides being a Squib or marrying a Muggle or something, getting expelled and not being a fully qualified wizard. Malfoy wo n't need that."

"I guess you 're right,"flatness sighed,"It 's just so strange, knowing that he knows."

"I know,"Albus said,"Do you want to go eat dinner party ?"

"No,"Matt shook his header,"You guys go on ahead. I 've got to mail an owl to my parents, let them know about this."

Albus nodded."We 'll see you later, then. John and I have got detention tonight."

"Oh, right. Good luck with that,"Matt replied.

******

Balladanis 's hold was a bit anticlimactic. Albus had been expecting him to remember up some really creative and taxing detainment, but instead he assigned them personal line of credit. channel were possibly the most boring hold ever thought up, but they were preferred to cleaning the bathrooms or something.

"ceramist, Malfoy,"Balladanis said after they 'd been writing for ten min,"Your dueling lesson is canceled for tomorrow night due to your detention. detention will be at nine, after my supernumerary help session, something I 'll expect you to be attending, Brickston."

Balladanis said nothing more and began grading essays at his desk. He completely ignored the three male child, which Albus did n't really mind. He just wanted to get his telephone line done and get out of there.

"Where does he go ?"Malfoy hissed at Albus.

"What ?"Albus whispered.

"You know, on total moons, where does he go ?"Malfoy elaborated.

"I 'm not telling you that,"Albus muttered.

"My dad said a loup-garou used to teach here, and he got fired when everyone found out,"Malfoy drawled.

"He quit,"Albus corrected him,"He was n't fired. He was the best DoD teacher any of our parents ever had."

"Quiet !"Balladanis shouted,"I did n't say you could talk."

Albus was thankful for Balladanis 's scolding. Malfoy stopped asking interrogation and went back to his lines. Albus sighed and went back to his own. How far was Malfoy going to go ? Why could n't he just be satisfied with having worked out Matt 's enigma ?

A half hr into their telephone circuit writing, when Albus was contemplating switching manpower despite the fact that he wrote horribly with his aright hand, there was a knocking on the doorway. Albus looked up and saw Professor Kendrick standing in the room access, along with none other than mat 's dad. Albus set down his quill and turned to lavatory. bathroom had set down his own quill.

"Who 's that ?"Malfoy asked.

"Shush !"Albus hissed. The lastly thing they needed was for Balladanis to remember they were there and state them to get out so he could have whatever conversation he was about to have in private.

"Tethys,"Kendrick said quietly,"This is Walter Eckerton."

"We 've met,"Balladanis muttered.

Albus turned again to lavatory. lustrelessness 's dad knew Balladanis ? How ? Matt had never mentioned that before.

"That 's his dad ?"Malfoy whispered.

"Shush !"Albus said again.

"I wish to mouth to you about what happened earliest today,"Matt 's dad said quietly.

"What about it, Eckerton ?"Balladanis asked.

"My son told me about your lessons,"Mr. Eckerton said,"How, informative they are."

"I teach my student what they 'll ask to have intercourse in order to defend themselves,"Balladanis replied.

"I think you go too far with that,"Mr. Eckerton disagreed,"pigeon hawk, showing them exactly what a werewolf looks like before a transformation with an anamatek ? Do you realize how dangerous those are ?"

"Of course,"Balladanis said, raising his voice a bit,"You 're not the only expert on wizard creatures. I have perfect restraint over my anamatek."

"cipher has perfect control over an anamatek !"Mr. Eckerton said.

"The schoolmaster has already told me I 'm not allowed to use it anymore, so you really do n't take to be lecturing me about this,"Balladanis seethed.

"Oh, it 's not only that,"Mr. Eckerton stepped a bit closer to Balladanis,"It 's how much you taught the third years about werewolves. The details about their transformation, how to pick one out of the oecumenical population, what happens before, during, and after transformation. Your example was far more detailed than a third yr text book."

"You 'd find oneself that all my example are like that,"Balladanis replied,"textual matter books do not have enough details."

"I think giving enough point about identifying a loup-garou so that a third year would be able to exploit out that individual not even in their like house is one is going too far,"Mr. Eckerton seethed,"You knew about my son. You should experience been a bit more cautious with your lesson."

"Withholding information from an entire class because of one student is not a sound method acting of teaching,"Balladanis countered.

"It is when it could be dangerous for that one student,"Mr. Eckerton said,"Fan of the greatest trade good for the heavy number, are we ?"

"There are prison term when that is a good ism,"Balladanis replied.

"We 'll tally to disaccord, then,"Mr. Eckerton said,"But if I find that your deterrent example are putting my son in risk anymore, you may retrieve that the Ministry is inquiring into your teaching practices."

"I 'll instruct however I like,"Balladanis muttered.

Mr. Eckerton ignored this and turned to the three boys, none of whom were writing line of work any longer."Is that him ?"he asked.

"The one who found out ?"Kendrick replied,"Yes."

Mr. Eckerton strode over to the board Albus, John, and Malfoy were working at. He nodded hello to Albus and St. John before turning to Malfoy.

"I realize the headmaster has already gone over this with you,"Mr. Eckerton began,"But I feel the need to recapitulate that there will be result if you make public my son 's condition."

Malfoy nodded."I know,"he muttered.

"good,"Mr. Eckerton replied and returned to where Kendrick was standing. He turned once again to Balladanis."I 'll be returning to the palace tomorrow to research your written report and schoolroom for the anamatek. If it is still here, I will take it into custody."

Balladanis muttered something under his breathing place as Matt 's dad left the way with Professor Kendrick. Albus exchanged a coup d'oeil with John. He wanted nothing more than to go forth, so he could talk about what had just happened.

"That 's enough for tonight,"Balladanis barked,"Get out. Be back here tomorrow night at nine."

Albus nearly spilled his ink in his rushing to get up. He ran out of the room as fast as he could with John following. Malfoy made no movement to try and talk to them again, so they headed straight to the piranha 's Den.


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight as well as all of the lovely people who have read and reviewed this ! You guy cable are awe-inspiring !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Albus and John burst into the Marauder 's Den a little while later to find oneself that matt and Kaden were the only ones there. lusterlessness 's human face was covered in ash and Kaden was grinning. They were in the middle of a game of Exploding Snap.

"And that makes four wins for me and none for you,"Kaden announced as he collected the cards,"Oh, Albus, John ! How was your detainment ? Want to playact ?"

"Not now,"Albus said hurriedly as he sat down next to flatness,"mat, did you have it away your dad was just here ?"

"Yeah,"Matt nodded,"When he got my owl, he wanted to go talk to Kendrick. I went with him."

"well, do you acknowledge where he went after ?"Saint John asked.

"home plate, I guess,"Matt shrugged,"Why ?"

"He and Kendrick turned up in our detention,"John the Evangelist said.

"He what ?"Matt replied.

"Yeah, it was really odd,"Albus said,"He came in with Kendrick and Kendrick introduced him to Balladanis. Only Balladanis said 'we 've met'. You never told us your dad knew Balladanis."

"I never knew,"lustrelessness shrugged,"Then what happened ?"

"Your dad was really angry,"Albus continued,"He thinks Balladanis taught us too much about how to calculate out if individual 's a lycanthrope and that 's why Malfoy found out. Then he told him how serious it was for him to use that anamatek in class-"

"Oh, yeah,"mat said,"I told my dad about the anamatek and that 's one of the reasons he came here, to recite Kendrick about it. Kendrick 's making him get rid of it."

"Yeah, that 's what your dad said,"Albus replied,"He 's coming back to inspect Balladanis 's room tomorrow to make for certain he got rid of it. He also said that if any of Balladanis 's didactics puts you in danger again, the Ministry 's going to enquire him."

"It 's really not a good idea to get on my dad 's bad side,"Matt said,"What did Balladanis do during this ?"

"He kept saying that he was going to teach however he wanted,"Albus explained,"Honestly, he did not look happy that your dad was there. I think something happened between the two of them."

"But what ?"Matt asked,"Dad 's never mentioned him before."

"Think he 'd tell you if you asked ?"toilet wondered.

"Probably,"Matt said,"I 'll owl him about it."

"Oh, and then your dad told Malfoy he 'd better not say anyone you 're a lycanthrope,"bathroom said,"He looked pretty scary, too. I do n't retrieve Malfoy 's going to secernate anyone."

******

It did not lead very long for word to spread that Balladanis had gotten in trouble for having an anamatek. Galleons exchanged hands the next aurora at breakfast, as a few older students had bet on how long he would have it. Somehow everyone knew that mat 's dad had showed up at Hogwarts the old night and informed Kendrick about it.

Kaden had defense team that sunrise and reported to Albus at lunch that Balladanis was even rigid than usual and seemed incredibly wild. That did not augur well for Albus 's detention that evening.

"He 's downright scary,"Kaden said as he piled steak and kidney pie onto his plate,"Yelled at one of the Ravenclaws in my class for spilling her ink. She was nearly in rent. But I 'd hate to be in your form, Albus, he 's going to be vicious. I mean, it 's pretty very much because of flatness that he got in trouble."

Matt had gone up to the Marauder 's Den after they got out of Herbology since he felt ill and was n't in lunch. Albus knew that Kaden was veracious. Balladanis was going to deal this out on matte, and possibly Malfoy as well.

"I do n't know why he cares so much,"John shrugged,"I mean, the Ministry could have just taken that thing away. He 's prosperous he just had to occupy it back to his house or whatever."

"I do n't consider he likes the government,"Albus said,"That 's the tone I got after listening to him talk about what he did before teaching here. I think that 's why he did that, instead of becoming an Auror."

"fountainhead, I think it 's a good idea for the Ministry to gain him take that thing home,"John said.

"Me, too,"Albus agreed,"I mean, he could 've turned it into a manticore next."

Kaden went to class after lunch while Albus and John went up to the Marauder 's Den with rosebush and Amanda.

"Think he 's owled his dad yet ?"John asked as he gestured to Matt, who was asleep in his bed.

"Doubt it,"Albus said,"He 's probably been asleep since he got up here."

"Merlin, I just want to roll in the hay what happened between his dad and Balladanis,"John groaned.

"You 're so impatient,"rosiness commented,"Just let him sleep."

"I was n't going to inflame him up,"John muttered.

The remainder of the afternoon passed by quickly. Albus was dreading his detention later and John complained loudly about how he had to go to the extra help session about wolfman when he already knew so often about them.

Albus woke Matt up shortly before dinner and he looked much worse than he usually did the day of broad moons. They all escorted him to the hospital annexe, where lady Pomfrey rushed him into bed.

Just as they were about to leave the infirmary wing, the room access opened and in walked Matt 's dad. Albus assumed he was there to check if Balladanis had gotten rid of his anamatek.

John Lackland nudged Albus."We should ask him about Balladanis,"King John whispered.

"He 's not going to state us now,"Albus muttered back,"flavour at him."

Mr. Eckerton looked tired out and incredibly worried. He nodded to Albus and the others before rushing over to Matt 's bed and talking to Madam Pomfrey in quiet whispers.

As it turned out, Albus had been worrying about the detention for nothing. He entered the elbow room before Malfoy and John was already doing his phone line. Balladanis said absolutely nada to Albus as he handed him parchment. Malfoy arrived a little while later and still Balladanis said nothing.

Malfoy did not sing either. He did not ask anything about lusterlessness and did n't even comment that the full lunar month was that night.

Balladanis let them leave alone at half past ten. Albus and John found Kaden in the Marauder 's Den and spent the remaining meter left until uranology playing Exploding snap fastener and magician 's Chess.

"Why, why do we have to stimulate this course of study with the Slytherins ?"Gospel According to John groaned as they made their way to the Astronomy column,"If Malfoy does n't make a ace comment about the full moon, I 'll eat an integral cauldron."

"I 'm going to hold you to that,"Albus laughed,"But I do n't think you 'll have to."

Malfoy went so far as to actually set his telescope up future to Albus 's. prof polo spent ten moment telling them that they were to plot the position of Mars, Venus, the moon, and a smattering of headliner before turning them lose to actually do so.

"The moon is so bright,"Malfoy whispered,"And big and ... total ...."

Albus looked at John."Looks like I wo n't be eating my cauldron tonight,"can muttered.

"Just shut it, Malfoy,"Albus said.

"Is n't his dad the Head of the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical creature ? Yeah, he must be, because he 's the one who made Balladanis get rid of the anamatek. Ca n't say I 'm really upset about that,"Malfoy said quietly,"But how ironic."

"Just intercept talking about it,"Albus muttered.

"Oh, come on, Potter. Even you have to appreciate the caustic remark,"Malfoy said.

"testament you just shut up,"Albus seethed.

"quiet over there,"Polo said.

Malfoy smirked at Albus one more time before going back to his telescope. The remainder of the lesson passed without anymore commentary from Malfoy and Albus was quite felicitous when he was able to refund to his dormitory.

******

"It 's like back in first gear year,"Albus sighed,"Remember when Madam Pomfrey locked the hospital wing ?"

"That 's why this is bad !"rosiness said.

"wellspring, she did n't lock us out this fourth dimension,"King John pointed out.

"She did n't exactly let us in either,"Kaden said.

Albus and his supporter had slept late on Saturday morning and after grabbing a quick collation to eat, had gone to visit matt in the hospital wing. madam Pomfrey had n't let them in. They were currently in the vulture 's Den, trying to compute out why.

"She always lets us in,"John groaned.

"He obviously had a really bad night,"Albus said quietly.

"Yeah, but why ?"Rose wondered.

"Have n't you noticed that the wax moons have been tough the past few months ?"Albus asked,"He 's been taking longer to recover."

"I wish he 'd just let us become Animagi,"bathroom muttered.

"John, I honestly do n't guess you could become an Animagus,"Rose replied,"You 'd weave up with a permanent tail affixed to your arse."

"That would n't be that bad,"John grinned,"Always thought it would be cool to have a tail."

"You 're not helping,"Albus sighed,"What are we going to do ?"

"I think all we can do is just observe going back to the hospital offstage,"John shrugged,"Until lady Pomfrey lets us in."

Their efforts proved fruitless, though. They went to the infirmary wing twice that good afternoon and then right before Albus and John had to go to detention. dame Pomfrey told them 'no'each fourth dimension.

Sunday, the last day of Albus and John 's custody, was the Sami. Madam Pomfrey was quite blanched when they showed up for the third time that day.

"cipher 's changed !"she shouted,"semen back tomorrow evening ! I 'll give the lot of you detention if you come back any earlier than that !"

With that, she strode back into the ward and slammed the door."Can she even give detainment ?"Kaden asked.

"I dunno,"Albus shrugged,"I would n't put it past her."

Albus and John broke away from the mathematical group to complete their utmost detention. Balladanis gave them line of business, just like he had the past three Nox. Albus sat quietly completing them, very thankful for the fact that Malfoy had n't said two words to him since Astronomy.

"You may blockade,"Balladanis said quietly after they 'd been writing for about an hour and a half.

Albus threw his quill down and leaned back in his chair. Finally, it was over.

"I hope you learned something,"Balladanis said, which shocked Albus. He had been expecting Balladanis to go forward his silence."If I catch any of you dueling in the corridors again, the issue will be much more stark than detention and lost points.

"Mr. Potter and Mr. Malfoy, I have given great thought to whether I should persist in giving you extra moral. I have decided to reach you one more chance. Lessons will carry on this Friday at their normal fourth dimension. However, if either of you disregard my rules again, I will no longer contain them. You may go. I 'll see all three of you in course on Tuesday."

"Falco columbarius, I 'm glad that 's over,"whoremonger muttered to Albus once they were on their way to Gryffindor Tower.

"Me too,"Albus agreed,"He 's going to be awful in class, though."

"Yeah, ca n't say I 'm looking forward to that,"John said.

Albus could n't concentrate at all in his classes the next day. All he wanted to do was go to the hospital annex and rule out how matte was, but Madam Pomfrey insisted that they wait until evening.

Rose and Amanda ate dinner with Linda, but they met Albus, John, and Kaden near the hospital backstage afterwards. They had all eaten a very hotfoot dinner due to Albus 's Quidditch practice at seven.

Albus cautiously opened the room access to the hospital wing, half expecting ma'am Pomfrey to yell at them again. He walked quietly inside, followed the the others. madam Pomfrey was sitting at her desk and she visibly sighed when she noticed them.

"Go ahead,"she gestured to the lonesome engross bed, which had the curtains pulled around it.

Albus rushed over to the bed and yanked the drape back. matte looked exhausted and there was a rather boastfully bandage wrapped around his head.

"I was wondering when you 'd come visit me,"Matt gave them a half smile.

"We 've been trying !"John said,"ma'am Pomfrey has n't let us !"

"I know,"lustrelessness smirked,"I 've heard her yell at you. It 's kind of amusing."

"Well, we 're here now,"Albus said,"How are you ? Why did n't Madam Pomfrey let us issue forth visit ?"

"Because I did n't fire up up until yesterday afternoon,"Matt answered.

"But that was-"John began.

"Nearly two days later ?"Matt cut him off,"I know."

"But why ?"rose asked.

"A caboodle of things, really,"Matt sighed,"showtime, I was worried about Malfoy telling everyone and it 's always unfit when I 'm vex about something. Second, I hit my heading really concentrated at some point that night. It still hurts. third, the transmutation in general are getting risky, because I 'm getting older."

That thought certainly had n't crossed Albus 's judgement. Albus and all his friends were obviously getting older and that brought heap of alteration, but he had n't even thought about how the wolf would deepen when Matt got older.

"So, are all of the full moon going to be this bad now ?"Kaden asked.

"No,"Matt shook his head and then winced,"I mean, I do n't really make out what 'll pass in the future tense, but this one was just a compounding of bad things."

"That 's good, I guess,"Albus shrugged,"When do you get to leave ?"

"Tomorrow night at the earliest,"matt sighed,"Although that means I 'll miss Defense."

"Wish I could lack Department of Defense,"John muttered,"Speaking of denial, did you owl your dad yet ?"

"John, he just woke up yesterday,"rose wine pointed out.

"I did n't owl him,"matte said,"But he came to see me other and I asked him."

"Brilliant,"John grinned,"And ?"

"And,"matt said,"He told me all about it. He told me Balladanis was a Presuler and was really surprised that I already knew.

"Apparently, back when my dad had just been appointed capitulum of the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical fauna in Australia, he hired Balladanis to catch a band of vampires who were attacking Muggles on the outback. Balladanis caught them, but he thought Dad went too easily on them."

"What did he do to them ?"Saint John asked.

"Sent them to prison. I think they got 20 years. Balladanis thought they should have gotten living prison term. Dad and Balladanis got into this huge argument at the Ministry about it and Balladanis stormed out. The Aboriginal Australian Ministry did n't employ him after that,"Matt explained,"Although, I 'll bet Balladanis and Lubar would agree on punishments. I wonder if he 's take Balladanis."

"That explains a lot,"Albus said,"Did your dad say anything else about him ?"

"No, not really,"Matt replied,"Just that he 's got a lot of issues. Oh, and he wanted me to warn you not to listen to everything Balladanis says during those dueling lessons you 've got."

"I 'm not going to,"Albus assured him,"I think we 've all seen a different side of Balladanis during the past week."

******

Tuesday morning dawned quickly and Albus trudged to Department of Defense with King John. Neither of them really knew what class would be like, but judging from what he heard about Recent denial class in the common room, it would n't be fun.

Malfoy was back to his smug ego now that custody was over. He sat next to Goyle wearing a smirk on his face. Albus ignored him and went to his usual table.

Balladanis stormed into the room a few minute of arc later. He waved his wand at the doorway and it slammed shut with a thrill loud enough that it caused the Jordan-Bell Twins, who had been sitting closest to it, to jump.

"walk your preparation interrogation forward,"he growled.

Albus handed his homework to the table in front of him and waited for Balladanis to pile up it. He paused in strawman of the table in battlefront of Albus's.

"potter,"he began,"You can recite Eckerton that his prep is belated and therefore I will not accept it. If he wished to get credit for it, he could accept graced us with his presence."

Malfoy snorted at this, earning him glare from both Albus and Balladanis. Balaldanis tossed the homework unceremoniously onto his desk and then turned back to his students.

"wolf's bane potion,"he barked,"Was created by a man by the figure of Oliver Belby. He finished the world in 1991. For nearly wolfman, the potion was a lifesaver. Who can explain what it does ?"

Nobody, not even Rose and Linda, raised their paw. Albus stared down at his desk, hoping that Balladanis would n't call on him.

"cipher ?"he said,"compassion. wolfbane potion renders a werewolf harmless during full synodic month. The wolfman turns into a wolf, but a harmless one. One that will just kip until the moon solidification and will not have the urge to bite and kill.

"The potion is a lifesaver to those plagued with lycanthropy. I had been hoping to express you what a werewolf would look like on wolf's bane potion, but my anamatek has been banned from the rook,"Balladanis said with venom,"Therefore you will have to go without the visual. It seems that certain parents, Ministry officials, and the headmaster do not approve of my method acting of teaching. Unfortunately, it is all of you who are suffering for it."

"I would n't call it suffering,"John muttered.

"Quiet, Brickston !"Balladanis shouted,"Unless you have something to add to the class."

"No, sir,"Gospel According to John replied.

"Good,"Balladanis muttered,"Anyway, the anamatek will not be making anymore appearances in this classroom and your education is going to support for it. Nothing, and I repeat nothing can replace handwriting on training."

Albus usually agreed with that, but he drew the parentage at having what was in essence a springy manticore in front of him. There were some times when reading sufficed.

The lesson continued with Balladanis talking about Wolfsbane. He spoke about how the potion does n't work for all lycanthrope and Albus found his mind drifting. All in all, the lesson had n't been as bad as he 'd been expecting. Besides his legal brief rant about his anamatek being banned from the castle, he had been pretty normal. Normal for Balladanis, that is.

"Next example will be the final on wolfman,"Balladanis announced at the end of class,"We will learn about lycanthropy 's effect on children."

Albus groaned inwardly. Matt would be out of the infirmary annex by then. Why could n't Balladanis just fetch up the werewolf unit already ?

"He wo n't be back adjacent year,"toilet muttered as they walked to Herbology.

"I do n't doubt that,"Albus replied,"I just marvel who we 're going to get instead."


