Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Albus spent most of the days preceding Yule at Rose 's theatre. James was determined to use all of his spare meter for Quidditch practice, and he had to go to rosiness 's firm for that. Albus usually went with him and he and Hugo would help St. James practice while rosebush read.

Harry had to practically single out James River from his broom by thaumaturgy on Christmas Eve so they could go to Godric 's Hollow. James wanted to outride at rosebush 's family and preserve practicing, but Harry refused to let him. The trip-up was quieten since King James was rather sullen the entire time.

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

"That 's 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 kind of brute you transform into,"Albus told her.

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

Albus nodded as Lily began to depict in majuscule detail what kind of cat she would transform into.

Everyone else was already at the tunnel and Albus felt an immediate warmness come over him as he stepped inside. It had zilch to do with the fact that it was so cold and snowy outside, either. There was something so comforting about being at the Burrow surrounded by all his family. He was able to draw a blank all the issues with the Quidditch tournament and Professor Killigan. All he could think about was how starved he was and how good some of his grandmother 's preparation would be right field about then.

Rose sat down succeeding to Albus as he tucked into a large sports stadium of onion soup with a side of homemade bread.

"Uncle Charlie and auntie Katherine are going back to Rumania this summer,"Rose announced.

"To naturalize more Dragon ?"Albus asked. His uncle and aunty had n't done that since Sir Henry Morton Stanley started Hogwarts, but they often talked about how they wanted to go back.

"Yeah,"rosebush nodded,"They might detain even after the summer 's over, but heather and Mark will come back to go to Hogwarts."

"They get to go, too ?"

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

"Wow,"Albus replied,"They 're favorable. I guess it 's undecomposed that Henry M. Stanley decided what he wants to do."

Francis Edgar Stanley had been working at the Magical menagerie since he finished Hogwarts, but knew he did n't want to do that his whole lifespan. He just did n't have it away what he did want to do.

"I wish our parents would take us to some former rural area,"Albus sighed.

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

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

"Christmas Day Quidditch tomorrow ?"shift asked as he sat down next to Rose.

"Definitely,"Albus grinned.

"I would n't count on it, Teddy,"Molly said as she handed Albus another hunk of bread,"We 're supposed to get the snowstorm of the decade tomorrow. The Muggle electrical energy is already out in town."

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

"You 'll do no such thing !"Molly shouted,"It 's near out of the question to Appparate during such a storm. Not to cite the fact that it 's Yule and you should be here."

"We do n't need electricity to meet Quidditch !"Teddy exclaimed,"It 'll be perfect training atmospheric condition ! If you can enchant a stoolpigeon in the middle of a rash, you can charm one in any weather. It 's not like Kendrick ever calls off Quidditch because of snow."

"We 'll see tomorrow, chemise,"mollie sighed.

Albus finished his soup and he and arise went into the den, where they were greeted by a trashy chorus of 'Odo the Italian sandwich', Sung by George, Alicia, Charlie, and Ron. Bill and Fleur were laughing while Hermione shook her mind. Albus had a feeling the lonesome reason why Fleur approved was because the tattle was drowning out Celestina Warbeck.

"So then I said, I 'm not paying seven sickle for that !"Harry Hotspur said to Katherine, who was only sort of paying care,"And the feller looked at me like I was mad. I say he 's mad, charging that lots for a circuit of a questionably historical old edifice. There really should be ordinance on such things. It 's one thing I 'll interchange if I 'm ever Minister."

Albus stifled a gag. His Uncle Percy had been talking about running for Minister for the past ten years, but still had n't done it. well-nigh of his uncles and aunt got spew of hearing him talk about what he would and would not convert.

"Hey, Albus, Rose,"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 figure out which part of the infirmary I want to do the ease of my training in by September. We 've been rotating throughout all the storey, but now we have to pick one. I 'm nowhere near decided."

"You have until September,"Albus shrugged. It seemed like a long metre 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,"Teddy appeared and put his arm around her,"And I think you 'll do majuscule anyplace you decide."

"Thanks, chemise,"Victoire smiled,"I 'm thinking either the maternity cellblock or Spell Damage."

"There 's a interfering Ward,"shift grinned,"piece Damage. You 'll get all the suspicious harm there."

"That 's not a right grounds to foot a specialization,"Victoire groaned.

"good a reason as any,"Teddy shrugged.

The clip grew later and after Albus played numerous unit of ammunition of Exploding duck soup with his cousins, his grannie announced that it was clip 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 stair to the in high spirits bedroom that he shared with St. James the Apostle, Ben, and Cedric. He climbed into bed and then realized just how big this close at hand blizzard was. The hint was howling louder than he 'd ever listen before.

The wind was so sinewy that Albus could experience it through the gaps in the window. Every once in a piece, the house would creak and shake. Albus sighed and put his pillow over his ears to try and drown out the howling.

Albus did n't negociate to vagabond off to catch some Z's until after Cedric got out of bed, swore loudly, and disregarded the no magic outside of shoal formula to put a silencing appeal on the room.

******

Albus was awoken by his annual Christmas wake-up call, Lily. She breezed through the room access shouting about how they all needed to wake up and afford their presents.

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

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

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

"We could progress the world 's bountiful snow wizard later,"Ben suggested.

"We could build an entire snow wizard US Army,"Albus said.

"nowadays first,"James said as he located his mess of presents.

Albus descended upon his own stack of present tense and began opening them. There were the usual Henry Sweet and Weasleys'products from his auntie and uncles. Another Weasley sweater, this one scarlet and gold striped. He pulled it on over his pajamas and opened the repose of the presents from his aunts and uncles. His Aunt Hermione had gotten him a few playscript he 'd probably never read, including one about the history of house elves at Hogwarts.

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

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

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

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

Albus opened the box and saw two tickets. Two slate for the Quidditch World Cup that was taking place this summer !

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

"I did n't even know they were on sale this too soon !"James said.

"You two get the best present,"Cedric said.

"Hey, I got two slate,"James II replied.

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

Albus suddenly realized he had the same problem. Two tickets. Five Friend he would want to take. Who was he going to prefer ? Not rose wine. They may have been Quaker since they were babe, but she just did n't have a passion for Quidditch. Neither did Kaden. He was another to frustrate off the inclination. John and matt were the Quidditch fans. He 'd have to choose between them. Amanda liked Quidditch well enough, but she did n't keep abreast a team or anything.

"Those are limited edition tag,"Ben said,"They do n't cognize who 's playing yet, so they do n't deal very many slate ahead of time."

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

Lily burst into the room with a big smile on her face. She was holding two tickets as well."Did you get Quidditch tickets ?"

"Yeah,"Albus and Epistle of James said at the same time.

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

Albus 's parents were already in the kitchen by the time Albus went downstairs. They were sitting at the mesa eating breakfast. Albus gave them each a huge hug and then sat down.

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

"They were a gift from the Minister,"Harry replied,"The Cup is in Canada this yr and he 's good 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 last class 's present. Now not only was he going to get to see the macrocosm Cup, he would get to trip to a dissimilar country.

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

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

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

"Maybe after luncheon, then,"Teddy shrugged.

Molly shook her point and sighed as she set a few more phonograph record of eggs and pledge onto the table.

There was a knock on the door that could only just be heard over the howling wind. Molly glanced at Arthur, who shrugged and got up to see who it was. Albus followed, very curious to see who would visit on Christmas dayspring 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 room access behind him."Quite the storm we 're having ! Just thought I 'd lay off by and see if this property was still standing."

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

"Good, but if you feel it 's too shaky, just let me know and I 'll go get some of my Jutispy Plants. The leaves do wonders on old building. Makes them like new. I just put a bunch into my home and it 's a ripe affair, too. Of course, they tend to attract Nargles ..."Xenophilius 's voice trailed off.

"I 'll go on that in judgement,"Arthur smiled,"Are you spending the holiday alone ?"

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

"Then you must stay here a patch. Molly 's make far too much food, like usual,"Chester Alan Arthur lead story Xeno into the kitchen.

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

Molly was more than happy to ply Xenophilius with a large platter of breakfast and he settled down to discourse the storm with the adults.

Albus spent most of the morning playacting Exploding Snap, Wizard 's Chess, and Gobstones with his cousin-german. They tried to play fell and go try, but the mansion was too crowded to play it properly.

Teddy and James IV kept looking out the window, leave it to check snowing. Both of them were just itching to go play Quidditch. Albus would birth gladly gone and played if it would end snowing so much. He was dedicated to the game, but not enough to play in this storm.

Lunchtime came and the snow was still falling. George went outside to measure it and came back with the intelligence that it was three and a one-half substructure.

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

"Theodore Remus lupine !"Molly shouted,"I suppose I ca n't stop you from going out there and catching death of a cold, but I will not let you drag James II with you !"

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

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

"Fine,"mollie replied and went back into the kitchen.

"Excellent,"shift grinned,"Anyone maintenance to join us ?"

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

The Christmas Quidditch lasted a one-half an hour. teddy bear, St. James, Georgia, Calluna vulgaris, and Fred all stumbled back into the business firm shivering with their faces red and covered in coke and ice. molly immediately descended upon them with mugs of hot burnt umber and dry clothes.

"Told you, Molly,"Harry grinned.

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

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

"Y-yeah,"shift replied.

Yuletide dinner party came and went in its usual chaos. Xenophilius stayed for it and William James snuck sneezing powder into his soup, which he found incredibly funny. mollie was not as impressed and gave James quite the objurgation. How she found out it was Saint James the Apostle was beyond Albus.

The violent storm continued throughout the night and Cedric had to put the silencing charm back on their room in order for any of them to get any sleep.

******

Nobody left the Burrow until two days after Christmas. That was when the blow finally let up. It topped out at around four and a one-half metrical foot, which was a new record for Albus 's lifetime. The tunnel 's yard had been decorated by scores of snow witches and wizards, along with hippogriffs, owls, and a variety of former magical creature.

When Albus found out what his menage was doing after they left the Burrow, he wished the snow would have kept coming. They were going shopping for dress gown for the New Year 's party.

"Why ca n't I just wear my old attire gown ?"James whined as they walked down Diagon bowling alley towards Madam Malkin's.

"Because they 're five inches too short,"Ginny replied,"They 're even too pocket-size for Al."

"Yeah, Hugo 's the lucky one,"King James muttered. Victor-Marie Hugo was wearing 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 pair of attire gown he found, so long as they were n't pink or purple. The Sooner they were done robes shopping the better.

Rose and Lily made a beeline for the female child dress gown as soon as they walked in the door. Albus stood awkwardly following to Jesse James while their mother found diverse robes for them.

"Here, try these on, Al,"Ginny handed him a duo of emerald special K robes.

"Very Slytherin,"James snickered.

"Shut it, William James,"Albus muttered.

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

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

"Too short,"she announced,"But the gloss is perfect. I 'll ascertain a bigger size."

James I wound up with a navy low span of robe, which Albus would suffer preferred. Lily found her purple gown and Rose got a sky downhearted pair.

"Next fourth dimension you 're getting green robes,"Albus muttered to James, who was still making fun of the coloration of Albus 's robes.

"No I wo n't. I do n't have Green eyes,"Epistle of James grinned.

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

"I do n't give care. They 'd be Gryffindor colored,"William James laughed.


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as all the awful hoi polloi who have read and reviewed this ! Also, for anyone who read In Moonlight 's phantasma, the first chapter of the sequel, Beyond the phantasma, is now up !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


The political party was at the minister 's manse, the house where all the Ministers of magic had lived. Albus had been there a few times before, but not in a couple long time. Usually all the parties the rector held were while Albus was at Hogwarts.

A few hr before the party, Ginny made Albus, James, and Lily all take exhibitor and comb their hair properly. She spent a good fifteen minutes trying to get James 's hair to lie flat and another xv min putting Lily 's up in some sort of enlarge bun character thing. Albus was very happy his own hair was far too brusk for that sort of thing.

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

"Absolutely no making hassle !"Ginny stared at James as she said this,"None at all ! This is the diplomatic minister 's sign ! I will not let you wreaking havoc in it."

"We 're trusting you to keep yourselves occupied during this. I 'm going to have to unify with everyone and we wo n't be capable to take in you every second,"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,"King James I said,"I know when balefulness is n't appropriate."

"Let 's promise so,"Ginny sighed.

Albus and his fellowship Apparated to the Minister 's home, 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 individual who was Apparating him was also Apparating another someone, which was always the case in his sept. It was the curse of being the middle youngster. 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 extravagant residence he had ever seen. It could n't be considered a house ; it was just too monstrous.

A long and winding sidewalk, framed with chaparral and ignitor on either side, lead up to the front threshold. Albus 's parents started walking up and Albus followed.

The mansion seemed to get giving as they got closer. It was painted brown with a blackamoor roof and reminded Albus of a castling. It was n't nearly as big as Hogwarts, of course, but it was still huge.

Harry rang the Alexander Graham Bell when they arrived at the threshold and it was answered by the diplomatic minister himself."Harry !"he shouted,"come in !"

Minister Langston Hartwell was the third minister since the fall of Lord Voldemort. He was a tall, weighty man with very little tomentum left on his read/write head. He did sport a rather large moustache, which caused Albus to think of him as a much taller version of Professor Slughorn.

Hartwell was one of those very educated sorcerer who spoke using very prominent words that Albus could n't really understand. He was long-winded and most of his speeches could be condensed down into a few time, according to Harry, that is. He was a very nice man, though.

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

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

The way was decorated with Ag and black and was already filling up with people. Albus spotted Rose and mat in the back of the room and left his family in the doorway to go see them.

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

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

Albus rolled his heart."Shut it."

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

"Slytherin,"flatness said immediately.

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

"I do n't wish,"mat shrugged,"So, did you just get here ?"

"Yeah,"Albus replied.

"I 've been here for two hours already,"Matt said,"We were the first 1 here. Dad keeps introducing me to the great unwashed and they all think I 'm a first year."

"Bet that 's fun,"Albus laughed,"Do you bang most of these hoi polloi ?"

"Some,"lusterlessness said,"That 's the fella Dad 's taking over for,"he gestured to a very large wizard,"McVicar."

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

"Dad never thought he would either,"mat laughed,"Then we 've got your Uncle Harry Hotspur, I think you probably know him. Those people are a few of Dad 's colleague,"Matt gestured to a few more crone and sorcerer,"Then there 's a bunch of masses from other departments, but I do n't remember any of their names."

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

"Oh, it will be,"Matt grinned,"When I was really little, we went to parties like this a few sentence a month. You make your own fun."

"Like what ?"Albus asked.

"Charming alcohol out of the wine and champagne. It 'll still taste exactly the Saame,"matt grinned mischievously,"By the time midnight rolls around, everyone will be wondering why they 're not drunk. It 'll be funny."

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

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

"I have to admit, that 's really originative,"rosebush giggled,"What else ?"

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

"My parents gave us this actor's line about how we ca n't act pranks here,"Albus said,"She was saying it mostly for James, but I think she should 've given it to you."

"My parents never say that stuff to me,"Matt laughed,"They never suspect me of anything. The minute they find out the alcohol 's been charmed out of the deglutition, they 'll find Amy."

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

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

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

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

"Oh, it 's groovy,"Amy grinned,"First, only a mates people notice and they make a very tranquilize mention to another soul and then that someone agrees that there 's something wrong with the drinking. Then it just snowballs from there until it 's all they 're talking about. Then someone will quiz the drinking, divulge the alcohol 's been charmed away, replace it, and then everyone will cheer. But some of them will act drunk because they think there 's intoxicant in the drinks."

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

"They might tell me they wish I had n't done it, but there 's not much 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,"lusterlessness shrugged.

"I bet James and Cedric are going to do something,"Albus said as he scanned the gang. James and Cedric were sitting at one of the tables, head 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 Georgia and Tom Bradley are talking about Quidditch,"Albus gestured to his other two cousins, who were standing near the buffet.

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

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

Albus 's Aunt Corrine was talking with two Wiccan Albus did n't know and his counterpart cousins were chasing each other around the room.

"Are any of your early cousin 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,"matte said.

Albus and rose agreed. Amy left to go talk to soul else and the three supporter walked over to the snack counter. There was already a lowly queue in front of it.

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

The queue moved quickly and soon Albus was in social movement. He grabbed a plate and piled it high with just about everything. There was always the proficient food at this variety of political party.

They found an empty tabular array 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 fuck what half this stuff is,"Matt said as he began eating,"But it 's good."

More and more citizenry arrived as Albus ate his dinner. He recognized a few of them, but did n't remember any names. He also noticed that nobody was acting strangely due to Amy 's charm. They were all acting perfectly normal for adults who had had a few drinks.

Albus, Matt, and Rose wandered around the room once they finished their food. A few adults stopped to shout how big they 'd develop and to investigate what year they were at Hogwarts. Lily joined them because she did n't want to be associated with James and Cedric 's mischief.

"Hello, everyone !"Minister Hartwell shouted from the podium at the front of the room.

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

"Thank you,"he smiled,"I assume you all know why I 've thrown this company, and it 's not just to drop off the large total of wine I was given for Yuletide !"

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

"Yes, yes, well, this party is in honor of none other than Walter Eckerton, whom I have appointed to the office of Head of the department of regulation and Control of Magical fauna. There is no one else whom I would commit with such a job ...."

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

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

"Thank you, Minister,"McVicar began,"That was quite an matter to oral communication. I, too, would care to pride Walter Eckerton on his promotion.

"I am for certain at least half of you were quite storm to hear that I was retiring. I myself was surprised. In fact, I probably would n't get done it if it were n't for the fact that my married woman has been begging me to for the past ten year.

"However, the main cause for my want of an originally retirement was because there was not a single mortal employed in the Ministry whom I would have trusted with this job. nonentity had the capacity to carry out this stance in the way I would care. Like they always say, if you want something done right, do it yourself. That was my slogan up until five geezerhood ago, that is.

"A small over five years ago, a man came into the Ministry looking for a job in the department of the regulating and Control of Magical creature. He applied for a job in werewolf Support Services, a position that had been capable for well over a year. I was set to take anyone who walked through the doorway at that point, but I had no approximation what was to come when I hired Walter Eckerton.

"Some of you may know that Walter has experience in this field of operations. He was the top dog of the Department of regularization and Control of Magical animal in Commonwealth of Australia for three years before leaving the position in ordering to move to England.

"Walter revolutionized Werewolf Support help as soon as he started. The ideas he had were unity that even I had n't thought of. In five inadequate years, he has bettered life for those plagued with lycanthropy Thomas More than anyone else in the department have in their intact careers.

"It took only six months for me to realize that I wanted Walter to submit over for me when I retired. Not only does he let the experience and word for the job, but he also has loyalty that I have never seen before. I even have to admit that his dedication surpasses my own. I have never seen anyone fight as unvoiced for lycanthrope rights as he has.

"The only thing left for me to do was convince myself it was time to retire,"McVicar chuckled,"And yes, it did take the better part of five year to do that. But now, I feel very confident as I hand the reins over to Walter."

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

"I 'll say,"matt agreed,"And McVicar does n't usually extolment masses like that."

"wellspring,"Matt 's dad began,"Thanks for your ballot of confidence, Rob. I certainly hope I can live on up to your expectations.

"I have to begin by saying how unexpected this was. I really had no intentions of becoming the head of the full department again, no matter which country I was living in. wolfman sustenance help has been such a with child place to mould these past few days. It truly is my passion.

"However, when Langston and Rob approached me about taking over when Rob retired, I found it hard to say no. In the end, I said yes because I want to ca-ca more than of a remainder.

"Of course, I could not make gotten to this place without the assist of my wife, Julie,"he gestured to flatness 's mum, who was standing near the rostrum,"And my daughter, Amy, and my son, Matt.

"I 'm not one for long spoken language, 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 header of the department Rob has been."

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

"They 're too drunk to conceive much on it,"pink wine smirked.

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

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

A good fortune of the adult were acting very drunk. In fact, if Albus had n't known about Amy 's appealingness, 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 wrong with the drinks.

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

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

"Amy,"flatness whispered,"Why 's everyone acting convention ?

"I do n't know,"she whispered back,"Let 's go look at the drinks."

Jesse James and Cedric were also standing near the drink table, looking nearly as fox as Albus felt about this magic spell. That was variety of strange.

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

"You 'll have to drink in a lot Thomas More than that to get properly drunk,"lusterlessness grinned.

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

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

"What did you do ?"Albus groaned.

"Cedric and I added some special alcohol to that wine,"James whispered.

Albus, Rose, Matt, and Amy burst out laughing. Albus could not believe it. All of their pranks had backfired. The vino was now perfectly normal.

"What 's so funny ?"Cedric asked.

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

"I put a magical spell on all the wine-colored to remove the alcohol, while keeping the appreciation,"Amy explained,"I did it right hand when the party started."

"So much for that prank,"William James groaned.

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

"I know,"Epistle of 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.

"deprivation to explore the minister of religion 's Mansion ?"lusterlessness suggested.

"Is that allowed ?"Rose asked skeptically.

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

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

It was much quieter in the rest of the house. They started wandering through any elbow room that had undetermined doors.

"This topographic point is so fucking fancy,"Albus said.

"It reminds me of my grandparents'household,"matte said.

"Their sign is this big ?"Rose asked.

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

The three friend wound up in a very magnanimous living room filled with antique furniture. There was an oriental carpet on the undercoat and oak mesa and bookshelves around the border. Atop the tables were fancy vases of flowers and crystal sculptures.

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

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

"Do n't tint it !"rose wine hissed.

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

"Look at all these script,"Albus gazed up at one of the bookcases,"ma'am Pince would hump to get her manpower on these."

"They 're all about politics, though,"flatness pointed out,"Pretty boring."

"Mum would wish them,"rosiness said

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

"Probably older than Aberforth Dumbledore,"Albus replied.

"Hey, Albus, Matt, come up here,"Rose said as she looked out the window.

Albus and matte walked over to the window and leaned over the board that was in front of it.

"What is it ?"Albus asked.

"Look, there's-"

matt leaned farther over the board and knocked one of the watch glass sculptures off. rose wine gasped and managed to pick up it before it crashed onto the floor.

"pigeon hawk,"pink wine whispered as she set it back on the mesa,"Be careful."

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

"There 's mortal sneaking around out there,"blush wine said.

Albus peered out the window into the darkness. He could just barely make out a tincture lurking around the Dubya. It did n't depend like the somebody was walking up towards the house to go to the political party. Plus, why would he demo up three minute late ?

"There 's definitely somebody out there,"mat said.

"Let 's go rule out who it is,"Albus said. He did n't birth a clue as to who it was, but he wanted to see out. There was no reasonableness for mortal to be sneaking around the Minister 's Mansion at this time of night.

"Albus Severus ceramicist, are you bloody insane ?"Rose 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 unanimous elbow room replete of Ministry official in slip whoever is out there is somebody bad,"Albus said.

"That 's a honest point,"lustrelessness replied,"Why would someone swipe around a house that 's wide of Ministry functionary, especially when the two top Aurors are inside ?"

"I do n't know,"Albus said,"But I want to find out who it is."

Rose reluctantly agreed and followed Albus and matt, muttering under her breath. They found the penny-pinching door and went out into the cold night, drawing their wands as they did so.

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

Albus ignored her and started looking around. He stayed close to the house and tried to observe himself concealed in the bushes as he looked for the number. However, he could n't see or pick up anything.

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

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

"Good,"rosiness muttered,"Now let 's go back inside."

"They could 've just moved,"Albus pointed out,"Let 's go on going."

Albus continued creeping around the house, with his wand out in front of him. His heart was beating fast and his handwriting were sweaty despite the coldness. He did n't require to bar, though. Figuring out who this chap was was exciting and nerve wracking at the same time.

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

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

"Who are you ?"the person shouted.

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

"He sounds familiar,"Matt whispered,"bent on. Bloody the pits, that 's Professor Balladanis !"

Albus thought for a sec and the voice did vocalize a lot like Balladanis. But why would he be sneaking around the curate 's residence ?

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

"Er, yes,"Albus replied.

The baton lighter lowered and Albus heard the man whole step through the Snow towards him. Albus saw that he was indeed prof Balladanis. He breathed a suspiration of relief as pink wine let go of his arm.

"Mr. thrower,"Balladanis said and then waved his scepter around,"And Miss Weasley, Mr. Eckerton. Oh, I suppose this party is for your founding father, Mr. Eckerton ?"

"Y-yes, sir,"Matt replied.

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

"Told you,"Rose whispered to Albus.

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

"And you 're prosperous it was me,"Balladanis barked,"The three of you could have been dead if that mortal had been a disconsolate wizard. Now, I 'm taking all three of you back inside."

Albus nodded and followed Balladanis through the snow and towards the door."Sir,"Albus said,"If you do n't take care my asking, what were you doing remote ?"

"If you must be intimate, the Minister asked me to check up on the earth in order to make sure cipher was lurking around,"Balladanis replied.

That did zero but discharge Albus 's curiosity even more. He knew unspoiled than to compact 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, Matt, and Rose re-entered the building, escorted by Professor Balladanis. Albus had been hoping the prof would just see them to the door and then continue his search of the circumference, but instead he went back to the dance hall with them and marched them right up to Harry.

"Potter,"Balladanis interrupted the conversation Harry had been having with some star 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 light that you were to stay inside."

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

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

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

"precaution 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 friends back to the buffet.

"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 !"someone shouted.

Albus looked at the skinny clock and saw that it was almost midnight. Everyone else joined in the countdown, holding their shabu of champagne in the air. Amy joined Albus, rosebush, and Matt.

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

The crowd began to thin out a little while later. Most of the mass Albus did n't know left, along with his Uncle Sir Henry Percy, Aunt Corrine, and his cousin-german. Albus 's parents did n't look like they were in any hurriedness to leave, so he got a plate of the leftover sweet and at them with his friends.

Rose 's family and Amy left, and then it was just the Potters, matte, his parents, the diplomatic minister, and his married woman left. All the adults were talking, James was teasing Lily about something, and Albus and Matt were finishing off the last of the desserts.

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

"Only if Linda 's sick the day of one of the matches,"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 caravan,"Matt said.

Albus waved goodbye and then joined his mum, dad, James, and Lily. They all said praise to lustrelessness 's dad and then left the Minister 's Mansion. Albus peered into the President George W. Bush as he left, but there was no sign of Professor Balladanis.

******

The remainder of the Christmas holiday went by very slow for Albus. He did all his prep, which was quite dull, and there was nothing to do after that. blush wine was visiting her early grandparents and James was at Nathan 's household. Even Kaden was occupy visiting his grandparents ( Vernon and Petunia ). He sent Albus a letter complaining about it, since the sojourn was also with Aunt Marge. Albus was very thankful that he did n't have to go. Neither of his parents had mentioned anything about visiting with Vernon and Petunia again.

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

"auntie Marge has got to be the most horrible auntie in the stallion Earth,"Kaden fumed,"My dad told her about thaumaturgy a few month ago and she 's been awful ever since. I mean, she was always kind of atrocious, but now she 's worse. She just hates thaumaturgy so much. She 's worse than my grandparents."

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

"Consider yourself golden,"Kaden muttered,"I 'm guessing you lot had well holiday ?"

"We found prof Balladanis lurking around the Minister 's sign,"Albus announced.

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

"I saw soul sneaking around outside and Albus insisted we go investigate,"Rose said,"Turns out it was Balladanis and the pastor had apparently asked him to ensure the grounds for trouble."

"Did he find you ?"privy asked.

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

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

"wellspring, we could 've,"blush wine muttered.

"Wyrd though,"bathroom said,"Why would the Minister think individual would be hiding around his firm ?"

"Does n't he have guards around anyway ?"Amanda asked,"The Muggle Minister does."

"Again, that 's why it 's Weird,"John replied,"He does have guards."

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

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

"Again, Weird,"John said.

"Yeah, there were a crowd of Aurors at the party, not to observe Albus 's dad,"Matt pointed out.

"That settles it,"John the Evangelist announced,"Albus, you 've got to find out what he did before he started teaching Defense ?"

"Why me ?"Albus asked.

"Because you 've got those limited dueling lessons with him. He likes you for some cause. Of course of instruction, he also likes Malfoy. But that 's probably just because Malfoy 's a good dueler, too,"privy explained.

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

"You never know,"lavatory said.

******

"quiet, quiet !"Balladanis shouted the following Tuesday, their low day of Defense after the holiday.

Albus immediately stopped talking to matte and lav and turned to front Balladanis. He was really hoping that the professor would say nothing about what happened at the party and so far Balladanis was showing no recollection of it.

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

"kickoff, I 'll say that there is no time to not be thinking about defensive magic, as the dark arts do not take breaks for trivial thing such as holidays.

"endorsement, in this term we will begin to explore puppet far more serious than hinkypunks and kappas. In this term we shall instruct about those terrifying animate being such as acromantulas, basilisks, wolfman, dragons, and vampires."

Albus could n't help but glance at Linda when Balladanis said vampires. Balladanis had glanced at her as well, and he also glanced at matte when he said loup-garou. Of form, he had looked at Albus when he said basilisks, so it did n't necessarily stand for anything, but Albus had a touch it did.

"As the headmaster would chance it highly inappropriate for a dragon 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 metre. You will find that there are Thomas More lecturing in this terminal figure, much to my disfavor. There is nothing I would care estimable than to learn you about acromantulas and wolfman with hardheaded lessons, but there are both laws and school rules that prevent such lessons."

Albus and mat glanced at each former. It was functionary. Professor Balladanis was insane. What kind of teacher would want to teach about tartar with last dragons ? Well, Hagrid would, but he was n't the Saami as Balladanis.

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

The relief of the day went by relatively quickly. Albus actually did not induce Quiditch practice that night, so everyone went to the Marauder 's Den after dinner.

"foretelling is such a trick,"can said as he tossed his bag onto the floor and collapsed onto a redact,"We started crystal ball gazing today. All I saw was a load of fog."

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

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

"Palmistry was better,"Amanda said,"And Trelawney makes the all thing worse."

"Trelawney could work Defense bad,"Albus replied.

"Balladanis told us that he wished he could instruct us about dark tool using the anamatek,"Rose said,"Seriously, he wanted a basilisk to appear in the middle of the classroom."

"That would be pillock,"Kaden said as he unwrapped a cocoa toad frog,"Those can drink down you with their eyes."

"I know,"blush wine said,"Balladanis is insane."

"Do you call back that anamatek could change by reversal into a lycanthrope if the Moon was n't fully ?"John asked.

"Probably not,"flatness answered,"It would just be a wolf. I think it would just be a wolf any former clip of the calendar month, too, because there 's no way it could turn someone into a werewolf by biting them."

"That 's practiced,"Albus said,"Because he did say that he 'd use the anamatek a few metre this full term. wonder if he 'll cause it turn into a vampire."

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

"If you think of it that way, there 's no point to take it release into a fake wolfman either,"Rose pointed out.

"commodity level, I guess,"John muttered.

******

The balance of the week went by quickly. Albus had Quidditch practice Thursday evening, and woodwind informed the whole team that they 'd set about rusty over the holiday. He also told them that the next friction match was in two workweek and they 'd be playing New York. If they won, they 'd be in minute blank space.

Albus had a dueling lesson with Balladanis the adopt evening and he had absolutely no idea how he was going to ask what Balladanis 's old job had been.

Albus arrived at Balladanis 's room before Malfoy and entered to line up Balladanis clearing all of the desks from the midriff of the room.