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight as well as all the lovely hoi polloi who have read and reviewed this !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


"spot your bets here !"Fred shouted the next day as he walked around the common room.

Albus had just climbed through the portrait pickle with GA and James after a particularly difficult Quidditch practice. Wood was getting them prepared for the match against New House of York, which was to subscribe place in a little over a week.

"Georgia, Jesse James, Albus !"Fred greeted them,"upkeep to aim a bet ?"

"What are you taking bets about ?"Georgia asked tiredly,"And if you keep betting on stuff and nonsense, your mum is bound to detect out."

"She wo n't care,"Fred shrugged. He was probably flop. Albus 's Aunt Alicia was the least strict out of all of his aunt. She 'd probably place a bet with Fred.

"You 'd just amend Hope Grandma does n't find out,"Empire State of the South smirked.

Fred looked momentarily horrorstruck and Albus could n't find fault him. molly Weasley would probably station him a howler if she knew he was gambling.

"She wo n't unless you tell her,"Fred muttered,"And ling and I are taking stake on how a good deal prospicient Balladanis is going to cobbler's last. Care to take a guess ?"

"I suppose,"Georgia said as she pulled out some atomic number 79,"Two Galleons says he 's gone in a workweek. I heard he had three starting time years in weeping today."

"He nearly had half of my class in tears,"Fred said as he took GA 's gold,"Saint James the Apostle, Al ?"

"trey Galleons says he 's gone in two weeks,"James said as he tossed Fred some gold and then left to go find his friends.

"Nope,"Albus shook his school principal.

"causa yourself,"Fred shrugged and continued his base on balls around the park way,"stake here, place your bets !"

Albus found his friends crowded around their usual table in the common room. Linda was with them. All three girls were working on preparation. John Lackland and Kaden were trading Chocolate anuran cards.

"Fred 's going to get himself in bother,"rosiness muttered as Albus sat down,"You did n't bet anything, did you ?"

"No,"Albus shook his head,"How about you lot ?"

"I bet ten reaping hook he wo n't last the year,"John said.

"You should recognise exactly when he 'll entrust, what with your taking prophecy,"Rose smirked.

"Divination 's a joke,"John muttered,"I ca n't wait to overlook it after fifth year."

"Told you so,"Rose grinned,"Sick of making up stuff ?"

"It 's just so pointless,"trick groaned,"We 're still doing crystal globe. I just recite her that I see myself dying anytime she asks and it keeps her happy."

"That 's why I 'm not taking prophecy,"Kaden announced,"Bloody waste material of a class."

Kaden had chosen his course of instruction for side by side twelvemonth a few day prior. He decided on Care of Magical Creatures, ancient rune, and Arithmancy.

"Easy homework, though,"John sighed,"I just go on reminding myself about that."

"What 's got sluttish homework ?"Matt asked as he sat down in the chair next to John Lackland 's. He looked a bit better than he had the previous day, but still worn out.

"Pomfrey finally let you out ?"can asked,"And we 're talking about Divination."

"Yeah, just in time for Defense tomorrow,"lustrelessness groaned,"I 'm entice to use a Fainting Fancy to get out of it."

"I think half the first years are going to do that on Friday,"Kaden said,"I overheard them talking. Apparently Balladanis completely flipped out on one of them today, all over one incomplete homework question. Made her cry."

"That 's what Georgia was saying,"Albus replied,"Makes me want to use a Fainting Fancy. Two weeks. I know I did n't bet on it, but that 's really all I 'd give him."

******

John filled his pockets with Puking Pastilles before he set off to Defense the succeeding cockcrow. Albus did n't inconvenience oneself. His curiosity always trumped his disfavor for sure stratum. He 'd rather be there and have intercourse exactly what Balladanis was doing.

"Werewolves,"Balladanis said as soon as the campana rang,"When the full term is used, almost hoi polloi conjure up images of lonely adults, condemned to a miserable life that revolves around the moon.

"However, there is a unit group of werewolves that are mostly overlooked. minor. Ah, yes, children do get attacked by werewolves. Very few survive. Found by their parents when it is too late. Even few survive the initial transformation. werewolf transformations, as you have learned, are incredibly taxing, both physically and emotionally. Very few fry are impregnable enough to crap it through."

Balladanis paused and began to pace the room."Parents are faced with a decision after their small fry is bitten. They have three pick. Number one, they can deal with it. Deal with the monthly translation and try and make life as normal as possible for the small fry. numeral two, they can vacate their child. Force them to go with a wild pack of werewolves, to grow up to pop. However, there is a thirdly alternative. Does anyone caution to guess as to what it is ?"

nobody raised their hand. Balladanis looked at his class until his eyes rested on lustrelessness. A very creepy-crawly smirk appeared on his face.

"Mr. Eckerton, aid to severalize us ?"Balladanis asked.

Albus, who had been trying hard not to look at matte throughout the object lesson, stole a warm glimpse at him. He was staring at the desk, pinion in hand, shaking slightly.

"N-no,"Matt stuttered.

"Very well,"Balladanis smirked,"The third option is to put the child down. Not a pleasant pick, but one that a few parents select anyway. This option used to be readily suggested by Healers, but has now become quite controversial. It is not suggested very often anymore.

"Parents who choose the outset option, to continue to levy their tike, are in for a very toughened life story. Werewolf children are difficult to raise. It is a immense adjustment for parents and siblings if there are any. The bite affects the whole syndicate. It changes lifetime, it can rip families apart."

Balladanis continued droning on and on about how lycanthropy affects children and Albus looked again at flatness. His hand was shaking even harder and his human face was as Theodore Harold White as it had been when he had dressed up as a ghost.

Albus shared a looking at with John and Saint John the Apostle reached into his pocket. He slid a Puking Pastille across the table towards Albus and then slid one to Matt. Albus quietly unwrapped it and then waited until Balladanis had looked away to shove it into his mouth. john and mat did the Saami. Albus clutched his belly as the afters began to demand affect.

"Lycanthropic children rarely, if ever, get to attend school,"Balladanis droned.

"Sir !"toilet shouted,"I do n't find so well. May I go to the infirmary backstage ?"

"I do n't sense too well either,"Albus added.

"Shut it, you two,"Balladanis shouted,"And no you may not go to the-"

Balladanis was cut off by the strait of all three male child vomiting at the Same fourth dimension. Albus leaned over his table and vomited right onto the floor. The class erupted into shouts and Balladanis tried to keep order.

"amercement !"he seethed,"Get to the Hospital annexe, all three of you !"

Albus resisted the urge to vomit again as he ran for the door. Matt and trick followed. All three of them shoved the Orange end of the sweets into their back talk as soon as they shut the door behind them. The affect was instantaneous. Albus immediately felt better.

"The man 's evil !"John shouted,"How could he teach that ?"

"Not here,"Matt muttered and took off down the corridor.

None of them said anything else until they reached the piranha 's Den."As I was saying,"bathroom began,"What is improper with that lad ?"

"I think a lot of things,"Albus muttered,"He 's a raving lunatic."

"He 's only doing it because you 're in the family,"John said to Matt as he paced around the room,"None of what he said today is actually in the Quran. I mean, did you read the book ? There 's not very much in there that Balladanis has actually taught !"

"He hates me because my dad made him get rid of his stupid anamatek,"lustrelessness muttered.

"But it started before that,"Albus pointed out,"He wants to hold you miserable because of what your dad did with those vampire age ago."

"It 's just not fair,"lustrelessness groaned,"I mean, did you take heed to what he was talking about ?"

"It was hard not to,"Albus sighed,"Is it straight ?"

"Yes,"Matt said quietly,"And before you ask, one of the Healers did evoke that to my parents."

Albus suddenly felt more unbalanced than he had when he ate the emesis pastille. How could a Healer, soul whose job it was to lay down citizenry tidy, actually suggest that to a child 's parents ?

"Seriously ?"lav asked,"What happened after they asked ?"

"My dad and my Uncle jackstones hexed him at the same sentence,"flatness gave them a half-smile,"Put him in his own infirmary bed for two days."

"You know, I 'd really like to adjoin your Uncle diddly,"bathroom grinned,"He sounds like a great bloke."

"He is,"Matt smiled,"He would 've hexed Balladanis quite a spell ago if he were here."

"But he 's not,"Gospel According to John sighed,"So what are we going to do about this ?"

"I 'm sending an owl to my dad,"Matt said as he stood up,"You two are n't going to cause to do anything."

"Three days,"John said after Matt left,"I give Balladanis three Sir Thomas More days."

******

"Your dad certainly does n't waste any clip,"pink wine said to matte as she unfolded her written matter of the Prophet the following dawn at breakfast.

Albus leaned over and read the paper over rosebush 's berm.

HOGWARTS PROFESSOR TO BE INVESTIGATED BY MINISTRY
The section of Magical Education received an inquiry
late yesterday afternoon, requesting an investigation
of Hogwarts Defense Against the darkness Arts prof,
Tethys Balladanis. The inquiry was submitted by none
other than the newly appointed chief of the department
for the rule and Control of Magical Creatures,
Bruno Walter Eckerton, whose fourteen-year-old son currently
attends Hogwarts.

Professor Aplysia Balladanis has been teaching Defense Department at
the schoolhouse since September, when he replaced caput Auror
Harry Potter. ceramicist had taught the discipline for two
years and wished to focus solely on his Auror career,
resulting in his resignation at the end of hold up school
year.

The impending investigation comes as hardly a surprise.
Earlier this calendar week Walter Eckerton visited Hogwarts
after receiving a tip that Balladanis was holding an
anamatek in his classroom. This proved to be on-key and
Eckerton ordered him to bump off it. The anamatek was
legally in Balladanis 's self-possession, so all he had to
do was remove it from school premises. Eckerton told
reporters that Balladanis complied.

However, Eckerton has claimed that the professor
repeatedly put scholarly person in danger and humiliated them
in presence of their classmates.

'It 's not just the anamatek ,'Eckerton told reporters,
'I 'm filing this research as a parent, not as a Ministry
functionary. First and foremost, I wish to protect my son .'

The investigation will begin today and be carried out
by officials from the department of Magical Education,
a department that was set up for this purpose after
the downfall of Lord Voldemort. official will jaw
the schoolhouse and interview both students and staff as
a constituent of their investigation.

genus Tethus Balladanis will carry on to teach defense team Against
the Dark artistry during this time.

"He 's still going to learn ?"John said incredulously after he finished reading the article.

"I 'm not going to defense force anymore,"matte said,"Not until he 's gone."

"They ca n't stop him from teaching until they do the investigation,"Rose explained,"Only Kendrick can block up him from teaching at the moment."

"Then why does n't Kendrick do that ?"Albus asked as he looked up at the stave table.

Kendrick was talking with Neville and there was a copy of the Prophet laying between them. Balladanis was not present.

"I do n't know,"Rose said quietly,"But Defense is just going to get worse."

"Which is why I 'm not going,"Matt said adamantly.

For once, Rose did not objurgate him about skipping form. Albus could n't blame him. He himself was half tempted to skitter, but he knew his curiosity would get the better of him.

"Somehow, I do n't remember you 'll take in the chance to skitter,"Rose muttered,"We do n't own Defense until Tuesday."

"Excellent,"John grinned,"Now I wo n't own to do that werewolf essay."

"I never said that,"Rose replied,"You still ought to do it, just in case."

"Look, Kendrick 's getting up,"Kaden pointed to the staff table.

"May I have your attention !"Kendrick shouted and the chattering in the Asaph Hall immediately ceased,"Thank you. I trust by now that you 've all either read or heard about the clause on the battlefront page of the Prophet.

"Ministry officials will be visiting the school today and tomorrow to conduct their investigation. They will be selecting pupil to interview. If you are selected, I advise you to answer their questions truthfully.

"As of right field now, Professor Balladanis is still your teacher, therefore you need to do by him with respect and attend to his classes. This is, at the import, an investigating and nil more. Now, you 'd trump be off to class."

"Albus,"Rose whispered as they made their way out of the Great Charles Martin Hall to story of conjuration,"You 're not going to that dueling lesson tonight, are you ?"

"I dunno,"Albus shrugged. He had n't really thought about it until then.

"I do n't think you should,"Rose told him.

Albus nodded. He did n't want to go, but he also did n't desire to find out what Balladanis would do when Albus did n't designate up that evening.

cypher fell asleep during History of illusion. It must have been a new record, one that was previously set back when Binns was still alive. However, the want of tiredness was not due to Binns 's lecture. No, that was just as ho-hum as usual. The educatee remained awake because they were talking about Balladanis. The classroom was filled with the hushed whispers of the Gryffindor and Ravenclaw third years and Binns droned on without seeming to notice.

There were only six scholarly person in the castle who knew the particular cause why flatness 's dad had submitted that enquiry. Albus, rosiness, bathroom, Amanda, Kaden, and Matt himself. Seven, if you counted Malfoy, but even Malfoy did not bang that it had been Balladanis 's talking to on lycanthropic youngster that pushed Mr. Eckerton to give in the inquiry.

Everyone else speculated. About half the schoolhouse put the blame on the anamatek, even though Matt 's dad had come out and said that was n't the real reasonableness. The vaticinator had only glazed over the reasons, not getting into specifics. The Hogwarts students wanted specifics. They wanted to know what had pushed Matt 's dad to subject an inquiry when none of their parents seemed fazed.

The cause the students fabricated ranged from plausible to outrageous. A few one-seventh geezerhood, mainly Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws, speculated that Balladanis had gotten a bit overenthusiastic with his special help Roger Sessions and perhaps used lustrelessness as an example of individual who did not possess the acquisition to vote out dark whiz. Combine that with an overprotective parent ( what the seventh class claimed mat 's dad to be, which was not actually an exaggeration ), and the investigation was born. They believed that the investigating would float over and within two weeks everything would be back to normal, with Balladanis still teaching.

A few overexcited showtime long time were the on the opposite position of the spectrum. They believed that Balladanis had let a chimaera loose in his classroom while teaching the Gryffindor and Slytherin third years. Apparently they overlooked the fact that cipher had turned up hurt after class and the fact that Balladanis would have been sacked immediately if that had actually been the case.

Matt had become somewhat of a renown inside the Hogwarts paries. There was n't a undivided person, aliveness, ghost, or portrait, who did n't live it was his dad who launched the enquiry. He was stopped no less than six times on the way from History of Magic to Herbology by people wanting to know the point of the inquiry. It was something Albus could tell Matt was extremely uncomfortable with.

"Falco columbarius, when will they study that I do n't require to mouth about it !"Matt groaned as they made their way back to the castle after Herbology. Two Ravenclaw second years had just run up to flatness, demanding to know why his dad wanted to get Balladanis sacked. Apparently they actually liked him.

"You should just suffer up on the Gryffindor tabular array and make an declaration during lunch,"St. John the Apostle suggested.

"Definitely not,"Matt said,"I 'm just glad we do n't sustain course this afternoon."

"Me, too,"Albus agreed,"Hey, look, I bet those are the investigators."Albus pointed to three official looking people striding up towards the castle. There were two witches and a wizard.

"Probably,"John said,"I wonder who they 're going to interview ?"

"Ten Galleons says they audience me,"Matt replied,"And probably Albus since he 's had all those individual lessons."

"Let 's just Leslie Townes Hope they do n't interview those two Ravenclaws,"John said.

Albus, lusterlessness, and John continued their trek to the Great Hall, where they ate a very quick luncheon. None of them wanted to stay very long since everyone was still asking Matt about the inquiry. After they finished, the boys went to Gryffindor tower to deposit their bags before going to the Marauder 's Den to put off their homework.

The common elbow room was mostly evacuate when they arrived, but Albus spotted Lily, Hugo, and Ashtyn sitting around one of the mesa.

"Do n't you three have class now ?"Albus asked, feeling very much like Rose.

"Yes,"Lily muttered,"We 've got Defense and we 're skipping. Do n't say anything about it. There 's nil you can do to make me go, so do n't even try."

"I was n't going to,"Albus assured her,"Was n't it your course of instruction where Balladanis made individual cry ?"

"That 's why we 're not going,"Ashtyn replied,"And we do n't worry if we get detention either. Oh, and John, you 'd amend not tell Mum."

"I wo n't,"whoremaster said,"The three of us used Puking troche to get out of Defense yesterday."

"You should have just skipped from the beginning,"Ashtyn told them.

"Well, you three enjoy your skipping,"Albus said as he continued to his dormitory.

"Oh, believe me, we will,"Lily grinned.

The boy quickly stowed their bag in their dormitory and set off for the Maruader 's Den. Albus climbed out of the portraiture hole and ran straight into Gabriella.

"There you are, Al !"Gabriella exclaimed,"I 've been looking for you. Kendrick wants to see you in his study. Oh, hang on."Gabriella consulted the piece of parchment she was holding."He wants to see flatness, too."

"Looks like you two are getting interviewed,"King John said as Gabriella went into the common room.

"dead reckoning so,"Albus shrugged. He really was n't surprised. Even if he had n't been receiving individual lessons with Balladanis, he probably would have been interviewed. It was one of those things that happened when your father was the most noted wizard in Britain.

"I 'll see you two later, then,"John replied,"Have fun."

"Oh, yeah,"Albus rolled his center,"Loads."

Albus and Matt left for Kendrick 's sketch while John the Divine continued towards the piranha 's Den. Albus had no estimation what he was going to do while they were gone, but he would bet that St. John would be bored within xv minutes.


A/N : I hope you all enjoyed HPFF 's April Fool 's Day Prank ! The staff really outdid themselves this twelvemonth. Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight, and everyone who has read and reviewed this tarradiddle !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


There was another Prefect standing adjacent to the gargoyle that concealed the entrance to Kendrick 's study. It was apparently his job to grumble the password to the gargoyle to provide all the student being interviewed in. He looked incredibly bored.

Albus and Matt ascended into the study and found three other student waiting in front of Kendrick 's come together door. A very blase looking Hufflepuff, who was probably in 6th or seventh year, Scorpio Malfoy, and much to Albus 's alarm, one of those Ravenclaws they had encountered on the basis earlier.

Albus was not at all storm to see Scorpius Malfoy there. After all, he had private lessons with Balladanis as well. However, he chose to ignore Malfoy 's presence and leaned against the wall to set about the longsighted wait.

What had been the pointedness in sending them all to Kendrick 's study at the same clip ? They were obviously only interviewing one somebody at a time. Why could n't they get just summoned Albus later, when there were less people waiting ?

Kendrick 's doorway opened and a pale-faced Gryffindor first year walked out. She hurried out of the study and one of the Ministry official motioned for the Ravenclaw to enter.

The Ravenclaw was in Kendrick 's study for about fifteen transactions. Then it was Malfoy 's act. He took a bit Thomas More time, but finally came out and left without so much as a glance towards Albus and Matt.

In the mean time, two to a greater extent students had entered. One Albus recognized as Peyton Haines, one of the Chasers from the Slytherin Quidditch team. The former was a untried Hufflepuff Albus did n't recognize.

Finally, after what must have been at least an hour, Albus was finally called into the elbow room.

Kendrick was not in his cogitation. Only the three police detective were. Albus was now capable to see them up close. The one who had called him into the room was quite tall and wore a menacing blaze. Her gown were perfectly pressed, without a single wrinkle, and her hair was pulled into a tight bun. She reminded Albus of Minerva McGonagall.

The former beldame was the perfect antonym. She was short and quite a bit heavy. Her frizzly brown hair stuck up at all form of odd angles and she had a small pair of glasses perched on her nose.

The remaining investigator was a wizard and he was seated behind Kendrick 's desk, a quill in hand. He looked a bit bored by the entire affair. He was gazing about the elbow room and had the look of someone who was n't quite paying attention.

Two hoi polloi who were paying rapt tending, or should he say portrayal, were Dumbledore and Snape. Both were sitting straight up and looking straight at the investigators.

The tall Wiccan gestured for Albus to take a seat in forepart of the desk. Albus did so.

"My public figure is Katherine Torenzo and this is Lorraine Smyth,"the tall witch gestured to the shortstop witch,"And that is herbaceous plant Cletus. He 'll be transcribing our interview."

No wonder he was so bored, Albus thought. He did n't even get to ask any of the questions.

"Please United States Department of State your wide-cut name, age, class, and house for the disc,"Torenzo said briskly.

Albus raised his eyebrows. Would n't they already know all of that information ?

"It 's protocol, dear,"Smyth told him.

"Albus Severus Potter, thirteen, tierce year, Gryffindor,"Albus answered.

"Excellent,"Torenzo replied,"Now, perhaps you can tell us what goes on in an average lesson with prof Balladanis, in your own words."

"Er, all right,"Albus said,"Well, he comes in and tells us all to stop talking. Then he 'll gather up the preparation. Oh, and you have to get the homework in on time, no matter what. He does n't postulate late study, even if you 've got a expert excuse. You could be sick in the hospital fender and he would n't take late homework.

"Then he 'll teach us a new spell or about some new puppet. Then we 'll let to perform the spell."

"What happens if you do n't perform it properly ?"Smyth asked.

"He makes you do it again, and again, until you get it,"Albus answered,"If you do n't get it, he makes you go to extra help sessions."

"Has this caused distress to any of the pupil in your class ?"Smyth asked.

"Not in my class, but I 've heard of former scholar crying because of it,"Albus answered.

"rich person you attended any extra assistant sessions ?"Torenzo asked.

"No,"Albus shook his top dog,"prof Balladanis has never told me I had to."

"I understand you have been given dueling example by him, however,"Torenzo said,"Can you recite us a bit about them ? What do they comprise of ?"

"nigh times he just teaches me new spell, turn that are concentrated than the ones we learn in division. Scorpius Malfoy is there, too, and we duel each other with the magical spell,"Albus explained.

"You said 'most'times,"Smyth said,"What else does he feature you do ?"

"Er,"Albus shifted uncomfortably in his chairwoman,"One time he had us go into his pensieve."

"Did he,"Torenzo muttered,"Please elaborate."

"We watched his parents be murdered by vampires,"Albus said after a brief hesitation. He doubted Balladanis would be happy about this, but Kendrick had said to be truthful.

Both Torenzo and Smyth looked horrified. Cletus was writing away furiously on the sheepskin. Snape was smirking and Dumbledore 's face had seemed to harden.