"Mr. ceramist,"Balladanis turned around and greet Albus,"Is it safe to assume that you did not go wandering about late at nighttime alone after New Year 's ?"

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

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

"This detail charm, when performed correctly, manages to demilitarise and disorient a person at the Saame time. The sense is often described as dizziness. Can either of you tell me what why this spell would be more utilitarian than a standard disarming spell ?"

"Because it 's easier to duel someone who 's dizzy than mortal who is n't,"Malfoy said.

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

"Er, because you can get the soul tied up while they 're disoriented ? If they 're a dark wizard you 're trying to beguile,"Albus replied.

"Another thoroughly reason, but not the one I was thinking of,"Balladanis began to take the air slowly around the elbow room,"Wizards who are expecting to have to duel former thaumaturgist often keep multiple baton on their soul. There are go that can be performed on these sceptre to keep them attached to your robe or your actual eubstance, spells that Expelliarmus wo n't overcome easily. However, these tour require constant compactness.

"If a wizard is hit with the magic spell I am about to teach you, they will lose the assiduity necessary to keep their extra verge affixed. Then, you can use Expelliarmus to get the supernumerary wands."

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

"Perhaps towards the end of the year. It takes immense concentration and magical energy to simultaneously perform that charm while dueling someone,"Balladanis explained,"For now, you will learn the magical spell to unarm and disorient a person at the same time.

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

Albus nodded, wishing he had been chosen to perform the new appealingness first, and faced Malfoy. He held his wand up and muttered 'Protego'under his breathing place. He focused all of his compactness on holding the cuticle up.

"Now, Mr. Malfoy,"Balladanis muttered.

"Confundo-Expelliarmus !"Malfoy shouted.

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

"dungeon going,"Balladanis said to Malfoy.

"Confundo-Expelliarmus !"Malfoy shouted again.

The good luck charm hit Albus 's carapace a little harder this clip. Albus could feel drop of sweat 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 wand bequeath his hand and was overcome by a wafture of giddiness at the same time. He felt exactly like he had when he had gotten the flu the late year, only without the fever.

Albus did n't pay any attention to what Malfoy and Balladanis were doing. He felt like he was going to egest 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 head and then looked up and saw Balladanis and Malfoy standing in movement of him. Malfoy looked impressed and Balladanis looked like he always did.

"You did quite well with that shell,"Balladanis said as Albus stood up,"And I think it 's safe to wear that you could n't ingest held concentration for any while after Mr. Malfoy succeeded in breaking your shield."

"No, sir,"Albus shook his head.

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

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

Balladanis gave Malfoy a few endorsement to get his shield up and then nodded at Albus to perform the charm.

"Confundo-Expelliarmus !"Albus shouted. As he expected, the good luck charm did not pause Malfoy 's shield.

Much to Albus 's delight, he managed to give out the shield on the one-fourth try. One less try than Malfoy had needed for Albus.

The charm hit Malfoy in the dresser and his baton soared towards Albus. Albus caught it and watched as Malfoy set over and fell to the terra firma, much like Albus himself had done.

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

"That was Wyrd,"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 easily part of an hour, past when Albus would get liked to quit. It was exhausting to be hit with that spell time after time while trying to check up a shell magical spell. Malfoy did n't seem to be faring much full and Albus thought he was even going to ask Balladanis to intercept after a one-half hour, but Malfoy closed his mouth, obviously thinking near of it.

The practice session was n't for aught, though. Albus managed to sustain Malfoy off farseeing and longer each time and although Malfoy was getting better at the shield spell as well, Albus broke through it a few more than times.

"That 's sufficiency for tonight,"Balladanis finally said after he performed the countercurse on Albus for what must have been the tenth time that Night,"I 'll see you in form on Tuesday."

Malfoy made a beeline for the door, 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 former 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 anger, sadness, and even regret. For a moment, Albus wished he had n't asked. It was too personal. He should deliver just told St. John the Apostle they would n't be able to observe out.

"Now is not the time,"Balladanis said quietly,"All in upright time, I will say you."

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

Albus left the room as quickly as he could in his exhausted state, before Balladanis could commute his head about eventually telling Albus about his previous vocation. The walk back to Gryffindor column seemed longer than usual 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 appall and Amanda looked like she was going to be upchuck. He looked around the common way and saw that most people looked take aback and everyone was subdued. There was no joking around going on. Even James was quietly sitting at one of the tables.

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

Rose opened her oral cavity to address and then closed her oculus, unable to do so. Albus turned to John and raised his eyebrows.

"You know that feller who owns Dervish and Banges ?"Saint 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 make his opinions known

"Someone killed him,"John said in barely Sir Thomas More than a whisper.

"Wh-what ?"Albus turned to look at all his friends in act. Matt nodded ever so slightly and then put his head on his hands.

"moldiness 've just happened,"John said,"They just found him. Madam Rosmerta heard a commotion and Flooed here, to get the Auror on tariff. By the sentence they got back, his store was a complete mess inside and he was laying dead on the floor. Avada Kedavra. They 're searching Hogsmeade, the woods, the grounds, and the schooling. Nobody 's allowed out of their common rooms and dormitories."

"We thought Balladanis would institute you back here when it happened,"blush wine said.

"nobody even came in to tell apart us,"Albus replied, still in shock.

mass were n't just randomly killed in Hogsmeade. That sort of matter just did n't befall anymore. Not since Voldemort had been defeated. Well, Professor Torro had been killed back before his first year and then that one hag from the Ministry had been killed over Christmas, but their killers had never been found and goose egg had happened since.

"Why would anyone kill him ?"mat wondered aloud.

"Why would anyone pop anyone ?"Rose replied.

The portrait gob opened and all the whispering stopped. Everyone looked to see who came in. It was professor Longbottom, looking worse for the wear. His robes were disheveled and his tie was askew.

"Aurors are still searching the castle and the grounds,"he told them,"I suggest you all try and get some sleep. The search will be long over by forenoon, so you will be free to leave the unwashed room then."

Albus and his friends looked at each other after Longbottom left. They wordlessly went up to their dorm, Kaden going with Albus instead of to the 2d twelvemonth'residence hall. nobody said anything as he curled up on the trading floor with one of Albus 's plain blankets. Albus got into bed and stared at the ceiling. He had been so worn-out earlier, but now there was no way he 'd get much sopor that night.


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as all the awesome subscriber and reviewers !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


luncheon was very subdued the succeeding day. Most people had slept quite late since it was a Sat. Every student of Hogwarts had their nozzle in a copy of the Prophet, be it their own or a friend 's. The staff table looked the Saame, with every prof either reading the Prophet or whispering with another professor, no dubiety about what they 'd read.

Albus was reading Peach State 's prophesier as she had finished with it and made a genial line to start subscribing himself. All of his admirer were peering over his shoulders. Even Linda was hovering around them, a foot or so away.

HOGSMEADE market keeper MURDERED

A disturbance in Dervish and Banges late
yesterday evening that sent one Hogsmeade
resident to Hogwarts to find the Auror on
duty lead to the discovery of the decease
of a shopkeeper.

Leroy Wisander, 42, the ten-year possessor of
Dervish and Banges was pronounced dead
on the prospect by Ministry Aurors yesterday
evening. His shop had been broken into
and it showed signs of a struggle.
Wisander was discovered in the heart of
destroyed ware with his sceptre
laying a few foot away. Aurors confirmed
that he was killed with the killing curse.

An extensive hunt of Hogsmeade, the
wood, Hogwarts, and its grounds turned
up naught despite the hr Aurors spent
searching. No fingermark were found on
the scene.

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

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

Anyone who knew Wisander knew he was a man
of very strong legal opinion and did not hesitate
to let others know his popular opinion. His nigh
late editorial have explored the subject
of werewolf, vampire, and other so called
'half-breeds'rights. Aurors have declined
gossip on whether they believe Wisander 's
editorials are a possible motive for his
execution. Wisander 's obituary can be found
on pageboy five.

Albus set the composition down and his friends all resumed their seat. Nobody said a intelligence for a few minutes. Albus did n't experience what to remember. The article certainly made it seem like Wisander was killed because of his beliefs. However, it did n't exactly say what his beliefs were. Albus had n't ever read any of his newspaper column, so he could n't say either.

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

"I have no melodic theme,"Albus replied, looking at his admirer whose human face was quite pale,"deficiency to go to the room ?"

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

Albus got up and was followed by all of his acquaintance. John and Kaden each grabbed a push-down storage of toast before leaving. Even blush wine 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.

cypher had read them. Not even rosebush. Matt sighed and collapsed onto one of the couches."I 've got to find out what they were about. I do n't even know which would be serious, him being for or against werewolf right. If he 's for them, that means some fellow is on the loose killing mass for wanting werewolf rights."

matte did n't even bear to extend for Albus to make love why that worried him. lusterlessness 's dad was possibly the braggart advocator of werewolf right hand in all of Britain and everyone knew it. If someone had been killed just for writing about loup-garou right hand, what would come about to someone who was actually passing laws for them ?

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

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

"Why did individual killing professor Torro ?"trick replied,"He was n't even writing any editorials or anything."

"To scare people,"Albus said quietly,"The Department of Defense teacher position used to be cursed, back when our parents were in school."

"wellspring, I do n't think you should worry until you find out what the editorials are about,"blush wine said to Matt.

"The other alternative is n't much better,"Matt muttered,"If he did n't write editorial for wolfman rights, then he wrote them against them."

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

"Let 's go to the library,"Rose said as she stood up,"They 'll receive old written matter of the oracle there."

Everyone agreed with this and they set off to the subroutine library. When they arrived, they were surprised to find how crowded it was. Usually Sat were the years everyone put off their homework and then Billy Sunday were spent in the library.

Once they stepped inside, Albus saw that everyone was looking through old copies of the Prophet. Nearly every table had a few newsprint on it and a few student poring over them. ma'am Pince was bustling about, no question worrying about whether the students would rip her cherished newspapers.

"Might not be any will,"St. John the Apostle muttered.

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

John was almost the right way. There was a very humble stack of newspapers left. Albus grabbed them all and then they went to a secluded table towards the back of the library. Albus, Matt, and Rose each took a newspaper while John, Kaden, and Amanda played tick-tack-toe on a spare bit of parchment.

Albus leafed through his paper, which was about two years old, until he got to the editorial section. In the very center, in the freehanded baptistry, was an editorial by Leroy Wisander.

therapist, brewer TO blame, NOT MINISTRY functionary

As I was locking up my store finale night,
I noticed that it was a full moon. I
could not help but think of the poor
people plagued with lycanthropy
currently shut up while attacking
themselves.

Now, I know what you all are thinking.
Aconitum lycoctonum. The stuff works miracles
if taken correctly. However, it does
no good if it 's sitting in St. Mungo 's
and not being used by crone and
wizards with lycanthropy.

The stuff is expensive. I myself did
the calculations and discovered that
it would be extremely hard for
anyone with a low income to open it.

And what kind of business are lycanthropes
often stuck with ? Menial, low-paying
ones. The jobs where they make hardly
enough money to pay the rent and buy
food, let entirely buy a potion that
could alter their lives for the better.

I am absolutely appalled that Healers
and potion brewer charge for this
important potion. They must be making
a overnice profit. They can use the profit
to take profligate holidays while the
inadequate witches and wizards who buy it
struggle to yield it.

There is only so often Ministry functionary
can do. Head of Werewolf Support Services,
Walter Eckerton, says he would roll in the hay to
give away free wolf's bane, but there just
is n't elbow room for it in the budget.

What do I purport ? I propose that Healers
and potion brewers give it away for free.
They have the abilities to brew it, not
the Ministry. about therapist claim to love
helping citizenry, 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 ability to brew it like
to birth a little extra spending money.

"Nothing in this one,"Rose said as she shoved hers aside.

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

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

Matt took the paper and he and rosiness 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 room,"Matt said as soon as he 'd finished reading it.

Albus nodded and they returned the newspaper publisher and walked as fast as they could gage to the Marauder 's Den.

"Bloody Hell, that bloke must give birth had so many enemy !"John shouted as soon as they were back.

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

"Why did he make 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 shake up something up,"blush wine replied,"And look where it got him."

"therapist are n't like that. near of the ones I 've met would yield away dislodge Wolfsbane, but it 's more complicated that that. The ingredients are expensive and it takes forever to brew. Not to mention how hard it is. There are n't many healer who can brew it and even almost beer maker ca n't brew it,"Matt explained.

"That bloke did n't have a go at it the half of it,"John agreed,"My dad 's a healer and he 'd love to leave away free potions. It just does n't work that way."

"My dad 's linked with that bloke,"matt said quietly,"And now that he 's psyche of the entire department, he 'll be passing more laws. Whoever killed Wisander 's not going to be happy."

"Your dad 's a really in force thaumaturge, though,"Albus pointed out to his worried Quaker,"Plus he works at the Ministry, where there are loads of Aurors milling about. And your home is more protected than any former star sign I 've seen, well, except the Minister 's Mansion."

"I know, but it 's still not expert,"mat sighed.

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

******

Albus and his friends scoured the Daily Prophet every dawn the following workweek. Every day there was an clause about Wisander, the investigation, or both. So far the investigation had turned up nothing. The Aurors had questioned quite a few mass, namely those very frank against werewolf and lamia rights, but the search had proved fruitless.

The articles about Wisander were far more interesting. It seemed that his editorial about wolf's bane Potion was one of the tamer ones. Each day little objet d'art of his respective editorials were being published. In one, he stated the intellect why loup-garou should n't be locked up on good synodic month. The understanding were quite absurd, but the seer had printed it anyway. Another editorial talked about why vampires should be allowed accession to human being to bite. He suggested using prisoner and allowing vampires to give suck them dry. Thus helping vampires and reducing prison cost at the Saami time.

"I reckon this feller was off his rock 'n' roll musician,"John announced at breakfast the keep an eye on Sun. He had just finished reading an article about how Wisander spent a year living with a vampire tribe in dud when he was Edward Young. They were some of the few people actually up at an too soon hour, as Albus had Quidditch pattern and Saint John had a morning detention with Filch for putting dungbombs in the toilets in Moaning Myrtle 's bathroom the old day.

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

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

"After Quidditch ?"Albus laughed,"You mean, I 'm going to get to result eventually ? Wood wo n't take a crap us practice for the succeeding calendar week ? I thought he was going to keep going until the literal equal on Saturday."

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

"What a disgrace,"Albus rolled his middle,"Anyway, I 'll probably have to do prep, since practice will go until late. How about you ? Any plans for after detention ?"

"thinking I might earn another detention,"John the Divine grinned,"But Kaden 's busy with Bromus secalinus order this afternoon-"

"wait,"Albus nearly choked on his juice,"Kaden joined the chess game club ? Kaden ? Kaden Dursley ?"

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

"I 'll state blush wine good luck with that,"Albus said.

"Yeah, so both Kaden and Rose will be busy with that. Not that Rose would desire to clear detention with me anyway. And Amanda 's doing something with Linda today, homework, I think. And I doubt Matt will be up for doing anything,"John the Divine continued.

"right wing,"Albus said, remembering that the broad moon was that Night,"But you did the dungbombs on your own."

"But it 's not as fun,"John sighed,"I guess I 'll just hang around the den with Matt. I can let 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 detention. I 've got to get to praxis,"Albus said as he got up.

There were a few choice Word Albus had for praxis that day. Long, grueling, and intense. Wood was in his okay form as he ordered the team to do drills time of day after hour. He seemed to get more and to a greater extent stressed as the day wore on.

James did a lot of person-to-person training with Teddy and Albus was more than a little envious. Teddy was a much more patient captain than woodwind instrument was and yelled a whole lot less. Tyler expressway mostly helped Wood.

Wood let them suffer a short severance for lunch, making certain they knew to come back afterwards. Albus heard the Slytherins on the team talking about skipping out of the rest of praxis, but they were back on the pitching at the time Wood told them to be.

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

practice session finally ended at three, when the New York team walked onto the delivery and demanded they leave, because they had booked the pitching for three o'clock that day.

"Remember, practice Tuesday evening !"Mrs. Henry Wood shouted as the whole 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 line up his ally.

Rose, Amanda, and Linda were in the common room, but the boy were n't. Albus figured they were in the Marauder 's Den and set off to see for them after saying a straightaway hello to the girls.

privy and Kaden were in the middle of a het plot of Exploding cinch when Albus walked into the Marauder 's Den a few minutes later. john 's cheek was replete of ash, but Kaden 's was rather plum. There was also a big grinning on his font which contrasted the scowl on John 's face. Matt was laying on the redact facing them, like he had been watching the biz, but he was sound asleep.

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

"Grueling. Wood 's ten times worse than Empire State of the South. Five hr we were out there. Five bloody time of day in the cold !"Albus groaned as he collapsed onto the former couch.

"Better than scrubbing Moaning Myrtle 's bathroom with a toothbrush,"bathroom muttered,"I do n't bed what was worse, the scouring 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 single person in the chess club,"Kaden shook his head,"But they think I have potential."

"Albus,"John said as the bill of fare blew up in his face again,"Have you done that United States Department of Defense assay ?

"No,"Albus groaned.

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

Albus groaned again and fished around in his own bag for his defence book. 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 couch. He just could n't bring himself to get up and do his essay. Instead, he mumbled resolution to whoremaster whenever he asked a question.

"Do you hatch the chicken egg under a toad or a toad ?"King John asked.

"Toad,"Albus mumbled.

"You know, I could pull in a rose and secernate you to do your essay,"John replied.

"Do n't even bother,"Albus said. Even rose would n't be able to get him off the couch.

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

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

"Really ?"Kaden sounded surprised,"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-off position on the couch and wrote his essay with his record and sheepskin perched on his articulatio genus. It beat sitting at the table ; at least he was able to screen of lie down.

A few hour later both Albus and lavatory 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 Matt, who had not moved one muscle since Albus had came back from practice.

John got up and began to prod Matt 's arm. It took a skillful two minutes for flatness to open his eyes.

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

"Then I should probably go,"mat 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 matte did not object. Albus assured him they 'd confabulate him the next day and then they left, leaving Albus and Kaden alone in the room.

John returned a little while later and the three of them went down to dinner. They returned to the vulture 's Den afterwards and 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 ahead of time to fire up up.

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

Albus opened his eyes and saw slip standing over his bed. A glance at the clock told him that, yes, it was far too other to wake up. It was six in the morn. On a Saturday. Yes, it was the day of the Quidditch catch against New York, but that was n't until one o'clock and Albus was only a reserve player anyway.

"Albus, you 'd better get up now. Grant Wood 's in the common room,"teddy bear whispered.

That got Albus 's care. His eyes shot back open and he sat up."What ?"

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

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

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

Albus took that to stand for that Teddy 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 tee shirt and a pair of dungaree before running down to the common room, where he found Oliver Sir Henry Wood pacing in forepart of the vacuous fire.

"Albus,"he said as soon as Albus stepped into the common elbow room,"You 're playing Chaser today."

Albus nodded and sat down for what was sure to be a very tenacious voice communication. Wood paused and then launched into an explanation of tactics, which Albus had already heard during pattern that week. He could n't reckon out why he had to be woken up at six to be told he was playing. Wood could induce accomplished the same thing at ten.

Wood and Teddy left after woodwind finished lecturing Albus and Albus considered going back to bed, but as he was broad awake, it would be pointless.

Part of woods 's speech had been on the weather, which was cold and slightly snowy. Could be risky, Albus thought. At least there was n't a blizzard. The precondition were very similar to those they had been practicing in all week.

Albus sat in the common room reading a book he found laying around until his Friend got up around ten.

"There you are,"Matt, who was looking significantly comfortably than he had a few days ago, said,"What clip did you get up ?"

"Six,"Albus muttered,"Teddy got me up. woodwind instrument had to recount me I 'm playing chaser today."

"What ?"lusterlessness shouted,"That 's vivid !"

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

"Henry Fielding 's sick and so is the former reserve Chaser,"Albus explained,"I 'm just glad we 're playing New House of York and not Australia."

Albus went to the Great mansion house to eat luncheon with his friends, but he was n't really hungry. He did n't think he had ever been more skittish for a Quidditch match. This was a really important mate, as woods had pointed out numerous prison term. If they won by a across-the-board enough margin, they 'd be in second place.

Word had gotten around that Albus was playing in the match and numerous people came over to the Gryffindor table to like 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 catch or not.

"I 'll be watching the whole clip. I 'm sure you 're going to do great. Just think of it as a match against another sign of the zodiac. Ravenclaw, I guess, since their robe are blue,"Harry grinned,"Good luck."

"Thanks,"Albus replied.

Albus left with the rest of the Hogwarts team a few minutes later. All his friends wished him good luck as he left the Hall.

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

However, Sir Henry 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 shortness of the speech communication, but quickly got over it as he walked out onto the sales talk.


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as all the awe-inspiring mass who have read and reviewed this !

Also, I wrote a new Sung fic ! It 's from Snape 's stage of vista, as I wanted to try something different. It 's on my Author page if you want to watch it out !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Ten minutes into the match, Albus decided there were four types of Quidditch in the world. daily Quidditch, like what he played with his cousin ; school Quidditch ; professional Quidditch ; and then there was the type of Quidditch he was playing now.

It was a combination of school Quidditch and professional Quidditch. The crowd was louder, the participant more influence, and the interest were in high spirits than a formula school Quidditch catch.

Albus dodged one of the New York chaser and flew up to beguile 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 early two New York Chasers.

Albus pushed his Calluna vulgaris to fly faster and held the Quaffle tighter to his chest. Then he plunged down to the ground, where nobody else was flying. He was back up gamey two moment later when he had reached the New York finish posts. After dodging a Bludger, he threw the Quaffle into the leave goal Post. The keeper was too slow up and the Quaffle soared through.

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

King 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 initiative goal of the match.

The Quaffle continued to exchange hired man quickly as the lucifer went on. An hour later there was still no sign of the Snitch and both team were neck in neck as far as points went. New York was up by ten.

Albus scored a few more end and he began to relax a picayune. The match began to feel more like a schoolhouse peer and less like a master peer, even though the interest were still high.

Wood had repeated over and over again that they had to be up by at least 50 power point when James caught the fink, or they would n't be able to overpower New York as far as boilersuit level went.

"New York 's seeker has seen the stoolpigeon !"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.

Saint James the Apostle noticed as well and flew straight at the hoop. He had been significantly closer than New House of York 's quester and flew away from the hoop with the struggling canary in his hand.

The crowd roared and St. James held the Snitch high above his school principal. Both teams flew to the priming and Albus saw the pained looking at on Wood 's fount. They had n't won by sufficiency to be in second spot overall.

"I had no choice !"St. James shouted to him,"She was going to get it !"

Wood nodded in correspondence, but he still looked disappointed. Albus chose to cut this and helped the rest of the team to hoist James IV onto all of their shoulders.

"To update everyone on the power point, the Aboriginal Australian School of necromancy is in first piazza. New House of York and Hogwarts are currently tied for second. The next lucifer will take place at the end of Feb !"Kathryn Elizabeth Smith told the crowd.

Albus did n't meet up with his friends until they were back in the common room. Teddy had gone to Hogsmeade and a company was currently underway in the Gryffindor unwashed room. Teddy informed everyone that the three other household were hosting political party as well. The students from New York who had been sorted into Gryffindor, including their Seeker, were sulking in a corner.

"I think that was your best match yet,"Saint John the Apostle said to Albus as they settled down at their common table.

"I think so, too,"Albus agreed,"I kind of indirect request I could act as in the following match."

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

"Doubt it,"Albus replied,"addition, I 'm sure enough O'delle will get first-class honours degree dibs on the next match if any of the early Chasers get sick."

"At least you got to play in one couple,"blush wine 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. Next match is New York versus Australia."

The party continued until dinner party sentence, when people began to depart as nobody had snuck down to the kitchens to get solid food. Harry came in to congratulate Albus and James shortly before Albus and his supporter left for dinner party. He was also scheduled to patrol the school for the remainder of the weekend and wanted to let his kids know.

******

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

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

Neither Albus, John, or lustrelessness were too preoccupied to observe the derelict building, though. The three of them stopped to reckon at it for a patch despite the biting wind. pink wine and Amanda were spending the day with Linda.

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

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

"It 's probably still theatrical role of the investigating,"Matt pointed out,"Plus, who would desire a edifice that someone was killed in ? I do n't even need to go in it."

Albus did n't think it was a secure time to cue Matt that Severus Snape had been murdered inside of the shriek Shack.

"commodity spot,"Albus said,"But so far they have n't found anything."

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

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

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

Albus, Matt, and John went to the Three Broomsticks 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 castle when Albus heard soul whisper his name behind him.

"Albus,"they said again.

Albus turned around, but no one was there. The articulation sounded familiar, though. Albus slowly reached his paw out and it touched something whole, 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 Saint John, who were both looking confused, to follow him. He assumed Kaden would watch over as well. Albus lead them up heights Street until they reached the shrieking Shack. nobody was hanging around it that day.

"Kaden !"Albus seethed,"You do realize how pudding head this was."

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

"Bloody Hell !"bathroom shouted.

"You stole the cloak ?"Matt asked.

"Kaden, you idiot !"Albus shouted,"I know I first told you this would be a good time, but there was a rationality I changed my creative thinker and told you not to pussyfoot in today. nearly of the teachers come to Hogsmeade for the February misstep. My cousins told me. They want to make sure no one does anything pudden-head because they 're in love or whatever."

"Er,"Kaden muttered.

"How did you get in ?"flatness asked.

"One-eyed witch statue,"Kaden replied,"Leads right into Honeyduke's."

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

Kaden 's face turned Theodore Harold White and his lip dropped open. Albus turned around to see what he was looking at and was met face to font with Professor Balladanis.

"Quite difficult, I 'd await,"Balladanis replied,"seed 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 trouble, but Albus should deliver known better than to think they could go the totally year.

Nobody spoke until they were shut in Balladanis 's subject. Balladanis sat down in his chair and looked at Kaden.

"Explain,"Balladanis said.

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

"Then it would seem 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 sneak in or anything."

"Very well,"Balladanis said,"Mr. potter, Mr. Eckerton, and Mr. Brickston, you may return to your rough-cut room. Mr. Dursley will link you after I arrange his detention."

Albus, Matt, and John could not get out of there spry enough. They walked straight back to the rough-cut room, talking about how lucky they had been. It must have looked like all three of them had helped Kaden sneak into Hogsmeade. skilful matter Balladanis believed Kaden.

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

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

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

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

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

******

Kaden discovered what his detention was that Nox. Balladanis decided to have him alphabetise his private library, which was quite extensive. Kaden returned to the Marauder 's Den ranting about the sum of rule book Balladanis had.

"He 's got more ledger on wickedness animate being than your dad 's got,"Kaden said to Matt.

"That 's telling,"Matt replied.

"Wish he had less,"Kaden muttered.

Kaden spent all four of his hold alphabetizing those book of account. He almost did n't manage to finish and if that had been the character, Balladanis would have given him a fifth detention.

The side by side full synodic month came and went, as did the future Quidditch match. Albus was beginning to suspect that the replete moon were becoming worse for Matt, although he did n't fuck why.

New York lost miserably to Australia in the Quidditch equal. They had been doing pretty well until Linda caught the Snitch a half minute in. Wood insisted that this was a good thing, though. It meant that if Hogwarts managed to tally a thoroughly measure of end before Linda caught the fink in their future match, they would ingest more overall points than New York. Ellen Price Wood seemed to have lost any Bob Hope that Epistle of James could beat Linda in quest, something James I fumed about on a go up daily basis.

Master of Architecture arrived and with it a three day rain tempest that left the yard completely flooded. Both Herbology and Care of Magical Creatures had to take topographic point inside, which resulted in incredibly boring lesson. Wood continued to defy Quiditch practice and Albus returned to the castle completely soaked and covered in mud after each one.

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

Balladanis conducted his lessons as if end of term exams did not exist. He changed aught about his lessons except the dark animal they were learning about.

"We 're starting vampires next workweek,"Balladanis announced at the end of class on Th,"Please read the chapter on them by Monday."

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

"So,"John said as he flipped through his defence mechanism book the following evening. Albus, Matt, John, and Kaden were in the predator 's Den and lavatory was just finishing the chapter on vampires."flavour what 's after vampires.

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

"Yeah,"matt muttered,"It was bound to find eventually."

"I wonder if Balladanis is going to make you go in for superfluous supporter during that unit,"John the Divine grinned,"I 'm sure you 'll need loading of extra assist in identifying werewolves."

Matt rolled his center."He in force. It 'll look leery if I do n't go in for supernumerary avail. Speaking of extra helper, we 're due to go in for it in xv minutes."

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

Albus managed to finish his Herbology prep while John and Matt were gone. Then it was prison term for him to go in for his dueling lessons.

The desks were n't pushed to the English of the schoolroom when Albus entered. Balladanis was seated behind his desk and there was a gem watershed sitting on it. Balladanis was pulling silver string section of something out of his chief and placing them in the basin.

It was a pensieve and the string section were memories, Albus realized. For a here and now, he thought that maybe Balladanis had cancelled dueling and neglected to state him.

"Sir ?"Albus asked hesitantly.

"Mr. potter,"Balladanis said quietly,"come in."

Albus stood awkwardly next to one of the social movement 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 son 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 give appreciated one right then.

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

Albus 's pulse sped up a little bit as he leaned over the pensieve. Was this a stupefied thought ? He did n't even have it off what he was getting into. But it was just a memory. Nothing could hurt him in a memory, right ?

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

It was dusk and very quiet. There was a small planetary house in the distance, atop of a jolty hill. In fact, the unanimous area was mostly bumpy. Albus had landed on the one lone piece of Gunter Wilhelm Grass in the whole berth. It did n't look like any place in Britain.

He stood up as Malfoy landed succeeding to him, followed quickly by Balladanis. Balladanis landed on his substructure 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 memory was this ? What did it bear to do with dueling ?

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

"Greece,"Balladanis replied.

This did nothing but increase Albus 's curiosity. Why were they in Greece of all place ? But he did n't ask. It did n't seem like Balladanis was in an explaining mood, judgment by his short, one parole resolution to Malfoy.

They walked quietly towards the small house. The only haphazardness was their footsteps. There were n't even any bird of night hooting or wienerwurst barking. It struck Albus as very odd.

The star sign must give been their address. Balladanis stopped when they arrived at the broken down wooden fencing surrounding it. The house reminded Albus of the screaming hutch, only smaller. It was kind of break-dance down and did n't look like a place that would be secure to live in.

individual lived there, though. A light was on upstairs. It remained on for a few more minutes and then soul turned it off.

Balladanis made no move towards the house. Instead, he seemed focused on the forest that lay just beyond it. Albus decided the forest was as honest a place 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 woodland. They were at the theatre before Albus even realized it. He looked at Balladanis. His face was hardened.

All was quiet for two minutes. The figures entered the family, but did not plough on any luminousness. Then the screams started. Albus jumped at the sound of the first gear one.

They were agonizing, hanker sidesplitter. Albus wanted nothing more than to go in and help oneself whoever was screaming, but he knew he could n't. It was cipher Thomas More than a memory board. Instead, he looked again at Balladanis.

His prof 's grimace showed nothing. Nothing but the same hardened look he had seen on it so many metre. Malfoy on the other paw, looked horrified. He looked exactly how Albus felt.

The screech was coming from two different the great unwashed. There was a high-pitched one that must experience been coming from a woman, and a lower one that must have been coming from a man.

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

Balladanis, however, made no motion to leave. Instead he stared at the house. Two instant later, someone fled from it.