"We did n't actually see it,"Albus said quickly,"We stood outside the house as it happened. Balladanis 's parents were in the house. Then we watched Balladanis, in the memory, run away from the house. He was thirteen."

"And then what ?"Torenzo prodded.

"We left the pensieve. Balladanis explained what we had seen-"

"He did n't tell you ahead of time ?"Smyth asked.

"No,"Albus shook his head,"He just told us to go in the pensieve."

"Did he excuse why he wanted you to see this ?"Torenzo asked.

"Yeah. He wanted to show us why he became a Presuler,"Albus said.

"He told you he 's a Presuler ?"Torenzo raised her eyebrow.

"Yes, he thinks me and Malfoy should become Presulers,"Albus explained.

"Very well,"Torenzo said as she walked towards Albus,"I have one final question. Would you feel comfortable if prof Balladanis continued to teach here ?"

Albus thought about it for a moment. Balladanis was certainly a motivated teacher and one Albus could learn a lot from. But on the other hand, he was n't the form of superstar Albus felt well-heeled around.

"No,"Albus said quietly,"I guess not."

Torenzo nodded."Please paying back to your common room. You are not to verbalise of this consultation to anyone until after the investigating is completed."

Albus got up from the chairwoman and Torenzo followed him out of the room. She called Matt in as Albus left. Albus muttered a placid 'good luck'to him before descending from the room.

******

"Why ca n't you just differentiate us ?"John lamented as the boys sat around the marauder 's Den after dinner. rosiness and Amanda were currently in the daughter'dormitory with Linda, who had recently been interviewed.

"I 've told you a million times,"Albus said,"The Ministry witches said we could n't talk about the interview."

"But how would they bang ?"John asked,"It 's not like I 'm going to go telling the whole school about it."

"Neither will I,"Kaden added.

Albus snorted."I 'll tell apart you about it after Balladanis is sacked, or is n't sacked. I do n't think it 's going to take long for them to decide."

"He 's going to be sacked,"mat said adamantly and then turned to Saint John the Apostle,"You 're not going to his extra help session tonight, are you ?"

"Not if I was paid twenty dollar bill Galleons,"John replied,"well, ok, maybe if I was paid XX Galleons, but not for lupus erythematosus than ten. What about you, Albus ? Going to go to your dueling deterrent example ?"

Albus shrugged. He still had n't decided. What he really wanted to be intimate was whether Malfoy was going, but he could n't very well waltz around down to the dungeons, barge into the Slytherin vulgar room, and ask.

"No idea,"Albus sighed.

"Do n't go,"matte said,"If you go, I 'm going to embark on worrying about your sanity."

"Why would you want to go ?"John Lackland gave Albus a strange look.

"I might ascertain out something about how the investigation is going, or something,"Albus muttered.

John opened his lip to reply, but instead turned to the threshold. A gimcrack squawking disturbance had seemed to emit from it.

"Did you hear that ?"john asked.

Albus nodded and got up from his derriere. He walked over to the door and paused next to it. The squawking noise was repeated.

One thing Albus loved about the piranha 's Den was that it was always very tranquillity. No noises could be heard from the corridor while he was inside. Albus rarely ever heard noises from the corridor, let alone squawking noises.

Albus cautiously opened the room access and instead of the flakey bird he had expected to see, Rose was standing there with her wand out.

"Finally !"she groaned,"I thought you 'd never come up to the door."

"Rose ?"Albus asked,"What is it ? Was that squawking you ?"

"Yes,"rosebush said hurriedly,"I had to get you to come out of there. Uncle Harry 's looking for you. He 's waiting in the common elbow room. I told him I 'd find out you."

Albus turned around and told matte, privy, and Kaden, all of whom had followed him out of the room, that he would be back soon. He had no thought what his dad wanted, but it must take in been important for him to go to the castle on a day he did n't throw to patrol it.

Harry was sitting in one of the squashy armchairs in front of the fire when Albus arrived. Georgia and Fred were both talking with him, most probable about Quidditch judgement by their excessive use of hand motion, but stopped abruptly when Albus entered. Harry got up and met Albus near the portrait hole.

"Let 's talk outside,"Harry said. Albus followed him out of the portrait hole and down the corridor a little ways.

"What were you up to just now ?"Harry asked, grinning a bit.

"Nothing,"Albus shrugged truthfully.

"fountainhead, I 'm no longer a teacher here, so I wo n't say a Son about you causing trouble, if that 's what you were doing,"Harry told him,"But anyway, what I wanted to ask you is whether you were planning on going to Professor Balladanis 's dueling lesson tonight ?"

That seemed to be the question of the evening, Albus thought."I dunno,"Albus shrugged.

"I realize that the decisiveness is completely up to you,"Harry said quietly,"But I would counsel you not to go. prof Balladanis is under a considerable amount of emphasis, of which you do n't lie with the half of. I 'd say the hazard are gamey that he may take out this tension on you and Scorpius."

"Do you bonk if Malfoy 's going ?"Albus asked.

"I really have no estimation,"Harry answered,"But I tend to trust he won't."

"I do n't think I will either,"Albus said.

"A Isaac Mayer Wise decision,"Harry smiled.

Harry said secure night to Albus and then Albus went back to the predator 's Den. Kaden was in the middle of showing Matt and John how to make a proper paper airplane.

"What did your dad want ?"St. John the Apostle asked without looking up from the lambskin he was folding.

"To differentiate me it was n't a sound idea to go to Balladanis 's lesson tonight,"Albus said as he flopped down onto the empty couch.

"And ?"Matt asked.

"I 'm not going,"Albus answered.

"good,"Matt replied.

"You know what was Wyrd, though ?"Albus began,"My dad said Balladanis was under a lot of strain, most of which I do n't know about. So I 'm guessing it 's not only the investigation."

"Wyrd,"Kaden shook his straits,"I 'll be felicitous when he 's sacked."

"We do n't cognize for indisputable that he 'll be sacked,"Albus pointed out,"I just wish I knew what else he was stressed about."

"Maybe he 's got to conflict a beautiful cleaning woman,"John smirked,"Remember his boggart ?"

"His boggart !"Albus shouted,"I ca n't trust I did n't put that together sooner. It was n't a beautiful fair sex ; it was a vampire. It 's so obvious now that we know what happened to his parents, too."

"Yeah, that does appear fairly obvious,"Matt agreed,"But what 's that got to do with his stress ?"

"Probably zip,"Albus shrugged,"I just realized it."

"You know,"John began,"This is the first Friday we 've had to ourselves."

"You 're right,"Albus said,"What should we do ?"

"Let 's go down to the kitchens,"Kaden said.

"And drop the night here,"mat added,"We hardly ever do that."

They did just that. The male child snuck down to the kitchens and were given as many sweetness and puddings as they could carry by the firm elves. Then they stayed up late eating all of it and playing various games. Albus was even able to forget about Balladanis for a spell, something that had not happened in quite a while.

******

The Ministry functionary remained a perm fix at Hogwarts throughout the difference of the weekend. Albus overheard a lot of students mentioning that they 'd been interviewed, including john 's cousin Isabelle, one of the Chasers on the Ravenclaw Quidditch team, and Gabriella.

Professor Balladanis did not show up at a 1 repast. In fact, he was n't seen at all throughout the weekend. Nobody saw him, which raised the doubtfulness of whether he was even still in the palace.

Albus was hoping he ran for it. Got out before the Ministry had a hazard to spend a penny their decision. Albus was more than a little nervous about going to Defense on Tuesday and hearing what Balladanis had to say about Albus 's absence from their dueling lesson.

It was on Monday morning that all the Hogwarts educatee knew a verdict had been reached. Professor Kendrick rose partway through the meal, something that only happened when something important happened. He was flanked by the two witches from the Ministry. The wizard was no tenacious there.

The Hall immediately quieted, without Kendrick even having to ask. Albus was slightly taken aback by Kendrick 's impendent announcement, since there had not been a single mention of Balladanis in that dawn 's Prophet.

"A decision has been reached about Professor Balladanis,"Kendrick announced,"Madam Torenzo will inform you of it. The Prophet has kindly agreed not to publish the article about it just yet, as I wished to inform you of it first."

"He 's sacked,"John muttered,"Otherwise he 'd be at breakfast."

"Good point,"Albus said.

Torenzo stood up and gazed out at the scholarly person with a electroneutral tone on her face."Upon broad probe of prof Balladanis 's teaching method and thorough interviews of selected students, the Ministry has seen it fit to remove him from his teaching position here at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and genius. professor Balladanis packed his thing late last Nox and no thirster resides in the castle. professor Kendrick will inform you about what will find with Defense social class for the end of the yr. I would like to give thanks all of you for your cooperation during this time."

Torenzo sat back down and continued eating her breakfast like nothing had happened. The Great Hall immediately erupted into whispers, but they were quickly stopped by Kendrick.

"Defense Department Against the dark Arts course will not take billet until further notice. I will try and procure a suitable replacement for prof Balladanis as quickly as possible. Until then, please use the time to canvass for your upcoming exams,"Kendrick said and then resumed his seat. He began to lecture with Torenzo and the students voices rose in the Hall.

"I knew it !"Matt exclaimed,"Charles Herbert Best news I 've heard this month !"

"Yes !"Georgia shouted and then turned to Fred,"Pay up !"

"Merlin !"James I groaned,"Why 'd they hold to do that investigation so quickly ?"

Money began to exchange hired hand throughout the Gryffindor tabular array as Fred collected and handed out Galleons.

"Do you think Kendrick 'll find a replacement ?"John asked.

"Dunno,"Albus shrugged,"No one really wanted that job to begin with."

"gladiola I did n't do that werewolf essay,"John grinned.

"Maybe Kendrick wo n't find out a replacing,"Kaden said,"Then we 'd have one less exam."

"That would be brilliant,"lavatory replied.

The aura in the castle for the rest of the day was incredibly upbeat. Hardly anyone seemed at all sad that Balladanis had left. Quite a few students asked matt to thank his dad for them. It seemed that the only scholar upset by it were those who had lost bets because of it.

argus Filch was another who was unhappy. The cosmopolitan exhilaration of the castle caused him more work. Peeves destroyed the DoD schoolroom in festivity ( Balladanis never liked Peeves ), James and his friends set off a few Weasley fireworks, and then there was the general raft that was associated with scholarly person celebrating by playing alfresco in the quaggy grass. Plus, Moaning Myrtle flooded her bathroom when a few students told her that even she ought to be excited about it. Apparently she did not agree. For some odd reason it reminded her of her death.

One person who seemed incredibly excited was Linda. Linda who rarely showed any emotion whatsoever walked around the castling with a big smile on her side. Albus could only attribute this to the fact that Balladanis had taught so extensively about vampire. But he never taunted her the way he 'd taunted Matt. Perhaps that was because his biggest fearfulness was vampires.

There was even a company in the Gryffindor common room that night. Rose thought it was a petty ridiculous, to lionize the sacking of a teacher, but everyone else, including Linda, thought it was an excellent thing to celebrate.

"Just think,"John said,"We do n't ever have to heed to him go on and on about how bad the dark arts are. I mean, we all know they 're bad. We all know about Voldemort and what he did."

"And that bloody anamatek,"Matt added,"I could 've gone my whole living without seeing one of those."

"What do you think he 's doing now ?"Rose mused.

"Maybe some Ministry hired him,"Albus said quietly,"I hope it 's some place far, like Madagascar or somewhere."

"Yeah,"Matt agreed,"I bet he 's not even in Britain anymore."

"I do n't see why he 'd get at to baffle around,"Albus replied,"I mean, he snuck out in the Night to avoid anyone seeing him."

"Wish we could 've seen him leave,"John the Divine grinned mischievously,"Would 've been Nice to give him a right send off."

"I 'm just glad it 's over,"rosiness muttered,"Maybe now you lot can concentrate on exams. And maybe the castle will get back to normal."

"Normal ?"Albus raised his brow,"This property will never be normal. Plus, we 've got Quidditch on Sat. It 's the last compeer before the final."

"When 's the final ?"Rose asked.

"Beginning of June, I think,"Albus answered,"Australia 's already so far ahead that they 'll be in it."

Albus, John, matte, and Kaden all sent scathing looks at Linda, who looked down at the table.

"But if we beat New House of York in this match,"Albus continued,"We 'll be in it, too. So Natalie Wood is in full flesh this week. I 'm practicing every Nox starting tomorrow."

"King Oliver Wood is harebrained,"rose wine muttered.

"Insane, but brilliant on the Quidditch pitching,"John grinned,"I would have it off to get yelled at by him during a Quidditch practice."

"Excellent,"Albus said,"You can take my place."


A/N : Thanks to my Beta, Dancer of Starlight and everyone who has read and reviewed this !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Despite the fact that he did not have Defense Against the Dark Arts the next morning, Albus was down in the Great Hall bright and early because he wanted to show rose 's Daily prophesier. Having Kendrick announce Balladanis 's discharge was one thing, reading it in the Prophet was entirely different.

blush wine was already there when Albus, lusterlessness, and John sat down at the Gryffindor tabular array. Amanda and Linda were on either side of her and all three girls were reading the article. Albus drummed his digit impatiently on the table while he waited for them to be finished. Finally, rosiness handed him the report without saying a word and Albus read it, with Matt and John looking over his shoulder.

HOGWARATS TEACHER REMOVED FROM placement BY MINISTRY

In an event that causes much of the wizarding human race to recall
back to Voldemort 's reign, Hogwarts defending team Against the Dark
Arts instructor, Tethys Balladanis, has been removed from his
position by the Ministry of thaumaturgy 's Department of Magical
Education.

During Voldemort 's reign, Defense teacher rarely lasted more
than a year at the school, a mystery that abruptly ended when
Voldemort was defeated on May 2, 1998. Up until two class
ago, Hogwarts had had only one defense mechanism instructor since that
fateful May day.

Professor Torro taught at Hogwarts for years until he was
mysteriously murdered nearly three yr ago. He was
replaced by pass Auror, Harry potter, who is rumored to
have only taken the placement after nobody else agreed to
fill it.

Harry Potter left the spot this past fall and it was filled
by Balladanis.

Balladanis taught until two days ago, when he was removed
from his emplacement. Approximately a week and a half ago, a
charge was lodged by oral sex of the Department for the
Regulation and Control of Magical animate being, Walter Eckerton,
whose fourteen-year-old son currently attends Hogwarts.

The complaint included harsh teaching method acting, the use of an
anamatek as a instruction creature, singling students out for deficiency of
acquirement, and embarrassing students in front of their peers.

An investigation by Ministry officials ensued and included
the interviewing of quality students and staff. The department
concluded their investigation late Sunday evening and informed
both Balladanis and Headmaster Fabius Kendrick of their decision.
Balladanis left the castle willingly and will not be appealing the
decision. When asked for a statement on the issue, both Kendrick
and Balladanis declined.

Upon hearing the news show, Walter Eckerton said ,'I am very felicitous
with the decisiveness and that the investigating was concluded in
a seasonable manner. I am not felicitous that it came to this, but I
feel that null should be put ahead of children 's safety .'

Hogwarts pupil will not give ear Defense classes until a replacement
is found. As of rightfield now, one has not been found.

"I knew they 'd get your dad in there somehow,"Saint John announced once they 'd finished reading.

"There was n't anything in there that we did n't already make out,"Albus muttered,"I was hoping Balladanis would 've said something or we 'd find out what happened when he left the castle."

"Maybe he really did go quietly,"Matt shrugged,"Maybe he wanted to get back to his anamatek."

"I wonder where he lives,"Amanda mused,"Think he lives in England ?"

"doubt it,"Rose answered,"Even if he did before I doubt he does now."

******

living soon returned to rule for the Hogwarts student, as it often does after something exciting happens. Everyone talked about Balladanis the day the article was published, but soon there was nix left to say and the bookman focused on the upcoming Quidditch match, which was mere days away.

Albus had an well-situated time forgetting about Balladanis due to Quidditch practice. He was out on the pitch shot every evening and was soon hearing woods 's commands in his head as he fell asleep, which was something that certainly could n't be deemed pattern. Albus was almost glad that the year was drawing to an end because once the tourney was over, he would n't have to get by with Wood anymore. Thinking about that made Albus gain that Gryffindor would experience a new captain the next class since Empire State of the South was graduating. Albus was sure it would be either Fred or Heather, but he was n't indisputable which.

Albus trudged into the Great foyer on Thursday morn sorely wishing that Saint John the Apostle had n't woken him up. They did n't hold a division firstly affair, so why 'd he rile doing that ? Albus was already running on niggling sleep.

"I 'm going to arouse you up at five in the morning time this Saturday,"Albus muttered to John as he poured himself some pumpkin juice.

"No you wo n't, you 'll still be asleep,"John grinned,"I need you to serve me end up that Herbology essay that 's due today."

"That 's the intellect for you waking me up ?"Albus groaned,"Why ca n't Rose helper you ?"

"She 's a bit sore with me right now,"John muttered.

"What did you do ?"Albus asked.

"I may or may not make accidentally set fire to her Potions note cobbler's last night,"John the Evangelist said.

"And I should have to bear because of that ?"Albus replied,"How did you make do that anyway ?"

"It was n't an stroke,"lustrelessness put in,"john and Kaden were tinkering with those A-one strength dung bombs final stage night in the Marauder 's Den. They stupidly decided to do this at the table right where Rose 's notes were. The droppings bombs exploded and Rose 's notes caught fire."

"See, an chance event !"John exclaimed.

"No, stupidity,"lusterlessness said,"You should 've done it somewhere else. Oh, Albus, I would n't suggest going in the Marauder 's Den anytime soon. It smells."

"I would n't have time to anyway,"Albus muttered,"Quidditch practice again tonight."

"Oi, Albus !"James shouted.

"What ?"Albus said.

"Is Dad patrolling here this week ?"James asked.

"I do n't make love, why ?"Albus replied.

"He 's here,"St. James pointed to the stave table.

Albus looked up and saw that his dad was talking with Neville. Except he was n't wearing his Auror robes, he was just wearing rule robes. Albus glanced back at James who shrugged.

"May I have your aid ?"Kendrick announced,"Thank you. I just wish to inform you all that Harry potter has kindly agreed to occupy over defense mechanism family for the remnant of full term. Because of this, Defense socio-economic class will resume today."

"Good thing I woke you up,"whoremaster grinned.

"Guess you wo n't be able to cease that essay,"Albus shot back.

"Merlin,"whoremonger muttered.

Albus was n't that surprised, nor did he care that much. He 'd already had his dad teach for two years and it had n't been bad at all. Plus, his dad was a far better teacher than Balladanis.

Albus walked with mat and John to defensive measure. Rose was still not speaking to whoremaster and she walked with Amanda and Linda a short ways ahead. Albus seriously hoped that this would n't become into what happened earlier in the year.

The entire category erupted in applause as soon as Harry entered the room and Albus noticed that this caused him to blush. Even Malfoy was clapping, albeit half-heartedly, but he was clapping nonetheless.

"Thanks,"Harry muttered,"Well, I did not think I 'd be back here. I do suffer to continue with the curriculum, so I must ask that you complete the lycanthrope essay for adjacent Th. However, it only has to be one infantry of parchment."

There was a collective groan from the entire class."Great,"John muttered,"I was hoping to get out of it."

"It wo n't be that hard,"Matt rolled his eyes.

"But it 'll be time consuming,"John replied.

"I know, I know,"Harry smirked,"But there is a month and a half of term left and I ca n't just let you have this time to mess up around."

The course of instruction was the most gratifying Defense class the tierce years had had in quite a while. Harry lectured for the entirety of the division, but it was n't boring. Albus did not mind in the slightest that his dad was going to be finishing out the term.

******

By the clock time Sabbatum arrived, virtually no one in the castle was talking about Professor Balladanis. Quidditch was on the head of everybody 's creative thinker and the tautness ran gamy than they had all year. The outcome of this match would determine who played Australia in the final.

Albus himself was not particularly worried. Hogwarts had already beaten New House of York once and they could easily do it again. The full team was in good health and none of the replacement were needed. Albus was perfectly content to sit in the stands with his Friend and just watch the match, rather than have to meet in it.

It was a warm leaping day with a slight flatus and cloud book binding, perfect playing shape. Wood had spoke of the conditions during the previous night 's practice, telling the team that a expectant storm had been predicted for that day. Luckily it had not appeared yet.

The match commenced with a lot of shouting and cheering from the crowd. Hogwarts scored five goals within the 1st fifteen proceedings of the mates and New York scored two. The team remained neck in neck for the difference of the mate, until James pulled out of a dive clutching the golden stool pigeon in his left hand.

The bunch erupted into sunshine and James was soon hoisted onto the shoulder joint of some of the sr. students.

"I have an announcement to cook !"Professor Kendrick shouted over the crowd,"Due to Hogwarts 's win, they will be competing against Australia in the final Quidditch friction match, scheduled to carry place on the first of June !"

The usual after Quidditch party ensued in the common room and everyone rehashed their favored parts of the match. No one talked about the final match, although Albus was sure it was in the backs of everyone 's minds. Australia seemed unimaginable to beat.

Once the fervour from another Quidditch win abated, the Hogwarts scholarly person seemed to realize that test were quite near. The depository library soon became a pop place to be and fifth and seventh geezerhood in detail could be seen there all minute of the day.

As the middle of May arrived, Gabriella demanded a tranquillise unwashed elbow room in the evenings, much like her sis had two years prior. Albus and his friends spent more metre in the Marauder 's Den after that, usually without Rose, Amanda, and Linda. The three miss seemed to like the quietness of the common room.

Rose did forgive John the Divine for messing up her notation, but she became more strain and snappy as exams drew nearer. It was n't something that surprised Albus or anyone else because it had become a sort of end of term custom with Rose.

defensive measure moral took a drastic act for the sound. Albus and all of his Quaker got everlasting marks on their werewolf essays, to the surprisal of no one. After that, the class bared no resemblance to Balladanis 's.

"Aw, Merlin !"John shouted at breakfast one Fri in the center of May. He had been reading the Prophet.

"What is it ?"Albus asked, thinking Balladanis had been reinstated as Defense instructor or something.

"England did n't make it into the World Cup net,"Saint John the Apostle sighed,"They were so close."

"Who did make it ?"Albus grabbed the newspaper from John Lackland, suddenly remembering the tickets he 'd engender for Christmas. He had n't picked who he was going to tempt to go with him. Actually, he had n't even enjoin his ally about the tickets.

"Portugal and Union of Soviet Socialist Republics,"John groaned,"Russia ! They 've got a rubbish Quidditch team !"

"Obviously not,"rosebush smirked,"Albus, did you piece who you 're going to select when you go to the Cup ?"

"Wait, what ?"John gaped at Albus,"You got ticket ?"

"Er, yeah, for Christmastide,"Albus said.

"And you did n't tell me !"bathroom exclaimed.

"Well, I only got one extra and I did n't know how to pick. I had it narrowed down to you and Matt. Mind you, if you hate Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, I 'll just find fault Matt,"Albus smirked.

"No, no, I did n't say I hate Russia,"lavatory said quickly,"They 've just got a bad team."

"How am I supposed to break up then ?"Albus asked.

"You do n't take to,"Matt said as he sat down adjacent to Albus.

"Nice to see you awake,"John grinned. Albus and John the Divine had attempted to wake Matt up before they went down to the Great Hall and had no hazard. The full lunation was the adjacent day, so Albus had n't even been sure if Matt was going to go to class.

"Why, is the Cup a bad sentence of the month ?"Albus whispered.

"No,"Matt shook his straits,"It 's just that my dad got tag, so you can just afford your duplicate one to John."

"Oh,"Albus grinned,"That makes things easy."

"Where is the Cup ?"Amanda asked.

"Canada,"Rose replied.

"How are we getting there, Albus ?"John asked,"Are we going to take a Muggle airplane ?"Saint John the Apostle looked excited at that prospect.

"No idea,"Albus shrugged,"Dad might get a Portkey."

"That 's oil production,"john said.

"Wish I could go,"Kaden sighed.

"Why, do n't you not like Quidditch ?"John asked.

"It 's ok,"Kaden shrugged,"I just want to try out a Portkey."

"You 're weird, Kaden,"St. John the Apostle laughed.

"So are you. airplane are boring,"Kaden argued.

"I 'm with Kaden on this one,"Matt said,"I 'd take a Portkey any day."

******

Between studying for examination and Quidditch praxis, Albus had no fourth dimension for anything else. He managed to squeeze in time to inspect Matt in the hospital wing on Sunday, but only briefly before he went to Mrs. Henry Wood 's day long Quidditch practice.

The following weekend was the final match of the junior 's Dueling Club, something Albus had been forced to pretermit due to Quidditch practice. After begging Mrs. Henry Wood and a bit of help from teddy bear, Albus was able to take care the final. Albus 's team won, much to the delectation of both Albus and Malfoy.

Albus had not spoken to Malfoy since the incident with Professor Balladanis. Nor had Malfoy said a Good Book to Albus, or any of his friends. Malfoy remained mysteriously quiet around the full-of-the-moon moon, not saying anything about it to either Albus or Matt. It was foreign, but not something any of the boys were going to kick about it.

Three sidereal day before the Quidditch net, the Great Hall was filled with whispering voices that reminded Albus of the day Balladanis had been sacked. Copies of the prophesier were being passed back and Forth and quite a few students looked extremely scared.

"What 's happened ?"Albus asked rosiness as he sat down.

"Willinson has broken out of Azkaban,"Rose whispered, her face completely white.

"What ? !"Albus shouted as he grabbed the nearest copy of the vaticinator. Matt and John the Evangelist crowded around him as he read it.

AZKABAN BREAKOUT

official have reported that three captive
broke out of Azkaban tardy last night. It is
still unknown how it happened. Azkaban guards
have refused to talk with newsperson, and the
Ministry does not wish to divulge information
at this time.

The figure of the escaped prisoners have been
released and anyone with info reguarding
any of them are asked to contact the Ministry.

The Prophet then gave detailed information about all three of the hightail it prisoners. Albus only recognized Willinson. The former two had been imprisoned for more piddling crimes.

"How did he get out ?"Albus wondered,"He 's an idiot !"

"I think everyone 's confused about that,"rosebush said.

Any hope Albus had of getting homework done that calendar week was gone. He was lucky he was able to center on Quidditch recitation. Willinson was out of Azkaban. He was galavanting about England, doing whatever he pleased. That in itself was not necessarily that bad, due to Willinson 's stupidity. If he somehow met up with his father and Washburn, then it could be quite bad.

What worried Albus the most was the fact that he would be after the Hallows, all of which still resided somewhere in or around Hogwarts. Willinson was bound to come back, especially now that he was out of prison.

******

Before Albus knew it, the Night before the Quidditch terminal arrived and Wood called the team into the changing room after ending exercise.

"It has been incredibly rewarding to manage this team,"Wood said as he began to pace in nominal head of them,"There were difficulties in the offset,"he paused and looked at the two Slytherins on the squad,"But I am gallant to say that you came together as a team wonderfully.

"It still amazes me that a group of students from all four firm can come together and play together on the same team. I am not certainly this could induce been done when I was in Hogwarts.

"You have all come a foresighted way over the twelvemonth. You 've all made vast melioration in your skill. Quite a few of you are seventh days and I am very happy to tell you that there will be scouts from a couple Quidditch squad watching tomorrow 's mates. I have richly Bob Hope for the lot of you, when it comes to Quidditch.

"I can not say whether we will win tomorrow. Australia is good, there is no denying that. However, I have faith in all of you. Tomorrow, go out there and collapse it your substantially. Now, I think you should all sprain in early and eat a proper breakfast tomorrow before the match. teddy bear, President Tyler, anything to add ?"Wood turned to the boys.

chemise and Tyler both shook their promontory and forest turned back to the team."I 'll see you all down here tomorrow. Good night."

Wood, Teddy, and Tyler stayed behind to talk over maneuver while the team left. Albus and Jesse James were the last two to go away. Georgia had left with the former one-seventh years, excitedly discussing the candidate of scouts.

"You think Georgia 's going to sign with one of the professional squad ?"Albus asked James as they walked back to the castle.

"I 'd be surprised if she did n't,"James said,"I just hope it does n't hurt her probability when we lose."

"We might not lose,"Albus pointed out.

"We 're going to miss,"James muttered,"Linda 's too undecomposed of a Seeker."

Albus said nothing. He wished he could just severalize Saint James the Apostle that Linda was a vampire. It would be so a great deal easier.

They kept walking, each lost in their own cerebration. Albus stopped abruptly when he heard a loud cleft in the forest.

"What was that ?"he asked anxiously.

"Probably just a branch break,"James IV answered.

"It was too loud,"Albus said as he looked into the forest,"It sounded like someone Apparating in there."

"I do n't think you can Apparate in the forest,"James II pointed out,"And it did n't sound that loud. You 're just tired from all the Quidditch practice."

"I guess,"Albus said as he and James kept walking,"But what if it was soul Apparating ? What if it was Willinson ?"

"You worry too much, Al,"Jesse James groaned,"This billet is filled with Aurors and Dad 's here full fourth dimension now. You 'd have to be mad to Apparate here if you 're wanted by the Ministry."

"But Willinson is dolt enough to do that,"Albus replied.

"That 's just it,"Saint James the Apostle laughed,"If he 's stupid enough to do that, he 's going to get get and sent back to Azkaban."

Albus nodded but he was n't reassured. Willinson may be stupid, but he did manage to abduct Kaden the previous saltation, and he had been on the run for a year prior to that. He may be a trumpery dueler, but he was certainly good at not getting caught for the most part.


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight as well as all of the wondrous amazing masses who have read and reviewed this !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


The atmosphere in the Great Hall the next morning was unlike anything Albus had seen before. The Hogwarts team was sitting together at the Ravenclaw tabular array, surrounded by students from all four sign. teddy bear and Tyler seemed to be in the thick of it and were loudly discussing tactics.

The Aussie squad was sitting together at the Hufflepuff table, with a prominent distance between them and the Hufflepuffs. A small crew of Australians had congregated around them.

Albus decided not to fall in the rest of the Hogwarts team at the Ravenclaw table. nobody was unable to play that day, so Albus 's sidereal day on the team were pretty lots over. To be honest, he was kind of relieved. There was just so much pressure.

"I think this tournament has been good for Hogwarts,"Rose mused,"feel at everyone. Nobody seems to care who 's in what house."

"It 'll all go back to convention once the equal is over,"Albus pointed out.

"Maybe not,"rosebush shrugged,"You never know."

"I do n't have sex, rose,"mat said,"I do n't think one year can alter hundred of tradition."

"It 's worth a try,"blush wine said,"I think we should all try and get along."

"I do n't think this has helped International magical cooperation,"trick gestured to the Aussie team. The Hufflepuffs sitting nearby were glaring at them.

"contender rarely does that,"rose muttered.

"Well, they 'll all be going home soon,"Matt said cheerfully.

Rose shot him a dirty feeling and then looked up at the stave board. Albus 's gaze followed. The staff table was quite overcrowded that sunup. There were picket from Quidditch squad, Ministry official including Albus 's Uncle Percy, and a assortment of multitude from Commonwealth of Australia and New House of York.

"Look at that witch,"John pointed to a very improbable, beautiful witch with blench Patrick Victor Martindale White skin and long dark hair.

"She 's Linda 's mother,"Rose told them.

"Is she-"John began.

"Yes,"Rose whispered,"She 's one, too."

"I thought so,"John said without taking his eyes off the witch.

There was a tacky cheer from the Ravenclaw table and the Hogwarts team began to lead the Hall. Their entourage followed until they reached the room access and then they went to sit back down at various tables.

The Australian squad followed shortly. The excitement only seemed to increase now that the team had gone down to the changing rooms.

A few bit later people began to leave for the pitch shot. The crew at the staff table left first and the students followed.

"Albus,"Saint John said as they got up from the table,"I 've got a few pairs of omnioculars in my torso. I want to see it up close when Linda catches that Snitch."

"Let 's go get them, then,"Albus replied.

blush wine rolled her eyes."meet us down at the pitch."She and Amanda turned towards the threshold as the boys ran up the grand staircase.

"Why did n't you just bring them to breakfast ?"Matt asked.

"Forgot,"John said.

The castle was absolutely deserted as they made their way back to Gryffindor Tower. Albus had n't seen it that empty during the day. It was almost disconcerting.

John had to empty out his entire bole in lodge to bump the omnioculars. He had four dyad and handed one to each of the boys.

"Let 's go,"Albus said,"We 're going to leave out the start of the match."

Albus completely ignored the no running in the corridors formula as he made his way through the castle. There was n't anyone to scold him anyway. The footsteps behind him told him his supporter were n't far behind.

Albus turned a street corner and ran big H into something. He fell down onto his binding and looked up, only to see that it was someone. Not just anyone either. Albus had collided with lusterlessness 's boggart.

Only, it could n't be a boggart because if it had been a boggart, it would have manifested itself into what Albus was to the highest degree afraid of. At that moment, it probably would induce been Willinson.

The man sneered down at Albus and then smiled creepily. Albus scrambled up and turned back to look at his friends.

flatness had turned Stanford White and looked far more afraid than Albus had ever seen him before, including when he had faced the boggart and when Malfoy had found out about his lycanthropy. John was looking from Matt to the man, an obvious horror on his typeface. Kaden was looking extremely confused.

Albus turned and grabbed all three of his friend, pulling them into the approximate classroom. He slammed the room access and pulled out his wand, putting every locking good luck charm he knew onto the knob.

lustrelessness collapsed onto the close chair and put his head in his hands."Th-th-that's-"

"We know,"Albus whispered.

"What the perdition is he doing here ?"lavatory ranted,"He 's got no business here !"

"Why 's he in the palace anyway ?"Albus began to gait around the room,"If he 's here to catch the Quidditch couple, then why is n't he down there ?"

"What if he 's not here to watch the Quidditch ?"John said darkly.

"Who the bloody hell on earth is he ?"Kaden asked loudly.

Albus glanced at flatness before looking at Kaden. Matt did n't appear to have heard Kaden 's question.

"His name 's Lubar. He 's the pass of the section for the Regulation and restraint of Magical fauna in Australia,"Albus explained,"He 's the reason why Matt had to move here, amongst other things."

"He 's a grim and twisted evil git,"John muttered,"What are we going to do ?"

Albus walked over to the door and peered out the small windowpane at the top. Lubar was no longer in sight.

"I 've g-got to go to the Ministry,"flatness said,"I 've got to t-tell my dad. L-Lubar, he ca n't be here."

Albus paced back and Forth River in front of the door. The Ministry. How would they get there ? broom ? No, that would take too long. They 'd experience to use the Floo Network, but none of the fireplaces at Hogwarts were hooked up, as far as Albus knew.

"We 're going to induce to get to Hogsmeade,"Albus said,"You wait here. I 'll get my Cloak and the map. Then we 'll sneak into Hogsmeade and Floo to the Ministry."

Matt nodded."You Guy do n't bear to total. You can go to the match."

"Are you genial ?"John exclaimed,"That bloke out there is probably spoiled than Willinson. We 're not letting you do this alone."

Albus nodded in agreement before waving his baton and undoing the locking charms. He cautiously looked out into the corridor before leaving. It was empty.

Much to Albus 's fill-in, both the Cloak and the map were right where he 'd left them. He shoved them into his gown and ran back to the classroom. Matt, John, and Kaden were all talking quietly. lusterlessness did n't face any less scared, but at least he did n't seem to be in shock anymore.

"We 're not all going to fit underneath it,"Albus said as he unfolded the cloak.

"You three get under it,"Gospel According to John said immediately,"I 'm marvellous so I 'll direct up the most room anyway. Plus, if we meet up with Lubar again, I 'm the best liar."

Albus could n't argue there. Both he and Matt were horrible prevaricator and Kaden still had n't gotten over his inability to stay fresh secrets.

"You take the map, then,"Albus handed the map to John,"We 've got to get to the one-eyed witch statue on the third floor.

Albus threw the Cloak over himself, Matt, and Kaden, and the three of them followed Saint John out of the way. The corridor was still empty, a lot to Albus 's fill-in.

John set a very firm pace and he was soon quite a bit ahead of Albus and the others. Albus could n't say anything, though, as it would give away his presence. Instead he tried to run as fast as he could while making the least amount of noise possible.

The son made it down the two escape of steps necessary to get to the third floor and arrived at the statue without seeing anyone. Albus pulled the Cloak off of them and stuffed it into his pouch. With a quick tap of his scepter, he statue 's hump opened and the boys climbed inside.

Albus lit his wand and took off down the pocket-size passage. lustrelessness, John the Divine, and Kaden followed suit.

"Why did Kendrick let him in ?"trick asked as they ran,"Does n't he know what he did ?"

"Yes,"mat answered,"I do n't opine Kendrick knows he 's here."

"What did he do ?"Kaden asked.

"You do n't think he came here to see you ?"Albus asked matt,"I mean, remember when Killigan saw us that one time and he seemed so interested in finding you ?"

"Of course I do,"lusterlessness muttered,"And it really would n't storm me if that 's why he 's here. But I 'm betting there 's another reason."

"What did he do ?"Kaden repeated, a bit louder.

"Why else would he be here ?"Albus asked,"The friction match ?"

"Maybe, but I 'm betting it 's got something to do with Linda,"Matt replied,"I do n't know for surely, but it seems too coincidental for him to be here just to see me."

"What did he do ?"Kaden shouted,"Why would he desire to see you ?"

Matt stopped running and wheeled around to look at Kaden."It 's a long taradiddle. Lubar 's got a grudge against my dad, one that he obviously still has even though we have n't lived in Commonwealth of Australia for six years,"lusterlessness paused,"He passed a lot of laws against werewolves and I wound up having to transform with a gang of former wolfman. It was bad."

Matt resumed walking and did n't flesh out on the subject. Kaden did n't ask him to.

"What 's your dad going to do about it ?"Kaden asked.

"I dunno,"Matt shrugged,"Maybe talk to Kendrick or something."

There was no doubt in Albus 's mind that Matt 's dad would be able to get Lubar to go forth Hogwarts, possibly even leave the country. Albus had known little about Mr. Eckerton prior to this class, but now he knew that you did not desire to be on his bad side. When it came down to it, Mr. Eckerton was the one who had Balladanis sacked.

The enactment finally began to rise until it came to an disconnected stop at a knotty wooden doorway. Albus pressed his ear to the threshold, but heard nothing. He carefully pushed it candid, wincing as it creaked.

Seeing nonentity in the warehousing room beyond, Albus beckoned his friends forward. The elbow room was dimly lit, enough for Albus to see a huge sum of loge littering the floor. On the far wall he could see a fireplace.

The male child climbed over the diverse boxful and stood in front of the fireplace. Albus located a small carrier bag of Floo Powder and then lit a fire. He turned to his friends.

"You ca n't Floo directly into someone 's subject field at the Ministry. We 're going to give birth to go to the Atrium,"Albus told them,"I 'll go first, you follow."Albus took a handful of pulverization and then handed the bag to Matt.

He tossed the powder into the flame and stepped inside, shouting"The Ministry of Magic !"

Albus stumbled out of a dissimilar open fireplace seconds later. The Atrium was nearly deserted, save for a few wizards striding towards the elevation, clearly too busy to notice Albus.

mat landed rather ungracefully on the floor. He picked himself up, brushing stray ash off his robes.

"Place is deserted,"Matt said as he looked around.

"It 's a Saturday,"Albus pointed out,"Does your dad work Sat ?"

"Yeah,"lusterlessness nodded,"At least mornings."

John was next to step out of the fervidness, doing so more elegantly than Matt had. He stood in front of the fire, staring around at the Atrium. His centre rested on the fountain of Magical Brethren.

"This is More fancy than I imagined,"John said.

"Bloody infernal region !"Kaden shouted as he fell out of the flame,"This is the Ministry ?"

"Yes,"lustrelessness said quickly,"But we have n't got fourth dimension to search. Let 's go."

Albus followed Matt towards the desk in the forepart of the Atrium. There was an old wizard leafing through a written matter of the Quibbler, unmindful to his surroundings. Albus almost thought they 'd be able-bodied to cabbage around him, but he looked up just as they were about to pass.

"Where do you think you 're going ?"he asked and then his centre rested on Albus,"Albus Severus potter. Why are n't you in school ?"

"Er,"Albus began, a little unnerved that the man knew who he was.

flatness stepped in social movement of Albus."We need to go see my dad. He 's the Head of the Department for the regulation and mastery of Magical Creatures. It 's sort of an emergency."

"Very well,"the man looked at them oddly,"Put your verge up here."

Albus did as he was told and the others followed suit. They waited impatiently as the old star tested their verge and then handed them back. He waved them on towards the lifts.

"What 's the point of that ?"Kaden asked as they waited for a lift.

"So if you murder anyone, they can tell whose wand did it,"Albus said bluntly.

"That 's cheerful,"Kaden replied.

Once the rise arrived, the boys piled in and Matt pushed the number four. cypher said anything as the lift creaked its way to the one-quarter floor.

mat took off at a run down the corridor after they left the lift. Albus had never been to this item floor. It looked rather similar to the Magical Law Enforcement 's floor, with nondescript solidification of twice threshold on one side.

Matt skidded to a stay in front of the only if door that was single and banged his hired man loudly on it. When there was no answer after a few secondment, he banged again.

"cargo hold your hippogriffs !"called a voice from the inside,"I 'm coming, I'm-"flatness 's dad said as he opened the door.

Mr. Eckerton seemed to immobilise at the visual sense of his son and the early three boys. He gaped at them for a second before shaking his head.

"lusterlessness ?"he asked and rubbed his eyes, as if he thought he was seeing a delusion,"But, why are n't you in school ? How did you get here ? Why are you here ? Albus ? What are you- and john, Kaden ?"

His middle rested on lusterlessness again."lusterlessness ? What 's awry ?"

Mr. Eckerton stepped aside and let the boy into his subject field. He shut the doorway quietly behind them.

The study reminded Albus of his dad 's. There were with child windows on the English opposite the threshold, although the prospect exterior was not real, nor was the assuage rainwater that was pattering onto it.

There was a great leather covered electric chair behind the vast oak desk and a few smaller chairs in strawman of it. Along the other two walls were shelf with warhead of volume. Most of them were about several wizard creatures.

Albus, Matt, and John the Divine took the place that were in front of the desk while Kaden wandered around the study looking at thing. Mr. Eckerton leaned against the front of his desk and looked at his son.

"What 's happened ?"he asked quietly.

"L-Lubar,"flatness said in barely more than a susurration,"He-he 's at Hogwarts."

"What ? !"Mr. Eckerton exclaimed.

"We were on our way to the Quidditch net,"Matt said,"A-and we saw him."

"Bloody hell !"Mr. Eckerton stood up and slammed his clenched fist loudly against his desk,"Did prof Kendrick appropriate this ?"

"I do n't know,"Matt replied,"B-but everyone else was at the compeer and he was just lurking about the castle."

Mr. Eckerton 's case hardened. He looked just like he had when he talked with Professor Balladanis earlier in the term."Let 's go, boys,"he said darkly,"I 've got to have a Logos with professor Kendrick."

Albus followed Mr. Eckerton out of his cogitation and down towards the lifts. John Lackland 's walking speed was nothing compared to Matt 's dad 's. The son had to run to keep up.

"Where did you Floo from ?"Mr. Eckerton asked once they were in the lift.

"Honeyduke 's,"Albus answered.

"We 'll Floo there now,"Mr. Eckerton replied.

The magician at the welcome desk looked at them curiously as they rushed towards the hearth, but did n't say anything.

Mr. Eckerton handed Albus a bit of Floo Powder and gestured for him to go first. Albus stepped into the flame and shouted,"Honeyduke 's !"

Albus began to whirl faster and faster. He saw glance of multitude 's houses, shops in Diagon Alley, and a variety of other seat he did not recognize. Then, out of one of the hearth, came a hand. Everything seemed to slow down, but Albus was n't sure if it actually did or not.

The hand grabbed him. Albus fought against it, but it was too solid. All of a sudden he was laying on a dusty wooden floor, one that was not at all like the one in Honeyduke's.

Albus coughed and stood up. His heart was beating fast. What had happened ? Why was n't he in Honeyduke 's ? Where was he ? Whose hired man was that ?