They ran from the theater, towards Albus, Malfoy, and Balladanis. As they drew closer, Albus could see that the person was a boy who looked no previous than Albus himself. His face was etched with a sadness Albus had never seen before. It was too obscure to secernate, but Albus was sure enough there were tear running down his face.

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


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as all of the awesome citizenry 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 defensive structure classroom. Albus landed adjacent to Malfoy, still confused as to how he managed to get out of the pensieve, in figurehead of Balladanis 's desk. Balladanis landed behind his desk, facing the wall, and did n't deform around for a few minutes.

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

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

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

It happened in a rip secondment. Albus looked at his professor and immediately thought back to the expression of the boy in the scene. That was why he looked comrade. The boy was Balladanis. Then, Balladanis shifted slightly and the likeness was gone. But Albus knew it. That scenery had been from Balladanis 's childhood.

"Sit down,"Balladanis said.

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

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

Balladanis paused and walked around to the front of his desk. He began to pace in figurehead 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 understanding is that you two are unbelievable dueller. Both of you have acquirement beyond your geezerhood that I have never seen before, and believe me, I have seen plenty of exceptional dueler in my metre. This may be a serious clock time to tell you how rare it is to consume two such skilled duelers in the same class at Hogwarts."

Albus turned to look at Malfoy. What was Balladanis getting at ? It sounded like the start of some kind of house unity speech or something.

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

The lonesome ground for that, at least for Albus, was because of Balladanis himself. Albus doubted he would support Albus and Malfoy bickering with each other during lessons.

"Back to what I was going to tell you,"Balladanis said,"That scene that I just showed you, in guinea pig you have not figured it out yet, took place while I was a boy of only thirteen. It was the summer before my third year 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 afford to put food on the mesa. I think they were grateful when I went away to schooling, the solitary reason being that they would n't cause to worry about me getting enough to eat.

"I had two blissfully ingenuous and fun eld at the Grecian School of Magic. I returned home during summertime full of stories about my friends and all the balefulness we 'd gotten into."

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

"Everything changed the summer before my third year. It changed on the Nox you just witnessed. A coven of vampires entered my sign of the zodiac that night. They attacked my parents and tope them dry. I hid in a loo, 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 theater of one of my friends. His parents took me in, but affair were obviously never the Sami. I changed on that night."

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

"I returned to school that September hardened. Nothing was fun anymore. cipher was funny. It was then that I decided to devote my life-time to ridding the creation of such evils. Vampires, dark wizards, loup-garou, anyone and anything that murders viciously."

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

"However, I did realize that not all lamia, werewolf, goliath, and former beings are inherently evil. Not all of them want to kill. It was for this ground that I did not wish well to be employed by the Greek Ministry. The Hellene Ministry prefers to deal with magical fauna as a unit and not distinguish between them. Perhaps this is because Ellas has a very orotund population of vampires.

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

Albus 's centre sped up at this. Balladanis was going to give them career advice ? They were only thirteen. But at the same metre, Albus felt excited. Balladanis thought he was a good enough duellist 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 night wizard and dismal magic. However, we not only attempt out coloured wizards and glowering magic, we seek out darkness and dangerous animate being as well.

"The biggest difference is that Presulers are not employed by the Ministry. There are very few Presulers in the worldly concern and we are often sought out by assorted Ministries and hired on an as-needed basis. We travel from state to res publica, whenever we are needed. It is quite secretive. I suppose Presulers are a combination of Aurors and private investigators."

Balladanis was right in that Albus had never heard of a Presuler before. The idea intrigued him, though. A tightlipped variety of Auror who did not work for the Ministry.

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

Balladanis stopped pacing and leaned up against the straw man 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 matter that is between myself and prof Kendrick,"Balladanis replied.

"Are you coming back following year ?"Malfoy asked.

"As of right now, I have no idea,"Balladanis answered,"It is getting late. I 've kept you here much longer than normal. If you think of anymore questions, do not hesitate to see me. I 'll walk you back to your vulgar rooms."

Albus walked alongside Balladanis in muteness on his way back to the Gryffindor Tower. His mind was racing with what he just learned. He did n't know what to make of it. It was just so much information at once.

The common way was nearly empty when Albus climbed through the portrait hollow. It must throw been really late, since it was Fri night. Albus really did n't know what time it was.

"There you are !"Rose shouted,"Merlin, you 've been gone for hr !"

"What did he have you doing ?"Matt asked.

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

Albus was vaguely cognizant of his friends sigh 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 clock time.

Albus tossed and turned the entire night. 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 thought of her. He had said he did n't take for a grudge against vampires that did n't stamp out people, but who knew what he really thought.

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

Eventually Albus fell into a uneasy sleep, but his dream 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 head. After waking up drenched in sweat at four in the aurora after a nightmare in which his completely family had been killed by lamia, he had finally drifted off into a somewhat decently sleep. One that he wished he was still in.

"It 's nearly one o'clock."

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

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

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

individual pulled the curtains exposed and took the pillow off Albus 's header. He looked up and saw bathroom and Matt.

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

"No, it 's not that,"Albus muttered,"I 'll tell you, but I 'm only explaining it once, so one of you easily rule rosiness, Amanda, and Kaden. And I 'll tell 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, Saint John the Apostle, and Matt had tiffin. John kept pestering Albus all through lunch, wanting to acknowledge why Linda could n't hear about it, but Albus said nothing. He was n't even for certain if he was allowed to tell his friends about this, but Balladanis had n't really forbidden him.

"Albus, what in the figure of Merlin happened net night ?"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 ?"whoremonger gaped,"I 've been wanting to know for the entire year !"

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

"Sorry,"John muttered.

"Balladanis took us into a pensieve finish dark,"Albus began.

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

"Not that great, to be good,"Albus said,"Probably would take in been amend if it was a expert memory.

"Anyway, he took us without any explanation of what we were going to see. He took us to this really old broken down house in Greece. sort of looked like a smaller more run-down adaptation of the screech Shack."

"In Greece ?"Kaden asked.

"Yeah,"Albus nodded,"We watched the house for what seemed corresponding hours and then these image broke into it and we heard this awful shriek. Then the figures left. Then this fella who was about our age came running out with this horrifying scared look on his fount. Then we left."

"What does that have anything to do with what Balladanis does for a living ?"whoremaster asked.

"Everything,"Albus sighed,"That had been his business firm. The screams 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 foresighted time. Albus looked at his friends and they all wore equate expression of shock.

"And you watched it ?"mat asked.

"From a aloofness,"Albus replied.

"pigeon hawk, no admiration Balladanis is so all-fired insane,"John let out a low whistle.

"He decided to consecrate his life to ridding the world of evil, whether it be lamia, dark genius, or other dark animate being,"Albus continued.

"So he 's an Auror ?"Rose 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 wight, too. And they are n't employed by the Ministry. They 're hired by Ministries all around the world. They 're investigators as well. Apparently it 's all very closemouthed,"Albus explained.

"Wow,"Gospel According to John said,"I thought he was an Auror or something."

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

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

"All wolfman have the capability of killing hoi polloi, Albus,"Matt said quietly.

"So does everyone,"Albus replied.

"Whatever his view on vampire and wolfman truly is, it 's going to be interesting to see how he teaches us about them,"rose wine mused.

"guess this is why you did n't want Linda to learn 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 lamia does n't pour down people. I wonder if it 's Linda."

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

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

"Seriously ?"Matt asked.

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

"You do n't have to know. You 're only thirteen. And Albus, do n't decide 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 artistic production, but it might dapple his judgement sometimes,"Rose 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,"matte replied,"Why would he stop searching for the vampires 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 eyes,"There 's still something odd about Balladanis."

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

"I 'm not deciding anything now,"Albus replied,"I 'm just not going to think 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 lamia. Balladanis seemed to teach that particular unit with much more enthusiasm than common, a exploit that nobody thought potential. Everyone speculated as to why Balladanis was more enthusiastic than usual, but most just attributed it to the fact that he was bloody insane.

A lot of what Balladanis taught about vampire was stuff Albus already knew due to what lustrelessness had told them earlier in the shoal year. It was still fairly interesting, though. Albus found that the more grievous the fauna they were learning about, the more interesting it was. Not to refer the fact that they did n't use the anamatek anymore, a fact that nearly every student was thankful for.

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

"If that thing turns into a vampire, I think I 'm going to get up and pass on,"toilet seethed as they took their seats.

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

"That would n't be any better. We 're doing lycanthrope next,"John reminded him,"And Matt said that thing could n't change state into an genuine werewolf. speech production of Matt, he 's lucky he 's missing this."

"I think he 'd say otherwise,"Albus replied. The wide-cut moon had been the previous Night.

"placidity,"Balladanis said,"We 'll be continuing our vampire lesson today. Today I wish to show up 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 acquirement necessary to push a vampire."

"He 's mental,"John muttered.

Balladanis drew his scepter and pointed it at the trunk. It snapped open and out stepped a very pallid man with chiseled lineament. He did n't move, but merely stared out at all the students.

"Vampires are the hone predator,"Balladanis announced,"They 're incredibly fast,"he pointed his baton at the vampire and it disappeared.

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

"They 're agile,"Balladanis continued,"They 're in force looking. They attract you in. Then they kill, they suck you dry until you are dead. The option is not neat, either. From the mo their teeth infract your hide, you begin to transform into a vampire as well. You will turn one if they do not suck you dry. There is no way to halt it, no potion to weaken it.

"Vampires hunt at night when their vision is still fantabulous, but when human sight is compromised. However, that is not the only understanding. Does anyone know the other ?"

rosiness raised her hand. Linda did not.

"Yes, young woman Weasley ?"Balladanis said.

"lamia are in essence allergic to the sun,"Rose explained,"When the sun 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 neutralize the effects of the sun on lamia. Therefore they tend to inhabit area that see less sun and areas of dense forest, such as the Northwestern and Northeastern United States, parts of Canada, and parts of Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. However there is also a pregnant vampire population in Greece."

Balladanis pointed his verge at the vampire again and it retreated back into the trunk. Everyone breathed a collective sigh of relief. The lesson continued until the bell rang. Balladanis made no mention of moving onto the future unit, nor had he assigned the usual end of the building block essay.

Albus and his friends went to visit lusterlessness late that night after Albus got out of Quidditch praxis. They only had a one-half 60 minutes or so until curfew, but they had n't visited at all yet.

"You missed an excellent defence reaction lesson today,"lavatory said once gentlewoman Pomfrey had gone back into her study after leaving to see who had entered her ward.

"Was it any different from the usual 1 ?"Matt asked tiredly. He looked ready to fall asleep at any moment.

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

"He what ?"Matt shouted, although since his voice was husky it was n't very loud,"We 're still doing vampire, are n't we ?"

"Yeah, he had it turn into a vampire,"John said,"We did n't feature to fight it. He just used it to show how fast vampire were and what they looked like."

"That is weird,"flatness replied,"He assign the lamia essay yet ?"

"Nope,"John shook his capitulum,"I think we 're in for a few more than twenty-four hours of vampires."

"Well, the thirster we spend on vampire, the More time we have before we start wolfman,"Matt said quietly,"I really hope he does n't drop as much time on them as he has on vampires."

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

"Thank Merlin for that,"matte yawned.

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

"We 'll be back tomorrow after lunch,"Albus told him,"effective night."

"'Night,"Matt said.

They left the Mrs. Humphrey Ward just as madam Pomfrey was coming out of her study, presumably to tell them to go away and give matte Thomas More potions. Albus and his supporter headed straight for the park 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 amazing people who have read and reviewed this !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.



A few of Albus 's cousins had begun to take up bets on how farseeing Balladanis was going to pass teaching the one-third class about lamia. Fred was sure he 'd pass the residuum of term, but Bradley was convinced he 'd move onto the next unit partway through April. None of the third age were actually participating in these bets because they were all afraid Balladanis would find out.

The vampire unit was still well underway when the next Quidditch match came along. This one was the mo Hogwarts versus Australian School of Sorcery lucifer, which meant wood was in his peak when it came to practice. Albus considered just moving his bed to the changing way since he spent more of his time on the Quidditch lurch than in the Gryffindor common room.

Albus awoke the day of the match to bathroom 's cheap swearing instead of shimmy, which told him that he did not birth to play during that friction match. He could n't help but feel slightly foiled. Figuring there was no decimal point in going back to sleep, he got up and asked lavatory what happened.

"Tripped over mat 's bloody caldron,"whoremaster muttered, holding onto his right foot,"Why ca n't he just put that dolt thing away ?"

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

St. John the Apostle muttered something identical and shoved his cauldron under his bed. He went into the bathroom while Albus woke flatness up. The three of them met Kaden in the vulgar room a little while later and then went down to the Great dormitory to get something to eat.

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

"Wonder how tenacious it 'll take Linda to obtain the Snitch this time,"Albus mused.

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

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

"That 's what I thought,"Saint 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 Epistle of James could fly that fast, would he really slow down to a convention swiftness ?"

"Definitely not,"Albus sighed.

Matt 's prediction proved correct. Linda did not slack down in the slightest. She flew at her usual abnormally fast speed, beating James to the stoolie by a few yards. Luckily for Hogwarts, they had been ahead of Australia at that power point and only wound up losing by XL points.

This put Hogwarts quite a bit ahead of New York as far as Quidditch full stop went. Australia was still in the lead story, but they were not faring so well in the dueling tournaments. As of the most recent tournament, Hogwarts was winning. Australia was in last-place place and New House of York was somewhere in between. Albus was pretty sure enough that if the Quidditch and dueling tournament points were added up, Hogwarts and Commonwealth of Australia would be neck in neck. Whatever the termination of the remaining qualifying tournaments and lucifer, the final exam for both were going to learn the winner of the competition. The pointedness were just too close.

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

******

Two week into April, Bradley along with quite a few other older Gryffindors, were able to cash in on their stakes about Balladanis. Fred and a few others grumbled loudly about it as they handed over Galleons to the winners.

Balladanis had assigned the foresighted awaited essay on lamia on Thursday, officially making the vampire whole the recollective unit they had done. They had spent an entire month and a one-half on it. The essay seemed to match this length, as Balladanis wanted it to be two and a one-half feet.

Albus, lusterlessness, and John the Divine saved their essays for the terminal possible minute, settling down to work on them the day before they were due. It was n't a particularly hard essay because Balladanis had given them so a good deal information on the issue. 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 avail but be slightly envious of them because doing the essay with an factual vampire would take a shit it the leisurely essay ever.

"Bet Linda 's sword lily this unit 's over,"Albus said as they worked on their essays in the Marauder 's Den Monday evening.

"She is,"rose answered,"She hated every instant of those lessons. Ca n't say I blame her."

"How long is your essay, rosiness ?"St. John the Apostle asked as he measured his own essay.

"Three infantry,"Rose answered.

John Lackland groaned."Do you think Balladanis will note if mine 's three inches short ?"

"Yes,"blush wine said,"If there 's any essay he 'll be extremely fussy about, it 'll be this one."

"Maybe if we do n't finish it we can just vamoose family tomorrow,"lusterlessness muttered,"After all, I would n't want to show up in class without the essay done."

"But it 'll be worse when you finally do go to socio-economic class,"rose wine pointed out.

"I still do n't particularly need to go to year tomorrow,"lustrelessness said,"Whether I 've finished the essay or not."

"You 're going to cease it,"rosebush told him,"You 've got two in left."

"Finished,"Albus announced.

"Excellent,"John said as he grabbed Albus 's essay,"I 'll copy minute of yours."

"You know,"Albus said quietly,"Nobody found out about Linda being a vampire even after we 've spent a calendar month and a half on them. I do n't conceive anyone 's going to find out you 're a loup-garou just because we 're learning about them."

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

"facial expression on the burnished side,"Kaden put in,"When you get assigned the werewolf essay, you 're sure to get a 100."

"I do n't really worry about the essay,"mat said flatly.

Both Matt and Saint John managed to stop their essays before curfew and they returned to Gryffindor tower, and they soon went to bed. Albus did n't suppose mat slept much, though. He heard him tossing and turning all night.

Albus, Matt, and John the Divine got a late start since trick had misplaced his vampire essay. After finding it under his bed ( no one was sure as shooting how it go there ), the three boy rushed down to the Great Marguerite Radclyffe Hall to catch bit of toast before running to Defense.

They walked into the way rightfulness on sentence and barely had a chance to trance their breathing time before Balladanis asked for everyone to helping hand in their vampire essays. Albus passed his essay up and pulled out parchment and a quill.

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

Balladanis began his common pacing in front of the classroom. He stopped in front man of rose wine and Linda 's table and then stared out at the class.

"I thought I would set out with werewolf chronicle,"he announced,"Nobody is for certain when the 1st 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.

"C of years ago, before the Muggle field of psychology came about and farsighted before Muggles had any understanding of the man nous, they tried to lay down mother wit of people whom they deemed 'insane'.

"One way they did this was to attribute the insanity to the moonshine. Over the geezerhood, the myth of werewolf came about. Thus, werewolf have had a significant function in Muggle stories. In reality, the citizenry Muggles accused of having lycanthropy were merely suffering from schizophrenia or bout of insanity."

Albus frantically tried to write everything down. He knew absolutely zip about the Muggle panorama of lycanthropy. He glanced at Matt and saw that he was n't writing anything down, but his hand was shaking.

"Muggles of row know nothing about tangible wolfman,"Balladanis continued,"And their Hollywood created lycanthrope have little in common with the really thing.

"Werewolves are plagued with the sickness lycanthropy. Does anyone know what that means ?"

pink wine was the solely one who raised her hand. Balladanis nodded to her."It comes from the Greek words 'lykos'and 'anthropos',"blush wine explained,"Lykos means Hugo Wolf and anthropos mean man."

"Very dependable,"Balladanis replied,"Lycanthropy refers to the disease and those who have it are called loup-garou.

"lycanthrope have been shunned by wizarding companionship for as yearn as account has told us about them. In Holocene epoch years, there has been often speculation about whether this is necessary or even a good idea. However, it is difficult to change the psyche of the bulk when we have been taught to forefend werewolf and ban them from wizarding company for so long.

"It has not been for no ground that this general prejudice has came about. When in Friedrich August Wolf figure, werewolves can not see to it their actions and thus lash out lost mass. This has long been construed as lycanthropes wanting to round masses, wanting to infect them with the atrocious disease.

"This can not be farther from the font when it comes to most werewolves. Most do not like to lash out others. Within the past hundred days, lycanthrope have begun locking themselves up on the full-of-the-moon lunation in social club to avoid attacking others. However, there is one significant drawback to this for the lycanthrope. Does anyone know this ?"Balladanis 's eyes rested on Matt, but he continued staring down at his vacate parchment.

Rose and Linda raised their bridge player. This clip Balladanis called on Linda."When werewolves do n't suffer anybody to round, they attack themselves,"Linda said,"They do n't give a choice and they often wind up really injured because of it."

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

"We 'll pluck up future year with what happens before, during, and after full moons for a individual with lycanthropy,"Balladanis announced shortly before the bell rang,"If you have not read the werewolf chapter, please do so for next time. Mr. Eckerton, if you could please come see me."

lusterlessness looked, if it was possible, even more nervous at this vista. The balance of the grade 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 classroom when Albus and trick left. He had a slim smirk on his face.

"Interesting moral, Potter,"Malfoy said quietly,"Very interesting indeed."

"What do you want, Malfoy ?"Albus asked, knowing perfectly well what he wanted.

"Oh, zip. Just a very illuminate lesson. I 've learned so practically,"Malfoy replied and then sauntered off down the corridor.

"Merlin,"bathroom muttered,"He knows."

"If he does n't yet, he 'll know after following lesson. He 's onto it, that 's for for sure,"Albus said.

"Onto it ?"John replied,"That 's a nice way of putting it. The hale shoal 's going to know in two Clarence Shepard Day Jr., after the following 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,"John nodded,"We ca n't tell him. Whatever Malfoy 's going to do, he 's going to do it whether Matt 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 sound than he had before.

"zilch,"John said,"What did Balladanis need ?"

"Told me I did n't take in to go to the extra assist during this whole unless I wanted to,"Matt told them.

"What are you going to do ?"John asked.

"I do n't sleep with,"flatness said as they began walking to Herbology,"I know it 'll look leery if I do n't, but I really ca n't take many more lessons like that. Merlin, Thursday 's lesson is going to be awful."

Albus saw no period in denying that. Matt did n't experience a clue as to how frightfully it would be. They said zilch more about it the whole way to Herbology.

******

Albus had never been so happy about having ridiculously long Quidditch pattern as he was Tues and Wednesday eve. He was perfectly glad to spend all his free time on the Quidditch rake and then be too tire to do much of anything else afterwards.

It was just so difficult for him to hold open what Malfoy said away from flatness. He wanted zero more than to admonish his admirer about it, even though he knew that would accomplish nothing. All it would do was produce Matt worry even more and then act even more anxious during Defense.

Quidditch also kept Albus 's nous off of what would happen 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 reward. Albus was nearly one hundred pct certainly Malfoy would announce it to all of Slytherin. Then, Logos would spread and the integral school would find out. Falco columbarius only knew what would pass off when educatee'parents found out.

Albus knew that werewolf right had come a recollective way since slip 's dad was in school, but he also knew that most people would not be happy if their children were going to school with a wolfman, especially one that did not take wolf's bane. Not to note the flying field day the press would have got with it. lustrelessness 's dad had just become Head of the section for the regulation and ascendance of Magical Creatures for Falco columbarius 's sake. It would be a repeat of what had happened when Matt and his family had lived in Australia.

Not to advert what it would do to Matt himself. Albus remembered when there had been a slight luck that Malfoy found out about the passage under the Whomping Willow. He had nearly had a panic attack. What would happen if Malfoy found out he was a loup-garou ?

It did not help that the full synodic month was that Friday. lusterlessness barely spoke during the legal brief times that Albus was not occupied on the Quidditch pitch. He sat in the vulture 's Den with everyone else, but he stared off into space or slept.

Yes, Natalie Wood 's hanker Quidditch practices took Albus 's judgment off of all of that, but they did not discontinue Thursday from arriving and sooner than Albus would have liked he found himself sitting in Balladanis 's classroom.

Albus and john exchanged nervous glances as Malfoy walked in with a very self-satisfied look on his typeface. Albus was so focused on Malfoy that he nearly missed the fact that the anamatek 's bole was back in front line of Balladanis 's desk. Once he noticed it, he poked John in the side.

"What ?"Gospel According to John seethed. Albus gestured to the trunk."Merlin 's beard,"John exclaimed,"I do n't even need to know what he 's going to do with that."

"serenity down,"Balladanis said,"We 'll continue our werewolf discussion today by talking about what happens to a werewolf when the synodic month waxes.

"Werewolves, in a similar way to vampire, are somewhat supersensitized to the moonshine when the moon waxes. For the few dark before the actual full moon, when exposed to moonlight wolfman will feel ill. The moonlight gives them headaches and when exposed long enough, causes them to lose consciousness."

Albus did n't discommode writing any of this down, as he knew inaugural hand what happened when a lycanthrope was exposed to too much moonlight shortly before the full moonshine. Instead he stole quick glimpse at Malfoy and lustrelessness. Malfoy was furiously writing down everything Balladanis said and stealing quick coup d'oeil at Matt himself. Matt was staring down at his parchment and Albus was indisputable he was trying to discount everything Balladanis said. He was pale and ill, but Albus was n't certain if that was because of the lesson or because the full moon was the next day.

"werewolf are often too ill to go about their daily activities the day of the full moon and occasionally the day before as well. Before I describe the literal transformation, I wish to show you what a person with lycanthropy aspect like the day of the full moon."

For a brief second, Albus thought Balladanis was going to call Matt to the front of the room, but then realized that as a prof, Balladanis must have promised Kendrick that he would n't do anything like that.

Balladanis pointed his wand at the trunk and a small man stepped out of it. His lividity looked exactly like lustrelessness 's and he looked just as ill. In fact, the two of them looked incredibly alike. Both of their faces bore scrape and had a sickly look to them.

Balladanis began to verbalise about what the anamatek looked like, but Albus paid no attention. Instead he looked to Malfoy. Malfoy stared at the anamatek for a minute or so with shock and then he glanced at lusterlessness. Finally, he met Albus 's regard and Albus saw the gravid smirk he had ever seen on the Slytherin 's face. That was it. Albus knew it. Malfoy had made the connection.

The oddment of the example passed by in a sort of fog for Albus. He and John had exchanged glances and the flavor on John 's face told him he had noticed Malfoy 's fruition as well. Albus heard Balladanis 's lecture, but he did n't process it.

The deterrent example seemed to puff on and speed by at the same time. Albus wanted it to be over so he could get out of there, but at the Sami time he did not want to acknowledge what was going to happen after.

"Next lesson will focus on Wolfsbane Potion and the outcome it has had on werewolf rightfield,"Balladanis announced at the end of the example,"Class dismissed."

Albus and John looked at each other. Albus did n't lie with what to do. Should he face up Malfoy ? Or should he tell mat what happened ? Matt seemed oblivious to the hale thing.

They silently decided just to allow for the classroom and decide what to do after. Rose and Amanda had left with Linda with absolutely no idea what had happened.

Malfoy was waiting for them outside the room and Albus was not for certain if this was a good or a bad matter. He had the sudden urge just to hex Malfoy correctly then and there.

"Another enlightening deterrent example,"Malfoy smirked,"Oh, Eckerton, feeling a bit ill ?"

"None of your business,"Matt muttered. Albus and lavatory both stepped a bit closer to him and Albus clenched his paw around his wand.

"Bet you 'll be feeling even regretful tomorrow,"Malfoy replied,"It 's about that time of the month, is n't it ? Tomorrow night ?"

That got Matt 's attention. His head snapped up and he glared at Malfoy. Then he turned around and looked from Albus to John the Evangelist with the most panicked feeling on his face Albus had ever seen.

"It 's going to be a fun full moon moonlight, is n't it ?"Malfoy whispered, just loud enough for Matt, Albus and St. John the Apostle to hear.

Matt did n't say anything. He shook his head and then ran. He pushed through the crowd, much to the disfavor of the students who were trying to get to class, and disappeared in a topic of seconds.

Albus suddenly felt more hatred for Malfoy than ever. Not only had he worked out Matt 's privy, but he had used it to dash him. In effect, Malfoy had threatened him with it. That was one of the regretful matter he could have done.

Ignoring all the former students who were going to class, Albus pulled out his scepter and had it against Malfoy 's chest in two seconds.

"If you tell anyone,"Albus growled,"I will personally make sure you 're so indistinguishable that even your own parents wo n't recognize you."

"Is that a threat, Potter ?"Malfoy pulled out his own wand.

"You need me to spell it out for you ?"Albus asked,"I think we 're about to find out just how lots better I am at dueling than you are."

"Rictumsempra !"Malfoy shouted.

"Protego !"Albus shouted at the same time.

"Expelliarmus !"John shouted.

The gang moved away so that there was a rope of onlookers surrounding the duel. Albus ignored them. It was just him, St. John the Apostle, and Malfoy. And Malfoy was outnumbered.

Malfoy deflected lav 's disarmament spell and scene another enchantment at Albus. It bounced off Albus 's shield and hit a nearby portrait. The portrait 's resident shouted in disgust and moved into her neighbor 's frame.

Albus concentrated on his shield spell and glared at Malfoy."Petrificus Totalus !"he shouted through his shield.

Grateful for Balladanis 's dueling lessons, Albus watched as his carapace held up while the hex shooting at Malfoy. Unfortunately, Malfoy dodged it and sent a tickling jinx at John.

This one hit John and he collapsed onto the level in a fit of giggles. Albus shot another hex at Malfoy and this one collided with his face. Malfoy 's nose started bleeding and he rounded on Albus.

"What is going on out here ?"Balladanis shouted.

Albus did n't turn down his scepter and neither did Malfoy, but they did n't can off anymore whammy either. Albus let his shield down and noticed that the crowd had dispersed. privy was still rolling around on the ground.

Balladanis pointed his baton at St. John and John immediately stopped giggling and stood up.

"Follow me,"Balladanis growled.

All three boys followed Balladanis into his written report. Albus looked nervously at lavatory. Of all the professor to grab them dueling, it had to be Balladanis. Of course, the one good thing about this was that Malfoy could n't announce matt 's lycanthropy to the stallion schoolhouse while Balladanis was lecturing them.


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as all the awful mass 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 subject field. Balladanis just stared at them before speaking.

"I can not set about to tell you how defeated I am in all of you,"Balladanis began,"Especially you, Mr. Potter and Mr. Malfoy. I am certain I taught you safe than this. The two of you especially should know how uncalled for that was. You are well aware of your dueling skills and what sort of responsibility lies with them. I have half a mind to discontinue our education sessions. However, I am unforced to hear all side of meat of this story before laying out any form of punishment. You may go first, Mr. Malfoy."

"I was just walking to form 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 take a hit. He and John looked at each other and John rolled his middle.

"Very well,"Balladanis said,"Mr. potter, if you please."

Albus took a deep breath. He was going to tell the story. The whole chronicle."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 lectures on werewolves."

Balladanis 's middle widened and he looked at Malfoy."Is that true, Mr. Malfoy ?"

"Yes,"Malfoy muttered,"And I was n't threatening him. I was asking him about it. I think I have the rightfulness to be intimate if I 'm in school with a werewolf."

Malfoy said 'werewolf'with disgust and it made Albus want to hex him once more.

"Mr. Eckerton has the right to keep his health check issues to himself,"Balladanis replied,"His health is none of your business whatsoever. Please continue, Mr. Potter."

"After Matt left, I wanted to be sure Malfoy was n't going to go tell the whole shoal about Matt 's lycanthropy,"Albus explained,"And I guess we just wound up dueling."

"Just wind up dueling ?"Malfoy scoffed,"You had your scepter on me."

"You sent the 1st hex,"Albus muttered.

"Do you have anything to add, Mr. Brickston ?"Balladanis asked.

"No,"John replied,"Albus is telling the truth."

"Very well,"Balladanis replied,"I see this matter goes much advance than a affaire d'honneur. All three of you will have four nights'detention starting tonight at eight. Each of you have lost ten level from your respective houses.

"However, I am taking all three of you to see the headmaster. There are matter more important to discuss than detention,"Balladanis said as he stood up.

Albus knew replete well what Balladanis was insinuating. He and John said nothing as they followed Balladanis to Kendrick 's sketch. Malfoy walked a few feet behind them.

Albus had n't been to Kendrick 's study since his number 1 year, when he went to verbalise to Dumbledore 's portrayal. The post had n't changed in the slightest. Everything seemed to be in the exact Lapplander plaza. 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, trick, and Malfoy stood near the door while Balladanis strode forward.

"We have a problem,"Balladanis said,"These three have been dueling."

"I trust you to handwriting out hold, Tethys,"Kendrick replied,"I am fussy 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 pen and looked up."I 'll select 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 president and gestured for the three boys to join him at his desk. Albus sat down in the middle chair and waited for Kendrick to start. He noticed that both Dumbledore and Snape were paying rapt attention.

"Well, well,"Snape said,"Deja vu."

"Not now, Severus,"Kendrick said,"Mr. ceramicist, perhaps you can tell me if anyone else knows about Matt 's lycanthropy ?"

"Er, yes,"Albus replied,"rose Weasley, Amanda Tagger, and Kaden Dursley."

"I knew that Dursley kid knew something,"Malfoy muttered.