Albus grappled for his verge and shakily held it up. He lit it and looked around the elbow room, seeing no one.

"Nice to see you, Potter,"a dusty phonation said from behind him.

Albus jumped and turned around. There, crouching following to the fireplace with his hand inside of it, was Lubar. He looked even more creepy in the dank room than he did in Hogwarts.

The fireplace glowed unripened and Lubar yanked his arm out of it. St. John came tumbling out of the fervour and scrambled too his foot, looking about.

Lubar muttered something underneath his breath and stuck his hand in the ardour again.

"What the ?"John whispered to Albus,"Where are we ? Is that ? Bloody the pits !"

"Shut up !"Lubar shouted.

Albus gazed around the room. It looked vaguely familiar, but Albus could n't put his finger's breadth on it. The windowpane were boarded up, but it was definitely not the Shrieking shack. Albus doubted that was connected to the Floo Network anyway.

The fireplace glowed green yet again, this metre sending Kaden onto the floor. This earned another vociferation from Lubar, who stuck his bridge player in the blast again.

Kaden gaped and then got to his feet and stood next to Albus. He looked absolutely terrified, even before he laid eyes on Lubar.

Albus wanted goose egg more than to run from the room, but he did not know where the building was even located. Plus, Lubar would probably stun him or something.

Green lightness filled the room as the fireplace glowed once more. Albus knew even before it happened that matte would be the one to next fall out of the flames. Mere seconds later, that hunch was confirmed.

Matt coughed and scrambled to his feet. He gasped when he saw Lubar and ran over to Albus.

Lubar, finally satisfied, doused the flak and lit his wand, which illuminated his sinister side. He began to pace slowly in front of them.

"Well, well, you went crying to papa just as I expected,"Lubar grinned manically,"I do love when things work out the way I expect them to."

Albus could feel lustrelessness shaking following to him. He gripped his scepter hard, debating whether to try and disarm Lubar.

"Any melodic theme where you are ?"Lubar asked,"Dervish and Banges. Lovely workshop, pathos about the owner. Yes, a real shame."

Lubar did n't seem at all disordered about what happened to the shop owner. Albus looked around the workshop again and now he recognized it.

"fountainhead, let 's not waste our metre here,"Lubar said,"There 's a few the great unwashed who 've been dying to see you."Lubar snapped his fingers three prison term and Albus heard pace on the stairs.

tierce thaumaturge descended the stairs and strode into the elbow room. They lit their wands at the like time and Albus gasped when the luminosity showed their faces. Jarrett and Quinton Willinson, along with Washburn. Three people Albus hoped never to see again.

Albus swallowed hard. He could see no way out of this. As estimable a dueler he was, he was up against four fully condition star. Three of them did not own the skill to duel, but Albus had no idea what Lubar was up to of.

"Ah, yes,"Lubar smirked,"What a lovely reunification. Unfortunately we have n't got time to chat."

Before Albus knew it, Washburn had him in a headlock with his scepter pointed at his cervix. Quinton Willinson had Kaden and his father had John. Matt, seeing his friends restrained, made a run for the dear window.

"Not so fast, Pres Young wolfman,"Lubar caught him by the back of his robes and wrapped one of his arms around his middle.

Lubar reached into his robes with his complimentary manus and pulled out an old tea kettle hole. He held it out to the other three men and each one put a unblock hand on it. Albus knew what was going to happen right before it did. He shared a frightened glance with flatness before feeling a jerk behind his belly button.


A/N : Thanks to my genus Beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as everyone who has read and reviewed this !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.
A/N : I decided to do part of this chapter from Harry 's point of horizon. It begins in his tip of survey and then switches back to Albus 's. star indicate where the power point of view switches.


"Spectacular save by Peach State Weasley !"the reviewer shouted.

Harry grinned as his niece threw the Quaffle back into gambol. It was immediately taken into monomania by Hogwarts, and all three pursuer threw it back and Forth River as they flew to the Australian end of the pitch.

"mark ! Hogwarts has scored against Commonwealth of Australia, bringing the total to 50-20 Hogwarts !"

Harry stood up and shouted as loudly as the scholar. One thing he loved about the Quidditch tournament was that he did n't have to try and conceal his excitement when Hogwarts scored. During house matches, he had to try and make believe he was indifferent, even though he obviously supported Gryffindor.

As happy as Harry was about the Hogwarts chaser being very skilled, he did not have hope that Hogwarts would actually win. Commonwealth of Australia 's seeker, Linda Morales, was the practiced Seeker Harry had ever seen outside of professional Quidditch. He knew that his son, James, was good, but he was n't delusional. Linda was brilliant.

There was something odd about her, though, and Harry could n't put his finger on it. Her pep pill on a broom just did n't seem cancel. Professional Quidditch participant would kill for her speed.

"I 'm surprise she has n't found the Snitch yet,"Neville muttered to Harry.

"Yeah,"Harry nodded as he watched Linda slowly circling above the tar. William James was doing the same,"It 'll be soon, though."

Harry turned his gaze to the relaxation of the staff who were sitting around him. Most of them were quite reserved. cypher seemed to be showing the enthusiasm Harry was. He did n't give care. Harry did n't share their belief that teachers could n't get overly excited about Quidditch.

A few professor stood up and then sat back down again as someone squeezed their way past them. Harry craned his drumhead and was surprised to see Walter Eckerton.

Harry did n't bed the man well. They 'd met on function at the Ministry, although Harry had a belief he 'd be seeing more of him now that he was heading of the department for the regularisation and ascendancy of Magical Creatures.

What Harry mostly knew about Walter Eckerton was more on a personal than professional floor. Harry had never met a father who was more protective of his son than Bruno Walter Eckerton, although he did have skillful reason. Never a more devoted father, either.

Walter continued his way past the other prof until he stopped in front of Harry. Harry was even to a greater extent shocked to see the verbalism on his face. headache was etched in every section of his face, bringing out the wrinkles, but there was anger in his eyes.

"Bruno Walter,"Harry shook his hand as he stood up,"What 's going on ?"

"Not here,"Walter muttered,"I need a word in private."

Harry told Neville he 'd be right on back and he followed Walter out of the stands. They continued walking until they were a short circuit distance away from the pitch and then Bruno Walter stopped.

"The boys have just been to see me at the Ministry,"Bruno Walter said as soon as he 'd stopped.

"Wait, what ?"Harry asked,"You mean Albus and Matt ?"

"Yes, and the other two as well,"Walter said quickly,"You 've heard of Ralph Lubar, the Head of the section for the Regulation and ascendence of Magical Creatures in Australia ?"

Harry nodded, slightly confused at the change of subject."Yes, not a very tolerant bloke, is he ?"

Walter 's face hardened."That 's a gracious way of putting it. The blighter is sick and twisted and he 's got a score against me. Very tenacious story and I have n't got prison term to evidence it. myopic translation is that when Matt was eight, Lubar passed a law that required him to transform in a construction with other werewolves, older wolfman. Nearly killed him. It was right before we moved. For whatever reason, Lubar decided to visit Hogwarts today, possibly under the pretending of attending the Quidditch match.

"The boys saw him and Flooed to the Ministry from Honeyduke 's. Matt 's absolutely terrified of him, which is why they came to me. I came back with them. They Flooed before I did, but when I arrived at Honeyduke 's they were n't there. I 've already spoken with the owners of the shop as well as a few other Hogsmeade resident physician. No one 's seen them. We 've got to find them."

Harry 's heart sank."You do n't believe Lubar 's got them, do you ? He 's not severe, is he ?"

"To Matt, yes, but I have n't the slightest idea as to why he 'd desire the other boy,"Walter said.

"Even if he did only want matte, he 'd have to get Albus as well because I know Albus would n't let him deal lustrelessness sitting down,"Harry replied, and started walking briskly towards Hogsmeade,"Let 's go. I 'll get every available Auror on this."

******

Albus tried as hard as he could to dislodge himself from Washburn 's grasp as he was Portkeying to who knows where. All Albus knew about the location was that it must be far away. Portkeying is usually mostly instantaneous, but this meter there was a significant lag. Albus had time to try and get away, not that it did anything.

The endorsement clue that their finish was far away was the fact that it was very dark when Albus finally landed on the terra firma. Not dark like an impending tempest either. Dark as in night.

Washburn had let go of Albus as they landed and Albus hastened to get to his metrical foot. forte clump around him told him that his champion had landed as well.

The ground was dull and unvoiced and the foliage around them was dense. Albus assumed they were in some sort of forest. He gazed around and saw a lot of unfamiliar Tree that seemed to stretch out towards the starry sky.

There was no Moon to shed light on the forest. Lubar, the Willinsons, and Washburn had walked a few thou away from the boys and were whispering to each other. All four had lit their scepter, but it was n't adequate wand luminousness to establish Albus a dear view of his surroundings.

Matt, john, and Kaden had all scrambled over to where Albus was and were standing quite close to him, their wand out. Albus pulled his own out as well, but did n't dare fall it.

"Why is it night ?"Kaden whispered.

"Where the hell are we ?"John asked.

"We 're in Australia,"lusterlessness said in awe, as if he was just coming to terms with that fact.

"We Portkeyed across an ocean ?"Kaden gasped.

When Albus thought about it, it made mother wit. Lubar was from Australia, so why should n't he choose them there ? It was quite far away from anyone who would be looking for them.

What did n't take gumption was why Lubar was with Washburn and the Willinsons. As far as he could secernate, the four necromancer seemed to be working together, but why ? Lubar lived halfway across the world. How had he met the Willinsons ?

"Is this anywhere near your old house ?"John asked.

"How should I know ?"Matt snapped,"Australia 's a huge country !"

"I just thought if we were near it, we could hide there,"John muttered.

"You would n't want to,"flatness said,"My stupid person cousin owns it now."

"You have a cousin ?"Albus asked.

"Not important,"Matt said quickly.

Albus nodded."How are we going to get out of this ?"

"They 're not paying attention,"John whispered, gesturing to where the four wizards stood huddled in a lot,"Maybe if we run for it."

"The Portkey 's right field there,"Matt pointed to the tea kettle, which was a few feet away,"If we can just get to it."

"All right,"Albus whispered,"On the enumeration of three. One ... two ... three."

Albus ran as quietly as he could towards the Porkey. He was about to pick it up when it soared up into the air. Albus looked up and saw Lubar sneering at him, with the Portkey in his hand.

"That wo n't do,"Lubar said as he stowed the Porkey in his cloak. He turned to the former three men."They 're trying to get away."

"What do you expect ?"Jarrett said rudely,"There 's four of them ! Do you gain how lots more difficult this is going to be now ? We only needed Potter ! But no, you had to go and insist on bringing that werewolf kid as well."

"You would n't even make managed this if it were n't for me !"Lubar growled,"So do n't go telling me what I should and should n't give done."

"wellspring, now we 've wound up with two duplicate single as well,"Jarret muttered.

"They 're kids, how much trouble can they be ?"Lubar smirked.

"You do n't be intimate this lot,"Washburn replied,"They 're the intellect we have n't had luck before."

"I thought that was because of your incredible stupidity,"Lubar said.

Albus was very intrigued. Lubar was arguing with them as if he knew them well. Had Lubar really been working with them all along ?

What did they need him for anyway ? What had Willinson meant when he said 'we only needed Potter'?

"Shut it, Lubar,"Jarrett said.

"I 'll say what I like,"Lubar replied,"This is my Bush, not yours."

"You own the timber now ?"Jarrett asked.

"As a matter of fact, I do,"Lubar snapped.

"Ministry must be paying you well."

"Indeed they are,"Lubar said and turned to lusterlessness,"So many age have passed. recount me, what is it like pretending to be something you 're not ?"

To Albus 's surprise, it was privy and not matte who went flying at Lubar. Lubar disarmed Gospel According to John with a lazy wave of his wand, leaving John stunned in front of him. It appeared that Lubar was a significantly better dueler than either of the Willinsons or Washburn.

Pocketing lavatory 's baton, Lubar turned back to matt, who was shakily holding his wand up.

"It does n't weigh what body politic you 're in,"Lubar seethed,"You 're the same thing no matter where you live. The law of nature do n't switch what you are. make as practically as you like, but it wo n't change a thing."

Now Albus wanted to go after Lubar. The anger was boiling up inside of him and he did n't think he had ever felt more raging in his intact life, and that included every encounter he had had with Scorpius Malfoy. Malfoy was like a downlike kitten compared to Lubar.

However, Albus held himself back. John was already wandless. It would do them no good if Albus got disarmed as well. Something told him to wait, to look until he could catch them off guard.

"What about your begetter ? I hear he 's the head of the department in Britain now,"Lubar smirked,"Guess it 's just a affair of meter until the same thing happens. You 'll have to flee again."

lustrelessness was visibly trembling now. Albus wracked his brain, trying to image out what to do. What could they do ?

"Oh, for Merlin 's sake !"Jarrett strode forward,"How is this helping things ? Did we really risk Portkeying a gang of kids to Australia just to waste prison term taunting one of them ?"

"tranquillity !"Lubar shouted,"I 'll do what I like !"

"Excuse me !"Kaden said loudly, turning to Lubar,"But how in the name of Merlin do you lie with them ?"He gestured to the Willinsons and Washburn.

Albus held his breath, waiting for Lubar to put some sort of jinx or bane on Kaden. Sometimes his cousin was quite dense. It seemed obvious to Albus that this was a time not to ask questions.

To Albus 's surprise, Lubar smiled. It was a twisted variety of smile, but a smile nonetheless.

"I think that 's a fair query,"Lubar said."My first cousin married this idiot,"Lubar pointed at Jarrett.

"You 're married ?"Kaden gaped at Jarrett, causing Albus to groan. Why would n't Kaden just shut up ?

"Not for much longer,"Jarrett muttered,"Can we please just get on with this ?"

"Patience, cousin,"Lubar said as he began to take the air slowly around the early three,"We mus n't do this hastily. hurry is the rationality you three have failed prior to tonight."

Fail at what ? What were they going to do ? The only affair Albus could reckon of was getting the Hallows, but all three Hallows were in England. If that was their program, they would n't have taken them to Australia.

Albus glanced nervously at lusterlessness, who still looked scared out of his mind. Something was still telling Albus not to try and duel the men. Lubar seemed smart, much smarter than the other three, and that scared Albus more than than anything else. There was a big departure between dueling individual who was chic and dueling soul who was an idiot.

******

The Ministry seemed deserted when Harry and Walter Flooed there a short patch later. Harry had briefly questioned the owners of Honeyduke 's, but they had not seen any of the boys.

Harry and Walter ran towards the lifts at top hurrying, not pausing to answering the questioning stare of the fella at the welcome desk. The face lifting could not go fast enough for the two men. Harry nearly pulled the room access open when they finally arrived at Magical Law Enforcement 's floor.

The Auror office was slightly more lively than the rest of the Ministry, but not much. Three Aurors were inside, two of whom hastily shoved away a pile of Exploding ginger snap cards and stood up upon seeing Harry arrive. The other Auror, a rather brusque but stocky beldame, shoved the book she was reading in the drawer, and joined the other two.

"thrower, sir !"the witch said,"We thought you were at Hogwarts today !"

"I was,"Harry said in darkness and explained the situation.

The three Aurors looked sick as they waited for Harry to gift them instructions.

"Dabney,"Harry turned to the taller of the wizards,"Brighton,"he looked at the witch,"Get started with an all-encompassing lookup of Hogsmeade. I 'm calling in everyone who is n't busy with anything else. Tiburon and Oswald are on obligation in Hogsmeade today, inform them of the situation."

Dabney and Brighton nodded before dashing out of the elbow room. Harry turned to the remaining Auror."Lewster, you will be searching the Forbidden Forest as soon as somebody else arrives."

Harry pulled out his baton and muttered a piece. An tremendous silvery stag flew out of his wand and Harry whispered to it. The Patronus glided out of the room and Harry leaned against the nearest desk.

It was n't long before Harry heard footsteps in the corridor. He looked up at the doorway just as Ron was running through, followed by half a twelve early Aurors.

"Harry, what 's going on ?"Ron said in a worried tone.

Harry rehashed the total situation again. Ron 's typeface paled."What about Rose, was she with them ?"

"No,"Walter shook his head,"It was just the boys."

"Thank Merlin,"Ron whispered,"But Harry, what about Willinson ? D'you think he 's got anything to do with this ?"

"It 's crossed my brain,"Harry muttered,"But I have n't got a clew as to how Lubar would get it on him."

"With drear star, you just never know,"Ron pointed out.

"I know,"Harry nodded,"Ron, lead the hunt of the Forbidden Forest. Lewster 's going with you. And rent Daniels and Joseph Smith with you."

Ron nodded and left the elbow room, followed by Lewster and two other wizards. The remaining four Aurors looked to Harry.

"The rest of you can search the castle and reason. Be discrete. I do not wish to break up the Quidditch match unless it is absolutely necessary,"Harry instructed.

The Aurors left the room and Harry turned to Walter. He slowly shook his read/write head. Why was it always Albus ? This was the tertiary twelvemonth he had gotten into worry. Albus 's yr at Hogwarts were reminding Harry dangerously of his own.

"I 'd better go Floo home base and say Julie what 's going on,"Walter sighed,"She 's going to fall apart."

Harry nodded as Walter left the room. Ginny. Harry snapped his headway up. She was going to be watching the lucifer, but was going to be late. She 's probably there now, Harry thought. She 'd be looking for him.

Harry slowly left the room. How was he going to recite his married woman that Albus had been kidnapped and he did n't have a cue as to where he was ?

******

"You 're just too afraid to do it !"Jarrett shouted at Lubar,"What could possibly go ill-timed ? We 're halfway across the macrocosm from the Aurors that are looking for this lot !"

"Once again you have proved your betise,"Lubar replied,"Do you substantiate who we 've taken halfway across the world ? Harry ceramicist 's son ! You have n't a clue as to how things work in the Ministry !

"I can assure you that at this very instant, the intact Auror Department is looking for them. Harry Potter 's probably got every Auror on this typesetter's case. It wo n't take them long to realize that we 're not in England.

"And this one,"Lubar gestured to mat,"He 's got the most tampering parents in the world. They 'd sooner bolt down everyone in the world before letting something happen to him. Very irritating. They wo n't rest until they find him. Not to mention the fact that he 's the son of a Ministry functionary. We 've got two youngster of two of the most prominent Ministry officials of Britain. Think, Jarrett, think ! We 've got to be careful !"

"Well, you 're the one who wanted to fill the werewolf, too,"Jarrett growled.

"And you 're the one who insisted we take ceramicist 's son !"Lubar shouted,"Why do we even need him ?"

"We just do !"Jarrett shouted back.

"If both of you changeling had n't wanted to bring in the kids, we could 've done this whole matter without the Ministry finding out,"Washburn cut in.

"Shut up !"Lubar and Jarrett said at the same time.

Maybe if they kept arguing, they would n't have a chance to do whatever it was they wanted to do before the Aurors found them, Albus thought. He could only hope that the wizards would have enough to reason about.

"Are we going to do it here ?"Jarrett asked,"Or go to the sign of the zodiac ?"

"Have you learned naught ?"Lubar shouted,"When they find out that we 're here, the for the first time place they 'll look is the house."

"Got any serious ideas ?"Jarrett seethed,"Have you got a secret little shack somewhere in this country ?"

"No,"Lubar snapped,"We 're taking them to the outback. passel of places to cover, not very inhabit. Perfect place."

Before Albus could even mull over running away, Jarrett had his arm in a frailty grip again. Matt was once again in the clutches of Lubar, and John and Kaden were both caught by the Willinsons.

Albus knew very little about the Australian outback, just that it was n't desirable for much homo inhabitation. However, the one slice of info he did make out about it was that it was where most of the dementors that used to defend Azkaban had gone. That, and it was a somewhat democratic place for vampires.

Lubar and Jarrett had stopped bickering. Albus had two seconds to actualize what was happening before he felt the familiar but unpleasant mavin of side-along Apparition.


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as all of the awesome people who have read and reviewed this !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.
A/N : Like the previous chapter, this one goes back and Forth between Albus 's and Harry 's perspectives.


Albus stumbled as he landed, breaking complimentary of Jarrett 's grasp. He tripped over a rock and landed face first in the George Sand. Spitting the grittiness out of his mouth, he stood up and glanced around.

It was still far too iniquity to see anything but the precis of mountains in the distance. The outback seemed very hollow and very smooth. There was a very diminished clump of George Walker Bush and tree nearby, but besides that, Albus did not see very much else in the way of plant animation.

Albus immediately knew why Lubar had taken them there. He had never been in such a abandoned post in his life history. There was absolutely aught around them. Even if Albus had decided to run away, he would n't receive gotten very far. As grave as staying with Lubar was, Albus knew he would experience no chance of surviving if he ran off into the outback.

Lubar seemed to know that Albus and the others would n't run away. He neglected to use any sort of R-2 to tie them up or put any spells around them. Instead, he walked a short distance in the direction of the mountains and gestured for the Willinsons and Washburn to trace them.

"What are we going to do ?"whoremonger seethed,"Has anyone got any mind where we are ?"

"The outback 's huge,"flatness replied,"I bet we 're mightily in the middle of it. The nearest civilization 's probably miles away."

"So we 're done for,"can groaned,"What do they even want with us anyway ?"

"No mind,"Albus said,"But if they keep arguing, we might not have to find out out."

"Do you really remember your dads are going to be able to find us ?"can asked skeptically.

"Lubar 's right,"Albus said,"The whole Ministry 's going to be looking. I think they 'll line up us."

"Does stuff like this happen every class ?"Kaden asked,"I mean, last twelvemonth I got kidnapped by Willinson and now we all were. What 'll materialise following year ?"

"Hopefully nothing,"Albus said.

"If there is a following year,"Saint John muttered.

"Shut up over there !"Lubar shouted as he walked back over to the male child,"I did n't tell you to blab !"

"Lubar !"Jarrett seethed as he pointed to someplace in the aloofness,"There 's people gathering over there ! We 've got to go somewhere else !"

Albus looked towards where Jarrett was pointing and his heart leapt a bit. There was a small gathering of trope a few yards away. Could his dad have found them already ?