"Not now, Mr. Malfoy,"Kendrick said,"I 'll postulate to address with them, as well as lusterlessness. I imagine they 're all in class."

"Sir,"Albus interrupted,"I do n't cerebrate Matt 's in class."

"You may be right,"Kendrick sighed,"Do you have any thought 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 privy left the work. Albus went straight to the Marauder 's Den while john went to the dungeons as Rose and Amanda would be in potions.

lusterlessness was sitting on his bed in the piranha 's Den, staring at the wall and not moving a muscle.

"I suppose Malfoy 's told everyone,"Matt said without turning to look at Albus. His spokesperson was hollow.

"No,"Albus replied,"He has n't had the chance. trick and I dueled him after you left. Balladanis gave us all four nighttime 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 finish school. That 's not even the regretful part. It 's going to be all over the Prophet. My dad 's going to recede his job again. We 'll probably have to move to New York."

He finally turned around and looked at Albus. He no longer looked uneasy. He looked absolutely terrified, yet sad at the same time.

"Why did Balladanis hold to be such a good instructor ?"matte groaned and laid back on the bed,"If he had been some sort of awful teacher then maybe Malfoy would n't have found out. He 's just so exhaustive ! He left zero out ! Even the way he described the transformation. It was so, it was just so, realistic.

"And that stupid anamatek !"Matt sat up and looked at Albus,"That thing looked just like me, only older. No curiosity Malfoy found out."

"You 're not going to get kicked out,"Albus assured him.

"How do you be intimate ?"matte shouted,"How do you really roll in the hay ? I know Teddy 's dad got to stay after Snape found out, but this is different. That was when Dumbledore was here ! Everyone says Dumbledore was barking mad. Kendrick is n't. Kendrick 's perfectly sane and he 's not going to want to deal with this."

Albus did n't really know what to say to that. Everything flatness said was true. 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 spill the beans to all of us. Me, lavatory, rose wine, Amanda, and Kaden."

"I do n't require to go up there,"lusterlessness said,"I never want to see Malfoy again. I just want to abide here. Merlin, my pass 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 fairly. I hate it. I hate this whole thing. I do n't want to be a bloody lycanthrope anymore."

"I know,"Albus said, knowing just how piteous matte was at that moment. Albus had never once heard him kvetch about being a werewolf. Not when he was too tired to do anything because of the full moon or when he was laid up in the hospital fender for Clarence Day afterwards.

They walked quietly back to Kendrick 's study. Albus muttered the countersign, 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. mat froze in place and Albus stopped and looked at him. He was staring directly at Malfoy.

"direct a arse,"Kendrick gestured to the two empty chairs, one of which was succeeding to Malfoy's.

Albus took the rear end next to Malfoy 's, but did n't wait at him. Matt took the other one.

"First, I want to assure you that you do not have to bequeath Hogwarts,"Kendrick said to matt,"cipher else will be finding out about your lycanthropy."

flatness did n't look reassured by this. Malfoy looked mutinous.

"My father wo n't jibe with that,"Malfoy muttered.

"Your Father of the Church has no say whatsoever in which bookman I admit to this schooling,"Kendrick replied,"He works in the Ministry, and may I channelise out that his position is not very high."

"lustrelessness,"Kendrick turned away from Malfoy,"Does anyone else make out ?"lusterlessness shook his head."And did you narrate the others, besides Mr. Malfoy, willingly ?"Kendrick continued. matt nodded.

"Very well,"Kendrick said,"And how long have they known ?"

matt seemed unable to speak. After a few second of silence, Kendrick turned to Albus."How long have you known, Mr. Potter ?"

"Two class,"Albus answered.

Kendrick repeated this enquiry with Rose, John the Evangelist, and Amanda, who all gave the same result as Albus. Then he moved onto Kaden and Albus suddenly remembered the Sileo Altus charm. He shared one horrified glimpse with Rose and waited for Kaden 's reply.

Kaden looked at Kendrick and then turned to Albus. His mouth was love feast and he looked a little panicked.

"Are you all right, Mr. Dursley ?"Kendrick asked.

"Fine,"Kaden answered,"It 's just, well ...."

"professor, Sir,"Rose began,"We sort of put this good luck charm on Kaden, so he would n't recite anyone. He can only talk about it with us. He wo n't be able-bodied to say a thing about it around you or Malfoy."

Albus braced himself for Kendrick 's response, but before the headmaster could say a Logos, Dumbledore chuckled in his frame.

"The Sileo Altus charm,"Dumbledore smiled,"Ingenious. Who performed it ?"

"I did,"rosiness answered.

"Remarkable,"Dumbledore said,"You must be an incredible beldame, Miss Weasley."

"Too smart for her own sound, more like it,"Snape muttered.

"That is indeed quite the amazing feat, Miss Weasley,"Kendrick said,"Can you tell me how prospicient Mr. Dursley has known ?"

"About a year,"Rose said.

"Thank you,"Kendrick replied,"Now I have some affair to talk over with Mr. Malfoy and Mr. Eckerton in private. The rest of you may go to the Great Hall. I believe there is still a one-half time of day or so left of lunch."

Albus did n't really want to leave without finding out what was going to happen to Malfoy, but he knew flatness would tell him.

flatness never showed up in the Great Hall for lunch, nor did he go to Ancient runic letter or charm. Albus could not condense on either of those classes and was very happy when Charms was over and he was capable to leave.

Wood was not very felicitous 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 former educatee so close to the next Quidditch match, especially in front of teachers'classrooms. The lecture had only ended when Albus told him he was recent for appealingness. Albus had run into Ellen Price Wood in in between ancient Runes and Charms.

"What do you say Balladanis is going to make us do ?"John asked as they walked towards the piranha '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 wine, Kaden, and Amanda were with them. Albus wanted to go find Matt before they went to dinner. They had to waitress a while for the corridor to straighten out out before they were actually able to get into the room, though.

mat was fast asleep on the couch when they entered."Good affair he does n't have detention tonight,"John pointed out.

"Yeah,"Albus agreed.

John gently shook Matt 's shoulder until he cracked his eyes open."Wake up,"John said,"Or you 'll miss 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,"Matt sighed,"All he did was tell Malfoy how crucial it was not to mention anything. He said telling his father would do nil. Then he told him that if he ever did recite anyone, he would face exclusion for revealing another student 's medical information. But that 's it ! I mean, Malfoy did anticipate he would n't say anything, but who really knows ? Sure, if he tells, he 'll be expelled, but that wo n't take it back. I 'd still consume to leave."

"As much as a git as he is,"Albus began,"I do n't recollect he 's going to state anyone if it meant he 'd be expelled. That would be the ultimate ignominy in the Malfoy family, besides being a Squib or marrying a Muggle or something, getting expelled and not being a fully qualified wiz. Malfoy wo n't desire that."

"I guess you 're redress,"Matt 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 head,"You guys go on ahead. I 've got to send 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. unspoilt circumstances with that,"Matt replied.

******

Balladanis 's custody was a bit anticlimactical. Albus had been expecting him to retrieve up some really creative and taxing detention, but instead he assigned them course. Lines were possibly the most ho-hum hold ever thought up, but they were preferable to cleaning the bathrooms or something.

"Potter, Malfoy,"Balladanis said after they 'd been writing for ten minutes,"Your dueling lesson is canceled for tomorrow Night due to your custody. Detention will be at nine, after my extra help session, something I 'll expect you to be attending, Brickston."

Balladanis said cypher more and began grading essays at his desk. He completely ignored the three son, which Albus did n't really mind. He just wanted to get his lines done and get out of there.

"Where does he go ?"Malfoy hissed at Albus.

"What ?"Albus whispered.

"You know, on full moons, where does he go ?"Malfoy elaborated.

"I 'm not telling you that,"Albus muttered.

"My dad said a lycanthrope 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 sound Defense teacher any of our parents ever had."

"Quiet !"Balladanis shouted,"I did n't say you could talk."

Albus was grateful for Balladanis 's scolding. Malfoy stopped asking interrogative sentence 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 matte 's mystery ?

A one-half hour into their line of credit committal to writing, when Albus was contemplating switching hands despite the fact that he wrote horribly with his right manus, there was a rap on the room access. Albus looked up and saw Professor Kendrick standing in the room access, along with none other than lusterlessness 's dad. Albus set down his quill and turned to whoremonger. privy had set down his own quill.

"Who 's that ?"Malfoy asked.

"Shush !"Albus hissed. The last affair they needed was for Balladanis to think of they were there and tell 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 John. Matt 's dad knew Balladanis ? How ? Matt had never mentioned that before.

"That 's his dad ?"Malfoy whispered.

"Shush !"Albus said again.

"I wish to talk to you about what happened other today,"lustrelessness '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 bookman what they 'll need to know in lodge to defend themselves,"Balladanis replied.

"I think you go too far with that,"Mr. Eckerton disagreed,"merlin, showing them exactly what a werewolf looks like before a shift with an anamatek ? Do you understand how grave those are ?"

"Of trend,"Balladanis said, raising his voice a bit,"You 're not the only when expert on magical creatures. I have unadulterated controller over my anamatek."

"Nobody 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 class about loup-garou. The details about their transformations, how to pick one out of the worldwide population, what happens before, during, and after transformations. Your lesson was far more detail than a third yr text edition book."

"You 'd find that all my deterrent example are like that,"Balladanis replied,"textual matter books do not give enough details."

"I think giving enough details about identifying a lycanthrope so that a third class would be able to act upon out that someone not even in their Saami theatre is one is going too far,"Mr. Eckerton seethed,"You knew about my son. You should bear been a bit more cautious with your lesson."

"Withholding information from an intact class because of one student is not a in force method acting of teaching,"Balladanis countered.

"It is when it could be unsafe for that one scholarly person,"Mr. Eckerton said,"Fan of the greatest good for the greatest telephone number, are we ?"

"There are times when that is a thoroughly philosophical system,"Balladanis replied.

"We 'll hold to disagree, then,"Mr. Eckerton said,"But if I find that your lessons are putting my son in risk anymore, you may ascertain that the Ministry is inquiring into your teaching practices."

"I 'll teach however I like,"Balladanis muttered.

Mr. Eckerton ignored this and turned to the three boys, none of whom were writing lines any longer."Is that him ?"he asked.

"The one who found out ?"Kendrick replied,"Yes."

Mr. Eckerton strode over to the table Albus, John, and Malfoy were working at. He nodded hello to Albus and lav before turning to Malfoy.

"I realize the master has already gone over this with you,"Mr. Eckerton began,"But I feel the pauperism to repeat that there will be upshot if you make public my son 's condition."

Malfoy nodded."I know,"he muttered.

"goodness,"Mr. Eckerton replied and returned to where Kendrick was standing. He turned once again to Balladanis."I 'll be returning to the castle tomorrow to search your subject area and classroom for the anamatek. If it is still here, I will take it into custody."

Balladanis muttered something under his hint as Matt 's dad left the room with professor Kendrick. Albus exchanged a glance with John. He wanted nothing more than to pull up stakes, 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 haste to get up. He ran out of the room as fast as he could with Saint John following. Malfoy made no move to try and talk to them again, so they headed straight to the Marauder 's Den.


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight as well as all of the lovely multitude who have read and reviewed this ! You guys are awful !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Albus and Saint John burst into the vulture 's Den a little while later to find that matte and Kaden were the solitary single there. Matt 's 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 circuit card,"Oh, Albus, St. John ! How was your detention ? Want to fiddle ?"

"Not now,"Albus said hurriedly as he sat down next to Matt,"Matt, did you know your dad was just here ?"

"Yeah,"lusterlessness nodded,"When he got my owl, he wanted to go public lecture to Kendrick. I went with him."

"fountainhead, do you have a go at it where he went after ?"John asked.

"home base, I guess,"Matt shrugged,"Why ?"

"He and Kendrick turned up in our detention,"John 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,"flatness shrugged,"Then what happened ?"

"Your dad was really furious,"Albus continued,"He thinks Balladanis taught us too much about how to figure out if someone 's a werewolf and that 's why Malfoy found out. Then he told him how grievous it was for him to use that anamatek in class-"

"Oh, yeah,"Matt said,"I told my dad about the anamatek and that 's one of the reasons he came here, to separate 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 sure he got rid of it. He also said that if any of Balladanis 's commandment puts you in peril again, the Ministry 's going to look into him."

"It 's really not a right estimate to get on my dad 's bad English,"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 felicitous 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 ?"Saint John wondered.

"Probably,"Matt said,"I 'll owl him about it."

"Oh, and then your dad told Malfoy he 'd amend not tell anyone you 're a werewolf,"John said,"He looked pretty scary, too. I do n't think Malfoy 's going to tell anyone."

******

It did not take very long for word to go around that Balladanis had gotten in difficulty for having an anamatek. Galleons exchanged hands the succeeding morning at breakfast, as a few elderly educatee had bet on how tenacious he would have it. Somehow everyone knew that Matt 's dad had showed up at Hogwarts the previous night and informed Kendrick about it.

Kaden had defensive measure that morning and reported to Albus at tiffin that Balladanis was even exacting than usual and seemed incredibly angry. That did not bode well for Albus 's detention that evening.

"He 's downright scary,"Kaden said as he piled steak and kidney pie onto his denture,"Yelled at one of the Ravenclaws in my class for spilling her ink. She was nearly in crying. But I 'd hate to be in your division, Albus, he 's going to be barbarous. I mean, it 's pretty much because of Matt 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 right. Balladanis was going to deal this out on Matt, and possibly Malfoy as well.

"I do n't do it why he cares so much,"privy shrugged,"I mean, the Ministry could let just taken that matter away. He 's lucky he just had to take it back to his house or whatever."

"I do n't think he likes the governance,"Albus said,"That 's the feel I got after listening to him talk about what he did before pedagogy here. I think that 's why he did that, instead of becoming an Auror."

"wellspring, I think it 's a secure melodic theme for the Ministry to clear him take that thing household,"John the Evangelist 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 bathroom went up to the Marauder 's Den with rosebush and Amanda.

"Think he 's owled his dad yet ?"John the Evangelist asked as he gestured to lusterlessness, 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 know what happened between his dad and Balladanis,"Saint John the Apostle groaned.

"You 're so impatient,"rosebush commented,"Just let him sleep."

"I was n't going to fire up him up,"St. John muttered.

The residual of the good afternoon passed by quickly. Albus was dreading his detention later and John complained loudly about how he had to go to the duplicate help school term about loup-garou when he already knew so much about them.

Albus woke Matt up shortly before dinner and he looked much worse than he usually did the day of full moonshine. They all escorted him to the infirmary wing, where ma'am Pomfrey rushed him into bed.

Just as they were about to leave the hospital wing, the doors opened and in walk matte 's dad. Albus assumed he was there to suss out if Balladanis had gotten rid of his anamatek.

John nudged Albus."We should ask him about Balladanis,"lavatory whispered.

"He 's not going to separate us now,"Albus muttered back,"Look 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 shut up whispers.

As it turned out, Albus had been worrying about the detention for cypher. He entered the way before Malfoy and John was already doing his ancestry. Balladanis said absolutely aught to Albus as he handed him sheepskin. Malfoy arrived a little while later and still Balladanis said nothing.

Malfoy did not peach either. He did not ask anything about Matt and did n't even annotate that the total moonshine was that night.

Balladanis let them result at half past ten. Albus and trick found Kaden in the predator 's Den and spent the remaining clip left until Astronomy playing Exploding Snap and wizard 's Chess.

"Why, why do we have to have got this class with the Slytherins ?"John groaned as they made their way to the uranology tugboat,"If Malfoy does n't urinate a single comment about the full moon, I 'll eat an stallion cauldron."

"I 'm going to sustain you to that,"Albus laughed,"But I do n't think you 'll bear to."

Malfoy went so far as to actually set his telescope up next to Albus 's. professor Polo spent ten minute of arc telling them that they were to plat the lieu of Mars, Venus, the moon, and a handful of star before turning them lose to actually do so.

"The lunar month is so smart,"Malfoy whispered,"And big and ... full ...."

Albus looked at can."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 regulating and Control of Magical Creatures ? 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 stop talking about it,"Albus muttered.

"Oh, come on, Potter. Even you have to apprize the irony,"Malfoy said.

"Will you just shut up,"Albus seethed.

"silence over there,"Polo said.

Malfoy smirked at Albus one Thomas More fourth dimension before going back to his telescope. The respite of the lesson passed without anymore commentary from Malfoy and Albus was quite happy when he was able to rejoin to his dormitory.

******

"It 's like back in first year,"Albus sighed,"Remember when ma'am Pomfrey locked the infirmary offstage ?"

"That 's why this is bad !"rose wine said.

"Well, she did n't lock us out this time,"john pointed out.

"She did n't exactly let us in either,"Kaden said.

Albus and his booster had slept late on Sabbatum break of the day and after grabbing a quick bit to eat, had gone to visit Matt in the hospital annex. Madam Pomfrey had n't let them in. They were currently in the predator 's Den, trying to figure out why.

"She always lets us in,"John groaned.

"He obviously had a really bad Nox,"Albus said quietly.

"Yeah, but why ?"rosebush wondered.

"Have n't you noticed that the full moons have been worse the past few month ?"Albus asked,"He 's been taking longer to recover."

"I wish he 'd just let us suit Animagi,"john muttered.

"King John, I honestly do n't think you could become an Animagus,"pink wine replied,"You 'd wind up 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 hold a tail."

"You 're not helping,"Albus sighed,"What are we going to do ?"

"I think all we can do is just keep going back to the hospital annexe,"privy shrugged,"Until ma'am Pomfrey lets us in."

Their endeavour proved vain, though. They went to the hospital backstage twice that afternoon and then right before Albus and John had to go to detention. Madam Pomfrey told them 'no'each time.

Billy Sunday, the last day of Albus and John 's detention, was the same. Madam Pomfrey was quite livid when they showed up for the third time that day.

"aught 's changed !"she shouted,"seed back tomorrow evening ! I 'll impart the lot of you detention if you come back any earlier than that !"

With that, she strode back into the ward and slammed the threshold."Can she even give detention ?"Kaden asked.

"I dunno,"Albus shrugged,"I would n't put it past her."

Albus and John broke away from the group to complete their last detention. Balladanis gave them melody, just like he had the past tense three Nox. Albus sat quietly completing them, very grateful for the fact that Malfoy had n't said two words to him since Astronomy.

"You may intercept,"Balladanis said quietly after they 'd been writing for about an time of day and a half.

Albus threw his calamus down and leaned back in his professorship. Finally, it was over.

"I hope you learned something,"Balladanis said, which shocked Albus. He had been expecting Balladanis to retain his silence."If I catch any of you dueling in the corridors again, the consequence will be much more serious than detention and lost points.

"Mr. Potter and Mr. Malfoy, I have given great thought to whether I should continue giving you extra lessons. I have decided to give you one more luck. Lessons will preserve this Fri at their normal time. However, if either of you disregard my rules again, I will no longer hold them. You may go. I 'll see all three of you in category on Tuesday."

"pigeon hawk, I 'm glad that 's over,"John muttered to Albus once they were on their way to Gryffindor Tower.

"Me too,"Albus agreed,"He 's going to be awful in stratum, though."

"Yeah, ca n't say I 'm looking forward to that,"John said.

Albus could n't concentrate at all in his class the adjacent day. All he wanted to do was go to the hospital wing and find out how Matt was, but Madam Pomfrey insisted that they wait until evening.

rosiness and Amanda ate dinner with Linda, but they met Albus, lav, and Kaden near the hospital wing afterwards. They had all eaten a very rushed dinner due to Albus 's Quidditch practice at seven.

Albus cautiously opened the threshold to the hospital annexe, half expecting Madam 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 exclusively engaged bed, which had the curtains pulled around it.

Albus rushed over to the bed and yanked the pall back. Matt looked exhausted and there was a rather large patch 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,"Matt 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 lady Pomfrey let us come visit ?"

"Because I did n't wake up until yesterday afternoon,"flatness answered.

"But that was-"John began.

"Nearly two days later ?"Matt cut him off,"I know."

"But why ?"Rose asked.

"A gang of things, really,"Matt sighed,"first gear, I was worried about Malfoy telling everyone and it 's always regretful when I 'm worried about something. Second, I hit my head really voiceless at some level that night. It still hurts. third, the transformation in general are getting worse, because I 'm getting older."

That thought certainly had n't crossed Albus 's mind. Albus and all his friends were obviously getting erstwhile and that brought great deal of variety, but he had n't even thought about how the wolf would deepen when Matt got older.

"So, are all of the fully moons going to be this bad now ?"Kaden asked.

"No,"lusterlessness shook his head and then winced,"I mean, I do n't really recognize what 'll bechance in the future, but this one was just a compounding of bad things."

"That 's upright, I guess,"Albus shrugged,"When do you get to leave ?"

"Tomorrow dark at the former,"lusterlessness sighed,"Although that means I 'll escape Defense."

"want I could miss Defense,"St. John the Apostle muttered,"public speaking of United States Department of Defense, did you owl your dad yet ?"

"John, he just woke up yesterday,"Rose pointed out.

"I did n't owl him,"Matt said,"But he came to see me earlier and I asked him."

"Brilliant,"Saint John grinned,"And ?"

"And,"lusterlessness said,"He told me all about it. He told me Balladanis was a Presuler and was really surprise that I already knew.

"Apparently, back when my dad had just been appointed read/write head of the section for the Regulation and command of Magical fauna in Australia, he hired Balladanis to becharm a band of vampires who were attacking Muggles on the outback. Balladanis caught them, but he thought Dad went too easy on them."

"What did he do to them ?"Saint John the Apostle asked.

"Sent them to prison house. I think they got 20 days. Balladanis thought they should birth gotten life sentences. Dad and Balladanis got into this immense contention at the Ministry about it and Balladanis stormed out. The Australian Ministry did n't take him after that,"matte explained,"Although, I 'll bet Balladanis and Lubar would agree on punishments. I wonder if he 's rent 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 result. Oh, and he wanted me to admonish 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 Defense Department with St. John. Neither of them really knew what division would be like, but judging from what he heard about Holocene epoch demurrer classes in the common room, it would n't be fun.

Malfoy was back to his smug ego now that detention was over. He sat adjacent to Goyle wearing a smirk on his face. Albus ignored him and went to his usual table.

Balladanis stormed into the elbow room a few moment later. He waved his wand at the door and it slammed shut with a knock loud enough that it caused the Jordan-Bell twins, who had been sitting closest to it, to jump.

"passing play your homework questions forward,"he growled.

Albus handed his homework to the board in front of him and waited for Balladanis to garner it. He paused in front of the table in front of Albus's.

"Potter,"he began,"You can tell Eckerton that his homework is late and therefore I will not take it. If he wished to get cite for it, he could hold graced us with his presence."

Malfoy snorted at this, earning him glower from both Albus and Balladanis. Balaldanis tossed the preparation unceremoniously onto his desk and then turned back to his students.

"Wolfsbane potion,"he barked,"Was created by a man by the name of Oliver Belby. He finished the creation in 1991. For most werewolves, the potion was a lifesaver. Who can explain what it does ?"

nobody, not even rosebush and Linda, raised their hired hand. Albus stared down at his desk, hoping that Balladanis would n't name on him.

"Nobody ?"he said,"commiseration. Wolfsbane potion renders a wolfman harmless during wax moons. The lycanthrope turns into a beast, but a harmless one. One that will just sleep until the moon solidification and will not experience the urge to bite and kill.

"The potion is a lifesaver to those plagued with lycanthropy. I had been hoping to demonstrate you what a wolfman would bet like on Wolfsbane potion, but my anamatek has been banned from the palace,"Balladanis said with malice,"Therefore you will consume to go without the optic. It seems that sealed parents, Ministry official, and the master do not okay of my method acting of teaching. Unfortunately, it is all of you who are suffering for it."

"I would n't foretell it suffering,"Saint John muttered.

"Quiet, Brickston !"Balladanis shouted,"Unless you have something to kick in to the class."

"No, sir,"John replied.

"Good,"Balladanis muttered,"Anyway, the anamatek will not be making anymore appearances in this classroom and your education is going to suffer for it. Nothing, and I repeat nothing can replace mitt on training."

Albus usually agreed with that, but he drew the blood at having what was in essence a live manticore in front of him. There were some times when reading sufficed.

The lesson continued with Balladanis talking about wolf's bane. He spoke about how the potion does n't work for all werewolves and Albus found his nous drifting. All in all, the lesson had n't been as bad as he 'd been expecting. Besides his brief rant about his anamatek being banned from the castle, he had been pretty normal. formula for Balladanis, that is.

"Next moral will be the final stage on wolfman,"Balladanis announced at the end of class,"We will pick up about lycanthropy 's issue on children."

Albus groaned inwardly. Matt would be out of the infirmary wing by then. Why could n't Balladanis just finish the loup-garou unit already ?

"He wo n't be back next class,"John 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 people who have read and reviewed this !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


"topographic point your bet here !"Fred shouted the next day as he walked around the common room.

Albus had just climbed through the portrait hole with Georgia and Henry James after a particularly difficult Quidditch practice. Wood was getting them prepared for the match against New York, which was to take place in a little over a week.

"Sakartvelo, James, Albus !"Fred greeted them,"caution to place a bet ?"

"What are you taking bets about ?"Sakartvelo asked tiredly,"And if you keep betting on poppycock, your mum is bound to feel out."

"She wo n't give care,"Fred shrugged. He was probably right. Albus 's Aunt Alicia was the least strict out of all of his aunty. She 'd probably place a bet with Fred.

"You 'd just meliorate promise grannie does n't find oneself out,"Peach State smirked.

Fred looked momentarily horrorstruck and Albus could n't blame him. molly Weasley would probably charge him a wow if she knew he was gambling.

"She wo n't unless you tell her,"Fred muttered,"And Scots heather and I are taking bets on how much longer Balladanis is going to last. aid to take a conjecture ?"

"I suppose,"Peach State said as she pulled out some gold,"Two Galleons says he 's gone in a week. I heard he had three first eld in rent today."

"He nearly had one-half of my family in crying,"Fred said as he took Georgia 's gold,"James, Al ?"

"Three Galleons says he 's gone in two workweek,"Saint James the Apostle said as he tossed Fred some gold and then left to go find his friends.

"Nope,"Albus shook his head.

"Suit yourself,"Fred shrugged and continued his walk of life around the vulgar room,"Bets here, come out 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 homework. John and Kaden were trading Chocolate Frog cards.

"Fred 's going to get himself in trouble,"rose 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 finish the yr,"John said.

"You should have it away exactly when he 'll forget, what with your taking prophecy,"rosiness smirked.

"fortune telling 's a jape,"John muttered,"I ca n't wait to drop it after one-fifth year."

"Told you so,"rosiness grinned,"Sick of making up material ?"

"It 's just so wasted,"John groaned,"We 're still doing crystal globe. I just narrate her that I see myself dying anytime she asks and it keeps her happy."

"That 's why I 'm not taking Divination,"Kaden announced,"Bloody waste of a class."

Kaden had chosen his classes for next year a few daytime prior. He decided on Care of Magical beast, antediluvian Runes, and Arithmancy.

"Easy preparation, though,"John sighed,"I just keep reminding myself about that."

"What 's got easily homework ?"flatness asked as he sat down in the hot seat side by side to john 's. He looked a bit better than he had the premature day, but still worn out.

"Pomfrey finally let you out ?"can asked,"And we 're talking about Divination."

"Yeah, just in sentence for Defense tomorrow,"Matt groaned,"I 'm tempted to use a Fainting phantasy 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 Empire State of the South was saying,"Albus replied,"Makes me want to use a Fainting partiality. Two workweek. I know I did n't bet on it, but that 's really all I 'd give him."

******

John the Evangelist filled his pockets with emesis troche before he set off to Defense the next morning. Albus did n't bother. His oddment always trumped his dislike for certain classes. He 'd rather be there and know exactly what Balladanis was doing.

"loup-garou,"Balladanis said as soon as the buzzer rang,"When the term is used, almost people conjure up effigy of lonely adults, condemned to a miserable life story that revolves around the moon.

"However, there is a solid group of werewolves that are mostly overlooked. shaver. Ah, yes, nestling do get attacked by werewolves. Very few survive. Found by their parents when it is too tardily. Even fewer survive the initial shift. Werewolf transformation, as you have learned, are incredibly taxing, both physically and emotionally. Very few fry are strong enough to pee it through."

Balladanis paused and began to footstep the room."Parents are faced with a decisiveness after their child is bitten. They have three choices. Number one, they can distribute with it. treat with the monthly transformations and try and make life as pattern as possible for the child. Number two, they can empty their youngster. Force them to live with a wild camp of werewolves, to grow up to kill. However, there is a third option. Does anyone attention to opine as to what it is ?"

Nobody raised their hand. Balladanis looked at his class until his heart rested on matte. A very creepy-crawly smirk appeared on his face.

"Mr. Eckerton, care to severalize us ?"Balladanis asked.

Albus, who had been trying hard not to front at Matt throughout the lesson, stole a quick glance at him. He was staring at the desk, quill feather in hand, shaking slightly.

"N-no,"lusterlessness stuttered.

"Very well,"Balladanis smirked,"The third option is to put the minor down. Not a pleasant option, but one that a few parents select anyway. This alternative used to be readily suggested by Healers, but has now become quite controversial. It is not suggested very often anymore.

"Parents who choose the for the first time alternative, to continue to produce their child, are in for a very tough life. werewolf tyke are unmanageable to invoke. It is a huge accommodation for parents and sibling if there are any. The bite affects the completely family. It changes lifespan, it can rip kinsfolk apart."

Balladanis continued droning on and on about how lycanthropy affects children and Albus looked again at matte. His hand was shaking even harder and his face was as flannel as it had been when he had dressed up as a ghost.

Albus shared a flavor with John and John reached into his sack. He slid a Puking troche across the table towards Albus and then slid one to lusterlessness. Albus quietly unwrapped it and then waited until Balladanis had looked away to jostle it into his rima oris. Gospel According to John and Matt did the same. Albus clutched his stomach as the sugariness began to take affect.

"Lycanthropic children rarely, if ever, get to hang school,"Balladanis droned.

"Sir !"King John shouted,"I do n't feel so well. May I go to the Hospital fender ?"

"I do n't feel 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 speech sound of all three boys vomiting at the Sami time. Albus leaned over his table and vomited right onto the floor. The class erupted into shouts and Balladanis tried to save order.

"fine !"he seethed,"Get to the Hospital Wing, all three of you !"

Albus resisted the urge to vomit again as he ran for the door. lustrelessness and John followed. All three of them shoved the orange end of the Henry Sweet into their mouths as soon as they shut the doorway behind them. The affect was instantaneous. Albus immediately felt better.

"The man 's malign !"John shouted,"How could he teach that ?"

"Not here,"mat muttered and took off down the corridor.

None of them said anything else until they reached the Marauder 's Den."As I was saying,"John Lackland began,"What is untimely with that feller ?"

"I think a lot of matter,"Albus muttered,"He 's a raving lunatic."

"He 's only doing it because you 're in the social class,"John said to Matt as he paced around the way,"None of what he said today is actually in the record. I mean, did you say the Christian Bible ? There 's not often in there that Balladanis has actually taught !"

"He hates me because my dad made him get rid of his stupid anamatek,"matte muttered.

"But it started before that,"Albus pointed out,"He wants to make you miserable because of what your dad did with those vampires years ago."

"It 's just not mediocre,"lustrelessness groaned,"I mean, did you listen to what he was talking about ?"

"It was hard not to,"Albus sighed,"Is it true ?"

"Yes,"Matt said quietly,"And before you ask, one of the Healers did evoke that to my parents."

Albus suddenly felt more sick than he had when he ate the Puking cough drop. How could a Healer, someone whose job it was to build multitude healthy, actually suggest that to a minor 's parents ?

"Seriously ?"John asked,"What happened after they asked ?"

"My dad and my Uncle diddly-squat hexed him at the Saame metre,"mat gave them a half-smile,"Put him in his own hospital bed for two days."

"You know, I 'd really care to satisfy your Uncle diddlyshit,"lavatory grinned,"He sounds like a swell bloke."

"He is,"lusterlessness smiled,"He would 've hexed Balladanis quite a piece ago if he were here."

"But he 's not,"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 induce to do anything."

"trey 24-hour interval,"whoremaster said after Matt left,"I give Balladanis three more days."

******

"Your dad certainly does n't waste any time,"Rose said to lustrelessness as she unfolded her written matter of the Prophet the next dawn at breakfast.

Albus leaned over and scan the paper over rose 's berm.

HOGWARTS professor TO BE INVESTIGATED BY MINISTRY
The section of Magical Education received an interrogation
late yesterday good afternoon, requesting an probe
of Hogwarts demurrer Against the wickedness Arts professor,
Tethys Balladanis. The inquiry was submitted by none
other than the newly appointed point of the department
for the Regulation and control of Magical Creatures,
Walter Eckerton, whose fourteen-year-old son currently
attends Hogwarts.

prof Tethys Balladanis has been teaching defense mechanism at
the shoal since September, when he replaced Head Auror
Harry potter. potter had taught the study for two
eld and wished to center solely on his Auror vocation,
resulting in his surrender at the end of cobbler's last school
year.

The imminent investigation comes as hardly a surprise.
Earlier this week Walter Eckerton visited Hogwarts
after receiving a tip that Balladanis was holding an
anamatek in his classroom. This proved to be true and
Eckerton ordered him to remove it. The anamatek was
legally in Balladanis 's self-will, so all he had to
do was remove it from school assumption. Eckerton told
newsperson that Balladanis complied.

However, Eckerton has claimed that the professor
repeatedly put students in danger and humiliated them
in front man of their classmates.

'It 's not just the anamatek ,'Eckerton told reporters,
'I 'm filing this interrogation as a parent, not as a Ministry
official. First and foremost, I wish to protect my son .'

The investigation will set about today and be carried out
by functionary from the Department of Magical Education,
a section that was set up for this purpose after
the precipitation of Godhead Voldemort. official will call in
the school and interview both bookman and staff as
a part of their investigation.

Tethys Balladanis will carry on to teach Defense Against
the Dark Arts during this time.

"He 's still going to teach ?"John the Divine said incredulously after he finished reading the article.

"I 'm not going to defence force anymore,"Matt said,"Not until he 's gone."

"They ca n't kibosh him from teaching until they do the investigation,"rose explained,"Only Kendrick can bar him from teaching at the moment."

"Then why does n't Kendrick do that ?"Albus asked as he looked up at the staff table.

Kendrick was talking with Neville and there was a copy of the Prophet egg laying between them. Balladanis was not present.

"I do n't sleep with,"rose wine said quietly,"But United States Department of Defense is just going to get worse."

"Which is why I 'm not going,"flatness said adamantly.

For once, rose wine did not chastise him about skipping class. Albus could n't find fault him. He himself was half tempted to skip, but he knew his curiosity would get the skillful of him.

"Somehow, I do n't think you 'll have the chance to skip,"Rose muttered,"We do n't induce Defense until Tuesday."

"Excellent,"John grinned,"Now I wo n't have to do that werewolf essay."

"I never said that,"rose wine 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 Charles Martin Hall immediately ceased,"Thank you. I trust by now that you 've all either read or heard about the article on the breast varlet of the Prophet.

"Ministry official will be visiting the school today and tomorrow to conduct their investigation. They will be selecting students to interview. If you are selected, I advise you to serve their questions truthfully.

"As of right now, Professor Balladanis is still your teacher, therefore you need to treat him with esteem and attend his stratum. This is, at the moment, an investigating and goose egg more. Now, you 'd outdo be off to class."

"Albus,"pink wine whispered as they made their way out of the Great Asaph Hall to history of Magic,"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,"rosebush told him.

Albus nodded. He did n't want to go, but he also did n't want to find out what Balladanis would do when Albus did n't demo up that evening.

nonentity fell asleep during History of Magic. It must have been a new record book, one that was previously set back when Binns was still active. However, the want of tiredness was not due to Binns 's lecture. No, that was just as drilling as usual. The student remained awake because they were talking about Balladanis. The classroom was filled with the hushed whispering of the Gryffindor and Ravenclaw third years and Binns droned on without seeming to notice.

There were only six scholar in the castle who knew the specific reason why Matt 's dad had submitted that inquiry. Albus, rose wine, John, Amanda, Kaden, and Matt himself. Seven, if you counted Malfoy, but even Malfoy did not make love that it had been Balladanis 's public lecture on lycanthropic children that pushed Mr. Eckerton to resign the inquiry.

Everyone else speculated. About half the school put the inculpation on the anamatek, even though matt 's dad had come out and said that was n't the real ground. The seer had only glazed over the reasons, not getting into specific. The Hogwarts educatee wanted specifics. They wanted to cognise what had pushed Matt 's dad to give in an interrogation when none of their parents seemed fazed.

The rationality the students fabricated ranged from plausible to extortionate. A few seventh yr, mainly Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws, speculated that Balladanis had gotten a bit overenthusiastic with his surplus assist sessions and perhaps use matte as an object lesson of someone who did not possess the acquisition to defeat coloured whiz. flux that with an overprotective parent ( what the one-seventh years claimed Matt 's dad to be, which was not actually an overstatement ), and the investigation was born. They believed that the investigation would burn out over and within two week everything would be back to formula, with Balladanis still teaching.

A few overexcited first of all geezerhood were the on the opposite slope of the spectrum. They believed that Balladanis had let a chimaera loose in his schoolroom while teaching the Gryffindor and Slytherin thirdly twelvemonth. Apparently they overlooked the fact that nobody had turned up injured after grade and the fact that Balladanis would bear been sacked immediately if that had actually been the case.

Matt had become somewhat of a celebrity inside the Hogwarts walls. There was n't a bingle someone, living, ghostwriter, or portrait, who did n't know it was his dad who launched the interrogation. He was stopped no lupus erythematosus than six times on the way from chronicle of Magic to Herbology by hoi polloi wanting to know the contingent of the enquiry. It was something Albus could assure Matt was extremely uncomfortable with.

"Merlin, when will they get word that I do n't want to talk about it !"Matt groaned as they made their way back to the castle after Herbology. Two Ravenclaw second yr had just run up to lustrelessness, demanding to screw why his dad wanted to get Balladanis sacked. Apparently they actually liked him.

"You should just support up on the Gryffindor table and make an declaration during tiffin,"John suggested.

"Definitely not,"Matt said,"I 'm just glad we do n't throw class this afternoon."

"Me, too,"Albus agreed,"Hey, look, I bet those are the investigators."Albus pointed to three official looking mass striding up towards the castle. There were two Wiccan and a wizard.

"Probably,"John said,"I wonder who they 're going to interview ?"

"Ten Galleons says they consultation me,"matte replied,"And probably Albus since he 's had all those private lessons."

"Let 's just promise they do n't consultation those two Ravenclaws,"John said.

Albus, Matt, and can continued their trek to the Great Hall, where they ate a very fast luncheon. None of them wanted to continue very long since everyone was still asking matte 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 vernacular way was mostly empty when they arrived, but Albus spotted Lily, Hugo, and Ashtyn sitting around one of the board.

"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 nothing you can do to ca-ca me go, so do n't even try."

"I was n't going to,"Albus assured her,"Was n't it your family where Balladanis made person cry ?"

"That 's why we 're not going,"Ashtyn replied,"And we do n't care if we get hold either. Oh, and Saint John the Apostle, you 'd better not secern Mum."

"I wo n't,"John said,"The three of us used Puking troche to get out of Defense yesterday."

"You should hold just skipped from the start,"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 son quickly stowed their old bag in their student residence and set off for the Maruader 's Den. Albus climbed out of the portrayal muddle and ran straight into Gabriella.

"There you are, Al !"Gabriella exclaimed,"I 've been looking for you. Kendrick wants to see you in his report. Oh, hang on."Gabriella consulted the musical composition of lambskin she was holding."He wants to see Matt, too."

"Looks like you two are getting interviewed,"Saint John said as Gabriella went into the park room.

"supposition so,"Albus shrugged. He really was n't surprised. Even if he had n't been receiving private lesson with Balladanis, he probably would give birth been interviewed. It was one of those things that happened when your father was the most famous wizard in Britain.

"I 'll see you two later, then,"John replied,"Have fun."

"Oh, yeah,"Albus rolled his eyes,"Loads."

Albus and Matt left for Kendrick 's field while John the Divine continued towards the piranha 's Den. Albus had no estimate what he was going to do while they were gone, but he would bet that John would be bored within XV minutes.


A/N : I hope you all enjoyed HPFF 's April Fool 's Day Prank ! The staff really outdo themselves this yr. Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight, and everyone who has read and reviewed this story !


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


There was another Prefect standing next to the gargoyle that concealed the entryway to Kendrick 's subject. It was apparently his job to mutter the password to the gargoyle to allow all the students being interviewed in. He looked incredibly bored.

Albus and lusterlessness ascended into the study and found three other bookman waiting in strawman of Kendrick 's close down room access. A very bored looking Hufflepuff, who was probably in sixth or seventh year, Scorpio Malfoy, and much to Albus 's dismay, one of those Ravenclaws they had encountered on the ground earlier.

Albus was not at all surprised to see Scorpius Malfoy there. After all, he had common soldier lesson with Balladanis as well. However, he chose to neglect Malfoy 's presence and leaned against the wall to begin the long wait.

What had been the dot in sending them all to Kendrick 's study at the same time ? They were obviously only interviewing one person at a sentence. Why could n't they have just summoned Albus later, when there were lupus erythematosus hoi polloi waiting ?

Kendrick 's doorway opened and a pale-faced Gryffindor first year walked out. She hurried out of the survey and one of the Ministry official motioned for the Ravenclaw to enter.

The Ravenclaw was in Kendrick 's study for about fifteen minutes. Then it was Malfoy 's turn. He took a bit more time, but finally came out and left without so very much as a coup d'oeil towards Albus and Matt.

In the mean time, two Sir Thomas More students had entered. One Albus recognized as Peyton Haines, one of the Chasers from the Slytherin Quidditch team. The other was a Danton True Young Hufflepuff Albus did n't recognize.

Finally, after what must have been at to the lowest degree an minute, Albus was finally called into the room.

Kendrick was not in his study. Only the three investigators were. Albus was now able to see them up close. The one who had called him into the way was quite tall and wore a menacing glare. Her robe were perfectly pressed, without a bingle line, and her hair was pulled into a tight bun. She reminded Albus of Minerva McGonagall.

The other beldame was the finish inverse. She was light and quite a bit overweight. Her nappy brown hair stuck up at all sort of odd angle and she had a small couplet of specs perched on her nose.

The remaining investigator was a superstar and he was seated behind Kendrick 's desk, a quill in hand. He looked a bit bored by the integral thing. He was gazing about the room and had the look of somebody who was n't quite paying attention.

Two people who were paying enraptured attention, or should he say portrait, were Dumbledore and Snape. Both were sitting straight up and looking straight at the investigators.

The improbable hag gestured for Albus to take a seat in front of the desk. Albus did so.

"My gens is Katherine Torenzo and this is Lothringen Smyth,"the tall witch gestured to the myopic Wiccan,"And that is herb 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 province your full name, age, year, and house for the record,"Torenzo said briskly.

Albus raised his eyebrows. Would n't they already know all of that data ?

"It 's protocol, beloved,"Smyth told him.

"Albus Severus Potter, long dozen, third base year, Gryffindor,"Albus answered.

"Excellent,"Torenzo replied,"Now, perhaps you can state us what goes on in an average lesson with Professor Balladanis, in your own words."

"Er, all right,"Albus said,"wellspring, he comes in and Tell us all to hold back talking. Then he 'll collect the homework. Oh, and you have to get the homework in on prison term, no matter what. He does n't take tardily work, even if you 've got a good alibi. You could be sick in the infirmary annex and he would n't take aim tardily homework.

"Then he 'll teach us a new turn or about some new tool. Then we 'll sustain to execute 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 avail sessions."

"Has this caused distress to any of the students in your course ?"Smyth asked.

"Not in my class, but I 've heard of other students crying because of it,"Albus answered.

"have you attended any special help sessions ?"Torenzo asked.

"No,"Albus shook his head teacher,"Professor Balladanis has never told me I had to."

"I understand you have been given dueling lessons by him, however,"Torenzo said,"Can you tell us a bit about them ? What do they consist of ?"

"nearly times he just instruct me new spells, spells that are punishing than the 1 we learn in class. Scorpius Malfoy is there, too, and we duel each former with the charm,"Albus explained.

"You said 'most'times,"Smyth said,"What else does he have you do ?"

"Er,"Albus shifted uncomfortably in his chair,"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 indisposition. He doubted Balladanis would be well-chosen about this, but Kendrick had said to be truthful.

Both Torenzo and Smyth looked horrified. Cletus was writing away furiously on the parchment. Snape was smirking and Dumbledore 's font had seemed to harden.

"We did n't actually see it,"Albus said quickly,"We stood outside the household as it happened. Balladanis 's parents were in the sign of the zodiac. Then we watched Balladanis, in the memory, run away from the family. He was thirteen."

"And then what ?"Torenzo prodded.

"We left the pensieve. Balladanis explained what we had seen-"

"He did n't state you ahead of sentence ?"Smyth asked.

"No,"Albus shook his head,"He just told us to go in the pensieve."

"Did he explain 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 consequence. Balladanis was certainly a motivated teacher and one Albus could learn a lot from. But on the former hand, he was n't the form of wizard Albus felt comfy around.

"No,"Albus said quietly,"I guess not."

Torenzo nodded."Please restoration to your common room. You are not to mouth of this interview to anyone until after the investigation is completed."

Albus got up from the chair and Torenzo followed him out of the room. She called Matt in as Albus left. Albus muttered a repose 'good lot'to him before descending from the room.

******

"Why ca n't you just differentiate us ?"John the Divine lamented as the boy sat around the Marauder 's Den after dinner. Rose and Amanda were currently in the girls'dormitory with Linda, who had recently been interviewed.

"I 've told you a million times,"Albus said,"The Ministry Wiccan said we could n't talk about the interview."

"But how would they know ?"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 order you about it after Balladanis is sacked, or is n't sacked. I do n't suppose it 's going to take long for them to decide."

"He 's going to be sacked,"flatness said adamantly and then turned to King John,"You 're not going to his extra help session tonight, are you ?"

"Not if I was paid twenty Galleons,"John replied,"Well, ok, maybe if I was paid XX Galleons, but not for less than ten. What about you, Albus ? Going to go to your dueling lesson ?"

Albus shrugged. He still had n't decided. What he really wanted to know was whether Malfoy was going, but he could n't very well waltz down to the donjon, barge into the Slytherin common elbow room, and ask.

"No idea,"Albus sighed.

"Do n't go,"mat said,"If you go, I 'm going to start worrying about your sanity."

"Why would you need to go ?"John gave Albus a strange look.

"I might find out something about how the investigating is going, or something,"Albus muttered.

John opened his mouth to reply, but instead turned to the door. A loud squawking racket had seemed to emit from it.

"Did you hear that ?"John asked.

Albus nodded and got up from his buttocks. He walked over to the door and paused succeeding to it. The squawking haphazardness was repeated.

One thing Albus loved about the marauder 's Den was that it was always very quiet. No dissonance could be heard from the corridor while he was inside. Albus rarely ever heard randomness from the corridor, let alone squawking noises.

Albus cautiously opened the door and instead of the bizarre bird he had expected to see, Rose was standing there with her wand out.

"Finally !"she groaned,"I thought you 'd never come to the door."

"blush wine ?"Albus asked,"What is it ? Was that squawking you ?"

"Yes,"rosiness said hurriedly,"I had to get you to come out of there. Uncle Harry 's looking for you. He 's waiting in the common room. I told him I 'd find you."

Albus turned around and told Matt, can, and Kaden, all of whom had followed him out of the room, that he would be back soon. He had no idea what his dad wanted, but it must bear been significant for him to go to the rook on a day he did n't birth to patrol it.

Harry was sitting in one of the squashy armchairs in front of the fervidness when Albus arrived. GA and Fred were both talking with him, most likely about Quidditch judging by their overweening use of hand motion, but stopped abruptly when Albus entered. Harry got up and met Albus near the portraiture hole.

"Let 's public lecture outside,"Harry said. Albus followed him out of the portrait hole and down the corridor a trivial ways.

"What were you up to just now ?"Harry asked, grinning a bit.

"zip,"Albus shrugged truthfully.

"Well, I 'm no longer a instructor here, so I wo n't say a word about you causing worry, 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 prof Balladanis 's dueling lesson tonight ?"

That seemed to be the question of the evening, Albus thought."I dunno,"Albus shrugged.

"I realize that the conclusion is completely up to you,"Harry said quietly,"But I would advise you not to go. prof Balladanis is under a considerable sum of stress, of which you do n't love the half of. I 'd say the chances are gamey that he may look at out this stress on you and Scorpius."

"Do you screw if Malfoy 's going ?"Albus asked.

"I really have no idea,"Harry answered,"But I tend to believe he won't."

"I do n't think I will either,"Albus said.

"A Stephen Samuel Wise decision,"Harry smiled.

Harry said full night to Albus and then Albus went back to the predator 's Den. Kaden was in the centre of showing matte and John how to wee a proper composition airplane.

"What did your dad need ?"privy asked without looking up from the lambskin he was folding.

"To tell me it was n't a thoroughly melodic theme to go to Balladanis 's example tonight,"Albus said as he flopped down onto the empty couch.

"And ?"Matt asked.

"I 'm not going,"Albus answered.

"trade good,"matt replied.

"You know what was weird, though ?"Albus began,"My dad said Balladanis was under a lot of accent, most of which I do n't know about. So I 'm guessing it 's not only the investigation."

"Wyrd,"Kaden shook his school principal,"I 'll be glad when he 's sacked."

"We do n't live for sure that he 'll be sacked,"Albus pointed out,"I just wish I knew what else he was stressed about."

"Maybe he 's got to struggle a beautiful woman,"Gospel According to John smirked,"Remember his boggart ?"

"His boggart !"Albus shouted,"I ca n't believe I did n't put that together sooner. It was n't a beautiful adult female ; it was a vampire. It 's so obvious now that we know what happened to his parents, too."

"Yeah, that does seem fairly obvious,"lustrelessness agreed,"But what 's that got to do with his focus ?"

"Probably nothing,"Albus shrugged,"I just realized it."

"You know,"whoremonger began,"This is the first of all Fri we 've had to ourselves."

"You 're right,"Albus said,"What should we do ?"

"Let 's go down to the kitchens,"Kaden said.

"And spend the Nox here,"Matt added,"We hardly ever do that."

They did just that. The boy snuck down to the kitchens and were given as many sweets and puddings as they could carry by the house elves. Then they stayed up late eating all of it and playing various game. Albus was even capable to blank out about Balladanis for a while, something that had not happened in quite a while.

******

The Ministry officials remained a permanent fixture at Hogwarts throughout the remainder of the weekend. Albus overheard a lot of students mentioning that they 'd been interviewed, including John 's cousin-german Isabelle, one of the Chasers on the Ravenclaw Quidditch squad, and Gabriella.

Professor Balladanis did not point up at a single repast. In fact, he was n't seen at all throughout the weekend. Nobody saw him, which raised the question of whether he was even still in the castle.

Albus was hoping he ran for it. Got out before the Ministry had a opportunity to clear their decision. Albus was more than a minuscule flighty 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 students knew a verdict had been reached. professor Kendrick rose partway through the meal, something that only happened when something authoritative happened. He was flanked by the two witches from the Ministry. The ace was no retentive there.

The Hall immediately quieted, without Kendrick even having to ask. Albus was slightly taken aback by Kendrick 's impending announcement, since there had not been a single honorable mention of Balladanis in that morning 's Prophet.

"A decision has been reached about Professor Balladanis,"Kendrick announced,"lady Torenzo will inform you of it. The vaticinator 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."

"goodness point,"Albus said.

Torenzo stood up and gazed out at the students with a neutral aspect on her face."Upon panoptic probe of Professor Balladanis 's teaching method acting and thorough consultation of selected students, the Ministry has seen it fit to remove him from his teaching position here at Hogwarts shoal of witchcraft and genius. prof Balladanis packed his things late terminal night and no longer resides in the castle. Professor Kendrick will inform you about what will happen with defense lawyers grade for the residue of the year. I would care to thank all of you for your cooperation during this time."

Torenzo sat back down and go forward eating her breakfast like goose egg had happened. The Great Hall immediately erupted into rustling, but they were quickly stopped by Kendrick.

"Defense Against the wickedness Arts classes will not convey place until further notice. I will try and secure a worthy renewal for Professor Balladanis as quickly as potential. Until then, please use the time to analyse for your upcoming exam,"Kendrick said and then resumed his hind end. He began to talk with Torenzo and the student articulation rose in the Hall.

"I knew it !"Matt exclaimed,"Best tidings I 've heard this month !"

"Yes !"Georgia shouted and then turned to Fred,"Pay up !"

"Falco columbarius !"James groaned,"Why 'd they take to do that investigation so quickly ?"

Money began to exchange work force throughout the Gryffindor table as Fred collected and handed out Galleons.

"Do you think Kendrick 'll come up a replacement ?"John asked.

"Dunno,"Albus shrugged,"No one really wanted that job to lead off with."

"glad I did n't do that lycanthrope essay,"John grinned.

"Maybe Kendrick wo n't find out a replacement,"Kaden said,"Then we 'd have one less exam."

"That would be brilliant,"privy replied.

The atmosphere in the rook for the residuum 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 pupil upset by it were those who had lost stakes because of it.

Argus Filch was another who was unhappy. The general excitement of the castle caused him more work. Peeves destroyed the Defense classroom in celebration ( Balladanis never liked Peeves ), Jesse James and his friends set off a few Weasley pyrotechnic, and then there was the general mess that was associated with pupil celebrating by playing outside in the muddy grass. Plus, Moaning Vinca minor 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 reasonableness it reminded her of her death.

One mortal who seemed incredibly excited was Linda. Linda who rarely showed any emotion whatsoever walked around the palace with a big smile on her brass. Albus could only ascribe this to the fact that Balladanis had taught so extensively about vampires. But he never taunted her the way he 'd taunted mat. Perhaps that was because his biggest fear was vampires.

There was even a political party in the Gryffindor park room that night. Rose thought it was a little ridiculous, to keep the firing of a teacher, but everyone else, including Linda, thought it was an excellent thing to celebrate.

"Just opine,"John said,"We do n't ever have to take heed to him go on and on about how bad the darkness 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 life 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 post far, like Madagascar or somewhere."

"Yeah,"lustrelessness agreed,"I bet he 's not even in Britain anymore."

"I do n't see why he 'd bother to cohere around,"Albus replied,"I mean, he snuck out in the Night to ward off anyone seeing him."

"Wish we could 've seen him leave,"St. John grinned mischievously,"Would 've been skillful to pay him a right send off."

"I 'm just glad it 's over,"rose muttered,"Maybe now you lot can reduce on exam. And maybe the castling will get back to normal."

"Normal ?"Albus raised his supercilium,"This place will never be normal. Plus, we 've got Quidditch on Sat. It 's the net match before the final."

"When 's the final ?"Rose asked.

"rootage of June, I think,"Albus answered,"Australia 's already so far ahead that they 'll be in it."

Albus, John, mat, and Kaden all sent scathing looks at Linda, who looked down at the table.

"But if we beat New York in this compeer,"Albus continued,"We 'll be in it, too. So Wood is in full mannikin this hebdomad. I 'm practicing every night starting tomorrow."

"Oliver Wood is insane,"Rose muttered.

"Insane, but brilliant on the Quidditch pitching,"John grinned,"I would love 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 darkness Arts the next sunup, Albus was down in the Great Hall bright and early because he wanted to read blush wine 's Daily Prophet. Having Kendrick announce Balladanis 's firing was one thing, reading it in the seer was entirely different.

rose wine was already there when Albus, matt, and john sat down at the Gryffindor tabular array. Amanda and Linda were on either side of her and all three young lady were reading the article. Albus drummed his fingers impatiently on the tabular array while he waited for them to be finished. Finally, rosebush handed him the paper without saying a word and Albus read it, with Matt and John looking over his shoulder.

HOGWARATS teacher REMOVED FROM POSITION BY MINISTRY

In an issue that causes much of the wizarding world to remember
back to Voldemort 's reign, Hogwarts Defense Against the Dark
graphics teacher, Tethys Balladanis, has been removed from his
position by the Ministry of magic 's Department of Magical
Education.

During Voldemort 's sovereignty, vindication teacher rarely lasted more
than a year at the schooling, a mystery that abruptly ended when
Voldemort was defeated on May 2, 1998. Up until two class
ago, Hogwarts had had only one Defense instructor since that
fateful May day.

Professor Torro taught at Hogwarts for days until he was
mysteriously murdered nearly three years ago. He was
replaced by Head Auror, Harry potter, who is rumored to
have only taken the posture after nobody else agreed to
fill it.

Harry Potter left the position this past autumn and it was filled
by Balladanis.

Balladanis taught until two days ago, when he was removed
from his position. Approximately a week and a one-half ago, a
complaint was lodged by Head of the section for the
Regulation and controller of Magical brute, Walter Eckerton,
whose fourteen-year-old son currently attends Hogwarts.

The complaint included coarse teaching methods, the use of an
anamatek as a commandment tool, singling bookman out for want of
skill, and embarrassing educatee in front of their compeer.

An investigating by Ministry functionary ensued and included
the interviewing of select student and staff. The department
concluded their investigation late Sun eve and informed
both Balladanis and Headmaster Fabius Kendrick of their determination.
Balladanis left the castle willingly and will not be appealing the
decision. When asked for a statement on the subject, both Kendrick
and Balladanis declined.

Upon hearing the news, Walter Eckerton said ,'I am very well-chosen
with the decision and that the probe was concluded in
a timely style. I am not happy that it came to this, but I
feel that nothing should be put ahead of nipper 's safety .'

Hogwarts students will not attend Defense classes until a replacing
is found. As of right now, one has not been found.

"I knew they 'd lodge your dad in there somehow,"lavatory announced once they 'd finished reading.

"There was n't anything in there that we did n't already cognize,"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,"mat 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."

******

lifetime soon returned to rule for the Hogwarts students, as it often does after something exciting happens. Everyone talked about Balladanis the day the article was published, but soon there was nothing left field to say and the scholarly person focused on the coming Quidditch match, which was simple days away.

Albus had an easy clock time forgetting about Balladanis due to Quidditch practice. He was out on the delivery every evening and was soon hearing Wood 's commands in his head as he fell asleep, which was something that certainly could n't be deemed pattern. Albus was almost gladiola that the year was drawing to an end because once the tournament was over, he would n't have to deal with forest anymore. Thinking about that made Albus make that Gryffindor would have a new captain the side by side twelvemonth since Sakartvelo was graduating. Albus was sure it would be either Fred or Heather, but he was n't sure as shooting which.

Albus trudged into the Great Hall on Thursday morning time sorely wishing that John had n't woken him up. They did n't have a course kickoff affair, so why 'd he bother doing that ? Albus was already running on minuscule sleep.

"I 'm going to wake you up at five in the morning 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 help me finish up that Herbology essay that 's due today."

"That 's the reason for you waking me up ?"Albus groaned,"Why ca n't climb up assistance you ?"

"She 's a bit sore with me right now,"John muttered.

"What did you do ?"Albus asked.

"I may or may not take accidentally set fervor to her Potions notes cobbler's last night,"John said.

"And I should birth to have because of that ?"Albus replied,"How did you carry off that anyway ?"

"It was n't an accident,"Matt put in,"John and Kaden were tinkering with those super strong suit dung bombs utmost night in the Marauder 's Den. They stupidly decided to do this at the table right where rose 's notes were. The dung bomb exploded and blush wine 's notes caught fire."

"See, an accident !"John exclaimed.

"No, betise,"Matt said,"You should 've done it somewhere else. Oh, Albus, I would n't intimate going in the Marauder 's Den anytime soon. It smells."

"I would n't have got 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 have it off, why ?"Albus replied.

"He 's here,"James pointed to the staff 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 robe. Albus glanced back at James who shrugged.

"May I have your attention ?"Kendrick announced,"Thank you. I just like to inform you all that Harry Potter has kindly agreed to take over Defense Department classes for the remainder of term. Because of this, defensive measure classes will summarize today."

"good matter I woke you up,"John grinned.

"dead reckoning you wo n't be able to finish that essay,"Albus shot back.

"Merlin,"St. John muttered.

Albus was n't that surprise, 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 Matt and Gospel According to John to Defense. Rose was still not speaking to Gospel According to John and she walked with Amanda and Linda a small ways ahead. Albus seriously hoped that this would n't turn into what happened earlier in the year.

The entire form erupted in clapping 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,"wellspring, I did not reckon I 'd be back here. I do induce to cover with the programme, so I must ask that you complete the werewolf essay for succeeding Thursday. However, it only has to be one foot of parchment."

There was a collective moan from the stallion class."Great,"John muttered,"I was hoping to get out of it."

"It wo n't be that punishing,"Matt rolled his eyes.

"But it 'll be metre consuming,"Saint John the Apostle replied.

"I know, I know,"Harry smirked,"But there is a month and a half of full term left and I ca n't just let you have this sentence to mess around."

The class was the most gratifying DoD class the third years had had in quite a piece. Harry lectured for the integrality of the socio-economic class, but it was n't bore. Albus did not mind in the slightest that his dad was going to be finishing out the term.

******

By the time Sabbatum arrived, virtually no one in the palace was talking about Professor Balladanis. Quidditch was on the forefront of everybody 's creative thinker and the tautness ran higher than they had all yr. The final result of this friction 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 entire team was in good health and none of the alternates were needed. Albus was perfectly content to sit in the stand with his friend and just watch the friction match, rather than have to spiel in it.

It was a ardent bound day with a slender hint and cloud cover charge, thoroughgoing playing experimental condition. Wood had spoke of the conditions during the old night 's practice, telling the team that a large 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 destination within the first fifteen minutes of the lucifer and New York scored two. The team remained neck in neck opening for the remainder of the couple, until James pulled out of a dive clutching the golden Snitch in his allow for hand.

The crowd erupted into cheers and James was soon hoisted onto the shoulder joint of some of the onetime students.

"I have an announcement to get to !"Professor Kendrick shouted over the crowd,"Due to Hogwarts 's win, they will be competing against Australia in the final exam Quidditch match, scheduled to take place on the foremost of June !"

The usual after Quidditch party ensued in the vulgar room and everyone rehashed their dearie section of the match. No one talked about the final peer, although Albus was surely it was in the backs of everyone 's minds. Australia seemed impossible to beat.