"calmness down,"Lubar said,"They 're just lamia. They wo n't bother us. I know that coven. They know in effect than to mess with me. I 'll make life pretty miserable for them if they do."

"Cutting deals with vampires now ?"Jarrett asked.

"Proving to be helpful, is n't it ?"Lubar answered.

Albus 's hopes sank once again. Lubar seemed more confusing than ever. He cut tidy sum for vampires but passed restrictive legal philosophy on lycanthrope ? It did n't do sense.

The men lowered their voices again and Albus wished he had a few Extendable Ears with him. He did n't dare blab to his friends, just sent them anxious glimpse every now and then.

A stale wind blew over them and Albus shivered. It was the sort of cold that chilled him to the bone. Hoping that it was n't going to rain, or blow ( was n't it winter in Australia ? ), he looked to the sky. There were no clouds, but what Albus saw was lots sorry than clouds.

Five or six cloaked figures were slowly circling above them. Although he had never before seen one, Albus recognized them as dementors immediately. Despite the dark, Albus could clearly wee-wee out their descriptor. As they got closer, he could even hear their rattling breath.

The world in front of him began to float. He felt like he was going to exceed out, but he knew it was just the dementors sucking all the happiness out of him. Albus was left with all his infelicitous thoughts.

His dad was n't going to find oneself them. They would be stuck on the Australian outback until Lubar and the others did what they were going to do. Then who knew what would happen ?

"No, no, no !"Matt shouted.

Albus squeezed his eye shut and then opened them, forcing himself to look towards his friend. flatness was kneeling on the ground, shaking violently. Both John and Kaden were looking at him anxiously, neither seeming to be that affected by the dementors.

Of course the dementors would impress Matt the uncollectible. He had gone through matter that Albus, whoremaster, and Kaden could n't even envisage. It probably did n't avail that Lubar was actually face, either.

Without even thinking, Albus pulled his baton out of his robes. He 'd take heed the conjuration for the Patronus charm before and figured it was worth a stroke. What else could he do besides try ?

"Expecto Patronum !"Albus shouted, pointing his scepter at the sky. goose egg happened.

A happy thought ! How could he birth forgotten that ? It was difficult to recall of one with dementors flying over heard and listening to Matt shouting on the ground.

When the Sorting Hat put him in Gryffindor ! Albus pointed his wand to the sky again."Expecto Patronum ! Expecto Patronum !"

Albus kept shouting the incantation while using assorted happy computer memory. Nothing was happening, but flatness 's shouting was decreasing. Then it stopped. Albus stopped and looked towards the background. It looked like mat had passed out.

Thinking of the day Balladanis had been sacked, Albus pointed his wand at the dementors once again."Expecto Patronum !"he shouted.

A silvery blob exploded from his sceptre and went after the dementors. Albus stood shocked for a few seconds. He had variety of done a Patronus charm !

"Bloody hell,"Saint John whispered.

"Expecto Patronum !"someone shouted from the distance.

Albus looked up and saw Lubar running at them with his wand pointed at the dementors. A silvery squirrel was floating ahead of him and the dementors scattered as it reached them.

Albus 's logy mind immediately cleared and the happiness returned. He quickly stowed his wand in his robes before Lubar thought to disarm him.

"Leave him,"Lubar growled at whoremaster and Kaden, who were bent to the ground trying to get mat to heat up.

"Dementors !"Washburn shouted sarcastically,"This was a flaming splendid shoes to come."

Lubar paid no attention to Washburn 's scuttlebutt. His centre were focused on Albus and he was giving him a very curious look. Albus took a anxious footmark back, but Lubar did not deflect his gaze. Albus immediately closed his mind.

******

"Potter, sir !"

Harry, who had been walking up High Street in Hogsmeade with Ginny, turned around and saw Lewster striding towards him. Harry stopped, hoping he had some just news.

"What is it, Lewster ?"Harry asked.

"Just talked to a few of the centaurs,"Lewster said,"They saw three wizards in the woodland a few hours ago. They recognized one of them as Washburn."

"I 'd bet my close Galleon the other two were the Willinsons,"Harry replied,"Did the centaur know anything else ?"

"Just that Washburn and the others were looking for something. Apparently they were scouring the timberland storey for something,"Lewster answered.

Harry nodded. That did n't surprise him. The Resurrection Edward Durell Stone was someplace in the woodland."Did you see anything ?"

"No,"Lewster shook his read/write head,"And the Centaurus are pretty sure they 've left."

"Very well,"Harry said,"See what else you can find out."

Lewster left and Harry turned to Ginny, who looked afraid.

"Harry, you do n't think that Washburn is with Lubar, do you ?"Ginny asked.

"There 's no doubt in my judgement,"Harry answered,"It 's just a subject of finding them. Listen, I 've got to go look Dervish and Banges. I 've got this hunch about the place. Seems like the perfect place for Washburn to rent them."

Ginny nodded."I 'll go take in the end of the lucifer. I wo n't mention anything to James and Lily yet."

"Good,"Harry said,"I 'll be in touch soon."He kissed her lightly on the frontal bone."We 're going to find him."

"I know,"Ginny replied softly,"arrest safe."

Ginny turned around to walk back to the Hogwarts yard while Harry picked up the pace and walked the inadequate length to Dervish and Banges.

The construction looked utterly abandoned. The windowpane were still boarded up, the locoweed overgrown around it. It certainly did n't depend like anyone was hiding inside, but Harry had to check.

Pulling out his wand, he crept cautiously to the door. He carefully pulled the boards off of it and quietly wrenched the door open. Without lighting his sceptre, he walked inside.

The place had the olfactory modality of a late blast in the open fireplace. Someone had been there. However, there was not a strait from anywhere in the building. Harry lit his wand and saw that it was deserted.

After a thorough check of the entire building, in which Harry found no keep creatures, he returned to the main room. The fireplace was filled with nearly bushed embers and there was a small pile of Floo powder spilled out onto the floor.

The Floo had been used recently. Harry bent down and muttered an incantation that would tell him where the last person to use the fireplace had Flooed from. He waited for the incantation to work, his marrow buffeting.

Soft red pot emitted from his verge, curling together to mold the Word 'Ministry of thaumaturgy .'Harry breathed a suspiration of relief. He was getting somewhere. Without hardly a doubt, Harry knew that Albus and the other son had wound up in Dervish and Banges after going to the Ministry. The only question was, where had they gone after that ?

******

"How old are you, ceramicist ?"Lubar asked.

"Thirteen,"Albus replied, still a bit nervous as to why Lubar was looking at him like that. It reminded him of how Balladanis had looked at him during the minute dueling tournament.

"And they teach the Patronus appeal to thirteen-year-olds at Hogwarts ?"Lubar replied.

"No,"Albus shook his head, although when he thought about it, Balladanis may have taught him and Malfoy Patronuses if he had n't gotten sacked."That was the first fourth dimension I 'd tried it."

"Very intriguing,"Lubar said as he turned to the other three men,"This lot did n't tell me you were skilled at Defensive magic."

"You never asked,"Jarrett muttered,"But is potter 's aptitude for Patronuses really relevant to what we 're doing ?"

"It matters if they decide to try and hex us !"Lubar snapped,"I think it might be scoop if they 're all wandless."

Albus gulped and clenched his wand harder. He glanced at Matt, who was still unconscious mind. whoremaster did n't have his wand. Kaden was n't very good at dueling. It would be up to him, to Albus, if this came to a duel.

"The only one who 's got any attainment is Potter,"Jarrett said,"The early three are n't going to be difficult."

"fine,"Lubar muttered,"We 'll get started, but I need to spill the beans to you three away from them first."

Jarrett nodded and the men walked a few grounds away and began whispering too quietly for Albus to hear.

Albus bent down to where lusterlessness had collapsed, wishing he knew a healing enchantment or two."lustrelessness, mat,"he whispered,"Wake up."

After a minute or two, matte 's eye fluttered receptive and he sat up."What happened ?"he asked, looking around confusedly.

"You passed out,"Albus told him,"When the dementors were here."

"But Albus cast a Patronus !"John said excitedly.

"You what ?"matt gaped at him.

"It was just silver mist,"Albus told him,"Lubar 's actually the one who got rid of them."

"Probably just for his sake,"matte shuddered,"Did anyone else pass out ?"The other three boys shook their header."Figures,"mat muttered.

"You need some chocolate or something,"Albus said,"Anyone got some ?"

"Might,"Kaden began fishing around in his pockets. He produced a cocoa frog and handed it to lustrelessness, who took it without saying a word.

"Listen,"Albus said,"Whatever it is that they want to do here, they 're doing it soon. Do you believe you can get up ?"

Matt nodded and Albus helped him to his feet. Lubar and the others were walking towards them again. Albus slowly pulled his wand out of his robes and held it to his side, hiding it partially behind his back.

Lubar conjured a pile of wood and set fire to it, illuminating himself, Washburn, the Willinsons, and the boys. Albus was now clearly capable to see the writhe look on Lubar 's face.

"Are you mad ?"Jarrett seethed,"Fire 's going to attract tending !"

Lubar laughed."Fire 's going to secure that those vampires stay away and we 've got to see what we 're doing !"

Albus glanced towards where the vampire had been congregating. They were currently walking farther away from Albus and the others. Thinking back to Linda 's boggart, he remembered that vampires are destroyed by fire. Albus turned back to the men.

Jarrett was holding something out in his hand, but Albus could n't make out what it was. Jarrett, along with Quinton and Washburn, looked quite excited. Lubar looked mildly annoyed and impatient.

"Do you experience what this is, Potter ?"Jarrett asked gleefully.

"No,"Albus said, trying not to sound too nervous.

"It 's the Resurrection stone,"Jarrett answered.

Albus could hardly conceal his pant as he peered closer at Jarrett 's outstretched hand. There was a very minuscule stone sitting in it. The Resurrection Stone. One of the Deathly Hallows. Jarrett had finally succeeded in getting one of the three objects he had been after for years. But how ?

"How ?"Albus asked, trying to fathom confident.

"Ancient magic trick is a beautiful thing, Potter,"Jarrett answered,"There are long forgotten tour, piece that workplace very nicely with long forgotten magical objects such as this stone. It was merely a matter of finding the correct piece, getting to the Forbidden Forest, and putting it to use. Quite round-eyed now that I look back on it."

"Only because you did n't do any of the piece of work,"Lubar muttered,"It was I who found the spell !"

"The other Hallows will prove to be easy to obtain with the help of this,"Jarrett went on, ignoring Lubar 's mutterings.

Albus did not like the sound of that. The Stone itself did one thing and that was bring back the flavor of citizenry who had passed on. How would that assist Jarrett get the early Hallows ?

The Invisibility Cloak. Albus 's stomach plummeted. It was still in his robes. He really hoped Jarrett would n't realize that.

"Another thing that I thought of !"Lubar seethed.

"You think this lot cares who did what ?"Jarrett laughed.

"Oh, just get on with it,"Washburn rolled his eyes.

Jarrett sidestepped past the fire and strode closer to Albus. Albus took a whole step back as his heart started beating faster. He had a very bad feeling about what Jarrett was going to do with that Stone.

"Ah, yes, ceramicist. You should be afraid,"Jarrett 's gaze swept over all four son,"You should all be afraid."

"Quit taunting them and just do it,"Washburn said impatiently.

"With this stone,"Jarrett said a bit louder,"I will bring back Divine Voldemort."

******

Harry burst out of Dervish and Banges, not caring that he had blasted the room access completely off its hinges as he did so. He had to find Walter. He had to find Walter and then go to the Ministry. The open fireplace did not record signs that it had been used to Floo away from the abandoned shop. That left either Apparition or a Portkey, both of which would have left touch that he 'd necessitate the Department of Magical Transportation for.

Harry rounded a quoin as he ran towards Honeyduke 's and nearly ran headlong into a witch. He stepped back and saw it was Ginny. She wore a unknown look of confusion and impact, conflate with mingled fear.

"Ginny,"Harry said,"Sorry."

"Not a problem,"she said quickly,"Have you found anything ?"

"Yes,"Harry answered,"Is the match over ? How badly did we drop off by ?"

"Only a hundred points,"Ginny said,"But we might not consume actually lost. Listen, did you know Commonwealth of Australia 's Seeker is a lamia ?"

"Wait, what ?"Harry gaped at her, trying to envelop his mind around that fact while still focusing his judgement on Albus.

"I 'll explain after we 've found Albus,"Ginny said.

"Right,"Harry agreed,"I 've got a lead. mortal was in Dervish and Banges. They Flooed there from the Ministry ; I 'm sure it was Al and the others. I 've got to find out Bruno Walter and go to the Ministry. I 'm not certainly where that will extend us, but I might not be back for a while."

"Just be heedful,"Ginny said as she gave him a kiss,"And bestow him back."

"I will,"Harry said as he kissed her back,"I 'll see you soon."

"Harry !"

Harry turned and saw Walter striding out of Honeyduke 's. With one stopping point look at Ginny, Harry met Walter half-way.

"We 've got to get to the Ministry,"Harry said immediately, and explained about what he had found at Dervish and Banges and what Lewster had learned from the centaurs.

Bruno Walter nodded and the two men Disapparated on the smirch. They reappeared a little while later in a small Apparition bedchamber in the Ministry.

Passing the bewildered looking security system sentry go for the third gear time that day, Harry and Walter ran to the lifts. Neither of them said a Christian Bible as the lift clattered to the department of Magical Transportation.

The department was nearly deserted, keep for one very world-weary looking crone sitting at a desk.

"Mr. potter, Mr. Eckerton !"she exclaimed as she took her foot off the desk,"Something I can do for you ?"

"Yes,"Harry answered,"I need to know if anyone 's Disapparated from Dervish and Banges in Hogsmeade. Or used a Portkey from that same location. And if you 're able to, I need to know where they went."

"Of course of study, Mr. Potter, of course,"the witch said as she got up. She disappeared into another room, shutting the threshold behind her.

Harry sighed and sat down on the nearest hot seat. Bruno Walter sat down in the side by side one, looking thoroughly miserable.

"We 'll find them,"Harry said quietly.

"I do n't doubt that,"Walter replied,"However, that is not the exclusively thing I am worried about. The live meter Matt had an altercation with Ralph Lubar, he wound up in therapy for months afterwards."

Harry was not expecting that. He did not experience much about therapy, except that mavin did not normally use it. Whatever had happened, it must hold been bad.

"Do you mind if I ask what happened ?"Harry asked, not trusted if he was overstepping some sort of boundary.

Walter did not speak for several s."It 's ok,"Harry said,"You do n't have to explain."

"I will,"Bruno Walter said quietly,"Shortly after lusterlessness was bitten, I became the headland of the Department for the ordinance and command of Magical animate being in Australia. nonentity outside of the section knew about his experimental condition, of grade. Ralph Lubar was given my former locating of head of the Werewolf Control unit of measurement, and was quite green-eyed that I was given the heading position. He could not get over the fact that I was given it, even when my own son had lycanthropy.

"It was a grudge he held against me for many years, until the day finally came when he cracked and let it slue that flatness was a werewolf. A bit of legislation had been passed that required all places of shift be inspected by the Ministry. Lubar inspected flatness 's and it failed on a triviality. Ministry center field were set up for werewolves to transform in, together. lusterlessness was required by law to transubstantiate there since his safe room did not liberty chit. I refused to have him transform there. The written document were all over it. I lost my job. Lubar was appointed to the Head position.

"More legislation was passed. A law that stated that Ministry official could physically push loup-garou into the translation centers. On the day of the full phase of the moon Moon, Lubar Flooed into our firm and took Matt to the nub. By the time I figured out which sum it was, the Sun Myung Moon had risen. It was too late.

"Matt spent weeks in St. Mungo 's. By that time we were nearly quick to move here. He was so traumatise, it took months for him to get over it. To be honest, I do n't recall he 's fully over it.

"The only reason Lubar did it was to try and get to me. That 's why he 's so fed up and twisted,"Walter finished as he put his head in his hand,"I swore I 'd never let him near matte again. Swore I 'd kill him if he went near mat again.

Bruno Walter gave an odd sort of laughter."Listen to me, I 'm telling the Head of the Auror Department that I 'd place murder."

"Just so long as you do n't actually do it when we go salvage the boy,"Harry said, still processing what Walter had told him. It certainly explained a lot- why they were so reluctant to let Matt out of their mickle, why they were n't on the Floo Network.

One thing that Harry could tell was that Walter blamed himself for everything that had happened. Honestly, Harry was n't surprised. If something like that had happened to Epistle of James, Albus, or Lily, he would 've blamed himself, too.

"That was n't your fault,"Harry said quietly,"And this is n't either."

"If I had just Flooed ahead of the boys-"

"It would n't have mattered,"Harry interrupted,"And it 'll do no dependable to consist on it now. It 's in the past."

"That 's exactly what my blood brother said when Matt was in St. Mungo 's,"Walter said wryly.

"Mr. thrower !"the witch came bustling out of the way she had gone into, brandishing a patch of parchment, which she handed to Harry.

Harry stood up as she handed them the parchment. His eyes scanned the parchment. Portkeys. Four Portkeys had left Dervish and Banges a few short hours ago. That in itself did not shock Harry, especially compared to where the Portkeys had gone.

"Australia,"Harry read as he turned to Bruno Walter, who had visibly paled at the word,"They 're in Australia."


A/N : Thanks to my Beta, Dancer of Starlight as well as all of the awesome people who have read and left such endearing follow-up !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.
A/N : Like the previous chapters, this one is also split between Albus and Harry 's perspectives.


Never had Albus wished so difficult that he could Apparate. Why did you have to be seventeen to get your phantom license anyway ? If he ever worked in the Department of Magical Department of Transportation, he would change that law. spectre would 've enabled him to get out of Australia, away from Jarrett Willinson, who was trying to convey back Lord Voldemort with the Christ's Resurrection Stone.

Albus could not think back being more scared in his lifespan. This was far worse than when he had dueled Washburn on the Hogwarts grounds two years ago, far tough than when Quinton kidnapped Kaden the previous year. Godhead Voldemort was far chilling than Lubar, Washburn, and the Willinsons combined.

What would Voldemort look like when Jarrett brought him back ? Harry had said the Harlan Stone could n't actually bring multitude back to lifespan. Albus guessed he 'd be more like a specter. But would he be able to do magic, to do the expletive and hexes he did when he was alive ?

Albus held his breath as he watched Jarrett plow the Harlan Fisk Stone over in his men. Albus had no idea how it worked, but judging by how quiet all of the grownup were, Jarrett was trying to use it.

Over and over again Jarrett turned the Harlan Stone. He did it for so long that Albus had to let out his breather. The commove gleaming on Jarrett 's face slowly dissipated until it was replaced by frustration.

"Why wo n't it puzzle out ?"Jarrett shouted,"Are you prescribed this is the ripe Stone ?"

"Of course I am !"Lubar shouted as he grabbed the Stone,"The spell said it was !"

"well, it 's not working now, is it ?"Jarrett mocked.

Albus breathed a sigh of fill-in. Either they had the amiss gemstone or for whatever reason, Voldemort could n't be brought back with it. Albus was hoping for the former.

Lubar turned the stone over in his hands. On the tierce turning, a strange sort of mist appeared in front of him. Albus 's essence sped up. It had worked.

The mist began to clear and a figure was standing in front of Lubar. The figure was not Lord Voldemort, though. Albus had no melodic theme who had been resurrected, but it certainly was not Voldemort. This someone was a woman, and a light one at that.

Washburn and the Willinsons were exchanging singular coup d'oeil. Lubar, however, was staring directly at the figure, his grimace contorted with something Albus could only take on was sadness.

"M-mother ?"Lubar said as he stepped close to the woman.

"You idiot !"Jarrett shouted,"That 's not Voldemort !"

"I know that !"Lubar snapped and the looked back to the woman, who was apparently his mother,"Mum."

"Ralphy,"the cleaning woman replied.

"I-it 's been so long,"Lubar whispered.

Albus turned to his admirer, who were all staring in confusion at Lubar. lustrelessness in particular was giving Lubar a very strange look. Apparently the stone was the Resurrection of Christ Stone and it did indeed work, just not in the way Jarrett had been planning.

"Very long,"Lubar 's female parent agreed,"But you 've done well. I 'm very proud of you, son."

Albus had to enshroud his lip to conceal his snort. What variety of mother could be gallant of what Lubar had done ?

"I 've tried,"Lubar said,"I swore I would after, after what happened."

"You have,"Lubar 's mum replied,"You 've done me proud."

"Oh for Falco columbarius 's sake !"Jarrett shouted as he ran towards Lubar.

Lubar seemed to bear forgotten that there were other people around. He jumped as Jarrett advanced and Jarrett grabbed the Stone out of his hand.

Lubar 's mother began to melt as soon as Jarrett took the stone. Running towards her, Lubar held out his hands trying to keep her there.

"No !"he shouted,"Mum !"

Mere seconds after Lubar 's female parent completely disappeared, Lubar had his scepter out and was holding it up at Jarrett. Jarrett had taken out his own sceptre, but neither man was hurling jinxes. Washburn and Quinton had taken a few step back.

"You arse !"Lubar shouted,"That was my female parent !"

"I know !"Jarrett replied,"That 's why I did it ! We 're trying to convey back Voldemort here, not your messed up mum !"

"Do not affront my mother,"Lubar seethed and flicked his wand.

Jarrett fell to the undercoat, completely unable to move. Lubar stood over him with his baton directed at his chest.

"My mother was a cover girl soul,"Lubar growled,"You 're sick to be speaking ill of the dead like that."

Albus did n't really recall Lubar should be talking about who is sick and who is n't. Nor did he think his mother was particularly lovely. Never before had Albus thought he 'd agree with Jarrett Willinson on anything, but when it came to Lubar 's mother, he did.

"better they hex each other than us, right ?"whoremaster muttered.

"Good peak,"Albus replied.

"Can we please just get back to bringing back Voldemort ?"Washburn drawled loudly,"I was under the feeling that that 's what we were here for, not to diss each other 's mothers."

Lubar turned his wand on Washburn."Have you anything to say about my mother ? Well, do you ?"

Washburn hastily pulled out his own wand."Er, no, she seemed quite lovely."