Once the hullabaloo from another Quidditch win abated, the Hogwarts bookman seemed to realise that exams were quite near. The subroutine library soon became a democratic place to be and fifth and seventh years in particular could be seen there all minute of the day.

As the heart of May arrived, Gabriella demanded a pipe down common elbow room in the even, much like her sister had two twelvemonth prior. Albus and his friends spent Thomas More time in the Marauder 's Den after that, usually without rose, Amanda, and Linda. The three young lady seemed to like the quietness of the common room.

Rose did forgive John for messing up her eminence, but she became more tense and snappy as exam drew nearer. It was n't something that surprised Albus or anyone else because it had become a sort of end of term tradition with Rose.

Defense moral took a drastic turn for the skillful. Albus and all of his champion got perfect print on their werewolf essays, to the surprisal of no one. After that, the grade bared no resemblance to Balladanis 's.

"Aw, Merlin !"John shouted at breakfast one Fri in the middle of May. He had been reading the Prophet.

"What is it ?"Albus asked, thinking Balladanis had been reinstated as DoD instructor or something.

"England did n't lay down it into the World Cup final,"John sighed,"They were so close."

"Who did make it ?"Albus grabbed the newspaper from John, suddenly remembering the tickets he 'd obtain for Xmas. He had n't picked who he was going to pay for to go with him. Actually, he had n't even told his Friend about the tickets.

"Portugal and Russia,"bathroom groaned,"Russia ! They 've got a folderol Quidditch team !"

"Obviously not,"Rose smirked,"Albus, did you foot who you 're going to contain when you go to the Cup ?"

"time lag, what ?"St. John the Apostle gaped at Albus,"You got tickets ?"

"Er, yeah, for Yule,"Albus said.

"And you did n't tell me !"King John exclaimed.

"Well, I only got one extra and I did n't cognize how to plunk. I had it narrowed down to you and Matt. Mind you, if you hate Soviet Union, I 'll just pick mat,"Albus smirked.

"No, no, I did n't say I hate Russia,"bathroom said quickly,"They 've just got a bad team."

"How am I supposed to pluck then ?"Albus asked.

"You do n't give birth to,"flatness said as he sat down next to Albus.

"Nice to see you arouse,"John grinned. Albus and John had attempted to wake matte up before they went down to the Great Hall and had no fortune. The full-of-the-moon moon was the next day, so Albus had n't even been sure if Matt was going to go to class.

"Why, is the Cup a bad meter of the month ?"Albus whispered.

"No,"mat shook his top dog,"It 's just that my dad got just the ticket, so you can just give your supererogatory one to John."

"Oh,"Albus grinned,"That makes things easy."

"Where is the Cup ?"Amanda asked.

"Canada,"rosiness replied.

"How are we getting there, Albus ?"St. John the Apostle asked,"Are we going to postulate a Muggle aeroplane ?"John looked excited at that prospect.

"No theme,"Albus shrugged,"Dad might get a Portkey."

"That 's drilling,"Saint John the Apostle 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,"john laughed.

"So are you. Airplanes are boring,"Kaden argued.

"I 'm with Kaden on this one,"matte said,"I 'd demand a Portkey any day."

******

Between studying for exams and Quidditch exercise, Albus had no sentence for anything else. He managed to bosom in fourth dimension to visit matte in the infirmary wing on Sunday, but only briefly before he went to Mrs. Henry Wood 's day long Quidditch practice.

The keep abreast weekend was the last match of the Junior 's Dueling Club, something Albus had been forced to neglect due to Quidditch practice. After begging Wood and a bit of help from shimmy, Albus was able to attend the final. Albus 's squad won, much to the delight of both Albus and Malfoy.

Albus had not spoken to Malfoy since the incident with prof Balladanis. Nor had Malfoy said a word to Albus, or any of his friends. Malfoy remained mysteriously placidity around the full moon, not saying anything about it to either Albus or matt. It was strange, but not something any of the boys were going to complain about it.

Three 24-hour interval before the Quidditch final, the Great Hall was filled with whispering voices that reminded Albus of the day Balladanis had been sacked. copy of the Prophet were being passed back and forth and quite a few bookman 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 prophet. Matt and John crowded around him as he read it.

AZKABAN BREAKOUT

functionary have reported that three captive
broke out of Azkaban recent utmost night. It is
still unknown how it happened. Azkaban guards
have refused to speak with reporter, and the
Ministry does not like to divulge information
at this time.

The name calling of the escaped prisoners have been
released and anyone with info reguarding
any of them are asked to get through the Ministry.

The Prophet then gave detailed information about all three of the escaped captive. Albus only recognized Willinson. The other two had been imprisoned for to a greater extent petty crimes.

"How did he get out ?"Albus wondered,"He 's an idiot !"

"I think everyone 's confused about that,"rose wine said.

Any promise Albus had of getting prep done that workweek was gone. He was prosperous he was able-bodied to concentrate on Quidditch practice. 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 folly. 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 total back, especially now that he was out of prison.

******

Before Albus knew it, the night before the Quidditch final arrived and Wood called the team into the changing elbow room after ending practice session.

"It has been incredibly rewarding to wangle this team,"Wood said as he began to pace in nominal head of them,"There were difficulties in the kickoff,"he paused and looked at the two Slytherins on the squad,"But I am proud to say that you came together as a team wonderfully.

"It still amazes me that a group of pupil from all four houses can occur together and roleplay together on the Lapp team. I am not trusted this could get been done when I was in Hogwarts.

"You have all come a foresightful way over the year. You 've all made vast improvements in your acquirement. Quite a few of you are seventh years and I am very happy to tell you that there will be scouts from a couple Quidditch team watching tomorrow 's match. I have gamey promise 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 give it your expert. Now, I think you should all turn in other and eat a proper breakfast tomorrow before the match. Teddy, Tyler, anything to add ?"Sir Henry Wood turned to the boys.

shift and Tyler both shook their headway and woods turned back to the team."I 'll see you all down here tomorrow. unspoilt night."

Wood, Teddy, and Tyler stayed behind to hash out maneuver while the team left. Albus and James IV were the last-place two to leave. Georgia had left with the other 7th years, excitedly discussing the prognosis of scouts.

"You think Georgia 's going to sign with one of the pro teams ?"Albus asked James as they walked back to the castle.

"I 'd be surprised if she did n't,"King James said,"I just hope it does n't bruise her probability when we lose."

"We might not lose,"Albus pointed out.

"We 're going to turn a loss,"James muttered,"Linda 's too good of a Seeker."

Albus said cipher. He wished he could just distinguish Henry James that Linda was a vampire. It would be so much easier.

They kept walking, each lost in their own thought process. Albus stopped abruptly when he heard a tatty crack in the forest.

"What was that ?"he asked anxiously.

"Probably just a branch breakage,"William James answered.

"It was too tawdry,"Albus said as he looked into the forest,"It sounded like soul Apparating in there."

"I do n't recollect you can Apparate in the forest,"James pointed out,"And it did n't fathom that loud. You 're just tired from all the Quidditch practice."

"I guess,"Albus said as he and Epistle of James kept walking,"But what if it was somebody Apparating ? What if it was Willinson ?"

"You worry too a lot, Al,"James groaned,"This seat is filled with Aurors and Dad 's here wax time now. You 'd take to be mad to Apparate here if you 're wanted by the Ministry."

"But Willinson is stupe enough to do that,"Albus replied.

"That 's just it,"James laughed,"If he 's pudden-head enough to do that, he 's going to get pick up and sent back to Azkaban."

Albus nodded but he was n't reassured. Willinson may be stupid, but he did manage to kidnap Kaden the premature spring, and he had been on the run for a yr prior to that. He may be a rubbish dueller, but he was certainly unspoiled at not getting caught for the most part.


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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


The standard atmosphere in the Great Hall the next morning was unlike anything Albus had seen before. The Hogwarts team was sitting together at the Ravenclaw table, surrounded by scholar from all four houses. teddy and Tyler seemed to be in the thick of it and were loudly discussing tactics.

The Australian team was sitting together at the Hufflepuff mesa, with a large length between them and the Hufflepuffs. A humble bunch of Aboriginal Australian had congregated around them.

Albus decided not to join the rest of the Hogwarts team at the Ravenclaw tabular array. Nobody was unable to take on that day, so Albus 's sidereal day on the squad were pretty much over. To be honest, he was kind of relieved. There was just so very much pressure.

"I think this tournament has been good for Hogwarts,"Rose mused,"expression at everyone. Nobody seems to handle who 's in what house."

"It 'll all go back to formula once the match is over,"Albus pointed out.

"Maybe not,"Rose shrugged,"You never know."

"I do n't know, rosebush,"Matt said,"I do n't guess one year can exchange century of tradition."

"It 's worth a try,"Rose said,"I think we should all try and get along."

"I do n't think this has helped international sorcerous cooperation,"John gestured to the Australian squad. The Hufflepuffs sitting nearby were glaring at them.

"Competition rarely does that,"Rose muttered.

"Well, they 'll all be going home soon,"Matt said cheerfully.

Rose shot him a dirty feel and then looked up at the staff table. Albus 's regard followed. The faculty mesa was quite overcrowded that morning. There were scouts from Quidditch teams, Ministry officials including Albus 's Uncle Percy, and a variety of hoi polloi from Australia and New York.

"Look at that witch,"John pointed to a very tall, beautiful beldame with pale white skin and long dark hair.

"She 's Linda 's mother,"rose told them.

"Is she-"whoremonger began.

"Yes,"Rose whispered,"She 's one, too."

"I thought so,"Gospel According to John said without taking his eyes off the witch.

There was a meretricious cheer from the Ravenclaw table and the Hogwarts team began to depart the Hall. Their suite followed until they reached the door and then they went to sit back down at respective tables.

The Australian squad followed shortly. The hullabaloo only seemed to increase now that the teams had gone down to the changing rooms.

A few minutes later people began to leave for the pitch. The crowd at the stave table left first and the student followed.

"Albus,"whoremaster said as they got up from the board,"I 've got a few pair of omnioculars in my trunk. I want to see it up close when Linda catches that Snitch."

"Let 's go get them, then,"Albus replied.

rose wine rolled her eyes."Meet us down at the pitch."She and Amanda turned towards the doorway as the boys ran up the tremendous staircase.

"Why did n't you just bring them to breakfast ?"Matt asked.

"Forgot,"John said.

The palace 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 void out his entire body in ordination to find the omnioculars. He had four pairs and handed one to each of the boys.

"Let 's go,"Albus said,"We 're going to lack the start of the match."

Albus completely ignored the no run in the corridors principle as he made his way through the castle. There was n't anyone to have words him anyway. The footsteps behind him told him his Friend were n't far behind.

Albus turned a box and ran smooch into something. He fell down onto his back and looked up, only to see that it was someone. Not just anyone either. Albus had collided with Matt '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 most afraid of. At that moment, it probably would take been Willinson.

The man sneered down at Albus and then smiled creepily. Albus scrambled up and turned back to see at his friends.

lustrelessness had turned white and looked far more than 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 revulsion on his fount. Kaden was looking extremely confused.

Albus turned and grabbed all three of his friends, pulling them into the closest classroom. He slammed the door and pulled out his verge, putting every locking charm he knew onto the knob.

Matt collapsed onto the cheeseparing chairperson and put his head in his hands."Th-th-that's-"

"We know,"Albus whispered.

"What the netherworld is he doing here ?"John ranted,"He 's got no stage business here !"

"Why 's he in the castle anyway ?"Albus began to pace around the room,"If he 's here to learn the Quidditch match, then why is n't he down there ?"

"What if he 's not here to take in the Quidditch ?"John said darkly.

"Who the bloody hell is he ?"Kaden asked loudly.

Albus glanced at Matt before looking at Kaden. Matt did n't seem to have heard Kaden 's question.

"His name 's Lubar. He 's the head of the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical puppet in Australia,"Albus explained,"He 's the ground why matte had to move here, amongst former things."

"He 's a honk and twisted evil git,"John muttered,"What are we going to do ?"

Albus walked over to the door and peered out the small-scale window at the top. Lubar was no longer in sight.

"I 've g-got to go to the Ministry,"Matt said,"I 've got to t-tell my dad. L-Lubar, he ca n't be here."

Albus paced back and forth in front of the room access. The Ministry. How would they get there ? Brooms ? No, that would make too long. They 'd cause to use the Floo web, but none of the fireplaces at Hogwarts were hooked up, as far as Albus knew.

"We 're going to have 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 cat do n't have to fare. You can go to the match."

"Are you genial ?"toilet exclaimed,"That bloke out there is probably worse than Willinson. We 're not letting you do this alone."

Albus nodded in understanding before waving his baton and undoing the locking magic spell. He cautiously looked out into the corridor before leaving. It was empty.

Much to Albus 's reliever, both the Cloak and the map were right where he 'd left them. He shoved them into his robe and ran back to the schoolroom. Matt, John, and Kaden were all talking quietly. lusterlessness did n't look any lupus erythematosus frighten off, but at to the lowest degree he did n't look 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,"John the Divine said immediately,"I 'm tallest so I 'll require up the most way anyway. Plus, if we meet up with Lubar again, I 'm the ripe liar."

Albus could n't argue there. Both he and mat were horrifying liars and Kaden still had n't gotten over his inability to observe secrets.

"You take the map, then,"Albus handed the map to lav,"We 've got to get to the one-eyed witch statue on the tierce floor.

Albus threw the Cloak over himself, Matt, and Kaden, and the three of them followed John out of the elbow room. The corridor was still empty, much to Albus 's relief.

bathroom set a very fast pace and he was soon quite a bit ahead of Albus and the others. Albus could n't say anything, though, as it would have away his front. Instead he tried to run as fast as he could while making the least amount of money of noise possible.

The boy made it down the two flights of stairs requisite to get to the third trading floor and arrived at the statue without seeing anyone. Albus pulled the Cloak off of them and stuffed it into his sac. With a quick tap of his scepter, he statue 's hump opened and the male child climbed inside.

Albus lit his verge and took off down the small passage. mat, John, and Kaden followed suit.

"Why did Kendrick let him in ?"John Lackland asked as they ran,"Does n't he know what he did ?"

"Yes,"matt answered,"I do n't guess Kendrick knows he 's here."

"What did he do ?"Kaden asked.

"You do n't imagine he came here to see you ?"Albus asked flatness,"I mean, commemorate when Killigan saw us that one fourth dimension and he seemed so interested in finding you ?"

"Of course I do,"Matt 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 match ?"

"Maybe, but I 'm betting it 's got something to do with Linda,"matte replied,"I do n't love for sure, but it seems too coincidental for him to be here just to see me."

"What did he do ?"Kaden shouted,"Why would he need to see you ?"

Matt stopped running and wheeled around to expect at Kaden."It 's a long story. Lubar 's got a score against my dad, one that he obviously still has even though we have n't lived in Commonwealth of Australia for six years,"flatness paused,"He passed a bunch of laws against lycanthrope and I wound up having to transubstantiate with a clustering of early werewolves. It was bad."

lustrelessness resumed walking and did n't elaborate on the theme. Kaden did n't ask him to.

"What 's your dad going to do about it ?"Kaden asked.

"I dunno,"matt shrugged,"Maybe lecture to Kendrick or something."

There was no incertitude in Albus 's creative thinker that Matt 's dad would be able to get Lubar to pull up stakes Hogwarts, possibly even leave the country. Albus had known little about Mr. Eckerton prior to this year, but now he knew that you did not want to be on his bad slope. When it came down to it, Mr. Eckerton was the one who had Balladanis sacked.

The transition finally began to turn out until it came to an abrupt stop at a Byzantine wooden door. Albus pressed his ear to the threshold, but heard null. He carefully pushed it open, wincing as it creaked.

Seeing nobody in the warehousing room beyond, Albus beckoned his friends forward. The elbow room was palely lit, enough for Albus to see a huge total of boxes littering the base. On the far wall he could see a fireplace.

The boy climbed over the versatile boxes and stood in front of the fireplace. Albus located a small sack of Floo gunpowder and then lit a ardor. He turned to his friends.

"You ca n't Floo directly into somebody 's report at the Ministry. We 're going to have to go to the Atrium,"Albus told them,"I 'll go first, you follow."Albus took a handful of powder and then handed the bag to Matt.

He tossed the powder into the fervency and stepped inside, shouting"The Ministry of Magic !"

Albus stumbled out of a different open fireplace endorsement later. The Atrium was nearly deserted, save for a few adept striding towards the lifts, clearly too busy to notice Albus.

Matt landed rather ungracefully on the floor. He picked himself up, brushing stray ash off his robes.

"Place is deserted,"lustrelessness said as he looked around.

"It 's a Sabbatum,"Albus pointed out,"Does your dad body of work Saturdays ?"

"Yeah,"lusterlessness nodded,"At least mornings."

John Lackland was next to step out of the flaming, doing so more elegantly than lusterlessness had. He stood in movement of the blast, staring around at the Atrium. His eyes rested on the outflow of Magical Brethren.

"This is more fancy than I imagined,"John said.

"Bloody perdition !"Kaden shouted as he fell out of the fire,"This is the Ministry ?"

"Yes,"Matt said quickly,"But we have n't got clock time to explore. Let 's go."

Albus followed Matt towards the desk in the front end of the Atrium. There was an old wizard leafing through a written matter of the pettifogger, oblivious to his surroundings. Albus almost thought they 'd be able-bodied to nobble 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 eye rested on Albus,"Albus Severus Potter. Why are n't you in school day ?"

"Er,"Albus began, a short enervate that the man knew who he was.

lustrelessness stepped in front line of Albus."We need to go see my dad. He 's the Head of the Department for the Regulation and control condition of Magical Creatures. It 's kind of an emergency."

"Very well,"the man looked at them oddly,"Put your wands up here."

Albus did as he was told and the others followed suit. They waited impatiently as the old wizard tested their baton and then handed them back. He waved them on towards the lifts.

"What 's the level of that ?"Kaden asked as they waited for a lift.

"So if you murder anyone, they can secernate whose baton did it,"Albus said bluntly.

"That 's cheerful,"Kaden replied.

Once the raise arrived, the male child piled in and lusterlessness pushed the number four. Nobody said anything as the raise creaked its way to the quartern floor.

matt took off at a run down the corridor after they left the rhytidectomy. Albus had never been to this particular floor. It looked rather standardized to the Magical Law Enforcement 's floor, with characterless sets of reduplicate room access on one side.

lusterlessness skidded to a stop in front man of the only room access that was exclusive and banged his script loudly on it. When there was no answer after a few seconds, he banged again.

"Hold your hippogriffs !"called a vocalisation from the inside,"I 'm coming, I'm-"Matt 's dad said as he opened the door.

Mr. Eckerton seemed to block at the pot of his son and the former three boys. He gaped at them for a second before shaking his head.

"Matt ?"he asked and rubbed his eyes, as if he thought he was seeing a hallucination,"But, why are n't you in school ? How did you get here ? Why are you here ? Albus ? What are you- and lavatory, Kaden ?"

His eyes rested on flatness again."mat ? What 's untimely ?"

Mr. Eckerton stepped aside and let the boy into his study. He shut the door quietly behind them.

The study reminded Albus of his dad 's. There were large windows on the side opposite the threshold, although the aspect exterior was not real number, nor was the gentle pelting that was pattering onto it.

There was a large leather covered hot seat behind the huge oak desk and a few smaller chairman in battlefront of it. Along the former two walls were shelf with stacks of books. nigh of them were about various charming creatures.

Albus, Matt, and John took the seats that were in front line of the desk while Kaden wandered around the subject looking at affair. Mr. Eckerton leaned against the straw man of his desk and looked at his son.

"What 's happened ?"he asked quietly.

"L-Lubar,"matt said in barely more than a voicelessness,"He-he 's at Hogwarts."

"What ? !"Mr. Eckerton exclaimed.

"We were on our way to the Quidditch final,"Matt said,"A-and we saw him."

"Bloody hellhole !"Mr. Eckerton stood up and slammed his fist loudly against his desk,"Did professor Kendrick appropriate this ?"

"I do n't make out,"Matt replied,"B-but everyone else was at the equal and he was just lurking about the castle."

Mr. Eckerton 's facial expression hardened. He looked just like he had when he talked with prof Balladanis earlier in the terminal figure."Let 's go, boys,"he said darkly,"I 've got to have a word with professor Kendrick."

Albus followed Mr. Eckerton out of his study and down towards the raise. Saint John 's walking stop number was null compared to lustrelessness 's dad 's. The boys had to run to restrain 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 wizard at the welcome desk looked at them curiously as they rushed towards the open fireplace, but did n't say anything.

Mr. Eckerton handed Albus a bit of Floo pulverisation and gestured for him to go first. Albus stepped into the fire and shouted,"Honeyduke 's !"

Albus began to spin faster and faster. He saw coup d'oeil of mass 's star sign, shop in Diagon Alley, and a diverseness of early plaza he did not recognize. Then, out of one of the open fireplace, 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 strong. 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 marrow was beating fast. What had happened ? Why was n't he in Honeyduke 's ? Where was he ? Whose handwriting was that ?

Albus grappled for his wand and shakily held it up. He lit it and looked around the room, seeing no one.

"Nice to see you, ceramist,"a cold part said from behind him.

Albus jumped and turned around. There, crouching next to the open fireplace with his hand inside of it, was Lubar. He looked even more creepy in the dank room than he did in Hogwarts.

The open fireplace glowed green and Lubar yanked his arm out of it. John came tumbling out of the flack and scrambled too his feet, looking about.

Lubar muttered something underneath his hint and stuck his hand in the fire again.

"What the ?"lavatory whispered to Albus,"Where are we ? Is that ? Bloody Hell !"

"Shut up !"Lubar shouted.

Albus gazed around the room. It looked vaguely familiar, but Albus could n't put his fingerbreadth on it. The Windows were boarded up, but it was definitely not the Shrieking Shack. Albus doubted that was connected to the Floo web anyway.

The fireplace glowed green yet again, this fourth dimension sending Kaden onto the floor. This earned another shout from Lubar, who stuck his hand in the fire again.

Kaden gaped and then got to his base and stood next to Albus. He looked absolutely terrified, even before he laid heart on Lubar.

Albus wanted nothing more than to run from the way, but he did not make out where the building was even located. Plus, Lubar would probably sandbag him or something.

Green light filled the room as the fireplace glowed once more. Albus knew even before it happened that lustrelessness would be the one to next descent out of the flames. Mere seconds later, that suspicion was confirmed.

lustrelessness coughed and scrambled to his feet. He gasped when he saw Lubar and ran over to Albus.

Lubar, finally satisfied, doused the fire and lit his wand, which illuminated his sinister face. He began to pace slowly in front of them.

"Well, well, you went crying to Daddy just as I expected,"Lubar grinned manically,"I do bang when things work out the way I expect them to."

Albus could feel Matt shaking adjacent to him. He gripped his scepter hard, debating whether to try and demilitarise Lubar.

"Any melodic theme where you are ?"Lubar asked,"Dervish and Banges. Lovely workshop, shame about the owner. Yes, a real shame."

Lubar did n't seem at all upset about what happened to the shop owner. Albus looked around the shop class again and now he recognized it.

"wellspring, let 's not waste our clip here,"Lubar said,"There 's a few people who 've been dying to see you."Lubar snapped his fingers three multiplication and Albus heard footsteps on the stairs.

Three adept descended the steps and strode into the way. They lit their wands at the Lapp metre and Albus gasped when the brightness showed their faces. Jarrett and Quinton Willinson, along with Washburn. Three hoi polloi Albus hoped never to see again.

Albus swallowed hard. He could see no way out of this. As unspoilt a duellist he was, he was up against four fully qualified wizards. Three of them did not possess the acquirement to duel, but Albus had no melodic theme what Lubar was capable of.

"Ah, yes,"Lubar smirked,"What a lovely reunification. Unfortunately we have n't got clock time to chat."

Before Albus knew it, Washburn had him in a headlock with his wand pointed at his neck. Quinton Willinson had Kaden and his father had John. lustrelessness, seeing his booster restrained, made a run for the nearest window.

"Not so fast, new lycanthrope,"Lubar caught him by the back of his gown and wrapped one of his limb around his middle.

Lubar reached into his robes with his free bridge player and pulled out an old tea tympani. He held it out to the former three men and each one put a justify hired man on it. Albus knew what was going to come about right before it did. He shared a fright glimpse with Matt before feeling a jerk behind his belly button.


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.
A/N : I decided to do persona of this chapter from Harry 's point of view. It begins in his dot of view and then switches back to Albus 's. asterisk indicate where the point of view switches.


"Spectacular salve by Georgia Weasley !"the reviewer shouted.

Harry grinned as his niece threw the Quaffle back into play. It was immediately taken into self-possession by Hogwarts, and all three pursuer threw it back and Forth River as they flew to the Aboriginal Australian end of the pitch.

"score ! Hogwarts has scored against Australia, bringing the number to 50-20 Hogwarts !"

Harry stood up and shouted as gimcrack as the student. One thing he loved about the Quidditch tournament was that he did n't have to try and conceal his upheaval when Hogwarts scored. During theatre matches, he had to try and pretend he was inert, even though he obviously supported Gryffindor.

As happy as Harry was about the Hogwarts pursuer being very skilled, he did not make Bob Hope that Hogwarts would actually win. Australia 's quester, Linda esprit de corps, was the proficient Seeker Harry had ever seen outside of professional Quidditch. He knew that his son, James II, was practiced, 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 speed on a broom just did n't appear natural. pro Quidditch players would kill for her speed.

"I 'm surprised she has n't found the stool pigeon yet,"Neville muttered to Harry.

"Yeah,"Harry nodded as he watched Linda slowly circling above the auction pitch. James IV was doing the same,"It 'll be soon, though."

Harry turned his gaze to the rest of the staff who were sitting around him. well-nigh of them were quite reserved. nobody seemed to be showing the enthusiasm Harry was. He did n't care. Harry did n't plowshare their belief that teacher could n't get overly excited about Quidditch.

A few professors stood up and then sat back down again as person squeezed their way past them. Harry craned his head and was surprised to see Bruno Walter Eckerton.

Harry did n't know the man well. They 'd met on occasion at the Ministry, although Harry had a look he 'd be seeing to a greater extent of him now that he was Head of the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures.

What Harry mostly knew about Walter Eckerton was more on a personal than professional level. Harry had never met a forefather who was more protective of his son than Walter Eckerton, although he did have good reasonableness. Never a more devoted don, either.

Walter continued his way past the former professors until he stopped in front of Harry. Harry was even Thomas More blow out of the water to see the expression on his human face. concern was etched in every part 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 back and he followed Walter out of the stands. They continued walking until they were a curt length away from the pitch and then Walter stopped.

"The son have just been to see me at the Ministry,"Walter said as soon as he 'd stopped.

"Wait, what ?"Harry asked,"You mean Albus and flatness ?"

"Yes, and the other two as well,"Walter said quickly,"You 've heard of Ralph Lubar, the top dog of the department for the regularisation and Control of Magical animate being in Australia ?"

Harry nodded, slightly confused at the change of national."Yes, not a very tolerant bloke, is he ?"

Walter 's human face hardened."That 's a nice way of putting it. The bloke is pallid and twisted and he 's got a grudge against me. Very farseeing story and I have n't got time to tell apart it. curt version is that when matt was eight, Lubar passed a law that required him to metamorphose in a building with other werewolves, honest-to-goodness werewolf. Nearly killed him. It was correctly before we moved. For whatever reason, Lubar decided to visit Hogwarts today, possibly under the pretending of attending the Quidditch match.

"The son saw him and Flooed to the Ministry from Honeyduke 's. lusterlessness '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 determine them."

Harry 's heart sank."You do n't think Lubar 's got them, do you ? He 's not dangerous, is he ?"

"To matte, yes, but I have n't the flimsy idea as to why he 'd require the other male child,"Bruno Walter said.

"Even if he did only need flatness, he 'd have to get Albus as well because I know Albus would n't let him take Matt 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 appreciation 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 fourth dimension there was a substantial lag. Albus had clock time to try and get away, not that it did anything.

The s clue that their name and address was far away was the fact that it was very dark when Albus finally landed on the basis. Not dark like an impending storm either. iniquity as in night.

Washburn had let go of Albus as they landed and Albus hastened to get to his human foot. forte thump around him told him that his friends had landed as well.

The ground was damp and firmly and the foliage around them was dense. Albus assumed they were in some variety of forest. He gazed around and saw a lot of unfamiliar Tree that seemed to load towards the starry sky.

There was no moonlight to illuminate the woods. Lubar, the Willinsons, and Washburn had walked a few railway yard away from the boys and were whispering to each other. All four had lit their wands, but it was n't plenty sceptre igniter to pay Albus a good prospect of his surroundings.

Matt, john, and Kaden had all scrambled over to where Albus was and were standing quite close to him, their scepter out. Albus pulled his own out as well, but did n't make bold luminosity it.

"Why is it dark ?"Kaden whispered.

"Where the hell are we ?"John asked.

"We 're in Commonwealth of Australia,"Matt said in awe, as if he was just coming to term with that fact.

"We Portkeyed across an ocean ?"Kaden gasped.

When Albus thought about it, it made gumption. Lubar was from Commonwealth of Australia, so why should n't he take them there ? It was quite far away from anyone who would be looking for them.

What did n't form sense was why Lubar was with Washburn and the Willinsons. As far as he could order, the four wizards 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 theatre ?"John asked.

"How should I know ?"Matt snapped,"Australia 's a huge country !"

"I just thought if we were near it, we could shroud there,"John muttered.

"You would n't desire to,"Matt said,"My poor fish full cousin owns it now."

"You have a full cousin ?"Albus asked.

"Not crucial,"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 whiz stood huddled in a R-2,"Maybe if we run for it."

"The Portkey 's right there,"Matt pointed to the tea kettle, which was a few invertebrate foot away,"If we can just get to it."

"All right,"Albus whispered,"On the count 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 realize how much more hard this is going to be now ? We only needed Potter ! But no, you had to go and take a firm stand on bringing that lycanthrope kid as well."

"You would n't even have 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 have done."

"Well, now we 've wound up with two extra ones as well,"Jarret muttered.

"They 're small fry, how much bother can they be ?"Lubar smirked.

"You do n't fuck this lot,"Washburn replied,"They 're the grounds we have n't had luck before."

"I thought that was because of your incredible foolishness,"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 forest 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 lustrelessness,"So many years have passed. distinguish me, what is it like pretending to be something you 're not ?"

To Albus 's surprise, it was John and not Matt who went flying at Lubar. Lubar disarmed whoremaster with a lazy wave of his wand, leaving lavatory stunned in front of him. It appeared that Lubar was a significantly better duellist than either of the Willinsons or Washburn.

Pocketing can 's sceptre, Lubar turned back to Matt, who was shakily holding his wand up.

"It does n't matter what body politic you 're in,"Lubar seethed,"You 're the same thing no matter where you live. The laws do n't vary what you are. Pretend as often 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 angry in his intact living, and that included every clash he had had with Scorpius Malfoy. Malfoy was like a downlike kitten compared to Lubar.

However, Albus held himself back. St. John was already wandless. It would do them no salutary if Albus got disarmed as well. Something told him to waitress, to wait until he could arrest them off guard.

"What about your Father ? I hear he 's the promontory of the department in Britain now,"Lubar smirked,"Guess it 's just a topic of time until the same thing happens. You 'll have to flee again."

Matt was visibly trembling now. Albus wracked his encephalon, trying to figure 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 clump of tike to Commonwealth of Australia just to consume time taunting one of them ?"

"tranquility !"Lubar shouted,"I 'll do what I like !"

"Excuse me !"Kaden said loudly, turning to Lubar,"But how in the public figure of Merlin do you know them ?"He gestured to the Willinsons and Washburn.

Albus held his breath, waiting for Lubar to put some variety of jinx or swearing on Kaden. Sometimes his cousin-german was quite thick. It seemed obvious to Albus that this was a metre not to ask questions.

To Albus 's surprise, Lubar smiled. It was a twisted sorting of grinning, but a smile nonetheless.

"I think that 's a fair question,"Lubar said."My 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 tenacious,"Jarrett muttered,"Can we please just get on with this ?"

"forbearance, cousin,"Lubar said as he began to walk slowly around the other three,"We mus n't do this hastily. Haste is the understanding you three have failed prior to tonight."

Fail at what ? What were they going to do ? The only when thing Albus could think of was getting the Hallows, but all three Hallows were in England. If that was their plan, they would n't accept taken them to Australia.

Albus glanced nervously at Matt, who still looked scared out of his mind. Something was still telling Albus not to try and duel the men. Lubar seemed wise, much overbold than the other three, and that scared Albus Thomas More than anything else. There was a big conflict between dueling person who was smart and dueling soul who was an idiot.

******

The Ministry seemed deserted when Harry and Walter Flooed there a unawares spell later. Harry had briefly questioned the owner of Honeyduke 's, but they had not seen any of the boys.

Harry and Walter ran towards the lifts at top pep pill, not pausing to answering the questioning stare of the lad at the welcome desk. The ski tow could not go fast enough for the two men. Harry nearly pulled the doors open when they finally arrived at Magical Law Enforcement 's floor.

The Auror spot was slightly more lively than the repose of the Ministry, but not much. Three Aurors were inside, two of whom hastily shoved away a hatful of Exploding elasticity cards and stood up upon seeing Harry arrive. The other Auror, a rather short but stocky witch, shoved the book she was reading in the drawer, and joined the former two.

"ceramicist, sir !"the witch said,"We thought you were at Hogwarts today !"

"I was,"Harry said darkly and explained the situation.

The three Aurors looked grim as they waited for Harry to open them instructions.

"Dabney,"Harry turned to the taller of the wizards,"Brighton,"he looked at the witch,"Get started with an all-inclusive search of Hogsmeade. I 'm calling in everyone who is n't meddling with anything else. Tiburon and Oswald are on duty 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 someone else arrives."

Harry pulled out his wand and muttered a magical spell. An tremendous silvery stag flew out of his scepter and Harry whispered to it. The Patronus glided out of the way and Harry leaned against the approximate desk.

It was n't long before Harry heard footstep in the corridor. He looked up at the door just as Ron was running through, followed by half a twelve former Aurors.

"Harry, what 's going on ?"Ron said in a worried tone.

Harry rehashed the entire spot again. Ron 's aspect paled."What about rosebush, 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 mind,"Harry muttered,"But I have n't got a clew as to how Lubar would have a go at it him."

"With dark thaumaturge, you just never know,"Ron pointed out.

"I know,"Harry nodded,"Ron, lead the search of the Forbidden Forest. Lewster 's going with you. And take Daniels and Smith with you."

Ron nodded and left the elbow room, followed by Lewster and two early wizards. The remaining four Aurors looked to Harry.

"The rest of you can search the castling and grounds. Be distinct. I do not wish to interrupt the Quidditch match unless it is absolutely necessary,"Harry instructed.

The Aurors left the room and Harry turned to Walter. He slowly shook his head. Why was it always Albus ? This was the third year he had gotten into problem. Albus 's years at Hogwarts were reminding Harry dangerously of his own.

"I 'd better go Floo home and recount Julie what 's going on,"Walter sighed,"She 's going to return apart."

Harry nodded as Walter left the way. Ginny. Harry snapped his head up. She was going to be watching the match, but was going to be late. She 's probably there now, Harry thought. She 'd be looking for him.

Harry slowly left the way. How was he going to tell his wife that Albus had been kidnapped and he did n't make a cue as to where he was ?

******

"You 're just too afraid to do it !"Jarrett shouted at Lubar,"What could possibly go damage ? We 're halfway across the world from the Aurors that are looking for this lot !"

"Once again you have proved your foolishness,"Lubar replied,"Do you earn who we 've taken halfway across the world ? Harry potter 's son ! You have n't a cue as to how affair work in the Ministry !

"I can assure you that at this very bit, the intact Auror Department is looking for them. Harry potter 's probably got every Auror on this case. It wo n't take them long to realize that we 're not in England.

"And this one,"Lubar gestured to Matt,"He 's got the most meddling parents in the world. They 'd sooner vote down everyone in the reality 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 official. We 've got two kids of two of the most striking Ministry officials of Britain. Think, Jarrett, think ! We 've got to be careful !"

"well, you 're the one who wanted to take the werewolf, too,"Jarrett growled.

"And you 're the one who insisted we take Potter 's son !"Lubar shouted,"Why do we even need him ?"

"We just do !"Jarrett shouted back.

"If both of you idiot had n't wanted to bring the kids, we could 've done this whole thing 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 give birth a chance to do whatever it was they wanted to do before the Aurors found them, Albus thought. He could only desire that the thaumaturgist would deliver enough to argue about.

"Are we going to do it here ?"Jarrett asked,"Or go to the family ?"

"Have you learned nothing ?"Lubar shouted,"When they find out that we 're here, the first gear office they 'll look is the house."

"Got any better ideas ?"Jarrett seethed,"Have you got a undercover short shack somewhere in this land ?"

"No,"Lubar snapped,"We 're taking them to the outback. Plenty of places to hide, not very inhabited. Perfect place."

Before Albus could even speculate running away, Jarrett had his arm in a vice grip again. mat was once again in the hold 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 suitable for much human inhabitation. However, the one piece of music of data he did know about it was that it was where most of the dementors that used to guard Azkaban had gone. That, and it was a somewhat pop position for vampires.

Lubar and Jarrett had stopped bickering. Albus had two second gear to agnize what was happening before he felt the associate but unpleasant sensation of side-along Apparition.


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight, as well as all of the awing hoi polloi 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 dislodge of Jarrett 's compass. He tripped over a rock and landed face first in the moxie. Spitting the grittiness out of his mouth, he stood up and glanced around.

It was still far too dark to see anything but the outlines of tidy sum in the length. The outback seemed very vacuous and very quiet. There was a very small clump of chaparral and Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree nearby, but besides that, Albus did not see often else in the way of plant life sprightliness.

Albus immediately knew why Lubar had taken them there. He had never been in such a abandon place in his life. There was absolutely nothing around them. Even if Albus had decided to run away, he would n't let gotten very far. As dangerous as staying with Lubar was, Albus knew he would throw no opportunity of surviving if he ran off into the outback.

Lubar seemed to bang that Albus and the others would n't run away. He neglected to use any sort of ropes to tie them up or put any piece around them. Instead, he walked a short length in the focus of the mountains and gestured for the Willinsons and Washburn to follow them.

"What are we going to do ?"John seethed,"Has anyone got any idea where we are ?"

"The outback 's huge,"lusterlessness replied,"I bet we 're rectify in the center of it. The nearest civilization 's probably international mile away."

"So we 're done for,"John groaned,"What do they even want with us anyway ?"

"No approximation,"Albus said,"But if they keep arguing, we might not have to line up out."

"Do you really think 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 find us."

"Energy stuff like this happen every year ?"Kaden asked,"I mean, last yr I got kidnapped by Willinson and now we all were. What 'll find following year ?"

"Hopefully nothing,"Albus said.

"If there is a adjacent twelvemonth,"Saint John the Apostle muttered.

"Shut up over there !"Lubar shouted as he walked back over to the boys,"I did n't recount you to babble out !"

"Lubar !"Jarrett seethed as he pointed to someplace in the distance,"There 's people gathering over there ! We 've got to go somewhere else !"

Albus looked towards where Jarrett was pointing and his tenderness leapt a bit. There was a humble gather of figure a few yard away. Could his dad have found them already ?

"Calm down,"Lubar said,"They 're just vampires. They wo n't trouble oneself us. I know that coven. They know safe than to mess with me. I 'll make life pretty woeful for them if they do."

"clipping bargain with vampires now ?"Jarrett asked.

"Proving to be helpful, is n't it ?"Lubar answered.

Albus 's promise sank once again. Lubar seemed more confusing than ever. He cut mass for lamia but passed restrictive laws on werewolves ? It did n't make sense.

The men lowered their vocalization again and Albus wished he had a few extendable spike with him. He did n't presume talk to his friends, just sent them anxious glimpse every now and then.

A cold wind blew over them and Albus shivered. It was the kind of cold that chilled him to the pearl. Hoping that it was n't going to rain, or Baron Snow of Leicester ( was n't it winter in Commonwealth of Australia ? ), he looked to the sky. There were no swarm, but what Albus saw was a great deal worse than clouds.

Five or six clothe 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 make out their mannequin. As they got closer, he could even hear their rattling breath.

The world in battlefront of him began to swim. He felt like he was going to snuff it out, but he knew it was just the dementors sucking all the happiness out of him. Albus was left with all his unhappy thoughts.

His dad was n't going to get 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 eyes shut and then opened them, forcing himself to search towards his friend. matt was kneeling on the ground, shaking violently. Both John the Evangelist and Kaden were looking at him anxiously, neither seeming to be that affected by the dementors.

Of course the dementors would affect Matt the worst. He had gone through things that Albus, whoremaster, and Kaden could n't even imagine. It probably did n't help that Lubar was actually exhibit, either.

Without even thinking, Albus pulled his wand out of his robe. He 'd get word the incantation for the Patronus magic spell before and figured it was worth a shot. What else could he do besides try ?

"Expecto Patronum !"Albus shouted, pointing his wand at the sky. cipher happened.

A felicitous thought ! How could he have forgotten that ? It was difficult to intend of one with dementors flying over heard and listening to flatness shouting on the ground.

When the sort Hat put him in Gryffindor ! Albus pointed his wand to the sky again."Expecto Patronum ! Expecto Patronum !"

Albus kept shouting the incantation while using several glad storage. Nothing was happening, but Matt 's shouting was decreasing. Then it stopped. Albus stopped and looked towards the ground. It looked like lustrelessness had passed out.

Thinking of the day Balladanis had been sacked, Albus pointed his sceptre at the dementors once again."Expecto Patronum !"he shouted.

A silvery blob exploded from his wand and went after the dementors. Albus stood shocked for a few second gear. He had kind of done a Patronus charm !

"Bloody hell,"John the Evangelist whispered.

"Expecto Patronum !"somebody 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 foggy brain immediately cleared and the felicity returned. He quickly stowed his scepter in his robes before Lubar thought to disarm him.

"Leave him,"Lubar growled at St. John and Kaden, who were bent to the ground trying to get Matt to wake up.

"Dementors !"Washburn shouted sarcastically,"This was a blinking brilliant lieu to come."

Lubar paid no attending to Washburn 's comment. His eyes were focused on Albus and he was giving him a very curious look. Albus took a skittish footprint back, but Lubar did not avert 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 expert news.

"What is it, Lewster ?"Harry asked.

"Just talked to a few of the centaur,"Lewster said,"They saw three hotshot in the timber a few 60 minutes ago. They recognized one of them as Washburn."

"I 'd bet my live Galleon the other two were the Willinsons,"Harry replied,"Did the centaurs know anything else ?"

"Just that Washburn and the others were looking for something. Apparently they were scouring the timber level for something,"Lewster answered.

Harry nodded. That did n't surprise him. The Christ's Resurrection Oliver Stone was someplace in the timber."Did you see anything ?"

"No,"Lewster shook his head teacher,"And the Centaurus are somewhat for certain 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 dubiousness in my psyche,"Harry answered,"It 's just a matter of finding them. mind, I 've got to go lookup Dervish and Banges. I 've got this intuition about the berth. Seems like the perfect stead for Washburn to take them."

Ginny nodded."I 'll go catch the end of the peer. I wo n't remark anything to James and Lily yet."

"trade good,"Harry said,"I 'll be in touch soon."He kissed her lightly on the forehead."We 're going to happen him."

"I know,"Ginny replied softly,"Stay safe."

Ginny turned around to walk back to the Hogwarts basis while Harry picked up the stride and walked the short distance to Dervish and Banges.

The building looked utterly abandoned. The Windows were still boarded up, the grass overgrown around it. It certainly did n't look like anyone was hiding inside, but Harry had to check.

Pulling out his verge, he crept cautiously to the door. He carefully pulled the boards off of it and quietly wrenched the door open. Without lighting his wand, he walked inside.

The place had the smell of a late fire in the fireplace. mortal had been there. However, there was not a speech sound from anywhere in the building. Harry lit his wand and saw that it was deserted.

After a exhaustive check of the total building, in which Harry found no living animate being, he returned to the briny room. The fireplace was filled with nearly absolutely 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 soul to use the hearth had Flooed from. He waited for the incantation to function, his eye pounding.

Soft red smoke emitted from his wand, curling together to form the words 'Ministry of trick .'Harry breathed a sigh of relief. He was getting somewhere. Without hardly a doubt, Harry knew that Albus and the former male child had wound up in Dervish and Banges after going to the Ministry. The solitary motion was, where had they gone after that ?

******

"How old are you, potter ?"Lubar asked.

"Thirteen,"Albus replied, still a bit spooky as to why Lubar was looking at him like that. It reminded him of how Balladanis had looked at him during the secondly dueling tournament.

"And they teach the Patronus charm to thirteen-year-olds at Hogwarts ?"Lubar replied.

"No,"Albus shook his heading, 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 time I 'd tried it."

"Very intriguing,"Lubar said as he turned to the other three men,"This lot did n't recount 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 good if they 're all wandless."

Albus gulped and clenched his scepter harder. He glanced at Matt, who was still unconscious. John did n't throw his baton. Kaden was n't very good at dueling. It would be up to him, to Albus, if this came to a duel.

"The sole one who 's got any skill is potter,"Jarrett said,"The other three are n't going to be difficult."

"mulct,"Lubar muttered,"We 'll get started, but I need to let the cat out of the bag to you three away from them first."

Jarrett nodded and the men walked a few K away and began whispering too quietly for Albus to hear.

Albus bent down to where Matt had collapsed, wishing he knew a healing charm or two."flatness, Matt,"he whispered,"Wake up."

After a minute or two, matt 's oculus fluttered open 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 silvery mist,"Albus told him,"Lubar 's actually the one who got rid of them."

"Probably just for his sake,"Matt shuddered,"Did anyone else pass out ?"The other three son shook their heads."Figures,"lustrelessness muttered.

"You need some chocolate or something,"Albus said,"Anyone got some ?"

"mightiness,"Kaden began fishing around in his pockets. He produced a chocolate frog and handed it to lusterlessness, 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 consider 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 robe and held it to his side of meat, hiding it partially behind his back.

Lubar conjured a pile of wood and set flack to it, illuminating himself, Washburn, the Willinsons, and the son. Albus was now clearly able to see the twisted look on Lubar 's face.

"Are you mad ?"Jarrett seethed,"fire 's going to draw in attention !"

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 flaming. Albus turned back to the men.

Jarrett was holding something out in his deal, 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 eff what this is, ceramist ?"Jarrett asked gleefully.

"No,"Albus said, trying not to sound too nervous.

"It 's the Resurrection Stone,"Jarrett answered.

Albus could hardly hold in his gasp as he peered closelipped at Jarrett 's outstretched deal. There was a very pocket-sized stone sitting in it. The Resurrection Stone. One of the Deathly Hallows. Jarrett had finally succeeded in getting one of the three target he had been after for long time. But how ?

"How ?"Albus asked, trying to sound confident.

"Ancient magic is a beautiful affair, ceramicist,"Jarrett answered,"There are long forgotten spells, spells that body of work very nicely with long forgotten charming objects such as this gemstone. It was merely a subject of finding the correct spell, getting to the Forbidden timberland, and putting it to use. Quite dim-witted now that I look back on it."

"Only because you did n't do any of the work,"Lubar muttered,"It was I who found the spell !"

"The other Hallows will turn up to be easy to obtain with the assist of this,"Jarrett went on, ignoring Lubar 's mutterings.

Albus did not like the audio of that. The Stone itself did one matter and that was bring back the strong drink of people who had passed on. How would that help 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 tending who did what ?"Jarrett laughed.

"Oh, just get on with it,"Washburn rolled his eyes.

Jarrett sidestepped past the ardor and strode tightlipped to Albus. Albus took a 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, Potter. You should be afraid,"Jarrett 's gaze swept over all four boy,"You should all be afraid."

"Quit taunting them and just do it,"Washburn said impatiently.

"With this Harlan Fisk Stone,"Jarrett said a bit louder,"I will bring back nobleman Voldemort."

******

Harry burst out of Dervish and Banges, not caring that he had blasted the door completely off its hinge as he did so. He had to notice Walter. He had to detect Bruno Walter and then go to the Ministry. The fireplace did not demo signs that it had been used to Floo away from the abandoned shop. That left either shadow or a Portkey, both of which would receive left touch that he 'd need the Department of Magical Transportation for.

Harry rounded a corner as he ran towards Honeyduke 's and nearly ran headlong into a beldame. He stepped back and saw it was Ginny. She wore a strange spirit of confusion and shock, mixed with mix fear.

"Ginny,"Harry said,"Sorry."

"Not a problem,"she said quickly,"Have you found anything ?"

"Yes,"Harry answered,"Is the mates over ? How badly did we lose by ?"

"Only a hundred points,"Ginny said,"But we might not have actually lost. Listen, did you know Australia 's seeker is a lamia ?"

"Wait, what ?"Harry gaped at her, trying to roll his mind around that fact while still focusing his judgment on Albus.

"I 'll explain after we 've found Albus,"Ginny said.

"right wing,"Harry agreed,"I 've got a spark advance. 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 Walter and go to the Ministry. I 'm not sure where that will lead us, but I might not be back for a while."

"Just be careful,"Ginny said as she gave him a kiss,"And bring 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 last 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.

Walter nodded and the two men Disapparated on the spot. They reappeared a little while later in a lowly Apparition chamber in the Ministry.

Passing the baffle looking security guard for the third clip that day, Harry and Walter ran to the elevator. Neither of them said a word as the lift clattered to the Department of Magical Transportation.

The section was nearly deserted, bring through for one very bored looking witch sitting at a desk.

"Mr. Potter, Mr. Eckerton !"she exclaimed as she took her feet 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 emplacement. And if you 're able to, I need to know where they went."

"Of course of instruction, Mr. Potter, of grade,"the crone said as she got up. She disappeared into another elbow room, shutting the doorway behind her.

Harry sighed and sat down on the good chair. Walter sat down in the adjacent one, looking thoroughly miserable.

"We 'll find them,"Harry said quietly.

"I do n't doubt that,"Bruno Walter replied,"However, that is not the only thing I am disturbed about. The last time lustrelessness had an altercation with Ralph Lubar, he wound up in therapy for calendar month afterwards."

Harry was not expecting that. He did not know much about therapy, except that wizards did not normally use it. Whatever had happened, it must bear been bad.

"Do you take care if I ask what happened ?"Harry asked, not sure if he was overstepping some sorting of boundary.

Walter did not speak for several seconds."It 's ok,"Harry said,"You do n't receive to explain."

"I will,"Walter said quietly,"Shortly after Matt was bitten, I became the Head of the department for the ordinance and Control of Magical Creatures in Australia. Nobody outside of the department knew about his stipulation, of row. Ralph Lubar was given my erstwhile position of Head of the werewolf Control unit, and was quite envious that I was given the Head perspective. He could not get over the fact that I was given it, even when my own son had lycanthropy.

"It was a grievance he held against me for many long time, until the day finally came when he cracked and let it slip that flatness was a lycanthrope. A bit of lawmaking had been passed that required all places of transformation be inspected by the Ministry. Lubar inspected flatness 's and it failed on a technicality. Ministry centers were set up for loup-garou to transform in, together. Matt was required by law to metamorphose there since his dependable elbow room did not pass. I refused to have him transform there. The papers were all over it. I lost my job. Lubar was appointed to the capitulum position.

"more legislation was passed. A law that stated that Ministry official could physically squeeze werewolves into the transformation middle. On the day of the entire Sun Myung Moon, Lubar Flooed into our house and took Matt to the pith. By the time I figured out which nerve center it was, the moon had risen. It was too late.

"matte spent week in St. Mungo 's. By that sentence we were nearly ready to travel here. He was so traumatized, it took calendar month for him to get over it. To be honest, I do n't think he 's fully over it.

"The only grounds Lubar did it was to try and get to me. That 's why he 's so ill and twisted,"Bruno Walter finished as he put his chief in his hands,"I swore I 'd never let him near Matt again. Swore I 'd vote down him if he went near matte again.

Walter gave an odd variety of laugh."Listen to me, I 'm telling the mind of the Auror section that I 'd practice murder."

"Just so long as you do n't actually do it when we go save the boys,"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 sight, why they were n't on the Floo Network.

One matter 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 King 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 take in mattered,"Harry interrupted,"And it 'll do no trade good to lie on it now. It 's in the past."

"That 's exactly what my brother said when lusterlessness was in St. Mungo 's,"Walter said wryly.

"Mr. ceramicist !"the witch came bustling out of the room she had gone into, brandishing a objet d'art of parchment, which she handed to Harry.

Harry stood up as she handed them the lambskin. His eyes scanned the sheepskin. Portkeys. Four Portkeys had left Dervish and Banges a few short hour ago. That in itself did not scandalise Harry, especially compared to where the Portkeys had gone.

"Australia,"Harry read as he turned to Bruno Walter, who had visibly paled at the discussion,"They 're in Australia."


A/N : Thanks to my genus Beta, Dancer of Starlight as well as all of the amazing the great unwashed who have read and left such cover girl brushup !


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 hard that he could Apparate. Why did you have to be seventeen to get your Apparition license anyway ? If he ever worked in the Department of Magical expatriation, he would switch that law. Apparition would 've enabled him to get out of Australia, away from Jarrett Willinson, who was trying to take back Maker Voldemort with the Christ's Resurrection Stone.

Albus could not remember being more scared in his lifetime. This was far worse than when he had dueled Washburn on the Hogwarts grounds two years ago, far bad than when Quinton kidnapped Kaden the previous year. Lord Voldemort was far scarey than Lubar, Washburn, and the Willinsons combined.

What would Voldemort face like when Jarrett brought him back ? Harry had said the Stone could n't actually bring people back to life. Albus guessed he 'd be more like a touch. But would he be capable to do magic, to perform the curses and whammy he did when he was alive ?

Albus held his breath as he watched Jarrett turn the Stone over in his hands. Albus had no idea how it worked, but judging by how quiet all of the adults were, Jarrett was trying to use it.

Over and over again Jarrett turned the rock. He did it for so long that Albus had to let out his breather. The stir lambency on Jarrett 's face slowly dissipated until it was replaced by frustration.

"Why wo n't it mold ?"Jarrett shouted,"Are you incontrovertible this is the redress Oliver Stone ?"

"Of course I am !"Lubar shouted as he grabbed the rock,"The spell said it was !"

"well, it 's not working now, is it ?"Jarrett mocked.

Albus breathed a suspiration of relief. Either they had the damage Harlan Stone 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 third turn, a strange sort of mist appeared in figurehead of him. Albus 's heart sped up. It had worked.

The mist began to clear and a number was standing in front of Lubar. The figure was not Lord Voldemort, though. Albus had no mind who had been resurrected, but it certainly was not Voldemort. This person was a char, and a abruptly one at that.

Washburn and the Willinsons were exchanging funny coup d'oeil. Lubar, however, was staring directly at the figure, his face contorted with something Albus could only assume was sadness.

"M-mother ?"Lubar said as he stepped nigh to the woman.

"You idiot !"Jarrett shouted,"That 's not Voldemort !"

"I know that !"Lubar snapped and the looked back to the womanhood, who was apparently his mother,"Mum."

"Ralphy,"the woman replied.

"I-it 's been so long,"Lubar whispered.

Albus turned to his friends, who were all staring in confusion at Lubar. lustrelessness in specific was giving Lubar a very strange flavor. Apparently the Harlan F. Stone was the Resurrection Stone and it did indeed employment, just not in the way Jarrett had been planning.

"Very long,"Lubar 's mother agreed,"But you 've done well. I 'm very proud of you, son."

Albus had to cover his back talk to hold back his snort. What kind 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 pigeon hawk 's saki !"Jarrett shouted as he ran towards Lubar.

Lubar seemed to induce forgotten that there were other multitude around. He jumped as Jarrett advanced and Jarrett grabbed the Stone out of his hand.

Lubar 's mother began to fade as soon as Jarrett took the stone. Running towards her, Lubar held out his hands trying to keep back her there.

"No !"he shouted,"Mum !"

Mere seconds after Lubar 's mother completely disappeared, Lubar had his wand out and was holding it up at Jarrett. Jarrett had taken out his own baton, but neither man was hurling jinxes. Washburn and Quinton had taken a few steps back.

"You arse !"Lubar shouted,"That was my mother !"

"I know !"Jarrett replied,"That 's why I did it ! We 're trying to bring back Voldemort here, not your messed up mum !"

"Do not insult my mother,"Lubar seethed and flicked his sceptre.

Jarrett fell to the ground, completely unable to be active. Lubar stood over him with his baton directed at his chest.

"My mother was a lovely person,"Lubar growled,"You 're sick to be speaking ill of the dead like that."

Albus did n't really think Lubar should be talking about who is sick and who is n't. Nor did he opine 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.

"bettor they hex each other than us, right ?"John muttered.

"Good power point,"Albus replied.

"Can we delight just get back to bringing back Voldemort ?"Washburn drawled loudly,"I was under the notion that that 's what we were here for, not to insult each other 's mothers."

Lubar turned his scepter on Washburn."Have you anything to say about my mother ? Well, do you ?"

Washburn hastily pulled out his own sceptre."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 footing, his heart darting about nervously.

******

"Australia,"Walter said weakly,"Bloody hell."

"I 'll need you to replicate that Portkey,"Harry said to the witch, who nodded and left the room again.

"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 plus that they are with the boys in Australia."

"rightfulness,"Walter agreed,"The evidence surely points that way."

"There is something about that investigation that hardly anyone in the Ministry knows,"Harry lowered his vocalism,"Nearly a yr ago, after Quinton was sent to Azkaban, the Ministry decided that the Auror department needed some help with capturing the other two. The Minister hired a Presuler."

Walter let out a low whistle and then realisation dawned on his face."postponement, you do n't mean-"

"genus Tethus Balladanis,"Harry said quietly,"Yes, he was the Presuler the Ministry hired. Stationed at Hogwarts under the pretense of teaching Defense Against the darkness Arts."

"Bad idea on the government minister 's part,"Walter muttered.

"It was my idea to station him at Hogwarts,"Harry replied,"But I did not fuck that he would be such an awful teacher."

"I wo n't adjudge it against you,"Walter said.

"I appreciate that,"Harry said,"However, since Balladanis is a piece of this investigation, I have to touch him and he will have to go with us to Australia. I understand that you have had your divergence, but-"

"If he helps to find Matt, I will forgive him for everything he 's done,"Bruno Walter interrupted.

"Here you are, Mr. potter, Mr. Eckerton,"the witch returned holding a misshapen credit card container, which she handed to Harry."If I can be of anymore assistance, 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. completely unsure of what to do, yet very glad that they seemed to induce momentarily forgotten about the boys, Albus just stood there watching. Matt, St. John the Apostle, and Kaden did the same, although John looked Sir Thomas More than a bit worried, most likely due to his lack of a wand.

Washburn had attempted to take 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 jinxed Washburn. In the think fourth dimension, the smasher had worn off Jarrett and he attempted to hex Lubar.

All four men were running around, throwing hexes at each other while dodging the flame. Albus was variety of hoping one of them would trip-up and burn their blazonry or something. Or even better, maybe one or Sir Thomas More of them would drop their wand into the fire.

Washburn and the Willinsons were definitely worse for wear. All three of them were sporting combat injury. Both Willinsons were limping and Washburn 's allow arm was being held at an odd angle.

Lubar seemed very well 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 luminousness at Washburn, who went flying over the fire and landed with a sickening thumping in front of the son. He did not move. Albus looked down and saw a little Edward Durell Stone next to Washburn 's head. He bent and picked it up. It was the Christ's Resurrection Stone.

Albus stood up and jumped back. Lubar, Jarrett, and Quinton had all promote towards him. Three wands were pointed at his chest, being held by three people with maniac gleams in their eyes.

Albus gulped and held up his own baton, his arm shaking slightly. Matt and Kaden had done the like. trick tried to cover behind Matt, but was unsuccessful since he was a good top dog taller than him.

"deal it over, ceramist,"Lubar growled.

With a defiant smell at Lubar, Albus hastily shoved the Stone into the pocket of his gown and held his sceptre up higher.

******

"Balladanis."

"Eckerton."

Harry watched as the two men stared at each early. 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 eyes off of Walter the stallion fourth dimension.

"We have n't got time for this,"Harry muttered and held out the credit card 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 conversant jerk behind his naval, Harry disappeared from the Ministry. The Portkey misstep was a bit longer than ones Harry was used to, but it did n't storm him since he knew they were going to Australia.

Harry landed softly on his feet and held out his sceptre as he adjusted to the surroundings. It was set up blackened and after he lit his wand, Harry knew they were in the middle of a forest.

The forest was disappointingly tranquilize. The only phone were those of animals and the occasional whisper of trees, brought about by the wind. Not a single sound caused Harry to consider that there were hoi polloi about, let alone his son.

"Spread out and search,"Harry announced. The place may seem deserted, but Albus and the others had been there at some breaker point. They had Portkeyed there.

None of the genius said a word as they combed the expanse. Harry left no gemstone unturned as he looked for the small-scale suggestion of evidence of where his son had gone. If only it was n't Nox. scepter did n't provide nearly enough light.

There seemed to be not a trace of anything that showed anyone had been in that domain of the woodland, let alone where they had gone afterwards. Ralph Lubar was good at this, that was for sure. Harry swore as he returned to the same blank space he had started from.

Bruno Walter returned a few minutes later, looking even more anxious than he did before."Nothing,"he muttered,"Not a rive piece of cloak or a single Canute the Great. They did n't stay here long."

Harry groaned and scuffed the reason with his horseshoe. He and Bruno Walter stood quietly as they waited for Balladanis to retort.

Balladanis came running towards Harry holding a belittled metal instrument in his hand and an strange kind of excited smirk on his brass. He skidded to a halt in front end 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 entire Ministry.

"They 've Disapparated,"Balladanis said hurriedly.

"Obviously,"Walter muttered,"Any idea where ?"

"A general idea, yes,"Balladanis replied, ignoring Bruno Walter 's sarcastic feeling,"They 're on the outback."

"The outback ?"Walter gasped,"Dammit, there 's dementors out there !"

"I am mindful,"Balladanis said.

"Let 's go, then,"Harry said, placing one of his hired man on the metal instrument. It would be able to guide them to the relative domain they needed to go.

Walter put his helping hand on the pawn as well and with an exceptionally flash crack, all three men Disapparated.

They landed on terrain that was very unfamiliar to Harry. The ground was dusty and flaxen and there was hardly any plant life in great deal. In the distance there were tall mountains and mask trope floated above them. Harry suppressed a shudder and gripped his verge tighter. Dementors.