"trade good,"Lubar said manically,"Keep it that way, or you 'll end up like him."Lubar gestured to Jarrett, who was still laying paralyzed on the ground, his optic darting about nervously.

******

"Australia,"Walter said weakly,"Bloody hell."

"I 'll ask you to replicate that Portkey,"Harry said to the witch, who nodded and left the room again.

"Bruno Walter,"Harry began,"I am nearly one hundred percent sure that Jarrett and Quinton Willinson, as well as Jameson Washburn are working with Lubar. I am nearly positive that they are with the boys in Australia."

"Right,"Walter agreed,"The evidence surely points that way."

"There is something about that investigation that hardly anyone in the Ministry knows,"Harry lowered his vox,"Nearly a year ago, after Quinton was sent to Azkaban, the Ministry decided that the Auror Department needed some help with capturing the early two. The Minister hired a Presuler."

Walter let out a low whistling and then realization dawned on his face."Wait, you do n't mean-"

"Tethys Balladanis,"Harry said quietly,"Yes, he was the Presuler the Ministry hired. Stationed at Hogwarts under the guise of teaching defense team Against the shadow Arts."

"Bad idea on the Minister 's constituent,"Walter muttered.

"It was my estimate to station him at Hogwarts,"Harry replied,"But I did not know that he would be such an awful teacher."

"I wo n't nurse it against you,"Walter said.

"I appreciate that,"Harry said,"However, since Balladanis is a part of this investigating, I have to contact him and he will have to go with us to Commonwealth of Australia. I understand that you have had your difference, but-"

"If he helps to find flatness, I will forgive him for everything he 's done,"Walter interrupted.

"Here you are, Mr. Potter, Mr. Eckerton,"the witch returned holding a ill-shapen charge card container, which she handed to Harry."If I can be of anymore aid, let me know."

"That 's it for now,"Harry said as he took the container,"Thanks."

******

Albus stood frozen as the four men dueled each other. all unsure of what to do, yet very well-chosen that they seemed to possess momentarily forgotten about the son, Albus just stood there watching. Matt, John, and Kaden did the Same, although bathroom looked more than a bit apprehensive, to the highest degree potential due to his lack of a wand.

Washburn had attempted to remove the Stone from Lubar, who had taken it back from Jarrett, shortly after Lubar had stunned Jarrett. Apparently Lubar did not take kindly to this and hexed Washburn. In the mean time, the stunner had worn off Jarrett and he attempted to hex Lubar.

All four men were running around, throwing hexes at each other while dodging the fervency. Albus was kind of hoping one of them would trip and burn their arms or something. Or even bettor, maybe one or more of them would drop their wand into the fire.

Washburn and the Willinsons were definitely worse for vesture. All three of them were sporting wound. Both Willinsons were limping and Washburn 's entrust arm was being held at an odd Angle.

Lubar seemed all right and even though it appeared that the other three were siding against him, he was coming off better. Albus had to admit that he was very skilled at dueling.

Lubar shot a jet of red visible radiation at Washburn, who went flying over the attack and landed with a sickening thump in front of the boy. He did not move. Albus looked down and saw a small endocarp next to Washburn 's top dog. He bent and picked it up. It was the Resurrection of Christ Stone.

Albus stood up and jumped back. Lubar, Jarrett, and Quinton had all pull ahead towards him. Three scepter were pointed at his bureau, being held by three people with maniacal glow in their eyes.

Albus gulped and held up his own baton, his arm palpitation slightly. Matt and Kaden had done the Sami. John tried to hide behind Matt, but was unsuccessful since he was a good drumhead taller than him.

"Hand it over, ceramicist,"Lubar growled.

With a noncompliant look at Lubar, Albus hastily shoved the Edward Durell Stone into the air hole of his robe and held his verge up higher.

******

"Balladanis."

"Eckerton."

Harry watched as the two men stared at each other. Balladanis had Flooed to the Ministry shortly after receiving Harry 's Patronus. Harry had filled him in on what was going on, but the man had n't taken his oculus off of Walter the entire time.

"We have n't got time for this,"Harry muttered and held out the plastic container,"Let 's just go."

Walter agreed immediately and laid his deal on the Portkey. Balladanis did so as well, with a little hesitation.

With a intimate jerking behind his naval, Harry disappeared from the Ministry. The Portkey tripper was a bit retentive than unity Harry was used to, but it did n't surprise him since he knew they were going to Australia.

Harry landed softly on his ft and held out his wand as he adjusted to the surround. It was cant over total darkness and after he lit his wand, Harry knew they were in the center of a forest.

The forest was disappointingly quiet. The entirely audio were those of animate being and the occasional rustle of trees, brought about by the hint. Not a single sound caused Harry to conceive that there were people about, let alone his son.

"Spread out and search,"Harry announced. The stead may seem deserted, but Albus and the others had been there at some dot. They had Portkeyed there.

None of the wizards said a tidings as they combed the region. Harry left no stone unturned as he looked for the pocket-size trace of evidence of where his son had gone. If only it was n't nighttime. wand did n't provide nearly enough light.

There seemed to be not a hint of anything that showed anyone had been in that country of the wood, let alone where they had gone afterwards. Ralph Lubar was unspoiled at this, that was for sure. Harry swore as he returned to the same station he had started from.

Walter returned a few minutes later, looking even more uneasy than he did before."Nothing,"he muttered,"Not a ripped art object of cloak or a 1 Canute. They did n't stay here long."

Harry groaned and scuffed the primer with his horseshoe. He and Bruno Walter stood quietly as they waited for Balladanis to return.

Balladanis came running towards Harry holding a small metal musical instrument in his deal and an strange form of excited smirk on his brass. He skidded to a halt in figurehead of Harry, holding out the instrument. Harry recognized it as an Apparition detector. They were quite rare. The British Ministry only owned one, for the integral Ministry.

"They 've Disapparated,"Balladanis said hurriedly.

"Obviously,"Bruno Walter muttered,"Any approximation where ?"

"A general idea, yes,"Balladanis replied, ignoring Walter 's sarcastic tone,"They 're on the outback."

"The outback ?"Walter gasped,"Dammit, there 's dementors out there !"

"I am cognisant,"Balladanis said.

"Let 's go, then,"Harry said, placing one of his work force on the metal instrument. It would be capable to run them to the relative expanse they needed to go.

Bruno Walter put his hand on the legal instrument as well and with an exceptionally meretricious crack, all three men Disapparated.

They landed on terrain that was very unfamiliar to Harry. The ground was dusty and sandy and there was hardly any plant life in sight. In the distance there were marvelous mountains and mantled figures floated above them. Harry suppressed a shudder and gripped his baton tighter. Dementors.

What looked like a bellowing bonfire blazed in the distance. Harry glanced at it suspiciously and then looked back to Walter and Balladanis, both of whom were more familiar with the area.

"Only vampires and dementors ever venture out here,"Balladanis said quietly,"Neither of whom would set a fire."

"Let 's go, then,"Harry said and began to lead the small-scale group towards the flickering lights in the distance.

******

"hired hand it over, potter,"Lubar repeated.

Albus gulped and tried to hold his verge more steady. His wand arm was shaking uncontrollably and Albus did n't seem to be capable to apply it steady. His heart was thumping hard in his chest of drawers. Albus was sure everyone was able to get a line it. However, he did not require to consecrate up the Stone. That was one affair he was certainly of. The only way Lubar would be getting it is if he killed Albus first. Which actually, was n't something Albus would put yesteryear him.

"Maybe you should just open it to him,"St. John whispered,"I mean, it did n't work to get Voldemort back."

"No,"Albus seethed, surprised that privy had suggested it. He probably would n't consume if he still had his wand.

"Do you really want to ingest to duel me, ceramist ?"Lubar stepped a bit closer,"There 's three of us and four of you, one of which does n't have a wand. Not safe odds, if you ask me."

"And do you actualize that those two are frightful dueller ?"Albus replied.

"I have noticed,"Lubar smirked,"But they 're fully qualified ; you are not. I 'm going to get that Stone, one way or another."

Lubar flicked his wand and sent a jet of Orange River light at Albus. Albus jumped back and threw up a shell appealingness, concentrating on making it big enough to shield him and his ally. It worked and the orangeness light bounced harmlessly off the shield and hit the ground.

"stay behind me, bathroom,"Albus muttered,"Matt and Kaden, spread out and hit them with whatever spells you know."

Albus concentrated on keeping his shield up while casting other tour, like he had done in Balladanis 's dueling lessons. So far it was working, but Albus never managed to go along the shield up very long.

Lubar was momentarily stunned when he saw Albus 's shield, but he quickly recovered and began sending hex after hex, nonverbally, at Albus and John. Concentrating hard, Albus sent a Stunner at Lubar, but he flicked his wand and it shot off into the distance, hitting one of the lone bushes, which promptly caught fire.

Albus chanced a coup d'oeil at Matt and Kaden. lusterlessness was dueling with Jarrett and it looked like they were pretty equally matched, which was variety of silly as far as Jarrett was concerned. It made Albus feel better though. Quinton and Kaden just seemed to be sending Expelliarmus good luck charm at each former and missing every time.

The shield emitting from Albus 's scepter faltered and faded a bit. Albus renewed his tightness, but the shield was still weaker than it had been before. There was no way he 'd be able to institutionalize any spells through the shield now.

"Your cuticle is weakening, Potter,"Lubar smirked as he sent another ravisher at Albus, which shook the shield.

"Merlin !"Quinton shouted to the right of them. He was hopping on one invertebrate foot and Kaden was laughing hysterically. Albus grinned. Kaden had actually managed to do some sorting of hex, although Albus was n't sure what one it was.

Lubar turned to Quinton and flicked his sceptre at Kaden. Kaden promptly froze and fell to the primer. Albus gasped and his shield disappeared.

"Albus !"John shouted.

Albus turned back to Lubar, but did n't get the carapace back up before Lubar shot a hex at John, who fell to the footing like Kaden had.

"Would n't it be easier just to give me the Lucy Stone ?"Lubar asked as he sent a Stunner at Albus.

Albus deflected it."Not really."

Jarrett and Matt were still dueling. Both were sporting a few combat injury, but naught too serious. Neither seemed to have noticed that toilet and Kaden were Stunned.

Albus managed to hit Lubar with a misstep jinx, which gave him a few seconds to becharm his intimation while Lubar righted himself. Unfortunately this only angered him and he was now sporting a slash across his left cheek.

"Expelliarmus !"Lubar shouted.

Albus jumped to the side and the piece hit a nearby rock. Lubar resumed his gestural spells and Albus continued deflecting them and dodging them, too exhausted to try and hit Lubar with any former jinxes.

"You ca n't proceed dodging them forever, Potter !"Lubar grinned manically.

"Watch me,"Albus said defiantly.

Albus of course knew that Lubar was right. The odds had not really changed. John and Kaden were both out of the engagement and while John was easily the best duelist after Albus, his absence seizure did not put Albus greatly behind. Washburn was out as well and both Willinsons were injured. Quinton was currently on his knees panting, not in any shape to continue dueling. Matt was holding his own against Jarrett, something Albus was both astonished and delighted by.

No, Albus was not trying to whelm Lubar. He knew that would n't be possible. Albus was merely biding for time. He tried to fancy out how long they 'd been gone as he dodged magical spell. It must deliver been at least three or four 60 minutes, although the shadow Australian sky had not changed a bit. Albus wished the lunar month had been out so he could cause monitored its misstep across the sky.

How long would it select his dad to notice them ? foresightful than pattern, Albus thought. They were in the heart of a foreign nation, nowhere near anyplace Harry would be looking.

"I 'm getting annoyed, ceramicist, and you do n't want to see me when I 'm devil !"Lubar shouted, sending another jet of red light at Albus.

Before Albus even had time to read what sort of hex it was, mat gave a screaming of hurting to Albus 's right hand and collapsed to the primer. Jarrett wasted no meter and pointed his wand at Albus.

Albus took a fraction of a second to stick out the fact that he was now perfectly alone, facing two fully grown star. The two sorcerer shot identical jets of drab light at Albus and he managed to tear up a feeble shield.

The force hit him like a 12 Bludgers to the tum. He lost his footing and landed flat on his back, his head hitting a particularly sharp rock.

"I told you not to push, Potter,"Lubar sneered as he loomed over Albus.

"You 're not getting the Stone,"Albus said, forcing away the dizziness. He reached into his robe and pulled out the Stone.

"I disagree,"Lubar said as he made to catch the Stone.

With all the violence Albus could come up, he threw the Lucy Stone as far as he could to the right. In the darkness, it disappeared in a split s and Albus did n't even hear it land.

"No !"Lubar shouted,"You 'll pay for that !"

"scepter where I can see them !"mortal shouted from behind Lubar.

Lubar and Jarrett whipped around as fast as they could. Albus lifted his head slightly and caught a glimpse of his dad, along with a few other adept. He breathed a sigh of relief. They were saved.


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight as well as all of the cover girl people who have read and reviewed this !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Albus managed to sit up mighty before the hexes started flying. Realizing that he dropped his wand when Lubar and Jarrett hexed him, he groped about for it on the ground. Not finding it, he crawled behind a nearby bush and watched.

Jarrett did n't stick around long. He sent one pathetic beauty at Harry, who easily deflected it, and disappeared on the stain. Harry immediately disarmed Lubar before he could do the Saami.

Once Lubar was defenseless, Albus left the base hit of the bush and shakily stood up. He reached the fire and was able to see who the other two wizards next to Harry were. What he saw made him dizzy with shock all over again.

The shorter of the two was Matt 's dad. He was staring stony faced at Lubar. Albus had never seen anyone blaze at anyone else with such hatred and loathing as Matt 's dad glared at Lubar. And that included when his Uncle Ron talked about the Malfoys, or his mum when somebody mentioned Vernon and Petunia Dursley.

It was the other wizard that nearly caused Albus to put across out in shock. He was none other than professor Balladanis. What in the name of pigeon hawk was he doing there ? It looked like he was actually with Harry and Matt 's dad. But why ? Did n't Matt 's dad hatred Balladanis ?

"Eckerton, what a pleasant surprisal,"Lubar smirked.

"Lubar, if we were n't in the presence of an Auror and a Presuler I 'd rip you limb from limb, Muggle dash,"Mr. Eckerton growled.

Albus was slightly stunned by Mr. Eckerton 's choice of words, but remembering what Matt had told him at the origin of the yr, all surprise left him.

"Lucky for me Potter and Balladanis are here, then,"Lubar replied and snatched Washburn 's wand off the ground.

Harry, Mr. Eckerton, and Balladanis all sent different spells at Lubar at the same time, but it was too recently. He was already gone. Mr. Eckerton swore loudly.

"Two ai n't bad,"Balladanis muttered as he gestured to Washburn and Quinton, the latter of whom was still conscious but not completely cognizant of his surroundings.

"That 's the glaring difference between you and I,"Mr. Eckerton muttered as he moved swiftly past Quinton and Washburn to reach Matt.

"Dad !"Albus shouted.

Harry looked up from Kaden 's unconscious mind cast and raced towards Albus. Albus threw his arms around his dad and the two of them hugged each other tightly.

"Al, thank pigeon hawk,"Harry said.

"Dad, what 's Balladanis doing here ?"Albus asked immediately,"And Lubar, what 's going to happen to him ? And Willinson ?"

"I 'll explain it all once we get you back to Hogwarts,"Harry assured him.

Balladanis had a firm hold on both Washburn and Quinton and was fiddling with a better plastic cup. A few seconds later, all three of them disappeared.

Harry turned to Mr. Eckerton, who was standing up with lusterlessness in his arms."Can you exact John, too ? I 'll get Kaden and Al will amount with me."

Mr. Eckerton nodded and grabbed clutches of bathroom 's arm before pulling his own infract credit card cup out of his pocket. They disappeared.

Harry pulled Kaden up and took Albus 's arm. Albus was still thoroughly confused, but did not cause fourth dimension to ask his dad anymore query before feeling the familiar jerking behind his naval that signified he was traveling by Portkey.

Albus landed with a thud in the middle of the hospital offstage. The question of how they managed to Portkey inside the Hogwarts grounds was the to the lowest degree constrict interrogation on his mind.

Looking around, Albus saw that the others had arrived as well. Mr. Eckerton was laying both matt and John Lackland on the nearest beds while dame Pomfrey was shouting and gathering potions.

"Look at the res publica of them !"the nurse exclaimed,"Always this lot, too ! You 're a bad influence on them, Harry, I swear !"

Harry looked slightly sheeplike as he set Kaden down on the bed next to Matt 's and then turned to Albus.

"I 've got to verbalize with Professor Kendrick and go to the Ministry-"he began.

"But Dad !"Albus interrupted,"What was Balladanis doing there ?"

"I promise I 'll tell you all of that and more,"Harry replied,"But I need to tell everyone you and the others are ok. When I get back, I 'm going to ask you to tell me everything that happened."

"But-"

"No buts !"Madam Pomfrey cut in,"Bed, Albus, bed ! You need rest !"

Albus, who had barely registered the fact that his head was bleeding and he was still quite featherbrained, felt that the net thing he needed was rest. He needed to know what was going on.

"I 'll explain once you 've gotten some sleep,"Harry assured him.

Albus muttered under his breath and got into bed. Once Madam Pomfrey had given him a Sleeping Draught, Harry left, leaving Albus to unsuccessfully try to fight off the sleep he knew was coming.

******

The cellblock was quiet when Albus woke up. It was completely dark outside, although Albus did n't suffer the slight clew as to what day it was. John, Matt, and Kaden were either still unconscious or sound asleep. Albus was betting on the latter since gentlewoman Pomfrey was no where to be seen.

Mr. Eckerton was still there and he had been joined by his wife. Both of them were nodding off in chairs next to flatness 's bed. It did n't search like Mr. Eckerton had even left. He was wearing the same Ministry gown he had been wearing before.

Albus sat up and put his hand to his heading. There was a patch on the vertebral column of it. Another bandage was wrapped around his the right way arm, although he could n't recall when he had injured it. Besides that, he just felt run down.

The room access to the ward opened, letting in a diminished overflow of visible radiation from the corridor. A trope stepped inside and began walking towards Albus 's bed.

"Hey, Al,"they said.

"Dad,"Albus replied, recognizing his Father,"Are you going to separate me about Balladanis now ?"

"Yes,"Harry chuckled,"Perhaps we ought to go to the Room of Requirement."

Albus shook his head teacher, remembering something he had been debating for the past year. He had waited long enough. It was time.

"No,"Albus said,"I know someplace better."

Without saying a word, Albus got out of bed and lead his dad out the door and up to the fifth floor corridor. Harry did not ask a single enquiry as Albus pulled the arm down on the allow horse and turned to front the opposite wall.

Albus located the paw prints and touched his hand to them, turning it into a doorhandle. He opened the door and stepped inside. Harry followed, letting out a gasp as he did.

"Remember that map from last year ?"Albus asked as he shut the door.

Harry nodded, apparently at a loss for words.

"There was more to it. Instructions on how to get into this room. It was theirs, the Marauders'. Their hush-hush coarse elbow room,"Albus said quietly.

Harry did n't react. Instead he walked slowly around the room. Albus stood near the door and waited. He was n't sure how long he stood there, watching as his dad investigated the way that had once belonged to his grandfather.

"This,"Harry began,"This is just incredible, Al. How long have you known about it ?"

"About a yr,"Albus said quietly.

"And you spend meter here ?"Harry asked.

"Probably more than we do in the common room,"Albus answered.

"Then it is the perfect office to peach,"Harry said as he sat down on one of the couches.

Albus sat down side by side to him."So why was Balladanis there ?"

"I 'll tell you that,"Harry said,"But first I want you to explicate to me what happened."

Albus took a deep breather and told his dad everything. Starting with when they saw Lubar in the castle and ending with throwing the Christ's Resurrection Stone into the Outback. He explained how they had first gone to a timber in Australia, how they had Portkeyed to the Outback, the dementors, the almost Patronus he had managed to score, the duel, the fact that the Resurrection Stone did n't work to bring Voldemort back.

"Why did n't it puzzle out ?"Albus asked,"I mean, I 'm glad it did n't, but why ?"

Harry thought for a few minutes and then looked at Albus."There are a few intellect that might explain it. The Resurrection Stone brings back hoi polloi we love, but it does not impart them back completely. It 's almost as if their soul is coming back."

"Like a spectre ?"

"Not exactly,"Harry said,"But similar. It 's potential that since Voldemort split his soul so many times, he ca n't be brought back with the pit. The Stone may need the soul to be intact to work."

Albus nodded."That makes sense."

"It could also be that only loved ones can be brought back with the Stone. Washburn and the Willinsons did not bang Voldemort ; they did not do it him. They wanted to bestow him back for their own agenda,"Harry explained.

"Is there any way to rule out which it is ?"Albus asked.

"No, I do n't think so,"Harry said,"Especially now that the Stone is once again gone. Which is something I 'm very grateful that you did."

"Well, I figured you left it out in the Forbidden woods for a reason,"Albus shrugged.

"Yes, yes I did,"Harry replied,"I think it expert if nobody had that Stone."

Albus nodded."Yeah, that makes common sense. But what was Balladanis doing there ?"

Harry laughed."You 're not going to let that go, are you ?"

"Nope, you said you 'd tell me,"Albus said.

"I will,"Harry replied,"Albus, do you know what a Presuler is ?"

"Yes,"Albus nodded,"And I know that Balladanis is one."

"You do ?"Harry looked impressed.

"He told me during one of those dueling deterrent example he gave me,"Albus explained.

"wellspring, that makes my account easier,"Harry said,"A petty over a year ago, shortly after Quinton kidnapped Kaden, the Ministry decided to hire a Presuler to aid find Washburn and Jarrett Willinson."

"Seriously ?"Albus gaped at him.

"Yes,"Harry muttered,"The minister of religion believed the Aurors needed some help."

Albus thought he heard bit of despite in his dad 's voice.

"When I realized that Washburn and the Willinsons were most likely working with Ralph Lubar, I had to contact Balladanis and let him know. He came with us, and I have to admit that he was very helpful. We would not receive found you as fast if he was n't there,"Harry explained.

"But why was he teaching here ?"Albus asked.