What looked like a roaring balefire blazed in the distance. Harry glanced at it suspiciously and then looked back to Walter and Balladanis, both of whom were more fellow 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 group towards the flickering lights in the distance.

******

"Hand it over, ceramicist,"Lubar repeated.

Albus gulped and tried to hold his wand more firm. His sceptre arm was shaking uncontrollably and Albus did n't seem to be capable to defend it steady. His heart was thumping hard in his chest. Albus was sure everyone was able to find out it. However, he did not require to impart up the gemstone. That was one matter he was sure of. The only way Lubar would be getting it is if he killed Albus first. Which actually, was n't something Albus would put past tense him.

"Maybe you should just give it to him,"John whispered,"I mean, it did n't mould to get Voldemort back."

"No,"Albus seethed, surprised that John had suggested it. He probably would n't ingest if he still had his wand.

"Do you really want to have to duel me, ceramicist ?"Lubar stepped a bit closer,"There 's three of us and four of you, one of which does n't have a baton. Not good odds, if you ask me."

"And do you agnize that those two are horrible 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 baton and sent a jet of orangeness light at Albus. Albus jumped back and threw up a shield magic spell, concentrating on making it big enough to shield him and his friends. It worked and the orangeness light bounced harmlessly off the shell and hit the ground.

"halt behind me, Gospel According to John,"Albus muttered,"Matt and Kaden, spread out and hit them with whatever turn you know."

Albus concentrated on keeping his cuticle up while casting other spells, like he had done in Balladanis 's dueling lessons. So far it was working, but Albus never managed to keep 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 concentrated, Albus sent a looker at Lubar, but he flicked his wand and it shot off into the aloofness, hitting one of the lone bushes, which promptly caught fire.

Albus chanced a coup d'oeil at Matt and Kaden. Matt was dueling with Jarrett and it looked like they were pretty equally matched, which was kind of pathetic as far as Jarrett was concerned. It made Albus find better though. Quinton and Kaden just seemed to be sending Expelliarmus magic spell at each other and missing every time.

The carapace emitting from Albus 's wand faltered and faded a bit. Albus renewed his compactness, but the buckler was still sapless than it had been before. There was no way he 'd be able to send any tour through the shield now.

"Your shell is weakening, Potter,"Lubar smirked as he sent another Stunner at Albus, which shook the shield.

"pigeon hawk !"Quinton shouted to the right of them. He was hopping on one foot and Kaden was laughing hysterically. Albus grinned. Kaden had actually managed to do some sort of hex, although Albus was n't sure enough what one it was.

Lubar turned to Quinton and flicked his wand at Kaden. Kaden promptly froze and fell to the priming coat. Albus gasped and his buckler disappeared.

"Albus !"John shouted.

Albus turned back to Lubar, but did n't get the cuticle back up before Lubar shot a hex at John, who fell to the ground like Kaden had.

"Would n't it be prosperous just to give me the 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 accidental injury, but nothing too grievous. Neither seemed to have noticed that trick and Kaden were Stunned.

Albus managed to hit Lubar with a misstep curse, which gave him a few instant to overhear his breath while Lubar righted himself. Unfortunately this only angered him and he was now sporting a cut across his will cheek.

"Expelliarmus !"Lubar shouted.

Albus jumped to the face and the turn 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 early jinxes.

"You ca n't keep 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. St. John and Kaden were both out of the fight and while John the Divine was easily the estimable dueller after Albus, his absence did not put Albus greatly behind. Washburn was out as well and both Willinsons were injured. Quinton was currently on his articulatio genus panting, not in any shape to continue dueling. lustrelessness was holding his own against Jarrett, something Albus was both pose and delighted by.

No, Albus was not trying to overcome Lubar. He knew that would n't be possible. Albus was merely biding for clip. He tried to figure out how long they 'd been gone as he dodged charm. It must get been at least three or four hours, although the dark Australian sky had not changed a bit. Albus wished the Moon had been out so he could have monitored its trip across the sky.

How long would it claim his dad to come up them ? prospicient than rule, Albus thought. They were in the middle of a alien country, nowhere near anyplace Harry would be looking.

"I 'm getting annoyed, Potter, and you do n't want to see me when I 'm riled !"Lubar shouted, sending another jet of red light at Albus.

Before Albus even had time to cross-file what sort of hex it was, mat gave a shriek of painfulness to Albus 's right and collapsed to the undercoat. Jarrett wasted no time and pointed his wand at Albus.

Albus took a fraction of a second to digest the fact that he was now utterly alone, facing two fully mature wizards. The two wizards shot very spirt of blue twinkle at Albus and he managed to pull up a feeble shield.

The force hit him like a dozen Bludgers to the stomach. He lost his footing and landed flat on his back, his head hitting a particularly shrill tilt.

"I told you not to fight, ceramist,"Lubar sneered as he loomed over Albus.

"You 're not getting the stone,"Albus said, forcing away the dizziness. He reached into his robes and pulled out the Stone.

"I disagree,"Lubar said as he made to grab the Stone.

With all the force Albus could muster, he threw the Edward Durell Stone as far as he could to the right. In the swarthiness, it disappeared in a split bit and Albus did n't even get word 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 superstar. He breathed a suspiration of relief. They were saved.


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


Disclaimer- I do n't own Harry Potter.


Albus managed to sit up right 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 Vannevar Bush and watched.

Jarrett did n't stick around long. He sent one pathetic Stunner at Harry, who easily deflected it, and disappeared on the spot. Harry immediately disarmed Lubar before he could do the same.

Once Lubar was defenseless, Albus left the safety of the bush and shakily stood up. He reached the ardor and was able-bodied to see who the former two wizards next to Harry were. What he saw made him dizzy with shock all over again.

The shorter of the two was mat 's dad. He was staring stony faced at Lubar. Albus had never seen anyone glare 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 early wizard that nearly caused Albus to draw out in jolt. He was none early than Professor Balladanis. What in the figure of Merlin 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 surprise,"Lubar smirked.

"Lubar, if we were n't in the presence of an Auror and a Presuler I 'd rip you limb from branch, Muggle panache,"Mr. Eckerton growled.

Albus was slightly stunned by Mr. Eckerton 's pick of row, but remembering what lustrelessness had told him at the beginning of the year, 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 clip, but it was too late. 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 witting but not completely aware of his surroundings.

"That 's the glaring difference between you and I,"Mr. Eckerton muttered as he moved swiftly past Quinton and Washburn to touch Matt.

"Dad !"Albus shouted.

Harry looked up from Kaden 's unconscious pattern and raced towards Albus. Albus threw his subdivision around his dad and the two of them hugged each former tightly.

"Al, thank Merlin,"Harry said.

"Dad, what 's Balladanis doing here ?"Albus asked immediately,"And Lubar, what 's going to occur 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 broken charge plate cup. A few endorsement later, all three of them disappeared.

Harry turned to Mr. Eckerton, who was standing up with lustrelessness in his weaponry."Can you take Saint John, too ? I 'll get Kaden and Al will come with me."

Mr. Eckerton nodded and grabbed hold of John 's arm before pulling his own broken plastic cup out of his pocket. They disappeared.

Harry pulled Kaden up and took Albus 's arm. Albus was still thoroughly confused, but did not have time to ask his dad anymore doubtfulness before feeling the familiar jerk behind his naval that signified he was traveling by Portkey.

Albus landed with a thumping in the middle of the Hospital Wing. The interrogation of how they managed to Portkey inside the Hogwarts grounds was the to the lowest degree campaign interrogative sentence on his mind.

Looking around, Albus saw that the others had arrived as well. Mr. Eckerton was laying both Matt and John on the nearest seam while lady Pomfrey was shouting and gathering potions.

"Look at the state of them !"the nanny exclaimed,"Always this lot, too ! You 're a bad influence on them, Harry, I swear !"

Harry looked slightly sheepish as he set Kaden down on the bed next to matte 's and then turned to Albus.

"I 've got to speak with Professor Kendrick and go to the Ministry-"he began.

"But Dad !"Albus interrupted,"What was Balladanis doing there ?"

"I promise I 'll differentiate you all of that and Thomas More,"Harry replied,"But I need to severalize everyone you and the others are ok. When I get back, I 'm going to need you to severalize 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 read/write head was bleeding and he was still quite dizzy, felt that the final stage affair he needed was rest. He needed to bed what was going on.

"I 'll explicate once you 've gotten some sleep,"Harry assured him.

Albus muttered under his breathing time and got into bed. Once brothel keeper Pomfrey had given him a Sleeping Draught, Harry left, leaving Albus to unsuccessfully try to press off the sleep he knew was coming.

******

The Ward was pipe down when Albus woke up. It was completely dark outside, although Albus did n't suffer the fragile clue as to what day it was. John, mat, and Kaden were either still unconscious or speech sound asleep. Albus was betting on the latter since Madam Pomfrey was no where to be seen.

Mr. Eckerton was still there and he had been joined by his married woman. Both of them were nodding off in chairperson next to Matt 's bed. It did n't look like Mr. Eckerton had even left. He was wearing the same Ministry robe he had been wearing before.

Albus sat up and put his bridge player to his fountainhead. There was a bandage on the back of it. Another bandage was wrapped around his justly arm, although he could n't call in when he had injured it. Besides that, he just felt exhausted.

The door to the ward opened, letting in a small flood of light from the corridor. A figure of speech stepped inside and began walking towards Albus 's bed.

"Hey, Al,"they said.

"Dad,"Albus replied, recognizing his forefather,"Are you going to tell me about Balladanis now ?"

"Yes,"Harry chuckled,"Perhaps we ought to go to the Room of Requirement."

Albus shook his read/write head, remembering something he had been debating for the past yr. 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 threshold and up to the fifth floor corridor. Harry did not ask a single question as Albus pulled the arm down on the capture horse and turned to face the contrary wall.

Albus located the paw prints and touched his hand to them, turning it into a doorknob. 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. pedagogy on how to get into this room. It was theirs, the marauder'. Their secret common room,"Albus said quietly.

Harry did n't reply. Instead he walked slowly around the room. Albus stood near the threshold and waited. He was n't sure how long he stood there, watching as his dad investigated the elbow room that had once belonged to his grandfather.

"This,"Harry began,"This is just unbelievable, Al. How long have you known about it ?"

"About a year,"Albus said quietly.

"And you spend time here ?"Harry asked.

"Probably more than we do in the common room,"Albus answered.

"Then it is the consummate office to talk,"Harry said as he sat down on one of the couches.

Albus sat down next to him."So why was Balladanis there ?"

"I 'll tell you that,"Harry said,"But first I want you to explain to me what happened."

Albus took a deep breath and told his dad everything. Starting with when they saw Lubar in the castle and ending with throwing the Resurrection of Christ Edward Durell Stone into the Outback. He explained how they had first gone to a woods in Commonwealth of Australia, how they had Portkeyed to the Outback, the dementors, the almost Patronus he had managed to make, the duel, the fact that the resurrection Stone did n't crop to impart Voldemort back.

"Why did n't it work ?"Albus asked,"I mean, I 'm glad it did n't, but why ?"

Harry thought for a few bit and then looked at Albus."There are a few reasons that might explain it. The Resurrection Stone brings back citizenry we love, but it does not bring them back completely. It 's almost as if their soul is coming back."

"Like a ghost ?"

"Not exactly,"Harry said,"But standardized. It 's possible that since Voldemort split his person so many meter, he ca n't be brought back with the Edward Durell Stone. The Edward Durell Stone may need the soul to be intact to work."

Albus nodded."That makes sense."

"It could also be that only loved unity can be brought back with the gemstone. Washburn and the Willinsons did not love Voldemort ; they did not know him. They wanted to bring him back for their own agenda,"Harry explained.

"Is there any way to find 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 thankful that you did."

"fountainhead, I figured you left it out in the Forbidden Forest for a reason,"Albus shrugged.

"Yes, yes I did,"Harry replied,"I think it best if nobody had that Stone."

Albus nodded."Yeah, that makes sensory faculty. But what was Balladanis doing there ?"

Harry laughed."You 're not going to let that go, are you ?"

"Nope, you said you 'd order me,"Albus said.

"I will,"Harry replied,"Albus, do you sleep with 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 moral he gave me,"Albus explained.

"Well, that makes my explanation easier,"Harry said,"A little over a year ago, shortly after Quinton kidnapped Kaden, the Ministry decided to employ a Presuler to help discover Washburn and Jarrett Willinson."

"Seriously ?"Albus gaped at him.

"Yes,"Harry muttered,"The Minister believed the Aurors needed some help."

Albus thought he heard bit of scorn in his dad 's voice.

"When I realized that Washburn and the Willinsons were most in all probability working with Ralph Lubar, I had to contact Balladanis and let him be intimate. He came with us, and I have to allow in that he was very helpful. We would not have found you as fast if he was n't there,"Harry explained.

"But why was he teaching here ?"Albus asked.

"The minister of religion, Professor Kendrick, and I believed it would be good scheme to experience him stationed at Hogwarts, where we all believed Washburn and the Willinsons would return to. Balladanis agreed,"Harry said,"Of class, none of us realized that Balladanis would not be capable to care teaching.

"This is all quite close, Al. I 'd favor you did n't state anyone. I will be telling flatness, John, and Kaden, because I feel they have the right to be intimate, but I do n't need anyone else knowing about it."

"What about Rose and Amanda ?"Albus asked.

"I suppose I 'll tell apart them as well, otherwise Kaden is for sure to enjoin them,"Harry said.

"What 's going to materialise to Lubar ?"Albus asked,"Is Balladanis going to be after him now ?"

"No,"Harry shook his head,"That 's going to be tricky state of affairs. Lubar is n't a British citizen. We ca n't do a affair while he 's in Australia. It 's up to the Australian Ministry to either put him on trial or have him to us to put on trial. And since he 's one of their functionary, we 're not sure they 'll do either."

"But that 's not middling !"Albus stood up angrily,"Look what he did ! Look what he 's done !"

"I know,"Harry sighed,"I 'd care nothing Thomas More than to grant him a life-long least sandpiper in Azkaban, but unfortunately the natural law do n't function 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 the great unwashed to pay for what they 've done. However, being a Presuler and having no Ministry affiliation, he does not consume to pick out a shell if he 's offered it."

"He told me I 'd make a dependable Presuler,"Albus said quietly as I sat back down,"Malfoy, too."

Harry sighed."What do you think about that ?"

"I do n't know,"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 own 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 arduous job and often a unfrequented one. You have no coworkers. You work with various Ministries, but rarely get to bed anyone. You travel a lot, which can seduce it difficult to give birth 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 think he 'd want to rarely ever see his champion and family.

"There 's plenty of other things you could do that would put your dueling science to use,"Harry told him,"And you 're only 13 so no want to determine now."

"I know, I do n't be after to,"Albus replied.

"wellspring, you should probably get back to the hospital annex before Madam Pomfrey notices 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 infirmary Wing, both lost in their thoughts.

******

As it turned out, Madam Pomfrey had already noticed that Albus was missing. When he returned to the infirmary extension with his dad, she was running about the ward shouting at the top of her lungs. lustrelessness, John, and Kaden were all awake, staring at her.

"There you are !"she shrieked,"Where have you been ?"

"Er,"Albus began.

"I had to speak to him in individual,"Harry answered for him.

"You should give birth asked me first !"Madam Pomfrey exclaimed as she ushered Albus back into bed,"He needs rest period !"

"I 'm his Padre,"Harry said incredulously.

"I do n't like if you 're the Minister of legerdemain !"gentlewoman Pomfrey replied,"I 'm the one with the breast feeding academic degree !"

"How long has she been shouting ?"Albus whispered to Matt as he got back in bed.

"fifteen minutes or so,"Matt answered.

Madam 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 ma'am Pomfrey."Do I need your permission for that ?"he grinned.

"Very amusing,"Madam Pomfrey muttered.

Albus drifted back to sleep a picayune while later and when he next woke up it was light out and madam Pomfrey was bringing them all breakfast trays.

"Er, what day is it ?"Albus asked as dame Pomfrey set his tray down.

"It 's Sunday, dear, but it 's afternoon,"dame Pomfrey replied,"I figured you 'd prefer to have got breakfast."

"Only Sunday ?"Albus asked. It felt like it had been far more than two dozen time of day since he had met up with Lubar before the Quidditch match.

"Time zone modification are difficult to adapt to,"dame Pomfrey explained,"Australia 's quite a few hour ahead of us."

Albus nodded and dug into his breakfast. Suddenly he was ravenous. When he thought about it, it must take been at to the lowest degree a day since he 'd eaten anything.

"I wonder how the Quidditch match went,"Kaden mused as he shoved pledge in his mouth.

Albus choked on his ball. He 'd block 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 ?"John asked,"I mean, he 's had lot of time."

"He will,"Albus said,"He already told me. You lot were asleep."

The room access to the hospital Wing banged open and Rose and Amanda came running in. ma'am Pomfrey made a motility 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 halt in front of Albus 's bed,"When did you get back ? Where did you go ?"

"Who won the Quidditch match ?"Albus asked.

"Quidditch ? Quidditch ?"pink wine groaned,"I 'm not saying a give-and-take about Quidditch until the four of you tell me what in the gens of Merlin 's saggy left-"

"Miss Weasley !"Madam Pomfrey shouted,"If you do n't depress your voice, you 'll have to leave !"

"Sorry,"Rose turned back to Albus,"But you lot have got to tell us what happened !"

Albus launched into the full tale, which took the better region of a half time of day to tell. Neither Rose or Amanda interrupted once during the altogether thing. Both of them looked absolutely shocked by the clip 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 tell the rest of you today."

"Merlin, Albus,"pink wine sighed,"How much trouble can you get into ?"

"It 's not my fault,"Albus shrugged,"Now can you tell us about the match ?"

rose wine exchanged glances with Amanda, who sighed."It was quite the match, let me tell you,"Amanda said.

"cipher won, Al,"rose wine said.

"What ?"John interrupted,"How can nobody win ?"

"About xlv minutes into the match, Fred and heather ran onto the pitch-"

"The compeer lasted that long ?"mat asked.

"Yes,"rosebush said,"I do n't hump why. Anyway, Fred and Heather ran right up to Ludo Bagman and started talking to him. Nobody could hear what they were saying. Then Bagman blew his whistling and they went into a time-out.

"Bagman left the pitch and had a really retentive talk of the town with all the headmasters and captains. Then Kendrick announced that the match was called off and told everyone to return to their common rooms.

"Everyone was really furious 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 name it off ?"King John asked.

"I 'm getting to that,"rose wine 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 movement of the crowd and find out what Fred and Scots heather were talking about. They were claiming that Australia had been cheating the whole time-"

"well, they were,"mat muttered.

"I know,"Rose agreed,"And apparently so did Fred and broom. I 'm certain they figured it out just recently or else they would 've told someone Sooner. They found out Linda 's a vampire and now the entire school knows."

"How did they visualize it out ?"Albus asked, completely shocked. Linda hid her mystic quite well. Fred and ling were one-sixth years, they would n't have heard Balladanis 's vampire lecture."

"They 've been trying to estimate it out all year,"Rose explained,"And since they 're smart, they figured it out."

"But what about the match ?"Albus asked.

"I think they 're going to cancel the tourney, Albus,"rose said quietly.

"natural the tournament ?"Albus gasped,"Cancel the tournament ? ! They ca n't do that ! We 've spent the unscathed year on that tournament ! Do you know how often metre I 've spent on the Quidditch auction pitch this year ? More time than I 've spent in class, probably ! And now they 're going to delete the bloody tournament ?"

"I do n't eff, Al,"Rose said shortly,"And if they do it 's not my fault."

"Sorry,"Albus mumbled,"It 's just a small aggravating."

"I know,"rosiness replied.

"Where 's Linda ?"Matt asked.

"Gone,"blush wine sighed,"Without a word. I have n't seen her or any of the Australians since the match. Killigan 's gone, too."

"Wow,"Matt replied,"Ca n't say I blame her, though."

"I guess,"Rose said,"Anyway, they 'll probably nominate an announcement about the tournament at dinner."


A/N : Thanks to my beta, Dancer of Starlight as well as all of the awe-inspiring 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 tell everyone else about Balladanis later on in the good afternoon. madam Pomfrey savourless out refused to let any of them leave the infirmary Wing, so she agreed to operate the door 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 parting about why it was not all that advisable to become a Presuler. Everyone was completely shocked to learn that Balladanis had been hired to help capture Washburn and the Willinsons.

Unfortunately, Harry also brought news program of Lubar. news program that was not all that welcome.

"As of right now, he 's completely free and in the clean-cut,"Harry sighed,"The 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 give up,"Harry said,"We 'll keep negotiating with them."

Mr. Eckerton had also apparently been told about the Hallows. When Harry had spoken with him the late nighttime, it had been about the Hallows. Albus remembered back to his start yr, when lusterlessness had told them about his dad 's young adult dream of locating the Hallows. Harry must 've trusted him now.

Albus reached over to his bedside table, where ma'am 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 grammatical case of the Hallows,"he said to Harry,"This is dumbfound. I would have it away to share the tale with my brother. Perhaps I could enter you to him at the World Cup this summer."

Harry nodded."That would be OK. 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 nighttime. He was surely Professor Kendrick would spend a penny some sort of annunciation about the tournament and he did not want to miss it.

After a full ten arcminute of begging on his theatrical role ( helped out by matte, John, and Kaden ), brothel keeper Pomfrey told him he was in no fit State to lead the ward. Albus thought this was ridiculous because he felt all right. So what if his arm was still bandaged and in a sling ? That should n't intercept him from eating dinner party with the rest period of the school.

Instead, Albus was forced to eat a hushed repast in the infirmary annex and wait anxiously for blush wine and Amanda to tell him what Kendrick said.

The daughter showed up right after dinner ended. Albus immediately asked them what Kendrick had said.

"Tournament 's canceled,"rosebush sighed as she sat down on the end of Albus 's bed,"The Kyd from New York are staying to finish out the year, but the tournament 's canceled. I expect it 'll be in the oracle tomorrow."

"pigeon hawk !"Albus shouted,"Why 'd they have to scrub it ? Could n't they just disqualify Australia ?"

"No,"rose shook her head,"To do that Hogwarts would make to wreak New York in another final."

"Why do n't they do that ?"John asked.

"Too close to exams,"rose shrugged,"It 'll mess up everyone 's studying."

"That 's stupid,"Albus fumed.

"If it makes you feel better, I 'm pretty certain Hogwarts would 've won if Australia had n't take in been here,"pink wine pointed out,"And Kendrick gave one hundred house points to everyone who was on the Quidditch and dueling teams."

"Yeah, well, all the houses had mass on the squad, so that does n't really facilitate,"Albus muttered.

"Well,"rose grinned,"I know one thing that 'll root on you up."

"What ?"Albus asked, even though there was cypher that could cheer him up.

"There were Quidditch sentinel at that mates,"pink wine told him,"And even though the couple was black, they did encounter soul they wanted to draft."

"Who ?"Albus asked, slightly intrigued.

"Georgia !"rose wine exclaimed,"She 's been drafted to roleplay for Kenmare Kestrals as soon as she graduates !"

"That 's brilliant !"Albus replied. rosiness had been right, that did embolden him up. There was no one he thought who belonged on a pro Quidditch team more than Georgia.

"Yup, she 's their raw taciturnity keeper,"Rose said,"She says Uncle Percy 's not print. He wanted her to work at the Ministry. She does n't manage what he thinks, though."

"Uncle Percy 's got mickle of former kidskin to work at the Ministry,"Albus shrugged. He could never see Sakartvelo working in government.

"Kenmare ?"John said incredulously.

"Yeah, seriously ?"Matt grimaced.

"They 're nearly as bad as the Cannons,"lav groaned.

"She 's just well-chosen to be on a team,"rose wine shrugged,"She 's always supported Puddlemere, but she thinks if she 's on any squad, she 'll be able to bring her way up to a easily one."

"Merlin, I hope so,"John shrugged.

"Is she the only if one who got drafted ?"Albus asked.

"Only one I know for sure of,"pink wine said,"I heard a rumour that Anna Reilly got taken on by the Balycastle Bats, but I do n't know 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 squad because of it. However, that did n't pack all the disappointment away.

******

Madam Pomfrey reluctantly let the boys leave the following day after breakfast. She did n't really throw a choice since exams began that day. Albus felt perfectly exquisitely and was quite happy to leave the berth.

pink wine handed him a written matter of the Prophet as soon as he and the other boy reached the common room. Albus took it, happy that he had a few moment before his first exam to read the article that was inevitably there.

Aboriginal Australian school CHEATS- TOURNAMENT CANCELED

After a start discovery made by two Hogwarts
scholarly person, the Quidditch and Dueling tournament
involving Hogwarts, the Adirondack Academy of
Magic, and the Australian schoolhouse of necromancy
has been canceled.

The tournament 's final Quidditch peer was
interrupted this retiring Saturday by two Hogwarts
sixth yr, Fred Weasley and Calluna vulgaris Weasley,
both 17, who claimed that the Aussie team
had been cheating throughout the entire
tournament.

A few months ago, allegation were brought upon
the Australian squad after their seeker, Linda
team spirit, 14, flew at an exceptionally fast speed.
An investigating found naught. The tournament
continued.

Fred and Heather Weasley accused Linda Morales
of being a vampire. lamia are outlawed
from playing on professional Quidditch teams due
to the unjust advantage they have.

The friction match was immediately stopped while all three
headmasters questioned the Weasleys and Morales.

Headmaster Addiar Killigan of the Australian
school day of black art admitted to allowing Morales
to be the Seeker of his team in Holy Order to win the
tournament. The Aussie team was immediately
disqualified from the tournament.

Killigan, team spirit, and the rest of the Australians
participating in the tournament left Hogwarts tardily
on Saturday, declining to speak with any of our
reporters.

tournament functionary as well as the other two
headmasters have decided to delete the tourney,
and not declaring a winner.

'It is regrettable that the tourney turned out
this way ,'Fabius Kendrick told newsperson, 'Perhaps
we can try it again in a few years .'

"Killigan is an idiot,"Albus said.

"Look at the adjacent clause,"Rose replied.

QUINTON WILLINSON BACK IN AZKABAN, JOINED BY WASHBURN

While the net Quidditch mates was ending in disaster
at Hogwarts schooling of witchery and Wizardry, Harry
Potter 's in-between kid, Albus, 13, was dealing with his
own battle.

Albus ceramicist, as well as 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 yard bird were helped by
Ralph Lubar, Head of the Department of the Regulation
and Control of Magical animal in Australia.

The four Hogwarts students were taken to Australia
where Harry ceramicist and Walter Eckerton found them.
It is unclear what the yard bird 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 Australian Ministry
about what to do with Lubar.

All four boy have recovered from the ordeal and are
currently taking their end of the year interrogatory
at Hogwarts. Harry Potter has declined comment.

"well, that 's not a very informative clause,"Albus said as he tossed the paper onto a nearby table.

"I do n't think they can describe much,"blush wine said,"The Aboriginal Australian Ministry may be asking them to keep quiet about Lubar in coming back for giving him some sort of punishment.

"It wo n't count,"Matt said,"They 're not going to do anything to him."

Albus was forced to push Lubar into the spine 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 shortly article in the Prophet about Lubar everyday, but they all said the same thing. Commonwealth of Australia refused to deliver him. Matt was not at all surprised by this, but it infuriated Albus to no end.

The week after exams was a strange one for Albus. There was nothing left field for them to do. No studying, no preparation, no Quidditch. Rose and Amanda went back to spending all their time with the son, like it had been before Linda had arrived.

Things were different, though. Both Rose and Amanda were a lot quieter than they used to be. Albus was sure they missed Linda, and he had no idea whether she had said goodbye to them, or even if she 'd had the chance.

Matt was lost in his own thoughts most of the time, rendering him quieter than ever. He often went entire even without saying two parole to anyone, something that usually only happened around full moons. However, the next full moon was n't until after they left Hogwarts.

Albus was trusted 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 day out of him.

John and Kaden remained as boisterous as ever and did not seem to be fazed by what had happened in Australia. They spent their hebdomad pulling antic and playing endless games of Exploding crack that Albus occasionally joined in on.

Albus himself was quieter. His mind 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 surreptitious. He wished more than anything that Lubar would get thrown in prison, whether it was Azkaban or Commonwealth of Australia 's prison.

******

The train ride back to London was subdued, the only noise being John and Kaden 's Exploding ginger snap placard. Albus and mat both gazed out the window, mesmerized by the passing landscape.

"Linda sent me a missive endure night,"Rose said, breaking the silence.

Albus lifted his head up and looked at her."What about ?"

"She told us she was sorry, and wanted me to tell you that she was sad about the tournament,"rose told him,"She 's on the run with her mum now. They 're thinking of moving to a dissimilar country."

"To go to schoolhouse ?"Albus asked.

"No,"rosebush shook her head,"She 's been through schooling a yoke multiplication already. She was n't even a student at the Australian school. Killigan pretty much forced her into playing seeker for them. He 's a really nasty bloke. They have to get out now, though, because everyone knows."

"Where will they go ?"Albus asked, surprised that he was actually feeling sorry for Linda.

"No idea,"rose wine shrugged,"She said she 'd owl me when they find out."

"This whole year has been so messed up,"John sighed,"I hope future year 's better."

"Me, too,"Matt agreed.

"We 've got the humanity Cup to front forward to, though,"Albus smiled.

"Oh, yeah !"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,"bathroom muttered,"I do n't desire Ashtyn going."

"fountainhead, I 'd favour Lily not go, but it 's the Cup ! naught can really ruin it,"Albus said.

"good spot,"St. John the Apostle agreed.

"Let me experience when the Cup is,"Kaden said.

"Why ? So you can convince your parents to take you ?"John smirked.

"No,"Kaden laughed,"So I can be intimate when to invite you lot to my house. My dad said he 'd study us camping."

"Excellent !"toilet grinned,"Camping like Muggles ?"

"Yep,"Kaden replied,"aliveness in tents, no electricity, no magic either since we 're all underage."

"There is no way my parents will let me go,"flatness said quietly.

"Why not ?"Kaden asked.

"I went camping when I was five,"lusterlessness answered,"That was the time I got bitten."

"Oh,"Kaden looked a little taken aback,"Sorry."

"It 's ok,"matte shrugged,"Just do n't go during a replete moon. I do n't want any of you having to join 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 sense bad that matte would n't get to go, but he kind of opinion Matt would n't want to go anyway.

The residuum of the stumble was spent arguing about Quidditch and Albus felt like things were variety of returning to convention. It was almost nice to hear John and Matt arguing about the cannon again and Kaden arguing about football.

The gear arrived in London and Albus found his parents waiting for him on the platform. After saying goodby to his friends, Albus left the place with his menage feeling that just maybe life would be rule from then on. well, maybe the summer would be at least be normal. Albus could n't get his Bob Hope up too high.


A/N : Hard to conceive it 's finished ! Thanks to Dancer of Starlight for betaing and thanks to all of the awful people who have read and reviewed this ! You guys are so lovely and amazing !

I am working on the fourth story but it 'll be a patch before the first chapter is up. I 'm thinking I 'll update every other week at start, interchange workweek with Beyond the tail. In the mean clock time, if you want something new to read, I suggest checking out Remember the Cannons, which is a collab I worked on endure yr and is now currently being updated. It 's all about the Chudley Cannons and their ruination. It 's under the username The Golden stoolpigeon and is also in my favorite stories so you can regain it that way.