"The Minister, Professor Kendrick, and I believed it would be ripe strategy to own him stationed at Hogwarts, where we all believed Washburn and the Willinsons would return to. Balladanis agreed,"Harry said,"Of path, none of us realized that Balladanis would not be able to handle teaching.

"This is all quite close, Al. I 'd prefer you did n't tell anyone. I will be telling Matt, John, and Kaden, because I feel they have the right wing to know, but I do n't want anyone else knowing about it."

"What about Rose and Amanda ?"Albus asked.

"I suppose I 'll tell them as well, otherwise Kaden is certainly to secernate them,"Harry said.

"What 's going to occur to Lubar ?"Albus asked,"Is Balladanis going to be after him now ?"

"No,"Harry shook his head,"That 's going to be sly post. Lubar is n't a Brits citizen. We ca n't do a thing while he 's in Australia. It 's up to the Australian Ministry to either put him on trial or yield him to us to put on run. And since he 's one of their officials, we 're not sure they 'll do either."

"But that 's not evenhandedly !"Albus stood up angrily,"tone what he did ! search what he 's done !"

"I know,"Harry sighed,"I 'd like nothing more than to give him a life-long stint in Azkaban, but unfortunately the police do n't work that way."

"He and Balladanis get along anyway,"Albus said,"Balladanis probably would n't want to go after him."

"I do n't know about that,"Harry said,"Balladanis likes people to pay for what they 've done. However, being a Presuler and having no Ministry association, he does not take in to take a case if he 's offered it."

"He told me I 'd arrive at a upright Presuler,"Albus said quietly as I sat back down,"Malfoy, too."

Harry sighed."What do you think about that ?"

"I do n't make out,"Albus shrugged,"I mean, I like dueling, but I do n't really want to decide what I want to do right now."

"You do n't stimulate to,"Harry replied,"And I do n't want to tell you what to do, but I am going to tell you something.

"Being a Presuler is a hard job and often a lonely one. You have no coworkers. You work with various Ministries, but rarely get to love anyone. You travel a lot, which can micturate it hard to have a syndicate. It 's not an easy path to go down. Not one I 'd choose for myself."

Albus had n't even thought about that. He did n't call back he 'd want to rarely ever see his friends and family.

"There 's heap of other affair you could do that would put your dueling attainment to use,"Harry told him,"And you 're only 13 so no want to settle now."

"I know, I do n't plan to,"Albus replied.

"Well, you should probably get back to the hospital Wing before Madam Pomfrey posting you 're gone,"Harry smirked,"And thanks again for showing me the room."

Harry stood up and gave his son a hug. They left the room and walked back to the hospital Wing, both lost in their thoughts.

******

As it turned out, Madam Pomfrey had already noticed that Albus was missing. When he returned to the hospital backstage with his dad, she was running about the ward shouting at the top of her lungs. Matt, John, and Kaden were all awake, staring at her.

"There you are !"she shrieked,"Where have you been ?"

"Er,"Albus began.

"I had to talk to him in private,"Harry answered for him.

"You should have got asked me first !"lady Pomfrey exclaimed as she ushered Albus back into bed,"He needs eternal rest !"

"I 'm his father,"Harry said incredulously.

"I do n't care if you 're the Minister of trick !"Madam Pomfrey replied,"I 'm the one with the nursing point !"

"How long has she been shouting ?"Albus whispered to Matt as he got back in bed.

"XV minutes or so,"Matt answered.

ma'am Pomfrey returned to her desk and Harry strode over to where the Eckertons were sitting.

"Could I have a word in private ?"Harry asked Mr. Eckerton and then turned to madam Pomfrey."Do I need your permission for that ?"he grinned.

"Very amusing,"Madam Pomfrey muttered.

Albus drifted back to sleep a lilliputian while later and when he next woke up it was light out and lady Pomfrey was bringing them all breakfast trays.

"Er, what day is it ?"Albus asked as ma'am Pomfrey set his tray down.

"It 's Sunday, dear, but it 's afternoon,"ma'am Pomfrey replied,"I figured you 'd prefer to possess breakfast."

"Only Sunday ?"Albus asked. It felt like it had been far more than twenty-four hours since he had met up with Lubar before the Quidditch match.

"clip zona modification are difficult to adjust to,"brothel keeper Pomfrey explained,"Australia 's quite a few hour ahead of us."

Albus nodded and dug into his breakfast. Suddenly he was sharp-set. When he thought about it, it must have been at least a day since he 'd eaten anything.

"I wonder how the Quidditch match went,"Kaden mused as he shoved toast in his mouth.

Albus choked on his eggs. He 'd leave about the match !"I doubt we won,"he sighed.

"Is your dad going to tell us why Balladanis was with him when he came to save us ?"King John asked,"I mean, he 's had plenty of time."

"He will,"Albus said,"He already told me. You lot were asleep."

The threshold to the infirmary extension banged unfastened and rose and Amanda came running in. lady Pomfrey made a move to get up from her desk, but then sat back down, shaking her head.

"Tell us what happened !"Rose demanded as she skidded to a stoppage in front man of Albus 's bed,"When did you get back ? Where did you go ?"

"Who won the Quidditch couple ?"Albus asked.

"Quidditch ? Quidditch ?"rosiness groaned,"I 'm not saying a word about Quidditch until the four of you tell me what in the name of Merlin 's saggy left-"

"Miss Weasley !"Madam Pomfrey shouted,"If you do n't lower your voice, you 'll have to leave !"

"Sorry,"pink wine turned back to Albus,"But you lot have got to tell us what happened !"

Albus launched into the integral tarradiddle, which took the better character of a half hour to order. Neither Rose or Amanda interrupted once during the whole thing. Both of them looked absolutely shocked by the time Albus concluded.

"But, but why was Balladanis there ?"Rose asked.

"My dad 's going to tell you,"Albus said,"He 's already told me. He 'll probably separate the balance of you today."

"Merlin, Albus,"Rose sighed,"How much trouble can you get into ?"

"It 's not my fault,"Albus shrugged,"Now can you tell apart us about the match ?"

Rose exchanged coup d'oeil with Amanda, who sighed."It was quite the match, let me tell you,"Amanda said.

"nonentity won, Al,"rosiness said.

"What ?"toilet interrupted,"How can nobody win ?"

"About xlv instant into the mate, Fred and broom ran onto the pitch-"

"The match lasted that long ?"Matt asked.

"Yes,"rose said,"I do n't know why. Anyway, Fred and heather mixture ran right up to Ludo bagman and started talking to him. Nobody could hear what they were saying. Then roadman blew his whistle and they went into a time-out.

"roadman left the pitch and had a really recollective talk with all the schoolmaster and maitre d'. Then Kendrick announced that the match was called off and told everyone to return to their uncouth rooms.

"Everyone was really wild of course. Amanda and I were already worried because you lot had n't shown up yet. We thought something bad had happened and that was why they called it off."

"Why did they call it off ?"St. John the Apostle asked.

"I 'm getting to that,"rosebush said,"We got back up to Gryffindor and everyone was gathered around Fred and Heather. Linda was n't there, and neither were any of her mate who were Gryffindors.

"We pushed our way to the front of the gang and heard what Fred and Heather were talking about. They were claiming that Australia had been cheating the unhurt time-"

"Well, they were,"Matt muttered.

"I know,"Rose agreed,"And apparently so did Fred and ling. I 'm sure they figured it out just recently or else they would 've told someone Sooner. They found out Linda 's a vampire and now the total school knows."

"How did they visualise it out ?"Albus asked, completely shocked. Linda hid her secret quite well. Fred and Heather were sixth class, they would n't have heard Balladanis 's lamia lecture."

"They 've been trying to cypher it out all year,"rosebush explained,"And since they 're smart, they figured it out."

"But what about the catch ?"Albus asked.

"I think they 're going to cancel the tournament, Albus,"rose wine said quietly.

"cancel the tournament ?"Albus gasped,"Cancel the tournament ? ! They ca n't do that ! We 've spent the whole twelvemonth on that tourney ! Do you know how lots time I 've spent on the Quidditch delivery this year ? More fourth dimension than I 've spent in class, probably ! And now they 're going to delete the bloody tourney ?"

"I do n't know, Al,"pink wine said shortly,"And if they do it 's not my fault."

"Sorry,"Albus mumbled,"It 's just a little aggravating."

"I know,"Rose replied.

"Where 's Linda ?"Matt asked.

"Gone,"Rose sighed,"Without a word. I have n't seen her or any of the Australian since the equal. Killigan 's gone, too."

"Wow,"mat replied,"Ca n't say I blame her, though."

"I guess,"Rose said,"Anyway, they 'll probably shit an announcement about the tournament at dinner."


A/N : Thanks to my Beta, Dancer of Starlight as well as all of the awful people who have read and reviewed this ! There is only one more chapter left !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Harry returned to secernate everyone else about Balladanis later on in the afternoon. gentlewoman Pomfrey monotone out refused to let any of them leave the Hospital annex, so she agreed to shut up the room access and go to her study while Harry explained. Matt 's dad was there as well.

Harry told them everything he had told Albus, although he left out the parts about why it was not all that advisable to become a Presuler. Everyone was completely shocked to learn that Balladanis had been hired to facilitate capture Washburn and the Willinsons.

Unfortunately, Harry also brought news of Lubar. News that was not all that welcome.

"As of right wing now, he 's completely free and in the clear,"Harry sighed,"The Aboriginal Australian Ministry refuses to extradite him, and they wo n't prosecute him in Australia either. To them, it 's like nothing 's happened."

Albus noticed that Mr. Eckerton looked positively angered with this. Harry looked quite angry as well, but it did not come close to how Mr. Eckerton looked.

"We 're not going to move over up,"Harry said,"We 'll observe negotiating with them."

Mr. Eckerton had also apparently been told about the Hallows. When Harry had spoken with him the previous night, it had been about the Hallows. Albus remembered back to his 1st year, when Matt had told them about his dad 's young adult dreaming of locating the Hallows. Harry must 've trusted him now.

Albus reached over to his bedside board, where Madam Pomfrey had placed the Invisibility Cloak the previous night. He wordlessly handed it to Mr. Eckerton, who carefully took it with a look of awe on his face.

"Merlin 's beard,"he muttered,"It 's the Cloak."

"That it is,"Harry said quietly.

"Unbelievable,"Mr. Eckerton whispered as he fingered it.

He spent a few minutes trying the Cloak on before handing it back to Albus."I can not believe I 've finally solved the subject of the Hallows,"he said to Harry,"This is amazing. I would love to portion the narrative with my chum. Perhaps I could present you to him at the existence Cup this summer."

Harry nodded."That would be fine. Perhaps I will eventually tell him as well."

******

Albus wanted nothing more than to be allowed out of the hospital Wing in time to go to dinner that night. He was sure Professor Kendrick would make some sorting of announcement about the tournament and he did not want to miss it.

After a full ten min of begging on his part ( helped out by lustrelessness, John, and Kaden ), lady Pomfrey told him he was in no fit state to impart the ward. Albus thought this was derisory because he felt fine. So what if his arm was still bandaged and in a triangular bandage ? That should n't quit him from eating dinner party with the rest of the school.

Instead, Albus was forced to eat a quiet meal in the Hospital Wing and wait anxiously for rosiness and Amanda to narrate him what Kendrick said.

The girls showed up right after dinner ended. Albus immediately asked them what Kendrick had said.

"Tournament 's canceled,"rose sighed as she sat down on the end of Albus 's bed,"The kidskin from New York are staying to stop out the class, but the tournament 's canceled. I expect it 'll be in the prophet tomorrow."

"merlin !"Albus shouted,"Why 'd they have to cancel it ? Could n't they just disqualify Commonwealth of Australia ?"

"No,"rosiness shook her head word,"To do that Hogwarts would have to play New York in another final."

"Why do n't they do that ?"Gospel According to John asked.

"Too close to exams,"Rose shrugged,"It 'll mess up up everyone 's studying."

"That 's stupid,"Albus fumed.

"If it makes you palpate better, I 'm fairly surely Hogwarts would 've won if Australia had n't have been here,"rosebush pointed out,"And Kendrick gave one hundred house peak to everyone who was on the Quidditch and dueling teams."

"Yeah, well, all the houses had masses on the teams, so that does n't really help,"Albus muttered.

"Well,"Rose grinned,"I know one matter that 'll urge on you up."

"What ?"Albus asked, even though there was aught that could cheer him up.

"There were Quidditch picket at that match,"rosebush told him,"And even though the friction match was disastrous, they did find someone they wanted to draft."

"Who ?"Albus asked, slightly intrigued.

"Georgia !"rosebush exclaimed,"She 's been drafted to play for Kenmare Kestrals as soon as she graduates !"

"That 's brilliant !"Albus replied. Rose had been right, that did cheer him up. There was no one he thought who belonged on a master Quidditch team Sir Thomas More than Georgia.

"Yup, she 's their novel reticence Keeper,"rose said,"She says Uncle Percy 's not ingrain. He wanted her to work at the Ministry. She does n't deal what he thinks, though."

"Uncle Hotspur 's got spate of other kids to run at the Ministry,"Albus shrugged. He could never see Georgia working in government.

"Kenmare ?"John said incredulously.

"Yeah, seriously ?"Matt grimaced.

"They 're nearly as bad as the Cannons,"John groaned.

"She 's just happy to be on a team,"Rose shrugged,"She 's always supported Puddlemere, but she thinks if she 's on any team, she 'll be able to work her way up to a upright one."

"Merlin, I hope so,"can shrugged.

"Is she the only one who got drafted ?"Albus asked.

"Only one I know for trusted of,"rosiness said,"I heard a rumor that Anna Reilly got taken on by the Balycastle Bats, but I do n't bonk for sure."

Albus nodded, feeling slightly better about the tournament. It was n't pointless now that he knew his cousin had been taken on by a pro Quidditch team because of it. However, that did n't look at all the disappointment away.

******

Madam Pomfrey reluctantly let the boy leave the next day after breakfast. She did n't really have a option since exams began that day. Albus felt perfectly fine and was quite well-chosen to leave the place.

rose wine handed him a copy of the Prophet as soon as he and the other male child reached the uncouth room. Albus took it, happy that he had a few minutes before his for the first time exam to read the article that was inevitably there.

Australian SCHOOL CHEATS- TOURNAMENT CANCELED

After a startle find made by two Hogwarts
student, the Quidditch and Dueling tournament
involving Hogwarts, the Adirondack academy of
Magic, and the Aussie schoolhouse of black art
has been canceled.

The tournament 's terminal Quidditch match was
interrupted this past tense Saturday by two Hogwarts
sixth days, Fred Weasley and Heather Weasley,
both 17, who claimed that the Aussie squad
had been cheating throughout the stallion
tournament.

A few calendar month ago, allegations were brought upon
the Australian team after their Seeker, Linda
Morales, 14, flew at an exceptionally fast speed.
An investigation found naught. The tourney
continued.

Fred and Heather Weasley accused Linda Morales
of being a lamia. vampire are outlawed
from playing on pro Quidditch teams due
to the unfair advantage they have.

The mates was immediately stopped while all three
headmasters questioned the Weasleys and Morales.

Headmaster Addiar Killigan of the Aussie
School of Sorcery admitted to allowing team spirit
to be the Seeker of his team in order to win the
tournament. The Aboriginal Australian team was immediately
disqualified from the tournament.

Killigan, Morales, and the rest of the Australians
participating in the tournament left Hogwarts late
on Saturday, declining to mouth with any of our
reporters.

Tournament officials as well as the early two
headmasters have decided to cancel the tournament,
and not declaring a winner.

'It is regrettable that the tournament turned out
this way ,'Fabius Kendrick told newsperson, 'Perhaps
we can try it again in a few years .'

"Killigan is an idiot,"Albus said.

"looking at the next article,"rosebush replied.

QUINTON WILLINSON cover IN AZKABAN, JOINED BY WASHBURN

While the concluding Quidditch match was ending in disaster
at Hogwarts School of witchery and genius, Harry
Potter 's centre tyke, Albus, 13, was dealing with his
own battle.

Albus thrower, as well as first cousin Kaden Dursley, 12, and
friends Matthew Eckerton and John Brickston, both 14,
were kidnapped by Quinton and Jarrett Willinson, and
Jameson Washburn. The three inmate were helped by
Ralph Lubar, pass of the Department of the Regulation
and Control of Magical Creatures in Australia.

The four Hogwarts students were taken to Australia
where Harry ceramicist and Walter Eckerton found them.
It is undecipherable what the yardbird were after, as well as
why Lubar was involved.

Quinton Willinson and Jameson Washburn were caught and
sent to Azkaban. Lubar and Jarrett Willinson escaped.
Aurors are currently looking for Willinson and the
Ministry is negotiating with the Aboriginal Australian Ministry
about what to do with Lubar.

All four male child have recovered from the trial by ordeal and are
currently taking their end of the year interrogation
at Hogwarts. Harry ceramicist has declined comment.

"fountainhead, that 's not a very illuminating article,"Albus said as he tossed the paper onto a nearby table.

"I do n't think they can report much,"Rose said,"The Aboriginal Australian Ministry may be asking them to keep repose about Lubar in return for giving him some sort of punishment.

"It wo n't matter,"matte said,"They 're not going to do anything to him."

Albus was forced to bear on Lubar into the back of his mind as exams began. They were all significantly harder than the previous year 's had been, but he was sure he at least passed all of them.

There were scant clause in the Prophet about Lubar everyday, but they all said the same thing. Commonwealth of Australia refused to extradite him. Matt was not at all surprised by this, but it infuriated Albus to no end.

The week after exam was a unknown one for Albus. There was cipher left wing for them to do. No studying, no homework, no Quidditch. Rose and Amanda went back to spending all their metre with the boys, like it had been before Linda had arrived.

Things were different, though. Both pink wine and Amanda were a lot quiet than they used to be. Albus was for sure they missed Linda, and he had no estimate whether she had said so long to them, or even if she 'd had the chance.

Matt was lost in his own opinion well-nigh of the time, rendering him quieter than ever. He often went intact evening without saying two words to anyone, something that usually only happened around full phase of the moon moons. However, the next full lunation was n't until after they left Hogwarts.

Albus was sure enough this was because of what had happened in Australia. He never talked about it, but Albus knew that getting kidnapped by Lubar again had scared the daylights out of him.

toilet and Kaden remained as rumbustious as ever and did not seem to be fazed by what had happened in Commonwealth of Australia. They spent their calendar week pulling prank and playing endless games of Exploding ginger snap that Albus occasionally joined in on.

Albus himself was quieter. His judgement was racing with thoughts of Lubar and Balladanis. None of the clause ever mentioned Balladanis, but he knew that was because Balladanis 's job had to remain a orphic. He wished more than anything that Lubar would get thrown in prison, whether it was Azkaban or Commonwealth of Australia 's prison.

******

The wagon train drive back to Greater London was subdued, the only haphazardness being John and Kaden 's Exploding snap fastener cards. Albus and Matt both gazed out the window, mesmerized by the passing landscape.

"Linda sent me a varsity letter last night,"Rose said, breaking the silence.

Albus lifted his head up and looked at her."What about ?"

"She told us she was drab, and wanted me to recite you that she was sad about the tourney,"rose told him,"She 's on the run with her mum now. They 're thinking of moving to a different country."

"To go to schooling ?"Albus asked.

"No,"rosiness shook her head,"She 's been through school a couple times already. She was n't even a student at the Aussie school. Killigan pretty much forced her into playing searcher for them. He 's a really nasty chap. They have to get out now, though, because everyone knows."

"Where will they go ?"Albus asked, surprised that he was actually find sorry for Linda.

"No idea,"Rose shrugged,"She said she 'd owl me when they find out."

"This wholly year has been so messed up,"St. John the Apostle sighed,"I hope succeeding yr 's better."

"Me, too,"Matt agreed.

"We 've got the earth Cup to calculate forward to, though,"Albus smiled.

"Oh, yeah !"Saint John grinned,"Owl me as soon as you find out when we 're leaving for it."

"Definitely,"Albus said,"Your sister 's going, too. Lily told me she 'd invited her. Hugo 's not really happy about that."

"Neither am I,"John muttered,"I do n't require Ashtyn going."

"Well, I 'd choose Lily not go, but it 's the Cup ! zip can really ruin it,"Albus said.

"trade good distributor point,"John agreed.

"Let me know when the Cup is,"Kaden said.

"Why ? So you can convince your parents to take you ?"lav smirked.

"No,"Kaden laughed,"So I can screw when to invite you lot to my firm. My dad said he 'd subscribe to us camping."

"Excellent !"John Lackland grinned,"Camping like Muggles ?"

"Yep,"Kaden replied,"Living in tents, no electrical energy, no deception either since we 're all underage."

"There is no way my parents will let me go,"Matt said quietly.

"Why not ?"Kaden asked.

"I went camping when I was five,"Matt answered,"That was the clip I got bitten."

"Oh,"Kaden looked a piffling taken aback,"Sorry."

"It 's ok,"Matt shrugged,"Just do n't go during a full lunation. I do n't want any of you having to fall in me in the Shrieking shack next year."

"I 'll go,"Albus said. He 'd never been camping before, let alone camping like a Muggle. He did feel bad that lustrelessness would n't get to go, but he kind of thinking Matt would n't need to go anyway.

The difference of the trip was spent arguing about Quidditch and Albus felt like thing were sort of returning to normal. It was almost squeamish to hear John and Matt arguing about the cannon again and Kaden arguing about football.

The train arrived in London and Albus found his parents waiting for him on the platform. After saying goodby to his admirer, Albus left the place with his syndicate feeling that just maybe life story would be formula from then on. Well, maybe the summer would be at least be pattern. Albus could n't get his Leslie Townes Hope up too high.


A/N : Hard to believe it 's finished ! Thanks to Dancer of Starlight for betaing and thanks to all of the awesome hoi polloi who have read and reviewed this ! You guys are so lovely and amazing !

I am working on the fourth history but it 'll be a patch before the first chapter is up. I 'm thinking I 'll update every other workweek at first, alternating hebdomad with Beyond the dark. In the mean clip, if you want something new to read, I suggest checking out Remember the Cannons, which is a collab I worked on finale year and is now currently being updated. It 's all about the Chudley Cannons and their precipitation. It 's under the username The Golden Snitches and is also in my favorite story so you can receive it that way.